Dr Zandile Mncube (second from left) with her aunt, Ms Phumephi Mncube, father, Mr Mhlaliseni Mncube, and mother, Ms Ncamisile Zwane.A study used advanced deep learning methods based on nighttime light (NTL) data to assess radiance patterns across major South African cities, presenting an innovative method to monitor urban development issues.
Dr Sumeekha Singh is expanding her expertise in cosmology and astrophysics.
Dr Kirsty Kyle’s PhD focused on aspects of pythons.A casual conversation with a top University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) researcher to discuss bird ringing ultimately proved to be the launch pad for a student’s doctoral journey that would see her plunge into the fascinating world of southern African pythons.
Dr Sarah Ogutu specialised in Biostatistics to make a meaningful difference to reducing the burden of HIV.
UKZN’s youngest graduate, Ms Nqobile Khoza, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences.At just 20 years old, Ms Nqobile Khoza became the youngest graduate at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) for 2026 when she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Sciences - an achievement she described as both exciting and humbling.
Dr Elizabeth Kola with supervisors Professor Caswell Munyai (left) and Professor Tatenda Dalu (right).Research work titled: ‘Enrichment and Geo-Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Superficial Sediments, Macrophytes and Edible Leafy Vegetables’, secured Dr Elizabeth Kola a PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).
Dr Sithembile Nkosi’s PhD investigated alien invasive plant management.University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) graduation attire is what first attracted Dr Sithembile Nkosi to the University; now she has followed up on her long-held admiration for the doctoral ‘red gown’ by qualifying from the Institution with a PhD in Biological Sciences.
Dr Dhireshan Singh’s PhD contributed to gene editing and cancer therapy.
Clockwise from top left: Mr Mahir Syed, Ms Tarika Sukdeoa, Mr Arjun Ramphal, Ms Naseeha Osman, Mr Rahil Sha, Mr Aveer Alamchand, Ms Rhea Boodhram, Mr Mahomed Akbur Ally, Ms Shaista Naicker, Mr Ethan Govender, Ms Tiara Devanathan, Ms Carla Higgs and Mr Sohil Singh celebrate their graduation.By far the greatest number of summa cum laude degree passes in UKZN’s College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science were achieved by graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Technology qualification - 13 in total.
Summa cum laude graduate Mr Keegan Brown.Mr Keegan Brown has graduated summa cum laude with a BSc degree in Data Science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). His path to success was not without its challenges but his determination to seize the opportunity set him apart.
Dr Nduduzo Rasenyalo applied mathematical methods to understanding cancer tumour development and treatment.
Dr Seipati Mokhosi with her aunt, Ms Berenice Monokoane, mother, Mrs Adel Mokhosi, and father, Mr Daniel Mokhosi.Dr Seipati Mokhosi’s path to earning her PhD in Biochemistry at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has been shaped by perseverance, passion and a desire to advance scientific knowledge in the field of brain and central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
Dr Myuri Parusnath with proud parents, Mr Sanjay Parusnath and Ms Cheryl Parusnath.
Dr Carla Higgs, an environmental and sustainability consultant now based in the United Kingdom.
Dr Khululwa Ndabankulu’s PhD reinforced the ecological significance of cycads.
Dr Thandokazi Ntshele with her son, Mr Scebi Makhaye, husband Mr Lindokuhle Makhaye, and daughter Ms Oluhle Makhaye.
Mr Khayelihle Magudulela with his mother, Ms Siphelele Magudulela (far left), sister Ms Kwethu Magudulela, grandmother Ms Nombuso Mkhize, and uncle, Mr Siphamandla Mkhize.Proud BSc Geological Sciences graduate Mr Khayelihle Magudulela attributes his academic success to curiosity and a deep fascination with the Earth, along with personal determination and structured academic support. Having combined hard work with practical experience, he feels prepared for a future in engineering geology.
Ms Zukiswa Dlamini graduated summa cum laude.When Ms Zukiswa Dlamini first arrived at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), she never imagined that she would one day graduate summa cum laude from the University with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Computer Science and Statistics.
Dr Caren Kurgat with her mother, Ms Linah Kurgat.
