The UKZN Impi Blind Cricket team. Click here for isiZulu version
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Impi Blind Cricket team made a landmark debut at the 2026 Bureau Veritas T20 Blind Cricket Cup, marking a significant milestone for inclusive sport development in the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
A collage of the UKZN campus buildings. Click here for isiZulu version
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has once again cemented its standing among the world’s leading Higher Education Institutions, earning a place in the top 2.5% of universities globally in the latest Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) Global 2000 list.
Highlights from the launch of Thola at UKZN’s Medical School campus. Click here for isiZulu version
“UKZN [University of KwaZulu-Natal] has, since its founding, held fast to a belief that African scholarship is not a derivative enterprise.
Members of the MBChB classes of 2002 (pic above) and 2005.The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) - Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine is proving to be a School that not only produces great doctors but people who are determined to make a positive impact in the lives of UKZN students.
Professor Onisimo Mutanga.The University of KwaZulu-Natal's (UKZN) Professor Onisimo Mutanga, South African Research Chair (SARChI) in Land Use Planning and Management, is a member of the Airborne Remote Sensing Observations Team involved in the Survey of the Cape (BioSCape) biodiversity project, which recently received the prestigious National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Group Achievement Award, one of the agency’s highest accolades recognising exceptional contributions to NASA’s mission and scientific endeavours.
From left: His Excellency H.E. Dong-han Yang, Ambassador: Republic of Korea to the Republic of South Africa; Professor Donggyu Kim; Professor Fhatuwani Mudau, DVC: College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science; Mr Mpho Mathonsi, Assistant Director: Bilateral Cooperation, Department of Science, Technology and Innovation; and Professor Thomas Konrad.The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Centre for Quantum Computing and Technology (CQCTec) co-hosted a public lecture with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Pretoria and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, focusing on the growing importance of quantum technology for industries worldwide.
UKZN’s international collaboration develops students understanding on the politics of language and identity.Mr Caden Browne, a PhD candidate in the Department of Political Science at Boston University in the United States of America (USA), presented his doctoral research work during a seminar hosted by the School of Arts in the College of Humanities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).
UKZN Architecture students on top of the Drakensberg.A group of third- and fifth-year Architecture students from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) embarked on an unforgettable adventure to the top of the Drakensberg as part of an educational and teambuilding hike led by part-time Architectural Studies lecturer Mr Bill Williams.
Highlights from the community outreach initiative in Phoenix.Staff and students of the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Discipline of Dentistry presented an oral cancer awareness event at eThekwini’s Phoenix township, joining forces with the Public Oral Health Forum, the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), and the Woodview Cancer Support Group.
Inspiring young minds through science.The KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) recently welcomed 30 Grade 11 learners from IkamvaYouth’s Chesterville Branch for an interactive science outreach programme aimed at exposing learners to the exciting world of genomics and scientific research.
Dr Sheetal Soni.The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) continues to strengthen its presence in global policy and research discussions, with Dr Sheetal Soni, senior lecturer and Head of Research and Higher Degrees in the School of Law, participating as an invited expert contributor in a prestigious international workshop convened by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics.
Front row: Student facilitators at the teambuilding event. Back row: The first-place winners, with Dr Khumbuzile Khumalo at the centre, while the second-place winners proudly display their key holder prizes.The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Westville campus quad came alive with energy, laughter, and collaboration as the Department of Biokinetics, Exercise and Leisure Sciences hosted a dynamic teambuilding event aimed at promoting student wellbeing, leadership, and practical learning.
Receiving the award are (from left) national and provincial SAIEE Council Member Mr Nkosinathi Ndlela, outgoing SAIEE KZN Centre Chairperson Ms Krystle Nageshar, UKZN Student Chapter Chairperson Mr Ntuthuko Zulu, Deputy Chairperson Ms Nombulelo Ngidi, and Dr Mohamed Fayaz Khan.The South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Centre is celebrating national recognition for its achievements after the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Student Chapter was named National Student Chapter of the Year for 2025 at the SAIEE Annual Awards.
ECR workshop attendees.The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Research Office recently hosted a five-day Early Career Researcher (ECR) workshop themed ‘Establishing Your Research Identity’, aimed at equipping emerging academics with the knowledge, skills and strategies needed to navigate the research landscape and build successful academic careers.
From left: Professor Kathleen Pithouse-Morgan, Dr Nosipho Bele and Dr Ntokozo Mkhize-Mthembu.
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Professor Temesgen Zewotir.Professor Temesgen Zewotir from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has received prestigious international recognition from Bahir Dar University in Ethiopia for his outstanding contributions to the development of Statistics and Data Science and his transformative impact on Higher Education and research across the African continent.
Professor Hussein Shimelis (centre) receiving his award from the University of the Free State’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Hester Klopper (left) and Chancellor Professor Bonang Mohale.At the University of the Free State (UFS) 40th Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumni Awards, Professor Hussein Shimelis, South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI) Chair of Crop Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and Director of the African Centre for Crop Improvement (ACCI), was recognised as one of the University’s distinguished alumni for his considerable contributions to demand-led plant breeding research and capacity development in Africa.
Participants in the 2026 Entrepreneurial Development in Higher Education Entrepreneurial Executive Leadership Workshop.The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) College of Law and Management Studies (CLMS) recently participated in the 2026 Entrepreneurial Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Entrepreneurial Executive Leadership Workshop.
The MAGNETISE team at the kick-off meeting in Durban.The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) hosted the international kick-off meeting for the MAGNETISE Project (Mainstreaming Gender Equality in Sub-Saharan African Academia), bringing together academics and stakeholders from South Africa, Uganda, Belgium, and Greece. The three-day meeting took place in Durban recently.
Conference presenters, from left: Ms Kirstin Hagglund, Professor Tahmid Quazi, Mr Frans Shanyata, Mr Leanetse Matutoane, Mr Avarn Kooblal, Ms Zanele Mhaule, Dr Mohamed Fayaz Khan, and Ms Arisa Sohun Samjowan.The South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) KwaZulu-Natal Centre hosted a successful technology conference at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Smart Grid Centre under the theme, Engineering 2.0: Advancing Engineering through Artificial Intelligence.
UKZN’s Science Centre joined forces with the KZN Museum to celebrate World Biodiversity Day.The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Science Centre marked an important milestone in its growth and outreach efforts through a successful collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal Museum during the World Biodiversity Day celebrations, held on 22 May in Pietermaritzburg.
Dr Sheetal Soni with Law students (from left) Ms Shrinam Vrajlall, Ms Cashmia Singh, Ms Attikah Manga, Mr Bongumenzi Khumalo, Mr Dominique Newell, Mr Vuyo Zuma, Mr Sanda Zulu, Mr Sibusiso Ngcece, Ms Leanndra Theon, Ms Ziyanda Mkhize and Ms Kiandra Singh (seated). Click here for isiZulu version
As part of efforts to enhance student learning experiences, Dr Sheetal Soni, senior lecturer and Head of Research and Higher Degrees at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) School of Law, co-ordinated a research project during the first semester involving a group of third- and fourth-year Law students.
UKZN Health Law expert Ms Nomfundo Mthembu (right) with Ms Lebogang Kibane from North-West University.Health Law expert, Ms Nomfundo Mthembu recently represented the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) School of Law at the Reimagining Care International Conference hosted by the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in Ghana. Held under the theme ‘Reimagining Care: Relationships, Responsibilities, and Care in Africa,’ the two-day conference took place from 26 to 27 May 2026 at the School of Graduate Studies at UCC.
The team behind the Accounting Exam Preparation Marathon.The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) College of Law and Management Studies (CLMS), in partnership with the African Women Chartered Accountants (AWCA) and the Association for the Advancement of Black Accountants of Southern Africa (ABASA), recently hosted a three-day Exam Preparation Marathon aimed at equipping Accounting students with the tools and support needed to excel in their upcoming examinations.
Alumni from across various professions and generations came together for UKZN’s Social Networking and Wine Tasting Evening, celebrating shared memories and building new connections within the UKZN alumni community. Click here for isiZulu version
Alumni Relations within the Corporate Relations Division of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) recently hosted a successful Social Networking and Wine Tasting Evening, providing alumni with an opportunity to ‘Sip, Connect and Reconnect’ with their alma mater and fellow graduates in a relaxed and engaging setting.
Highlights from UKZN’s onboarding sessions.
Distinguished guests unite to transform hypertension care in SA.
