Professor Thabo Msibi, Umalusi Council Chair and UKZN Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning.South Africa’s statutory national quality assurance body for general and further education, Umalusi, has a new leader - a trailblazing academic who has spent his career making scholarly excellence look effortless.
Professor Benny Bytebier in the field in Zambia.The latest State of the World’s Plants and Fungi 2026 (SOTWPF) report, released by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew on 16 June, reveals that the true scale of the global biodiversity crisis remains poorly understood, but that rapid advances in technology are offering new hope for conservation.
The 47th Durban International Film Festival unveils its new visual identity.The Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), presented by the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Centre for Creative Arts (CCA), has officially launched its 47th edition with the unveiling of a striking new visual identity and official festival poster.
Mrs Sinempilo Ngubane, UKZN alumna and Mrs South Africa semi-finalist. Click here for isiZulu version
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) alumna, Mrs Sinempilo Ngubane has secured a spot as a semi-finalist in the Mrs South Africa pageant, a journey she says was inspired by her personal quest for rediscovery.
Professor Rob Hart and the panel of macro images that earned him a prestigious Fellowship of the Photographic Society of South Africa.The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Emeritus Professor Rob Hart has been awarded a Fellowship of the Photographic Society of South Africa (PSSA) for a panel of 25 images featuring insects and spiders that reflect his lifetime of work in zoology and ecology.
Participants celebrate the success of UKZN’s ‘She Rocks the Field’ workshop.The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)’s School of Agriculture and Science is championing student success and gender inclusion through its ‘She Rocks the Field’ workshop, an initiative designed to empower female Geology students with the confidence, practical skills and support needed to thrive in the field.
UKZN students, Ms Lethu Mahlangu (left), and Ms Mandisa Nyandeni take on the NTNU Childhood Studies challenge.
Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Professor Federico Settler, welcomed Emeritus and Honorary Professors as well as fellow guests at a networking brunch.The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) School of Social Sciences, under the leadership of the Dean Professor Federico Settler, recently hosted a working brunch for Emeritus and Honorary Professors in the newly merged School.
Front row (from left): Professors Sarojini Nadar, Itumeleng Mosala, Gerald West, and Elelwani Farisani, with other speakers in the backrow.A symposium examining Professor Gerald West’s hermeneutics, from Black Theology of Liberation to Contextual Bible Study, recently took place at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Pietermaritzburg campus.
Dr Naimah Ebrahim Khan during her recent visit to Asia.The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is strengthening its position in eye health education and research through strategic international partnerships aimed at improving vision care and addressing the growing burden of visual impairment worldwide.
Professor Amir Mohammadi.Professor Amir Mohammadi of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) recently received a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of his outstanding service as a Technical Committee Member at the 14th International Conference on Chemistry and Chemical Process (ICCCP 2025).
Mr Celinhlanhla Magubane in studio.As part of the Access to Justice project and its commitment to advancing legal literacy and community empowerment, University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Law academic Mr Celinhlanhla Magubane is promoting public legal education through a recurring guest segment on Radio Khwezi’s Siphetha iSonto programme, which airs every Saturday between 11h00 and 11h30.
Participants at the Global North-Global South Connections: Sustainability Through Diversity seminar.The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) School of Education recently hosted an engaging seminar titled ‘Global North-Global South Connections: Sustainability Through Diversity’ at the Edgewood campus, bringing together academics from South Africa and abroad, postgraduate students, and education practitioners to explore how diverse knowledge systems can contribute to sustainable futures.
Dr Simo Mthethwa and Dr Lulu van Rooyen.Senior lecturer in Mathematics Dr Simo Mthethwa, who is helping to popularise mathematics education, and Honorary Research Fellow in the School of Agriculture and Science, Dr Lulu van Rooyen (née Pretorius), whose work focuses on wetland research, training, mentorship and community engagement, have been nominated for the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) Awards, known as the ‘Science Oscars’ of South Africa.
Fellow Comrades Marathon Route Portfolio Convenor, Mr Braam Zaayman (left) with UKZN former staffer, Mr Ravin Sivraman. Click here for isiZulu version
Retired University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) staff member Mr Ravin Sivraman has made a significant contribution to South African sport and community service through his long-standing involvement with the Comrades Marathon, where he has served as Route Portfolio Convenor for more than a decade.
Clockwise from top left: Dr Normah Zondo, Dr Sheetal Soni, Mr Lukhona Mnguni, Ms Yasmin Rajah, and Mr Thifulufheli Sinthumule. Click here for isiZulu version
Set against the backdrop of a burgeoning humanitarian crisis in Durban, where thousands of refugees were gathering at Sherwood Hall after being displaced from nearby homes, the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) hosted a webinar in June to commemorate World Refugee Month.
UKZN master’s student, Ms Lorna Norolela, at a workshop at the University of Pretoria.As South Africa marks Youth Month, University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) master’s student Ms Lorna Norolela is helping shape conversations around the future of African languages in the digital age through research that combines artificial intelligence (AI), education and indigenous knowledge systems.
Mr Darryl David (left) delivered the 2026 Alan Paton Annual Lecture, with Professor David Attwell responding to the presentation.The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Library Services and Special Collections, through the Alan Paton Centre and Struggle Archives (APC), recently hosted the 2026 Alan Paton Annual Lecture, bringing together literary scholars and enthusiasts for an exploration of one of South African literature’s most enduring figures: the priest.
ECD practitioners and stakeholders came together for a workshop on building sustainable, growing ECD centres.
Dr Nomusa Christina Mzimela at the conference. Click here for isiZulu version
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Postdoctoral Fellow in the Discipline of Human Physiology, Dr Nomusa Christina Mzimela, recently presented her latest research findings at the 58th Annual Congress of the Society for Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes of South Africa (SEMDSA), further cementing her growing reputation as an emerging researcher in the field of diabetes, immunity and human physiology.
UKZN scholars Ms Siphosethu Minki Fela and Mr Braedon Steven proudly represented UKZN at leading international conferences in Spain and The Netherlands.Two University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) students recently showcased their research at leading international conferences in Spain and The Netherlands, bringing South African perspectives on gender, identity, health and social justice into global academic conversations.
Dr Carla (Sharpe) Mitchell (centre) with the organising committee: Dr Patricia Govender, Dr Vino Paideya, Professor Thishana Singh, Professor Brenda Moodley, and Dr Chantal Koorbanally. Click here for isiZulu version
The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Discipline of Chemistry in the School of Agriculture and Science, in partnership with the South African Chemical Institute (SACI) KZN Section, hosted the 2026 Women in Science event recently at Coastlands Musgrave in Durban under the theme ‘Accelerating Equity in Science’.
Professor Rozena Maart.The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)/National Research Foundation (NRF) South African Research Chair in the National Question, Professor Rozena Maart, brought African-centred philosophical perspectives to an international audience when she delivered the opening keynote address at Erasmus University’s annual philosophy conference in Rotterdam.
UKZN’s student Marine Life Club at the KZN Sharks Board.The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Marine Life Club (UMLC) is a student-led organisation within the School of Agriculture and Science that fosters a vibrant community of Marine Biology students at UKZN and promotes academic excellence, professional development, and a passion for marine conservation.
