.UKZN’s United Nations Association of SA Thriving
The United Nations Association of South Africa (UNASA)-UKZN chapter was formed in 2012, with UKZN becoming one of only three universities in the country to have a chapter.
The first Chairperson was Mr Samuel Fakiri, a Criminologist and UKZN alumnus.
Currently, the leadership caucus is made up of students from five different countries – Chairperson, Mr Jonathan Brady of South Africa; Deputy Chairperson, Mr Kudzai Mukaratirwa of Zimbabwe, Deputy Chairperson, Mr Perminus Moinogu of Kenya; Secretary-General, Mr Benedict Udeh of Nigeria; Project Manager, Mr Sbonelo Gumede of South Africa; Treasurer, Ms Livasha Moodley of South Africa, and Public Relations Officer, Mr Ebenezer Frimpong of Ghana.
The organisation, which has more than 100 registered members, supports the principles, goals and programmes of the United Nations and its agencies.
In May last year, UNASA-UKZN in conjunction with the School of Social Science, welcomed and hosted the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Country Director, Mr Vic van Vurren, and also teamed up with the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) to promote an environmental sustainability programme in South Africa.
In August 2014, UNASA-UKZN helped SAIIA to organise a model UN conference hosted by New West High School in Durban.
Meanwhile, 2015 has been declared an action year for the organisation and during Mandela Week, it made donations to orphanages in KwaZulu-Natal.
Dr Sean O’ Donoghue of the Durban Adaptation Change of the C40 initiative gave a lecture to UNASA-UKZN members during the Arbor week celebrations.
Plans are well advanced to set up donation stands at strategic locations in the city centre, to support charitable causes.
The Organisation will soon launch a programme titled: “Debate”, in which experts and diplomats will be invited to speak on various topics.
UNASA-UKZN will be represented at the annual UCT-MUN Conference in Cape Town next month.
Students are encouraged to join the organisation which can provide assistance for those hoping for a career in the United Nations or one of its agencies.
Ebenezer Frimpong