US College & UKZN Explore Partnership

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In an effort to strengthen international partnerships, academics and students from the Medgar Evers College of the City University in New York visited South Africa and spent time at UKZN where they met academics from the School of Management, IT and Governance (SMIG).

On their arrival at the University, the group was welcomed by Public Admin Honours students at the School who acted as UKZN ambassadors; escorting delegation members during meet and greet sessions.

Acting Dean of the School, Professor Stephen Mutula, welcomed the delegation, emphasising UKZN’s mission to strive for excellence, be innovative and ensure that research was impactful.

‘I hope this visit spurs the identification of collaborative research projects that academics from both institutions can enter into and in turn assist in developing the School’s curriculum through co-creation,’ he said.

Student Exchange/Study Abroad Co-ordinator, Ms Preshantha Reddy and Principal International Advisor Ms Tasmeera Singh, spoke on UKZN’s International Relations Office, the Study Abroad Programme and the Student Exchange Programme.

Closing the meeting, senior lecturer at the School, Dr Fayth Ruffin, said she was happy that Durban and UKZN were now on the Global Linkages’ radar because for years, visiting groups had been taken to only Cape Town and Johannesburg. This innovation marked a new dawn for UKZN.

Both parties welcomed the new areas identified for a prospective partnership. They agreed that they would work towards finding ways to develop students and staff, establish collaborative networks, cultural exchange programmes, and create international opportunities.

The day’s events ended with a tour around the campus.

 Words and photographs: Lungile Ngubelanga