UKZN appoints Reuel Khoza as its new chancellor

Abd-semii' Oluwatosin-Enitan Owolabi has received the International Mathematical Union Breakout Graduate Fellowship Award.

Trianne Amarchund is the owner and creator at LaeltheLabel, the first novelty crayon business in South Africa.

Nombuso Khanyile and her eco-friendly fashion line – Afrikan Passion Designs – are headed for the world stage after she was chosen among Design Indaba alumni who will exhibit at the Dubai World Expo.

The combined work of Cedric Nunn and Samora Chapman presents a photographic journey from the remote rural areas of Zululand to the streets of central Durban.

Priya Singh’s paper is titled: Can an Emoji Be Considered as Defamation? A Legal Analysis of Burrows V Houda [2020] NSWDC 485.

Sibusiso Mashiloane has won Best Contemporary Jazz Album at the 2021 Mzantsi Jazz Awards for his fifth album titled: iHubo Labomdabu (Native Hymns).

Recent High Court judgment suggests they are not as secure as people think.

An innovative legal research project, led by Professor Donrich Thaldar, has been awarded R18 million in funding by the US National Institutes of Health.

The Bronze Institutional Membership includes three years of free membership to ISOCARP and was awarded to Town Planning lecturer Professor Hangwelani Magidimisha-Chipungu.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal announced the appointment of Professor Johannes John-Langba as World Federation for Mental Health regional VP – Africa.

Delron Buckley has been appointed head coach of the UKZN Impi.

The art installation promotes people standing their ground against gender-based violence.

The project to tackle the Umgeni River plastic pollution problem will span three years, mapping plastic pollution hotspots and fluxes in the river and along the Indian Ocean coastline.

Prince Dlamini struggled with depression during his studies, but persevered to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree cum laude.

Theshaya Naidoo is also a social media influencer and runs three businesses while studying for a law degree at UKZN.

Dr Vuyiseka Dubula graduated with a PhD in Development Studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

The perpetual mushrooming and burgeoning of informal settlements across cities is extremely distressing to the planning fraternity of the democratic South Africa.

Artists occupied the offices of the National Arts Council for almost 60 days to bring attention to the mismanagement and maladministration of a R300 million Presidential Economic Stimulus Plan that was intended to resuscitate the arts economy.

A study is launching this week in the Umlazi township, KwaZulu-Natal, in which young women will receive a novel treatment aimed at lowering HIV risk.

Gugulethu Zondi, PhD student in Anthropology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, published her first English study guide called ‘Dried Ink 101 English Study Guide’.

UKZN clinical sociologist Professor Mariam Seedat-Khan was nominated for the My Pink Stilettos Amazing Women International Award.

A study by Dr Judy Stephenson, Dr Zama Katamzi-Joseph and Tsige Atilaw has been published in the peer-reviewed journal 'Polar Science'.

Professor Viranjay M Srivastava has been placed 23 in the Electrical and Electronic Engineering category and 194 in all subjects.

The university will confer a total of 10 313 degree certificates, 7 399 of which will be awarded to undergraduate recipients and 2 914 to post-graduate students.

Political sciences PhD student Gugu Mjilo's book paints a picture about the lives of people with disabilities, especially those in rural areas.

UKZN student Jennifer Sheokarah recently launched her first children’s book: 'The Abandoned Bicycle'.

Dr Ismail Mahomed was presented with the National Order of Merit award, bestowed on behalf of the President of the French Republic, highlighting great services rendered to France.

Professor Abdool Karim was awarded the prize for her work in the field of infectious diseases in developing countries.

Human rights deserve more than a day of recognition, being so much a part of our daily lives.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal has maintained its status as one of the most transformed universities in South Africa, according to recently released statistics.

UKZN alumnus and long-distance runner Nontu Mgabhi has raised R1.7 million to provide Khiphinkumzi Primary School in Mtubatuba with five classrooms.

Tashmica Sharma is a PhD student in geography and environmental management, and a Hindu youth leader.

UKZN vice-chancellor and principal, Professor Nana Poku, said now more than ever the world needs re-energised and refocused commitment to eliminating Aids as a global public health threat.

Final-year medical student Ashiq Pramchand has published his first book: 'The Great Medical Student Odyssey – Tales and Adventures in Medical School'.

The Phoenix-1B Mk IIr vehicle soared to a new high altitude mark for hybrid rockets, beating the previous African record of 10.3km.

Tivana Chellan, a fifth-year Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery student, has been elected national president of the South African Medical Students Association.

UKZN has developed the chatbot to enhance the student and visitor experience for 2021 online registrations.

The book was launched by UKZN’s University Language Planning and Development Office and the Pan South African Language Board.

The Caribbean Philosophical Association bestowed the award on Professor Rozena Maart, who won for her contribution to literature and philosophy.

UKZN’s Aerospace Systems Research Group in the School of Engineering is developing the next generation of rocket scientists to propel SA’s space industry forward.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Professor Steve Johnson has obtained an A1 rating from the National Research Foundation.

Academic within the College of Humanities Professor Rozena Maart has won the 2021 award for her contribution to literature and philosophy.

The study examined the feasibility of LN versus open nephrectomy in resource constrained developing world hospitals.

The 24th edition of the Time of the Writer International Festival will be hosted virtually on the festival's social media channels from 15 to 21 March.

Over 1 000 HIV-1 genomes were produced in record time in SA to understand how drug resistance has developed to a new and potent antiretroviral treatment.

The group has been formalised as a research centre in the UKZN, now known as the Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Research & Development Centre.

Dr Thandeka Khoza and Prof Khajamohiddin Syed collaborated on research of three new classes of detoxification proteins from a human pathogen that causes a serious gastrointestinal disease.

The UN under-secretary general and executive director of UN Women will deliver the 2020 Chief Albert Luthuli Memorial Lecture.

Dr Ntobeko Mchunu was awarded a PhD in Bioresources Systems at UKZN’s virtual graduation ceremony.

A Doctor of Philosophy was conferred on Dr Ayanda Meyiwa during the UKZN’s Spring Graduation Ceremony.

Independent Media Home Chef Supreme Cookie Competition winner Pamela Joseph graduated with a master of science degree in organic chemistry from UKZN.

Thandeka Yasmeen Ndaba received a cum laude master’s degree in gender studies.

Dr Prinavin Govender graduated with a PhD in education from UKZN, and celebrated his birthday the next day.

The university placed fourth out of 57 institutions in Africa and ranked number 61 out of 250 institutions for space science, based on research performance in the field.

Dr Sooraj Baijnath, an honorary research fellow in UKZN’s Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, has won the international Bioanalysis Rising Star Award.

The university will be conferring a total of 1 781 degree certificates on 30 October.

The combined dance effort involving the medical staff was done in support of a vision to eradicate cataract blindness, as well as to highlight the scourge of gender-based violence.

Dr Sinaye Ngcapu, honorary lecturer at UKZN and scientist at the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in SA, was awarded the National Institutes of Health R01 grant.

Sixth-year medical student Kapil Narain is among the 200 young South Africans honoured by the Mail & Guardian newspaper.

The universities have come together to identify bioactive compounds from South African plants that could potentially be effective in the treatment against SARS-CoV-2.

Gray won the annual Helen Clark-Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice Award.

This achievement places the University of KwaZulu-Natal in fourth position among South African universities.

The video is the product of a collaboration between UKZN’s Department of Psychology, an adult education specialist and the Centre for Rural Health.

Kai Broughton, a PhD candidate and propulsion engineer in the Aerospace Systems Research Group, has been named among the African space industry’s Top 10 Under 30 by the Space in Africa news agency.

Zico Mthethwa is one of the artists who stands a chance to design Yogi Sip’s packaging for 2021 as well as a cash prize of R20 000.

The College of Health Sciences has received the ILEX Genehecker (ultra-fast pcr) to conduct rapid testing for COVID-19.

The research reveals quantum computing could enhance machine learning tasks, such as pattern recognition in the analysis of extremely large datasets.

Nine of the university's academics in the College of Health Sciences are guiding health minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, and the National Health Department in their response to the virus.

There is a shift away from top-down lecturing and passive students to a more interactive, collaborative approach.

Lecturer in the School of Built Environment and Development Studies, Professor Hangwelani Magidimisha-Chipungu (35), became the first SARChI Chair in Inclusive Cities in South Africa.

A group of international scientists collaborating on a study found that people residing close to waste disposal sites reported a number of chronic clinical conditions.

Countries such as Taiwan, Germany and New Zealand - all with female leaders - have, through quick and decisive action based on scientific evidence, managed to control the rampant spread of the coronavirus.

The true meaning and intensity of this new dependency on technology becomes more ingrained with each passing day.

The 'new normal' might look nothing like the pre-COVID-19 crisis for South African higher education institutions.

Ntokozo Maphanga persevered to realise her dream of graduating with an MBChB from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Ahmed Sameer Ikram will graduate with an MBChB summa cum laude from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Despite being paralysed on the left side of her body, Nokubonga Sithole went on to complete her studies and will graduate from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Dane Arumugam and his son, Jadrian, will both receive post-graduate degrees at the University of KwaZulu-Natal's 2020 virtual graduation ceremony.

Silindile Shazi is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts honour's degree cum laude from the University of KwaZulu-Natal today.

At 19, Clermentine Ngidi will graduate with a Bachelor of Social Science degree.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) will host a virtual ceremony for its graduation class of 2020 on Friday, 29 May 2020 at 13:30.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal will host a virtual ceremony for its cohort of graduands on Friday, 29 May, at 1:30pm.

Dr Lliane Loots and the Flatfoot Dance Company have been named one of this year's "African Voices Changemakers".

Dr Clinton Veale, Dr Jaclyn Mann and Dr Samuel Iwarere are among 30 early career researchers in Africa to receive support from the FLAIR programme.

The impacts of COVID-19 on food and nutrition security for smallholder farmers are substantial.

Too much time staring at a screen can cause digital eye strain, previously known as computer vision syndrome, says UKZN lecturer in the Discipline of Optometry, Dr Alvin Munsamy.

UKZN partners with the Aurum Institute to boost COVID-19 testing in impoverished areas in KwaZulu-Natal.

UKZN academics have created a video to deal with fear and anxiety during COVID-19.

A company that successfully implements business rescue will be able to avoid the negative impacts of closure, save some or all of its jobs and continue to operate.

Fox News presenters' failure to provide truthful coverage of the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic could be considered as constituting "a clear and present danger" to its viewers, to Americans, and to people around the world.

Qualified actuarial scientist Amira Mahomed Abbas has now graduated cum laude with an MSc in physics, specialising in quantum computing.

Gillean Fraser has graduated with an MSc in chemistry cum laude, and her sister Stephanie has graduated summa cum laude with a BSc chemistry honour's degree.

Dr Neha Manhas used the concept of molecular hybridisation to develop new Schiff bases of quinazoline-4-ones.

Dr Shirly Magwaza earned her PhD in Horticultural Science by evaluating the feasibility of using human excreta-derived materials as nutrient sources for hydroponic production of horticultural crops.

Let us take this opportunity to develop the skills to become truly effective leaders, says Professor Cecile Gerwel Proches, associate professor at UKZN's Graduate School of Business and Leadership.

Novel crises are recurring events in human history and defining moments for businesses of all sizes.

Summa Cum Laude graduate and current post-graduate student at UKZN, Romaana Muhammad, shares her tips on surviving lockdown as a student.

PhD student in the School of Arts, Damien Tomaselli, together with some of the Centre for Communication, Media and Society staffers, are part of the digital comic.

Pro Vice-Chancellor of Big Data and Informatics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Prof. Francesco Petruccione recently hosted a breakfast seminar titled "COVID-19 Genomics and Epidemiology".

At UKZN, academics are uploading all material onto online platforms, but medical students are missing out on crucial practical learning.

The educational performance piece was initiated by lecturers Dr Miranda Young-Jahangeer and Ongezwa Mbhele.

The study has linked migration to a high rate of mortality among HIV positive women, up to a year after giving birth.

Government should target areas of extreme poverty through health interventions and the provision of proper water and sanitation services.

Professor Francesco Petruccione is continuing with his monthly seminar series during the national COVID-19 lockdown.

In a bid to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus and protect its staff and students from the virus, the University of KwaZulu-Natal has begun an early mid-term break.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal has secured the top spot in SA for total published research outputs and total weighted actual research outputs for 2018.

A cross-continent collaborative project between the UK and SA has been awarded a R5 million grant from the British Council's Newton Fund.

When compared to other public institutions in SA, the UKZN registration and historic debt processes are among the most enabling for students, says vice-chancellor Professor Nana Poku.

The College of Humanities hosted the annual JL Dube Memorial Lecture at the UNITE building on the Howard College campus.

Humanities academic Dr Gugulethu Mazibuko has launched her new book, 'Imizwilili' (Golden Melodies), which features 20 popular Hindi film songs translated into isiZulu.

The project, which includes developing new cultivars, is a partnership between industry and academia that will share resources and expertise.

Aaron Naidu has registered for a BSc degree majoring in data science, while Shweta Harilal will be studying towards her MBChB (medicine).

Professor Fernando Albericio, a researcher in the School of Chemistry and Physics, has obtained an A2 rating from SA's National Research Foundation.

The university joins the global community in mourning the passing of legendary musician and founding member of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Dr Bhekizizwe Joseph Shabalala.

In addition to overcoming the deadlock between UKZN and students, a way must be found to reconcile the university's financial obligations and students' long-term needs.

Aaron Naidu has registered at UKZN for a BSc degree majoring in data science.

Dr Nokukhanya Msomi was named head of Virology in the School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences.

Shweta Harilal attributed her exceptional results to "long hours dedicated to studying and practising maths over and over again".

Dr Veron Ramsuran and Dr Lenine Liebenberg have been named in the African Academy of Science's top 40 list.

Dr Andr? J van Rensburg, a senior researcher in UKZN's Centre for Rural Health, received the Wellcome Trust Discretionary Award.

A group of academics were selected as participants of the programme focused on PhD completion, mobility, supervision capacity development and the generation of high-impact research.

SA's Team pill-Alert aims to tackle antimicrobial resistance by implementing their strategic intervention that ensures patients comply with treatment.

Kapil Narain and Mohamed Hoosen Suleman were selected to present their strategic intervention to tackle antimicrobial resistance to an international panel of experts.

Dr Yogandree Ramsamy and Sinenhlanhla Sikhosana are among seven women to be awarded research grants from the L'Or?al-UNESCO for Women in Science South African National Programme.

The Mechanical Engineering Open Day at the University of KwaZulu-Natal was held at the Unite School of Engineering Building, Howard College Campus.

The Engineering Council of South Africa conferred continued accreditation with no deficiencies and no concerns until 2024.

Six academics from the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science were among 23 of the country's scholars and scientists inaugurated as members of the Academy of Science of SA.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal has been placed in the 401+ band of the Times Higher Education Arts and Humanities subject rankings.

The UKZN Discipline of Neurosurgery based in Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital once again leads with innovation in the field of neurosurgery in the province by developing its own "Functional Neurosurgery."

A 67-year-old UKZN lecturer and retired HR practitioner, Dr Bongani Mkhize, has graduated with a PhD in Social Sciences for research that analysed strike participation at Transnet port terminals in KwaZulu-Natal.

The honorary doctorate was awarded to Professor Thuli Madonsela in recognition of her tireless dedication to the South African Constitution.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal joined the country in expressing outrage and condemnation of the horrific cases of violence against women and children which continue to persist.

Child health expert and UKZN Emeritus Professor Hoosen Coovadia is ranked 10th on the Web site Expertscape's list of the world's top experts on breastfeeding.

Professor Colleen Downs was named a finalist for a Standard Bank Top Women Award in the category of Top Woman in Science.

Auditing lecturer and researcher Hlengiwe Ndlela (32) is a finalist in SAICA's Top 35 Under Thirty5 competition and also runs a mentorship programme for schoolgirls.

Mbali Gwacela from the School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences says this field is bursting with possibilities.

UKZN alumni and Enactus members donated their time and seedlings, compost, etc to help the Mtubatuba community develop gardens at the school.

The Centre for World University Rankings has placed UKZN in the top four best universities in South Africa, and in the top 500 globally.

For SA to thrive in a time of globalisation, digitisation and increased competition, excellence must be the cornerstone of all our socio-economic endeavours.

The awards ceremony, held at the Elangeni Hotel, honoured filmmakers for being the nation's conscience and for uniting Africa through film.

The university won the MEC Special Award at this year's Simon "Mabhunu" Sabela Film and Television Awards at the Playhouse Theatre for its Durban International Film Festival.

University staff, students and alumni are reminded to take part in the UKZN Campus to Campus 10km race and 5km fun run on Sunday, July 28.

It is with sadness that we received the news of the passing of world-renowned music legend Dr Johnny Clegg, a true son of Africa.

Senior lecturer in Sociology at UKZN, Dr Kathryn Pillay, has been awarded a C2 Rating by the National Research Foundation.

Dr Sphumelele Ndlovu, one of the Mail & Guardian's 200 Young South Africans for 2019, was recognised in the category of Science and Technology.

The director of UKZN's Language Planning and Development Office, Professor Langa Khumalo, has been appointed vice-president of the African Association for Lexicography.

Lerisha Naidu, a UKZN alumna and a partner at Baker McKenzie, made it onto the prestigious list in the Business and Law category.