New strategies for new times

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.

Professor Thabo Msibi is the first black South African scholar in Education to be awarded a prestigious P-Rating by the National Research Foundation.

Enactus members presented the student organisation's Sack Space concept in which vegetables are grown in vegetable sacks, known as vertical farming.

Guests from the governments of Lesotho, China and Mauritius, and international students and staff, attended the event on Howard campus, themed Leaving No One Behind.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal has secured the number one spot in Africa on the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings.

Professor Sabine Marschall's book, Tourism and Memories of Home, explores journeys to former and imaginary homes for migrants, exiles, refugees and diaspora groups.

The conference enabled TBAs to share their skills, experience and work challenges, and to protect, promote and develop indigenous knowledge systems.

The campaign shows solidarity for medical professionals and students living with depression and other mental challenges.

House musician Holly Wasserfall, aka Holly Rey, a media and communication honour's graduate, won the SAMA for her song, Deeper.

The first fellowship awarded to Dr Tivani Mashamba-Thompson will help fund her current research project; the second provides leadership training.

The R12.8 million grant will fund the implementation of a three-year multidisciplinary global health research study on first-episode psychosis.

Deputy minister of higher education, science and technology Buti Manamela showed his support for Team UKZN in the lead-up to the marathon.

The UKZN College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science stand at the annual Royal Agricultural Show, in Pietermaritzburg, won a silver medallion.

The university collaborated with Rise Against Hunger Africa and SAICA to pack 10 000 meals for pre-schools and families in need in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Afrocentric Precision Approach to Control Health Epidemics Flagship project was unveilied recently at the UKZN.

Phase two of the College of Health Sciences programme received a R40 million grant from the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation.

Midfielder Kholosa Biyana was chosen as part of the national women's soccer squad, Banyana Banyana, to represent SA in France next month.

The University of Denver's Dr Jeremy Haefner said automation brings job losses but increases productivity.

One Man Can encourages zero tolerance for abuse and highlights the role men could play in eliminating gender-based violence.

Professor Frank Tanser was awarded the Royal Geographical Society Back Medal for HIV research that has shaped national health policies in developing countries.

The books, one on law terminology and the other a poetry anthology, reflect UKZN's drive to promote isiZulu and transform higher education.

Sibusiso Mashiloane says his album, Closer to Home, reflects the musical dialects and characteristics of the communities in which he has lived.

Professor Verusia Chetty and Dr Tivani Mashamba-Thompson attended the 11th HOPE meeting in Okinawa, Japan.

The Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Evidence Based Practice will help to promote affordable access to effective medicines, diagnostics and other medical devices.

'Social Welfare Policy in South Africa: From the Poor White Problem to a "Digitised Social Contract"' was co-authored by UKZN Emeritus Professor Fikile Mazibuko.

Some consequences of climate change can be turned into opportunities to grow the green economy, according to the results of a doctoral study by Dr Magash Naidoo.

Research reveals Drakensberg Crag Lizards pick up pollen on their snouts when they visit the flowers to lap nectar.

Banele Mgabi danced on stage at UKZN Westville campus as he was awarded a post-graduate diploma in finance, banking and investment management.

Dr Judy Dlamini received an honorary doctorate in economics in recognition of her economic activism and role as an entrepreneur.

Tyrone Bright graduated from the UKZN's School of Engineering, following in the footsteps of his dad, dean and head of the School of Engineering, Professor Glen Bright.

Dr Ashley Subbiah's study explored the physiological and evolutionary factors governing seed recalcitrance, along with valuable quantitative tools for seed conservation.

Jackson Make graduated with his Bachelor of Social Science degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Musician Holly Rey has graduated cum laude with an honour's degree in media and communication, for her research on gender-based inequality.

Resistance artist Dr Willie Bester was awarded an honorary doctorate in literature by the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

As part of its dialogue series, the University of KwaZulu-Natal hosted a debate about transformation and the future of SA in the run-up to Human Rights Day.

Party representatives went head-to-head at a pre-election Town Hall debate at the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Westville campus recently.

Women are the majority of the 9 680 graduands receiving degree certificates from the University of KwaZulu-Natal between 1 and 9 April.

Lloyd Gordon's mathematical learning app, Open Omnia, targets learners from Grade 11 to university level who struggle with mathematics.

Academics at UKZN, and their peers from the US and the UK, have studied the spatial structuring of depression on a national scale in SA.

UKZN student Anisha Govender has called for the university community to wear purple on 26 March for Purple Day, which is observed internationally.

The university is investing R9 million into its Big Data for Science and Society Flagship Project, developed to spur socio-economic growth.

In a break with tradition, a recent procedure at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital involved an all-woman team of cardiothoracic surgeons operating in the theatre.

Professor Fernando Albericio is the recipient of the 2019 Murray Goodman Scientific Excellence & Mentorship Award.

Londeka Ngubane, from the School of Applied Human Sciences, will join a government-initiated think-tank to determine a new transport system for SA.

KwaZulu-Natal's Traditional Medicine Laboratory, under the leadership of Professor Nceba Gqaleni, hosted Canadian doctors Ian Tietjen and Malcolm Steinberg.

Sumeshen Moodley has taken up a post to lead the medical team for Dehli Capitals cricket squad in the India Premier League.

Penny Kaye has been awarded a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for dedication to her work with oncology patients in the field of dietetics.

Professor Mabutho Sibanda was named vice-chairperson of the South African Commerce Dean's Association.

PhD candidate Refilwe Mofokeng is spending two months at the University of Birmingham working with UKZN alumnus Dr Holly Nel on the science surrounding microplastic pollution.

UKZN postdoctoral researcher Dr Yvette Ehlers Smith launched the Safe & San project alongside her hornbill research in KwaZulu-Natal.

UKZN specialist physician Dr Sipho Duncan Ntshalintshali has been chosen to attend the Advanced Course in Basic and Clinical Immunology in California in March.

University of KwaZulu-Natal alumnus Sarah Shezi is a finalist in the 18-35 years category, Empowerment of Women in South Africa.

Director of the theology and development programme in the School of Religion, Philosophy and Classics Dr Clint Le Bruyns is the brains behind the successful Dolphin Coast Book and Film Club.

Over 250 authors and bureau members of the Working Group II of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change attended the organisation's first Lead Author Meeting in Durban.

The Decoloniality Summer School, part of the UKZN Flagship Capacity Building and Training programme, was offered in collaboration with Spain's Centre of Study and Investigation for Decolonial Dialogues.

In the Times Higher Education Emerging Economies Rankings 2019, the UKZN secured 49th place in the list of 100 best universities in emerging economies.

As of 17 January, 4 446 students had already registered on the system, with 3 664 of those being undergraduate students.

First-year student Kelisha Francis was awarded the Nsika Foundation Scholarship for Architecture.

Shongani Dladla is the recipient of the UKZN Distinguished Leadership Award.

Professor Mahmoud Soliman was named the Top Published Researcher and Professor Colleen Downs was the Top Published Female Researcher.

Professors Salim Abdool Karim and Lynn Morris are on the list of the world's most highly cited researchers, published by the Web of Science's Clarivate Analytics.

Professor Salim S Abdool Karim was named a recipient of the Al-Sumait Prize for research contributions to African development.

Nantale Nsibirwa was one of three finalists shortlisted for the International River Foundation 2018 Emerging River Professional Award.

Male and female students who are part of UKZN Rugby were recently selected to the provincial and national rugby teams.

University of KwaZulu-Natal linguistics lecturer Muhle Sibisi won the Young Linguist Award at the 20th annual International Congress of Linguists, held for the first time on African soil.

The Informatics Institute at the Middle East Technical University, in Turkey, listed the top 18 universities in SA, in which the University of KwaZulu-Natal secured third place.

UKZN's Professor Fatima Suleman, together with colleagues from other universities, are recipients of a share of a Fogarty grant for health research.

Dr Mariam Seedat-Khan, sociologist at the School of Social Sciences at the UKZN, has become one of only 25 certified clinical sociologists in the world.

UKZN's College of Health Sciences, Professor Tricia Naicker, won the 2018 NRF Research Excellence Award for Early Career and Emerging Researcher in SA.

Anonaya Gardens founder Mongezi Dlamini walked away with R6 000 prize money and a week of training at Raizcorp, in Johannesburg.

Third-year architecture students Fathima Bibi Mula, Navan Padayachee and Oudish Appadoo dominated in the PG Bison 1.618 Education Initiative.

The annual event celebrates various cultural traditions and gives exiting students hands-on experience producing a large-scale cultural event.

Dr Marshall Maposa was honoured by the English Academy of Southern Africa for the best education article published in the 2017 academic year.

Team UKZN was crowned the 2018 Chief Financial Officer Case Study Competition winner at the finals recently.

UKZN hosted water expert professor Larry Swatuk, who delivered a seminar on the unintended consequences of climate change adaptation and mitigation in the water sector.

UKZN registrar Dr Nadia Karrim was awarded the 100 Mandela's of the Future Award and named among the Inspiring Fifty women in technology.

Dr Ossie Kretzmann attained his PhD in theology during the UKZN's Spring Graduation ceremonies.

Dr Vusi Mahlasela received an Honorary Doctorate in Music for his contribution to the betterment of South African society and to the global music industry.

Mahlasela gives an acceptance speech on receiving an honorary doctorate, conferred on him by the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

The four research flagships are Social Cohesion; African Health; Big Data and Informatics; and African City of the Future.

Following an intensive review, the programmes have received a level one rating from the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Professor Pragashnie Govender was awarded first runner-up in the Department of Science and Technology South African Women in Sciences Awards.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal awarded scholarships to the tune of over R6 million during its Scholarships Award Ceremony 2018.

In the latest ranking by uniRank, UKZN is listed as the number one most popular university in Africa.