UKZN alumnus to receive MBE

An alumnus of UKZN, Penny Kaye (nee Burns) has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for dedication to her work with oncology patients in the field of dietetics.

This prestigious award is given by Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries, in her annual honours' list. The award is given to an individual for outstanding service to the community or local 'hands-on' service.

Kaye graduated with a BSc Dietetics degree and Post-graduate Diploma from the former University of Natal in 1991. After completing her degree, she worked at Northdale and Grey's Hospitals in Pietermaritzburg, before settling in England, where she worked primarily for the National Health System (NHS).

As a MacMillan Cancer Support Charity dietician within the NHS structure, she is being awarded the MBE for her work with oncology patients in assisting them with the diet-related side-effects of their cancer treatment.

The MBE will be presented to Kaye on 2 May 2019 at Buckingham Palace by a member of the royal family.

Head of department for Dietetics and Human Nutrition at UKZN, Dr Suna Kassier said: "We are very proud and excited that such an honour has been bestowed on one of our past students. When we walk past Mrs Kaye's final year class photo in the corridor of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, we will all stop for a moment in anticipation of 2 May 2019!"