UKZN shocked at protestors' reckless behaviour

Issued by University of KwaZulu-Natal
Johannesburg, Feb 24, 2021

The University of KwaZulu-Natal would like to congratulate the matric class of 2020 on successfully passing grade 12. This is a good step towards embarking on your future careers. Well done to all and all the best in your 2021 studies.

No walk-ins

UKZN reiterates that there is no need for matriculants to send their matric results to us or visit any of our campuses to submit a late application or enquire about your application's status. Within 24 hours of the release of the matric results, UKZN will commence making firm offers (via SMS and an e-mailed letter) to matriculants who have been successful and have applied to UKZN through the Central Applications Office (CAO) for South African applicants and the UKZN Applications Offices for International undergraduate applicants.

In this regard, the UKZN management is shocked at the reckless behaviour of student protestors and appeals to the SRC to control their supporters. A cavalier fake news call is being made by some students that anyone with a matric certificate can pitch up and register at the university. This call is viewed as malicious and disruptive. It also points to the disingenuous rules of engagement by the SRC if their members resort to such devious methods.

It also prejudices the reputation of the institution. Our legal team is taking the matter very seriously, as such a call for registration has serious consequences for all parties concerned. Registration for all students, including first years, is conducted online and no walk-ins will be allowed on any campuses.

No Matric Upgrade Centres allowed at UKZN

There is no “Matric Upgrade Centre” or “UKZN Foundation Programme” opportunity approved, sanctioned or authorised by the university. This is misinformation and an attempt to tarnish the university's good name and create chaos.

Grade 12 pupils, their parents and guardians are cautioned against applying to or registering at any "Matric Upgrade Centre" claiming to be associated with UKZN.

Warning to protestors

Apart from breaching the good faith approach management has shown the student leaders, the spreading of false news is a clear attempt by some protestors to boost their protest numbers.

But the danger is that it creates false hope for matriculants. It is also unfair for those who have legitimately taken the time and followed the higher education processes to earn access to study at UKZN. This amounts to a breach in the rules set by the Department of Higher Education and Learning and poses a huge safety risk under the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Online registration

UKZN's registration 2021 will be conducted online, and there will be no contact registration or registration assistance on campus.

First-entry undergraduates will register between 8 March and 1 April 2021.The online registration process is outlined on this portal: https://sc.ukzn.ac.za. For registration, please visit https://registration.ukzn.ac.za/.

First-year applicants are also urged to keep checking the Web site for current and factual information and not to rely on fake news posted on social/digital platforms.

Students are also warned not to fall prey to fraudsters and check the Web site to get correct banking details.

Normah Zondo
Executive Director: Corporate Relations (Acting)
University of KwaZulu-Natal

For further information, contact: Sejal Desai, Media Liaison Officer, on 031 260 7829 / 083 284 9333 or at [email protected].