UKZN Alumni

11/09/2026

Three Health Professionals Awarded Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Prestige Scholarships

Three exceptional final-year College of Health Sciences (CHS) students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) have been recognised for their outstanding academic achievements, leadership and commitment with CHS Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Prestige Scholarships.

The recipients, Mr Zinedine Govender, Ms Nonhle Hope Nzama and Ms Fatima Mohamed Randeree, represent the very best of UKZN’s future health professionals, having distinguished themselves through sustained academic excellence and a passion for improving the lives of others.

Govender, a product of Mount Edgecombe Private School, says receiving the scholarship was one of the greatest honours of his academic journey.

“When I received the email informing me that I had been selected, I had to read it several times before it sank in,” he said. “Being recognised in my final year of Medical School makes this achievement especially meaningful. I have been fortunate to receive a UKZN Entrance Scholarship since beginning my Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) journey, so to conclude these six years with one of the University’s highest academic honours feels like the perfect culmination of my hard work."

Read More: https://bit.ly/4cAhrm6

09/09/2026

AMD @30 celebrates the 21st African Cultural Calabash Festival! 🌍✨

Join us for an unforgettable celebration of African culture, creativity and togetherness under the theme “21 Years of Togetherness – Emsamu Wabomdabu.”

Experience vibrant performances featuring Ungenina, Nomakhosi, Som’Yamkazi, Amashiya Kubuswa and the Umlazi Tremendous Boys! 🎶💃🏾🕺🏾

📅 Thursday, 15 October 2026
⏰ 19h30
📍 Howard College Theatre, UKZN
🎟️ Adults: R100 | Students: R60

Come celebrate 21 years of African cultural excellence! 🇿🇦❤️

09/09/2026

UKZN Durban Alumni Association Explores Southern African Heritage at Phansi Museum

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Durban Alumni Association (DAA), recently hosted an exclusive guided tour of Phansi Museum, giving alumni an opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage and creative traditions of southern Africa.

Located in the historic House Roberts in Glenwood, Durban, Phansi Museum was founded in 2000 by Paul Mikula, a recipient of an Honorary Doctorate from UKZN. The museum houses one of South Africa’s finest private collections of African artefacts, including traditional beadwork, pottery, baskets, garments and much more.

During the tour, alumni were taken on a fascinating journey through the museum’s collection, learning about the craftsmanship, stories and traditions behind the artefacts.

Sharing the philosophy behind Phansi Museum, Mikula said “Phansi Museum has a particular love and interest for all people and things creative – how they are made, their beauty and their function. We exist to treasure and to inspire.”

The visit provided alumni with an opportunity not only to learn about the region’s cultural heritage, but also to connect with fellow graduates and reflect on the importance of preserving these traditions for future generations.

The UKZN Durban Alumni Association continues to create meaningful opportunities for alumni to connect, engage and celebrate the people, places and heritage of KwaZulu-Natal.

Words: Ayabulela Mbhele
Photography: Nkosikhona Gcabashe

09/09/2026

UKZN Duo Soars to Global Heights with Overseas Scholarship

Two University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) students, Ms Kamalia Marimuthu and Ms Shreya Maharaj, have been awarded Emma Smith Overseas Scholarships, enabling them to pursue their studies abroad in recognition of their perseverance, dedication and commitment to using education to create meaningful change.

Marimuthu is pursuing a Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Psychology and Maharaj, a Master’s in Social Justice Education.

The Emma Smith Overseas Scholarship at UKZN supports female South African graduates who have been residing in Durban for at least three years and wish to pursue postgraduate studies overseas. The scholarship provides recipients with an opportunity to gain international academic exposure while developing knowledge and skills that can ultimately benefit their communities and South Africa.

Maharaj’s decision to pursue a career in education is personal, as she follows in the footsteps of her beloved late grandmother.

“My passion for education has always been rooted in the belief that every learner deserves the opportunity to feel seen, supported and capable of succeeding,” said Maharaj.

Read More: https://bit.ly/4r1HMPD

09/09/2026

08/09/2026

Humanities Doctoral Research Scholarship Celebrates Resilience and Purpose

The prestigious and highly competitive University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Doctoral Research Scholarship is awarded to top new full-time PhD candidates across UKZN’s Colleges.

It provides financial support for the first year of study, with renewals available for up to three years in total, subject to excellent academic progress. The top Humanities recipient is Ms Nelile Hlongwa, a PhD candidate in Community Development in the School of Social Sciences.

For Hlongwa, Community Development is rooted in a desire to understand how communities can become more actively involved in addressing the challenges affecting their everyday lives. Her background in Geography and Environmental Management shaped her interest in environmental and water-related challenges.

“Through my doctoral research, I have become particularly interested in how communities, government institutions and other stakeholders can work together to improve water provision and contribute to more sustainable and equitable water governance,” she said.

Hlongwa describes her UKZN journey as one of continuous growth, learning and perseverance. After completing her master’s degree in Geography and Environmental Management, she began her PhD in Community Development. Along the way, she has taught, conducted research, published academic work and engaged with different communities and institutions.

Read More: https://bit.ly/4cwFySD

07/09/2026

🌟 Help us celebrate one of our own!

This month, we proudly shine the spotlight on Dr Kiara Rampaul, our Alumnus of the Month.

Through her inspiring work in inclusive urban development, climate resilience and disaster risk reduction, Dr Rampaul is contributing to building more inclusive, resilient and sustainable communities.

Join us in celebrating her achievements and the difference she continues to make.

We are proud to call you one of our own, Dr Rampaul! 🎓

07/09/2026

Hey Alumnus✨

Be inspired by our Quote of the Week! 🤩

“Always leave everyone that crosses your path feeling happy and satisfied.”

Words by Erick Ngidi

07/09/2026

UKZN Scholarship Awardees Challenged to Lead with Purpose and Integrity

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) hosted its prestigious Scholarship Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, 2 September 2026, at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC), celebrating outstanding student achievement.

The University recognised 84 students for excellence in academics, community engagement and leadership, while seven were recognised for sporting achievements at provincial or national level.

The merit-based awards celebrate students whose talent is matched by a consistent pursuit of academic excellence, highlighting the diverse ways in which UKZN students are making an impact within and beyond the University.

Delivering the welcome address, UKZN Scholarships Committee Chairperson and Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Professor Thabo Msibi, said the ceremony showcased all-round student accomplishment.

He noted that the ceremony takes place at a defining moment in UKZN’s history, following the consolidation of its academic structures from 19 Schools to 10 as part of the University’s institutional renewal agenda, Project Renewal, and Strategic Plan 2023–2032. He also expressed appreciation to the University’s external partners and trustees for their continued support and investment in UKZN students.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr Judy Dlamini, UKZN alumna and Mbekani Group Founder and Executive Chairperson, challenged students to view their awards as an investment in their future potential. “This scholarship is not a reward for the past, it is an investment into the future,” she said.

Read More: https://bit.ly/4qVDsBs

02/09/2026

We proudly congratulate UKZN alumna Dr Thembisile Xulu on her appointment as Director-General of South Africa’s National Department of Health.

We celebrate this significant achievement and wish her every success as she takes on this important leadership role.