UKZN Alumni

Happy Africa Day!

Hey Alumnus✨

Be inspired by our Quote of the Week! 🤩

“ What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom? Knowledge is knowing that tomato is a fruit; wisdom is knowing not to include it in a fruit salad.”

Innovative Research on Nighttime Data and Urban Change Lights the Way!

A study used advanced deep learning methods based on nighttime light (NTL) data to assess radiance patterns across major South African cities, presenting an innovative method to monitor urban development issues.

And along the way, the researcher, Dr Zandile Mncube, fulfilled a long-held aspiration. Having completed her Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science Honours and Master of Science degrees at the University of the Free State, Mncube has now graduated with a PhD in Geography from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), within the discipline of Geographical and Environmental Sciences.

Mncube described UKZN as her “dream institution since high school,” explaining that although she had initially hoped to study Medicine, her path ultimately led her to Geography. “When I completed my master’s degree and needed to change supervisors, the opportunity to apply to UKZN presented itself again, and I embraced it wholeheartedly.” UKZN’s strong academic reputation, diverse research community and career-support networks made it the ideal environment to pursue her doctoral studies.

Her PhD thesis: ‘A Geo-Temporal Analysis and Forecasting of Nighttime Light Intensities over Three Largest Municipalities of South Africa’, broke new ground in the use of satellite-derived data.

Read More: https://sl1nk.com/lkf3kby

UKZN Engineering Graduate Scoops Top Award as he Finishes First in Class

Mr Talha Dada is the top Engineering graduate of the class of 2025 at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), earning the prestigious Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) medal.

Dada graduated summa cm laude with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Computer Engineering) degree. The culmination of years of discipline, focus and sustained effort, it is a milestone that reflects both academic achievement and personal growth, forged through one of the most demanding, yet rewarding fields of study.

“The achievement is the result of years of discipline and hard work,” Dada reflected. “The journey through Computer Engineering was undoubtedly intense, yet it proved to be an incredibly rewarding experience that shaped my problem-solving mindset.”

A former learner at Orient Islamic School in Durban, Dada’s academic path was influenced early on by a natural curiosity about how systems function. His interest in understanding the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind complex technologies led him to pursue Engineering as a means of exploring and designing such systems. This curiosity continues to underpin his approach to both learning and innovation.

His decision to study at UKZN was guided by the Institution’s strong reputation in Engineering and its commitment to academic excellence. As a Durban-based university, it also offered the advantage of him being able to remain connected to his community while accessing a globally competitive education.

Read More: https://l1nq.com/mpva0bz

HIV Pathogenesis Programme Produces Six Master’s and Two PhD Graduates

The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) HIV Pathogenesis Programme (HPP) celebrated the graduation of two doctoral and six master’s students, two of whom obtained their degrees cm laude.

The graduates’ contribution towards advancing scientific HIV research was commended by HPP Scientific Director Professor Thumbi Ndung’u who is the also the Director for Basic and Translational Science at the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) and a Professor of Infectious Diseases at University College London.

Viral Immunologist Dr Yanga Mdleleni, who graduated with a PhD in Virology, conducted a study co-supervised by HPP staff member Dr Bongiwe Ndlovu; Dr Daniel Muema, Senior Scientist at the KAVI Institute of Clinical Research (KAVI-ICR) and Thematic Head of the Immunology Unit in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Nairobi; and Dr Wendy Dhlomo, a specialist obstetrician-gynaecologist.

Mdleleni’s PhD focused on Characterising Ge***al and Systemic Biomarkers of Cervical Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Viral Load in Women at Risk of Cervical Intra-epithelial Neoplasia. The study examined drivers of cervical cancer treatment failure from immunological and virological perspectives while offering potential contributions towards eliminating cervical cancer, particularly among women living with HIV.

Read More: https://l1nq.com/n1uvb32

🌿 Explore the magnificent Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve with the UKZN Durban Alumni Association!

Join us for a refreshing morning surrounded by nature, birdlife, and beautiful scenery as we reconnect and explore one of Durban’s hidden gems. 🍃🦋🐦

📍 Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve
📅 Saturday, 20 June 2026
⏰ 9h30 for 10h00
🎟️ Entrance is free

RSVP by Friday, 12 June 2026.
RSVP here: https://l1nk.dev/64wrh1p

Dean Commends UKZN’s Top MBChB Graduates for Outstanding Academic Achievement

Dean and Head of the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN’s ) School of Medicine, Professor Refiloe Masekela, said: “It is with immense pride and heartfelt congratulations that I acknowledge the outstanding achievement of the 27 summa cm laude graduates from the School of Clinical Medicine.”

Masekela said this remarkable accomplishment reflected exceptional academic excellence, discipline, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to the highest standards of scholarship. “You have distinguished yourselves not only through your intellect, but through your dedication to mastering a profession founded on service, compassion, and excellence.”

She added: “On behalf of the School, I commend each of you for reaching this significant milestone. Your achievement is a testament to your hard work, the support of your families, mentors, and peers, and the academic environment that has nurtured your success. As you progress into the next chapter of your careers, may you carry forward the values of integrity, humility, leadership, and service to society.”

This cohort represented the very best of UKZN, Masekela said

Read More: https://sl1nk.com/0zmnuad

Hey Alumnus✨

Be inspired by our Quote of the Week! 🤩

“ The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing it.”

Words by Walt Disney

Shared by Jacky Kabidu