UKZN Alumni

UKZN Positions Sport as a Strategic Intellectual Property Asset at World IP Day 2026

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) marked World Intellectual Property Day 2026 with a compelling showcase on how sport is evolving into a powerful intellectual property (IP) asset, aligned with the global theme ‘IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate’! led by the National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO).

Hosted on the Westville campus, the event brought together academics, legal experts, industry leaders and students to explore how IP is transforming sport into a driver of innovation, revenue and institutional growth.

Facilitator Professor Rowena Naidoo, Academic Leader for Sport Science, highlighted the often-overlooked connection between sport and IP: “Intellectual property is far more connected to sport than we actually appreciate.”

Opening the session, UKZN medical biochemist and Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation (Acting), Professor Anil Chuturgoon stressed that modern sport extended far beyond physical performance: “Sport is no longer just about performance - it is about technology, branding and data.”

Chuturgoon positioned universities as critical players in this ecosystem, urging researchers and students to become more “IP savvy” in recognising and protecting their innovations.

Read More: https://bit.ly/4uhI1q4

The University of KwaZulu-Natal's College of Law and Management Studies invites prospective postgraduate students, final-year undergraduate students, alumni, and working professionals to attend its Postgraduate Open Days 2026.

The Open Days will provide an opportunity to learn more about the College's diverse range of Postgraduate Diploma, Master's and Doctoral programmes offered through the Graduate School of Business and Leadership, as well as the disciplines of Accounting, Economics, Finance, Law and Management, and the Unit of Maritime Law and Maritime Studies.

EVENT DETAILS
Pietermaritzburg Open Day
Date: Tuesday, 30 June 2026
Time: 15h00 – 19h30
Venue: Lawn in front of the Commerce and Law Buildings, Golf Road Campus, Pietermaritzburg

Durban Open Day
Date: Thursday, 2 July 2026
Time: 15h00 – 19h30
Venue: Aha Gateway Hotel, Corner Centenary Boulevard and Twilight Drive, Umhlanga Ridge

Take the next step towards a future-ready career and join us at one of our Postgraduate Open Days.

RSVP here: https://bit.ly/4vnPftj

Walk-ins are welcome!

UKZN Alumnus and Lecturer A Champion of Integrating Traditional Medicine into the Mainstream

As Africa commemorates Africa Day, the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) shines a spotlight on pioneering work that affirms African scholarship, innovation and indigenous knowledge systems as the University continues striving to be a leading research institution on the continent.

UKZN has cemented its place as a pioneer in advancing African indigenous knowledge systems and traditional medicine research. Long before the global shift towards integrative healthcare, UKZN recognised the value of African healing practices and became a leader in bridging the gap between traditional and Western medicine through research, teaching and collaboration. At the centre of this journey is Professor Nceba Gqaleni, whose work has helped position the University at the forefront of integrating indigenous healing into mainstream healthcare in South Africa and beyond.

A chance opportunity has ensured that a University of Strathclyde (Scotland) PhD graduate and University of Natal (now University of KwaZulu-Natal) Master of Science in Biochemistry graduate who had set his sights on advancing his academic career has found himself as a midwife of a critical project. Today, Gqaleni is a leading advocate of a movement that has blazed the trail in putting African traditional healing methods in the mainstream of modern medicine.

Until UKZN had the foresight to incorporate African traditional health methods into its curricula, centuries of colonialism and decades of Apartheid had ensured that traditional healing remained on the periphery and was caricatured as inferior and backward while Western modern medicine was put on the pedestal as the standard. The perceptions of the one about the other had engendered mutual suspicion and disdain.

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

UKZN Launches Hluma Programme to Advance Indigenous Knowledge, Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has officially launched the Hluma Centre for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubator (CFERI), a pioneering programme led by the College of Health Sciences and the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science.

The Centre was launched in a bid to integrate traditional medicine, indigenous crops, and innovation to drive entrepreneurship, economic development and inclusive growth; and brings together researchers, industry partners, government agencies, as well as emerging entrepreneurs to unlock the commercial potential of Africa’s indigenous knowledge systems while strengthening food security, health innovation, and township and rural development.

Hluma Co-Director, Professor Nceba Gqaleni, highlighted UKZN’s leadership in traditional medicine and indigenous knowledge systems research, noting the University’s unique position on the continent.

“I must proudly say that we are the only university in sub-Saharan Africa with a Traditional Medicine discipline. I think I’m not afraid to say in Africa…we’ve embraced this broad spectrum of health and medicine,” said Gqaleni.

He reflected on the philosophy underpinning the programme, emphasising the enduring relationship between food and medicine in African knowledge systems.

“What we historically knew when growing up is that our food is our medicine, and our medicine is our food. That’s what we are bringing here today,” he said.

Read More: https://l1nq.com/d3bnffm

UKZN Alumni Reconnect at Successful Social Networking and Wine Tasting Evening

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) recently hosted a Social Networking and Wine Tasting Evening, providing alumni with an opportunity to reconnect with their alma mater and fellow graduates in a relaxed and engaging setting. The event, held at the MW Makgoba Building on the Westville Campus, brought together alumni from various professions and generations for an evening of networking, collaboration, and celebration.

The evening commenced with a warm welcome from the Executive Director of Corporate Relations, Dr Normah Zondo, who greeted attendees and highlighted the importance of maintaining strong connections between the University and its alumni community.
Addressing the gathering, the Director of Corporate Affairs, Ms Xoliswa Zulu, emphasized the significance of alumni engagement and lifelong relationships with the University.

“Such events are important because they remind us that our relationship with the University does not end at graduation. Rather, graduation marks the beginning of a lifelong connection between alumni and their alma mater,” she said.

She further noted that UKZN's alumni network consists of leaders, professionals, academics, entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers whose achievements continue to strengthen and elevate the University's reputation both locally and internationally.
“Our alumni community represents an incredible network of leaders, professionals, academics, entrepreneurs, innovators and changemakers who continue to make meaningful contributions in various sectors locally, nationally and internationally. Your achievements continue to strengthen and elevate the UKZN name wherever you go,” she added.

Ms Zulu also spoke about the University's commitment to strengthening collaboration with alumni through enhanced networking opportunities and college-based engagement initiatives.She encouraged alumni to share their ideas on how the University can engage more effectively and create opportunities that are meaningful and beneficial for both alumni and the institution.
“We look forward to building stronger connections and meaningful partnerships with you in the future,” she concluded.

The programme continued with a presentation by Mr Finn Christensen, Head of Alumni Relations, who provided an overview of the Alumni Relations Office and highlighted several upcoming alumni activities and initiatives. These include a collaboration event with the Centre for Creative Arts—a Poetry Evening scheduled for 12 June 2026, the Durban Alumni Association's guided walk-through Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve on 20 June 2026, and the annual alumni weekend getaway held each November.

Mr Christensen also highlighted other alumni engagement activities such as campus tours, reunion support, and networking events hosted across KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa.
“We welcome your ideas and suggestions for events, talks, tours and other activities, and look forward to seeing you at more events in the future,” he said.

One of the highlights of the evening was the wine tasting experience led by UKZN alumnus and wine collector, Mr Peter Feuilherade. Sharing his extensive knowledge and passion for wine, Mr Feuilherade guided attendees through an informative and enjoyable tasting session, which was followed by a lively question-and-answer discussion.

The vote of thanks was delivered by UKZN Convocation President, Dr Qiniso Mlita, who expressed appreciation to the organising team for hosting a meaningful and successful event. He also thanked Mr Feuilherade for sharing his expertise and enthusiasm during the wine tasting experience.

Lastly, Dr Mlita extended his gratitude to all alumni who attended the event.

“Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to join us today. Your presence has contributed greatly to the success of this event,” he said.

The evening concluded with entertainment and networking, allowing alumni to strengthen existing relationships, establish new connections, and celebrate their shared UKZN experience. The event reaffirmed the University's commitment to fostering lifelong relationships with its graduates and creating opportunities for meaningful engagement within the UKZN alumni community.

Words: Ayabulela Mbhele
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

Hey Alumnus✨

Be inspired by our Quote of the Week! 🤩

“ Don't take shortcuts they only lead to huge mess-ups- Do it right the first time."

Words by Umme Tameem Osman

The partnership between the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and Durban City Football Club (FC) bore more exciting fruit with three talented UKZN footballers officially recruited into the club’s DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) Squad for the 2026/27 season.

Fresh from a historic Nedbank Cup triumph and an impressive debut season in the Betway Premiership, Durban City FC unveiled student-athletes Mr Amukelwa Tau, Mr Wandile Gigaba and Mr Lwandiso Yalo during a vibrant ceremony held at the UKZN Football Stadium on the Howard College campus.

The occasion marked a proud moment for both institutions as the three players moved from university football into the professional development ranks of one of South Africa’s fastest-growing football clubs, Durban City FC. The unveiling highlighted the growing success of the strategic partnership signed between UKZN and Durban City FC just over a year ago to strengthen high-performance football development and create professional pathways for young talent.

The atmosphere at the stadium was electric as students, supporters and football officials gathered to celebrate the achievements of the student trio, whose hard work and dedication have earned them an opportunity to compete at a higher level of the game.

Executive Director for Corporate Relations at UKZN Dr Normah Zondo described the occasion as a breakthrough moment for student sport and youth development.

Read More: https://sl1nk.com/hryz3jh

Dear Alumni

The Corporate Relations Division present the latest edition of UKZNTouch Alumni Publication. The publication celebrates the creative excellence and impact of our graduates who are making meaningful contributions across the arts and creative industries.

The digital copy of the publication is available on this link: https://ukzn.ac.za/ukzn-touch/

Limited printed copies of the publication are available upon request. For enquiries, please email the Alumni Relations Office at [email protected]

Regards
UKZN Team

Professor Nompumelelo Zondi Appointed Mazisi Kunene Research Chair

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has appointed Professor Nompumelelo Zondi as the Mazisi Kunene Research Chair in the School of Arts, marking an important moment for UKZN’s College of Humanities and for African-centred scholarship more broadly.

Zondi’s appointment comes during a milestone year as in 2026 the University marks 20 years since the passing of Professor Mazisi Kunene, South Africa’s Poet Laureate and one of the most influential scholars of isiZulu literature and African intellectual traditions. The Chair honours his legacy while advancing new research rooted in language, cultural memory and community engagement.

For Zondi, the appointment carries both institutional and personal meaning. “Being appointed as the Mazisi Kunene Research Chair in the College of Humanities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal is a profound honour and a tremendous responsibility,” she said. “Particularly as we mark 20 years since Mazisi Kunene’s passing.”

Read More: https://l1nq.com/tk7h9kd

Happy Africa Day!