University of KwaZulu-Natal

University of KwaZulu-Natal

UKZN badge
Motto	The Premier University of African Scholarship
Type	Public
Established	1 January 2004 as merger of UN (est. 1910) and UDW (est. 1960s)
Chancellor	Frene Ginwala
Vice-Chancellor	Prof. Malegapuru William Makgoba (Oxon)
Students	38,532
Undergraduates	28,904
Postgraduates	9,628
Location	Durban and Pietermaritzburg , KwaZulu-Natal , South Africa
Campus	5 urban campuses
Affiliations	AAU, ACU, HESA, IAU
Website	www.ukzn.ac.za

The University of KwaZulu-Natal or UKZN is a public university with five campuses all located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. It was formed on 1 January 2004, Announcing the plan to merge Higher Education Institutions, former Minister of Education, Professor Kader Asmal said: "I can offer you many reasons to motivate the need for change,but the most compelling is that reform of the higher-education system is the surest way to abolish the dual nationhood that apartheid has left us with"

The main clock tower of Old Main Building, located on the Pietermaritzburg campus.

History

The University of KwaZulu-Natal was formed on 1 January 2004 as a result of the merger between the University of Durban-Westville and the University of Natal. The new university brings together the rich histories of both the former Universities.

The University of Durban-Westville was established in the 1960s as the University College for Indians on Salisbury Island in Durban Bay. Student numbers throughout the 1960s were low as a result of the Congress Alliances’ policy of shunning apartheid structures. This policy gave way in the 1980s to a strategy of “education under protest” which sought to transform apartheid institutions into sites of struggle. Student numbers grew rapidly and in 1971, the College was granted University status. The following year, the newly-named University of Durban-Westville moved into its modern campus in Westville and was a site of major anti-apartheid struggle. UDW became an autonomous institution in 1984, opening up to students of all races.

Founded in 1910 as the Natal University College in Pietermaritzburg, the University of Natal was granted independent University status in 1949 owing to its rapid growth in numbers, its wide range of courses and its achievements in and opportunities for research. By that time, the NUC was already a multi-campus institution, having been extended to Durban after World War 1. The distinctive Howard College building was opened in 1931, following a donation by Mr T B Davis, whose son Howard Davis was killed during the Battle of Somme in World War I. In 1946, the government approved a Faculty of Agriculture in Pietermaritzburg and, in 1947, a Medical School for African, Indian and Coloured students in Durban.

The two KwaZulu-Natal universities were among the first batch of South African institutions to merge in 2004 in accordance with the government’s higher educational restructuring plans that will eventually see the number of higher educational institutions in South Africa reduced from 36 to 21. Confirmed by a Cabinet decision in December 2002, the mergers are the culmination of a wide-ranging consultative process on the restructuring of the Higher Education Sector that began in the early 1990s.

Vision, Mission, Principles and Core Values

VISION

To be the premier university of African scholarship.

MISSION

A truly South African university that is academically excellent, innovative in research, critically engaged with society and demographically representative, redressing the disadvantages, inequities and imbalances of the past.

PRINCIPLES AND CORE VALUES

The University commits itself to the principles and values enshrined in the constitution of the Republic of South African and articulated in the preamble to the Higher Education Act of 1997 (as amended).

GOALS The goals of the University are to: Promote access to learning that will expand educational and employment opportunities for the historically disadvantaged, and support social transformation and redress.

Create and develop an enabling environment for all learners and scholars to pursue their studies in accordance with the principles of academic freedom.

Advance knowledge and culture through globally competitive teaching, learning, scholarship and research, innovation and scientific investigation.

Foster a capacity for independent critical thinking, free engagement in fundamental discovery and a reappraisal and extension of traditional views of the world amongst students and staff.

Support and contribute, across the academic enterprise, to national and regional development, and the welfare and upliftment of the wider community.

Provide holistic education which promotes an awareness of social responsibility and sound ethical practice in a diverse society.

Promote and foster tolerance and respect for multilingualism, diverse cultures and social values.

Promote excellence in teaching and learning through creative and innovative curriculum design and development, pedagogical strategies and assessment practices in accordance with sound quality assurance principles.

Strengthen the institution through local and international collaboration, exchanges and partnerships with the private sector and higher education institutions in teaching, research and development enterprises.

Conserve the physical environment, and foster a culture of responsible, ethical, sustainable use of natural resources.

Increase opportunities for lifelong learning in response to the educational, social, political, scientific and economic challenges of our time.

Equip graduates to serve as future leaders of the nation.

Ensure effective governance through democratic representation, accountability, and transparency.

Promote the social and personal well-being of staff and students, and foster the realization of their full human potential.

The University views this vision and mission statement as a reflection of its core values and commitments. In carrying out its various activities, the University seeks to contribute to the building of a just South African society.

Choice of Campuses

From the mountain vistas of the Drakensberg to the wild reaches of Maputaland, KwaZulu-Natal is a province of contrasts. The University of Kwa-Zulu Natal offers prospective students the choice of five campuses, each with its own distinctive character.

Edgewood Formerly the Edgewood College of Education before its incorporation in 2001, the Edgewood campus in Pinetown is the University’s primary site for teacher education and the home of the University’s Faculty of Education. Situated in Pinetown with easy access to the N3 highway and approximately 20 minutes’ drive from Durban, the campus offers sophisticated and attractive facilities to a growing number of Education students. The Faculty provides initial and in-service teacher education and offers university higher degrees in a wide range of specialisms in education as well as carrying out research and consultancy. The Faculty is actively engaged with policy-making in education in South Africa and contributes to the international profile of the university through participation in international conferences, teaching international students, hosting international visitors and publishing in international books and journals.

Howard College Durban is a vibrant coastal city renowned for its beaches and coastal resorts. The city is also a major South African port. The magnificent game reserves and estuaries of Maputaland, north of Durban, are a favourite getaway for staff and students alike. Opened in 1931 following a generous donation by Mr T B Davis, whose son Howard Davis was killed during the Battle of Somme in World War I, the Howard College campus is situated on the Berea and offers spectacular views of the Durban harbour. The campus is situated in a successful environmental conservancy and the lush gardens of the University reflect a commitment to indigenous flora and fauna. The Howard College Campus currently offers a full range of degree options in the fields of Science (including Geography and Environmental disciplines), Engineering, Law, Management Studies, Humanities (including Music) and Social Sciences (including Social Work). In addition, the campus offers Architecture and Nursing.

Medical School Medical School has been producing quality doctors for 54 years. Founded in 1950 as a “black faculty” in a “white institution”, for most of its history, the School has been synonymous with the struggle for democracy and racial equality. On its 50th anniversary in 2000, the Medical School received the finest birthday present it could have wished for – the agreement of former president and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Nelson Mandela, to link his name to the school. The campus is also home to the Doris Duke Medical Research Institute which was launched in July 2003, and which will train a new generation of clinical researchers, enhance the clinical research infrastructure in KwaZulu-Natal, and foster collaborations between research groups working on similar projects in South Africa and other countries.

Pietermaritzburg Pietermaritzburg is located in the centre of the scenic Natal Midlands, close to numerous nature reserves and parks, only one hour's drive from Durban and two hours' drive from the Drakensberg. The city has a rich architectural heritage, with many fine examples of Victorian and Edwardian buildings. The city is the birthplace of the former University of Natal and its forerunner, the Natal University College, which opened its doors to 57 students in 1910. Two years later, Old Main Building was completed and the hub of the present-day PMB campus was established. The campus offers a wide range of innovative academic programmes, which have been successful in responding to local and provincial needs in the broad areas of Science and Agriculture, Education, Law, Human and Management Sciences. Unique to the Pietermaritzburg campus are the disciplines of Agriculture, Theology and Fine Art.

Westville Located within an environmental conservancy about 8 kilometres from the CBD of Durban and Pinetown, the Westville campus combines state of the art infrastructure with beautiful natural surroundings. The campus’s Hindu temple and an Islamic place of worship reflect its rich multicultural history. It is also the official address of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, housing the Vice-Chancellor’s office, the offices of Executive members and University-wide administrative divisions. The campus currently offers programmes in Science, Engineering, Law, Commerce and Management, Humanities, Social Sciences and Health Sciences. As the merged institution takes shape, the Westville campus will be the home of Commerce and Management disciplines and some Health Sciences.

THE UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL’S FIRST CHANCELLOR - DR FRENE GINWALA

File:Http://www.ukzn.ac.za/aboutus/images/Frene.jpg

The Council of the University of KwaZulu-Natal on the 29 April 2005 elected Dr Frene Noshir Ginwala as its first Chancellor to serve for a four year term. In accepting the appointment the Oxford University graduate takes her place as one of only four female University Chancellor’s in the country. Whilst the post of Chancellor is largely ceremonial and advisory the former exile will be occupying the position of ceremonial head during what is a critical time for the University as a newly-merged institution. It is in this context of change, of reconciliation with our past coupled with the challenges of transformation of the present that the University of KwaZulu-Natal welcomes its first Chancellor. It also represents the Council’s commitment to set our fledgling institution on the path of becoming a truly South African University of African Scholarship. Professor Makgoba said, “Dr Ginwala has been a role model for a lot of us intellectually and academically in her pursuit of a fair, just and equitable society and that she encapsulates the totality of all that you need in a figurehead.”

Dr Ginwala has played an active role in the struggle for change not just as an ardent supporter of democracy and freedom but as an crucial member of the ANC. She left South Africa on March 22nd 1960, at the request of the ANC, and organized the escape of Oliver Tambo and Yusuf Dadoo to Tanzania where they established an ANC office. She spent the following 31 years in exile during which she served as Head of the Political Research Unit in the office of President Oliver Tambo and became known for her research on the transfer of military and nuclear technology. She also served as spokesperson in the United Kingdom on sanctions, the nuclear program and the arms and oil embargo relating to South Africa.

Upon her return from exile to South Africa in 1991, Dr Ginwala formed the task force to establish the ANC Women’s League in South Africa. She also helped to set up the Women’s National Coalition, which was representative of women across the political spectrum with the aim of drafting the Charter on Women. She was elected its national convener.

She has been widely published on anti-apartheid and women’s issues. Some of her publications include: Workers under Apartheid; Women under Apartheid; Gender and Economic Policy in a Democratic South Africa and Women and the Elephant, Putting Women on the Agenda.

In our new era, she has made her mark as Speaker of the National Assembly whipping the collective egos that are politicians into shape. In this capacity, she has been instrumental in bringing about the many changes in parliament.

She is the recipient of numerous awards and commendations at home and abroad. The most recent being the Luthuli award bestowed on her by President Thabo Mbeki for her excellent contribution to the struggle against gender oppression and for her tireless contribution to the struggle for a non-sexist, non-racial, just and democratic society.

Dr Ginwala said that she was honoured by the appointment and looked forward to serving the institution as its Chancellor. She also said that, “universities need to meet the challenges of the new democratic order by managing diversity at all levels, including that of race, culture and language.”

The Spring Installation Ceremony planned for the end of September will be an opportunity for the University community to formally welcome its first Chancellor, Dr Frene Ginwala to the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Colleges and Faculties

The University is divided into four colleges, each divided into faculties:

• The College of Humanities
  • The Faculty of Education
  • The Faculty of Humanities, Development, and Social Sciences

• The College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science
  • The Faculty of Engineering
  • The Faculty of Science and Agriculture

• The College of Health Sciences
  • The Faculty of Nursing
  • The Nelson R. Mandela Medical School
  • The Faculty of Health Sciences

• The College of Law and Management Studies
  • The Faculty of Law
  • The Faculty of Management Studies

COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES

Faculty of Humanities Social Sciences and Development Studies In this Faculty students are offered a broad range of programmes from general Arts and Social Science degrees to specialised programmes in disciplines as diverse as Architecture, Social Work, Community Development, Public Policy, Theology and Music.

Bachelor of Arts An Arts degree provides a good foundation for almost any career. It equips you with marketable skills in communication, analytical and critical reading, creative thinking and it also develops cultural awareness. Your subject choice in an Arts degree can include the study of languages, drama, classics, media studies, philosophy, history, music or Visual Arts.

Bachelor of Social Sciences A Bachelor of Social Sciences equips you with problem solving, analytical and critical thinking skills and focuses on applied social research, most especially in the African context. The most popular subjects amongst Social Science students are Media Studies, Sociology, Ethics, Philosophy,Psychology and Community Development and Politics and many students combine one of these subjects with a major in Law.

Psychology You can study Psychology as part of an Arts or Social Sciences degree (or as part of a Commerce or Science degree). Those wishing to become a professionally registered psychologist would begin with taking psychology in their first year, and then be selected to continue studying Psychology in their second year.

Bachelor of Theology Obviously, people wishing to work in a church as minister, priest, or lay worker, would take a degree in Theology, but many Theology graduates find their way into careers in community service and community development

Faculty of Education The Faculty of Education offers programmes of study in three broad areas. Initial Teacher Education for school leavers who wish to qualify as teachers, Continuing Teacher Education for practicing teachers who wish to upgrade their qualifications and Postgraduate Studies for students wishing to obtain higher degrees in the field of education. School leavers wishing to qualify as teachers can choose one of two routes: the Bachelor of Education or the Postgraduate Certificate in Education. Bachelor of Education (BEd) This is a four-year, vocationally specific, professional degree offered on the Edgewood Campus that integrates, from the first year, both the academic study and the professional preparation required to be a teacher. Successful completion of the programme qualifies the student for registration with the South African Council for Educators (SACE) and for employment in South African schools. Within the Bed programme students are able to elect one of five specialization tracks. Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) The PGCE provides students who have already completed an initial degree with a professional qualification to teach. The qualification is offered as a one year full-time course on both the Edgewood and the Pietermaritzburg Campuses and prepares students as subject specialists qualified to teach in the Senior Phase and the FET Band of secondary schools

COLLEGE OF LAW AND MANAGEMENT STUDIES

The College of Law and Management Studies at UKZN is an incubator for leaders and impassioned contributors to society. With an exceptional group of world-class academics, industrious students and rigorous academic programmes, we provide an environment for exploring different scholarly and social perspectives, and for the conception of innovative, pioneering ideas. At UKZN we offer you a place where you can discover exciting challenges; a place where you can explore and fulfil your potential; a place where you can dare to dream and find the tools to turn dreams into a reality. Join us in our journey in search of knowledge! We offer the following qualifications : Bachelor of Commerce Bachelor of Administration Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) Bachelor of Business Science Bachelor of Business Administration Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Bachelor of Business Science (Actuarial Science) The LLB is offered on both the Howard College and Pietermaritzburg Campuses. The Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) are offered on both the Westville and Pietermaritzburg Campuses. The Bachelor of Administration, Bachelor of Business Science and Bachelor of Business Science (Actuarial Science) are only offered on the Westville Campus. The Bachelor of Business Administration is only offered on the Pietermaritzburg Campus. Both the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Management Studies have Alternative Access programmes for candidates who do not obtain the minimum Matric points

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES The Faculty of Health Sciences Recognised as a Centre of Excellence in health professional education, research and community programmes, the College provides a unified and holistic approach to teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels across three campuses. The College boasts among its staff some of the most eminent and respected names in academia. Publications in peer reviewed journals are impressive and continue to grow, so too is the authorship of scientific and health sciences books. All health professional students are required to register with a statutory council which lays down training requirements and registration qualifications in terms of specific law.

The Faculty of Health Sciences Established in 1976, the Faculty has a rich heritage as a socially responsive institution in its core activities. Academic and research programmes are community based providing both undergraduate and postgraduate students with a wealth of experience and expertise. Global collaboration and international funding promotes continuous research in most disciplines and the Faculty celebrates links with organizations in the UK, USA, Lesotho and Botswana, Germany, The Netherlands, Kenya and Tanzania. We offer the following qualifications: Bachelor of Nursing Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced Practice) Diplomas and Certificates in Nursing Diploma in Oral Health Bachelor of Communication Pathology (Audiology) Bachelor of Communication Pathology (Speech-Language Pathology) Bachelor of Dental Therapy Bachelor of Medical Science (Anatomy) Bachelor of Medical Science (Physiology) Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Bachelor of Optometry Bachelor of Pharmacy Bachelor of Physiotherapy Bachelor of Sport Science

THE NELSON R MANDELA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE Since its inception in 1950 the Medical School has committed itself to producing highly qualified and experienced medical practitioners dedicated to improving the quality of life of South Africans. The Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine presently offers a 5-year course leading to registerable basic medical qualification, the degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) are taken concurrently. The course is composed of modules that range in number from 5 to 7 per year of study. The MBChB programme at the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine achieves this using a mix of problem based learning, lectures, clinical bedside teaching, rural attachments and research electives. Candidates will be exposed to clinical situations in the programme, starting early in the programme, and increasing in time spent and responsibility taken. The course is planned to ensure the highest possible standard of education and training by stimulating and encouraging understanding rather than rote learning. All medical undergraduate education is administered and directed by the School of Undergraduate Medical Education in the Faculty in accordance with the training requirements laid down by the Health Professions Council of South Africa(HPCSA) for the Degree of MBChB. In its 56 year history, the Medical School has earned recognition for research into hypertension, diabetes, oesophageal cancer, vascular diseases, orthopaedics, HIV/AIDS, women’s health and liver diseases in partnership/ collaboration with renowned universities and organizations in the USA and Great Britain

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE

Invest in your future with the disciplines of Agriculture, Engineering and Science at the University of KwaZulu- Natal. Our wide variety of degrees and diplomas are designed to equip students with the principles, skills and expertise to meet the challenges of the 21st century. They are up-todate, relevant to industry and internationally recognised. Some are unique to UKZN and are not offered at other tertiary institutions. Agricultural, Engineering and Science students are encouraged to learn through interactive experiences and have access to top class facilities. Research centres operate at the cutting edge of technology and enjoy support from external organisations and funders. The Shuttleworth Foundation recently demonstrated its commitment to Science at UKZN by donating a R1 million Open Source Software Computer laboratory. The Carnegie Corporation of New York has also pledged its support in the form of scholarships for women in the fields of Science, Engineering and Agriculture.

We offer the following qualifications : Bachelor of Agriculture Bachelor of Agricultural Management Bachelor of Science in Agriculture(with specialisations in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Animal & Poultry Science, Biochemistry, Crop Science, Forestry,Genetics, Grassland Science, Horticultural Science, Microbiology, Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, Soil Science) Bachelor of Science (general BSc or focussed BSc) Bachelor of Science in Dietetics Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Agricultural / Bioresources, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical) Bachelor of Science in Property Management Bachelor of Science in Land Surveying

Notable alumni

• Imani Sanga, composer and ethnomusicologist
• Syd Kitchen, singer/songwriter

As the university has only existed since 2004, very few of its graduates have had the opportunity to attain great fame. There are, however, numerous notable alumni of its founding institutions some of which are listed below. It should also be noted that alumni have played key roles in a number of other countries aside from South Africa such as the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canda and the USA.

• Karthy Govender, commissioner for South African Human Rights Commission
• Radhakrishna Padayachi, deputy Minister of Communications in South Africa

Steve Biko, anti-apartheid activist Colin Bundy, Warden, Green College, Oxford; Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of London Mangosuthu Buthelezi, leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party Sheila Cussons, poet Lev David, writer, radio producer/presenter and media consultant Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Minister of Foreign Affairs in South Africa Adrian Furnham, organizational and applied psychologist and management expert Mazisi Kunene, poet David Lewis-Williams, is Professor emeritus of Cognitive Archaeology at the University of the Witwatersrand specialising in Palaeolithic and Bushmen rock art. Douglas Livingstone, contemporary poet Lara Logan, television journalist for CBS News Colin Moss, actor Fatima Meer, writer, academic and anti-apartheid activist Frank Mdlalose, first premier of KwaZulu-Natal

D.J. Opperman, Afrikaans poet David Papineau, academic philosopher Alan Paton, author, Cry, The Beloved Country Pat Pillai, presenter e.tv News Mamphela Ramphele, academic, businesswoman, medical doctor and anti-apartheid activist Sydney Skaife, entomologist, naturalist and conservationist William Smith, television mathematics and science teacher John van de Ruit, novelist, actor, playwright and producer Trevor Wadley, electrical engineer and inventor of the Wadley Loop Alan Whiteside, AIDS researcher and author

External links

• UKZN official site