UKZN Alumni

Missed our “GET THAT JOB” Cover Letter and CV Writing online tutorial?
Don't worry! The recording of the session presented by UKZN’s Career Development Officer Yanga Lufundo is now available.
Watch the recording to gain valuable tips on crafting an impactful cover letter and a professional CV to help you stand out in the job market.
🎥 Access the recording here: https://acesse.one/3qdqtbh

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CLMS Engages in National Conversations on Entrepreneurial Universities

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) College of Law and Management Studies (CLMS) recently participated in the 2026 Entrepreneurial Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Entrepreneurial Executive Leadership Workshop.

Held in Cape Town from 28-29 May, the workshop, led by Universities South Africa (USAf) in partnership with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), brought together university leaders, policymakers, industry representatives, and international experts to explore how South African universities can strengthen entrepreneurship, innovation, employability and societal impact.

The College Dean of Research, Professor Phocenah Nyatanga, was represented at the workshop by Professor Sophia Mukorera, while the University was also represented by Dr Nqobile Angel Cebile Gumede, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at UKZN. Their participation ensured that both College and institutional perspectives were represented in discussions shaping the future of entrepreneurial Higher Education in South Africa.

Held under the theme ‘From Policy to Impact: Driving Implementation and Measuring Outcomes in Entrepreneurial Universities’, the workshop focused on how universities can move beyond policy commitments towards creating measurable impact through entrepreneurship, innovation, graduate employability and societal engagement. A key message emerging from the discussions was that entrepreneurial universities are not simply institutions that support start-ups, but institutions that embed innovation, entrepreneurship, employability, and societal impact across teaching, research, engagement, governance, and institutional culture.

The workshop highlighted the growing expectation that universities should contribute directly to addressing societal challenges such as unemployment, inequality and economic development through innovation-driven solutions and stronger partnerships with industry, government, and communities.

Read more: https://sl1nk.com/hp0o17g

UKZN, let's support our own! ✨

Our alumna, Sinempilo Ngubane, is a Mrs South Africa 2026 Semi-Finalist representing KwaZulu-Natal.

Vote by SMSing SINEMPILO NGUBANE to 4758

UKZN, let's show our support for one of our own!

Our alumna, Sinempilo Ngubane, is representing KwaZulu-Natal as a Mrs South Africa 2026 Semi-Finalist. Join us in rallying behind her as she pursues this remarkable achievement.

Vote by SMSing SINEMPILO NGUBANE to 47587.

For more info on her journey follow the link: https://f.mtr.cool/ezusiprrvk

We proudly congratulate Professor Thabo Msibi, UKZN's Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, on his appointment as Chairperson of the 7th Umalusi Council.

A respected scholar, academic leader and UKZN alumnus, Professor Msibi's appointment is a testament to his outstanding contribution to education and his commitment to advancing quality learning in South Africa.

Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement.

Hey Alumnus✨

Be inspired by our Quote of the Week! 🤩

“ Your greatest weapon is your mind. Train it to see opportunities, not obstacles."

Words Dumo Gqola

UKZN Alumna Secures Spot as Mrs South Africa Semi-Finalist

UKZN alumna, Mrs Sinempilo Ngubane, has secured a spot as a semi-finalist in the Mrs South Africa pageant, a journey she said was inspired by her personal quest for rediscovery.

Diagnosed with a heart condition known as unstable angina in February last year, Ngubane underwent a life-changing surgery that involved the insertion of two metal stents to help keep her coronary arteries open and ensure proper blood circulation and oxygen supply.

The situation forced her to reevaluate her priorities and her outlook on life. “Surviving this health scare sparked a deep sense of purpose, inspiring me to seek fulfilment in ways that positively impact those around me.”

Her days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) were both terrifying and transformative.
After her recovery, she sought to redefine herself beyond her profession and her roles as a wife and mother. “That was the wake-up call I needed to reconnect with the things that once brought me joy and to ask myself who Sinempilo really is.”

This is what sparked her entry into the Mrs South Africa pageant. Having once dreamed of entering Miss South Africa Teen and always admired Mrs South Africa, she plucked up the courage to apply this year. “I decided it was time to revisit those unfulfilled aspirations. I wanted to show myself and other women out there that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.”

As a small-town girl from the rural community of KwaMpande in Pietermaritzburg, she credits her father with laying the groundwork for her discipline and perseverance. “Growing up among my seven siblings, my father made sure that chores were gender-neutral and that everybody contributed equally, whether through herding goats, fetching water, or washing his car.”

Ngubane said her father, who owned a tuck shop and a taxi business, introduced her to the world of business at a young age by entrusting her with tasks that included handling stock counts, placing orders, keeping records, counting cash, and collecting fuel and repair slips.

“Those moments helping my father with his businesses shaped who I am today. Choosing education was a turning point for me because, even as a child, I knew that studying was my ticket to the life I dreamed of.”

Having earned her Bachelor's and Honours degrees in Accounting, as well as a Master's in Business Administration, Ngubane said UKZN has been a defining part of both her personal and professional journey.

A qualified Chartered Accountant and Financial Director, her relationship with UKZN has remained strong well beyond her student years. She has been involved in initiatives that supports the next generation of students through social economic development projects in collaboration with the UKZN foundation.

A firm believer in filling up your own cup before pouring into others, Ngubane prioritises her wellbeing through reading and exercise, allowing her to recharge and be more present for those around her.

She defines true success as enjoying good health and spending quality time outdoors or travelling with her loved ones. Ngubane said a meaningful life also entails contributing to the community by empowering young people through education.
Through her Mrs South Africa journey, she has developed invaluable skills in leadership, public speaking, and networking, which have significantly enhanced her personal and professional life.

“Mrs South Africa has become a platform for self-discovery and purposeful impact. I hope to use this experience to mentor young women and support community initiatives that empower others.

“By sharing my story, participating in outreach projects, and offering guidance to those who need it most, I aim to inspire positive change because, for me, the crown is simply a reflection of the person you become and the lives you touch along the way,” Ngubane added.

UKZN Ranked Among Top 2.5% of Universities Worldwide in Latest Global Rankings

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has once again cemented its standing among the world’s leading Higher Education Institutions, earning a place in the top 2.5% of universities globally in the latest Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) Global 2000 list.

In a ranking that assessed 21 291 universities worldwide, UKZN secured an impressive 532nd position overall, highlighting its growing international reputation for academic excellence and research impact. The University’s standout achievement was in graduate employability, where it ranked 362nd globally, a powerful endorsement of its ability to produce graduates equipped to thrive and lead in an increasingly competitive global economy.

Widely regarded as one of the most rigorous and comprehensive university rankings, CWUR draws on 81 million outcome-based data points and relies exclusively on objective performance indicators. Universities are assessed across four key areas: education, employability, faculty quality, and research, without the use of surveys or institutional submissions. This data-driven approach provides an independent measure of institutional performance and global influence.

Beyond its overall ranking, UKZN continues to strengthen its reputation as a research-intensive university, placing 523rd in the world for research performance. The Institution also remains firmly positioned among the top five universities in both South Africa and Africa, reinforcing its role as a leading centre of scholarship, innovation and societal impact on the continent.

Read More: https://bit.ly/49RGbVt

Congratulations Mr Thabani Mkhize✨

We are proud to celebrate the achievements of our alumnus and University Council member, Thabani Mkhize, on his appointment to a key leadership role at the Africa Health Research Institute. His journey reflects the power of strategic thinking, lifelong learning and service-driven leadership.

As he embarks on this exciting new chapter, we wish him continued success as he contributes to advancing institutional excellence and health research on the African continent.

Congratulations, Thabani. We look forward to seeing the impact of your leadership.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to UKZN alumna Sne Dlamini on her appointment as Group Chief Information and Digital Officer at Sasol.

Her remarkable career journey and leadership in driving digital transformation across global organisations stand as an inspiration to current and future UKZN graduates.

We wish her every success as she takes on this significant role and continues to make an impact in the technology and business landscape.

UKZN Supports Historic Launch of KZN Blind Women’s Cricket

The inaugural training camp for the KwaZulu-Natal Blind Ladies Cricket Team marked a significant milestone for inclusive sport in South Africa when it was hosted at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban.

The pioneering initiative, spearheaded by the KwaZulu-Natal Association of Blind Cricket (KZABC), brought together women from across the province for the first official training camp of the newly established KZN Women’s Blind Cricket Team.

Playing a central role in the success of the camp was Dr Khumbuzile Khumalo, a lecturer in the College of Health Sciences’ Bachelor of Exercise and Leisure Sciences (BELS) programme at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). Serving as team manager, Khumalo contributed extensively to coaching, performance analysis, logistics and team motivation throughout the intensive three-day programme.

The camp featured skills development sessions, match play, leadership training and team-building activities, with support from national blind cricket players and coaches. The programme laid the foundation for the team’s future participation in inter-provincial competitions, including a planned fixture against the Western Cape later this year

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