Welcome to the inaugural edition of the Vice-Chancellor’s Newsletter, where we proudly showcase the exceptional achievements of our staff, alumni, and university community. As we embark on this exciting journey, we invite you to join us in celebrating the remarkable contributions and successes that make UKZN a beacon of excellence.
Celebrating Staff Achievement: Honouring Our Stars in this edition – We shine a spotlight on the outstanding accomplishments of our talented staff members who continue to excel in their respective fields. From groundbreaking research to exceptional leadership, our staff exemplify academic excellence and dedication. Let’s applaud their remarkable achievements together.
Alumni Achievements: Pioneering Paths and Impactful Contributions – We take pride in highlighting the achievements of our esteemed alumni who are making significant contributions across various industries and disciplines. Their success stories inspire us and showcase the lasting impact of a UKZN education on the global stage.
Media Coverage Highlights: Showcasing Our University’s Triumphs – Our university’s successes and achievements have garnered extensive media coverage, reflecting our commitment to excellence and innovation. From groundbreaking research to transformative initiatives, these highlights demonstrate our dedication to making a positive difference in our communities and beyond.
As we launch this newsletter, we invite the UKZN community to stay tuned for future updates on the latest developments, projects, and achievements at our university. Together, let’s continue to celebrate excellence, progress, and the collective impact of our remarkable community.
Thank you for joining us on this exciting journey of celebration and discovery. Here’s to many more achievements and successes ahead.
Celebrating Excellence: Honouring Our Remarkable Staff
We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding contributions and successes of our talented staff members who continue to shine in their respective fields. Let’s applaud their remarkable achievements:
UKZN Launches Aerospace Systems Research Institute: I am also pleased to report on the launch of
the Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI), as well as its funding to the tune of R182 million
from the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI). Formerly known as the Aerospace Systems
Research Group (ASReG), the Institute was established in 2009 to conduct applied research in aerospace engineering and develop highly skilled engineers for the South African economy. The ASRI has worked tirelessly in researching the science of rocketry – machines that fly higher and faster than any other – with the help of the DSI. The allocation of these funds paves the way for the
development of a commercial satellite launch vehicle for South Africa by 2028 and underscores the profound significance of the Launching Capability programme within the aerospace industry’s value chain. The ASRI is on course in developing a home-grown commercial launch vehicle designed to place satellites in orbit from South African soil, yet another feat in our mission of being a truly South African university that is academically excellent and innovative. On behalf of the entire University community, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the ASRI team for their outstanding accomplishments. Their success is a source of immense pride for all of us at UKZN.
Honorary Professor Sushant Gosh: Ranked in the top 2% of cited researchers globally, Professor Gosh from the School of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science sets a stellar example of academic excellence.
Dr Alexandre Delport and Dr Nireshni Mitrchev: Among the seven female scientists honoured with the L’Oréal – UNESCO for Women in Science (FWIS) South African National Young Talents Programme Award, Dr Delport and Dr Mitrchev showcase ground breaking research in biochemistry and health sciences.
Professor Fernando Albericio: Recognised by the Boulder Peptide Society with the prestigious 2024 Meienhofer Award, Professor Albericio’s lifetime dedication to peptide science earns international acclaim, marking him as only the second scientist outside the US to achieve this honour.
Ms Boitumelo Loate and Mr Virodh Singh: Named among the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants’ (SAICA) Top 35-under-35 list, Ms Loate and Mr Singh of the School of Accounting, Economics, and Finance exemplify excellence in their profession.
Mr Naren Bhimsan: Winning first prize for his presentation at the Human Patient Simulation Network (HPSN) in India, Mr Bhimsan, Manager of the Simulated Modules in Anaesthesia and Resuscitation Training (SMART) Centre, demonstrates exceptional leadership in medical education.
Professor Motshedisi Sebitloane: Awarded the 2023 Best Women African Researcher Award under the Women’s Health category at the Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS), Professor Sebitloane’s research on HIV treatment and premature menopause highlights her significant contributions to women’s health.
Professor Ncoza Dlova: As the first Black woman Dean in the 75-year history of UKZN’s Medical School, Professor Dlova’s receipt of the Gold Medal Scientific Merit Award from the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) is a testament to her groundbreaking work in the field of medicine.
Dr Bawinile Hadebe: Awarded the 2023 Discovery Foundation Fellowship Award for her pioneering PhD research on The Impact of Gallium-68 Pentixafor in Solid Tumours, Dr Hadebe’s dedication to advancing medical knowledge is commendable.
Ms Kristy Greener: Despite facing challenges due to idiopathic motor polyneuropathy, Ms Greener’s remarkable achievement as a first-time Midmar Mile medallist showcases her resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Let us congratulate and celebrate the exceptional accomplishments of these remarkable individuals who bring pride and distinction to UKZN.
Alumni Achievements:
Highlighting the achievements of our esteemed alumni who continue to make significant contributions in their respective fields.
Professor Yuben Moodley: A pioneer in respiratory medicine, Professor Moodley’s groundbreaking discoveries have led to world-class clinical trials. He currently holds the position of Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University of Western Australia and serves as a Consultant Physician at Fiona Stanley Hospital.
Dr Ntokozo Mzimela: Recognised as a Global Health Icon at the 2023 Zenith Global Health Awards in London, Dr Mzimela, an alumnus of UKZN’s Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, continues to make strides in global health initiatives.
Dr Yusentha Balakrishna: With a PhD in Statistics from UKZN, Dr Balakrishna serves as a Specialist Statistician within the Biostatistics Research Unit of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), contributing significantly to research and data analysis.
Ms Zama Chonco: A graduate of UKZN’s Bachelor of Law programme, Ms Chonco’s inclusion in the Mail & Guardian’s 2023 Top 200 Young South Africans reflects her remarkable achievements in the legal profession.
Ms Phakamile Mazibuko: Recognised as the Community Builder of the Year at the Sebenza Women’s Awards 2023, Ms Mazibuko’s dedication to community development exemplifies the values instilled at UKZN.
Media Coverage Highlights University Triumphs
Our university’s successes and achievements have garnered extensive media coverage, showcasing our commitment to excellence. Here are some notable highlights:
UKZN achieved a significant milestone as the first South African university to receive a Certificate of Recognition from the Southern African Institute of Government Auditors (SAIGA) for our academically sound Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting degree.
Professor Mariza Vorster, Head of Nuclear Medicine, was honoured with the prestigious Maurits W. Geerlings 2023 Next Generation Award for her outstanding research and contributions to Actinium-225 Radiopharmaceuticals in Munich, Germany.
Dr Kogie Naidoo was awarded the esteemed Outstanding Female Scientist Prize by the European Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), a research program of the European Union (EU).
Our university launched the ground-breaking Critical Social Justice and Citizenship Module, designed to combat prejudicial and discriminatory attitudes while addressing societal injustices such as gender-based violence, racism, xenophobia, and homophobia.
UKZN signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Emory University, a renowned institution in drug development in the United States. This collaboration aims to tackle viral diseases caused by priority pathogens in Africa through student exchanges, staff research visits, and joint drug development initiatives.
These achievements exemplify our dedication to innovation, excellence, and societal impact. We look forward to continuing our journey of success and making a positive difference in our communities.
Regards,
Professor Nana Poku
Vice-Chancellor and Principal