University of KwaZulu-Natal

Sekunjalo!🎓 Join us from 4th of May to the 15th of May as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our graduates.  Follow our social media platforms for more updates. #UKZNGrad2026 #UKZN #InspiringGreatness #Inspired2032

Join us at Howard College theatre for our 2026 Science with Jazz seminar series! Featuring Professor Beatriz G. de la Torre and Dr Sibusiso ‘Mash’ Mashiolane. #UKZN #InspiringGreatness

Reopening the vault on that front-row energy where our Academic Procession and PhD graduates absolutely set the standard. 🏆❤️ Seeing the heavy academic robes meet pure joy, rhythm and proud smiles was a whole vibe of its own. Prestige, excellence and the ultimate victory walk!  #UKZNGrad2026 #UKZN #InspiringGreatness #Inspired2032 #LoveMyUKZN

The degrees are locked in, but the drip is eternal.  A quick look back at the absolute main character energy from #UKZNGrad2026. They didn't just walk the stage they owned it. 🎓🔥🤭 #UKZNGrad2026 #UKZN #InspiringGreatness #Inspired2032 #LoveMyUKZN

Ms Bolelang Tsolo matriculated from Brebner High School in Bloemfontein, but with marks not sufficient to gain university entrance for her course choice. Tsolo then enrolled at the University of the Free State (UFS) through an access programme, a turning point that allowed her to build confidence. Read more: bitly.cx/5MpUj #UKZNGrad2026 #UKZN #InspiringGreatness #Inspired2032 #LoveMyUKZN

Master of Science (MSc) degree graduate Ms Tasmiya Papiah is already making meaningful contributions to South Africa’s growing presence in cutting-edge astrophysics research. Read more: bitly.cx/0UCa #UKZNGrad2026 #UKZN #InspiringGreatness #Inspired2032 #LoveMyUKZN

By graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Statistics, Mr Jaedon Naidu distinguished himself once again as a University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) top-performing student. Naidu’s efforts secured him a place at the University of Oxford in England, where he will read for a master’s degree in Statistical Science when the new academic year begins in October. Read more: bitly.cx/a72T2 #UKZNGrad2026 #UKZN #InspiringGreatness #Inspired2032 #LoveMyUKZN

We proudly celebrate the incredible Class of 2025 Medical Graduates.🎓 Years of relentless dedication, sacrifice, and resilience have officially paid off. They entered these halls as students, and  they walk out as doctors ready to heal, lead, and serve our communities. Congratulations to our newest healthcare heroes! #UKZNGrad2026 #UKZN #InspiringGreatness #Inspired2032 #LoveMyUKZN

Mr Jaedon Naidu graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree, earning the highest credit-weighted average (CWA) across the entire University. He is off to pursue his master's degree in the UK later this year. #UKZNGrad2026 #UKZN #InspiringGreatness #Inspired2032 #LoveMyUKZN

Kimberely Fynn shared with us about how she manages to balance her studies with her rugby commitments and being a mom. Kimberely is part of the UKZN Impi ladies and has also played for the Sharks. She is a Bachelor of Architecture (Honours) graduate and is currently pursuing her master's degree. #UKZNGrad2026 #UKZN #InspiringGreatness #Inspired2032 #LoveMyUKZN

Nosipho Nonjabulo Memela from eMbumbulu has graduated with a Bachelor of Agricultural Management Honours degree.  The 24-year-old is passionate about modelling and has just entered the running for the Miss SA pageant. She believes peer education is a transformative approach that South Africa can continue to use in addressing teenage pregnancy and other health challenges affecting the youth.  Keep Inspiring Greatness Nosipho! #UKZNGrad2026 #UKZN #InspiringGreatness #Inspired2032 #LoveMyUKZN

Attention Grade 11 & 12, Parents and Teachers, this is for you. Please join us for an informative online session on how to apply to UKZN with confidence.  Date: 30 May 2026 Time: 10H00 – 12H00 (CAT) Platform: Microsoft Teams  RSVP Link: bitly.cx/kf9Rj #UKZN #InspiringGreatness

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. Read more: bitly.cx/zkx8X #UKZNGrad2026 #UKZN #InspiringGreatness #Inspired2032 #LoveMyUKZN

University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) master’s graduate, Mr Kitenge Sumbu, has contributed to advancing sustainable water treatment by developing an innovative membrane that improves the removal of harmful pollutants from industrial wastewater. Read more: bitly.cx/cSTWU #UKZNGrad2026 #UKZN #InspiringGreatness #Inspired2032 #LoveMyUKZN

Ms Nolwazi Mcwabe, who graduated summa cum laude with a Master of Science (MSc) in Engineering (Chemical Engineering), pursued her postgraduate studies with the clear intent of contributing to sustainable development through innovative, locally driven solutions. Read more: bitly.cx/qdJaw #UKZNGrad2026 #UKZN #InspiringGreatness #Inspired2032 #LoveMyUKZN

The Grateful Call📞💛  | For Gogo, With Love! Okuhle makes one grateful call to his late grandmother, the woman who believed in him before the world could see the vision. Though she is no longer here to witness this milestone, her love, prayers, and sacrifices continue to live through him. #UKZNGrad2026 #UKZN #InspiringGreatness #Inspired2032 #LoveMyUKZN

We caught up with Zainub Vawda, who graduated with a Bachelor of Education Honours in Educational Psychology cum laude. She spoke to us about her journey to graduation and her research into bullying amongst school learners in South Africa. She is currently studying towards her Masters at UKZN. #UKZNGrad2026 #UKZN #InspiringGreatness #Inspired2032 #LoveMyUKZN

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) celebrated Ms Nqobile Nzima, who graduated as one of the top students in Occupational Therapy from the College of Health Sciences (CHS). Her achievement reflects resilience, faith, and a passion for helping others. Read more: bitly.cx/8kjnm #UKZNGrad2026 #UKZN #InspiringGreatness #Inspired2032 #LoveMyUKZN

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Dentistry and broader Health Sciences community celebrated Ms Iliana Minnie, who graduated with her Bachelor of Oral Hygiene, marking an achievement shaped by discipline, resilience, and a deep commitment to patient-centred care. Read more: bitly.cx/xFZ23 #UKZNGrad2026 #UKZN #InspiringGreatness #Inspired2032 #LoveMyUKZN

The families, friends, lecturers, mentors and peers of Ms Marili Breytenbach, Ms Tiara Naidoo and Ms Viwe Zikhali joined in celebrating their graduation with bachelor’s degrees from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) on 13 May 2026.  Read more: bitly.cx/lRm9v #UKZNGrad2026 #UKZN #InspiringGreatness #Inspired2032 #LoveMyUKZN

Tears of Joy for Domestic Worker as Son Graduates from UKZN as a Medical Doctor Tears of joy marked a proud milestone for Dr Andile Mkhungo and his family when he graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB). For his mother, Ms Philile Mkhungo, a domestic worker who supported his journey through years of sacrifice and perseverance, the day was especially meaningful - one she described as “a day that the Lord has made”.  Born in the rural Jolivet community in KwaZulu-Natal and raised in informal settlements in Umlazi’s D Section in eThekwini, Mkhungo understood from a young age that education would be his ultimate key to success.  “Graduating as one of the top students in the MBChB programme is one of the proudest moments of my life,” Mkhungo said, adding that achieving his degree with top honours has always been a dream of his “because it represents the dedication, discipline, and perseverance I poured into my six-year Medical journey.” Mkhungo said the achievement reflected countless hours of studying, personal sacrifices, and unwavering determination to pursue excellence in Medicine. “My greatest inspiration has always been my mother. I watched her work tirelessly to ensure that I could pursue my childhood dream of becoming a doctor.”  “Growing up in the squatter settlements of Umlazi exposed me to many social and economic challenges, but it also became the very motivation that pushed me to work harder. I knew that education would be the key to transforming my family’s circumstances and giving back to the community that raised me.” Mkhungo’s passion for helping others was deeply shaped by personal experience. “Losing my grandmother at a young age due to complications of diabetes had a profound impact on my life. Witnessing how chronic illness can affect families inspired me to pursue Medicine and dedicate my life to caring for patients with similar conditions.” Mkhungo is currently serving as a medical intern at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital - the largest hospital in Southern Africa and one of the largest hospitals in the world.  “Working in such a demanding and dynamic environment has been both humbling and empowering, as it exposes me daily to complex clinical cases and reinforces my commitment to becoming a compassionate and competent physician.” Mkhungo reflected on his training, noting that he had the privilege of learning from remarkable clinicians such as Professor Bilkish Cassim, Professor Ayesha Motala, Dr Fraser Pirie, Dr Ashraff Moosa, Dr Nokwazi Shandu, and Dr Onke Nonkala, as well as his ‘favourite’ mentors, Dr Sandile Kubheka and Dr Thabani Nkwanyana, whom he said continue to guide and inspire him. “Through their mentorship, I truly discovered my sense of belonging in Internal Medicine.” “I was born in Hluthankungu in Highflats but grew up in Umlazi, where I completed my matric at Zwelibanzi High School. I graduated from high school with seven distinctions and an overall aggregate of 90%, an achievement that marked the beginning of my academic journey towards Medicine.” Mkhungo said the journey to becoming a doctor was not without challenges. “Coming from a disadvantaged background meant that I often had to overcome financial and social barriers. However, these challenges never discouraged me; instead, they strengthened my resilience and determination. I remained focused on my goals, worked diligently, and constantly reminded myself why I started this journey. With the support of my family, mentors, and faith, I was able to persevere through difficult moments and emerge stronger. These experiences shaped me into the person and doctor I am becoming today.” Mkhungo’s greatest pillars of support throughout his life have remained his mother and aunt, Ms Ayanda Mkhungo-Fakazi. “Their sacrifices, encouragement, and unwavering belief in my potential gave me the strength to keep pushing forward even during the most difficult times.” Mkhungo’s personal motto is: “If you don’t do it, no one will do it for you”, which he said reminded him to take ownership of his dreams and to work relentlessly toward achieving them. Going forward, Mkhungo aspires to continue expanding his Medical knowledge and eventually specialise in Internal Medicine, although he has also developed a strong appreciation for Radiology. “Beyond my professional aspirations, one of my personal goals is to complete the legendary Comrades Marathon, which represents endurance, discipline, and perseverance - values that resonate deeply with my journey. In my spare time, I enjoy running, which helps me maintain balance, discipline, and mental clarity while navigating the demands of a career in Medicine.” Reflecting on my journey, becoming a doctor is more than just a personal achievement, but it represents hope, resilience, and the power of perseverance. My story is a reminder that one’s background does not determine one’s future. I hope that my journey can inspire young people from communities like Umlazi and other disadvantaged areas to believe that their dreams are valid and achievable. As I continue my career in Medicine, I remain committed not only to providing excellent patient care but also to uplifting and inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals,” Mkhungo said.