{{Short description|Public university in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}} {{Use South African English|date=May 2021}} {{Infobox university | name = University of KwaZulu-Natal<ref name="ukzn-history">{{cite web |url=http://www.ukzn.ac.za/About-UKZN/UKZN-History.aspx|title=History of the University of KwaZulu-Natal |access-date=28 August 2011 |date=<!--unreliable "Last updated" dates on pages.--> |publisher=University of KwaZulu-Natal |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110820070130/http://www.ukzn.ac.za/About-UKZN/UKZN-History.aspx |archive-date=20 August 2011 }}</ref> | image = UKZN logo.svg | caption = | motto = Inspiring Greatness | established = {{start date and age|1 January 2004}} (as merger of [[University of Natal|UN]] (est. 1910) and [[University of Durban-Westville|UDW]] (est. 1960s))<ref name="ukzn-history" /> | type = Public | athletics_affiliations = [[Varsity Cup]] | academic_staff = 1,328<ref name="UKZN">{{cite web |url=https://www.ukzn.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Annual-Report-2016-.pdf |title=University of KwaZulu Natal Annual Report 2016 |access-date=10 April 2018 |publisher=University of KwaZulu-Natal |archive-date=11 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411025903/https://www.ukzn.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Annual-Report-2016-.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> (2016)| | chancellor = Reuel Jethro Khoza<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.news24.com/witness/news/kzn/ukzn-appoints-new-chancellor-20211019 |title=UKZN appoints new chancellor | Witness |publisher=News24.com |date= 19 October 2021|access-date=2021-12-04 |archive-date=20 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020094818/https://www.news24.com/witness/news/kzn/ukzn-appoints-new-chancellor-20211019 |url-status=live}}</ref> | vice_chancellor = Nana Poku<ref name="uknz-vice-chancellor">{{cite web |url=https://www.ukzn.ac.za/about-ukzn/vice-chancellor/ |title=Vice-chancellor Professor Nana Poku |access-date=25 June 2021 |publisher=University of KwaZulu-Natal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200601014839/https://www.ukzn.ac.za/about-ukzn/vice-chancellor/ |archive-date=1 June 2020 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref> | students = 46,539<ref name="UKZN" /> (2016) | academic_affiliations = [[Association of African Universities|AAU]]<br />[[Association of Commonwealth Universities|ACU]]<br />[[Higher Education South Africa|HESA]] | undergrad = 24,897<ref name="sarua">{{cite web |url=http://www.sarua.org/?q=uni_University%20of%20KwaZulu%20Natal |title=University of KwaZulu Natal |access-date=27 August 2011 |publisher=Southern African Regional Universities Association |archive-date=22 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622014139/https://www.sarua.org/?q=uni_University%20of%20KwaZulu%20Natal |url-status=live }}</ref> (2007) | postgrad = 3,807<ref name="sarua"/> (2007) | city = [[Durban]], [[Westville, KwaZulu-Natal|Westville]], [[Pinetown]] and [[Pietermaritzburg]] | state = [[KwaZulu-Natal]] | country = South Africa<ref name="ukzn-history" /> | campus = 5 campuses<ref name="ukzn-campuses">{{cite web |url=http://www.ukzn.ac.za/aboutus/campusChoice.asp |title=Choice of campuses |access-date=18 November 2007 |publisher=University of KwaZulu-Natal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071222050039/http://www.ukzn.ac.za/aboutus/campusChoice.asp |archive-date=22 December 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Westville Campus (Main campus), Nelson. R. Mandela School of Medicine, Howard College Campus, Edgewood Campus and Pietermaritzburg Campus | colours = {{color box|#000000}} {{color box|#E30613}} Black and red | endowment = | mascot = |other_name = UKZN | website = {{URL|https://www.ukzn.ac.za|ukzn.ac.za}} }} The '''University of KwaZulu-Natal''' ('''UKZN'''; {{langx|zu|INyuvesi yakwaZulu-Natali}}, {{langx|af|Universiteit van KwaZulu-Natal}}) is a public research university with five campuses in the province of [[KwaZulu-Natal]] in [[South Africa]].<ref>{{cite web|title=CHE {{!}} Council on Higher Education {{!}} Regulatory body for Higher Education in South Africa {{!}} Education {{!}} Innovation {{!}} University {{!}} South Africa|url=https://www.che.ac.za/#/moreitemdetails|website=che.ac.za|access-date=2020-05-25|archive-date=24 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200524181407/https://www.che.ac.za/#/moreitemdetails|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ukzn-campuses" /> It was formed on 1 January 2004 after the merger between the [[University of Natal]] and the [[University of Durban-Westville]].<ref name="ukzn-history" />
==History== The university was formed by the merger of the University of Natal and the University of Durban-Westville, in 2004.
The Council of the University of Natal voted on 31 May 2002 to offer the post of Vice-Chancellor and University Principal to world-renowned medical scientist and former Medical Research Council President – Professor [[Malegapuru Makgoba]], who assumed office on 1 September 2002. He was entrusted with leading the University of Natal into the merger with the University of Durban-Westville. In so doing, he became the last Vice-Chancellor of the University of Natal. Professor Makgoba succeeded Professor Brenda Gourley as Vice-Chancellor.<ref>{{cite web|title=Professor Malegapuru William Makgoba|url=http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/national-orders/recipient/professor-malegapuru-william-makgoba|url-status=live|archive-date=4 June 2021|access-date=25 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604153032/http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/national-orders/recipient/professor-malegapuru-william-makgoba}}</ref>
Having served a brief stint as the interim Vice-Chancellor in 2004 he was formally appointed as the founding Vice-Chancellor of the newly merged University of KwaZulu-Natal. He was installed at a ceremony on 30 September 2005.
Professor Makgoba served two five-year terms of office and retired in 2015. His tenure, however, was plagued with controversies. Makgoba is said to have created a "culture of hostility"<ref>{{Cite news|last=Macfarlane|first=David|date=2011-01-14|title=Controversial UKZN audit under wraps|work=The Mail & Guardian|url=https://mg.co.za/article/2011-01-14-controversial-ukzn-audit-under-wraps/|access-date=2020-10-06|archive-date=8 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008233604/https://mg.co.za/article/2011-01-14-controversial-ukzn-audit-under-wraps/|url-status=live}}</ref> at the university that resulted in an exodus of world-class academics.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Saunderson-Meyer|first=William|date=2020-01-31|title=Malegapuru Makgoba and the white bonobos|work=Politicsweb|url=https://www.politicsweb.co.za/opinion/malegapuru-makgoba-and-the-white-bonobos|access-date=2020-10-06|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011160554/https://www.politicsweb.co.za/opinion/malegapuru-makgoba-and-the-white-bonobos|url-status=live}}</ref> He was succeeded by Dr Albert van Jaarsveld.[[File:UKZNPclocktower.jpg|right|thumb|The main clock tower of Old Main Building, on the [[Pietermaritzburg]] campus.]]
===University of Natal=== {{Main|University of Natal}}
===University of Durban-Westville=== {{Main|University of Durban-Westville}} [[File:UKZN.jpg|thumb|The Memorial Tower Building on the Howard College Campus in Durban, University of KwaZulu-Natal]]
==Organisation== The university is governed in accordance with the Higher Education Act of 1997,<ref name=Act1997>{{cite journal|author=Parliament of South Africa |year=1997 |title=Higher Education Act |journal=Government Gazette |volume=390 |issue=18515 |url=http://www.info.gov.za/gazette/acts/1997/a101-97.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725060025/http://www.info.gov.za/gazette/acts/1997/a101-97.pdf |archive-date=25 July 2008 }}</ref> and its constitution is specified in the Statute of the University of KwaZulu-Natal,<ref name=Stat2005>{{cite journal|author=Parliament of South Africa |year=2005 |title=Statute of the University of KwaZulu-Natal |journal=Government Gazette |volume=684 |issue=29032 |url=http://www.info.gov.za/gazette/notices/2006/29032.pdf }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> as approved by the [[Department of Education (South Africa)|South African Minister of Education]] and the [[Parliament of South Africa]].
In the statute, the university consists of: * the chancellor (the titular head). The first chancellor of the merged university was Dr [[Frene Ginwala]]. It is currently Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng. * the vice chancellor (the executive head) * two or more deputy vice chancellors (currently there are five full and one acting)<ref name="exec">{{cite web |title=Executive of the University of KwaZulu-Natal |author=University of KwaZulu-Natal |url=http://www.ukzn.ac.za//aboutus/ukznexec.asp |access-date=9 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218104650/http://www.ukzn.ac.za/aboutus/ukznexec.asp |archive-date=18 December 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> * the registrar (responsible for registering students) * the council (responsible for governance of the institution as a whole) * the senate (responsible for governance of academic activities) * the students representative council (responsible for students representation) * the institutional forum (responsible for advising the council on matters of human rights and equality) * the colleges (currently there are four) * the academic and support staff * the students * the convocation (all the alumni and some others)
==Academic structure== The university is made up of four colleges, which are in turn made up of several schools.<ref name="depts">{{cite web |url=http://www.ukzn.ac.za/schools.aspx |title=Schools |author=UKZN |access-date=3 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125155749/http://www.ukzn.ac.za/schools.aspx |archive-date=25 January 2012 }}</ref> In most cases, a subdivision is spread across one or more of the university's campuses. For example, chemistry is in both the Pietermaritzburg and Westville campuses.<ref name="chemdept">{{cite web |url=http://chemistry.ukzn.ac.za/Homepage.aspx |title=School of Chemistry |author=UKZN |access-date=26 August 2011 |archive-date=8 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008211550/http://chemistry.ukzn.ac.za/Homepage.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>
===College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science=== * School of [[Engineering]](all) * School of Agriculture and Science
===College of Health Sciences=== * School of Medicine * School of Health Sciences
===College of Humanities=== * School of Arts * School of Social Sciences * School of Education
===College of Law and Management Studies=== * Graduate School of Business and Leadership (Business Management Association in cooperation with Hampton College Durban) * School of Commerce * School of Law
An institute built in cooperation with the [[Howard Hughes Medical Institute]] is the new [[K-RITH|KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for Tuberculosis and HIV]], opened in 2012. It is on the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine campus.
==Campuses== The university is geographically divided into five distinct campuses,<ref name="ukzncampuses">{{cite web |title=About UKZN |url=http://www.ukzn.ac.za/About-UKZN/ukzn_campuses.aspx |work=UKZN |access-date=26 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110817075029/http://www.ukzn.ac.za/About-UKZN/ukzn_campuses.aspx |archive-date=17 August 2011 }}</ref> which partially correspond to its managerial and academic divisions. Two campuses (Edgewood and the Medical School) house specific academic divisions (education and medicine respectively), but the remainder of the university's academic divisions span Howard College, Pietermaritzburg and Westville.
===Pietermaritzburg campus=== [[File:UKZN Pietmaritzburg.jpg|thumb|UKZN Pietermaritzburg Campus]] Pietermaritzburg campus was the main location of the University of Natal and its predecessor, the Natal University College, until the opening of the Howard College campus in Durban. This campus contains the university's oldest structure, Old Main Building, built in 1912.<ref name="ukzncampuses"/> Pietermaritzburg campus offers a broad range of academic degrees and is the only UKZN campus providing training in agriculture, theology and fine arts.<ref name="ukzncampuses"/>
===Howard College campus=== Howard College campus was the Durban location of the University of Natal until the 2004 merger. It is located on the [[Berea, Durban|Berea Ridge]]. and is situated in a thriving environmental conservancy. The campus was opened in 1931, having been donated by Mr T. B. Davis, in honor of his son, Howard Davis, who died in the [[Battle of the Somme]] during the first world war.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ukzn.ac.za/about-ukzn/campuses/|title=Campuses|website=University of KwaZulu-Natal|access-date=1 March 2018|archive-date=2 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180302044604/https://www.ukzn.ac.za/about-ukzn/campuses/|url-status=live}}</ref> Howard College offers a wide range of degrees, with a large engineering department consisting of Electrical engineering and Chemical engineering. The College of Humanities and College of Law and Management are also positioned on this campus together with the Centre For Creative Arts (CCA) and the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre which host annually the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), Poetry Africa, Time of the Writer and the creative dance festival JOMBA! which is produced by the FlatFoot Dance company.
===Westville campus=== [[File:UKZN westville.jpg|thumb|UKZN Westville Campus]] Westville campus is in an environmental conservancy in [[Westville, KwaZulu-Natal|Westville]], about 10 km west of Durban.<ref name="ukzncampuses"/> It was formerly the site of the University of Durban-Westville before the 2004 merger. Westville offers a range of degrees, and will soon be the main home of the disciplines of commerce and management.<ref name="ukzncampuses"/>
===Nelson Mandela medical school=== Nelson Mandela medical school campus, created in 1950, was originally a racially segregated part of the University of Natal reserved for non-white students.<ref name="Digby2013">{{cite journal|last1=Digby|first1=Anne|title=Black Doctors and Discrimination under South Africa's Apartheid Regime|journal=Medical History|volume=57|issue=2|year=2013|pages=269–290|issn=0025-7273|doi=10.1017/mdh.2012.106|pmid=24070349|pmc=3867842|doi-access=free}}</ref> <ref name="ukzncampuses"/> It was one of the few tertiary institutions legally allowed to provide education to black people under [[South Africa under apartheid|apartheid]]. It was granted Nelson Mandela's name on its 50th anniversary in 2000. The medical school is the home of health sciences.
===Edgewood campus=== Edgewood campus is located in [[Pinetown]], about 20 km west of Durban. The buildings originally formed the Edgewood College of Education, which was incorporated into the University of Natal in 2001.<ref name="ukzncampuses"/> Edgewood is the main location of the university's Faculty of Education, current dean is Prof Thabo, youngest dean in South Africa and P-rated NRF researcher.<ref name="ukzncampuses"/>
==Student profile==
{| class="wikitable sortable" |+ Student Enrollment at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal by Race |- ! Ethnic Group !! 2004 number !! 2004 (%) !! 2016 Number !! 2016 (%) !! 2018 Number !! 2018 (%) !! 2020 number !! 2020 (%) |- | African || 15,995 || 49.5% || 33,292 || 71.56% || 37,530 || 77.83% || 29,449 || 83.1% |- | Indian || 11,156 || 34.5% || 10,176 || 21.87% || 8,313 || 17.24% || 5000 || 14.1% |- | White || 4,257 || 13.2% || 1,885 || 4.05% || 1,300 || 2.70% || 357 || 1% |- | Coloured || 895 || 2.8% || 968 || 2.08% || 877 || 1.82% || 570 || 1.6% |- | Other || 4 || 0.0% || 199 || 0.43% || 200 || 0.41% || 68 || 0% |- | Total || 32,325 || 100% || 46,520 || 100% || 48,220 || 100% || 35,444 || 100% |}
{| class="wikitable sortable" |+ University of Kwa-Zulu Natal Staff by Race (2016) |- ! Race !! Number !! Percentage |- | African || 2,289 || 55% |- | Coloured || 137 || 3.32% |- | Indian || 1,028 || 21.71% |- | White || 505 || 12.13% |- | Total || 4,161 || 100% |}
==Student life== UKZN is home to various student organizations such as debating unions, film clubs, poetry societies,student political organizations, and sports teams.
The UKZN Rugby team - The UKZN Impi - features in the highly contested [[Varsity Cup]] national rugby competition, and the Howard College Debating Union competes in both the [[World Universities Debating Championships]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ukzn.ac.za/news/ukzn-graduate-a-judge-at-international-debating-championships/|title=ukzn-graduate-a-judge-at-international-debating-championships|access-date=3 March 2018|archive-date=4 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180304054735/https://www.ukzn.ac.za/news/ukzn-graduate-a-judge-at-international-debating-championships/|url-status=live}}</ref> as well as the [[South African National Universities Debating Championships]].
UKZN established the Centre for Creative Arts (CCA) in 1996.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cca.ukzn.ac.za/about-cca/|title=About the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal)|website=UKZN Centre for Creative Arts|access-date=19 December 2019|archive-date=19 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219141329/http://cca.ukzn.ac.za/about-cca/|url-status=live}}</ref> The CCA is a multi-disciplinary arts organisation based within the School of Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. It coordinates several respected annual festivals, providing students with access to creative platforms and interesting opportunities aimed at developing their artistic talents. The four main festivals organized by the UKZN CCA are:
* [[Time of the Writer]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cca.ukzn.ac.za/index.php/time-of-the-writer-home|title=UKZN Time of the Writer|access-date=11 March 2018|archive-date=14 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314043457/http://www.cca.ukzn.ac.za/index.php/time-of-the-writer-home|url-status=live}}</ref> The UKZN Time of the Writer festival invites international authors to take place in a variety of roundtable discussions, readings, seminars, book launches, and developmental programmes such as workshops, master classes and motivational talks. The festival has been running since 1998.
* [[Durban International Film Festival]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cca.ukzn.ac.za/index.php/diff-home|title=UKZN Durban International Film Festival|access-date=11 March 2018|archive-date=3 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303135421/http://www.cca.ukzn.ac.za/index.php/diff-home|url-status=live}}</ref> First held in 1979, The [[Durban International Film Festival]] is one of the oldest and largest film festivals in southern Africa.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.durbanfilmfest.co.za/|title=Durban International Film Festival|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120704231226/http://www.durbanfilmfest.co.za/|archive-date=2012-07-04|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cca.ukzn.ac.za/index.php/jomba-home|title=UKZN Jomba|access-date=11 March 2018|archive-date=12 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312201048/http://www.cca.ukzn.ac.za/index.php/jomba-home|url-status=live}}</ref> * [[Poetry Africa]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cca.ukzn.ac.za/index.php/poetry-africa-home|title=UKZN Poetry Africa|access-date=11 March 2018|archive-date=14 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314014916/http://cca.ukzn.ac.za/index.php/poetry-africa-home|url-status=live}}</ref> The UKZN Poetry Africa started in 1997, and features performances, readings, and book-launches from some poets
==Law clinics== UKZN has two law clinics, one in Pietermaritzburg and one in Durban, that provide free legal assistance to those that are unable to afford it. Specializing in the areas of HIV and AIDS, Family Law, and social justice matters, the UKZN law clinics are considered to be among the leading law clinics in the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://law.ukzn.ac.za/LawClinic/|title=UKZN Law Clinic|access-date=24 April 2018|archive-date=25 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425114507/http://law.ukzn.ac.za/LawClinic/|url-status=live}}</ref> The law clinics also provide a practical training environment for final year law students, who are mentored by the clinic's experienced practitioners. Both clinics also engage directly with the communities throughout the province through regular outreach initiatives, where the students and legal practitioners travel to various remote, impoverished communities with the intention of providing access to justice for those that are most vulnerable.
==Rankings and reputation== {{Infobox university rankings | ARWU_W = 501–600 | ARWU_W_year = 2023 | ARWU_W_ref = <ref name="arwu">{{cite web |title=University of KwaZulu-Natal |url=http://www.shanghairanking.com/institution/university-of-kwazulu-natal |publisher=Shanghai Ranking |access-date=3 March 2024}}</ref> | QS_W = =558 | QS_W_year = 2026 | QS_W_ref = <ref name=":QSW2026">{{Cite web|url=https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings|title=QS World University Rankings}}</ref> | THE_W = 501–600 | THE_W_year = 2024 | THE_W_ref = <ref name="the-rank">{{cite web|url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/university-kwazulu-natal|title=University of KwaZulu-Natal |work=Times Higher Education World University Rankings |access-date=3 March 2024}}</ref> | USNWR_W = | USNWR_W_year = | USNWR_W_ref = }} [[File:University of KwaZulu-Natal World Ranking.png|thumb|University of KwaZulu-Natal World Ranking]]
{{See also|Rankings of universities in South Africa|Rankings of business schools in South Africa}}UKZN was ranked fourth out of the universities in South Africa by the [[Times Higher Education World University Rankings]]<ref name="the rank">{{cite web|url=http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/university-of-kwazulu-natal|title=University of KwaZulu-Natal|work=Times Higher Education (THE)|access-date=29 April 2014|archive-date=29 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131129151113/http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2012-13/world-ranking/institution/university-of-kwazulu-natal|url-status=live}}</ref> and sixth by the [[QS World University Rankings]] in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings-articles/brics-rankings/top-10-universities-south-africa-2018|title=Top 10 Universities in South Africa 2018|work=QS World University Rankings 2018|access-date=6 April 2018|archive-date=6 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180406231543/https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings-articles/brics-rankings/top-10-universities-south-africa-2018|url-status=live}}</ref> UKZN has historically had a very strong reputation in the areas of [[science, technology, engineering, and mathematics]], and is ranked first in the country for physical sciences and engineering, second for computer science, and third for mathematics.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://businesstech.co.za/news/lifestyle/190954/south-africas-best-universities-to-study-maths-science-and-technology/|title=South Africa's best universities to study maths, science and technology|work=BusinessTech|access-date=6 April 2018|archive-date=6 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180406231612/https://businesstech.co.za/news/lifestyle/190954/south-africas-best-universities-to-study-maths-science-and-technology/|url-status=live}}</ref> The university has also produced a number of prominent entrepreneurs and innovators. It was ranked first in [[Sub-Saharan Africa]] in Q4 2020 by the amount of [[venture capital]] funding raised by [[Unicorn (finance)|Unicorn startups]] founded by UKZN's alumni.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rating of unicorn universities in Q4 2020|url=https://unicorn-nest.com/ratings-lists/rating-of-unicorn-universities-in-q4-2020/|access-date=26 March 2021|archive-date=9 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309151601/https://unicorn-nest.com/ratings-lists/rating-of-unicorn-universities-in-q4-2020/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Internationally, UKZN is ranked in the 401-500 bracket by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and in the 701-750 bracket by the QS World University Rankings 2018.<ref name="the rank" /><ref name="qs rank">{{cite web|url=https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/university-kwazulu-natal|title=University of KwaZulu-Natal|work=QS World University Rankings 2018|access-date=6 April 2018|archive-date=6 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180406231529/https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/university-kwazulu-natal|url-status=live}}</ref> As of March 2021, it was ranked in the 801-1000 bracket by the QS World University Rankings.<ref name="qs rank" /> {| class="wikitable" ! colspan="2" |'''UKZN Times Higher Education Ranking 2016 to 2024''' |- !Year !World Rank |- |2024 |501–600 |- |2023 |401–500 |- |2022 |351–400 |- |2021 |351–400 |- |2020 |401–500 |- |2019 |401–500 |- |2018 |401–500 |- |2017 |501-600 |- |2016 |401-500 |- | colspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-20 |title=World University Rankings 2024 (South Africa) |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2024/world-ranking#!/length/25/locations/ZAF/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Times Higher Education (THE) |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-20 |title=World University Rankings 2023 (South Africa) |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2023/world-ranking#!/length/25/locations/ZAF/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Times Higher Education (THE) |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-20 |title=World University Rankings 2022 (South Africa) |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2022/world-ranking#!/length/25/locations/ZAF/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Times Higher Education (THE) |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-20 |title=World University Rankings 2021 (South Africa) |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2021/world-ranking#!/length/25/locations/ZAF/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Times Higher Education (THE) |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-10-20 |title=World University Rankings 2020 (South Africa) |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2020/world-ranking#!/length/25/locations/ZAF/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Times Higher Education (THE) |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-10-20 |title=World University Rankings 2019 (South Africa) |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2019/world-ranking#!/length/25/locations/ZAF/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Times Higher Education (THE) |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-10-20 |title=World University Rankings 2018 (South Africa) |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2018/world-ranking#!/length/25/locations/ZAF/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Times Higher Education (THE) |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-10-20 |title=World University Rankings 2017 (South Africa) |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2017/world-ranking#!/length/25/locations/ZAF/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Times Higher Education (THE) |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-10-20 |title=World University Rankings 2016 (South Africa) |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2016/world-ranking#!/length/25/locations/ZAF/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Times Higher Education (THE) |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-10-20 |title=World University Rankings 2015 (South Africa) |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2015/world-ranking#!/length/25/locations/ZAF/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Times Higher Education (THE) |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-10-20 |title=World University Rankings 2014 (South Africa) |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2014/world-ranking#!/length/25/locations/ZAF/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Times Higher Education (THE) |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-10-20 |title=World University Rankings 2013 (South Africa) |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2013/world-ranking#!/length/25/locations/ZAF/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Times Higher Education (THE) |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-10-20 |title=World University Rankings 2012 (South Africa) |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2012/world-ranking#!/length/25/locations/ZAF/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Times Higher Education (THE) |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-10-20 |title=World University Rankings 2011 (South Africa) |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2011/world-ranking#!/length/25/locations/ZAF/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Times Higher Education (THE) |language=en}}</ref> |}
==Controversies== {{Main|Controversies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal}} There have been a number of controversies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal since its foundation.
Firstly, there have been several [[Strike action|staff strikes]] and [[student protest]]s,<ref name='Dell'>{{cite news |first=Sharon |last=Dell |title=UKZN staff prepare for strike |url=http://www.witness.co.za/index.php?showcontent&global%5B_id%5D=16128 |work=The Witness |date=14 November 2008 |access-date=26 August 2011 |archive-date=1 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001170626/http://www.witness.co.za/index.php?showcontent&global%5B_id%5D=16128 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="2010strikes">{{cite news |first=Gugu |last=Mbonambi |title=March disrupts lectures on KZN campus |url=http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/march-disrupts-lectures-on-kzn-campus-1.475804 |work=The Mercury |date=9 March 2010 |access-date=26 August 2011 |archive-date=24 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110424221756/http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/march-disrupts-lectures-on-kzn-campus-1.475804 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Thrishni |last=Subramoney |title=UKZN management to take action against strike |url=http://www.ecr.co.za/kagiso/content/en/east-coast-radio/east-coast-radio-news?oid=895536&sn=Detail&pid=490476&UKZN-management-to-take-action-against-strike |archive-url=https://archive.today/20110928052148/http://www.ecr.co.za/kagiso/content/en/east-coast-radio/east-coast-radio-news?oid=895536&sn=Detail&pid=490476&UKZN-management-to-take-action-against-strike |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 September 2011 |work=East Coast Radio |date=9 September 2011 |access-date=26 August 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Sinegugu |last=Ndlovu |title=Campus turns into battlefield |url=http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/campus-turns-into-battlefield-1.1050125 |work=The Mercury |date=31 March 2011 |access-date=26 August 2011 |archive-date=24 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110824215502/http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/campus-turns-into-battlefield-1.1050125 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Campus turns into battlefield |url=http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/students-protest-at-ukzn-1.1049758 |work=Sapa |date=30 March 2011 |access-date=26 August 2011 |archive-date=24 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024022009/http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/students-protest-at-ukzn-1.1049758 |url-status=live }}</ref> with some protests from 2009 onward involving [[South African Police Service|police]] intervention and the use of [[riot control]] measures, as well as violence on the part of some strikers.<ref>{{cite news |title=UKZN Student Protest Turns Ugly |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-196296674.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106104416/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-196296674.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 November 2012 |work=The Mercury |date=24 March 2009 |access-date=26 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=NOMPUMELEL |last=MAGWAZA |title=Blind student hurt as protest turns ugly |url=http://lists.fahamu.org/pipermail/debate-list/2009-March/021267.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121121171554/http://lists.fahamu.org/pipermail/debate-list/2009-March/021267.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 November 2012 |work=The Mercury |date=24 March 2009 |access-date=26 August 2011 }}</ref>
Secondly, there have been a series of legal and disciplinary actions taken by senior university management against academics for speaking in public about the university.<ref>{{cite news |first=Craig |last=McKune |title=Management shows contempt for academic freedom at UKZN |url=http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?pid=S0038-23532009000100003&script=sci_arttext |work=South African Journal of Science |date=20 January 2009 |access-date=8 December 2008 |archive-date=8 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008195909/http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?pid=S0038-23532009000100003&script=sci_arttext |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=FXI distressed by disciplinary action against two UKZN Professors |url=http://ntesu.ukzn.ac.za/node/2 |work=NTSEU |access-date=26 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316133527/http://ntesu.ukzn.ac.za/node/2 |archive-date=16 March 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=UKZN academics question senate probe |first=PRIMARASHNI |last=Gower |url=http://mg.co.za/article/2008-04-15-ukzn-academics-question-senate-probe |work=Mail and Guardian |date=15 March 2008 |access-date=26 August 2011 |archive-date=13 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013121903/http://mg.co.za/article/2008-04-15-ukzn-academics-question-senate-probe |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Controversy and transformation at UKZN |url=http://sharondavis.co.za/content/view/92/35/ |work=Science and Development Network |access-date=26 August 2011 |archive-date=12 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812014133/http://sharondavis.co.za/content/view/92/35/ |url-status=live }}</ref> These actions have drawn wide criticism from academics and from organisations such as [[Congress of South African Trade Unions|Cosatu]] and [[UNESCO]].<ref name="hlongwane2008">{{cite news |first=Agiza |last=Hlongwane |title=Clean up your act, UKZN warned |url=http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20081207082026114C840107 |work=Sunday Tribune |page=1 |date=7 December 2008 |access-date=8 December 2008}}</ref>
They were also the cause of a 2008 staff strike.<ref name="Dell"/>
==Notable alumni== * [[John Smit]], World Cup winning [[South African rugby union team|South African Rugby Union]] captain.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://alumniaffairs.ukzn.ac.za/News/14-03-03/Ex_Varsity_prop_hooker_John_Smit_s_blazer_available_at_auction_Mon_17_March_2014.aspx|title=Ex Varsity prop/hooker John Smit's blazer available at auction Mon,17 March 2014|date=30 March 2020|website=UKZN|access-date=29 March 2020|archive-date=29 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329234242/http://alumniaffairs.ukzn.ac.za/News/14-03-03/Ex_Varsity_prop_hooker_John_Smit_s_blazer_available_at_auction_Mon_17_March_2014.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> * [[Imani Sanga]], composer and [[ethnomusicologist]] * [[Lize Heerman]], singer-songwriter and media personality *[[Gita Ramjee]], scientist and researcher in HIV prevention *[[Ncoza Dlova]], first black dermatologist produced by the university and head of the School of Clinical Medicine *[[Eunice Nangueve Inácio]], Angolan peace activist *[[Salome Maswime]], global health expert and activist *[[Mondo Mazwai]], legal practitioner and chair South Africa's Competition Tribunal from 2019 *[[Mosa Moshabela]], 11th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town *[[Promise Mthembu]], HIV/AIDS activist *[[Nokwanda Makunga]], biotechnologist *Gerhard van der Bank, F1 driver<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gerhard van der Bank |url=https://www.facebook.com/gerhard.vanderbank/}}</ref>
For alumni of the previous institutions see:
* [[:Category:University of Natal alumni]] * [[:Category:University of Durban-Westville alumni]] ==See also== * [[Open access in South Africa]] and [[List of South African open access repositories]]
==References== {{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
==External links== {{Commons category}} * {{Official website|https://www.ukzn.ac.za }} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20120213153008/http://fazel.shackdwellers.org/ Fight for Fazel Khan – Union Leader Fired from UKZN in 2006] * [http://www.fxi.org Freedom of Expression Institute website] * [https://archive.today/20150430093614/http://www.twitter.com/msftswiz Official UKZN twitter] * [http://www.ukznpress.co.za/?about_us UKZN Press] website * {{cite web |url=http://disa.ukzn.ac.za |title= Digital Innovation South Africa |oclc=225596326 |publisher= University of KwaZulu-Natal |quote=National collaborative...resource containing historical material of importance and interest to scholars and students}}. Disa.ukzn.ac.za. Formerly known as "Digital Imaging South Africa"
{{University of KwaZulu-Natal|state=expanded }} {{South African universities}} {{South African Business Schools}} {{Association of African Universities}} {{FNB Varsity Cup}} {{Coord|29.86752|S|30.98081|E|source:placeopedia|display=title}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:KwaZulu-Natal, University Of}} [[Category:University of KwaZulu-Natal| ]] [[Category:Universities in KwaZulu-Natal]] [[Category:Public universities in South Africa]] [[Category:2004 establishments in South Africa]] [[Category:Education in KwaZulu-Natal]] [[Category:Universities and colleges established in 2004]]