It is my great pleasure to warmly welcome all students to the University of KwaZulu-Natal for the 2026 academic year.
To our new students, we are honoured that you have chosen UKZN as the place where your ambitions will take shape. You are joining a vibrant community of thinkers, innovators, and changemakers, and I am confident that the journey ahead will be one of discovery, growth, and possibility.

To our returning students, welcome back. Your continued trust in our mission and your ongoing contributions to campus life strengthen and inspire us. You remain central to the identity and success of our University.

Our students are, without doubt, the lifeblood of UKZN. Your energy, ideas, curiosity, and creativity give this institution its character. Your determination reminds us every day why universities matter. We recognise that the achievements of UKZN are deeply connected to the achievements of its students, and it is for this reason that you remain at the centre of our decisions and actions.
The changes being introduced through Project Renewal are guided by this commitment. These reforms are not merely administrative—they reflect a bold, forward-looking vision for a more agile, student-centred University. They are designed to strengthen the academic project while enhancing the overall student experience through clearer structures, improved support, and streamlined processes.

One of the most significant milestones in this journey is the reorganisation of our academic schools, which moved into full implementation during the second half of 2025. This transition—from nineteen schools to ten—was the result of careful reflection and broad consultation. It emerged from our shared recognition that fragmentation affected the academic experience and that change was needed to build a more coherent and responsive system.

The new model brings greater coordination, clearer accountability, and a more connected learning environment. It allows us to integrate teaching and research more effectively, respond more swiftly to societal needs, and ensure that every student feels supported, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Our commitment to your success extends well beyond the lecture room. We firmly believe in educating the whole person. Our campuses are alive with sport, arts, culture, student leadership, and community engagement. We encourage you to immerse yourselves in the many clubs, societies, and activities available. These experiences broaden horizons, strengthen leadership, and create friendships and memories that endure long after graduation.

We also know that university life can be demanding. Adjusting to new expectations, managing academic pressure, and navigating personal challenges can be overwhelming. This is why UKZN offers comprehensive psychosocial support services, designed to assist you academically, socially, and personally. I encourage you to make full use of these resources—seeking support is not a sign of weakness, but an act of strength that enables you to thrive.

As we begin this new academic year, I would like to express my confidence in the transformative journeys that each of you will undertake. Whether you are stepping onto campus for the first time or continuing your studies, I wish you a successful, rewarding, and enriching year ahead.