The start of the 2024 tertiary academic year at the University of KwaZulu Natal is being hailed as a success with no protest action from students, hassle-free processing of funding, and registration of students.
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has announced the successful conclusion of its student registration period, with a total of 44 066 students registered for the upcoming academic year.
The university also achieved a significant milestone by securing accommodation for 18300 of these students in either university-owned or accredited residences, marking a seamless transition into the new academic season.
The registration process, which began on January 9, was marked by a robust online system that catered to 29 548 returning students, 11 750 first-time entering students (FTENs), and 2 768 students transferring either internally or externally. Remarkably, of the FTENs, 5 100 have been placed in university-affiliated accommodation, ensuring a supportive living environment for newcomers.
Most of the registered students, totalling 20 873, have enrolled in the College of Humanities (CHUM), underscoring the university’s strength in the arts and social sciences. The College of Agriculture, Engineering, and Science (CAES) attracted 9 328 students, while the College of Law and Management Studies (CLMS) and the College of Health Sciences (CHS) enrolled 7 718 and 6 147 students, respectively.
Normah Zondo, executive director of corporate relations at UKZN, expressed satisfaction with the registration process’s smooth execution.
The university has nearly reached its enrolment target, achieving 95% of its planned goal of 46 386 students.
In a move to foster inclusivity and social justice, UKZN has introduced a compulsory Critical Social Justice and Citizenship Module for all FTENs. This initiative aims to challenge and change discriminatory attitudes and behaviours, addressing critical societal issues like gender-based violence, racism, xenophobia, and homophobia.
