EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENT: DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR – RESEARCH & INNOVATION

It is with great pleasure to inform the University community that Professor Nokuthula Kunene has been appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research & Innovation with effect from 01 June 2021.

Professor Kunene is an accomplished scholar and researcher. She boasts many scholastic achievements which includes Research Fellowship in the Department of Animal Science & Biotechnology at the University of Perugia in Italy. Professor Kunene holds a PhD in Agriculture (Animal Science); M.Sc. Agric. (Animal science), B.Sc. Agriculture among other qualifications.

For her PhD research, Professor Kunene focused on the Phenotypic and Genetic Characterisation of Nguni (Zulu) Sheep. What prompted her to explore this topic was the fact most of the exotic breeds had been studied extensively but not much had been done on Zulu sheep. In addition, there was an indication that the indigenous Zulu sheep numbers were declining due to crossbreeding and being replaced by exotic breeds

The incoming DVC has been the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Agriculture & Engineering, having risen through the ranks of the University. Previously when she headed the Agriculture Department at UNIZULU where she was instrumental in upgrading the various programmes in the Department from NQF level seven to level eight. The aim of this upgrading was to enable students to seamlessly enrol for Master’s degrees upon obtaining their undergraduate qualifications.

As the Dean of the Faculty Professor Kunene continued to supervise research projects for the 4th year, masters and PhD students.

Professor has been a member of the South African Life Science and Agriculture Deans Association since it was initiated through the National Research Foundation in 2013. This association, along with other regional associations, are members of the Global Confederation of Higher Education Associations for Agricultural and Life Science (GCHERA), a body which aims to encourage mutual understanding and global co-operation of higher education associations and their institutions in supporting innovation and providing leadership in education, research and outreach in agricultural and life sciences.

This is a significant moment of transformation for women in academia and leadership positions, especially at UNIZULU and in society. We congratulate Professor Kunene on this well-deserved appointment.

Issued on behalf of University Management