2024 Open Day Starts on Positive Note at UNIZULU’s KwaDlangezwa Campus

Approximately 2000 matric learners descended at the University of Zululand’s (UNIZULU) KwaDlangezwa Campus on Thursday, 23 May to partake in the planned activities of the first day of the 2024 Open Day.

An annual two-day event, the UNIZULU open day project is utilised as a platform to inform prospective students about UNIZULU’s academic programme offerings, their entry requirements, the application process, and available funding opportunities. Furthermore, the visiting learners get the opportunity to interact with representatives from the various departments across the University’s four faculties where they learn about each academic programme’s structure as well as the possible sectors in which they can secure employment after graduating. In addition, the learners get a glimpse of what a university environment is like.  

The proceedings of the day commenced with a formal session where potential students were briefly informed about the institution’s ethos, faculties, application processes and funding matters.

Nompilo Dlamini, the schools liaison officer in the Communications and Marketing Division, delivered the official welcome on behalf of Professor Vuyokazi Nomlomo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Teaching and Learning. She first provided an overview of the institution, stating that it is underpinned by its vision to become a node for African thought “that thrives on quality and fosters collaborative and innovative cultures. This vision is embedded in our curricula which not only exposes our students to global knowledge but also deeply roots them in African perspectives”. Dlamini thereafter encouraged learners to maximally utilise the opportunity they had been provided to visit stalls and receive critical information pertaining to their future, adding that they should make informed decisions when they start applying for university entry.

In her presentation, CAO representative Nondumiso Mtshali reminded the learners that when they apply for university space, they do so in the face of stiff competition. She therefore advised them to not aim to meet the minimum required points for the courses they wish to study, but that they ought to invest more time in their studies as this would assist them to attain higher points – thus increasing their chances of securing space in their desired courses.

Learners also received key information during the Financial Aid Bureau’s presentation. Here they were told about the criteria for qualifying including common mistakes to avoid, like submitting applications with email addresses and cellphone numbers that belong to internet cafes.

After this session, the learners were allowed into the exhibition venue (the King Bhekuzuku Hall) where they interacted with department representatives and enquired more about their preferred courses.

• Naledi Hlefane