4th International Education Week Opens with Talks on Partnerships as Building Block for an African University

The International Office at the University of Zululand (UNIZULU), in partnership with BRICS Student Commission UNIZULU, commenced its 4^th International Education Week today (Tuesday, 5 August 2025). This year’s event intends to celebrate African knowledge, innovation, and leadership while exploring how global collaborations can influence the continent’s future.

The programme was held at King Bhekuzulu Hall on the KwaDlangezwa Campus and will run until Thursday, 7 August. The event featured insightful presentations from esteemed UNIZULU academics and engaging talks by two distinguished guest speakers: Dr Samia Chasi, Head of Internationalisation and Strategic Partnerships at the University of the Witwatersrand, and Dr Nomalungelo Gina, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation.

Opening remarks were delivered by Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Engagement and Transformation Professor Bryon Brown, who emphasised the importance of the occasion in advancing UNIZULU’s growth as an African university. He expressed the University’s pride in hosting the event under the theme “Building an African University Through Collaborations and Partnerships,” and highlighted the honour of having UNIZULU alumni Dr Gina as part of this year’s celebration.

“The theme should be viewed in the context of UNIZULU’s strategic vision. It is our vision to transform into an authentic African University that [serves] as a node for African thought,” Prof Brown noted.

– Sbahle Dumakude

Pictures: James Thwala