A Journey of Science and Support at UNIZULU

Aphiwe and Minenhle Zikalala, 21-year-old twins from Chappies in Mandeni have found their “home away from home” at the University of Zululand (UNIZULU). Born and raised in Eshowe, they moved to Mandeni after their father’s passing and completed their matriculation at uDumo High School. The twins, who share a bubbly yet slightly shy personality with genuine hearts, have always had a passion for chess. Enrolling at UNIZULU, an institution that supports their favourite sport, has been an incredible and fulfilling experience for them.

In 2022, the pair embarked on its academic journey at UNIZULU, both pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Microbiology. They will be conferred their degrees on Friday, 9 May 2025 at the King Bhekuzulu Hall in the KwaDlangezwa Campus.

Currently, they are advancing their studies by undertaking their Honours in Microbiology qualifications. Their story is a testament to resilience, passion, and the supportive environment at UNIZULU, making their graduation a truly special milestone.

The Zikalala twins have always found strength and joy in their close-knit family. Growing up with their cousins, they received abundant love and support, creating cherished childhood memories. Their mother has been their pillar of strength, and they are deeply grateful for the unwavering support from their grandmother, two aunts, and cousins.

The twins believe that being twins is an advantage, as they discipline each other and avoid peer pressure. Aphiwe explained: “When one of us is wrong, we help each other fix the problem and grow together. We’ve never experienced peer pressure, even growing up. We share a friend from high school, Zibuyile Mnyandu, and now we’re pursuing our honours with her.”

The twins have always been each other’s best friends, never feeling the need to make other friends. Their shared passion for chess has been a way of distressing, often traveling for tournaments. Minenhle added, “Being twins is an amazing experience. People often ask funny questions like who the older twin is, but we don’t know either!”

Their unique bond extends to their academic life at UNIZULU. When one twin is sick, both miss class, submitting a single doctor’s note. Some lecturers understand their connection and situation, treating them with parental care. The twins feel fortunate to have such supportive lecturers, making their journey at UNIZULU even more enjoyable.

“We are lucky enough to have lecturers who have the parent’s love and support towards us,” said Aphiwe.

Aphiwe and Minenhle’s passion for science, particularly microbiology, has driven their academic journey. From a young age, they aspired to become doctors, specifically microbiologists. This passion led them to further their studies, with the goal of soon achieving their shared dream.

Now that they are studying towards their honours degrees, their research journey grants a unique challenge, each twin must understand the other’s research, effectively doubling their workload. Aphiwe explained, “We do this to continue helping each other. It’s a nice experience because we even attend each other’s presentations.”

Accustomed to sharing everything in life, having different supervisors and working on distinct research topics has presented a slight challenge for the duo. However, they now have adjusted to the situation. Aphiwe’s research focuses on isolating and screening a bio flocculant-producing microorganism for Spinacia oleracea in wastewater treatment, while Minenhle’s research title is Phytotechnical Profiling, Antimicrobial Activity and Molecular Docking Studies of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Scelecroton Integerrimus.

As they advance in their studies, the twins aim to grow and become the best versions of themselves. They aspire to excel in their field, attain greater opportunities, and ultimately obtain their PhDs together.

– Sbahle Dumakude

Picture: Xolani