Today (Monday, 26 January 2026) the University of Zululand (UNIZULU) opened its virtual gates to first-time entering students (FTENs) who have been eagerly awaiting the commencement of the 2026 registration period.
Beyond changing their statuses from prospective to registered students, the first-year students have officially launched their journeys towards entering their chosen career paths.
After receiving over 150 000 applications, the University will register just over 5 000 FTENs this week (26 – 30 January). This figure includes students who will be enrolled in foundation and augmented academic programmes.
According to Zakhele Gumede, Deputy Registrar, the University has made headway, reaching close to 50 percent of the said target.
“It was the first day; we had minor hick-ups in the morning. Through the support of the Information Communication Technology, we were able to manoeuvre around those hick-ups. From tomorrow, no student will spend more than an hour. Even an hour is too much because they will come for printing of proof of registration, then go to Student Housing [for residence], go to student cards and from there go straight home,” Gumede said.
Amid the slight glitches, students were ecstatic to join the UNIZULU student community. Among the thrilled was Simphiwe Dlamini from Mondlo, a township near Vryheid.
“My registration experience was great, except for a few glitches. I am so happy to finally be a UNIZULU student; I applied last year but I wasn’t successful. Now that I am a student, I am prepared to study hard so that I can complete my degree in time,” she said.
Dlamini registered for a BAdmin: Public Administration and Business Management as she is passionate about entrepreneurship. Her dream is to establish a perfume business after graduating as she understands that smelling good is everybody’s desire.
Another person who was certain about their career path was Ntethelelo Maphumulo. This young man who hails from Umlazi in Durban registered for a Bachelor of Arts in Drama and Performance. Applying for this qualification came naturally for Maphumulo as he studied drama in high school and it has been a lifelong dream of his to become a renowned actor like his idol, Wiseman Mncube.
“I am so excited that I have finally registered. I cannot wait to gain in-depth knowledge about the art of acting,” he said.
The registration period for returning undergraduate students will begin on Monday, 2 February and end on Friday, 6 February. Honours and master’s course work students will also register during this week.
Master’s and doctoral research students will, however, register from 2 February until Friday, 29 May.
The University has scheduled to commence lectures on Monday, 9 February.
– Naledi Hlefane
Picture: James Thwala
