The University of Zululand (UNIZULU) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr Nonhlanhla Khumalo as the new Director: Teaching and Learning. Reporting directly to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Professor Nontokozo Mashiya, Dr Khumalo steps into this crucial role with a wealth of experience and a passionate commitment to student success and African epistemologies.
A Foundation of Excellence
Dr Khumalo joins the UNIZULU family from the Durban University of Technology, where she served as a Writing Centre Practitioner for over a decade. Her academic journey is a testament to her dedication to the landscape of higher education.
She holds a PhD in Higher Education (University of KwaZulu-Natal), Masters in Community Engagement (London Metropolitan University, UK) and is a NRF Scarce Skills Fellowship recipient and a published author in academic development, transdisciplinary learning, and student support.
Dr Khumalo’s approach to administration is deeply rooted in her academic background. She views teaching and learning not as a series of checkboxes, but a strategic integration of pedagogical principles with operational planning. The Director: Teaching and Learning finds herself at the centre of shaping an academic landscape transformed by digital innovation, online learning platforms, and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence.
“I believe in transformative, student-centred support initiatives that are responsive to the evolving needs of our students,” says Dr Khumalo.
She views students and staff as co-creators of knowledge, emphasising that collaborative engagement and data-informed strategies are key to building responsive academic systems.
Vision for the Office: First-Year Priorities
Dr Khumalo has outlined a clear and ambitious roadmap for her first year in office, focusing on four primary pillars:
1. Coordinating TLC Activities: Clearly articulating the mandate of the Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC) – from curriculum transformation to the integration of educational technology.
2. Stakeholder Engagement: Initiating “meet and greet” sessions to build collaborative relationships across all faculties and departments.
3. Communities of Practice: Establishing Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to ensure shared learning and continuous professional growth.
4. Embedding Student Support: Moving student-centered support from “ad-hoc” status to a core academic project through strong partnerships and clear communication.
Advancing African Epistemologies
What drew Dr Khumalo to UNIZULU? The answer lies in the University’s unique identity. She is inspired by the institution’s focus on African epistemologies – ensuring that learning is reflected through local contexts, making education both relevant and accessible to our diverse student body.
Beyond the Office: A Peak Performer
When she isn’t shaping the future of higher education, Dr Khumalo is likely conquering new heights – literally. An avid outdoor enthusiast, she recently summited Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa.
She is also a seasoned runner, having completed the 2025 London Marathon along with several local races. For Dr Khumalo, the discipline, consistency, and positive outlook required for long-distance running are the same values she brings to her professional leadership.
UNIZULU gives Dr NP Khumalo a warm welcome as she leads the Teaching and Learning Centre toward a transformative future.
– Precious Shamase
