Vice-Chancellor and Principal Honours New Doctors and Promoted Faculty Professors
University of Zululand (UNIZULU) Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Xoliswa Mtose recently hosted a cheerful luncheon at Premier Hotel in honour and appreciation of staff members who obtained their doctoral degrees and those promoted to associate professors in 2024. This event was intended to celebrate the achievements of staff members and highlight the University’s commitment to academic excellence and recognition of hard work.
The guests of honour came in numbers, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with excitement and camaraderie. Faculty deans, executive leadership and dignitaries also gathered to celebrate the impressive achievements of their peers.
The ceremony began with a heartfelt prayer by Prof Kevin Naidoo, Deputy Dean of Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, setting a tranquil tone for the gathering. Following the prayer, Raynolds Ngcobo, Executive Director: Human Resources Division, delivered welcome remarks, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of the esteemed guests. He mentioned that, in alignment with Strategic Goal 6 of Vision 2027, his division is intentional about recruiting and retaining a cohort of qualified academic staff.
“This has been a journey marked by trials and challenges. Today, we celebrate the outcomes of your sustained and unwavering commitment. Take pride in your achievements. May your journeys inspire others, encourage dialogue and ignite a passion for learning,” said Ngcobo.
During the celebratory event, attendees were addressed by numerous speakers who including higher education consultant Prof Sipho Seepe who delivered a keynote address on promoting the node for African thought. During his speech, he underscored that to receive a doctoral degree requires hard work and perseverance and that it always seems impossible until it is done.
Prof Vuyokazi Nomlomo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Leaning, shared Prof Seepe’s sentiments in her congratulatory message.
“This is a remarkable achievement that reflects your hard work, dedication and commitment to advancing knowledge in your own areas of spacialisiation. Your achievements serve not only as personal milestones but as crucial steps towards addressing disparities in our communities and paving a way forward for our future generations. You have reached a great milestone and you must go on to inspire others to follow in your footsteps.
“As you embark on this new chapter in your academic life, please note that there are opportunities and challenges that are waiting for you. PhD can unlock avenues for innovative research, collaboration and potential impact to make a significant impact within your field,” said Prof Nomlomo.
She urged the guests of honour to continue striving for success and excellence, referring to the academic phrase “publish or perish” which serves as a reminder to scholars of the importance of scholarship.
Dr Monument Makhanya, a lecturer in the Department of Business Management, expressed his heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the newly graduated doctors, acknowledging the University leaders for fostering an environment that encouraged their growth. He acknowledged that University Management’s commitment to true leadership and unwavering support was pivotal in helping them reach this milestone.
The appreciation message for staff promoted to associate professorship was delivered by Associate Professor Aghogho Akpome, who is a senior lecture in the Department of English. He passed his gratitude to the promotions committee as well as students.
“Promotion is kind of a challenge as well. We are expected to work more; we are expected to do more. We are going to pledge that we will do more and require (the University’s) assistance. Without your assistance we wouldn’t be employed and qualified for promotion in the first place,” concluded Prof Akpome.
– Pamela Mlaba
Pictures: James Thwala