2020 Annual Report

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Council is responsible for oversight of the University’s academic and operational matters as well as policy and strategy. It is tasked with ensuring compliance with statutory obligations, fulfilment of the
institutional vision and providing governance to promote the smooth running of the University.
While UKZN confronted numerous challenges in 2020, Council is proud to report that it continues to excel. The massive disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic called for steely determination and commitment from all members of the University community to enable it to sustain its operations and continue to fulfil its mission. On behalf of Council, I express my sincere gratitude to the Executive Management team for their sterling leadership during this trying time and to staff at all levels for going the extra mile to ensure the Institution’s core functions of teaching and learning and research were sustained. We also salute our students who persevered with their studies despite all the odds.

In building on our past achievements, the University is guided by the UKZN Strategic Plan (2017-2021) and its commitment to transformation. Work continued on the Strategic Plan in 2020 to ensure its objectives were achieved against the
backdrop of a rapidly changing global and local Higher Education landscape.