Page 4 - UniZulu Annual Report 2020

FOREWORD – CHAIRPERSON OF COUNCIL
From humble beginnings in 1960, the University of Zululand (UNIZULU) has grown in leaps and bounds to become the leading comprehensive university in South Africa. From a mere 41 students, UNIZULU has grown to enrol around 17 000 students annually.
From humble beginnings in 1960, the University research and innovation, enhanced graduate profile, the
of Zululand (UNIZULU) has grown in leaps and bounds to become one of the most recognizable comprehensive universities in South Africa. From
a mere 41 students, UNIZULU has grown to enrol around 17 000 students annually. Consistent with its category as a comprehensive University, UNIZULU offers high quality academic and career-focused programmes relevant to the needs of the student society. Recent addition to the University’s programmes is Engineering.
UNIZULU’s comprehensive trajectory is aimed at providing programmes in Engineering, Maritime Studies, Tourism and Veterinary Studies in line with its Strategic Plan, which aims to provide high-quality academic and career-focused programmes relevant and responsive to the needs of students and society. Collaborations and strategic partnerships with industry remain a key priority. Community engagement is now an integrated part of the academic agenda intended for the benefit of the society in which UNIZULU operates.
The current Strategic Plan focuses on provision and expansion opportunities to access higher education. The plan is anchored on six strategic goals aimed at improving and enhancing governance, quality teaching and learning,
enhancement of UNIZULU’s reputation and accelerated infrastructure development. These goals are anchored on the foundation of quality human resource development and good corporate governance.
As evidenced in this Annual Report, UNIZULU can proudly celebrate its 60 years of existence. It has not been smooth sailing for the University. It had to overcome significant challenges to get to where it can assume pride of place in being among South Africa’s best higher education institutions (HEIs). This was only achieved through shere determination, drive, hard work and passion. Even during the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University Council, management, staff, students, and all stakeholders worked together to realise the 2020 institutional goals and objectives. The Institution implemented its Multimodal Teaching and Learning Plan to keep academic programmes on track.
The Annual Report reflects the extent to which UNIZULU achieved its vision and mission in 2020. As Chair of Council, I am proud of the Institution’s performance, its governance, and operations during the year under review. UNIZULU continues to grow from strength to strength and I look forward to the next 60 years of excellence.
UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND ANNUAL REPORT 2020
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