Former chief medical officer for SA Olympics team joins UKZN
AppointmentsUniversity of KwaZulu-Natal November 7, 2025
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is proud to welcome former SA Olympic Medical Officer, Dr Phathokuhle Zondi to the School of Clinical Medicine, where she will formally take up her position as an academic on 1 May 2025. Zondi has been appointed to strengthen UKZN’s current focus areas in... Read more
Prof Ylva Rodny-Gumde appointed as UFS’ executive director of advancement
AppointmentsUniversity of the Free State November 6, 2025
The University of the Free State (UFS) has appointed Prof Ylva Rodny-Gumede as Executive Director: Advancement, effective 1 November 2025. In this role, Prof Rodny-Gumede will provide strategic leadership for the university’s Institutional Advancement, Communication and Marketing, and Student Recruitment portfolios. Prof Rodny-Gumede joins the UFS from the University of... Read more
Noko reappointed again as Chairperson of UFS Council
AppointmentsUniversity of the Free State November 5, 2025
The Council of the University of the Free State (UFS) reappointed Mr David Noko for a second term as Chairperson during its meeting on 26 September 2025. His second term commenced on 1 October 2025, and it will come to an end on 13 September 2027. “It is an... Read more
Primary care providers need stronger support to deliver mental health services
ResearchStellenbosch University November 4, 2025
In South Africa, up to nine out of ten patients with mental health disorders do not receive treatment or have access to mental healthcare programmes. Primary healthcare (PHC) practitioners are working to fill this gap, but they are not receiving the necessary support. This, according to researchers from the... Read more
Lifelong learning is key to relevance in today’s marketplace says Wits Plus CEO
CareersUniversity of the Witwatersrand October 30, 2025
“If you thought 2025 piled on the pressure to keep up with the astonishing pace of technological, business, and social change, 2026 will be tougher,” says Wits Plus CEO Natalie Zimmelman. Wits Plus gives professionals and organisations access to learning through University of the Witwatersrand-backed research and innovation. It... Read more
The University of Cape Town (UCT) has again affirmed its status as Africa’s top university, achieving a global rank of 164 in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings (WRU) 2026. With 2,191 universities ranked this year, UCT now sits in the top 7.5% worldwide – a meaningful... Read more
Elder abuse remains one of the most underreported social ills in the rural Eastern Cape, a study has found. This disturbing detail emerged on Wednesday, the first day of the South African Humanities Deans Association (SAHUDA) Conference, hosted by Walter Sisulu University. Research presented at the conference by Asavela... Read more
Two first prizes for Mandela University Chemistry students
AwardsNelson Mandela University October 28, 2025
Master’s students in Chemistry, Liesl Els and Sindile Mnyamana, recently won the first prize in the SACI (South African Chemical Institute) Regional Seminar in both the senior and junior categories. Liesl’s presentation in the senior category focused on creating sensors that rural communities can use to test their water... Read more
Rick Turner scholarship awarded to UKZN master of medical science researcher
AwardsUniversity of KwaZulu-Natal October 25, 2025
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Master of Medical Science candidate Rinae Prisca Gadisi was elated to receive the Rick Turner Scholarship, which recognises outstanding postgraduate students who demonstrate strong community engagement. The Rick Turner Scholarships were established to honour the memory of Dr Richard Turner for his contributions to political... Read more
New study highlights role of fathers’ drinking in foetal alcohol spectrum disorder
ResearchStellenbosch University October 24, 2025
It’s a well-known fact that foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in children is caused by mothers who drink during pregnancy. But it turns out that the father’s drinking habits could also affect a child’s growth and development. A team of international researchers — including contributors from Stellenbosch University (SU)... Read more
