UKZN secures funding to support postgraduates
UKZN has embarked on empowerment projects after receiving funds of R17.5m
THE University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has successfully secured substantial funding, amounting to R17.5m, that will provide support to postgraduate students.
Announcing the plans for the funding, UKZN vice-chancellor and principal Prof Nana Poku said this funding will be used to provide support to postgraduate students, especially those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds, and to establish a dedicated secretariat for addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
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According to the university, the process of finalising the precise selection criteria for eligible postgraduate students is currently underway.
“Each qualifying student will receive financial assistance towards their studies, up to a maximum amount to be determined by each college in line with the University’s ethos of fairness, transparency and inclusion and alongside the structures of the funder’s requirements.
“The College of Law and Management Studies will receive R2 million, the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science is set to receive R4 million, the College of Health Sciences is allocated R3.66 million, and the College of Humanities will receive a generous R5 million,” said the university.
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In addition to that, R2.5m of the total funding will be dedicated to a crucial cause – the creation and operation of the GBV secretariat as mandated by the recently adopted UKZN SGBV Strategy. In line with that strategy and as announced in March this year, a specialised hub for addressing issues of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) will be established within the Office of the Vice-Chancellor.
This hub will be responsible for steering the implementation of UKZN’s zero-tolerance policy towards SGBV and maintaining an accurate report of progress in this critical area. The funding will also support initiatives and activities to increase awareness about SGBV.
Professor Poku expressed gratitude for the funding. “This contribution not only aids our students from disadvantaged backgrounds in their academic journey but also aligns perfectly with our enduring commitment to eradicate the menace of sexual and gender-based violence from our campuses.”
He said, “It is a significant step towards a more inclusive, equitable, and safe academic environment at our institution.”
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