Mkhize was speaking at a Parents’ Day event recently on the Howard College campus. Other events for the College took place on the Edgewood and Pietermaritzburg campuses. Many parents attended the event on all three campuses.

Reassuring parents that UKZN staff and management will be there every step of the way to ensure students realise their full potential, Mkhize said, ‘Encourage your children to fully engage in academically enriching experiences that are aimed at nurturing them in the classroom and beyond.’

For Mr Tiger Moodley, the College of Humanities was the College of choice for his daughter, Illeana, who is set to study towards a Bachelor of Arts degree. ‘I know UKZN will provide my daughter with a rewarding experience and that she will be able to enter the workforce with confidence. As a UKZN alumnus myself, I can’t think of a better university for her,’ he said.

Mkhize also addressed first year students at Orientation day at the Student Union Building on the Howard College campus which also saw large crowds of excited students attend, eager to learn about what the College had to offer and to be a part of it.

He congratulated the students on making UKZN their first choice of study. He encouraged them to work hard, to pursue their goals and to continue to excel. ‘Despite your background, make sure you give back to the communities you come from. As the future generation, you can make a difference and change the cycle of poverty,’ he said.

Ms Sibongile Novuka, a social work student, is excited about what the academic year holds for her. ‘I am happy to be part of UKZN. I will work hard and make my parents proud. They have sacrificed so much for me to be here and I can’t thank them enough. As a future social worker, I know I can make a difference in society. I can help those that can’t help themselves,’ she said.