In 2010 we had undertaken to produce a souvenir publication to commemorate 100 years of academia in KwaZulu-Natal. The task was an enormous one, yet extremely gratifying. We enlisted the expertise of various external researchers who sourced material from many published works and other publications. Key personalities who played a critical role in shaping higher education in KZN shared their experience and insights in personal interviews.
The book traces the University’s origins on the Pietermaritzburg campus and tells the story of Higher Education in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, the culmination of which was the creation of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The story parallels that of South Africa as a whole because each of the constituent campuses was in its way embroiled in the political struggle that shaped present-day South Africa.
In his foreword Professor Malegapuru Makgoba made these poignant remarks: “ Despite the ‘struggles’ the history captured in the book demonstrates a great story of success, a story in which the many forces that shaped higher education in the province can be found.”
This limited edition, 214 page coffee-table book has a collection of beautiful and rare photographs that captures our colonial past and celebrates the rich diversity of the present. This publication will be available shortly.
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