UKZN Royal Show Stand Wins Gold and the Trophy for Best Customer Service

UKZN has once again pulled the proverbial rabbit out of the hat at the annual Pietermaritzburg Royal Agricultural Show.  It’s stand, which highlights research done within the School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences and the School of Life Sciences at the Ukulinga Research Farm, not only won a Gold medal but also the Trophy for Best Customer Care.  ‘This was without doubt due to the enthusiasm and impressive knowledge of our postgraduate students who manned the stand and went out their way to share their expertise with the general public,’ said Public Relations Manager for the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Dr Sally Frost.  

Run in conjunction with the recent Ukulinga Howard Davis Symposium, the stand showcases research done at Ukulinga in the fields of animal, crop, food, grassland and soil science, as well as related disciplines such as plant pathology, hydrology, agrometeorology, agricultural engineering and food security.  Attractions include specially designed ‘khukhu khayas’ (chick homes), some fish, baby tendrecs (similar to hedgehogs), tarantulas, hissing cockroaches and mealworms that feed on polystyrene, as well as work done by UKZN’s Farmer Support Group with small-scale farmers.

The stand is located directly opposite the main entrance to the show, and with UKZN Science Centre’s ‘Dr T’ on hand with her magical science show, there is always a fascinated crowd to show the way.