Prospective students, alumni and professionals gathered at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) College of Law and Management Studies (CLMS) Postgraduate Open Days, held recently in Pietermaritzburg and Durban, to explore opportunities for advanced study and discover how postgraduate education can shape careers, drive innovation and contribute to societal development.
Hosted across both campuses, the events showcased the College’s diverse postgraduate offerings in the School of Law, the School of Commerce, the Graduate School of Business and Leadership, and the University’s Executive Education programmes, while highlighting UKZN’s commitment to research excellence and lifelong learning.
Welcoming everyone to the gathering, CLMS Public Relations Manager Ms Hazel Langa encouraged guests to view postgraduate study as an investment not only in their own future, but also in the future of their communities and the country.
“In a rapidly changing world, postgraduate education equips graduates with the advanced knowledge, critical thinking skills and innovative mindset needed to solve complex challenges, lead organisations and make meaningful contributions to society,” she said.
Addressing attendees at the events, College Dean of Research and Higher Degrees Professor Phocenah Nyatanga challenged prospective students to become creators of knowledge rather than simply consumers of it. She reminded attendees that postgraduate education is not merely about earning another qualification, but about developing the capacity to generate evidence-based solutions that address local, national and global challenges.
She encouraged them to pursue research that not only advances academic knowledge but also responds to society’s most pressing challenges through innovative, interdisciplinary scholarship spanning commerce, law and business leadership. She highlighted the College’s commitment to research that drives innovation, informs policy, strengthens institutions and contributes to sustainable development. “Research is a public good. Its purpose is not simply to generate knowledge, but to improve lives, strengthen institutions, drive innovation and contribute to sustainable development,” Nyatanga said.
She also highlighted the College’s supportive postgraduate environment, which provides experienced supervision, structured research development programmes, funding opportunities and international collaborations that equip students for academic and professional success.
The Pietermaritzburg Open Day featured UKZN alumnus Mr Sizwe Cele, Director of Risk Management Services at the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, who shared his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to earning his Master of Business Administration at UKZN. Cele encouraged all to embrace lifelong learning and view education as a catalyst for personal growth, ethical leadership and service.
At the Durban event, keynote speaker Dr Zeph Nhleko, Chief Economist and Group Executive for Strategy and Sustainability at the Development Bank of Southern Africa and a member of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, reflected on the value of continuous learning in shaping South Africa’s future. Drawing on his own academic journey as a UKZN alumnus, he demonstrated how postgraduate education could unlock opportunities to influence public policy, drive sustainable development and lead organisational transformation.
“Postgraduate study is a key lever for the prosperity of our economy. Be intentional when choosing your next qualification and be clear about the socio-economic challenge you are equipping yourself to solve,” said Nhleko.
The Open Days concluded with interactive networking sessions, giving prospective students an opportunity to engage directly with academic staff, discuss their research interests and explore qualifications aligned with their career aspirations.
The events reaffirmed the College’s commitment to developing future scholars, researchers and leaders whose knowledge and research will contribute to building a more prosperous, innovative and inclusive South Africa.
The Open Days attracted strong interest from a diverse audience, including prospective students, alumni, professionals and human resources practitioners seeking executive education and postgraduate programmes to upskill employees and strengthen organisational capability. The broad participation reflected the growing demand for lifelong learning, advanced professional development and research-led innovation.
Words: Hazel Langa
Photographs: Dime Creative Studios