UKZN Durban Alumni Association hosts a Talk on Radiocracy: 100 Years of Radio in South Africa by Adv. Robin Sewlal.
Radio has always been more than a medium for education, information, and entertainment. In South Africa, it has shaped identity, resisted silence, and even driven development. It is this unique intersection that inspires the term radiocracy—a blend of radio, democracy, and development.
At a recent UKZN Durban Alumni Association gathering, UKZN alumnus Advocate Robin Sewlal reflected on his lifelong passion for radio, his legal background, and his belief in the enduring importance of accuracy, integrity, and literacy in broadcasting.
Sewlal’s journey began as a law student, where his legal studies intersected with his love for media. His career eventually brought him to DOME Music Radio, a project that cemented his passion for the medium. “Radio has always been my love,” he explained. “It’s not just about speaking—it’s about storytelling, responsibility, and connection.”
Central to Sewlal’s message is the conviction that radio must be accurate and balanced. “Facts are sacred, opinions are free,” he reminded his audience. Unlike platforms where misinformation spreads unchecked, radio demands clarity, balance, and credibility. For him, integrity comes from the broadcaster—inside out—while credibility is bestowed by the listener, outside in. Together, these values explain radio’s extraordinary longevity
Radio’s resilience lies in its ability to evolve with the times. Sewlal pointed to 702, which transformed from a music station into a talk powerhouse in 1988. “Stan Katz, who pioneered talk radio, admitted he didn’t know what he was doing. But it worked—and it changed the industry.” Beyond technology, radio adapts through programming styles, personalities, and storytelling methods. It remains deeply connected to other media forms, complementing print, television, and digital platforms. “Radio comes from print,” Sewlal noted, tracing its roots back to the written word in plays, advertisements, and stories. Its cinematic quality, “painting pictures in the mind, is what makes it so compelling.
Sewlal’s belief in radio as a driver of development is embodied in his Press for Literacy project. “The more you read, the better you speak, the better you communicate, the better you write, and the better you listen,” he explained. Radio, he believes, can anchor a national movement to strengthen literacy and empower citizens.
South Africa’s radio history stretches back to 18 December 1923, when the railways launched the first broadcast in Johannesburg. Cape Town followed on 14 September 1924, and Durban on 19 December 1924. Fittingly, the first voice heard on radio was a woman’s voice a symbolic moment in the history of communication. From its earliest days, international content dominated, with programs from the UK, USA, and Australia. Over time, Afrikaans programming developed alongside English, reshaping the cultural landscape
In 1950, Springbok Radio became South Africa’s first commercial station, filling homes with serialized dramas and comedies like Squad Cars, Men from the Ministry, and 10 o’clock Tales. These shows showcased radio’s unique magic: imagination. Later, stations such as Capital Radio, Radio 702, and Radio 604 emerged, exploiting loopholes in apartheid broadcasting laws. They brought fresh voices and perspectives, challenging the state’s monopoly and paving the way for greater diversity.
For Sewlal, the future of radio rests on three pillars: accuracy, integrity, and literacy. Radio’s ability to educate, inform, and entertain remains vital, but its greatest power lies in fostering democracy and development. “Radio forces you to be clear, balanced, and accurate. That’s why it remains so powerful, so appealing, and so trusted,” he concluded. A century on, South African radio continues to adapt, inspire, and unite—true to the spirit of radiocracy.
Attendees thoroughly enjoyed the talk, which sparked a lively question-and-answer session. The evening ended on a high note with refreshments and networking. This event was part of an ongoing series proudly presented the UKZN Durban Alumni Association.
Words: Ayabulela Mbhele
Photography: Albert Hirasen
UKZN Durban Alumni Association hosted a fascinating Talk on Malta by Emeritus Professor Mike Watkeys
The UKZN Durban Alumni Association recently hosted an engaging and informative talk titled “Malta: In the Middle of the Middle” by UKZN Emeritus Professor Mike Watkeys. The event took place on Monday, 25 August 2025, and offered alumni a fascinating blend of geology, history, and personal narrative.
Professor Watkeys, born in Malta in the 1950s, has lived a life shaped by global experiences. He spent his childhood in Ghana and Germany before attending boarding school in Oxford, England. He went on to complete a BSc (Hons) in Geology and Oceanography at University College Swansea, Wales, in 1975, after which he worked for the Rhodesian Geological Survey. His academic journey continued in South Africa, where he joined the Department of Geology at the University of the Witwatersrand and completed his PhD. He later moved to the University of Cape Town’s Department of Geochemistry before being appointed to the academic staff of the Department of Geology and Applied Geology at the then-University of Natal, Durban, in 1989. By the time of his retirement in 2015, the institution had become the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Even in retirement, Professor Watkeys remains active, publishing research papers and undertaking consultancy work related to exploration and mining geology across the globe. His lecture on Malta reflected not only his deep geological expertise but also his personal connection to the island, offering alumni a unique perspective on how history, culture, and science intersect.
Professor Watkeys highlighted the unique geographical and historical significance of the Maltese archipelago. Situated at the very heart of the Mediterranean—almost equidistant from the Straits of Gibraltar and Turkey, and between Europe and Africa—Malta has long served as a meeting point of cultures.
He explained that Malta’s geological history is as dramatic as its human story. Around 5.5 million years ago, when the Mediterranean Sea temporarily dried up, the islands were connected to Sicily. Once the Atlantic waters returned, Malta was again isolated. This cycle of connection and separation repeated during the Ice Ages, as sea levels rose and fell with the climate. These periods of isolation allowed unique species to evolve, including the pygmy elephant and the giant dormouse, now extinct.
Culturally, Malta reflects its role as a crossroads. Its people trace their ancestry to many parts of the Mediterranean, while the Maltese language itself illustrates the island’s layered identity. Semitic in origin and rooted in Arabic, it was later enriched with Roman influences through centuries of European contact. It is the only Semitic language written in the Latin alphabet, a living symbol of Malta’s hybrid heritage.
Watkeys also traced Malta’s human settlement back to the Neolithic era, when farmers arrived around 6000 BC. By 3500 BC they had constructed megalithic temples—among the oldest free-standing stone structures in the world. Later, during the Bronze Age, migrants from Sicily replaced the Stone Age population, continuing the long cycle of transformation that has defined Malta’s history.
Today, the richness of this layered past is visible everywhere: in prehistoric temples older than the pyramids, in Roman mosaics, Arabic place names, Norman churches, and grand baroque palaces. Malta stands not only as a geographical crossroads but as a living monument to the ebb and flow of Mediterranean history.
All the attendees at the talk were fascinated by this wealth of historic knowledge and a lively Question and Answer session followed. The evening culminated in drinks and snacks and everyone left with a bag of the latest UKZN publications and a much more in-depth knowledge of Malta. This talk is one of a series of talks coordinated by Alumni Relations on behalf of the UKZN Durban Alumni Association.
Words :Ayabulela Mbhele
Photographer:Nkosikhona Gcabashe
Tour of Shangrila at Bazley Beach: KwaZulu-Natal South Coast.
Over 100 UKZN alumni from all over KwaZulu-Natal braved the inclement weather on Saturday, 19 July 2025 to travel to Bazley on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast to visit a magnificent indigenous garden surrounding the property called Shangrila. The property is owned by fellow UKZN alumnus Elizabeth Forsdick who kindly invited alumni to visit the garden for the third time in eight years.
One of the country’s foremost indigenous landscapers, botanical artist, botanist, prolific author of books and Honorary Doctorate recipient from UKZN, Elsa Pooley, has provided landscaping advice for over a decade at Shangrila – slowly shaping the flow of the land, gardens, driveway, rock gardens and storm water flow. Elsa provided an overview of the project and explained how the garden had evolved before walking around the garden and identifying plants and their benefits to landscaping as well as to attracting flora and fauna.
Shangrila is now teeming with wild life, birds, butterflies and insects. Winter is the best time to visit the garden, with the wide variety of aloes in bloom, and the sea teeming with sardines, whales and dolphins.
Light refreshments and UKZN publications and memorabilia were provided on the beautiful wrap-around verandah, and guests were able to purchase Elsa’s various publications.
Guests networked with each other and reminisced about their time at University. It was of interest to note the wide range of professions of the alumni on the tour – all brought together by the common interest of indigenous gardening.
This event was just another of the many events of the Durban Alumni Association – coordinated by Alumni Relations.
Article: Finn Christensen
Photographer: Calvin Govender.
Alumni tour of the Baden-Powell Scout Camp and Burman Bush Nature Reserve Trail in Durban.
A large group of alumni and friends gathered on Saturday, 31 May 2025 at the Burman Bush Nature Reserve for an exclusive tour of the historic Baden-Powell Scout Camp and a trail in the Reserve. The initiative was coordinated by the very active UKZN Durban Alumni Association. The Scout Camp is a hidden gem nestled within the untouched coastal dune forest in Durban’s Morningside. Dating back to 1930, the camp has been the cornerstone of scouting in KwaZulu-Natal and remains one of the most treasured natural Scouting campsites in South Africa. Following a remarkable restoration effort in the past ten years, the camp now boasts modernised facilities while preserving its rich heritage. Alumni were hugely impressed and very interested in the beautifully refurbished buildings set within park-like surroundings and learnt about the fascinating history of the camp. The talk and tour of the camp was led by Steve Camp – a fellow UKZN alumnus and staff member. Steve was a former Chairman and Regional Commissioner for KZN Scouts and has spearheaded the extensive refurbishment of the site.
In addition to the tour and talk of the camp – alumni were led on a walk by very knowledgeable Reserve rangers along a scenic trail in the Burman Bush Nature Reserve, culminating in breath-taking views over the Umgeni River estuary.
The talk, tour and trail were followed by refreshments and a chance to network. All alumni left with the latest alumnus publication (UKZNTouch) and happy memories of a beautiful morning spent in the company of fellow UKZN alumni.
Other exciting tours and talks are planned for the second half of 2025 and notices of these activities will be placed on the relevant social sites, Alumni website and emailed out to alumni.
Words: Finn Christensen
Photography: Calvin Govender
Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Thandekile (Thandi) Ngxongo presented fellow UKZN alumni with an inspirational talk titled “Dare to Lead”.
Dr. Thandekile (Thandi) Ngxongo, one of our distinguished alumni, delivered an insightful talk to the UKZN Durban Alumni Association on Monday, 26 May 2025. As the founder of the Thandekile Group, Thandi is a visionary leader in the oil and gas industry with a strong academic foundation, holding qualifications in Chemical Engineering, Project Management, an MBA, and a PhD. Rising from an engineering role to C-suite executive positions, she now owns petrol stations in KwaZulu-Natal, including the BP Flagship on Moore Road.
Thandi has received numerous accolades, including the Nedbank Womandla Award, KZN Top Business Awards, Global SHE Awards, and the Hadarat Global Woman of Stature Award in Dubai. An impactful speaker on global platforms such as the Forbes Leading Women Summit, she also leads the uThandekile Foundation, which supports education, women’s empowerment, and environmental initiatives. Her motto is “Lift as you rise.”
Reflecting on her high school days, Thandi recalls two teachers who shaped her journey in very different ways — one who discouraged her and another who encouraged her to reach her highest potential. She emphasized that in life, people will often face discouragement or doubt from others, but one should never listen to those voices.
On the topic of leadership, she stressed that before aspiring to lead others, one must first be the leader of their own life by overcoming the odds. She believes that your life journey is a reflection of your personal leadership power. Thandi shared key strategies that contributed to her success, including reflection and planning, business strategy, personal development, and community development.
Thandi closed her talk by emphasizing the importance of rooting for one another and offering mutual support. Her key messages were to love what you do, invest your time wisely, and cultivate an excellence mindset.
This inspirational talk was followed by a very lively Question and Answer session as well as a networking session over drinks and snacks. Thandi’s talk was one in a series of talks and outings co-ordinated by the UKZN Durban Alumni Association which aims to bring fellow alumni together to network and socialise and to maintain strong links with their alma mater.
Words: Ayabulela Mbhele
Photographer: Yola Ndzabe
UKZN Durban Alumni Association Hosts 2025 AGM and Guest Talk
The UKZN Durban Alumni Association (DAA) commenced the year with its Annual General Meeting (AGM), warmly welcomed by Chairman Mr. Robin Ralfe. A key highlight of the meeting was the election of a new treasurer, with Mr. Sylvester Louis appointed to the position. Additionally, the newly formed committee was announced, comprising Robin Ralfe, Carolyn Higgs, Sylvester Louis, and Finn Christensen.
Following the AGM, Mr. Ralfe introduced the guest speaker, Dr Raymond Perrier, UKZN alumnus and Director of the Denis Hurley Centre. Dr Perrier’s talk focused on the legacy of Dr Paddy Kearney, emphasizing the profound impact he made in Durban and the valuable lessons his work offers for contemporary society.
The talk was well received by alumni of all ages and backgrounds. Key highlights included Dr Kearney’s pivotal role in the 1985 Good Friday March, his legal battle against the Minister of Police, and his unwavering commitment to ecumenism and interfaith collaboration. Dr Perrier also highlighted Kearney’s contributions to the Denis Hurley Centre, which provides healthcare services to over 2,000 homeless individuals and refugees each month. Additionally, he addressed the pressing issue of economic inequality in South Africa, underscoring the importance of striving for greater economic equity.
Dr Kearney’s enduring legacy of service, faith, and compassion was celebrated, with examples of interfaith cooperation and community engagement illustrating his lasting impact. Prof. Graham Smith concluded the talk by expressing gratitude to the speaker, stating, ‘Thank you for shedding light on such important symbols of all that is good in humanity.’
The evening concluded with a networking session, where attendees had the opportunity to explore books for sale while enjoying refreshments and light snacks.
Words: Nkosazana Manzi
Photography: Siphosethu Dlamini
The UKZN Durban Alumni Association (DAA) commenced the year with its Annual General Meeting (AGM), warmly welcomed by Chairman Mr. Robin Ralfe. A key highlight of the meeting was the election of a new treasurer, with Mr. Sylvester Louis appointed to the position. Additionally, the newly formed committee was announced, comprising Robin Ralfe, Carolyn Higgs, Sylvester Louis, and Finn Christensen.
Following the AGM, Mr. Ralfe introduced the guest speaker, Dr Raymond Perrier, UKZN alumnus and Director of the Denis Hurley Centre. Dr Perrier’s talk focused on the legacy of Dr Paddy Kearney, emphasizing the profound impact he made in Durban and the valuable lessons his work offers for contemporary society.
The talk was well received by alumni of all ages and backgrounds. Key highlights included Dr Kearney’s pivotal role in the 1985 Good Friday March, his legal battle against the Minister of Police, and his unwavering commitment to ecumenism and interfaith collaboration. Dr Perrier also highlighted Kearney’s contributions to the Denis Hurley Centre, which provides healthcare services to over 2,000 homeless individuals and refugees each month. Additionally, he addressed the pressing issue of economic inequality in South Africa, underscoring the importance of striving for greater economic equity.
Dr Kearney’s enduring legacy of service, faith, and compassion was celebrated, with examples of interfaith cooperation and community engagement illustrating his lasting impact. Prof. Graham Smith concluded the talk by expressing gratitude to the speaker, stating, ‘Thank you for shedding light on such important symbols of all that is good in humanity.’
The evening concluded with a networking session, where attendees had the opportunity to explore books for sale while enjoying refreshments and light snacks.
Words: Nkosazana Manzi
Photography: Siphosethu Dlamini
Celebrating St. Thomas Church: A Testament to Community Engagement
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Alumni Relations in collaboration with the UKZN Durban Alumni Association, hosted a tour for Durban-based Alumni on Saturday, 6 April 2024, celebrating the enduring legacy of St. Thomas Anglican Church and its profound impact on the Durban community. This gathering not only honoured a century-long history but also aligned with the University’s strategic plan goal of High Impact Societal and Stakeholder Community Engagement.
St. Thomas Anglican Church, founded in 1864, stands as a testament to Durban’s rich cultural and religious heritage. Over the years, the church has served as a cornerstone of faith and community, providing spiritual guidance and support to generations of worshippers.
The afternoon began with a special tour of old St. Thomas Church. Attendees had the unique opportunity to explore the church and surrounds and learn about its significant role in Durban’s history. From the early days of British settlement to the present, St. Thomas Church has remained a symbol of resilience and unity within the community.
Following the tour, attendees proceeded to the new St. Thomas Church on Musgrave Road for light refreshments. This gathering fostered camaraderie among the alumni and provided a platform for continued dialogue on the importance of community engagement and service.
Through activities such as this, the UKZN Durban Alumni Association through the Alumni Relations office reaffirms its commitment to making a positive impact on the communities it serves.
Article: Silindile Mchunu and Photos: Calvin Govender
Professor Debra Roberts addresses UKZN Alumni on Climate Change.
Professor Debra Roberts – a fellow UKZN alumnus and Honorary Professor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in the School of Life Sciences – delivered a comprehensive and thought-provoking presentation to UKZN Durban Alumni Association members as well as UKZN staff-members on 13 May. The presentation focussed on the critical insights of the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) sixth assessment cycle synthesis report which was released in 2023 and provided a critical assessment of the challenges ahead and the urgent need of global cooperation.
The report reflected a detailed overview of the current state of the planet’s climate, calling attention to the disturbing rates of greenhouse gas emissions, melting ice caps, increased global temperatures, and rapid increase in climate-related disasters. The reflected findings of the report are based on rigorous scientific analysis and practices and provide alarming evidence that the state of the planet requires immediate action on a global scale.
The key question then became: Will humanity respond to the call to address the challenges posed? Professor Roberts discussion focused on the complex governance landscape, civil society, businesses and individual’s contributions.
The presentation also provided a platform for reflection on the moral and ethical dimensions of climate action, challenging all in attendance to reflect on their contributions and positions of influence.
For more in-depth information – please click here.
Such presentations as well as tours by UKZN alumni and experts in the field are coordinated on a regular basis by Alumni Relations – with an interesting programme of activities planned for the remainder of 2024.
Article: Finn Christensen
Photos: Yola Ndzabe
Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Ian Macdonald on Enhancing Your Next Bush Experience
Dr. Ian Macdonald, one of our distinguished alumni, delivered an insightful talk to the UKZN Durban Alumni Association and UKZN staff on July 8, 2024.
Growing up in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), Ian’s early childhood memories of gamebird hunts with his father sparked his passion for nature. After earning his Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree at UKZN’s Pietermaritzburg (PMB) campus, Ian transitioned from hunting to wildlife observation, guided by ornithologists Carl Vernon and Richard Dean.
Ian’s talk covered essential bush survival strategies, emphasizing the importance of appropriate clothing and gear for safety and comfort. He also shared tips on capturing memorable moments, the best seasons for exploration, and what to look out for to make the experience enriching.
The presentation included images from his travels leading nature-based groups on safaris and cruises to East and Southern Africa, Madagascar, the North Atlantic islands, South America, Borneo, and Antarctica.
The event, warmly welcomed by Alumni Association Chairman Robin Ralfe and closed off by Carolyn Higgs, was highly appreciated by the UKZN alumni community. Ian’s educational and inspiring stories left attendees eager to explore the wild with a newfound sense of adventure and preparedness.
Such presentations as well as tours by UKZN alumni and experts in the field are coordinated on a regular basis by Alumni Relations – with an interesting programme of activities planned for the remainder of 2024.
Article: Nkosazana Manzi
Photographs: Yola Ndzabe
AI’s
Transformative Impact on Society Highlighted at Alumni Association Presentation
A
presentation on the accelerating influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on
education and the broader society captivated an audience at a UKZN Durban
Alumni Association (DAA) gathering.
The
speaker was accomplished civil engineer and former President of the South
African Institution of Civil Engineering Mr Brian Downie who delved into
AI’s transformation from traditional
programming to natural language processing, highlighting tools such as ChatGPT
and Bing that have quickly gained prominence.
Downie
also spoke about the competitive
landscape involving tech giants such as Google, Microsoft, Meta and Elon Musk’s
Colossus project, with each organisation striving to lead in the AI revolution.
‘AI’s growing capabilities should not be viewed solely as a threat to jobs but
rather as an opportunity to enhance human potential when harnessed thoughtfully,’
Downie said.
He
also touched on the ethical considerations surrounding AI, stressing the
importance of responsible innovation. His reflections on the need to shift
educational focus from traditional computer science to creating technologies
that simplify user interaction with AI resonated strongly among the audience
with its timely relevance.
Also
highlighted was the rapid advancements and far-reaching applications of AI, a
subject that has seen a surge in interest since the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT
in November 2022.
Originally
from Ireland, Downie graduated from Queen’s University in Belfast in 1970 and
embarked on a journey that led him to Durban, where he has made his mark
professionally. His career, deeply rooted in the principle that engineering is
fundamentally about people, has spanned decades of mentorship and collaboration
with some of the most distinguished and promising engineers across generations.
The
presentation was warmly welcomed by the DAA Chairman Robin Ralfe with
proceedings closed off by Mr Graham Smith.
Following
the formal presentation, alumni mingled over snacks and drinks, engaging in
lively discussions about the potential of AI to reshape industries and everyday
life. The event highlighted the University’s commitment to staying at the
forefront of technological innovation, providing a platform for alumni to
connect, learn, and envision the future together.
Similar
presentations as well as tours led by UKZN alumni and experts in the field are
coordinated on a regular basis by the Alumni Relations department. An
interesting programme of activities is planned for the remainder of 2024.
Words:
Nkosazana Manzi
Photo
credit: Siphosethu Dlamini
