The School of IsiZulu Studies has 18 staff members, 6 Professors, 2 Senior lecturers, 7 Lecturers, 1 Junior Lecturer and two administrators. Six (6) of these members are based on the Pietermaritzburg campus; two on the Westville Campus and the rest are on the Howard College Campus.
IsiZulu refers to the Zulu language, and these words are used interchangeably. An “isiZulu student” is a student who is studying the Zulu language, irrespective of his or her socio-cultural background whilst IsiZulu modules are modules on Zulu language or literature. A “Zulu student”, on the other hand, is a black South African mother-tongue member of the Zulu nation who may be studying any course in the University.
IsiZulu Studies is acceptable as some of our modules go further than language and literature and discuss Zulu religion, history, material culture, and so on.
IsiZulu is the best option for a student who enters the University of KwaZulu-Natal because, as the University of KwaZulu-Natal is implementing a bilingual language policy, IsiZulu is one of the languages of the University that will soon become the language of teaching and learning.
To work individually, collaboratively, creatively and efficiently, as part of a truly South African institution of higher learning, by:
· Providing excellent and appropriate teaching in language study.
· Providing opportunities for and producing excellent, intensive and ongoing research that meets local, national and international language needs and standards.
· Training professional language practitioners.
· Being demographically representative of our country and serving the communities in which we operate
The School of isiZulu Studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal aims to be a premier discipline of African scholarship in language studies through excellent and innovative teaching, research and community service grounded in an ethically-based understanding of a multilingual South Africa in the global context.
* In our teaching we are committed to the development of critical and responsible graduates who will have linguistic, entrepreneurial and leadership skills.
* In our research we envisage the extension and application of the various disciplines of the language sciences in ways that are innovative and responsive to the needs of our changing society.
* In our service to the community, drawing inspiration from an African identity and taking seriously our responsibilites to the development of the African continent, we critically engage with society to advance social development in ways that foster a communicatively competent, multilingual, economically secure, well-informed and tolerant citizenry. Hence we will strive to empower the previously disadvantaged languages and endeavour to participate in the fight against HIV/AIDS through core curricula.
* In our service to the University of KwaZulu-Natal, we offer our expertise in African Languages to assist the university in the drawing up and implementation of a Language Policy that reflects the needs of the regional community.
