26th ANNUAL CONFERENCE
20-23 AUGUST 2024

NAVIGATING INTERNATIONALISATION IN CHALLENGING TIMES

SPEAKER BIO

Normah Zondo

Normah Zondo is the Executive Director of the Corporate Relations Division at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), where she plays a crucial role in shaping the university’s external relations and strategic partnerships. With over 15 years of experience in stakeholder management, Normah has been instrumental in positioning UKZN as a premier institution in African scholarship, both locally and globally.

Normah leads a dynamic and multifaceted team responsible for a wide range of activities central to the university’s operations and reputation. Her team manages communications, media relations, and public relations, ensuring that UKZN’s messaging is both consistent and impactful. They oversee the coordination of institutional and public events, marketing efforts, and publication initiatives, all of which enhance the university’s visibility and engagement with diverse audiences.

In addition to these roles, Normah’s team is responsible for website management, student recruitment, and internationalisation initiatives, including comprehensive support services for international students. The team also handles creative services such as graphic design, video production, and social media management, which are vital to maintaining UKZN’s brand image and digital presence. Through these diverse activities, Normah ensures that UKZN remains at the forefront of African scholarship and continues to play a significant role in the global academic community.

Currently pursuing PhD studies, Normah’s research is centred on international student mobility, with a particular focus on the lived experiences of students participating in these programmes. Her work examines various aspects of the student experience, including how mobility impacts academic and personal development, the preparation and support provided by institutions, and the broader implications for internationalisation in higher education. This research is not only aligned with her professional responsibilities but also contributes to a deeper understanding of global student mobility trends.

Normah’s academic journey has taken her through diverse fields of study, from educational resource development at UKZN to specialised education in Australia. Her professional expertise is further enhanced by extensive training in public relations, protocol, and leadership, which has equipped her with a robust and versatile skill set.

Beyond her work at UKZN, Normah is actively involved in the broader higher education community. She has held leadership roles with the Marketing Advancement and Communication in Higher Education (MACE) and currently serves as the deputy president of the International Education Association of South Africa (IEASA). In this role, she contributes to ensuring that South Africa remains competitive in the global educational landscape.

Normah Zondo is deeply passionate about global student mobility, fostering meaningful partnerships, and leading her team to achieve excellence across all areas of their work.