Panellist

Normah Zondo is the Executive Director of the Division of Corporate Relations at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), where she steers the university’s overarching reputation management, strategic positioning, and stakeholder engagement strategy. A seasoned leader with more than 15 years of executive experience, she has been instrumental in elevating UKZN’s profile as a premier institution for African scholarship and a recognised player on the global higher education stage.

Under her leadership, the Division of Corporate Relations delivers an integrated communications and marketing function that encompasses media and public relations, brand management, corporate publications, high-level events, and strategic marketing campaigns. Her team is at the forefront of shaping UKZN’s institutional narrative, ensuring a consistent and compelling brand voice across platforms – locally, continentally, and globally.

Normah also oversees the university’s digital presence and creative services, including website strategy, multimedia production, and social media engagement – elements critical to a responsive and modern institutional identity. Her portfolio extends to student recruitment and the advancement of UKZN’s internationalisation agenda, particularly through strategic partnerships, global mobility programmes, and tailored support for international students. Her work aligns with UKZN’s commitment to inclusive excellence and positions the university as a hub for global academic collaboration.

A respected figure in the higher education sector, Normah serves as President of the International Education Association of South Africa (IEASA), where she champions South Africa’s role in global education networks and advocates for transformative, ethical internationalisation. She has also contributed to the sector through various leadership roles, including with Marketing, Advancement and Communication in Education (MACE).

Driven by a passion for global engagement, innovation in higher education branding, and the transformative power of partnerships, she continues to lead with purpose – ensuring that UKZN remains agile, visible, and globally connected.