Associate Professor: African Languages - IsiZulu

University of KwaZulu-Natal; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) invites applications for an Associate Professor in IsiZulu within the College of Humanities. The appointee will coordinate and lecture IsiZulu modules at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, supervise postgraduate students, engage in curriculum development, and lead research in African languages.

The appointee reports to the Head of the Discipline of African Languages and will contribute to teaching, research excellence, and academic leadership across the

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in isiZulu literature, linguistics, or related discipline.
• At least 6 years of teaching, research, or related experience.
• Evidence of current and sustained publication in quality journals.
• Evidence of sustained external research grants.
• Sustained track record supervising Masters/PhD students.
• Evidence of national and international recognition in African languages.
• Strong academic leadership including mentorship and coaching.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and lecture IsiZulu modules at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Supervise postgraduate students (Masters and PhD).
• Engage in curriculum development and delivery for IsiZulu.
• Lead and contribute to teaching and research in African languages within the School of Arts.

Skills

Leadership in academia

Postgrad supervision

Curriculum development

Research grants

Education

Doctoral degree in isiZulu literature/linguistics

Job description

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is committed to meeting the objectives of Employment Equity to improve representivity within the Institution. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan.

COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR: AFRICAN LANGUAGES: ISIZULU (3 POSTS)

SCHOOL OF ARTS

PIETERMARITSBURG (2 POSTS) & HOWARD COLLEGE CAMPUS (1 POST)

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is one of South Africa’s leading universities and ranks among the top 500 universities globally. Within the University’s College of Humanities, the School of Arts has a well-established research profile and a substantial community of undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The African Languages Discipline seeks to employ dedicated individuals who will co-ordinate and lecture modules in IsiZulu, at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, will supervise postgraduate students. The position requires an academic who is willing to engage with curriculum development and delivery and who will play a leading role in teaching and research in the African languages discipline.

The incumbent will report to the Head of the Discipline of African Languages

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A Doctoral degree in isiZulu literature, linguistics, or any related discipline.
• At least 6 years of working and relevant experience in either teaching, research, or industry.
• Evidence of current and sustained publication of independent research in quality scientific journals, appropriate for the level.
• Evidence of sustained and successful attraction of external research grants
• A sustained track record of successful supervision of postgraduate students at Masters and PhD levels.
• Evidence of national and international recognition in a research area within the discipline of African languages.
• Evidence of strong and sustained academic leadership within the Department / School/ College/ University, which includes mentorship and coaching.

This appointment will be made in line with the University Guidelines/benchmarks which are available on the University Vacancies website at http://vacancies.ukzn.ac.za/Academic-Process-Proc-Guides.aspx

Enquiries and details regarding this post may be directed to Professor N S Zulu, email: [e-mail]

Appointment to this position will be on the 2018 Conditions of Service.

The total remuneration package offered includes benefits.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 13 November 2026.

Kindly note that the University of KwaZulu-Natal(“the University”) is required to process any Personal Information (as defined by the Protection of Personal Act, 2013 “POPIA”) submitted by candidates when applying for positions at the University. The provision of the Personal Information is a requirement in terms of the University’s recruitment and selection process. The retention of any personal information is as a consequence of the University being bound by legislative requirements and / or good governance practices as well as record keeping for statistical purposes. The University will endeavour to ensure that the appropriate security measures are in place and implemented for both electronic and paper-based formats that are used for processing of the personal information recorded through this recruitment and selection process