UKZN embarked on a reconfiguration process which gave birth to a College model. Within the College of Humanities, the School of Social Sciences was formed. The School is comprised of three former Schools: the School of Anthropology, Gender and Historical Studies; the School of Politics and the School of Sociology and Social Studies. It is fully operational on both Howard and Pietermaritzburg campuses.
The School is under the leadership of the Dean/Head of School: Prof Okeke-Uzodike Nwabufo. The two main components of the School are Research and Higher Degrees. Professor Victor Muzvidziwa is the Head of Research and Dr Ruth Hoskins is the Head of Teaching and Learning. The School is further divided into four (4) thematic clusters: Culture - Head: Dr Vivian Ojong Development - Head: Prof Stephen Mutula International and Public Affairs - Head: Dr Suzanne Francis and Society and Social Change - Head: Prof Goolam Vahed. This new School has a long history of sharing modules, staff and students. The disciplines share a very high degree of common features including academic coherence and interdisciplinarity in their offerings. They are largely non-applied or professional programmes and will continue to serve as a popular service School that provides module options and graduates for other programmes. The new School has the critical mass to develop cutting edge collaborative research clusters. The School is supported by a dynamic and efficient support team under the management of Mr Kesavel (Kessie) Naicker. Its main objective being to ensure that all the School activities are operating and supported effectively. For any inquiries, please contact the School Office: Mr Cyril Mthembu for Howard College (031 260 7523) and Ms Thenjie Duma for Pietermaritzburg Campus (033 260 5320).