School of Accounting, Economics and Finance lecturer, Dr Msizi Mkhize received the Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award at the 2019 Higher Education Learning and Teaching Association of Southern Africa (HELTASA) conference held at Rhodes University in Grahamstown.
The awards are presented for excellence in teaching and learning in Higher Education and to generate a cadre of academics who are able to provide inspiration and leadership in teaching in their disciplines, institutions and regions.
Mkhize is a recipient of the 2018 UKZN Distinguished Teacher’s Award, teaching and learning specialist and maths activist. Some of his former positions include: Accounting Education lecturer at the UKZN School of Education; Head of Commerce at Zwelibanzi High School; and Accounting and Mathematics teacher at Menzi High School, where he developed a turnaround strategy for the school.
He has conducted research on the effects of attitudes towards mathematics on learning accounting and investigated the transdisciplinary relationship between mathematics and accounting in a Bachelor of Education curriculum at Higher Education Institutions. His research has provided an excellent platform to improve his accounting teaching.
Commenting on this honour Mkhize said, ‘I am honoured to receive this national recognition. My dream of being recognised and rewarded for my creative and innovative work in Mathematics and Accounting is fulfilled,’ said Mkhize
‘I dedicate the award to my superiors, colleagues and friends whom I hold in the highest regard. I sincerely thank Professor Sadhasivan Perumal, Professor Anesh Singh, Professor Betty Mubangizi, Professor Mabutho Sibanda and Professor Ian Nzimakwe for the support, inspiration, mentorship and motivation. To all my students, thank you for acknowledging and affirming my teaching methods,’ he said.
Dean and Head of the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance Professor Mabutho Sibanda said, ‘The School is proud of Dr Mkhize’s achievement that is a testimony of his continuous endeavour to improve teaching and learning in the field of Accountancy.’
Words: Lungile Ngubelanga
Photograph: Supplied
