UKZN Wins Gold and Best Individual Stand Trophy at the Royal Show

Once again, the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has claimed victory by winning gold and the trophy for the best individual stand at the Royal Show in Pietermaritzburg.

The Royal Agricultural Show has been running for 163 years and is the leading agricultural and lifestyle event in the province, attracting over 180,000 visitors during the 10 days it runs.

Terry Strachan, Royal Agricultural Show Manager, expressed his admiration for the staff and students manning the UKZN stand, saying they were rated highly in all categories and that he was impressed by their enthusiasm and extra effort.

The winning display was attributed to the dedication and vast knowledge of the UKZN team, who went out of their way to share their expertise with the general public.

The stand, run in conjunction with the second Ukulinga Howard Davis Memorial Symposium, showcased research conducted by the School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences in the fields of climate change and food security.

The display included an interactive climate change model that depicted drought and flooding scenarios, an innovative project involving vertical farming and food security for university students by UKZN Enactus students, and specially designed ‘khukhu khayas’ for small-scale farmers to access protein supplies.

Additionally, the School of Life Sciences had a collection of creepy crawlies on display, including tenrecs, hissing cockroaches, tarantulas, and an array of boa constrictors.

The STEC@UKZN’s “Dr T” also performed a magical science show, leaving both young and old fascinated and wanting to learn more about what UKZN has to offer.

The College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science has been exhibiting at the Royal Show for several years, consistently winning prizes for its displays.