University of Durban-Westville

The University of Durban-Westville was a university situated in Westville, Durban, South Africa, which opened in 1972. It is now one of the campuses of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. It was initially established for Indians, as during apartheid there were few universities that admitted non-White students. Prior to the building of UDW, Indian students traveled by ferry to a facility at Salisbury Island, which had been established in 1961 as the University College for Indians UDW offered degrees in commerce, law, engineering, and sciences. Later an indoor sports centre was built, which hosted national sporting events. UDW was the hub of many student anti-apartheid political rallies.Campaign of intimidationIn 1995 it was reported that staff members had been subjected to death threats, violence, break-ins to their homes and offices and smear campaigns by other staff members.MergerOn 1 January 2004 the university was merged with the University of Natal to create the University of KwaZulu-Natal.Notable alumni Malusi Gigaba, Minister of Public Enterprises in South Africa Pravin Gordhan, Minister of Finance Karthy Govender, commissioner for South African Human Rights Commission Quarraisha Karim, prominent HIV prevention expert Roy Padayachie, Minister of Public Service and Administration in the South Africa David Kgosientso Ramokgopa, Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane in 2010