The UNIZULU Community Engagement is embedded in the vision, mission, and strategic framework of the university. Community Engagement is an integral part of Teaching & Learning and Research and Innovation at UNIZULU. CE is achieved through Engaged teaching & Learning, Engaged Research, and civic engagement (Volunteerism and outreach). University-Community and Industry partnerships are seen as a backdrop of engagement at the university.

Through CE, community and university knowledge and resources are combined in and out of the classroom, on and off campus to enrich scholarship, research, teaching & learning, to enhance curriculum, prepare, educate and engage graduates, academics, staff, and citizens, and address critical societal issues by contributing to the public good and bringing positive societal impact.

Community Engagement at the University of Zululand is rooted within the African philosophy of Ubuntu which is guided by the principles of reciprocity, mutuality, social justice and humanity. As a scholarly project CE at UNIZULU focuses on enhancing African values and principles to redress previous social inequalities and encourage social justice through curriculum, research and service.