Genital Inflammation Reduces Efficacy of Tenofovir Gel: Study Sheds New Light on Why Topical PrEP Effectiveness Varies in Women
Dr Lyle McKinnon and Dr Lenine Liebenberg.Why do some women get HIV infection, even though they are using tenofovir gel for prophylaxis? A new study by scientists at the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), published in Nature Medicine recently, shows that genital inflammation significantly reduces the effectiveness of tenofovir gel in preventing HIV infection in women. These findings indicate that both genital inflammation and adherence need to be addressed to improve the effectiveness of topical pre-exposure prophylaxis strategies for HIV prevention in women.
The researchers measured small proteins, known as cytokines, in the vagina. Raised cytokines levels in the vagina indicate the presence of inflammatory immune responses, even in the absence of clinical symptoms. In this study, HIV infection rates and cytokine levels as a marker of genital inflammation were studied longitudinally in 774 women over 2.5 years. Lead authors of the study, Dr Lyle McKinnon and Dr Lenine Liebenberg, found that women with genital inflammation were at higher risk of subsequently contracting HIV compared to women without inflammation. The study further showed that tenofovir gel provided 57% protection against HIV acquisition in women who had no evidence of vaginal inflammation but provided no protection in women with genital inflammation, even if they used the gel consistently.
‘This study gives us an important clue to enhance HIV prevention in women. It is not only adherence-related behaviours, but also biological processes in the vagina that need to be addressed to prevent HIV and enhance the effectiveness of topical PrEP,’ said Professor Salim Abdool Karim, Director of CAPRISA and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Research at UKZN.
In this study, nine pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured in specimens collected at over 2,139 clinic visits by 774 women at a rural and urban clinic in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa to define the levels of genital inflammation. In women who had no genital inflammation, women assigned to tenofovir gel had a HIV incidence rate of 2.3 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 1.0–4.4) compared to 5.4 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 3.4–8.2) in women assigned to placebo gel. Conversely, in women with genital inflammation, the HIV incidence rate in those assigned to tenofovir gel was 6.8 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 3.8–11.1) compared to 7.0 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 3.7–11.9) in women assigned to placebo gel. The study found that among women who used the gel most of the time (> 50% of sex acts), tenofovir gel was 75% protective (95% CI 25–92%, P = 0.014) in those women who had no genital inflammation as compared to no protection (-10%; 95% CI -184–57%, P = 0.844) in women with evidence of genital inflammation.
In 2010, the CAPRISA 004 trial provided the first evidence that tenofovir can prevent sexual transmission of HIV.
Tenofovir gel reduced HIV acquisition by 39% overall. Two subsequent studies found that tenofovir gel was not effective, most likely because most of the women in the trials did not use the gel consistently. A sub-group analysis of the FACTS001 and the MTN 003 trials showed that the gel was just over 50% effective in consistent users, highlighting the importance of high adherence. The new evidence emerging from this genital inflammation study indicates that there may be a biological basis for the differing results as well. The causes of genital inflammation are not well understood at present. Previous studies have shown that there are many possible causes of genital inflammation in women, including imbalances in the bacteria of the vaginal microbiome, sexually transmitted infections and vaginal practices.
Commenting on the study, Dr Jo-Ann Passmore, Head of the CAPRISA mucosal immunology laboratory and a professor at the University of Cape Town, said: ‘Genital inflammation, which is present in up to a third of women, makes it harder to protect women from HIV infection.’ She said that, ‘…the next step is to expand our results to assess how genital inflammation might affect the efficacy in HIV prevention trials of vaccines, passive immunisation with antibodies and antiretroviral PrEP administered through pills, rings and implants.’ Dr Passmore is the Principal Investigator of this research, which was funded by the US National Institutes of Health. The original CAPRISA 004 study was funded by The US Agency for International Development and was conducted by CAPRISA in partnership with FHI360, CONRAD and Gilead Sciences.
According to Dr Mckinnon, who is also a researcher at the University of Manitoba, ‘Reducing inflammation of the genital tract in women may augment the HIV prevention in women.’ ‘The study highlights the major role of genital inflammation in HIV risk and in modifying the efficacy of HIV prevention strategies,’ said Dr Liebenberg. “Current and future attempts to improve topical PrEP efficacy would benefit from knowing the causes of inflammation, and developing new strategies to treat genital inflammation.”
One such effort is currently underway at the University of Manitoba, where a study is being led by Dr Keith Fowke to use the anti-inflammatory, Acetylsalicylic acid (known commonly as aspirin), to reduce inflammatory responses in the female genital tract. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02079077).
Access the scientific paper at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nm.4506
Words: CAPRISA authors
author : .author email : .Kugcotshwe Umkhandlu Wabafundi wase-UKZN
Amalungu e-SRC nabasebenzi base-UKZN emcimbini wokugcotshwa kwawo obubanjelwe e-MH Joosub Hall ekhempasini yase-Westville.Click here for the English version
Umkhandlu wabafundi wase-UKZN ugcotshwe ngokusemthethweni emcimbini obubanjelwe eKhempasini i-Westville ngoMgqibelo zingama-24 kuNhlolanja 2018.
UDkt Rose Laka-Mathebula, OnguMqondisi Olawulayo: Kwezabafundi, wamukele bonke abebekhona emcimbini waphinde wahalalisela amalungu omkhandlu wabafundi anqobe ukhetho. Uwagqugquzele ukuba aqinisekise ukuthi izwi labafundi liyazwakala futhi uphinde wabaluleka ngokuthi bazibophezele ‘‘ebuholini ngokuzinikela’’.
Inkulumo yosuku beyethulwa uMnu Sibusiso Duma, owayengumfundi waseNyuvesi oyilungu lesishayamthetho sesifundazwe i-KwaZulu-Natal. UDuma weluleke amalungu omkhandlu ngokubaluleka kokuzehlisa wawanxusa nokuthi aqinisekise ukuthi abafundi abavalelwa ngaphandle kwezokufunda ngenxa yokuthi baphuma emakhaya antulayo.’ Ugcizelele ukubaluleka kokuthuthukisa abantu besifazane futhi wakhumbuza amalungu omkhandlu ukuthi angakhohlwa ukusiza labo abebebasekele.
OwayenguMongameli WoMkhandlu WaBafundi Omkhulu uNkz Noxolo Bhengu, ubonge bonke ababebasekele ngesikhathi besahola uMkhandlu waphinde wathi ‘bekuyintokozo ukusebenzela abafundi.’ UBhengu uhalalisele abazothatha izintambo zobuholi boMkhandlu wabakhumbuza ukuthi ‘umsebenzi obamele awulula neze.’ Uthe ukusebenzela abafundi akukhu mayelana nokuzuzwayo kodwa kuza nomsebenzi omkhulu. ‘Kumele uzimisele ngokusebenza,’usho kanje.
UMongameli Womkhandlu Omkhulu, uMnu Sandile Zondi, ubeke amazwi okubonga uBhengu namalungu omkhandlu aphumile futhi wathembisa ukuthi uMkhandlu omusha uzobavikela abafundi. Uqinisekise abafundi ngokuthi i-SRC izohlala itholakala ukuze ilekelele abafundi futhi wagcizelela ukubaluleka ‘kobumbano ekuvikelweni kwabakhululekile’.
Kunandise ikhwaya yase-UKZN, i-Buya Africa, Isambane kanye owayengumfundi wase-UKZN uNkz Boniswa Moto, ubengumphathi wohlelo. OnguMabhalane Omkhulu wase-UKZN, uMnu Simon Mokoena, ubephethe umcimbi wokufungiswa kwabakhethiwe.
Amagama: ngu-Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer
author : .author email : .Software License Grant Awarded to Engineering Lecturer and Students
Dr Ernest Bhero introducing the Simio software to his students.The University of KwaZulu-Natal has been awarded a R200 000 licensing grant by Simio LLC for the use of the latter’s simulation software which will aid in data simulation for researchers.
Simio is an industry-recognised simulation software that lets you construct 3D models from a top-down 2D view. Most other simulation packages are built on outdated 2D technology that is limiting and less efficient. While this may not seem important to the average person, it saves valuable time and money for researchers and students.
Advocate Ernest Bhero is one such researcher who is currently using the Simio software in his doctoral research. ‘My work’s aims to determine the optimal use of a mix of technologies that would improve the efficiency of cross-border trade corridors in sub-Sahara Africa,’ he explains.
Part of his research examines Radio-frequency identification (RFID) and Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking technologies. Using the software, he was able to simulate different scenarios to determine an optimal mix of transit technologies.
The results of the simulation indicated that by using a combination of technologies (lead by RFID), it is possible to reduce average border transit time (all cargo) by about 82%. Advocate Bhero is pleased with the impact the software has had on his work. ‘Simio is a powerful simulation software, which enables shorter development time and it provides a rich set of results.’
Bhero is also a Computer Engineering Lecturer and feels that the software will be very helpful to his students. ‘I am keen to introduce Simio to our Engineering students sometime in the first semester of 2018.’
Highly specialised software like Simio can come with costly licensing fees that are not within a student’s budget. To make their software more accessible, Simio LLC has awarded Advocate Bhero with a licensing grant valued at over R200 000. This will allow the software to be installed on seven computers that will run simulations for student research until mid-2019.
‘We are grateful to Simio LLC for providing us with a license grant and opening doors for our students to conduct industry-led research,’ Bhero said. Through this grant, Simio LLC has invested in UKZN’s students who are sure to repay the grant with groundbreaking research.
Words: Sashlin Girraj
author : .author email : .Humanities Student Designs Innovative Solar Device
Social Sciences alumnus Mr Trever Colvelle designs innovative Solar Nexus device.Social Sciences alumnus Mr Trever Colvelle recently won first place, out of 198 entries, at the Inkunz’isematholeni Youth in Business Competition for his Solar Nexus gadget. The gadget utilises rollable solar panels as a canopy to capture solar power which is then stored in a power bank connected in the device.
The detachable power bank can power small household appliances such as television sets, radio, fan/heater, lights or even charge cellphones, tablets, laptops, power banks etc.
‘The power bank is a 12V 20 000 mAh (milliamps) of power. When fully charged, it is able to last a week on a single charge. The design is essential because it enables the user to collect power while they walk to a shopping mall, walking to school, work, and at beaches,’ he explained.
Colvelle walked away with R250?000 worth of business support, including mentorship, product development, incubation, market research, working capital, company registration, IP protection and marketing support.
Solar Nexus also has a tracker for when stolen or misplaced. A mobile app is in the works, which will assist the user in understanding the gadget and access weather information online.
‘The app will interpret it and only make solar information available and forecast, points earned in the solar chaser project and money as well as other important information. The gadget opens up like a golf umbrella to capture the sunrays efficiently,’ said Colvelle.
A concern about shack fires led Colvelle to design the device. ‘I often heard on the news about shack fires or read about them in newspapers, then I started thinking about renewable ways in which shack fires can be curbed. The Solar Nexus idea happened to be at the right place at the right time.’
He plans on making the device available to informal settlements in KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and Gauteng with an expansion into other provinces and other African countries such as Rwanda and Burundi. Colvelle will also be working on the solar chaser project whose aim is to work with unemployed youth to collect solar power and charge power banks.
His advice to other students is, ‘Young entrepreneurs should manage their time wisely and be opportunistic, remember success comes from failure. Be innovative!’
Words: Melissa Mungroo
author : .author email : .Ukubambisana Ne-Duke University Ukulwisana Nezinkinga Zezempilo Emhlabeni Jikelele
Kubanjiswene ekuthuthukiseni ezeMpilo.Click here for the English version
‘Umhlaba ubhekene nezinkinga ezinkulu ezingeke zisonjululwe isikhungo noma umkhakha owodwa,’ kusho uSolwazi wase-Duke University u-Gregory Gray esifundweni somphakathi ebesibanjelwe e-UKZN sihlelwe iSikole Sezifundo ZezeMpilo.
Izibonelo zalokhu zihlanganisa nobungozi bezifo ezithathelanayo kubantu nasezilwaneni, inkinga eya ngokukhula yamagciwane angalapheki ngezindlela ezisetshenziswayo manje nesidingo sokukhuphula izinga lokukhiqizwa kokudla kube kuqikelelwe ukuphepha kwakho ukudla. U-Gray ukhuthaze indlela yokubhekana nalenselelo eqhakambisa ukusebenzisana kwemikhakha ehlukene i-One Health uma sekuqhutshekwa kubhekwe phambili.
I-One Health ihlanganisa abasebenza emikhakheni yezokwelashwa kwabantu, izilwane, nemikhakha yezemvelo ukuze kuxazululwe lezi zinkinga ezibucayi. Kuleli sonto u-Gray nozakwabo wezocwaningo uNkz Laura Borkenhagen bahlangane noSolwazi Mohamed Ezzat El Zowalaty neqembu lakhe locwaningo ukuze bahlanganise umsebenzi wocwaningo ngokubambisana ozokwenziwa eThekwini ngaphansi kwesihloko esithi-One Health.
U-El Zowalaty onguSolwazi wezoCwaningo WezeMayikhrobhayoloji neVayiroloji eSikoleni seZifundo ZezeMpilo e-UKZN uhola ucwaningo lokuthola ukuthi imaphi amagciwane atholakala ezingulubeni eThekwini.
Amaqembu womabili (elase-UKZN nelase-Duke) acwaninga abantu nezilwane ngenhloso yokwenza ngcono impilo yabantu nezilwane nokugwema ukusabalala kwamagciwane afana nomkhuhlane i-avian flu eyaba nomphumela omubi kakhulu ezimbonini zenyama yekhukhu e-Asia, North America nase-Europe. Muva nje lo mkhuhlane ibhebhetheke eNingizimu Afrika ngasekupheleni kuka-Nhlangulana 2017 futhi waphazamisa ukufuywa kwezinkukhu ezweni okwabangela izinkinga kwezempilo nokwesaba.
Uhlelo lwe-One Health lugqugquzela ukusebenza ngokubambisana kongoti abaningi (njengabasebenza ngezifo ezisuka ezilwaneni ziye kubantu, abasemalebhu, abelapha abantu, nabelapha izilwane) besebenza ngezempilo zabantu, izilwane, okuhlanganise nezifuywayo kanye nezasendle. La maqembu e-One Health asebenza ekuhlonzweni komsuka wesifo nokuhlola ukuthi yiziphi izindlela ezingasetshenziswa ukuze kuncishiswe ubungozi besifo.
U-Gray ukhuthaze ukuthuthukiswa kwezindlela zokusebenzisana nge-One Health. Ugcizelele ukubaluleka kokusebenzisana nodoketela bezilwane basendaweni. Uthe lapho kunamaqembu amaningi abantu ahlangene nezilwane, izithwalazifo zingangena phakathi kwabo. Ugcizelele ukuthi lokhu kungena kungaba ngezindlela ezimbili lapho izithwalazifo zisuka ezilwaneni ziya kubantu noma kwezinye izikhathi zisuke kubantu ziya ezilwaneni.
Ukuze kuqinisekiswe impumelelo yomsebenzi waseThekwini, u-El Zowalaty ukhulume nangobudlelwano asebakhe eKwaZulu-Natali nabafuyi bemfuyo abalandelayo; abakwa-Ezemvelo KZN wildlife, ama-wild bird ringers, nezizinda ama-wildlife rehabilitation centres (FreeMe, CROW, Raptor Rescue, Second Chance Avian Rescue), eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, ama-Veterinary services, ne-KZN Department of Environment and Rural services, kanye noMnyango WezeMpilo e-KZN.
Ucwaningo luka-El Zowalaty luhlose ukuphenya ngamagciwane asuka ezilwaneni njengengxenye yezithwalazifo e-KZN, eNingizimu Afrika. Lo mkhakha awunakiwe kodwa unomthelela omkhulu empilweni yabantu. Uphakamise ukusebenzisa indlela i-One Health egqugquzela ukubambisana kwemikhakha ehlukene futhi ezoqinisa imizamo yeminyango ehlukene esebenza kulomkhakha okuzoba nomphumelo wocwaningo olunamandla nolunomsebenzi omkhulu.
Amagama ngu-: MaryAnn Francis
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author : .author email : .UKZN to host 21st Time of the Writer International Festival
21st Time of the Writer International Festival kicks off from 12 to 17 March 2018 at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre. The Centre for Creative Arts (CCA) within the College of Humanities will host the 21st Time of the Writer International Festival from 12 to 17 March 2018 at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre.
Announcing this year’s line-up, the Acting-Director of the CCA, Ms Chipo Zhou said, ‘We are very excited to be hosting Time of the Writer yet again and celebrating the diverse voices that make up our African literary continent.
‘The CCA is grateful for the support from our various stakeholders, without which this festival would not be possible. In an ever changing global village, the backing of the literary giants in attendance this year, is most humbling, 21 years on. We look forward to an intellectually engaging event that will entertain and challenge our creativity.’
Sixteen writers will convene under this year’s theme of “Changing the Narrative’’ and will engage with this notion as it relates to their work and the direction in which literature is moving towards.
Explaining the choice of theme, Zhou said, ‘A new generation of scholars is on the rise, demanding recognition of the African intellect and its contribution to literature, an “African Renaissance”. We cannot rewrite history, but we can question and maybe alter it. And most definitely, we will write the future.
‘In the words of Kakwe Kasoma, it is time to correct this colonial hangover. As we celebrate Mandela’s centenary year, it is our hope that we can reflect fairly on this history and begin a new chapter as we own our stories and change the narrative.’
The Festival will consist of a day programme that is hosted in four community libraries (Austerville, Westville, Chesterville Extension and Tongaat), art centres and schools around eThekwini where workshops and panel discussions will take place.
In the evening panel discussions will be hosted at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre. This year’s Festival also offers a special focus on children’s literature, which will see a storytelling session on Saturday 17 March and panel discussions facilitated by renowned storyteller Dr Gcina Mhlophe.
Tickets for the evening program are available from Computicket, however the day programme is free of charge.
The sixteen writers who will participate in the Time of the Writer 2018:
• Award winning Creative Author, Ayobami Adebayo, from Nigeria
• Experimental Author, Jennipher M. Zulu, from Zambia
• Dynamic Author, Kafula Mwila, from Zambia
• Poet, performance master and author of 12 books, Lesego Rampolokeng, from Johannesburg, South Africa
• Gritty and intense Author, Luka Mwango, from Zambia
• Author, award-winning filmmaker, recording artist, and distinguished professor, MK Asante, from the USA
• Best-selling author, Refiloe Moahloli, from Mthatha, South Africa
• Outspoken political commentator, scholar and musician, Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, from Johannesburg, South Africa
• isiZulu, short story and children’s Author, Themba Qwabe from Durban, South Africa
• Unathi Slasha imagines and subverts Nguni folklore from Port Elizabeth, South Africa
• Award winning novelist and short story writer, Yewande Omotoso, born in Barbados, raised in Nigeria and based Cape Town, South Africa
• Novelist, journalist, poet and academic, Alain Mabanckou, born in Congo, based in France
• Professor of political economy, Patrick Bond, from Johannesburg, South Africa, born in Belfast, Northern Ireland
• Author, politician, diplomat, poet, academic, journalist, and cultural activist Lindiwe Mabuza from Newcastle, South Africa
• Author of the University of Johannesburg, Debut Fiction, Prizewinning novel The Yearning, Mohale Mashigo, from Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa
• Grizelda Grootboom, based in Cape Town, South Africa.
Words: Melissa Mungroo
author : .author email : .UKZN Partners with Smile Foundation to bring Smiles to the Faces of Children with Moebius Syndrome
Dr Psaras and his surgical team during a long reconstructive surgery of Boitumelo Monare.In a first for the province, UKZN’s Discipline of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery joined forces with the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital and the Smile Foundation to bring critical reconstructive surgery to children suffering from Moebius Syndrome (facial paralysis).
This was done as part of the Smile Facial Reanimation Week held at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital from 26 February to 1 March 2018.
Professor Anil Madaree, Head of UKZN’s Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery invited Dr George Psaras, the Medical Director of the Smile Foundation, to share his skills in this critical area of surgical procedures. Aside from this important transfer of skills to staff at the hospital, the initiative also aimed to upskill UKZN students.
‘This inaugural Smile Facial Reanimation Week created awareness in local communities about both Moebius Syndrome and the assistance families can obtain from the Smile Foundation and in future, this hospital.’ explained Moira Gerszt, Operations Executive Director of the Smile Foundation.
Moebius Syndrome is a complex congenital neurological disorder that can affect multiple cranial nerves. When the 7th cranial nerve, called the facial nerve is affected there is paralysis of the muscles responsible for all facial movements. It is a rare disorder with an incidence of 1 in 50 000 of all live births in the USA. There are no statistics for South Africa. Due to its rarity, few surgeons are exposed to or have shown an interest in treating this condition.
Psaras visited the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital during the Smile Facial Reanimation Week to perform this complex procedure on two young patients, seven-year-old Boitumelo from Brakpan North, and eight-year-old Olwethu from Potchefstroom. Psaras also delivered lectures on the topic.
Boitumelo and Olwethu underwent a successful surgery in the past week and are recovering well under high care.
‘While the surgery is not a high-risk procedure it took 8 to 12 hours to perform. The surgery required continuous precision and concentration for this period of time. It also required two teams of surgeons; one harvesting the gracilis muscle and another working on the face. Both girls are recovering well and smiling, we are all smiling,’ said Dr Psaras.
The Smile Facial Reanimation Week was supported by The Victor Daitz Foundation.
‘On behalf of The Victor Daitz Foundation it is a privilege to commemorate our Founder by supporting children in the KwaZulu-Natal region with life-changing surgeries. This partnership will enable children to live their lives to their full potential and face the world with a positive self-image.’ says Brian Moshal, Managing Trustee of The Victor Daitz Foundation.
‘As always, we wish to thank our generous sponsors and all the people involved in contributing to this important initiative. Thank you to The Victor Daitz Foundation for the vital funding that made this week possible, and a special thank you to UKZN’s Principal Specialist, Dr Mahendra Daya, for his support in putting together this programme,’ said Gerszt.
About the Smile Foundation
We’re About Putting Smiles on the Faces of Children in South Africa!
Smile Foundation is a South African NGO that assists children with any type of facial or other conditions, to receive reconstructive surgery within South Africa. We help children who suffer from treatable facial anomalies such as cleft lip and palate, all burns, Moebius syndrome (facial paralysis) and other conditions.
We are currently based in 11 Academic Hospitals around South Africa. We are investing in the medical teams we work with, through an Academic Skills programme, and we assist the hospitals by purchasing equipment for use by the Departments of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. “Our Chief Patron, the late honourable Nelson Mandela’s wish is for us to assist as many children around South Africa as possible to alleviate the stigma attached to living with a facial condition”. For more information, contact Smile Foundation on www.smilefoundation.co.za or 0861 276 453. Make a donation today! Help put a smile on a child’s face today! SMS “Smile” to 38413 to donate R10.
Words: Lihle Sosibo
author : .author email : .Alumnus makes Civil Engineering Proud
Dr Elena Friedrich and Mr Evashan Moodliar.UKZN Civil Engineering graduate has scored second prize at this year’s prestigious Civil Engineering University Research and Investigation Project (IP) Showdown.
The project he entered for the competition is one he had done while still a student.
Mr Evashan Moodliar graduated with his BSc Civil Engineering degree in 2017 however; this high achiever ensured that he left his mark within the School of Engineering.
During his final undergraduate year of study, Moodliar had to submit an investigative project in the form of a dissertation. Supervised by Dr Elena Friedrich, Moodliar’s dissertation project was titled Energy and carbon emission implications for the retrofitting of an existing office building – A case study of the eThekwini Municipality Electricity Office Building.
The project looks at the core energy consuming components in a conventional office building and investigates its potential to retrofit the building to optimise on the buildings’ environmental performance. It focuses on several energy consuming categories and recommends energy efficient implementations.
These implementations are analysed in conjunction with the reduction in energy consumption, carbon emissions and a feasibility assessment. The retrofitted building is thereafter awarded points that is benchmarked by the Green Star SA standards in the energy category to recognise leadership qualities in the level of sustainability practised.
Recognising the excellent research done in this project, Moodliar proceeded to enter his final year dissertation into the Civil Engineering University Research and Investigation Project (IP) Showdown.
The event which was held in Cape Town on 8 February is part of the national curriculum for final year Civil Engineering undergraduate students. Students are required to select an issue, which is current in the industry. They do so by conducting research in accordance with pre-set deliverables over a fixed period, leading up to the final year examinations. Once all the research and investigations on the specific issue is complete, the student then presents findings to a panel of judges made up of selected industry leaders and non-engineers. The presentations are then adjudicated based on a set of agreed criteria.
Moodliar was placed second in the competition and was awarded a prize of R7 000. Currently employed by Bigen, Africa where he focuses on water conservation and water demand management, Moodliar was interested in Civil Engineering from a young age. ‘I was always intrigued by the work of art done by engineers. Entering secondary school afforded me the opportunity to thoroughly learn more about the exciting world of Civil Engineering and the broad spectrum of disciplines it has to offer. This paved the way to pursue my career in Civil Engineering on a tertiary level. Now as a qualified Civil Engineer, I am driven by passion to have a positive impact on society by adding meaningful value in the work that I specialize in,’ said Moodliar.
With Dr Elena Friedrich serving as his role model, Moodliar wants to pursue a master’s degree at some stage.
When not busy at work, Moodliar enjoys outdoor activities such as soccer and cricket.
Words: Prashina Budree
Photograph supplied by Evashan Moodliar
author : .author email : .UKZN Students Elected into SAMSA National Executive
Mr Kapil Narain, Mr Vikar Singh and Mr Lindokuhle Ntshangase.The South African Medical Students Association (SAMSA) recently held its national elections where three UKZN Medical students got elected into top positions in the associations’ National Executive Committee (NEC).
Mr Kapil Narain was elected Chairperson, Mr Lindokuhle Ntshangase was elected as Secretary while Mr Vikar Singh got elected as the Marketing Officer of SAMSA.
‘I am absolutely honoured to be the Chair of the National Executive Committee. I am excited to work with students, doctors and leaders across the globe. To be an effective leader one needs to have the vision. I believe my unwavering optimistic attitude and ambition driven by the vision of making the world a better place will invent innovative solutions to the problems of tomorrow and ultimately combat social injustices. I will utilise this opportunity to galvanise all Medical students to unite on events that will ultimately improve healthcare and society’, proclaimed 21-year-old Kapil who happens to be youngest NEC chair in the history of the association. Kapil is a fourth-year Medical student at UKZN.
Ntshangase, the fourth-year Medical student who was elected as Secretary has held numerous leadership positions including serving on the Medical School SRC, serving as Media and Publicity Officer and was the Chairperson of Joint Chairpersons’ Council of Medical School in 2016/17.
‘I have been observing from a distance and I have learnt a lot from Local chapter Chairperson Kapil Narain. I am thrilled to have been elected as the Secretary of the SAMSA NEC. I have been taught to believe that the Secretary is the engine of the structure. It is more than just an appointment to me. To serve a vast community of Medical students across South Africa is a great endeavour that I feel honoured to pursue. The goal is to conquer the world and I’ve just touched the surface. I believe that true leadership is getting out of your comfort zone. The focus is on SAMSA for now, all my energy will be invested there to make sure that I do the most possible’ he said.
Singh, a fifth-year Medical student has previously served on the National Committee before as the Head of the Standing Committee on Sexual and Reproductive Health including HIV/AIDS (SCORA).
‘Having been the National Head of SCORA for two terms, I have personally witnessed students become active and passionate about Sexual and Reproductive Health topics and issues, and in a way, reignite the reason we have chosen to pursue a career in the medical field, the passion and compassion we have for helping people.
‘Before I exit the system and become an intern, it is my goal to market SAMSA and make it the household name it has the potential to be, and pave the way for future Medical students to hold the banner higher than we have,’ he said.
The South African Medical Students Association (SAMSA) is a nationally run non-profit organisation comprising of Medical students from various medical schools across the country. All members have a passion for both Medicine and creating positive change in South African and Global communities at large. SAMSA also aims to create opportunities for professional development and acts as the official representative voice for all South African medical students. SAMSA affiliated to the International Federation of Medical Students (IFMSA) which is recognised by the World Health Organization (IFMSA has voting power at the World Health Assembly) and United Nations and works with the World Medical Association (WMA).
Dr Chris Fourie, who founded SAMSA and is a current Director said, ‘SAMSA has been around for quite some time, however, we even hosted a IFMSA General Assembly in 1997 in Cape Town and I believe it was originally grounded in the 1960’s. Applicants for the National Executive Committee were Medical students from across the country and were selected based on their accomplishments in leadership positions and their ambition, and passion to make a difference in society. I am very pleased with the new NEC as a whole and glad to have members from a diverse variety of backgrounds. I look forward to their term of office!’
Words: Lihle Sosibo and Chris Fourie
author : .author email : .UKZN Students Engage Treasury Official about the Budget
Highlights of the 2018 Post Budget Discussion.National Treasury’s Deputy Director-General of Public Finance Dr Mampho Modise recently paid a visit to UKZN to unpack the recently tabled 2018/2019 budget.
More than 200 eager students attended the annual post budget discussion hosted by the School of Accounting, Economic and Finance (SAEF).
The public engagement platform allowed Modise, who plays a significant role in the development of the national budget, to shed light on some issues regarding the increase of Value Added Tax (VAT), personal income tax and the implementation of free Higher Education.
Modise explained how the country’s economy is in a difficult position as it has little or no growth with no tax revenue while spending pressures continue.
‘As a treasury official, tough decisions have to be made in order to achieve a sustainable budget. We have to balance many variables at once and come up with a budget that will positively affect the poor and won’t rake in resources from people who we are already taking resources from. We want a budget that won’t destroy the little growth that we have. In order to achieve this we have to ask ourselves: what is important? Do we stabilise the debt? Do we continue to borrow at a high interest costs? Do we continue to spend? Do we introduce fee free Higher Education,’ she said.
‘As the government we have decided on introducing new tax measures that will allow us to deal with the spending pressures, but also help us stabilise the debt and reduce government spending,’ she added.
Following her presentation Modise engaged in an informal question and answer session where students were not shy in tackling topics ranging from implementing sustainable fee free education, the government’s lack of action against corrupt officials and the income tax increase affecting the middle class in society.
Second-year Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting student Mr Trevor Chinyanga said that from an educational perspective, the presentation was enlightening as it gave him a glimpse of how the National Treasury operates compared to what they are taught in the lecture room.
Speaking on how the University can contribute in assisting the government in improving South Africa’s economic situation, SAEF’s Dean and Head of School Professor Mabutho Sibanda said ‘As a University we have identified the niche research focus areas that require urgency and have identified particular courses of action needed to contribute to a better society. I would like to take this opportunity to put on the table our willingness and great enthusiasm to work with the National Treasury in shaping the lives of South African citizens through applied research.’
Words: Sibonelo Shinga
author : .author email : .CHS hosts Launch of Nursing Now Campaign
“Nursing Now” Workshop and Launch Participants.UKZN’s College of Health Sciences Discipline of Nursing hosted the Durban Launch of the International “Nursing Now” campaign in collaboration with the International Council of Nurses (ICN). Forming part of the launch was the UKZN/ICN research workshop for TB Nurses in Africa.
The Nursing Now campaign aims to raise the status and profile of nursing across the globe. Run in collaboration with ICN and the World Health Organization, Nursing Now seeks to empower nurses to take their place at the heart of tackling 21st Century health challenges.
The campaign also aims to improve perceptions about nurses, enhance their influence and maximise their contributions towards ensuring that everyone everywhere has access to healthcare.
‘This is a great honour for Nursing and UKZN and really showcases our work internationally as a WHO collaborating centre,’ said Nursing Discipline Academic Leader Professor Gugu Mchunu.
Mchunu also applauded this historic event for helping nurses from different countries stand together as one, taking a stand to advance the nursing agenda of Universal Health Coverage.
‘Nurses’ contributions towards people’s health cannot go by unnoticed, since we know that nurses form the backbone of the healthcare sector. This day marks a very important day in the lives of nurses globally,’ she said.
Launching the project, ICN Vice-President Thembeka Gwagwa said her organisation was very excited about the research workshop, ‘As we are launching the Nursing Now campaign, we are happy that the workshop is part of the international launch.’
The campaign was also launched globally with events in London, Jordan, North Carolina and Geneva, live-streamed on the Nursing Now website and its Facebook page, with Kate Middleton the Duchess of Cambridge as its patron.
‘Nursing Now will run to the end of 2020 – the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth and a year when nurses will be celebrated worldwide,’ said Gwagwa.
The launch coincided with a weeklong nursing research workshop for TB nurses from Ethiopia, Malawi, Swaziland, Zambia, Uganda, Lesotho and South Africa. The ICN TB/MDR-TB Project Research Workshop, initiated by Dr Carrie Tudor, TB Project Director ICN, aims to develop research skills in these clinical nurses.
School of Nursing and Public Health Acting Dean and Head of School, Dr Moshabela commended the Discipline, ‘We are very excited to participate in this event, which we view as capacity development for our nurses and nurse leaders.’
The collaboration came about through one of the Senior Academics in the Discipline, Professor Petra Brysiewicz who was also instrumental in co-ordinating and running the research workshop for clinical nurses working in the area of TB in Africa – as part of the ICN TB/MDR-TB Project workshop which aimed to build the research capacity of nurses in the seven ICN Wellness Centre countries.
The weeklong workshop provided 17 nurses with fundamental research skills and plans to assist them to go back home and continue with a small clinical research project.
The ICN TB/MDR-TB Project is supported by a United Way Worldwide grant made possible by the generosity of the Lilly Foundation on behalf of the Lilly MDR-TB Partnership.
Words: Nombuso Dlamini
author : .author email : .Lecturer Champions Discipline of Statistics
From left: Professor Temesgen Zewotir, Ms Nombuso Zondo and Professor Delia North.Former Statistician-General of South Africa and former Head of Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), Pali Lehohla, recently singled out rising Statistics star Ms Nombuso Zondo, a PhD candidate and lecturer at UKZN, as an example of how to advance the field in South Africa after she received the the Pali Lehohla Award for the best emerging statistician from the South African Statistics Association (SASA) in November 2017.
In an article published in the Sunday Independent, Lehohla spoke about Zondo’s career and achievements in the context of skills shortages in Statistics and Mathematics fields in South Africa, and UKZN’s and Stats SA’s laudable efforts to combat this this by teaching school teachers statistics through a legacy programme, one which Zondo has contributed to passionately.
Zondo grew up enjoying Mathematics at school, but was unfamiliar with Statistics until she encountered it at UKZN during her undergraduate BSc studies. The importance of the Discipline dawned on her as she realised how much of what we encounter in daily life is data driven. For Zondo, mastering Statistics was a matter of literacy acting as the key to open up even more fields of discovery.
The School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science (SMSCS) lecturer is currently working on her PhD under the supervision of Professors Delia North and Temesgen Zewotir, having started at UKZN as a developmental lecturer in 2015.
‘Nombuso loved the challenge of combining her mathematical skills with real world problem solving, which resulted in her becoming more and more passionate about statistics,’ said North. ‘She was a standout student in the Statistics Honours class, identifying her as a potential future lecturer for her academic ability and communication skills.’
Zondo cites curiosity as a driving force in her pursuit of an academic career.
‘I am never comfortable with just what I know, there is so much more to learn out there,’ said Zondo. ‘Academia is the perfect platform for continuous learning and knowledge sharing; it is an intellectually-stimulating job that enables me to follow my heart.’
Zondo said she has appreciated the collegial nature of her Department at UKZN, as well as the opportunity to grow and develop under the UKZN banner. The kind of student she encounters at UKZN, she said, also inspires her to make a difference using her skills and abilities.
Being involved in Statistics Education capacity building drives at UKZN, led by North, and contributing considerably to the five-year Maths4Stats project run at UKZN for Stats SA are just some of the ways Zondo is applying her skills to impact those around her. She has helped with a Research and Teaching project with the Department of Higher Education and assists Grade 12 learners from disadvantaged schools to prepare for their final Mathematics exams
Zondo credited North, Zewotir and her colleagues for their unfailing support, supervision and dedication to quality, and acknowledged her family for their understanding of and respect for her chosen commitment to academia, despite initial resistance to what seemed like perpetual studying in lieu of joining a more familiar workforce.
Words: Christine Cuénod
Photograph supplied by Nombuso Zondo
author : .author email : .UKZN Building the Child Health Workforce in Africa
Dr Lawrence Mubaiwa (far right) with some of the 2018 Fellows (from left) Dr Lionel Nyamurenje; Dr Davidzo Murigo-Shumba and Dr Meryline Ndlovu.The UKZN African Paediatric Fellowship Programme (APFP), which was launched last year aims to build sustainable multidisciplinary child health capacity in Africa.
The programme was launched in the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health with the support of grant funding from the USA based ELMA Philanthropies foundation.
Countries in Africa have historically experienced a shortage of qualified paediatricians and paediatric sub-specialists largely due to a lack of training opportunities. For every 100 000 children in Africa, only one paediatrician is available – this statistic highlights a major skills shortage when compared to the availability of 99 paediatricians per 100 000 children in the US. In 2016, according to data released by the World Health Organization, 48% of global deaths of sick children aged under five were in Africa. Africa desperately needs more qualified doctors in paediatric health and the Programme is contributing to delivering these doctors and ensuring they are trained for the African context.
The UKZN APFP equips Doctors with specialist and sub-specialist paediatric skills and knowledge they need through complimentary Fellowship schemes led by Professor Refiloe Masekela, Head of Department; and Dr Lawrence Mubaiwa, Programme Director. The APFP Fellowships are trained in the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and Paediatric Sub-specialties at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital, and General Paediatrics at UKZN Teaching Hospitals complex.
The programme’s curricula and practice-based learning are tailored to address the child health priorities and capacity building needs identified by African partner hospitals and national health departments. Fellows return to their home countries with new skills, knowledge and qualifications that are relevant to their country specific needs upon completion of training. APFP graduates become leaders and change makers who make quality care a reality for children across Africa, leading important developments in child health systems, policies and services.
The training programme collaborates with two other South African training universities, African partner universities and hospitals, to create a network on the continent that enhances the training programme and supports Fellows on their return. The APFP financial support covers tuition fees, travel from home countries, accommodation, and meals for all Fellows while they are in South Africa.
Mubaiwa highlighted: ‘This programme offers a unique opportunity to receive training within the African context in a highly rated academic institution, allowing Fellows to meet their country specific needs once they’ve graduated and providing Africa with much needed Doctors in order to improve child healthcare and services across the continent.’
Words: Nqobile Ndimande
author : .author email : .PhD Candidate attends Inaugural Toothpick Project Training
Mr Admire Shayanowako (back row, fourth from right) with other participants at Montana State University.PhD candidate in Plant Breeding, Mr Admire Shayanowako, recently travelled to Montana State University (MSU) in the United States, where he attended training on the biocontrol of weeds through the Toothpick Project.
Shayanowako was one of 12 scientists from Africa in attendance, with a full scholarship. Attendees represented Benin, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Shayanowako was the only delegate attending the two and a half week training in a pre-PhD career stage, facing stiff competition amongst 56 applications; attendees were selected based on the relevance of their research and recommendation from a supervisor.
The Toothpick Project involves biocontrol of Striga strains including S. hermonthica and S. asiatica, commonly known as witchweed. These parasitic weeds affect maize, rice, millet, sorghum and sugarcane in 17 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, and result in enormous yield losses. These hemiparasitic plants can produce as many as 500 000 seeds that remain viable in the soil for 10 years, thriving in poor soil and under drought conditions.
Using the Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Strigae fungus, researchers have been able to get the fungus to attack just the Striga, leaving the host intact. The soil-borne fungus will attack the growing Striga and its seeds, making it a permanent solution.
The project draws its name from the method used to propagate and apply the biocontrol. The fungus is dried onto toothpicks which are added to, for example a pot of boiled rice, forming a substrate for the fungus to colonise in a closed, sterile environment for around two days. The grains are then added to a planting station, where the fungus colonises the Striga. The toothpicks inoculated with the fungus are contained in sealed, sterile drinking straws and given to the farmers to propagate themselves, making it an empowering system where farmers rely on their own sustainable biocontrol production.
Participants plan to pass on the knowledge gained within their regions through forming a pan-African forum for biocontrol of Striga, involving meetings, workshops, grant proposal writing and biocontrol initiatives to address Striga, with the potential to replicate the model for other biocontrol agents for other pests, parasites and diseases such as the Fall Armyworm.
The visit featured academic and practical training based on Kenyan case study examples, with experts including MSU’s Dr David Sands, Ms Claire Baker from Biotech Investments, Dr David Geiser of Pennsylvania State University, Professor Jonathan Gressel of the Weizmann Institute, representatives from Germany and France, and Mr Henry Nzioki from the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute.
Participants received guidance on combining efforts to look for funding for implementation, and advice on how to improve local biocontrol agents, enhance their virulence and look for local strengths to assist with commercialisation and release to farmers.
Trainers encouraged participants to think commercially, since the biochemistry involved in the biocontrol is sophisticated, and as high-tech and as effective as a commercial herbicide, but more environmentally friendly and potentially more effective.
Words: Christine Cuénod
author : .author email : .Partnership to Improve Patient Care and Safety by Using Healthcare Data
Healthcare Data Collaboration between UKZN and Duke’s School of Nursing is underway.Representatives from the UKZN’S School of Nursing and Public Health and their counterparts from Duke’s School of Nursing recently convened talks on a collaboration aimed at improving patient care and safety by using healthcare data.
The collaboration started when Professor Petra Brysiewicz of UKZN’S Discipline of Nursing in the School of Nursing and Public Health was introduced to Professor Katherine Pereira, the Director of Duke Nursing Practice (DNP) Programme a number of years ago. The pair then started to work on ideas regarding possible collaborations. Pereira came to South Africa and Brysiewicz introduced her to UKZN’s Professor Damian Clarke and his team, with their electronic database, the Hybrid Electronic Medical Registry (HEMR).
Brysiewicz says the main objective of this partnership is to develop a method for teaching clinical nurses and other healthcare professionals how to use data for research purposes. The importance of using healthcare data to drive practice and change is the primary focus of this venture.
Most importantly the two universities will work collaboratively to identify interdisciplinary approaches to improving patient care and safety by using healthcare data.
A co-partnership to develop a curriculum that could lead in the training of nurses and other healthcare providers in the contemporary use of data to improve care and safety for all patients will be established as part of this partnership and it is envisaged that it will benefit the community at large, said Pereira.
Short term goals of this project include developing small data projects involving Duke DNP students, Duke Faculty, staff from the Department of Surgery at Grey’s Hospital who developed and maintain the HEMR and UKZN’s Discipline of Nursing.
‘At a later stage, we want this project to become a leading institution in training clinical nurses and other healthcare professionals to use healthcare data to improve care and patients safety. Our vision is develop longstanding teams to investigate quality and safety and make improvements and recommendations for improvements,’ said UKZN’s Acting Dean and Head of School of Nursing and Public Health, Dr Mosa Moshabela.
From Duke University, the dialogue team comprised the Director of Duke Nurse Anesthesia Programme -Brett Morgan, Assistant Professor and expert in secondary data and patient safety and quality, Vicky Goode and Pereira.
Academic Leader of Nursing at the UKZN School of Nursing and Public Health, Professor Gugu Mchunu, Brysiewicz, Professor Damian Clarke, Dr John Bruce and Dr Wanda Bekker from Grey’s Hospital Department of Surgery were in the team from UKZN.
Words: Lihlithemba Sisanda Sosibo
author : .author email : .Law Students Answer the Call to Rekindle the Spirit of Voluntariness
Members of UKZN’s Street Law-Plus ProBono Outreach Programme team.On Saturday 17 February 2018, Siphephelo Sithole and Gift Luthuli final year LLB students who have completed their Clinical Law studies at UKZN, and Sphelele Dladla a Legal Study Skills tutor, also a final year Law student, joined the UKZN Street Law-Plus ProBono Outreach Programme team’s visit to Inanda. The programme is housed at the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies.
The UKZN staff team consisted of Professor David McQuoid-Mason, Acting Director of the UKZN Centre for Socio-Legal Studies and Chair of Street Law SA; Mr Roshen Badul Singh, a Supervising Attorney at the Durban campus Law Clinic; Mr Mark Larkin, a candidate attorney at the UKZN Durban campus Law Clinic; and Ms Snenhlanhla Mchunu, a Law graduate who recently completed her articles at the UKZN Durban Campus Law Clinic and is presently applying for admission as an attorney.
Legal literacy information and legal advice was provided to clients at the home of Community Activist Mr Thami Shandu in Ohlange, Inanda under the trees on his property. Tables and chairs for the consultations and legal information sessions were provided by Shandu’s neighbours. Although confidentiality is a foundational legal practice principle, in community settings clients tend to share their problems with each other – except those of a very sensitive nature. As a result several clients were happy to be filmed by an Australian film-maker and his partner who had come to observe the programme.
The Street Law Plus Pro Bono Outreach Programme provides an opportunity for UKZN staff members and students to rekindle ex-President Mandela’s call for people to become engaged in volunteer work to the betterment of society. The UKZN staff and students voluntarily give up week-end days to engage in outreach activities outside of their office and classroom hours. All participants are carefully supervised by professionally qualified members of staff to ensure the quality of the service received by clients. Information from potential legal aid clients is recorded on Legal Aid South Africa application forms that are subsequently screened at the Campus Law Clinic to determine if they qualify for legal aid.
The Outreach Programme was attended by about 25 people from the local Ohlange community. Mchunu and Larkin together with the Law students, under the supervision of Singh, screened applicants for Legal Aid SA and gave general legal advice. McQuoid-Mason also provided legal information to clients. Most of the matters involved housing, while others related pensions, wills and problems with the Department of Home Affairs and the eThekwini Municipality.
The UKZN Street Law Pro Bono Outreach team will conduct monthly programmes in Ohlange. From this month (March 2018), the team also plans to work with DRAMAID to conduct similar monthly sessions to deal with gender-based violence at Cato Crest.
Words: UKZNDabaonline
author : .author email : .School of Built Environment Academics Present ISULabaNtu at World Urban Forum Side Event
UKZN academics Mrs Judith Ojo-Aromokudu and Dr Claudia Loggia present preliminary project findings of ISULabaNtu. Two academics from the School of Built Environment and Development studies (BEDS), Dr Claudia Loggia and Mrs Judith Ojo-Aromokudu, recently presented preliminary project findings of ISULabaNtu (a project on informal settlements upgrading) at a side event of the United Nations-Habitat 9th World Urban Forum (WUF) conference in Kuala Lumpur.
The theme of WUF was Cities 2030, Cities for All: Implementing the New Urban Agenda (NUA), with a focus on the New Urban Agenda as a tool and accelerator for achieving Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Loggia described ISULabaNtu as a collaborative project led by UKZN and the University of Westminster (UK), in collaboration with University College London (UK), the NGO uTshani Fund (SA) and the eThekwini Municipality.
‘The overarching aim of this study is to uncover the benefits and challenges of moving towards a more participatory, incremental approach focusing on construction management and integrated environmental managements systems, which can enhance quality of life, livelihoods and, ultimately, community resilience and self-reliance’.
‘ISULabaNtu seeks to enhance skills, explore indigenous knowledge and share lessons between communities and local and national authorities and research institutions. The core vision is to re-examine informal settlements through the lenses of the community and co-producing inclusive approaches for the upgrading of informal settlements,’ she said.
At the event, Loggia (Principal Investigator of the SA team of ISULabaNtu) presented key findings from Phases 1 to 4 of the study, focusing on the Community Engagement strategy, challenges and opportunities of community led-approaches and strategies for co-producing knowledge and mapping urban transitions through community participation.
Loggia’s interactive presentation was followed by a panel discussion with selected experts in the areas of urban regeneration, housing policy, community participation and environmental management. The panellists were Faizal Seedat (eThekwini Municipality, Informal Settlements Unit), Rose Malokoane (Slum Dwellers International) and Nomali Zondo (South African Federation of the Urban Poor).
Ojo-Aromokudu chaired this panel discussion focusing on the most effective format that the ‘Collaborative Toolkit’ (Phase 5) should have in response to both Community and Municipality requirements.
‘The panel agreed on the need for a collaborative and inclusive toolkit as a structure that connects all key stakeholders and that shares co-produced solutions for upgrading. Overall, the project team had very positive feedback on ISULabantu, particularly with regards to the co-production approach,’ said Loggia.
The discussion concluded with the importance of gathering qualitative data through a meaningful collaboration between local Governments, NGOs, CBOs and research institutions, while enhancing self-organisation practices of communities towards a more incremental and participatory approach.
The two academics argue that a community-led approach and the existing gaps between local government and informal settlement communities revealed by their study, may be used as a platform for developing a new grassroots-based framework for upgrading informal settlements in South Africa.
‘The ISULabaNtu project recognises grassroots approaches as key strategies to build sustainable and resilient cities (sharing the inclusive NUA vision, based on participation and people-centred approaches),’ they said.
Words: Melissa Mungroo
author : .author email : .UKZN and DoH Join Hands on “Hear the Future” March
UKZN Health students and health professionals march to raise hearing loss awareness.UKZN students and staff members recently joined hands with their Department of Health counterparts to commemorate World Hearing Day.
Staff members from the UKZN ENT-Head and Neck Department, UKZN Audiology department and those from the Audiology Department at King Edward VIII Hospital (KEH) and Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital marched to the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine campus to raise awareness on hearing healthcare.
The marchers joined the rest of the World Health Organization (WHO) global family in commemorating the day under the theme ‘Hear the Future and prepare for it’.
ENT specialists, Audiologists, Nurses supported by Mr Sthembiso Blose from the Department of Health Rehabilitation and Disability came together with the aim to raise awareness on the rising prevalence, cost, preventive measures and management of hearing loss.
‘According to WHO statistical projections by 2050 almost one in 10 people will be suffering from hearing loss,’ said one of the event’s organisers, UKZN ENT Registrar Dr John Kutsukutsa.
The day started off with a Silent March from King Edward Gate 2 on Rick Turner to the main Medical School entrance on Umbilo Road.
‘Hearing loss brings with it a silent world to the afflicted, our march was highlighting this fact as well as highlighting the main issues and solutions around the problem,’ said Dr Kutsukutsa.
Close to 100 people took part in the march that proceeded peacefully and was followed by presentations around the subject. The presentations covered topics such as Preventable causes of hearing loss: noise exposure, infection, trauma, certain medications and the symptoms of hearing loss.
Words: Nombuso Dlamini
author : .author email : .Career Exhibition Empowers Accounting Students
Students enjoying the different exhibitions.In keeping with its “one College-two campuses” identity, the College of Law and Management Studies hosted the Accounting Professions Day at UKZN’s Pietermaritzburg and Westville campuses.
The event saw Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting students engage with prospective employees.
The two-day event was a response to the numerous requests made by Accounting firms who wish to recruit UKZN students studying towards a Chartered Accountancy (CA) profession, by providing vacation employment, bursary opportunities, training contracts and even fulltime job opportunities.
‘We believe that the personal interaction between the accounting companies and our students will be of mutual benefit and will strengthen relations with academic staff, students and the Accounting fraternity,’ said Career Development Officer within the Student Support Services Ms Yanga Lufundo.
Among the 21 companies that exhibited were: Rand Water, Nkonki, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), Standard Bank, the National Treasury and accounting firm Deloitte.
Ms Susan Dube, the Project Manager for Youth Talent at Standard Bank said such exhibitions provide students with the necessary information that can help guide them in their career path.
‘Sometimes students study Accounting but aren’t sure if they want to take the CA route or not. They don’t know what the market is like out there. Some of them don’t know that you can complete your articles at banking institutions like Standard bank,’ said Dube.
Ms Teboho Moephudi, the Project Manager of SAICA’s university projects, said making the exhibition specifically for accounting students, makes it easier to recruit valuable employees and enables exhibitors to be better equipped to answer student enquiries.
UKZN alumnus and Trainee Accountant at Nkonki Ms Thobile Simelane, gave students positive feedback regarding their expectations when entering the working world. She shared her personal experience on how she has grown professionally and personally.
Third-year Accounting student Ms Nothando Mabaso said she thoroughly enjoyed the event as she gained knowledge on Accounting firms she didn’t even know existed. She also found out she can complete her articles before completing her Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA).
Words: Sibonelo Shinga
author : .author email : .