Quadriplegic Archery System - World-Leading Innovation
Back left: Mr Matthew Harcus, Professor Glen Bright, Mr Darron Tarr, Mr James Collins and Mr Tyrone Bright and front left: Miss Lindelwa Dlamini, Mr Clinton Eccles and Miss Michaela Geytenbeek.The Discipline of Mechanical Engineering at the University of KwaZulu-Natal is developing a quadriplegic Archery System, a device allowing a Quadriplegic to draw, aim and fire a compound bow.
Final-year Engineering students within the Discipline of Mechanical Engineering at UKZN, are researching and developing the concept of a Quadriplegic Archery System that has more unique features than common “para-friendly” archery systems. Whilst a target-shooting archery system currently exists for paraplegics, one does not exist for quadriplegics. The idea for the project came about when Mr Darron Tarr, Principal of John Wesley School, approached Professor Glen Bright (Mechanical Engineering, UKZN) with the concept of making archery an exciting sport for 25-year-old quadriplegic, Mr Clinton Eccles, an acquaintance of Tarr.
The engineering of this system will be unique for quadriplegics and is to be the hard work of students: Mr Tyrone Bright, Ms Lindelwa Dlamini, Mr Matthew Harcus and Ms Michaela Geytenbeek. Under the supervision of Professor Sarp Adali, Mr James Collins and Professor Bright, researchers and lecturers within Mechanical Engineering, these students aim to further develop the archery system technology that already exists for both target-shooting paraplegic archery and quadriplegic hunting systems.
The concept of the design will allow a motor to draw the bow, which will then be locked in a taut position. Eccles will then aim the bow and then release it using a mouth-controlled quick release mechanism. Another arrow will automatically be reloaded. This process will take place whilst the system vibrates with the frequency obtained from Eccles’ heart rate. As Eccles concentrates and his anxiety levels alter, his heart rate will increase; simulating muscle fatigue which able-bodied archers experience.
Eccles became a quadriplegic in a serious car accident several years ago and is looking forward to being a part of this momentous project. Students Bright, Dlamini, Harcus and Geytenbeek are working on this project as their final-year Mechanical Engineering project for 2018.
* Target-shooting is performed using either a compound or recurve bow. Compound bows have stiffer limbs than recurve bows. On a compound bow, the limbs are pulled by a series of levering systems consisting of cables and cam pulleys. Alternatively, the limbs on a recurve bow curve back inwards, resulting in the string lying flat against the limbs at each end.
Words: Prashina Budree
Photograph: Asok Rajh
author : .author email : .Ukuhola Isizukulwane Sama-Selfie
UMnu Tumisang Malete, umholi wokuzalwa.Click here for the English version
Umfundi wase-UKZN wonyaka wesi-4 weziqu zokwelapha uMnu Tumisang Malete usanda kushicilela incwadi ayichaza njengeyokuqala kweziningi zakhe ezimayelana nobuholi. Incwadi esihloko esithi Leading in a Selfie Generation yethulwe ngokusemthethweni mhla zingama-24 kuNhlolanja futhi isiyatholakala kulesi sizindalwazi, www.leadinginaselfiegeneration.co.za
UMalete, odabuka e-Pitoli, uzibiza ngomholi ‘ongalindelekile’. Uhambo lwakhe lobuholi lwaqala esaneminyaka eyi-12 lapho aqala khona ukubamba iqhaza kwezobuholi ezinhlanganweni ezihlukene. Uphinde waba umholi ebambe izikhundla ezihlukene e-UKZN okuhlanganisa nokuba uNobhala Jikelele WoMkhandlu Wabafundi Bezokwelapha unezindondo ze- Golden Key, Peer Educator Newcomer of the year ne-Peer Educator of the year. UMalete uyingxenye yabasunguli bezinkampani ezimbili.
‘Ngiyabuthanda ubuholi futhi ngiyakholelwa ekuthuthukisweni asebephambili nabaholi abasebenzela abantu. Awukwazi ukukhuluma ngobuholi ungayiphathi eyokuba umthelela owumkhombandlela. Ukukhombindlela kungumgomgodla wobuholi okumele wonke umholi ozimisele ngokubeka induku ebandla akwazi kahle. Kulesi sikhathi sama-selfie, umuntu ngeke athathe kancane amandla ezinkundla zokuxhumana,’ kusho uMalete.
‘Ukuhola isizukulwane sama-selfie yincwadi ehlose ukubeka kabanzi ngeqhaza lezinkundla zokuxhumana kwezobuholi. Noma yimuphi umuntu ofuna ukuba umholi kumele aqonde kabanzi ukuthi izinkundla zokuxhumana ziyingosi nje futhi kusanesidingo sokudlulela ngale kwazo ukuze umuntu abe neqhaza elibonakalayo,’ kuchaza uMalete.
Incwadi futhi ihlose, ngokwenza nenjulalwazi, ukuguqula indlela umfundi abuka ngayo ubuholi kulesi sizukulwane samanje. Inezihlokongqangi ezine okuyi- biosketch okungumbono obheka okuyi-140 ngomuntu, umuntu kuqobo lwakhe, ukubheka ngale kwabalandeli nabangani kanye nokubheka ngale kuka-hashtag.
Owayengumfundi wase-Pretoria Boy’s High, uMalete uthemba ukuthi uzoqhubeka nokuthuthukisa ikhono lakhe lokubhala nobuholi kanye nokusungula uhlelo lobuholi. Unethemba futhi lokuqhubeka abe nemthelela emphakathini waseNyuvesi nasemphakathini wangakubo.
‘Siwumndeni wabayisihlanu onobaba, umama wami nabantwana bakwethu ababili. Udadewabo kababa ungumlandeli wami omkhulu kanye nabazali bami. Ngikholwa ukuthi ngazalelwa ukwenza umehluko. Nginentshisekelo enkulu ngokuthuthukisa abantu okuyinto engumongo wendaba yami engiyisebenzisa ukudlulisa imicabango yami ngokubhala,’ kuphawula uMalete.
IDini EyiNhloko YeSikole KwezoKwelapha, uSolwazi Ncoza Dlova uthokoze kakhulu ngokuzwa ngencwadi kaMalete. Uthe, ‘Ekuxhumaneni kwami kafushane nabafundi bezokwelapha nomabhalane abakhulu, ngithathekile yithalente elikozakwethu. Ngihlangane nababhali, amaciko, abaholi, abadlali be-violin, abadlali besiginci, abadlali bopiyano, abaculi, osomabhizinisi, izifundiswa, abaqeqeqeshi njll. Ngokwesikhundla sami njengeDini kuyisifiso sami ukwesekela lonke ithalente elingahlangene nezokufunda. Ngifisa ukumhalalisela uTumisang futhi nginifisela okuhle kukho konke azokwenza ngomuso.’
Words: Ngu-MaryAnn Francis
author : .author email : .Water Sharing is Caring!
Water collected for drought-stricken Cape Town.Cape Town’s burgeoning water crisis has prompted UKZN’s Dr Rudi Kimmie to collect 180 litres of water for the drought-stricken area.
Kimmie, who manages the Hub for the African City of the Future, a School of Engineering initiative, says he was prompted to get involved after realising the crisis affects us all. ‘The water crisis in the Western Cape is not a Cape Town problem; it’s a South African problem. Its root causes lie in bad planning, poor governance and of course, our disregard for our natural resources. Many of the indigent people all over the Cape Flats do not have the resources to purchase or collect water,’ said Kimmie.
Kimmie is quietly confident the collection will spur the University community into action. ‘Hopefully this initiative will encourage more academics to do research in the preservation of scarce resources, as well as develop a more caring society.’
While he is grateful to those who made the effort to donate water, he believes the response could have been better. ‘The response was either as a result of people already donating in their private capacities, or because of living in denial that it’s not a Durban problem,’ he said.
The batch of water, collected from the University community, will be transported to Cape Town by the Gift of the Givers.
In his spare time, Kimmie is involved in thought leadership seminars, skills workshops and outreach programmes. ‘Most of my activities are student focused and recent ones include #Cocreatemycity and Snap@YOUKZN photo competition,’ he said.
Words: Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer
author : .author email : .UKZN Unveils New State-of-the-Art Laboratories
The School of Chemistry and Physics together with their external stakeholders came out to celebrate the opening of two laboratories.UKZN recently celebrated the opening of two new high-tech laboratories on its Westville campus at an event that included academics and more than 30 external research institutions and industry.
The University has invested R14 million into the Peptide Sciences Laboratory and Laser Chemical Vapour Deposition (LCVD) and Thin Films Laboratory, which were officially opened on 7 March, by Vice-Chancellor and Principal Dr Albert van Jaarsveld, with guest speaker Mr Barlow Manilal, CEO of the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), in attendance.
‘Our institution as well as the School of Chemistry and Physics (SCP) is transforming to reposition itself to become more integrated with our communities,’ said Professor Ross Robinson, Dean and Head of the SCP.
Manilal’s presentation emphasised that academia should assist with the recalibration of society, saying that innovation builds a nation, incentivises skills development and enables long-term planning, leading to increased resolve and lessons in scale and pace. Manilal said UKZN is moving in the right direction to play a role in socioeconomic development in South Africa.
Manilal said TIA is encouraging facilities aligned to national priorities as well as facilities enabling more close interaction between universities and the private sector. He noted that these facilities announce the value proposition of the university to industry.
Van Jaarsveld thanked guests for their attendance and for working with UKZN. He also gave an overview of the University’s new strategic plan and research flagships, saying that facilities like these will service all of UKZN’s research flagships and form a foundation for a university promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Peptide Sciences Laboratory, housing the latest instrumentation, will be the only one in South Africa devoted to the synthesis of peptides with pharmaceutical purposes; peptides are short chains of amino acids with applications including biomaterials, nanotechnology and drug discovery.
This laboratory will accommodate around 20 postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers under the leadership of A-rated scientist Professor Fernando Albericio, who is renowned in the field of peptide synthesis. Albericio has launched various commodities for peptide synthesis to the market for cancer treatment and cosmetics. Pharmaceuticals based on peptide technology are used to combat infectious and metabolic diseases including HIV, cancer and tuberculosis.
The LCVD and Thin Films Laboratory, with its newly acquired state-of-the-art pulsed laser deposition system, will house the only instrument of this kind in the Southern Hemisphere. The instrument is capable of coating atomically thin layers of most solid materials onto any substrate that is up to 50mm in diameter. Thin films, and multi-layered thin films, play a crucial role in most modern functional devices such as integrated chips in computers, computer hard-drives, solar cells, superconducting materials, ultra-hard coatings, hi-tech sensors and optical coatings.
The advanced system in the laboratory will take researchers on a new path of materials discovery, and increase throughput in materials research and make UKZN more competitive in developing new devices.
Pioneering researcher Dr Mathew Moodley will oversee the LCVD and Thin Films Laboratory. Moodley is known for his development of a conversion electron Mossbauer Spectroscopy detector, the synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes, as well as for several notable military and mining safety applications.
Words: Christine Cuénod
Photograph: Albert Hirasen
author : .author email : .Uvulwe Ngokuyimpumelelo Umcimbi I-Time of the Writer wama-21
Amazwibela omcimbi i-Time of the Writer 2018.Click here for the English version
Umcimbi wababhali i-21st Time of the Writer (12 – 17 kuNdasa), ohlelwe yi- UKZN’s Centre for Creative Arts (CCA) eseKolishi LezesiNtu uvulwe ngempumelelo e-Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre.
Umcimbi wokuvula ubuhanjelwe ababhali base-Afrika abayi-16 abahlangene isonto benezingxoxo ngezokubhala, babelana ngamasu ngaphansi kwesihloko esithi i-Changing the Narrative.
OyiPhini likaSekelashansela neNhloko YeKolishi LezesiNtu eyibamba uSolwazi Stephen Mutula uthe, ‘Lo mcimbi ulandela ukuqokwa kweTheku njengedolobha eliyi - UNESCO City of Literature! Lokhu kuyinto okungagcini nje abantu baseThekwini ukuziqhenya ngakho kodwa nezwekazi lonke lase-Afrika.
Uthe lo mcimbi ufike ngesikhathi esihle eningizimu Afrika nasemhlabeni ngoba kugujwa i- Nelson Mandela Centennial, uphinde wathi uMandela wayekubona ukubaluleka kwezamasiko nezokubhala emhlabeni jikelele.
‘Ngalo mcimbi i-UKZN ineqhaza ekugqugquzelweni kwentuthuko eholwa ubu-Afrika ngokuhlanganisa ababhali abay-16 abaphambili ukuze babambe izingxoxo, babelane ngamasiko kanye nokuguqula okuxoxwa ngakho,’ kusho uMutula.
Obemele umasipala waseThekwini uNks Tebogo Mzizi uthe, ‘Sizoqhubeka nokusebenzisana ne-CCA e-UKZN. Siyaziqhenya ngalo mcimbi. Imitapo yolwazi iwumgogodla wemiphakathi futhi ngaleli qoqo lababhali abaphambili sizokwazi ukuxhumana nomphakathi siwugqugquzele ukuthi uxoxe ngezindaba zethu zase-Afrika.’
Ekhuluma emcimbini wokuvula, umbhali wezincwadi zezingane nobebambe iqhaza emgubhweni uNks Refiloe Moahloli uthe wayekade enesifiso sokuba umbhali futhi uthokoze kakhulu ukuba yingxenye –Time of the Writer. ‘Ngithokoze kakhulu ukuba yingxenye yalomgubho. Lokhu ngikubona njengethuba lokukhuluma ngodaba lokulingana ngokobulili, ikakhulukazi eminyakeni ephansi yobudala bezingane futhi kusetshenziswa izincwadi ezibhalelwe zona. Ngifuna ukwenza umehluko futhi ngisebenzise izincwadi zami ukuze ngenze lokho.’
UMoahloli ukhuthaze nezethameli ukuthi ziseke ababhali basekhaya futhi kugqugquzelwe ukufunda nokubhala eminyakeni yobudala ephansi. ‘Kumele sixoxe izindaba zethu,’ usho kanje.
Eluleka ababhali abasafufusa, uMnu Luka Mwango, ongumbhali nosozinkondlo, uthe, ‘Izinto azenzeki kumbhali, izinto zenzekela umbhali. Zonke izithiyo, izinselelo nokuvimbayo kuyizinto ongazisebenzisa emsebenzini wakho. Njengombhali, zihluphe ngomqondo ocashile. Kuwukudla kwakho kwamihlayonke. Uma usubambe lelo khono abafundi kuyoba nzima ukuthi babeke phansi incwadi yakho umo beqalile bayifunda.’
‘Ngeke ngiqinisekise ukuthi uzothola izindondo, wenze imali noma abantu bazowuthanda umsebenzi wakho, kodwa izindaba zakho ziyofundwa ziqedwe. Futhi ngalesi sikhathi lapho abantu bephuthuma bengenaso isikhathi, ayikho into ejabulisa umbhali njengabantu abaqeda ukufunda incwadi yakho.’
Isonto lonke lomgubho ebelinokuningi okwenzekayo lenze abebethamele baxhumana nababhali ngokobungoti nokwemibono eyakha indlela ababhala ngayo. Ngaphezu kwemicimbi yasebusuku, bekuneminye imisebenzi ebeyenzeka emini ehlanganisa ukwethulwa kwezincwadi, imihlangano yokwabelana ngolwazi kanye nokuqeqeshwa obekugqugquzela isiko lokubhala, ukufunda nobuciko
Uhlelo lwasemini belunezinhlelo ebezibanjelwe emitapweni yolwazi emine esemiphakathini (Austerville, Westville, Chesterville Extension nasoThongathi). ‘Lokhu kuxhumene nempokophelo ye-UKZN yokuxhumana nemiphakathi ngokuzihlanganisa nayo kanye nokuzibophezela kuyo, sisebenzisana nayo ngendlela ewusizo kuyo futhi ebenza basihloniphe, basithande futhi basethembe,’ kusho uMutula.
Amagama: ngu-Melissa Mungroo
Izithombe: ngu-Charles Dlamini
author : .author email : .Three UKZN Publications on Springer Special edition
.Two UKZN students, Ms Sona Ayanikalath and Ms Inge Odendaal and an alumnus, Dr Kim Coutts, were featured in Springer Nature’s free articles campaign featuring the Top 1% cited papers in the Clinical Medicine field. This campaign was in celebration of the Chinese New Year.
About 266 highly cited papers from 142 journals in 10 subjects were freely available to view until 15 March 2018.
Coutts’ article titled The Influence of Food Texture and Liquid Consistency Modification on Swallowing Physiology and Function: A Systematic Review was among the papers showcased.
Coutts is currently working on articles from her PhD, ‘My work is looking at the ecological validity and decision making around dysphagia assessments at the bedside in the South Africa context.’
Ayanikalath worked with Coutts on the article. She is currently awaiting the results of her PhD examination on her thesis titled Investigation of the Effectiveness of an Ecologically valid Telerehabilitation system for the Assessment and Primary Management of Neurogenic Dysphagia in a Resource Constrained Country.
The trio’s papers were among those that received enough citations as of July/August 2017 to be considered in the top 1% of their academic fields.
The articles were available to be read for free until 15 March 2018.
Congratulating the authors, Springer’s Clinical Medicine Editorial assistant, Mitchelle Joseph said ‘Your contribution to dysphagia highlights why the journal holds an esteemed place in the field of clinical medicine. Thank you very much for your continued support of dysphagia.’
Words: Nombuso Dlamini
author : .author email : .International Criminal Law and Procedure Expert Visits UKZN’s School of Law
Dean and Head of the Law School Professor Managay Reddi (left) with Professor Angela J Davis during her guest lecture at the Law School.American University Washington College of Law academic and author Professor Angela J Davis recently shared insights on the issues of unfettered prosecutorial power and racism in the American criminal justice system with UKZN Law School’s staff and students.
At a seminar titled: Policing the Black Man: Arrest, Prosecution and Imprisonment (which is also the title of her recently published book) Davis spoke about why this subject is close to her heart.
‘The issue of the treatment and prosecution of Black people in the justice system is important to me because before I became a Law professor I was a public defendant and represented the poor. Social media and technology now allows us to bear witness to the murders of Black men and boys such as Trayvon Martin and Tamir Rice and many others since then. The outrage and social movements for change inspired by these cases serves as a reminder that the lives of Black men and boys have been cut short with apparent impunity,’ said the academic, who lectures Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure and Criminal Defense: Theory and Practice.
Davis read from the introduction of her book which explores and critiques the many ways the criminal justice system impacts the lives of African American boys and men at every stage of the criminal process, from arrest through to sentencing.
She highlighted how the Black Lives Matter movement showed the unique experiences of Black men in the United States. She spoke about how Black men are more likely to be killed in an encounter with the police, how prosecutors exert their power on Black men accused through plea bargains, and why it is important for people to be educated about the subtle race bias that exists alongside the unfettered power of prosecutors.
‘Police have the power to bring the person to the courts door but that is as far as it goes. Prosecutors hold the power and they are not accountable to any one and even though there is a jury process most people plead guilty even if they are innocent because of the difficult and unfair system. It is my role to continue to educate the public and hopefully we can continue to see a change,’ said Davis.
The seminar was preceded by a student guest lecture where Davis delivered a lecture to Criminal Law students.
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photographs: Sakhile Fayti
author : .author email : .UKZN hosts Third African Health Research Ethics Symposium
Participants at the Third African Health Research Ethics Symposium.The South African Research Ethics Training Initiative (SARETI) recently hosted their Third African Health Research Ethics Symposium (AHRES III) at the Protea Marriott Hotel. SARETI is a Masters in Social Science (Health Research Ethics) programme based at the School of Applied Human Sciences (Psychology).
The SARETI programme aims to improve and build African capacity of health research ethicists. Over the years SARETI has had over 60 scholars, 17 of which were delegates at this two-day symposium. The 17 scholars are from 14 different African countries.
The symposium was also attended by SARETI Executive Committee members, Professor Douglas Wassenaar (UKZN), SARETI Principal Investigator; Executive Head of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at Stellenbosch University, Professor Mariana Kruger; Professor Nhlanhla Mkhize (UKZN) and Director of the Council on Health Research for Development (COHRED), based in Geneva, Switzerland, Professor Carel IJsselmuiden.
AHRES is a platform for SARETI graduates to present their research work and build connections with fellow SARETI trainees from other African countries. A parallel focus of AHRES is to build strong health research ethics networks across the African continent.
The two-day symposium had six themes, namely: Research ethics committee practices and functions; Knowledge of and compliance with research ethics; Special issues in research ethics; Research ethics in the field; National frameworks and REC systems; and, Research ethics leadership in Africa: What key scholarship does Africa need?
Graduates reflected on how their SARETI health research ethics training propelled their careers. Professor Felix Chukwuneke from Nigeria said the programme was a real eye-opener for him as he was able to take the knowledge he gained to introduce and implement changes in the practices of health research ethics in his home country.
He believes his time at SARETI helped him gain perspective and fast-tracked his academic career, from a level 1 lecturer to a full Professor at the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, Nigeria.
Ms Boitumelo Mokgatla from Botswana said, ‘I have had many opportunities since 2009, from engaging with Research Ethics Committees (RECs), donors, funders and research institutions. I have been involved in capacity building and training in Africa. And I have other career opportunities in the pipeline. My SARETI training continues to brighten my future.’
Members of the Executive Committee expressed their appreciation for the graduates and their satisfaction at the growth of SARETI over the years.
Kruger said, ‘AHRES has become more complex, with deep scholarly reflection. We are ready for a PhD programme. I am proud of the progress made by our students. They say a good teacher is when the students surpass the teacher.’
Words: Melissa Mungroo and Carla Petit
Photograph: Carla Petit
author : .author email : .The Uniqueness of Nguni Mediumistic Divination discussed in Lecture
Dr Victor Velaphi Otty Mkhize gives a guest lecture on African Divination.In celebration of African Religious Heritage the School of Religion, Philosophy and Classics within the College of Humanities hosted a guest lecture by renowned African cultural expert and Healer Dr Victor Velaphi Otty Mkhize. The lecture was held in conjunction with the African Systems of Thought and Introduction to Religion Modules.
During the lecture, Mkhize located Nguni Mediumistic Divination within its proper socio-anthropological context and from the perspective of a practitioner and perpetual student, observer and advocate of this form of divination.
‘Divination links the worlds of dreams, visualisation, Zulu medicine with the living and the living-dead,’ explained Mkhize. ‘There is a sense in which those who are called to become diviners also become agents or narrators through which families or individuals who find themselves in situations of distress or recurring misfortune, discover a voice or voices that hold the promise of their relief, health and holistic balance.’
He identified that the journey (ukuthwasa) towards becoming a diviner/healer in Nguni Mediumistic Divination is often fraught with challenges of interpretation and contestation. This journey, Mkhize says, also involves varied ceremonial feasts that involve the slaughtering of sacrificial beasts, cleansing and the appeasement of the ancestors.
‘Ancestral calling is a problem to many people. What makes it complicated is the fact that there is not much research that has been done on how it happens and how it affects an individual. Even if we may want to conduct such research for the purposes of understanding, it will be very difficult as such calls differ from individual to individual,’ said Mkhize.
During the lecture, he drew from his own experiences on what happened to him when such a call came and the subsequent research he ascertained from other healers, on how they were called.
To the students, he said, ‘Culture is the product of history. It is the sum total of the people’s way of life. It is a unifying factor that contains and manifests the people’s spirituality, moral codes, traditions and customs, ethical practices, educational, political and economic systems. It is a medium through which the people’s human values are given expression.
‘Part of our responsibility is to bring back that culture, the culture of people, the culture of an African, Ubuntu and pride about who we are so as to pass it on to the next generation.’
Words and photograph: Melissa Mungroo
author : .author email : .UKZN Alumnus Sets Up Innovative Shoe-Care Business
Takkiewash SA is an innovative shoe-care company started by UKZN student, Miss Ntokozo “Meloh” Ntleko.Twenty-two-year old Miss Ntokozo “Meloh” Ntleko is running Takkiewash SA, a shoe-care business in Musgrave, Durban. The business caters for anyone who wants to put their best foot forward, whether you are wearing Converses or stilettos, this dynamic, young businessperson and UKZN alumnus has a shoe-care solution for you!
Her entrepreneurial journey started when she was just 14-years old, selling chocolate and sherbets and then hot dogs at Pinetown Girls’ High where she matriculated in 2013. The school offered students trading licenses each term as a way to encourage entrepreneurship.
Currently reading for her MA in Cultural Studies at UKZN’s Centre for Communications, Media and Society (CCMS), Ntleko credits her parents (both UKZN alumni) for raising her with the understanding that “everything is earned”.
‘I’ve always believed in multiple streams of income and the idea of starting small,’ she said. The business originally included carpet cleaning and laundry, but Ntleko soon realised there was a high demand for shoe cleaning services, and so, Takkiewash SA was born.
‘Takkiewash SA does everything from shoe washing, polishing and treatment of high heels and special leather boots and formal shoes at different prices. We are famous for our meticulous color-matching skills when it comes to refurbishing which is essentially color renewal on old or faded shoes.’
The business offers delivery and collection to those who do not have time to physically drop off or collect their shoes. ‘Additionally to that, I came up with the concept of a shoe drop-box outside my office for times when I am attending lectures on campus or when customers come after business hours. The shoe drop box is safe and secure, and allows customers to write their details down and slip it into the shoe and drop inside the box,’ she said.
She has capitalised on local gyms, placing the drop box concepts at gyms in the area ‘for people’s convenience and to create more business for myself.’
Setting up a business is not without challenges. ‘The services offered by my business are different from what people are used to so I’m having to not only convince people that I can do the job well, but I also have to convince them that their shoes are safe with me.’
She offered this advice to would-be entrepreneurs, ‘It is far more rewarding to start something of your own rather than working for someone else, it takes far more sacrifices and commitment but in the end it is all worth it.
‘Secondly, investment begins with you, do not expect another person to invest in your dreams when you can’t invest in them first, even if it means you work extra hours to make the kind of money that you need to get your business off the ground, just do it!’
Her long terms plans are to franchise the business on a global scale. ‘I am documenting new hacks, challenges, tips and everything that I learn as I go along so that I can use that as a guide for future franchisee (s).’
Ntleko plans to move into a bigger business space that can accommodate over one hundred pairs of shoes per day.
‘I believe it is possible to be an entrepreneur and an academic and still thrive at both, my biggest dream is to do a second MA degree in Innovation and entrepreneurship at Warwick University in the UK, mainly because their course would allow me to do my thesis on my business. This would really allow me to know my business inside out and also create knowledge,’ she said.
Interested in getting your shoes in tip-top shape and want to support a UKZN student and alumnus? Visit Takkiewash SA at 202 Musgrave Road, Durban. A basic show-wash goes for R60, polishing is R30 and it’s R150 for refurbishing. For more information, visit www.takkiewashsa.co.za or https://www.facebook.com/TakkieWashSouthAfrica/
Words: Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer
author : .author email : .Law Students Encourage Academic Excellence in Mentoring Programme
Meet and Greet for SLSJ Mentorship Programme.Facilitating a relationship between student mentors and mentees was on the agenda as fourth-year LLB students Ms Arlina Ramothar and Ms Zinhle Khoza hosted a “Meet and Greet” for the Students for Law and Social Justice (SLSJ) Mentorship Programme at UKZN’s Howard College campus.
SLSJ, an organisation formed in partnership with students from various universities in South Africa, is dedicated to protecting human rights, preventing discrimination and promoting social justice and the rule of law, with the aim of transforming legal education.
Ramothar founded the mentorship programme so that undergraduate students can be provided with practical knowledge and advice from experienced individuals. She said the Meet and Greet was designed to provide a framework for mentors in order for them to better assist their mentees.
‘We covered the Dos and Don’ts of mentorship and imparted knowledge of our past experiences of being mentors. Our mentors and mentees did not know each other personally, therefore, the Meet and Greet provided an opportunity for them to get to know one another better,’ she said.
‘As students we have different academic commitments and it might be challenging for the mentees and mentors to meet at times. Hence, the Meet and Greet served as a platform where mentors and mentees got to meet each other for the first time and set out the parameters of their relationship,’ added Khoza who is the Programme Co-ordinator.
Second-year Law student Ms Songezo Mqokeli said she needs mentorship as she requires assistance with her studies as well as balancing her school and social life.
Ms Lungile Maluleka, a mentor and fourth-year Law student, said such programmes benefit students because there is a large gap in the transition from one academic level to another.
‘Being a first-year LLB student is very different to being in second year. The amount of work increases drastically. As a fourth year I know for a fact that if I had an opportunity to be in such a programme as a mentee, there is a lot that I would have gained academically and socially,’ said Maluleka.
Words: Sibonelo Shinga
author : .author email : .PhD Candidate Presents Paper at International Conference
Mr Mpubane Emanuel Matlala.PhD candidate in Information Studies in the School of Social Sciences, Mr Mpubane Emanuel Matlala, recently presented a paper at the South African Cultural Observatory Third International Conference. The conference was held at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium in Port Elizabeth from 7-8 March 2018.
Matlala joined 65 speakers from different countries in different sessions that included papers on urban culture and the creative city; the expanding role of film; new directions in technology, digital and innovation; opportunities in employment, soft skills and training and education; international trade; heritage and tourism; and more broadly the nature and make-up of the creative economy.
The aim was to provide the opportunity to conduct a deep analysis of both the creative economy’s potential and the current realities facing the sectors and industries. This will help the policy, planning and strategic imperatives – a critical outcome since the White Paper on Arts, Culture and Heritage is being reviewed. The programme itself was constructed to reflect a diverse mix of cultural content from academics, researchers, practitioners and artists in order to explore the universal to the particular, and marry views from the ground-up with the top-down.
Matlala’s paper titled Exploring conflict versus consensus pertaining to cultural rights and participation in the context of migration: a case study at Manganeng Village examined the notion of core rights as enshrined in chapter two of the Constitution of South Africa Act 108 of 1996. In particular, focusing on how African people enjoy their cultural rights, as well as the challenges they face in the process of cultural participation in urban areas. ‘I argued that individuals’ rights are fundamental to allow full participation in cultural activities that gives the individuals the right to choose the culture they want to participate in and have access to cultural activities within their environment.
Participation in own cultural activities can create opportunities for diverse people to simultaneously operate in the same environment sharing mutual cultures and creating an atmosphere of tolerance but it also can be problematic. Therefore, discussed cultural life by giving specific case studies covering rights such as religion, expression, the right to use own language, the safeguarding of culture in the diverse environment.
The reflection on the conference; it consisted of keynote speakers, parallel sessions and participatory workshops. It generated multidisciplinary, lively and productive discussions, and promoted networking among participants from different backgrounds. I learned a lot about the different cultures, the importance of knowledge transfer in heritage and culture and received great feedback and support from professionals in our audience. I also find them very helpful for learning about new areas and publications. As a speaker, I am always keen to get feedback from the audience as it is a way of testing out ideas and my thinking.
Conferences are a good way to keep abreast of the latest techniques, get new ideas for our research, and meet other groups working in our area. I initiated partnerships with other colleagues who participated in the conference for possible future co-publications in the field of cultural studies. I anticipate that the feedback I received from fellow participants in the conference will help me to broaden my scope of global developments in culture and especially to improve my academic research. Overall, the conference inputs provided useful insights into global problems, where humanity is increasingly confronted with complex, interconnected social and environmental problems that span disciplines, knowledge bases and value systems.
‘It was such a great opportunity and honour to attend and present in one of the prestigious international conferences. I learned new information, consolidated that I had read before, and came away with a sense of what a creative economy is like and how it can be applied in the contemporary society. It was a watershed moment and through participation that lent to the many debates and discussions that were prolific in every formal and informal corner of the conference,’ said Matlala.
Words: Mathodi Fred Motsamayi
author : .author email : .Sexual Reproductive Health Awareness Month
Howard College campus and MATCH celebrated Sexual Reproductive Health month and demonstrate the menstrual cup.The University of KwaZulu-Natal HIV and AIDS Programme celebrated the month of love (February) by embarking on an awareness campaign on HIV and sexual reproductive health. The HIV and AIDS Programme offers a range of activities that seek to mitigate the HIV epidemic at UKZN and surrounding communities.
The aim of the campaign was to raise awareness about issues related to HIV reduction, sexual and reproductive health and dual protection (females – contraceptives and condoms and males – medical male circumcision and consistent condom use). It ran from the second week until the end of February 2018 with Howard College campus campaign being from 19- 23 February 2018.
The campaign also aimed to:
- Promote safe and healthy sexual decisions
- Reducing social stigma surrounding condom usage
- Encouraging preventive methods like the use of contraceptives
- Initiating healthy sexual practices
- Increase awareness of the importance of knowing your status by testing regularly
- Increase awareness of the availability of free, quality treatment in the Campus Health Clinic and promote delayed sexual debut
The programme included HIV Counselling and Testing, General Health Screening (blood pressure, Body Mass Index and cholesterol), distribution and demonstration of female and male condoms, health educational talks on contraceptive methods and the use of the menstrual cup which is an alternative to sanitary pads. Peer-Educators handed out leaflets with information on STIs and different types of contraceptives. The campaign reached approximately 16 000 people through the various services that were available.
The outstanding new innovative initiative of this event was the menstrual cup demonstration. A number of females students enrolled in the programme which aims to address the issue of sanitary pads.
Ms Nomonde Magantolo, the Programme Co-ordinator was delighted with the response to the campaign on all campuses and was very supportive of the menstrual cup project which could be viewed as part of UKZN efforts within the “SHE Conquers” national campaign to support young women.
The event was held in partnership with other stakeholders including, the Campus Health Clinic, ICAP, the Department of Health, Ithembalabntu Clinic, Cator Manor Clinic, New Start and MATCH.
The HIVand AIDS Programme under the leadership of Magantolo aims to reach the entire UKZN population through various theme driven campaigns that all campuses embrace. All Colleges are encouraged to participate in this exciting University programme.
Words: Noxolo Batembu
author : .author email : .TATA Scholarships Awarded to Postgraduate Students
TATA awarded scholarships to 11 top performing postgraduate students during a ceremony held at Westville campus.Eleven University of KwaZulu-Natal postgraduate students were recently awarded TATA scholarships during a ceremony held at Westville campus’ Senate Chamber.
The scholarships are awarded by TATA Africa to top performing postgraduate students from disadvantaged communities to assist them with funding their studies.
In his official welcome address, UKZN Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Albert van Jaarsveld thanked TATA for their continued support as this lessens the load of students having to worry about funding their studies.
He commended the company for focusing on postgraduate students as there is not enough funding allocated to postgraduate students, as most of the NSFAS and state support dries up after the first degree leaving postgraduate students vulnerable.
Van Jaarsveld said: ‘Because of the pressure on funding for NSFAS support for undergraduates, a lot of the funding support from places that universities relied on like the National Research Foundation has gone towards NSFAS.’
TATA’s Executive Director and Head: Distribution Vertical, Mr Len Brand said the two-thirds of the company’s turnover sits in a trust and that goes towards community upliftment. He said the bursary programme enables TATA to touch the communities.
Brand encouraged the students to go back and uplift their communities. He said: ‘Our motto is to invest in the best to enable the best to uplift the rest.’
Scholarship recipient, Ms Zanele Ndimande thanked TATA for the opportunity they provided for her to continue with her studies. ‘I am grateful as this has made a difference in my life.’
Words: Sithembile Shabangu
author : .author email : .STIs/Condom Week Campaign and Valentine’s Day events held at Edgewood Campus
Sexual and Reproductive Health services offered to students and staff by Health and Wellness Centre at Edgewood during the STI and Condom Week awareness campaign.The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Edgewood campus hosted a Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Condom week as well as a Valentine’s Day event to educate students about STI’s and to encourage them to always use condoms.
The aim of the campaign was to educate the University community about the seriousness and dangers of not knowing one’s HIV status and to encourage students to do regular testing and screening so as to eradicate the spread of STIs and HIV and AIDS. Students were educated about STIs and how to prevent getting infected whilst also being encouraged to undergo HIV testing and health screening which was offered “free of charge” to all students and staff.
The UKZN Campus Health Clinic staff delivered a talk on STIs and conducted health screenings for students as a proactive means to ensure that infections could be detected and treated early. Since it was Valentine’s Day, the HIV and AIDS peer educators painted the campus red and handed out cards, balloons and other gifts to students and staff in celebration of the special day. Students were asked to write messages of love which were placed on the Love Poster Board that was made especially for the occasion by Health and Wellness staff.
Furthermore, the NGO, known as MATCH Research, was also invited to promote and demonstrate to students how the Menstrual Cup works. Students who cannot afford to buy sanitary pads can use a menstrual cup as it is available free of charge.
Words: Kenneth Qalaza
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