USolwazi wase-UKZN Uklonyeliswe Ngedondo Ephambili

Kusukela kwesobunxele: uDkt Wafaa El-Sadr noDkt Myron Cohen oSihlalo be-HPTN, uSolwazi Quarraisha Abdool Karim noDkt Anthony Fauci, uMqondisi, we-NIAID, eSikhungweni SezeMpilo Sikazwelonke e-USClick here for the English version

Indondo i-Ward Cates Spirit yangonyaka wezi-2018 inikezelwe kuSolwazi Quarraisha Abdool Karim, onguSolwazi (ngokuhlonishwa) e-UKZN futhi onguMqondisi Osemusha we-CAPRISA emcimbini we-Annual HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) ebibanjelwe e-Washington.

U-Abdool Karim uklonyeliswe uDkt Anthony Fauci, uMqondisi we-National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID); kanye no-Dkt Myron Cohen, noDkt Wafaa El-Sadr, abangoSihlalo be-HPTN. U-Abdool Karim, ongowesifazane wokuqala ukuthola le ndondo, uhlonishelwe ukuzinikezela kwakhe ngokuvelele nobuholi kwezamalungelo empilo lapha ekhaya nasemhlabeni jikelele; ubunyoninco kwezesayensi nesineke sakhe ekuqeqesheni nokweseka abanye.

Indondo i-Ward Cates Spirit ihlonipha umlando onothile wezesayensi wongasekho emhlabeni u-Ward Cates, uSosayensi Ophambili futhi onguMongameli Waphakade we-FHI 360, esineminyaka evile kwengama-40. Ngesikhathi sokusebenza kwakhe, u-Cates wabamba izikhundla eziphezulu ku-CDCne-FHI 360. Okubalulekile ukuthi u-Ward Cates, njengoMongameli we-FHI360 nosihlalo waphambilini we-HIVNET ne-HPTN wayengumhlobo omdala ka-Salim no-Quarraisha Abdool Karim obesebenzisana nabo futhi ube neqhaza elikhulu ekuhloweni i-CAPRISA 004.

Ubuholi be-HPTN busungule indondo i-Ward Cates Spirit Award njengendlela yokuhlonipha ukuzinikela kuka-Cates nokunye okuningi akwenzile emkhakheni wezokulwisana ne-HIV/AIDS, ezokuhlelwa komndeni emhlabeni jikelele, nezempilo yabesifazane. Le ndondo iklonyeliswa oyilungu lenhlangano ovelele ngokweqhaza alibambile ekufezweni kwenhloso ye-HPTN ngobuholi bakhe, ukuqeqesha abasafunda, ukweseka nokusebenzela ezempilo zomphakathi.

U-Abdool Karim ungowesithathu ukuthola le ndondo futhi usekleliswe nososayensi abaphambili oDkt Ken Mayer, onguMqondisi we-Fenway Institute, kanye noDkt Sten Vermund oyiDini yeSikole sase-Yale sezeMpilo YoMphakathi abaklonyeliswe ngonyaka wezi 2016 nowezi-2017 ngokulandelana.

Amagama: ngu-Smita Maharaj 

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UKZN Specialist Physician Scoops Two MEC’s Health Awards

Dr Somasundram Pillay congratulated by KZN Health MEC, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo and colleagues.

Dr Somasundram Pillay, UKZN Specialist Physician and Blue Firm Internal Medicine Head at Edendale Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, clinched two awards at the MEC’s Annual Service Excellence Awards (MASEA) which seek to reward and recognise public healthcare servants who deliver above expectation.

The MASEA’s were held at the Durban International Convention Centre on Friday, 1 June 2018.

Pillay, affectionately known to his peers and patients as “Soma”, won the MEC’s Special Health Recognition Award for his work in improving diabetes care in resource-limited developing world settings and was also second runner-up for the KwaZulu-Natal Doctor of the Year award.

‘I felt very privileged to be runner-up for the Doctor of the Year award also,’ said Dr Pillay. ‘This is confirmation that my work in improving diabetes care and control in resource-limited settings is being appreciated and acknowledged by the Department of Health,’ he said.

Pillay, whose research-work focuses on methods to improve diabetes care in resource-limited settings, set up the Edendale Hospital Diabetes Clinic in 2012. Part of the project was the introduction of a multidisciplinary team together with an improved data collection system which involves a datasheet completed in triplicate for every patient consulted in the clinic, an ink-based stamp completed by the nursing staff to ensure that every patient has the required vital signs performed and finally, a specialised computer programme designed using VB.net and .net technologies to capture all demographic, clinical and biochemical patient data. The programme can be used for auditing purposes to improve diabetes control and hence decrease diabetes-related complications.

Results of this study have indicated an improvement of diabetes control with these interventions. This serves as a blueprint for other resource-limited clinics in developing world countries to follow.

A previous study conducted by Pillay, which examined the burden of diabetes in KwaZulu-Natal over a five-year period (2010-2014), demonstrated that the majority of patients with diabetes in the province are diagnosed and have their treatment initiated at local clinic level. Pillay said more equipment as well as staff resources and education were needed to help relieve the burden of diabetes. Simple yet effective methods, like the one introduced into the Edendale Hospital Diabetes Clinic, needed to be replicated throughout the province and the country to help decrease the burden of this deadly disease on patients and the country’s economy.

The foundation of Pillay’s Diabetes Clinic blueprint is that each and every patient is seen in a comprehensive and structured manner and that no important areas for diabetes care are omitted.

‘Integral to this approach is ongoing clinician and nurse re-education on the management of diabetes. Patients are consulted in a holistic way. Common areas of error involve omission of the examination of patients’ eyes and feet. These areas, among others, are highlighted at the clinic so that care is optimal and complications are minimised,’ said Pillay.

Words: Lihle Sosibo 

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Umfundi Uphume Phambili Kumncintiswano Wokubhala ngeSabelozimali

uMnu Thembelani Mazibuko, Ophume phambili kumncintiswano wokubhala ngesihloko sesabelomali i-DIRCO. Ubonakala noNgqongqoshe uLindiwe Sisulu. Click here for the English version

Umfundi we-Master’s kwezenhlalo yomphakathi (ipolitiki), uMnu Thembelani Mazibuko, wenze i-UKZN yaziqhenya ngaye ngokuqokwa kwakhe njengomunye wabane abaphume phambili kumncintiswano wokubhala ngeSabelozimali saseMnyangweni Wezangaphandle Nokubambisana (i-DIRCO)

Abangenela lo mncintiswano balindeleke ukuthi babhale indaba ngenye yezihloko ezine ezikusabelomali ngokugxila emsebenzini owenziwe umnyango enyakeni odlule kanye nozimisele ukukwenza onyakeni omusha.

Njengenxenye yomncintiswano, uMazibuko wanikezwa ithuba lokuthamela isabelozimali ePhalamende kanye nesidlo sasekuseni esilandela isabelozimali lapho ahlangana khona noNgqongqoshe Wezangaphandle, uNks Lindiwe Sisulu.

‘Leli bekuyithuba elimangalisayo’, kusho uMazibuko. ‘Ngakuthokozela kakhulu ukuhlangana nabantu abaningi abafana namanxusa, abezangaphandle, osopolitiki asebathatha umhlalaphansi, abezindaba kanye nezifundiswa. Ukuphuma phambili kwenyuse izinga lami lokuzethemba. Kungibonise ukuthi ngingenza noma yini engifisa ukuyenza’, kusho uMazibuko, ophinde waqhubeka wathi ukuhlangana nabaholi abanamandla kwamenza wazithoba futhi wakhuthazeka. Uthe, ‘Lokhu kungifundise ukuthi ukusaba ukusondela kubaholi abangosaziwayo kwenziwa umuntu uqobo’.

Kulesigaba somncintiswano, abangenele umncintiswano kwakumele babhale indaba nge-BRICS baphinde bachaze ukuthi ubulungu be-South Africa kulenhlangano kuzoyilekelela kanjani ekunciphiseni izinkinga zangaphakathi. Inhlangano efaka iminotho yamazwe amahlanu asakhula, i-BRICS isifinyezo seminotho ehlanganisiwe ye-Brazil, i-Russia, i-India, i-China kanye ne-South Africa.

Endabeni yakhe ephume phambili, uMazibuko uthe ukuba ingxenye ye-BRICS kwalekelela i-South Africa ngezohwebo, waphinde wathi izwe lizuza kukhulu ngokuthi lifinyelela kalula kumamakethe amakhulu afana ne-China, i-India kanye neBrazil. Uthe, ‘I-BRICS inikeza i-South Africa amathuba ezangaphandle, awepolitiki kanye nawokufunda kwamanye amazwe asathuthuka futhi asaqhubeka nokunqoba izinkinga ezejwayelekile. I-BRICS inikeza i-South Africa ithuba lokuzithengisa ngokufaka ingqungquthela yabo yeminyakayonke ezindabeni. Ukufakwa kwayo ezindabeni kushintsha imibono abantu abanayo nge-South Africa, kanjalo nje, izwe libonakala njengendawo yokuvakasha kanye neyamabhizinisi’.

Eluleka abanye abafundi abafisa ukungenela lo mncintiswano, uMazibuko unxuse ngokubaluleka kokufunda imiyalelo. ‘Ukuqaphelisisa okufunwayo nesizathu; lokhu kuzokwenza uqonde kabanzi izindlela zokhipha umsebenzi oncomekayo. Ukukwazi ukubhala kahle kuzokusa kude empilweni, ngakhoke, funda ukubhala izwakale imibono yakho futhi ucabange ngokwenza’.

UMazibuko uthe lo mncintiswano umenze wakuqondisisa okuphathelene nezangaphandle; okuwumsebenzi acabanga ukuthi angawuthokozela. Uphinde wathi, ‘Futhi ngikuthanda kakhulu ukuba usomabhizini ngoba ngiyafisa ukudlala indima ngokuthuthukisa umnotho wezwe lami ngiphinde nginciphise amazinga aphakeme okungabibikho kwemisebenzi’.

Amagama: uMelissa Mungroo

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Donate R67 and Change a Life

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In the spirit of giving, the UKZN Foundation is spearheading the novel R67 for Nelson Mandela donation campaign; calling on staff, students, well-wishers and alumni to contribute to the worthy initiative by donating R67 towards the University’s Bursary Fund.

‘Nelson Mandela spent 67 years fighting for social justice of which education is one of the most important,’ said Professor Anesh Maniraj Singh, UKZN Foundation Executive Director. ‘Mandela strongly believed that education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. This resonates with one of the University’s strategic aspirations to be renowned for delivering learning and teaching programmes that transform talented students into thoughtful and accomplished graduates,’ he said.

According to Singh, more than 7 000 students cannot afford Higher Education, but do not qualify for financial support either. ‘These are the students we are trying to raise funds for. We receive substantial support from businesses, foundations and trusts; however, we still need to raise more funds. Our staff, students and alumni could potentially raise R8 million if each of them donated just R67. Charity indeed begins at home. This campaign provides an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of other students in the name of Nelson Mandela,’ he added.

To make a difference, follow the steps below:

1. Make a donation of at least R67 or any multiples thereof.
2. Promote the campaign far and wide and challenge your networks to make a contribution before the end of July.
3. Go to https://foundation.ukzn.ac.za/donation-form/ or pay directly into the bank account below:

The University of KwaZulu-Natal Foundation Trust

Standard Bank

Westville

242 095 305

Reference: MADIBA.

Words: Melissa Mungroo 

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Celebrating Staff Achievement

Education staffers honoured at a celebratory lunch for achieving their PhDs.

The School of Education at UKZN recently hosted a celebratory lunch for five of its staff members who graduated with doctoral degrees.

The lunch, held at the Makaranga Lodge near Hillcrest, was facilitated by the Dean and Head of the School, Professor Thabo Msibi, who believes that staff need to be lauded for their academic achievements and excellence.

The staff celebrated on the day were Drs Nomkhosi Nzimande, Jugathambal Ramdhani, Bheki Mthembu, Cedric Mpungose and Phephani Gumbi.

‘It was an excellent gesture,’ said Nzimande. ‘It’s not every day you get to engage with the Dean in a social space so having lunch with him and the cluster leaders was a special occasion for us new PhD staff graduates. It showed that the Dean not only cares for the wellbeing of the staff but also recognises and celebrates every staff member’s achievements. The lunch was also a way for new graduates to celebrate together,’ she said.

For Ramdhani, having a PhD has given her the opportunity to explore existing knowledge as well as engage and create new knowledge in the field of poverty and school textbooks, in particular, Economics textbooks. She believes that initiatives such as the celebratory lunch by School management play a great role in motivating staff.

‘I would like to thank the Dean and (the rest of) management for their generosity and for the kind words of congratulation expressed at the function. It demonstrates the Dean’s appreciation and understanding in the hard work invested by staff in obtaining their doctorates,’ said Ramdhani.

Gumbi, who wrote his thesis in isiZulu to promote African languages in academia, offered this advice to other staffers wanting to pursue postgraduate degrees: ‘It seems impossible to achieve any dream until it is realised, so keep at it until you do.’

Words: Melissa Mungroo 

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Sophia Town Vibes in KwaMashu during “Mama Africa” Tribute

UKZN staffer and vocalist, Ms Thulile Zama, recently performed A Tribute to Mama Africa in KwaMashu in tribute to Miriam Makeba.

UKZN staffer and vocalist, Ms Thulile Zama, recently performed A Tribute to Mama Africa in KwaMashu, Durban, in association with Concert SA, iSupport Music Business.

Held at the Artizen Restaurant and Lounge, Zama was accompanied by Rebakah Doty on drums, David Smith on keyboard and Sibusiso Mkhonza on bass. Ulozolo Dancers from KwaMashu also featured in the performance. The performance was part of the Concerts SA Venue Circuit which aims to foster a love and support for live music in communities, as well as anchor small and medium sized venues in urban and rural Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape.

The career of musical legend Miriam Makeba influenced Zama and her band members to such an extent that they found it fitting to do a tribute in honour of “Mama Africa” as she was affectionally known the world over.

The band performed songs from different eras of Miriam Makeba’s illustrious career, including favourites like Pata Pata and the Click Song as well as ballads such as Promise and other heart wrenching offerings she penned while in exile.

‘Mama Africa was very influential, musically and politically, throughout Africa and we felt she should be remembered and celebrated,’ said Zama. ‘Makeba was a mother to many musicians and non-musicians. She played a huge role during the apartheid era. She wrote and sang many struggle songs that sent a message abroad and within the country. Her songs, such as In the Jungle, Khawuleza and Ibhabhalazi addressed issues that South Africa was facing in those difficult times,’ said Zama. 

A Tribute to Mama Africa was also performed at venues across South Africa, including Pretoria, Hammarsdale, Kloof and Pietermaritzburg.

Words: Melissa Mungroo 

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UKZN Hosts India’s “Father” of Palliative Care

Dr Rajagopal’s visit to UKZN.

Is the Future of Medicine in the Past? was the title of a presentation on Palliative Care in India delivered by 2018 Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Dr MR Rajagopal, at the UKZN Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine.

Rajagopal, who is considered the father of palliative care in India, is the Director of the World Health Organization’s Collaborating Centre at Trivandrum for Policy and Training on Access to Pain Relief, and the founder-Chairman of Pallium India. In 2018, he received the prestigious Padma Shri award from the government of India for his work in helping cancer patients with pain and end-of-life care.

His initiatives to remove regulatory barriers to the availability of oral morphine for pain relief have contributed significantly to the recent Amendment of the NDPS Act of India. In 2014, Human Rights Watch honoured him with the Alison Des Forges award for “extraordinary activism in promoting the notion that denial of pain relief is a violation of human rights”. A documentary film: Hippocratic: 18 Experiments in Gently Shaking the World - based on his contributions to Palliative Care - was released by the Moonshine Agency in Australia. The film echoes the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, from whom Rajagopal has drawn much of his inspiration, and follows his (Rajagopal’s) journey in establishing palliative care in India from an individual to a population level.

Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families who face problems associated with life-threatening illness. Despite advances in diagnostic and therapeutic medicine, many individuals around the world continue to face life-limiting conditions. Receiving the diagnosis of a life limiting disease is often met with denial, fear and isolation; with some patients silently succumbing to unrelenting disease, never experiencing the solace of compassionate care.

In his presentation, Rajagopal said Palliative Care prevented and relieved suffering through the early identification, correct assessment and treatment of pain and other problems. ‘Palliative care prevents and relieves suffering of any kind- physical, psychological, social, or spiritual - experienced by adults and children living with life-limiting health problems,’ he said.

UKZN’s Dr Saloshni Naidoo invited Rajagopal to share his experiences in light of the recent launch of the National Policy Framework and Strategy on Palliative Care by KZN Health MEC, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo. Speaking about potential challenges in implementing the policy, Rajagopal warned that although coverage may initially improve, quality could be expected to decline. He added that significant public discourses and advocacy would be needed to generate the necessary pressure for delivery of high quality, integrated palliative care services.

After his presentation, Dr Rajagopal visited the Mahatma Gandhi Settlement in Phoenix where he was given a guided tour of the area. Home to Mahatma Gandhi for 21 years, the Settlement is devoted to Gandhi’s principles of Satyagraha (passive resistance). Rajagopal’s work similarly strives to give voice to the silent suffering of millions and renew the commitment to compassionate care.

Words: Nombuso Dlamini 

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A Closer Look at Insufficient IsiZulu Books in Urban Schools

PhD student, Ms Thulebona Shawe is awarded a certificate of recognition from NAAAS for her paper presentation.

PhD student, Ms Thulebona Shawe of the School of Education, presented a paper at the National Association of African American Studies (NAAAS) conference in Dallas in the United States.

The paper was titled: Who to Blame? The Unavailability of the isiZulu First Additional Language (FAL) Books or Materials in Ex-Model C Schools in South Africa.

Shawe’s study explores the practices and strategies used by Grade 4 isiZulu First Additional Language (FAL) teachers when teaching and promoting reading comprehension in an urban context. According to Shawe, her study aims to gain an understanding of the strategies used by the isiZulu FAL teachers when teaching reading comprehension in isiZulu.

‘Most researchers focus on the strategies used in teaching English comprehension as a FAL. Instead, I took the initiative to break the stereotype and conduct the study in isiZulu FAL.’

Findings revealed that because teachers were using different strategies and practices, not all of them were well understood by learners. As a result, their (learners’) response towards reading isiZulu comprehension was varied.

Shawe also noted that all the teachers involved in the study complained about the unavailability of isiZulu FAL books and/or materials.

‘The availability of isiZulu textbooks and teaching material may have the potential of influencing teachers to use the appropriate teaching strategies during the reading comprehension in isiZulu FAL. The result of this is that learners may understand the language easier than when there is no material at all for isiZulu FAL.

‘This will increase the possibility of bringing back pride into South African indigenous languages as early as primary school. Rather than selecting Afrikaans, learners in former Model C schools may instead choose isiZulu as an additional language,’ said Shawe.

During the conference, Shawe was awarded a certificate of recognition for her scholarship and excellent presentation of research from NAAAS Executive Director, Dr Lemuel Berry.

Words: Melissa Mungroo 

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CAPRISA hosts the Cell C Take a Girl Child to Work initiative

Learners, with their teachers and CAPRISA officials, proudly hold up their certificates of attendance at the CAPRISA Cell C Take a Girl Child To Work initiative.

CAPRISA hosted 20 enthusiastic Grade 11 and 12 female learners and three teachers from high schools in the Durban, Howick and Vulindlela areas as part of the annual Cell C Take A Girl Child to Work initiative aimed at exposing young girls to the real “world of work”. The initiative aims to ‘give young girls an opportunity to interact with role models; and make informed career decisions based on real work experiences,’ explained Ms Marietjie Geldenhuys, Head of Human Resources at CAPRISA.

Learners were exposed to the diverse and wide range of careers that are available in a scientific organisation. Speakers included Professor Salim Abdool Karim, Director of CAPRISA, Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim, CAPRISA’s Associate Scientific Director and Professor Koleka Mlisana, Head of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences in the College of Health Sciences at UKZN. Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim facilitated a round table discussion on How to Overcome Challenges in Career Progression as a Woman.

‘The experience was wonderful, and it taught us that we as young women can be independent and successful,’ wrote the learners from the Ngcedomhlophe High School. ‘It was indeed an honour and an unforgettable moment of experience. We learnt how important thinking is to our lives and how it can help us to go far and improving ourselves to being better persons in the near future.’

CAPRISA will continue the partnership with the identified schools to ‘provide young learners with further opportunities to engage with staff at the Vulindlela Research Clinic,’ said Geldenhuys.

Words: Smita Maharaj 

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Summa Cum Laude Graduate Forges Career as Female Engineer

Ms Iksha Singh.

Ms Iksha Singh graduated with her Master’s in Civil Engineering summa cum laude in April and now the engineering whiz is using her ambition, determination and fearlessness to shine in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Singh grew up in a Durban household where her father, a professional engineer and consultant, exposed her to the world of engineering and where she also took cues from her mother in developing the strength and confidence to succeed.

Growing up, Singh developed an interest in Maths, Science and the built environment. She enrolled at UKZN’s Howard College campus for her undergraduate studies, drawn to UKZN by its engineering qualifications as well as quality of its graduates.

For her master’s degree, which was supervised by Dr Georgios Drosopoulos, Singh investigated the performance of steel structures by examining the effects of fire protection on a steel connection exposed to elevated temperatures. Drosopoulos’s expertise was, Singh said, exceptionally helpful and allowed her to elevate her research above the mediocre. She gave him credit for his knowledge, guidance and support. ‘This research was aimed at improving fire design of steel structures in a local and/or international context, and by extension, contributing to a safer built environment,’ she said.

Singh - a Candidate Engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) and Associate Member of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE)- works for international engineering consultancy Mott MacDonald and aims to become an ECSA accredited professional engineer in Civil Engineering and perhaps one day pursue her PhD.

In the year between completing her undergraduate studies and commencing her master’s degree, Singh worked full-time on site as a graduate engineer for a well-known construction company. ‘A female engineer on site full-time is still quite a rarity,’ said Singh, who is grateful for the experience she gained.

She assured aspiring young engineers, particularly women, that despite the challenges of being on site, direct involvement with engineering was one of the most fulfilling jobs.

Singh has received numerous accolades. In 2017, she was selected to attend the Joint Structural Division awards in recognition of outstanding work or superior achievement in Structural Engineering. In 2016 at the SAICE National Investigative Project Showdown, she represented UKZN against five other top South African universities, receiving first prize and a postgraduate bursary.

She also participated and featured in the SAICE Women’s Month social media campaign and served as the Logistics Coordinator for South African Women in Engineering and as an occasional mentor to aspiring young female engineers with GirlEng KZN in 2016. She is a member of Consulting Engineers South Africa’s Young Professionals Forum which regularly conducts Maths workshops for Grade 11 learners in underprivileged schools, and since 2004 has volunteered with the Sandipha Bhajan group, undertaking charity work and activities for community upliftment.

The high achiever says her recipe for success is her unwavering support system and drive to produce excellent work. ‘First and foremost, I aimed to make my parents proud. The love, blessing and support I have received from my family is immeasurable.’ She thanked family members Sunil, Shamini and Sanav Singh for their invaluable support; her partner Mr Nitesh Jaganik for his unwavering love, help and encouragement; and her friend Ms Cerissa Ramsumer for her companionship.

Words: Christine Cuénod 

Photograph supplied by Iksha Singh 

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Zooming in on Agripreneurship and Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains

From left: Ms Josephine Pasipanodya, intern plant breeder, ProSeed; Ms Mbali Majola, Msinga; Mrs Mathombi Duma, Swayimane and Mrs Londiwe Mhlongo, eThekwini Municipality, at the Symposium.

Agripreneurship and sustainable agricultural value chains were the main topics of presentation at the third annual Ukulinga Howard Davis Memorial Symposium hosted by UKZN at its Ukulinga Research Farm in Pietermaritzburg.

Topics at the two-day gathering ranged from agripreneurship to technological and postharvest innovation. Local NGOs, including the Siyazisisa Trust and the Institute of Natural Resources presented, as did the student organisation, Enactus.

The event - an initiative between UKZN and the Howard Davis Farm Trust based in Jersey in the Channel Islands - attracted more than 200 delegates and guests.

The Trust has maintained a relationship with the University since the 1930s when it played a major role in the construction of UKZN’s Howard College.

The symposium honours the educational legacy of Mr Howard Davis who was killed in the Battle of the Somme in 1916 during World War 1.

Facilitated by the UKZN Foundation, the symposium brings together stakeholders in KwaZulu-Natal’s agricultural industry to showcase research carried out at Ukulinga for the scientific community, agribusiness sector, farming community as well as pupils.

Guests and delegates included students, academics, scientists, small-scale farmers, commercial farmers and NGO representatives. The event proved to be a multidisciplinary information-sharing forum featuring representatives from the Schools of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences (SAEES) and Engineering as well as from industry and NGOs.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Professor Deresh Ramjugernath, opened the symposium with an introduction to the University’s Strategic Plan 2017-2021, noting how research efforts aligned to the theme of the symposium placed the SAEES on the front foot as attention is increasingly turning to research relevance, innovation, entrepreneurship as well as improving the lives of South Africans.

Keynote speaker, Professor Alan Dangour of Food and Nutrition for Global Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, highlighted the importance of agriculture for improving global nutrition. Dangour is the Principal Investigator on the international Sustainable and Healthy Food Systems (SHEFS) project which UKZN is a part of.

Dangour also highlighted threats to agricultural production from biodiversity loss, population increases and climate change as well as possible opportunities for the sector.

Ms Sharon Migeri of the Pollution Research Group (PRG) at UKZN presented on behalf of Alfred Odindo of SAEES on work being done by the PRG, specifically in plant nutrition through nutrient recovery and re-use from waste. The presentation emphasised the need to encourage acceptance of using waste as a resource particularly in an environment dealing with sanitation challenges and declining phosphorous reserves.

Mr Louis van der Walt of Adams and Adams, hosted by UKZN InQubate, spoke on intellectual property rights, particularly for plant breeders.

Successful farmer, Mrs Florence Mbalo, who in 10 years developed the Simba Mabhele Farm from two pigs to 150 pigs, shared her experiences of integrating successfully into agricultural value chains.

There were panel discussions at the end of each day, giving delegates opportunities to engage with presenters, have robust discussion and share ideas. There was also a demonstration from Animal Science steer project students and visits to sites run by plant breeders.

Guests had the opportunity to network and extend their interactions at a networking braai which followed the close of proceedings.

Linked to the Symposium was the annual College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science stand at the Royal Show in Pietermaritzburg. The stand won the Royal Industrial Floating Trophy for best display in an individual building, and a gold medal for its impressive display.

Words: Christine Cuénod 

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International Conference Top Honours for Postdoctoral Fellow

Dr Ankit Katrodia (far right) with delegates from the Out of (and into) Africa International Symposium.

Graduate School of Business and Leadership Postdoctoral Fellow, Dr Ankit Katrodia’s research on The Effect of Using Multi-Skilled Workforce on the Flexibility of Project Resource Scheduling and Project Costs: X Ptm Central Group Project Execution Department, was chosen as the Best Paper at the recent inaugural international symposium titled: Out of (and into) Africa, which focused on African consumer marketing and firm strategies.

The symposium, held at Morgan State University in the United States, was the first ever international symposium of research on consumers, marketing and firm strategy in the African context and brought together scholars, researchers and policy makers as well as marketing experts to encourage collaboration between academia and marketing practitioners.

The study addressed the effect of using multi-skilled workforce in the execution of project activities by studying the changes in project execution resource scheduling flexibility and project costs in response to workforce multi-skilling strategy. The paper was co-authoured with Ms Thulisile Manyi and Dr Rosemary Sibanda.

Katrodia said participating in the Symposium was an enriching experience. ‘I like participating in international academic activities as it broadens my professional outlook and having my paper acknowledged by an international institute was a humbling moment as it shows that our standards are world-class,’ he said.

Katrodia holds a PhD in Management, an MBA in Marketing, an MCom in Marketing and Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management. 

As part of his postdoctoral research, he has published two articles: Consumer Buying Behaviour at Shopping Malls: Does Gender Matter? as well as The Determinants of Shopping and Buying Behaviour: A Case at Durban Shopping Malls. He is also currently doing research on challenges faced by small and medium entrepreneurs.

Words: Thandiwe Jumo 

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Successful Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa AGM Held at UKZN

TIBA AGM participants and presenters.

UKZN’s College of Health Sciences, in collaboration with Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa (TIBA), hosted the first TIBA Annual General Meeting at the Hilton Hotel in Durban.

Launched early this year, TIBA is an Africa-led multi-disciplinary research programme which explores and draws lessons from ways different African health systems tackle infectious diseases.

‘It is important for research in Africa to be done by Africans for Africans,’ said South Africa’s first Health Ombudsman and former UKZN Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Malegapuru Makgoba, who officially opened the meeting. Makgoba highlighted the importance of research for Africa by Africans and encouraged TIBA Principal Investigators to own their work. He also endorsed TIBA as a project that deals with real issues for Africans, done by Africans.

TIBA Director, Professor Mark Woolhouse, highlighted the programme’s approach. ‘TIBA aims to study the different parts of the African Health Ecosystem with the view to informing health policies,’ he said.

Co-Deputy, Director Professor Francisca Mutapi, discussed the programme’s progressive partnership: ‘We have a long-term commitment to the communities affected by the diseases we research as well as equitable partnership and inclusive engagement.’

TIBA SA Project leader, Professor Moses Chimbari, highlighted the objectives of the meeting as: ‘Feedback on the Rapid Impact Project by Principal Investigators, progress of TIBA by the External Advisory Group, approval of Making a Difference Project (MDP) projects, significant pledges by funding agencies and philanthropists and renewed endorsement of TIBA activities by international organisations who are the custodians of health and human wellbeing.’

CAPRISA Director, Professor Salim Abdool Karim, delivered his keynote address titled A Research Journey to Unravel Why Young Women Have the Highest HIV Rates in South Africa; highlighting the fact that South Africa bears the greatest burden of HIV in Africa. His presentation demonstrated how good research should impact on policy and society, thus setting the tone for the meeting’s deliberations.

TIBA postgraduate students presented their work through the medium of posters. The overall winner, Mr Kennedy Mwai Wambui, received a voucher to attend a scientific conference of his choice anywhere in the world. Other winners were Ms Hlengiwe Sacolo and Mr Felix Ansah, who won vouchers to attend a conference of their choice anywhere in Africa.

An external advisory group reviewed TIBA progress from its inception and gave positive feedback. The group urged TIBA to be more inclusive by bringing on board African French-speaking countries.

TIBA’s genuine stakeholder engagement was endorsed by Inkosi Ndumo Mathenjwa of the Mathenjwa Tribal Authority through Induna December Khumalo.

The meeting was attended by the TIBA Directorate, Principal Investigators and postgraduate and postdoctoral fellows from all partner countries: Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Also present were representatives from TIBA stakeholders from the WHO-AFRO region, WHO South Africa, NEPAD and the Africa Academy of Sciences.

The next TIBA annual general meeting will be held in Ghana in September next year.

Words: Nombuso Dlamini 

Photographs: Nombuso Dlamini and Albert Hirasen 

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UKZN Students Attend Summit for Young Doctors

Being motivated to become strong leaders at a gathering of young doctors.

Three UKZN Medical students attended a healthcare summit for young doctors organised by Discovery. They were Mr Mondli Khumalo and Ms Mpho Molema, both in their final year of study, and Mr Stanley Sekhula, who is in his fourth year. Their attendance at the healthcare summit was held in Sandton recently and was sponsored by Discovery.

‘I called it a “weekend of bliss” way before I even knew what was going to happen and I have to say that my expectations were exceeded,’ said Molema.

‘Discovery invited the three of us to attend the Young Doctor Summit – Future Leaders in Health gathering - being considered a “leader” was both daunting and gratifying for me.

‘It was also humbling and inspiring to be given an opportunity to mingle and network with colleagues from all over the country who work hard to help improve South Africa’s health system. Many of the delegates were in our age group so it was easy for me to relate to them. I had fun yet learned so much.

‘The aim of the forum for young doctors was to create a platform for participants to share ideas, draw inspiration from one another and become empowered through different activities,’ said Molema.

Delegates attended a show at the South African Fashion Week and a formal dinner on the first day of the summit and the next day were involved in a programme containing a variety of activities that embraced the bio-psychosocial model of health and provided participants with tools and ideas on how to be healthy in every aspect of their lives.

‘We had healthy-cooking classes, a financial education session, as well as a talk on how exercise can be used as a healing tool and not as a preventative measure in health,’ said Molema. ‘We also got to exercise in the Discovery Technogym, had team building sessions and heard presentations from different innovators in healthcare.

‘What resonated with the three of us was a discussion on mental health which explored issues amongst doctors and the reluctance that we often still have to seek help in that area for a variety of reasons. We have a tendency of not wanting to show “weakness”. Highlighted was how our backgrounds still influence and somehow “haunt” us - even though we are educated and know better we still find it difficult to use that information to help ourselves or to seek help because of our different cultures and traditions, some of which do not embrace mental health matters. And another issue debated was the stigma that exists around mental health among doctors - how we don’t encourage each other to come out and seek help or ridicule those who are having problems,’ she said.

‘This issue resonated with us because young doctors and Medical students are constantly exposed to gruesome things - rape, trauma and death - and have little time to spend with friends and family or to just be in healthy and uplifting environments which is enough to depress anyone. I feel it is up to us to continue the conversation, to raise awareness and to just be kind to one another.’

Molema said the summit was an eye-opener for her on many issues. ‘Being around all those vibrant intelligent people gave me the courage to continue fighting for what’s right and - as a representative of the Cuban-Collaboration students - it gave me a platform to make our colleagues understand us (collaboration students) and our struggles better and to encourage unity and peace amongst local and foreign trained Medical students.

‘It was indeed a weekend of bliss and all thanks to Discovery for sponsoring us to attend the forum. We are also truly thankful to our Dean, Professor Ncoza Dlova; for her transparency, fairness and her eagerness to nurture and shape young students into being great leaders. She is patient and always available even though we are a bit challenging to work with. We cannot thank her and Discovery enough and we hope that she will continue to engage with us and guide us in this difficult profession and we will work with her to make sure that all the students are empowered and know of the opportunities she creates.’

Many young doctors and Medical students are under tremendous pressure and suffering psychologically. Discovery has identified this and is working tirelessly to provide support. Initiatives include a 24-hour free telephonic help line (0800 323 323) offered in conjunction with SADAG and the website www.kineticSA.org where aspiring medical students can find useful information.

Words: Mpho Molema 

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PhD Students Fly UKZN Flag at International Nanotechnology Conference

Mr Lorenzo Davids (left) and Mr Jude Akinyelu.

Two PhD candidates from UKZN’s School of Life Sciences received Best Paper awards for their oral presentations at the annual International Conference on Nanomedicine, Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering (NDDTE’18) in Budapest, Hungary.

The International Conference on Nanomedicine, Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineeringaims to become the leading annual conference in fields related to nanomedicine, drug delivery and tissue engineering. The conference - which sees scholars from all over the world present advances in nanotechnology and exchange ideas and information - also provides an ideal environment to develop new collaborations and meet experts on the fundamentals, applications and products of the mentioned fields.

The PhD students, Mr Jude Akinyelu and Mr Lorenzo Davids, both completing their research under the supervision of Professor Moganavelli Singh, presented on their work concerning nano-delivery systems for anti-cancer agents.

Akinyelu presented on the topic: Folic Acid-Conjugated Chitosan Functionalised Gold Nanoparticles for Targeted Delivery of 5-Fluorouracil in Breast Cancer which concerns his research on the development of ligand orchestrated nano-delivery systems for precise delivery of conventional anti-cancer agents. Akinyelu hopes this will contribute to an improvement in the efficiency of chemotherapy and the reduction of toxicity associated with the use of chemotherapeutics. Akinyelu acknowledged the National Research Foundation (NRF), World Academy of Sciences, UKZN’s College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Professor Singh, and members of the non-viral gene and drug delivery laboratory for their support of his research.

Titled: An In-Vitro Assessment of Functionalised Gold Nanoparticles in Anti-Cancer Drug Delivery, Davids’ presentation dealt with the targeted delivery of a single chemotherapeutic drug called 5-Fluorouracil encapsulated by chitosan using gold nanoparticles as a delivery vehicle. For his PhD, Davids is focusing on developing an efficient drug delivery vector built around gold nanoparticles capable of selectively targeting cancerous cell lines using transferrin receptors for the delivery of the anti-tumour drugs 5-Fluorouracil and doxorubicin. He says the development of a safe and efficient drug delivery system has the possibility to change current treatment regimens. ‘This could allow repackaging of classical drugs into a more efficient drug delivery system resulting in lowered nonspecific cytotoxicity and the use of lower concentrations of the drug, thereby limiting the numerous side effects experienced by patients undergoing chemotherapy,’ said Davids.

Akinyelu and Davids said the event provided the opportunity to present some of their findings to an international audience and to establish connections with experienced researchers in the field of nanotechnology, creating opportunities for future collaborations. Responses from delegates to the presentations were positive, with delegates intrigued by the research underway in the non-viral drug and gene delivery laboratory at UKZN.

Words: Christine Cuénod 

Photographs supplied by Jude Akinyelu and Lorenzo Davids 

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Book on the History of the Zulu Nation Launched

From left: Mr Sthembiso Lennox Madlala, KZN Department of Tourism, Mrs Shalo Mbatha and Mr Mpumelelo Bhulose aka Gxabhashe, former uZalo actor.

Umlando kaZulu (History of the Zulus), a book which covers a variety of issues such as the challenges related to the origin and establishment of the Zulu kingdom by its founder, King Shaka Zulu, was launched at UKZN’s Killie Campbell Library on 2 June 2018.

Attended by an audience of more than 50 historians, lecturers and artists, the launch featured discussions on Zulu history as well as current issues such as tribalism, racism, crime, poverty in rural areas, the Ingonyama Trust land question; the expropriation of land without compensation; education; politics and religion.

The launch was organised by the author Mrs Shalo Mbatha and UKZN’s Killie Campbell Africana Library.

Mbatha spent many years in exile during the apartheid era fighting for liberation after which she worked as a journalist at the SABC and more recently, Independent Media in Durban.

Mr Nhlanhla Mtaka, Editor and Bayede Newspaper Founder, who was the guest speaker at the launch, stressed the importance of knowing South African and family history. Mtaka said while many people knew the history of King Shaka Zulu, they knew little or nothing about the history of their own clan. He also stressed the importance of speaking “pure IsiZulu” as many people mixed languages causing great harm to the language. The book costs R200 per copy and can be ordered by dialing 079 260 0149.

Words: Senzo Mkhize 

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Suffering and Triumph for UKZN Comrades Marathon Runners

It was a big win for the UKZN team at Comrades.

It was both ecstasy and agony for UKZN staff and students who participated and finished the grueling 2018 Comrades Marathon which can be described by some as 90,184km of pure torture; but well worth it in the end as one savours the sweet fruit of their victory after months of intense preparation.

A group of 30 men and women from UKZN participated in this year’s Marathon which took place on Sunday, 10 June 2018. This year’s race, which was a down-run, kicked off at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall at 5h30, finishing in Durban at 17h30. Staff and students from the University abandoned the comfort of their beds; heading to the race route in the early hours of the morning to support their colleagues and peers through cheers and refreshments.

It was a big win for UKZN as Mr Nhlanhla Nzama, UKZN alumni who still runs under the University’s banner, received a silver medal after finishing the race in 7 hours and 22 minutes, as well as a Bill Rowan medal. Introduced in 2000, the Bill Rowan medal was named after the winner of the first Comrades Marathon in 1921. The time limit for this medal was inspired by Rowan’s winning time in 1921 of 8hrs 59min.

UKZN Team Leader, Sanele Mbambo who is a student, said the main challenge was the chilly weather at the starting point in Pietermaritzburg. He said the cold temperature negatively affected the runners as cold exposure impacts muscle performance. ‘I however felt revived as I passed the UKZN station,’ said Mbambo, who added that this feeling however quickly diminished for as he made his way past the old finish line (Kingsmead Cricket Stadium) to the new one (Moses Mabhida Stadium) as the distance in km had slightly increased.

For Mr Tony Singarum, UKZN staff member and 22-time Comrades runner, the 2018 race had some unfortunate events for him as he experienced stomach discomfort early in the race. After a heated 70-kilometer run, he decided to call it quits. ‘The staff of Corporate Relations, together with our students, did a splendid job by taking care of the runners’ needs on the route and must be commended for their hard work on the day,’ said Singarum, whilst urging the UKZN community at large to participate in the marathon event, whether through running or being an onsite supporter. 

Words: Nokubonga Nomasiko Jele 

Photographs: Albert Hirasen 

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UKZN Makes Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2018 Top 100

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It is with great honour and pride that we announce that the University of KwaZulu-Natal was named one of the top 100 universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings 2018.

Ranked number 83, UKZN is the only South African University to feature in the top 100 list.

THE is the leading provider of higher education data for the world's research-led institutions. A company behind the world’s most influential university rankings with almost five decades of experience as a source of analysis and insight on higher education, THE boasts unparalleled expertise on the trends underpinning university performance globally.

The Young University Rankings are part of a suite of THE tables focused on universities that, unlike many of the world’s top-ranked universities, do not have centuries of history or tradition.

The Times Higher Education Young University Rankings list the world’s best universities aged 50 years or under. 

This rings true for the University of KwaZulu-Natal which was formed on 1 January 2004 after the merger between the University of Durban-Westville and the University of Natal whose cutting-edge research in the natural, biomedical, humanities and social sciences; innovative curricula; dynamic teaching and learning; state-of-the-art laboratories; as well as accredited professional degrees have earned it a reputation as a leading higher education institution on the African continent.

UKZN has a proud and rich heritage of academic excellence. In 2010, the institution celebrated 100 years of higher education – a centenary of scholarship, innovation and community engagement.

This latest feat in the form of the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2018 is another feather in UKZN’s cap which could not have been achieved without the continued strategic thinking, hard work and dedication of the University’s community as a whole in the form of the various committees of Management, Council, staff, students, alumni as well as partners and donors.

To access full information for the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2018, go to: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2018/young-university rankings#!/page/0/length/25/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/scores

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