US Students Visit UKZN for Colloquium on Indigenous Knowledge Systems
Visiting students and participants at the UKZN Colloquium on Indigenous Knowledge Systems.UKZN was recently home to students from the United States of America who were attending a colloquium on the role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in Transformative Sustainable Development.
The colloquium was hosted on the Westville campus by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) - National Research Foundation (NRF) Centre in Indigenous Knowledge Systems (CIKS)
The students were from academic streams including biomedicine, information and communication technology, art, international law, engineering and education.
The IKS lecture series was managed by Associate Professor Liza Weinstein, Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the Northeastern University in Boston, USA.
CIKS Director, Professor Hassan Kaya, briefed students on social engineering in South Africa during apartheid, while exploring South Africa’s turbulent history including the Group Areas Act. Within the context of the post-apartheid era, Kaya highlighted the CIKS Triple Heritage initiative which seeks to promote social cohesion and human understanding in culturally diverse KwaZulu-Natal. The project is a joint collaboration with the eThekwini Municipality.
Kaya also spoke onThe Integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems into the Urban Organic Farming Value Chain for Sustainable Livelihood in the eThekwini Municipality. He said there is growing recognition in South Africa that ‘agriculture still holds the key in maintaining food security, nutrition and the alleviation of poverty’. He said the Value Proposition of Urban Organic Farming was that it‘provides income generation for an urban population with low skills and little capital, especially the unemployed youth and women as well as for people with little mobility including women with children and the elderly’.
‘The integration of IKS in the urban organic farming value chain promotes an integrated approach to farming in an urban environment. This involves mixed cropping, animal husbandry, aquaculture, urban beekeeping and horticulture for subsistence, income generation and job creation. The planting of trees, orchards and grasses mitigate against disaster risk areas such as steep slopes, flood plains and wet lands,’ he said.
UKZN’s Ms Sinqobile Mabuza gave the international students a snapshot of the CIKS Special Online Collection which provides IKS reference materials to support research, teaching, learning and community engagement to the global research community.
CIKS Research Manager, Dr Mayashree Chinsamy, outlined IKS Research Exchange Programmes and invited the students to apply to be involved in programmes of interest to them.
Students provided feedback on their conceptualisation of IKS based on the lecture and highlighted the key messages including the complementarity of knowledge systems, economic implications of marginalisation of indigenous ways of knowing and value systems in policy and governance as well as the holistic and multi-transdisciplinary nature of IKS.
Words: Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer
Photograph: Albert Hirasen
author : .author email : .UKZN Academics Present Research at Italian Conference
From left: Professor Maxwell Phiri, Dr Mfazo Cliford Madondo and Professor Brian McArthur.Several School of Management, Information Technology and Governance academics presented papers at the recent 17th European Conference on Research Methodology (ECRM) for Business and Management Studies.
The academics were Professor Maxwell Phiri, Dr Mfazo Cliford Madondo, Professor Brian McArthur and Dr Andrisha Beharry Ramraj.
The international conference, which took place at the University of Roma TRE, Italy, brought together seasoned researchers and practitioners from a variety of countries including Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, New Zealand, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Slovakia, South Africa, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Kingdom.
A total of 62 papers were presented on various areas of research methodology in the domain of Business Management Studies.
The paper by Madondo and Phiri in the PhD Research Colloquium category was titled: Interrogating Research Approaches in Business Management in South Africa: A Mixed Methods Researchandexplored methodological adoption and application of mixed methods in South African business management studies focusing on 45 articles published in 10 business management journals. The authors looked at the extent to which these articles are showing preference towards the application of either qualitative or quantitative methods instead of a mixed methods approach in business management research projects. The paper recommends urgent attention of the teaching of the mixed methods research approach for postgraduate business management students and practitioners in South Africa.
McArthur’s paper was titled: Facilitation Challenges in Asynchronous Virtual Focus Groups while Ramraj’s paper, co-authored with Professor Stephen Migiro and Dr John Amolo, was titled:The Debatable Paradigm of Mixed Methods.This study explores the role of mixed methods research methodology and its controversies by seeking to answer the question whether mixed methods add anything in terms of value to research besides what the two methodologies advance.
Words: Ndabaonline
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .High School Learners Compete in Mini-Moot Court
High Schools Mini-Moot Court Competition Overall Winner, Ms Ayanda Dlamini, with Professor Managay Reddi. The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) School of Law, in partnership with the Luthuli Museum, recently hosted a Mini-Moot Court Competition for Grade 11 high school learners.
The competition was aimed at creating greater awareness about the justice system and encouraging learners to pursue a career in Law.
Twelve high school learners presented legal arguments to a panel of judges: acting High Court Judge, Professor Karthy Govender; Director of the African Ombudsman Research Centre, Advocate Arlene Brock; and UKZN School of Law lecturer, Dr Freddy Mnyongani.
In preparation for the competition, a team of Street Law Programme students ran workshops with the learners, on the Constitution, human rights, and preparation of legal arguments. Academics from the School of Law also lent support.
Learners were trained to argue a hypothetical case in which a disgruntled learner (the applicant) takes on a school governing body, challenging the constitutionality of the school’s code of conduct. Some learners were tasked to stand as representatives for the applicant, arguing that the code of conduct was unconstitutional and violated the learner’s right to equality as well as education while others represented the school.
The overall winner was Ms Ayanda Dlamini from Stanger High School. She thanked the School of Law for helping her gain new knowledge and opening her mind to the prospect of a career in Law. ‘The experience was overwhelming and amazing, I never thought I could stand in front of people and deliver an argument like I did in this competition. I learnt so much and developed skills I never knew I had,’ she said.
Dlamini was awarded a R20 000 bursary by the Dean of the Law School, Professor Managay Reddi, to undertake LLB degree studies at UKZN. She will also go on to deliver an address at the Annual Chief Albert Luthuli Memorial Lecture to be held at UKZN in November 2018.
Stanger High School educator, Ms Preetha Pillay, expressed her gratitude to both the Luthuli Museum and UKZN. ‘Thanks to this initiative our learners have developed tremendous essay writing and oral presentation skills,’ she said.
The prize for the best overall team went to Ms Sthokozile Khumalo and Ms Snethemba Mbokazi from Mathubesizwe High School.
All participating learners have submitted legal essay entries to the Department of Basic Education to be considered for selection to the KwaZulu-Natal provincial team that will go on to compete in a national schools moot competition.
Dr Albertina Luthuli, daughter of the late Chief Albert Luthuli, was a special guest of honour seated in the gallery. Chief Luthuli fought selflessly for human dignity, political freedom and social justice. He was also a professional educator who advocated for education to be made available to all Africans. UKZN embraces the legacy of Luthuli and is proud to be involved in all initiatives that promote and keep alive the values and principles he espoused.
Words: Sejal Desai
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Tackling the Serious Issue of Mental Health
From left: Dr Jaclyn Lotter, Mrs Shelly Ottino, Professor Monique Marks, Dr Kalpesh Narsi, Professor Bonga Chiliza, Mr Suntosh Pillay and Dr Suvira Ramlall.Thuma Mina, Send Me, was the theme of the 4th Annual Durban Mental Health Symposium held on UKZN’s Howard College campus.
Organised by the KZN Mental Health Advocacy Group, the symposium was attended by mental healthcare practitioners and specialists from the Psychology, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Psychiatry fraternities from government, academic, private sector and nonprofit organisations in KwaZulu- Natal.
This symposium is a unique annual event that fosters networking and collaboration among mental health champions across disciplines and contributes to the strengthening and expansion of the local mental health support platform.
‘The Thuma Mina, Send Me theme is aimed at encouraging everyone to be responsible citizens by playing an active role in sensitising and creating awareness around mental health issues within their communities,’ said Dr Suvira Ramlall.
Ramlall, an academic leader in the College of Health Sciences and Clinical Psychologist Mr Suntosh Pillay, are both based at King Dinuzulu Hospital Complex, and are founding members of the five-year-old KZN Mental Health Advocacy Group. This initiative arose in response to the dire and increasing need for advocacy and services for mental illness.
Professor Bonga Chiliza, Head of the Psychiatry Department at UKZN, spoke about his recent research under the title: Language, Culture and Migration: Delivering Mental Health Care ‘met eish’. Chiliza’s presentation focused on diagnosis inaccuracies that take place in some mental health institutions because of language barriers and deficiencies in language translation.
‘Understanding the language being used is important. Doctor-patient communication and understanding are of absolute importance in healthcare and are issues we cannot take for granted,’ he said.
Mrs Shelly Ottino, mental health care user and activist, who has lived with bi-polar mood disorder for more than twenty years, shared details of the challenges, triumphs and personal insights experienced. ‘Mental illness like depression turns one’s life upside-down. All we need as mental illness sufferers is love and support. I am one of the fortunate ones because, despite the impact on them, my family has been very supportive throughout my journey,’ she said.
Professor Monique Marks: Head of Urban Futures Centre, Durban University of Technology, presented her research on Opioid Substitution Therapy and how it had impacted on the quality of the lives of heroin users that are being supported. She challenged the audience to rethink their notions of drug abuse and shared insights on how harm reduction should be approached.
Specialist Psychiatrist, Dr Kalpesh Narsi from eThekwini Health District, highlighted the low priority accorded to mental health and the importance of integrating mental health into primary care. In his talk titled Begging Bowls & Global Goals, he advocated for a task-sharing approach, cautioning that this should not be at the expense of having more specialists in the system.
Dr Jaclyn Lotter, Head of programmes, SA College of Applied Psychology, focused her talk on re-imagining the possibilities for mental healthcare in South Africa, arguing that ‘a different destination requires new roads.’ She called for a new narrative in mental health, one that looks at what is working well and that can create long-lasting change.
Chief Occupational Therapist at Ekuhlengeni Hospital, Mrs Nerena Ramith’s inspiring presentation was titled Skilled hands – healthy minds: Occupational therapy in mental health. Her presentation on novel and creative ways of occupationally engaging patients highlighted the importance and benefits of robust psychosocial rehabilitation programs in the care of those suffering with mental illness. The need for mental health practitioners to invest in their own mental wellness in the context of demanding and stressful work environments was also emphasised.
The announcement of the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) office in Durban made earlier this year, was through efforts of the advocacy group. This has given a boost to mental health promotion and support in the province. Also launched this year was a collaboration with info4africa, who have since added mental health to their resource directory. This directory will enable the public to locate mental health service providers via their app.
Sponsors of the symposium included Bargain Books and Sanlam. The next major activity of the Advocacy Group is the 3rd Mental Health Advocacy Walk that will take place on 7 October at 9am at the North Beach amphitheater (opposite Elangeni Hotel).
Enquiries may be directed to kznsadag@anxiety.org or MHadvocacygroup@gmail.com
Words and photograph: Lihle Sosibo
author : .author email : .SRC Group Visits KZN Rural School in Honour of Mandela
UKZN Student Representative Council members visit Zibonele Secondary School.UKZN Student Representative Council members honoured this year’s Mandela Day celebrations by visiting Zibonele Secondary School in Nomakhanzana, Umthwalume District.
Heading the delegation was the SRC’s International and Marketing Officer, Mr Nkululeko Chiliza, who organised the visit in partnership with the Isibani Educational Empowerment Student Organisation, Westville Poetry Nights (WPN) and UKZN alumnus, Mr Khulekani Shozi.
The delegation informed learners about the various programmes offered at UKZN, procedures at the Central Admissions Office, applying for funding and adapting to the university life.
Learners were entertained by WPN performers and given a variety of UKZN branded freebies. Learners were elated and found the presentation informative and enlightening since some of the presenters were locals.
The school principal was thankful and believed that the visit is going to help improve the school’s matric performance and requested the team to visit them again next year. Several youngsters were selected for scholarship interviews.
Words: Nkululeko Chiliza
Photographs: Supplied
author : .author email : .UKZN Gives Inanda Communities Free Legal Advice and Domestic Violence Education
UKZN Street Law ProBono Outreach team and Law student volunteers assisting the Inanda community with free legal advice.Final year LLB students, Mr Siphephelo Sithole, Mr Gift Luthuli and Ms Saadiyah Kader, joined the UKZN Street Law-Plus ProBono Outreach Team’s drive to provide free legal advice and domestic violence education in Ohlange, Inanda, as part of the Mandela Day celebrations.
The outreach programme is housed at the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies and is conducted on a monthly basis. The Law students in particular regard their participation in the programme as a valuable and enriching experience that enables them to gain valuable practical experience and to give back to the community.
The UKZN staff team comprised of Centre for Socio-Legal Studies Acting Director Professor David McQuoid-Mason; Mr Roshen Badul Singh, Supervising Attorney at the Durban Campus Law Clinic; as well as Mr Mark Larkin and Ms Karyn Peter, candidate attorneys at the Durban Campus Law Clinic.
The Mandela Day Outreach Programme was held at the home of Community Activist, Mr Thami Shandu, in Ohlange.
About 35 people from the local Ohlange community attended the initiative with almost half wanting legal advice. The remainder attended an interactive workshop on domestic violence.
Larkin and Peter, together with the Law students under the supervision of Singh, screened applicants for Legal Aid SA and gave general legal advice. The legal advice mainly consisted of housing and labour issues as well as municipal and government department difficulties. McQuoid-Mason conducted the two-hour interactive Street Law-type domestic violence workshop.
Several other activities took place thereafter, including a talk on depression by a clinical psychologist.
Words: Ndabaonline
author : .author email : .Exposing Young Minds to Advanced Science
UKZN KRISP postdoctoral and postgraduate students with high school students who participated in the training.The KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP) and Thermo Fisher Scientific are collaboratively engaged in building skills in specialised molecular biology techniques; DNA amplification, sequencing and bioinformatics.
This endeavour kicked off on 6 July 2018 with a full day training on DNA Amplification technique known as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR); a technique used in molecular biology to amplify a segment of DNA across several orders of magnitude, generating thousands to millions of copies of a particular DNA sequence. Since the discovery, PCR triggered many valuable developments in several medical disciplines.
Participants in the training programme included postgraduate students from UKZN as well as pupils from various local high schools.
On a global scale, scientists are committed to finding ways to resolve complex health issues, environmental issues and to protect the planet. There is a need for continuous advancement of knowledge and innovation in sciences. This calls for continuous injection of highly skilled professionals and researchers in various science disciplines. Expert researchers from KRISP at UKZN and the Thermo Fisher Scientific team are driven by the need to build capacity for high quality research and cutting-edge science in Africa.
The KRISP/Thermo Fisher capacity development programme is aimed at offering training in genetic technologies to academics as well as the wider community outside the academic space. The programme offers training ranging from highly advanced to basic molecular biology techniques for inexperienced participants including high school learners.
In this course, participants learnt the basics of PCR. They extracted and amplified DNA using Thermo Fisher Scientific Direct PCR Kits, which are designed to deliver ultimate convenience by allowing PCR directly from crude samples. The training covered basic theory on molecular biology, introduction to PCR, consumables and applications of the technique.
The most fascinating aspect of the training, particularly for high school learners, was the practical training where they worked with scientists at the KRISP laboratory. ‘Working in such an advanced genetics laboratory extracting DNA was the most interesting experience as it is not done in high schools,’ said one of the high school participants.
Words: Gugulethu Mkhize, Pranusha Naidoo and Tulio de Oliveira
Photographs: Supplied by KRISP
author : .author email : .Encouraging a Healthy Lifestyle
Winners and participants at the SLMMS/SNPH fun run/walk.The College of Health Sciences’ Schools of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences (SLMMS) as well as Nursing and Public Health (SNPH) recently participated in a 6km fun run/walk on Durban’s beachfront.
More than 170 participants from both Schools lined up for the race from uShaka Marine Beach to the Blue Waters Hotel and back.
Ms Celecia Harrington of SNPH thanked the organising team for the day. ‘It was really what we needed. Thank you for a job well done,’ she said.
Ms Mhlophe Sithole, a volunteer, said the event was fun for all. ‘Wow! The event was so much fun - even for the helpers like me. At a personal level, I learnt some valuable things being part of this team. Thanks a lot for the opportunity to be involved,’ said Sithole.
Mr Anand Krishnan of LMMS said the event was a great exercise and motivated most staff members.
‘It was a good team building experience and promoted the importance of living a healthy lifestyle,’ added Ms Mary van der Stok of SLMMS. ‘In future, it would be nice to have a 10km fun run/walk as well,’ she urged.
SNPH School Manager Mr Bheki Zondo was extremely pleased. ‘The event was great, we really need such outings to get our minds off work for a day and enjoy ourselves with colleagues. It also helped participants to get to know other better and acted as a good reminder to lead a healthy life style,’ he said.
This event would not have been possible without our volunteers and our trusted sponsors United Scientific , Filta-Matix, African Fusion; Laboquip Vivid Air; Lasec, KRISP, UKZN Corporate Relations Office and Galderma,’ said Operations Manager in the School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, Miss Metse Serumula.
Words and photographs: Nombuso Dlamini
author : .author email : .Aspiring Chartered Accountant’s Novel Explores the Dark World of Ukuthwala
Mr Sifundokuhle Kweyama.Final-year Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting student, Mr Sifundokuhle Kweyama’s novel Ubumnyama Bemisebe Yelanga (the darkness of the sun’s rays) aims to warn communities, especially women, about the practice of ukuthwala for riches.
The Zulu fiction novel, which was edited by UKZN’s Microcobiology PhD student, Mr Sphelele Jeza, takes place in the rural area of eMzumbe, KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, which is Kweyama’s birth place. The story also takes place at a university setting and at a student residence. It explores the dangers and disadvantages of the practice of ukuthwala (mostly human sacrifice) for riches. This often brutal practice involves a person consulting a witch doctor who will make them rich but for a hefty price which often requires human organs or life.
Kweyama, who spent much time conducting research into this area by consulting traditional healers to get better informed about the said practice, said he was inspired to write this book because of the many media reports of people being arrested for possessing human body parts, especially female genital mutilation. The rife attacks of people with albinism for their body parts used in witchcraft was another reason for the book.
‘These things are happening and are more prevalent now because people nowadays really like the notion of making easy money. The book has been launched in Port Shepstone, Clemornt and Westville. The dialogue and engagement that have come from the community has been interesting as people confirm that they know of people who have accumulated wealth in this evil manner. The most interesting discussions has been with traditional healers who feel that such practices are tarnishing their reputation and the biggest worry is that women are the ones most targeted,’ said Kweyama.
This is not Kweyama’s first self-published work as he has two poetry books entitled Silence is no longer Golden, a combination of poems which advocate for women to not suffer in silence about issues of gender-based violence and domestic abuse. Flowers of Africa, a volume of poems based on his life experiences as a young South African, is also one of Kweyama’s first self-published works.
‘I am very passionate about protecting women because they play a big role in our lives and yet they deal with the worse abuse from their partners such as rape and even femicide. I also want students to be aware about the environment they are living in and that not everything is about wealth. Through my work, I also hope to inspire young people to go back to telling stories of indigenous and traditional origin to keep the African legacy going,’ he said.
Kweyama is encouraging those who wish to express their views about this novel or wish to know about it to contact him on 071 101 2433 or email Sifundoh.zn@gmail.com
Words and photograph: Thandiwe Jumo
author : .author email : .Democracy Education Workshop for IEC and Basic Education Officials
Participants at the Democracy Education Workshop.Trainers and administrators from the KwaZulu-Natal office of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Basic Education attended a three-day UKZN Democracy Education Workshop run by the University’s Centre for Socio-Legal Studies academics Professor David McQuoid-Mason and Ms Phumzile Xulu.
Titled: Democracy for All, the workshop was held on the Howard College campus using the new edition of the Street Law Democracy for All (DFA) Manuals (2017) and democracy videos produced by the Civics Academy for the Hans Seidle Foundation.
The Workshop was designed to build the capacity of IEC trainers and school educators to teach ordinary citizens and school learners about democracy and human rights in anticipation of next year’s general elections.
McQuoid-Mason informed participants about the “Learning Triangle” summary of research and the rationale for interactive teaching methods. He and Xulu used interactive teaching methods because the educational psychologists who produced the “Learning Triangle” found that interactive teaching and learning methods were the most effective, especially if they involved learners teaching each other.
McQuoid-Mason and Zulu demonstrated some of the interactive lessons from the DFA Learner and Educator and Manuals with participants divided into nine teams of five. On the first day, the teams were given 40 minutes to prepare their lesson presentations based on those in the manuals. The teams were then required to teach their lessons at various stages during each day of the workshop.
‘I feel confident that the information I obtained from this exercise enables me to stand in front of people from my local community with confidence to encourage them to participate in the governing of their country,’ commented a participant from the IEC.
A trainer from the KZN Department of Basic Education said, ‘I feel confident about knowing what democracy is and everything I learned in the workshop. I will be able to train my teachers with confidence because of knowledge gained from the workshop.’
Words: NdabaOnline
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .GSSA Award for Best MSc Thesis for Geology Masters Graduate
Mr Kreesan Palan (right) receives his award from GSSA Chairman, Dr Craig Smith.Mr Kreesan Palan has received the Geological Society of South Africa’s (GSSA) John Handley Award for his master’s research involving the analysis of submarine canyon system morphologies off the west coast of South Africa.
The John Handley Award was instituted by the GSSA in 2002 to recognise the best MSc thesis in Geology to be produced at a South African university in the year prior to the award.
Palan graduated with his Master’s in Geology cum laude in April 2018, and was supervised by Professor Andrew Green.
This is not the first accolade for the young Geologist who in 2015 received the GSSA’s Haughton Award for his Honours research; joining a long line of UKZN recipients. In 2016, he also received the DMT Kai Batla Prize for the best Honours student in Geological Sciences at UKZN at the annual College Awards Ceremony.
Palan’s masters research involved a detailed bathymetric and seismic analysis of a series of unusual submarine canyon system morphologies off the west coast of South Africa which are not accounted for in the literature. ‘Their peculiar morphologies were proposed to have evolved from a combination of conventional seafloor erosional processes and gas venting. The significance of this study is to suggest a new mechanism by which canyons evolve as the variables change depending on the various study sites around the world,’ he said.
Processes of marine geology that occur in the deep marine realms intrigued Palan, who loves spending time in the outdoors. He chose this area of specialisation in the hope that his work can be applied to other canyon evolutionary studies in the future.
His future plans include pursuing a PhD in Geology and progressing to an academic career in this discipline.
He acknowledged the role of supervisors Green and Dr Errol Wiles in guiding his studies.
Words: Christine Cuénod
Photograph supplied by: Geological Society of South Africa
author : .author email : .Free Health and Wellness Screenings for UKZN Staff
UKZN staff at the recent Wellness Days held on all University campuses.The Human Resources Department, in partnership with the UKZN Medical Aid Scheme, offered University staff health and wellness screenings on all campuses during a two-week campaign.
The aim of the screenings was to raise health awareness; uplift staff’s intellectual, social, financial and personal well-being; and encourage a healthy lifestyle.
Staff members, including Executive Management, came out in their numbers to take advantage of the wellness information provided by various health service providers.
For the first time this year, the Durban Coastal and Mental Health (DCMH) organisation provided basic counselling and information on mental wellness to staff members. The Durban and Coastal Mental Health is the largest mental health organisation in South Africa. It is an independent, registered not-for-profit, non-governmental organisation affiliated to the SA Federation for Mental Health.
Follow up appointments were scheduled with staff members who required further assistance.
Reflecting on the Wellness Day sessions, Human Resources Development Director, Ms Busisiwe Ramabodu, said, ‘The University considers the wellbeing of its employees critical and therefore, it is great to see employees coming out in their numbers to attend and do these health screenings, which most of us do not often have time for. Employees are encouraged to use the counselling services offered by DCMH.’
The health screenings were provided by the Optometry, Biokinetics and Physiotherapy disciplines in the School of Health Sciences; while the Discipline of Dietetics at the School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences assisted staff with dietary information. The HIV and AIDS Programme provided HIV counselling and testing.
Screenings and tests were done for Body Mass Index, glucose, Vitality age, blood pressure, HIV and AIDS, breast issues, fitness and sight.
Nedbank offered advice to staff about their financial wellness.
Words: Sithembile Shabangu
Photographs: Nomasiko Jele
author : .author email : .UKZN Working Overtime to Advance Statistics Education
Guests at the launch of the Statistics Education Research Group (SERG).Building strength and capacity in statistics education has been an ongoing priority for the Discipline of Statistics in UKZN’s School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Sciences (SMSCS) and events planned by the Discipline for the remainder of 2018 will continue along this line.
Earlier this year, Professor Delia North organised an inaugural one-day Statistics Education Research Group Workshop in her capacity as the Focus Area Co-ordinator for Mathematics and Statistics Education. North was appointed to the role by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Centre of Excellence in Mathematics and Statistical Sciences (CoE-MASS) based at the University of the Witwatersrand.
The event featured the formal launch of the Statistics Education Research Group (SERG) attended by about 40 statisticians from various universities around the country as well as senior industry statisticians.
‘This focus group aims to bring together those interested in statistics education research at all levels, coupled with those interested in research in Mathematics training at base level, so as to optimise the delivery of statistics capacity building incentives at all levels,’ said North.
The workshop included presentations focused on areas such as Mathematics as a strong foundation for the sciences, relevant statistics education, new technology and resources to optimise the teaching of statistics and Mathematics, monitoring the education system and more general statistics education topics.
Presenters were from UKZN, North-West University (NWU), University of Cape Town, University of Zululand and the SAS Institute.
Professor Riaan de Jongh, Director of the Centre for Business Mathematics and Informatics® (BMI) at NWU, was the guest speaker.
Following on from this workshop, North will welcome world-renowned expert in statistics education, Professor Jim Ridgway, to South Africa in November for the 60th annual conference of the South African Statistical Association (SASA) at UNISA, where he will deliver a presentation and host a workshop. Ridgway- an Emeritus Professor at the School of Education at Durham University in England- will also visit UKZN to present a seminar and visit the institution.
Ridgway has focused his career on research that has a positive impact on people’s lives. He will present a lecture on the topic of teaching statistics for social change. The lecture will offer a conceptual model of the knowledge needed to achieve this problem-solving approach for social issues and will touch on resources created to teach statistics courses that empower students to engage with social issues.
YouTube Link for SERG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1qGR9QBLbc
Words: Christine Cuénod
Photograph supplied by: Delia North
author : .author email : .Having Fun While Pursuing Good Health
Scenes from the 2018 School of Engineering Sports Day.Fun, games and exercise were enjoyed by everyone at the 2018 School of Engineering Sports Day.
The event, which is an annual team-building initiative, kicked off with a competitive run around the grounds. Mr Justin Pringle from the Civil Engineering discipline won the men’s race while Ms Deliwe Mdakane from the Chemical Engineering discipline was the female winner of the day.
Civil Engineering and Electrical Engineering were excited when they qualified for the final round of the tug of war challenge which was won by the Electrical Engineering team.
The day was great fun with a variety of prizes being handed out.
Words and photograph: Manqoba Hadebe
author : .author email : .Ridding the Environment of Grime and Pollution
UKZN students who are CDA members during their clean-up operations.The Community Development Association (CDA) on UKZN’s Pietermaritzburg campus went on the offensive in Pietermaritzburg against litter and trash in honour of Mandela Month.
The CDA team concentrated their clean-up efforts on the campus and the Scottsville area to promote the benefits of a healthy environment which is free from pollution of any kind.
‘Everyone has a responsibility to keep our environment clean and through collaborative efforts, we can keep our campus and Scottsville clean. It was an honour to contribute through a clean-up drive in Mandela Month. The CDA thanks everyone who took part, especially members of the South African Youth Climate Coalition (SAYCC),’ said Philasande Mkhafane, Chief Executive Officer of CDA, Pietermaritzburg campus.
Words: Lungani Magwaza
Photographs: Nqubeko Msweli
author : .author email : .Connecting with One’s Inner Being Through Yoga
Finding inner peace with yoga.UKZN recently hosted a yoga class led by Yunnie Khor Tien Tien and Dr Ashish Kanhed in support of team members Atal Gill and Jerusha Ramdeo who are students in University. This session was open to the entire University community.
According to Kanhed, who is a post-doctoral researcher in health science at the University, yoga brings participants back to their original beings in which harmony and joy are dominant. Basically Yoga is the union of the body, mind, spirit and the Universe.
Kanhed, who is also a member of The Art of Living NGO where he is a yoga instructor, says the aim of yoga is to overcome all kinds of suffering and bring about holistic health, happiness and harmony in life.
‘Somehow in today’s time yoga is wrongly considered as only physical postures whereas the main teaching of yoga is maintaining equanimous state of mind with healthy body. Yoga is skill in action and expression,’ said Kanhed, adding that The Art of Living have designed a Youth Happiness Course which is ideal for university students. ‘The course is structured for student development with participants learning about time management and how to enhance concentration skills which can be used during exam time to help combat stress and anxiety,’ he said. To this Kanhed added, in Art of Living we teach powerful breathing technique known as ‘Sudarshan Kriya Yoga’ which helps to overcome stress and anxiety and helps to develops confidence, clarity of mind and improves capacity to handle negative emotions.’
Kanhed said, The Art of Living – Happiness course is for all above 17 years age, where we teach mainly Sudarshan Kriya Yoga and meditation. The session also includes games and fun activities. For universities we have specially designed Youth Special Happiness Course. For more information one can contact Dr Kanhed on mobile / WhatsApp: +27 611320177 (Email: ashishvmk@gmail.com).
Words and photographs: Nokubonga Nomasiko Jele
author : .author email : .Professor Bongani Mayosi: A Giant Falls
Professor Bongani Mayosi.Healing hearts and making history were among the many achievements of the late Professor Bongani Mayosi, UKZN medical alumnus and University of Cape Town’s Faculty of Health Sciences Dean.
UKZN alumni recently gathered at the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine to celebrate the life of Mayosi, an extraordinary man who was a cardiologist by profession.
On 27 July, while South Africans from all communities gathered with their loved ones to view the total eclipse of the moon, the South African academic community was devastated by news that Mayosi had passed on.
The cause of death was first thought to be cardiac arrest. A renowned cardiologist, Mayosi and his research team made international headlines last year for identifying a new gene that is a major cause of sudden death through heart failure suffered by young people and athletes.
However, the following morning, the medical fraternity was shocked to hear that the cause of Mayosi’s death had been suicide as a result of clinical depression.
Professor Ncoza Dlova, a classmate of Mayosi’s and UKZN’s Dean of the School of Clinical Medicine recalled that fateful evening. ‘The news that Bongani, our brother, our friend and our mentor had passed on are words that I will never forget. It broke me and left me asking why?’
‘The manner in which Bongani has passed on hurts more,’ said Dr Joe Phaahla, Deputy Health Minister. ‘There are so many questions but most of all there’s a lot of blame. It is so difficult to reconcile the reality but it is important for us to support his family. Let’s pick up the baton and run the race to improve the health of all our people, including each other as medical professionals,’ said Phaahla.
Professor Busisiwe Ncama, UKZN’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College Health Sciences, said, ‘Depression is a silent killer and we must address this for all healthcare professionals.’
Head of UKZN’s Department of Psychiatry, Professor Bonginkosi Chiliza said clinical depression affects 20 percent of South Africans.
Said Dr Suvira Ramlall, psychiatrist and academic leader of Registrars at UKZN, ‘Death is a certainty that we don’t anticipate and cannot prepare for or accept. We need to confront suicide in the medical fraternity. In the United States, 400 doctors commit suicide annually. Bongani’s death must be a wake-up call to us that we need to restore a holistic approach to how we practice medicine and we should encourage young doctors to live healthy, happy lives. Let’s spread the message that it’s okay to acknowledge our vulnerabilities. Let’s also seek the same high standards of treatment that we give to our patients and more importantly, lead the way to the destigmatisation of mental illnesses,’ said Ramlall.
Dr Brian Vezi, a UKZN alumnus and a cardiac electro-physiologist, spoke about his time with Mayosi, ‘We cannot understand why but we are learning to accept his death. He inspired all of us to reach our full potential. He gave us a sense of belonging and pride but ensured that he was always inclusive. Let’s aspire to be the same’.
An emotional Professor Thumbi Ndung’u, Scientific Director at UKZN’s HIV Pathogenesis Programme and Programme Director for the Sub-Saharan African Network for TB/HIV Research Excellence, said, ‘As we serve humanity, let’s ensure that we do it with a spirit of camaraderie. Bongani was an inspirational leader with an indomitable spirit. Above all else, he was a wonderful human being. Are we as institutions of higher learning doing enough to improve the well-being of our colleagues by creating conducive environments to live in as human beings who have families and loved ones? Let’s rally together to see what it is that we can do to make the Medical School and South Africa a better place.’
Mayosi joined the Medical School whilst aged 15 and graduated seven years later with two degrees, cum laude. ‘Bongani made an exemplary contribution to the healthcare sector,’ said UKZN’s Professor Mergan Naidoo, who is also Chair of the South African Medical Association. ‘A giant has fallen and his death has left a gaping void in South Africa. Let us always remember him for the inspiring, warm and compassionate person he was,’ said Naidoo.
Words: MaryAnn Francis
author : .author email : .UKZN Employee Engagement Survey a Success
.The University of KwaZulu-Natal recently held its Employee Engagement Survey in a bid to get the views of its employees on the working climate at the University.
The project, which was speared headed by the University’s Human Resources Development ambit, was underpinned by the fact that employees are the most valuable ingredient in enabling an organisation to achieve its vision and goals and therefore, the right climate and environment is critical in ensuring that they are inspired, motivated, developed and perceive their contribution as having meaning to them and to the overall success of the institution.
The survey, which took place from Monday, 16 July to Friday, 27 July 2018, was carried out online and manually for those members of staff who do not have computer access.
Mr Michael Cloete, Human Resources Development Manager, said overall, the implementation and coordination of the project went well and an acceptable number of responses was received. ‘The biggest challenge was the number of e-mails that were sent to the same employee asking them to complete the survey. This was resolved in time for employees to complete the survey successfully.
The results will now be consolidated and compiled into a report which will be reviewed by Human Resources as well as management. The results will then be shared with all employees through general university communications as well as line managers. ‘Once the results have been communicated, employees will be given an opportunity to contribute towards actions we should take to improve those areas that need to be improved. Thereafter, the plans will be approved, implemented and progress will be tracked. Once we have the results, it will be important for each one of us to firstly provide suggestions of what we can do to improve employee engagement; and help the University to implement them in order to create an inclusive and conducive working environment within UKZN. Once again, thank you to everyone who took the time complete the employee engagement survey for 2018,’ said Cloete.
Words: Sinegugu Ndlovu
author : .author email : .Ikolishi Yesayensi Yezempilo Yamukela IDini Entsha
Usolwazi Mosa Moshabela.Click here for English version
INyuvesi YaKwaZulu-Natal yamukele uSolwazi Mosa Moshabela njengeDini Eyinhloko YeSikole Sezobuhlengikazi Nezempilo YoMphakathi engaphansi kweKolishi Yesayensi Yezempilo (i-CHS).
UMoshabela- owaqala ehhovisi lakhe elisha zizi-1 Ntulikazi (Julayi) ngonyaka wezi-2018, waqeqeshwa njengodokotela (i-MBChB), usebenza ngokukhethekile ku-Family Medicine and Primary Health Care (i-M Fam. Med) njengodokotela we-HIV (i-Dip HIV [SA]), ingxenye yezempilo yomphakathi ebaluleke kakhulu eNingizimu Afrika.
Waphothula izifundo zakhe zobudokotela emkhakheni wezempilo yomphakathi, lapho wayegxile ezinhlelweni zezempilo nocwaningo lwenqubomgomo, kanye neziqu ze-MSc ku-
Demography and Health e-London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).
Njengamanje unguSolwazi Osemusha, uMoshabela uqale ukusebenzela i-UKZN kuNcwaba (Agasti) ngonyaka wezi-2013 njengoNgoti Omkhulu Kwezokwelapha kanye Nenhloko Yomnyango Wezokwelapha Ezindaweni Zasemakhaya.
‘Ngijabule kakhulu ukubekwa njengeDini eYihloko Yesikole eSikoleni Sezobuhlengikazi kanye Nezempilo Yomphakathi,’ usho kanje. ‘Ngiyathemba ngizosithuthukisa iSikole ngisibeke ezingeni eliphezulu kakhulu kwezocwaningo, ezobuholi kanye nokubambisana,’ engeza uMashabela.
Ngaphambi kokuba aqale e-UKZN, wayenguNgoti Wezempilo Yomphakathi kuma-Millennium Villages eNtshonalanga Naphakathi ne-Afrika eziyingxenye ye-Millennium Development.
Waqala ukusebenzela i-Earth Institute eSikolweni Sezempilo Yomphakathi eNyuvesi yase Witwatersrand lapho asebenza khona iminyaka emihlanu njengothisha osemkantshubomvu kanye noMqondisi we-Rural AIDS and Development Action Research Programme.
Ungumcwaningi Kwezokwelapha ohlonishwa futhi okleliswe yi-National Research Foundation (i-NRF) eNingizimu Afrika. Usehole kuzifundo eziningi njengomcwaningi omkhulu, okwenza ashicilele imibhalo engaphezu kwama-50.
Selokhu aqala ukusebenzela i-UKZN, usethole uxhaso locwaningo oluningi olufaka uxhaso oluphuma ku-NIH, i-MRC-UK kanye neWellcome Trust elinganiselwe ngaphezu kwezigidi ezingama-R75.
Ungumphathi womklomelo we-Wellcome Trust e-Africa Health Research Institute (eyayaziwa njenge Africa Centre for Population Health eNingizimu Afrika). Njengomuntu owathola umklomelo we-Wellcome Trust ku-Public Health and Tropical Medicine, usebenza ngokubambisana ne-LSHTM kanye ne-University College London (i-UCL).
UMoshabela wake wathola nomklomelo wemfundo ephakame e-Fogarty e-United States kanye ne-Discovery Foundation e-SA ukulekelela ukuthuthukisa umsebenzi wakhe njengongoti wezokwelapha ofisa ukusebenza njengomcwaningi wesayensi.
Akuthandayo kuhlanganise uhlelo lwezempilo oluthuthukisa izindawo ezingenazo izinsizakusebenza, ukunakekelwa kwempilo kamama nengane, nokunakekelwa kokuqala kwezempilo ku-HIV/AIDS kanye ne-TB. Njengamanje ufisa ukuhlela, asebenzise aphinde ahlole izixazululo zezinhlelo zezempilo ezixakile e-sub-Saharan Afrika.
USolwazi Busisiwe Ncama, Iphini LeSekelashansela le-CHS, wamamukela uMoshabela wamufisela okuhle esikhundleni sakhe esisha. ‘UMosa usosayensi owaziwayo, ozinikele kwezokwelapha, kanti futhi ungowokudabuka e-Afrika. Ngijabule kakhulu ngokujoyina kwakhe ithimba lami labaholi. Ukuba nesizotha kwakhe nokwazi ukusebenzisana nabafundi, abasebenzi nabobonke asebenzisana nabo kuyancomeka,’ esho.
Amagama: uNombuso Dlamini Dlaminin10@ukzn.ac.za
Isithombe: Sinikezwe
author : .author email : .Meet UKZN’s New Deputy Vice-Chancellor & College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science Head
Professor Albert Modi, newly-appointed UKZN Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science.Professor Albert Modi has been appointed as UKZN’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal with effect from 1 August 2018.
The appointment, which is valid for a fixed term of five years, was recently announced by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Albert van Jaarsveld, who congratulated Modi, saying, ‘I welcome Professor Modi to the University Executive Management and wish him every success during his term of office. Professor Modi has both the experience and the qualifications to continue the good work of the College. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of College is the highest academic leadership position within the University’s College structure and is responsible for leading the academic, teaching and research strategy and realising the academic mandate of the University.’
Modi has been the Dean and Head of the School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences from 2011 to 2016. He was employed by the then University of Natal in 1996 and has been associated with UKZN since then. Before joining the University, he was provincial agronomist for PHI-Hibred International, a job that exposed him to the agronomy and rural development issues. He has also worked as a CEO of the Moses Kotane Institute for Science and Technology, which he established in 2008 while he was an adjunct Professor at UKZN. His agronomy research focuses on traditional/indigenous crops.
‘This appointment is a major milestone in my life and those who supported me purposely or unknowingly,’ said Modi. ‘Regarding my journey as an academic, researcher and leader, it confirms that it is not enough to judge us by our success in life. It is more fulfilling to consider the number of times we stumbled and failed, but managed to achieve our goals for the benefit of others in our lives. This appointment does not come as a surprise to me. I believe that the University started to trust that I can be a leader, when I was given an opportunity to be the Dean of the largest School in the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, I was able to achieve the goals set by the University. My participation in the development of the UKZN Strategic Plan allowed me to be an Acting DVC who is able to set achievable short and long-term goals through collective leadership. I am thankful to the University Council for showing confidence in me. This will allow me to achieve the College strategic goals, which I set with my colleagues,’ he said.
Modi has spent the past 22 years working first as an agronomist for Pioneer PHI-Bred International and then as an academic agronomist focusing on Crop Science. He established a Seed Science and Technology curriculum and attracted postgraduate students to the former University of Natal (now University KwaZulu-Natal). His interest in rural development also led to the establishment of a Sustainable Community Agriculture curriculum. He is an NRF-rated (C2) scientist and a regular reviewer for national and international ISI journals and institutions of higher learning.
Key issues related to the strategic direction of the College and its Schools such as visibility; efficient service delivery and leadership; responsibility and accountability; high level research strategy; staff workloads and wellness, facilities and curriculum revision to suit South African and global requirements for innovation and economic development; as well as efficient financial management form part of Modi’s focus areas. ‘I will achieve these goals as a captain of a ship with a crew that is willing to support me. I am human. I will respect to gain respect. I will be rewarded more for the greater achievement of the team and less for personal achievements. I have full confidence in the academic and support staff. I know that we shall put the students at the centre of our business model to achieve what all the UKZN stakeholders expect of us,’ he said.
Words: Sinegugu Ndlovu
author : .author email : .Bienvenido a casa to our Medical Students
The jubilant medical students and medical staff at Stanger Hospital.Ninety-six South African students who spent the past six years studying Medicine in Cuba as part of the Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro programme were recently welcomed back home by UKZN’s College of Health Sciences (CHS) and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health (DoH).
The students will now begin their final journey to graduation.
The reception took place at the Stanger Hospital where the journey started many years ago with the preparation of the hospital as a decentralised clinical training site for UKZN and the DoH.
Dr Gustavo Lopez, Medical Manager at the hospital and a Cuban national, was overjoyed to welcome the students after many years of not only preparing the hospital, but the entire iLembe district for their return.
‘Educating Medical students is a huge responsibility and the District of iLembe is well equipped to do just that. There is no greater reward than contributing to the healthcare sector through quality education,’ said Lopez.
On the day of the reception, Stanger Hospital also welcomed its new Chief Executive Officer and UKZN alumnus, Dr Noxolo Vabaza, who was thrilled to be part of the exciting journey.
UKZN will train the students in the regional hospitals of Stanger, RK Khan, Prince Mshiyeni and King Edward with clinical rotations to Greytown, Christ the King, GJ Crookes and Wentworth hospitals. The largest cohort of the students will be based in Stanger. UKZN has secured accommodation for the students either in or close to the teaching hospitals as well as transport to and from the clinical sites.
The students will rotate through clinical blocks of surgical practice, obstetrics and gynaecology, internal medicine, child health, primary care and mental health. Upon completion of the necessary assessments, the students will graduate and then serve both their internships and community service training in South Africa before registering with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as medical doctors.
Professor Busisiwe Ncama, CHS Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head, told the students their clinical training was in line with the UKZN vision of training healthcare professionals who are “fit for purpose”. ‘This is where the raw pathology happens. I am proud that this day has come and am happy to host you. At UKZN, we pride ourselves in advancing African scholarship which includes building confidence, competence, capacity and innovation. The future of South Africa rests in the hands of young professionals like you,’ she said.
The students were also addressed by their Deans, Professor Ncoza Dlova of the School of Clinical Medicine and Professor Mosa Moshabela of the School of Nursing and Public Health, who pledged the full support of the Schools to the students who, during their first six months in Cuba, had to learn Spanish as it was the only medium of instruction. They are now all fluent in the language.
Dlova told the students she had initially failed her first year of Medicine as she couldn’t grasp Chemistry. However, she persevered and never failed again. ‘It’s not how you begin but how you end. Pave your path and we are here to support you,’ she said.
Moshabela, a Family Medicine specialist, reminded the students that the curriculum would expose them to different perspectives, including curative and preventative medicine. ‘A holistic doctor needs to learn both perspectives and should also have an understanding of the rehabilitative approach. Become empowered and ensure you understand the context in which we live in South Africa with its high burden of HIV and tuberculosis; disease profiles that are new to you. Always maintain the passion you have for what you do and you will succeed,’ said Moshabela.
Words: MaryAnn Francis
Photographs: Nombuso Dlamini
author : .author email : .UKZN Student in Line for Prestigious National Comedy Award
UKZN comic, Kwanda Radebe, is up for the Savanna Comics’ Audience Choice Award.UKZN student Kwanda Radebe (24) is in the running for the South African Savanna Comics’ Choice Award in the “Audience Choice Award” category in which members of the public vote for their favourite comedian.
Regarded as the “Oscars” for comedians in South Africa, the Savanna Comics’ Choice Awards were started by comedian John Vlismas and Whacked Management’s Taffia Keight over a cup of coffee in 2011. Their aim was to recognise burgeoning stand-up comedy talent in South Africa.
Radebe, who is doing his Master’s in Population Studies and Statistics at UKZN, said his comedy routines are inspired by daily life experiences. ‘My comedy is mostly an observation of the world around me and my perspective on social issues and major events such as the Vodacom Durban July,’ he said, adding, ‘My jokes are observations that everybody encounters every day with a twist of funny.’
Radebe, whose favourite comedian is Chris Rock, is a heavyweight in the local comedy arena. Highlights from his career include winning the Young Blood Comedy Competition in 2015, scooping the Next Generation of Comedy Competition in 2017 and being Number 1 in Times Live’s TOP 7 List of Young South Africans set to take over the world! He debuted on national TV on Vuzu Amp, Vuzu and Mzansi Magic in 2016 and has performed at the biggest comedy venues in SA including the Goliath Comedy Club and the Cape Town Comedy Club.
Before doing his undergraduate degree in Geography and Environmental Management on the UKZN Howard Collage campus, he took a gap year to do some “soul searching”. That’s when he received the calling from the “comedy gods” to pursue a career on stage doing what he loves which is telling jokes.
South African Savanna Comics’ Choice Awards voting is open. Vote for Kwanda Radebe by SMSing 24635 to 45757. Text messages cost R1.50 each and you can vote up to 50 times per sim card. Voting closes on 31 August 2018.
Check out UKZN’s home-grown comedian Kwanda Radebe on social media:
Instagram: kwanda radebe
YouTube: Kwanda Radebe
Twitter: @Kwandaldhino
Facebook: Kwanda Radebe
Words: Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Long Standing University Romance Culminates in Nuptials
Tafadzwa and Nancy Dhlakama celebrating their wedding day with loved ones.A romance which started six years ago between two students at UKZN recently culminated in a joyous wedding in Harare, Zimbabwe, which was attended by former classmates and University staff members.
The happy couple, Mr Tafadzwa and Ms Nancy Dhlakama who are graduates of the College of Law and Management Studies, met in 2012 at a friend’s birthday dinner while Tafadzwa was doing his third-year in Law and Nancy was a first-year Bachelor of Commerce in Economics student.
‘We became close friends on that day and got engaged in 2017,’ said Nancy. ‘We were so happy to have our friends grace our wedding day with their presence. The sacrifices they all made to be there humbled Tafadzwa and me. I must make special mention of Robynne Louw of UKZN’s School of Law who travelled all the way from Pietermaritzburg while others came from all corners of Zimbabwe,’ she said.
Nancy graduated with a BCom Honours in 2016 and is now studying for her master’s degree with the University of Johannesburg, while Tafadzwa, who was awarded his LLB in 2014 and LLM in 2016, is a Law lecturer at the Great Zimbabwe University and reading for his PhD with the University of the Witswaterand.
‘Having studied Law in a foreign jurisdiction, we had to write conversion examinations almost simultaneously,’ said Tafadzwa. ‘We established a joint study group in Zimbabwe called UKZN Law Alumni to assist each other towards becoming admitted legal practitioners. The same connection has been maintained since 2015 to assist in legal opinions, the sharing of opportunities, successes as well as arranging social gatherings. To date we are still a family long after leaving UKZN,’ said Tafadzwa.
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photographs: Supplied
author : .author email : .Uthisha kanye Nabafundi Balandelela Umsuka Womhlaba
uDkt Cynthia Chiang kumabonisakude i-PRIZM etholakala e-Marion Island.Click here for English version
UDkt Cynthia Chiang, uthisha osemkantshubomvu we-Astrophysics Ehhovisi Lezocwaningo lwe-Astrophysics kanye ne Cosmology e-UKZN, usebuyile eMarion Island etholakala phakathi kwe-Antarctica kanye neNingizimu Afrika, lapho athuthukisa khona umabonisakude wemisebe yerediyo i-PRIZM.
Umabonisakude, owakhiwa uDkt Chiang kanye nabafundi bakhe be-strophysics, usetshenziselwa ukulandelela izinkanyezi zokuqala ezakhanyisa umkhathi.
Ekuqaleni kwawo lo nyaka, uDkt Chiang- elekelelwa ngabanye babafundi bakhe- wangeza ama-antenna amabili kumabonisakude ngesikhathi ithimba livakashe okokuqala kusiqhingi kusukela kufakwa umabonisakude ngonyaka wezi-2017. Lama-antenna amabili amasha akhiwe ngezindlela ezingafani kanti futhi avamise ukusebenza ngemisebe ephansi kunalawa avele ekhona.
Ngokuhamba kwesikhathi, uDkt Chiang wabuyela eMarion Island eseyedwa wafika walungisa ingxenye kamabonisakude elekelelwa ongoti abahlala esiqhingini.
Waphinde wavuselela amabhetri angama-500km ukuze anyuse isikhathi sokusebenza. I- PRIZM yakhelwa ukuze kukaleke kanti futhi isize ekutholeni izinkanyezi zokuqala kanye nomthala owakhiwa.
Ukuze ulwazi luqopheke kahle, indawo ekhethiwe kamabonisakude bekufanele ukuthi ibesendaweni engenazo izixhumanisi ezakhiwe ezifana neziteshi zemisakazo kanye nomakhalekhukhwini. I-Marion Island yakhethwa ngenxa yokuba sendaweni ekahle eqhele ngamakhilomitha ayi-2000 kumhlaba wezwekazi oseduze kanti futhi ingenye yezindawo ezithule emhlabeni.
UDkt Chiang kanye nethimba lakhe babhekana nezingqinamba eziningi ngesikhathi besebenza kusiqhingi esiphakathi kweziphepho, indawo eyaziwa kakhulu ngokuba nomoya omkhulu, imvula kanye namakhaza kanti futhi kufinyeleleka kuyona ngolwandle. I-SA Agulhas II, umkhubi wocwaningo kanye ne-icebreaking polar supply wase Ningizimu Afrika ophethwe uMnyango Wezemvelo, uvakasha kwanye ngonyaka. Ngaphezu kwalokhu, kumele kuhlalwe isikhathi esifushane kusiqhingi. ‘Besinesikhathi esincane samasonto amathathu kusiqhingi sokuxhuma, kusebenze imishini, siqoqe ulwazi bese siyahamba,’ kusho uDkt Chiang. ‘Kwesinye isikhathi isimo sezulu kanye nokubambezeleka kwezinhlelo kwasinikeza isikhathi esincane sokwenza izinto,’ enenezela.
Umabonisakude we-PRIZM ubulokhu uqoqa ulwazi unyaka wonke odlule eMarion Island futhi uDkt Chiang nabafundi bakhe basacubungula ulwazi abaluqoqe ngalesi sikhathi. ‘Ngalo mabonisakude, sithola izimpawu zangempela ezivela esibhakabhakeni kanye nomthelela wemvelo nokuhleleka ongase ulethwe ithuluzi, ngakho-ke, muningi umsebenzi okhona uma kwehlukaniswa le mithelela siqinisekisa ukuthi siyakuqonda ukuthi lokhu esikubona esibhakabhakeni kuyilona iqiniso,’ esho.
UDkt Chiang, osenikele nakwabanye omabonisakude abakhona emhlabeni jikelele kufaka phakathi i-SPIDER, i-Planck High-Frequency Instrument, i-South Pole Telescope kanye ne-C-BASS, uthe i-Marion Island umsebenzi onzima kakhulu ake wawenza. ‘Uyagodola, uyalamba futhi ukhathala kakhulu ngasosonke isikhathi kodwa ke kufanele kwenziwelwe isayensi kanti futhi isendaweni enhle,’ esho.
Amagama: uBavani Naidoo
Isithombe: Sinikezwe uDkt Cynthia Chiang
author : .author email : .