Abafundi Besikole I-SHS Bafake Isandla Emphakathini Wabalimi eMolweni
Abafundi nabasebenzi bafakela umphakathi waseMolweni wabalimi uthango.Click here for English version
Umfundi owenza unyaka wokuqala ezifundweni ze-Speech Therapy, uNksz Jessica Smeeton, ubehola umsebenzi wokubiyela insimu yomphakathi wabalimi waseMolweni.
Lo msebenzi uyingxenye yemojuli yakhe yeziFundo ngoMphakathi.
Ngaphandle kwabafundi beziqu ze-Pharmacy neze-Physiotherapy, bonke abanye abenza unyaka wokuqala eSikoleni Sezifundo ZezeMpilo kumele benze imojuli yeziFundo ngoMphakathi.
Ukungenelela kuka-Smeeton kulandela umhlangano obewuphakathi kwabafundi beSikole Sezifundo ZezeMpilo namalungu omphakathi waseMolweni lapho kwakudingidwa ngezidingo nezinselelo ezibhekene nomphakathi.
Wacela usizo kwabakwa-Khulisani Farm, okuyinhlangano yezolimo ezinze maphakathi nesifundazwe. Le nhlangano yanikela ngocingo lokubiya aluthatha waludlulisela emphakathini owawuludinga.
Abebelekelela u-Smeeton ngomsebenzi uMnu Patrick Zimu, uthisha nomxhumanisi we-Leisure Sciences eMkhakheni we-Biokinetics, Exercise and Leisure Sciences kanye noNksz Thandi Sithole, ongumxhumanisi womphakathi.
Abasebenzi bakwa-Khulisani, abafundi nabasebenzi base-UKZN, kanye nabaholi bomphakathi bafake ucingo lokubiya olungama-41x 26m kwenye yezingadi zomphakathi. Olunye ucingo luzofakwa kwenye insimu yomphakathi emasontweni ezayo.
author : .author email : .Construction Studies Students Give Back Through Child Upliftment
Final-year UKZN Property Development students at the Celamandla Crèche in Molweni.On 14 September 2018, final-year Property Development students embarked on a visit to the Celamandla Crèche in Molweni with a bus full of necessities, toys, food and clothing. Due to a severe storm in November 2017, the crèche had succumbed to irreparable damage, leaving close to 50 children between the ages of three months to five years without a place to properly care for them during the day.
As part of the final year assignment Dr Nishani Harinarain, a senior lecturer in the Construction Studies Discipline, assigned the students the task of helping the crèche. Prior to their visit, Harinarain had divided the students into teams and requested them to engage with the local community. Howard College students were asked to procure funds, toys, supplies, clothes as well as necessary essentials for the improvement of the children’s’ living conditions. The students were not limited in any aspect, but were told to be as creative as possible in achieving these objectives.
When asked how they initially felt when they were handed the task, Nkosinesisa Mkhwanazi and his team stated, ‘Honestly speaking, at first we didn’t understand the purpose of the task. We felt it was consuming our time and it was just too much.’ He then added with a smile, ‘however, visiting the crèche changed all that and made us appreciate and see why we did it. Seeing the smiles on those little kids and Silvia rejoicing made us realise how much they really needed and appreciated what we had done for them. More of such projects should be incorporated in the University’s learning experience.’
The intention behind this endeavour, stated Harinarain, was to inspire the students and help elicit a better sense and understanding of personal and professional skills that would help them create a valuable connection with the people within the community, not just as professionals, but as passionate, empathetic leaders of tomorrow.
‘We have learnt some truly amazing lessons throughout this degree, but this experience will be the one that stands out the most for all of us, especially me. It has taught me to aspire to become a compassionate leader and professional, and to lead with my heart, not only my mind,’ said Miss Stephanie Naidoo, one of the team leaders. ‘This endeavour has helped shape our morals and values in the right direction and we are very appreciative to Dr Nishani for allowing us to be involved in such a humbling experience. To see the kids’ faces light up with apparently joy and hear their excitement and laughter truly melted many of our hearts. It ignited a realisation that something small and insignificant to someone will maybe make a great impact to others,’ she added.
Many of the students said that to be able to complete this initiative as a class was a unique and remarkable experience to be a part of. ‘We were very excited to work on this assignment and although it required a lot of hard work and effort on our behalf, it was all well worth it as it was exceptionally rewarding to see the joy and smiles on the children’s and Silvia’s face. We treasured the time spent with the little ones,’ added Miss Qudsiyya Adam, Miss Yuriska Reddy and Miss Sitashni Govender, final-year Property Development students. ‘It was an unforgettable experience and we are grateful for being part of a university that gives students the opportunity to give back to the community.’
The group leaders said that the initiative gave each student a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment by being able to make a difference in the lives of others.
Muhammad Randeree said that, ‘The initiative imparted to us entrepreneurial skills which we will take with us when we become professionals. We learnt that we should take time from our busy lives to give back to the less fortunate communities.’
‘The experience of this assignment has taught us that it is more important to give than to receive. It was a great opportunity for us to apply everything that we had learnt in class and for us to give back to the community in such a special and unique way,’ added Robert Lukan.
Harinarain expressed gratitude to the students, families and friends that helped make this initiative such a great success as this not only benefited the community but the students as well.
Words: Nishani Harinarain and Stephanie Naidoo
Photograph: Nishani Harinarain
author : .author email : .Poetry Africa Opening Night Wows Audience
Highlights from the 22nd edition of Poetry Africa at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre.An enthralling line-up of 21 poets from around the world wowed the opening night audience at the Poetry Africa Festival held at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre.
The festival, now in its 22nd year, was hosted by UKZN’s Centre for Creative Arts (CCA) within the College of Humanities.
The festival provides a space for intercultural exchange and dialogue by hosting an extensive community outreach programme characterised by poetry readings, performances and workshops in community centres and campuses. The outreach programme also includes visits to schools across Durban where ideas about poetry are shared.
Acting Director for the CCA, Ms Lliane Loots noted that the festival is a ‘celebration of the power of words to heal the world. Telling the truth is a revolution of the Arts and the spoken word. These are the voices of revolution.’
Deputy Vice-Chancellor for the College Professor Nhlanhla Mkhize opened the festival saying, ‘Poets play a critical role in society and have the poetic licence to criticise. This is significant considering the state of the country. We also need to nurture the talent of our female poets.’ He then paid homage to various female activists that gave their lives for freedom.
One of those activists was Albertina Sisulu who was given a moving tribute at the festival. The Wushwini Pan African Centre performed a riveting dance and praise poetry sequence chronicling Sisulu’s life. The tribute included performances by renowned storyteller Dr Gcina Mhlophe and poet Lebo Mashile.
Attending the festival was the granddaughter of Albertina Sisulu, Ms Ayanda Sisulu who was presented with a special painting of her grandmother (depicted as a nurse) by KwaZulu-Natal artist Mr Welcome Danca, who is known for his work that shows the traditional Zulu way of life. ‘I am overwhelmed by this tribute and gesture. This is such an amazing surprise to honour my grandmother. This means a lot to my family and the nation,’ she said.
The 21 participating poets then took to the stage, showcasing some of their poetry and sharing their experiences as artists of the spoken word.
Words: Melissa Mungroo
Photograph: Charles Dlamini
author : .author email : .UKZN Students Help Combat Water Scarcity
UKZN students taking action to fight against water scarcity in South Africa.The newly-formed Operation Songamanzi Student Organisation (OSSO) recently held its first seminar focusing on water scarcity in the country. The guest speaker at the event, held at the Pietermaritzburg campus on 12 October, was Dr Susan Risko from the UKZN Center for Water Resource Research. She shared insights on Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) in South Africa.
The seminar also looked at the poor management of water between urban, rural and in transition zones (with informal settlements). Participants were in agreement that winning the war against water scarcity is highly possible if students make a contribution by saving water in their residences. Mr Sizwe Ndwandwe (Chairperson and the founder) said the organisation believes water scarcity can be solved by changing from current technologies to water efficient technologies.
Operation Songamanzi believes that it can play a role in shaping the future. During the seminar, the organisation also mentioned their upcoming model, the AutoClimSAT irrigation model, which controls irrigation systems to irrigate only when needed. The model ensures that less water is used while producing good yield. Satellite European tool is used to monitor the farm, this tool gives information on the crop coefficient and normalised difference vegetation index. The model doesn’t require many input parameters therefore it can be used by those with low levels of education. Ndwandwe concluded by saying that this organisation can be joined by anyone who is willing to see change in the country.
OSSO executive team members are Mr Sthembiso Hlophe, Mr Mdletshe Thabiso, Mr Mthunzi Mbheje, Miss Sphesihle Nkwanyana, Mr Andile Mgagula and Mr Sizwe Ndwandwe.
Words: Ndabaonline
Photograph: UKZN archives
author : .author email : .African Music and Dance celebrated at African Cultural Calabash and Cuisine
Highlights from the 13th Annual African Cultural Calabash and African Cuisine.African Music and Dance (AMD) third-year students under the directorship of senior lecturer Dr Patricia Opondo recently hosted the successful 13th Annual African Cultural Calabash and African Cuisine at the Howard College Theatre.
The theme of the concert which celebrated and promoted African cultural heritage was Our Culture, Our Pride.
The concert featured a stellar line-up of KwaZulu-Natal artists performing music and dance traditions showcasing African creativity. UKZN AMD Ensemble students opened the concert with vibrant percussion, followed by a Ugandan dance piece.
Calabash Chair Ms Veracious Shazi said, ‘The sold-out concert allowed students to work as a team. It was wonderful to see audiences enjoying our performances. It bolstered our confidence, preparing us for larger scale concerts. It was also a first in which Curators performed simultaneously.’
AMD student and MC for the night Mr Thabiso Cele added, ‘Sharing the stage with some of the other artists was great too. We got to speak to them face to face, learning from them. Eshowe born Mbuso Khoza together with his African Heritage Ensemble advised us to remain humble and to use our music to uplift communities and develop other upcoming artists. I enjoyed performances by Thee Legacy because of their interactivity with the audience and their unique music genre.’
Other performances on the night were by KZN’s Maskandi maestro Mfiliseni Magubane, who gave an incredible solo set on maskandi guitar. He said, ‘It was great to see young UKZN artists performing. They are talented. I know that they have the skills and passion to make it in the industry. The African Cultural Calabash is a good platform to celebrate African heritage. I thank the organisers for including me in the concert. I hope the Calabash continues for many more years.’
AMD alumnus Ms Nozuko Nguqu started her career in music as a backing vocalist for Magubane, who inspired her music a lot.
The guest speaker for the evening was UKZN alumnus from the AMD programme Ms Thabile Buthelezi, who was excited to return to the University stage to inspire current students and the audience. She discussed cultural diversity and the importance of engaging, maintaining and celebrating South African culture. Buthelezi encouraged the audience to ‘preserve our cultural heritage’ and to be ‘proud of our heritage and all it stands for.’
Closing the concert for the night was a hostel group from KwaMashu called Amaphikankani who gave a jaw-dropping, feet thumping showcase. Amaphikankani’s show-stopping performance led to several AMD alumni taking to the stage along with guest speaker Buthelezi.
Opondo thanked the National Arts Council of South Africa, SAMRO Foundation and Concerts SA for sponsoring the 13th edition of the African Cultural Calabash.
Words: Melissa Mungroo
Photographs: Val Adamson
author : .author email : .Tourism Students Visit KZN Historical and Cultural Sites
Cultural and Heritage Tourism students and staff during their field trip. A group of students and lecturers from the Discipline of Cultural and Heritage Tourism within the School of Social Sciences recently visited the northern KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields, Shakaland (Eshowe) and the Isimangaliso Wetland Park as part of their introductory and research modules.
The critical tour helped students learn more about the key heritage sites in relation to the application of relevant theoretical concepts they are introduced to in class. The personal visit to the various heritage sites and the experience of being a tourist are central learning outcomes of their module.
Lecturer Dr Mabuyi Gumede said, ‘The field trip is a learning exercise that helps the students to rethink, review and reconceptualise their attitudes towards heritage sites, i.e. appreciate their significance, respect the need for their existence and conservation, realise the social, political, economic values and appreciate the need for more community education about the heritage sites.’
The three-day trip was an informative and exciting excursion. The group visited the Blood River/Ncome Museum to learn about the significance of this heritage site in the history of South Africa and how differently the heritage issues were dealt with during the apartheid and democratic eras.
They also went to Shakaland (Eshowe) to learn about Zulu Culture through a Shaka Zulu movie, a cultural tour and traditional performances. At Isimangaliso Wetland Park, students had first-hand experience of the wonders this World Heritage Site has to offer tourists while also participating in various activities that focus mainly on natural resources.
Second-year student Ms Asanda Mbutho described the experience as life-changing saying, ‘You learn about these sites in class but to see them in reality is something else. It really puts the theoretical and practical aspects of what we learn in perspective. We were introduced to new information and it broadened our mindset.’
Student Mr Gcinukuthula Gumede said the trip made him proud to be South African and allowed him to celebrate his cultural heritage. It also provided a re-cap of traditions that he had forgotten and some he had not known about. ‘This was an important trip for us. It was team-building but also allowed you to interact with lecturers and I realised that they are approachable. I hope these field trips continue for the next group of students because it is wonderful,’ he said.
The students plan on taking their families to these heritage sites in the future, of which some have never been. ‘I know it will be a bonding experience for my family and I,’ said Mbutho.
Words: Melissa Mungroo
Photographs: Supplied
author : .author email : .Mechanical Engineering Team Lifts Off at BRICS Future Skills Challenge
The UKZN group who participated at the BRICS Future Skills Challenge. Pictured (back) is Mr Erlank Slabbert, Mr Sahil Hansraj and Mr Christian Basson and (front) Professor Riaan Stopforth.During the recent Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Council meeting, South Africa hosted a BRICS Future Skills Challenge in Johannesburg. The challenge involved exploring skills for present and future work, particularly transforming and emerging skills in the digital, manufacturing and engineering, and transport sectors.
Teams consisting of members from participating countries were assigned specific tasks with tight deadlines set by the Skills Development Working Group (SDWG). They were then judged by a panel of specialists from BRICS countries. Through this Challenge, the SDWG aimed to encourage co-operation and innovation, and to raise skills standards through the development of standard qualifications and new curricula in emerging technologies, ranging from cyber security and robotic welding to aircraft composites, to name a few.
A group of students from the Discipline of Mechanical Engineering participated in the Challenge. With only a month to prepare, during which a few crash courses took place, teams that included UKZN students and members from other BRICS countries were assigned the task of designing and developing a drone and an autonomous landing/charging unit within a couple of days, with some training delivered prior to the event.
Nelson Mandela University organised many of the tasks for the Challenge, and invited UKZN to join the Drone Technology Challenge through the Robotics Association of South Africa (RASA).
UKZN’s Professor Riaan Stopforth, who is involved with heading a national project for drone research, was an invited specialist to guide teams in the Challenge. Stopforth holds a remote pilot license and is a rated instructor, and he drew on experience in mechatronics, robotics and aviation disciplines to advise the students, particularly concerning regulations implemented by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) relating to the operation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS).
UKZN participants joined teams from India, Russia and China, often using Google Translate and hand gestures to overcome the language barrier. They were able to give solid advice to their teams and the groups achieved unique drone and landing/charging station designs.
The 15 participants in five teams, with the help of five specialists, had a couple of days to familiarise themselves with the equipment, software, and material available. Operating on as little as four hours sleep a day, they designed and developed a drone within a day, spending the remaining time designing and developing a landing pad whereupon the drone could autonomously land and make contact with the charging point within a one square centimetre accuracy.
‘There were many challenges for the participants before the event to enable them to attend with the required knowledge, yet with their persistence, and using the opportunity to learn something new, they made it happen,’ said Stopforth.
UKZN participants said one of the most important things they learnt was how to communicate with people from different countries. Teams were able to learn from one another to improve their designs, and had to devise creative solutions to construct components that were unavailable.
Words: Christine Cuénod
Photograph supplied by Riaan Stopforth
author : .author email : .Diverse Research Delivered at Third Annual Fountainhill Estate Symposium
Delegates at the Fountainhill Estate Symposium.The Fountainhill Estate (FHE) near Wartburg in KwaZulu-Natal recently hosted its third annual research symposium., The symposium provided a platform for the presentation of research and topics of interest relating to conservation, the environment and agriculture in the uMngeni Catchment. The theme of the two-day event was the interactive relationships between biodiversity and the ecosystem.
FHE provides research sites and facilities to UKZN postgraduate students. At the symposium, 13 UKZN students and staff members delivered presentations on research undertaken at FHE in fields ranging from hydrology and crop science to zoology, geography and aquatic ecosystems. Research undertaken includes investigations into microclimates in the uMngeni, catchment management and layout, drought management, water quality trends, soil erosion, ecological infrastructure, DNA barcoding of frogs, freshwater eels, a FISHTRAC project and more.
FHE Manager, Mr Ed Gevers, explained that FHE operates according to a conservation utilisation plan drafted by the trustees and advisors that forms the blueprint of its approach to research, conservation and the role FHE endeavours to play in the community.
The keynote speaker was Dr John Hanks, founding Director of the Institute of Natural Resources (INR), former director of the Africa Programme for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) International and Chief Executive for WWF South Africa, and first Executive Director of the Peace Parks Foundation. Hanks spoke about several priorities for conserving biodiversity within fragmented habitats. He encouraged landscape scale planning, sustainable wildlife trade, lobbying and advocacy, and environmental education.
‘Every single person in this room has a duty to get involved in creating awareness, lobbying government and other agencies to take a more active role,’ said Hanks.
Presenters included citizen scientists Ms Sally Johnson, Mr David Johnson and Mr Kevin Cockburn, who spoke about the area’s indigenous trees and butterfly species respectively. Other speakers came from the South African Sugarcane Research Institute, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, FreeMe KZN Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, Umgeni Water, the INR, Rhodes University, SRK Consulting and the African Raptor Centre. This demonstrated the breadth and range of organisations FHE works with efforts to build understanding and knowledge to ensure a sustainable future for ecosystems in the uMngeni catchment.
‘Us as scientists should not just be observers of the world around us, but be leaders in helping to create the kind of world we want to see,’ said Mr Duncan Hay, Executive Director of the INR, who facilitated the event.
Mr Konrad Taeuber of the Taeuber Management Trust (TMT) that oversees the estate presented on the history of FHE as a philanthropic initiative focused on commerce and agriculture, and health and the environment.
‘FHE is a crucible for collaboration,’ said Hay in closing. ‘This opportunity increases the richness of the science that we do. Increased collaboration will lead to better solutions. Particularly as researchers, there is an individual responsibility to make sure that research is taken forward into practice, and a collective responsibility to take it forward within the broader area in which we all live.’
Words: Christine Cuénod
Photograph: Ed Gevers
author : .author email : .UKZN Postgraduates Forum Launched
Attendees at the launch of the UKZN Postgraduates Forum (UKZN-PGF). Wednesday, 17 October 2018, marked the official launch of the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Postgraduates Forum (UKZN-PGF) which was unveiled on the Westville campus.
Mr Sphelele Khanyile, Chairman of the Forum, outlined the objectives of the forum, saying amongst its objectives is the promotion of enrolment of postgraduate qualifications; research and innovation; as well as the creation of a culture of active citizenship through the formation of conducive platforms for the discussion of issues of national importance. Lastly, the forum aims to champion the interests of postgraduates and represent their consolidated view.
Professor Deresh Ramjugernath, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, who was a keynote speaker at the launch, expressed his appreciation of the forum and his willingness to work hand-in-hand with it. In his speech, Ramjugernath touched on the importance of research quality and socio-economic impact, saying these are important measures where the University’s performance is concerned.
Ramjugernath also outlined the University's strategic outlook of increasing the number of postgraduate enrolments which received an overwhelming applause from both postgraduates and final-year undergraduates as the students interpreted this as meaning that they would receive the necessary support they require in furthering their studies. This was also positively received by the Forum.
Mr Mndeni Mkhize, Youth Development Manager at the eThekwini Municipality, who is a UKZN alumnus, welcomed the formation of the organisation, saying the formation of the Forum is long overdue. He said the challenge of unemployment amongst graduates must also be part of the Forum’s scope. He encouraged the production of postgraduates who will be employers and entrepreneurs which will in turn have a positive impact on unemployment, inequality and poverty. Mkhize expressed his as well as his office’s desire to work with the Forum.
Forum Secretary - Sandile Mthiyane, encouraged all postgraduates to join and affiliate with the UKZN-PGF.
The forum is available on social media as UKZN Post-Graduates Forum on Facebook and as ukzn pgf on Instagram. Email the Forum at ukznpgf@gmail.com.
Words: Sandile Mthiyane
Photograph supplied
author : .author email : .Annual Dr Killie Campbell Lecture Delivered
Dr Killie Campbell.The annual Dr Killie Campbell Lecture invites prominent people to engage in dialogue on historical and social issues.
The lecture - which was held at the Campbell Collections on 17 October 2018 - is one of the most significant events held at the venue each year.
Professor John Wright, co-auditor of the famous James Stuart Archives Volumes, delivered this year’s lecture. Wright - who lectured History at the former University of Natal- is a research associate at the Rock Art Research Institute at the University of the Witwatersrand as well as in the Archive and Public Culture Research Initiative at the University of Cape Town. His research focus is the history of southern Africa before colonial times.
Wright’s keynote address was titled: Exploring the Life of Archives James Stuart, his Interlocutors, and their Interpreters”. For most of his life, Stuart recorded the history of the different tribes who occupied KwaZulu-Natal pre and post the reign of King Shaka Zulu. After his death, his manuscripts were bought by Killie Campbell and are housed at Killie Campbell Africana Library.
Stuart worked as a Native Affairs Commissioner during the colonial periods. Like Sir Theophelus Shepstone, he was employed by the colonial government to govern and control the affairs of the native tribes in Natal and Zululand through its “Divide and Rule Policy”.
Wright gave a detailed explanation on how the information was collected from the interviewees and how Stuart documented it. He also defined the social formation of the groups or tribes in pre-colonial and colonial periods.
The Annual Dr Killie Campbell Lecture is a unique platform which aims to drive debate on critical social and political issues in South Africa and around the world. More than 50 people attended this year’s lecture. Campbell wanted everyone who was interested in research to be able to use her Killie Campbell library.
In 1956 - during the time of apartheid - she wrote that ‘this library is available by appointment for research work by professors, students and business workers both European and African.’ She also maintained that, ‘It is our bounden duty to see that all our treasures are collected and preserved for Natal. They are no longer our individual possessions, but belong by right to our Nation…’ Killie Campbell.
Words: Senzosenkosi Mkhize
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Business Science Students Present Innovative Ideas at Business Challenge
Team The Kitchen.com and team Scriptor after their presentations.First-year Bachelor of Business Science students were given the opportunity to put theory into practice when they participated in the annual Integrated Business Studies (IBS) Business Proposal Presentation.
IBS is a core module for the Bachelor of Business Science programme, a four-year honours programme offered by the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance (SAEF). The module makes use of interesting and exciting teaching methodologies which involve students in active learning.
‘The aim of the course is to develop research and presentation skills within the context of business. Much of the work incorporated in IBS is structured to encourage students to work independently,’ explained lecturer and course co-ordinator, Ms Tamlyn McKenzie.
To prepare for the presentation, students had six weeks to come up with a business concept and develop a proposal presentation. This involved visits by business professionals from big companies such as Business Partners and Unilever. The students consulted these professionals on the eight main business functions namely, top management, finance, information technology, marketing, human resources, research and development, corporate social responsibility and operations management.
Two groups, The Kitchen.com and Scriptor presented their concepts but it was The Kitchen.com’s business idea that emerged victorious.
The home-cooked meal delivery service app concept aims to provide an efficient service that delivers affordable, nutritional meals to the customers at their door step. Runner ups, Scriptor’s innovation was an app aiming to create a modern and convenient experience for students and tutors to fulfil students’ needs through online tutoring.
Mr Chuma Mashita, who tutored the groups said, ‘It is a rewarding experience to see how the students engaged critical thinking when shaping their ideas and how both proposed businesses were forward-looking and would be functional in this digital era.’
Event sponsor, Mr Jay Soma of Business Partners who announced the winners said they were impressed by the student’s level of dedication and how well articulated the presentations were considering they were delivered by first-year students.
Words and photograph: Lungile Ngubelanga
author : .author email : .Naicker Flies UKZN Flag High, Yet Again
Professor Tricia Naicker, who was recently awarded the 2018 NRF Research Excellence Award for Early Career and Emerging Researcher in SA.The youngest Associate Professor at UKZN’s College of Health Sciences, Professor Tricia Naicker, was recently awarded the 2018 NRF Research Excellence Award for Early Career and Emerging Researcher in South Africa.
The award acknowledges outstanding research excellence by current Thuthuka grant holders. The Thuthuka funding instrument is central to the NRF’s Human Capital Development strategy in as far as it relates to enhancing the research stature of Early Career / Emerging Researchers from designated groups, with the aim of redressing historical imbalances in the South African researcher cohort.
‘I feel really honoured to have won in this category as I initially struggled to get a Thuthuka Grant. I kept attempting with support from Professor Gert Kruger and Professor Thavi Govender,’ said an elated Naicker. ‘It was not expected as competition is very high at national level,’ she added.
The announcement was made at a ceremony held in Port Elizabeth.
Naicker is the first researcher from UKZN to win an award in this category since its inception in 2011.
Naicker has been part of the Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, since 2013, and is consistently rated in the top 10 young researchers at UKZN. She has also won awards from the Department of Science and Technology.
She is currently the first female Editor in Chief of the 100-year-old South African Journal of Chemistry.
Naicker serves on the executive committee of the South African chapter of the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World. The organisation provides research training and networking opportunities for women scientists throughout the developing world at different stages in their careers.
Naicker was extremely honoured by the award and thanked her students, mentors and collaborators at the Catalysis and Peptide Research (CPRU) unit for her success.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: College of Health Sciences, Professor Busi Ncama congratulated Naicker for her excellent achievement. ‘We are happy to see our young academics outshine others in research and flying the UKZN flag up high,’ Ncama said.
Words: Nombuso Dlamini
author : .author email : .Umfundi WaseNyuvesi YaKwaZulu-Natal Udle Ubhedu Emqhudelwaneni i-Engen Pitch and Polish ObuseThekwini
Laba ngabahlanu abaphumelele, kusuka kwesokunxele nguMnu Mongezi Dlamini, Nkk Shiroma Bennimahadeo, Nkz Phumzile Manana, Nkz Jacqueline MCcarroll kanye noMnu Ayanda Magubane.Click here for English version
Usomabhizinisi futhi ongumsunguli we-Anonaya Gardens (PTY) Ltd, uMnu Mongezi Dlamini nguyena odle ubhedu emqhudelwaneni i-Engen Pitch and Polish obuseThekwini, nobese kungowesi-9, njengoba uye ube khona njalo ngonyaka.
Ukunqoba kwakhe bekusho ukuzizuzela isamba semali esingu-R6000 kanye neviki lokuziqeqesha eRaizecorp, eGoli. Lolu qeqesho lubiza isamba semali esingu-R150 000. Uzibeke ethubeni lokuthi adlulele kowandulela owamanqamu, lapho bonke abanqobile eziFundeni ezahlukene bazothola olunye uqeqesho.
UDlamini ubengenele lo mqhudelwano ngokufaka ibhizinisi lakhe, i-Anonaya Gardens. Kuleli bhizinisi, uDlamini ubambisene noMnu Sihlosokuhle Mfeka owenza iziqu ze-MSc Biological Science.
Lo mqhudelwano, oxhaswe yi-Engen Petroleum, usetshenziselwa ukugqugquzela kanye nokuhlomisa ngolwazi labo abalubalubela ukungena kwezamabhizinisi kanye nalabo asebevele bangosomabhizinisi. Kuye kuvele nethuba lokuthi osomabhizinisi bethule amabhizinisi abo.
'Lo mqhudelwano uletha imibono emihle, uvuse amabhizinisi ngokuthi ufundise ngokuxhumana okuhle ngendlela efanele kanye nokuzethemba kulabo abasuke bewungenelile,' kusho u-UNathi Njokweni-Magida oyiNhloko yabamele uguquko kanye nababambe iqhaza kulolu hlelo.
Ukunqoba kukaDlamini bekungalindelekile kwazise uqale kabi. 'Ngangifake isicelo sokuthi ngibe yingxenye yalo mqhudelwano, kodwa ke ngehluleka ukuba ngomunye wabane abaqokwayo. Yize ngingazange ngiqokwe kodwa ngaya emcimbini njengomunye wezithameli. Bavula ithuba lokuthi kungangenela omunye wesihlanu. Ngabe sengiqokwa njengowesihlanu, ngehlula abanye osomabhizinisi abayisikhombisa esasibanga nabo indawo yesihlanu. Ngabe sengidla ubhedu ngesikhathi sengiqhudelana nabo bonke.'
I-Ananoya Gardens yinkampani encane esebenzisa indlela, i-hydroponic farming ukukhiqiza izithelo zeqophelo eliphezulu. Izitshalo zitshalwa ngaphandle kokusetshenziswa komhlabathi namanzi asuke emancane kakhulu asetshenzisiwe.
'Okuhle ngale ndlela yethu yokusebenza wukuthi asibasebenzisi ogandaganda, ngokwenza kanjalo kwethu kuchaza ukuthi akusikhinyabezi ukunyuka kukaphethiloli. Sesivele sesiqalile ukudayisa futhi sesithole inqwaba yezicelo ngomkhiqizo wethu ikakhulukazi ngaphakathi eNyuvesi,' kuchaza uDlamini.
UDlamini wenza unyaka wakhe wokugcina ezifundweni zeBachelor of Science, ugxile kakhulu kwiCell Biology kanye nakuMicrobiology. Uthando lwakhe olujulile lweZolimo lwaqala ngesikhathi esakhula esazinze eXobho, KwaZulu-Natali, lapho khona umkhulu wakhe wabe enepulaza khona.
'Njalo sasivuka ezintatha ngezimpelasonto siyosebenza epulazini lakhe, lapho esasichela khona umuthi wokubulala izinambuzane ezitshalweni. Sabe singekho isikhathi sokuphumula. Ngangike ngizibuze ukuthi ayikho yini enye indlela engcono esingenza ngayo ngoba kwakulukhuni kumfana omncane oneminyaka engu-13 ukuphatha lezo zibulali magciwane ngizichela ensimini enkulu,' kusho uDlamini ekhumbula okwakwenzeka kudala.
UDlamini ukholwa wukuthi leso sipiliyoni owasithola epulazini likayise sibe neqhaza elibalulekile ekukhetheni kwakhe izifundo azenzayo eNyuvesi yaKwaZulu-Natali, akumthusanga futhi ukuthi eze nocwaningo nolwaholela ekutheni aqhamuke nezindlela ezingcono nezingambi eqolo kweZolimo. Akasiyena umafikizolo kwezamabhizinisi njengoba eyilunga lenhlangano i-Enactus esophikweni lwale Nyuvesi.
I-Enactus yinhlangano engenzi nzuzo ehlanganisa abafundi, yizifundiswa, abaholi kwezamabhizinisi ngenhloso yokuguqula izimpilo zabantu kusetshenziswa ibhizinisi ngokusho kwakhe uDlamini.
I-Ananoya Gardens yathola uxhaso ngaphansi kohlelo olwaziwa ngokuthi yi-UKZN InQubate Student Entrepreneurship, kusho uSimphiwe Mtambo wohlelo i-InQubate.
Echaza ngalolu hlelo lwabo, uMtambo uthe luhlose ukuthuthukisa umuntu ngayedwana, ukukhulisa amakhono osomomabhizinisi kanye nokubamba iqhaza ekuxazululeni ingwadla yobubha kanye nokuntuleka kwamathuba emisebenzi ngokuguqula ukucabanga kwabafundi, ngokuthi bangafuni imisebenzi, kunalokho kube yibona abadala amathuba omsebenzi. Lolu hlelo lwakhelwe ukuthuthukisa amakhono ngokuthi kutholakale ukwesekwa okuvela nakosomabhizinisi asebemnkantshubovu.
Amagama: ngu-Christian Ishimwe
Isithombe: Engen Pitch and Polish
author : .author email : .Kuhlonishwe Ungoti Wesifazane KwezeNhlalomphakathi Wasenyuvesi YakwaZulu-Natali
UDkt Mariam Seedat-Khan.Click here for English version
UDkt Mirriam Seedat-Khan, owungoti KwezeNhlalomphakathi eSikoleni Sezifundo Nenhlalo Yomphakathi eNyuvesi yaKwaZulu-Natali, obe ngomunye wabesifazane abangu-50 abahlonishwe yinkampani, i-Panache Promotions and Events, ngegalelo labo ekwenzeni umehluko ezimpilweni zabantu.
Lona bese kungumcimbi wesibili walolu hlobo lapho khona obekuhlonishwa abesifazane baKwaZulu-Natali abangu-50 abanyathele kwezwakala maqede kwaguquka izimpilo zabaningi emphakathini abakuwona.
UDkt Seedat-Khan uhlonishwe ngale ndondo yokumhlonipha emcimbini obuwubukhazikhazi obuseSibaya Casino Zulu Theatre. 'Ngizizwa ngithobekile futhi ngihloniphekile ngokuhlonishwa ngalolu hlobo. Okubuhlungu kusenezigidi zabesifazane emhlabeni jikelele abahaqwe wububha,nabasakuthola kunzima ukuzuza ukufundiseka ngezempilo kanye nangamalungelo abo,' usho kanje.
Eqhuba uthe, “Le ndondo eyalabo bantu besifazane ababe nesibindi ngaphambi kwethu, abakwazile ukugqashula amaketanga, ukulwa nezinkolelo ze, nabasisizile sakwazi ukwenza umhlaba indawo engcono.'
INhloko yePanache, uNkk Farzana Mayet, uhalalisele bonke abesifazane bekhethelo nabahlonishwe ngezindondo ngalolu suku. 'Izindondo zokuhlonishwa kwabesifazane bekhethelo akuzona nje ezokuhlonipha abaphathi nabaQondisi kuphela kodwa nabesifazane nje abajwayelekile abanomthelela emphakathini mihla namalanga nabo siyababonga ngeqhaza labo.'
Abanye abahlonishwe ngezindondo kube nguMbhali, uVanessa Govendor-Tender; u-Omi Nair ongungoti, ogqugquzela inhlalakahle yabantu futhi oyisishoshovu somphakathi kanye; noDkt Raeesa Abbobaker, yena ogxile ekufundiseni ngezeMpilo.
Amagama: nguMelissa Mungroo
author : .author email : .UKZN Eta Kappa Nu Honours Society Host Skills Development Workshop
Participants at the Entering the Real World workshop.The UKZN Mu Eta Chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Eta Kappa Nu (IEEE-HKN) Honours Society recently hosted the Entering the Real World workshop at the UNITE Building, Howard College.
The workshop was convened to promote students’ research and to hone some of their skills. The focus was also on preparing students for the job market and included a sessions on how to write a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and how to prepare for job interviews.
Dr Han van Loon, a knowledge management expert from Switzerland and a representative of several international standards-setting bodies, was the guest speaker at the workshop. He took the audience through the rudiments of writing an excellent CV that has the potential to attract employers.
During the workshop participants were split into groups which then discussed different samples of CVs, pointing out mistakes, correcting them and making the necessary adjustments based on Loon’s lessons.
Loon furthermore, gave different interactive interview lessons to sharpen the audience’s interview skills and carried out one-on-one mock interview sessions with some of participants present at the workshop.
‘After attending this workshop, I have become aware of areas in job interviews that should be prepared and researched from beforehand, as well as a better idea of how to deal with less straightforward questions. Our value as Engineers remains but as prospective job applicants our value needs to be defined in relation to the job we have applied for,’ said Naymah Adnan, a final-year Honours student in Electronic Engineering at UKZN.
Samson Zitha, an MSc candidate in Computer Engineering said ‘The IEEE Workshop held in UKZN has helped broaden my knowledge on how to present myself for the world of reality. I have learnt a lot from the wealth of experience of the guest speaker – Dr Loon, and I wish we could repeat the workshop all over again. I remember Han said: Until we can manage time, we can manage nothing.’
The workshop was attended by approximately 45 participants including academic staff from the Disciplines of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Information Systems and Technology. Professor Viranjay Srivastava, an academic from the Discipline of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, gave the closing remarks.
Words: Dauda Ayanda
Photograph: Christian Ishimwe
author : .author email : .UKZN Mathematician to Serve Third Term on Umalusi
Dr Sudan Hansraj, UKZN Mathematician who was recently appointed to serve a third term on Umalusi.Dr Sudan Hansraj, a senior lecturer in the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science (SMSCS) at UKZN, has been appointed to a third term on the Assessment Standards Committee of the Umalusi Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training.
The Council sets and monitors standards for general and further education and training in South Africa by developing and managing a sub-framework of qualifications for general and further education and training, and for quality assurance thereof.
The Assessment Standards Committee conducts the process of standardisation and moderation of internal assessment and examination results for all qualifications that Umalusi certifies. With the support of the Quality Assurance of Assessment Unit, it also provides guidance on the standard and quality of assessments for qualifications, assessment standards and statistical research.
Hansraj, who has been at UKZN in the Discipline of Mathematics since 2002 where he was an academic leader for four and a half years, has served various terms on Umalusi from 2002 to 2006, 2014 to 2018 and currently from 2018 to 2022. He has served on the UKZN Institutional Forum, including as Chairperson. He has also been a member of the UKZN Senior Appointments Committee and Senate.
Hansraj has taught Mathematics from primary school level to PhD level and at UKZN has taught all levels of undergraduate and honours students in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics, including large classes of engineers at Howard College. He has graduated eight MSc and PhD students in Applied Mathematics and co-supervised 15 Masters students in Mathematics Education at Edgewood.
His technology-rich approach to teaching includes websites and short videos, and has included the development of a write-in workbook for first year engineers to assist weaker students. The high school study material he has produced over the past 18 years has been read by more than one million learners.
Hansraj is passionate about Mathematics education, has written several articles on the topic and has been invited as a plenary speaker at teaching conferences throughout Africa. He has organised conferences on the teaching of university mathematics and the role of decolonisation, and has been invited to conduct a workshop with University of Zululand’s Mathematics Department to improve undergrad pass-rates.
Hansraj’s research involves classical general relativity and its extensions, about which he has authored around 40 research articles, with a number appearing in top ranked journals in Mathematical Physics. He collaborates with scientists locally and overseas and has presented conference papers at about 40 international conferences, as well as at numerous local meetings. His current area of scientific inquiry is the Lovelock and Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet higher curvature theory of the gravitational field.
The National Research Foundation-rated researcher has served as the Vice-Chairperson of the South African Mathematics Foundation Management Committee, is a moderator for the South African Mathematics Olympiad and has served as Committee Chair of the Association for Mathematics Education of South Africa for 15 years. He also co-ordinates and examines the South African Mathematics Team Challenge and the South African Tertiary Mathematics Challenge.
Words: Christine Cuénod
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .UKZN to host 30th Annual Jazz Jol
The UKZN Jazz Jol is set to take place at the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music.The ever-popular annual UKZN Jazz Jol has a stellar line-up for this year’s edition to be held at the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music (CJPM) on Saturday, 27 October at 19h00.
Celebrating its 30th year, the Jazz Jol features lecturers Mr Burton Naidoo, Mr Sibusiso Mashiloane and the much-loved UKZN Big Band.
Naidoo will lead the UKZN Big Band and will also perform his much-talked about compositional adventure Our Song. This work creates a backdrop for the iconic speeches of President Nelson Mandela and other famous leaders of South African politics. Written for solo piano and track, the audience can expect speeches from the Rivonia Trial, Praise singing from Sthembile Mlangeni and Zolani Mkiva at the inauguration of Mandela, as well as FW De Klerk’s 1990 parliamentary speech announcing that Nelson Mandela was to be freed.
Mashiloane will perform a selection of his own compositions inspired by the South African music landscape. Speaking of his love for South African music and composers he says, ‘The musicians and composers that inspire me, are the ones that take pride in their identity and are not only driven by their musical skills, but also by their relevance and accuracy. It is so important that we embrace the different characters that our society breeds. If we do not let our identity influence our music, the significance of being part of a society is lost.’
He will perform with Menzi Cele and Zoe The Seed on vocals, Boyi Mokhatla on drums and Qhubekani Mthethwa on bass guitar.
The UKZN Big Band will perform some old Big Band favourites including Have you Met Miss Jones, Take the “A” Train, and I’ve got You Under My Skin.
New arrangements from John Kordalewski, as well as arrangements by students Micale Leon, Phuti Mofakeng, Kgethi Nkotsi and Sinalo Zulu will be featured. To get everyone into a festive spirit, the Big Band will perform two Christmas Carols.
As a warm-up and precursor to the annual Jazz Jol, the UKZN Jazz Ensemble will perform on 17 and 24 October at the CJPM. Proceeds from these two concerts, which start at 18h00, as well as those from the Jazz Jol will go to the Ronnie Madonsela Scholarship. The fund assists disadvantaged Jazz students at UKZN with financial aid or support.
As part of the 30th anniversary celebrations of this Scholarship, CJPM is also proud to announce a legacy project of the release of a double CD of the Piano Passions concert held at Howard College Theatre earlier this year. The solo piano concert featured Professor Darius Brubeck and his former students and illustrious UKZN alumni, Melvin Peters, Nishlyn Ramanna, Burton Naidoo, Debbie Mari, Andile Yenana and Neil Gonsalves. To purchase the double CD, contact Thuli Zama on 031 260 3385 or zamat1@ukzn.ac.za .
Tickets for the Jazz Ensemble concerts on 17 and 24 October are R80 for general admission, R50 for pensioners and R25 for students and for the Jazz Jol are R130 for general admission, R90 for pensioners, R70 for students and can be purchased at the door.
Words: Melissa Mungroo
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .UKZN Alumni Lunch at Richards Bay
UKZN staff members and UKZN Richards Bay based alumni.UKZN alumni on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast re-connected with their alma mater and fellow past students at a lunch held in Richards Bay recently.
The lunch, held at the BON Hotel Waterfront, was organised by the Alumni Relations Office of the Corporate Relations Division as a reunion, networking and information sharing event for alumni and friends of the University.
Promoting UKZN’s ongoing interventions, developments and achievements, Professor Anesh Singh, Executive Director of the UKZN Foundation updated guests on the latest developments taking place at the University.
Singh spoke about the many activities and projects being undertaken to promote relationships and highlighted numerous achievements, including the current international rankings the University enjoys. He also outlined the various options available for alumni to give back to the University and encouraged all graduates to consider contributing financially.
Ms Normah Zondo, Acting Executive Director of Corporate Relations warmly welcomed all the attendees and also did the vote of thanks.
The 50 alumni enjoyed the buffet lunch and lucky-draw.
Words: Finn Christensen
author : .author email : .Izingxoxo Ngodaba Lwelobolo
Abafundi nabasebenzi base-UKZN badingide ngosiko lwelobolo ezingxoxweni ebezisekhempasini i-Howard College. Click here for English version
Ingosi Yabesilisa YaseHoward College e-UKZN ibambe izingxoxo ekhempasini yeNyuvesi i-Howard College mayelana nodaba lwelobolo ngomhla ziyi-10 Mfumfu (October).
Abebesingethe inkulumo abahlanganise isifundiswa sase-UKZN, uSolwazi Sihawukele Ngubane, ophuma kuMnyango WesiZulu e-UKZN); uDokotela Nokuthula Cele, onguthisha eSikoleni Sezifundo NgeNhlalo YoMphakathi; uNkzs Kuhlekonke Ntuli, owayenguMongameli Womkhandlu Wabafundi ekhempasini i-Howard College futhi owenza iziqu ze-Onazi Ezifundweni Ngobulili; kanye; noMnu Bizo Bomela, owenza iziqu zeMastazi Ezifundweni ngobulili - babexoxa ngesihloko esithi: Ingabe Ilobolo Linawo Yini Umthelela Odlameni Lwezobulili….? Futhi Ingabe Lisanesidingo Ezikhathini Zesimanje?
Umxhumanisi wohlelo i-UKZN HIV/AIDS Programme, uNkzs Nomonde Magantolo, uthe ilobolo liyisinqumo sababili. Akukho okulungile nokungalungile ngalo,’ usho kanje. UMagantolo uphinde wathi amasiko nemvamakwenza kuyaguquka futhi ugcizelele nokubaluleka kokulalelwa kwezwi labesifazane.
UNgubane ugcizelele ukubaluleka kwelobolo njengokwenziwayo ngokosiko.'Linesidingo,’ usho kanje. ‘Libalula ubuthina njengama-Afrika. Likhombisa ukuhlonipha umndeni kamakoti, hhayi ukuthenga.’
UNgubane uthe liletha uzinzo emishandweni yomdabu futhi liyindlela yokudlulisa esuka kwabakwamkhwenyana iya kwabakwamakoti.
UNtuli ugxeke umqondo wobunikazi. ‘Akekho ongumnikazi wami. Akekho ongumnikazi womunye umuntu,' usho kanje. Ugcizelele ukubaluleka kokuthi abesifazane babekhona uma kuxoxwa ngelobolo.
UCele uthe kubalulekile ukuqonda ukuthi liyini ilobolo ngaphambi kokuxoxa ngalo, wagcizelela ukuxazulula izinkinga ngaphansi “kohlaka lwesi-Afrika.”.
UNhlanhla Mazibuko oyilungu lengosi yabesilisa i-Men’s Forum, ubonge abebesingethe izingxoxo nabebethamele ngezingxoxo ezinohlonze.
Amagama nezithombe: ngu-Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer
author : .author email : .UKZN’s Agricultural Economists Scoop Awards
Acting AEASA President, Professor Ferdi Meyer, presents Professor Gerald Ortmann (left) and Mr Collin Yobe (right) with their awards at the conference.Staff and students from UKZN’s Discipline of Agricultural Economics in the School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences (SAEES) walked away with a number of awards at the annual Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa’s (AEASA) conference held in the Western Cape in September.
PhD candidate Mr Collin Yobe accepted an award in recognition of the paper he contributed together with his supervisors, Dr Stuart Ferrer and Dr Maxwell Mudhara. The paper was selected as one of the top three contributed papers presented at the conference. His presentation, which took place in the upgraded papers session, concerned research done on a method of measuring the financial efficiency of agricultural cooperatives in South Africa.
Master’s student Mr Lungelo Cele, supervised by Professor Edilegnaw Wale, won second prize in the AEASA Best Masters Thesis Award category for 2017/18 for his work on land and water use rights in smallholder farming.
Honorary Professor at UKZN, Mike Lyne, based at Lincoln University in New Zealand, and one of his Masters students, Mr Machiweyi Kunzekweguta, and colleague Dr Karl Rich won the SJJ de Swardt prize for the best paper published in AEASA’s accredited journal Agrekon for 2017/18. The paper dealt with factors affecting adoption and intensity of conservation agriculture techniques applied by smallholders in Masvingo district, Zimbabwe.
Second prize in this category went to former UKZN PhD student, Dr Sikhulumile Sinyolo (now with the Human Sciences Research Council), and his supervisor Mudhara for work done on collective action and rural poverty reduction. Lyne, former Masters student Ms Nomonde Jonas and Professor Gerald Ortmann won second prize in the category ‘AEASA Award for Best Publication in a Professional Journal’ for a publication in the Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension concerning a quantitative assessment of an outsourced agricultural extension service in the Umzimkhulu District of KwaZulu-Natal.
Mr Njabulo Mtshali was recognised as the top final-year student in Agricultural Economics at UKZN in 2017, winning him complimentary registration for next year’s AEASA Conference.
‘These achievements reinforce the fact that the Agricultural Economics Discipline at UKZN, which has regularly won awards at national level, continues to produce quality research and graduates,’ said Ortmann.
Words: Christine Cuénod
Photographer: Simphiwe Ngqangweni
author : .author email : .UKZN’s Hawaiian-Style Beer Packs a Punch at SAB Intervarsity Beer Brewing Competition
From left: Mr Truly Mjelo, Ms Heather Tredgold, Mr Danvir Ramesar, Mr Matthew van Wyngaard, brewing judge Professor Chris Roth and Mr Anton Erasmus from SAB.Teams from the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Westville and Pietermaritzburg campuses once again participated in the South African Breweries (SAB) Intervarsity Brewing Competition 2018, held in Bloemfontein and hosted by the University of the Free State (UFS) and the Central University of Technology (CUT).
Dr Charles Hunter, who was among those who initiated the first intervarsity brewing competition in 2008, oversaw the Pietermaritzburg team at this year’s competition. Competition veteran Mr Matthew van Wyngaard, a Doctoral candidate in Plant Pathology, led the 2018 brewing team and was joined by three members from the Discipline of Microbiology, Master’s candidate Mr Truly Mjelo, Honours student Mr Danvir Ramesar and PhD candidate Ms Heather Tredgold. Mr Siphelele Sibisi led the Westville team.
Participation involved universities from around South Africa entering their four best brews for judging by an accredited panel. Tredgold explained that the style categories this year were lager, speciality Belgian, fruit beer, and the Winter Warmer. The Pietermaritzburg team scored well in each category; they received first place for their fruit beer and placed second for their “Rough Beast” imperial stout in the Winter Warmer category. Judges scored two of the Westville team’s entries highly, and they were popular with the crowd at the competition.
The winning fruit beer, “Hawaiian Death Punch”, was inspired by a cocktail Ramesar had tasted and was an American-style wheat beer with pineapple, lime, and chilli.
Other winning universities included CUT, Rhodes University, and the Universities of Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Limpopo; the University of Cape Town won best beer overall.
‘We are thrilled to have once again performed well amongst some very capable contenders with advanced brewing systems at their disposal, said van Wyngaard. ‘Our system is small-volume and simple in comparison, but this has consistently worked in our favour for the last three competitions. We’ve placed among various categories’ top three for several brews and won the Belgian category in 2016.’
The Pietermaritzburg microbrewing system resides in the Discipline of Microbiology, and is put to good use teaching the multifaceted nature of brewing to postgraduate students.
‘Earlier this year each of the the Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Genetics Honours groups brewed a beer as part of their orientation,’ said Tredgold. ‘Brewing is a great ice-breaker and demonstrates the various aspects of a process in which the three Disciplines’ skills are applicable. In the past, we’ve had students from Chemistry, Chemical Technology, Biochemistry and Engineering join our Intervarsity brewing teams; it really is a multidisciplinary activity.’
‘We would love to see a real brewing community established here at UKZN,’ said Hunter. ‘The opportunity to create some truly unique beers far outweighs the hard work the brewing process involves, and it means more than just drinking the beer at the end of the day. There is room for real creativity, and with the South African craft beer movement continually expanding, we see more students and consumers becoming educated and excited about the array of beer styles that are out there.’
The team thanked SAB and Anheuser-Busch InBev for continuing with the competition tradition.
Words: Heather Tredgold and Christine Cuénod
Photograph supplied by Heather Tredgold
author : .author email : .Gold Medal for Seasoned Agricultural Engineer
Professor Jeff Smithers (left), with SAIAE President, Mr Piet De Witt.Professor Jeff Smithers from the Discipline of Bioresources Engineering at UKZN was awarded the prestigious South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers (SAIAE) gold medal in recognition of his exceptional service to the institute.
The award was presented to Smithers at SAIAE’s biennial symposium held last month in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
SAIAE has served the Discipline of Agricultural Engineering in South Africa for over 50 years while UKZN is currently the only South African university to offer an accredited Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Engineering.
Smithers served as SAIAE President from 2009-2010 and on the SAIAE Council as Vice-President from 2007-2008; he has been a Council member for more than 20 years. His leadership and direction shown at SAIAE was acknowledged, together with contributions to its functioning and leadership, particularly regarding growing the profession of Agricultural Engineering in South Africa and safeguarding the future of the qualification at UKZN.
He graduated from the former University of Natal with his undergraduate, Master’s and PhD degrees in Agricultural Engineering. For his MScEng degree, he developed a computer control system for tractive efficiency; his PhD study involved the development and evaluation of techniques for the estimation of short duration design rainfall in South Africa. The latter earned him a SAIAE silver medal.
His career began in the Directorate of Agricultural Engineering at the Department of Agriculture in Pretoria, now the Institute for Agricultural Engineering at the Agricultural Research Council. He joined the then-University of Natal in 1989, moving up from contract Senior Research Fellow to appointment as Professor of Agricultural Engineering in 2004. He was Head of the School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology for nine years. He has served on the University’s Senate and on several boards and committees.
Smithers is a Registered Professional Engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa, where he has served on the Professional Accreditation Committee for Agricultural Engineering.
He has received a number of best lecturer and research productivity awards, and co-authored papers that received the Cecil Renaud Award from the South African Sugar Technologists’ Association in 2006 and the Chairman’s award for the best water related journal paper in 2015 and 2016 from the South African Institute of Civil Engineers Water Division. He is an Adjunct Professor in the National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture at Australia’s University of Southern Queensland.
‘Through [his] visionary and leading inputs, Jeff has played a pivotal role in promoting and serving SAIAE,’ said Mr Felix Reinders, SAIAE’s honorary secretary. ‘It is a privilege to present a gold medal to him for his exceptional services.’
Smithers’ role in SAIAE has underscored his belief in the Institution’s role in community contributions and support of the university, as well as provision of professional support for graduates. His involvement has included resurrection of the KwaZulu-Natal branch of the SAIAE.
‘As an academic leader of international reputation, we are proud of Jeff Smithers,’ said Professor Albert Modi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, who called Smithers a humble man of academic integrity who lives up to UKZN’s vision of inspiring greatness.
Words: Christine Cuénod
Photograph supplied
author : .author email : .