Unpacking 3D Printing and Maker Spaces Uses in Teaching Technology
Mr Vusumuzi Mlotshwa who received his Honours degree in Technology Education cum laude.UKZN staff member, Mr Vusumuzi Mlotshwa, received his Honours degree in Technology Education cum laude. His dissertation examined how two technologies (3D printing and Maker spaces) have been used to teach technology in South Africa.
‘3D printing and maker space movements are fast taking over in the world of industry and manufacturing and education is left with no choice but to accommodate the demands and dictates of industry,’ said Mlotshwa. ‘Those in the developed world have embraced these technologies, with America and China recognising the important role of the technologies in developing innovation and creativity, then immediately pledging to place 3D printers in every classroom.’
He was fascinated by the progress, achievements and strides made by learners in the developed world using 3D printing and Maker spaces.
Mlotshwa believes that a radical change in teaching and problem solving using these techniques would benefit the education sector and society as a whole: ‘Some major goals for technology education would be reached much faster and children from rural, disabled and disadvantaged backgrounds would benefit immensely from the 3D and Maker space technologies,’ he said.
He thanked his family, friends and supervisor, Professor Busisiwe Alant, for their support. ‘My supervisor’s positive response and excitement about my research was one of those moments I will always cherish. I also hope I have made my family proud.’
Mlotshwa plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Technology Education.
Words: Melissa Mungroo
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan
author : .author email : .Meet Humanities’ Youngest Graduates
The College of Humanities’ youngest graduates, Ms Liyanda Shange and Ms Xoliswa Mqadi.Life is about creating and setting goals, kicking the ball out of the park and making your dreams a reality.
So say two of the youngest graduates in the College of Humanities, Ms Liyanda Shange (19) and Ms Xoliswa Mqadi (19), who both graduated with Bachelor of Social Science degrees.
‘I’m just a girl from a rural area called KwaNzimakwe that is trying to reach her goals and make her family proud,’ said Shange, who majored in Criminology and Forensic Studies and Economic History.
Shange’s father passed away during her first year of study and while his passing was traumatic, she persevered.
‘I really had a tough time adapting to the new independent life and I couldn’t focus on school. I even wanted to drop out. But I would think of my family and my goals and then go on,’ she said.
Her graduation was the moment she had been waiting for.
‘It feels so amazing, like I’m dreaming and I just can’t believe it. It feels so unreal yet so exciting. I am so happy. I just wish my dad was here with me.’
Her advice to other students is: ‘Set your priorities straight so that you avoid any distractions that may come your way. University life is challenging yet fun, but always keep in mind what you really want.’
Mqadi, who majored in Geography and Sociology, was ecstatic when her moment finally arrived.
‘I was really excited and nervous when I walked onto the stage, but I am extremely proud that I have got this far,’ she said.
Mqadi said she pursued her degree because of her love for Geography. ‘A Geography degree allows me to pursue my career path of being an environmental manager. It has always been my passion to have the ability to make a positive impact on the environmental challenges that we are currently experiencing by enforcing regulations and developing solutions to better manage the environment.’
Her family and friends were equally proud of her achievement. ‘I am so happy for my angel that I am at a loss for words. The Lord has truly blessed me with her. Keep shining Xoli in everything that you set your heart on,’ said her proud mother, Mrs Nompilo Nkomo.
Mqadi is currently pursuing her Honours in Geography and Environmental Management at UKZN.
Words: Xoliswa Zulu
Photographs: Abhi Indrarajan and Itumeleng Masa
author : .author email : .Proof it’s Never Too Late to Graduate
Ms Ntombifuthi Moureen Nzuza with her mentor Mr John Aritho. Fifty-nine-year-old Ms Ntombifuthi Moureen Nzuza graduated with her Bachelor of Social Sciences degree. Nzuza has worked for Tsogo Sun for 34 years and started her degree in 2015.
Nzuza is a chef and kitchen supervisor as well as a grandmother who worked hard and succeeded against all odds despite losing her only son during her studies.
She was encouraged by her mentor Mr John Aritho who helped her with assignments and encouraged her to complete her degree. Aritho’s mother graduated at the age of 79 years and this encouraged Nzuza.
She plans to register for a postgraduate degree in Labour Law, going on to a master’s.
Words: Melissa Mungroo
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajen
author : .author email : .Triumph Over Adversity as Blind Cricketer Graduates
Mr Jackson Make, South African Blind Cricketer who graduated with his Bachelor of Social Science degree.South African Blind Cricketer, Mr Jackson Make, graduated with his Bachelor of Social Science degree. He described his graduation as one of his greatest achievements thus far.
Make was part of the South African squad that participated in the 40-over Blind Cricket World Cup in Cape Town in 2014 and in the T20 Blind Cricket World Cup in India in 2012.
He was nominated by the KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union as the Blind Cricketer of the Year in 2014.
Blind cricket is played with a plastic ball with bearings inside that make a sound when played. The stumps are constructed of metal and make a clanging sound when hit.
‘I am totally blind but I’m good at fielding and bowling. I rely totally on the sound that the ball makes,’ he said. Make, who attended a school for the blind in the Free State, hopes to be an inspiration to other blind and partially-sighted students.
He also plans to pursue postgraduate studies in the future and to continue to excel in cricket.
Make advised other students to never give up and follow their dreams.
Words: Melissa Mungroo
Photograph: Rogan Ward
author : .author email : .Dr Kanjo Beats Odds to Graduate with PhD
Dr Rosaline Kanjo who - against adversity - graduated with a PhD in Political Science.After enduring hardship and struggles, Dr Rosaline Kanjo was all smiles as she graduated with her PhD in Political Science from UKZN recently for her study that investigated the Prevention of Xenophobic Attitudes Amongst Female Students at UKZN: Political Socialisation and Policy Awareness, supervised by Dr Lubna Nadvi.
Said Kanjo, ‘My study highlights the role of political socialisation (PS) which is considered as a valuable practice and knowledge of state policies as a preventative measure against xenophobic practices within the university and the broader community.’ With emphasis on tolerance, the study attempts to relate and contextualise the role of political socialisation and policy awareness as a preventive measure against xenophobia.
During her studies, Kanjo battled academic, health and life challenges. Her research proposal was delayed for a year and she struggled to pay for fees, accommodation, food and other expenses necessary for a foreign student in South Africa.
Finally, she prevailed and was given the green light to commence with her research. She was then informed that her initial supervisor had resigned from the University. This set her back again for some time. Nadvi then stepped up at a critical stage of Kanjo’s study and was able to provide the necessary support.
Kanjo faced the challenge of her thesis being rejected twice with tough/major comments from the reviewers. She stayed focused until her study was passed.
Tragedy struck for Kanjo when she was involved in a train accident in Gothenburg, Sweden. At seven months in her pregnancy, heading to church for choir practice, Kanjo was about to cross the rail when a fast running inter-city train knocked her down.
The gruesome accident left her with part of her intestine exposed, her left hand crushed with multiple fractures and rapid blood loss. Undergoing eight different surgical operations, she miraculously survived and naturally gave birth to a healthy baby boy, and later to two girls despite falling gravely ill. Towards the last stages of her research, she lost her father who was a single parent after the death of her mother years ago. She was dealt another blow with the passing of her mother-in-law.
Despite all the heartache and tragedy, Kanjo is happy to graduate with her PhD and is thankful for the continuous support from her husband, siblings, family, friends, supervisor and God.
Though sheer determination to graduate, her supervisor identifies Kanjo as “An Academic Inspirator” in an effort to encourage all those studying and faced with challenges to try and brave their challenges making sure their study is successfully completed.
Words: Melissa Mungroo
Photograph: Rogan Ward
author : .author email : .Pandaram’s Research Gives Glimpse into Teachers’ Lived Experiences
Ms Desiree Sangeetha Pandaram who graduated with her master’s cum laude.Ms Desiree Sangeetha Pandaram received her Master’s degree in Education cum laude. She dedicated the degree to her mom who became ill in the midst of her study and passed away. ‘This was completely devastating. The hardest part was getting back on track. Losing your mother is the biggest loss one can ever suffer. I was gutted to the core.’
She recently returned to South Africa after spending 12 years as an English advisor in the United Arab Emirates. This sparked her interest in teacher leadership in Abu Dhabi and the day-to-day experiences of English subject co-ordinators in public schools.
According to Pandaram, the practice of teacher leadership in Abu Dhabi has blossomed. As it becomes embedded in the educational arena, it is beginning to manifest in schools as a form of distributed or shared leadership.
‘One of my key findings was that school principals need to be aware of the many advantages of teacher leadership and its positive effects on the future of students. Another important finding was that the role performed by English subject co-ordinators in Abu Dhabi encompasses an integral part of teacher leadership, and teacher leaders form a vital component within the school structure,’ said Pandaram.
She believes that her research will impact perceptions of teacher leadership and enable education stakeholders to appreciate teachers’ influence on educational systems, especially in terms of their power to impact not just learning but overall leadership within schools.
One of the study’s important recommendations is that the principals of Abu Dhabi public schools need to create a professional milieu to enable teacher leadership to flourish.
Pandaram thanked her family, friends and supervisor Professor Inbanathan Naicker for their support and encouragement: ‘Their ability to motivate me formed a huge part of my emotional and mental support.’
Her daughter Duanna said, ‘She never fails to make us proud,’ while her sister Sagree and brother Selvan noted that her achievement is testimony to her ‘dedication, diligence and skill in her craft’.
Words: Melissa Mungroo
Photograph: Rajesh Jantilal
author : .author email : .Master of Education Graduates Celebrate
Dr Cedric Mpungose seen with his Master of Education graduates. Mr Bonginkosi Zulu (cum laude), Mr Siphiwe Zungu, Mr Thokozani Biyela, Ms Nhlanzi Chlarisa and Mr Andile Mbhele were thrilled to receive their degrees of Master in Education. Their research was supervised by Dr Cedric Mpungose.
Zulu’s study explored teachers’ reflections on the teaching of Mathematics in Grade 4 in Nongoma Circuit Management Centre. ‘Teachers are failing to reflect on their practices of teaching Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) subjects in order to produce quality results, and this hampers the teaching and learning process,’ he said.
His findings show that most teachers are driven by social reflection (the societal rationale for teaching Mathematics). However, after an intervention was administered, the findings indicated improvement, with teachers also driven by self-reflection (the personal rationale) and written reflection (professional rationale).
‘Teachers should reflect on their teaching practice to improve their performance, and the Department of Basic Education should organise on-going capacity building workshops so that teachers remain well-informed on pioneering methods for teaching Mathematics in Grade 4,’ added Zulu.
Zungu conducted critical action research with four principals who manage CAPS in rural secondary schools in Khanyisa Circuit. ‘South African schools are witnessing poor management of curriculum and this leads to dysfunctional schools. I hope to empower and transform principals’ understanding of their practices by enhancing their understanding of the critical concepts and principles that underpin CAPS,’ he said.
The findings revealed that principals are influenced by both social and professional practices at the expense of personal practice when managing the curriculum. Personal practice should be the primary building block to meet their own needs before addressing the needs of the profession (the Department of Basic Education) and society (students).
Biyela explored teachers’ experiences of teaching Mathematics in the Intermediate Phase (Grades 4-6) in Nongoma Circuit. The study found that, teachers lack professional experience (qualifications) and are more driven by societal experience (drawing on opinions) and personal experience (based on personal needs). ‘The Department of Basic Education appointment policy should be reviewed in order to appoint qualified teachers; principals should allocate the] teaching of Mathematics to qualified Mathematics teachers, and school governing bodies and school management teams should support Mathematics teachers with the necessary resources,’ she said.
Chlarisa explored principals’ strategies to manage CAPS in the Further Education and Training (FET) phase at Mahlabathini Circuit Management. The findings indicate that, although the principals’ responses involved a skills and knowledge management strategy, an attitude management strategy drove the management of curriculum in schools. ‘The Department of Basic Education should review theCAPS policy document to include guidelines on strategies to manage CAPS that furnish principals with theknowledge, skills, and values/attitudes required for local, national, and international management activities,’ she said.
Mbhele explored lecturers’ strategies to decolonise the English curriculum at a South African university. ‘South African universities have witnessed student protests calling for decolonisation of the curriculum, as a way of addressing the passive nature of education. The inability of university lecturers to decolonise the university curriculum has been current discourse,’ he said.
The study revealed that the university environment left lecturers with no option but frequent use of verbal and habitual strategies to decolonise the curriculum. However, they would prefer to use written strategies. Mbhele argues that universities are not doing enough to help lecturers craft relevant strategies to decolonise the curriculum, particularly English. ‘English lecturers should use all three strategies to decolonise the university curriculum,’ he added.
Words: Melissa Mungroo
Photograph: Rajesh Jantilal
author : .author email : .Passion for Teaching Culminates in Summa Cum Laude
Ms Phakamile Mazibuko who received her Bachelor of Education degree summa cum laude. One of UKZN’s Top 40 Most Inspiring Students, Ms Phakamile Mazibuko was thrilled to receive her Bachelor of Education degree summa cum laude. ‘This shows that dreams do come true,’ she said.
Her love for teaching and transforming lives through education led Mazibuko to study at UKZN. ‘I always strive to be a leader of progressive movements to better communities and that is possible through education. My goal is to give back to society through teaching and help learners gain the necessary knowledge/skills to improve their lives and be active participants in society,’ she said.
A hardworking student, Mazibuko received the 2015 New Entrant Award for obtaining six distinctions in matric. She was then awarded the Frene Ginwala Scholarship which is granted to the top 10 Black females entering UKZN in 2015.
However, she still struggled financially and worked part-time as a tutor, mentor and residence assistant. She also struggled to strike a balance between personal, social and academic matters while simultaneously adjusting to life in the city. Nonetheless, Mazibuko graduated top of her class.
‘I applaud UKZN for the provision of support services such as the mentorship programme which helped me adjust to the university environment. I played great leadership roles and was involved in community engagement projects which helped to enhance my personal and professional growth,’ said Mazibuko.
Her advice to other students is, ‘Attend lectures and make use of consultation times with lecturers. Make use of the support services available and be involved in organisations to enhance your personal and professional development. Believe in yourself, excel in everything you do and never limit your capabilities.’
She thanked her family and friends for their support: ‘Every time I felt like giving up, they were there to give me strength and hope and restore the belief in me that I could do it. I would also like to thank UKZN Edgewood staff, especially my lecturers for helping me realise my potential to excel through their constant support and guidance.’
Her many leadership roles included UKZN Golden Key President, Edgewood Chapter in 2017; and Tutor and Head of English Department (Languages) in the Edgewood Extra Tuition Programme which assists grade 10-12 learners. Based on academic merit and community engagement, she travelled to Berlin, Germany on a study tour through the EPIZ Exchange Programme. She also received Excellence Awards from the School of Education for her academic, leadership and community engagement prowess.
Mazibuko is currently studying towards her Honours in Education (Curriculum Studies), is a residence assistant and a Mainstream Mentor, assisting students with academic and social matters. She hopes to dedicate more time to the growth of her foundation (the Phakamile Mazibuko Foundation) and collaborate with various organisations to develop programmes to enhance people’s lives, especially women in rural areas.
Words: Melissa Mungroo
Photograph: Rajesh Jantilal
author : .author email : .PhD for Child Rights Champion
Dr Joan van Niekerk, child rights activist, who graduated with a PhD in Social Work.South African child rights activist and former Director of Childline, Dr Joan van Niekerk, graduated with a PhD in Social Work.
Her study explored transformative shifts and challenges in the provision of child protection services. Interviews with senior social workers in the Eastern Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal revealed that services are severely hampered by the lack of an overarching child protection strategy, a dysfunctional relationship between the non-profit sector and government, as well as inadequate resourcing. She proposes a developmental model for child protection services.
Van Niekerk is a child rights and child protection consultant and co-author of A Practical Approach to the Child Justice Act. She completed a Master’s degree in Medical Science (Medical and Psychiatric Social Work) at the former University of Durban-Westville in 1983 and has worked in the field of child protection for 28 years. She has actively promoted the prevention of child rights violations and abuse, as well as appropriate responses to abused children and their families.
She has considerable experience in working with children in conflict with the law; particularly those who have committed offences against other children. Van Niekerk spent 24 years at Childline, initially as Director of Childline KwaZulu-Natal and then as National Co-ordinator of Childline South Africa. She chaired the South African Law Reform Commission Project Committee on Sexual Offences and participated in consultations that resulted in the initial drafts of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 and the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008.
She is currently a member of the Professional Board for Social Work and the President of the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect.
Words: Melissa Mungroo
Photographs: Abhi Indrarajen
author : .author email : .PhD Offers Insight into Maternal Health Seeking Behaviour
Dr Ayoola Dada whose thesis investigated the influence of cultural beliefs and practices on maternal health seeking behaviour.Dr Ayoola Dada graduated with his PhD in Social Sciences. His thesis investigated the influence of cultural beliefs and practices on maternal health seeking, the relationship between women’s social demographic characteristics and maternal health seeking and the impact of the social structure on maternal health seeking.
Dada’s survey of 196 women aged 15 to 45 in the Ekiti District, Nigeria, found that maternal health behaviour is inseparable from socio-economic and cultural contexts.
Employing field methods from Medical Sociology and Demography, he concluded that maternal health seeking transcends the boundaries of these disciplines and that comprehensive understanding calls for the use of both.
The model of behavioural change in public health, rational choice theory, location theory and feminist theory enabled him to highlight the links between socio-cultural variables and maternal health seeking by showing the strength of their separate and collective relationships.
The study found that patriarchy has a strong impact on maternal health seeking. Furthermore, the majority of the women participants strongly believe in the efficacy of herbs in pregnancy management and child bearing. Finally, the study found that health workers’ attitudes discourage health seeking.
Given the patriarchal nature of Nigerian society, Dada recommends ‘that men should be educated on the intricacies that revolve around maternal health because they dominate family decision-making. In addition, there is a need to strengthen policies and capacity building, and training of health care providers for improved quality of care and sustained research on reproductive health.’
Professor Sultan Khan and Dr Lubna Nadvi supervised the study.
Words: Melissa Mungroo
Photograph: Rogan Ward
author : .author email : .Anthropology Professor Graduates Six Students
Professor Maheshvari Naidu with her students. Professor Maheshvari Naidu is proud of her one master's and five PhD students that received degrees in Anthropology, Gender Studies, International Relations and Peace Studies. All were qualitative studies that drew on rich empirical data.
Naidu said that each of the students faced challenges and triumphed to earn their degrees.
Three are mothers of young children and two were pregnant while completing their PhDs. One student suffered bereavement while others navigated their ways through medical challenges as well as the challenge of living apart from their families.
‘I make no secret that I have an agenda to increase the critical mass of female postgraduates, not merely numerically, but meaningfully. To this end, all five female students, (as well as the sixth male student) engaged in critically important gendered research,’ Naidu added.
Dr Rosheena Jeawon’s research was titled: ‘Sugar Daddy’ Relationships and the Construction of Traditional African Masculinities and approached this topic from the unique perspective of the male. Jeawon said that it was a challenge to balance her personal, professional and academic life. Her highlight was receiving assistance from author, Mr Maphoto who is a writer in the field.
‘The PhD journey cannot be achieved without a dedicated and committed supervisor. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Professor Maheshvari Naidu. Her continuous support of my research and PhD study, her immense knowledge as well as enthusiasm and patience are greatly appreciated. I could not have imagined a better mentor and advisor for this study. Lastly, I would like to thank my family for their spiritual and emotional support,’ said Jeawon. She dedicated her achievement to her late father, Mr RR Jeawon.
Dr Roselyn Kanyemba’s study on Normalization of Misogyny: Sexist Humour in a Higher Education Context focused on sexist humour and its contribution to the creation of hostile campuses for women. Her research addressed an issue that has been neglected in the field of sexism and Higher Education as previous studies tended to focus on overt expressions of sexual harassment.
The study established that sexist joking normalises rape culture and hostile campuses and needs to be addressed with the same seriousness as other overt expressions of violence that occur on university campuses.
Kanyemba shared that she fell pregnant during the first year of the study and had a tough pregnancy and was always in hospital. ‘My supervisor, Professor Naidu, was very supportive and encouraged me until the end. Without her, this PhD would not have been possible,’ she said. ‘I wish to acknowledge my husband, Vumiso, and my sister, Vimbai, for their help and encouragement. I dedicate this PhD to my son, Anashe Luthando.’
Dr Tariro Mukwidigwi’s PhD, Gendered (A) Symmetries: Experiences of Sexual Coercion among Female University Students interrogated the power dynamics underlying experiences of sexual coercion. The study aimed to enhance female students’ sexual health, rights and citizenship. Its findings could inform interventions that consider female students as active and agentic beings and empower them to take control of their sexual experiences and ameliorate the effects of sexual coercion. Mukwidigwi said that Naidu was a great mentor who taught her to push herself; this allowed her to discover the fighter in her. She added that doing a PhD is not a solitary experience and thanked her husband, family, colleagues and friends for their emotional support. She specifically thanked her parents to whom she dedicated her thesis.
Dr Victoria Marcia Mutambara’s study on Xenophobia and Human Security: Gender-based Violence Experiences of Zimbabwean Women Working in the Informal Sector examined the xenophobic and gender-based harassment that Zimbabwean migrant women encounter in their quest for a sustainable livelihood in South Africa.
Whilst xenophobia and gender-based violence might seem to be separate terms with different meanings the study revealed that there is fluidity between the two as most migrant women are in double jeopardy because of their identity as foreign as well as being female.
Mutambara said that her academic journey was not easy as it was difficult to balance professional work and campus work, and as a result, her studies suffered. ‘I am forever indebted to God who connected me to a great helper, my supervisor, Professor Naidu who believed in me from the start and kept pushing me to do my best, even on days when I felt like the walls were closing in on me,’ she said. ‘I wish to dedicate this study to my dear parents, husband and little daughter, for they gave me strength throughout this journey.’
Dr Paul Awoniyi’s PhD was on Probing Indigenous Gender and Water Management Practices in Selected Rural Settlements of Ondo. The study documents critical insights generated by various rural water management practices, the impact of women’s participation in local water management and the gendered use of water. His major challenge was missing his family. ‘Also, my initial inability to keep up with my supervisor’s super pace which payed off eventually and is making me a better researcher,’ he added.
Awoniyi described his supervisor as an energetic mentor with incredible intellectual prowess. ‘My deep gratitude also to Professor Ayobami Salami who gave me this opportunity.’ He thanked his wife Joyce who stood by him with unconditional love. ‘I want to thank my children, Pazel, Grazina and Gedalya who endured lonely periods. Also, to my parents, Pastor and Mrs Awoniyi and Pastor and Mrs Akintoye, my siblings and in-laws. Your encouragement, financial, moral and emotional support has enabled this to become a reality,’ he said. Awoniyi dedicated his work to God.
Ms Yolanda Mthethwa’s MA, Gendered Behavior: Probing Instagram in Perpetuating Curvaceous Body Ideal aimed to uncover how Black women are influenced by the idealised curvaceous body on Instagram. The study contributes to the literature by probing the role that social media (particularly Instagram) plays in ‘body disturbance’ among young Black women by perpetuating such ideal bodies.
‘The main challenge for my master's journey was time management. It was challenging to make time for my work especially because I had a two-year old daughter to take care of. There was a lot of procrastinating. My supervisor assisted me whenever I needed help with my research and more than anything, she pushed me to work hard and finish on time,’ she said. ‘I would like to thank my mother for her enormous love and support throughout my journey, and I dedicate this master's to her to show her my immense gratitude.’
Words: Melissa Mungroo
Photograph: Rogan Ward
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