UKZN Launches Smart Clicker to Improve Academic-Student Interaction
Mr Hilary Reynolds at the Smart Clicker workshop. UKZN’s Smart Clicker – an audience engagement system which facilitates greater engagement between academics and their students – was launched at a workshop on the Howard College campus.
The launch was hosted by UKZN’s Teaching and Learning Office (UTLO) and ICS Academic Computing.
The Smart Clicker is an engagement system which allows those in an audience to use their own devices – such as laptops, tablets and mobile phones - to provide anonymous feedback via a web-based platform. Responses may adopt the form of multiple-choice or text.
Academics within the Institution can use the Smart Clicker for real-time feedback, formative or summative assessments to ascertain how concepts have been understood by students, as well as to field questions.
The development of the UKZN Smart Clicker was co-ordinated by UTLO Research Intern, Mr Ebrahim Adam, and ICS Academic Computing Manager, Mr Hilary Reynolds.
Adam says the Smart Clicker is particularly useful as it allows two-way communication between students and academics. ‘The UKZN Smart Clicker seeks to harness the power of BYOD (bring your own device) and allows students and, in general, members of any audience, to provide feedback to presenters from any Internet-capable device,’ said Adam.
The Director of Teaching and Learning, Dr Rubby Dhunpath, said the Smart Clicker was an accomplishment for UKZN. ‘We resisted demands to acquire the conventional proprietary Clicker, which might pose challenges in terms of access and customisation. We now have a home-grown application which can be enhanced in response to usage and additional functionality required by academics and support staff,’ said Dhunpath.
Reynolds said: ‘Several enhancements are planned that will give the system even greater value than it has.'
Over the coming months, ICS will host institution and college-wide workshops to familiarise the University community on the use of the Smart Clicker.
The UKZN Smart Clicker can be used at events, seminars, public lectures, workshops and conferences.
Academics or presenters who want to use the Smart Clicker should contact ICS via email at learning@ukzn.ac.za. More information on this project and how-to videos are available on the UTLO website at http://utlo.ukzn.ac.za/smart-clicker
Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer
author : .author email : .Astrophysics Post Graduate Research Day Winners
Ms Heather Prince and Ms Sinenhlanhla Sikhosana.Astrophysics students Ms Sinenhlanhla Sikhosana and Ms Heather Prince of the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science won first and second prize respectively in their categories at the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science (CAES) Post Graduate Research Day.
The Research Day is held annually to provide an opportunity for students from various disciplines to showcase their research.
Sikhosana’s presentation, titled: “Gravitational Lensing of the Cosmic Microwave Background”, examined the use of dark matter in the Universe as a lens to see distant objects. Her winning presentation earned her a trip to an international conference to present her work. ‘I feel a sense of accomplishment and this has motivated me to work even harder,’ she said.
Sikhosana’s performance at the Research Day also won her an invite to attend an Africa Engineering Week event at Mangosuthu University of Technology. The Week is a UNESCO programme held throughout Africa that aims to create a greater awareness of engineering as a career.
Prince’s work was titled: “Reconstructing the Matter Distribution in our Universe using Gravitational Lensing of the Cosmic Microwave Background Temperature and Polarisation”. It examined the use of maps of the oldest light in the universe to understand how matter is distributed in the Universe.
Professor Kavilan Moodley of the Astrophysics and Cosmology Research Unit, who supervises both students, said: ‘Sinenhlanhla and Heather have been doing excellent research in cosmology for their masters degree, and have won awards at several conferences. It was great to see them do so well at the College Post Graduate Research Day.’
Strini Rajgopaul
author : .author email : .Annual Student Post Graduate Conference
Award winners with UKZN staff at the 4th annual Student Post Graduate Conference.UKZN’s School of Applied Human Sciences (SAHS) recently hosted its 4th Annual Post Graduate Conference at the Howard College theatre under the theme, “Indigenous Knowledge Systems: Empowering Social Development and Transformation in Africa”.
The theme was in line with the vision and mission of the University and the College of Humanities.
Dean and Head of the School, Professor Nhlanhla Mkhize, said: ‘The Conference provides a unique opportunity for postgraduate students to showcase their research. It also trains them in a range of academic skills, including verbal and written communication of their research findings to the larger scientific community.’
Mkhize challenged the new generation of scholars to produce interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary knowledge for and about Africa in order to impact the paradigm of knowledge production globally.
Retired Professor Patrick Sibaya of the University of Zululand delivered the keynote address on: “Selected Research Designs and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS)”.
Sibaya said IKS was important for everyone, and that protection, development and management tools were crucial for it.
Merit Awards for the best abstracts were presented to four students. They were:
· Ms Caitlin Jade van Niekerk (Criminology and Forensic Studies) - An Exploratory Analysis of the Common Characteristics and Associated Risk Factors that Contribute to Juvenile Sex Offending in the South African Context. Supervisor: Dr Jackie De Wet
· Ms Phiwe Babalo Nota (CCMS) - A Comparative Study of Students’ Attitudes, Preferences and Acceptance Levels Towards Microbiocide Products; the Tenofovir Gel and the Dapivirine Ring at UKZN. Supervisor: Dr Eliza Govender
· Mr Talent Mhangwa (Social Work) - The Perceptions Concerning the Effectiveness of Aftercare Programmes Following Long Term Institutional Treatment for Female Recovering Drug Users. Supervisor: Professor Madhu Kasiram
· Ms Wendy Corfe (Psychology): The Experience of Being a Student Mother whilst Pursuing Tertiary Education in South Africa. Supervisor: Dr Mary van der Riet.
Speaking on behalf of the award winners van Niekerk said: ‘We have all worked very hard and being recognised is quite amazing. It has spurred us to complete our research and we are motivated to do our best.’
Additionally, two senior academic staff members Dr Jean Steyn (Criminology & Forensic Studies) and Professor Douglas Wassenaar (Psychology) were each presented with an Award for outstanding contributions to the School while the Discipline of Social Work received the Award for Teamwork.
Wassenaar said: ‘We weren’t expecting this award and we’re both surprised. But we take it as recognition of our hard work.’
Steyn said: ‘This is a step forward in recognising the abilities and efforts of staff members. We appreciate it and the award is dedicated to the entire team for their contributions to making the School of Applied Human Sciences so great.’
The Conference created a space for the postgraduate students to showcase their research while helping to enhance students’ presentation skills; to encourage peer support; to add interdisciplinary richness; to enable the members of the SAHS to learn more about the research projects running inside the School; and to encourage excellence in academic performance and teamwork of academic staff within disciplines.
Said Dr Thandi Magojo (UKZN Psychology): ‘Students are encouraged to work on their papers so as to later publish them in accredited journals, with the guidance and support of their supervisors. These papers, if accepted for publication, will benefit both the students and their supervisors. This outcome will also enhance the standing and visibility of SAHS and UKZN.’
*The Conference was planned and organised by post graduate students, specifically masters and PhD students, who formed an organising committee to take care of the scientific programme and other aspects of the proceedings. The students worked collaboratively with the post graduate monitoring and support division led by Drs Thandi Magojo and Dr Jean Steyn, as well as the academic and support staff.
Melissa Mungroo
author : .author email : .Occupational Therapy Lecturer at Texas Conference
Mrs Pragashnie Govender with delegates at the conference in Texas.UKZN Lecturer, Mrs Pragashnie Govender, delivered a presentation on instrument development at the Mixed Methods International Association Conference on Patient Engagement in Biomedical and Health Services Research in San Antonio, Texas.
‘It was a humbling experience and probably one that was top of my academic aspirations,’ she said, adding that it had been a privilege to rub shoulders with leaders in the field.
‘The methodology design was conceived during my PhD study in the field of paediatric neurodevelopment, which I intend to hand in later this year.’
Her doctoral research is being supervised by UKZN Honorary Professor Robin Joubert.
‘I have a keen interest in qualitative and mixed methods research,’ said Govender. ‘Due to the fact that there are newer developments and a somewhat poor understanding and adoption of mixed methods research, I have been keeping abreast of trends and activities.’
Govender joined the Mixed Methods International Association in 2013 and was appointed onto their membership committee in 2014. She has continued to follow the activities of this association and the leaders in the field.
Govender thanked Professor Mahmoud Soliman and Professor Mershen Pillay of the School of Health Sciences who funded her flight to the conference. She said she was also grateful for the scholarship awarded to her by the Medical Research Council.
‘I am a first generation graduate in my family hence I acknowledge the privilege of education. During this PhD journey I am beginning to appreciate knowledge generation and knowledge translation as essential for change and impact,’ she said.
Govender enjoys lecturing Occupational Therapy at UKZN and says she hopes to advance herself not only academically but as a contributing member of society.
Lunga Memela
author : .author email : .UKZN Academic Scoops 2015 Emerging Public Health Practitioner Award
Mrs Verusia Chetty.UKZN Physiotherapy lecturer, Mrs Verusia Chetty, will be flown to Pretoria to attend the launch of two prestigious 2014/15 publications after winning the Health Systems Trust’s (HST) 2015 Emerging Public Health Practitioner Award (EPHPA).
Chetty’s submission, “A Model of Care for the Rehabilitation of People Living with HIV in a Semi-Rural South African setting”, was selected as the winning chapter for 2015 earning her a cash prize and the opportunity to meet senior research staff at HST to discuss areas for future interaction and collaboration.
Chetty said the South African Health Review (SAHR), in which her study will be published, was a flagship journal. ‘To have been selected as the winner is an amazing accomplishment and huge step for me. It places me in a good position to advocate for the rehabilitation of people living with HIV (PLHIV).
‘I am exhilarated and am still in shock. It’s exciting times for Physiotherapy and the UKZN College of Health Sciences’ team.’
During its 17-year history, the SAHR has become HST’s flagship publication, and in 2013 was accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training as a peer-reviewed journal. It is frequently quoted as an authoritative reference work in South Africa and abroad.
The EPHP Award is offered to South African candidates under the age of 35 who submit a chapter dealing with public health or policy in the country.
The winning submission had to be relevant to the local and international public health community and current policy environment in South Africa; have scientific rigour and intellectual clarity; have a degree of innovation and originality, and identify good practices and hindrances to policy implementation as well as possible implications for policy reform.
‘The chapter I wrote was a culmination of my PhD which was quite a journey,’ Chetty said. ‘In my PhD I present a model of care for the rehabilitation of people living with HIV and experiencing disabilities. Under supervision of Ms Jill Hanass-Hancock of HEARD and Ms Hellen Myezwa of Wits, I wrote up my results and had to dig deep to place my findings into a South African policy perspective.
‘It took perseverance but I was satisfied with the end result. It gives me a platform to share the results and promote improving the rehabilitation service delivery to the PLHIV sector,’ said Chetty.
Chetty was recently funded by the College of Health Sciences Competitive Research Grant to attend and present at the 12th International AIDSImpact Conference in Holland. She also presented her findings at the Public Health Association of South Africa 2015 Conference in Durban.
Chetty said she was looking forward to attending the combined launch of SAHR 2014/15 and District Health Barometer 2014/15 where the keynote address will be given by Director-General of the National Department of Health, Ms Malebona Precious Matsoso.
Lunga Memela
author : .author email : .Visiting Academic Addresses Anthropology Students
Dr Alan Thorold with Dr Maheshvari Naidu.Social Anthropologist Dr Alan Thorold gave a lecture to first year Anthropology students titled: “Culture and Society in Africa (ANTH 102)”.
Thorold was invited to give the lecture by Dr Maheshvari Naidu, an anthropologist in the School of Social Sciences in the College of Humanities.
Naidu said in the past she had invited scholars such as Professor Francis Thackeray, noted paleo-anthropologist from the University of Witwatersrand, who gave a lecture to students in the same module.
‘Students respond well to different local and international scholars, as it allows them to be exposed to a diversity of teaching skills and teaching approaches. Given how techno savvy teaching has become, it is important to recognise that innovative teaching can also be embodied within pedagogy and not only technology’, said Naidu.
Thorold drew on his illustrations from his work among the Yao-speaking Muslim minority in Malawi and outlined the key features of the development of their identity and their current situation in a multicultural society.
Thorold also gave a Seminar to Naidu’s honours class titled: “South African Ethnography (ANTH 704)”, in which he engaged with students around the video ethnographic project that Naidu had set the students as an applied task. Thorold said he discussed the uses of film and video recording in ethnographic research.
‘The imperative here was to move the students away from pure text- based ethnographies into looking at politics of representation etc, embedded in visual texts. Alan Thorold was the perfect person to invite given his own background work in visual anthropology,’ she said.
Thorold studied social anthropology and psychology at UCT and completed a PhD in anthropology at Cambridge University in England. He has taught anthropology and development studies at UKZN, Deakin University, the University of Melbourne and the Catholic University of Malawi.
‘Overall the visit appeared to have successfully engaged students at various levels in an exchange of ideas that seemed to provoke interest and enthusiasm,’ said Thorold. ‘The trip was arranged with great consideration and attention to detail by Dr Maheshvari Naidu who welcomed me to the university and facilitated the programme.
‘Thanks to careful co-ordination by Dr Naidu I was able to engage with a wide range of students and academics and I believe the visit achieved its objectives and had very beneficial outcomes,’ said Thorold.
Melissa Mungroo
author : .author email : .The Quantum Design of Photosynthesis
From left: Professor Francesco Petruccione, Professor Rienk van Grondelle, and Professor Ross Robinson.Professor Rienk van Grondelle of the VU University Amsterdam in The Netherlands, was on the Westville campus recently to deliver a public lecture on the Quantum Design of Photosynthesis.
A quantum biologist, van Grondelle was visiting UKZN as a guest of Professor Francesco Petruccione, who is Director of UKZN’s Quantum Research Group and holds the South African Research Chair in Quantum Information Processing and Communication.
In his lecture, van Grondelle explained that photosynthesis had found an ultrafast and highly efficient way of converting the energy of the sun into electrochemical energy.
‘The solar energy is collected by Light-Harvesting Complexes (LHC),’ he said. ‘Then, the electronic excitation is transferred to the Reaction Centre (RC), where the excitation energy is converted into a charge separated state with almost 100% efficiency.’
Van Grondelle said that separation of charges created an electrochemical gradient across the photosynthetic membrane, which ultimately powered the photosynthetic organism.
He predicted that the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of light harvesting and charge separation, would provide a template for the design of efficient artificial solar energy conversion systems.
‘Both the LHCs and the RCs are highly specialised proteins that bind pigments (chlorophylls, carotenoids) and are organised in the photosynthetic membrane, in plants the thylakoid membrane,’ he said. ‘In plants two photosystems, Photosystem II (PSII) and Photosystem I (PSI), each with their own LHCs, operate in series, capable of light-driven water oxidation and NADP+ reduction. Photosynthetic green and purple bacteria make do with a single RC and cannot oxidize water.’
Van Grondelle explained that upon excitation of the photosynthetic system, the energy was delocalised over several cofactors creating collective excited states (excitons) that provide efficient and ultrafast paths for energy transfer using the principles of quantum mechanics.
‘In the reaction centre the excitons become mixed with charge transfer (CT) character (exciton-CT states), which provide ultrafast channels for charge transfer.’
Van Grondelle pointed out that both the LHC and the RC had to cope with a counter effect, namely, disorder.
‘The slow protein motions (static disorder) produce slightly different conformations which, in turn, modulate the energy of the exciton-CT states,’ he explained. ‘In this scenario, in some of the LHC/ RC complexes within the sample ensemble the energy could be trapped in some unproductive states leading to unacceptable energy losses.’
Van Grondelle went on to show how the LHCs and RCs have found a unique solution for overcoming this barrier, in that they use the principles of quantum mechanics to probe many possible pathways at the same time and to select the most efficient one that fits their realisation of the disorder.
He compared this to a taxi driver finding the correct pathway through the chaotic alternatives of Amsterdam’s roadways.
‘During photosynthesis, plants use electronic coherence for ultrafast energy and electron transfer and have selected specific vibrations to sustain those coherences,’ he said. ‘In this way photosynthetic energy transfer and charge separation have achieved their amazing efficiency. At the same time these same interactions are used to photoprotect the system against unwanted byproducts of light harvesting and charge separation at high light intensities.’
Van Grondelle, together with Professor Roberta Croce, heads the Biophysics of Photosynthesis programme at the VU University Amsterdam.
He is one of the most influential experimental physicists working on the primary physical processes of photosynthesis world-wide.
Using the tools of ultrafast spectroscopy van Grondelle has made major contributions to elucidate the fundamental physical mechanisms that underlie photosynthetic light harvesting and charge separation.
He has developed theoretical tools to infer the effective electronic and molecular structure and dynamics from complex spectroscopic data. His work recently led to a fundamental new understanding of light-driven charge separation in the oxygen-evolving, photosynthetic reaction centre of plants.
Using multi-dimensional electronic spectroscopy he has been able to show that in photosynthesis ultrafast charge separation is driven by specific molecular vibrations that allow electronic coherences to stay alive.
In proposing his explicit molecular model for photoprotection, van Grondelle has demonstrated that the major plant light harvesting complex operates as a nanoswitch, controlled by its biological environment.
These results, of utmost importance for mankind’s understanding of photosynthesis, inspire technological solutions for artificial and/or redesigned photosynthesis, as a possible route towards sustainable energy production on a global scale.
Van Grondelle has published 535 papers in international, peer-reviewed journals that in total have attracted over 25K citations (h-index 80, WoS). In addition he is the co-author of three textbooks.
Sally Frost
author : .author email : .Trials Suggest Regional Anaesthesia Better Option for Vascular Surgery Patients
Professor Bruce Biccard.Research had shown vascular surgery patients were less likely to experience complications if they underwent regional anaesthesia during procedures, Honorary Associate Professor Bruce Biccard of the Department of Anaesthetics at UKZN told a College of Health Sciences Research Symposium.
Biccard was speaking on results from a study titled: “General vs Neuraxial Anaesthesia in Decreasing Postoperative Mortality and Morbidity Following Vascular Surgery: A Meta-Analysis”, which aimed to determine whether neuraxial anaesthesia (with or without general anaesthesia) was superior to general anaesthesia alone in decreasing postoperative complications in patients undergoing vascular surgery.
The study was part of a masters project by Dr Avintha Ramkisson, a registrar in anaesthesia in the Department of Anaesthetics. Ramkisson will write her final fellowship examinations next year.
Regional anaesthesia is a technique which uses local anaesthetics to establish analgesia of peripheral nerves.
‘Arteries carry blood and nutrients to the body and when these arteries are damaged, vascular surgeons operate on the arteries to restore the flow of blood to the body,’ said Biccard.
‘Regional anaesthesia makes surgery possible without having to necessarily put the patient to sleep for the operation.’
Biccard said the study was a meta-analysis, which is a summary of all the literature up to this point. ‘It is a summary of what we know about this question. This meta-analysis revealed that patients do better with regional anaesthesia.’
Based on the results of 17 trials, acute respiratory failure, pneumonia and surgical morbidity were significantly decreased in patients randomised to neuraxial blockade.
‘Although this maybe the case, the findings would have to be tested in a big international trial,’ he added.
Biccard is currently involved in studies to improve perioperative outcomes for patients. ‘At the moment we are leading the African Surgical Outcomes Study which will look at surgical outcomes in all adult surgical patients across Africa.’
Biccard believes in better health for all through collaborative research.
Nombuso Dlamini
author : .author email : .UKZN Scoops First Prize at Parasitology Conference
From left: Mr Resign Gunda, Professor Moses Chimbari and Dr Owen Rubaba.UKZN postdoctoral student, Dr Owen Rubaba, and PhD student, Mr Resign Gunda, won first prizes at the 44th Parasitological Society of Southern Africa (PARSA) Conference for their research presentations.
Rubaba’s poster titled: “Field Studies on Aestivation in Umkhanyakude District of South Africa”, showed results of a study carried out in the Umkhanyakude District, into the behaviour and survival strategies of schistosomiasis transmitting snails during adverse conditions.
Gunda’s oral presentation was titled: “The Economic Burden of Malaria on Rural Households in Gwanda District, Zimbabwe”. Gunda recently won first prize for the same presentation at the College of Health Sciences Research Symposium.
‘Receiving these prizes was such a boost for my academic journey,’ said Gunda. ‘I am grateful to my supervisors Professor Moses Chimbari and Professor Samson Mukaratirwa for their mentorship and guidance.’
Rubaba said the win was unexpected since all the posters presented were of good quality, ‘I feel humbled and happy that our work is being recognised by research peers.
Both the studies are part of a bigger project, Malaria and Bilharzia in Southern Africa (MABISA), which involves different communities and other stakeholders. MABISA is an interdisciplinary project that looks at the impact of climate change on bilharzia and malaria and is being carried out in Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa.
Malaria is a serious public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. ‘Malaria imposes an economic burden on rural households in poorly resourced and vulnerable communities. Our study assesses these costs and their burden on the poor,’ said Rubaba.
Rubaba joined CHS Research Dean Chimbari’s team in December 2013. Since then he has been attached to the MABISA project where in addition to supporting postgraduate students he spearheads work on intermediate host snails for schistosomiasis
Chimbari said Rubaba’s work on snail aestivation was very topical in the 1960s and 1970s but got neglected when there was a shift from snail based schistosomiasis control to one largely focused on treatment of infected people.
‘However, the work is now generating much interest as it helps to understand the influence of climate change in re-shaping schistosomiasis transmission,’ said Chimbari.
Rubaba said the study was well received by the community. ‘It generated a lot of awareness on bilharzia transmission, prevention and control. We were able to describe the host snail ecology and discovered that the snails preferred weed cover to burrowing under the soil. The snails actually do not have great ability to burrow deep into the soil, however if they get under the soil due to animal foot pressure or natural soil movements under the water, the snails’ survival chances increased.’
He said reduction of weed cover would reduce snail shelter and food. ‘An understanding of snail ecology would increase awareness of schistosomiasis potential in the area. There would also be increased knowledge on control and preventative measures.’
Zimbabwean-born, Rubaba is currently setting up a laboratory experiment mimicking the natural conditions to better understand snail ecology under adverse conditions. He plans to study the physiology of the snails during aestivation period.
Gunda joined Chimbari’s research team in 2013 when he registered for PhD studies. According to Chimbari, Gunda has already produced three manuscripts from his research work and is scheduled to complete his studies in 2016.
‘His two awards are a clear indication that his work is of high standard and that he presents it in a confident manner. Gunda is a potential winner of the highly contested lead publisher MABISA students competition. The award will be given to the student that has more publications than others before the end of the year and the prize will be funding to attend an international conference of the winner’s choice,’ Chimbari said.
Nombuso Dlamini
author : .author email : .Strategies for Good Leadership Discussed at Business Lecture
Dr David Schwegmann delivering his lecture.“Business of the Future: Driving Growth through Great People Practices and with Business Model Innovation”, was the title of a lecture to MBA students by UKZN alumnus and Managing Executive of Nedbank’s Retail Branch Network in South Africa, Dr David Schwegmann.
The lecture was part of the Graduate School of Business and Leadership’s goal of shaping future business leaders by getting industry personalities to share their practical experience with students.
Schwegmann shared his personal leadership journey and insights on executing strategies, and planning and creating a conducive work environment which allow staff to thrive and provide great customer service.
‘It is important to learn how the theories that you are hearing about translate into practical application. I hope this talk will give you insight into the practical applications of the strategies and practices we use at our organisations. I wish you well on your upcoming exams and careers,’ said Schwegmann.
Speaking from a student’s perspective, MBA student Mr Thula Dlamini said the lecture came at a good time as most of what was covered would be tested in exams.
‘It is good to learn about strategies and how they work and what factors to consider and incorporate when it comes to leadership. Dr Schwegmann covered all these very well in his presentation,’ said Dlamini.
Fellow student, Ms Elsie Du Toit, said she was inspired by Schwegmann’s opinion about keeping staff and customers happy. ‘I enjoyed the way he explained about how to keep people inspired to do work and connect with clients.’
Thandiwe Jumo
author : .author email : .Accounting Student Wins First Prize in Essay Competition
BCom students, Mr Steffen Wies and Mr Julian Vorster at the SAICA Leadership Summit.UKZN BCom Accounting third year student, Mr Steffen Wies, won first prize in the SAICA Student Leadership Summit essay competition.
Wies’s colleagues, Mr Matthew Nzimande and Mr Julian Vorster, were placed among the top 30 entrants.
As reward for their achievement, the trio were invited to spend a weekend with others in the Top 30 at the Standard Bank Global Leadership Centre in Sandton where they met students from other universities as well as top executives from leading South African companies including Standard Bank, Edcon and Deloitte. They networked with business leaders and took part in workshops to develop their leadership skills.
Students were tasked with developing a business plan to present to investors, giving them an opportunity to build on skills they had developed in the workshop sessions. All groups presented high-quality presentations, impressing the adjudicators with their ability to develop well-structured and sound business ideas.
According to Wies, the summit surpassed all his expectations, providing him with an opportunity to develop important ‘soft skills’ required by chartered accountants as well as allowing him to forge connections with current and future leaders in the profession.
In the competition entrants were required to submit an essay based on one of three topics. The first topic dealt with advising young people on the responsible use of smart phones and other gadgets, the second required entrants to discuss the benefits of media freedom in South Africa, while the third topic asked students to consider factors driving teenage pregnancy and possible solutions to decrease the number of learner pregnancies.
Wies chose the second topic, while Vorster and Nzimande both focused on the third.
A total of 356 essays were received by SAICA this year which is the largest number in the history of the competition.
Wies was announced as the winner at a prize-giving function held during the weekend in Sandton and received a R6 000 cash prize and an iPad.
UKZNdaba Online
author : .author email : .UKZN Students Display Care and Love for the Elderly
Black Lawyers Association student chapter students taking care of the elderly at Emseni Home of the Age.Members of the Black Lawyers Association student chapter on the Pietermaritzburg campus recently spent a day caring for residents at the Emuseni Home for the Aged as part of their social outreach initiatives.
More than 20 students got involved in chores such as serving breakfast, making beds, bathing some of the elderly, assisting with the laundry, washing dishes, cleaning rooms, mending the washing line, correcting loose wiring, gardening and general pampering.
The Chapter’s General Secretary, Ms Nosipho Nkwanyana, said community outreach was an integral part of the focus under their relaunch.
‘The initial idea was to assist senior citizens draft their wills,’ said Nkwanyana. ‘However, owing to the fact that we are newly re-launched, time issues coupled with the recent protest action at University, made it impossible to achieve this. But we wanted to contribute so we put the drafting of wills on hold and plunged into helping the folk in as many ways as we could.’
The students describe the experience as humbling as they had never imagined that volunteering a bit of their time could have such a huge impact on people’s lives.
‘The time we spent at Emuseni was more of a gift to us than the elderly. One realises how little is required to make a difference in the life of someone else,’ said Nkwanyana.
As part of their outreach initiative, the Chapter is also planning to volunteer their time at the Lend-A-Hand soup kitchen as part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
Thandiwe Jumo
author : .author email : .Professor Mike Savage Receives Inaugural SA Society for Atmospheric Sciences Medal
Professor Mike Savage (right) and the Director of the Teaching and Learning Office, Dr Rubby Dhunpath.Professor Mike Savage of the Discipline of Agrometeorology in the School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences (SAEES) is the first recipient of the South African Society for Atmospheric Science (SASAS) medal.
This medal was awarded to Savage, who is also the recipient of the Distinguished Teachers’ Award for 2014, in recognition of his research and educational and technical achievements in a field related to atmospheric science.
The award will be made from now on at every SASAS annual conference.
SASAS announced at the conference that Savage would be made an honorary member of the Society and he has been invited to deliver a keynote address at next year’s conference.
After receiving the award, Savage paid tribute to the many undergraduate and postgraduate students and colleagues that he says have assisted in shaping his career over 39 years. He said he was pleased that Agrometeorology, a scarce-skill discipline that spans the agricultural, atmospheric and environmental sciences, had been nationally recognised by the Society and its council.
Savage recently also received a Council of Higher Education (CHE)/Higher Education Learning and Teaching Association of South Africa (HELTASA) National Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award.
These honours and recognition by his peers demonstrate Savage’s commitment to the transfer of knowledge for the improvement of society in the area he works in.
Savage’s research focus over the last six years has been on topics such adverse weather, biometeorology, energy balance of various surfaces, micrometeorology and open water evaporation. He is renowned for the development of an Agrometeorological Instrumentation Mast (AIM) web-based data and information teaching, learning and research system for the agro-environmental sciences.
The AIM system, used by many undergraduates and postgraduates, formed the basis for research that earned two national awards from the South African Society for Crop Production. The site contains real-time data on a number of agrometeorological measurements, provided by several instruments set up around campus, which can be viewed and downloaded for use in research and as a visual teaching aid.
Savage also pioneered the creation of an isiZulu-English glossary of terms for Agrometeorology, given the language barrier to learning encountered by many second language English speakers entering university in South Africa. Savage emphasises the use of live data, visual literacy, technology and glossaries to stimulate growth in the isiZulu language’s capacity for scientific understanding. He believes that technology can play an important role in the learning, and mentions the importance of visual literacy or ‘iconic’ learning to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers.
Looking ahead to the future of his teaching and research, Savage said: ‘The (AIM) system we have needs to be expanded and developed further and requires support in many logistical areas and these are challenges. We will, however, persevere, and recognition such as the SASAS award makes us strive even harder. The UKZN Teaching and Learning Office now also have our work as a flagship project and this is starting to pay dividends in terms of IT support and support within the School.’
Christine Cuénod
author : .author email : .Chinese Scientists Visit UKZN
Academics from UKZN and the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China, with PhD students they are supervising.UKZN’s School of Life Sciences hosted a delegation of scientists from the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JAAS) in China.
Academics from both institutions are co-supervising nine Chinese PhD students, the result of several visits and the signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in April 2014.
The MoU between UKZN and JAAS encourages co-operation between staff and students for study and research purposes; study abroad programmes; graduate and post-doctoral student exchange programmes; visits by and interchange of staff for research and teaching; exchange of information including library and research publications, and collaborative research activities.
The aim of this year’s visit by JAAS staff was to interact and discuss further possibilities for collaboration.
The JAAS delegation included Professor Shaohua Yan who is the President of JAAS.
Dean and Head of the School of Life Sciences, Professor Sam Mukaratirwa, visited JAAS in 2014 with a small delegation, and spent time understanding the research focus at JAAS, and identified areas of overlap where collaboration would be possible.
The joint PhD projects fall within disciplines such as microbiology, biochemistry and crop science. One such research project being undertaken by Chinese PhD student Mr Hongduo Bao, focuses on the biocontrol of bovine mastitis causing Staphylococcus aureus by using bacteriophage isolates. The project is being jointly supervised by Professor Stefan Schmidt and Professor Ade Olanarain of UKZN and Professor Ran Wang of JAAS.
Under the Talented Young Scientists Programme, an initiative by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, funding has now been made available for suitably qualified and experienced visiting scientists from South Africa to spend time in China. The project has been launched to support academic exchange and joint research between China and Africa. About nine positions are available at JAAS under this programme and qualified UKZN staff were invited to apply.
Another benefit of the MoU is that relevant staff from UKZN have been appointed as Adjunct Professors at JAAS for a period of five years. Steps are underway for UKZN to reciprocate the relationship and appoint JAAS staff as Honorary Staff.
After academic discussions were complete, the JAAS delegation spent time sight-seeing in Durban.
‘JAAS is an Academy that has a lot of top-end facilities that UKZN can benefit from, especially with staff and student exchange,’ said Mukaratirwa. ‘The research focus area of food security resonates with both institutions.’
Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Professor Deo Jaganyi, said he valued the collaboration between JAAS and UKZN. ‘This is our first MoU with a Chinese institution, and we want to make it work. I particularly like the fact that it is being monitored year by year to ensure it is fruitful and productive.
‘This is only the beginning and there is a lot that we can learn from each other.’
Founded as the National Central Institute of Agriculture in 1932, JAAS is now a research institution under the supervision of the Jiangsu Provincial Government, with 2 348 fulltime staff engaged in research into crop breeding, plant protection, animal husbandry, veterinary medicine, agricultural resources and environment, agro-biotechnology, quality and safety control of agricultural produce, agricultural facilities and equipment, and agricultural information and macro-economy. Currently JAAS is involved in over 1 600 research projects.
Sally Frost
author : .author email : .Umhlangano wokucobelalana ngolwazi ngocwaningo ngomoyamkhathi
Abebehambele umhlangano wokucobelelana ngolwazi we-ATMRESET. Click here for English version
Iqembu locwaningo ngomoyamkhathi lase-UKZN i- Atmosphereric , Remote Sensing Education and Training (ATMRESET) esikoleni seKhemistri neFiziksi sibambe umhlangano wokucobelelana ngolwazi obusekhempasini i-Westville obunesihloko esithi: “Laser and Optics in Atmospheric in the School of Chemistry and Remote Sensing”.
Lo mhlangano obunesifundo ngezokuphepha uma kusetshenziswa imisebe ye-laser, bewuhlelelwe ukuthi uhambelane nombungazo i-UNESCO International Year of Light and Light-Based Technologies.
Umhlangano bewuxhaswe yi-African Laser Centre ne-National Research Foundation (NRF) okwenze kwaba lula ukuthi kwabebewuhambele besuka ezindaweni ezihlukene eNingizimu Afrika mahhala.
Bekunabafundi abangama-25 ababe yingxenye yesifundo semisebe ye-laser kanti abangama-45 bebebambe iqhaza emhlanganwen, behlanganise nabavela eTopiya, eZimbambwe, Aljeriya naseReyuniyoni.
Bekhukhona nabamele izikhungo nezinhlangano ezifana noMnyango WezeSimo SeZulu WaseNingizimu Afrika , i-UKZN, iNyuvesi yasePitoli, iNyuvesi yase-Nyakatho-Ntshonalanga nenyuvesi yase-Stellebosch.
I-ATMRESET ihlele lomcimbi ukuze ikhuphule izinga lokwabelana ngolwazi phakathi kwabafundisi nabezesayensi yomkhathimoya, ikakhulukazi abafundi asebeneziqu.
Abebethula izinkulumo babandakanya noSolwazi Sivakumar Venkataraman wakwa-ATMRESET, uSolwazi Hassan Bencherif waseNyuvesi yase-La Reunion, uDkt Traiche Mohammed wase-Centre de Develeppment des Technologies Avancees (CDTA) e-Aljeriya, noNkz Paulene Govender benoDkt Yaseera Ismail base-UKZN.
Ngosuku lwesibili lomhlangano kwathulwa izifundo ngokukhanya kanye nobuchwepheshe obusebenza ngokukhanya zethulwa abasebenzi base-UKZN emkhakheni weFiziksi oSolwazi Jon Rash,Thomas Conrad no-Francis Petruccione. UDkt Alleta Karsten we-National Metrology Institute of South Africa waqeqesha ngezokuphepha.
Izihloko ezathintwa ngesikhathi kuqeqeshwa kwezokuphepha zibandakanya izifundo ngobuchwepheshe be-remote sensing, nokusebenzisa ubuchwepheshe i-LIDAR ne-SUN-PHOTOMETER kanye nobuchwepheshe base-UKN be-Solar Radiometry nobe –Laser Space Communication.
Abebehambele lo mhlangano bathe umcimbi ubuhlelwe kahle kakhulu futhi usize kakhulu ekukhangiseni kubafundi ngokungenziwa ngemishini esetshenziselwa ukuqoqa ulwazi kulomkhakha.
Lo mhlangano ungowesibili kweyaloluhlobo ehlelwe yi-ATMRESET kanti futhi ungowokuqala emicimbini yokugubha unyaka wokukhanya kanye nobuchwepheshe bokukhanya.Leli qembu linethemba lokuthi lizokwazi ukuhlela eminye imicimbi efana nalona ngomuso.
‘Umhlangano usizuzise okuningi e-UKZN njengoba bekunabafundi abangama-13 abasemikhakheni ehlukene esikhungweni abebebambe iqhaza,’ u-Venkataraman.
‘Ukuhlela umcimbi ofana nalona kunikeze neqembu le-ATMRESETugqozi olukhulu lokuphokophela ekuhambeni phambili kwezocwaningo nokuqeqesha abakwenzayo, nezinye izinhlelo abanazo eziyingxenye yalo mkhakha,’
Ngokwaleli qembu, loluhlobo lokusebenzisana kwabamazwe ahlukene omhlaba nokuxhumana kwezocwaningo ngomkhathimoya nesimosezulu kubaluleke kakhulu njengoba kunesimo sezinguquko emhlabeni wonke.
Ngu- Christine Cuénod
author : .author email : .Acclaimed Author holds Education Dialogue with Students
Participants at the post graduate education dialogue with acclaimed American speaker and author, Steven Harrison.The School of Social Sciences hosted a post graduate Education Dialogue with acclaimed American speaker and author, Steven Harrison, who was invited by Dr Maheshvari Naidu, an academic at the School.
The Dialogue for post graduate students aimed to create introspective space to reflect on the process of education, knowledge production and wider engagement with the community.
The Director of the University Teaching and Learning Unit, Dr Rubby Dhunpath, and the Dean of Teaching and Learning in the College of Law and Management Studies, Professor Kriben Pillay, also attended.
The Dialogue was opened with Dhunpath inviting an inquiry into student response and behaviour to education and he cited the vastly divergent responses of the 1976 student uprising and that of the recent student violence at UKZN.
Students were invited to probe the larger intersecting dimensions and meaning of their educational contexts within the present realities of student unrest and violence. Students engaged with ideas and concepts of power and change, in the context of arriving at an understanding of ‘self’ through dialogical inquiry and deep questioning.
Naidu said she invited Harrison as ‘he was able to bring a lived context to what he had to share with the students; a candid and brutally honest inquiry into the nature of reality and who they/we are, as students and as seemingly separate and individual “selves” within a larger non dual field. The student responses indicated that they understood that much of the violence and unrest- even at the university, came from this sense of disconnect.’
Harrison has given talks and workshops all over the United States and Europe for the past 20 years while his books have been translated into 14 languages. His visit was made possible by the University Teaching and Learning Unit (UTLO) and he was invited as one of the workshop presenters at UKZN’s 9th Annual Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (UTLO) Conference.
Masters students Ms Sina Khumalo and Ms Victoria Mutambara were deeply touched. Mutambara said: ‘I thought that the dialogue was mind opening. As much as we believe that we can change our families, communities and the world, it all starts with “me”. However, the “me” part is difficult to change, sometimes because we fear getting out of the box … the dialogue made me see life from a different angle.’
Mr Gabriel Darong, a PhD candidate said: ‘It was great session, highly thought provoking and a sort of invitation for deeper thinking. I am glad I was there.’
‘Steven is interested into deep inquiry into the nature of who we are,’ said Naidu. ‘The students’ responses themselves clearly indicated that there is a profound need to inquire beyond an outcomes-based and outcomes-shaped education, the conceptual understanding we have of ourselves and the worldviews we tenaciously cling to, and look to the underlying reality and “field” within which we exist.’
Mr Ebrahim Adam, Research Intern at the UTLO office and IT postgraduate student, added: ‘While my studies look at the human-elements associated with technology, the look into “I” is, however, not something we really look at. I entered the room not knowing what to expect but left seriously reflecting on the roles that we play in the world. The experience of the workshop left me enlightened and engaging with Steven was incredible.’
Ms. Neli Mnguni a Masters student and Senior nurse and Ms. Melusi Dlamini, Masters student and HIV/Aids co-ordinator at DUT, were both able to relate the discussion to their work. As Mr Harrison was talking, an image of onion came to mind- layered and making one tear up, said Ms Mnguni.
Naidu’s doctoral candidate Abigail Benhura left the dialogue with these words: ‘I am grateful for the opportunity to participate. I have always felt skeptical about the “changing the world” view. I honestly felt that this is the prerogative of the powerful who have no bread and butter worries. The dialogue showed me my potential. I still have to fight the feeling of anonymity in this vast universe but it at least gave me a glimpse of what I can change … starting with myself.’
‘To Steven Harrison I would say that in his quiet strong way, he set a lot of cogs whirling,’ said Benhura.
The session closed with Pillay performing an illusion that perfectly summed up one of Harrison’s books, “Doing Nothing: Coming to the End of the Search”, illustrating to the participants that the state of ‘doing nothing’ is not passive, but a “mindful alertness”, and resembling nothing of the recent violence and unrest at many campuses.
Melissa Mungroo
author : .author email : .UKZN Students Attend Summer School in Germany
AAE Summer School Team with some of their Chemnitz University counterparts.Six UKZN students attended the 9th Annual African American European (AAE) Summer School at the Chemnitz University of Technology (TUC) in Chemnitz, Germany.
The School of Management, IT and Governance (SMIG) students were chosen after a group of full-time research masters candidates at the School each did presentations to a selection panel.
The six were: Ms Ruvania Govender (Marketing), Ms Neeshal Gurahoo (Supply Chain Management), Mr Kenneth Ngwenya (Supply Chain Management), Mr Chenai Muhwati (Supply Chain Management), Ms Sindi Ngwenya (Public Governance) and Ms Jennifer Nxumalo (Public Governance).
The students were accompanied by the Dean and Head of the School of Management, IT and Governance, Professor Henry Wissink; Academic Leader of Teaching and Learning, Dr Indira Padayachee, and UKZN AAE Summer School Coordinator, Mr Taahir Vajeth.
The theme for the Summer School was: “Innovation and Intercultural Management for Sustainable Development”, and was hosted by the Chair of Innovation Research and Technology Management at Chemnitz University, Dr Stefan Husig.
New participants were welcomed from ICN Business School in France, HTW Chur in Switzerland, Xiamen University in China, and the University of Colorado Boulder and Drake University, both in the United States.
Academics from the above institutions, UKZN and Chemnitz presented on related aspects of the theme during the first week. Students from both UKZN and TUC engaged enthusiastically in all of these sessions and also made some valuable contributions.
The second week culminated in the Chemnitz East Forum, which is a regular international conference. Students and staff from both universities were invited to participate in this and present their research. This was an invaluable experience for them as it was the first time that they presented at an international conference. They also received valuable feedback and suggestions from the audience.
Said Muhwati: ‘The AAE Summer School was a well-designed and very interactive programme that enabled academics and students to network while also getting valuable information about sustainability and sustainable business practices. This experience (East Forum) enabled students to experience attending academic conferences and was also very useful for us to understand what is required from an academic paper and even implement these methods in our own studies.’
Gurahoo commented: ‘This was certainly an enlightened academic experience that I thoroughly enjoyed.’
Ruvania Govender said: ‘The knowledge which I have gained from each and every aspect has been a real eye-opener. I received valuable and critical ideas to help me think and act responsibly. The sustainability efforts stood out for me and were an example of how to implement them in South Africa.’
Sindi Ngwenya – ‘As a masters student such interdisciplinary and intercultural programs are helpful so to understand how other researchers and academics from international countries think and how they do their projects; also to interact and network with them creates opportunities for collaborating for future research purposes.’
Jennifer Nxumalo – ‘It was interesting to know that our School is in a process of infusing the Principles of Responsible Management Education in the Syllabus. This will help spread the word, and ensure that our future entrepreneurs have the best strategies in place to engage in sustainable practices. All in all, it was the greatest moments in my life and I have learned so much around the theme of the Summer School, and I have also learned a lot about myself as well. It was indeed an eye opening experience.’
Kenneth Ngwenya – ‘The highpoint of the summer school was when we presented our working papers to the East Forum, this was a panel of academics from different parts of the world. We find this of great benefit as we received insights from different academics regarding our studies and I am proud to say this is when the UKZN students stood up for the challenge and did South Africa proud. As a member of the UKZN Team in attendance I believe that our academics who accompanied us also made this trip a success as they were also involved in conducting lectures and workshops.’
Wissink said the AAE Summer School had now become one of the annual highlights of the School of Management, IT and Governance calendar, empowering students to become future leaders of sustainable and responsible management practices. ‘At the same time they are gaining valuable experience in presenting their papers at international forums – and hopefully also contributing to growing our own timber.’
Henry Wissink
author : .author email : .Early Morning UKZN Fun Runners Liven up Beachfront
UKZN ‘clowns’ at the 2015 College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science Fun Run.Early morning amblers on Durban’s beachfront were surprised recently by the sight of runners of all shapes and sizes, wearing outrageous outfits.
The “odd bods” were from the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science and they were on their annual Fun Run! The weather played ball, ensuring the 300 participants worked up a healthy sweat.
The run was started by “Head Clown”, Professor Kevin Kirkman, and those more seriously competitive folk sprinted off from in front of Ushaka towards the distant Moses Mabhida Stadium. Those more socially inclined folk - who comprised the vast majority - chose a less frenetic pace.
First man home was Chemistry lecturer Mr Ajay Bissessur, who promptly opted to head off for a second lap of the 5km course.
The prize for the first woman home went to Ms June Watson, while Ms Nothando Zungu held her head high as she proudly took the last place prize.
Stiff dress-up competition between the five Schools in the College ensured an eclectic array of outfits with garb ranging from the beautiful to bizarre. The hotly contested prize for the best dressed team went to the College Office Clowns, amid cries of foul play and biased judging from all other competitors. The protests were immediately dismissed as frivolous by the impartial College Office judges!
The Team Spirit prize went to the School of Chemistry and Physics, whose neatly-dressed doctors, nurses and motley assortment of sick, lame and lazy, made for a raucous and enthusiastic show.
Sally Frost
author : .author email : .UKZN Librarian Presents Paper in Sri Lanka
Ms Shivanthi Weerasinghe (right), President of the Sri Lanka Library Association presenting a certificate of attendance to Ms Nellie Somers.Ms Nellie Somers, UKZN Special Collection Preservation Conservation Librarian and LIASA KZN Branch Librarian of the Year in 2012, was among 27 librarians who presented their research papers on the stated theme: “Challenges for Information Professionals and Library and Information Science Services in the 21st Century”, at the 2015 International Conference on Library and Information Science (ICLIS) organised by the Sri Lanka Library Association in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Somers’s paper, titled: “Challenges of Digital Scanning of Photograph Collections in South Africa”, focused on copyright and ownership and the challenges librarians faced as custodians of intellectual property when scanning photographs in the digital era.
The Conference brought together delegates from various university libraries in Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and South Africa.
UKZNdabaOnline
author : .author email : .Lunch in Hilton for Alumni
Dr Albert van Jaarsveld with Pietermaritzburg based alumni.UKZN alumni based in Pietermaritzburg and surrounding areas enjoyed an opportunity to meet the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University, Dr Albert van Jaarsveld, at a lunch held at the Protea Hilton Hotel in Hilton.
The lunch was organised by the Alumni Relations Office and the Corporate Relations Division as a networking and information sharing opportunity.
Van Jaarsveld provided a comprehensive overview of UKZN since the merger and highlighted current developments and planned initiatives as well as the importance of giving back to the University. His presentation was well received by the 90-strong audience.
President of the Convocation, Mr Fanle Sibisi, further highlighted the achievements of the University and the role all alumni can play in promoting and supporting the Institution. Sibisi encouraged all alumni to donate to the University, stressing that the amount donated was not the issue as collectively it all added up to a sizeable amount.
Convocation Executive Committee members Mrs Fiona Bulman, Ms Thembeka Dlungwane and Mr Andre Young attended and interacted with fellow alumni, while Operations Manager at the UKZN Foundation, Dr Rudi Kimmie, was the MC.
The three-course buffet lunch was followed by a lucky draw with prizes donated by the UKZN Foundation. UKZN marketing material was offered to all attendees.
Finn Christensen
author : .author email : .REACH Believe As One, Move As One
UKZN Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Albert van Jaarsveld, signing the REACH commitment panels.REACH is a campaign geared to inspire UKZN staff to practice the five core principles of Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Client-orientation and Honesty.
The UKZN Council, management and staff reaffirmed their commitment to the REACH principles at an event on the Howard College campus.
Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Albert van Jaarsveld, said staff should strive to live the REACH values. ‘We want to build a community of people, working together.’
Van Jaarsveld, who plans to visit all five campuses to discuss the institutional strategy, said the REACH campaign was key to the new institutional strategy which would kick-off in 2017. ‘At the core of the strategy lies a very important variable, which is the people/culture dimension of the Institution.’
He said personal commitment and introspection were key, using a football analogy to demonstrate the importance of playing the ball (the REACH values) and not the person.
Executive Director of Human Resources, Ms Avril Williamson, said the University’s most important asset was its people. ‘While the University is striving to become the Premier University of African Scholarship, we cannot do this without each other.’
Williamson said an environment where everyone felt included, respected, empowered, while being developed and inspired was the end-goal. ‘Such an environment is created by the way we behave towards each other,’ she said.
She encouraged staff to teach and live these values. ‘So believe as one and live as one.’
The College of Law and Management’s Professor Managay Reddi, representing Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College, Professor John Mubangizi, referred to Section 10 of the Bill of Rights, which says: ‘Everyone has inherent dignity and the right to have their human dignity respected and protected.
‘Because we are human beings, we are entitled to respect, regardless of our station in life, regardless of our status and regardless of our wealth,’ said Reddi.
‘I want to commit my College to Respect … which I think is the most important of the REACH values as it underpins everything else that we do,’ she said.
Williamson said Excellence was not about perfection, ‘it’s about doing the best in everything that you are required to.
‘We all play a part in the Institution achieving excellence,’ she said.
Executive Director of Student Services’ Dr Sibusiso Chalufu, said Accountability was important, not just at an individual level but at an institutional level. He said this was especially relevant to decision-making, and emphasised that it was important to be accountable, even when no-one was watching.
Speaking about Client-orientation, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Professor Jonathan Blackledge, said the three golden rules were: ‘Rule 1 is the Client or the customer comes first. Rule 2 is the Client or the customer comes first. Rule 3 is the Client or the customer comes first.’
Blackledge said he had always believed that strength came from diversity and emphasised the importance of students for the University to achieve its goals.
Professor Anesh Singh of the Faculty of Law and Management Studies said the principles of REACH were common, basic human values. He urged colleagues to practice all the values of REACH to be ‘good, honest human beings.
‘You have to be honest with yourself before you are honest with others.’
Forensic Services’ Mr Tony Singarum emphasised the importance of ethics, which formed part of Honesty.
During the Q and A session, staff raised concerns about issues affecting them. Van Jaarsveld referred to various structures that employees could use to raise issues and concerns which include whistle blowing, the ombudsman and line managers.
Reach commitment wall panels were signed by all those committed to reaffirming their dedication to the REACH principles.
The REACH re-launch event was Phase 1 of encouraging UKZN employees to live the REACH values. Phase 2 will be rolled out in 2016 and will involve various exciting activities.
Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer
author : .author email : .UKZN Academics Inaugurated as ASSAf Members
From left: Professors Rob Slotow, Theresa Coetzer and Precious Sibanda.Three UKZN professors were among 31 academics inaugurated as new members of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) at its annual awards ceremony in Stellenbosch.
They were Professor Rob Slotow, Professor Theresa Coetzer and Professor Precious Sibanda.
Emeritus Professor Thomas (Tony) Ford, formerly of UKZN’s Discipline of Theoretical Chemistry and a Fellow of the Royal Society of South Africa (RSSAf), was also awarded membership.
Recognition by the Academy is one of the highest honours accorded to outstanding scholars in South Africa, and greatly raises the profile of their research.
There are just 472 members of the Academy, which is an indication of the significance and high quality of work and research they are involved in.
Being a member involves participation on national and international levels in studies which influence policy and practice, and facilitates academics liaising locally and internationally with various stakeholders in the sciences.
Slotow is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for UKZN’s College of Health Sciences, having previously also held the position of Deputy Vice- Chancellor and Head of the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science. His expertise rests primarily in the study of the management of ecologically and economically important large mammals such as lion, elephant and rhino, and he has contributed valuable expertise to the formulation of strategies to protect these animals. He is director of the Amarula Elephant Research Programme, which conducts studies that contribute to better understanding of elephant populations and behaviours. Slotow is also well-versed in the processes influencing biodiversity and conservation management.
Slotow was recently involved in a significant study, begun in 1999, which used data from hunting operations and aerial surveys put through population viability analysis software to conclude that trophy hunting in the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area (GMTFCA) could result in the disappearance of trophy bull elephants in the area in as little as 10 years.
Coetzer, who was recently awarded a South African Research Chair Initiative (SARChI) in Proteolysis in Homeostasis Health and Disease, is Professor of Biochemistry and the Acting Dean of Research for the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science. She is renowned for her research into the proteolytic enzymes of African trypanosomes, unicellular parasitic organisms that infect animals and humans, causing African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness or nagana), a fatal parasitic disease spread by the bite of the tsetse fly. The disease causes enormous damage to both humans and animals.
Three of the diagnostic targets developed in her laboratory are currently being adapted by an international company to a ‘dip-stick’ type test for nagana for use in rural sub-Saharan Africa. She holds a B-rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF) and frequently collaborates with international scientists, although she is passionate about training bright young South Africans and retaining their talent to contribute to this country.
Sibanda of the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science (SMSCS) is a prolific C-rated researcher, known for his work in the Applied Mathematics field of theoretical fluid dynamics, with broader interest in numerical analysis and mathematical biology. Having graduated more than a dozen postgraduate students, Sibanda is passionate about training the next generation of researchers and promoting excellence in his field.
He serves as the Vice-President of the South African Mathematical Society (SAMS), having previously served a full term as Financial Manager of the Society. Outside of academia he has also previously contributed to society through using his mathematical skills to reconstruct road accidents, and teach techniques for investigating these incidents to traffic police officers in Harare.
‘Nomination to the ASSAf provides an opportunity to serve the broader society beyond the narrow confines of the Discipline of Mathematics in South Africa,’ said Sibanda.
Dr Albert Van Jaarsveld, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of KwaZulu-Natal commented, ‘This represents due recognition for these academics after making significant contributions to science and the academy in South Africa. Being elected as a Fellow of the South African Academy of Sciences means that your peers from across the system acknowledge your academic and research achievements and value the merits of your scientific work.’
Christine Cuénod
author : .author email : .UKZN’s Distinguished Teachers Receive National Teaching Awards
Professor Michael Savage and Dr Anesh Maharaj.The recipients of UKZN’s 2014 Distinguished Teachers’ Awards, Professor Michael Savage and Dr Anesh Maharaj, have again been recognised for their contributions to Higher Education in South Africa.
They have both received National Excellence in Teaching and Learning Awards from the Council of Higher Education (CHE) and the Higher Education Learning and Teaching Association of South Africa (HELTASA).
Maharaj is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science (SMSCS), and has earned this national recognition for his emphasis on meeting students at their level to ensure their success.
‘I strongly believe that one can only teach the students one has, not the students one would like to have,’ said Maharaj.
Maharaj, whose has been teaching in various capacities since 1983, has demonstrated his concern for students through his work in mentoring bursary holders, and through his exploration of techniques that could assist students to excel. Maharaj has also played an important role in the establishment of the Math 130 programme that assists under-qualified mathematics educators to qualify with first year university mathematics.
He has highlighted the importance of employing clear communication techniques with students to make sure that they understand what is expected of them as soon as they enter the tertiary education system, and that they comprehend the work they are being taught and not simply memorise it.
Along with his empathy for students, Maharaj uses a variety of techniques to purposefully plan his teaching approaches, implement them, and assess the impact of his teaching. He has stated that it is of vital importance that teaching be reflected upon so that teaching styles evolve to suit the needs of the students to enable them to receive the best education possible.
Savage echoed Maharaj’s sentiments: ‘Excellence in teaching means connecting and connecting very quickly with students.’
Savage’s career at UKZN started in 1975 in the Discipline of Agrometeorology in the School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences (SAEES) where he has been widely recognised for his innovative approach to teaching.
His research focus is on topics such as adverse weather, biometeorology, energy balance of various surfaces, micrometeorology and open water evaporation. He developed a unique Agrometeorological Instrumentation Mast (AIM) web-based data and information teaching, learning and research system for the agro-environmental sciences. The AIM system is used by many undergraduates and postgraduates and features real time data for a number of agrometeorological measurements, provided by a several instruments set up around campus, which can be viewed and downloaded for use in research and as a visual teaching aid.
Savage has also initiated the creation of an isiZulu-English glossary of terms for Agrometeorology, to attempt to counter the language barrier to learning encountered by many second language English speakers entering universities in South Africa. He emphasises the use of live data, visual literacy, technology and glossaries to stimulate growth in the isiZulu language’s capacity for scientific understanding.
He believes that technology can play an important role in learning, and mentions the importance of visual literacy or ‘iconic’ learning to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers.
‘Teaching is about imparting more than just knowledge; it is also about life skills,’ said Savage.
‘Teaching is an essential part of the fabric of academic life. The young minds of today are the researchers of tomorrow; without good teaching, the future of research is not sustainable.’
He has also been actively involved in making science relevant and comprehensible to the general public, participating in a project with The Witness newspaper in Pietermaritzburg to investigate the temperature and human comfort conditions inside locked cars.
Five National Teaching Excellence Awards and Six National Teaching Excellence Commendations were given in total. They aim to show support at a national level for excellence in teaching and learning in Higher Education, and to create a conversation and awareness around the topic of what constitutes teaching excellence. Additionally, CHE and HELTASA hope that the academics recognised through these accolades will become identifiable examples of teaching excellence, and who can in turn inspire the development of motivated educators in their disciplines, institutions and regions.
As part of the award, Maharaj and Savage were invited to participate in the compilation of a special feature for The Conversation Africa publication with the other award winners. They will receive their awards officially in November at the annual HELTASA Conference.
Vice-Chancellor Dr Albert van Jaarsveld warmly congratulated both academics and expressed UKZN’s pride in their achievement, as well as thanking them for the valuable contributions they have made and continue to make in their respective fields.
Christine Cuénod
author : .author email : .College of Humanities hosts Workshop Geared at Improving the Student Experience
Mr Kishore Gobardan addresses colleagues at the Integrated Student Support workshop.The College of Humanities hosted the second Integrated Student Support Workshop at the UNITE Building aimed at contributing to student success and throughput.
Funded by the University Teaching and Learning Office, the workshop examined the different components that make up student support, including Schools, Teaching and Learning, the Mentorship Office, Financial Aid, Student Academic Services and Student Support Services.
Representatives from the central Student Services Division were also at the event.
The inaugural workshop, held in May this year, focused on the model created by Professor Diane Grayson of the Council on Higher Education to support student success which centred on greater integration between academic, administrative and support sectors.
Project leader and Director of Professional Services in the College of Humanities, Mr Kishore Gobardan, said the aim of the workshop series was to ‘place the student at the centre of everything we do’.
Gobardan cautioned against working in silos and said while a lot of initiatives were in place, there was a need for greater clarity around the roles of different departments and further integration.
Project leader and Manager of Student Support Services in the College, Ms Angeline Stephens, provided an overview of an online student survey which was conducted to gauge the opinion of students about services they receive in the College. Of the 1 302 completed questionnaires received, more than half of the students reported they had never accessed any support service. Students who did access services indicated they valued support from all sectors of the College.
Stephens said although there were many examples of support in the College, there was room for improvement across the board, and that student engagement was critical to this process.
One of the challenges identified was a lack of advertising of services. Gorbadan suggested tapping into social media to ensure students were informed about the services at the University. Recommendations from the floor included posters and bilingual signage to help students find some buildings which may be remotely situated.
Director of UTLO, Dr Rubby Dhunpath, said while elements of the system were functioning ‘we need to reimagine ourselves’.
Dhunpath acknowledged staff for their commitment and their behind the scenes work. ‘The outcome is the reward. To see hope realised, to see families benefit … that is the real reward,’ he said.
While the project is in its infancy, a long-term goal includes involving all Colleges to ensure all students benefit from best-practices in the College of Humanities.
Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer
author : .author email : .Optometry Final Year Students Groomed for World of Work
Optometry staff and students at the workshop.Exams are around the corner and as final-year Optometry students prepare themselves for the world of work, their Discipline’s Clinical Resident, Mr Tate Madlala, co-ordinated a first-of-its-kind grooming workshop facilitated by the renowned Fay Coleman and Megan Coleman – Miss South Africa in 2006 – of the image consultant company, Image Insured.
Fully sponsored by the Discipline’s contact lenses supplier, CooperVision SA Ltd, the workshop was motivated by the Discipline of Optometry’s desire to prepare final-year students for the corporate world.
Madlala, who is also a Practice Management and Community Optometry lecturer, said: ‘We want to produce well-rounded graduates both academically and corporate ready. As our final-year students complete the clinical programme, we want to equip them with image consultancy and grooming tips so they can better represent their image in a manner that is consistent with their personal, social and professional roles.’
The Coleman duo, who say it is vital to create a positive first impression in the workplace, gave students tips about eye contact, shaking hands and body language.
There was a definite link between personal and corporate image and they discussed building a practical working wardrobe. The students saw examples of suitable corporate colours for the workplace and were fascinated to learn about the importance of ‘wearing the right colour for your skin tone’.
Hair, nails, nose hair, shoes, socks, belts and the appropriate jacket and skirt cuts and lengths, necklines and underwear lines were all flagged as significant considerations in the grooming process.
The workshop covered CV writing, managing social network accounts and job interview skills.
Feedback from students suggested that similar workshops should be held on an annual basis for all final-year students.
Lunga Memela
author : .author email : .African Indigenous Knowledge Systems debated at Symposium
From left: Professor Nobuhle Hlongwa, Dr Chinwe Nwoye and Professor Nhlanhla Mkhize. UKZN’s School of Applied Human Sciences (SAHS) hosted its 4th Annual Students’ Conference which concluded with a symposium generating rigorous debate around the implementation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems within the College of Humanities.
The UKZN panellists were the College’s Dean for Teaching and Learning, Professor Nobuhle Hlongwa, and Professor Nhlanhla Mkhize. The third panellist was Dr Chinwe Nwoye, Senior Lecturer, formally in the Department of Political Science and Sociology at the University of Dodoma in Tanzania.
Hlongwa and Mkhize reviewed the historical development and current status of African languages and indigenous knowledge systems (AIKS) in Higher Education, arguing that in recognition of the plural and multi-vocal nature of the knowledge domain, the project to develop IKS could not be meaningfully pursued without taking cognisance of local languages.
‘It is in these languages that the cognitive, philosophical, and other frameworks of the local people are embedded. African languages and AIKS are indispensable to the transformation of the Higher Education landscape,’ said Hlongwa.
Both professors recommended the entrenchment of African languages and AIKS in Higher Education systems and the College while noting that the use of exoglossic languages created elitism.
According to Hlongwa, in implementing the policy of AIKS the College of Humanities has developed a post graduate diploma in AIKS which was approved by Council last month. The diploma was made possible by collaborative work between the DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in IKS and the College of Humanities.
She acknowledged UKZN’s Dr Fayth Ruffin for leading the development of the Programme and said the PGDIP in AIKS would be housed in the School of Applied Human Sciences in Humanities. ‘The other Colleges will follow suit as soon as DHET gives its approval and CHE has accredited the qualification.’
The PGDip is a multidisciplinary qualification with modules from Applied Human Sciences, Education and Religion, Philosophy and Classics. Modules to be offered in the programme include: History and Philosophies of African Indigenous Knowledge Systems; Nature and Patterns of Indigenous Knowledge Systems; African Indigenous Knowledge Systems Research Methodologies; African Epistemology as Philosophy; African Indigenous Leadership Practices; Ethical Issues in African Indigenous Knowledge Systems; Indigenous Healing: Theory & Practice; Indigenous Peace-Building and Conflict Transformation, and African Indigenous Religious Heritage and Research Project in African Indigenous Knowledge Systems.
‘The College plans to offer this programme bilingually in 2017, using isiZulu and English in the modules. As soon as the PGDip is accredited we will develop a masters programme in AIKS,’ said Hlongwa.
Adding further, Mkhize said: ‘There is a misperception that AIKS amounts to a nostalgic return to the past - perhaps even ‘inventing’ a glorious past - and has nothing to contribute towards the future. This is not surprising given the historical marginalisation and distortion of IKS.’
The participants emphasised that AIKS is interested in the past in order to illuminate the future. ‘It is guided by the SANKOFA principle, which seeks to return to the source in order to establish where the plot was lost for the indigenous peoples, so as to be better armed for the challenges of today’s modern society,’ said Mkhize.
The participants also emphasised that, like all knowledge traditions, IKS is dynamic, fluid, and is also enriched by the dialogue with different knowledge traditions. Its holistic, spiritual nature also means that it can be deployed against the racial and gender divisions of the modern world.
In their response to the questions, the participants emphasized that IKS does not seek to present itself as a panacea for all the troubles of the world. Instead, it is a significant voice that ought to be heard if there was to be genuine dialogue.
The participants also called for further research into IKS and the recognition and publication of research outputs that take IKS as their point of departure in mainstream journals.
Melissa Mungroo
author : .author email : .UKZN Architecture hosts Masihambisane: Drawing Parallels Exhibition
The Masihambisane: Drawing Parallels exhibition on the Howard College campus. UKZN’s Masters Students in Architecture together with Drama and Performing Arts students recently showcased their Masihambisane: Drawing Parallels Exhibition on the Howard College campus.
The theme of the exhibition - held under the guidance of lecturers, Mrs Bridget Horner and Dr Miranda Young-Jahangeer - was: Shifting Perceptions of Spatial Practice through Alternative Methodologies. It was a reflection and exhibition of work emanating from Masihambisane, A Walking City Personified, an innovative interdisciplinary community engagement project that took place earlier in the year along King Dinizulu Road in Durban.
This project further expanded the research findings from the first inter-disciplinary study undertaken in 2014 between UKZN Architecture and UKZN Drama and Performance Studies to conscientise students to “other” ways of learning.
Student, Ms Adheema Davis, said: ‘The exhibition stems from the first Masihambisane project in the city and continues to a learning process that allows for a collective way of learning, engagement, interaction and reflection. Overall, it is a collaborative experience.’
One of the outcomes of the exhibition was a digital book of Masihambisane Drawing Parallels, featuring drawings, essays and historical maps that have the complementary themes of perception, time and movement.
Masters student in Architecture, Mr Juan Miguel Dorta Ruiz, describes the book and the exhibition as one that ‘has no beginning and no end. It allows readers and the public to reach their own perceptions without the narrative component. It’s both a discovery and a cyclical learning process and is interdisciplinary’.
The public, students and architectural professionals attended and participated.
Student Counsellor for the Humanities Access Programme, Ms Megan Greer, said: ‘Congratulations to the Masters in Architecture students on their successful exhibition. I was walking through and saw all the hard work being done. I was also super proud to see some of my students excitedly buzzing around a model with one of the architecture students explaining it and the Masihambisane project to them! Great job guys!’
Dean and Head of the School of Built Environment and Development Studies (BEDS), Professor Betty Mubangizi, also attended the function. ‘Attending this exhibition opened my eyes to a space from a whole new perspective.’ She encouraged the researchers to produce an academic publication from the exhibition.
Follow them on
Twitter: @masihambisane_
Instagram: @masihambisane_exhibition
https://www.facebook.com/masihambisane
Melissa Mungroo
author : .author email : .UKZN's Poetry Africa Opening Night Wows Audience
Poets and artists at the 19th edition of Poetry Africa at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre.An enthralling line-up of 24 poets from around the world wowed the opening night audience at the Poetry Africa Festival at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre.
The Festival, now in its 19th 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 with poetry readings, performances and workshops in community centres, campuses and also visits to schools across Durban to share ideas about poetry.
Guitarist Sebastian Goldswain, a full-time Music student at UKZN and part of the UKZN Jazz Legacy band, delivered an exceptional opening performance. With just an acoustic guitar and a Marshall stack, Goldswain enthralled the audience.
Acting Dean for the School of Arts, Professor Donal McCracken, spoke about the College of Humanities, mentioning how important the Festival was for the Arts, while CCA Project Manager, Ms Tiny Mungwe, said: ‘Poetry remains relevant as it allows us to voice our opinions and thoughts and this festival reaches people and allows us to build bridges. This is a celebration of words and their power to stimulate, intrigue and inspire.’
Head of the eThekwini Municipality’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Department, Mr Thembinkosi Ngcobo, said he believed the Festival was in line with the fundamental values of government. ‘In order to further entrench Poetry Africa, we are increasing our financial assistance from R1 million to R4 million and we will continue to be committed and involved in the event.’
UKZN Drama and Performance Studies student, Ms Nosipho Magcaba, was one of the participating poets for this year. ‘I was a prelude poet last year,’ said Magcaba. ‘I began writing poetry in primary school and started reciting at university and I am now beyond excited to be part of the official poets line-up for this year.’
Sharing her sentiments, UKZN alumnus Ms Nokulunga Dladla said she was overjoyed to be part of Poetry Africa.
Another of the poets, Mr Matt Vend, added: ‘It’s a dream come true for me, although I'm not really in the poetry scene. Poetry Africa has been a big event for me as a patron for many years and I have seen some inspiring performances there. So I’m pretty excited about it and just very humbled to be a part of the festival.’
*Poetry Africa is presented by UKZN’s Centre for Creative Arts and made possible by support from the eThekwini Municipality, KZN Department of Arts and Culture, National Arts Council and the Goethe Institute. The Centre for Creative Arts is housed in the College of Humanities and is a special project of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cheryl Potgieter.
Melissa Mungroo
author : .author email : .Undergraduate Students Excel at Health Science Research Day
Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology students at the annual Research Day.Research excellence was celebrated at the Discipline of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology’s annual undergraduate Research Day.
Prominent Occupational Therapist, Professor Robin Joubert, an alumnus of UKZN and the former University of Durban-Westville, delivered the keynote address.
Joubert commended audiologists and speech language pathologists for the work they did, adding that hearing brings incredible joy. ‘That awesome and wonderful gift of hearing has to arguably be the most important of our senses. Without it, we are subject to a life without a multitude of inexplicable joys, experiences and pleasures,’ said Joubert.
She spoke about the importance of research and highlighted research focus guidelines for Audiology and speech language pathology in South Africa, including an emphasis on relevant research, preventative vs curative research and a focus on Afrocentric, rather than Eurocentric research.
Joubert encouraged budding Audiologists and speech language pathologists to engage in research to improve people’s lives. ‘We need to become advocates for people who are disadvantaged, not only by society, but by their disability,’ she said.
‘Don’t let today be the first and last time you undertake research. Your profession and the people of South Africa desperately need you to produce evidence of better ways of preventing hearing disorders as well as improving the lives of those with them.’
The undergraduate students showcased their research on a range of topics including jaundice as a risk factor for hearing loss in infants, an audit of healthy lifestyle behaviors among South African patients with stroke related communication and /or swallowing disorders, and parents' perceptions and experiences of learning South African Sign Language in the eThekwini region.
A project titled: “Self-Ear Cleaning Practices and the Associated Risk of Ear Injury and Ear-Related Symptoms in a Group of University Students”, presented by H. Phakathi, G. Shoyisa Y. Suder and S. Thaver, won Best Project in Audiology. The project was supervised by lecturer in Audiology, Mr Nasim Khan.
The study concluded that complications participants experienced supported the research evidence that self-ear cleaning practices pose a risk, necessitating more community information and education to discourage self-ear cleaning practices and promote good ear hygiene.
A study conducted by L. Cole, N. Khumalo and Y. Kharwa titled: “The Use of Social Media to Provide Support to Caregivers of School-aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder between the Ages of 4 and 12 years”, won the prize for the Best Speech Language Pathology Project.
Findings of the study supported the use of a social media support group on WhatsApp as it provided ongoing support to parents of children with ASD, implying that such a group may have clinic significance for use by speech-language pathologists as well as the creation of similar groups on other platforms. The study was supervised by Lecturer, Ms Saira Karim.
These two outstanding projects will be presented at the College Research Day.
The presentations were adjudicated by Professor J. van Heerden, Professor Kitty Uys and Mr Percy Mashige.
Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer
author : .author email : .UKZN Research Poster in Top Five at Belgian Conference
.jpg "UKZN Research Poster in Top Five at Belgian Conference")
Dr Felix Onyangunga. UKZN PhD candidate, Dr Felix Onyangunga, impressed adjudicators at the recent International Federation of Placenta Associations Conference in Australia, winning a Charlie LOKE Travel Award valued at R7 000.
A specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Onyangunga delivered three poster presentations from his doctoral research aimed at halting deaths caused by HIV and hypertension – known as pre-eclampsia – in pregnant women.
‘I felt great and encouraged by what I am doing,’ said Onyangunga, who represented UKZN and South Africa. His poster titled: “Placental Lymphatic Vascular Endothelial Hyaluronic Receptor-1 in HIV Associated Pre-eclampsia”, was among 72 that were presented at the conference, and was placed in the top five within the Category of New Researchers.
‘As a clinician I am confronted with those tragic experiences daily,’ said Onyangunga, who is part of UKZN’s Placental Research Team led by Professor Prem Gathirum, Professor Jack Moodley and Professor Anita Naicker, the team working on how to understand the mechanisms by which HIV and pre-eclampsia affect the mother and her baby in utero.
‘The placenta is that precious organ interposed between the mother and the baby and so important for the future of the baby and maybe for the whole nation,’ Onyangunga said. ‘I hope my modest contribution will improve the management of these diseases and ipso facto the maternal and child well-being that our province is looking for.’
Onyangunga said he was grateful to Moodley, his mentor and co-supervisor, who funded his travel expenses and conference registration through the HIV and Women’s Health Research Institute.
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo but resident in South Africa for many years, Onyangunga intends to pursue further research in the same field and become an inspiration to young doctors and scientists.
Lunga Memela
author : .author email : .Presentation by eThekwini Municipality Official Explores the Narrow Funding Gap in Local Government
School of Management, Information Technology academics Professor Purshottama Reddy (left) and Professor Professor Brian McArthur (right) with Mr Krish Kumar.eThekwini Municipality’s Chief Financial Officer Mr Krish Kumar’s passion for finding solutions to the narrow funding gap in local government was obvious when he spoke on the topic at UKZN.
Kumar’s address was titled: “Narrowing the Municipal Funding Gap: A Metropolitan Perspective in South Africa”, which was his topic for a Masters of Administration degree which he now plans to explore further in a PhD.
Kumar’s presentation was on how municipal expenditure impacts on service delivery and how metro councils need to improve their productivity and focus expenditure more on economic, social and rehabilitation needs if they are to overcome the challenges of service delivery backlogs.
‘The rapid growth of urbanisation, primary health care, unemployment and housing are areas of major concern,’ said Kumar.
‘When it comes to free housing, we have created this ideology that everyone will get a free house and how we move on from this as a municipality is becoming a problem. I believe that as the municipality we should be spending more money on economic growth. As well as securing funds through the maximizing development levies and local business tax to address the challenges we are facing. My suggestion is that all metropolitan councils need to have a uniform system for determining service delivery backlogs.’
Kumar’s presentation was followed by a question and answer session where academics had the opportunity to ask Kumar about issues such as steering economic growth through local economic growth, urbanisation, and raising foreign tax.
The Academic Leader for Research in the School of Management, Information Technology and Governance, Professor Brian McArthur, said the School was looking forward to hosting further multidisciplinary research seminars.
Thandiwe Jumo
author : .author email : .