Isifundiswa Sezesintu Siqokelwe Kwesobunxusa kwelase-Seychelles
USolwazi wase-UKZN, u-Abul Fadl Mohseen Ebrahim.Click here for English version
USolwazi Abul Fadl Mohseen Ebrahim weSikolo Sezenkolo, Ezobunzululwazi neZasemandulo e-UKZN uhlonishwe ngesikhundla senxusa lase-Seychelles, eqokwa wuMengameli wakhona, uMnu Danny Faure.
Yinto enkulu ku-Ebrahim ukusebenzela izwe lakubo.
Ngo-2016 ngemva kokushicilela incwadi ethi: Muslims in Seychelles: An Historical Appraisal of their Legacies, uKhomishana oMkhulu wase-Seychelles ePitoli, uNks Marie-Antoinette Rose Quatre, wathinta u-Ebrahim emnxusa ukuba athathe isikhundla sokuba iNxusa lase-Seychelles, okuyinto ayivumela phezulu.
Kweminye imisebenzi yakhe kukhona ukugqugquzela ezokuvakasha, ezohwebo, nezemfundo phakathi kwe-Seychelles neNingizimu Afrika.
U-Ebrahim, osegunyaziwe ngokusemthethweni wuMengameli Cyril Ramaphosa noMnyango wezaMazwe nokuBambisana, usevele unikiwe isigqebhezana esimnika izimendlela nezithelo zamagunya okwenza lo msebenzi.
‘Ngenkathi ngihlangana noSekelashansela wase-University of Seychelles, uthe sizobambisana ngokuqala uhlelo lokushintshana ngabafundi phakathi kwamaNyuvesi ethu nethuba lokuqala uhlelo lwezifundo zenkolo e-University of Seychelles,’ kusho u-Ebrahim. ‘Ngihlose ukucela i-UKZN ukuthi ibhalise abafundi base-Seycheles emikhakheni yezifundo zobudokotela nezobuhlengikazi.’
U-Ebrahim wazalelwa e-Seychelles, kwathi ngowe-1970, ngemva kokuqeda izifundo ze-GCE ‘O’ Level, wabhalisa e-Aleemiyah Institute of Islamic Studies ePakistani lapho athweswa khona iziqu i-Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies ngowe-1975, wase elandelisa ngeziqu i-Bachelor of Theology zase-Al-Azhar University eGibhithe ngowe-1977.
Wathola i-mastazi ngowe-1983 neziqu zobudokotela ngowe-1986 e-Temple University e-Philadelphia, eMelika.
U-Ebrahim waqala ukufundisa eNyuvesi i-Durban-Westville (manje esiyi-UKZN) ngowe-1985, efundisa izifundo ze-Islamic Studies.
Wathatha umhlalaphansi ngowezi-2011, wahlonishwa ngokuba wusolwazi eSikoleni seZenkolo, Ezobunzululwazi neZasemandulo e-UKZN lapho esaqhubeka nokucija abafundi abenza iziqu ze-onazi, eze-mastazi, nezobu-dokotela kulo mkhakha.
Miningi imibhalo aseyishicilele ngoBusulumane nezinto ezithinta ezemvelo nezokwelapha, wethula izinkulumo emazweni amaningi.
Amagama: ngu-Melissa Mungroo
Isithombe: Sithunyelwe
author : .author email : .Abafundi Bezobuhlengikazi Bagubhe iNyanga ye-Autism
Abafundi abenza unyaka wesine eMkhakheni wezobuHlengikazi benababafundisayo kweminye yemikhankaso yokugubha iNyanga ye-Autism.Click here for English version
Abafundi base-University of KwaZulu-Natal abenza unyaka wesine eMkhakheni wezobuHlengikazi bagubhe iNyanga ye-Autism kuMbasa(April) ngokubamba iqhaza emikhankasweni ehlukene ebihlelwe yi-Action in Autism, inhlangano engenzi nzuzo efundisa nge-autism, ifundise nezingane ezibanjwe yilokhu kugula.
Laba bafundi babambe iqhaza ngokusiza abazali balezi zingane nasemtholampilo ohlolela lokhu kukhubazeka njalo emva kwezinyanga ezine.
Abafundi bahlale nezingane ezinale nselelo, benza izingqwembe zokulungiselela i-Silent Walk yangesonto lesibili enyangeni.
Abafundisa ngezempilo yekhanda uNkk Ann Jarvis, uNkk Charlotte Engelbrecht noSolwazi Gugu Mchunu, oyilungu lesigungu se-Action in Autism, bebehola izitshudeni.
Amagama: ngu-Nombuso Dlamini
Isithombe: Sithunyelwe
author : .author email : .Project to Improve Asthma Control in African Children Launched
From left: Mr Ben Llewellyn-Jones, Dr Reratilwe Mphahlele, Professor Refiloe Masekela, Dr Gioia Mosler, Professor Jonathan Grigg and Mrs Lindsay Zurba.A study to improve the control of asthma in African children was launched at UKZN’s Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine.
The Achieving Control of Asthma in Children in Africa (ACACIA) study, initiated by the Queen Mary University of London, is a R36 million initiative funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) in the United Kingdom which will involve 3 000 children aged between 12 and 16 years who have symptoms of asthma.
It will be carried out over three years in Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Malawi and Zimbabwe.
The British Deputy High Commissioner to South Africa, Mr Ben Llewellyn-Jones, who spoke at the launch, pledged his support for the study.
Professor Jonathan Grigg of the Queen Mary’s Blizard Institute and Director of the NIHR Global Health Research Group also addressed the gathering. ‘We are talking about an asthma prevalence of around 10% to 12% globally but obviously, some countries have higher levels. We are, however, really concerned about the increasing incidence of asthma-related deaths in Africa.’
Head of UKZN’s Pediatrics Department, Professor Refiloe Masekela, who is involved in the project, said the study would examine the severity of asthma and factors impacting asthma control among children. ‘The outcome will then inform future strategies and interventions to reduce morbidity and mortality in affected children in Africa,’ he said.
Masekela said although asthma in African children was previously not thought to be a major health issue, more and more youngsters developed the condition after moving into urban areas.
Recent surveys in schools found that between 10% and 20% of children in sub-Saharan Africa aged 13 to 14 years had ongoing asthma symptoms.
South Africa has one of the world’s highest asthma mortality rates.
‘UKZN is committed to this project,’ said the Dean and Head of Clinical Medicine at UKZN, Professor Ncoza Dlova. ‘This project will hopefully bring solutions for our communities thanks to the NIHR which is funding this research.’
A similar study led by the Queen Mary University found that 46% of young people received sub-optimal asthma control, and that many youngsters faced a range of barriers to good asthma management, including lack of knowledge, forgetfulness and perceived stigma.
ACACIA will use the new African school survey data to design and test the school-based intervention, including the adaption of a stage show written by the Nigerian-born playwright, Tunde Euba, which addresses asthma knowledge and stigma.
Words: Lihlithemba Sosibo
author : .author email : .Ithimba Lase-UKZN Lishaye Into Ecokeme ngama-Open Days
Amazwibela ange-Open Days yase-UKZN. Click here for English version
INyuvesi yaKwaZulu-Natal (i-UKZN) ifinyelele ezinkumbini zabafundi baKwaZulu-Natali ngama-Open Day ophikweni lwaseMgungundlovu nolwase-Westville.
Lo mcimbi omkhulu waminyaka yonke unika abafundi baka-Grade 11 nabaka-Grade12 ithuba lokuthi bazi ngezifundo ezehlukene ezenziwa e-UKZN, uhlelo lokwemukelwa nendlela yokubhalisa nezinhlelo zokulekelelwa kwabafundi nosizo lwemali olukhona.
Abamele amaKolishi aseNyuvesi womane baphendule imibuzo yezivakashi, bakhipha nezincwajana ezinemininingwane ngemikhakha engafundelwa.
Izitshudeni zase-College of Health Science zihlole akade bekhona ngezinto eziningi njengokuzwa, amehlo, izinga lokushaya kwenhliziyo nesisindo; baqeqesha abafundi ukuthi uvuswa kanjani umuntu oqulekile, nangosizo lukuqala kumuntu obindiwe nangenhlanzeko yomlomo.
Umfundi ka-Grade 12 waseTshelenkosi Secondary School eShakaville, uNontobeko Sangweni, uthakasile ngokuzwa ngomkhakha wokwelapha ngokuvocavoca. Uthe: ‘Ngiyakuthanda ukwelapha abantu ngokubabhucabhuca. Ngivame ukubabhucabhuca ekhaya nalabo engifunda nabo. Ngethemba ukuthi isicelo sami sokuyofunda e-UKZN sizophumelela, ukuze ngiqeqeshelwe lo msebenzi.’
Abamele i-College of Humanities baphinde bazisa abafundi nabazali ngokudingekayo ukuze uthathwe eNyuvesi nokuthi izicelo zifakwa kanjani ngokwenza izifundo zabo. Abafundi abasuka koMdlovana naKwaDukuza bebesezikoleni eziyisithupha zaseKolishi ukuzozwa ngemikhakha abangayifundela.
Umfundi wase-Our Lady of the Rosary Secondary School uNelisiwe Maphumulo uthe: ‘Ngokuba lapha ngizwe ngayo yonke imibandela yeziqu, kwangenza ngafisa ukuzobufundela lapha ubuthisha.’ Uthe uhlose ukufunda ngokuzikhandla kumatikuletsheni ukuze athole imiphumela ezomenza athathwe eNyuvesi.
Umfundi kamatikuletsheni wase-Zakariyya Muslim School KwaDukuza, u-Husna Tayob uthe: ‘Ngifisa ukwenza iziqu ze-Psychology kanti ngikholwa wukuthi i-UKZN yiyona ndawo efanele ezongenza ngifeze leli phupho. Ukuza kwi-Open Day kungifundise izinto eziningi kanti manje kuningi engikwaziyo ngezinto engingazifundela nemibandela yokuthathwa.’
Amakhulu abafundi abavakashele amatafula olwazi ase-College of Law and Management Studies bebemagange ukuzwa ngemisebenzi kwezomthetho, i-accounting, i-information technology, ukuphathwa kwebhizinisi, ezomnotho nezezimali. Ngaphandle kokuzwa ukuthi kwenziwani eKolishi kwabafundisa khona nabalimele, abafundi bahlangane nezitshudeni zomthetho zabaxoxela ngokuthi kunjani ukuba wumfundi, babona nemibukiso yokundiziswa kweziphuphutheki zindiziswa ngabafundi be-Information Systems nabezobuchwepheshe.
Umfundi waseKwabazothini High School, uThando Nkosi, uxoxe nabamele i-School of Law ukuzwa ukuthi kudingekani uma ufisa ukufundela izifundo zomthetho. Uthe ukubona ububi besehlukaniso kubo kwamkhuthaza ukuthi enze izifundo zomthetho ogxile emindenini ukuqinisekisa ukuthi awukho umndeni owehlelwa yilokho okwehlela umndeni wakhe.
Abafundi bangomuso abavakashele imibukiso yase-College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science bazitike ngohlelo olunemibukiso ye‘milingo’ yezesayensi kaDkt Tanja Reinhardt wase-Science and Technology Education Centre. Izitshudeni zase-Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences nase-Life Sciences zibakhombise izimvu, izinyoka, izingungumbane nesiKhungo sikaGesi sesiMo seZulu.
Abafundi abadala be-Chemistry ne-Physics badonse amehlo ezivakashi ngemigilingwane yabo behlola izinto emagumbini ocwaningo, benza imvula yegolide, be‘shisa’ imali, befohloza amakani. Izitshudeni ze-Physics zicele izimenywa ukuthi zibone into yamehlo ngokuqhiyama embhedeni wezipikili, zenza umbukiso wamaphethini ehlukene.
Nezinhlangano zezitshudeni bezenza into yazo, i-Pietermaritzburg Rowing Club yanika izivakashi ithuba lokugwedla imishini yayo.
Ezinye izinhlangano ebezikhona bekuyi-Golden Key Society, i-Community Development Association, i-Youth Sebenza Student Movement, Inhlangano Development Agenda, i-Christian Revival Church, i-Assembly of God, i-Campus Connect, neSivikela Ikusasa Youth Organisation.
Amagama: Ndabaonline
Izithombe: ngu-Albert Hirasen no-Itumeleng Masa
author : .author email : .UKZN Alumnus Part of Dynamic Hip Hop Duo
Hip Hop Duo Lio X Tiger.UKZN alumnus, Mr Bongani “Tiger” Ndimande, is one half of an up-and-coming Hip Hop duo known as Lio X Tiger.
The duo recently launched their first music video titled: Spaceships at The Warehouse in Durban. They also own their own label Transcendence Records and are on the lookout for new artists.
Ndimande began working with Lio - Creative Arts College student Mr Bayede Mchunu - in 2017 after their love and passion for music brought them together. They now plan to revolutionise the hip-hop scene in Durban.
‘My music gives me so much direction in life,’ said Ndimande. ‘I know where I want to go. I see music as an escape for a lot of people and I aim to entertain the masses through the energy I have been blessed with by God.’
Lio X Tiger have performed at Durban clubs, pubs and major festivals such as Fact Durban Rocks, INKKASI Xperience, INK Hop Festival at Princess Magogo Stadium, 031 in Berea, Vuco Lounge, Creative Arts College, Artizen Lounge in KwaMashu and the Charisma Centre.
In their music video launch, they were supported by established artists in the music industry including Tshego, DJQness, Musiholiq and Linda Gcwensa.
The duo made their television debut on Hectic on 3 (SABC 3) and EKSE on Cape Town TV after their video launch. Their interview on EKSE will soon be available on YouTube.
Their first mixed tape titled: Life in the Jungle at https://www.slikouronlife.co.za/artist/7098 has so far produced almost 300 downloads.
Production of their work is done by Lio while lyrics for all their songs are co-written. Ndimande plans to study music and dance and focus on his record company, while Mchunu is completing a degree in Sound at the Creative Arts College.
The duo is managed by Dean and Head of the School of Arts, Professor Nobuhle Hlongwa.
Follow them on their social media handle: Lio X Tiger on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Words: Melissa Mungroo
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Prevention of Strains and Sprains Focus of UKZN World Health and Safety Day
Staff from UKZN’s College of Health Sciences celebrated World Health and Safety Day with an awareness drive.UKZN’s Occupational Health and Safety Department celebrated World Health and Safety Day by hosting an event to raise awareness about preventing sprains and strains in the workplace.
World Health and Safety Day is celebrated annually on 28 April to create awareness on safety issues with the emphasis being that safety at work should continue throughout the year.
The main speaker, Dr Rowena Naidoo, Academic Leader: Biokinetics, Exercise and Leisure Sciences (BELS), assured audience members that should they perform the seated exercises she demonstrated, it would help prevent certain work-related sprains and strains.
Naidoo said BELS would soon be embarking on a “seated workplace wellness project” where staff would be assessed and given guidance about postures and activities.
She mentioned several activities staff often do on daily basis, such as cleaning and carrying heavy objects that could cause sprains and strains. She said using cell phones could cause thumb injuries while sitting too long and using computers for extending periods without taking a break could create health problems.
Naidoo recommended “RICE” therapy – Rest (limb to be rested), Ice (apply ice on the affected area), Compress (by applying a bandage) and Elevate (raise and support the affected limb to reduce sprain swelling).
The co-ordinators of the awareness event, Safety Officer, Mr Kaizer Mhlophe and Occupational Health Nurse, Sr Nozipho Jali, said people often got sprains and strains at UKZN after tripping on stairs, hence awareness on injuries is crucial.
Words: Lihlithemba Sosibo
author : .author email : .UKZN Academic on World Canvass Panel
UKZN’s Dr Angela James (left) with fellow panellists, Professor Gregory Hamot and Ms EunJung Kim, at a gathering in the United States.Education academic, Dr Angela James, was a member of the World Canvass panel segment at a gathering in the United States titled: Why School? International Perspectives on Education and Social Transformation.
World Canvass, produced by International Programs at the University of Iowa, explores topics that are international in scope and central to the understanding of the global landscape.
The host, Ms Joan Kjaer, and expert panellists discussed school and educational systems around the world, and how schools are both products of society and a process for effecting changes in society.
Panellists answered questions such as: “What is the purpose of schooling in society?” and “What are the relationships between educational reform, globalisation, and social change?”
James spoke about the quality of schools during and post-apartheid in South Africa, saying there were highly-resourced schools and extremely poorly-resourced schools. ‘There are still very poorly-resourced schools in South Africa. When a child falls in a pit latrine because of inadequate sanitation at a school, that is really unacceptable. It shouldn’t happen - not in this day and age, especially since we are over 20 years into our democracy.’
She noted developments in the curriculum that now catered for indigenous knowledge systems and gender, and discussed the issue of private versus government schools.
Looking at the performance of learners from under-resourced schools where individuals often excelled, James questioned whether resources really made a difference or whether the presence of resources was just an enabler for the performance to just be a bit better. She said a focus on the preparedness and commitment of teachers, including the intense relationship with learners, was important.
‘It’s important that we understand who our students are and what it is we could be working with in order for us to enhance them to levels where they can really fly,’ said James.
Words: Melissa Mungroo
Photograph: Benjamin Partridge
author : .author email : .Student Society of Psychology Holds Information Day
Scenes from the Student Society of Psychology information day.The Student Society of Psychology (SSP) - founded in 2015 - introduced itself to UKZN students during an information day.
It also held a “bake sale” at the University to raise funds for its Care Project with proceeds being used to provide toiletry hampers for girls at St Philomena’s Children’s Home.
The aim of the Society is to provide a platform for students seeking information on the Discipline of Psychology and to uplift local communities and students through volunteer work and outreach programmes. It also strives to host events which create awareness about the Discipline and encourage active participation by students in the area of mental health and related fields of Psychology.
In addition, the SSP aims to involve its members in projects which are relevant to Psychology at an institutional and national level by means of strategic partnerships with organisations such as the PsySSA Student Division and SADAG KZN.
Members help feed the hungry who gather regularly at the Denis Hurley Centre in Durban.
Its Mandela Day project assists a deserving home for young children by providing clothes and basic necessities.
Those interested in assisting the Society with donations of suitable items or who want to become members should email: sspukzn@gmail.com. The society can also be contacted on Instagram at @sspukzn or on Facebook under the name The Student Society of Psychology.
The Executive Committee’s goal for this year is to deliver on its objectives and serve members to the best of its abilities.
Words: Stuart George
author : .author email : .International Award for Social Work Academic
Professor Johannes John-Langba of UKZN receives the 2019 Inabel Burns Lindsay Social Work Education Leadership Award.UKZN Social Work academic, Professor Johannes John-Langba, has been selected by the Howard University’s School of Social Work in the United States as the 2019 recipient of the Dr Inabel Burns Lindsay Social Work Education Leadership Award.
Lindsay was the first African-American woman to graduate from the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work doctoral programme where John-Langba obtained his PhD degree.
An alumnus of Howard University, John-Langba is the first African to receive this prestigious acknowledgement and the eighth recipient of the award which honours Howard University Social Work graduates who exemplify the educational leadership of Lindsay, who is their founding Dean.
Said John-Langba: ‘It means a lot to me as a social work academic and is an affirmation of the quality of my academic leadership in social work education. I think I was selected because of my leadership in social work education on the African continent as well as for my contribution to promoting Howard University’s School of Social Work’s historic social justice mission.’
Dean of the School of Social Work at Howard University Professor Sandra Edmonds Crew added: ‘Professor John-Langba’s commitment to research, teaching and community services is clearly evident. We are excited to honour him for his demonstration of truth and service to his alma mater and the profession of social work.’
John-Langba has over 15 years of professional work experience at national and international levels in research, teaching and programme management related to social work, public health and social development. He has worked and/or conducted research in various contexts in many countries including Australia, Botswana, Ethiopia, East Jerusalem, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, eSwatini (formerly Swaziland), Tanzania, United States, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.
His current research interests include social aspects of HIV/AIDS; migrant health; sexual and gender-based violence; community level influences on antibiotic resistance; climate change and development; resiliency and xenophobic violence; mental health; and recidivism among youth offenders.
John-Langba is the recipient of various other awards and fellowships including a Population Policy Communication Fellowship (Population Reference Bureau, USA), Rand Institute Summer Fellowship (Rand Corporation, USA), Cairns Institute Fellow (James Cook University, Australia), African Peacebuilding Network research award (Social Science Research Council, USA), and was the 1999-2000 William H and Camille Cosby Fellow at Howard University in the United States for outstanding scholarship and achievement.
He is Vice-President and Mental Health Ambassador of Cape Mental Health (CMH) - the oldest community-based mental health agency in South Africa.
Words: Melissa Mungroo
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Huge Cash Injection for Lung Cancer Control
Dr Themba Ginindza, Head of the College of Health Sciences’ Multinational Lung Cancer Control Programme.Phase two of the College of Health Sciences’ Multinational Lung Cancer Control Programme (MLCCP) led by Dr Themba Ginindza has received a R40 million grant from the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation (BMSF).
The project seeks to launch a proof-of-concept incubation for the Cancer Centre of Excellence and Research (CACER) concept by adding a clinical component to the foundation built in phase one of the MLCCP which is underway and due to be completed in September.
The multinational project across four African countries, namely Kenya, the Kingdom of Eswatini, Tanzania and South Africa, aims to improve access to early diagnostic services for lung cancer by addressing the barriers of cancer care. The team will work with communities and the ministries of health in the countries involved.
According to Ginindza, each year, there are about 1.8 million new cases of lung cancer globally and the disease is the world’s highest cancer-related mortality cause. ‘Despite this, many African countries lack information regarding the epidemiology of lung cancer and its control. There is also the compounding heavy burden of comorbidities in sub-Saharan Africa, including HIV and TB.’
Ginindza said the MLCCP worked within a broader scope of BMSF-funded projects, including seven different sites in sub-Saharan Africa. Phase 1 of the study- funded by BMSF since September 2017- focused on creating lung cancer awareness, identifying pathways of care, strengthening cancer registry and understanding palliative care utilisation.
Phase 2 complements Phase 1 by including the clinical component; building on the foundations laid by the first phase through adding a clinical component evaluating lung health, histological subtypes and genetics of lung cancer, clinical presentation, treatment outcomes, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
Said Ginindza: ‘Our longer-term vision is to establish a CACER, which will have a wing of a Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence (LCCE) based at Durban’s Addington Hospital and to formalise a holistic approach to service delivery, training and research partnership with UKZN and other BMSF funded partners such as the University of Witwatersrand-associated Helen Joseph, Johannesburg Academic Hospital; the Bugando Medical Centre in Tanzania; and AMPATH in Kenya.’
Words: Nombuso Dlamini
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Kubenesasa Ukwethulwa kwe“Big Data” for Science and Society!
Kusukela kwesobunxele: oSolwazi Deresh Ramjugernath, Francesco Petruccione, Onisimo Mutanga, Kavilan Moodley, Maheshvari Naidu noKesh Govinder.Click here for English version
Ngokwethulwa kwephrojekthi ye-Big Data for Science and Society (i-BDSS), uhlelo oluhamba phambili lwase-UKZN lwe-Big Data and Informatics luhlose ukushintsha indima yocwaningo ngokubhekana nezinselelo ezithinta ezesayensi, umphakathi nezomnotho.
Iphini LeSekelashansela kwezoCwaningo e-UKZN, uSolwazi Deresh Ramjugernath, uthe: ‘Sifisa ukulandela indlela yocwaningo ehlanganisa imikhakha ehlukene, siqede ukusebenzela emakhosombeni, sakhe amathimba amakhulu ocwaningo.’
Iholwa wuSolwazi Francesco Petruccione, i-Big Data and Informatics ingenye yezinhlelo ezinkulu zocwaningo ezethulwa ngonyaka wezi-2018. Iqhaza layo wokuthuthukisa i-‘big data’ ekucwaningeni ebuchwephesheni besimanje bokusebenza nokwenza izinto. Ngokohlelo lwayo, isiqalile ukwenza lo msebenzi ngezigcawu zezisebenzi zanyanga zonke ekucwaningeni ulwazi locwaningo nge‘big data’, lapho kubuye kumenywe khona ongoti kulo mkhakha. ‘Ushintsho ocwaningweni lungenzeka ngomqondo wokuba negalelo elibonakalayo, kanti lokhu kudinga ukuthi sizihlole thina ngokunika iNyuvesi yethu inselelo ukuze ingaphelelwa yisidingo,’ kusho uPetruccione, ‘
Umsebenzi we-BDSS uholwa ngabacwaningi abakhulu abathathu, ngamunye omele umkhakha wakhe. Laba bacwaningi bangoSolwazi Kavilan Moodley owungoti we-Astrophysics, uSolwazi Maheshvari Naidu we-Geospatial Humanities, noSolwazi Onisimo Mutanga we-Earth Observation.
U-Moodley ubalule ukuthi isebenza kanjani indaba ye‘big data’, wathi: ‘Kithina ukuze sikwazi ukuthola “i-big data”, kufanele sisebenze ngolwazi olunjalo thina uqobo lwethu,’ u-Naidu wagxila emiphumeleni abafisa ukuthi lolu cwaningo lube nawo emiphakathini abasebenzisana nayo. Obekusemqoka kuMutanga wukuhlangana kwemiqondo. ‘Kwi-astrophysics, u-Moodley ubheke phezulu kanti mina ngibheke phansi kepha noma kunjalo, sibhekene nezinselelo ezifanayo,’ kusho uMutanga.
Ngezigidi eziyi-9 zamarandi ezitshalwe i-UKZN, le phrojekthi ihlose ukwandisa umkhiqizo negalelo le-big data. Ukwenza lokhu, amaphrojekthi aphakathi kwemikhakha namazinga ehlukene azoqoqwa bese ehlanganiswa ukuze kusetshenzwe ngabasebenzi abaningi (abawodokotela emikhakheni yabo nabenza iziqu eziphakeme emikhakheni yabo), ababambiqhaza bangaphandle (abanamakhono nezinto zokusebenza ezifanele) nezinhlelo eziningi ezihlelekile.
Ezindleleni ezintsha zocwaningo ezizosetshenziswa kubalwa:
- Ukusetshenziswa kwezibuka-kude anjenge-Square Kilometre Array, i-Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, iReal-time Analysis eyaziwa nge-HIRAX ne- Karoo Array Telescope eyaziwa nge-MEERKAT, ukuqoqa imininingwane;
- Ukugxila ku-GIS, ku-data mining, nasemifuziselweni yezikhala ukuhlaziya imiphumela yocwaningo lwe-big data;
- Imisebenzi yobuchwepheshe be-Cloud ukulawula i-big data.
Ikhuthazwa yi“big data” nevuso lokuba nomsebenzi ohlelweni lobuchwepheshe besimanje; iSikole Sezibalo, Izibalomidanti neZifundo zekhompyutha sase-UKZN sethule izifundo zeziqu zokuqala ezintsha ku-Data Science ezizocija abafundi ukuthi baphume belungele ukubhekana nezinselelo zesikhathi samanje uma bethweswa iziqu.
Amagama: ngu-Hlengiwe Precious Khwela
Isithombe: ngu-Albert Hirasen
author : .author email : .UKZN Student Off to Play in FIFA Women’s World Cup in France
UKZN student and Banyana Banyana midfielder, Ms Kholosa Biyana (left), with Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Nana Poku, before she left for France.UKZN Sport Science student, Ms Kholosa Biyana, has been chosen as part of the South African national women’s soccer squad, Banyana Banyana, to represent South Africa in the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup taking place in France next month (7 June to 7 July).
Biyana left Durban today (Wednesday, 22 May 2019) to meet the rest of the Banyana Banyana squad in Johannesburg. The team will leave for France tomorrow (Thursday, 23 May 2019).
Biyana, who received the news on Friday last week, said she had been looking forward to the announcement which came a day after she arrived back from the United States (US).
A midfielder, Biyana has 19 caps for Banyana Banyana and has won two COSAFA Cups.
She said she had been training hard after suffering two injuries last year. She said she thought it would take her some time to recover and she also missed the AFCON tournament where the team qualified for the World Cup.
‘The coaches never gave up on me and they kept motivating me. UKZN football has always supported me. My parents have also shown their support even though they were worried that I wouldn't be able to balance my studies and football,’ she said.
She thanked the School of Sport Science for its support in ensuring that she writes all her tests, submits assignments and writes her exams before she leaves for France. Biyana wrote her last test a day after she arrived from the US last week, and had to write all her three exams before flying to Johannesburg. ‘I thank them in ensuring that I do well and pass all my tests and exams.’
Biyana said she is also looking forward to representing the University in the world student games taking place in Italy in July.
UKZN Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Nana Poku, wished Biyana well for the competition and thanked her for flying the UKZN flag high.
Words and photograph: Sithembile Shabangu
author : .author email : .College of Health Sciences Hosts Delegation from Holland
Representatives from UKZN and the Erasmus School of Public Health Policy and Management in Holland.A College of Health Sciences team led by UKZN Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Busisiwe Ncama, hosted a delegation from the Erasmus School of Public Health Policy and Management in Holland as part of a Memorandum of Understanding agreement recently signed by the two institutions.
During discussions, the delegations explored ways to develop initiatives in areas of management development programmes, research collaborations and student exchange programmes.
Members of the Erasmus team cited interest in teaching and research around management, healthcare systems, strategic management, financial management, process and innovation management, change management, research methodology, quality of care, governance, nursing and clinical leadership, as well as leadership development.
The visit allowed both institutions to get acquainted and discuss expectations and opportunities, to understand the curricula and the different education programmes, and to identify target groups.
Words: Lihlithemba Sosibo
author : .author email : .Nursing Students Take Part in Spirit of Adventure Event
Second-year Bachelor of Nursing students with lecturer Dr Mbali Mhlongo at the Spirit of Adventure event.Second-year UKZN Bachelor of Nursing students took part in a Spirit of Adventure team building exercise with professional service staff and academics at Shongweni Dam near Durban.
The event involves outdoor adventure in a bid to promote personal and interpersonal growth.
Designed to emphasise leadership, team building and personal development, the participating students went through a weekend of challenging and educational games facilitated by local instructors.
‘The programme is held annually to assist students cope with group work which drives all the projects at second-year level,’ said Nursing lecturer, Dr Mbali Mhlongo.
‘The adventure was not only about each person facing his or her fear, but focused mainly on working as a team,’ said second-year student, Mr Mdu Mpunga.
‘Group dynamics is one of the most important things in a healthcare profession and as nurses, we are part of a multidisciplinary team,’ he added.
Students were divided into six groups; each one assigned a camp instructor to guide them during the activities and long walks.
‘The multidisciplinary teams provided benefits for both the students and the health professionals working together,’ said student nurse, Mr Sbonelo Chamane. ‘These include improved health outcomes and enhanced satisfaction for future clients, and the more efficient use of resources and enhanced job satisfaction for team members.
On the first day of camp we were asked: “What is better: A team of stars or a star team?” The answer was hidden inside the question,’ said Chamane.
‘A “team of stars” basically means that each person shines irrespective of the other people in the group, but a “star team” is one that shines together thus shining the brightest,’ added Chamane.
The students also got the chance to spend time with staff in a relaxed environment; participating in different kinds of outdoor activities, including team development theory, group dynamics, a mini assault course, snake pit adventures, abseiling, raft building and relay racing.
Words: Nombuso Dlamini
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .NRF Postgraduate Scholarships Road Show
.The National Research Foundation (NRF) recently held a series of information sessions on the Howard College, Westville and Pietermaritzburg campuses on how to apply for postgraduate funding in 2020.
Funding is earmarked for honours/BTech, master’s and doctoral candidates wanting to pursue studies in the areas of science, engineering, technology, social sciences and humanities.
The Westville campus was packed to the brim with students wanting to find out more on how to apply for the scholarships which they heard all about in a presentation by NRF Grants Management and Systems Administration Director, Mrs Thashni Pillay, who highlighted the programme’s targets and performances, key changes to the online applications system, scorecards for assessments, and timeframes for all cut-off dates.
Over the past two years, the NRF has embarked on a process to simplify its administration process by streamlining application templates and Open Call process. The NRF receives R1 billion from the government for funding and in turn is required to monitor the maximum number of applications submitted, the reviewing of applications, and the application of the ministerial guidelines target at each level of study.
‘The competition is tougher now that students are competing at a national level for funding rather than university level,’ Pillay said. ‘With the new system, the NRF takes decisions on funding instead of using block funding (previously awarded by universities) which is now falling away.
A few changes have been made to the application process, simplifying the application requirements for master’s and doctoral students. The different closing dates (for the different study levels) will also enable students to receive the outcome of their applications by December 2019 and their funding at the start of the 2020 academic year. Successful applicants will receive Grant Conditions which need to be read carefully, signed and returned to the NRF promptly,’ she said.
Students are encouraged to use the General Application Guide 2020 when applying, ensuring that they have applied for the correct level of study, their applications are complete, all required documents have been uploaded and that they have submitted their applications on time. ‘At a national level, we receive over 8 000 applications and we cannot go back to ask for missing or incorrect information,’ said Pillay. ‘So make sure your application is up to date or it will be rejected.’
Students wanting to apply for NRF postgraduate scholarships should visit the organisation’s website at www.nrf.ac.za/bursaries/calls
Queries about the scholarships can be directed to Mr Abongile Mpofu at mpofua@ukzn.ac.za or Ms Hlengiwe Zondo at zondoh@ukzn.ac.za at the UKZN Scholarships Office.
Words: Hlengiwe Precious Khwela
author : .author email : .Exchange Student Blossoms After Canadian Experience
Exchange student, Ms Zifeziwe Mvelase, enjoying the snow and at a Thanksgiving event in Canada.Social Work student, Ms Zifeziwe Mvelase, has returned from Canada “a new person” after spending four months at Nipissing University as part of UKZN’s exchange programme.
Born in Nquthu in northern KwaZulu-Natal, Mvelase (21) always wanted to travel internationally and had set her sights on Canada so the trip was a dream come true!
‘Spending time with people from different cultural backgrounds in Canada was the best thing ever - even being on a plane for the first time was a rewarding experience that I will cherish forever,’ she said.
Mvelase says she feels like a different person since her return. ‘I am no longer shy. My self-esteem has been boosted and I now want to explore more and meet new people more often,’ she said. ‘I learned that cultural difference is not a barrier to making friends and interacting with others - in fact, diversity is a very good way to express oneself. It is also an opportunity to understand the ways of life of other people.
'At the end of the day, we are all the same human species, we just so happen to be situated in different parts of the planet. Culture, colour, ethnicity and gender do not matter,’ she said.
The experience also set her mind at ease as she had encountered flack in South Africa about her choice to study Social Work. ‘I have met many people who were very judgmental about my choice of studying Social Work and sometimes, I felt so discouraged,’ she said. However, the positive reinforcements she received and attitudes towards her chosen field in Canada reaffirmed her commitment to helping others.
While adapting to the icy Canadian weather was a challenge, Mvelase soon got her skates on. ‘One of my best memories is the day I got the opportunity to skate and ski on ice - I had such fun playing snow games and watching live hockey matches. I can now say I am a life-long fan of the Maple Leafs!’
Mvelase plans to do her master’s degree overseas, preferably in Canada, as she found the experience “rewarding”, and hopes to one day start an education programme for young people in Nquthu to help them access information about Higher Education and assist them to deal with issues they face. ‘The youth face so many challenges and with a lack of knowledge, they often end up taking drugs and some even commit suicide. My mission is to work for the best interests of children, the wellbeing of every child and the overall success of the community,’ she said.
She is grateful to her family for their ongoing support and love. ‘Being exposed to a university atmosphere in my first year posed a lot of challenges as I was the first person in my family to attend university,’ she said. ‘My family is very supportive, believing in me and what I want to stand for, therefore I am willing to go the extra mile in achieving even more.’
She thanked Mr Mahmood Sonday of the South African National Zakáh Fund (SANZAF), who along with NSFAS helped sponsor her life-changing trip. ‘I met Mr Sonday through my neighbour, Mr Abbas Mkhize, who I consider as my brother,’ she said.
‘SANZAF has helped so many people in my neighbourhood, including orphans and the old aged. While NSFAS covered my tuition fees, accommodation and gave me a monthly allowance, I had no money for my personal expenses including ticket, visa, and clothes - so Mr Sonday really came to the rescue!’
Words: Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer
Photographs: Supplied
author : .author email : .Equipping Leaders with Key Skills
Mrs Mariane Vorster (centre) with Professor Musa Mabandla (seated right) and his leadership team at the LMMS two-day Leadership and Emotional Intelligence Training workshop.The School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences (LMMS) held a two-day Leadership and Emotional Intelligence Training workshop led by renowned coach and consultant, Mrs Mariane Vorster, on the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine campus.
The College of Health Sciences has held several such workshops to help equip its leaders with key skills required to be successful in their demanding positions.
The events are part of the College’s “Grow our People” strategy.
One of the key aspects, says Vorster, is realising that a leader’s role is to ‘attend to people’s souls’. ‘You need to be a visionary, inspire and listen to your staff and most importantly, build a future generation of leaders,’ she said.
Vorster encouraged participants to listen to people without interrupting. A listening exercise reinforced this message and everyone agreed that it was not easy to listen to an individual speak for three minutes without wanting to share your own experiences. However, listening enabled the person speaking to often come up with their own solutions to the problem since they were not interrupted and able to reflect.
‘The best solution sits with the person who created the problem,’ said Vorster.
Principle Programme Officer, Ms Ntokozo Mngadi, enjoyed the exercise. ‘It is so important to listen more and not think that as the manager, you need to always have the solution.’
Academic Leader of the Molecular and Cellular Disease theme, Dr Bongani Nkambule, reflected on the two-day training project. ‘I really enjoyed the training and learned a lot. I will always remember the Blind Spot exercise. It is my first time in a leadership role managing staff who are much older than me. I am now more aware of preconceived assumptions and will ensure I select the correct “tool” when engaging with my staff in future.’
Dean and Head of School, Professor Musa Mabandla, said: ‘I had to wear two hats during the two days: one as a leader and the other as a participant. Self-awareness helps and I enjoyed the exercises that brought my team and I closer. I will reinforce two key learnings: the first being to ensure that I support, motivate and encourage staff to realise the vision and not force the process; and secondly, that I reflect on Spiral Dynamics to ensure I gain a better understanding about the individuals in my team. These are two essential tools.’
Said the Head of Forensic Medicine, Dr Sipho Mfolozi: ‘This was the first time I attended leadership training. I found the workshop extremely helpful and a wealth of information has been shared with us. It’s now time to implement the learnings.’
Vorster thanked the staff for their enthusiasm: ‘It was very exciting working with people who constantly challenged the concepts. We engaged with the material and I remain positive that all participants will take these lessons forward into the office.’
Words: MaryAnn Francis
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