Ibe Nesasasa I-2019 Paediatric Child Health and Paediatric Surgery Update
Izikhulumi nezethameli ze-Paediatric Child Health and Paediatric Surgery Update yaminyaka yonke.Click here for English version
I-Paediatric Child Health and Paediatric Surgery Update yaminyaka yonke ibe nesasasa, yesekwa ngodokotela bezingane, odokotela abaqeqeshelwa ukuba ongoti nodokotela abejwayelekile.
Lesi sithangami sihlanganisa abafundisa eNyuvesi YaKwaZulu-Natal (e-UKZN), odokotela bezingane basezibhedlela zikahulumeni nezibhedlela ezizimele nabamele imboni edayisa amakhambi ukuthi babhunge izindaba ezimqoka ezithinta ukunakekela izingane ezigulayo, abazanyana, izingane namabhungu namatshitshi.
Odokotela bezingane bakuzo zonke izindawo ezinkulu zesithangami sokufundisa nokusebenza, okukhona kuzona izibhedlela ezinkulu zaseMpangeni nase-Newcastle, bathekele, bacobelelana ngolwazi nabalingani babo baseThekwini naseMgungundlovu.
Umgqumgquzeli wesithangami uDkt Kimesh Naidoo uthe isithangami besigxile ezihlokweni ezimqoka kulo msebenzi okukhona kuzona ukubhibha kwezingane, okuyimbangela enkulu yokushona kwazo, ufuba nokuqutshulwa yizinto ezithile, ukugula kwezingane okuyimpicabadala nokuthi odokotela bezingane bazinakekele.
USolwazi Refiloe Masekela wase-UKZN uvule umcimbi, wethula inkulumo yosuku ebigxile ohambweni lwakhe lokuba wungoti, ungoti omncane, umcwaningi nomholi. UMasekela ukhulume nakwesinye isithangami sengxoxo ngemigomo emisha yofuba lwezingane.
UDkt Basil Enicker, inHloko ye-Neurosurgery e-UKZN, ukhulume ngokushesha emkhakheni wokuhlola nokwelapha ukuvuvukala ebuchosheni bezingane. Ugcizele ukubambisana kongoti abelaphayo okudingeka uma kunakekelwa izingane ezinje.
Kwethulwe imibiko ngokugula yethulwa udokotela wezingane wase-Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital uDkt Kumaran Moodley nongoti owudokotela wezifo ezithathelanayo zezingane e-Metropolitan Paediatric Department uDkt Fatima Naby, okhulume ngokwelapha ukubheduka kwezifo ezithelelanayo naye wakhuluma ngohambo lwakhe lwase-Pakistan lapho ekade eyofunda khona ngokubheduka kwesandulelangculazi ezinganeni.
UDkt Despina Demopoulos, owudokotela wezingane ezisegunjini lezimo ezibucayi waseGauteng noyilungu lomgwamanda we-SA Paediatric Association, ukhulume ngolwazi lwakhe lokusebenzisa iPro-calcitonin ezinganeni.
UMnyango wokwelashwa kweziNgane wase-UKZN wethule ongoti abangabacwaningi kule ndima nohlelo lokubambisana ezwekazini. Izitshudeni ezimbili ezisanda kugogoda, esezifundela ukuba ngongoti bokwelapha izingane, zethule izinkulumo ngokwelapha ukungunuza nokuthatha kancane ngokomqondo wezingane.
Isithangami sibheke i-Queen Nandi Mother and Child Hospital, isibhedlela esikhulu eselapha izingane zase-Area 3 nesinemibhede ephefumulayo eli-14 nemibhede yasegunjini labagula kakhulu, okuyizinto ezinqabile.
UDkt Constant Kapongo ukhulume ngolwazi lwakhe lweminyaka engama-20 lokwelapha izingane ezizalwa zinesisindo esincane, okuyizingane ezizalwa zingaphansi kuka-1.5kg, kugxilwe endikimbeni yezinto ezenzeka uma sekuzelwe izingane lapho kukhulume khona uDkt Radhika Singh wase-King Edward VIII Hospital noNkk Claire McHugh wase-El Ballito Private Hospital, okhulume ngokufunza lolu hlobo lwezingane.
UNks Tracy Brand waseMduduzi Palliative care unit, inhlangano engenzi nzuzo eyeseka izibhedlela eziningi ezelapha izingane, ukhulume ngokukwazi ukumelana nobunzima kwizisebenzi zezempilo eziphatha izingane ezigulayo noma ezifayo.
UDkt Yasmin Goga ukhulume ngezikamoya nezingane, okuyisihloko esingavamile ukudingidwa noma esingakaze sibhekwe.
Amagama: nguLihle Sosibo
Isithombe: Sithunyelwe
author : .author email : .Arts Students Showcase Digital Photographs at Exhibition
Highlights at digital photography exhibit.The Digital Arts Discipline in the School of Arts has opened a photographic exhibition titled Faces and Places at the Jack Heath Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg, marking the reintroduction of the photography to the Digital Arts programme for the first time since 2014.
An initiative of UKZN lecturer Dr Yane Bakreski, the exhibition showcases more than 80 photographs produced under his guidance by his first-year class.
In the first few weeks of the semester, a photography course was introduced to students, covering the fundamentals of digital photography including how to use a professional camera, exposure, lighting, and composition.
Faces and Places covers the genres of portrait, lifestyle, and street photography.
‘The vibrant and creative response from students is evident in the photographic display and is testimony to the immense potential we have in our student body,’ said Bakreski. ‘We are delighted to have it in the programme again, as the importance of digital photography to the creative arts and the creative industry is ever-present in this era.’
Student Ms Laura de Oliveira’s work deals extensively with portraiture as she enjoys working with individuals. ‘Their capabilities as individuals work well for me with the kind of stories I aim to capture. Everyone is unique and that specific aspect is what drives me as I believe there is so much beauty to uniqueness,’ said de Oliveira.
She said she had gained photographic knowledge and skills. ‘It has become more than just producing a pretty picture in a frame. Photographs can tell beautiful stories – it’s all within the vision of the photographer and their relationship with the camera lens.’
Fellow student, Ms Sandisa Mdletshe considers the exhibition an exciting experience. ‘When taking the pictures my aim was to try and capture priceless moments be it a smile, a laugh or an expression,’ said Mdletshe. ‘I would like to think my photos are about freezing moments in time for that reason. I think photography is important because it encourages one to actually go out into the physical world and really look at your surrounding environment. You begin to see and appreciate things outside your usual comfort zone.’
Mdletshe’s message to other students is: ‘Don’t be caught up in trying to capture a perfect image, rather focus on capturing the perfect moments that are always taken for granted.’
Words: Melissa Mungroo
Photograph: Claire Dongo
author : .author email : .Innovative Best Teaching Practices Promoted at Symposium
Attendees and presenters at the Teaching and Learning Symposium.Excellence in Teaching and Learning through innovative best teaching practices was promoted at a College of Health Sciences’ (CHS) symposium.
‘This theme is very fitting because as a learning institution we continuously seek new ways our curriculum in the College can encourage innovation and creativity in students,’ said Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College Professor Busisiwe Ncama. ‘Advancing technology will benefit patients and clients in hospitals and in clinic settings. To attract the best students and retain them, we need to be competitive and innovative in our teaching.
The annual Teaching and Learning symposium discussed establishing a common understanding of the Primary Health Care Curriculum, best practices in Education and the application of the seven graduate core competencies.
In 2014, the CHS Teaching and Learning Task Team - in collaboration with representatives from the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Department of Health, stakeholders and community representatives - developed the Graduate Core Competencies Framework.
The Framework presents seven core competencies that are a common baseline for all graduates from the health sciences programmes in the CHS. The competencies are healthcare practitioner, scholar, professional, health advocate, leader and manager, communicator and collaborator. The competencies are developed in the practice environment ensuring cultural sensitivity, resilience, accessibility, flexibility, resourcefulness, reflectiveness, creativity, reflexivity and integrity.
In his keynote address, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Teaching and Learning at UKZN, Professor Sandile Phinda Songca, outlined the teaching and learning strategy of UKZN and put emphasis on research innovation and the importance of reviewing the curriculum.
Welcoming participants, the Dean of Teaching and Learning in the College of Health Sciences, Professor Sinegugu Duma, said: ‘This symposium has remained the space where we are reminded of our responsibilities as teachers, of the social contract we have with our students and the communities we serve. Our responsibly is huge because it is through praxis of teaching and learning that we are able to produce graduates and health practitioners who are competent, safe and fit for purpose.’
The CHS Teaching and Learning Office recognised three academics for the Teaching Excellence award category. Dr Bernard Gaerde was honoured for his contribution towards promoting the Decentralised Clinical Training Platform.
Professor Timothy Hardcastle and Professor Verusia Chetty were also recognised for their outstanding contribution to the teaching endeavor in the College in the same category
Words: Lihle Sosibo
Photographs: Supplied
author : .author email : .UKZN Manager Presents Research on Inclusive Leadership at Conference
Dr Phumelele Zakwe.Operations Manager in the School of Built Environment and Development Studies Dr Phumelele Zakwe presented her research at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Conference on Higher Education, Community Engagement and Governance.
Zakwe’s paper drew from her PhD study in which she examined the aspects of inclusive leadership approaches for the provision of quality Higher Education.
She concluded that leaders should expand their efforts to identify inclusive approaches, practices and behaviours, and educate the workforce to foster inclusion in decision-making as universities become more diverse.
Zakwe found that ‘leaders should effectively view inclusive leadership as a need to empower individuals to co-create. Inclusive leadership will bring new approaches for innovation thus providing answers for the human resource challenges facing Higher Education Institutions today.’
The conference also created a vision to assist government, universities and communities to effectively achieve the National Development Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals outcomes.
‘My personal objectives in attending conferences locally and abroad is to contribute knowledge to the field of leadership, management, governance and administration in order to position myself as an expert, to learn from others, to network and to take advantage of educational opportunities which focus on academia,’ she said.
Zakwe thanked her line manager and mentor, Dean and Head of the School Professor Ernest Khalema and also College of Humanities Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Nhlanhla Mkhize for his support and leadership.
Words: Melissa Mungroo
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Abafundi Baphesheya Bathakasele Ukuba Se-Afrika
Abebemele i-ISA nabakwa-Corporate Relations.Click here for English version
Abamele i-International Student Office for International Students Association (i-ISA) eNyuvesi YaKwaZulu-Natal (e-UKZN) bebenekhempu yezinsuku ezintathu.
Le khempu ibise-St Lucia kanti uhlelo lwayo belunemidlalo yangaphakathi, igunya elingandele bani lokungena emKhosini womHlanga KwaNongoma, ukuntweza ngesikebhe, uhambo ngemoto esiqiwini nokufundiswa ngamasiko ase-Afrika.
UMengameli we-ISA ekhempasini yase-Howard uMnu Tamasang Tangie Willy uthe: ‘Ukuhlanganisa amalungu ehlukene e-International Student Association kule khempu kwenze ukuthi siqonde kangcono amasiko ethu. Ngicabanga ukuthi izinto esizibhungile ekhempini zizosenza sibe nezigcawu zokuhlanganyela ndawonye, ikakhulu izitshudeni zase-Afrika, zenze izinto zibe lula kuwo wonke umuntu njengoba ziningi izinselelo izitshudeni zakwamanye amazwe ezibhekene nazo.’
Ohlelweni bekukhona izinto zokuqeda amahloni nesigcawu sobuholi esidingide izinselelo abafundi ababhekene nazo nokuthi bangabhekana nazo kanjani ngobuholi obuphusile nokuba nobuntu.
UMnu Feruzi Ngwamba waseSikoleni Sezifundo NgeNhlalo Yomphakathi ekhempasini yase-Pitermaritzburg wethule isigaba i-Governance and Organisational Development, esichaze ngezinhlelo nemithetho yombutho. ‘Size kule khempu yobuholi ukuzofundisa izitshudeni zakwamanye amazwe ukuthi baqonde kangcono ukuthi isebenza kanjani iNyuvesi, nemithetho nemibandela elawula ubudlelwano phakathi kwezinhlangano zezitshudeni neNyuvesi,’ kusho uMnu Ngwamba ‘Loku kumqoka kakhulu ngoba abafundi abaningi bakwamanye amazwe e-UKZN bayazibona ukuthi abangenile khaxa egiyeni lasenyuvesi ngokuzizwa besekhaya nokuba yingxenye yabo bonke abantu enyuvesi,’ kusho yena.
Ithakaselwe ikhempu, abamele izitshudeni babonge ithuba lokwazana nelokucobelelana ngolwazi.
Amagama: nguSinethemba Khumalo
Isithombe: nguSethu Dlamini
author : .author email : .Siyanqoba UKZN Maths Teams Test Their Mettle
Maths boffins Mr Aaron Naidu (left) and Mr Kayrav Naidoo (right) with Emeritus Professor Poobhalan Pillay.UKZN’s Siyanqoba Maths teams entered a 10-member-strong junior team and three senior teams in the annual team competition of the South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) which attracts top Maths learners from across South Africa.
The senior “A” team was placed third out of 48 teams, while the junior “A” team finished 11th out of 54 teams.
Since 2011, the Siyanqoba programme, co-ordinated by UKZN Emeritus Professor Poobhalan Pillay, has assisted high school students achieve success in the South African Mathematics Olympiads (SAMO). ‘Hundreds of learners have benefited from the programme,’ said Pillay.
UKZN is one of 10 centres, which train “bright” high school pupils to solve challenging mathematical problems.
Words: Sally Frost
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .UKZN Hosts Training Symposium for Doctoral Candidates
Professor Brian McArthur (left) with Professor Jim Whitman at the PhD Training Symposium.The Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the College of Law and Management Studies (CLMS), Professor Brian McArthur, recently hosted a PhD Training Symposium facilitated by visiting Professor Jim Whitman, who also had a major hand in designing the programme.
Whitman is a former professor of Global Governance in the Department of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford in England and currently serves as Co-Director of the PhD Scholarship Programme on Global Health within UKZN’s Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division (HEARD).
McArthur said the symposium was part of Vice-Chancellor Professor Nana Poku’s plan to formalise research training and support for doctoral candidates.
The two-week programme was designed for candidates about to embark on doctoral studies or struggling to find their feet to clarify the nature of the doctoral enterprise. The aim was to help them make a practical start or to regain focus as well as to foster creativity and productivity.
Whitman spent a full week engaging and consulting with UKZN doctoral candidates on the fundamentals of doctoral research and writing. He also held interactive small group sessions daily to assist newly-inducted doctoral candidates begin the creative work of formulating their hypothesis and the outline structures of their dissertations.
‘My intention is to help new doctoral students to become grounded quickly, to give them a clear sense of the nature of doctoral research and writing,’ said Whitman. ‘So the emphasis is on being very practical and the additional benefit I hope the students secure is relief from some of the inevitable anxieties that typically accompany the start of such a large undertaking.’
Ms Hlengiwe Ndlela, Auditing lecturer and PhD candidate remarked that such platforms are well thought out and very useful for the academic journey.
‘I found the workshop to be useful. He gave us a lot to take away especially during the one-on-one sessions. It has been a pleasure to learn from him and for him to give us a much needed push, we now have the information, support and motivation to complete our research,’ she said.
The second week included specialist methodology sessions delivered by established UKZN specialists: Professor Ruth Hoskins (information management), Professor Doug Wassenaar (research ethics), Dr Gerard Boyce (quantitative research) and Professor Anna Weitz (qualitative research).
Words: Lungile Ngubelanga
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Umjikelezo We-Science Goes Beyond
The Umjikelezo We-Science team.Now in its third-year of operation, Umjikelezo We-Science continues to make scientific waves in KwaZulu-Natal.
The science education outreach initiative is a collaboration involving the Centre for the Advancement of Science and Mathematics Education (CASME, Science2Go); the Durban Natural Science Museum (GO-WILD); the KZN Science Centre; the UNIZULU Science Centre; United Kingdom partner Kitchen Chemistry, and UKZN’s Science and Technology Education Centre (STEC@UKZN).
Currently, Umjikelezo We-Science operates as a self-funded road show that takes science to areas that are not usually exposed to science centres and museums. This year the team has ventured beyond the borders of the greater eThekwini area with schools visited including Muzuvukile Primary School near Richards Bay, Ncaphayi High School and Lindikosi High School near Melmoth, Lindinkosi High School near Inanda, and Intongela Primary School near Hammarsdale. Altogether 971 primary school and 656 high school learners experienced the wonders of science first hand.
In addition, the team presented their show at a shopping mall for the first time when they set up at Boardwalk Mall in Richards Bay.
‘It was a great experience,’ said UKZN Science Centre Co-ordinator, Dr Tanja Reinhardt. ‘Children in these remote areas have a thirst for knowledge and by joining forces we can bring science to them.
‘Despite rain at some locations, we had a great reception, including being met by singing learners. We started out as different organisations but came back as a team.’
Words: Sally Frost
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Emma Smith Scholarship Recipient Uses Scholarship for Academic and Personal Growth
Ms Siddharthiya Pillay with her father Professor Kriben Pillay.When Ms Siddharthiya Pillay was awarded the Emma Smith Scholarship at UKZN’s Scholarship awards ceremony in 2017, she was excited about the prospect of pursuing her Masters in Management of Bioeconomy, Innovation and Governance degree overseas.
Fast forward to 2019 and Pillay has not only achieved her goal of completing her master’s degree at the University of Edinburgh, but through this experience, has also accomplished various impressive achievements. These include: being awarded the Edinburgh Award for Professional Development for her participation in skills development and public engagement; being involved in Edinburgh University’s Female Voice Choir which raises money for various charities, and winning a journalism competition that culminated in a day of work experience with an Arts and Culture magazine called The List.
‘I am very grateful to UKZN and the Emma Smith Trust for granting me the scholarship,’ said Pillay. ‘Edinburgh was such an enriching experience which has contributed significantly to me attaining career goals. I really enjoyed adjusting to a new culture and pushed myself to delve into opportunities and make friendships and get involved in networks that will last.’
In her masters dissertation, Pillay - who has completed two degrees summa cum laude in Biomedical Science - conducted research on attitudes towards digital health technologies for the Macmillan Cancer Support, one of the largest British charities that provides specialist health care, information and financial support to people affected by cancer.
‘My previous Masters in Medical Law was a helpful stepping stone into the field of innovation and governance in biotechnology. Both fields discuss how medical innovations are governed and how healthcare systems are built and respond to population changes. Personally, I feel that one of the most important findings was that older people, although hesitant towards technology use, can be persuaded by trusted individuals and exposure to the technologies. Running pilot trials and classes and information sessions can aid technology acceptance in these cases,’ said Pillay.
Going forward, Pillay plans to concentrate on innovation and governance in biotechnology as she is very passionate about working in this field in South Africa.
‘I plan to take what I have learned and contribute to the development of South Africa. We have a wonderful country but there are aspects that need attention. Healthcare is one area that needs to progress so more people can enjoy the benefits, especially the marginalised and destitute. I am interested in how technology is going to aid this progress,’ said Pillay.
Words: Thandi Jumo
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Masters Student Represents UKZN at Prestigious International Conference
Mr Bayabonga Zulu attended Leaderex 2019 - in Johannesburg.Master of Commerce in Marketing Management student, Mr Bayabonga Zulu attended Africa’s largest ever CEOs and thought leaders conference - Leaderex 2019 - in Johannesburg.
The conference was attended by about 2 000 delegates representing more than 10 countries, including South Africa, Nigeria, the United States, India, The Gambia, Malawi, Ethiopia and Morocco. The aims of the forum were for delegates to challenge conventional thinking, engage in peer-based learning, gain practical knowledge and actionable insights, keep abreast of the latest digital trends, improve problem solving and critical thinking skills, and meet with top employers and recruiters in Africa.
Zulu went in his capacity as President of the Golden Key association on UKZN’s Pietermaritzburg campus and as a member of Golden Key International Honours Society.
‘I was invited by Golden Key Southern Africa to represent the University and South Africa. My role was to participate in one-on-one sessions with leading coaches and consultants and share ideas on pressing issues facing the world,’ he said.
‘I really feel honoured and humbled. The conference was an informative, insightful and life-changing experience. Sharing the same space with CEOs and thought leaders of such high calibre really opened up my mind.’
Zulu plans to use the knowledge and ideas shared at the conference to further academic excellence, leadership development and community service to strengthen the UKZN Golden Key Society and hopefully make a significant positive impact in various communities.
He also plans to pursue his doctoral studies in 2020. ‘I was influenced by the academics and thought leaders at the conference to further my studies due to a high demand in the market of young Black PhD holders.’
He thanked Golden Key Southern Africa Associate Director, Gillian Cloete for the invitation and also UKZN Student Governance and Leadership Development (SGLD) officials, Mr Wiseman Khumalo and Mr Muzomuhle Mhlongo and the rest of the team who made the trip possible.
Words by: Lungile Ngubelanga
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Material Culture and Archaeological Tools Workshop at UKZN Classics Museum
Highlights from the Material Culture and Archaeological Tools Workshop.The Classics Department within the School of Religion, Philosophy and Classics (SRPC) recently hosted a two-day workshop on Material Culture and Archaeological Tools at the UKZN Classics Museum on the Howard College campus.
Dr Samantha Masters and Dr Jessica Nitschke, both from the University of Stellenbosch, facilitated the workshop for the postgraduate students in the Classics Department in order to introduce them to various aspects of examining and interpreting artefacts and to acquaint them better with the artefacts in the Classics Museum.
‘This workshop is relevant for students because it teaches them about archaeology and using objects to reconstruct the past. We chose UKZN because it has one of the few remaining collections of antiquities still on display in South Africa and features a wide range of objects and types’ said Masters. ‘We are hopeful that the University remains committed to the curatorship and display of this collection, as it brings students and the public closer to the ancient world.’
In addition to a more theoretical part, which dealt with the various types of artefacts such as vases, statues, coins or lamps; the materials they were made from; the methods with which they were created and their chronologies, students also took part in a practical session during which they learned how to handle, measure, draw and catalogue an object.
Student Ms Theshira Pather said: ‘The workshop was highly informative and enjoyable. We were taught how to examine, describe and analyse ancient pottery and carvings. This kind of workshop will be extremely beneficial for my future studies in Classics. The relaxed and casual atmosphere, which Dr Masters and Dr Nitschke created, helped me to engage fully with the artefacts during the practical session. I hope that there are more workshops of this nature at our department in the future.’
Classics lecturer, Dr Elke Steinmeyer said: ‘The students greatly benefitted from the expertise of both scholars and broadened their knowledge in an area of expertise not offered anymore at UKZN. It is envisaged that Dr Masters and Dr Nitschke will come back next year for a follow-up project on the Classics Museum.’
Words and photographs: Melissa Mungroo
author : .author email : .Mandela Photographer Speaks at UKZN Lunch
Female clinicians enjoying an afternoon with Matthew Willman.A motivational presentation by renowned photographer, author, ballet dancer and public speaker Mr Matthew Willman was the highlight of a lunch hosted by the Dean of the School of Clinical Medicine (SCM), Professor Ncoza Dlova, for UKZN’s women Heads of Disciplines (HODs) as well as Department of Health female Heads of Clinical Units (HCUs).
Willman, who worked with President Nelson Mandela photographically for 10 years, recounted his personal life journey encouraging audience members to have a purpose in life as well as a plan for it.
Willman said in his initial attempts to meet Mandela he wrote the icon 72 letters over a period of almost 10 years, and included portfolios of his photographic work.
The end result was that he was commissioned as a photographer by Mandela, which provided many opportunities including extensive travel and interacting with presidents of several countries. Willman’s work with Mandela features prominently in five best-selling books.
A collection of Willman’s work is now central to the Mandela Centre of Memory and Presidential Library in Johannesburg.
In his presentation Willman said: ‘The greatest leaders are people of action and not men of words.’
Willman has served 52 different organisations involved in development projects in areas such as food security, HIV/AIDS, health, art and conservation.
In 2011, he founded the Matthew Willman Arts Trust in order to be able to connect with people previously segregated from his own community. The Trust is a charitable organisation committed to making a difference to individuals and communities through tertiary level educational scholarships and financial grants to young up and coming artists.
Dlova, who has read Willman’s book, Tripping with Presidents, spoke about the importance of taking time out to reflect and rest. ‘In our daily lives, we spend all our time as clinicians giving to our patients and we often neglect our own mental health. It is essential that we take some “me time” and use our imagination in order to rejuvenate so that we may offer a better health service to the people we are called to serve.’
The afternoon was spent in quiet reflection with guests speaking about their personal and career challenges. It became apparent that as leaders in their respective fields, the HODs and HCUs did not have a platform where they could meet with colleagues.
Head of UKZN’s Department of Radiology Professor Dibuseng Ramaema took up the challenge to set up a Support Group so that the women could draw strength from each other and seek advice when dealing with issues on a daily basis both in and outside the clinical and classroom setting.
• Willman has emerged as one of South Africa’s leading independent artists, expressing himself through an extraordinary body of work which includes writing, storytelling and photographic exhibitions. (https://www.matthewwillman.co.za)
Words: Maryann Francis
Photographs: Supplied
author : .author email : .UKZN Representative at Career Exhibition in Imbali
At the career exhibition in Imbali were (from left) Mr Feruzi Ngwamba; the ANC’s regional leader, Ms Sbongile Mkhize; and 325 Lifestyle representatives, Mr Nhlanhla Ndlovu and Mr Luyanda Meyiwa.Academic Development Officer in the School of Social Sciences, Mr Feruzi Ngwamba attended a career exhibition organised in Imbali, Pietermaritzburg, by the youth organisation 325 Lifestyle.
Ngwamba was there as a guest of the founder of the organisation, Mr Luyanda Meyiwa.
Many high school learners in Imbali do not receive sufficient career guidance before progressing into Higher Education Institutions and are often unaware of the many career prospects available.
So Ngwamba considered the exhibition as an opportunity for the School to better understand the plight of youngsters in the area and to engage with them before they leave school.
‘Events like these are important for community engagement, because we have to explain the programmes we offer to interested learners and how through studying at UKZN they can make an impact on society and be agents of change in their communities and families. It also gave us an opportunity to initiate partnerships programmes with the community,’ said Ngwamba.
‘We need to bridge the gap that exists between universities and communities. We can only be a better and relevant institution of higher learning, if we have the ability to produce knowledge that responds to the direct needs of our communities.’
Words: Melissa Mungroo
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Quantum Computing Workshop Hosted by UKZN
Delegates at a Quantum Computing workshop.A successful and well-attended quantum computing workshop was hosted on the Westville campus by the Centre for Quantum Technology and the Discipline of Computer Science.
The more than 30 participants included a variety of third-year and postgraduate Computer Science and Physics students.
Students were given introductory lectures on quantum computing, with a focus on the elementary principles of quantum mechanics that drive quantum computing. Participants also enthusiastically engaged in practical sessions where they learned how to program quantum computers.
Quantum computing uses quantum mechanical phenomena such as superposition and entanglement to perform computations. It is a burgeoning inter-disciplinary research field that has ample opportunities for research students and the workshop was intended to introduce students to this relatively new and exciting field.
The lectures and practical sessions were facilitated by members of the Centre for Quantum Technology and a research group headed by Professor Francesco Petruccione and hosted within the School of Chemistry and Physics.
Lectures and practical sessions were given by Petruccione, Dr Maria Schuld and Mr Ian Joel David.
Petruccione was very pleased with the enthusiasm of the students and said he hoped they continued to advance their knowledge in the field. He is looking forward to arranging more seminars of this nature as students are clearly interested in learning new and emerging fields such as quantum computing.
Academic Leader of Computer Science Professor Serestina Viriri thanked Petruccione and the Centre for Quantum Technology for informing Computer Science students about a new and exciting technology. He hoped the workshop was the beginning of a fruitful collaboration between computer scientists and physicists at UKZN.
Words: Anban Pillay
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .College of Health Sciences Staff Welcome Spring and Heritage Month over a “Boerie Roll”
Embracing Unity in Diversity.The College of Health Sciences invited all its staff to social events to mark the start of spring and Heritage month.
The events, which form part of the College’s “Grow Our People” strategy, were aimed at allowing staff to discover, connect and learn about each other’s heritage.
There were interesting conversations and some “old wives tales”, signifying the diverse range of cultures and traditions existing in our rainbow nation.
Initiator of the celebrations Director of Professional Services Professor Fanie Botha, said: ‘While we all aspire to live out Ubuntu, Heritage Month is an opportunity for us to be reminded about shared humanity. Let’s use this time to not only celebrate how far we’ve come as a nation but also to acknowledge how far we still need to go.’
Some staff felt moved to share traditional dance movements over a sumptuous meal of boerewors rolls, while others dressed up in traditional outfits which many staff said included the South African-Durban cultural dress of shorts and T-shirts.
Many staff opted to wear saris, a traditional Indian attire. The gathering heard that the sari is around 5 000 years old and its origins can be traced back as far as 100BC. The colour of a sari has deep traditional and religious significance. A white sari is worn by a Hindu widow and represents a state of mourning, while red is worn during marriages and is also associated with fertility, and yellow saris are worn for engaging in ascetic practices as well as during the period following childbirth.
In the Zulu culture, it was interesting to learn that only women are permitted to brew Zulu beer which is made from sorghum. When the beer is ready, the woman who brewed the beer pours some on the ground next to the ukhamba (clay pot) as an offering - kwabaphansi - to the ancestors and spirits. The beer is then stirred and a woman who is the hostess tastes the brew first in front of all the guests to prove that it is safe to drink.
‘It is very clear that South Africa is a rich, diverse society and in order to build harmonious working environments, we must continue to create platforms like these for our staff to not only celebrate our rich diversity but also learn about the different traditions,’ said Botha.
Words: Maryann Francis
Photographs: Supplied
author : .author email : .Launch of Centre for Academic Success in Science and Engineering
Professor Albert Modi and Professor Naven Chetty at the launch of the Centre for Academic Success in Science and Engineering.The newly-opened Centre for Academic Success in Science and Engineering (CASSE) at UKZN consolidates a proud tradition of foundational access programmes and holistic educational pedagogy within the University spanning 30 years.
Science and Engineering bridging programmes within the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science (CAES) have a rich heritage. As far back as 1988, the UNITE Engineering Access Programme started on the former University of Natal’s (UN) Howard College campus, while the Engineering Bridging Programme was launched at the then University of Durban-Westville (UDW) in 1993.
UN started its Augmented Science Programme in 1991, while Science Foundation programmes were offered on UN’s Pietermaritzburg campus from 1991 and at UDW from 1999.
College Dean of Teaching and Learning Professor Naven Chetty described CASSE - in its new guise - as a holistic one stop shop for students which enhanced their chances of success.
‘Today marks a significant milestone in the history of the College,’ said Chetty. ‘The launch of CASSE continues the tradition of successful alternative access and solidifies the commitment of the College in ensuring that there is a viable mechanism to address the inequalities of the past by providing access to tertiary study in Science and Engineering for students from deprived socio-economic backgrounds.
‘The Centre aims to put these students on a playing field level with that enjoyed by students from better socio-economic conditions and who attended schools with good resources.
Keeping with the sporting analogy, DVC and Head of the College, Professor Albert Modi, remarked that the establishment of the Centre was part of the College’s game plan to ensure that all its students passed through the goalposts of academic success and graduated successfully with their degrees. ‘It represents our commitment to high quality science, engineering, technology and mathematical education at UKZN,’ he said.
‘The establishment of CASSE heralds a new era for the College, whereby it provides the best institutional opportunity to actualise and maintain sound academic practice for the betterment of the students and it will ultimately positively influence pass rates and throughput, decrease attrition rates and finally reduce time taken to graduation while being fully vested in transformation and increasing access to quintile 1-3 students.’
Former Director of the College’s Science Access programme, Professor Neil Koorbanally said CASSE was what was needed to take students to the next level. ‘The success of the College’s access programme becomes evident when these students are mainstreamed and often emerge as the best of their cohort,’ said Koorbanally. ‘We have MSc and PhD students who started in Access and are now flying the South African flag high at overseas universities.’
Guest speaker Dr Anele Mkanya is a shining example of the success of the programme. Coming from a disadvantaged background and entering UKZN through its Augmented Programme, he now holds a PhD in Physics. ‘Without this programme, myself and many of my contemporaries would have been deprived of the opportunity to succeed at university and go on to do great things,’ he said.
Under the new model, CAES offers two access programmes - the Engineering Access Programme (EAP) on the Howard College campus, and the Science Access Programme (SAP) on both the Westville and Pietermaritzburg campuses.
The structure for both the Engineering and Science Access programmes involves an extension of the standard Engineering or Science degree by one year. ‘For the first two years of these degrees, the students are part of the relevant Access programme,’ explained Chetty. ‘Once students have completed the two years, they move directly into level two of the Engineering or Science discipline chosen, having completed the level one prerequisites and electives.’
Long-time CASSE staff member Ms Gillian Dawson said: ‘I am so proud of the hundreds of students who have passed through this programme and graduated. They can go as far as they want to.’
Her fellow speakers were quick to point out the crucial and selfless role played by CASSE’s dedicated and committed staff. ‘Our students are successful,’ said former DVC for Teaching and Learning, Professor Bala Pillay, ‘because for all our staff, our students matter.’
Words: Sally Frost
Photograph: Albert Hirasen
author : .author email : .UKZN Neurosurgeon Leads Team Performing Deep Brain Stimulation
A team of surgeons and health practitioners that contributed to successful Deep Brain Stimulation surgeries at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital.A UKZN Neurosurgeon, Dr Nomusa Shezi, led a team of medical specialists and practioners who performed deep brain stimulation (DBS) procedures on two patients with movement disorders.
The procedures were performed at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital in Durban where UKZN’s Discipline of Neurosurgery is based. The Discipline, a leader in the field of neurosurgery in KwaZulu-Natal, has developed its own “functional neurosurgery” methods.
Shezi (34) is KwaZulu-Natal’s first qualified African woman neurosurgeon. Other members of the team – who partnered with Shezi – included neurologist, Dr Ferzana Amod and Netcare neurosurgeon, Dr Piet Slabbert.
The team performed successful DBS procedures on a patient who had Parkinson’s disease and on another suffering from dystonia.
This procedure becomes necessary to treat those suffering from movement disorders that no longer respond to medical therapy.
Shezi has now performed DBS procedures on three occasions in the past 12 months and plans to increase the frequency.
‘Treating these patients requires a team effort,’ said Shezi, who credited Amod for diagnosing, treating and identifying sufferers who he thought would benefit from the procedure.
Slabbert spent three days out of his private practice to offer his expertise and train the team at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital, as most DBS procedures are done by private sector specialists.
The procedure is performed with the patient awake which results in the best possible outcome in terms of improving quality of life, which for some includes being able to regain their independence and return to work.
Shezi and her team hope the procedure will soon be available at State hospitals for all patients requiring it.
Words: Lihle Sosibo
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .University Authorities Need to Increase Assistance for New Age Students
Ms Nomqhele Dube.Click here for isiZulu version
By Nomqhele Dube
Philanthropy - defined as the desire to promote the welfare of others expressed especially by the generous donation of money, goods or skills to good causes - is what makes an Enactus member passionate about working with communities. It is the love for humanity, a more conventional modern definition for this would be “private initiatives for the public good focusing on quality of life”, which combine an original humanistic tradition with a social scientific aspect developed in the 20th century.
Philanthropy has characteristics that distinguish or separate it from charity. Not all charity is philanthropy and not all philanthropic actions are charity, although in practice, there is a recognised degree of overlap. A difference often mentioned is that charity aims to relieve the pain of a particular social problem, whereas philanthropy attempts to address the root cause of the problem - the difference between the proverbial gift of a fish to a hungry person versus teaching them how to fish.
For Enactus, transformation is a process of profound and radical change that positions an organisation in a new direction and takes it to an entirely different level of efficiency and effectiveness. Unlike “turnaround” which implies incremental progress on the same level, transformation implies a basic change of character with little or no resemblance to the past configuration or structure.
A transformation is a dramatic change in form or appearance. An important event such as getting a driver’s licence, going to university, or getting married can cause a transformation in a person’s life. It is an extreme, radical change. When a transformation occurs, the phrase “undergo a transformation” is used in reference to the person or thing which has changed.
Institutions of Higher Education can effectively make a huge difference in transforming and adding value to the lives of Enactus members and members of other clubs and societies that work with communities through philanthropy.
For an Institution of Higher Education focused on improving student success outcomes, developing a definition of success in that particular institution is an essential first step.
Once the end goal is clear, the institution can develop a holistic, student-centered strategy across all dimensions of the student experience, from the classroom to support services to campus operations to relationships with the broader community, opening up job opportunities in the real world all designed to foster measurable improvements in persistence rates, time to graduation, and completion rates. Being a part of a club or society such as Enactus is more like having a second degree as being a member of the organisation is very time consuming and demanding.
The University of KwaZulu-Natal, for example, can increase academic assistance for students who are members of appropriate clubs and societies because not only are they raising the UKZN flag high, but they are also Inspiring Greatnessand thus being an example for (1) primary and high school learners who aspire to be in the mould of Enactus members, (2) the unemployed youth who had given up on achieving until they met up with an Enactus member who enlightened them and taught them about innovation and entrepreneurship, and (3) elderly men and women who have been taught a new way of farming that is not labour intensive, providing another opportunity of bringing in income to their households.
Universities are in contact with a lot of organisations which can teach individuals about leadership, and host workshops and seminars with various topics to benefit young people working to assist communities.
Universities should help individuals get opportunities to better themselves and to transform their characters so as to improve the philanthropic work being done in communities. Such opportunities could include scholarships as most individuals in clubs and societies working with communities are not A grade students - rather, they are average students who spend a lot of their time helping those in need, missing out on lectures to travel to an area far from the institution. Universities should also look into providing internships or graduate programmes to further the vision and mission of the institution, which has been instilled in Enactus members through the work done.
Institutions of Higher Education should adapt to the needs of the diverse, dynamic, and changing student population by providing flexible services and a greater sense of connection. When students fail to graduate in the allotted time, sometimes it is ordinary obstacles of daily life that are to blame. Conflicts with unreliable child care, lack of transport, and changing class schedules can all obstruct students in their progress towards the completion of their degrees. Officials should do their utmost to assist students to work around the challenges.
Nomqhele JD Dube is the 2018/19 UKZN Enactus Deputy President currently in her final semester of studies in Finance and Economics at the University’s Westville campus. She is motivated, ambitious and goal driven.
author : .author email : .UKZN Students to Perform in Nongogo at Sneddon Theatre
UKZN Drama and Performance Studies students (from left) Mr Sphamandla Khaye, Mr Ayanda Mhlaba, Ms Lihle Ngubo, Mr Taselo Mbhele and Mr Sphiwe Dlamini.UKZN Drama and Performance studies students have been cast in the acclaimed production Nongogo, by world-renowned playwright Athol Fugard, to be performed at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre in Durban from 3-6 October.
Durban playwright and actor Ms Philisiwe Twijnstra is directing the production which is the intriguing story of a woman in search of her dreams and herself. Set in a shebeen in contemporary South Africa, Nongogo/Queeny is a powerful woman who struggles to succeed in the face of the structural violence in the township she lives in.
‘Directing Nongogo has come at just the right time in our country,’ said Twijnstra. ‘Women in South Africa are on their bleeding knees. We all know women like Queeny - they are either dead, buried or relentlessly fighting to breathe. Nongogo is a play that mirrors South African reality, offering us questions that make us think about our existence and our purpose to heal and love through it all.’
Student Ms Lihle Ngubo - cast as the lead in Nongogo - considers the role ‘as a chance to show her skills on stage but to also bring the character to life.’
Ngubo said she was thrilled to work with Twijnstra, who she sees as a mentor.
Tickets, which cost R50 reducing to R25 for students and pensioners, will be available (cash payments only)at the Sneddon box office an hour before performances start which are at 19h00 from 3-5 October and at 15h00 on 6 October.
A discount of 10% is available for schools while block bookings are on offer.
For more information phone Sandile or Sibekezelo on 031- 260 3133 between 09h00 and 11h00 during the week.
Words: Melissa Mungroo
Photograph: Val Adamson
author : .author email : .Inhlangano Yabafundi Ibinomcimbi Wezingadi
Amalungu ekomiti i-Sustainable Living Student Organisation nezitshudeni befundiswa ngokunakekela izingadi ngezindlela ezonga imvelo engadini esophikweni oluseMgungundlovu.Click here for English version
I-Sustainable Living Student Organisation esanda kusungulwa yaseNyuvesi YaKwaZulu-Natal (i-UKZN) ibinomcimbi endaweni yezitshalo ophikweni lwaseMgungundlovu obuhlose ukufundisa izitshudeni ngezingadi ezingacekeli imvelo phansi, ukuphucula ikhono lokutshala nokuhlobisa izimpiko zeNyuvesi.
Izitshudeni ezinhlanu zibe sethubeni lokuba sekomitini le-SLSO ihora nesigamu ukubonisa ukuthakasela ukufika kweNtwasahlobo ngomhlangano owazise ngombono wenhlangano ngendawo izitshudeni ezihlala kuyona nezinto ezithinta imvelo, okubalwa isimo sezulu esiguquguqukayo nokucekelela phansi kwemvelo.
Umsunguli we-SLSO uNks Wendy Hadebe, owenza unyaka wesithathu weziqu zezeNdawo nokuPhathwa kwezeMvelo, uthe: ‘Sigxile ezintweni ezicekela phansi imvelo, sizame ukwelekelela ukulungisa lowo monakalo, ikakhulu lezo zinto ezenziwa yizenzo zokucekela phansi imvelo zabantu.
‘Sigqugquzela umqondo wokonga, lapho sizama khona ukuhlangabezana nezidingo zesizukulwane samanje ngale kokuphazamisa izidingo zezizukulwane ezizayo,’ kusho yena.
Emcimbini, uNks Hadebe nozakwabo abangamalungu ekomiti bakhuthaze abafundi ukuthi babambe iqhaza ekuvikeleni imvelo nokushintsha umqondo wabantu ngemvelo ukuze bashintshe ukwenza kwabo.
Izitshudeni zihlangane nezisebenzi zaseNyuvesi zasengadini ezizichazele kabanzi ngokunakekela ingadi. Akade bekhona basebenze ezindaweni ezithile emabaleni aseNyuvesi ukusiphula izitshalo ezibulala ezinye, ukhula, nokucosha amahlamvu nokuhlanza izindawo ezingcolile ezingadini ezandisa amathuba okukhula kokhula. Bagawule amagatsha, bahlola izitshalo nezihlahla, bebheka izimpawu zezilokazane nezifo. Bakhuculule indawo, bachelela izitshalo.
Lo mcimbi wenziwe ngenxa yokuqonda ukuthi bancane abantu ababona ubumqoka bokuba nezihlahla noma izingadi emakwabo. Ngalo mcimbi, i-SLSO ibalule amasu okutshala onga imvelo nezindlela zokutshala izithombo, izihlahla nezimbali ezingacekeli phansi imvelo kusetshenziswa amanzi amancane nomanyolo wemvelo, ofana namahlamvu omile.
Izindlela zokwenza izinto ezidingidiwe ziveze ukuthi izindlela ezongayo zokwenza izinto zenza ukuthi kuvikeleke imvelo, ziphucule inhlalonhle yabantu kwande imvelo ephilile nephephile.
‘Ucwaningo luveza ukuthi ukutshala kuvikela, kondle izilwane zasendle, okunezinyoni zasendle kuzona nezinye izinambuzane,’ kusho uNks Hadebe. ‘Izitshalo ziyingxenye ebalulekile yemvelo kanti bancane abantu abaqonda ukuthi izitshalo zasendle zikhiqiza umoyampilo obalelwa kumaphesenti angama-28 womoyampilo odingeka emkhathini, ngakho ngokunakelela izitshalo, sizinakekela thina.’
UNks Hadebe ubonge izisebenzi zasengadini yasenyuvesi, ikakhulu inHloko yezeziNgadi uMnu Siyabonga Bhengu noMnu Sizwe Madlala womnyango wezezingadi ophikweni olukhulu ngosizo lwabo. Izisebenzi zasengadini zikuthakasele ukubonakala kothando kwezitshudeni, zabanxusa ukuthi baqhubeke nokusiza nokufunda kubona.
• I-SLSO izoba nomunye umcimbi ofana nalona ophikweni lwase-Golf Road eMgungundlovu mhla zizi-4 kuMfumfu ngo-10.30 ekuseni kuya ku-12.30. Izitshudeni ezinothando zingathinta uNks Hadebe ku:216045744@stu.ukzn.ac.za
Amagama: nguChristine Cuénod
Isithombe: Sithunyelwe
author : .author email : .