Jazz Lecturer Releases Sixth Album
Jazz lecturer, Mr Sibusiso Mashiloane has released his sixth album.Click here for the isiZulu version
UKZN Jazz lecturer, pianist and composer, Mr Sibusiso Mashiloane has released his sixth album: Music from My People which reflects his sonic collaboration, travel, intergenerational inspiration and influence.
‘This album is a multifaceted vessel and sonic document that archives some of the sounds people have used and continue to use as a testimony of their social conditions,’ said Mashiloane.
Music from My People is a 12-track album with a comprehensive approach that echoes many rhythmic languages and multi-generational comradery in sound in an exploration of self-identity. It is woven in the fabric of family, community, country, the African continent and the world.
The Jazz genre is interpreted in its many phases and decades, carrying the introspective experiences linked to specific times. The album is not only carefully curated and synchronised to direct the listener from one point to another, but is also a puzzle that pieces the listener’s personal interpretative experiences together, reflecting Mashiloane’s musical journey.
A number of industry stalwarts feature on the album, which was important to Mashiloane as he wanted different communities to speak through the music. They include percussionist Tlale Makhene, guitarist Bheki Khoza and tenor saxophone player Khaya Mahlangu.
Generations also meet in his music, as he features young talent, some of whom studied under his supervision, such as bassist Qhubekanu Mthethwa, trumpet player Thabo Sikhakhane and vocalist Wandithanda Makandula.
Mashiloane, who is now synonymous with the South African Jazz scene and stages across the globe, has five previous albums to his name that have received critical acclaim. He is a multi-award winning and nominated artist at prestigious ceremonies and events like the SAMAs, the AFRIMA awards and the International Urban Music Awards. He is currently studying towards a PhD which befittingly aims, through the lens of South African Jazz, to focus on the nostalgia-seeped themes of home that Mashiloane can’t help but find himself instinctively returning to.
Six years ago Mashiloane set himself a target to release an album a year for seven years. Since then, audiences have enjoyed the following award-winning albums:
2017 – Amanzi’ Olwandle
2018 – Rotha: Tribute to Mama
2019 – Closer to Home
2020 – Amanzi Nemifula: Umkhuleko
2021 – Ihubo Labomdabu
Hardcopies of Music from My People will be available for sale at all concerts for R150. The album can also be ordered through info@isupportodyou.com.
Words: Melissa Mungroo
Photographs: Supplied
author : .author email : UKZN Alumnus Publishes Debut Novel: Stirring the Pot
Dr Quraisha Dawood and her new book. Click here for the isiZulu version
UKZN alumnus, Dr Quraisha Dawood has published her debut fiction novel called Stirring the Pot, an intimate look into the lives of a group of Muslim women who live in a block of flats in Durban called Summer Terrace.
The friendships between the women are as intricate as the curling patterns of henna tattoos. Meet old Aunty Ruki, who lives with her domestic worker, Joyce, an arrangement that ruffles many feathers. There’s Zaina, who has her sights on becoming an architect at an iconic university in Durban, and her single mother Rabia, a florist who has worked hard to provide a safer life for her daughter. Zaina hides a secret that could cause a rift in their relationship: his name is Imraan, and dating him simply isn’t allowed.
It’s a vibrant story of madams and maids, women and their husbands, secrets and lies, a wedding, a death, a theft, Ramadan, and delicious recipes for traditional cuisine.
The novel was born from Dawood’s master’s thesis that explored the relationships between Muslim “madams” and their “maids”, focusing on how they navigate the space of the home and aspects of race, religion, identity and womanhood, especially in confined spaces like an apartment block.
Dawood described her research as fascinating, emotional and humorous. ‘I could not allow this rich piece of research to sit on a dusty academic library shelf - I wanted it to live; to ignite conversations about this Durban dynamic and allow readers to identify with some of the characters. Over time, I crafted a fictional tale around the thesis, bringing in aspects of cuisine, conflict and commonality as well as events in order to give readers insight into the research from a storytelling perspective. I am honoured that Penguin took this on with enthusiasm.’
Dawood has always leaned towards writing short stories or poetry because she felt that the commitment to write a novel was overwhelming.
‘I doubted myself so much along the way…but if you have a story to tell, just begin. Place no expectations or pressure on yourself and just enjoy the process. Do it for yourself. Then, if you are ready to share it with the world, approach a publisher. Whether it is published or not, write the story for you - we all have a story to share, and nobody can write it better than you,’ she said.
The novel is set to hit bookstores in March 2022 but can also be purchased online from Takealot, Loot, Exclusive Books, Wordsworth Books and Graffiti Books.
Dawood is a South African sociologist and writer. In 2002, she published an anthology of poems entitled Jewels of Faith: Poems for Muslim Youth. She has since been published in Reader’s Digest, Irtiqa magazine, Al-Qalam, Al-Ummah, the Sunday Tribune, Riding the Samoosa Express and Saffron, as well as academic journals. In 2020, she published Almost Me, an autobiographical account of her journey through miscarriage, postpartum depression and motherhood. She holds a PhD in Sociology from UKZN and is currently the research manager of a private Higher Education Institution.
Words: Melissa Mungroo
Photographs: Supplied
author : .author email : .CCA Partners with Let’s Dance International Frontiers Festival
(Clockwise from top left) Mr Cameron Govender, Mr Cue Ngema, Ms Thobile Maphanga, Ms Snethemba Khuzwayo, Ms Aphelele Nyawose and Mr Sabelo Cele.Click here for the isiZulu version
The Centre for Creative Arts’ (CCA) JOMBA! Festival has partnered with the prestigious Let’s Dance International Frontiers Festival (LDIF2022) for a live and digital performance engagement.
The event is set to take place from 29 April to 8 May 2022 and will be curated by Artistic director, Ms Pawlett Brookes of Serendipity - Institute for Black Arts and Heritage.
The online event will showcase high-quality dance that celebrates diversity and intersectional identities. It is themed In Situ: Responding to Space, Place, People, and Time, reflecting both performances spaces and the everyday space that we have been inhabiting over the past two years of COVID-19 lockdown. ‘All of us have been dancing; in our kitchen and our bedrooms and this festival celebrates these everyday sites of possibilities as we move our bodies,’ said Brookes.
LDIF2022 will be presenting the full 2021 JOMBA! DIGITAL EDGE bouquet of films created by six of Durban’s most compelling young dancer makers, including Ms Thobile Maphanga, Mr Sabelo Cele, Ms Cameron Govender, Mr Cue Ngema, Ms Snethemba Khuzwayo and Ms Aphelele Nyawose.
JOMBA! Artistic Director and UKZN dance lecturer Dr Lliane Loots said, ‘JOMBA! is delighted that these amazing short films that garnered such acclaim at the JOMBA! 2021 festival will have a longer life on this incredible international dance platform. We are thrilled to continue this partnership with the UK-based LDIF dance festival that shares a common value system of supporting African and African diaspora contemporary dance work. I am particularly pleased by their interest in our JOMBA! DIGITAL EDGE screen dance works - work that JOMBA! curated to support and nurture young Durban-based talent.’
Speaking on behalf of the participants Maphanga commented, ‘We feel very honoured that our works are being featured on yet another international platform, and we owe huge gratitude to JOMBA! for providing its grantees with such opportunities.’
LDIF2022 takes place from 29 April to 8 May. For more information, go to https://www.serendipity-uk.com/programme/
Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela
Photographs: Supplied
author : .author email : .Graduates Present Research at Inaugural Research Showcase
College of Law and Management Studies master’s and PhD graduates presented their research at the inaugural Research Showcase.Click here for the isiZulu version
The Discipline of Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations in the School of Management, Information Technology and Governance’s inaugural Research Showcase saw doctoral and master’s students who graduated in 2021 present their research to the University community.
‘PhD students presented research papers which they submitted for publication in journals as part of their doctoral study requirements. As supervisors, we guide and mentor them in their publication journey especially with their first SAPSE accredited journal article which is with their supervisor. Especially for graduates that want to be part of academia, it’s great that they start the journey with a joint publication. As academics, we know that publication is a very difficult task but we all have to start somewhere,’ said programme organiser and Discipline Academic Leader Dr Ashika Maharaj
The following students presented their research:
• Master of Commerce graduate, Ms Grace Nanoo presented her thesis on A Study of Employment Equity in Higher Education Institutions in Durban. The study used UKZN as a case study and its findings revealed that the barriers to employment equity at the University include remuneration, the institutional culture, recruitment practices, selection criteria, retention of designated groups, succession planning and reverse discrimination.
The following students presented their research:
• PhD graduate, Dr Lawrence Abiwu’s study that was supervised by Professor Isabel Martins was titled: The Intangible Outcomes of Talent Management Practices in Selected South African Higher Education Institutions. It focused on intellectual capital as a strategic tool to create value for organisations.
The following students presented their research:
• Dr Taiwo Ajadi’s study was titled: The Influence of Green Training and Green Reward and Compensation practices on Environmental Behaviours in the Workplace.
• Dr Wiza Munyeka’s completed A quantitative Study on Salient Work-Life Balance Change Influencing Female ICT Professionals in South African Telecommunications Organisations.
• Dr Ndumiso Mdletshe’s research on The Influence of Transformational Leadership on Employee Engagement investigated the effects that transformational leadership behaviours had on employee engagement.
• Dr Reward Utete’s study was titled,:Examining the Impact of Employment Equity Amendments on the Business Performance of Small and Medium Companies in Durban.
The Dean of Research in the College of Law and Management Studies, Dr Collette Muller said the showcase was an opportunity for the University community to learn what graduates have been up to, the work they have done and their contributions. ‘It’s always exciting to see a new cohort of PhD and master’s students evolve and grow over time, and eventually graduate. As a University, we don’t always celebrate the work sufficiently. This annual event will give students something to look forward to, knowing that when they graduate, they will be able to share their work with the University community and one another.’
Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College, Professor Brian McArthur congratulated the presenters on their achievements. ‘I would like to commend the Discipline for taking on this initiative. We should look at the other Disciplines offering similar opportunities. Congratulations to the new doctors; get used to using the title as you have earned it.’
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Image: Supplied
author : .author email : .UKZN’s CCA and the State Theatre Partner to Promote Democratic Dialogues
A Performance from the South African State Theatre’s Shaka.The Centre for Creative Arts (CCA) within the College of Humanities and the South African State Theatre have partnered to produce a monthly online programme to drive participatory engagement about the arts, human rights, social justice, and democracy.
CCA Director Dr Ismail Mahomed, and CEO of the State Theatre, Dr Sibongiseni Mkhize are working hand-in-hand on this project.
In 2021, the CCA produced the Artfluencing Human Rights Arts Festival, which led to the Artfluencing Democracy Dialogues, resulting in more than 50 000 social media engagements, demonstrating the value of a sustained platform for artists and audiences to discuss how the arts can address contemporary socio-political issues throughout the year.
In support of Artfluencing Democracy Dialogues, a team of young interns at the CCA will research and produce the dialogues, empowering them with skills, knowledge, and experience in digital technology, communication, and South African socio-political issues.
The South African State Theatre’s mission is to be a vibrant, dynamic arts and culture institution that intertwines social and cultural diversity and maintains a healthy balance between artistic creativity and fiscal stability.
Speaking about the collaboration, Mohamed said that the State Theatre is known for its theatrical productions that creatively and courageously confront South Africa’s complexities.
‘From productions that creatively iconised South Africans like Winnie Mandela and Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu to giving a voice to a new generation of young South Africans, the South African State Theatre has built a repertoire of work that has been catalytic in advancing a discussion on our democracy. Within the university environment, reflection on their work is vital for both archival and scholastic purposes,’ he said.
A team of professionals from the State Theatre will work with the CCA interns to improve their ability to function in a competitive and ever-changing employment environment.
Full details will be announced in the inaugural episode of the project that will be live-streamed on the CCA’s YouTube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/centreforcreativearts and on the South African State Theatre YouTube Channel
https://youtube.com/c/TheSouthAfricanStateTheatre on Monday 28 February 2022 at 10h00
Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .UKZN HIV Pathogenesis Programme Launches New HIV Research Clinic
From left: HPP Director, Professor Thumbi Ndung’u and Prince Mshiyeni Hospital CEO, Dr MG Khawula with Department of Health and HPP officials at the launch of the new HIV research clinic.The UKZN HIV Pathogenesis Programme (HPP) under the leadership of Professor Thumbi Ndung’u launched a new HIV research clinic at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital on 18 February.
The clinic will be used to run clinical trials like the Acute Infection Study, Elite Controller Study, and Lymph Node Study, etc. Study volunteers will be counselled and consent to provide samples to advance biomedical research at UKZN. Postgraduate students, postdoctoral fellows and researchers in the College of Health Sciences will utilise the samples to conduct research.
The clinic will also offer counselling and health education, as well as free HIV tests to patients visiting the hospital including the study volunteers. It is a platform for engagement between scientists and the Umlazi community in which the hospital is situated. The HPP Programme has a long-standing relationship with the hospital administrators and the community.
Ndung’u thanked HPP staff for their resilience dating back to 2000 when the programme was established. He applauded them for their contribution to the fight against HIV, adding that, ‘this would not have been possible without the long-standing partnership and support from the KZN Department of Health and UKZN.’
‘As a hospital we will continue to support the HPP. The research conducted here assists and guides our prevention, diagnosis and treatment strategies in fighting HIV,’ said hospital CEO, Dr MG Khawula.
‘The new clinic boasts a reception area, two consultation rooms, a counselling room, a filing room, a pharmacy room, a boardroom, a kitchen and ablution facilities,’ shared Clinical Operations Manager, Mrs Pedzisai Munatsi who is excitedly looking forward to welcoming back HPP study volunteers into the newly opened clinic.
Words: Lihle Sosibo
Photograph: Mandisa Shozi
author : .author email : .UKZN Community Engagement Programme Donates Sanitary Towels
From left: Ms Nomvula Shange, Dr Balungile Zondi and Ms Fundisiwe Khoza.UKZN’s School of Social Sciences collaborated with non-governmental organisation Themba Njilo Foundation to donate 20 buckets of reusable sanitary towels to Hayfield Primary School in Pietermaritzburg as part of their community engagement programme.
Lecturer Dr Balungile Zondi, one of the UKZN community engagement team’s fundraising committee members discovered the need for sanitary towels at the school. She approached Dr Maserole Kgari- Masondo, Academic Leader for Community Engagement who lent her support, with Zondi spearheading the initiative.
‘The vision of community service lies within the University Strategic Plan. When I was appointed Acting Academic Leader of Community Engagement in November 2021, I had many ideas,’ said Kgari-Masondo.
She sees this initiative as a way to position the University on the map while allowing people to share the little they have with the community, and empowering one another. ‘We will be organising a conference for ward councillors on how they can improve their areas,’ she added.
Kgari-Masondo appealed to the University community to support the School’s various fundraising ventures, including food and clothing hamper drives; bursary schemes and vegetable gardens at disadvantaged schools.
Hayfields Deputy Principal and School Governing Body Chairperson Ms Nomvula Shange expressed her thanks to UKZN and the Themba Njilo Foundation. ‘We appreciate this initiative. This donation arrived at the right time when we needed it most,’ she said.
Kgari-Masondo commented: ‘We appreciate members of staff like Dr Zondi who take their duties given to them in committees seriously and action them in communities.’
Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .International Students Treated to a Durban City Tour
International students enjoy a tour of the city of Durban.Click here for the isiZulu version
UKZN’s first-year international students were treated to a tour of the city of Durban.
The International Relations Office organised the tour with the aim of familiarising students from abroad with the city where four of UKZN’s five campuses are based.
Commenting on the day’s proceedings, Events Co-ordinator for International Relations, Ms Tholani Ngema, said, ‘We schedule this event every year for international first-year students so they can get accustomed and learn more about the city of Durban as their new home, away from home.
‘As the first in-person event of the year, this is also a great way for international students to socialise and interact with one another.’
The three-hour tour taken on Durban’s infamous open-top double-decker Ricksha Bus saw close to 20 students being guided around the city’s most scenic views. Starting the drive along the Golden Mile, it showcased the beachfront promenade, its hotels, restaurants and beaches, which are an attraction to tourists around the world.
Moving onto the city centre, the tour explored the city’s oldest market - Victoria Street Market - which saw students being exposed to the rich heritage and culture of Durban’s African and Indian population.
Law student Mr Zakariyyah Jafali said the tour superseded his expectations, and he would advise other international students to come study at UKZN. Honours student Mr Serge Matanda expressed how much he enjoyed the tour and was looking forward to other international students’ activities throughout the year.
Making a stop for lunch at The Cube - a giant 3D cube filled with mural art - in Innes Road, the students were treated to beautiful views of the city and taught the Jerusalema Dance Challenge - which was a hit around the world during hard COVID-19 lockdowns.
Ms Caroline Chasara, a PhD student and Vice President of the International Students Association (ISA), explained how the tour enabled her to explore diversity as she could meet new people, make new friends, and network. While Ms Pauline Catalano, a French native who is part of the International Relations Staff Exchange Programme, remarked on how it was amazing to see the city and be taught about its rich history from the tour guide.
The tour involved driving down Florida Road, the epicentre of Durban’s nightlife scene, which students enjoyed.
Other attractions included UShaka Marine World, Moses Mabhida Stadium, Suncoast Casino, the International Convention Centre (ICC) and the City Hall.
Words: Hlengiwe Khwela
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini
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