Umbukiso Wase-Ukzn Wokusetshenziswa Kabusha Kokulahliwe Ube Ngundabuzekwayo
Abafundi abahlala ngaphakathi ekhempasini i-Edgewood yase-UKZN babambe iqhaza embukisweni wezemfashini obufundisa ngokuyinzuzo kanye nokusetshenziswa kwemfucuza kabusha.Click here for English version
Uphiko LezeziNdawo Zokuhlala Abafundi ekhempasini i-Edgewood lube nombukiso walo wokuqala obubukisa ngemfashini eyenziwe ngosetshenziswa kabusha kanye namathalente nobubanjelwe e-Sports Union Hall ohehe abafundi, abasebenzi nezimenywa abebengaphezulu kwezi-2 000.
Lo mcimbi ubuphosele inselelo kuwonke wonke ohlala ezindaweni zokuhlala abafundi ekhempasini i-Edgewood ukuba baqoqe, badwebe bakhiqize izevatho ezimbili ezakhiwe ngokungasetshenziswa kabusha okungama-100%.
Abebengenele bebehlulelwa ngokubheka indlela okudwetshwe ngayo impahla, indlela esikwe ngayo, okusetshenzesiwe, nobusha bohlobo lwesevatho, nokuzethemba. .
Ongumphathi eMnyangweni Wezezindawo Zokuhlala Abafundi, uMnu K Marumola wemikele abafundi nabebeyizihambeli zalo mcimbi waphinde wababonga ngokufika ngobuningi babo ukuzoseka nokukhangisa ngamathalente abo emkhankasweni wokufundisa ngokusebenzisa kabusha, ukunciphisa okuyimfucuza.
Isikhulumi sosuku uDkt Timothy Adebayo ongumphathi we- Enviromental Planning & Co-ordination eMnyangweni waKwaZulu-Natali WezoLimo NezeMvelo, ukhulume nezethameli ngokubaluleka kokusebenzisa kabusha imfucuza nanomthelela wemfucuza ezimpilweni zabantu nemvelo.
U-Adebayo uhalalisele bonke abafundi ababambe iqhaza ngokuthatha izinyathelo zokuqala ekunciphiseni umthelela wemfucuza kwezemvelo futhi bebe bezenzela imali ngokudayiswa kwezevatho.
Kuqhudelane izindawo zokuhlala abafundi ezingama-20 lapho kuphethe ngokuthi kunqobe eyase-Rosewood ilandelwa yi-Royal Central, kwagcina i-Nagina.
Obhekele ezenhlalo yabafundi uMnu Julian King noyisekela lomsizi wasezindaweni zokuhlala uMnu Lebohang Mathobela babonge abebebambe iqhaza futhi bahalalisela amaqembu anqobile ngakwenzile.
Ngu-Julian King
author : .author email : .Criminology and Forensic Studies Postgraduate Students Selected for Bursaries
Professor Shanta Balgobind Singh with UKZN students selected for Correctional Services/SASSETA Bursaries (Criminology and Forensic Studies). The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) and the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) have given 40 postgraduate UKZN students bursaries worth R2 million.
The Criminology and Forensic students in turn will gain experience assessing inmates within a correctional centre in KwaZulu-Natal.
Professor Shanta Balgobind Singh of the School of Applied Human Sciences (Criminology and Forensic Studies) said the students, who are mainly pursuing postgraduate qualifications in Criminology and the Social Sciences, were selected on the basis of their academic prowess.
The Memorandum of Understanding initiated by Singh between DCS and UKZN was finalised last year.
‘The bursaries are a huge financial injection into the postgraduate cohort of students within the Discipline. Through this initiative, students who were previously unable to continue with their studies due to financial constraints, are able to pursue their postgraduate studies,’ said Singh.
A delegation of DCS officials and representatives from the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority held an orientation session on Howard College campus.
Speaking at the session, DCS’s Mr Monacks said the mutually beneficial programme would provide students with financial assistance and most importantly work experience as they would volunteer at correctional facilities, interviewing offenders and assessing them.
Monacks said the programme, which has been running for a few years, initially started at UNISA and the University of Pretoria, and has since been rolled out at the University of Zululand and UKZN.
Correctional Services’ Dr Plaatjies, who gave a brief overview of Correctional programmes, said that pre-1994, they ‘locked up offenders and threw away the key’. She emphasised that the focus was now on rehabilitation and respecting human rights.
Programmes run include anger management, substance abuse, behaviour modification (for gangs), economic crimes and a newly-developed programme for female offenders.
DCS’s Mr Sihlangu outlined the assessment tools used to develop profiling and sentence planning for offenders, saying the tools would assist students to identify basic needs and risk factors.
Mr Nesengani of Community Profiling focused on the introduction to community profiling and stressed the importance of reintegrating offenders back into the community once they had been paroled or released.
Singh will serve on the National Board of DCS to help oversee the implementation of this project.
Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer
author : .author email : .Community Engagement at UKZN – Reminder
.Responsible Community Engagement (RCE), is Goal Two of UKZN’s Strategic Plan (2007-2016), which aims to contribute to the prosperity and sustainability of KwaZulu-Natal and to nation-building by connecting and committing the entire University family to the communities we serve, in a manner that adds value and earns the people’s respect.
It is in that breath, that the University has committed itself and its resources to the common good of society which has seen a vast number of outreach programmes being managed by UKZN. The projects range from HIV and AIDS projects, upgrading the skills of science and mathematics teachers, to food security and community tourism projects.
In 2015, the Corporate Relations Division successfully partnered with a number of departments within the month of July which culminated in various initiatives to commemorate Mandela month. In building on the positive response received, Corporate Relations is calling on you and your respective departments to participate in community engagement initiatives within July 2016. This process shall take place annually and request that departments note the matter going forward. The multi-discipline initiatives undertaken by the University as a collective shall be reviewed by Corporate Relations for placement in the University’s 2016 Community Engagement publication. Please note that programmes carried out before the month of July 2016 and/or after are also welcome.
To streamline the submission process, all staff and students participating in community outreach initiatives are requested to submit a brief outline of the programme and supporting documents such as photographs by completing an online form. Please click on the following link to start the process:
http://www.ukzn.ac.za/community-engagement
The deadline to submit your input is by Friday 03 June 2016 at midday.
We look forward to your positive response.
UKZNDabaOnline
author : .author email : .Conversations for Change Celebrates Africa Day at UKZN
Retired Judge Zak Yacoob, Ms Unathi Bheku, Professor Cheryl Potgieter, Ms Nompumelelo Runji and Mr Suntosh Pillay.The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in partnership with the Mandela-Rhodes Community hosted the 5th annual Conversations for Change event.
Conversations for Change is a Mandela-Rhodes Scholars initiative, conceived to create exciting public spaces to spark dialogue and debate about the roles people can play in moving Africa forward.
Addressing the hard-hitting theme “I’m not a racist, but…”, the conversation, hosted by the Chairperson: Mandela-Rhodes Scholars, Mr Suntosh Pillay, aimed to unpack racism and intersecting forms of prejudice, privilege and power, with speakers and the audience, grappling with this complex but urgent social dilemma.
Recent protest action on university campuses nationwide and racial outbursts on social media have drawn attention to critical issues affecting the Higher Education arena, and the country more broadly.
In the light of the amalgamation of economic and socio-political issues plaguing the state, UKZN’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of College: Humanities, Professor Cheryl Potgieter, said the 2015 protest action was necessary at that point in Higher Education and touched on deeper issues. ‘We cannot have reconciliation if we do not have economic justice. Addressing the land debate is the first step.’
Many members of the audience believed that reconciliation had not been adequately addressed since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, contending that it had actually failed the majority of South Africans.
‘Many people are still angry. We cannot deal with racism if we do not have deep love for each other,’ an audience member commented.
Quoting the American feminist and anti-racism activist Peggy McIntosh in connection with her position on privilege and power among race groups, Mandela-Rhodes Scholar, Ms Unathi Bheku, discussed the historical dispossession of Black people, saying that social mechanisms had now become more critical than ever in ensuring that previously disadvantaged people moved from a position of deprivation to a position of benefit.
Posing the question, ‘how often do we each value introspection?’ columnist, researcher and political analyst, Ms Nompumelelo Runji, challenged the audience to confront their own prejudices and ideas of race and identity as a means to progress. ‘We all have a choice. Our Constitution expresses the best that we want to be and the worst we wish to depart from. The onus is on each individual.’
Affirming the power of the Constitution, retired Judge of the Constitutional Court and anti-apartheid political and community activist, Mr Zak Yacoob, discussed its ability to serve all people when necessary.
‘I am slave to the Constitution, which has been borne out of bloodshed,’ said Yacoob. ‘Our society does not create the society we contemplate, it provides us with a springboard to change things in our country. I think of our Constitution every night. I believe that we should all strive to be non-racist and non-sexist. It will be a difficult struggle, but we must make that individual effort first,’ said Yacoob.
Rakshika Sibran
author : .author email : .Team UKZN Supports Comrades 2016
Team UKZN hosted a refreshment station in support of Comrades 2016 runners.For the fourth consecutive year, Team UKZN - clad in red and white - was out in full force to support the Ultimate Human Race, the 2016 Comrades Marathon.
In high spirits despite the chill of a dark winter early morning, UKZN staff and Physiotherapy students worked tirelessly to set up Station 29 at Botha’s Hill in readiness for the influx of runners.
Forming a human chain, Team UKZN lined the bustling route, handing out refreshments and motivating runners as they made their way from Pietermaritzburg to Durban in the 89km race.
For the weary and exhausted, UKZN’s Physiotherapy students offered massage relief to sore legs and stiff muscles at their massage station, encouraging runners to get back on the road.
Once more, UKZN’s Tintin Pillay had the Team dancing and energised, keeping the local residents jiving to the beat. ‘It’s an absolute honour to work with vibrant students and staff in support of our athletes. As they say about the Comrades - Izokuthoba, it will humble you!’ said Pillay.
Ms Shakila Thakurpersad of UKZN’s Corporate Relations Division said: ‘At least 25 members of staff and students ran the marathon. We were very proud of them and behind them all the way!’
UKZN congratulates South Africa’s David Gatebe who smashed the down run record in a time of 5:18.19 and the first woman home, Charne Bosman, who finished in 6:25.19.
‘Corporate Relations organisers thank all staff and Physiotherapy students who worked hard to ensure that the day was a resounding success. We also congratulate all who ran the race and offer our best wishes to those preparing for next year,’ said Mr Lesiba Seshoka, Executive Director: Corporate Relations.
See all the highlights of UKZN’s participation in Comrades 2016 on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Rakshika Sibran
author : .author email : .Soul of Africa Lunch Hour Concert
African Music and Dance students perform on stage.The School of Arts (Music) presented an exciting lunch hour concert featuring African Music and Dance (AMD) students performing on stage at the Howard College theatre under the theme: “Soul of Africa”.
The concert was an end of semester showcase of all the African Music Ensembles in the UKZN African Music and Dance Programme.
This semester the ensemble teachers, Ms Nozuko Nguqu, Mr José Chemane and Mr Lindani Phumlomo, featured various styles of dance which audiences enjoyed. Styles included SHIKISHA which is a modern traditional dance fusing Zulu and contemporary dance movements and INDLAMU and SHIYAMENI which depict the celebration of Zulu warriors during the Anglo-Boer war.
Said Nguqu: ‘This semester’s show was out of this world. AMD has grown in numbers which makes us more powerful on stage. The variety in our repertoire was also a highlight. When I thought of AMD’s 3 pieces, I had the other teachers in mind so I made sure I incorporated the IsimPondo style to spice it up as the other teachers are originally Zulu, and Chopi (Mozambique).’
Phumlomo, who ensured first year students perfected their performances, said, ‘This was my first time working with them and we managed to work together effortlessly, coming up with the concept, fine-tuning their movements to execute them better and building on their stage presence.’
He was both proud and happy that the first year students were able to conquer their fears and dominate onstage. ‘It’s great seeing them let go and be all that they can be. As a teacher, it’s a special moment seeing them grow.’
The AMD ensemble and teachers were grateful to their Lecturer Dr Patricia Opondo for her support and encouragement. ‘She gave me the opportunity to inspire students at such a critical fundamental stage. It’s an honour,’ said Phumlomo.
The concert proved to be a huge success with audience members saying they were keen to attend the next show in the second semester.
Melissa Mungroo
author : .author email : .Results from Durban Firm Survey Presented to Business Leaders
UKZN academics and researchers Mr Glen Robbins and Dr Myriam Velia.Results from a study on manufacturing firms in greater Durban were presented by UKZN academics and researchers Dr Myriam Velia and Mr Glen Robbins to local business leaders and those who participated in the survey.
The UKZN research team spoke about highlights of the research into medium and large manufacturing employers in the eThekwini region.
The survey demonstrated the dynamic picture in manufacturing sectors such as clothing and textiles, agro-processing and metal works and enabled the researchers to understand changes in employment levels within manufacturing firms.
The data reveal that the top constraints to growth have changed over the last decade. ‘Manufacturing establishments are notably affected by sluggish economic growth, depreciation of the rand/dollar exchange rate and high electricity costs, while the availability of technical/vocational skills is a notable constraint to expansion in 80% of firms,’ said Velia.
Said Robbins: ‘A greater supply of skilled workers is required by the manufacturing firms studied to specifically increase their labour demand. Some of the results differ markedly from those that were found a decade ago for the same study area, reflecting a better integration of firms into the global context and new challenges.’
The UKZN research team is confident that the survey analysis will provide policymakers, the business community and researchers with valuable insight into the efficacy of current industrial policies, and will be a valuable resource for research on the focus of future policies for industrial development. The survey also positions the city of Durban as one of the few local governments with panel data on manufacturing firms.
UKZN’s Dean of Research, Professor Urmilla Bob, said: ‘This research project is an impressive example of a long-term product and it contributes to the development and transformation of society and also the development and sustainability of the city and the sector. This research is making an impact in the real world and is further building the capacity of the next generation of scholars and researchers.’
Mr Takalani Rathiyaya of eThekwini Municipality said: ‘The conversation on this research must continue and based on the results, we are putting together an action plan to sustain the sector and to improve on current offerings.’
Ms Kylie Griffins of the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of South Africa (SEIFSA) added: ‘This research is useful to understand the local economy,’ while Mr Pat Moodley of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) said: ‘The findings from the data-set are interesting and give us insight on how this sector can become sustainable to further grow and expand our market, to compete globally and to create employment.’
Melissa Mungroo
author : .author email : .New Pocket Atlas to Help Combat Female Bilharzia
Bilharzia experts at the launch of the Pocket Atlas.Gynaecologists and researchers at UKZN’s College of Health Sciences, in partnership with colleagues from the World Health Organization (WHO), have launched a booklet to assist doctors diagnose and manage female genital tract bilharzia.
Some of the world’s leading gynaecologists and researchers gathered at the South African Congress for Gynaecologists and Obstetricians in the North West for the launch of the WHO Pocket Atlas for Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) that will assist health professionals recognise female bilharzia.
‘Doctors know bilharzia, but very few know the damage it can do to female genitals,’ said Dr Francis Hyera of University of Limpopo.
‘The early stages are difficult to see with the naked eye, especially before proper training. During gynaecological examinations on women with bilharzia, it is often misconceived as cancer or an STI. Even among health workers able to do the microscopic examination of the genitalia (colposcopy), few recognise the disease.’
The microscopic bilharzia parasites live in fresh water and can penetrate the skin upon contact. No pain is felt and the patients are unaware of the invasion. Swimming or doing laundry in infested rivers, lakes and lagoons poses a high risk. The parasites can stay in the body for over 30 years and can cause great damage. Research shows that bilharzia affects both men and women and people of all ages. Children are particularly susceptible.
‘It is unacceptable that people are suffering from this disease and that children are still contracting it,’ said Dr Eyrun Kjetland of UKZN.
‘Brazil and Egypt have successfully treated their populations for bilharzia and hopefully South Africa will do the same. The parasite can cause a gynaecological disease called female bilharzia which is painful, causing chronic bleeding, and infertility. Studies have shown that up to two million women in South Africa might be affected. Unfortunately, very few receive treatment with insufficient knowledge of the disease and lack of health services the main reasons for this low treatment coverage.
‘Most of the 290 000 doctors and nurses in South Africa rely on blood in urine as a symptom for urinary bilharzias and only handful are aware of genital bilharzia and its effects,’ said Dr Motshedisi Sebitloane, Chief Specialist at UKZN’s Department of Gynaecology. ‘If the genitalia are affected, this can result in unscheduled bleeding, chronic pelvic pain and infertility – even if nothing is found in the urine. By increasing knowledge with the World Health Organization booklet and teaching every health professional in this country what the disease looks like, we could eliminate this public health problem.’
Head of Department at the South Africa Department for Communicable Disease Control, Mr Tsakani Furumele, said: ‘We are fighting against time to spread information about this disease all over sub-Saharan Africa where it is prevalent. Children living in endemic areas should be targeted with early, regular “preventive treatments” to prevent life-long damage to their reproductive organs. The longer we delay raising awareness about the disease, the more infected people remain undiagnosed and vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Our aim is that you will find this pocket booklet in every clinician’s office within two years.’
Nombuso Dlamini
author : .author email : .Indigenous Recreation and Sports Day on Westville Campus
An Indigenous Recreation and Sports Day was held in the Quad on the Westville campus.The Disability Support Unit (DSU) on the Westville campus and the Bio-kinetics, Exercise and Leisure Science Department co-hosted a successful Indigenous Recreation and Sports Day supported by staff and students.
Organisers of the day aimed to provide an opportunity for students with disabilities to engage in activities designed/adapted for their challenges. The programme included activities that created awareness of the different types of disabilities experienced by students on campus.
The day started with a welcome from a student with a visual disability, Mr Ashley Subbiah, followed by an ice breaker and introduction co-ordinated by third year Leisure Sport Science students Mr Thabiso Msomi and Ms Nosipho Mbatha; and a volleyball match between students with disabilities and students who supported the event.
Other activities included a wheel chair race, one-legged race, border crossing game, river and bank game, skipping rope, hula hoop, egg and spoon race, chess, snakes and ladders, and morabaraba (board game).
Ms Mikyle David, a student with physical challenges, conveyed the vote of thanks. Incentives/trophies were given to participants who successfully completed tasks.
Feedback from participants was positive and the goals of increasing education and awareness around issues of disability were accomplished.
Students said they gained valuable information relating to the challenges that students with disabilities encountered through an educative, fun and interactive medium.
The Disability Co-ordinator, Ms Faaiza Shaikh was positive about the response from the UKZN community and highlighted that advocacy and awareness programmes, such as the Indigenous Recreation and Sports Day, were valuable and necessary for the continued integration of a diverse student population.
This initiative was supported by the UKZN community, Risk Management Services, the Campus Health Clinic, the Sports and Health Department and Corporate Relations.
Sponsors for the event included V City Chicks; Mrs Govender’s UKZN; Origano Pizza and Pasta; Mr Haffejee (Varsity Shop); What’s Up Dog; the HIV and AIDS Programme and Information and Communication Services.
Faaiza Shaikh and Khumbuzile Khumalo
author : .author email : . School of Education hosts Minquiz Science and Maths Competition
Ms Glenda Watt, Mr Andrea Tonelli, Mr Bahle Danisa, Mr Jacob Tsotetsi, Mr Sinenhlanhla Christian Zondi, Ms Thoko Silindile Monica Thusi and Dr Nadaraj Govender.The School of Education recently hosted the Minquiz Provincial Competition, an annual national Science competition for Grade 12 learners. Learners from 37 schools across KwaZulu-Natal were accompanied by their teachers to compete in the event on the Edgewood campus.
The School has hosted the competition for the last 16 years. The competition aims to encourage an interest in careers in science, engineering and technology, especially in minerals and metallurgy, and to promote an awareness of the importance of minerals and metallurgy to South Africa.
The competition consists of a preliminary written multiple-choice quiz which learners complete individually. The individual scores are then added to determine a school score which is used to identify the top 5 school teams in both the Gold and Platinum categories. These school teams then compete in a live, on-stage oral quiz. The questions used in both quizzes are in the fields of physical sciences, mathematics, and general knowledge in science, engineering and technology, and are in line with the National Curriculum.
Participants from Margot Fonteyn High School in Pinetown Ms Yoliswa Vilakazi said, ‘This is such a fun competition and it’s great to meet and interact with learners from other schools,’ while Mr Sanele Majozi added, ‘Competing in Minquiz builds our confidence and also prepares us to write our final matric exams. It tests our knowledge and motivates us to do well.’
UKZN academic and co-ordinator of the Quiz, Dr Nadaraj Govender said ‘Minquiz is entertaining for all involved while at the same time highlighting the importance of Mathematics and Science as foundational subjects for a career in the minerals and metallurgy industries and other sciences as well as promoting interest in science and mathematics teacher education.’
Speaking at the event, Mintek engineer Mr Jacob Tsotetsi encouraged all learners to pursue a career in science, engineering and technology. ‘Make an informed decision for your future career. If you want to be a teacher or engineer, you need to be passionate about it. Do what you love.’
The winning schools for the regional oral competition were: Star College Boys’ High (1st), Durban Girls’ College, Maritzburg College [Platinum Category] and Adams College (1st), Wiggens Secondary and Ogwini Comprehensive Technical High [Gold category].
The winners for the regional written competition were: Andrea Tonelli (1st), Storm Savage (2nd), Glenda Watt [Platinum Category] and Thoko Silindile Monica Thusi (1st), Bahle Danisa (2nd), Sinenhlanhla Christian Zondi [Gold Category].
The top two students from each category will now compete in the National Competition to be held on 13-14 July in Johannesburg-Mintek.
Melissa Mungroo
author : .author email : .Academic’s Novel Shortlisted for 2016 Sunday Times Fiction Award
Dr Nkosinathi Sithole with his book Hunger Eats a Man.School of Arts academic Dr Nkosinathi Sithole’s debut novel Hunger Eats a Man has been shortlisted for the 2016 Barry Ronge Sunday Times fiction award.
Both humbled and happy, Sithole said: ‘I think back to the time when I was writing the book and I am reminded of the way I enjoyed writing and reading it, even though it deals with sad and painful realities of our new South Africa and the fact that I was in a bad place myself when I wrote it.’
His book, available in isiZulu and English, is set in the village of Ndlalidlindoda (isiZulu for: hunger eats a man) in KwaZulu-Natal and highlights the ongoing plight of many rural South Africans and the power of a community working together to bring about change.
Said Sithole: ‘The idea for my book came from my early life growing up in a community where most people were poor so when apartheid ended they thought their lives were going to change for the better. It did not happen for many people!’
‘For some, things got worse than they had been during apartheid which is not a good thing. My book aims to alert those in power about the danger we face in South Africa if the gap between rich and the poor is not bridged.’
The book is about a priest Father Gumede who after losing his job as a farmhand, realises he can’t afford to love his neighbour as he does himself. Despondent and enraged, Father Gumede cuts off all ties with the church and politics, determined to make a living – at whatever cost.
It takes a strange story written by his son Sandile to show Father Gumede the hope and humanity inherent in the human spirit.
Dean and Head of the School of Arts (acting) Professor Donal McCracken said: ‘They say that truth is stranger than fiction, but in this novel fiction is truth, and that truth is at the core of our society’s greatest challenge. A first novel is something very special and Nkosinathi Sithole has set the bar high. I envisage further great things from this young author.’
Sithole urged everyone to read his book as he believes it is relevant to the situation in South Africa. ‘It is written in a humorous tone so that it does not become so bleak as it deals with disturbing facts about our lives,’ he said.
The book is available at all major bookstores and online stores.
Melissa Mungroo
author : .author email : . Research Grant Proposal Workshop hosted by Teaching and Learning Office
Professor Kriben Pillay with workshop facilitators and participants.The College of Law and Management Studies (CLMS), under the auspices of the University Teaching and Learning Office (UTLO), hosted a workshop on writing a research grant proposal.
The objective of the workshop was to attract more academics in CLMS to apply for either the Teaching and Learning Competitive Research Grant or the Teaching Innovations and Quality Enhancement Grant, both of which are administered by UTLO.
Unlike previous years when a generic workshop was offered to staff, this year UKZN Director of Teaching and Learning, Dr Rubby Dhunpath, asked College Dean of Teaching and Learning, Professor Kriben Pillay, to host the workshop in a way that made it more relevant to the College academics.
Dr Shaun Ruggunan of the School of Management, Information Technology and Governance, and a recent recipient of the Teaching and Learning Competitive Research Grant, was asked to lead the workshop based on his experience of successfully applying for the grant.
Dr Angela James of the School of Education, and former acting Director of the CLMS Teaching and Learning Unit, co-facilitated the workshop.
In their presentations, both Rugganan and James emphasised the value of researching one’s own teaching practice and how this aligned with the objectives of the grants, which are to foster the scholarship of teaching and learning and enhancing teaching quality and innovations.
‘In an exercise to initiate ideas for possible research projects, it was very evident that the academics present wanted to research areas that directly impacted on the quality of learning and student success,’ said Pillay. ‘We intend having follow-up sessions with those who now want to develop research proposals, and we welcome submissions even from those who could not attend.’
UKZNDabaOnline
author : .author email : .Durban International Film Festival’s Programme Announced
Mr Kishore Gobardan (third from right) and Professor Donal McCracken (extreme right) at the launch of the 37th edition of the Durban International Film Festival.The full programme for the 37th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), hosted by UKZN’s College of Humanities, was announced during a media launch at the Maharani hotel.
The Festival takes place at 15 venues across the city and its outlying areas from 16-26 June.
College Director of Professional Services, Mr Kishore Gobardan, said at the launch: ‘As the College of Humanities, we are proud to host the Festival and we will continue to support it.’
Head of eThekwini Municipality’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Department, Mr Thembinkosi Ngcobo, said: ‘As the city, we are investing R4 million into the festival. We have realised that in order for the Festival to continue to grow, it needs to impact all corners of our city and be accessible to a wide range of audiences and we are happy that venues have been selected in areas such as Umlazi and KwaMashu.’
The Festival opens on the 40th anniversary of the June 16, 1976 uprising with the world premiere of the South African documentary, The Journeymen, directed by Sean Metelerkamp and produced by Jolynn Minnaar.
Other South African Films include Endless River by Oliver Hermanus Kalushi which chronicles the story of Solomon Mahlangu; the mockumentary Wonderboy for President starring Kagiso Lediga and directed by John Barker, and Tess from previous DIFF winner Ms Meg Rickards, which follows the story of a sassy 20-year-old prostitute on the streets of Cape Town.
A South African documentary to be screened is Alison, a deeply personal account of a woman who endures unimaginable suffering but refuses to become a victim.
Acting Festival Director Mr Peter Machen spoke enthusiastically about this year’s programme. ‘This is my 27th year attending the Festival and it’s been incredible to watch the continual expansion of African cinema, as the industry slowly rebirths in the wake of colonialism,’ said Machen.
‘In those first years that I attended, there was virtually no African content, and it’s wonderful that an industry which exists against a background of enormous challenges is growing with such vigour. African cinema continues to grow more and more complex, offering a wealth of cinematic language that puts much of mainstream cinema to shame.’
According to Machen, other key areas include ‘a focus on issues around indigenous rights and colonialism, a small programme of films that deal with HIV (given the fact that the World AIDS Conference takes place in Durban two weeks after the Festival ends), and a rich programme of films about dance and music’.
There is also a country focus on Dutch cinema, in recognition of the Dutch-South African Co-production Treaty, as well as a focus on Portuguese-language African film in partnership with the Tri-Continental Film Festival.
DIFF partners for the 11th year with Wavescape to present a feast of surfing cinema from around the world. Wavescape opens with a free outdoor screening at the Bay of Plenty Lawns on Sunday, 19 June, before locating to the new venue at Rivertown Beerhall from 20 to 26 June.
The 9th Talents Durban in co-operation with Berlinale Talents, brings together the creativity of 20 selected film makers from Africa who will take part in a series of master classes, workshops and industry networking opportunities during the Festival.
Programme booklets with the full screening schedule and synopses of all the films will be available free at cinemas, and other public information outlets.
For more information visit www.durbanfilmfest.co.za The full programme will be available online from 1 June.
Melissa Mungroo
author : .author email : .African Renaissance Conference Focuses on Entrepreneurial Development
Management academics Dr Vannie Naidoo, Dr Mbuyi Ntuli and Mrs Andrisha Beharry-RamrajEntrepreneurial development with the emphasis on creating an environment conducive for the start-up and development of small and medium business ventures as key drivers to economic growth and job creation, was the primary focus of the recent annual African Renaissance Conference hosted by the city of Durban.
According to UKZN academic and Vice-Chair of the African Renaissance Trust, Professor Sihawukele Ngubane, one of the new key areas which received attention this year was entrepreneurship development at tertiary institutions. ‘The requisite skills needed to develop and manage one’s own business are a part of tertiary education that has become essential for graduates to acquire.’
With this in mind, College of Law and Management Studies academics Mrs Andrisha Beharry-Ramraj, Dr Vannie Naidoo and Dr Mbuyiseni Ntuli attended the Conference.
On the culture of entrepreneurship among the youth, Naidoo said: ‘There are a lot of business opportunities in Africa, however education about entrepreneurship needs to be a priority in the training of young people. Other skills such as critical thinking should be encouraged while students should also be trained to use ICTs to assist in their development.’
In an effort to instil a culture of entrepreneurship among UKZN students, the School of Management, Information Technology and Governance has introduced a new honours programme this year on entrepreneurship. ‘It is hoped this programme can grow as more students use this degree as an avenue to pursue entrepreneurship,’ said Beharry-Ramraj.
She added that the youth of Africa needed to explore entrepreneurship awareness in order to combat youth and poverty alleviation on the continent. However, a concerted effort was needed from all stakeholders including government, society and academia.
eThekwini Mayor James Nxumalo echoed similar sentiments when he said in his welcome address at the Conference that entrepreneurs and SMMES were vital contributors to the wealth of the economy as they offered diverse opportunities. He encouraged the youth to start positioning themselves to take advantage of business opportunities offered.
Hazel Langa
author : .author email : .Prestigious Maritime Law Scholarship for Law Graduate
Ms Siphosakhe Phakathi.LLB graduate Ms Siphosakhe Phakathi is the first recipient of the newly established Steven Wallace Scholarship aimed at individuals who are studying to become legal practitioners in the field of Maritime Law.
From an early age, Phakathi of Uitvaal, a small rural area in Ladysmith, refused to let her background define her future instead being inspired by her mother who pushed her and her five sisters to strive for more after losing their father when they were young.
Fully aware of the plight of her family Phakathi assisted financially through working part-time while in high school to supplement their government social grant.
‘We were poor but my mother said we should never admit to that and rather live as if we were rich! That was one of the things that motivated me not to feel sorry for myself but work hard to achieve my goals.’
The Steven Wallace Scholarship, offered by the Maritime Law Association of South Africa (MLASA) in honour of the late Mr Steven Wallace in recognition of the immense contribution he made in the field of Maritime Law, will enable Phakathi to complete her studies towards an LLM.
‘Maritime Law is a complex and fascinating specialised area of Law, bringing together many aspects of private law – it also has vast development opportunities.’
Even though her thesis topic has not yet been finalised, Phakathi intends writing on Bills of Lading focusing on the presentation of the original bill of lading subject as a pre-requisite for delivery of the goods. ‘My study will be a comparative one in which I will compare different jurisdictions and that of the South African position based on the Sea Transport Documents Act.’
She is grateful to Professor Trevor Jones, Co-ordinator of the Unit of Maritime Law and Maritime Studies at UKZN, for guiding her through the process of applying for the scholarship which covers full tuition and accommodation fees including membership of the Maritime Law Association.
‘I am overwhelmed by the award and so is my family. The support I’m receiving from the Trustees is immeasurable. I have been invited for a work shadow in one of the Leading Law Firms at Norton Rose Fulbright to gain work experience in shipping law. I would say it is a great opportunity and exposure that every Law student desires.’
She is currently a member of the Students for Law and Social Justice and on completion of her studies she plans to use the skills acquired to contribute to the maritime sector. ‘I am planning to practise as a maritime lawyer and hope one day I will be a highly skilled, effective, proud exponent and a good leader,’ said Phakathi.
Hazel Langa
author : .author email : .Fond Farewell for Long-Standing UKZN Staff Member
Ms Aileen Bevis.The Classics Department in the School of Religion, Philosophy and Classics (SRPC) recently bade farewell to a good colleague, friend and Classics Lecturer, Ms Aileen Bevis, who has worked at the University for the past 40 years!
Former Acting College Dean of Research, Professor Donal McCracken , thanked Bevis for being a firm, loyal and integral servant of the University and for her remarkable service: ‘I recall coming to work on weekends and I would see Aileen in her office; even when I worked late, she would still be in her office,’ said McCracken.
Colleagues described Bevis as passionate, dedicated, gifted and a knowledgeable linguist, and a self-sacrificing professional who always put her colleagues and the Department first.
Former Classics Lecturer, Dr Adrian Ryan, said: ‘When I arrived at the Department as a fresh-faced and terrified first-year student, Aileen was a lecturer who had a reputation among the students for her industry, rigour, and dedication, and for possessing an intimidating knowledge of the Classical languages.’
Another former colleague, Professor William Dominik, who worked closely with Bevis for many years, thanked her for being a great and positive influence. ‘I am just one of many people you have affected positively in your career and life. I wish you a happy time at home away from the University.’
Bevis graduated in 1969 with an Honours degree in Classics from the University of Cape Town where she was recognised for her academic excellence with several awards and with the Hyman Lieberman and the Queen Victoria Scholarships, enabling her to study at Cambridge University.
She worked in various capacities at several universities before being permanently employed at what was then the University of Natal, Durban, as a Lecturer in Classics.
However, in 1999 she faced difficulties after a series of downsizing exercises saw her redeployed to administration as the Manager of the new Humanities Faculty: ‘It was hard for me to come to terms with the loss of my academic job and it took time to accept the change, but I found aspects of my new job challenging and interesting. Nevertheless, I was very happy to be invited back into Classics when I retired,’ she said.
Throughout the difficulties, Bevis’s family supported and motivated her. ‘I was blessed to have a husband who understood and accepted my late working hours.’
Some of her most interesting moments came after she had been re-hired to teach Latin in the Department of Classics.
What advice does she have for women academics? ‘I never saw myself tackling a job specifically as a woman, rather as the person I was, and doing it to the best of my ability.’
Bevis is moving to the Western Cape to spend quality time with her family.
Nomcebo Mncube
author : .author email : .UKZN Manager Receives Award for Best Practice
Mrs Ranitha Ramdeyal.UKZN’S College of Health Sciences Academic Services Manager, Mrs Ranitha Ramdeyal, received an award for her contribution to Best Practice for Faculty Administration in a Higher Education Institution (HEI) at the 15th Annual Higher Education Faculty Administrators Forum’s (HEFAF) Conference in Cape Town.
A member of the forum since its inception, Ramdeyal said the body aimed to collectively address common issues and challenges within a network of South African universities and their counterparts in the SADC region.
She worked with the forum to develop its best practice document. ‘It felt great to be acknowledged for my contribution. It made me feel like I made a difference.’
Themed: “The Impact of the November 2015 ‘Fees-Must-Fall’ Campaign by Students on Academic Administration at HEIs”, the Conference was attended by more than 200 delegates from universities in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana, as well as international representatives from the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The Association of University Administrators (AUA) in the UK shared an international perspective on the issues of student retention.
Ramdeyal and the College of Law and Management Studies’ Academic Services Manager, Mrs Marian Kisten, gave a talk at the Conference on UKZN’s Academic Monitoring and Support System.
They spoke about how UKZN assists its students academically through support to ensure that they finish their degrees on time.
‘UKZN provides academic support programmes to assist those students whose academic potential has not been realised due to disadvantaged educational backgrounds,’ said Ramdeyal. ‘The programmes take the form of access and foundation courses, restructured first year courses or additional courses in essential skills such as communication and academic writing. Pre-university courses prepare students for the challenges of the academic environment while mentorship and internship programmes promote the academic and vocational development of students.’
HEFAF was formed in 2002 as an initiative of Adapt IT (Pty) Ltd to define and formulate best practice for faculty administration.
Membership is open to public and private universities, technical and vocational education institutions, training colleges and organisations from inside as well as outside South Africa. Members include 23 public and two private South African universities, six public TVET Colleges, two Higher Education Institutions from Namibia, three Higher Education Institutions from Botswana, one from Lesotho and two universities from Nigeria.
Ramdeyal, who has been with UKZN for 24 years, says her future plans include helping to further develop and improve administrators.
She is married with two daughters. ‘My children keep me going. They are my champions. I’m also grateful for a very supportive husband.’
Nombuso Dlamini
author : .author email : .