SAEES Lecturer Receives Award for Emerging Academics
Dr Adrian Nel.Dr Adrian Nel in the Discipline of Geography in the School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences (SAEES) has been awarded the prestigious Society of South African Geographers (SSAG) Centenary Award, designed to recognise and invest in emerging academics.
According to the SSAG, applications were of a very high standard, making the selection even more of an achievement. SSAG stated that the quality of applications bodes well for the future of the Discipline of Geography in South Africa.
Nel, who has been at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) since June 2015, teaches courses on topics including human environments, urban and rural change, political ecology, research methods in Geography, and managing environmental conflict. He is also currently supervising three PhD, five masters and three honours students in fields related to conservation, climate change governance, water and waste geographies. In addition, he runs the Discipline’s social media and a seminar series called “Research Practice” for colleagues and postgraduate students.
Before coming to UKZN, Nel completed his PhD with distinction, through the University of Otago in New Zealand in 2014.
His thesis on climate change mitigation initiatives in Uganda, was one of eight “exceptional” theses conferred that year.
He also held a Visiting Scholar position with the Institute for Development Studies at the University of Sussex, and a research associate position with the Institute for Development Studies at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, while conducting post-doctoral research on the topic of rural livelihoods after the Fast Track Land Reform Programme (FTLRP) in Matobo district of Matabeleland South.
His application for the Centenary Award centred on his work on a collaborative project titled “Amandla neMvelo (Power and Nature): Natural resource governance and power in KwaZulu-Natal”.
This research agenda involves the exploration of connections between Power and Nature, including power over nature and the nature of power. His major objective is exploring the changing roles and interrelationships of diverse authorities and actors in environmental governance across varying socio-ecological contexts in KwaZulu-Natal.
Nel has set up three initial case studies to launch this research agenda. The first investigates the involvement of the private sector, land claimants, traditional authorities and forest-adjacent communities in land reform on forestry areas around Richmond. The second explores diverse water governance roles in the catchment management of the uMngeni River (as part of the uMngeni School of Water Governance). The third is a study of conservation governance and funding in the prospective Greater uMfolozi Biodiversity Economy Node (BEN); which includes private game reserves, community conservation areas, the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi National Park and the eMakhosini-Ophathe Heritage Park. The limited funding attached to the Centenary award has been designated to the fieldwork of the first and third components of this research.
Christine Cuénod
author : .author email : .Students Debate Whether Peace is Possible
Taking part at the debate were, from left: Ms Keri Khoza, Ms Silomo Dlamini, Ms Banele Ngubane and Ms Khethelo Gama.Is peace possible? That was the question probed during a panel discussion recently hosted by the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Durban.
The debate, held at the Howard College Theatre in partnership with the Black Lawyers Association (BLA) and UKZN’s Students for Law and Social Justice (SLSJ), formed part of a global campaign to encourage dialogue on peace.
The campaign is also driven online under the #peaceispossible hashtag with the aim of mobilising people to work towards the attainment of world peace.
Executive Vice President and Local Peace is Possible Director, Ms Keri Khoza said JCI is a global network of young active citizens between the ages of 18 and 40. These individuals share the belief that in order to realise positive change people need to take collective action to improve themselves and the world around them.
‘With over 5 000 Local Organisations in more than 150 countries and territories, JCI forms a vibrant international community of nearly 200 000 active citizens belonging to a JCI Local Organisation where they focus on finding solutions to improve their local community,’ said Khoza who was also on the discussion panel.
Khoza and fellow panelists Mr Khayo Mhlongo, Ms Banele Ngubane and Ms Khethelo Gama engaged the audience on what peace means to each individual and whether it is possible.
Some of the views from the audience were that peace is possible but was hindered by the lack of awareness in certain sectors of society. Some participants felt that some of the behaviour that gives rise to conflicts is a result of people’s upbringing, surrounding environment, and that peace should be taught at home.
However, other members of the audience argued that peace was not possible and that schools were the right place to teach young people about peace.
The audience also raised concerns that political and economic frustrations were a root cause for some of the problems. They cited the recent xenophobic attacks in the country; unrest related to the FeesMustFall campaign; and the police brutality attacks that led to the BlacksLivesMatter campaign in the United States as examples of these conflicts.
Most of the students agreed that people needed to be tolerant of other cultures, race groups and beliefs.
Concluding the discussions, Programme Director Ms Silomo Dlamini said people should not only create awareness but needed to be brave enough to stand up for peace, make a difference and be willing to learn while also educating themselves.
The JCI also used the platform to promote its upcoming events to UKZN students.
Khoza spoke of upcoming JCI events and encouraged students to continue to take part in the online discussions by visiting @JCIdbn on Instagram and Twitter, JCI Durban on YouTube and Facebook or the JCI website.
Sithembile Shabangu
author : .author email : .Dedication and Passion Pays Off for AES Teachers
Distinguished teachers recognised within the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science include (from left): Professor Dean Goldring, Dr Lloyd Baiyegunhi, Dr Farai Chirove, Dr Alan Matthews and Dr Mulemwa Akombelwa.Five academics from the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science (AES), have been recognised for their passion and dedication towards educating and inspiring greatness in their students.
The academics, one from each School within the College, walked away winners at the Distinguished Teacher Awards Ceremony held at UKZN’s Pietermaritzburg campus. The awards recognise excellence in teaching and learning.
Welcoming guests to the ceremony, Acting Dean of Teaching and Learning within the College, Professor Naven Chetty emphasised that teaching was just as important as research in the College.
Dr Lloyd Baiyegunhi from the School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences was presented with his award by Professor Oni Mutanga. He commended Baiyegunhi for his intense dedication to student learning and achievement, saying his ‘effect on students tends to be one of galvanisation.’
‘He is helpful, he always has an open door policy and an open mind for conversation. He befriends all of his students and is aware of their passion, concerns and problems. He genuinely cares about students as individuals and serves as a teacher, life mentor, inspiration as well as a friend,’ said Mutanga.
Professor Ross Robinson presented Dr Alan Matthews from the School of Chemistry and Physics with his Distinguished Teacher Award, citing his outstanding and unique contribution to the introduction of isiZulu in the teaching of Physics at University level. Matthews has developed a list of over 500 isiZulu physics terms and is working on a dual English/isiZulu textbook that explains physics concepts to isiZulu mother tongue speakers.
Dr Mulemwa Akombelwa was the Distinguished Teacher Award recipient from the School of Engineering. His award was presented by Professor Graham Smith, who described Akombelwa as ‘an excellent and distinguished lecturer who brings Survey skills and their application to practical problems within reach of our students.’ Akombelwa is a registered Professional Engineering Surveyor in South Africa and the programme co-ordinator for Survey at UKZN.
Professor Dean Goldring from the School of Life Sciences was presented with his award by Professor Ade Olaniran. ‘Dean teaches with unequalled passion, enthusiasm and understanding,’ said Olaniran. ‘He draws on decades of experience and an encyclopaedic knowledge of his subject matter, prepares extensively for each class and continually explores and implements new ideas in order best to transfer knowledge, engage his students and stimulate interest.’
Finally, Professor Delia North presented the Distinguished Teacher Award for the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science to Dr Farai Chirove. She mentioned Chirove’s active involvement in curriculum reform and his enthusiasm for using technology in the classroom. ‘He is highly regarded by students and staff as an outstanding educator,’ said North.
Pillay closed the ceremony by congratulating the five awardees and thanking the College for its innovative projects as well as its teaching and learning initiatives.
Sally Frost
author : .author email : .Career Roadshow Raises Awareness on Water Sector Careers
UKZN students attended a workshop on potential careers in the water sector. The workshop was organised by the KZN Chapter of the Young Water Professionals (YWP).The KwaZulu-Natal Chapter of the Young Water Professionals (YWP) recently embarked on a career roadshow aimed at raising awareness on potential careers in the water sector. The roadshow coincided with National Water Week which was celebrated from 20 to 26 March.
The campaign targeted University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) final year and postgraduate students in the natural, life and social sciences.
Committee member and UKZN PhD student, Mr Preyan Arumugam-Nanoolal delivered a presentation followed by discussions between students and employed water professionals.
UKZN collaborated with YWP on this venture, allowing the team to interact with students at the Westville and Pietermaritzburg campuses.
The career roadshow was well received sparking the interest amongst potential YWPs.
A UKZN mailing list was devised whereby these students are able to receive information on the latest workshops (technical and soft-skills), tours hosted by YWP as well as career opportunities which may become available.
Students were also encouraged to keep in mind the current challenges within the water sector and align their postgraduate research to address these issues.
The YWP-KZN committee hopes that next year this initiative will expand to other tertiary institutions in the province and that it will also be adopted by the other provincial YWP chapters.
Preyan Arumugam-Nanoolal
author : .author email : .UKZN Counsellors Place Addiction under the Spotlight
UKZN student counselling staff attended a colloquium on addiction issues at tertiary institutions.The work of student counsellors at tertiary institutions has become increasingly challenging owing to the number of issues and obstacles that are facing students.
In an attempt to address these sensitive issues, the College of AES Student Support/Counselling Unit at UKZN held a colloquium focusing on drug addiction, an issue that is prevalent in tertiary institutions at present.
Because of the high relapse rate, the stigma and denial associated with it, addiction is a very difficult condition to treat.
All the Student Counsellors from the different Colleges were invited to the colloquium with the aim of finding a common campus intervention particularly related to Student Counselling in terms of supporting students with substance abuse issues.
‘Substance abuse and dependency has a negative impact on students’ academic performance contributing to absenteeism, procrastination, sleep deprivation, high risk behaviour and even cognitive impairment and psychosis in some cases,’ said Student Support Manager, Mrs Shelley Barnsley.
‘Alcohol and dagga appear to be the most abused substances by students. It is therefore important for the University community to discuss and find ways to help students get out of the negative cycle of substance abuse and misuse.’
During the colloquium common issues in addiction (stigma, shame, guilt and blame) were explored as well as psychological models of addiction and treatment implications. Dual diagnosis, recovery and relapse were also discussed. The important notion that the opposite of addiction is connection and that Counsellors need to be asking less about “why the addiction” and more about “why the pain”, was also discussed.
The invited guest speakers at the colloquium were Ms Margot Sennett Freedman, Counselling Psychologist at the College of Law and Management Studies, who talked about her experience on substance abuse and providing psychological support in addiction recovery groups; and Ms Raksha Singh, Counselling Psychologist, who shared information about her new Rehabilitation Clinic in Prestbury, Pietermaritzburg.
Overall, the colloquium was an important starting point to engage with issues of addiction and substance abuse.
Swasti Maney
author : .author email : .Essence of Good Leadership Explored at Public Lecture
Professor Niels Van Quaquebeke engaging with GSB&L students.How to communicate as a leader was the focus of a lecture delivered by Leadership and Organizational Behaviour expert Professor Niels Van Quaquebeke.
Van Quaquebeke who is the Head of the Management Department at Kühne Logistics University, Germany recently visited the Graduate School of Business and Leadership (GSB&L) as part of his research road trip which saw him visit other South African business schools.
The essence of leadership, using communications as a means to inspire and leading with vision were the key aspects of Van Quaquebeke’s presentation which responded to the question of how to lead in the modern day.
‘Good leaders give employees meaning to their jobs and communication at the heart of that leadership. We think people are good leaders because they are extroverts and flamboyant but it is actually the opposite, it is the introverts - the people who listen and ask questions that are good leaders because they are engaging in their communication,’ he said.
Van Quaquebeke also spoke about the importance of leadership in times of crisis and the importance of leaders stepping up to reassure their employees during turbulent times.
‘Words are powerful and as a leader you should care how you communicate, if you don’t then you are not a leader. If you go out there in times of crisis as a business leader you need to keep in mind that people need you to give them a positive outlook of the future. That is the problem with political leadership our leaders are too far away from what people feel down there. That is why we need institutions like this where we get to define leadership broadly and shape conscious leaders,’ he said.
GSB&L’s Dean and Head Professor Theuns Pelser said it is important for the School to foster international links as that is crucial in the sharing of global perspectives.
‘It is paramount for the School to have global perspectives especially with what’s happening with the leadership of this country. We need this wealth of knowledge to be incorporated into our programmes as part of our vision of shaping future leaders,’ he said.
Thandiwe Jumo and Sibonelo Shinga
author : .author email : .UKZN Academic Leads Double Life - Comedian and Researcher
UKZN Population Studies Lecturer Mr Mohammed Vawda seen performing one of his comedic acts. UKZN Population Studies Lecturer Mr Mohammed Vawda is leading an exciting double life. By day, Vawda is a Population Scientist specialising in quantitative research, statistics, health economics and demography while by night he is a successful stand up comedian in his own right.
‘My mum was the first to introduce me to the stage at a very young age. She encouraged me to follow my passion, that is, to make people happy and see the brighter and funnier side of life. My dad was naturally hilarious and inspired me in his own way. Wherever he went people smiled and felt the warmth that he spread through his humour. People showed their happiest and best side to him and I thought that was amazing. I take these lessons with me on stage and attempt to break down people’s barriers and prejudices, allowing a certain level of comfort and openness,’ said Vawda about his life in comedy.
For Vawda, every day brings inspiration in which the two fields of academia and comedy overlap. ‘They are both structured and I enjoy the ability to switch roles between being professional and being intellectual.’
‘Being an academic comes with much pressure to publish, present papers at conferences, teaching, community engagement, participating in research projects and loads of administration but I would like to participate in health research, complete my PhD and continue teaching.’
Growing up in a household that deemed education to be of great importance, Vawda developed a passion for learning and educating. ‘It was a bit later on that I understood that being an academic is a huge responsibility and that was what I needed to do. I understood that as an academic you have a greater influence on creating awareness, making policy recommendations and, most importantly, sharing knowledge to mould the future generations.’
‘This is who I needed to be and what I am passionate about doing. Having a background in research, working at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), has given me the abilities and skills to move forward faster, academically. It is a passion to upskill students and create an environment conducive to knowledge development,’ he said.
Vawda developed the ability to influence change within individuals and contribute meaningfully in academia and the greater sphere. He also taught at universities in Germany to enhance his experience and capacity at an international level.
Vawda performs at all theatres around Durban and plans to continue making South Africans laugh.
To find out more about where Vawda will be performing next, follow him on his social media pages:
Instagram: mo.vawda
Facebook: Mohammed Vawda
Zinhle Precious Zungu
author : .author email : .School of Applied Human Sciences hosts Research Workshop for Postgrad Students
Some of the School of Applied Human Sciences postgraduate students who attended the research workshopPostgraduate students from Psychology, Social Work and Criminology were recently treated to a two-day interactive research workshop hosted by the Discipline of Psychology within the School of Applied Human Sciences.
Facilitated by leading academics and attended by Honours, Masters and PhD students, the informative workshop was held at the Howard College Theatre.
North West University Professors Nicolene Barkhuizen and Nico Schutte presided over the research component proceedings on the first day of the workshop.
Both distinguished professors are from the Discipline of Industrial Psychology at North West University’s Mafikeng campus.
The second day of the workshop saw students interacting with UKZN senior tutors to fine-tune their research topics.
UKZN’s Psychology lecturer Professor Joey Buitendach said, ‘The workshop was met by an overwhelming attendance of enthusiastic students who gained insights theoretically and practically through one-on-one sessions to create research topics, research questions and objectives and in choosing a research method for their research proposals.’
Honours Student Ms Sibusisiwe Nzimande echoed Buitendach’s sentiments saying all students who attended had learned a lot from the professors.
‘They broke down the steps involved in conducting research so it could be manageable even for novice researchers. They clearly explained the different research designs and finally moved on to referencing, sharing a few tricks they’ve picked up over the years.’
PhD student Dianne Ackerman felt the workshop was well executed and informative especially for those who have never been exposed to research. She learned how to compile a literature review and the differences between a literature review and an academic essay.
She also gained insight into the importance of a research method and the way in which the research method informs the way one words the entire dissertation from title to objectives.
‘I will be using this workshop to write up a good literature review. To choose a method and let it reflect throughout my research effectively,’ said Ackerman.
Melissa Mungroo
author : .author email : .UKZN Music Discipline to Celebrate International Jazz Day
Some of the UKZN Music students who will be performing as part of International Jazz Day celebrations. UKZN’s Centre for Jazz and Popular Music (CJPM) in collaboration with eThekwini Jazz Appreciation Society and Jazz Xpression will host a series of events across the city in celebration of International Jazz Day.
While International Jazz Day is celebrated around the world on 30 April, the events to mark the day will take place on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 April.
These events will feature live performances by UKZN Music students, young performers from local high schools and professional musicians including an array of Durban-based artists.
Explaining the conception and significance of International Jazz Day, UKZN Music lecturer Mrs Debbie Mari said, ‘In November 2011, UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) officially designated 30 April as International Jazz Day in order to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role in uniting people from all corners of the globe.’
‘International Jazz Day brings together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics, and jazz enthusiasts all over the world to celebrate and learn about jazz and its roots, future and its impact.’
According to Mari, this celebration raises awareness of the need for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding while it also reinforces international co-operation and communication.
The International Jazz Day official website explains that each year on 30 April, Jazz is recognised for promoting peace, dialogue, diversity and respect for human rights; eradicating discrimination; promoting freedom of expression; fostering gender equality; and reinforcing the role of youth in enacting social change. International Jazz Day is the culmination of Jazz Appreciation Month, which draws public attention to jazz and its extraordinary heritage throughout April.
The events are as follows:
Saturday 29th April
- Denis Hurley Centre (Denis Hurley Street, CBD) – UKZN Big Band plays outdoors at 10.30am.
- Old Beer Hall (102-120 Florence Nzama Road) - EJazz Appreciation Society will host a Jazz listening session with performances by Durban Jazz musicians and UKZN Jazz students from midday to the evening.
- Jazzy Rainbow (93 Goble Road, Morningside)- The George Mari Band featuring Burton Naidoo (piano), Philani Ngidi (bass), Sbu Zondi (drums) and Debbie Mari (vocals) - the opening set will feature a UKZN Jazz Ensemble, at 20h30. R70 Admission includes free drink on arrival.
Sunday 30th April
The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music (CJPM) hosts local high school bands including Hilton College, Durban Music School and soloists from various Durban schools. UKZN Jazz Voice students pay Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, celebrating the 100th anniversary of her birthdate and the UKZN Big Band under the direction of Burton Naidoo.
The Centre is located on Level 2, Shepstone Building, UKZN Howard College campus. Doors open at 13h30 and the show starts at 14h00. This event is free. Cash Bar available. For Enquiries: 031 260 3385 or email Zamat1@ukzn.ac.za for more details.
Melissa Mungroo
author : .author email : .UKZN Welcomes New Convex members
Mr Fanle Sibisi.Mr Fanle Sibisi has been re-elected as the President of UKZN’s Convocation, the University’s largest stakeholder grouping.
The election took place at the recent Convocation Annual General Meeting held at Howard College. Two Council representatives and six Convocation Executive members were also elected during the AGM.
Sibisi said the Convocation, which boasts about 150 000 alumni, is committed to contributing to the University.
He encouraged alumni to ‘plough back to the University’ and commended former Convex member, Mr Sammy Mashita, for donating over R100 000 to the Institution.
UKZN Registrar Mr Simon Mokoena thanked the alumni for attending the event and for having a vested interest in the University. He acknowledged the outgoing members of Convex for their contribution and participation in University structures and congratulated the new Convex members on their election.
The institutional event was organised by the Alumni Relations Office of the Corporate Relations Division and the voting process was administered by the Registrar’s Office.
Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer
author : .author email : .Music Lecturer’s Sankofa Band Performs at Jazz Centre
UKZN’s Jazz Lecturer Professor Salim Washington seen performing at the Jazz Centre. UKZN’s Jazz Lecturer Professor Salim Washington and his Sankofa Band recently delivered a stellar performance at the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music (CJPM).
For this performance sitting on piano was jazz pianist, Nduduzo Makhathini who has made a name for himself and is influencing the sounds of modern jazz. Ayanda Sikade was on drums while Dalisu Ndlazi offered a strong bass line.
The strong horn section comprised horn players who have performed and toured with internationally recognised jazz musicians. Trumpeter Syanda Zulu, Leon Scharnick on alto and tenor saxophone and Professor Salim Washington on tenor saxophone, flute, bass clarinet and the oboe.
This great sextet on some selections featured a four piece vocal choir of students from UKZN. This brought an amazing operatic element to the sound of jazz. The music performed by this ensemble consists of original compositions by Washington.
Explaining his aesthetic goals, Washington said: ‘I have had many years of experience playing in various size jazz ensembles, playing in festivals and other gigs throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, Africa, South America and the Caribbean. The scope of what I want to say musically and socially is now requiring a larger platform. I am now using multiple horns and multiple voices as well as a slightly expanded rhythm section.’
‘It is my ultimate goal to have the jazz band expanded by a philharmonic orchestra, South African choir, and Pan African percussion ensemble (with styles ranging from West African to Cuban and Brazilian influences). The vocal component should also include poetry, which not only makes a nice bridge between semantic content and music, but also gives vent to direct social commentary to compliment the music.’
Melissa Mungroo
author : .author email : .The UKZN Griot. Of Cows and Nomics
.The Griot column’s enduring theme has been academentia, a condition brought about by neoliberalism. But this column will venture beyond the symptoms of this illness and examine issues of greater significance.
Given all the voodoo economics generated by Zumanomics, Trump-o-nomics, Brexit and a few textbooks like Freakonomics, I now examine E-cow-nomics. My thinking is not entirely original as this theory is adapted from a poster published on the web[1]. To it I have added my own examples.
In Socialism, you have two cows. You donate one to your neighbour. But your neighbour feels entitled to your other cow.
In Communism, the state takes both cows and gives you some milk. You queue for everything else.
In Fascism, the state takes both cows and sells you some milk.
In Nazism, the state takes both cows and shoots you.
Bureaucratism is where the state expropriates both cows, shoots one, milks the other, and then throws the milk away. This is known as export parity pricing.
In Apartheidnomics, the state creates a Cow Board. It stores the cows in a warehouse to homogenise prices. No-one buys. Then, the warehouse gets full, so the cows are dumped on the market at less than cost price.
Traditional capitalism: You sell one cow and buy a bull. The herd multiplies and the economy grows. You sell them and retire on the income. You can also sell a bull to Cyril Ramaphosa for R18 million. But don’t let him know that it is not a Buffalo Bull.
American corporation and university neoliberalism: You sell one cow and force the other to produce the milk of four cows. Later, you employ a consultant to find out why the second cow has died.
Enron Venture Capitalism: You sell three of your cows to your publically listed company using letters of credit opened by your cadre-in-arms at the bank, then execute a debt/equity swap with an associated general offer so that you get all four cows back, with a tax exemption for five cows. In the South African case, you sell one cow to buy an ex-Eskom CEO, leaving you with nine cows. The cows will graze at the Saxonwold shebeen. The public then buys your bull (but not the opposition).
French corporation: You go on strike, organise a riot, and block the roads, because you want three cows and a 30-hour working week.
Japanese corporation: You redesign the two cows so that they are minuterised and produce 20 times the volume of milk. You then create a clever cow cartoon called ‘Cowkimmon’ and market it worldwide.
German corporation: You engineer the two cows so they live for 100 years, eat once a month and milk themselves.
Italian corporation: You don’t know where the two cows are. You decide to have an expresso.
Russian corporation: You count them and learn that you have five cows. You count them again and learn that you have 42 cows. You count them again and learn that you have two cows. You stop counting cows and have another bottle of vodka. Eventually, the economy collapses.
Swiss corporation: You have 5 000 cows. None of them belong to you. You charge the owners for storing them. You put the proceeds in a numbered account.
Chinese corporation: You have three hundred people milking the two cows. You claim that you have full employment and high bovine productivity. The newsman who reported the real situation is arrested.
Indian corporation: You worship them, and let them have right of way, unlike in South Africa where cows just get in the way.
Iraqi corporation: Everyone thinks you have lots of cows. You tell them that you have none. No-one believes you so they bomb you to smithereens. You still have no cows but at least you are now a democracy …
Now, we can develop some new variants on e-cow-nomics
BEE South African capitalism: Both cows were stolen by colonialists from ‘the people’. They must be returned. They will be sacrificed in thanks to the ancestors for their return. Then there will be no cows but equity will be established and redistribution ensured. No milk is produced.
Guptanomics: The two cows multiplied via state capture, and the 103 000 taxpayers earning R1.5 million or more are now milked by the Guptas/Zuptas in Gordhanomics to pay for continued corruption, rather than corruption being eliminated to pay for more cows. This is known as the C-curve, or cow appreciation from shoe salesmen to absconded billionnaires.
Australian corporation: Making a small fortune is easy. You just start with a large one. A hundred cows become two.
Zimbabwean capitalism: There are no cows because they have all been sold to buy foreign currency.
Swaziland state capitalism: All cows belong to the King. But he also wants your daughter as his next wife.
Lesotho capitalism: The cows were raided from South Africa. They will produce milk to sell to South Africa.
Nigerian capitalism: The cows are fake, sold online via a 419 cow scam. You will never get your money back or see the cows. You will just be milked.
JuJu’s capitalism: A financial genius who knows all about the wonders of cow trust funds and successful tax avoidance. His cows never come home because they might be seized by the Asset Forfeiture Unit.
Zuma’s capitalism: Fire the Minister of Finance, write off R171 billion from the JSE, and then blame the cows who have been stolen by the colonialists.
Molefenomics, is the condition brought about by Guptanomics, which positions former CEOs as Gupta-cow-lap-to-nomics.
Trump-o-nomics: The same as Australian corporation but littered with insults against Moslems, Mexicans, media, women and Democrats. His malignant narcissistic[2] cows will come home when the Republicans realise that they have been cow-duped. ‘Bad’.
Fox TV corporation: More rabid than Trump, if that’s possible. They report fake news like the Bowling Green Cow Massacre and Putin-the-cow-killer.
British capitalism, after Brexit is now known as confused cowszit, and no-one knows how the cows can be brought back to the UK, where they will inevitably contract mad cow disease.
UKZN-nomics: 2012 conditions of service for its cows are no longer mandatory for promotion and internal appointments. The cows do appreciate the gesture of goodwill and cow collegiality.
That’s my tutorial, folks.
1 See http://www.allposters.com/-sp/E-cow-nomics-Posters_i2914414_.htm?ac=true
2 See: The Conversation
Keyan G Tomaselli is Distinguished Professor, University of Johannesburg, and often stayed at a cow farm in Greytown, where he learned about e-cow-nomics.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column are the author’s own.
author : .author email : .Leading Scientists Unite in a March for Science in Durban
UKZN Scientists joined Durban’s March for Science, where UKZN Science Centre Co-ordinator Dr Tanja Reinhardt wowed the crowds with her pyrotechnic display.Leading KwaZulu-Natal scientists and academics, drawn from a range of scientific disciplines, came together with civil societies and citizens in a March for Science. The march was held in Durban’s city centre on Saturday 22 April.
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH) Research and the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) joined forces to highlight the critical importance of sustained and strategic support by governments and funding agencies to advance and promote scientific research and innovation.
‘South Africa and indeed scientists from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal have made remarkable contributions in all spheres of science that has contributed to discoveries and improving and saving lives on the African continent and globally,’ explained Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim, Associate Scientific Director of CAPRISA. ‘We all benefit in some way or the other in the products of science, innovation and technology, but don’t often stop to reflect on how these come to be in society and what innovation and discovery led to it,’ she added.
The march in Durban formed part of a global March for Science aimed at increasing public awareness on the importance of science in addressing challenges like climate change, food security, opportunistic diseases, life threatening epidemics and the biomedical and basic sciences. Marches took place in over 500 cities worldwide, including Seoul in Korea, Cambridge in the UK, Mexico City in Mexico, and Washington DC in the US.
‘Investing in research and development is about investing in the citizens of our country. Science changes lives, shifts paradigms of thought and promotes innovative economic progress,’ said Professor Glenda Gray, President of the SAMRC.
Globally the event was celebrated on this day to coincide with Earth Day. ‘The marches that happened worldwide not only made a powerful statement regarding the value of scientists and scientific research, but also provided an opportunity to unite researchers globally in promoting the intrinsic value of evidence based policy making and decision making to improve the lives of all people,’ said Dr Albert van Jaarsveld, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UKZN.
The march began in front of the Durban City Hall before proceeding with much fun, enthusiasm and public engagement to the Gugu Dlamini Park where scientists assembled to display interactive exhibits from the various scientific disciplines.
UKZN Science Centre’s Dr Tanja Reinhardt (aka Dr T) was on hand to woo both the young and old with her popular science show highlighting the wonders of science.
Sally Frost and Smita Maharaj
author : .author email : .UKZN Accounting Graduate Placed Second in SA Chartered Accountants Test
.jpg "UKZN Accounting Graduate Placed Second in SA Chartered Accountants Test")
Ms Jyoti Maharaj.Summa cum laude graduate Ms Jyoti Maharaj trumped the country’s top Accounting minds by being ranked second in the Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) Initial Test of Competence (ITC).
‘I did not think that I would come second, as I was competing with the best students from around the country. The thought that I could be in the top 10 had crossed my mind before I wrote the ITC, but I thought I was being silly,’ said an ecstatic Maharaj.
This January, 2 633 candidates sat down for the ITC which is a standard-setting examination written after the completion of an accredited Certificate in the Theory of Accounting programme and needs to be completed on the journey to becoming a Charted Accountant.
Passing the ITC with special honours is just one achievement on Maharaj’s long list of academic accomplishments which include being the province’s top matric pupil and the top female pupil in Mathematics and Physical Science in 2012.
In 2013 she was awarded the College Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship at UKZN’s Scholarship Awards ceremony for making the top 10 list of women entrants at the University that year. She also received the UKZN 100th Anniversary Scholarship in 2015 and was also named the Top Overall second year student at the UKZN-SAICA Awards Ceremony hosted by the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance in partnership with SAICA.
When asked about the recipe for her success Maharaj says it is about hard work, preparation, being goal orientated and staying positive no matter what.
‘Most of my preparation was done during my studies at UKZN. I am so grateful for the hard work my lecturers put into the programme. I started studying for ITC about a month and a half before the exam with the help of the University of Cape Town board course. I was mostly practising work I had already mastered at that point. It was a lot of hard work, but my family and friends were always there to stop me from losing my mind with all the studying. The end result made everything worth it,’ she said.
Looking to the future, Maharaj who is currently serving her articles at Deloitte plans on qualifying as a Chartered Accountant and making a meaningful contribution to the economy.
Thandiwe Jumo
author : .author email : .UKZN Academic Participates in High Level Discussion on Sustainable Development in Africa
Professor Betty Mubangizi (centre) with other panel discussants.College of Law and Management Studies Dean of Teaching and Learning Professor Betty Mubangizi recently contributed her expertise at a roundtable on sustainable development in Africa organised by the Comparative Research Programme on Poverty (CROP) held at the University of Bergen in Norway.
The high level discussion attended by staff and senior students from the University was moderated by CROP’s Scientific Director Professor Alberto D Cimadamore and saw discussants, Deputy Executive Secretary of Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA), Professor Francisco Sozinho Matsinhe and Mubangizi who is also a member of CROP’S Scientific Committee (a think tank and support structure which advises CROP in setting a research agenda as well as knowledge generation and dissemination processes) share insights on the theme: “Sustainable Development in Africa: Issues and Challenges”.
Focusing on South Africa’s Diagnostic Report and subsequent National Development Plan – Vision 2030 (NDP) Mubangizi pointed out how the NDP is an appropriate framework within which to pursue Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
‘The NDP was also an indication of political will and support of SDG ideals from the top echelons of policy planning and implementation in the country. Key to the attainment of both Vision 2030 and the SDGs in South Africa,’ she said.
Critical to Vision 2030 and to the attainment of SDG’s, Mubangizi argued, is the goal of building a capable state. ‘One with professional public servants with, not just the right skills, but also the right values and attitudes to take cognisance of and have empathy for the needs of the poor,’ she added.
Mubangizi further pointed out the need for a curriculum that nurtures such a public servant, one that is alive to the context in which poverty reduction policies get implemented, one that is context-based and one that is informed by research based on relevant and appropriate epistemologies.
During her trip, Mubangizi decided to explore the University of Bergen’s teaching and learning support systems, part of which include Webinars, E-learning platforms and a Tutorial Programme that is run fully in the local Norwegian language with the aim of supporting students from homes where English is not a first language.
UKZN, CODESRIA and CROP recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to guide research collaborations as well as staff and student exchange programmes.
Thandiwe Jumo
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