Memorial Tower Building Goes Red
UKZN lights up the Memorial Tower Building in commemoration of World Heart Day.Click here for isiZulu version
In partnership with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa, UKZN lit up the Memorial Tower Building (MTB) on the Howard College campus in red to commemorate World Heart Day, with the light being visible in various parts of Durban.
The foundation celebrated its 42nd anniversary in September. Its Health Promotion Manager Mrs Dana Govender said that it had worked and continues to work tirelessly to reduce cardiovascular diseases in South Africa.
‘Only 30% of people have access to private healthcare, while 70% depend on public healthcare which does not focus on non-communicable diseases. Cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death after HIV/AIDS in our country; as such, the foundation dedicates this month to raising awareness,’ said Govender.
Executive Director of Corporate Relations at UKZN Ms Normah Zondo said: ‘We are delighted to once again partner with the foundation. It is important for UKZN to ensure that our staff and students receive the necessary information to prevent these kinds of diseases.’ She encouraged the University community to undergo screening as 70-80% of these diseases can be prevented by a change in lifestyle. ‘The information you get from the University is not only for you but to share with your community. You need to ensure that you take care of your heart because your heart is everything,’ said Zondo.
Prior to the lighting event, a team from the Heart and Stroke Foundation led by Health Promotion Officer Sister Chertier conducted free health risk assessments and tests including blood pressure, blood glucose content and blood cholesterol levels. ‘Quite a few staff and students came through for screenings, which was encouraging because they were young people that were interested in their health and were aware of the risk factors,’ said Chertier.
Watch the lighting up of MTB here.
Words: Zama Khoza
Photograph and video: Sethu Dlamini and Asante Solutions
author : .author email : .UKZN’s CCA Announces 2022 World Slam Poetry Champion
Mr Xabiso Vili is the 2022 World Slam Poetry Champion. Click here for isiZulu version
The Centre for Creative Arts (CCA) within the College of Humanities has proudly announced that Mr Xabiso Vili is the 2022 World Slam Poetry Champion for his poem Forget How To Die.
He was selected to represent South Africa in the World Poetry Slam Championship in Brussels, competing against slam poets from 40 nations across the globe.
Vili said that the award was not only his, but ‘belonged to all the slammers in the tournament that grew enormously during the time spent together.’
CCA Director Dr Ismail Mahomed added, ‘At the Centre for Creative Arts, we are incredibly proud of Xabiso’s achievement. He positions South African slam poets and the Poetry Africa Festival at the forefront on global stages. Xabiso represents a generation of young South African slam poets who actively use their voices to advocate for a more just social order. We are also proud of the advocacy work done by Poetry Africa curator Siphindile Hlongwa, to position the Poetry Africa Festival on the global stage.’
Vili is a multi-award-winning performer, writer, new media artist, producer and social activist. He strongly believes that art offers humanity a path towards integration, joy and healing. He works to create alternative spaces for art to be shared in an innovative way. Vili is researching and creating a methodology to use writing as a tool for therapy. He is a champion of multiple slams, has been published in various anthologies and has performed on four continents. He has also worked with abandoned spaces and converted them into art hubs.
Vili has released an album, a one-person show, and a poetry collection, and co-authored a young adult novella. He created an artificial reality poetry-audio-visual project that was exhibited in Paris in June 2021, along with a projection mapping installation.
His win comes shortly after he was announced as the New Generations Featured Poet at the 26th Poetry Africa Festival. Vili will perform as part of the festival in Johannesburg, Durban and online.
Words: Melissa Mungroo
Image: Supplied
author : .author email : .Pharmacogenomics, More Than Just Gene-Drug Interactions
Renowned Geneticist, Dr Manuel “George” Rebello.Pharmacogenomics (PGx) is a field of research that analyses how the genetic makeup of an individual affects their response to drugs. For a physician this is particularly helpful in prescribing the most effective medicine with the fewest side effects.
This was the focus of a webinar hosted by the College of Health Sciences featuring renowned geneticist Dr Manuel “George” Rebello.
The move towards precision medicine is an innovative approach that tailors disease treatment and prevention according to the genetic makeup of an individual. However, PGx also looks at the individual’s unique lifestyle information and environment to guide disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention. With environments, lifestyles and drug regimens changing constantly, ongoing research is required to enable the most effective treatment.
The term pharmacogenetics was first coined in 1959 by Friedrich Vogel. Fatal adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are an important cause of hospital admission and the fourth or sixth leading cause of death. In addition to considerable suffering for patients and their families, suitable treatments impose high financial burdens due to the cost of lengthy hospital care. Hence, predicting serious ADRs is a priority for pharmacogenomic research.
Rebello said, ‘5-Fluorouracil is among the most widely used anticancer drug, but a fraction of treated patients develop severe toxicity, with potentially lethal injuries. PGx has determined a prevalence of between 3-5% amongst Europeans and 8% amongst Africans, but a staggering 12% amongst the South African, African population. For these patients, exposure to Fluoroucil can carry a 25-fold increased risk of treatment-related mortality with an absolute mortality risk of up to 3.7%.’
PGx has significant benefits in preventing ADRs but suffers from some limitations including challenges on how to apply the test in clinical practice and treatment; lack of availability of the test; understanding and interpretation of evidence-based research; combining test results with other patient data for prescription optimisation; and ethical, legal and social issues.
‘A PGx test can be quite expensive for the general population. A standard test costs a minimum of R3 000 and requires the interpretation of a genetics counsellor. Currently in Durban, there is only one genetics counsellor based in Ampath. Tele counselling is available and is widely used by genetic counsellors across the country. Testing using genes, drugs info and lifestyle factors is only available from Nova Genetics. Samples consisting of blood or saliva are collected and sent to these labs together with a patient request form from a general practitioner (GP) or specialist. Due to ethical reasons, the test results are not shared with the patient but with the GP,’ said Rebello.
Professor Colleen Aldous, a geneticist at UKZN commented, ‘The Human Genome Project (HGP) was completed almost 19 years ago. There was enormous anticipation about what it could offer medicine but the HGP produced more questions for us to grapple with than answers. In the past two decades, we have made some strides in precision medicine and pharmacogenomics. We need to get up to speed on the offerings as healthcare practitioners so that when it becomes possible to access these new innovative tools in the public health sector, we are able to offer patients better care. We also need to look at the Medical School curriculum to prepare our future doctors for these new technologies.’
An alumnus of UKZN who completed a BSC in Genetics, Rebello qualified with a PhD in Human Genetics from the University College London. In the course of his PhD, he worked in the Human Genome Project where he was responsible for mapping a really small part of the short arm of chromosome 9. He has also worked on the identification of the causative gene for Retinitis Pigmentosa 17 (RP17) and a number of other projects including inherited retinal diseases, Lynch Syndrome, and the pharmacogenomics of Warfarin in South African patients. He has spent the past few years supervising postgraduate students, working on project administration, and using bioinformatics to support projects in Human Genetics at the University of Cape Town. Rebello is involved in the start-up Genetics Laboratory - Nova Genetics where he is the Technical Manager.
The webinar can be accessed here.
Words: MaryAnn Francis
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Indaba on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights
Scenes from the SRHR Indaba.The Indaba on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) hosted by UKZN’s HIV and AIDS Programme, within the Student Services Division (SSD) aimed to share critical experiences, forge purposeful interventions and strategies, and form partnerships to improve service delivery.
The live event hosted on the Westville campus was attended by staff and students and streamed live to more than 300 participants on YouTube.
Welcoming the speakers, guests and participants, programme director and Interim Executive Director for SSD, Professor Ntombifikile Mazibuko said the Indaba hoped to create awareness of the positive consequences of knowing one’s status while engaging constructively and critically on the diverse aspects of sexual reproductive health and rights. She highlighted how the Indaba would allow presenters to share their personal stories, work experience and scientific inputs which would lead to vibrant discussions and reflections.
SRC President, Mr Malusi Zuma said it was important for students to use SRHR and mental health services so as to graduate healthy and happy. He also noted the importance of financial stability and urged the University to redouble its efforts to ensure food security.
Ms Thuthukile Mbatha of the AIDS Rights Alliance of Southern Africa (ARASA) highlighted the importance of SRHR in protecting and educating women on their right to bodily autonomy.
Medical student and peer educator, Mr Nqobizwe Mahlangu focused on the impact of social entrepreneurship in addressing SRHR. His business, Softy Care, donates a pack of pads to a girl in need with every purchase and he remarked that period poverty could be abolished if every company were to follow suit.
Final-year Medical student and peer educator, Mr Thabo Langa called for the issues faced by the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) community in accessing public healthcare services in South Africa to be addressed: ‘Our job as healthcare workers is to provide services without prejudice and discrimination because no one should be left behind.’
Langa also introduced the Queer in Medicine Campaign, an initiative that prioritises sexual and reproductive healthcare for all gender identities, expressions and sexualities.
Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) Champion, Ms Ayabulela Nyawose focused on Section 27 of the South African Constitution which states that everyone has the right to access healthcare services, including reproductive healthcare. She added that the challenges in accessing SRHR include judgement, scarcity or shortages of medical supplies, and a lack of information on contraceptives including post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
Educational Psychologist in the College of Health Sciences, Ms Suzanne Stokes called on people to create safe spaces at home to open up about love, sex and reproductive health. She commented on the factors such as family, connectedness, culture and beliefs etc, which all contribute to a student’s mental and sexual health. Stokes noted the benefits of nurturing relationships but called on the youth to set intimacy boundaries before engaging in risky behaviour as well as to practice self-love and self-care.
Head of Discipline: Obstetrics and Gynaecology Professor Motshedisi Sebitloane outlined the anatomy of a woman’s sexual reproductive system. She covered menstrual cycles, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and conditions such as ovarian cysts, fibroids and endometriosis. Focusing on best practices for students she encouraged them to abstain, limit the number of sexual partners, always use a condom to prevent STIs and unwanted pregnancy, to use hormonal oral contraceptive pills if possible, have regular pap smears and conduct regular self-breast examinations.
Howard College clinic nurse, Sister Sinazo Sobekwa noted the importance of family planning and the type of contraceptives offered on campus. The clinic also offers pregnancy tests and referrals to antenatal clinics as well as termination of pregnancy facilities. Commenting on the importance of students coming in with their partners for HIV testing and STI treatment, she said her department is open and free from judgement.
CEO of the Soul City Institute for Social Justice, Ms Phinah Kodisang addressed SRHR in relation to positive living. Reflecting on her personal experience of being a teen mom due to her then partner’s act of stealthing, she noted the importance of consent and what it entails. She urged women to engage in sex as an act of “pleasure” rather than one to be enjoyed by men or used for procreation. Kodisang added that people need to be taught about sex from a young age so as to be aware of their rights.
Highlighting the stigma associated with HIV and AIDS, she stressed the importance of reaching out to students who test regularly for HIV by providing mental health support as they might be dealing with psychological issues that make them engage in risky behaviour. She noted that behavioural change is not a linear but rather a holistic approach, and emphasised the need to address toxic masculinity.
UKZN’s HIV Counsellor, Ms Pinky Mnyaka thanked the speakers and said: ‘We look forward to working with you in the future and hope that our peer educators - as the backbone of the programme - will take the information given to them and help students live better lives.’ She extended her thanks to Mazibuko and her team for hosting the event and all those who attended.
Dr Cebisile Ngubo from Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) presented the SRHR poster competition winners. The Medical School campus was placed first, Pietermaritzburg campus second, and the Howard College campus third.
Q and A sessions were held throughout the programme.
To watch the Indaba, click here.
Words: Hlengiwe Khwela
Photographs: Langa Mathe
author : .author email : .Meet the Enactus UKZN 2022/23 Executive Committee
Executive committee members, top from left: Ms Nobuhle Mzobe, Mr Mxolisi Shangase, Ms Phelokazi Magaqa, Mr Lehumo Makgalo and Ms Fundiswa Mvubu. Bottom from left: Ms Nontokozo Msomi, Mr Thamsanqa Ngutshana, Ms Nosipho Ndlovu, Ms Asande Sikhosana and Ms Nolwazi Nzama.“Taking Enactus UKZN to greater heights” is the pledge of the organisation’s 2022/23 executive committee.
Comprising of 70% female leaders, the newly-appointed committee is amongst the most diverse in recent history. Given the sterling achievements of the Enactus UKZN team, this executive reckons that the bar has been raised so high that there is no option but to become the bar itself.
The committee is led by a female president, Ms Nobuhle Mzobe, a Bachelor of Social Science graduate and Law student. Mzobe said that she envisions Enactus UKZN having a greater impact in uplifting communities, reducing the number of unemployed graduates by continuing to promote sustainable enterprises which address real-life problems and instilling entrepreneurship as a culture, and advocating for its members and beneficiaries to play a productive role in the economy.
The overall composition of the executive committee has Mr Mxolisi Shangase as the General Secretary; Ms Phelokazi Magaqa, Executive Finance Officer; Mr Lehumo Makgalo, Executive Research and Development Officer; Ms Fundiswa Mvubu, Executive Publicity and Marketing Officer; Ms Nontokozo Msomi, Executive Human Relations Officer; Mr Thamsanqa Ngutshana, Deputy President of the Edgewood campus; Ms Nosipho Ndlovu, Deputy President of the Howard College campus; Ms Asande Sikhosana, Deputy President of the Westville campus; and Ms Nolwazi Nzama, as the Deputy President of the Pietermaritzburg campus.
With minds for business and hearts for communities, Enactus UKZN rises through uplifting others.
Words: Nobuhle Mzobe, Mxolisi Shangase and Lehumo Makgalo
Photographs: Supplied
author : .author email : .Postdoctoral Researcher Participates in Global Forum on Marine Litter
Dr Refilwe Mofokeng (front, seventh from left) at the meeting on Integrating Marine Litter Monitoring to Inform Action in Portugal.Postdoctoral researcher in the School of Health Sciences at UKZN Dr Refilwe Mofokeng participated in a high-level international event in Portugal that honed in on the issue of marine litter and enabled her to highlight Africa’s needs in this arena and connect with other scientists and practitioners.
The EU4OceanObs international ocean governance instrument of the European Union leveraged its G7 FSOI and GEO Blue Planet components to host the meeting on Integrating Marine Litter Monitoring to Inform Action - a global instrument to tackle global pollution. These components catalyse essential partnerships between European and international infrastructure and programmes across the ocean by observing the value chain to deliver a coordinated fit-for-purpose system. The purpose of the EU4OceanObs is to build on European observation capacity and leadership to increase the sharing and use of ocean data and meet the global need for ocean information.
Mofokeng was part of the organising team and served as a moderator and participant in a programme that focused on marine litter observation, remote sensing, and modelling as key pillars to support the setting of realistic plastic litter reduction targets and developing policies to meet these targets. As one of 86 participants representing 23 countries, with Kenya, Ghana and South Africa the only African nations present, she shared some of the local solutions in sub-Saharan Africa - particularly South Africa - to marine litter monitoring and management.
‘Africa is often left behind in development and technologies,’ said Mofokeng. ‘Co-creation is the solution; it takes everyone to contribute to a sustainable option!’
She pointed out that in many developed countries sustainability depends more on people’s willingness to make changes than resources to do so, while in Africa, countries often compete for limited resources, which prevents or slows progress.
Mofokeng said that the meeting focused on the need for accurate, up-to-date information on global marine litter and plastic pollution in order to monitor and achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14.1.1 targets and support the UNEA-5 announcement to forge an international legally binding agreement by 2024.
Mofokeng’s academic background is in marine and estuarine ecotoxicology, and she has prioritised marine conservation through her research, advocacy and organisation of beach clean-ups. Her postdoctoral research centres on urban rivers’ impact in marine systems with a focus on the Durban Harbour. Passionate about education around marine conservation, she founded the Refilwe Matlotlo non-profit organisation as a means to communicate this message and facilitate tangible action.
Attending the meeting in Portugal enabled Mofokeng to network with early career practitioners from across the globe and connect with prominent scientists working in the marine environment. She said that the participants prioritised data standardisation and harmonisation, and highlighted the need for a central hub such as an integrated marine debris observation system to distribute trusted information globally.
Words: Christine Cuénod
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Celebration for College of Humanities Staff Graduates
Highlights from the certificate ceremony.The College of Humanities’ Teaching and Learning Unit hosted a certificate ceremony to recognise the hard work and dedication of staff graduates from the College and the Academic and Monitoring Support (AMS) Department.
The event was spearheaded and facilitated by College Dean of Teaching and Learning, Professor Ruth Hoskins under the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP).
Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College, Professor Nhlanhla Mkhize thanked all staff for their dedication and resilience throughout the year. ‘We are here to recognise the hard work of all our staff who work tirelessly to keep the College running and those who were recently awarded their degrees whilst developing themselves through some of the programmes that are provided by the University,’ he said.
Hoskins encouraged staff to use their new knowledge and wisdom in their daily lives. ‘Studies are not just about subject content, but also about how you are going to conduct yourself in all aspects of your life. To those who are contemplating studying, let this be an inspiration.’
The awardees included Ms Ruth Danster; Ms Sylvia Danster; Mrs Marshia Vesazie; Ms Phindile Dlamini; Mrs Nashireen Martin; Mr Marlon Lazarus; Ms Petronella Dlamini; Ms Silondiwe Mulaudzi; Ms Phakamile Mazibuko; Mr Siyabonga Mbambo; Mr Skhumbuzo Mtolo; Dr Betty Chebitok and Dr Liberty Mambondiani.
Mazibuko expressed her gratitude to the University. ‘I am grateful for the support from the College of Humanities, particularly the office of the Dean of Teaching and Learning. The staff Continuous Development Programme is a welcome part of our work and studies. Heartfelt congratulations to all other staff graduates, may we continue to thrive and inspire greatness,’ she said.
Hoskins also expressed her gratitude to the Acting College Director of Professional Services, Dr Phumelele Zakwe for sponsoring the gifts and for her ongoing support.
Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela
Photographs: Sethu Dlamini
author : .author email : .Kwanzaa Creator Presents Lecture
Professor Maulana Karenga presented his virtual public lecture.The Humanities and Ma’at Institutes within the College of Humanities hosted a virtual Public Lecture by Professor Maulana Karenga on Ma’at, Serudj Ta and African Renaissance.
The African American scholar-activist, author, professor and chair of the Department of Africana Studies at California State University is also the creator of Kwanzaa, an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by the global African community. Karenga was hosted by Professor Nhlanhla Mkhize, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College and the lecture was facilitated by Professor Johannes Smit, Chair of the Humanities Institute.
Karenga examined ‘the ancient Egyptian ethical tradition of Ma’at, rightness in the world, and the concept of serudj ta, the ethical imperative to repair, renew and remake the world.’ He drew on the critical practice of sankofa to retrieve and reconstruct the Ma’atian tradition and to demonstrate its value in conceptualising an African renaissance and critically engaging the major issues of our time.
His approach to restoring the Ma’atian tradition is based on his philosophy of Kawaida (a Swahili word meaning “tradition and reason”), from which he created the Pan-African holiday Kwanzaa, a celebration of family, community and culture, and the Nguzo Saba, the seven principles around which the holiday revolves.
This has become a significant value system for African communities around the world. Karenga examined communitarian African values and Ma’atian principles and practices as well as Kawaida philosophy which he characterised as ‘Afrocentric; critical and corrective; a sankofa initiative; a privileging of Africa as a moral ideal; and an open textured process and practice.’
He added that serudj ta requires daily acts of goodness in and for the world. As the Husia, the sacred text of ancient Egypt, teaches, ‘Every day is a donation to eternity and even one hour is a contribution to the future. Given the Ma’atian conception of the interrelatedness of the Divine, the natural and the social, these good deeds, this doing of good in and for the world, are not only physical acts, but also moral and spiritual ones of repairing, renewing and remaking the world. In modern Kawaida Ma’atian ethics, it is put forth as an ethical imperative to repair, renew and remake our relations, society and the world in the interests of African and human good and the well-being of the world. In a word, it is an ongoing moral, social and ecological or environmental practice.’
Karenga highlighted that ‘a true and effective global African Renaissance must be culturally-grounded, people-focused, dignity-affirming, life-enhancing and world-preserving. This requires deep, comprehensive and continuous dialogue with African culture and an ongoing synthesis of the best of African sensitivities, thought and practice - ancient and modern, continental and diaspora - in a mutually beneficial exchange with the world. Furthermore, these initiatives must and will be constantly directed toward substantive and sustained African and human good and the well-being of the world and all in it.’
In closing, Karenga asserted that, ‘There is no hope or possibility for the development of Africa as a continent and world community without the self-conscious and active engagement of its people to harness its resources and to free and develop itself. This requires a project of renaissance that is not only designed for the development and satisfaction of basic human needs, but also embraces ways and means for the people to transform themselves and in the process, become self-conscious agents of their own life and liberation, creating conditions for their flourishing and coming into the fullness of themselves.
‘We must begin by building ourselves, our families, our communities, and all our essential relationships as sites and sources of mutual respect, genuine caring, reciprocal support and shared goods of all kinds. Together, in small and large circles, we must develop not only ways to repair, renew and rebuild our relations with each other, but also to strengthen and expand our capacity to achieve full freedom, real justice, and a good and meaningful life.’
Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Celebration for Staff who Graduated with PhDs
The College of Humanities staff members who achieved their PhDs were honoured at a celebratory dinner. Click here for isiZulu version
The College of Humanities hosted a celebratory dinner for its staff members who graduated with doctoral degrees.
The dinner at the Maharani Hotel was facilitated by College Dean of Teaching and Learning, Professor Ruth Hoskins, who believes that ‘staff need to be lauded for their academic achievements and excellence.’
Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Humanities Professor Nhlanhla Mkhize said, ‘This is a milestone in the life of an academic. A PhD is an entry into the world of academia. Hearty congratulations to our staff members, supervisors and the families of our graduates. By gaining your PhD, you have contributed to the National Development Plan, and the University’s international ranking and global knowledge production.’
Speaking on behalf of the College Deanery, Dean of the School of Education Professor Thabo Msibi commended the PhD graduates for navigating and completing the doctoral journey during a difficult pandemic: ‘Now is the time to be active in ensuring that UKZN remains the Premier University of African Scholarship. I implore you to remain with the University because you have the potential to be experts in your field. We are always here to support your academic career goals.’
Speaking on behalf of College Professional Services, Professor Nobuhle Hlongwa, Dean of the School of Arts expressed her appreciation to the ‘graduates and Professional Services staff for their hard work and resilience in ensuring the greatness of the College.’ Professional Services staff received a standing ovation for their efforts.
Professor Saleem Badat of the Humanities Institute delivered the keynote address on Building Your Post-PhD University Academic Career. He remarked, ‘For many of us, the University is not an immediately natural home. We sometimes feel like interlopers - and sometimes we are made to feel like intruders and impostors. Perhaps most of you, like me, come from families of little or modest means and are the pioneering firsts in your families to attend university, hold PhDs and become scholars. Like me, you too probably had to be encouraged to read for a PhD and to consider an academic career. Adequate funding and support were probably ongoing struggles. In the face of such challenges, it takes intellect, courage and determination to succeed. You clearly have these.’
Badat identified three challenges related to the academic workforce: ‘cultivating and retaining new generations of academics; transforming the social composition of academics through equity and redress measures for Black and women South Africans; and ensuring that new academics possess the intellectual, academic, and related capabilities to effectively undertake teaching and learning, research and community engagement and address their pressing challenges.
‘Capabilities are not God-given or inherited. They can be cultivated through enabling conditions, opportunity, desire, commitment and sweat. Nurturing yourcapabilities is part of transforming our universities and enhancing their academic capacities,’ he said.
Offering advice to the doctoral graduates, Badat said, ‘Don’t ever compromise your intellectual autonomy and academic integrity. If you strive to excel, other scholars and institutions will take notice and you will be in demand. Don’t be a careerist, who regularly job hops and applies for promotions and posts prematurely. As young scholars you must chart your own distinctive paths, but effective mentoring, suitable mentors and other support are critical. I am in the sunset of my academic life. You are at the dawn of your academic journey.’
Lecturer in the School of Education, Dr Lerato Sokhulu, who graduated with her PhD in Education (Curriculum Studies) said she appreciated the gesture by the College and would heed the speakers’ words of advice.
Words: Melissa Mungroo
Photographs: Ntsika Nduli
author : .author email : .Honours Film Students Host Language and Culture Event
The UKZN Video Production team and Film students with Mr Mbuso Khoza at the Howard College Theatre.Click here for isiZulu version
Honours students in Film and Media Studies (School of Arts) hosted, filmed, and live-streamed an event at the Howard College Theatre to celebrate language and culture focusing on isiZulu under the guidance of Video Production lecturer, Mr Mzwandile Makhanya.
In partnership with the UKZN Corporate Relations team, Mr James Naicker and Mr Ruben Murugan, the Video Production Honours course seeks to promote graduates’ industry readiness.
Makhanya said that the event was technical and practice-orientated and part of the larger goal of producing graduates who excel as new professionals. ‘Our students are continuously involved in similar projects. They were also part of the UKZN Spring Graduation video production team. We try to open employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for students where they earn an income for these events.’
In her welcome address, Dean and Head of the School of Arts, Professor Nobuhle Hlongwa said, ‘Thank you to everyone who made this possible. Appreciation to the lecturers of Media and Cultural Studies for the great initiative and for working together for the greater good of students.’
Hlongwa noted that, by developing students across KwaZulu-Natal, the Centre for Creative Arts (CCA), KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission and the National Film and Video Foundation are contributing to the growth of the province’s film and TV industry. ‘We are hopeful that the work produced by our film students will eventually find a home at international level,’ she said.
The event included a panel discussion that explored the isiZulu language and culture in a modern setting, with a focus on UKZN’s role as its custodian.
Hlongwa spoke on the role of Higher Education Institutions in ensuring the development of isiZulu and other indigenous African languages. Cluster Leader for Performing Arts Professor Sihawukele Ngubane addressed the importance of culture and tradition, and Cluster Leader for African Languages Dr Gugulethu Mazibuko discussed the history of the Zulu royal chieftaincy.
Speaking on behalf of the 2022 Honours class, Ms Nkosazana Manzi said the event was inspired by the need for more African language content creation and preservation. ‘The theme Azibuyele Emasisweni (going back to our roots) reminds us of the importance of where we come from so that we do not lose our true selves in the modern world. We are grateful for the opportunity to host such a large-scale event. The skills learnt will be useful for our working life.’
The event closed with a musical performance by award-winning musician Mr Mbuso Khoza and the Afrikan Heritage Ensemble, who aim to teach the modern generation about their ancestors through traditional song and dance.
Words: Lungile Ngubelanga
Photograph: Albert Hirasen
author : .author email : .Webinar on Graduate Recruitment and Development
Professional career coach, Ms Tracey Ashington.Mentees who are part of the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance’s (SAEF) academic support and mentoring programme which is externally funded had an opportunity to engage and gain invaluable skills at a webinar presented by professional career coach, Ms Tracey Ashington.
The mentorship programme is led by senior lecturer in Economics Dr Michelle Hatch. The webinar focussed on interview skills and LinkedIn, as an important platform for connecting with recruiters and socialising professionally.
‘Most senior professionals use LinkedIn which is a powerful tool if used correctly. You can establish your profile, which represents your Curriculum Vitae (CV), as early as your second year of studies,’ said Ashington.
Demonstrating the basics of using LinkedIn to market their skills to potential recruiters, Ashington also covered how to sell these skills to employers during job interviews. The programme came at the right time for the 276 mentees that participated as they will soon embark on their career paths.
Ashington has more than 20 years’ experience and has helped hundreds of students to identify graduate opportunities. She also guides young professionals in the early stages of their careers. She encouraged final-year students to start applying for graduate intake opportunities now.
‘Alternatively, you can focus on school for now, and wait for next year once you’ve officially obtained your qualification. However, you should be aware that graduate programmes start around January or February,’ she advised.
Hatch, who facilitated the webinar, said the mentorship programme offers one-on-one fortnightly meetings between mentees and their mentors to discuss any challenges they may be experiencing. Where necessary, they are referred to appropriate UKZN student support services.
‘We aim to increase awareness of, and promote our programme to ensure that this intervention reaches all our students. We also continue to work closely with UKZN support services to ensure our students are able to access the help and guidance that they require,’ she added.
Words: Samukelisiwe Cele
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Finding Gold in Ashes
Ms Jabulisile Bhengu who graduated with a LLM in Child Care and Protection.Master of Laws graduate did not allow the obstacles she confronted during her studies to prevent her from obtaining her degree.
A social worker with 10 years’ experience, Ms Jabulisile Bhengu was awarded a Master's in Child Care and Protection for her study on the challenges experienced by children in child-headed households (CHH) for which she was supervised by Dr Victoria Balogun.
‘As a social worker, I realised that these vulnerable children in CHH experience so many challenges which have never been looked at closely and analysed to see what can be done to assist them. I wanted to explore these challenges and see how the law is protecting them and how the government is assisting them in their roles.’ she explained. She added that obtaining a Law qualification has equipped her with new strategies and methods as a social worker.
Bhengu noted that the shift from distance learning at the University of South Africa which she was used to, to studying at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) was difficult. Apart from finding a balance between work and studying, she needed trauma counselling after being hijacked at gunpoint, losing the father of her son as well as her own father, and coping with a broken engagement.
She said that she will be forever grateful to her supervisor who was always there for her and motivated her when she felt like quitting. Balogun said that she is very proud of Bhengu and what she has achieved despite the odds.
‘She did not give up. I encourage students to find gold in ashes and to achieve whatever they set out to achieve regardless of their circumstances. Many drop out or give up, and many don’t feel that additional qualifications are worth it, Jabu has proven that it’s worth it and is therefore a role model for those to come,’ said Balogun.
Words: Samukelisiwe Cele
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Inaugural Lecture Ponders Sustainable Rural Learning Ecologies
Professor Dipane Hlalele. Professor Dipane Hlalele of the School of Education’s virtual inaugural lecture was titled: Sustainable Rural Learning Ecologies: A Critical Analysis.
‘The concept of sustainable rural learning ecologies is coined from a combination drawing from sustainability, rurality, learning and ecology. The United Nations’ quest for sustainable futures in the face of global challenges such as poverty, inequality and more is deemed plausible through the creation and attainment of sustainable livelihoods,’ said Hlalele.
He noted that reports indicate that rural areas are occupied by about two-thirds of the world’s pollution and many learners and children of school-going age come from rural households.
‘Current educational and other research has found that it is no longer desirable, appropriate or useful to define urban in terms of rural or the other way around. To do so is to create a competitive relationship between them, to the disadvantage of rural areas. Such thinking also generalises situations that are actually very different from each other,’ said Hlalele. ‘A uniform approach to policy and its implementation makes it possible to overlook and disregard important aspects of the lives and needs of different rural communities. The realities faced by people in rural areas cannot always be addressed by policy made elsewhere and for everyone.’
He suggested that rural communities have unique attributes which make them attractive places to live and raise a family. ‘Although many negatives are presented in the literature, rural schools are the economic lifeblood of rural communities. This means that there are positive aspects within the rural context and they are critical to the survival of communities.’
Hlalele highlighted that the South African government views rurality as ‘a way of life, a state of mind and a culture which revolves around land, livestock cropping and community.’ The Department of Basic Education estimates that just over half of South Africa’s children (54%) live in rural households, which translates into almost 10 million children.
‘Learning is an activity that takes place within, between and across contexts (constituting a learning ecology). A learning ecology therefore, may be seen as a set of contexts found in physical or virtual spaces that provide opportunities for learning. It encompasses different activities, material resources, relationships, and the interactions that emerge from them. Rural learning ecologies are diverse. A combination of elements keeps an ecology sustainable although they may not necessarily apply to others,’ Hlalele explained.
Words: Melissa Mungroo
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .DSRA Closes Off Heritage Month with a Bang
Highlights from the DSRA Heritage Month event.Click here for isiZulu version
UKZN’s Department of Student Residence Affairs (DSRA) hosted a cultural explosion to bid farewell to Heritage Month.
Directing the programme were Residence Life Co-ordinator, Mr Thabani Chagi and Cleaning Supervisor, Ms Thule Mthuli. The event saw staff members dressing in their cultural attire representing the Zulu, Indian, Xhosa, Sotho and Ndebele cultures.
In his welcome address Mr Sibusiso Khumalo the Head of the DSRA for the Westville and Edgewood campuses, highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that while it disrupted lives, it also taught people to be technologically savvy.
Reflecting on the hardships endured during the pandemic, as well as the looting and flooding in KwaZulu-Natal, participants observed a moment of silence for all those who had lost their lives, their loved ones and their livelihoods.
Chanting her praise names, DSRA Interim Director Ms Sisanda Machi shared her family lineage and heritage and remarked that she carries it everywhere she goes and that it has shaped who she is today.
Machi recalled the history of Heritage Day, which was originally called Shaka’s Day to commemorate the Zulu King’s death. ‘This is a day to be proud of ourselves and to celebrate our heritage, where we come from, what we have achieved and our future. Today is about coming together as one, and growing and learning from each other in order to contribute to a united South Africa,’ she said.
The highlight of the day was a traditional song and dance competition, with the Westville campus walking away with first place, Howard College campus second, Edgewood campus third and Pietermaritzburg campus fourth.
Best Traditionally Dressed in the male category went to Mr Kusakusa Mpungose from the Howard College campus who was adorned in ibheshu, a loincloth. Ms Thule Mkhize from the Pietermaritzburg campus who won best dressed in the female category with her isidwaba, a traditional leather skirt for married women, remarked that the event inspired employees to be proud of their heritage and to stand together as one.
Head of the DSRA on the Howard College and Medical School campuses, Mr Nhlanhla Mthombeni hosted a Know Your Heritage Quiz.
In closing, Head of the DRSA on the Pietermaritzburg campus, Mr Mdukhy Mabaso congratulated the winners and thanked Machi as well as Ms Priscilla Cele, executive personal assistant in the Student Services Division for putting the event together.
Staff were treated to delicious traditional cuisine and a poetry rendition by UKZN student, Ms Lusanda Mdletshe.
Words: Hlengiwe Khwela
Photographs: Sethu Dlamini
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