UKZN Researchers Named as “Science Oscars” Finalists
UKZN researchers, from left: Professor Onisimo Mutanga, Professor Andrew Green, Professor Jeff Smithers and Professor Francesco Petruccione.Click here for isiZulu version
Four UKZN academics at the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science have been named as finalists for the prestigious National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)-South32 Awards in the 2022-2023 cycle.
They are Professor Onisimo Mutanga, Professor Andrew Green, Professor Jeff Smithers and Professor Francesco Petruccione.
Initiated in 1998, the NSTF-South32 Awards - dubbed the Science Oscars of South Africa - recognise outstanding contributions to Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) and innovation in South Africa for researchers and other SET-related professionals.
Selection as a finalist is a considerable achievement given the growing profile of the awards, the quality of nominations and the competition nominees encounter.
A finalist in both the Lifetime Award category and the Engineering Research Capacity Development category, Mutanga - Professor of Remote Sensing at UKZN and the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)/National Research Foundation (NRF)/South African Research Chair in Land Use Planning and Management - is an expert in vegetation (including agricultural crops) state analysis in the face of global change using remote sensing. He integrates ecology, biodiversity conservation and remote sensing to model the impact of forest fragmentation, pests and diseases and invasive species on agricultural and natural ecosystems.
Petruccione is the Interim Director of the National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences (NITheCS), the holder of the DSI/NRF South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) Chair in Quantum Information Processing and Communication, and a Fractional Professor in UKZN’s School of Chemistry and Physics. Petruccione’s research interests lie in open quantum systems, quantum information processing and communication, quantum machine learning and quantum biology.
Smithers - Director of UKZN’s Centre for Water Resources Research (CWRR) which was announced as a finalist for the NSTF Water Research Commission Award - is also the Umgeni Water Chair in Water Resources Management, Innovation and Research in UKZN’s School of Engineering. Research themes at the Centre include hydrological process studies, hydrological model development, agricultural water management, land and water research, and measuring and modelling. The CWRR also houses the uMngeni School of Water Governance.
Professor Andrew Green, a Professor of Marine Geology in UKZN’s School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, is a finalist for two awards - the TW Kambule-NSTF Researcher Award, and the Special Annual Theme Award, which this year is being awarded for an outstanding contribution to ocean sciences for sustainable development. Green’s research interests focus on marine geophysics, geomorphology, sedimentology and stratigraphy of coastal and marine environments.
The institution of the South32 Awards is part of the NSTF’s vision to work towards a transformed country where SET and innovation contribute to a higher quality of life for all South Africans, and where the profiles of SET professionals are representative of the population and where the education system, particularly for SET and innovation, is effective.
Winners will be announced on 13 July at gala dinners held in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Words: Sally Frost
Photographs: Supplied
author : .author email : .Medical School Talent Show Resounding Success
Talent show participants.The School of Clinical Medicine (SCM) provided students with some relief from exam stress by kick-starting this year’s Youth Month celebrations with poetry, song and dance at the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine exam hall.
The fun-filled occasion was the annual Medical School Talent Show which was enjoyed by staff and students.
‘This event is very dear to the Dean,’ said Professor Nombulelo Magula in her welcoming remarks, going on to describe the MBChB degree as demanding, making it important for students to strike a balance between academia and their social lives.
The event coincided with the Ithemba Foundation’s annual #CrazySocks4Docs campaign to raise awareness of mental health challenges facing South Africa’s healthcare workers.
Students at various levels of the MBChB programme went on stage to perform in some way with the event ending in an open mic session.
MCs Mr Andile Mkhungu and Ms Nombuso Masuku kept the audience on their feet while vocalists Ms Asphile Radebe, Mr Luyanda Zulu, Mr James Ngcobo, Mr Sifundo Dube and Mr Mcebo Kubheka had the crowd singing along to some songs.
Ms Sithandiwe Hadebe, Mr Luyanda Mndiyata and Ms Nombuso Masuku presented very meaningful poetry with special reference to the youth in society.
The event was not a competition but rather an opportunity for students to showcase their performing arts talent with the thinking being that an increased number of recreational initiatives will build a community of strong, focused and resilient UKZN Medical alumni.
Students were applauded by event organiser, SCM lecturer Dr Reratilwe Mphahlele, who says she is passionate about medical education and assisting students to reach their full potential. ‘I enjoyed spending time rehearsing with the students as it also relieved stress for me as a staff member. I remember performing in the talent show back when I was in Medical School and the positive impact it had on me. I am so proud of all the performers and anticipate this will have a positive impact on their learning,’ she said.
Mphahlele worked with undergraduate students, Mr Nzuzo Dlamini of the Voice Arts Club and Mr Saien Govender to co-ordinate the show.
There are plans afoot to provide a platform for students to engage in more activities to help enhance their mental health and wellbeing such as interactive student focused events like a cookout to promote nutrition and healthy lifestyles, guest talks on financial, mental and physical health, and mentoring and peer support groups to help ensure academic success.
Words and photographs: Lunga Memela
author : .author email : .Mid-Career Academics Benefit from Health Sciences Grant Writing and Management Bootcamp
Participants at the grant-writing and management bootcamp.An intensive three-day off-campus bootcamp aimed at equipping mid-career academics with a broad framework on how to write a successful research grant proposal tangibly for submission before the end of December 2023, was presented by UKZN’s College of Health Sciences (CHS) in partnership with the Developing Research Innovation, Localisation, and Leadership in South Africa (DRILL) programme.
Participants were welcomed by CHS Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head Professor Busi Ncama, who said initiatives such as the bootcamp were an indication the College was serious about supporting research excellence among its young and seasoned academics.
Ncama said it was important for the College to grow its own timber, thanking the facilitators, CHS Dean of Research Professor Anil Chuturgoon and DRILL co-Principal Investigator and current UKZN Biomedical Research Ethics Committee (BREC) chair Professor Doug Wassenaar for their vision and commitment to the College.
Held in the form of a workshop, participants interacted with several experts from the College’s various centres of research excellence who shared their insights and experience on the successes and pitfalls of grant-writing locally and internationally.
The facilitators said grant funding provided a critical means of support for academic research and training programmes. Despite the importance of this support in advancing both research and researchers’ careers, these skills are not emphasised as part of academic training.
Wassenaar gave a sterling introduction to grant writing, outlining the different types of local and international grants. He shared tips on how to access grants and locate funding, also guiding those present on how to understand and interpret grant announcements.
It was a vigorous three days but participants said they found each day and insights from each speaker highly beneficial. ‘The bootcamp taught us how to position our applications for success with both reviewers and their agencies,’ said one academic, while another said: ‘For me, it was learning how to optimise the key features of successful proposals and interpret reviewer critiques, especially for resubmission.’
Participants also learned how to write a persuasive grant application, and how to advise and mentor junior colleagues on how to enter the world of grants.
Chuturgoon said: ‘Grants, as third-stream income, will maintain and improve the research momentum and allow our early career researchers to be mentored by mid-career researchers.’ The CHS thanked the DRILL facilitators and project manager for the mentorship.
DRILL, a D43 National Institutes of Health training grant, was awarded to UKZN in 2015 to support a research leadership programme for early career academics and health professional staff members under the scientific areas of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS), Mental Health, Health Professions’ Education, Health Research Ethics and Health Systems Research.
Words: Lunga Memela
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Top Students Recognised at UKZN-SAICA Awards
Highlights of the UKZN-SAICA Awards.The School of Accounting, Economics and Finance in partnership with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) recently celebrated academic excellence at the UKZN-SAICA Students Awards Ceremony on the Westville campus.
Forty-four awards were bestowed, 23 of which went to female undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Dean and Head of the School Professor Mabutho Sibanda said this is a testament to UKZN’s pursuit of excellence. He thanked the parents who played a huge role in achieving this and the lecturers who went above and beyond to meet the academic needs of students, even amidst challenging times when studying had to be done online.
‘As a School, we strive to ensure that our graduates are technically competent and remain relevant. To achieve this, we have introduced a module at second-year level to expose our students to the practical aspect of business. Graduate often lack the all-round business acumen required in a business environment.’
Sibanda highlighted numerous initiatives implemented by the School partnering with other stakeholders in order to contribute to well-rounded graduates and to assist students with their needs generally.
Mr Salmaan Moosa who was ranked among the Top 10 students nationally in the last Initial Test of Competence (ITC) examination, having obtained more than 70%, received four merit certificates, namely, for Advanced Auditing, Advanced Taxation, Advanced Financial Accounting and Advanced Management Accounting.
‘This was a proud moment not only for myself but also for my parents who supported me throughout my studies. All my hard work over the years has paid off,’ he said.
Mr Naeem Asvat, Regional Executive of the SAICA Eastern Region congratulated the achievers and encouraged them to familiarise themselves with ethics as they play a major role in the profession.
‘We need ethical leaders. In your journey, you will find yourself having to fill leadership positions which will require you to take decisions. I ask that when you take those decisions, make sure they are underpinned by strong ethical values,’ he said.
The event was sponsored by SAICA with individual prizes sponsored by Auditor General, Lexis Nexis, Ernst & Young Global Limited (EY), PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA), Bonakude, Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG), Van Schaik, and Professional Provident Society (PPS).
Words: Samukelisiwe Cele
Photographs: Andile Ndlovu
author : .author email : .Entrepreneurship Development Intervarsity Contest Well Underway
Clockwise from top left: Ms Ayavuya Sibisi, Mr Akhona Zungu, Mr Lungelo Gwala, Mr Morris Khumalo, Mr Karan Sunthpaul, Mr Lungile Radebe and Ms Lethimpilo Khambule.The innovation office, UKZN InQubate, hosted the internal round of the Entrepreneurship Intervarsity competition - an initiative of Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) under the Department of Higher Education and Training.
The event comprises five categories - existing general business, new business idea, existing tech business, social impact, and research-based business. In accordance with the EDHE protocols, two winners are selected in each category to proceed to the regional round where they compete against their peers at sister universities in KwaZulu-Natal.
A total of 47 students at UKZN applied to participate and after a screening process, 16 were shortlisted while 14 were finally selected for the internal rounds which is the first stage of the challenge.
Six students progressed to the regional round and will compete against contestants from the Durban University of Technology, Mangosuthu University of Technology and the University of Zululand on 3 and 4 October.
In the existing general business category, Ms Lethimpilo Khambule and Ms Ayavuya Sibisi were selected.
A third-year Law student, Khambule is the founder of Scent Africa which specialises in luxury candles but also offers high quality fragrance diffusers, gel soaps and hand lotions for a variety of settings, including homes, workplaces and restaurants. Sibisi, a third-year Bachelor of Arts student, is the founder of Tropical Paradise which provides delicious smoothies while also offering wholesome options. The business aims to revolutionise healthy eating by addressing the lack of healthy fast food options for students on- and off- campus.
In the new business idea category, Mr Akhona Zungu and Mr Morris Khumalo were selected.
Akhona, a fourth-year BCom (Marketing and Management) student, created UMEET, a student-focused app which allows students to interact with businesses that are on- and off- campus. The app has features that allow students to keep the University community safe by reporting suspicious activities observed on campus.
Morris, the founder of AloeGo, is a third-year Law student. AloeGo highlights healthy living through promoting the commercial use of aloes. The business will be based in Umsinga, a region that has aloes as a natural resource growing in abundance. AloeGo will farm and harvest the natural resource and use it in the production of soap, lotion and juice. The products will aid in eliminating health concerns such as skin problems, acne, skin cancer, and eczema.
In the existing tech business slot, Mr Lungile Radebe, a final-year Bachelor of Law candidate and the founder of Geleza Mzansi, was chosen. The business provides a portal wherein high school learners are able to apply for admission to private Institutions of Higher Education as well as for funding.
The last category is for research-based businesses and here Mr Karan Sunthpaul, a Masters in Architecture student, was selected. Karan’s business provides an alternative building material that is sustainable and eco-friendly. The process of producing the brick is clean and less harmful to the environment than the process for traditional bricks. This business aims to clean up by eliminating plastic waste and alien water plants which are later used in producing the eco-friendly bricks.
Welcoming contestants, UKZN student entrepreneurship manager Mr Khutso Ramontja, said: ‘As the University we are committed to enabling students make their entrepreneurial dreams come true. Thank you for choosing to represent the University of KwaZulu-Natal in the competition.’
Ramontja invited student entrepreneurs to participate in the ENSPIRE business training programme from 19 to 23 June, saying those who successfully complete the programme will be offered an opportunity to submit funding applications to UKZN InQubate, and that the successful candidates will be awarded funding to help them grow their businesses.
Prior to announcing the results, Ramontja commended students for presentations delivered. He felt contestants gave it their all, and that very little separated them. ‘You should be proud of yourselves; you certainly brought your A game!’
Words: Simphiwe Gumede
Photographs: Supplied
author : .author email : .First-Year Experience Co-ordinator Presents Study Paper at Conference
Ms Phethego Makaleng during the SANRC Conference.An Investigation of Approaches that Contribute to Success for Disadvantaged Students in the College of Law and Management Studies (CLMS) at UKZN was the title of a paper presented at a conference in East London.
The presentation was made by the CLMS’s First-Year Experience (FYE) Co-ordinator Ms Phethego Makaleng at the 8th annual SA National Resource Centre (SANRC) for First-Year Experience and Students in Transition Conference.
SANRC believes that the first year of study is pivotal for students in their overall Higher Education journey. To support this, the organisation hosted the conference to improve student success in South Africa by developing and disseminating research in the field of FYE working with different institutions of Higher Education.
Makaleng conducted research for the paper with other FYE Co-ordinators in the CLMS, Mr Simangaliso Zulu and Mr Thanduxolo Mbili.
‘Our study approach was in line with the sub-theme which examined interventions and approaches which could be implemented to support a more coherent approach and ultimately to enhance a student’s overall Higher Education journey, especially for first-years from disadvantaged backgrounds,’ said Makaleng.
According to their findings collected through group discussions involving 30 undergraduate students from Schools within the CLMS, the shift from high school to university is demanding for students who need to make various academic and social adaptations. Unlike the structured environment of high school, universities expect students to take charge of their learning, think critically and solve problems independently.
The study also highlighted that students needed to manage their academic workload while taking part in social activities in order to fully embrace the university experience and reach their educational objectives.
‘Although this learning curve presents opportunities for exploration and personal development for first-time entering students (FTENS), it demands discipline, resilience, and self-confidence,’ said Makaleng.
She said through their study they hoped to reveal that FTENS were likely to achieve more through being exposed to mentorship programmes, counselling and financial assistance and would develop techniques to help them be academically successful.
Words: Samukelisiwe Cele
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .UKZN’s Ma’at Institution Celebrates Africa Day
Some of the Africa Day celebration attendees.Staff at the Ma’at Institute within the College of Humanities celebrated Africa Day by dressing up as representatives of various African tribes and cultures, learning about the colourful past of the Zulu Kingdom, playing indigenous games, taking part in traditional music and dance, sharing the depth of the isiZulu language using idioms and proverbs, and enjoying African cuisine.
Mentor and social worker Ms Nokukhanya Zondi and Media and Communications Officer Ms Nomfundo Buthelezi shared the collective experiences of the team, with Zondi saying 25 May marked the beginning of the aloe (Nhlaba) season. ‘Africa Day is a symbolic occasion celebrating the rebirth of the spiritual being of African people, according to African cosmology, which denotes a passage where the dead, living, and future members of society meet,’ she said.
‘Celebrating Africa is not a singular concept - at the Ma’at Institute, we celebrate Africa in a variety of ways every day. We observed Africa Day this year by dressing and eating as representatives of many African nations and customs.’
Buthelezi said during the celebrations they learned about the rich history of oral literature, using clan names (izithakazelo), singing (ukucula), and performing indigenous African dance (ukugida) as therapeutic activities as well as assisting group members to reconnect and reflect about themselves while circular sitting, enhancing the sense of oneness, sameness, and commonalities.
Strategies included indigenous African song/chants (ingoma) and traditional Zulu dance which are used to uplift spirits and to allow for the expression of feelings.
‘I enjoyed the encounter,’ said Zondi. ‘We learned and remembered a lot more information about who we are, where we come from, and our rich past. As Africans, our way of life involves sharing and laughing.’
The Ma’at Institute works to provide African-centred mental and psychological support services to a variety of communities. Its mandate is Living Ubuntu through the ways of Ma’at which it achieves by implanting African knowledge systems, experiences and culture in its psychosocial services.
Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Walking the Talk for Dementia on the Camino
Ms Wendy Weidner (left) of Alzheimer’s Disease International with Global Atlantic Fellows, Dr Khanyo Ngcobo of UKZN and Ms Stefania Ilinca (right).UKZN’s Dr Khanyo Ngcobo completed an international pilgrimage of hope - Walking the Talk for Dementia (WDT) - along the ancient Camino route in northern Spain.
Ngcobo is an honorary Psychiatry lecturer attached to the King Dinuzulu Hospital in Durban and a Global Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health at the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI).
The Camino de Santiago holds deep historical and spiritual significance, attracting pilgrims from all corners of the globe seeking self-discovery and enlightenment. WTD embraced this tradition, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the essence of the Camino, but this time with a single purpose: to build a better world for people with dementia.
Covering 43km over four days, the pilgrimage allowed about 70 participants from more than 30 countries, comprising healthcare professionals, advocates, policy-makers, researchers and people living with dementia, to engage in deep conversations about living, working, and researching dementia.
‘As a clinician, early career researcher and dementia advocate from South Africa, “Walking the Talk for Dementia” was a great opportunity to be a part of an innovative experience that aimed to empower individuals to raise global awareness about dementia by diversifying perspectives, empowering people and unifying the dementia journey,’ said Ngcobo. ‘The challenges related to dementia and dementia care in our country speak to the need for dementia advocacy. There is an urgent need for a dementia strategy to improve dementia services and provide clear person-centred inter-disciplinary dementia care pathways in South Africa. There is also still very low awareness about dementia in our society. Dementia symptoms are often misunderstood, under-recognised and undiagnosed which leads to poor outcomes for the person living with dementia (PLWD) and their families,’ she said.
‘This unique and immersive experience was life-changing. The walk and symposium brought together diverse stories and perspectives from across continents, regardless of our cultural, social, gender or educational background. The experience provided us with an opportunity to converse and dive deeper and cross-disciplinarily with regards to dementia. Often in our areas of work we operate in silos, for example a clinician who has never deeply engaged with a neuroscientist or a policy maker who has never deeply engaged with a person living with dementia or a care partner. The insights and interventions shared, the human connections made and the lived experience were priceless. The organisers of this event have started a great movement.’
Ngcobo said dementia was a broad term used to describe a group of progressive neurodegenerative conditions. ‘The symptoms of dementia get worse over time and include a decline in cognitive ability, memory loss, problems with language and understanding, changes in behaviour, confusion and a decline in executive functioning that are severe enough to affect daily functioning. We need to increase dementia awareness, and address modifiable risk factors that can reduce risk.
‘I have always had a keen interest in cognition and early in my career I was privileged to work with mentors who were in that field and supported that interest. Prior to specialising as a medical officer, I was exposed to memory clinics and participated in dementia research and advocacy support which further fuelled my passion.’
Ngcobo said in her work she was exposed to the lived experience of people living with dementia and their care partners, where the urgent need for more dementia research, dementia advocacy and improved person-centred services was painfully clear. ‘Dementia care is not prioritised in South Africa which translates to under-resourced services leading to poor outcomes and poor support for the person living with dementia and their families. It is my passion for dementia, the clear inequities and urgent need for intervention that drive the work I do.’
Ngcobo said there was still very low awareness about dementia in our society and that dementia symptoms were often misunderstood, under-recognised and undiagnosed which led to poor outcomes for the person living with dementia (PLWD) and their families. ‘At times, the symptoms of dementia are seen as part of normal ageing which is one of the reasons why people with dementia often present late in their condition to health care settings.’
Asked about her passion for psychiatry, Ngcobo said: ‘I have always known that I loved the brain, and during my Medical School training I thought I wanted to specialise in neurosurgery. However, during my internship and neurosurgery community service rotations, I realised how much I was fascinated by how the brain and mind are linked and understanding how neuroscience translates to mental health.’ This fuelled post community service where she worked in district psychiatry services. ‘I love the person-centred and lived experience aspect of the practice. Beyond neuroscience, psychiatry allows one to think and feel and to relate to others and to the world in a meaningful way,’ she said.
Ngcobo, who recently completed a descriptive research project on cognitive impairment, is currently undertaking dementia clinical care and research aimed at improving service provision in a local context and is also involved in advocacy and awareness programmes.
Words: Lunga Memela
Photograph: Alex Kornhuber
author : .author email : .UKZN and uMsunduzi Museum Unite for a Better Africa
UKZN international students at uMsunduzi Museum.Click here for isiZulu version
Celebrating Africa Day, the uMsunduzi Voortrekker Museum and UKZN’s College of Humanities joined together to help bring “greater prosperity to the continent”, under the theme Unite in Diversity for a Better Africa.
The event featured a variety of educational presentations, followed by exciting entertainment from the Johannesburg Child Welfare’s Unlimited Productions Theatre and the Uzalo Traditional Group.
The opening presentation, titled: From the Organisation of African Unity to the African Union: Challenges and Opportunity, was from Mr Feruzi Ngwamba who is the co-ordinator of the Access Programme and Community Liaison Officer at the College of Humanities. ‘We are celebrating Africa Day 60 years after the leadership of our people gathered together in Addis Ababa on 25 May, 1963, at the launch of the Organisation de l’unité africaine - the Organisation of African Unity, OAU the predecessor of, the African Union (AU).’
International students from UKZN participated with Mr Abdul Rashid Issahaku of Ghana talking about what being African means to him: ‘I believe being African goes beyond colour, and embraces everyone who accepts the continent as their home.’ He said more concerted efforts were needed from African leaders to address the common challenges confronting us.
International students were given a tour of the historic uMsunduzi Museum in Pietermaritzburg, which displays and explains the cultural history of the different cultural groups in KwaZulu-Natal.
When asked about the selection of UKZN’s international students for this occasion, Mr Njabulo Mpungose, Head of Department of Education and Outreach at the uMsunduzi Museum, said they spoke on the progress that Africa had made after colonisation while reflecting upon the common challenges the continent faced in a global environment, especially in their countries of origin. Inviting them was aimed ‘to promote unity, peace, social cohesion, and nation building and to educate them that as much as we are different, we are all humans and Africans.’
Words: Ntombizethu Gcaba
Photograph: Nkosikhona Gcabashe
author : .author email : .Teddy Bear Initiative Brings Joy to Sick and Underprivileged Children in Hospital
The 550 new and “pre-loved” teddy bears donated in 2022.Durban siblings, final-year UKZN Medical student Ms Tasmika Mahabir and first-year Medical intern at King Edward VIII Hospital Dr Akhil Mahabir, have launched the second year of a heart-warming teddy bear drive aimed at uplifting the spirits of sick and underprivileged children on Mandela Day.
The siblings collected 550 new and “pre-loved” teddies last year during the project titled the Teddy Up initiative and donated them to sick children at 10 different sites in and around Durban.
‘We chose Mandela Day as Madiba himself had a special love and concern for children,’ said Tasmika. ‘He was committed to the betterment of the lives of others and was a beacon of hope for many. At Teddy Up we believe his legacy of spreading hope should radiate among the population and never fade. To honour him, we have pledged to distribute teddy bears to as many children as possible with the aim of bringing smiles to young faces.’
Passionate about the wellbeing of others and serving the community by assisting in various outreach programmes, Akhil said he was on his paediatric rotation when he realised there were many children experiencing great discomfort and pain while in hospital. ‘Giving them a teddy not only brings comfort, but also smiles. Not every child’s parent can be present while they are in hospital and a teddy bear makes a welcome fluffy companion.’
Committed to cultural upliftment and passionate about being a role model for South African youth, Tasmika said: ‘The support this year has been overwhelming. It was great to see schools and religious and cultural organisations reach out and support us.
‘One of the best things we heard this year was parents telling us how grateful they are for this drive as it helps them teach their young children to give back to society and let go of some of their precious childhood things. Many parents said it helped teach children discipline, to organise their teddies, and instil good values about being charitable from a tender age.’
The siblings addressed learners at one of the initiative’s biggest contributors this year - Mount Edgecombe Private School.
Meanwhile, Kumari Shiksha’s Dance Institute - where Tasmika is a Bharatanatyam Dance graduate - as well as the Umhlanga Hindu Society and Spice Girls, have come on board for the second year. ‘Megazone Radio has been a great partner in not only being a drop off point but also in advertising and allowing us to share information on the initiative through radio interviews,’ she said. ‘We have two new partners this year: Caltex Garage Gateway and Triple S Fitness Umhlanga. We are proud to welcome them onboard as drop off locations and are grateful for their support.’
‘In 2023, we aim to distribute teddies to sick children in hospitals, clinics, and paediatric hospices in the Durban area,’ said Akhil. ‘The 2023 Teddy bear drive will run until 23 June with distribution starting on Mandela Day - 18 July.’
Members of the public are invited to support Teddy Up by donating new or pre-loved teddies at the drop off points: Caltex Gateway on Aurora Drive, Umhlanga; Umhlanga Hindu Temple; and Kumari Shiksha’s Dance Institute, on Saturdays at their premises at 64 Grandmore Primary School, Phoenix.
This initiative can be followed on Instagram under the handle TeddyUp.kzn and on Facebook by searching Teddy Up.
Words: Lunga Memela
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Surgical Registrar Wins Heinz Stammberger Resident Research Award
Dr Sibahle Sithole.Dr Sibahle Sithole, a surgical registrar in UKZN’s Discipline of Otorhinolaryngology, has been awarded the Heinz Stammberger Resident Research Award for an oral presentation she made at an international meeting in Dubai on her MMed research titled: Variation of Aerosol Generation in Laryngeal and Oropharyngeal Surgery by Different Surgical Modalities.
‘COVID-19 accounted for the death of an estimated 180 000 healthcare workers by May 2021,’ said Sithole. ‘The world has seen two other global infections in the past two decades - the severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, and the Middle East respiratory syndrome. Healthcare workers, especially otorhinolaryngologists, have been shown to be at increased risk of infection because of the proximity to high viral loads in the upper aerodigestive tract,’ said Sithole, reflecting on her study.
‘My study was based on finding safer modalities that could potentially save the lives of healthcare workers. It is an important study in view of other potential viral pandemics that can happen in the future. It’s been encouraging to get this recognition after all the hard work that went into the work. It has stimulated me to want to do more research in the otolaryngology field,’ she said.
Thirty candidates with the best research paper abstracts were selected by the Middle East Academy of Otolaryngology (MEAO), to present their work at the meeting where the three most outstanding research papers received the Heinz Stammberger Resident Research Award trophy and a cash prize.
Competing against entrants from across the globe, Sithole’s presentation was judged to be the best registrar research paper in head and neck surgery, and she received the trophy together with a cash prize of US$500.
More than 80 guest speakers from all over the world attended the annual meeting of the Middle East Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery with the scientific programme covering rhinology and anterior skull base surgery, paediatric otolaryngology, cochlear implant and otology and neurotology, rhinoplasty, head and neck surgery, laryngology, sleep surgery and audio vestibular sessions.
The Head of UKZN’s Otorhinolaryngology Discipline, Dr Andile Sibiya, commended Sithole on the ‘well-deserved’ award. ‘Dr Sithole exhibited impressive dedication and resourcefulness in conducting this study, which included sourcing and learning to use specialised aerosol detection equipment. Having recently passed her Fellowship of the College of Otorhinolaryngologists of South Africa (FCORL: SA) finals examination, Dr Sithole is clearly as competent an academic as she is a surgeon and is an asset to the profession.’
Sithole said she was passionate about teaching so she would be doing a lot of teaching and assisting registrars studying for exams. She hopes to pursue a fellowship in paediatric airway surgery.
Words: Lunga Memela
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .UKZN Congratulates Comrades Marathon Runners
From left: Mr Tony Singarum, Ms Patricia Freeman, Ms Normah Zondo, Professor Reshma Sookrajh and Mr Ayanda Ndlovu seen at the pasta luncheon held before the Comrades Marathon.UKZN congratulated all staff, students and alumni runners who participated in the 2023 Comrades Marathon.
Every year, the Comrades attracts runners from all over South Africa and the rest of the world who aim to finish in the fastest time possible or, for some, just finishing in the allowed time is good enough!
This year’s down run ended at Durban’s Kingsmead Stadium on Sunday, 11 June.
Leading up to the race, the University had hosted a pasta lunch to wish all the runners well for the race. In her welcome address at the lunch, Executive Director: Corporate Relations Ms Normah Zondo said taking part in the event made them winners and UKZN was proud to be associated with all of them as they put the University on the world map.
Programme director and veteran runner Mr Tony Singarum who participated in his 25th marathon said that after his difficult race in 2022, he did not think he would be at the start line again this year. Completing his 25th run qualifies Singarum a free entry in the Comrades for the rest of his running career.
Guest speakers included Ms Patricia Freeman, a member of the Comrades Board of Directors and one of three women who have completed the highest number of runs; Professor Reshma Sookrajh, honorary Professor of Education at UKZN, and Mr Ayanda Ndlovu, alumnus and a sports and development practitioner with expert knowledge of road running, recreation and development fields.
As the chairperson of the charities portfolio, Freeman encouraged runners to run for charities and get involved in fundraising initiatives to earn themselves a CC badge. Providing a brief background on her running career she shared tips for before and after the race.
Author of the book, Running to Finish, Sookrajh has completed 10 Comrades Marathons, securing the coveted green number in perpetuity. After having to give up running Comrades for health reasons, she said she took refuge in writing about the event. She says there is something enigmatic about running the race and each time it was a fresh start. Advising the runners, she said: ‘Run from one gunshot to the other gunshot. As soon as you hit the single numbers or you see the 9km mark, don’t you dare give up. Always postpone the decision to bail.’
Running his third Comrades, Ndlovu said the Marathon was the oldest and best ultra-marathon in the world and running it helped him fight depression and the urge to take his own life. ‘Always remember why you started. Comrades makes you realise that you can achieve anything you want in life,’ said Ndlovu.
He continues to run in UKZN colours even though he left the University several years ago.
UKZN Sports staff member Mr Rendani Mudau ran his 19th Comrades while Mr Mhlengi Makhoba completed his 10th race.
University Relations Director Ms Xoliswa Zulu congratulated the runners for taking part and urged them to keep flying the UKZN flag high.
Words: Sithembile Shabangu
Photograph: Albert Hirasen
author : .author email : .UKZN Student Selected for Women’s Springbok Rugby Squad
Springbok and UKZN student Mary Zulu in action on the rugby field.UKZN student Ms Mary Zulu has been called up to the Women’s Springbok XV’s rugby squad.
The 20-year-old fly-half, who plays for the KZN Sharks women’s team, is studying for a BSc in Sports Science degree.
There are plans for women’s rugby in South Africa to become professional and Zulu has set her sights on making a career out of the game - ‘it’s what I do best’. A talented and determined player, she is ‘always fighting hard to become a better version of myself.
‘With the sport you are never guaranteed a spot, it’s your hard work and determination that keep you in the system,’ she said.
South Africa is one of the top rugby-playing nations of the world but there is plenty of room for improvement in the women’s format. ‘I believe it all starts with media coverage because the more coverage we receive the better the chances are of everyone becoming more aware about women playing rugby - as we speak so many people don’t even know that there is a Springbok women’s team which is sad, but it’s just the way women are treated sometimes,’ she said.
Zulu believes heightened media coverage will help women’s rugby go professional. ‘With more recognition we will get sponsors which will bring more attention. I feel if we get taken seriously, people will see the love and determination we have for the sport. Also, putting better systems in place and bringing more young people into the game and growing with them will make a significant difference.’
She has this advice for would-be rugby players: ‘You need to feel it within and have some sort of motivation that will keep you working extra hard every day while others are having fun, because it’s the work you put in when nobody sees you that makes the difference. You need to show hunger every chance you get - show them why you need to belong. Be humble, be yourself in all that you do and allow yourself to learn and grow.’
Zulu was raised in the Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre in Mandeni in northern KwaZulu-Natal. ‘I was brought up by guardians in the absence of my biological parents and they did a very good job of taking care of me. As much as it hurts when I talk about this or even think about it, I am very grateful for the parents who have been a part of my life. I’m also very grateful to Father Lagleder Gerard and Mr Hayne Clark as well as the loving care-givers at the Centre who have shown me so much love,’ she said.
‘Life is a journey, and all you need to do is show trust because God has nothing but greatness planned for everyone. I truly believe in God and that it’s all in God’s hands.’
UKZN’s Mark Bashe commended the young Springbok player: ‘As UKZN Sport we are very proud of Mary Zulu on her call up and performance in the Springboks. She is a role model to many young students who thought rugby was a male sport. We’ve seen Mary grow from playing for the Sharks to the Springboks u20 and now having won the Africa Cup with the Senior Springboks,’ said Bashe.
Zulu paid tribute to everyone who has played a role in her life. ‘I’d also like to acknowledge and thank my rugby coaches as they all provided input into making me a better player. Lastly, I’d like to give thanks to my friends and peers who are always there for me and always believe in me.’
Her rugby role models include Inny Hadebe of the Durban-based club side College Rovers; New Zealand rugby union player, Beauden Barrett; George Ford of England; Ireland’s Johnny Sexton, and Springbok centre/wing Lukhanyo Am. She counts Coach Lungi, Coach Omo, and Coach Mndaweni among the coaches who are her rugby heroes.
Zulu said she was ‘currently single and ready to mingle.’
Follow her on Instagram or Facebook.
• Watch this space for an upcoming article on another UKZN women’s rugby player who has joined the ranks of the Springboks - Ms Sisanda Ndlela.
Words: Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer
Photographs: Supplied
author : .author email : .Medicines Access Under the National Health Insurance
From left: Professor Fatima Suleman, Dr Andy Gray, Ms Fatima Hassan and Ms Inez Naidu.Click here for isiZulu version
A webinar was hosted recently by the Health Justice Initiative (HJI) in partnership with the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Evidence Based Practice at UKZN, focusing on Medicines Access under the National Health Insurance (NHI) - Selection, Pricing and Procurement. South Africa has committed to providing universal health coverage by 2030 through the implementation of the NHI. However, progress has been hampered both by the pandemic as well as the fiscus crisis.
The webinar looked at the recent Bill that was published and was presented to the Portfolio Committee for discussion. HJI has prepared an Issue Paper 1: National Health Insurance Paper Series that outlined 17 questions that needed to be addressed before the implementation of NHI proceeds. Presentations were made by Ms Fatima Hassan (setting the scene), Dr Andy Gray (on selection, procurement and pricing in the public sector) and Ms Inez Naidu (on selection and reimbursement in the private sector). A robust discussion unfolded during the webinar highlighting several stumbling blocks to ensure equitable access by 2030.
The pandemic highlighted the importance of a healthcare system, with the right skills, funding base, and transparency in decision-making around health policy and medicine selection. According to Hassan from the HJI, there are several concerns amongst practitioners. She said, ‘The financial feasibility of implementing the NHI is still unclear and a huge risk to the fiscus in a post-COVID economy that is dealing with a recession, load shedding, and high unemployment rates. At the moment, there is also concern around high novelty medicines for chronic patients which the NHI will not offer.’
Naidu, from the Discovery Health Medicine Unit said that Discovery had more than 30 years’ experience in the market representing 8.95 million lives. Discovery Health is highly regulated by the Medicines and Related Substances Act and access is extensive. She commented, ‘Medicine Legislation is intended to provide more affordable access to medicine and the Department of Health caps the extent to which medicine prices can be increased. However, we operate in a global market where pricing is high. It is important that we are guided by international standards but national guidelines are essential to ensure cost-effective pricing for all South Africans.’
Dr Sham Moodley, a community pharmacist was in support of the NHI as a concept but stated that there are a number of discrepancies and lack of transparency. He said, ‘The pandemic presented us with the best opportunity to deliver on a model that is similar to the NHI. However, there was a lack of transparency as to how donor funding was used. Funding for the Sisonke project was managed through Treasury with no accountability. To date, some private pharmacies have not been reimbursed for the dispensing of the COVID-19 vaccines. Government cannot be trusted to deliver on the model they have presented.’
Gray from UKZN has many years of experience in medicines regulation having served on the former Medicines Control Council and as technical advisor for the South African Pharmacy Health Products Regulatory Authority. He envisaged that during the interim rolling out phase of the NHI, there will be three systems in place simultaneously. ‘Firstly, the NHI will enrol everyone, and allow for services to be obtained in both the public and private sectors. The second is the medical scheme funded private sector. The third system is the public sector which will need to cover uninsured persons whose needs are outside of the NHI benefits package. Initially, there will be an overlap of services offered by both the medical aids and the public sector. Right now, there are many questions as to how the phases will unfold but not many answers.’
Professor Fatima Suleman from UKZN stated that whilst the NHI is being phased in, a transitional arrangement will exist. ‘With different systems in place, have we thought this through? Some medicines will not be covered by the NHI, especially high novelty medicines for chronic patients. Medical schemes have many years of reimbursement experience and existing structures that link patients and providers that are just not being tapped into, instead we are focused on reinventing the wheel.’
Words: MaryAnn Francis
Photographs: Supplied
author : .author email : .Medical Students Wear “Happy Socks” as a Reminder to Care for SA’s Carers
Medical students rocking happy socks on campus on the day.Click here for isiZulu version
The student community of UKZN’s Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine wore happy socks on campus on 2 June using the hashtag #CrazySocks4Docs in support of the Ithemba Foundation’s annual campaign that raises awareness about mental health challenges faced by South Africa’s healthcare workers.
‘We live in a society where people think that doctors do not get sick or face mental health issues,’ said Medical Student Representative Council President, Mr Mmiselo Gibixhego.
Gibixhego constantly encourages students to speak out about challenges they encounter during their studies. ‘This day is important because it reminds us to not only care for each other as doctors, but also for the general public to show empathy to doctors and other healthcare professionals,’ he said.
Medical students, who said they enjoyed wearing colourful socks on campus, face a number of challenges in addition to the demanding MBChB curriculum.
The day involved camaraderie and speaking up about everyday obstacles and problems.
Words and photograph: Lunga Memela
author : .author email : .Scientist Bound for Germany to Attend Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting
Dr Kamini Govender.UKZN’s Dr Kamini Govender is one of only nine South African Young Scientists who will attend - along with more than 600 international delegates - the 72nd Lindau Nobel Laureate meeting in Germany from 25 to 30 June.
The nominating partner, the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) in co-operation with the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), hosted a pre-travel meeting and science communication training on 15-16 May for the selected young scientists to prepare them for what to expect at the Lindau gathering.
According to the DSI, the nine young scientists interacted during the pre-travel meeting with alumni who had attended previous Lindau Nobel Laureate events hearing about their experiences and the opportunities involved. In Lindau’s quest to continuously strive to increase the quality and internationality of the candidates, their scientific review panel has selected 635 of the most qualified young scientists from more than 90 countries to participate in this year’s Lindau meeting.
‘I am very honoured to be nominated as one of nine outstanding young scientists to participate from Africa and also to be among the 40 Nobel laureates and the other pioneering young scientists attending,’ said Govender.
‘My mother, who was a Natural Science teacher, inspired me to strive to be my best. During my studies I came across many renowned scientists in literature and was always fascinated by Nobel Prize winner Marie Curie.’
Govender said she enjoyed learning about the unknown and had a curious nature, constantly asking questions.
She was recently a post-doctoral research fellow in Medical Biochemistry in the School of Laboratory Medicine Medical Science under the supervision of the College Dean of Research, Professor Anil Chuturgoon. She is currently an ADHOC-lecturer for MICR 213 (Bacteriology) on UKZN’s Pietermaritzburg campus.
Govender is from Shakaskraal on KwaZuluNatal’s North Coast. ‘I was born with a visual impairment which was discovered in my schooling career. In high school I was fascinated by science after learning about DNA,’ she said. ‘Therefore, after matriculating, I pursued a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Biochemistry and Microbiology. My enthusiasm for science led me to continue studying towards a BSc Honours and Master’s degree in Biochemistry. I thereafter joined the Fourth Industrial Revolution in drug discovery and did a PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, whereby I produced academic excellence and successfully cloned human insulin and purified it using innovative sub/supercritical fluid chromatography.’
Govender has published results of her research in seven peer-reviewed papers in high-impact factor journals, and presented at nine conferences both locally and internationally. She won best poster in the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)/South African Chemical Institute Young Chemists’ Symposium-2020, and served as a reviewer in Frontiers in Endocrinology (Impact factor of 6.055).
Govender is currently a member of the following renowned scientific bodies: the South African Society for Microbiology (SASM); the South African Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SASBMB); the European Federation for Medicinal Chemistry (EFMC) Young Scientists Network, and the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD).
Govender’s research expertise is multidisciplinary, encompassing Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Biochemistry and Medical Biochemistry. Her current research focus is on COVID-19 drug discovery.
She says in her undergraduate studies, the late Dr Patrick Govender taught about the central dogma of biochemistry pertaining to DNA, RNA, and proteins. ‘I am very passionate about proteins and biochemistry, as I worked with recombinant human insulin and FLO-encoded mannoproteins in my PhD and master’s degrees. I enjoy being a biochemist and making a difference,’ she shared.
Attending the 72nd Lindau Nobel Laureate meeting will be the first time she travels to an international scientific meeting. ‘I would like to thank ASSAF, National Research Foundation (NRF) and DSI for the opportunity and also Professor Anil Chuturgoon for hosting me as a post-doctoral fellow and believing in me.
‘I commend the camaraderie at the Medical Biochemistry Department. It was inspiring to work with other female scientists such as Dr Rene’ Khan and Dr Terisha Ghazi. They provided a wonderful and conducive research environment.’
Words: Lunga Memela
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Soon No Need for Teachers in a Classroom?
Panelists from left: Professor Sid Nair, Professor Eliana El Khoury and Dr Dorothy Cooshna-Naik.In less than a decade, there will be no need for academics to be present in a classroom, according to an Australian scientist.
Professor and Academic Dean, Sid Nair of the Institute of Technology in Victoria, Australia, was speaking during a webinar hosted by the Discipline of Information Systems and Technology (IS&T) at UKZN.
Participants in the webinar - the second in a Higher Education Activation Lab (HEAL) Series focused on teaching and assessing in Higher Education - explored the transformative power of emerging technologies and their ability to enhance the traditional Higher Education system.
Discussions were facilitated by IS&T’s Professor Craig Blewett, who was also joined by leading researchers and practitioners in the role of panellists, Professor Eliana El Khoury of Athabasca University in Canada and Dr Dorothy Cooshna-Naik, of the University of Mauritius.
Examining the evolution of universities and the potential direction they might take in the future, Nair said the need and roles of teachers and facilitators had changed as universities aligned their curricular and teaching methods with the integration of advanced technologies.
Having the role of teachers and facilitators questioned in University 4.0, Nair said: ‘Students need us to clarify things where they don’t understand. I would say, in less than a decade, there will be no need for academics to be present in a classroom. If we look at Australia, the research-intensive universities are going towards total online teaching and learning, using a flipped classroom. The role of academics is to research, with a minor role of being there at certain times to answer questions.’
Considering the future of higher learning, he said traditional classroom settings would no longer require the physical presence of academics. Advancements in technology, particularly with artificial intelligence (AI), would enable the use of holographic lecturers to deliver information where the lecturer’s presence would primarily serve the purpose of providing clarification and assessing examinations, reducing their teaching role to around 20%.
‘From my perspective, technology will surpass our current methods, leading to a shift in our role towards ensuring accurate information is available, aligning with the lecturer’s notes and teaching materials,’ he said.
Sharing strategies and different alternative approaches used by other universities to bridge the gap of University 4.0, El Khoury said learning outcomes and assessment design should be considered when using these approaches. She highlighted that assessments should be authentic, accessible, secure, appropriately automated, and continuous as we cannot keep the same assessment for the new generation.
‘Some researches show that when you are planning for an assessment for University 4.0, there is a need to provide feedback and help students make decisions while enhancing their active learning and knowledge.’
Drawing from her experience working closely with instructors in teaching and learning, Cooshna-Naik encouraged the design of assessments with review outcomes aligned with future technology, involving students and enhancing the skills they will need in the real world. She shared results of her doctoral research study in Mauritius, where she implemented a multimodal assessment that empowered students to take ownership of their learning and present knowledge in a creative way.
Sharing some of the benefits and challenges of multimodal assessment, she said: ‘These types of assessments require time and investment. It is very important to put in place strategies to scaffold students learning.’
The webinar also offered a platform for academics in attendance to seek clarification and share their suggestions on how to improve the traditional Higher Education system.
To watch the webinar on YouTube go to: https://youtu.be/pfHANT-Ssy0.
Words: Samukelisiwe Cele
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .UKZN Welcomes US Researcher and Lecturer for Collaborative Exchange
From left: Professor Harold Ngalawa, Professor Maria Gabriela Vivero and Professor Josue Mbonigaba.The Macroeconomics Research Unit (MRU), a research initiative within UKZN’s School of Accounting, Economics and Finance (SAEF) recently hosted Professor Maria Gabriella Vivero from the University of Dayton in the United States.
A lecturer in Financial Economics and a renowned researcher in the field, Vivero specialises in market efficiency, asset pricing, and the economics of information.
The aim of the visit was to foster collaboration and explore common interests between the MRU and the Department of Economics and Finance at Dayton University. Economics professor and founding member of the MRU, Professor Harold Ngalawa noted that: ‘We discussed the possibility of student exchange programmes (including, but not limited to, study abroad initiatives); visits by and interchange of staff for research, teaching and hosting of academics on sabbatical; exchange of information including but not limited to exchange of library resources; and research publications.’
Among the topics of discussion were external examination of PhD theses, courses and modules. The scholars also engaged in fruitful conversations on collaborative research, focusing on macroeconomic issues.
‘We agreed that in the interim, we will collaborate on the study of unemployment and income inequalities in South Africa. Through shared expertise and joint research efforts, we can create valuable contributions that address pressing economic challenges,’ said Ngalawa.
He said the visit laid the groundwork for future collaborations that will contribute to advancing knowledge in the field of economics.
Words: Samukelisiwe Cele
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Colourfest 2023 a Fun Run Extravaganza!
Engineering staff enjoy the Colourfest Fun Run.Click here for isiZulu version
Staff in the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science (CAES) donned their running shoes and colourful costumes to take part in the annual CAES Fun Run which had as a theme: Easter with a Splash of Colour!
Lured by the many prizes on offer - including First Man Home, First Lady Home, Best Dressed Team, Best Team Representation, Best Team Spirit and Last Man or Lady Home - staff entered into the spirit and dressed to kill. Costumes ranged from fairies to Disney characters and goggle-eyed minions.
Arriving in their numbers, participants received a personal goodie bag before being welcomed by acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Fhatuwani Mudau, who wished everyone well on their 5km run/walk. ‘Events like these are so important as they build cohesiveness among colleagues, thus ensuring the College functions like a well-oiled machine,’ he said.
A cool and calm morning at the venue - the Ukulinga Research Farm just outside Pietermaritzburg -ensured high spirits and ideal running conditions. With the promise of a visit from the Easter Bunny along the trail, participants set off shortly after 10h00. Within 10m the first surprise of the day confronted them - they had to run the “colour gauntlet” with two representatives from each School, showering them with coloured powder.
First man home, Mr Brandon Willnecker and the first lady to finish, Ms Wendy Janssens, set a fast pace while the majority settled into a stroll through the research farm’s scenic countryside and into the adjoining Bisley Nature Reserve, where they had the chance to see the resident zebra and giraffe.
The tantalising aroma of brunch set up in the farm’s engineering hall ensured that even the slow-coaches made it home in good time.
CAES Public Relations Manager Dr Sally Frost, thanked everyone for their enthusiastic participation and handed out the prizes. The College Office won the trophy for being the best dressed, while the Team Spirit trophy went to the Engineers, and the Best Team Representation award was won by Life Sciences.
Words: Cindy Chamane
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .