School of Chemistry and Physics Build Team Spirit
Staff from the School of Chemistry and Physics at their teambuilding session.UKZN’s School of Chemistry and Physics recently held its annual team building event which saw staff from the Howard College, Pietermaritzburg and Westville campuses gather for Minute-To-Win-It games hosted by the Beach & Bush company.
Admin, technical and academic staffers were randomly assigned to teams, each with T-shirts of different colours. ‘They really got behind their teammates, as they each took turns doing different activities, encouraging them vociferously,’ said School Manager Mrs Antoinette Botha.
The overall winners were the Bright Green team of Mr Bonginkosi Blose, Mr Mbuyiselwa Mbele, Ms Nonhlanhla Joyisa, Professor Neil Koorbanally, Ms Fikile Gumede, Dr Matshawandile Tukulula, and Dr Abdul Mahomed. First runners-up were the Navy Team and Second runners-up, the Dark Grey team.
‘Today was good,’ said Dean and Head of School Professor Ross Robinson. ‘My voice is sore from shouting. Well done.’
‘A vote of thanks is due to the organising team of Ms Antoinette Botha, Ms Jayshree Singh, Ms Mirelle Haripal, Ms Renee Naidoo and Ms Samantha Naidoo,’ said Robinson. ‘Thanks to Ms Mary David and Mr Leandharen Thaver for the venue hire, Beach & Bush for the fun activities, DSG marketing for the T-shirts, Gravy Bowl for the catering and Olympic Bus Lines for the transport.’
Ms Ayanda Zondi of the Pietermaritzburg campus said: ‘I just want to thank you for the wonderful experience we had yesterday; it was fun! We enjoyed ourselves far more than we expected. We connected with our colleagues from other campuses. The atmosphere was just amazing and uniting.’
Words: Sally Frost
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Astrophysics Research Centre Interacts with KZN Blind and Deaf Society
Children from the VN Naik School for the Deaf experience UKZN’s portable Cassegrain telescope.UKZN’s Astrophysics Research Centre (ARC) and the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science joined forces with the KZN Blind and Deaf Society to provide a science outreach programme for children with disabilities.
‘We have already visited two schools for the Deaf and are scheduled to visit a school for the blind, with our continuing outreach programme for school children called “Space Odyssey with Precious and Ritu”,’ said Professor Rituparno Goswami.
The programme, which started two years ago, is championed by Goswami and colleague Dr Sinenhlanhla Precious Sikhosana and consists of two brief popular talks about stars and planets, followed by a sky watching event using UKZN’s portable Cassegrain telescope.
About 250 children from Grade R to Grade 9 at the VN Naik School for the Deaf joined their instructors in one of four sessions, which they thoroughly enjoyed. ‘The learners were extremely attentive and responsive,’ said Goswami.
A week later the duo visited the Fulton School for the Deaf where they did a presentation for 60 primary and high school students. ‘We got an excellent view of the lunar crescent on a bright afternoon sky and the children were overjoyed,’ he said.
At both schools, the UKZN astrophysicists fielded a variety of questions (which the instructors interpreted) from the inquisitive youngsters present. ‘Questions ranged from the origin of planets to rocket science and even aliens,’ said Goswami.
Both schools thanked ARC for the unique programme - science communicators do not usually work with children with disabilities in the Durban area.
Goswami and Sikhosana are scheduled to visit the Arthur Blaxall School for the Blind to present a modified version of their outreach programme in which they will try to convey the exciting picture of the solar system using different sensory modes other than visual.
Words: Sally Frost
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .UKZN Alumni Winners at Huawei’s Global ICT Competition
From left is Mr Lutho Sigidi and Ms Nqubeko Shabalala competing in the finals. Pictured right is Mr Lutho Sigidi, Ms Nqubeko Shabalala, President Cyril Ramaphosa and Ms Terry-Anne Fredericks.UKZN alumni Mr Lutho Sigidi and Ms Nqubeko Shabalala are members of the South African team which won the annual Huawei Global Information and Communication Technology (ICT) competition held in Shenzhen, China.
The team competed against thousands of students from sub-Saharan Africa and all over the world and made it to the grand final where they were one of 146 teams representing 36 countries and regions competing in the major prize categories.
The Huawei ICT competition - one of the world’s largest ICT events - is dedicated to fostering the growth of ICT talent for industry advancement and digital transformation.
Sigidi, Shabalala and University of Johannesburg graduate Ms Terry-Anne Fredericks, who was also a member of the winning team, are now all employed by Huawei.
President Cyril Ramaphosa praised the team and Huawei when he visited the Huawei Campus.
Said Shabalala, who is now working as a pre-sales engineer and product manager at Huawei: ‘When I started the competition, I did not imagine - even in my wildest dreams - meeting the President of South Africa. Being part of such an important launch is also a great step into showcasing the vast ICT technology offerings in a more practical, scenario-based environment. This kind of exposure through places like the Innovation Centre is exactly what’s needed here in South Africa.’
Sigidi - team leader and an Internet Protocol engineer with Huawei - said: ‘I feel honoured as a representative of South Africa’s youth to display our endless capabilities. I am certain that I represent many young people from around the country and I hope I have motivated and encouraged others.’
Vice-President of Huawei Southern Africa Mr Yang Chen said, ‘I’m incredibly pleased by the strong showing of teams from sub-Saharan Africa at this year’s Global ICT competition. At Huawei, we’ve long been committed not only to providing leading and innovative connectivity solutions in the region but also to nurturing its ICT talent and potential. The exceptional results achieved by the sub Saharan Africa teams at the global final show how justified that commitment has been.’
Registration for this year’s Huawei ICT Competition is now open.
* Huawei has provided numerous bursaries to deserving UKZN students, facilitated through the UKZN Foundation.
Words: Melissa Mungroo
Photographs: Supplied
author : .author email : .UKZN Professor Declared “an Elder of the Tribe” at International Education Conference in Kenya
Professor Michael Samuel was honoured as “elder of the tribe” at an international conference held in Kenya.The special honour of being declared an “elder of the tribe” was bestowed upon Professor Michael Samuel of UKZN’s School of Education at the end of his involvement in an international conference titled: The Future of Education Research in the African Context held in Eldoret, Kenya, recently.
The honour was accompanied by an award in recognition of Samuel’s 10-year “excellent commitment” to the East and South African-German Centre of Excellence for Educational Research Methodologies and Management (CERM-ESA) project.
Samuel has been involved for many years with Kenyan colleagues, including developing a position paper with Kenyan stakeholders around the continuing professional development of teachers with respect to a new curricula policy on competency-based education. The establishment of dialogues to set up a national Deans of Education forum for Kenya has also been tackled.
Samuel has led workshops to activate the postgraduate education endeavour and was involved in exploring capacity building in postgraduate research supervision and the development of coherent research designs of master’s and doctoral students in a week-long workshop before the conference. Samuel’s extended involvement over the last 10 years has included the development of an online support programme on achieving coherence in research report proposal development and report writing.
This East African component of the organisation sponsored by DAAD German funders, constitutes a collective of five participating institutions co-ordinated by the Moi University (Kenya), Nelson Mandela University (South Africa) and the University of Oldenburg (Germany). The physical Centre established at Moi University aims to equip future leaders and decision-makers with the knowledge and skills to advance education policy and practice from early childhood to university levels.
The University of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) and the Uganda Management Institute (Uganda) support and co-operate with the Centre as networking partners. CERM-ESA has a scholarship programme for postgraduate students, a research programme including hosting of international conferences, a capacity development programme and a teacher professional development programme.
Samuel’s keynote address reflected on the process of developing book publications in, by, for and withAfrican contexts using his specific experiences of developing a new anthology about African Higher Education. The challenges and opportunities in the process of securing and sustaining academic scholarship were the focus of the book in which he shares the stories of the success about programme and curriculum development of postgraduate education, expanding models of supervision as well as establishing theoretical clarifications about the positioning of African scholarship locally and within an international network.
The book counteracts the litany of laments about the underproductivity of African scholarship showing alternative framings to offer insights into more dialogical, relational and collaborative inter-institutional networking that tackles matters of centre-periphery hierarchical power relations. Other keynote speakers included Professor Abraham Waithima (Uganda), Professor Birgit Brock (Norway), Professor Catherine Odora Hoppers (Uganda), and Professor Mathabo Khau (South Africa).
To celebrate the holding of the conference, a tree-planting ceremony was organised involving delegates planting about 200 trees on the MIE campus in Eldoret. This reinforces the conference’s commitment to engaging sustainable development and the need to consciously address climate change considerations.
Said Samuel: ‘When one engages directly with master’s and doctoral students and their supervisors in the specific contexts of their research sites, one appreciates how to engage the many hurdles that need to be addressed to develop a decolonised, democratic conception of postgraduate studies. The capitulation to normative hegemonic sterile research without addressing the localities of African contexts is an ongoing concern. Many theoretical framings are uncritically imported that reinforce deficit discourses about Africa,’ he said.
‘Most students are willing to cross over to alternative decolonised interactivity, while many supervisors and gatekeepers of postgraduate programmes tend to hold on to imitative and subservient ways of borrowed research paradigms. The week-long workshop before the conference provided me with an opportunity to deconstruct habituated ways of being and becoming innovative and relevant researchers.’
Words: NdabaOnline
Photographs: Supplied
author : .author email : .Agricultural Extension Discipline Invites Stakeholder Input into Curriculum Development
Participants at the Agricultural Extension and Rural Resource Management stakeholder workshop in Pietermaritzburg.UKZN’s Discipline of Agricultural Extension and Rural Resource Management (AERRM) in the School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences (SAEES) hosted a workshop where stakeholders across the agricultural value chain including academics, alumni, researchers, practitioners and policymakers provided input to strengthen the offerings of the programme at the University.
Dr Mjabuliseni Ngidi welcomed AERRM alumni and partners who worked within the agricultural extension environment, including representatives of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, community leaders who interact with extension officers, partner institutions with whom UKZN offers the degree, SAEES academic co-ordinators, farmers, and farmers’ associations, as well as agricultural industry representatives.
Instructors in the programme hoped to explore multi-stakeholder perceptions and expectations of agricultural training and hold discussions to inform the review of the AERRM curriculum.
‘Agricultural extension by nature is participatory and we have done a lot to ensure that our current programme conforms to that principle, so a review must be informed by the experience of stakeholders to help our students achieve the required competencies,’ said Ngidi.
Ngidi expressed particular thanks to Professor Steve Worth who helped develop the joint AERRM programme with Cedara College of Agriculture that was launched in 2010.
‘Agricultural extension is not just about helping farmers, but about working with farmers,’ said Ngidi. ‘Coming together like this exemplifies this principle to help extensionists work with farmers for improved outcomes. We want to identify ways to strengthen the education, practitioners, and the synergies required to produce employable graduates through this participatory process and harmonise suggestions for an improved curriculum for relevance and impact.’
Acting Dean and Head of SAEES Professor Julia Sibiya said the School and College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science were embarking on a curriculum review process to align with recommendations to make these more relevant so that graduates are useful to industry.
She applauded AERRM for taking the initiative to align the curriculum with stakeholder needs, particularly in the context of technological evolution and changing farming practices to equip students to be competitive and employable.
Facilitators encouraged stakeholders to share honest and constructive criticism to help the University effectively serve its communities.
Professor Idowu Oladele spoke about a demand-driven curriculum for improved competencies and the importance of aligning with institutional priorities and industry partnerships to develop graduates fit for purpose.
‘We need to reverse engineer the hiring process and demystify employers’ demands to escape the gap created by unemployable graduates,’ said Oladele, who encouraged interactions between Higher Education and industry to synergise their goals.
Alumni highlighted the need for curricula that equip graduates to pursue entrepreneurship and independence and provide continued professional development. They emphasised the importance of the agribusiness component of extension to meet the needs of rural development through a flexible and diverse extension programme and suggested the inclusion of additional modules and more skills development.
Commercial industry input highlighted the natural and commercial challenges to agriculture in KwaZulu-Natal that should inform extension officers’ experience, while representatives from research institutes and civil society encouraged enhancing students’ knowledge of the farming communities their programme aimed to serve. Extension officers emerging from these programmes focus on subsistence farmers making some sales, and small-scale commercial farmers, all requiring guidance to access knowledge, transition through the value chain, and decision-making support.
Participants highlighted that many of those represented at the workshop could provide specialised instruction and support to improve competencies through partnerships. Academic perspectives shed light on the major issues affecting smallholder farmers that extension officers needed to be well-versed in.
Academic Leader of the Value-Adding Cluster in SAEES Professor Muthulisi Siwela delivered a presentation on participatory curriculum development and developing a competitive advantage in programme offerings.
Programme director Dr Simphiwe Mngomezulu-Dube thanked all participants, particularly external stakeholders, for their contributions.
Words and photograph: Christine Cuénod
author : .author email : .Geneticist Advancing Forensic Science Through Fluids Analysis
Master’s degree student, Ms Mishka Dass researches salavia and vaginal fluids to advance forensic investigation methods.Dedicated master’s degree student in Genetics Ms Mishka Dass is among 60 postgraduates set to represent the School of Life Sciences at the upcoming 2023 Postgraduate Research and Innovation Symposium (PRIS), hosted by UKZN’s College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science (CAES) at Coastlands Hotel in Durban on 2 and 3 November.
Dass’s research, a testament to her dedication and intellect, focuses on the crucial role of saliva and vaginal fluids in forensic investigations. These body fluids stand at the crossroads of science and justice, frequently encountered at crime scenes and serving as pivotal evidence in court proceedings for crime reconstruction, linking individuals to criminal activities, and ensuring the exoneration of those wrongfully accused.
However, the complexities of analysing mixed fluids and the challenges of environmental exposure have led Dass to embark on a journey towards more accurate forensic methodologies.
Her study has provided several key findings, including the development of a multiplex PCR assay and microbiome profiling.
Dass aims to develop a conventional multiplex PCR assay for the identification of saliva and vaginal fluid and this work will rely on species-specific 16S rRNA microbial markers, including Fusobacterium nucleatum, Streptococcus salivarius, Lactobacillus crispatus, and Gardnerella vaginalis.
Her research delves into the human microbiome, a versatile community of microflora that can be influenced by various factors, including host diseases. It is composed of a core microbiome present in most individuals at different body sites. These unique properties make microbiome profiling a promising avenue for differentiating and identifying body fluids retrieved from crime scenes.
Dass’s research has the potential to significantly advance the accuracy and reliability of body fluid identification in forensic investigations.
Words: Siphesihle Shezi
Photographs: Supplied
author : .author email : .Seminar Explores Importance of Engaging AI Effectively
Participants of the AI seminar with Professor Jin Kuwata (back row, fourth from the left).Decoding Artificial Intelligence Education: Dissecting Learning to Engage Artificial Intelligence Effectively, was the title of an interactive seminar hosted by UKZN’s Teaching and Learning Office in collaboration with the School of Education.
Held on the Edgewood campus, the seminar was facilitated by Professor Jin Kuwata, a lecturer in the Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design Programme at Teachers College, Columbia University in New York. The seminar focused on developing meaningful and challenging learning scenarios through exploring specialised prompts in Artificial Intelligence (AI) interactions.
Kuwata demonstrated how machine learning involves training algorithms that recognise patterns through supervised and unsupervised learning as well as reinforcements. Using ChatGPT as an example, he argued that AI did not have memory typical of platforms like Google, but rather generated information on the fly or in real time based on what it had learned and what the likely human response would be.
Questioning the value of learning since the establishment of AI, he said: ‘If we are using AI merely to finish tasks, it is of little value. But, if we are using AI to understand the process of how to formulate better tasks, that provides an opportunity for deep learning.’
Kuwata gave ChatGPT various instructions to better his own example of poetry, learning how to hone the skill of poetry writing. He said the same thinking could be applied when encouraging students to learn from AI, by challenging them to ask meaningful questions and assessing their process of engagement with machine learning.
Noting how ChatGPT answers could be made more refined, Kuwata said that it all came down to how the prompts were shaped. Imploring individuals to explore the AI platform, he said: ‘Play with it to find out what kind of prompts create parameters for it to become more attuned to what your attention is on.’
In the Q&A session, UKZN instructional designers engaged with Kuwata asking questions and sharing their experiences of the platform in their field of design. Dr Reginald Govender, from the School of Education also questioned how the use of AI could be incorporated into Higher Education through guided learning, expanding the students’ knowledge of the platform.
Kuwata ended the session by thanking participants and encouraging them ‘to use the platform to see how it applies to your work and the surprises it has in store for you because that is the conversation that I hope everyone is a part of.’
Words: Hlengiwe Khwela
Photograph: Albert Hirasen
author : .author email : .Addressing Education for Sustainable Development
Community members and learners preparing vegetable beds at Mtumaseli High School.A recent teacher development workshop took place deep in the Umgeni Nature Reserve in Howick at an untapped natural gem known as the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) - a non-governmental environmental organisation established in 1926.
The workshop was a part of a bigger campaign known as the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) project which is facilitated by UKZN in partnership with WESSA and the Environmental Learning Research Centre at Rhodes University and funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF).
The facilitators of the event were Professor Ronicka Mudaly, Professor Vimolan Mudaly, Dr Sebastian Sanjigadu, Dr Mzwandile Zulu and Dr Arorisoe Sibanda.
Participants comprised science and mathematics teachers studying towards an honours degree at UKZN’s School of Education. The teachers were taken through a series of lectures, presentations, nature walks and resource-based activities targeted at arming teachers with the ability to integrate and teach ESD principles to their learners.
The Fundisa for Change online courses were used as the main resource material to equip teachers with the ability to engage in their professional development. The ESD Introductory Course dealt with content, pedagogical assessment and whole school development components as a prelude to various other courses the teachers will engage in.
Participants were generally impressed with the workshop:
Said Mathematics teacher Ms Nosipho Mdluli: ‘I gained content knowledge on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and learned how I can address the principles in my teaching. I have developed as a teacher.’
The Natural Science teacher of Mtumaseli High School’s Mr Nsindiso Khumalo said: ‘The workshop not only opened my eyes to a new way of teaching content incorporating SDG’s but also made me aware that meaningful and efficient teaching needs to be centred on the wellbeing of the learner. For these reasons, my colleagues and I decided to start a sustainable development project in our school to provide learners with food, agricultural skills and old clothes to those in need.’
The experience served to inform and remind youngsters about the critical importance of sustainable development and climate change education.
Word: Sebastian Sanjigadu
Photograph: Nsindiso Khumalo
author : .author email : .UKZN Academic Delivers Keynote Address at Religion Conference
Professor Maheshvari Naidu delivered the keynote address at an international conference in Cape Town.Professor Maheshvari Naidu of UKZN’s College of Humanities delivered a keynote address at the Association for the Study of Religion in Southern Africa’s 44th international conference held at the African Studies Centre at the University of Cape Town (UCT).
Naidu was invited by Professor Elisabetta Porcu, the President of the Association for the Study of Religion in Southern Africa (ASRSA) and also Director of the Centre for Asian Religions (CSAR) at UCT and UKZN’s Professor Federico Settler, who is the vice-president of the organisation.
ASRSA was established in 1978 and the conference theme was dedicated to examining a world of “posts”
looking at the critique and a rupture of normative discursive knowledge.
This year’s theme was on critiquing the genealogy of power, colonialism and modernity, seeing the various “posts” as not merely temporal signatures but signposting long-lasting theoretical and methodological approaches.
Naidu’s address focused on probing an alternate religious imaginary drawing on “androgynous ontologies”, seen as holding religio-social potential to disassemble discursive hierarchising power within religions.
The conference drew international as well as national scholars working in religion from both religion studies and theology as well as sociology and anthropology and included panels of postgraduate students.
‘I am appreciative of this invitation and the chance to reconnect with colleagues in religion studies,’ said Naidu. ‘As much as my roots are in South Asian religion and Indology, much of my current work is in interdisciplinary spaces. So the opportunity to hear and share in the contemporary work of colleagues in religion studies was appreciated.’
‘I was also heartened by the attention to consciously encourage emerging scholars with the focus on including panels of postgraduate students,’ she said. The presentations from East Asian (Japanese forms of Christianity) and Buddhist and Hindu Studies ensured a wonderfully inclusive intellectual space.’
The conference included an intimately curated art exhibition on the marginalised presence of Hajar (the Black slave wife of Abraham) by postgraduate students based at the Centre for Contemporary Islam, Department for the Study of Religions at UCT who exhibited original art work with narratives of feminist perspectives.
Naidu added that she especially wanted to congratulate Settler who now steps into the role of president of ASRSA going forward.
Words: NdabaOnline
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .PhD Candidate an “SA Hero”
Mr Luthando Molefe who has been recognised for his exceptional work in community outreach, academic excellence and leadership.Click here for isiZulu version
UKZN PhD candidate in the School of Education, Mr Luthando Molefe, has been recognised for his work in Youth Empowerment at the 2023 South African Heroes Awards (SAHA) ceremony.
Molefe was selected for his exceptional work in community outreach, academic excellence and leadership, after a rigorous process of identifying individuals who inspire and uplift their communities through outstanding work and projects.
The winners of the final preliminary round of the judging process were selected by a panel of judges followed by a public vote.
Said Molefe: ‘In the spirit of Ubuntu, we contribute not because we have everything, but because we know exactly how it feels not to have. Therefore, we feel motivated if we make a difference in other people’s lives. I am grateful to all individuals who supported my nomination and work during this critical period. I am because we are.’
Molefe has received several awards for his extraordinary and remarkable efforts in the fields of leadership, community service, and academic achievement. These include being chosen as one of the Junior Chamber International South Africa’s Ten Outstanding Young Persons in South Africa for 2021 for Academic Leadership and/or Accomplishment.
He was also listed as one of the Top 40 Most Inspiring Students at UKZN in 2017-18 and 2019-20, and received a Golden Key International Honour Society Honorary Award in 2021 for his exceptional contributions to the community and accomplishments in the three main pillars of the society: academics, leadership, and service.
Molefe represented UKZN and South Africa at the YALI Regional Leadership Centre Southern Africa programme in 2020 and participated in a study tour for teachers in Germany in 2018.
Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Innovative Thinking Vital in Research
Professor Bongani Nkambule (fifth from right) and the winners showing off their Incredible Connection vouchers.The importance of innovation was stressed by the President of AfricaBio and Executive Director of the UKZN Health Consortium, Dr Nhlanhla Msomi, during his keynote address at the annual Research Day of the School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences (SLMMS).
Msomi encouraged students to apply ‘innovative thinking’ in their research, highlighting the importance of ‘adding value’ and how an innovator should have a firm view of value, while acknowledging that it may evolve.
This year’s annual symposium showcased an array of interdisciplinary and inclusive topics with more than 36 scientific talks on a variety of laboratory medicine and medical sciences related topics. The outstanding and innovation-fueled talks meant judges had a hard time selecting winners and each category was highly contested.
Ms Vensuya Bisetty won first prize in the Oral Presentations category for the study on Cranial Fossae Indices in Scaphocephaly: An Analysis and Correlation with Severity. The runner-up was Ms Nomcebo Mtshali while third prize went to Mr Theolin Adimulum.
Mr Anmol Gokul’s talk on Investigating the Role of 2’, 5’-Oligoadenylates-1 in HIV Infection was judged the winner in the oral presentation category, with the second and third prize going to Ms Nosipho Ndlovu and Dr Ishani Dayaram respectively.
An additional printed poster category was included in this year’s symposium to showcase the breadth and scope of novel research conducted in the three research themes. Ms Asiphaphola Ludidi scooped the top award here for her study titled: High-Fat-, High-Carb-Diet-Induced Prediabetes Preconception in Sprague-Dawley Rats as a Risk Factor for the Development of Preeclampsia: Assessing Changes in Placental Metabolic Insults. Mr Aviwe Ntsethe was placed second, and the third prize went to Ms Nomthandazo Magcaba.
Affiliated companies, Labotech, Lasec, Anatech, The Scientific Group, Beckman Coulter, Inqaba Biotec and Biocom, exhibited at the event.
The take-home message was clear, according to the School’s Academic Leader for Research, Professor Bongani Nkambule: ‘Our role as scientists is more than merely producing papers that get published and end up in a database somewhere in cyberspace. It’s important that our research not only focuses on reporting new ideas but we should also ensure we move towards generating products, which, if brought to market, would benefit even the remotest of communities.’
Nkambule echoed the sentiments of SLMMS Dean, Professor Musa Mabandla, who challenged the students to take a proactive stance in creating a local and global footprint for themselves, despite research funding limitations that followed the outbreak of COVID-19. Nkambule and Mabandla said the students should go out and actively seek travel grants, bursaries, scholarships and any other sources of funding over and above what UKZN’s College of Health Sciences already had to offer them.
SLMMS combines disciplines associated with Pathology and Laboratory Medicine with the basic Medical Sciences of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, which underpin the clinical curricula.
In the context of patient care and clinical decision making, the involvement of the Disciplines of Laboratory Medicine are required in more than 80% of clinical decision making at all levels. SLMMS graduates venture into industry, take on research positions locally or abroad, or immerse themselves in academia.
The opportunities available require postgraduate students to reach out and seize them, according to Mabandla and Nkambule.
Words: Lunga Memela
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Conversations on the Environment and Sustainable Development/Living
Scenes from the conference.Conversations around the environment and sustainable development/living were central at a conference organised by UKZN’s School of Education and featuring EPIZ Berlin.
EPIZ Berlin is a non-profit association based in Germany with over 35 years of education experience, focusing on globalisation, social justice, human rights, and sustainability. The organisation addresses inhumane attitudes and advocates for neutrality in political education with their goal being to integrate global learning into the education system, addressing the increasing prevalence of inhumane attitudes.
Professor Angela James of the School of Education emphasised the necessity to be aware of the different environmental challenges faced daily as she believes that sharing ideas, suggestions, challenges and actions regarding environmental issues leads to developing constructive actions.
The programme featured performances by School of Education students and presentations from UKZN lecturers and students, and a group of learners from Buhlebemfundo High School as well as discussions that delved into socioeconomic concerns regarding environmental education, sustainable growth, climate change and mental health issues, among others.
As part of their entertainment plan, Mr Thobani Khulu, a second-year School of Education student, demonstrated his leadership abilities by getting his team to create a song related to environmental education.
Mr Fundile Zungu of the UKZN choir said the event taught him about the importance of living a sustainable lifestyle and preserving the environment. Fundile highlighted the necessity to use resources efficiently so future generations could also enjoy them. ‘This experience has made it easier for me to see how sustainable practices may change society,’ he said.
Mr Dimitrios Kalpakidis of EPIZ Berlin said he was impressed by the exposure to an environment that he was not familiar with, adding: ‘The purpose of the event was to educate, assess teacher-student interactions, and unearth fresh facets about South Africa’s sustainability. The experience has taught me the importance of entering the country with an open mind in terms of expectations.’
Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela
Photographs: Supplied
author : .author email : .Biochemist Investigates Use of Antidepressants to Treat a Variety of Diseases
Master’s degree student, Mr Daniel Tessema conducts research on the effects of antidepressants.Click here for isiZulu version
Master’s degree student in the Biochemistry Discipline, Mr Daniel Tessema, is among 60 postgraduates of the School of Life Sciences who have made submissions to present their research work at the 2023 Postgraduate Research and Innovation Symposium (PRIS) hosted by UKZN College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science (CAES) in Durban on 2 and 3 November.
The symposium’s central theme was: Water for Sustainability into the 21st Century.
Tessema’s research stands at the intersection of biology and chemistry, focusing on the effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) - a class of antidepressants - on the expression of the amyloid precursor protein (APP).
His research has extensive implications for a variety of diseases, including cancer, obesity and the particularly devastating early-onset of Alzheimer’s disease, where APP is upregulated. His study seeks to uncover the potential of SSRIs to reduce APP expression, offering new methods to treat these disorders.
By analysing the role of SSRIs in modulating APP expression, Tessema’s research contributes significantly to the further development of compounds capable of mitigating APP-related disorders.
His research journey has provided him with an opportunity to contribute to the understanding of APP’s involvement in cancer, obesity and Alzheimer’s disease - conditions that have become of increasing concern globally.
Tessema’s research is innovative since he aims to leverage existing pharmaceutical compounds such as SSRIs. This approach not only enhances our understanding of how these compounds may affect APP, but also paves the way to possibly design more effective and safer therapeutic agents targeting this protein.
As Tessema continues along his academic journey, his research has the potential to improve our understanding of the role of APP in these debilitating conditions which may help countless individuals afflicted by these diseases in the future.
Words: Siphesihle Shezi
Photographs: Supplied
author : .author email : .Student Entrepreneurs Advance to Nationals of Intervarsity Competition
Winners of the KZN Regional Round of the Entrepreneurship Intervarsity competition (from left) Mr Bongumusa Makhathini (MUT), Mr Lindokuhle Zulu (MUT), Mr Lungile Radebe (UKZN), Mr Karen Sunthpaul (UKZN) and Mr Luyanda Majozi (DUT).UKZN recently hosted the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Entrepreneurship Intervarsity competition regional rounds in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education and Training, Universities South Africa (USAf), and the University Capacity Development Programme.
Sponsored by the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation and the SAB Foundation, the event’s fifth edition, organised by InQubate (UKZN’s technology transfer office), took place over two days at the Edward Hotel in Durban.
Ten students from each of the four prominent tertiary institutions in KwaZulu-Natal - UKZN, the Durban University of Technology (DUT), Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), and the University of Zululand (UNIZULU) - participated enthusiastically, vying for the opportunity to represent their university at the national rounds and inch closer to securing the coveted prize of R100 000.
In his welcome address, Dr Nhlanhla Msomi of UKZN’s Research Division emphasised the importance for students to identify their target markets and how entrepreneurship and innovation revolve around addressing specific needs. Msomi discussed three crucial factors for student entrepreneurs: enhancing their approach through multidisciplinary actions, understanding market dynamics and strategies for gaining market access, and effectively scaling their ventures.
Director of Entrepreneurship at USAf Dr Norah Clarke spoke on the purpose of the Entrepreneurship Intervarsity Competition, saying: ‘It recognises and showcases the top student entrepreneurs and their businesses across all public universities in South Africa, encouraging universities to support student entrepreneurs.’ She added that the EDHE further supports the development of entrepreneurship, learning, and research; promotes an entrepreneurial culture; and bolsters universities as entrepreneurial innovative ecosystems.
Director for InQubate, Mrs Suvina Singh applauded the camaraderie exhibited by KZN student entrepreneurs and also commended the EDHE for raising the bar of student entrepreneurship in South Africa, urging more institutions to participate to address the high levels of unemployment and social issues affecting the country, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Singh encouraged entrepreneurs to find opportunities that resonated with them and to collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs to elevate the province to greater heights.
A panel discussion - facilitated by UKZN student and entrepreneur Mr Nqobizwe Mahlangu - that evaluated the impact of the EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity Competition and the support offered by universities to students, was held with previous entrants: Founder of Arial Robotics, Mr Wandile Sibiya, and Ms Diva Modebi, Founder of Fashion by Leelah.
The Entrepreneurship Intervarsity Competition featured contestants competing in five categories: New Business Ideas, Existing Business - Tech, Existing Business - Social Impact, Existing Business - General, and the newly established, Research-Based Business. Mr Sandile Shabalala, Student Engagement Officer at the EDHE, USAf, guided the contestants through the rules of participation, which included two minutes to test the equipment, three minutes to present the pitch, and five minutes for the Q&A session.
The winners were Mr Bongumusa Makhathini (MUT), Founder of Fly-Fast; Mr Lungile Radebe (UKZN), Founder of Geleza Mzansi; Mr Lindokuhle Zulu (MUT), Founder of U&I Foundation; Mr Luyanda Majozi (DUT), Founder of Enigmatic Cotton; and Mr Karen Sunthpaul (UKZN), Founder of Eco-Friendly Bricks.
Radebe, who had participated in the competition before, offered encouraging words for fellow entrepreneurs, stating: ‘None of us are where we want to be, but that doesn’t stop us from putting our best foot forward and trying again.’ Sunthpaul, lost for words, thanked UKZN and the InQubate team for their unwavering support.
Closing the event, Student Entrepreneurship Manager at UKZN InQubate, Mr Khutšo Ramontja, congratulated participants, emphasising how far they had come and urging them to shine and showcase what KZN had to offer. He thanked USAf, Dr Norah Clarke, the judges, sponsors, audience, and the entrepreneurs, challenging all universities in the province to collaborate to ensure that KZN, a region that has never claimed the national title, emerges victorious.
The national finals are scheduled to be held in Gauteng on November 30, 2023.
Words: Hlengiwe Khwela
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini
author : .author email : .Two UKZN Teams in Top Three in JSE Investment Challenge
From left: Ms Silungile Dlamini, Mr Sphamandla Shezi, Ms Makhosazane Mathobela, Mr Banele Mathenjwa and Ms Asithandile Nzonzo.School of Accounting, Economics and Finance students were placed first and third in this year’s Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) Investment Challenge.
The national financial literacy competition sees participants test their share trading skills through an ongoing annual simulated virtual trading programme where each team is given an imaginary sum of R1 million to invest in JSE-listed companies with the aim of outperforming the competition.
Mr Sphamandla Shezi and Ms Silungile Dlamini won the speculator competition while Ms Makhosazane Mathobela, Ms Asithandile Nzonzo and Mr Banele Mathenjwa were placed third in the ETF competition. The winners were announced at the JSE awards celebration, hosted on 6 October at the JSE headquarters, in Sandton.
Finance lecturer Dr Faeezah Peerbhai received a best mentor prize in recognition of her efforts on behalf of UKZN and the JSE over the last 10 years.
Shezi said the Challenge presented them with a great opportunity to put the theory they had learned in class into practice.
‘Last year we entered the competition to familiarise ourselves with the instruments traded,’ said Shezi. ‘Then, we entered again this year because we wanted to find out whether we would perform better than previously, and it seems like we did. Because we also had a significantly larger volume of work academically we just built on the knowledge we gained from participating last year.’
For Mathobela, who plans to major in finance, the competition presented her with an opportunity to learn new things. She recruited fellow teammates Nzonzo and Mathenjwa to enter.
‘The fact that I had little knowledge about investment and trading I felt I couldn’t miss this opportunity,’ she said. ‘Finishing in the top three was such a huge accomplishment and an achievement as it was our first time at the competition so we are absolutely thrilled! Our plans for the prize money are to start investing in the real world, for example Satrix, as we have experience now.’
Having co-ordinated the Challenge for a decade, Peerbhai said the last time UKZN students won the Challenge was in 2014 so having two teams in the top three this year was a remarkable achievement.
‘We have been diligently entering the competition every year, but this year it is definitely exciting to have two teams win prizes,’ she said. ‘The investment challenge is a great opportunity for students to practise some of the skills we teach them in Finance, and empowers them to use the skills once they start working in order to generate passive income on the stock market. As a School, we are extremely grateful to partner with the JSE on this initiative, and the winners that we produce are testament to the value it creates for our students.’
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photographs: Supplied
author : .author email : .2023 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement Preview: Fiscal Prudence in Uncertain Times
.South Africa’s National Treasury will table the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) in Parliament early in November. The MTBPS outlines government policy objectives and priorities and presents a fiscal framework for the mid-term and upcoming three years by outlining revenue estimates and spending. As we approach the MTBPS presentation, it is essential to recognise that the fiscal outlook is notably more susceptible to risks pertaining to revenue rather than expenses, which originates mainly from a large year-to-date decline in government tax revenue collections (estimated at R22bn for the first five months of the year) and tighter financial conditions that have constrained government’s borrowing programme, as reported by the Treasury.
Therefore, it becomes evident that during the upcoming MTBPS, the Minister will be compelled to deliver a comprehensive exposition of long-standing fiscal policy and reforms that will foster economic growth, tax revenue generation, and stimulate investments, albeit with a suitable quantum and complement of austerity measures in the immediate term, alongside the imperative of following through on their implementation. There needs to be care in the delivery of a clear debt consolidation plan, realignment of expenditures to align with reduced tax revenues and funding derived from the borrowing programme, as well as the provision of crucial information concerning the National Assembly-endorsed National Health Insurance Bill (NHI), among other critical aspects.
Debt Consolidation
Ms Mamokete Litjane, who serves as the Global Markets Strategist at Standard Bank CIB, posits that ‘IMF data show that SA (South Africa) has had the second-highest escalation of debt to GDP of all the large emerging markets in the past five years and will have the same ranking in the coming five.’
This is evident through the inflation of the debt-to-GDP ratio from 27% to 74% in a mere decade, which has led to net interest payments forecasted to rise to 28.3% of government revenues by 2027, up from 13.4% in 2019. Moreover, the IMF expects the government debt to reach 80% of GDP in 2025, above the government forecast of a peak of nearly 74%. Furthermore, the government’s budget deficit is projected to widen to an average of 7.2% of GDP between 2024 and 2027 from 5.8%.
While the risk of default is not yet imminent, there has been a recent sell-off in local bonds, primarily by foreign investors. Notably, their share among bondholders has diminished from 40% to 25% within a span of four years, as reported in the SARB financial stability review. These trends serve as subtle indicators that the confidence of financial and capital markets is waning, influenced by our prevailing socio-economic challenges, including the escalation of debt levels.
As Litjane stated: ‘The debt dynamic has created a toxic mix of rates, the Rand and domestic assets in general. Moreover, the state’s ability to respond to crises big and small is now severely constrained.’
Although the nation faces isolated and unique socio-economic challenges, the Minister must observe Dubai’s Public Debt Management Office (which was able to reduce their debt-to-GDP to GDP ratio from 78% in 2020 to 25% to date) and submit a debt consolidation plan that will put our economy on a better path.
National Health Insurance.
A plethora of concerns envelop the NHI, predominantly centred on the widely shared consensus that the nation lacks the requisite capacity and resources to support the proposed single-fund system. Obscure estimates from the department indicate an allocation of approximately R500 billion to R700 billion annually for this initiative, financed through general revenue tax, reallocation of medical scheme tax credits presently paid to various medical schemes, payroll tax, and personal income tax, according to the provisions of the Bill.
While the Bill must traverse an extensive legislative journey before securing presidential approval and implementation, the looming short-to-medium-term unintended consequences of its acceptance by the National Assembly this year are palpable, considering the headwinds confronting the nation. Thus, it is imperative that the Treasury submit comprehensive provisions on crucial facets of the Bill, with particular emphasis on its funding structure and programme costs.
Spending Adjustments
As reported by Bloomberg, the Minister was anticipated to present President Cyril Ramaphosa with a cost-saving plan which reportedly entails provisions for reducing government departments, and programmes, consolidating state-owned enterprises and potential tax hikes. While the extent of the provisions is still speculative, there is a clear and growing sentiment in the MTBPS austerity. The Minister is anticipated to provide clarity/updates pertaining to these matters during the MTBPS as well as the 7% Public wage increase (for the next fiscal year) agreed with COSATU in March, and the stance on the COVID-19 social relief of distress grant which was extended to 31 March, 2024, among others. While being cognisant of the risk of politically incentivised policy adventurism, the Minister must proceed with caution and discipline in dealing with expenditures, considering the tighter revenue expectations. The ramifications for politically incentivised and/or “out-of-budget” expenditures will most likely outweigh the benefits.
As the risk of global and domestic economic slowdown materialises, National Treasury faces tough policy trade-offs as it drafts the 2023 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement and must get it right now more than ever. As Trevor Manuel submits: ‘The South African economy is like a diamond in the rough. With the right policies and reforms, it can shine and become a beacon of growth and prosperity.’
• Mr Kusa Nkosi is a Postgraduate Diploma in Finance, Banking and Investment Management student at UKZN.
*The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
author : .author email : .STEAM Rocket Event Ignites Young Minds
UKZN’s Aerospace Systems Research Institute excites young learners.Click here for isiZulu version
UKZN’s Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI) presented a STEAM rocket event at Hilton College, hosted by non-profit company I-Innovate in collaboration with the Vula Foundation and with the generous support of Hilton alumnus, Mr Keith Rosenbaum.
The event brought together 175 youngsters from various schools and left the young minds soaring with inspiration and enthusiasm.
ASRI engineers put on the presentation and assisted with the stomp rocket challenge.
‘This event not only showcased the extraordinary possibilities within the world of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) but also ignited a passion for exploration and innovation in the hearts of young learners,’ said UKZN ASRI engineer Dr Sarisha Harrylal.
The highlight of the day was a captivating presentation delivered by ASRI aerospace engineers, Harrylal and colleagues Mr Thabang Mdhluli and Mr Yashik Singh who shared the awe-inspiring stories of their careers and enlightened the students about the thrilling and impactful work they are engaged with in designing, building, and testing rocket propulsion engines in South Africa.
Following the presentation, the students launched into a high-energy, hands-on activity in which they were divided into integrated teams and tasked with designing, engineering, and prototyping their very own stomp rockets.
The energy in the room was palpable as the students worked together, sharing ideas, solving problems, and learning the importance of teamwork and communication - invaluable skills in any STEAM field.
The pinnacle of the day was the rocket launch itself, where teams eagerly gathered to put their final prototypes to the test. With hearts pounding and eyes fixed up at the sky, the young engineers ignited their creations. Cheers and laughter filled the air as they watched their rockets soar across the field.
‘The STEAM rocket launch at Hilton College with the Vula Foundation was a day of inspiration, innovation, and excitement,’ said Ms Trisha Crookes, CEO of I-Innovate. ‘It showcased the incredible opportunities within STEAM fields and left a lasting impact on the young minds who participated. Together, we are sowing the seeds of curiosity, creativity, and ambition in the hearts of our future scientists and engineers, ensuring a brighter and more promising tomorrow for all.’
ASRI Director Professor Mike Brooks added that the Institute was delighted to participate in the Hilton College event. ‘We’re committed to attracting KZN’s brightest young minds to UKZN. These outreach initiatives give us the opportunity to raise awareness among high school learners in the province about the exciting rocketry research being done right here at UKZN’s School of Engineering.’
Words: Sally Frost
Photographs: Supplied
author : .author email : .New Book on the Personal Journey of The Spiritual Medic
Dr Tivana Chellan continues to inspire greatness with her book, The Spiritual Medic.UKZN Medical alumnus, Dr Tivana Chellan, who graduated cum laude last year, has published a book titled: The Spiritual Medic.
Chellan held a variety of leadership roles during her time as a student including serving as the president of the South African Medical Students’ Association, first at provincial level and a year later as national chairperson.
She has always been passionate about the mental health and well-being of Medical professionals.
Her book, crafted during her final year of study, highlights some of the key aspects of self-motivation irrespective of an individual’s background, aspects of bullying and “not conventionally fitting in” while describing her own personal journey as a student.
‘Throughout my Medical degree, I saw colleagues and friends grappling with their mental well-being,’ said Chellan. ‘Being a Medical student and just being at university whilst simultaneously balancing everything else happening in one’s life, can be extremely mentally and emotionally draining. It is this medical journey that has transitioned my thinking from - “My career is the goal” to “My career is the means to achieving the greater goal which is selfless love for humanity”,’ said Chellan.
During her student days, Chellan co-ordinated several mental health capacitation programmes as well as seminars to tackle gender-based violence (GBV).’ I am a strong advocate for encouraging male role models to change the culture and tackle GBV within their own peer groups and communities.’
She also created a youth COVID-19 response team to promote education on the pandemic at community level, tackle misinformation and capacitate rural communities in effective and practical methods of hand washing. This was done through a number of self-created educational videos and informative posters.
Chellan, currently serving her first year of internship at the General Justice Gizenga Mpanza Regional Hospital in Stanger, was also one of the finalists for the Global Outstanding Leadership Awards 2022. ‘I spent most of my time at Medical School dedicated to uplifting the future generation of Medical students,’ she said. ‘I became a peer and academic mentor and worked with students from first to final year. I continue to mentor Medical students and have retained my student groups and enjoy having tutorials with them as it motivates me in consolidating my own knowledge and keeping up to date with the latest guidelines,’ she said.
‘An enormous amount of credit goes to my mother who has been an incredible support system for me. Since I was in primary school she has always said to me - “Go for it! What’s the worst that can happen - you may be told no. That’s it”. My mom has taught me to be fearless and so I live every day, uninhibited, reaching for my dreams.’
Chellan’s book has been endorsed by the Dean of the School of Clinical Medicine, Professor Ncoza Dlova, and several professors of Clinical Medicine at UKZN who have said they are proud of her exceptional work and excited to buy their copy of the book!
‘When we change our perspective from “This is MY work, MY job, MY patient” to “This is God’s work, God’s job, his patient and I am only the instrument in his divine hands”, then our entire energy shifts, for we surrender and allow God to work through us. Everything is in his hands,’ said Chellan.
• Copies of The Spiritual Medic are available through Takealot as well as Amazon and Apple.
Words: Maryann Francis
Photographs: Supplied
author : .author email : .UKZN Students March to Raise Gender-Based Violence Awareness
UKZN students raising awareness about gender-based violence.Click here for isiZulu version
UKZN students staged a march in the busy Umbilo Road just outside the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine and also on the Howard College campus in Durban to raise awareness about and encourage people to speak out against gender-based violence (GBV).
The students said they believed GBV was highly prevalent in the area and that many people were scared and felt stigmatised talking about it.
They carried placards bearing various anti-GBV messages including: UKZN UNITES AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE and UKZN HAS ZERO TOLERANCE FOR GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE.
There was also a moment of silence for GBV victims.
Medical Student Representative Council President Mr Mmiselo Gibixhego said it was important for the student body to show solidarity against the social ill of GBV. ‘Since the beginning of this year, we have experienced a lot of GBV and sexual assault cases on and around UKZN campuses. The awareness against GBV must start with us as students; we should not expect the University to act while we stand back because it is us the students who are often the victims.’
Gibixhego said the aim of the march had been to support and stand in solidarity with victims of GBV and sexual assault. ‘We wanted to put out a message mainly to men that “No means No” - violence is never a solution in any argument. We have a duty to protect women in this country and we will do just that. We appreciate the assistance from the University in making the march a success and we also are thankful to students who took part.’
Leader of the Howard College march, SRC Secretary Ms Nonduduzo Bantwini, said it aimed to challenge social norms that perpetuate violence in society and address some of the root causes of GBV, stemming from gender inequality, toxic masculinity, and prevalent social issues that the University community, as a microcosm of society, was not immune to. ‘Through this march, we aimed to raise awareness and educate the UKZN community to combat this crisis,’ she said.
Bantwini encouraged students to report cases of GBV and to identify perpetrators to put an end to such incidents.
The march follows UKZN’s GBV Awareness Campaign, which resulted in the establishment of a specialised Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) Investigations Unit and plans to launch the Social Justice Educational Module, which will be mandatory for all first-year students.
The newly established SGBV Investigations Unit prioritises maintaining the confidentiality of cases and ensuring the prevention of secondary victimisation of SGBV victims. Operating from 8am to 4pm on weekdays. The Unit is currently based on the Howard College campus and has two investigators who are also available on standby for emergencies. GBV Support Officers are accessible on all campuses in the RMS control room during every shift.
UKZN has GBV offices on all campuses.
SGBV Investigators’ Contact Numbers:
Mrs Zinhle Ngcobo: 031 260 7964/ 076 840 3364
Mrs Delisile Saunders: 031 260 1158/ 060 623 6601
Words: Lunga Innocent Memela and Hlengiwe Precious Khwela
Photographs: Sethu Dlamini and supplied
author : .author email : .UKZN Medical Alumnus Recognised as Global Health Icon in Mental Health and Wellness in London
President/Founder of Zenith Global Health, Ms Mary Akangbe (left) presents Dr Ntokozo Mzimela with her award.Dr Ntokozo Mzimela, an alumnus of UKZN’s Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, was recognised as a Global Health Icon at the 2023 Zenith Global Health Awards function in London.
Mzimela received the accolade for devoting her life to improving mental health awareness and access to care, especially among African communities for whom her non-profit organisation (NGO), Unbreakable Souls, provides a safe space for healing.
Known as “The Bug Dr” - a pseudonym she chose to appeal to both young and older patients - Mzimela is a passionate pathologist, microbiologist and her NGO’s founding philanthropist.
Unbreakable Souls is described as a hospital of dialogue to address mental health issues through individual counselling and focus group sessions conducted at community level. The NGO provides a supportive environment for those seeking help with expert panels an integral part of the organisation’s comprehensive approach to mental health care which aims to address the complexity of each individual’s unique needs.
Mzimela was in London to receive the award at the prestigious ceremony after being tagged on X (formerly known as Twitter) by a relative for the remarkable work she has done, with the resulting exposure landing her a nomination.
‘Receiving the global icon award is an incredible honour that evokes a range of emotions within me,’ said Mzimela. ‘On the one hand, I am filled with immense joy and excitement, as this recognition signifies the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. On the other, there is a sense of nostalgia as I reflect on my journey to this point in my life. It is truly humbling to witness my efforts being acknowledged on an international scale and I am grateful for the opportunity to inspire and connect with people around the world.’
Mzimela’s profound journey as a health advocate and philanthropist started with her own experience of battling depression at a young age. Faced with the lack of available resources and affordable care, she founded Unbreakable Souls, striving to provide free counselling and support to those in need. Driven by her determination and compassionate spirit, she aims to tackle the stigma attached to mental health boldly.
Unbreakable Souls has aptly coined its holistic mental health management approach as the “Broken Heart”. By referring to individuals affected by mental health issues as ‘pink lips, fancy suits, and empty hearts,’ they challenge the existing stigma surrounding mental illness, prompting a change of perspective within society. Through their expert-led programmes, the NGO encourages its patients to embrace their vulnerability and realise that they are not alone in their struggle.
Her exceptional work has garnered recognition and numerous nominations, showcasing the impact of her initiatives on communities. Nominations such as the Frontline Hero 2020, Voice of the Year 2022, Medical Specialist of the Year 2022, and 50 Most Memorable Women awards show that her innovative methods and compassionate advocacy have not gone unnoticed.
‘What makes me passionate about the work I do is seeing people thrive and find happiness. Witnessing individuals fully embrace life and overcome adversity, inspired by my words, brings me immense joy,’ she said. ‘I would encourage the younger generation to follow in my footsteps by teaching themselves how to navigate the lows and failures early on in life. It is important to remember that it’s never too late to start over and build a fulfilling life, regardless of the challenges life throws at you. I firmly believe that anything is possible for a Black child if they set their minds to it.’
Mzimela said one of her fondest memories from Medical School was the culture of togetherness and striving for excellence that UKZN fostered. ‘The environment motivated me to always strive for better and do my best.’
She is currently a module lead and lecturer of Integrated Pathology and Microbiology at Nelson Mandela University’s Medical School while pursuing a PhD focused on health education.
Words: Lunga Memela
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Concert in Support of GBV and Sexual Abuse Victims
Performers at the concert.Click here for isiZulu version
UKZN’s Medical School campus HIV and AIDS Support Unit hosted the Darkness and Light concert in collaboration with Friends of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the Voice Arts Club, sponsored by MSF Southern Africa and the UKZN’s Human Resources Division.
‘We began planning the concert in June,’ said Ms Oarabile Mamashela, a third-year Medical student who worked with Ms Yolokazi Malangeni, to organise the concert held at the Medical School’s Exam Hall on the evening that marches against gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual assault were held on the Howard College and Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine campuses.
‘GBV is a pandemic that plagues us all,’ said Mamashela. ‘As peer educators, we encounter students who have experienced some form of abuse or sexual assault, however many of them are not comfortable speaking out because of feelings of shame, hopelessness and despair. We wanted to help create an environment where students don’t feel ashamed because of the things that have happened to them but rather feel empowered and know they aren’t alone.’
Auditions for the concert were held in August and rehearsals began with Mr Mbuso Nxumalo, a Music teacher at UKZN’s Howard College campus, and 10 performers who had been selected. ‘We rehearsed for nearly eight weeks in preparation for the event.
‘Using music as a medium, we wanted to send a message to our colleagues that they are not alone, whether they are survivors of GBV or know anyone that is, they aren’t alone,’ she said.
‘Performers sang about darkness depicting the feelings and thoughts of those suffering from GBV and there were songs of light to show how difficult the path of healing is. They also sang about survival and renewal, and finding healing in others who have experienced similar assaults.
‘The message we want to send out is that there is darkness in our everyday tragedies; however, there is also light, which comes from our friendships, our counsellors and fellow survivors,’ said Mamashela.
‘A lot of our Medical students experience GBV, from their partners, strangers or sometimes even roommates at res. Unfortunately, many students feel that this only happens to them, and because of that they don’t speak out when they experience sexual assault or abuse. They sit in silence and are scared to reach out for help.’
‘We hope through the concert our colleagues have been able to learn a lot, and have found in one another community and healing. There is no better healing than through music. We would like to thank all the relevant UKZN departments that helped to make this concert a reality,’ she said.
Words: Lunga Innocent Memela
Photographs: Supplied
author : .author email : .Promoting Deaf Awareness
Deaf Awareness Month Campaign.UKZN’s Audiology Department hosted its annual Deaf Awareness Month Campaign on the Howard College campus.
The campaign was organised by final-year Audiology students under the guidance of Audiology lecturer Dr Zandile Shezi.
Deaf Awareness is a vital initiative aimed at educating the public about hearing loss, Deaf culture, sign language and advocating for the rights of the Deaf community.
Its core mission revolves around promoting inclusivity, effective communication, and equal opportunities for those with hearing impairments.
September was Deaf Awareness Month, also known as the National Month of the Deaf, in remembrance of the inaugural World Federation of the Deaf Congress in September 1951.
The UKZN event featured guest speakers who shared some of their personal journeys and experiences. Mr Xolani Sikhosana told his story of adapting to life with hearing loss, inspiring students to express a desire to learn sign language.
Another guest speaker, Ms Veliswa Ncogcantsi, who is a client of the UKZN Audiology Aural Rehabilitation Clinic, shared her feelings and experiences as a deaf person. Ncogcantsi thanked the organisers of the event, emphasising the importance of such gatherings in breaking down barriers and showing that people with hearing impairments can achieve anything they set their minds to. Her heartfelt speech earned her the endearing title of “A Legend”.
The principal of the KwaVulindlebe School for the Deaf, Ms NomathembaNdlovu, spoke about sign language and taught the audience some basic signs while explaining the nuances of South African Sign Language compared to English, emphasising the significance of early intervention for children with hearing loss.
A provincial leader of the Hi Hope organisation and an expert in Deaf culture, Ms Mala Perumal, addressed the audience on various communication modes, including Auralism, Total Communication, and Bilingual Bicultural. She stressed the importance of tailoring the mode of communication to each individual’s unique needs.
The event attracted more than 100 students who gained valuable insights into the Deaf community in South Africa. It also provided a platform for students to explore opportunities to support and interact with the Deaf community.
UKZN’s annual campaign was a resounding success, serving as a stepping stone towards greater awareness, understanding, and inclusivity for individuals with hearing impairments.
Words: Nombuso Dlamini
Photographs: Supplied
author : .author email : .