UKZN DAAD Exchange Programme Hosts Six PhD Students
Delegates of the UKZN DAAD Exchange Programme.The School of Applied Human Sciences (Social Work Discipline) hosted six doctoral students from Zimbabwe, Germany, Johannesburg, and Swaziland as part of the UKZN German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Programme.
The month-long programme is part of the DAAD-funded internationalisation project led by Dr Maud Mthembu, a senior lecturer at UKZN.
The programme aims to build international and regional networks within the social work profession that advance research and social work practice on critical global issues including human rights, social injustice and the role that can be played by the profession to achieve sustainable development aims.
A visit to the Apartheid Museum provided an opportunity for students to understand the history of the cruel and repressive system.
During their stay, the students participated in academic and community activities, including being hosted by Dr Ela Gandhi of the Mahatma Gandhi Institute. They also visited local schools in Inanda and gained valuable insights about the life and legacy of Gandhi and the significance of these sites in the struggle against apartheid.
One of the highlights was the three-day PhD research workshop attended by international and local doctoral students and academics from UKZN, the University of California (USA) and the University of Johannesburg who facilitated research-related sessions. The students presented their research and received valuable feedback and insights from professors and peers.
Doctoral student Ms Tania Sani said, ‘Hosting the DAAD programme at UKZN exposed me to an academic environment that is solidly embedded in Africa, and views research and academia through an Afrocentric lens. This has enriched me with a deeper understanding of the importance of African values and ethics in my research’.
Fellow student Ms Zinhle Dlamini added, ‘From the whole experience I have learned the importance of possessing a continuous teachable spirit. Although after the workshop, I have had to redo half of my proposal, the experience is a source of delight instead of frustrating as I had initially thought it would be.’
The visitors returned home taking with them memories of their time at UKZN, newfound knowledge and a broader perspective on the world. The programme serves as a testament to the power of international collaboration and cultural exchange in shaping the next generation of global leaders and scholars.
Words: NdabaOnline
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Health and Sustainable Development Subject Matter of AUF Workshop
AUF Regional Committee of Economic and Scientific Experts with UKZN staff members.UKZN, a member of the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) for the Southern Africa/Indian Ocean region, hosted the Regional Committee of Economic and Scientific Experts of the agency for a design workshop themed: Health and Sustainable Development.
As the first such workshop to be held in South Africa, scientific member Professor Bernard de Meyer of the School of Arts said AUF was a network of 1 000 universities worldwide, with UKZN a member of the organisation since 2010.
Delegates from Madagascar, the Comoros, Reunion, and Mauritius were joined by UKZN representatives, including the Dean of Research in the College of Health Sciences, Professor Anil Chuturgoon; the Director of the College of Humanities Doctoral Academy, Professor Johannes John-Langba; and the Academic Leader for High Impact Community Engagement within the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, Dr Sanele Gumede.
In his welcome address, UKZN Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Nana Poku remarked on the timing of the AUF visit as the University began to reposition itself to look beyond the boundaries of the country and think about its obligation to the continent. Expressing his hopes for continued dialogue and deliberations to work better and closer together, Poku said: ‘This University, with its history, has been the most pro-African university in South Africa over the past five decades. We have an obligation to reach out to the continent and partnerships like this will be the key for us to do that faithfully.’
Regional Director of the AUF, Dr Aïda Sy-Wonyu, noted how AUF was committed to interacting with sister universities on the continent. Highlighting university representatives in attendance from all the different countries that embrace various languages, including French, Portuguese, English and Swahili, Sy-Wonya said: ‘We are committed to being as multilingual and multicultural as possible. We are ready to build concrete and pragmatic collaborations and help UKZN as a member of AUF as well as establish more connections and partnerships with other African universities.’
She remarked on how Francophone was represented by more than 120 universities in Africa, saying AUF aimed to promote French as a language used in trade, providing students with better opportunities for employability.
The workshop aimed to set up a project in the field of health and sustainable development, with special attention to training, research and value creation, such as employability. It reviewed Higher Education as a crucial role player in promoting health and sustainable development through a number of levers, including initial and continuing training for healthcare professionals, research and innovation, education and awareness-raising, and the development of institutional partnerships in the service of health.
The delegates shared their expertise and the workshop strengthened the role of UKZN in the activities of AUF. In addition, the delegates were given a guided tour of the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP) while others also attended the launch of the Aerospace Systems Research Institute.
Executive Director for Corporate Relations, Ms Normah Zondo, expressed her gratitude to AUF for choosing UKZN. She outlined several initiatives that could help the organisation engage with other South African universities and wished them success in their deliberations.
Sy-Wonyu thanked UKZN for hosting them, saying: ‘They have proven that the 14-year tie between AUF and UKZN is strengthening and that more collaborations and networking opportunities for UKZN staff and students lie ahead, beyond language and cultural barriers. Merci beaucoup!’
Words: NdabaOnline
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini
author : .author email : .Supply Chain Management Focus of International Guest Lecture
International guest lecturer Dr Emilia Vann Yaroson shares her research with UKZN’s supply chain management students.In spite of all the challenges Africa faces, innovative and technological solutions could soon be at its finger tips.
This is according to Senior Lecturer in Operations Management and Analytics at the University of Huddersfield in England, Dr Emilia Vann Yaroson, who shared her expertise in supply chain management through a guest lecture hosted by the Discipline of Marketing and Supply Chain Management at UKZN.
The lecture aimed at exposing students to well-rounded global knowledge in the field of supply chain revealing the eco nomic and political vulnerabilities where there are limited regulations that support the sector, and therefore largely contribute to inefficiency in the chain.
Yaroson broadly unpacked the requirements Africa needs in order to leverage technology which included a vast range of digital solutions, including cloud computing, big data analytics and block chain technologies. These cover supply chain 5.0 which focuses more on personalised production.
‘Initially the focus of the supply chain was always the movement of goods and services, not paying attention to the capacity, skills and competence of decision making within the chain - now it’s not only about using technology but about the decision-making capacity which involves the human skills capacity in using the technology,’ she said.
The interactive lecturer was concluded with a Q&A session during which a student Mr Minenhle Dlamini, asked: ‘Africa is made up of many developing countries, is it appropriate to start talking about the 5th industrial revolution while we are still adapting to the 4th industrial revolution?’
Yaroson replied: ‘Industry 5.0 works around a human censored design which highlights the importance of human beings in the ecosystem and improves sustainability and further eliminates fear in humans continuing to further highlight the importance of training our skillset to support the technologies we are adopting.’
Facilitator at the gathering, Supply Chain Management lecturer Dr Eric Ncube, thanked Yaroson for sharing her research and hoped for future collaborations.
Words: Ayanda Radebe
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .New African HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Health Implementation Research Institute
Delegates attending the two-day workshop.An implementation science training hub, the African HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Health Implementation Research Institute (Afri-HIGH-IRI), has opened at UKZN and the University of Zambia (UNZA).
The UKZN hub is led by Research and Innovation Deputy Vice-Chancellor, the world-renowned public health expert, Professor Mosa Moshabela while the UNZA hub is led by the Dean of Public Health there, Dr Hikabasa Halwiindi.
Afri-HIGH-IRI is a regional hub of the lead HIGH-IRI, a programme focused on implementation science training, based at the Centre for Dissemination and Implementation at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. The HIGH IRI programme is directed by Professor Elvin Geng and Professor Ross Brownson, who have joined forces with UKZN and several other African countries that have been collaborating with colleagues over the past couple of years to expand the project in the region.
Moshabela says it is important to introduce the culture of implementation science in countries like South Africa because a major gap exists between policy and implementation. Researchers put in a lot of effort into programmes but they did not always translate it into impactful results. ‘We are now drawing on the scholarship of implementation science to enhance our capability and capacity to succeed in translating knowledge and evidence into practice and impact.’
Moshabela was speaking at a stimulating two-day Train the Trainers workshop held in Durban to prepare for the hub’s launch, advancing emerging health sciences faculty with domain-specific knowledge about implementation research, in particular, in areas and methods of relevance for Africa’s setting, and elevating their training and mentoring skills.
Presented by local and international implementation scientists, the workshop navigated the distinctive landscape of this field in the African context, with implications for training and mentoring, which is envisaged to be of major benefit in HIV, infectious diseases and global health implementation research, yielding much-needed public health interventions.
Key to this programme is the acknowledgment that the workforce involved is often closely intertwined with health systems, and that both the challenges as well as assets for implementing evidence-based health interventions contain distinctive elements.
International and in-person delegates engaged in virtual discussions during a mini-symposium which was part of the workshop, shared their experiences around implementation science and its undoubted benefits. Moshabela said there were many pitfalls around implementation science because it was a relatively young field. ‘This is the response that we would like to bring to South Africa and to Africa in an attempt to close that implementation gap,’ he said.
In recognising the diversity in personal and professional pathways that characterise the African academic landscape, the workshop aimed to define the ways in which the Afri-HIGH IRI can best advance regional careers.
The delegates developed a distinctive set of priorities and perspectives in training and mentoring for the Afri-HIGH IRI based on regional needs as well as identified assets and opportunities in the faculty pool. The methodological expertise of the participants was advanced through starting several pod-based workstreams designed to lead to high impact papers in the implementation science literature that highlight contributions that regional perspectives can offer the field of implementation research as a whole.
Robust discussions stemmed from local and international case studies presented. It is envisaged that the stage is set for a new chapter in implementation science in Africa.
Armed with a deep understanding of the importance of context and interdisciplinary collaboration, the Afri-HIGH-IRI team is poised to make waves in the global health arena.
Words: Lunga Memela
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini
author : .author email : .UKZN Academic Earns PhD for Research on Substance Use Disorder
Dr December Mandlenkosi Mpanza.Occupational Therapy Academic Leader at UKZN Dr December Mandlenkosi Mpanza has reached a significant milestone in his career by obtaining a PhD in Occupational Therapy.
Mpanza’s doctoral study, titled: An Integrated Model of Aftercare for Substance Use Disorder Clients in KwaZulu-Natal, marks a pioneering effort in addressing the critical issue of substance use disorder (SUD) and aftercare services in South Africa.
Under the guidance of Professor Pragashni Govender and co-supervised by Professor Anna Voce, Mpanza’s research delves into the complexities of SUD and proposes an innovative aftercare model tailored to the needs of individuals and families affected by substance use. In addition, it addresses strategies of multisector service provision in a public sector context which include both non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and government sectors.
An overjoyed Mpanza, dedicated to advancing research in the field of substance abuse and health policy and systems research, said he intends to continue contributing to the academic sphere and further exploring avenues for improving healthcare systems and services for individuals with SUD.
The findings of Mpanza’s study shed light on the challenges faced by individuals with SUD, particularly in the realm of relapse prevention post-rehabilitation. His research underscores the chronic nature of SUD and the vital role of aftercare services in supporting individuals and their families during the recovery journey.
One of the key contributions of Mpanza’s study is the development of an integrated aftercare model specifically designed for a rural setting in KwaZulu-Natal. This model not only addresses the issue of relapse but also provides a comprehensive framework for collaboration among multiple sectors to enhance service provision and support for those affected by SUD.
Mpanza’s research stands as a novel endeavour in South Africa, being the first of its kind to focus on aftercare services for individuals with SUD in a rural context. His work sets a precedent for future interventions aimed at improving outcomes for this vulnerable population.
Driven by a passion for helping others, Mpanza’s journey in the Medical field began in his hometown of Manguzi at Umhlabuyalingana, near the border of Mozambique and South Africa. From a young age, he was drawn to the prospect of making a difference in people’s lives, leading him to pursue a career in occupational therapy.
Throughout his doctoral journey, Mpanza faced numerous challenges, including the demands of balancing multiple roles as a lecturer, father, husband and son, alongside conducting research in a rural setting. However, with resilience and time management skills, he overcame these obstacles and emerged triumphant in his pursuit of academic excellence.
Reflecting on his study experience at UKZN, Mpanza was grateful for the overwhelming support he received from the College of Health Sciences and funding opportunities provided by the Department of Higher Education through the New Generation of Academics Programme (nGAP).
In his leisure time, Mpanza enjoys indulging in his hobbies of music and soccer, finding relaxation and inspiration in the activities.
For those interested in delving deeper into Mpanza’s research, he has published two papers, with more to come, offering valuable insights into aftercare services for individuals with SUD:
• Mpanza, D. M., Govender, P., & Voce, A. (2021). Aftercare Services to People with Substance Use Disorders: Analysis of South African Policy. Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy, 28(2), 138-155.
• Mpanza, D. M., Govender, P., & Voce, A. (2022). Perspectives of Service Providers on Aftercare Service Provision for Persons with Substance Use Disorders at a Rural District in South Africa. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, 17(1), 60.
As Mpanza looks ahead, his dedication to advancing research in substance abuse and improving aftercare services continues to inspire and drive positive change in healthcare practices.
Words: Nombuso Dlamini
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Education is the Key - PhD Graduate
Dr Sibongile Nhlapho.Poverty, Inequality and Access to Land: The Lived Realities of Women in Rural KwaZulu-Natal formed the focus of a thesis which rewarded Ms Sibongile Nhlapho with a Doctorate in Public Policy.
Dr Nhlapho’s novel research critically examined whether implemented legislation had achieved justice for women, particularly rural women regarding access to land.
She expanded: ‘Land is crucial for women. It provides shelter, a means of production and can be used as collateral for loans. My study examines the complex interplay of poverty, gender inequality, and land access difficulties faced by women in rural Kwa-Zulu Natal from the apartheid era to the current democratic dispensation. It explores the impact of historical land dispossession, cultural gender norms, and certain legal practices that contribute to women’s struggles in acquiring land.’
Although the post-apartheid constitution of South Africa and the Bill of Rights, intended to rectify historical injustices, promising socio-political and economic rights to marginalised communities, especially the impoverished and vulnerable, Nhlapho’s findings show otherwise.
‘I found that despite constitutional provisions prohibiting gender-based discrimination and injustice, such discrimination persists, highlighting a gap between policy and practice in South Africa. My study identifies the continued marginalisation of women as a result of colonial and democratic policies, further perpetuated by a high illiteracy rate among rural women, labour tenants, and farm dwellers,’ she said.
There was also a concerning low representation of women in key strategic positions within traditional structures despite legislation mandating a certain percentage of women in tribal councils and ward committees. Rural women often faced challenges in acquiring land due to communal land systems and persistent historical gender biases.
These challenges to rural women’s equality even 30 years into democracy, showed slow constitutional and policy development progress.
Nhlapho shared that listening to the challenges faced by the women she interviewed had been very touching. ‘Their stories were emotionally charged and motivated me to help bring meaningful change to their situations through my research.’
Reflecting on her academic journey, Nhlapho said: ‘UKZN is the best institution with both human and technological resources. My supervisors Dr Fikile Vilakazi and Dr Lungile Zondi were great leaders. Their diligence and dedication are highly commendable. Even during my tough times of stress and wanting to give up, they were pillars of strength. I must also acknowledge the support I received from my family and fellow students.’
Nhlapho plans to continue her quest for lifelong learning as well as publish articles, register for more courses and assist others to reach their study goals.
‘Education is the key,’ she says.
Words: Jennene Naidu
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini
author : .author email : .UKZN Lecturer Triumphs with PhD in Nursing
From left: Professor Busi Bhengu, Dr Tusiwe Gqaleni, and College of Health Sciences Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Busi Ncama.Click here for isiZulu version
In what is seen as a big plus for patient safety in specialised care units, UKZN lecturer Dr Tusiwe Gqaleni, has graduated with a PhD in Nursing for her study titled: Analysing the Implementation of Patient Safety Incident Reporting and Learning Guidelines in Specialised Care Units in Selected Hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal.
Gqaleni’s thesis sheds light on crucial insights aimed at improving patient safety practices in healthcare settings.
Under the supervision of Dr Sipho Mkhize, Gqaleni’s research examined a critical aspect of healthcare delivery. Her study has brought to the forefront the challenges and opportunities surrounding patient safety incident reporting and learning in specialised care units within selected hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal.
Reflecting on her accomplishment, Gqaleni said she was excited and proud, emphasising her passion for contributing to knowledge through publications, demonstrating her commitment to advancing the field of nursing and patient care.
Gqaleni’s research not only identifies existing gaps in patient safety practices but also proposes a comprehensive implementation strategy to address these shortcomings. By raising awareness of patient safety culture and highlighting barriers to implementation, her research aims to drive meaningful change in healthcare practices. The effective implementation of her proposed strategy promises to enhance patient safety and promote continuous professional development among healthcare professionals.
What sets Gqaleni’s research apart is its novelty, being the first of its kind, addressing critical issues in patient safety within specialised care units. This pioneering work underscores her dedication to addressing real-world challenges in healthcare delivery.
When asked about her motivation for pursuing this field of research, Gqaleni shared her personal connection as a critical care nurse. Having witnessed preventable incidents first hand, she was driven by a determination to be part of the solution to improve patient safety standards.
Gqaleni’s journey was not without its challenges - personal hardships, including the loss of close family members, tested her resolve. Yet, she found strength in her faith and the unwavering support of her loved ones, including her husband, Professor Nceba Gqaleni, and her son, Njongo. Additionally, the guidance of her supervisor played a pivotal role in her success.
Reflecting on her overall study experience at UKZN, Gqaleni mentioned the challenges of balancing academic pursuits with a demanding teaching workload. Nevertheless, she expressed gratitude for the support provided through programmes such as the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) and Thuthuka (National Research Foundation) grants, which eased her academic journey.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Gqaleni enjoys reading, travelling, and playing golf in her leisure time. As she looks to the future, she remains committed to furthering her contributions to patient safety and nursing research.
Gqaleni’s achievement is seen as a significant milestone in the area of nursing research and patient safety. Her pioneering work not only addresses critical gaps in healthcare practices but also inspires future generations of healthcare professionals to strive for excellence in patient care. As she embarks on the next chapter of her career, Gqaleni’s dedication to advancing healthcare standards serves as a beacon of hope for a safer and more compassionate healthcare system.
Words: Nombuso Dlamini
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Three Public Administration Doctoral Students Graduate
From left: Dr Ayanda Makhaye, Professor Mogie Subban, Dr Haseena Majid and Dr Nomachule Lombo at UKZN’s Autumn Graduation.Three female doctoral students in Public Administration graduated from UKZN under the supervision of Professor Mogie Subban, Academic Programme Co-ordinator in the Discipline of Public Governance in the College of Law and Management Studies.
They were Dr Nomachule Lombo, Dr Haseena Majid and Dr Ayanda Makhaye.
Majid’s thesis, titled: Monitoring and Evaluation of Eye Health Service Delivery: A Public-Private Case Study in the uMgungundlovu District of KwaZulu-Natal, aimed to provide solutions to the inequitable distribution of eye health services using a structured forum as a way to bridge gaps.
Majid’s research proposes solutions to meet goals of universal eye health coverage in the light of the passing of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill.
While there are numerous hurdles faced in public service delivery, Majid says her findings carve a pathway for the inclusion of eye health in all policies and could foster a connection between the currently disjointed eye health and general health policies in the country.
Majid further thanks her family ‘My family is the centre of my world, they are my biggest fans and gave me the greatest support on this journey.’
Lombo, who was born into a family of academics dedicated to contributing to the education of the youth, retired as Deputy Chief Education Specialist in the Eastern Cape.
Her thesis was titled: The Impact of the Provision of Rural Schools’ Physical Infrastructure on Learners’ Rights and Performance: A Perspective of the Eastern Cape Department of Education, South Africa.
The study emphasises the need to focus on infrastructure development to attain quality education with Lombo raising concerns about socioeconomic developments in rural areas.
‘It’s troubling that learners from disadvantaged circumstances, often with minimal or no infrastructure, are expected to sit for the same National Senior Certificate examinations as students from well-equipped city schools,’ she said.
Makhaye’s thesis was titled: Examining Stakeholder Perception on Local Economic Development and Implementation: A Case Study of the uMgungundlovu District Municipality.
Subban congratulated her “three doctoral triplets” on their excellent achievement, as she takes all three of them to an international conference soon to present their research. ‘These three doctoral students of mine have been through an incredible journey with me experiencing lots of challenges on the personal front as well amidst COVID and beyond. Some wanted to give up, but I persevered with them and worked flat out sacrificially on weekends and throughout nights so that they finish off on time, and very smartly too,’ she said.
Words: Ayanda Radebe
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .From Electrical Engineering to Data Science - Postgraduate’s Inspirational Academic Journey
Mr Ronewa Mabodi.Mr Ronewa Mabodi graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Data Science from the Discipline of Statistics, in UKZN’s College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science.
Mabodi matriculated at Milton Mpfumedzeni Secondary School in rural Limpopo province, achieving several notable distinctions and being placed in the top three in his matric year. He received a scholarship from South African politician Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka for his outstanding performance and enrolled in an Electrical Engineering undergraduate programme at the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS).
The decision to register for the Electrical Engineering degree coincided with a period of escalating load shedding.
Mabodi was faced with several challenges which included adjusting from rural to urban life and making the transition from instruction in Venda to instruction in English. These changes posed significant hurdles, especially during his early years, which resulted in him taking supplementary exams. However, as he advanced into his third and fourth years, the situation improved significantly and he attained several distinctions and presented his final year research at a Southern African Universities Power Engineering Conference (SAUPEC) in 2019.
While browsing through LinkedIn, Mabodi came across an exciting announcement about UKZN launching a groundbreaking postgraduate qualification in Data Science. He was intrigued by the accreditation and expertise of the lecturers, and researched the programme further. It soon became evident that it was an opportunity he did not want to miss as it was a programme which aligned perfectly with his initial inspiration to pursue electrical engineering as well as the work he does at Nedbank. His research paper was accepted for publication in 2024 by the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers thus becoming the first Postgraduate Diploma Data Science research paper to be published at UKZN.
Mabodi’s research was titled: Solar Irradiance Forecasting for Informed Solar Systems Design and Financing Decisions in which he explored solutions for businesses struggling with high levels of load shedding and decreased productivity. The focus was on leveraging solar energy as a viable alternative. During this process, Mabodi proposed machine learning models to assess sunlight availability and potential electricity generation at specific locations. The ability to forecast sunlight levels for 12 months ahead would enable businesses to make informed decisions about the profitability and feasibility of transitioning to solar energy.
Currently, Mabodi is pursuing a Master of Applied Data Science at the University of Johannesburg while working as a Data Analyst at Nedbank. His future aspirations involve integrating his research into the banking sector to aid in assessing creditworthiness for clients seeking funding for solar energy projects. This involves determining the likelihood of clients generating profits and repaying loans successfully.
Mabodi’s outreach activities included a programme whereby learners from his high school are invited to visit WITS where they get guided tours, providing them with insights into university life. Additionally, they have the opportunity to interact with current WITS students, who share their academic journeys and challenges, thus aiding in better preparation for their own university experiences.
Said his supervisor, Mr Jahvaid Hammujuddy, ‘I was assigned to supervise Mr Mabodi’s PGDip (Data Science) in 2023 which he completed with a distinction. It gives me great satisfaction as I guided him from start to finish although he is a fine intellectual in his own right. I believe that he is the first PGDip (Data Science) student to have a journal article accepted for publication. Mr Mabodi was studying part-time while working in a private bank and completed the project in six months. Well done!’
Words: Leena Rajpal
Photograph: Andisani Netshiavha
author : .author email : .Workshop for SA’s Ear, Nose, Throat and Neck Surgeons
Workshop at the Medical School’s dissection hall.There is a shortage of otorhinolaryngologists - medical specialists with expertise in managing issues involving the throat, larynx, and oesophagus, including voice, speech, and swallowing difficulties.
This has sparked a series of training workshops for ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists, offered by UKZN’s Otorhinolaryngology Discipline, under the leadership of Dr Lindokuhle Sibiya, the Chief Specialist and Head of Department who recently completed her Master of Business Administration at the University of Oxford in England.
The latest gathering was an exciting range of workshops on endoscopic ear surgery, temporal bone and auditory implants dissection, where registrars and consultants from across South Africa spent a week at the Medical School and at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH), learning how to skilfully operate on patients with conditions associated with the delicate ENT passageway, including in paediatrics.
‘There is a serious shortage of ENT specialists in the country and yet we see widespread cases of congenital malfunction in paediatrics (disease or physical abnormality presenting from birth), chronic ear discharge, as well as in elderly persons experiencing degenerative issues,’ said workshop conveners, UKZN honorary lecturer and Head of RK Khan Hospital’s ENT Clinical Unit, Dr Lungelwa Sigonya and Ngwelezana Hospital’s ENT Specialist, Dr Lungile Setoaba.
It was the fourth consecutive workshop convened in the Discipline, which on this occasion was facilitated by a host of local and international experts, also covering live rhinoplasty surgery - surgery to change the shape of the nose to improve ENT-related conditions.
Participants operated on cadavers at the Medical School before the live rhinoplasty surgery workshop at IALCH.
Sigonya and Setoaba said the loss of hearing depleted communication ability, often leading to cases of depression and dementia. They said it was saddening that ENT services did not adequately reach the socially and economically marginalised, and also cautioned the public against preventable risk factors such as noise-induced hearing loss, the prevalence of which is exacerbated by socially acceptable behaviour including the use of headphones, especially for prolonged duration and loud noise levels, common among young people.
The workshop exposed registrars to prevalent ENT conditions, delving into the anatomy of the ENT passageway and highlighting technological advancements that all specialists needed to be well-versed with.
Words: Lunga Memela
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .The Mathematical Journey of Dr Langelihle Mazibuko
Dr Langelihle Mazibuko.In the complex world of mathematical intricacies, a few individuals emerge as an inspiration, navigating the depths of abstraction with finesse and precision - Dr Langelihle Mazibuko is one of those, standing out as a testament of inspiration, having been awarded a Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics from UKZN.
Mazibuko’s passion for mathematics began in high school where he always enjoyed solving mathematical equations. After enrolling for a Bachelor of Science degree at UKZN, his intellectual prowess caught the attention of his mentors. During these formative years he encountered a lecturer whose passion for mathematics served as an inspiration, propelling him towards the pursuit of higher learning in the field. Encouraged by the guidance of his professors, Mazibuko ventured into the realms of honours and subsequently pursued a master’s degree, delving deeper into the realms of differential geometry. He then embarked on a PhD expedition, immersing himself in the complex domain of the Scott topology and Spacetime Manifold.
His doctoral thesis is a testament to his intellectual acumen and tireless dedication, elucidating profound insights into the intricate interplay between topology and spacetime geometry.
Mazibuko’s scholarly pursuits culminated in his doctoral degree - an indication of his unwavering commitment to the pursuit of mathematical truth.
Mazibuko says the guidance and encouragement he received from esteemed professors, particularly Professor Rituparno Goswami and Professor Dharmanand Baboolal, reinforced his determination to pursue a career in mathematical research. He is grateful for their influence on his academic journey and for instilling a love for the discipline.
Words: Siphesihle Shezi
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Intersection of Intellectual Property and the Arts Explored
Panelists in discussion at the IP Meets Art event (from left): Mr Ntuthuko Ndebele, Mr Luyanda Zindela, Mr Thando Nyameni, Ms Vanessa van Coppenhagen, and South African music artist, Zakwe.UKZN InQubate, under the Entrepreneurship Skills Programme (ENSPIRE), hosted an event aimed at exploring the crucial intersection of intellectual property (IP) and the Arts.
Under the banner of ENSPIRE’d Talks, the IP Meets Art event was part of a series of conversations held to equip the University’s students with the entrepreneurial skills needed to run sustainable and viable businesses.
The event brought together various stakeholders and experienced industry professionals to discuss the importance of exploiting intellectual property within the Arts as a protective tool. Issues discussed included IP laws, practical tools and strategies for IP management, brand management and its significance in building and protecting artistic identities, and the emerging IP challenges and trends within the Arts sector.
Facilitated by Mr Ntuthuko Ndebele (aka Mthuthu), InQubate’s Student Entrepreneurship Coordinator and African folk musician, the event featured panel speakers Ms Vanessa van Coppenhagen, co-head of Spoor & Fisher’s transactional/commercial IP department; Mr Sibusiso Mashiloane, UKZN Music lecturer and award-winning jazz artist; Mr Thando Nyameni, Managing Director of the KwaZulu-Natal United Music Industry Association (KUMISA); Zakwe, a South African rapper, songwriter, music producer and event coordinator; and Mr Luyanda Zindela, a South African visual artist.
Van Coppenhagen highlighted the various artistic works that could be protected by copyright law, adding how performances fall under performers’ protection, while designs, branding, distinctive symbols and logos are protected by trademarks, new inventive ideas fall under patents, and heritage or cultural foundations dedicated to the preservation of art, culture or legacies are protected by the law of Non-Profit Organisations and Trusts.
She noted how IP could be managed through due diligence, portfolio management and licensing and assignment agreements, and how litigation could be used as a way to enforce IP protection.
Mashiloane spoke on the importance of claiming time, efforts and IP when collaborating with big artists through split agreements (a written document that identifies all contributors to a song as well as their ownership percentage). He acknowledged his manager for always reminding him of the business aspect of the music ‘because as artists that’s something we often seem to forget.’
Nyameni focused on the bundle of rights when reviewing copyright law and highlighted how it could be divided into two categories of composition and sound. He said sound recording rights protected the recording of the song and used organisations like the South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA) and the Independent Music Performance Rights Association (IMPRA) to collect revenue on behalf of the owners and or performers; while composition rights protected the music and lyrics of a song using organisations such as the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) and the Composers, Authors and Publishers Association (CAPASSO) to manage revenue collection and cover performing, mechanical and digital rights.
Nyameni noted the importance of music publishers in sourcing opportunities for copyright owners such as sync deals which involve licensing music for use in commercials and films, among others, with a monetary value involved.
Zakwe reflected on his musical journey and his recording label woes with Native Rhythms where he says he signed a 360 deal (in which the label owned everything) and had his first album hit gold status; and Mabala Noise where he also didn’t own his third album that hit gold status. He said he takes every opportunity he gets to educate up-and-coming artists on the pros and cons of recording deals. Having just landed from the United States, where he was part of a jam session that had split agreement sheets available at hand, he noted how the US takes music seriously while South Africans are still largely driven by passion.
Zindela commented on the importance of approaching a craft as a legitimate business. Explaining why artwork was so expensive, he said visual artists understood that they could only make money from their craft once off and that money was still needed to pay the art gallery for exhibiting, cover the cost of the materials used and leave the artist with enough money to live off of and create more art. Zindela said artists were constantly working to get to a brand level where they could negotiate a higher price.
In their closing remarks, van Coppenhagen urged students to value the administration involved in IP protection for the Arts to avoid getting “ripped off”. Zakwe encouraged students to familiarise themselves with KUMISA as an organisation that helped him own the rights to his third album after his contract was bridged by Mabala Noise. Zindela encouraged law and arts students to build relationships that would be useful for future collaborations and learn valuable lessons from the event, while Nyameni spurred artists to understand the power behind IP knowledge in getting more money for their craft.
Nyameni identified four important pointers for navigating recording label deals: ‘Understand the terms and terminology used in the contract; know which territory the contract covers; review assigning and licensing deals - always leaning more towards licensing because with assigning the record label always owns the work; and once in the contract make sure all parties meet their obligations.’
Words: Hlengiwe Khwela
Photograph: Antz Trade Solutions
author : .author email : .UKZN Launches Aerospace Systems Research Institute
Seen at the launch is UKZN’s ASRI team with members of University management, guests and academics from the Discipline of Mechanical Engineering.UKZN made history recently when it officially launched the Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI) - one of the largest aerospace research groups in South Africa during an event held on the Howard College campus in Durban.
ASRI, situated in the Discipline of Mechanical Engineering, was established by the University Council in 2022 following its predecessor, the Aerospace Systems Research Group (ASReG), established in 2009.
ASRI focuses on the design, development and testing of aerospace propulsion and flight systems, including rocket engines, turbopumps and turbomachinery, suborbital and orbital (space) launch vehicles and novel propellants.
The launch, held as part of a series of week-long events, shared ASRI’s vision with the audience while showcasing the Institute’s past and current activities as well as upcoming projects.
ASRI’s founding Director and associate professor in the Mechanical Engineering Discipline Professor Michael Brooks thanked the University for its unwavering support and recognition in getting the Institute into a properly configured shape to deliver aerospace technologies for commercialisation. ‘You backed us and we assure you of our determination to succeed,’ said Brooks. He also thanked the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) for their funding and wisdom, and other partners for their support provided to the team.
In his presentation, titled: From ASReG to ASRI - Lessons Learnt Along the Way, Brooks gave a brief history of rocket science, saying current space companies are driven by agile business models, fast innovative techniques, aggressive timelines and a fearless, innovative approach. ‘This whole new space concept is the era in which ASRI was born and it’s the environment in which we must compete if we are going to survive.’ Brooks said ASRI aspired to be a global centre of excellence in aerospace propulsion and supported the country’s space engineering economy.
Among those attending were representatives from DSI, the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Space Command, University executive management, UKZN’s Chair of Council, Ms Khomotso Mthimunye, industry partners, government officials, industry partners, representatives from other universities, space agencies, academics, students and the ASRI team.
UKZN Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Nana Poku said the launch was a joyous occasion for the University and a chance to demonstrate the excellence and great work taking place at the Institution. ‘One of the fundamental messages this occasion projects is the tenacity of perseverance over the environment. To be one of the few universities in the world to launch a rocket, and within the context that we exist in, to be the only one in the world like us to do it is a tremendous achievement by the team.’
He said through the launch, the University was trying to stretch the essence of its impact. He commended the work done by the team in the communities to enthuse the next generation of scientists and the energy they brought to reviving science at UKZN.
Congratulating the University, DSI’s Mr Kaizer Moroka said he was impressed that UKZN was behind this project and outlined the funding given to the Institute for the next three years while pleading with ASRI and the University to do this work not only for the country but for the whole continent. Moroka said capacity building should not happen only at UKZN but also entice and promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) in schools and transform the sector.
SANSA’s Chief Executive Officer Mr Humbulani Mudau said the launch was a celebration of yet another major leap forward in bringing the SANSA programme to life.
‘The launch of the Aerospace Systems Research Institute was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing the incredible strides we’re making towards fulfilling our nation’s dedication to conquering every aspect of the space domain,’ said Mudau. ‘This isn’t just about sending rockets into the sky; it’s about crafting our own destiny among the stars! We’re pouring our hearts and minds into building up our sovereign strength and strategic prowess, ensuring that we’re not just spectators, but active players in the cosmic game.’
ASRI engineers Mr Celimpilo Damane and Dr Sarisha Harrylal said they were grateful for the opportunity to be part of the team.
Mtubatuba-born Damane said his love for rockets and a desire to know more led him to Mechanical Engineering and the ASRI team. He said among the most impressive highlights was the opportunity to give back and being part of the schools’ outreach projects of seeing youngsters interested and fascinated by science.
After graduating with an MBChB, Harrylal wanted to fulfil her dream of becoming a mechanical engineer so she joined the Discipline and later the ASRI team. The only female member, she said her colleagues had been very supportive and everyone was treated equally. As a member of the STEM MentHER programme, Harrylal said she would like to see more female students joining the team.
In a partnership with Dr Kathy Arbuckle of the School of Arts, ASRI unveiled the top four space-inspired animal artworks chosen. These were designed by the School’s Mr Sphelele Zungu and Mr Jared Maistry. Arbuckle said it was exciting to be part of the initiative. ‘This bodes well for work between the Arts and the Sciences. We are adding “steam” to the STEM.’
Dean of Engineering, Professor Glen Bright thanked all the guests for their presence and for making the event a success as well as Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Professor Mosa Moshabela for welcoming the guests; Professor Alan Matthews for directing the evening’s programme; Professor Chats Devroop for the musical entertainment; and the organising team from the College.
Words: Sithembile Shabangu
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini
author : .author email : .UKZN Ranks in the Top 2.4 Percent Globally
UKZN ranked 4th in South Africa in the Center for World University Rankings.Click here for isiZulu version
UKZN ranks in the top 2.4% out of 20 966 universities worldwide according to the 2024 edition of the outcome-based Global 2000 list by the Center for World University Rankings.
The Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) publishes the largest academic rankings of global universities and is known for its objectivity, transparency and consistency.
This year, UKZN ranks as follows:
World Rank: 483 out of 20 966
Percentile: Top 2.4% in the world
Regional Rank (Africa): 4
National Rank: 4
The Executive Director of Corporate Relations, Ms Normah Zondo, lauded the University’s outstanding research achievements, highlighting the impactful contributions made by students, academics, and research scholars. Zondo praised their dedication to research, innovation, and collaboration, emphasising how these efforts have propelled the University to the pinnacle of academic excellence. She concluded by expressing gratitude and acknowledging the ‘transformative power of human curiosity, creativity, and perseverance. Siyabonga.’
President of CWUR, Dr Nadim Mahassen, congratulated UKZN on its ‘outstanding achievement’ and noted that CWUR rankings were unique in that objective indicators were used for all four key pillars underlying the methodology of the ranking (education, employability, faculty, and research) with no reliance on surveys and university data submissions. Additionally, equal emphasis was put on student-related and faculty-related indicators.
Visit the CWUR website to view the 2024 rankings.
Words: Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer
Image: Supplied
author : .author email : .Impact of the National Elections on the Business Sector - Where is SA Headed?
At the meeting were (from left) Professor Cecile Gerwel Proches, GSB&L; Professor Purshottama Reddy; Mr Zakhele Ndlovu; Mr Neville Matjie; Professor Collete Muller; Ms Melanie Veness; and Mr Ebrahim Patel.KwaZulu-Natal business leaders and academics weighed in on issues affecting local and national business sectors ahead of - and after - the 2024 elections at a breakfast meeting in Durban.
The gathering was part of UKZN’s strategic goal of mutual community engagement which is also embedded in the College of Law and Management Studies’ strategic plan. The event was one of the many activities being undertaken by the Graduate School of Business and Leadership (GSB&L) in line with its vision of producing well informed graduates through the involvement of practitioners and experts in business management and leadership fields.
Themed: The 2024 General Elections in South Africa - Its Impact on Business: Where Are We Going? the discussion aimed to answer the question of what the government would do differently this time around to meet the expectations of the business sector.
Facilitating the debate, Professor Purshottama Reddy, a public governance expert at the GSB&L, said that the time before and after the elections were destined to be watershed moments in the country.
The panel included Mr Zakhele Ndlovu, a political science lecturer at UKZN and an independent political analyst; Mr Neville Matjie, Advisor to the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal and Former Chief Executive Officer: Trade and Investment, KZN; Ms Melanie Veness, CEO of the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business and Mr Ebrahim Patel, founder and former president of the Minara Chamber of Commerce.
Welcoming participants, Acting Dean and Head of UKZN’s GSB&L, Professor Collette Muller, said the gathering was being held against a background of anticipation and reflection in the light of the elections and the impact they could have on the business landscape.
‘The upcoming elections present an opportunity for policymakers and business leaders to collaborate in fostering an environment conducive to sustainable economic growth, job creation and inclusive development. Aligning strategies and initiatives with the evolving priorities and aspirations of our communities and stakeholders is critical.
‘As we ponder today’s discussions, let us also take the opportunity to leverage our collective expertise, insights and experiences to proactively shape and contribute to a thriving business ecosystem,’ said Muller.
Ndlovu said businesses needed assurance. ‘The effect of the 2021 looting is still evident on small and big businesses as well as the economy, increasing unemployment and making it difficult for businesses to recover from losses - and still to this day the culprits behind the crime have not been brought to book. All this begs the question: What business person or investor would want to invest their money in such a country?’
Ndlovu went on to plead with the business sector to put pressure on the government, saying it was time they were held accountable for the current state of the country, especially in the business world.
Matjie said the results of the elections had the potential to bring a lot of change and with that a lot of uneasiness. ‘Businesses need to be ready and willing to adapt as they can be very influential in the decision-making processes and the development of new policies to move the country and business sector forward.’
Veness called for a safer and securer environment for investment and for more support for the Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa in light of the high failure rate of those businesses.
She said corruption needed to be rooted out as she believed it was the cause of so many of the problems in the country.
Patel mentioned there had recently been some positive economic indicators with the rand remaining stable, despite all the economic challenges South Africa was facing.
Patel pointed out that in order for growth in the business sector, the railway network and logistics system needed to be fixed and called for a massive overhaul of the public transport system to enable workers get to and from work safely and at a lower cost.
Speakers all shared concerns on the issues of lawlessness, crime and corruption calling for swift intervention in order for the South African business sector to thrive.
The session ended with an interactive Q&A session.
Words: Lungile Ngubelanga
Photograph: Hesper Cele
author : .author email : .Integrating Entrepreneurship into Teaching, Learning and Research
.Growing up in a rural area of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I remember a cousin of mine finishing school with a matric qualification. The young man was very excited and showed off his matric achievements, parading in the community, cheered by peers and members of the village.
After the celebrations, an uncle of ours asked the young man: ‘My son, I see you are excited and the community is cheering you - so now you have a matric, can you make a needle so we can fix our torn clothes? My cousin replied: ‘I can’t.’ The man asked again: ‘Can you then at least make soap to wash our clothes?’ The youngster replied: ‘No.’
Our uncle then asked him: ‘What do you know then?’ The youngster replied: ‘I can speak French fluently.’ The man was disappointed and responded: ‘During 12 years of schooling we managed to get you into a very good school for which I helped pay a lot of money. I also took good care of the family and the community and I have big farms and some cows.
‘But now after 12 years the only thing you can bring to the community is French.’ He was very disappointed, and expressed his unhappiness with the teachers and the education system.
Since then my uncle’s voice has resonated in my mind and motivated me to reflect on our education system and what it offers society and students. I began thinking about how teaching, learning and research can become the starting point for change in society. With the benefit of having been a teacher for the last 20 years at primary and high schools and a lecturer at university, I reached the conclusion that we need to find ways to bridge the gap between education and societal challenges and define the future careers of students.
For several years I have considered developing a model that can assist integrating entrepreneurship into learning, teaching and research. Two basic questions I attempted to answer were: 1) What in a world faced with multifaceted challenges including different forms of violence, climate change, health challenges, and unemployment among others can teaching, learning and research do to bridge the gap between education and the needs of society? and: 2) If teaching, learning and research are to be the starting points in bridging the gap, what type of methodology should be used to ensure behaviour and attitude change and to what extent, will that methodology be compatible with the culture of teaching, learning and research?
My answer to the first question was that if we are to address societal challenges, we need to change the narrative around social challenge being a problem rather an opportunity for change in society. This means we need to begin reflecting on challenges and devising ways to transform them into opportunities. Secondly, reflecting on how this can be incorporated into our teaching learning and research, I came to the realisation that the emphasis of teaching, learning and research must be placed on dimensions of applicability and action, and the possibility of transferability to various situations and contexts. This means incorporating skills, attitudes and other individuals’ aptitudes that provide for competent professional practice that derive from teaching, learning and research. I realised that our curriculum and teaching pedagogy need to go beyond theory and focus more on practicability. Here, I mean beginning deconstructing theories and making them more relevant to societal challenges. To achieve this, teaching, learning and research need to be more student and community centred. Students need to spend more time in communities, understanding social issues, constructing theories as part of learning and devising strategies to deal with social challenges.
Looking at entrepreneurship, it is about behavioural change and seeing challenges from different perspectives while being able to identify opportunities in the challenges.
I have noticed students running small businesses on campus, selling and buying different consumable products and that led me to think that it is possible to begin selling and buying societal challenges beginning from campuses where students can begin offering study related services to the University community and the broader society. It is a matter of identifying societal deficits and building on teaching, learning and research and converting these into opportunities.
To test my assumptions, I made attempts to incorporate entrepreneurship into teaching, learning and research and realised that it is possible - it can be done!
Through teaching, learning and research, I initiated a number of community projects, which I think, if given enough attention, can result in bridging the gap between education and societal challenges and create job opportunities for our young graduates.
*Professor Joseph Rudigi Rukema is an Associate Professor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in the School of Social Sciences, Sociology. He is the author of 86 publications, graduated 11 PhDs, 30 master’s and 34 honours students. He is a research Fellow of the University of South Africa and serves on various board of directors’ committees. He delivered lectures as a visiting professor at 11 universities in Africa, India and in the United States of America, featured among the Top 30 researchers of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, organised national and international conferences and delivered keynote speeches, and has initiated numerous community projects.
author : .author email : .Innovating for the Future: UKZN’s New Design Lab
Professor Tom Walingo officially opens the new Design Lab in the Discipline of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering.UKZN’s Discipline of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering (EECE) has launched its new Design Lab - an innovative facility which will support and enhance both student learning and project development.
Spearheaded by Mr Divesh Maharaj, the facility was officially opened by the Discipline’s Academic Leader, Professor Tom Walingo.
At the heart of the lab’s capabilities is its upgraded infrastructure, notably transitioning from traditional wet acid dip printed circuit board (PCB) manufacture to the safer and faster computer numerical control (CNC) printed circuit routing. With the acquisition of four cutting-edge Cron CNC Routers, stationed in Lab 2-11N, students can now craft their printed circuit boards under the supervision of technical experts. This not only enhances the learning experience but also aligns with the curriculum’s emphasis on PCB development, empowering students with practical skills essential for their future careers.
Furthermore, within the confines of G-206S, the Design Lab boasts 25 electronic instrumentation stations, each meticulously equipped with essential tools such as digital oscilloscopes, multimeters, function generators, power supplies, and soldering irons. This standardised setup ensures fair and equal access to equipment, eliminating the need for a loan-out system. Moreover, the lab doubles as a training centre, facilitating instruction in instrumentation electronics and soldering techniques, enriching students’ educational journey beyond the classroom.
The introduction of a limited number of mobile rack units further enhances flexibility, allowing students to work in some of the more specialised laboratories in the discipline, further reinforcing the lab’s adaptability to diverse learning scenarios.
The Design Lab not only streamlines the development, prototyping, and testing processes for fourth-year design projects but also ensures equitable access to resources for all, levelling the playing field and fostering a culture of inclusivity. Additionally, by centralising equipment within a secure environment, the University mitigates the risks of theft and damage, safeguarding valuable assets for future generations of innovators.
In essence, the Design Lab epitomises UKZN’s unwavering dedication to fostering excellence in engineering education, empowering students to become trailblazers in their respective fields. As this innovative facility paves the way for future breakthroughs, it underscores UKZN’s commitment to driving progress and shaping a brighter tomorrow through the power of education and innovation.
Words: Mohamed Fayaz Khan
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .2024 Gynae-Oncology Update Aims to Make Impact in Women’s Health
Scenes from the KwaZulu-Natal Gynae-Oncology Update.UKZN’s Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology hosted the 2024 KwaZulu-Natal Gynae-Oncology Update giving healthcare professionals, researchers and clinicians from around the country the opportunity to address issues on women’s reproductive health, share advancements in medical practice and technology, and engage in discussions about clinical cases.
Attended by more than 120 delegates, the two-day forum, which was Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accredited, aimed to advance the field of gynae-oncology, and improve outcomes for women’s health by providing a range of presentations by expert clinicians that covered topics from the basics of gynae-cancer prevention such as human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations, cancer screening (cytology versus HPV and colposcopy), as well as clinical and surgical management of the various cancers. The comprehensive event also covered the impact of genetics, the psycho-sexual impact of gynaecological cancers, fertility issues following cancer, cardio-oncology, ethics and palliative care for patients with gynaecological cancers. The participants had an opportunity to engage in a hands-on workshop on colposcopy as well as thermal ablation, the latter being seen as the new kid on the block for the management of premalignant cervical lesions, as recommended by the World Health Organization.
In his welcome remarks, Dr Kamendran Govender who was the brainchild of the event and the lead collaborator of the KwaZulu-Natal Gynae-Onco Forum, said he was proud of the organising committee for planning the event. Govender said the Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at UKZN supported the initiative as part of the ‘continued medical education and the overall goal of maximising our efforts to bring women’s health to the forefront by preventing and treating cancers.’
Head of the Clinical Division at the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, Dr Neil Moran shared the province’s strategy for cervical cancer prevention. Highlighting the global statistics of how a ‘woman dies from cervical cancer every two minutes,’ he said KwaZulu-Natal had transitioned from pap smear to HPV testing as a preventative method for cervical cancer screening. Moran noted how HPV tests had proven to be more reliable, thorough and cost-effective in the long run.
Head of the Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Professor Motshedisi Sebitloane reviewed the role of cervical ablation in KwaZulu-Natal, saying: ‘The roll-out of the thermal ablation will serve to triage women with low-grade premalignant lesions with the aim to destroy HPV as the causative agent, and prevent overtreatment with the large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ), reserving the latter for the management of high-grade lesions.’
In his closing remarks, Gynae-Oncologist at Grey’s Hospital and Midlands Medical Centre Dr Bongumusa Makhathini said he regarded the event as a victory for women’s health. Thanking UKZN’s Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the sponsors and the organising team for their efforts, he acknowledged his colleagues for the amazing turnout and said: ‘What we are doing here is trying to raise awareness and refresh our minds about the burden of cancer in women’s health.
‘Being able to update each other on the latest information aimed at curing and treating cancer means we are pulling in the right direction as women can still have cancer and be referred and treated appropriately, improving and prolonging their quality of life,’ Makhathini added.
The Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at UKZN, together with the KwaZulu-Natal Gynae-Onco Forum thanked Astra-Zeneca, Baxter and Smith & Nephew for their generous sponsorship of the event.
Words: Hlengiwe Khwela
Photographs: Yola Ndzabe
author : .author email : .Top Students Recognised at UKZN SAICA Awards
UKZN SAICA 2024 awards recipients.Forty-six students from the School of Accounting, Economics, and Finance (SAEF) were recently honoured across different categories for their outstanding dedication and accomplishments in first, second and third-year as well as postgraduate studies in Accounting during the UKZN SA Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) Awards event.
The ceremony, held on the Westville campus, highlighted UKZN’s continued dedication to fostering excellence and drive to produce well-rounded chartered accountants.
In his welcome address, Acting Head and Dean of the School Professor, Mabutho Sibanda was delighted with the results and congratulated the students.
‘While honouring these students, let us not only recognise their mastering of financial principles, but also their commitment to upholding the ethical standards that form the foundation of the profession,’ said Sibanda.
He said the School would continue to take pride in its accomplishments and looked forward to shaping graduates and accountants with unwavering ethics, integrity and accountability.
Acknowledging the achievements of Accounting students, SAICA Regional Executive Mr Naeem Asvat also recognised the pivotal role of lecturers in achieving these outstanding results and inculcating ethics and integrity in accounting students through their dedication and effort.
Mr Akhil Harrydhasret, who was selected as the Overall Third-Year Top Student, said getting the award motivated him to continue to strive to be the best possible and to continuously improve in the Accounting sphere. ‘This celebration was evidence that hard work and dedication does pay off,’ he said.
Ms Aqila Sayed says being recognised by UKZN and SAICA as an Overall First-Year Top Student in the Discipline of Accounting will help her broaden her scope of opportunity for growth and success as an accountant in future. Sayed is currently in her second year as BCom Accounting student.
‘Being recognised for any achievement is always a great feeling as it is a sense of accomplishment that the hard work I have put in really has paid off,’ said Sayed. ‘I am grateful to the University for the opportunity, and I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for me!’
In closing, lecturer Ms Siphumelele Dlungwane, who organised the event, said such remarkable achievements were testament to SAICA’s and UKZN’s commitment to produce graduates with skills and knowledge as well as to nurturing aspiring chartered accountants.
‘Days like today serve as powerful reminders of the strength and courage needed by academics to help students pursue their aspirations. We take great pride in the diligence and dedication demonstrated by our students,’ she said.
The event was sponsored by the Auditor-General of South Africa, LexisNexis, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler, Professional Provident Society (PPS), Bonakude Consulting, the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors, and Van Schaik Publishers.
Words: Samukelisiwe Cele
Photograph: Nkosikhona Gcabashe
author : .author email : .UKZN Celebrates Staff Graduates
Clockwise from top left: Dr Rushil Raghavjee, Ms Sithembile Khuzwayo, Mr Mfumaneko Nontangana and Ms Michelle Premjit.The College of Law and Management Studies recognises and celebrates the achievements of the following UKZN staff members who graduated during the 2024 Autumn Graduation ceremonies.
The new graduates commented on their achievements:
Doctoral Degree
Dr Rushil Raghavjee, Lecturer in the Discipline of Information Systems and Technology (IS&T)
‘Being in the academic field, a PhD is one of the highest goals to achieve and thus was a necessity for my development in academia. In addition, the domain of Big Data has become critical in today’s digital data environment and the PhD experience has no doubt helped elevate my understanding in this field, especially from a Higher Education perspective. I hope that the research will be a springboard to better understand student digital data and thus improve understanding of their online learning behaviour. We can then guide students more efficiently in terms of learning via the continuously growing set of online learning materials made available to them. This will hopefully improve their competencies in the courses that they do and improve throughput.’
Master of Commerce in Management
Ms Sithembile Khuzwayo, Senior Administrative Officer at the School of Clinical Medicine
‘Pursuing this qualification opened up opportunities for personal and professional growth. It expanded my horizons, challenged my perspectives and equipped me with the tools to tackle complex problems in my field. Additionally, earning a master’s degree is a significant accomplishment that demonstrates a high level of expertise and dedication. It enhances credibility, opens doors to advancement and increases opportunities for leadership roles and career progression. Overall, my experience of studying for my qualification was transformative. It not only deepened my knowledge but also empowered me to make meaningful contributions. I believe it’s a worthwhile qualification because it equips individuals with the skills, knowledge and credentials needed to excel in today's competitive and dynamic business environment.’
Postgraduate Diploma in Management
Ms Michelle Premjit (Distinction), Accounting Officer: Research Financial Services (RFS) - Research Division
‘My achievement of completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Management with Distinction was driven by a desire to broaden my understanding of management principles and practices. I wanted to enhance my skills and knowledge which are crucial for success in various professional settings. This qualification will significantly boost my career by providing a solid foundation in management theory and practice. It showcases my dedication to professional development in my current role and opens doors for advancement into management roles where I can utilise my newfound knowledge and skills to drive organisational success.’
Ms Lindelwa Ncwane, Principal Accounting Officer: Research Financial Services (RFS) Research Division
‘I was motivated to pursue this qualification because I am passionate about growing and advancing skills as I have an employer who encourages studying further and invests in the success of their employees. I’m already applying my project management and business law skills in my daily work business.’
Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration
Mr Mfumaneko Nontangana, Administrator: School of Accounting, Economics and Finance
‘As a businessman, I chose to pursue a Postgraduate in Business Administration qualification because it gives skills and knowledge that are directly applicable in all aspects of life. The qualification has also helped me to develop flexibility and critical thinking skills, so that as a business owner, I am able to analyse the future and act more quickly to the changes in the business environment. Last, but not least, one of the biggest benefits of studying the Postgraduate of Business Administration degree is the variety of career choices available. The breadth and depth of knowledge and skills acquired also gives an individual a competitive advantage over other graduates whose knowledge is more narrowly focused.’
Words: NdabaOnline
Photographs: Sethu Dlamini and Supplied
author : .author email : .Seeking Solutions to Food Insecurity Part of World IP Day Events
Professor Joyce Chitja delivers the keynote address.In honour of World Intellectual Property (IP) Day, UKZN InQubate, the University’s Technology Transfer Office, hosted a workshop focused on addressing the pressing global issues of food insecurity and undernourishment.
Held on the Pietermaritzburg campus, it brought together experts, stakeholders, and policymakers to explore how intellectual property can be leveraged to facilitate the development, protection and dissemination of technologies for improved food security.
Delivering a keynote address, Professor Joyce Chitja, Director of the African Centre for Food Security (ACFS) at UKZN, focused on exploring the current state challenges and opportunities in food security. She defined food security as ‘all people, at all times having physical, economic and social access to sufficient safe and nutritious food that meet their dietary requirements and food preferences for an active and healthy life’.
Chitja listed global food and nutrition challenges as: the world being in recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainty surrounding the Ukraine and other emerging wars; difficulties in food production and energy markets; accelerated hunger in terms of the Global Hunger Index and economic recession; uneven recovery of crops across countries and segments; poor quality of food for low-income groups; population growth and urbanisation; poverty and inequality; resource scarcity and environmental degradation as well as climate change.
Looking at the South African situation, she noted how food and nutrition challenges included: high unemployment rates; under six million taxpayers in a population of 60 million; over 18 million on permanent social grants and 10 million on the unemployment grant; and 30% of the population being stunted in growth.
Chitja highlighted change drivers namely urbanisation, population growth and climate change and noted how poor diets were an economic issue resulting in the perpetuation of the cycle of poverty because of an individual’s lower chances of success and reduced productivity and quality of life.
She said opportunities lay in advancing technologies among the different segments of the food system such as developing e-platforms for market access; integrated planning and governance mechanisms; improved collaborations across sectors including universities, industry, government and NGOs; sustainable food production methods; collaborative initiatives for global food security such as training; sustainable agricultural practices; genetic modification and crop improvement and precision farming.
Professor Julia Sibiya Dean of the School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences provided background on the history of World IP Day. Celebrated annually, she noted this year’s theme titled, IP and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Building our Common Future with Innovation and Creativity and commented: ‘Promoting agricultural innovations and ensuring food security are essential elements of both the 2030 SDGs and the African Union 2063 agendas.’
Dr Denver Naidoo lecturer in the School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences reviewed innovative solutions to addressing food insecurity in Africa. Referring to how millions were affected by hunger and malnutrition on the continent, he said Africa possessed 60% of the world’s arable land but struggled to feed its population with an import bill of around 80 billion dollars.
Naidoo recounted how food insecurity threatened economic growth and stability, with the COVID-19 pandemic having exacerbated the issue with over 280 million Africans going to bed hungry daily. He said the answer to ensuring food security lay in producing more food on less land; the conservation of forests and promotion of sustainability; and the adoption of technologies geared towards African agriculture.
Highlighting the role of research in developing effective solutions for food insecurity, Naidoo said what was needed involved data-driven problem identification, innovative solution development, impact assessment and feedback, long-term sustainability projects, the utilisation of digital platforms, the promotion of agri-tech solutions, empowerment through digital literacy and innovative food distribution projects.
Patent Attorney at Spoor & Fisher Dr Thandanani Cwele explored the role of IP in incentivising innovations, referring to IP as creations of the mind he noted how patents protect inventions, while plant breeders’ rights protect new plant variations. With 20 to 25 years respectively of limited protection, he said patents dealt with specific genetic sequencing while plant breeders’ rights were granted if the variety was distinct, uniform and stable.
Other speakers at the workshop included Programme Manager at the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) Ms Vuyolwethu Gxotiwe, who shared financing and investment opportunities, and Editor at UKZN Press Ms Noxolo Mthethwa, who encouraged postgraduate students and academics to publish their research with the agency.
A Q&A session was conducted during the session.
To view the World IP Day workshop on food insecurity solutions click here.
Words: Hlengiwe Khwela
Photograph: Nkosi Gcabashe
author : .author email : .UKZN Lecturer Awarded Optometry PhD Focusing on the Management of Keratoconus
Dr Nonkululeko Gcabashe.Lecturer Dr Nonkululeko Gcabashe was awarded a PhD in Optometry for her thesis titled: A Keratoconus Management Framework for the Public Sector in KwaZulu-Natal which addresses critical gaps in eye care services and offers innovative solutions for managing keratoconus (KC) patients in public health facilities.
Under the supervision of Professor Vanessa R Moodley and Professor Rekha Hansraj, Gcabashe’s research aims to revolutionise the treatment and management of keratoconus, a progressive eye disorder that distorts the cornea, leading to visual impairment. Her study is particularly significant as it addresses the lack of South African data on keratoconus management, especially within the KwaZulu-Natal region.
Reflecting on her accomplishment, Gcabashe expressed a mix of disbelief and gratitude, describing her doctoral journey as a test of mental strength, especially when faced with challenges such as the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic during the crucial data collection phase. Despite these obstacles, Gcabashe persevered, driven by her commitment to improving eye care services for underserved communities.
Gcabashe’s research findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced protocols and guidelines for managing keratoconus patients in public health facilities. By assessing current human and infrastructural capacity, as well as operational protocols, her study provides a comprehensive framework to ensure timely and effective clinical management of keratoconus at all levels of care.
Gcabashe’s study lays the foundation for future advancements in keratoconus management and sets a benchmark for public health interventions in the region.
When asked about her motivation for pursuing this field of research, Gcabashe cited her first-hand experience working in the contact lens clinic at the UKZN Eyeclinic. Witnessing the challenges faced by keratoconus patients, including limited access to care and financial constraints, inspired her to advocate for improved services within the public sector.
Despite encountering numerous challenges during her study, including difficulties accessing patient records and scheduling interviews with key stakeholders, Gcabashe remained resilient. She credited the unwavering support of her family, friends, and colleagues for helping her overcome these obstacles and reach this significant milestone.
Gcabashe’s academic journey was characterised by outstanding support from the University, particularly through funding provided by the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) research office which enabled her to navigate the demanding requirements of her research while balancing her teaching responsibilities.
Originally from Dundee in KwaZulu-Natal, Gcabashe’s passion for optometry stems from her upbringing and her mother’s dedication to healthcare. She was drawn to optometry as a means of serving her community and improving the quality of life for individuals with visual impairments.
In her leisure time, Gcabashe enjoys running, finding solace and rejuvenation in physical activity. Looking to the future, she remains committed to advancing eye care services and promoting equitable access to quality healthcare for all.
Gcabashe’s achievement stands as a testament to her dedication and perseverance in advancing public health initiatives. Her pioneering research promises to make a lasting impact on the lives of keratoconus patients and serves as a beacon of hope for enhanced eye care services in KwaZulu-Natal.
Words: Nombuso Dlamini
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Doctoral Degree for Research into Multidrug Resistance to TB and HIV
Dr Sizwe Mbona and his wife, Ms Thulisile Mbona.Conducting research into patients with a confirmed diagnosis of multidrug resistance to tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and HIV in KwaZulu-Natal earned Dr Sizwe Mbona his doctoral degree.
Born and raised in the small village of Etshenilengele near Estcourt, life was not easy for Mbona.
Both his parents died when he was young but he was able to complete his schooling although his poor matric results prevented him from enrolling at a university as he did not meet the minimum acceptance requirements.
He upgraded his matric subjects and improved his marks in English, Mathematics and Physical Science. The Science Foundation Programme (a bridging course) at UKZN accepted him and he was financially supported by NSFAS.
Mbona’s interest in Statistics grew and he excelled in Mathematics, eventually graduating with a BSc degree in Applied Mathematics and Statistics scoring 10 distinctions and a Dean’s Commendation along the way.
Mbona registered for his Honours in Statistics and continued to achieve a master’s qualification which allowed him to tutor first-year students and get an income.
While assisting master’s and PhD students in Data Analysis and with encouragement from his colleagues, Mbona registered for his PhD studies.
In his research, data was collected during four decentralised MDR-TB sites and one centralised site with the data set consisting of 1 542 patients, aged from 18 who were diagnosed with MDR-TB. The aim was to assess the survival rate of patients with MDR-TB and HIV in order to improve treatment outcomes. The application considered time-to-cure MDR-TB in competition with all-cause mortality.
The main findings of the research were that patients treated in the centralised hospitals recovered faster than those who were treated in decentralised sites, while it was also observed that the death rate was higher in HIV-positive patients compared to HIV-negative patients.
He said to optimise successful treatment outcomes, regular monitoring and support were needed at a district facility and individual level to ensure the local context supported new programmes and implementation was performed according to guidelines.
Mbona is currently a lecturer at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) where he also supervises master’s and PhD students. He has had three research papers published in accredited journals.
‘My academic journey has transformed me academically, physically and psychologically,’ said Mbona.
He thanked Professor Henry Mwambi and Professor Shaun Ramroop for their invaluable support and guidance throughout his studies.
‘Special thanks to my family for always standing by my side during difficult times. Your constant encouragement and love have been my strength. May God bless you all,’ said Mbona.
Ramroop commented: ‘I have known Dr Sizwe Mbona for the past nine years. He is clearly a student of great ability who is disciplined and works exceptionally hard, displaying great thoroughness in the way he perceives mathematical and statistical concepts.’
Mwambi said: ‘It was a pleasure to supervise Dr Sizwe Mbona for his PhD. Dr Mbona started his academic journey from quite a difficult background but this did not stop him achieving academic excellence. I was honoured to guide him right from his undergraduate degree in Statistics and Mathematics, through to honours, master’s and now PhD in Statistics on the Pietermaritzburg campus. Dr Mbona’s achievement is a testament that determination, resilience and focus always pay.
‘His PhD work investigated methodological advancement and application in the area of competing risks including the handling of incomplete data in survival analysis with application to mortality due to drug resistant TB for patients co-infected with HIV. Going forward the sky is the limit for Dr Mbona and I wish him the very best in his own further development and in mentoring upcoming statisticians.’
Words: Leena Rajpal
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Understanding Atypical Diabetes and Diabetes in the Youth
Dr Imran Paruk.Click here for isiZulu version
There is an alarming increase in what health experts have coined “atypical diabetes” as well as diabetes in the youth due to factors such as obesity which have not been very common in recent decades, says Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital specialist consultant Dr Imran Paruk.
Paruk adds that meta-analysis over the past 30 years has confirmed that there is more to diabetes than the commonly known type 1 diabetes, which was previously called juvenile diabetes, and then type 2 diabetes (T2DM), known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes.
Said Paruk: ‘For decades, medical schools taught that there are two types of diabetes mellitus… this is no longer the case.’
Paruk was speaking during a webinar held as part of UKZN’s Extension for Community Healthcare Outcome (ECHO)-Outreach Project, which falls under the School of Clinical Medicine’s Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology. Unique cases were presented where age and obesity did not correlate with the standard classification of either type 1 (T1DM) or type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Due to such observations, the World Health Organization updated its Classification of Diabetes in 2019.
‘What people need to know about T2DM in Youth is that the incidence is increasing globally and the main driver is obesity but other factors include genetics, epigenetics and social determinants such as lower socio-economic status,’ he said. ‘This category of patients has more rapid and progressive beta-cell decline compared to adults and they are also at higher risk for accelerated development of complications, early morbidity and mortality.’
Paruk said it took a multidisciplinary care team including primary care physicians, endocrinologists, dietitians, diabetes nurse educators, psychologists, social workers as well as efforts by the patients themselves to actively manage T2DM in youth. Treatment options were limited with metformin and/or insulin therapy being the mainstay of therapy. Innovative approaches to prevention and treatment were needed. Newer agents like SGLT inhibitors (a class of prescription medicines that are FDA-approved for use with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes) and GLP-1 analogues (a type of medication works by increasing the levels of hormones called “incretins”) were exciting agents that still required more evidence in this category of patients.
Paruk advised that lifestyle modification was key. ‘Excess weight must be lost; processed foods, fast food, saturated fats and sweetened beverages must be eliminated from the diet; a decrease in sedentary behaviour and increased physical activity is paramount. There should be more education around insulin therapy while pharmacotherapy for weight reduction in the youth must be prioritised.’
His presentation was well-received by ECHO participants, both locally and internationally.
Words: Lunga Memela
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Raising Brain Awareness on Durban’s Beachfront
UKZN’s Anatomy and Physiology Disciplines raising brain awareness during a beach walk.This Brain Awareness Week, UKZN’s Anatomy and Physiology Disciplines, embarked on a fun-filled Brain Awareness Walk along Durban’s beachfront.
The Disciplines fall under the School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences (SLMMS).
The promenade walk from North to South Beach was held to help educate beach lovers and passers-by about the importance of looking after the health of one’s brain, ‘as any adverse effect to the organ invariably results in the rest of the body and one’s overall well-being being harmed,’ Team UKZN said.
Carrying placards and chanting ‘Mental Health Matters! Be Kind to your Mind! Healthy Brain, Healthy mind!’ colleagues said it was rewarding to participate in such a public engagement as it not only allowed them to educate members of the public about the brain and preserving it, but it also enabled them to talk about their ongoing mental health-related research projects.
Their topics include drug abuse, mental health issues, Alzheimer’s disease and bipolar disorder, which affect all society at large.
The walk was sponsored by the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) and the students were accompanied by their supervisors, lecturers, technicians and parents, ending #BrainAwarenessWeek on a high note, with pens bearing brain wellness messages printed on them.
‘Continuous public wellness and public engagement is critical for brain health awareness,’ said the UKZN Neuroscience Group, the Zulu Cortex Club.
Neuroscience Cortex Clubs are an international fraternity that UKZN is proud to be part of, according to UKZN SLMMS lecturers and research supervisors: Dr Zama Msibi, Dr Mluleki Luvuyo, Dr Meleshni Naicker, Ms Ntombifuthi Ngubani, and Ms Ziphozethu Ndlanzi.
Master’s student and programme representative for the day, Mr Lungelo Mthembu, said his research focus was on factors that contribute to Alzheimer’s disease, particularly, neuroinflammation and chronic stress.
Master’s student, Ms Prisca Gadisi, said her research was on bipolar disorder, while Ms Kiara Rampershad, who recently finished her retrospective honours study at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH), researched: Surgical Outcomes of Patients with Hydrocephalus Secondary to Neurocysticercosis.
‘Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is an infection of the central nervous system caused by the larval stage of the pork tapeworm Taenia solium,’ said Gadisi. ‘Data collected included demographics, clinical presentation, computerised tomography (CT) of brain scan findings, haematology, biochemistry and CSF results. The type of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion procedure used to treat hydrocephalus, complications of these procedures and mortality was reviewed.’
Retired teachers, Mr Pete and Mrs Angela Skevington, said it was important to be present to support such an initiative as it undoubtedly had a positive ripple effect on the students and the eThekwini community at large.
Words: Lunga Memela
Photographs: Supplied
author : .author email : .European Health Data Space and its Impact on EU/SA Collaborative Research
Dr Ciara Staunton (fourth from left), Professor Donrich Thaldar and Professor Veron Ramsuran seen with the audience participants.An informative presentation on the European Health Data Space and its impact on European Union (EU)-South African collaborative research was hosted by UKZN’s College of Health Science’s (CHS) research office under the leadership of Professor Anil Chuturgoon.
Dr Ciara Staunton, who is a senior researcher at the Institute for Biomedicine, Eurac Research (Italy), a consultant to the World Health Organization and a Fellow in the School of Law at UKZN, presented to an audience of lawyers and Medical scientists at the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine.
Staunton said the European Health Data Space regulates the protection of the processing of personal data with that protection being a fundamental right which needs to be considered in relation to its function in society.
‘The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the benefits of international data sharing and highlighted the imperative of having timely access to electronic health data for health threats preparedness and response as well as for diagnosis and treatment and secondary use of health data. Such timely access would have contributed, through efficient public health surveillance and monitoring, to a more effective management of the pandemic, and ultimately helped to save lives,’ she said.
‘However, this data sharing is not the norm as data sharing needs to navigate complex ethical and legal rules, and in particular, the fragmented application of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The introduction of the draft regulation for a European Health Data Space (EHDS) in May 2022 seeks to address some of these legal issues and if passed, will create an obligation to share electronic health data for certain secondary purposes.’
The economic and social integration resulting from the functioning of the internal market had led to a substantial increase in cross-border flows of personal data. Further, rapid technological developments with globalisation bringing new challenges. ‘We need to ensure that we balance regulation with innovation and create a market that enables more creativity and innovation,’ she said.
‘The processing of data is managed through primary and secondary use of data. Primary use of data should enable patients to access and control their health data, and to give healthcare professionals access to this data. The secondary use of health data is the use of aggregated health data from population-level sources - such as electronic health records, health insurance claims data and health registry data - to improve personal care planning, medicines development, safety monitoring, research and policymaking.’
Staunton said each member state should have a Health Data Access Body (HDAB) which would hold the data catalogue. One would need to apply to the HDAB for a permit to access the data and this data could only be shared with those mentioned in the application. ‘Apply to one-member country even if you require information from several member states.
‘The new regulation will introduce more data access across EU states but third-world countries will need to improve their own data access regulations and it will introduce more laws and hurdles for countries like South Africa. When applying for a permit to access personal data, one would need to find a legal basis to access the data which may include highly sensitive information such as genomic data, medical registries, biobanks and medical devices. The transfer of data will take place on the basis of the reciprocity principle.
‘The new regulation is set to be passed by the end of the year. Any South African data that goes to the GDPR-Europe to be processed will no longer belong to SA and it will be very difficult getting it back,’ said Staunton.
Said Professor Veron Ramsuran of the CHS, ‘This is a major concern for data that will be generated from South African patients as the data may never get back to them. Researchers need to be mindful when entering into agreements with European entities that will be generating data from African samples.’
Professor of Law at UKZN Professor Donrich Thaldar, who chairs the Health Law and Ethics Research Interest Group, said SA would benefit greatly by adopting the model followed in Nigeria, where countries that accede to the Malabo Convention - the African Union’s convention on data protection - were deemed to provide adequate protection to data, ensuring far less hurdles to cross-border data transfer to such countries. ‘If this solution is adopted widely in Africa, it can create an African free data flow environment, which would stimulate growth, and facilitate better health research.’
Words: MaryAnn Francis
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Graduate Determined to Change Perceptions about Students with Disabilities
Ms Nokwabelo Mabaso recently obtained her Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resources Management.Click here for isiZulu version
I grew up in a society where people living with disabilities were often regarded as psychologically troubled and dependent.
So said Ms Nokwabelo Mabaso after obtaining her Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resources Management at UKZN’s Autumn Graduation.
Mabaso (28), who grew up in Weenen in KwaZulu-Natal, was diagnosed with blindness seven years ago but that did not stop her from chasing her dreams. She enrolled at UKZN and completed not one but two degrees with a Bachelor of Social Sciences being her first qualification.
She is now motivated to complete a doctoral qualification.
Looking back on her time at UKZN, Mabaso said one of the most memorable highlights was in her first year when she received an invitation from the Golden Key Honour Society.
‘I am mostly grateful for UKZN’s initiatives to ensure students with disabilities are accommodated in their academic journey.’ The support she received from the University and its Disability Unit were a testament to the significance of inclusive practices in academia.
‘They ensured that for every test or exam I was well accommodated, and that all lecturers were aware of my presence during lectures,’ she said.
Special provisions such as instruction on screen-reading from JAWS software and consultation sessions tailored to her needs also enabled her to navigate her academic journey seamlessly.
‘This was very helpful, as it was difficult for me to follow Power-Point presentations during lectures. During these consultation sessions lecturers would briefly explain important points that may have been presented through graphs and pictures in class,’ she said.
Mabaso is firmly committed to changing society’s perception of individuals with disabilities, aiming to not only inspire, but also to share the knowledge and skills she has acquired with others.
Words: Samukelisiwe Cele
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Locality in Language the Focus of Inaugural Lecture
Professor Jochen Zeller.Click here for isiZulu version
The presentation of an inaugural lecture is a significant milestone in an academic’s career, and so it was for Professor Jochen Zeller, a Professor of Linguistics within UKZN’s School of Arts when he spoke on: Locality in Language.
Zeller’s areas of research include the syntax of natural language; African languages (especially Bantu); language in South Africa; and language and cognition.
‘The problem with my kind of linguistics is that it is not easy to explain,’ said Zeller. ‘People don’t think of language as something that can be studied scientifically. They don’t conceive of language as a complex mental knowledge system, which is characterised by underlying rules and principles that can be formally defined, and about which we can formulate hypotheses that make testable predictions.’
However, this is exactly the kind of work he does. Working mainly in an area of linguistics called syntax, in his lecture he chose to focus on one important syntactic principle, Locality, which has relevance for many phenomena in many different languages, and which has also played an important role in his research. He used this Locality principle to show how syntacticians think and reason about language, what research methods they use, and how they develop theoretical ideas based on linguistic data from different languages.
Zeller’s lecture dealt with human language, focusing on some of its properties that are syntactic in nature, ie constituent structure, a property called displacement, productivity and recursion.
Zeller explained and explored the Locality principle that restricts syntactic operations, highlighting the significance of cross-linguistic research, and showing how the interaction of two different versions of Locality, explains findings from an experimental syntax study he recently conducted.
In conclusion Zeller said, ‘I hope to have shown that syntactic analysis leads to hypotheses about (possibly universal) computational properties of human language and that studying syntax reveals fundamental properties of the mental knowledge system we call “language”.
‘I also hope to have shown that syntax presents a window into the human mind and that syntacticians use different (quantitative and qualitative) methods to answer different research questions,’ he added.
Words: Jennene Naidu
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .