Professor John Receives Prestigious International Award

Professor Vaughn John and his prize.

Professor Vaughn John from the School of Education at the University of KwaZulu-Natal was inducted into the International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame (IACEHOF) during a ceremony in Florence, Italy, on 8 November 2024.

This Hall of Fame serves as a distinguished tribute to the remarkable leaders in Continuing Education and Adult learning. Established in 1993 and located at the College for Continuing Education at the University of Oklahoma, USA, the IACEHOF acknowledges the significant achievements of these individuals and inspires future leaders in this important field. According to the Hall of Fame, each honouree has fostered a vital connection between essential resources and enthusiastic learners, thereby solidifying their legacy within the industry. These innovative leaders passionately believe in the transformative power of education. They are all exemplary lifelong learners who have made lasting impressions on the students, institutions, and organisations they serve.

John was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his work in peace and justice education over the past three and a half decades. An extract of the citation read at the ceremony, states: ‘Educator and researcher Vaughn John is a leading figure in peace and justice education in Africa and beyond. A professor in the School of Education at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, he was recently appointed to the South African Research Chair: Peace and Justice Education. As an activist-scholar in a context of long histories of dehumanisation and extreme levels of violence and injustice, John seeks to harness education for peace, justice, and humanisation in southern Africa and more broadly. His major contribution is responsive, practical, and engaged scholarship in peace and justice education…’.

‘John maintains that adult education, including peace education, could be conceptualised as care work. His theorisation of adult education and learning in contexts of violence, fear, and trauma contribute to the many areas of critical praxis across disciplines and society. Amid growing violence and inequality in the world, John is the rare scholar who works to trouble violence to foster hope and humanisation.’

His induction into this prestigious global community, whose membership includes 429 members from 45 nations, is a recognition of his leadership in adult and continuing education in South Africa and internationally.

For more information on the IACEHOF, click here.

Words: NdabaOnline

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UKZN Diabetes Expert Honoured with Special Award at Diabetes Asia 2024 Conference

Professor Shahidul Islam was awarded the Special Award in Basic Research at the Diabetes Asia 2024 Conference.

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Professor Shahidul Islam, a Full Professor in Biochemistry and Academic Leader of the Biotechnology Cluster (Westville campus) within the School of Life Sciences, has received the prestigious and solo Special Award on Basic Research category at the Diabetes Asia 2024 Conference held from 17-19 October in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

This award is a testament to Professor Islam’s pioneering research and outstanding contributions to the field of diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Islam’s award came in recognition of his presentation on the “Effects and Molecular Mechanisms of Seaweed-Derived Bioactive Compounds on Diabetic Complications”, which was selected from about 30 distinguished oral presentations. His research, which delves into the therapeutic potentials of natural bioactive compounds from South African seaweeds for managing diabetes and its associated complications, stood out among a highly competitive field of international researchers.

The Diabetes Asia conference is one of the largest global platforms for diabetes research and featured prominent speakers and experts from around the world.

As a researcher with more than 20 years of experience, Islam’s work focuses on the development of innovative solutions for type 2 diabetes and obesity. His research spans various approaches, including but not limited to the development of novel and alternative animal model of type 2 diabetes and obesity, the investigation of the antidiabetic and anti-obesogenic effects of medicinal and functional foods, natural and artificial sugar substitutes, medicinal plant extracts, fractions and their isolated pure compounds, synthesised pure compounds as well underlying molecular mechanism of actions.

By exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying these substances’ effects, he is uncovering the potential pathways for novel therapeutic interventions in diabetes management. Because of the global impact nature of his research, Islam could successfully attract research collaborators from around the world including, but not limited to the USA, Australia, China, Switzerland, India, Japan, Nigeria, Tanzania and many more countries.

‘I am honoured to receive this award,’ said Islam. ‘It reflects not only the hard work of my research team but also the broader global effort to find sustainable, natural treatments for one of the most pressing global public health challenges of our time. This recognition motivates me to continue advancing research in this important area for the rest of my life.’

Islam’s path to this achievement has been shaped by an impressive academic career. He completed his BSc (Hons) and MSc in Biochemistry at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, before pursuing a PhD in Nutritional Science at Okayama University in Japan. His postdoctoral research took him to institutions in South Korea, South Africa, Switzerland and India. These international experiences broadened his expertise and positioned him as a leader in the field of diabetes and metabolic disease research. Consequently, he has been appointed as a Co-Editor-in-Chief of the World Journal of Diabetes along with two others from Australia and USA since 2021.

In addition to his research, Professor Islam is a dedicated educator and mentor, having supervised numerous postgraduate students at UKZN. His commitment to fostering the next generation of researchers has earned him multiple accolades, including the Distinguished Teachers’ Award in 2015 and several Top 30 Researcher awards from UKZN in 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2023. Due to his excellent and wider spread contribution at UKZN in research, teaching, and leadership, he was recently declared as the 2025 Fellow of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, which is one of the top-most honours for an academic at this Institution.

Islam’s significant contributions to scientific knowledge are reflected in his extensive publication record, with over 220 research articles and 14 book chapters to his name. His work is widely cited, and his influence extends globally through his roles as an editor and reviewer for numerous high-impact journals in the fields of pharmacology, nutrition and diabetes research.

His research also highlights the growing importance of alternative therapies in the management of chronic diseases like diabetes. The use of seaweed-derived bioactive compounds, which was a key focus of his award-winning presentation, is part of a broader trend in the scientific exploration of natural products as viable therapeutic options. With diabetes affecting millions worldwide, Professor Islam’s work offers hope for developing more effective, accessible and sustainable treatments.

Islam’s award is not only a personal achievement but also brings international recognition to UKZN as a hub for cutting-edge research in the life sciences. It adds to his impressive list of honours, including recognition from the Korean Endocrine Society, the Japan Diabetes Society and the International Diabetes Federation. As a researcher holding a C1 rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa, he continues to inspire both his peers and students with his dedication to advancing knowledge in the fight against diabetes.

Words: Sally Frost

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School of Education Part of BANKSETA Skills for the Future Programme

Professor Phumlani Myende addressing learners as part of the BANKSETA Skills for the Future Programme at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

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UKZN’s School of Education, in partnership with Banking Sector Education and Training Authority (BANKSETA), launched a comprehensive skills development programme for Grade 12 learners in a ground-breaking initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide and preparing learners for the workforce.

This initiative, made possible through facilitation by the UKZN Foundation, focuses on digital literacy, work readiness and career counselling, and targets underprivileged learners from rural schools in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), empowering them with skills needed to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

The project was headed by Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning Professor Thabo Msibi acting as the Senior Project Manager, together with Project Manager Professor Phumlani Myende of the School of Education.

Said Myende, ‘The first and second successful programme implementation of the Skills for the Future Programme in Limpopo in 2021 and 2022 saw 300 learners from 10 schools being empowered in digital literacy, work readiness and career counselling. This programme has demonstrated the School of Education’s capacity to deliver impactful educational interventions. With the Limpopo track record, the School has attracted funding to replicate and even enhance these achievements in KwaZulu-Natal, and 80 Grade 12 learners from the Pinetown District are enrolled in the programme this year.’

The recent participating schools in KZN are KwaDinabakubo, Thokoza Mnganga, Khabazela and Dick Ndlovu secondary schools.

The digital literacy component of the programme was designed to equip learners with essential knowledge and skills in high-demand areas such as computer systems, architecture, word processing, spreadsheet management, database systems and coding. ‘These skills are crucial for learners to navigate and excel in during the digital age, particularly as they consider careers in the banking sector and other technology-driven industries,’ said Myende.

The programme also introduced learners to advanced software and application development concepts, focusing on fundamental programming principles, software engineering and problem-solving. The programme aims to prepare learners to compete effectively in a global market by fostering creativity and innovation.

A unique aspect of this programme is the extended mentoring initiative, facilitated in partnership with the Community Development Association Foundation (CDAF). This initiative aims to pair learners with university students who excel in their studies, including those in the banking sector. Mentors will provide ongoing support and guidance, helping learners navigate their educational and career journeys from the initiative’s start until they complete their tertiary training or enter the workforce.

The participating learners were presented with certificates of competence and attendance by UKZN. There are also plans to launch an alumni club for the learners, which will serve as a platform for continuous interaction between learners, facilitators and mentors in order to track and support their progress.

Words: Melissa Mungroo

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School of Law Partners with Traditional Communities to Promote Rural Access to Justice

Street Law students with their lecturer, Dr Janine Hicks (fourth from left) and Mr Ndabezinhle Masinga (far right).

As part of the Street Law module, UKZN final-year Law students are required to undertake a 25-hour community outreach programme, to raise awareness on human rights and the law, and remedies available to communities. The initiative is part of the module, taught by Dr Janine Hicks aimed at equipping Law students with theoretical underpinnings of and practical skills in using participatory methodology to communicate legal and human rights information to diverse communities.

This year, a team of students participated in a joint initiative with the Mpungose Traditional Authority (MTA) - a local traditional authority based in the rural communities adjacent to Eshowe, falling under the leadership of a traditional leader, Inkosi Thandisizwe Mpungose. Hicks explained that since 2023, Street Law students have been conducting training and awareness workshops with MTA court officials on how to respond to community legal issues such as ukuthwala (abduction for marriage,) using traditional court structures and processes.

‘Our students train court officials and izinduna on substantive content of law pertaining to the chosen topic, and on court procedures, and prepare these stakeholders to run a mock trial on the topic. These interventions serve to demonstrate to officials the practical application of law, and to pilot the newly-developed software package designed by Inkosi Mpungose to digitise traditional court proceedings, as these courts are brought into the formal legal system under the newly adopted Traditional Courts Act,’ she said.

In this year’s programme, the team chose to prepare the MTA stakeholders to conduct a Mock Trial on a rape case. The scenario entailed demonstrating to traditional community stakeholders the elements of a rape case that could be dealt with in this forum, noting that traditional courts do not have jurisdiction to hear criminal trials, such as in a rape case. Stakeholders also learned about the complementary roles of the National Prosecution Authority and SAPS, in investigating and prosecuting such cases, and how best to refer these cases and lend support to survivors.

Law student and Programme Coordinator Ms Amanda Mbhele said she learned a lot from this experience: ‘I now have first-hand experience of how the traditional courts work and the kind of cases they can deal with. Being a Law student has exposed me to how the Magistrates, High, Supreme Court of Appeal and Constitutional courts operate, but being a part of this ground-breaking initiative has broadened my perspective of the Justice system. It has highlighted the importance of working together to get positive convictions.’

Words: NdabaOnline

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Business Breakfast Explores the Global Tech Landscape

Geopolitics of Technology Business Breakfast.

The Discipline of Information Systems and Technology in the School of Management, Information Technology and Governance, in partnership with the Durban Chamber of Commerce, hosted a business breakfast as a cybersecurity awareness month initiative.

The event, themed: “The Geopolitics of Technology - Exploring the Global Technology Landscape”, brought together experts from India, Kenya, the European Union, and South Africa to discuss the interplay between technological innovation and national security.

The panel facilitated by Professor Manoj Maharaj included Dr Kiru Pillay, Ms Nanjira Sambuli, Dr Nishal Khusial, Ms Chloe Teevan, Mr Lucien Pierce, and Dr Saroj Bhishoyi.

Sambuli, a researcher, policy analyst and strategist, provided an African perspective on tech geopolitics where she noted that as technology emerges, Africa is positioning itself to not only consume but also innovate.

‘We’re not just passive participants; Africa is actively shaping technology’s trajectory, therefore, we must build resilient infrastructure and invest in homegrown tech talent to fortify Africa’s presence in tech geopolitics,’ she said.

This event served as a unique platform to discuss emerging global technology trends and the challenges facing both the tech industry and policymakers. Pillay, Chief Director of Cybersecurity Operations in South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), highlighted the influence of emerging technologies such as AI and space exploration in shaping global treaties.

‘These technologies require nations to balance technological advancements with international security and co-operation, because as technology redefines borders and influence, the stakes in digital diplomacy grow higher, with new challenges emerging around data privacy, cybersecurity, and global stability,’ he stated. He pointed out how tech giants such as Apple - whose market capitalisation surpasses the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of many countries - wield considerable political influence.

‘We are in an era where tech companies are no longer just business entities but also political players,’ he said, alluding to how their reach impacts everything from consumer rights to the privacy policies of entire nations.

Delving into the synergy between technological innovation and governance was Khusial, Chief Technology Officer and Digital Platform Leader, Conlog (Pty) Ltd, who argued that ‘the relationship between “new” technological innovations and regulatory governance is one of constant tension, where both the private sector and governments must adapt quickly to protect user rights, national security, and fair-trade practices.’

His remarks highlighted the challenge for policymakers to stay ahead of innovation and to develop governance models that respond swiftly to technological shifts.

Providing the Europe and India perspective were Tevaan and Bhishoyi, where Teevan examined how the European Union (EU) has taken a strong stance on digital sovereignty and regulating big tech to maintain competitiveness and protect its citizens’ digital rights. She highlighted the EU’s recent actions, such as the Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act, which have implications well beyond Europe. Bishoyi highlighted India’s aspirations for technological independence, especially in light of pandemic-driven supply chain disruptions.

Pierce, Managing Director at Phukubje Pierce Masithela Attorneys (PPM), whose portfolio focuses on the commercial and regulatory aspects of telecommunications, media, and technology, concluded with a call for stronger national policies to protect South Africa’s digital assets and to invest in local tech talent, ensuring that South Africa maintains control over its technological resources, thus highlighting the importance of digital and technological sovereignty for South Africa, warning against the risk of a “digital land-grab” by foreign powers.

Words: Ayanda Radebe

Photographs: Andile Ndlovu

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UKZN Backs Manor Gardens Revitalisation Project, Urging Student and Property Owner Involvement

UKZN’s Howard College overlooks the Manor Gardens area.

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The Manor Gardens Ratepayers and Residents Association (MGRRA) is collaborating with UKZN to support a community revitalisation project near the University’s Howard College campus. In alignment with UKZN’s strategic goal of enhancing the student experience, this initiative seeks to uplift the Manor Gardens suburb, a hub for many UKZN students living in rental accommodation.

Founded to serve the needs of Manor Gardens residents, the MGRRA aims to address urban decay and advocates for fair municipal policies. Driven by a strong sense of civic pride, the association encourages dialogue among ratepayers and residents through membership, promoting an understanding of civic issues and fostering social cohesion among property owners, tenants, and local workers.

In response to a rise in muggings, theft, and general crime, the MGRRA partnered with Community Policing Forums (CPFs), private security providers, the South African Police Service, and the Metro Police to install security cameras throughout the area. While effective, these security measures have been costly and challenging to maintain, leading the association to seek more sustainable funding solutions. This effort has included pursuing the Special Rating Area (SRA) policy, mandated by eThekwini Municipality under Section 22 of the Municipal Property Rates Act. With a mixed-use SRA model, all properties, including both residential and business, would share in the costs, contributing to enhanced community safety and infrastructure.

Due to the complex nature of the SRA process, in the interim, a Manor Gardens Urban Improvement Precinct (MGUIP) has been established as a solution to managing the policy requirements. Chairperson of the MGUIP Steering Committee, Mr Shaun Kruger, a UKZN lecturer within the School of Law, explained that the voting process for the SRA requires 66+1% of residents and 50%+1 of local businesses to be in favour. ‘Since we required so many votes, our Committee and the co-opted members of the Manor Gardens community worked tirelessly to contact property owners by phone, social media, and door-to-door visits, and I am glad to say, it has paid off and we have the necessary number of votes,’ said Kruger. ‘With the establishment of the Manor Gardens Urban Improvement Precinct (MGUIP), we aim to improve safety and quality of life for all who live and work in Manor Gardens, enhancing property values and fostering environmental sustainability and community cohesion.’

‘The steering committee will now apply formally to eThekwini Municipality for the establishment of the SRA,’ said Kruger. The MGUIP will be run by an SRA Management Company, a non-profit organisation, with a MGUIP manager and administrator appointed to oversee its initiatives. ‘The MGUIP will sign a three-year finance agreement with the city, and annual general meetings will ensure continued community involvement,’ Kruger added.

MGUIP Steering Committee Secretary Ms Deidre Taylor urged the community to rally behind the project, emphasising the need for student and accommodation owner participation. ‘Events like the recent Bring and Braai and Information Day not only fund security efforts but also unite residents, helping secure votes for the MGUIP,’ said Taylor. ‘We want to make Manor Gardens safe for all who live here, from residents to students and renters alike.’

Kruger expressed gratitude to the Steering Committee for their commitment and hard work in getting the required votes, and although the process of establishing the SRA is not completed, it is definitely a step in the right direction.

For more information on the MGUIP, click here.

Words: Hlengiwe Khwela

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UKZN Computer Science Honours Students Shine

Mr Kival Mahadew, Mr Akshay Maharaj and Mr Dylan Govender.

The exceptional achievement of two outstanding Computer Science Honours students, Mr Kival Mahadew and Mr Dylan Govender, is being celebrated within the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science.

Mahadew and Govender, representing the University of KwaZulu-Natal with their teammate, Mr Akshay Maharaj from the University of Cape Town, were among the eight finalists of the prestigious AI-for-Impact Hackathon hosted by Africa 2 Silicon Valley (A2SV) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

This is a remarkable achievement, considering the event attracted nearly 5 000 registrations from students across 1 000+ universities and high schools in 48 African countries.

The multi-stage Hackathon involved participating in workshops and developing an AI-focused application with societal impact. Throughout their journey, the group was guided by an internationally renowned mentor. They participated in the quarter-finals and won a place in the semi-finals that was contested by the top 32 projects. The group then won a place amongst just eight teams to contest the finals at the event in Ethiopia.

Their project, LangGuin, is an AI-powered pronunciation correction tool aimed to transform language learning, a blend of technical excellence and innovation combined with social relevance.

The hackathon was not only about competition. The team had the unique opportunity to pitch their idea to technology experts and business professionals, gaining valuable insights and feedback. They also engaged with global leaders like Google and Palantir, interacted with investors, and presented their work to a national audience.

The Dean and Head of the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, Professor Serestina Viriri, praised their accomplishment: ‘Kival, Dylan and Akshay represent a fine example of the talent, creativity, and technical excellence we cultivate within our School and at our Institution. Their project, LangGuin, harnesses AI technology to serve a broader social purpose within the African continent and embodies our aspiration to produce research for social impact.’

Academic Leader for Computer Science, Dr Edgar Jembere, further shared: ‘These students have led by example and demonstrated the immense potential of using technology to solve real-world problems. Their innovative approach, technical expertise and determination are characteristics we strive to foster amongst our students at UKZN. I am highly optimistic about the future advancements these young innovators will contribute to advancing the discipline and society in general.’

Words: NdabaOnline

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Conference Proposes Innovative Solutions for Efficient Service Delivery in South Africa

Attendees at the Public Innovation, Development and Sustainability conference.

The Conference on Public Innovation, Development and Sustainability took place at the Garden Court Conference Centre in Durban, under the theme: “Rethinking Innovation and Development in the (Post)-Crisis World”, as an outcome of a three-year venture labelled as Project 3 of the Viability and Validation of Innovation for Service Delivery Programme (VVISDP).

This project is implemented by the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

VVISDP is the initiative of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) implemented in partnership with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), funded by the National Treasury of South Africa and the European Union Sector Budget Support Programme that seeks to help municipalities pilot technology and innovations that could assist them in improving basic service delivery.

The Conference on Public Innovation, Development and Sustainability interrogates the role of innovation in responding to the recent crises, ranging from financial to political spheres, that have struck the world since the Great Recession of 2008 with huge and long-lasting impacts on the economies of both developed and developing countries. The conference brought together stakeholders from different sectors including, but not necessarily limited to academia, government officials, and the private sector, to share ideas and collaborate on the utilities of innovation as primer of- and implementor for improved delivery of basic services.

Professor Ernest Nene Khalema, the Dean and Head of School at the UKZN School of Built Environment and Development Studies (SOBEDS), emphasised the significance of the platforms that assemble different stakeholders to converge on ideas envisioned.

Professor Sithembiso Myeni from the School of Built Environment and Development Studies (SOBEDS) emphasised the significance of collaboration across different sectors in addressing societal issues. ‘This conference marks a critical moment for our collective journey to re-imagine the future of public innovation grounded on the co-creation and co-production of knowledge,’ he said.

Dr Tshepang Mosiea, Chief Director of Innovation for Inclusive Development at the DSI, shared the same sentiments, affirming the need for research to enrich decision-making and provide evidence-based policies in government. ‘I think we have found a formula for partnership and a way to work with academia and come to a space where we can co-create ideas and discuss research, development and innovation in the context of policy formulation,’ he said.

Transforming public institutions occupied centre stage as Nora Clinton, Head of Mission-Oriented Innovation Network at the University College London (UCL) Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, shared insights on the necessity for rethinking, reforming and renewing the state and mandate in the facing the evolution of grand societal challenges. Paramount to this transformation process is the missions-oriented approach premised on creating sustainable public value. The missions-oriented approach entails breaking down grand societal challenges into their constituents and creating policies to guide those objectives towards addressing the broader challenges.

Progress thus far and future trends in the context of South Africa’s Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy were presented as Dr Mlungisi Cele, Chief Executive Officer of the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACi), unpacked the STI vision of enabling sustainable and inclusive development in this changing world. He emphasised the need to strengthen the National System of Innovation (NSI) and continued desire to support the institutions to build and develop research capacity and high-end scarce skills.

On the other hand, Professor Johan Schot, from the Centre for Global Challenges at Utrecht University, emphasised transformative change through Transformative Innovation Policy as a path for aligning STI policies with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and bringing policies that focus on systems’ change.

Councillor Nkosenhle Madlala highlighted the important avenues that eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality has taken to embrace and integrate innovation through automation. Innovation has the potential to promote legitimacy, trust and transparency in decision making as a workshop on e-Participation in South African Municipalities hosted on the sidelines of the conference illustrated. In addition, this workshop aimed to advance and align community participation and channel the proliferation of information and communication technologies across media and demographics to enhance community engagement.

The Organising Committee planned this meeting with different expectations based on the stakeholders invited. As a group, the conference participants exchanged ideas about themes and returned with innovative approaches and/ or renewed thoughts to their respective local institutions on how innovation can be used to improve and accelerate inclusive service delivery and democratic participation in South Africa through co-creation and co-production of knowledge. In particular, the researchers strengthened their collaboration across disciplines and fields of expertise between the academia and other stakeholders.

In doing so, they broke the perceived or real barriers between the researchers and the other stakeholders. Government officials contributed to the debates with their insiders’ knowledge of the challenges of service delivery and its expectations from intended beneficiaries as the primary policy objectives in different political manifestos and subsequent initiatives to honour those social contracts to discharge their obligations to their constituent communities.

They received evidence-based perspectives on the roles of innovation for service delivery and inclusive development. The private sector also contributed to the two-day debates with its own interpretation of the challenges of insufficient or absence of inclusive service delivery and development in their search for return on investment through public-private partnership.

Words: NdabaOnline

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Macroeconomics Research Unit Officially Launched at the 3rd International Biennial Macroeconomics Symposium

3rd International Biennial Macroeconomics Symposium (IBMS2024) participants.

The Macroeconomics Research Unit (MRU) recently hosted its 3rd International Biennial Macroeconomics Symposium (IBMS2024) and officially launched the Unit in Durban.

The two-day Symposium themed: ‘Economic Recovery Under Uncertainty: The Role of Fiscal and Monetary Policy’ featured over 40 papers presented by academics, postgraduate students, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and practitioners from all over Africa seeking to understand the role of fiscal and monetary policy in the country’s economic recovery process, as well as how uncertainty influences the ability to co-ordinate fiscal and monetary policy.

South African Reserve Bank Chair of Monetary Economics at the University of Pretoria, Professor Nicola Viegi, and Professor of Economics at Stellenbosch University, Professor Guangling Liu, were the event’s keynote speakers.

“Trouble Every Day: Monetary Policy in South Africa” was the title of Viegi’s address. It focused on the surprises, information, risk and monetary shocks related to the country’s monetary policy.

“Monetary Policy Shocks and Inflation: The Impact of Backed vs. Unbacked Public Debt in a Policy Mix Regime” was the title of Liu’s address. It focused on inflation: monetary vs fiscal; International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS): Monetary policy shock, welfare and efficiency policy frontier.

There are two significant research outputs that are expected from this Symposium:

• Selected papers will be published in a special edition of the African Journal of Governance and Development.
• Some selected papers will be published in an edited book titled: Economic recovery under uncertainty: The role of fiscal and monetary policy which is also the theme of the Symposium.

The inaugural macroeconomics symposium was held in 2021 under the theme: “Unemployment, Growth and Inflation: Lessons from COVID-19”. The second macroeconomics symposium was held in 2023 under the theme: “Rethinking Macroeconomics post COVID-19”.

The Symposium was followed by the official launch of the MRU which is a Unit comprising of academics and postgraduate students whose mission is to advance and develop research in this field. The Unit’s pioneering macroeconomics research output is expected to lead to well-informed policy decisions and implementation and to also be published in leading journals. The Unit was established in 2018 and officially launched in 2024 by UKZN’s Dean of Research (Acting), Professor Neil Koorbanally, and College of Law and Management Studies Deputy-Vice Chancellor and Head (Acting), Professor Managay Reddi, who applauded the researchers for their valuable knowledge contribution to the University and the world.

‘The University has recognised that our role has to be nuanced. We can no longer afford to be insulated from the communities in whose midst we are located. Our sustainability depends not only on our research outputs and the number of graduates we produce but, more importantly, on whether our graduates can make a difference to society. I want to congratulate the conference organisers for their acumen in choosing a theme that powerfully reflects the most pressing issues our society must resolve if peace and prosperity are our communal goals,’ said Reddi.

The Unit’s achievements include partnering with eThekwini Municipality and the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) in 2022 to come up with the Durban Business Confidence Index (BCI) which is the first business confidence index for any metro in South Africa. In the partnership, eThekwini Municipality is the funder while DCCI is responsible for the administrative function of the project, and UKZN’s MRU is a technical partner. The first Durban BCI was launched in the third quarter of 2022. Since then, the index has been produced quarterly without fail. MRU is still looking for potential funders to supplement the funding from the Municipality and would like to also include postgraduate students and postdoctoral research fellows in the project, if funds are available.

MRU co-ordinates research seminar presentations for Academics and postgraduate students in the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance where they meet once every week to share their respective research findings. The Unit has also organised many workshops aimed at equipping academics and postgraduate students with contemporary research techniques. These include workshops on Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) modelling using the Rationality in Switching Environments (RISE) Toolbox; Bayesian Econometrics; Introduction to R; and many others.

Words: NdabaOnline

Photograph: Nkosikhona Gcabashe

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Symposium Platforms Postgraduate Student Research

The 14th College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science Postgraduate Research and Innovation Symposium focused on Energy Sustainability with presentations from Eskom’s Dr Mteto Nyati, uMngeni-uThukela’s Dr Ntsapokazi Deppa, and 181 UKZN students.

The College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science hosted its 14^th Postgraduate Research and Innovation Symposium (PRIS) on 29 and 30 October at the Coastlands Hotel, Musgrave - the second off-campus edition of this event.

This year’s theme centred on Energy Sustainability. Approximately 400 delegates attended, and 181 students from all five Schools presented their research in oral or flash presentation sessions, with prizes to the value of R207 000 awarded to the best-performing students.

Welcoming delegates, UKZN Dean of Research, Professor Neil Koorbanally, highlighted the opportunity for students to showcase their research and gain experience in presenting their work.

Koorbanally highlighted the continual improvement of the PRIS event, particularly the sense of an international conference hosting the event off-campus conferred and the high standard of the student presentations and research at UKZN.

Koorbanally encouraged students to seize the opportunity to listen to presentations from different disciplines to their own, engage with industry representatives, and network with academic supervisors.

CAES Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Fhatuwani Mudau, opened proceedings on behalf of Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nana Poku.

‘This annual event serves as a hallmark of our commitment to fostering an environment of innovation and academic excellence at the University of KwaZulu-Natal,’ said Mudau, emphasising the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in shaping the future of research and innovation and showcasing the opportunities available for students as they transition from academia to professional work.

The opening keynote was presented by the Chairman of the Board of Eskom, Dr Mteto Nyati, who focused on what made for a successful turnaround strategy at the embattled power utility.

An alumnus of the University’s Discipline of Mechanical Engineering, Nyati emphasised that challenges like rolling blackouts, and the provision of energy security are what scientists and engineers are there for. He encouraged students to consider the societal impact of their work.

After the opening session, students from the College’s five Schools (Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Science (SAEES); Chemistry and Physics (SCP); Engineering; Life Sciences; and Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science) presented a range of diverse research in parallel sessions.

These presentations were assessed by internal academics and external stakeholders. uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW) Scientific Services Executive, Dr Ntsapokazi Deppa gave a guest lecture on “Green Initiatives and Skills in the Water Sector”, presenting UUW’s perspective.

Deppa spoke about UUW’s multiple approaches to develop the skills necessary to contribute to the development of an environmentally sustainable, climate-change resilient, low-carbon economy and just South African society.

The gala dinner on the evening of 29 October provided attendees with more chances to engage with one another, enjoy entertainment provided by Drumshack Experience, and hear more about UKZN’s leadership in energy sustainability thanks to a presentation from Professor Andrew Swanson from the Centre for Power and Energy Systems. He focused on the complexities of moving energy in space and time, touching on integrating renewable energy and improving the efficiency of moving energy.

The evening was also enhanced with the presentation of several lucky draw prizes and the acknowledgement of the vital support of sponsors and industry partners.

The industry session on the second day provided the platform for hosting the third UUW Chair in Water Resources Research and Innovation Research Symposium, chaired by incumbent Chair Professor Jeff Smithers.

The session was designed around diverse research themes within the Chair’s ambit, including flood studies and water supply, water governance and citizen science, and water, effluent, and sludge treatment. Dr Deppa presented the keynote address in this session, and 16 presentations were made at the symposium by students and researchers in the Schools of Built Environment and Development Studies, SCP, SAEES, and Engineering.

Seven external sponsors and 54 internal partners contributed to proceedings and student prizes, and eight exhibitors demonstrated what their organisations offer and what services they provide to the University and broader society.

The event concluded with a prize-giving session where the top two presentations from each School in both the oral and flash presentation categories were rewarded, with a special prize in each category, per School, based on voting from the audience for the research that demonstrated the most significant societal impact. Several lucky draw prizes were also awarded by sponsors, including Eskom and UKZN’s ICS division.

Words: Christine Cuénod

Photographs: Yola Ndzabe

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Life Sciences Professor Awarded the 2024 Elsdon-Dew Medal by the Parasitological Society of Southern Africa

Emeritus Professor Sam Mukaratirwa receives the Elsdon-Dew Medal from Professor Kerry Hadfield Malherbe, President of the Parasitological Society of Southern Africa.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is proud to announce that Emeritus Professor Samson Mukaratirwa, former Dean and Head of the School of Life Sciences and a distinguished academic, veterinarian, and researcher in the field of biomedical sciences, has been awarded the prestigious Elsdon-Dew Medal by the Parasitological Society of Southern Africa.

This honour recognises his outstanding contributions to the field of parasitology, particularly in the study and management of parasitic zoonoses and vector-borne diseases in sub-Saharan Africa.

Mukaratirwa has dedicated much of his career to advancing knowledge on neglected parasitic diseases, which have significant public health and economic impacts in Africa. His research spans multiple areas, including the taxonomy, pathology, and epidemiology of helminth infections, as well as the vectors and vector-borne diseases affecting both animals and humans.

His work has had a profound influence on understanding the interplay between animal health, human health, and environmental factors in the context of Africa’s unique challenges.

An advocate for the One Health approach, Mukaratirwa integrates the importance of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in his research, ensuring that the cultural and social dynamics of affected communities are considered in disease prevention and control strategies. His work also addresses the impact of climate change on the livelihoods of resource-poor populations in sub-Saharan Africa, making his contributions both timely and crucial.

Beyond his research, Mukaratirwa is deeply committed to capacity building. He has mentored numerous postgraduate students throughout his career, fostering the next generation of veterinarians, academics and researchers.

His dedication to teaching is evident through his roles at institutions such as the University of Zimbabwe, UKZN, and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in the West Indies.

The Elsdon-Dew Medal is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to parasitology in southern Africa.

Words: Sally Frost

Photograph: Supplied

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AmaQhawe Triumphs in the 2024 Blind Cricket Heritage Cup

The winning team AmaQhawe, with UKZN lecturer Dr Khumbuzile Khumalo.

Blind cricket in KwaZulu-Natal and across South Africa reached a new milestone with the recent Heritage Cup, where visually impaired cricketers showcased exceptional talent and determination.

Organised by the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal Association for Blind Cricket (KZNABC) and the KwaZulu-Natal Society for the Blind (KZNSB), the tournament recently unfolded at the Chatsworth Cricket Oval, Durban. Originally scheduled as a three-day event, it was condensed into a single day of high-energy competition due to adverse weather.

Five teams participated: AmaQhawe, Scorpions, Umbilo Giant Killers, Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), and Van Der Stel. In a thrilling final, AmaQhawe defended their title against Umbilo Giant Killers, winning by five wickets with just one ball remaining. The champions clinched the victory with a score of 85/5 in 7.5 overs, solidifying their place as the 2024 Heritage Cup victors.

The tournament also recognised outstanding individual performances, including Best Bowler (Luthando Naki, AmaQhawe), Best Female Player (Zodwa Mankenkeza, Umbilo Giant Killers), and Best Male Player (Tebza Moloisane, Umbilo Giant Killers). TUT claimed third place, while Umbilo Giant Killers received silver medals for their efforts.

Dr Khumbuzile Khumalo, a UKZN lecturer, expressed deep admiration for blind cricket, urging greater support from communities and sponsors for visually impaired athletes. She acknowledged Professor Rowena Naidoo’s support for the event, underscoring the significance of raising awareness and accessibility for blind cricket.

Mr Ndumiso Nyawose, President of KZN Blind Cricket, praised the Heritage Cup’s success, highlighting its role in promoting blind cricket nationwide. He extended gratitude to the sponsors, including Mondi Group, Oasis Water, Spar Kingsmead, UKZN, Dolphins Cricket Union, Chatsworth Cricket Club, KZNSB, the KZN Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Ashraful Aid, and others for their invaluable contributions to the tournament’s success.

Looking to 2025, Nyawose anticipates an even larger and more competitive Heritage Cup, as blind cricket continues to grow and inspire in KZN.

Honours in Biokinetics, Exercise and Leisure Science students, Mr Michael Radebe and Ms Sphumelele Dlamini, supported the tournament as part of the medical team and scorers. They reflected on the event as ‘an insightful experience,’ highlighting valuable lessons in adaptive sports and the importance of tailored support for players with varying visual impairments.

Mr Mathula Dlamini, KwaZulu-Natal Society for the Blind’s Sports, Arts, and Recreation Coordinator, celebrated the event’s success, noting, ‘This tournament brings incredible development potential for blind cricket at municipal, provincial, and national levels, especially in underprivileged areas. All clubs share the vision of advancing blind cricket, and our sponsors played a crucial role in making this tournament a success.’

The KZN Society for the Blind extended gratitude to all participants, volunteers, and supporters, emphasising their commitment to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate and grow through sports.

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photograph: Supplied

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Professor Proudly Inducted as UKZN Fellow

Professor Radhamany Sooryamoorthy.

Professor Radhamany Sooryamoorthy, Professor of Sociology in the College of Humanities, has been inducted as a Fellow of the UKZN. 

The fellowship is one of UKZN’s most prestigious honours, awarded to academics who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to research excellence and outstanding service to the University community. The award recognises individuals whose research achievements have significantly contributed to advancing knowledge across disciplines while enhancing the University’s reputation.

Sooryamoorthy joined the then-University of Natal (now UKZN) in 2002 and worked through the ranks to become a full professor in 2012. He worked in the Sociology of Science, Computer-Mediated Communication, and Disciplinary Studies by employing scientometric methods and visualisation techniques.

His twenty-third book: African Societies: The Changing Sociological Landscape, was published this year. His books have been published by Cambridge University Press, Oxford University Press, Greenwood Press, Sage, Zed Books, Routledge, and Palgrave Macmillan, among others.

He is credited with supervising the first PhD in Homeopathic Science in South Africa. Since 2017, he has been a Research Fellow of the Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology (CREST), Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

Sooryamoorthy said, ‘I am privileged to be awarded this honour and to be part of the community of Fellows at the University. This recognition fuels my determination to work tirelessly for the Institution and make meaningful contributions to advancing knowledge of Africa.’

Words: NdabaOnline

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Professor Sabiha Essack Wins Prestigious Christiana Figueres Policy to Practice

Distinguished Professor Sabiha Essack.

Professor Sabiha Essack, South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) holder in Antibiotic Resistance and One Health, Professor in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and Honorary Professor of Pharmacy at the University of Jordan, has been awarded the distinguished Christiana Figueres Policy to Practice Award.

This prestigious accolade, part of the Applied Microbiology International (AMI) Horizon Awards, recognises Essack’s exceptional contributions to bridging the gap between scientific research and policy, particularly in the realm of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The Christiana Figueres Policy to Practice Award celebrates individuals who have not only excelled in scientific research but have also successfully translated their findings into practical and impactful solutions to real-world challenges. The award highlights Essack’s dedication to utilising microbiological insights to inform and shape effective strategies that address the pressing global issue of AMR. ‘We are so delighted to be able to present this well-deserved award to Dr Essack in recognition of all the vital work that she has carried out to address the challenges of antimicrobial resistance,’ said Dr Lucy Harper, Director of AMI.

Essack’s illustrious career is marked by numerous accolades and roles at both national and international levels. Having served as a Wellcome Trust Research Fellow, she undertook research training for her PhD at St Bartholomew’s and the Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry in the UK and has been a leading figure in the field of AMR through her research, advisory roles, and policy guidance. Her work has informed policies and strategies for AMR prevention and containment across the globe, and she has published extensively in high-impact scientific journals.

A pioneer in AMR research, Essack established the Antimicrobial Research Unit at UKZN and has secured several research grants from prestigious organisations such as the Wellcome Trust, Joint Programming Initiative on AMR (JPI AMR), the World Health Organization (WHO), Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), UK Medical Research Council (MRC), Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare (FORTE), Oppenheimer Memorial Trust, South African MRC, as well as the National Research Foundation (NRF) investigating strategies and policies for the prevention and containment of AMR. Her research is published in several high-impact journals and presented at a number of national and international conferences.

Beyond her research, Essack plays a significant role in various international organisations dedicated to combating AMR. She is co-chair of the Quadripartite Technical Group on Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Integrated Surveillance (QTG-AIS), Senior Implementation Research Advisor at the International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS) in Denmark, member of the WHO Strategic and Technical Advisory Group for Antimicrobial Resistance (STAG-AMR), member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Joint Programming Initiative on AMR (JPIAMR) in Sweden, member of the International Pharmacy Federation (FIP) AMR Commission at The Hague in The Netherlands and member of the Wellcome Trust Surveillance and Epidemiology of Drug Resistant Infections Consortium (SEDRIC) in the UK.

Essack is chairperson of the Global Respiratory Infection Partnership (GRIP), vice chairperson of the AMR Insights AMR Ambassadors Network and serves on the Advisory Board of the Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator (CARB-X) in the US and the Fleming Fund Expert Advisory Group in the UK.

She previously served as Vice Chairperson of the South African Ministerial Advisory Committee on AMR, the FIP Working Group on AMR, the South African Chapter of the Global Antibiotic Resistance Partnership (GARP) and the South African Antibiotic Stewardship Programme (SAASP). Essack is the founder of the South African Chapter of the Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics (APUA). All of these positions enable her to inform policy, develop policy implementation guidance and evaluate policy at global, regional and national levels.

Essack is an exemplary champion for AMR mitigation and strongly advocates for global and domestic resource mobilisation and capacity strengthening to alleviate the AMR burden in low-and-middle-income countries. She has successfully supervised master’s and PhD students from Cameroon, Eswatini, Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Sudan, Uganda and Zimbabwe, contributing to the creation of a critical mass of African researchers with the knowledge and skills to address AMR in their country contexts. She has a substantive footprint in Africa.

Essack’s current research focuses on three key areas to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR):

1. Prevention and Containment Strategies: Developing evidence-based approaches through the One Health framework, which considers the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Her research includes monitoring antibiotic use, identifying risk factors for resistant bacteria, and enhancing infection prevention and control measures such as water sanitation and hygiene (WASH), good husbandry practices, and biosecurity.
2. Molecular Epidemiology and Pathogenomics: Utilising advanced techniques like whole genome sequencing and bioinformatics to study the genetic characteristics of resistant bacteria. This work helps trace resistance genes, understand bacterial evolution, and identify targets for intervention.
3. Health Policy and Systems Strengthening: Advising on policies and health system improvements to enhance infection management and stewardship, supporting effective responses to AMR at both national and global levels.

The Christiana Figueres Policy to Practice Award is a testament to Essack’s leadership and dedication to translating scientific knowledge into actionable policy. Her work has not only elevated the global understanding of AMR but has also paved the way for sustainable solutions to combat this growing threat.

Words: MaryAnn Francis

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Three Minute Thesis Competition Triumph for Mathematician

Mr Shimon Corcos at the 3MT competition.

Mr Shimon Corcos, a PhD candidate in the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, achieved first place at the National Three-Minute Thesis Competition (3MT) for a presentation that described the sober property in hyperspaces, an important facet of his research in mathematical topology.

The 3MT is an annual competition held in 200 universities around the world for the participation of PhD and master’s students who must present their research in just 180 seconds to an audience unfamiliar with their research area. The University of the Free State hosted the South African edition; its Centre for Graduate Support was the first to bring the competition to Africa. UKZN’s Mr Alistair Marais from the College of Law and Management Studies earned fourth place.

Participating in the 3MT helps participants develop presentation, research, and academic communication skills and supports developing students’ ability to explain their work effectively. 

Corcos’ presentation on his PhD research focused on how he is combining topology and computer science, exploring when special geometric spaces called hyperspaces are sober - a property ensuring a clear mathematical relationship between their points and subsets. Sobriety is critical in ordered structures modelling angelic non-determinism, a theoretical computer science design principle for optimal decision-making processes.

Corcos discovered a unique phenomenon: if one of these hyperspaces is sober, all its parts must also be sober, a rare trait in non-Hausdorff mathematical spaces. These findings strengthen the mathematical foundation for computational systems and could advance research in abstract decision-making models, which Corcos aims to contribute to. Professor Dharmanand Baboolal and Dr Cerene Rathilal supervise his work.

The experience of competing alongside 20 other PhD students from 10 universities, whose research topics appeared far more comprehensible, was intimidating to Corcos, but his presentation, the only one in the discipline of Mathematics, received praise from fellow contestants and judges. He was complimented on the delivery of his presentation and translating a difficult concept into one that was engaging for listeners not familiar with mathematical topics; his feedback from judges included comments that it was the perfect example of a three-minute thesis presentation.

Corcos called the experience an amazing one and said hearing his name announced as the winner was surreal and prompted an emotional response and excitement amongst his UKZN colleagues. He enjoyed learning about the differences in PhD experiences at various universities and was encouraged by the congratulatory response he received across UKZN upon his return.

Corcos chose to study at UKZN because of its high national and international academic rankings. The convenience of staying close to home, an entrant scholarship awarded for academic excellence, and the flexibility of UKZN’s BSc programme also influenced his decision. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Honours in Mathematics summa cum laude, and his summa cum laude master’s research was upgraded to a PhD study upon the examiners’ recommendation, and Corcos has benefited from the strong rapport he has developed with lecturers and researchers in the discipline of Mathematics in strengthening his passion for and skill in mathematical research.

Corcos has presented his research at key conferences, including the Emerging Perspectives in Mathematics II and the 66th Annual Congress of the South African Mathematical Society. His presentation at UKZN’s 2023 Postgraduate Research and Innovation Symposium earned him first place in the oral presentation category. He was among 200 young researchers worldwide invited to the 10th Heidelberg Laureate Forum in Germany. 

Corcos has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Zac Yacoob Scholarship, Lawrence and Constance Robinson Scholarship, Townley Williams Scholarship, and UKZN Doctoral Research Scholarship. He is also the recipient of the Spotlight on Greatness award, which highlights him as one of UKZN’s most inspiring students. 

Beyond research, Corcos is committed to teaching, community service and mathematics communication. He has lectured, tutored, and participated in various educational initiatives, including the MathTales YouTube series and mathematics revision classes for high school students. He also enjoys playing the piano and guitar and spending time with his family. 

He plans to continue his research, possibly through postdoctoral studies and aims to teach at university level.

Words: Christine Cuénod

Photograph: Supplied

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Inaugural Lecture Charts New Frontiers in Gender-Based Violence

Professor Sineugugu Duma delivers her inaugural lecture as a full professor.

In her recent inaugural lecture as a full professor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Professor Sinegugu Duma explored her ground-breaking work on gender-based violence (GBV), a field she has pioneered in South African nursing.

Her presentation, titled: “Navigating the Uncharted Territories in Gender-Based Violence - Transforming Nursing Scholarship and Practice” focused on transforming the role of nursing in addressing and supporting victims of GBV. This milestone in her career is befitting of an academic who embodies an unwavering dedication to advancing socially impactful research and healthcare.

Duma thanked her parents for their support throughout her journey. Duma’s father passed away in 2020 and her mother, last year in October. She said, ‘My parents once gifted me a priceless treasure: a lantern. This lantern symbolises the unwavering light they have continuously shone in my life, supporting me through every step of my studies.’

A highly accomplished academic, Duma holds a PhD from the University of Cape Town and a Master’s in Nursing Education from UKZN. Her career spans nearly three decades of educating nurses and health professionals nationally and internationally. Currently serving as Dean for Teaching and Learning at UKZN’s College of Health Sciences, she has supervised over 30 postgraduate students, including 12 PhD graduates and one postdoctoral fellow, and held adjunct positions at prestigious institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, Stanford University, and Jönköping University.

In her lecture, Duma shared insights into her pioneering work on GBV. She reflected on her time as a Nursing student in 1986-1989 at the Victoria Mxenge Hospital (formerly King Edward VIII Hospital) where she interacted with a victim of GBV. She received her first lesson on the importance of preserving forensic evidence and realised there is a need for a Nursing curriculum response to sexual violence. 

She first approached the topic in the 1990s when she began researching the traumatic effects of sexual violence on survivors. Driven by her early findings, she developed a specialised course in Sexual Assault Forensic Nursing, leading to the formal establishment of Forensic Nursing Practices in the Western Cape. This course has since empowered nurses to provide trauma-informed care at Thuthuzela Care Centres across South Africa, significantly improving support for GBV survivors. Moreover, her advocacy led the South African Nursing Council to recognise Forensic Nursing as a formal specialty, a milestone that has since strengthened healthcare responses to GBV nationwide.

Duma’s contributions extend beyond clinical practice. Her NRF-funded research on campus sexual violence has identified “hot spots” at the University of Cape Town, where incidents are more likely to occur, resulting in safety initiatives such as Mobile Campus Protection Units in collaboration with the Campus Risk Management Unit. Her expertise was further acknowledged when the University of Cape Town appointed her to establish South Africa’s first Campus Multidisciplinary Sexual Assault Response Team, a model that brought national media attention for its innovative, survivor-centred approach.

Despite the challenges inherent in such emotionally demanding work, Duma has remained dedicated to advancing forensic nursing and healthcare solutions for GBV. Her journey has been marked by resilience, perseverance, and the mentorship she received from leaders in health disciplines, both locally and abroad. She credits the guidance of mentors like the late Professor Lynette Denny and others at Johns Hopkins University for supporting her vision. Additionally, her establishment of the South African Forensic Nursing Association and the KwaZulu-Natal Forensic Nursing Forum has provided critical platforms for research, advocacy, and training to improve GBV responses across the nation.

Duma’s story is not only one of professional achievement but also one of personal inspiration. She shared the importance of women supporting each other in academia, encouraging others to overcome self-doubt and working collaboratively to reach their goals. Her efforts, which extend beyond the scope of Nursing, exemplify the transformative power of dedication and resilience in addressing urgent social issues like GBV.

Words: MaryAnn Francis

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Retired Investment Analyst Sets Sail Around the World

Mr Hans Hamre receives a warm welcome from his long-time friend, Mr John Hart.

Alumnus and former UKZN Economics lecturer, Mr Hans Hamre has swapped his career as an investment analyst for a life of adventure, sailing around the world.

After living in London for over 32 years, Hamre was inspired to take up sailing as he reflected on how to make the most of his life, driven by the sobering reality of friends experiencing premature deaths or uninspiring retirements.

At 57, Hamre purchased a 40-foot Dufour yacht, named: Manuka, resigned from his job, and rented out his house before setting sail across the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean Islands. Little did he know that his journey would eventually bring him back to his hometown of Durban three years later.

‘I initially spent two years in the Caribbean exploring the different islands, including a five-month stint where I visited Columbia, Panama and Costa Rica,’ he said.

After reaching Central America in mid-2023, Hamre sailed through the Pacific, reaching as far as Fiji. Toward the end of the year, he continued to New Zealand, where he spent six months. By July 2024, his voyage took him to Australia, across the Indian Ocean to Mauritius, the Réunion Islands, and finally to Durban.

‘The journey from Réunion to Durban was particularly gruelling,’ Hamre shared. ‘It took 12 days to cover 1 450 nautical miles. It was fairly slow, and after sailing so much over the past four months, I was eager to get home, which made it frustrating.’

Hamre faced several challenges during the 12-day voyage, including malfunctioning sliders and a failed water pump. ‘Fortunately, the wind picked up enough for the foresail alone to be sufficient, so I didn’t need the mainsail sliders,’ he explained. ‘As for water, I relied on 5-litre plastic bottles refilled from 20-litre jerry cans since the water tanks were out of service.’

Hamre comes from a lineage of seafarers. Hamre’s father, Erik, was a whaler, captain and gunner for the Union Whaling Company, operating out of Durban until it closed in 1975. His grandfather, Hans, served as a war sailor. Reflecting on his journey, Hamre said he never imagined he would one day follow in their footsteps, sailing solo across the Indian Ocean and into the Port of Durban.

‘The occasion was made even more special by the welcoming party of old friends, as everywhere else I had sailed in as a complete stranger,’ said Hamre. ‘I’m looking forward to a break from the sea with a vacation in the Drakensberg mountains - I’ve had enough of water to last me a while,’ he chuckled.

To stay updated on Hamre’s travels, follow his blog, Sailing Manuka.

Words: Hlengiwe Khwela

Photograph: Albert Hirasen

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Medical Student Ranked Runner-Up in SAJS Undergraduate Essay Competition

Ms Denata Naidoo.

UKZN fifth-year Medical student, Ms Denata Naidoo, said she felt ‘incredibly blessed and grateful’ for winning the second runner-up prize of R2 000 for her essay: “The Grey Method for Communication across Surgical Generations”, which impressed a panel of five judges attached to the South African Journal of Surgery (SAJS).

A quarterly general surgical journal, SAJS reinstated the Medical Student Essay competition this year. It is open to undergraduate students from any faculty of health sciences in South Africa, and 2024 submissions explored the theme of communication across surgical generations.

‘I am particularly impressed by your achievement as you are a fifth-year undergraduate student yet have written a most erudite and incisive essay on communication across different generations. It was a great pleasure to read,’ said SAJS Editor, Dr Ines Buccimazza.

Also congratulating Naidoo from UKZN’s Surgery discipline was the Head of the Clinical Department for Trauma and Burns at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital and KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, Professor Timothy Hardcastle, who expressed that the panel of judges was completely blind to where the submissions were from and who wrote them.

‘When you enter a national competition, you try to limit your expectations because the odds are against you. However, being one of the winners has concretised the notion that I am on the right path to fulfil my purpose in this aspect of my life,’ said Naidoo.

Naidoo’s essay described an approach inspired by Meredith Grey from Grey’s Anatomy (American television series) on her seamless transitioning from interacting with each generation of surgeons to the next. She incorporated the historical evolution of surgery and the methods by which cross-generational communication can be facilitated through the adoption of policies and combating the ageism hierarchy in the surgical workplace.

Writing has been Naidoo’s passion since a young age. ‘I published my first book, 30 Songs Wiser, last year and received positive feedback. I believe that I developed a sense of confidence which propelled me in the direction to enter.’ Her essay is due to be published in the forthcoming issue of the SAJS - Issue 4 Volume 62.

Naidoo said her interest in the human body and watching the movie: Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story - the first neurosurgeon to successfully separate conjoined twins - are what inspired her to study Medicine.

Some of Naidoo’s biggest highlights as a Medical student have been the period where she undertook a Surgery elective and the Surgery block as a whole. ‘I thoroughly enjoyed scrubbing in on exploratory laparotomies, Hartmann procedures, endocrine, burns, and plastic cases. The ability to visualise anatomy in real time and obtain short-term results is an incredible experience. I am truly grateful to the doctors who were welcoming and taught me skills which I would carry with me for life,’ she said.

Naidoo’s future aspirations include graduating, serving her internship in a hospital with a good surgical programme, as well as community service. ‘Thereafter, I aspire to specialise in the field of surgery, possibly general or cardiothoracic surgery.’

Naidoo’s hobbies include road running, reading and good food.

Words: Lunga Memela

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A Young Academic Dedicated to Medical Law and Health Research

Ms Nomfundo Mthembu representing UKZN at the 17th World Congress of Bioethics and at the in vitro fertilization laboratory at Steve Biko Academic Hospital.

UKZN doctoral candidate and Law academic, Ms Nomfundo Mthembu (27) is a high achiever - a status she has worked hard for on a journey towards her top-end goal of becoming an established researcher in Medical Law with an National Research Foundation rating.

‘I aim to complete my PhD in Medical Law and then obtain leading researcher status in my field,’ she said. ‘That would hopefully allow me to start a national mentorship programme for early career academics who want to specialise in Medical Law.’

Mthembu has obviously set the bar high early in her career and already made her mark. She earned her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at UKZN in 2020 and her Master of Laws (LLM) a year later. Currently, she is studying towards her PhD on fertility health care, reproductive health law and the regulation of medically assisted reproduction.

The title of her thesis is: “Regulating Assisted Reproductive Technologies in South Africa: The Case for Establishing a Dedicated Statutory Authority”. ‘I lecture at UKZN’s School of Law in areas of Bioethics, Human Rights and Medical Law and serve on the Board of Trustees for the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust as well as on the Board of Trustees for the Hillcrest Advice Bureau and Bursary Fund.’

Mthembu has presented her research at various forums in South Africa, Africa and overseas and most recently was a visiting lecturer in the Department of Law at the University of Messina in Italy. ‘During my stint in Italy, I presented seminars in African legal philosophy, medical liability and gender equality in human rights discourse. This opportunity allowed me to promote UKZN and Africa as players in the production of specialised knowledge and research.’

Born into a humble home in Durban, she grew up in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, moving to various places in the area with her family. ‘Such are the difficulties poverty presents. There was no stability and we would have to move as financial circumstances dictated,’ she said.

She matriculated at Khabazela High School, in Embo, Hillcrest, securing a bursary from the South African Research Bank for her Law studies at UKZN.

‘I think being a member of the Peer Education team for the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust from 2012 till 2014 was huge in my overall development. As an HIV peer educator, I received a lot of training about health, diseases and socio-economic issues and most importantly how to positively contribute to my community and nation at large.

‘Being part of the team helped change my victim mentality to a “hero” outlook because of the information and training I was receiving. I began to look at myself as an agent of change and that’s when I fell in love with Medical Law. I wanted to make sure I contributed to laws and policies with the potential to eradicate the health disparities and social suffering I was learning about.

‘I wanted a way to blend my health passion and law and I chose to specialise in Medical Law because I sincerely believe that a strong health system is one backed by strong policies and laws that support equitable distribution of medical resources to all persons. I am passionate about regulations that seek to eradicate any form of inequalities in health and ensure that the fruits of medical innovations are equitably distributed,’ she said.

On the role of women in society, Mthembu stressed that institutions must invest in women as future leaders and pathfinders in specialised areas of Law such as Medical Law - women need to be empowered and placed in positions where they are able to be impactful.

‘Women on the other hand should not be afraid to be pathfinders in these areas - it’s difficult but it is worth it. Also, when we have found the path it is so important to kick down the doors, hold the torch up high, and eradicate all challenges that make it difficult for other people to enter these prestigious spaces,’ she added.

Mthembu paid tribute to people who have supported her including her husband, Mr Mvuselelo Mthembu; her parents, Ms Tholakele Mbokazi and Mr Sandile Mkhize; her grandmother, Mrs Sizakele Janet Mbokazi; her sisters, Khuthala and Zama Mbokazi; and her pastors, Pastor S J Khuzwayo and Pastor J Nhlozi; as well as other family and friends.

She also thanked her mentor and PhD supervisor, Professor Donrich Thaldar who has supported her on her academic journey.

Words: Greg Dardagan

Photographs: Supplied

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UKZN Inaugural Music Showcase

Performances at the Music Showcase.

The UKZN School of Arts (Music) recently hosted its inaugural Showcase concert in partnership with the Mzansi Philharmonic Orchestra and the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre.

The multi-genre concert treated the audience to a varied music programme that included a selection of well-known and new music, including original compositions and arrangements by staff, students, and alumni from the Music discipline.

Highlighting the benefits of collaboration and representation of the diverse culture and traditions of the community for effective and progressive education, the production featured performances by student soloists and ensembles, including the African Music and Dance Ensemble, Western Classical Music instrumentalists, UKZN Voices, UKZN Jazz Ensemble, and the Pop Voice Ensemble.

Opera students performed selections from a Zulu translation of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute”/“Umtshingo wemilingo” as well as other well-loved operatic works.

Ms Debbie Mari, lecturer in Jazz Studies, said although the Music Discipline has been presenting public concerts on and off campus for over 40 years, this was the first time it presented a concert of this scale where all music streams were featured on one stage.

‘The showcase provided an excellent opportunity for both staff and students to collaborate and together we created a memorable occasion for both the School of Arts and our surrounding communities. We hope that this will become an annual event,’ said Mari.

Ms Sindi Motha, a Bachelor of Arts in Music student and member of the Vocal Jazz ensemble, UKZN Voices, said the showcase was a mesmerising experience. ‘I am inspired by my peers, and for me, it only gets better from here! After our performance, I feel proud to be part of UKZN’s Music Discipline.’

Mr Lindani Mthimkhulu, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music, said, ‘The Music Showcase was truly amazing. I enjoyed being on the big stage where I performed two songs, Bel Con Forte and Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man with the UKZN Opera Ensemble. It was a lot of fun.’

Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela

Photographs: Sethu Dlamini

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Research Day - Decolonial and Postcolonial Knowledge Production in the Era of DIGITech and Artificial Intelligence

Relationships between technology and career concepts.

A PhD is a challenging but rewarding research degree that allows for the advancement of one’s field of study.

It requires the careful generation of research questions, the requisite data, and the development of applicable solution-driven answers to the main research problem.

UKZN’s annual scholars’ research day showcased research characterised by conceptual excellence and contextual relevance for decolonial and postcolonial knowledge production in the era of DIGITech and Artificial Intelligence.

Emphasis was on how conceptual excellence and contextually relevant research are transformatively engaged, with, by, and for our people, as well as how to utilise digital technologies and emerging artificial intelligence tools. The knowledge produced needs to optimally serve not only our knowledge fraternities and constituencies - nationally, continentally and internationally - but also be relevant and useful for how we organise ourselves according to our humanising Ubuntu systems and values, socially, politically, economically, and aesthetically speaking.

In decolonial epistemic frameworks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of College, Professor Nhlanhla Mkhize pointed out that Southern Theories open a space for the development of curricula that serve the educational aspirations of our people and also develop and deploy humanising pedagogies that affirm the people’s being and knowing. Decolonial and Southern theories make the current epistemics both critically and constructively relevant and significant.

The Dean and Head of the School of Arts, Professor Nobuhle Ndimande-Hlongwa showed how acknowledging the importance and relevance of African universities operates hand-in-hand with the intellectualising of indigenous languages. This is a seminal part of the United Nations Division for Inclusive Development in its initiation and steering of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022 - 2032).

The event also highlighted the importance of comprehending what meeting the main objective of the PhD thesis as well as subsequent scholarship and research entails, viz to make an “original contribution to knowledge”, and “an original contribution to the frontiers of knowledge”. Through its conceptual excellence and contextual relevance, the PhD thesis provides the springboard for the upscaling and continuing transformative epistemic contributions of future scholars and researchers in their respective contextually-relevant Africa as well as internationally-focused humanities and social sciences knowledge frontiers contributions.

According to Professor Johannes A Smit, the Chair of the Humanities Institute and Professor of Religion and Social Transformation in SRPC, conceptually and contextually relevant scholarship raises the bar of research excellence, as practiced in empirical content, discourse, thematising, and keyword research. Similar to the natural sciences, the question becomes much more pointedly, about the nature of empirical or textual data required and generated to address research questions and insights optimally, and comprehensively. Optimal data generation serves as evidence or facts, for research analyses, data interpretation, and arguments that address research questions satisfactorily. Conceptual excellence needs to match the quality of scholarly insight, deriving from the data, or data patterns, and may also lead to valid and evidence-based foundational theory building.

He said, ‘If conceptual relevance generates and engages relevant data, then, inductively, the data and how data patterns are conceptualised, derive from relevant context. And, if we think linguistically, then context comprises the assumptions or clusters of assumptions we have or may generate about the human and social phenomena and their aspects, we study, within our specific African urban and rural contexts.’

If decolonial epistemic scholarship mainly focuses on the critical analysis and evaluation of past-present epistemics in Africa, then postdecolonial scholarship produces present- and future-facing knowledge opportunities for Africa, and the global South. It primarily asks the question, ‘What knowledge do we want?’ It is an important question, since how we answer it in the present, will then serve as the enabling and positive capstone and foundational building blocks for the continuous intergenerational curricula and affirming humanising pedagogies of the future. As such, it is not de novo, because it continues, upscales and builds on the numerous conceptually innovative relevant humanising discourses for freedom, equity and social justice, of the past-present.

African epistemics of colonial resistances, critique, and visions of epistemic hope, provide the wide discursive pools of thought for scholarly innovations through research and knowledge building for future human and societal wellbeing and prosperity.

Smit also shed light on the enabling thematics of “knowledge-power”, from Foucault’s 1982 “The Subject and Power”. In terms of the current African epistemic and epistemological opportunities, the subject’s commitment to build and develop aptitudes, or capabilities and capacity, ‘directly, inherent in the body, or relayed by [and through] external instruments’ are helpful, because it covers our own human improvement of our capabilities, and also constructively uses the recently and currently emerging digital and AI tools. To subjective, bodily capabilities, we may also then add enabling ‘laws, structures, ideologies, and institutions’ and processes, that use and ‘transmit information by means of a language, a system of signs, or any other symbolic medium.’

These, positively and affirmatively, together, serve humanising knowledge-power development, in so far as knowledge not only circulates in the social body in enabling ways, but also provides ideas of how it may be exerted collectively and interactively, in the interest of the kinds of global humanising effects it has on how it may yet “conducts”, bodies, minds, institutions, structures as well as communication systems and institutions of our world.

Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela

Image: Shutterstock

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Accounting and Business Science Students Showcase Entrepreneurial Prowess

Winners of the IBS Competition.

Second-year Accounting and first-year Bachelor of Business Science students recently demonstrated their entrepreneurial skills and creativity at the annual Integrated Business Studies (IBS) Business Proposal Presentation hosted by the School of Accounting, Economics, and Finance (SAEF).

The event, a highlight of the Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Bachelor of Business Science programmes, demonstrates the University’s commitment to experiential learning, which empowers students with practical skills and knowledge.

The IBS module is a cornerstone of these programmes designed to engage students deeply in business principles through hands-on projects. This year, four groups, namely Grab & Go, Mr Muscle, Safe SA, and The Comfort Kitchen, presented their creative concepts, with The Comfort Kitchen emerging as the winner. The Comfort Kitchen’s well-constructed financial plan particularly impressed the judges, demonstrating the team’s understanding of one of the most critical aspects of business success.

To test their business understanding, the groups were tasked with developing a concept and crafting a detailed proposal that addressed eight core business functions: top management, finance, information technology, marketing, human resources, research and development, corporate social responsibility, and operations management.

‘Through this project, students gained invaluable insights into the workings of a comprehensive business plan and the importance of each functional area in driving a successful enterprise.’

Mr Tanay Somaru, Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting student who served as chief executive officer for The Comfort Kitchen, expressed the pride he and his team felt after winning. ‘The opportunity to participate not only allowed us to showcase our vision for creating a comforting, homestyle eatery for students, but also validated the hard work and collaboration that went into bringing the concept to life,’ he said.

Ms Bhavna Ramdhini, Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting student and member of the winning team, shared her excitement. ‘The moment we heard our names called as the winners, it was truly an unforgettable experience - it felt like all the effort the team put in had come to life in that instant!’ she said.

Dr Michelle Hatch, module lecturer in the School, said the approach emphasises not only academic knowledge but also the skills needed to thrive in a dynamic business environment such as strategic thinking, practical application of business functions, and the confidence to present ideas effectively.

Words: Samukelisiwe Cele
Photograph: Supplied

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Fountainhill Estate Symposium Links Ecosystems, Agriculture and Mankind

Symposium delegates during a site visit to the Holley Shelter at Fountainhill Estate.

Fountainhill Estate (FHE) hosted its eighth research symposium for the presentation of environmental and agricultural research underway at the estate, where a diverse array of research is informing biodiversity conservation, sustainable land use practices, and management planning in the wider catchment and community.

The hybrid programme featured 34 presentations, including formal academic research, observational studies, surveys, and citizen science. It included work undertaken by UKZN staff and students on the private conservation and agricultural estate, which supports research, conservation efforts, and educational initiatives aimed at sustainability and biodiversity. The estate serves as a “living laboratory” for those researching ecosystem services, wetland and riverine health, soil conservation, and sustainable agricultural practices to answer ecological and environmental questions in a practical, field-based environment.

Delegates came from academia, civil society, neighbouring farms and estates, environmental agencies and more. Contributions help inform further research, promote inter- and intra-disciplinary cooperation, and promote and operationalise implementable findings in the broader community.

The keynote address by UKZN alumnus, Mr Ant Edmonds of the Donovale Farming Company, gave insight into conservation in farming and what is possible to achieve, even at scale, drawing from decades of experience. He drew attention to the food system being a prime driver of biodiversity loss and to farming’s use of water and energy resources and highlighted the benefits of ethical farming practices, soil conservation, and extension support to enable farmers to fix issues under their control.

Recounting advice from a mentor that characterised his approach in what he called one of the best conserved agricultural regions in the country, Edmonds said, ‘You don’t own this land, you’re a temporary tenant here with a huge responsibility to leave this piece of land in a better state than when you received it.

‘The environment is incredibly resilient, and you don’t have to give it much of a chance for it actually to recover,’ said Edmonds as he encouraged attendees with the stories of local environmental champions, epitomised in the creation of the uMngeni Protected Area.

The programme included presentations under the themes of archaeology and palaeontology to emphasise how the past defines the future and how understanding emerging patterns informs appropriate management interventions.

Dr Gregor Bader from Tübingen University in Germany presented the changing human behaviour and seasonality during the Middle Stone Age, revealed during excavations at the Holley Shelter on the estate. This significant archaeological site has yielded valuable information about early human habitation in the KwaZulu-Natal region through preserving artefacts and environmental evidence spanning thousands of years, including stone tools, faunal and botanical remains, and cultural evidence. Excavations have contributed to broader studies on human adaptation to changing environments over millennia and showed that the southern bald ibis has bred in the area for over 30 000 years.

Bader led a site visit to the shelter, giving delegates a first-person view of the dig.

Staff and students in the Discipline of Geography and Environmental Science presented their research on paleo-ecological topics, including tree ring pattern formation and assessments of fossil pollen and salt marsh to understand past environmental conditions, phytoliths and wetland records that shed light on Holocene fire, vegetation and climate dynamics.

UKZN students in the Centres for Functional Biodiversity (CFB) and Water Resources Research, alongside experts from the Agricultural Research Council, Green Door Environmental, and the South African Sugarcane Research Institute, presented under the landscape engineering and restoration theme. Topics included arthropod and plant biodiversity in floodplains, arthropod responses to riparian stress, grassland transformation’s impact on ant diversity, socioeconomic benefits of ecological infrastructure, wetland health, citizen science in water quality monitoring, and reintroducing beneficial insects to farming systems.

The theme of ecosystem services included presentations from the CFB on pollinator and pollination studies of avocado by Professor Timo van der Niet, a pollination study on Natal crocus by Dr Ian Kiepiel, and the loss of pollinators associated with clinal seed production and floral mutation in a South African orchid.

Biodiversity presentations from the CFB, the Durban University of Technology, and BirdLife South Africa, covered a wide range of investigations into various species, including freshwater macroinvertebrates Southern African Pythons and other reptiles and small mammals, tree frogs, spiders, secretarybirds, and yellow-billed kites. Other presentations touched on the river eco-status programme, water resource socioecological risk assessments, seismic data recording, surface-groundwater interactions, corona from electrical lines, geothermal energy, crop modelling, and the growth of ecotourism in the area.

Words and photograph: Christine Cuénod

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UKZN Launches New Women’s Health Webinar Series

From left: Professors Justin Konje, Letitia Acquah, Alan Tita and Motshedisi Sebitloane.

Click here for IsiZulu version

Three pertinent topics were presented by international experts at the launch of a women’s health webinar series held by the Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) in October under the leadership of Professor Motshedisi Sebitloane who heads the Department.

Mayo Clinic’s Internal Medicine Specialist, Professor Letitia Acquah, discussed the assessment of risks for heart diseases in pregnant women, particularly in low-resource settings, and the importance of considering various factors such as social determinants of health and traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

Acquah said low resource settings had limited screening tools for cardiovascular diseases, presenting a case scenario of a 20-year-old pregnant woman experiencing shortness of breath and chest discomfort, which probed the medical team treating her to identify related socioeconomic risk factors that could predispose her to heart disease. The factors discussed included insecure housing, inadequate education, lack of access to healthcare, high exposure to crime, and inadequate financial resources.

Mary Heersink Endowed Chair of Global Health, Director of the Mary Heersink Institute of Global Health, and Heersink School of Medicine Associate Dean for Global and Women’s Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Professor Alan Tita, discussed the challenges and complexities of managing preeclampsia, a condition characterised by high blood pressure and multi-organ dysfunction in pregnancy.

Tita highlighted the need for standardisation in blood pressure measurement and the importance of early diagnosis, particularly in cases of superimposed preeclampsia. He also emphasised the role of risk factors, such as nulliparity, in predicting preeclampsia and the need for targeted interventions. He concluded by outlining key principles in managing preeclampsia, including treating severe hypertension, monitoring both mother and foetus, and optimising the timing of delivery.

Recently appointed as an Honorary Lecturer at UKZN, Emeritus Professor of O&G and Director of the University of Leicester’s EndocannabinoidsResearch Laboratory in the United Kingdom, Professor Justin Konje discussed the prevalence, pathogenesis, and clinical features of endometriosis, a common cause of chronic pelvic pain in women of reproductive age.

Konje highlighted the various theories behind the condition, including retrograde menstruation, and the risk factors such as atypical menstrual patterns, low birth weight, and genetic predisposition. He also touched on the symptoms of endometriosis, including severe dysmenorrhea, deep dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain, and fatigue, which can be linked to central sensitisation.

Konje emphasised the importance of considering endometriosis as a differential diagnosis for patients presenting with these symptoms. He noted that there are no blood tests or biomarkers for diagnosing endometriosis, and the diagnosis is primarily made through laparoscopy.

Sebitloane thanked the presenters, saying that the webinar series was an important platform for women’s health experts to present unique cases that they come across and share best practices.

The next webinar will be advertised across UKZN’s online communications channels.

Words: Lunga Memela

Photographs: Supplied

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UKZN Hosts Insightful Webinar on Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention

Dr December Mpanza (left) and Dr Takshita Sookan-Kassie.

Click here for IsiZulu version

The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s College of Health Sciences, led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Busi Ncama, recently organised a comprehensive webinar focused on heart disease and stroke awareness.

The session featured discussions by experts in cardiology, neurology, occupational therapy, and biokinetics, who shared critical insights on prevention, early detection, and management strategies.

Chaired by Mr Luther Monareng, an Occupational Therapy lecturer and PhD candidate, the webinar covered key topics such as identifying early warning signs, latest treatment advances, and the importance of proactive prevention to improve heart and brain health.

Dr Vinod Patel, Head of Neurology at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, highlighted the risks and symptoms of stroke, noting that sudden numbness, confusion, and trouble with vision or balance are crucial indicators. He emphasised the need for lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, controlling diabetes, and regular physical activity to lower stroke risks.

Dr December Mpanza, an Occupational Therapist who also serves as Academic Leader for Occupational Therapy at UKZN, explained the role of rehabilitation in heart disease and stroke recovery. He outlined occupational therapy’s personalised, activity-focused approach, helping patients regain essential skills and improve quality of life.

Dr Takshita Sookan-Kassie, a senior lecturer in Biokinetics, emphasised the “exercise as medicine” approach, showing how physical activity reduces risks for diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension. She discussed the significant impact of consistent exercise on managing blood pressure, improving insulin sensitivity, and enhancing cardiovascular health. Exercise can also be used in the management of these conditions to improve quality of life and activities of daily living.

This webinar underscored UKZN’s commitment to community health education, equipping attendees with valuable knowledge to protect their heart and brain health through informed lifestyle choices and preventive care.

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photographs: Supplied

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Excellence in Research Showcased at Audiology Annual Undergraduate Research

The Audiology winning group with their supervisor, Dr Jessica Paken.

The Discipline of Audiology’s Annual Undergraduate Research Day was a resounding success, with students presenting innovative research on a wide range of topics impacting the field of Audiology.

Out of seven presentations, the group led by Zahra Mansoor, Xoliswe Mchunu, Thabile Thwala, Nkos’kwanele Mthembu, and Simangaliso Ngwenya, under the supervision of Dr Jessica Paken, was crowned the winner for their insightful study titled: “Hearing Aid Usage in the Older Population in eThekwini and its Impact on their Quality of Life.”

The winning project explored how hearing aid usage impacts the quality of life for older adults with presbycusis (age-related hearing loss). Through in-depth interviews with participants aged 67 to 84, the team discovered that hearing aids significantly improve communication, reduce social isolation, and foster emotional well-being despite initial resistance, adaptation difficulties, and healthcare access barriers. The study underscores the need for enhanced patient education and strategies to promote hearing aid use, particularly among underserved populations in South Africa.

In addition to the winning study, other groups showcased their research on diverse topics:

• “Elderly isiZulu Speakers’ Views on Hearing Loss” by Ms Nqobile Dladla, Ms Kamira Govender, Mr Tholumuzi Zungu, and Ms Sinethemba Hlophe (Supervisor: Ms Z Peter).
• “Evaluating TikTok Videos on Tinnitus” by Mr Thabiso Dlamini, Ms Nirmala Maharaj, Ms Phatheka Myeza, Mr Ndumiso Ntuli, and Ms Mahdiya Pattel (Supervisor: Ms S Panday).
• “Career Selection Factors in Audiology Students” by Ms Xena Bayana, Mr Raiden Govender, Mr Ndumiso Khanyile, Ms Amanda Mntambo, and Amahle Msomi (Supervisor: Dr A Gina).
• “Adjusting to University as Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Students” by Ms Mahanoor Ahmed, Ms Kayla Percival, Ms Philasande Shange, and Ms Nomthandazo Mofokeng (Supervisor: Ms N B Khan).
• “Mental Well-being of Audiology Undergraduates” by Ms Kiara Mudray, Mr Diniel Naidoo, Ms Thandiwe Ndlangamandla, and Ms Nokwethemba Mdlalose (Supervisor: Mr Musa Makhoba).
• “Impact of Childhood Hearing Loss on Caregivers’ Well-being” by Ms Suwayba Adams, Ms Akhona Khumalo, Ms Mandisa Ntshangase, Ms Noluthando Shezi, and Mr Mlungisi Xulu (Supervisor: Ms S Mbhele).

The event highlighted Audiology students’ commitment to addressing critical issues in hearing health. The day also emphasised the importance of research in advancing understanding and improving the quality of life for individuals with hearing-related challenges.

One of the adjudicators, Professor Karin Joubert from the University of the Witwatersrand, congratulated all the students and supervisors for their exceptional contributions to the field.

Words and photograph: Nombuso Dlamini

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Inaugural Lecture Highlights Emancipation in Management Studies

Professor Shaun Ruggunan.

A title drawn from an iconic song by Nina Simone - iconic American singer, songwriter, musical arranger, and civil rights activist - set the stage for a powerful exploration of freedom and the meaning of emancipation within the field of management studies on UKZN’s public lecture series presented by Professor Shaun Ruggunan’s in his Inaugural lecture titled: “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free… Emancipation in Management Studies”.

As a Full Professor in Human Resources Management and Industrial Relations at the College of Law and Management Studies, Ruggunan has dedicated his career to studying the intersections of labour, power, and identity within diverse professional settings.

‘My research speaks to three main areas of the spirit of emancipation. First is my work on seafarers and globalisation, second is my work on critical management studies, and thirdly is work on the sociology of professions - areas that all bring forward vital questions of autonomy, control, and social justice,’ he said

Ruggunan’s work on seafaring labour markets has highlighted that global labour dynamics are influenced by race, nationality, gender, and class, rather than purely economic factors.

‘My current research on seafarers now explores seafarer mental health, diversity, equity, and inclusion within the maritime industry, as well as the historical impact of seafarers on globalisation and cosmopolitanism,’ he stated.

Alongside Professor Debby Bonnin, Ruggunan also established the sub-discipline of the sociology of professionals within South Africa’s sociology and human resources research landscape.

The third focus of his research is on studying management critically, questioning traditional views of how management should work. He uses ideas from decolonial and critical social theories, which challenge historical power imbalances and seek to include diverse perspectives

Ruggunan hopes to apply these ideas specifically to improve how management is taught and learned in universities

‘My role as a teacher, author, and researcher has been shaped by a pursuit of emancipation - an ideal that lies at the core of my scholarly endeavours, my work simply bridges theoretical and practical realms, inviting people to reflect on how freedom manifests in both personal and collective spaces,’ he concluded.

Click here to watch Professor Shaun Ruggunan’s Inaugural lecture.

Words: Ayanda Radebe

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AgriTalks: Conversations that Cultivate

Professor Lloyd Baiyegunhi.

UKZNdabaOnline journalist Raylene Captain Hasthibeer interviewed Professor Lloyd Baiyegunhi, an academic whose work in agricultural economics is grounded in creating sustainable solutions to pressing challenges in agriculture and food security. Baiyegunhi, who holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics and an MBA, has blended his passion for agricultural development and a desire to apply economic principles to solve real-world challenges while passing on the lessons he has learnt to emerging researchers in the field.

Q: Why is the conversation about agricultural economics important?

A: Because it addresses the fundamental challenge of how we produce enough food sustainably to meet the demands of a growing global population. Agricultural economics explores the efficiency and viability of different farming systems, helping us understand how to allocate resources like land, water, and labour in ways that maximise both productivity and sustainability. This field isn’t just about the economics of farming; it’s about understanding how policies, market forces, and environmental changes impact food availability, affordability, and nutritional quality worldwide.

Agricultural economics is also critical for tackling pressing issues like climate change, rural poverty, and food insecurity. Climate change is already disrupting traditional agricultural systems, leading to unpredictable yields and threatening food supplies. Agricultural economics provides insights into how we can adapt through practices such as climate-smart agriculture, resource conservation, and technological innovation. By making informed decisions about which crops to grow, how to use resources efficiently, and how to create resilient supply chains, agricultural economics plays a pivotal role in shaping a future where food systems can meet the needs of people and the planet.

Ultimately, the field has a real impact on both policymakers and communities, influencing decisions that directly affect food security, economic livelihoods, and environmental health. In this way, agricultural economics is crucial for building a resilient, equitable, and sustainable food system.

Q: Your research on climate change perceptions has revealed the impact climate change has on rice production in Nigeria. How do you think governments can improve the situation?

A: This research, conducted by one of my PhD students under my supervision, examines climate change perceptions among rice farmers in Nigeria. It highlights the significant challenges posed by climate variability to rice production, a staple crop crucial for food security in the region. We found that farmers are acutely aware of the changes in weather patterns, including irregular rainfall, increased temperatures, and more frequent extreme weather events, all of which are impacting rice yields. These changes not only reduce productivity, but also increase the unpredictability of farming outcomes, making it harder for farmers to plan and invest in their fields with confidence.

Several factors contribute to these climate-related challenges. Firstly, the reliance on rain-fed agriculture in Nigeria leaves rice production vulnerable to any disruptions in rainfall patterns. Secondly, limited access to climate-resilient technologies and farming practices means that farmers are often unable to adapt to these changes effectively. Issues such as inadequate irrigation infrastructure, limited access to drought-resistant rice varieties, and insufficient knowledge of adaptive practices further compound the problem. Lastly, socio-economic constraints like low income, limited access to credit, and fluctuating market prices make it difficult for smallholder farmers to invest in the necessary adaptations.

Governments can play a critical role in mitigating these challenges. One of the first steps is to improve access to reliable climate data and forecasting tools that can help farmers plan their activities around expected weather conditions. Investing in infrastructure, particularly irrigation systems, would reduce the dependency on rain-fed agriculture and allow for more stable rice production. Governments should also support agricultural research to develop and distribute climate-resilient rice varieties that can withstand drought, heat, and flooding.

Moreover, providing training programs on climate-smart agricultural practices and expanding access to financial resources, such as low-interest loans or crop insurance, can help farmers make adaptive investments. Collaborative efforts between government, research institutions, and local organisations are essential to ensure that policies are well-informed and responsive to farmers’ needs. By taking these steps, governments can help build a resilient agricultural sector that can adapt to climate challenges and continue to support food security and rural livelihoods.

Q: As a professor at UKZN, how do you balance your academic responsibilities with research in agricultural economics in South Africa and further afield (Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Rwanda, etc)? How has the UKZN environment fostered your research efforts?

A: This requires careful time management and a strong support system, both of which UKZN has provided in abundance. As a professor, I’m deeply committed to teaching and mentoring students, equipping them with a solid foundation in agricultural economics and preparing them to address real-world challenges. At the same time, my research projects in South Africa and beyond are essential for advancing knowledge and developing practical solutions to issues like food security, sustainable agriculture, and rural development.

UKZN’s environment has been incredibly supportive in fostering this balance. The University encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration, which allows me to work alongside colleagues from various fields, enhancing both my teaching and research. This collaborative culture has been vital when conducting research in other African countries, where understanding local contexts and establishing partnerships is crucial. Additionally, UKZN’s commitment to field-based research has enabled me to regularly engage with farmers, policymakers, and other stakeholders across the continent, ensuring that my work remains relevant and impactful.

With the University’s support in terms of funding, research facilities, and flexible teaching arrangements, I can effectively manage my responsibilities. UKZN’s emphasis on applied research and real-world impact aligns perfectly with my goals, allowing me to contribute to both academic scholarship and tangible outcomes that benefit communities in South Africa and across Africa.

Q: Your work at UKZN plays a pivotal role in shaping the conversation around agricultural production economics and food security. Could you elaborate on your contributions to agricultural research and how the University has supported your work over the years?

A: My work at UKZN focuses on advancing agricultural production economics and food security, areas critical to sustainable development, especially in regions vulnerable to food insecurity. A primary focus has been researching ways to optimise resource use among smallholder farmers, who play a significant role in food production but often face resource constraints. Through my research, I’ve developed models that assess the economic viability of various farming practices, aiming to increase productivity while promoting sustainability. Additionally, I’ve conducted field studies on how climate change impacts crop yields and farming income, which has helped inform policy recommendations on resilience in agriculture.

UKZN has been instrumental in enabling this research. The University has provided access to interdisciplinary teams and resources that have allowed me to broaden the scope and impact of my work. Collaborative projects with the University’s Environmental Science and Economics departments have enriched my research, helping me tackle complex issues like climate-smart agriculture. Furthermore, UKZN’s funding support and access to advanced research tools and datasets have made it possible to conduct in-depth analyses and publish findings that reach both academic and policy-making communities. Through UKZN’s support, I’m able to not only contribute to academic knowledge but also offer practical solutions that can enhance food security and agricultural sustainability on a regional and global scale.

Q: Training the next generation of scientists is a key focus of your work. Through your contributions at UKZN, what strategies have you employed to ensure emerging researchers are well-prepared to tackle the challenges in agricultural economics?

A: Training the next generation of scientists is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work at UKZN. In preparing emerging researchers to tackle the challenges in agricultural economics, I focus on a combination of practical experience, interdisciplinary collaboration, and critical thinking skills. My teaching strategy emphasises real-world applications, where students engage in hands-on research projects that tackle current issues in agricultural economics, such as food security, resource management, and climate resilience. These projects often involve direct engagement with farming communities, policymakers, and agricultural businesses, giving students insights into the complexities of applying theoretical knowledge to practical challenges.

I also encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, which I believe is crucial for solving the multi-faceted issues in agricultural economics. Through partnerships with other departments, such as Environmental Science and Development Studies, students gain a broader perspective and are better equipped to work in diverse, cross-functional teams. This exposure helps them see how agricultural economics intersects with environmental sustainability, social policy, and rural development.

Furthermore, I place a strong emphasis on developing critical and analytical thinking skills. I work closely with my students to refine their research methodologies, data analysis techniques, and policy evaluation skills, which are essential for conducting high-quality research. By fostering a supportive environment where students feel comfortable to question assumptions and explore innovative ideas, I aim to cultivate not only knowledgeable researchers but also creative problem-solvers.

UKZN has been instrumental in supporting these efforts by providing access to research funding, resources, and collaborative networks that enrich the student learning experience. Together, we strive to equip our students with the skills, knowledge, and resilience needed to drive positive change in agricultural economics, both in South Africa and globally.

Q: Tell us about the most memorable highlights from your career and notable achievements?

A: Throughout my career, my contributions to agricultural economics have centred around advancing sustainable food production and improving food security, particularly in vulnerable regions. I have been fortunate to work on a variety of projects in the field of agricultural economics, each contributing uniquely to the understanding and improvement of agricultural systems. While it is challenging to select a single contribution, I would say that my work on the Impact of Outsourced Agricultural Extension Programs on Smallholder Farmers’ Net Farm Income in Msinga, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and Determinants of Climate Change Adaptation Strategies and its Impact on the Net Farm Income of Rice Farmers in South-West Nigeria stand out as particularly meaningful.

The study on the outsourced agricultural extension programmes focused on evaluating how different delivery models of agricultural extension services affect the productivity and financial well-being of smallholder farmers. The results provided key insights into improving extension service models, which are critical to the success of smallholder farming, especially in rural communities like Msinga. This research is especially relevant in the context of South Africa’s agricultural policy, as it directly feeds into improving agricultural advisory services and rural development.

In my research on climate change adaptation strategies in Nigeria, I examined how rice farmers in the southwest region are responding to the challenges posed by climate change and how these adaptations affect their overall farm income. This work has contributed to the broader discourse on climate change adaptation in African agriculture, especially in light of the continent’s vulnerability to climate risks. The findings from this study have practical implications for both farmers and policymakers, guiding the development of strategies that will enhance the resilience of agricultural systems in the region.

Both of these studies have been a great source of pride because they tackle pressing issues that affect the livelihood of farmers in Africa, one of the most food-insecure regions globally. They highlight the importance of targeted, context-specific policies that can help farmers mitigate risks, adapt to changing climates, and ultimately, improve their economic outcomes.

By working directly with farming communities in South Africa, Nigeria, and other African countries, I’ve been able to translate research insights into practical recommendations, which has positively impacted both policy and community-based agricultural practices. By collaborating with research institutions and government agencies, I’ve helped design models that optimize resource allocation - such as water and fertilizer use - while minimising environmental impact. This work has not only contributed to academic knowledge but also provided policymakers and development agencies with strategies to support sustainable agriculture at scale.

In addition to my research, I’m deeply committed to training the next generation of agricultural economists. I’m particularly proud of the students I’ve mentored who have gone on to make impactful contributions in their own right, whether by pursuing advanced research or by working directly in policy-making and community development. Knowing that my work has inspired others to continue advancing solutions in agricultural economics is a source of great pride.

Lastly, the support from UKZN has been instrumental in these achievements. The University’s commitment to research, innovation, and community engagement has provided a strong foundation for my work, allowing me to build partnerships and access resources that have enhanced both my research and its impact on society.

Q: What advice do you have for young researchers starting out in this field?

My first piece of advice is to remain curious and open-minded. This field is both dynamic and complex, intersecting with environmental science, economics, sociology, and policy-making. Embrace an interdisciplinary approach - it will allow you to see the broader picture and make connections that lead to innovative solutions. Take the time to understand not just the economic models, but also the real-world implications of your research on farmers, communities, and ecosystems.

Secondly, field experience is invaluable. Spend as much time as possible engaging directly with the people and systems you’re studying. Agricultural economics is ultimately about understanding how people interact with resources and adapt to challenges. Observing these interactions first-hand can give you insights that go beyond what you find in academic literature and data sets. Be prepared to work with diverse stakeholders, from farmers and local organisations to policymakers, as their perspectives are crucial to developing impactful research.

Persistence is also key in this field. Many of the challenges we tackle, such as climate change impacts and food security, are complex and require long-term solutions. Research can sometimes be a slow process, but the work you’re doing is important. Focus on the big picture, and stay motivated by remembering the potential impact of your findings on improving food systems and supporting sustainable development.

Finally, seek mentors and build a strong network. Experienced researchers can offer invaluable guidance and help you navigate the challenges of research and publication. Collaborating with others - whether they’re from academia, industry, or governmental bodies - will enrich your perspective and expand the reach of your work. UKZN and other institutions often have resources and networks for emerging researchers; take advantage of these opportunities to learn and grow.

Agricultural economics is a field with tremendous potential to drive positive change. By approaching your research with curiosity, resilience, and collaboration, you’ll be well-prepared to make a meaningful impact.

Q: You hold numerous qualifications – including a PhD and an MBA. Tell us about your academic journey and what sparked your interest in pursuing your field of interest?

A: My academic journey has been a blend of passion for agricultural development and a desire to apply economic principles to solve real-world challenges. I began with a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics, which laid the foundation for my interest in how economics can impact food production and resource management. My undergraduate studies opened my eyes to the critical role agriculture plays not only in food security but also in economic development, particularly in Africa.

Driven by a desire to deepen my expertise, I pursued a Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, where I specialised in resource economics and rural development. This advanced training equipped me with analytical skills and research methodologies, enabling me to conduct field studies and gain hands-on experience working with farming communities. These experiences strengthened my resolve to focus on sustainable agricultural practices and policies that support smallholder farmers.

I completed my PhD in Agricultural Economics, where my research centred on the impact of credit constraints on agricultural productivity and household welfare, particularly in the context of Africa. In my doctoral work, I explored how limited access to credit affects smallholder farmers’ ability to invest in essential agricultural inputs, adopt improved farming technologies, and ultimately enhance their productivity. This research also examined the broader implications of credit constraints on household welfare, with a specific focus on income generation and food security.

Through this study, I was able to highlight how credit limitations contribute to lower agricultural yields and, in turn, affect the economic stability and food security of farming households. My work further underscored that limited access to finance often leads to a cycle of poverty, where farmers are unable to make the necessary investments to improve productivity, perpetuating low-income levels and high food insecurity. These findings have significant policy implications, particularly in designing financial inclusion strategies for smallholder farmers in Africa, where access to formal credit is often constrained.

Finally, to broaden my perspective and gain strategic management skills, I then pursued an MBA. This qualification was instrumental in enhancing my understanding of the broader economic, business, and policy landscapes that influence agriculture. It taught me to view agricultural challenges through a multifaceted lens, considering not only the economic but also the managerial and logistical aspects of sustainable food systems.

My interest in agricultural economics was sparked early on, growing up in a community where farming was a way of life. I saw first-hand how changes in the environment and market fluctuations affected livelihoods, and I became passionate about finding solutions that could support farmers and foster resilience. Today, as a researcher and educator at UKZN, I’m grateful for the opportunity to apply my knowledge and experiences to train future agricultural economists and contribute to the field’s development.

Q: Tell us about yourself - where you were born, what do you do to unwind over the weekends and share a snapshot of your loved ones?

I was born and raised in Nigeria in the early 70s, where my deep appreciation for agriculture and rural development first took root. Growing up, I witnessed first-hand how closely communities rely on the land for their livelihood, which sparked my passion for addressing the challenges they face. Currently, I am in my 50s and feel incredibly privileged to have spent much of my career combining my passion for research with practical community engagement and teaching. Over the years, I’ve been able to work directly with rural communities, addressing the challenges they face while contributing to academic knowledge. This balance of hands-on experience and scholarly work has enriched my understanding of agricultural and rural development, which continues to drive my academic journey. This journey has allowed me to not only contribute to academic scholarship but also work directly with rural communities, fostering development through both research and applied knowledge. Outside of work, I enjoy spending weekends unwinding with family and friends. I’m a big fan of the outdoors and love taking hikes or visiting local nature reserves, which helps me clear my mind and reconnect with nature - something I find essential given the fast-paced nature of research and academia. I also enjoy reading, particularly historical fiction and biographies, which offer me a bit of escape and sometimes even fresh perspectives on the challenges I tackle in my work.

As for family life, I am married to my wonderful partner, Dr Omolara Baiyegunhi, and together we have a daughter, Eliana Tiaraoluwa. I am truly grateful to have such a supportive family. We cherish spending quality time together on weekends, making the most of those moments to bond and create lasting memories. I find that having a balance between work and family keeps me grounded and energised, and it’s incredibly rewarding to have a support system that understands and shares my commitment to making a difference in the field of agricultural economics.

Q: What are you currently reading?

A: Currently, I’m reading The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan. It’s a fascinating exploration of the food industry and how our choices impact both our health and the environment. As someone working in agricultural economics, I find it insightful to understand the broader implications of food production systems, especially in terms of sustainability and food security.

I’m also reading The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money, and Power by Daniel Yergin, which provides an in-depth history of the global oil industry. Although it’s not directly related to agriculture, I find it valuable to understand the interplay between energy, resources, and economic systems, especially in the context of agricultural production and rural development.

In addition to staying up to date with academic journals and papers in the field of agricultural economics and climate change - where new research and emerging trends are essential for guiding my own work - I also dedicate time to reading the Bible. It provides me with personal reflection and a sense of peace, which complements my professional life. Both these interests help me remain grounded and informed in my work, offering a balance of intellectual and spiritual enrichment.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?

A: I’d just like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for the chance to contribute to the field of agricultural economics and to be part of an institution like UKZN that encourages research with real-world impact. It’s a privilege to work alongside brilliant colleagues and students who share a commitment to tackling some of the most pressing challenges in agriculture and food security.

I also want to emphasise that the work we do in agricultural economics, particularly in developing countries, has never been more critical. As we face challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, and rural poverty, I believe that collaborative research, innovation, and thoughtful policy will be the key to creating sustainable solutions. I’m excited to continue contributing to this field and to mentoring the next generation of leaders who will carry this work forward.

Finally, I want to thank the University for the opportunity to share a bit about my journey and the work I am passionate about. I look forward to seeing how our collective efforts can make a meaningful difference in the world.

Photograph: Supplied

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Mental Health Awareness Event Brings “Be Kind to Your Mind” Message to Student Life at Westville Campus

Highlights from the Mental Health Awareness Day hosted by the College of Law and Management Studies.

On 18 October 2024, the UKZN Westville Campus Quad became a vibrant hub for the Mental Health Awareness Day event, organised by the College of Law and Management Studies Student Support Services (SSS) team.

Themed: “Let’s Prioritise Our Mental Well-being and Be Kind to Our Mind”, the initiative aimed to address student mental health during Mental Health Awareness Month and the upcoming exam period. It encouraged students to step away from their routines to focus on nurturing their mental health and well-being.

The engaging setup featured games, interactive quizzes, and invigorating aerobics, providing students with a much-needed break from their studies. Participants embraced the emphasis on “being present” and letting go of exam-related worries, relishing the chance to unwind in a supportive and inclusive environment.

The SSS team crafted each activity to foster mind-body engagement, creating an atmosphere of shared, joyful experiences. Research indicates that participation in games and physical activities significantly benefits mental health, supporting overall well-being and effective stress management. Furthermore, studies show a direct link between student mental health and academic success, highlighting the importance of initiatives that promote wellness.

Students from different Colleges joined the event, eager to engage with diverse activities. The SSS team incorporated indigenous games, such as rope skipping (ingqathu) and ushumpu (a childhood game, similar to dodgeball, in which players use a makeshift ball made of tightly-wrapped plastic bags to try to hit opponents with a ball while avoiding being hit themselves) to evoke positive childhood memories and encourage physical activity. A paper-blowing game illustrated the benefits of breathing exercises, allowing students to experience mental health benefits first-hand.

Many reported feeling relaxed, anticipating better sleep after their participation. All participants received prizes and gifts, including bags with stationery and mental wellness resources, reinforcing the University's commitment to holistic student development.

A significant aspect of the day involved students writing motivational messages on a communal board, fostering a sense of positivity and resilience. This inspiring display served as a reminder of the importance of well-being as they approached exams.

The success of this event highlights the ongoing dedication of Student Support Services to providing meaningful, culturally sensitive, evidence-based experiences that help students prioritise mental health and thrive academically and personally.

Words: Ishara Maharaj

Photographs: Supplied

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UKZN’s African Centre for Food Security Champions Community-Engaged Research for Sustainable Food Systems

Delegates and panelists at the Committee on World Food Security gathering in Rome.

The Committee on World Food Security (CFS) held a week-long gathering in Rome recently, drawing global leaders, experts, and academics to discuss critical issues around food security, nutrition and sustainable food systems.

The event, titled: “Nourish to Flourish: Strengthening Resilient Food Systems from Community Roots to Global Governance”, emphasised the need for local and global solutions to strengthen food sovereignty and improve nutrition outcomes. The gathering explored the intersection of local food systems and global trade, and the importance of community-driven initiatives to create resilient, nutrition-focused food systems.

Among the key contributors to the academic dialogue at the gathering were Professor Joyce Chitja, Director of the African Centre for Food Security (ACFS) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, who joined forces with Professor Jan Swanepoel from the University of the Free State to focus on the vital role of academic institutions in fostering innovation, conducting impactful research and advancing education to build sustainable food systems - particularly those that support smallholder farmers and community-led initiatives. Their input underscored the importance of universities engaging directly with communities to address local challenges in meaningful ways.

In her presentation, Chitja highlighted UKZN’s strategic approach to community engagement, an integral part of the University’s goals for the next decade. She emphasised that universities must adopt robust community engagement (CE) strategies to ensure that research and teaching are directly aligned with the needs of communities. UKZN has identified community engagement as one of its five core goals over the next 10 years, reflecting a commitment to bridging academic research and real-world applications in food systems.

‘Community engagement is central to how we at UKZN approach food security challenges,’ Chitja said. It’s not enough for universities to simply conduct research in isolation. We need to work alongside communities, in co-beneficial partnerships, to ensure that research outcomes address real-world issues and have a lasting impact.’

She stressed that this approach not only advances community well-being but also enriches academic work, creating a cycle where research informs teaching and, in turn, students are trained to become transformation agents within their communities.

Chitja also highlighted the importance of producing graduates who can drive change in food systems, saying that UKZN’s community-engaged research model directly informs the type of students the Institution aims to produce. These students are equipped to improve agency within communities and contribute to the broader efforts of governments and stakeholders working towards food security.

The event itself began with welcoming remarks from moderator, Professor Jane Battersby, who set the tone for the discussions by emphasising the need for global governance mechanisms to support food sovereignty and foster resilient local food systems. The keynote address by Mr Michael Fakhri, the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, provided a broad overview of how global economic governance intersects with local food systems, impacting food sovereignty and ultimately, nutrition outcomes.

Key panelists included representatives from civil society, government and international organisations, who discussed grassroots movements, the importance of multi-stakeholder approaches, and how policy frameworks can support smallholder farmers and local food initiatives. The discussions emphasised the need for collaborations among governments, academia, civil society, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to enhance food security and promote sustainable practices.

In her closing remarks, Dr Joanne Raisin, Director of the Scaling Up Nutrition Movement, underscored the interconnectedness of local actions and global governance in achieving food sovereignty, and called for continued collaboration and the sharing of insights and best practices to drive lasting change in food systems.

Words: Sally Frost

Photograph: Supplied

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The Language Planning and Development Office Hosts Transcription Workshop

The UKZN Language Planning and Development Office hosted a Transcription workshop on the Westville campus.

The University’s Language Planning and Development Office (ULDPO) recently hosted a Transcription Workshop at the Senate Chambers, on 14 November 2024. The reason behind the workshop was to acquire practical transcriptions skills, understand the role of transcription and network and collaborate with peers and professionals across language-related fields.

The ULPDO was established in 2013 as a strategic arm of the University Language Board (ULB) and is one of the three departments in the Division of Teaching and Learning.

The event was attended by individuals and language practitioners from many universities and departments; with, Mr Sibusiso Dlamini, lecturer at the Durban University of Technology and former translator in parliament and provincial legislature as the facilitator, and Ms Nomasiko Msomi as programme director. Dlamini taught participants the basics of transcription.

Mr Khumbulani Mngadi, ULPDO Acting Director said, ‘By attending this workshop, participants will acquire practical transcription skills, with a specific focus on African languages while also understanding the essential role of transcription in preserving and documenting languages. This workshop also aims to network and collaborate with peers and professionals across language-related fields.’ 

Dlamini extensively spoke and demonstrated on the topic of transcription, the dynamics of transcription, and what it requires from an individual. To give the audience a better understanding of the topic, he requested an attendee to transcribe a speech by a minister in parliament. The participant was given a timeframe, where she would listen to the speech and transcribe as fast as she could while listening. It gave the audience an understanding of transcription and what it requires.

‘Let’s say you’re in parliament and you’re transcribing for the minister or president, which would be a very important task, you don’t have time to edit or proofread. That’s where you need to be fast and where your writing/typing skills need to be at play,’ he said. He shone the spotlight on the uses of transcription from healthcare to law, collection of evidence by the police, and many other areas.

At the end of the workshop, Mr Njabulo Manyoni, a Language Practitioner from the ULPDO, gave a vote of thanks and some closing remarks to the participants.

Words: Nduduzo Duma

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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