On campus issue 4 2014

on Campus Issue 4 • September 2014 • For daily updates visit www.uwc.ac.za

INSIDE Top marine science award for UWC marine biologist page 4

Lead SA Heroes honoured at UWC page 8

CHS staff bring joy on Mandela Day page 10

Sixishe – the hope of UWC page 16

Your Source for University News

Green nanotechnology centre a milestone for UWC

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heads up their Green WC launched Nanotechnology its new Centre) and UWC — Centre discussed the potential for Green future uses of green Nanotechnology in July. nanotechnologies. He The new research spoke of applications facility, made possible in cancer treatment, through the longfor example, standing partnership explaining that between UWC and current drugs do the University of not always have the Missouri (UM), aims desired effect — drug to explore and create particles do not environmentallyalways penetrate friendly technologies tumours because of harnessing the their relatively large nanosciences size. Nano particles, (nanoscience is however, due to their the study of and small size and their development of functioning, have the materials at the ability to penetrate nanometer scale, a Marius Tincho pipetting gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) into a microtiter plate for analysis in a UV-spectrophotometer. tumours much more nano measuring one development of fundamental sciences effectively. billionth of a metre). as they relate to green nanotechnology.

Professor Richard Loftin, Chancellor of UM, “Green nanotechnology provides an Researchers will investigate the application applauded the contribution that the Centre opportunity to combine the strengths of indigenous phytochemicals and phytowill make towards capacity development. of nanobioscience, nanochemistry and mediated technologies for the production of “We think of resources in terms of tangible nanophysics towards innovative solutions green nanotechnologies with applications in things, but the most precious resource is for societal benefit,” said Professor Ramesh medicine, energy and allied disciplines. human capital,” said Loftin.

Bharuthram, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: In addition, the Centre aims to provide The launch of the Centre marked a Academic, at the launch. formal training to students at the significant moment for UWC, observed The establishment of the Centre for Green undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian Nanotechnology can be traced back to levels in all aspects of green nanotechnology, O’Connell.

2008/09, when UWC embarked on a five-year from blue sky to the applied sciences, while “UWC is a metaphor for Africa,” institutional strategic plan for 2010—2014. also looking at socioeconomic development, O’Connell told those attending the event.

Out of that process came an Institutional and policy development and revision.

“Despite being excluded and coming from Operational Plan (IOP), which among other Speaking at the launch, ‘father of green a disadvantaged past, we are here to show things, identified niche research areas for nanotechnology’, UM’s Professor Kattesh that we can use our brains to push the the University, including the nanosciences.

Katti — who will divide his time between boundaries.”

The Centre aims to promote the the University of Missouri (where he

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News

UWC Remains Africa’s Greenest Campus

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WC is once again Africa’s greenest campus.

The award was announced at the third national Association of College and University Housing Officers International (ACUHO-I) Southern Africa Chapter African Green Campus Initiative Conference, held at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University at the end of June. The University also won in 2012 at the inaugural conference.

The African Green Campus Initiative is an independent higher education student programme that addresses the climate change challenges facing universities, colleges and communities. It is founded on the principle that campuses that address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and integrate sustainability into their curricula will benefit students and help create a thriving, modern community.

Campuses were assessed on energy efficiency, water conservation, biodiversity and nature reserves, green buildings, green purchasing, green programming, waste reduction and recycling, green leadership and

innovation. Naturally, UWC excelled in all areas, receiving the overall Outstanding Award for an Advanced University.

Cited UWC projects included the Back to Earth Campaign, an initiative that raises awareness about recycling and the Residence Leaders’ Green Campus Initiative (GCI) programmes. These include the GCI’s programmes on food security, its food gardens, and its debates and workshops.

“UWC management, service providers, media and students have once again proven that, working together, we can move our campus into the future,” said UWC Green Team Leader and Residential Services Officer, Njabulo Maphumulo.

“It’s no wonder many universities have come to see UWC as a green benchmark.”

Not satisfied just yet, UWC and GCI are setting their sights even higher for 2014/2015, hoping to go “200% green” by cutting water and electricity usage, and greening older buildings.

“UWC going 200% green means making greening part of our daily lives,” explained Maphumulo. “The aim of the campaign is to encourage students, staff

and service providers to ensure that greening is observed during their daily operations, and to urge us all to be more green than we’ve ever been before.”

The 2014 GCI conference, themed Student Housing Creating Green Legacies, also featured presentations and training seminars focused on sharing knowledge on climate change, energy efficiency, the conservation of natural resources, educating for sustainability and creating a healthy living and learning environment for students and staff. There was also a Green Fashion show, showcasing garments made from recyclable material.

“It’s about sharing experiences, best practice and networking with knowledgeable people so that the next generation is better equipped to care for our natural resources,” explained conference convener, Sammy Elie.

“That’s the only way we can solve the challenges facing us all.”

Conference videos can be accessed on YouTube (search ‘Green Campus Initiative 2014 On the couch discussion’).

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UWC entrepreneurs develop prize-winning app

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Department that supported and prepared But there’s more to success than a hree UWC students took on some the students for the Enactus Challenge, good idea. While other students were 2,400 students from around the believes that it is a sound vehicle for on vacation, the team had to keep their country and achieved a very student development and support. noses to the grindstone, thrashing out and impressive third place at the “The challenge provides a useful planning the design of UniBuy. national Unilever Sustainable Living Plan framework for focusing on key outcomes “What made UniBuy successful was the (USLP) Enactus Challenge in July. for student development, and for teamwork,” says geology master’s student The competition — previously known as measuring this outcome,” she says. “We’re Mandende. “We worked so well together, the Students in Free Enterprise Challenge and everyone did what they had to do when proud that students did so well, but even — is designed to recognise and reward more proud of how they learnt and grew as they had to do it, no matter how much we student teams with an entrepreneurial a result.” had to sacrifice.” touch, challenging them to create and That learning covered project UniBuy aims to incorporate a recycling deliver products aligned with the “three management, public speaking, component, run in the UWC residences. big goals” of the USLP. These goals are time management and an array of Currently, the project is in the early stages to improve health and wellbeing, reduce of implementation, having recorded several entrepreneurial and other skills. environmental impact, and enhance “We are excited that the team’s hard important milestones, including market livelihoods. work, commitment and dedication was research.

Picking up the gauntlet, the UWC recognised,” says Delphino. “We just can’t Birgit Schreiber, director of the Centre Enactus team — Delphino Machikicho, wait to take UniBuy to res, and make for Student Support Services and part of Hakundwi Mandende and Thando Sobantu buying easy for our brothers and sisters.” the Leadership and Social Responsibility — developed UniBuy. This is a mobile purchasing system through which UWC students — especially those in residence — can access Unilever products at competitive prices from the comfort of wherever they happen to be with their phones.

The app earned the team a podium finish in the competition, which featured 26 teams, over 2,400 students, and 168 projects to which students had dedicated over 201,000 hours.

Sobantu, who comes from Pretoria and is studying towards a BA in politics, history, and women and gender studies, says she took part in the Challenge because she believed in the idea. “The Unilever Sustainable Living Challenge speaks to the person that I am,” she notes. “And UniBuy is fresh, innovative — a creative way to address the challenges UWC students face.”

Zimbabwe-born Machikicho, who is studying a BCom in finance and investments, agrees that the student focus is what makes UniBuy so amazing. “We understood the student market,” he says. “We are students, after all, and we also took the time to do intensive market research, to understand exactly what the UWC community’s needs were.”

(From left) Hakundwi Mandende, Thando Sobantu and Delphino Machikicho are part of the UWC Enactus team behind the winning UniBuy mobile app.

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Natural Sciences

Top marine science award for UWC marine biologist rofessor Mark Gibbons, the chair of UWC’s Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, was presented with the prestigious Gilchrist Memorial Medal at the 2014 South African Marine Science Symposium (SAMSS) in Stellenbosch.

Gibbons is one of the youngest ever recipients of the award, established in 1987 by the old South African National Committee recognise contributions to marine science. It is presented at the SAMSS, held every three years (as is common, more than one recipient Coleen Moloney, of the Marine of Cape Town, also received the medal). role in the transformation of South African marine science and many of his past students are playing key roles in the Department of Environmental Affairs and other governmental agencies tasked with directing the marine conservation

UWC marine biologist Professor Mark Gibbons has been awarded the Gilchrist Medal – one of the highest honours that can be bestowed in the South African marine science community.

the award citation. “Through his committed research, he has ensured that the University of the Western Cape can be regarded as a key role player in the Gibbons is perhaps best known for his work on the ecology of ocean and offshore systems, and his particular interest in zooplankton. His recent research focused on gelatinous zooplankton (better known Namibia.

“It is a special honour to receive this

award that has been given to a small number of ‘the great and the good’ for

of colleagues in chemistry, biotechnology and pharmacy.

Gibbons notes. “Firstly, because it says that I have made the grade, but more importantly (to me) because it also says

says, “and what it is trying to do for the country and its citizenry. For me, there is no other institution. The students here at UWC have been provided not only with support and inspiration, but also with opportunities, and when my students leave

Gibbons and his colleagues at the BCB department (together accounting for specialties in ecology, taxonomy and algal eco-physiology) are making good headway in gaining a national reputation for whole organism marine biology — with the help

• • Authored/co-authored 6 book chapters, 14 technical reports and 23 popular science articles • • whom were from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

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keynote address of the SAMSS conference, entitled How can we, as a southern African marine science community, improve our ability to understand SeaChange? An illustrative case study. The lecture used his goby work as a vehicle to highlight gaps in our national understanding of marine ecosystems, challenging South African marine scientists and institutions to be more collaborative rather than competitive in these fast-changing times.

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Natural medicine once again rising to prominence

Dr Mujeeb Hoosen of UWC’s School of Natural Medicine discussing complementary and traditional medicine at the first annual International Congress on Al-Tibb al-Nabawi in Turkey.

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here is today a global resurgence of complementary and traditional medicine in communities and in the medical science fraternity, wherein age-old concepts are reinterpreted in light of new scientific evidence.

It was to explore this renewed interest that took Dr Mujeeb Hoosen, associate lecturer in Unani-Tibb at UWC’s School of Natural Medicine, to the first International Congress on Al-Tibb al-Nabawi, held in Ankara, Turkey, in June. The conference discussed how the concept of traditional medicine has been shaped across different cultures by globalisation, and how it has contributed to the global revival of the traditional medicine known as The conference helped forge new collaborative bonds for UWC. Dr Mujeeb Hoosen has been invited to join collaborative research efforts ahead of the next conference, proposed for Saudi Arabia in 2015. He was also invited by the British Cupping Society to attend and possibly present at its Cupping Conference in Istanbul in October 2014 (cupping is an ancient form of medicine in which cups are placed on the skin to create suction, which is said to mobilise blood flow to promote healing).

al-Tibb al-Nabawi, a form of Unani-Tibb.

Unani-Tibb (Unani is Persian for Greek; Tibb Arabic for medicine) has formed part of healthcare systems worldwide for hundreds of years. It reputedly began in Africa, was embraced by the Greeks, and refined by Arab physicians over centuries.

Al-Tibb al-Nabawi places utmost importance on the preservation of health, integrating body, mind and soul in the quest for optimum health.

It covers preventive and curative medicine, mental and emotional wellbeing, natural and herbal medicines and treatments, regimental therapies and also lifestyle adjustments. Tibb practitioners concentrate on personalised diagnoses to find the best way to treat illnesses in accordance with individual dispositions.

Interested in learning more about UnaniTibb and other traditional medicines?

Want to travel overseas? Well, you could be in luck. At the Congress, a representative from the traditional medicine body affiliated to the European Medical Association proposed that an exchange/internship programme with Germany be set up, which would allow graduates from UWC’s School of Natural Medicine to study in that country.

At the conference, Hoosen delivered a well-received presentation titled Temperament – The missing link in modern preventative medicine. In his talk, he focused on the concept of individualised healthcare and how this concept can aid both complementary and traditional medicine (CTM) and allopathic medical practitioners.

“These conferences are crucial, since they highlight the importance of evidencebased clinical research for traditional medicine and broaden safe and effective treatment options for humanity,” says Hoosen. “This was a valuable experience which deepened my understanding and appreciation of traditional medicine.”

The congress was a collaborative effort between the Turkish government, Turkey’s Muhder Institute and the National Health Institute of Istanbul. It was attended by academics, clinical researchers and health practitioners from both allopathic and CTM traditions from China, Europe, the USA and elsewhere.

The Turkish Deputy Prime Minister, Health Minister and President of the Commission for Health also attended, demonstrating their support for research and implementation of Al-Tibb al-Nabawi in Turkey and abroad.

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Community and Health Sciences

Prominent Western Cape health official receives Jakes Gerwel Award

Jakes Gerwel’s pivotal role in promoting public health practice, and is made to graduates of the UWC School of Public Health (SoPH) who have demonstrated outstanding work in some aspect of public health.

Kariem has played a leading role in health services in the Dr Saadiq Kariem (far left), recipient of the Jakes Gerwel Award, with (from left) country, highlighted Dianna Yach, Chairperson and Director of the Mauerberger Foundation Fund; Prof Helen Emeritus Professor Schneider, Director of the SoPH; Heinrich Gerwel, son of the late Prof Jakes Gerwel; David Sanders, the Prof David Sanders (who nominated Kariem for the award); and Prof Brian O’Connell, UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor.

SoPH’s first Director as well as Kariem’s or helping shape national health longtime colleague and comrade, in reading policy at a trying time in the the award citation. country’s history, Dr Saadiq Kariem “Saadiq has been centrally involved in received UWC’s Jakes Gerwel Award the restructuring of health services in the in Public Health at a ceremony in July. country at local, provincial and national As was pointed out at the event, Kariem, levels, and has played a leadership role in the Chief Director: General Specialist policy formulation in the health sector,” and Emergency Services in the Western said Sanders. “His courage in initiating HIV/ Cape Department of Health, is a deserving AIDS treatment at a time of ‘denialism’ recipient of the award. The award honours played a critical role in influencing the and recognises former Vice-Chancellor evolution of the programme which is rightly hailed as one of South Africa’s great postIn 1997, Dr Saadiq Kariem became one of apartheid successes.” the first graduates of the Public Health In addition to these contributions, Programme at UWC, obtaining an MPhil Kariem served as the ANC National Health (later renamed MPH). He holds an MBChB Secretary from 1996 to 2006, and on the from UCT (1992), obtained the Fellowship Council for Medical Schemes from 2001 of the College of Public Health Medicine to 2008. He was COO and CEO of Groote South Africa (FCPHM) in 2002, and Schuur Hospital from 2005 to 2010, and completed an Executive Masters in Business was appointed to his current role in the Administration (EMBA) at UCT in 2009. He province’s Department of Health in 2010. worked at community health centres in Dianna Yach, Chairperson and Director of Crossroads and Khayelitsha, and during the the Mauerberger Foundation Fund, which national transition period served on the sponsors the R50,000 Jakes Gerwel Award, strategic management team of the Minister explained that the accolade is part of of Health in the Western Cape, assisting the Foundation’s contribution to growing with developing priority programmes for ethical future leaders in the field of public the restructured Department of Health in health. “Facilitating changes requires the Western Cape.

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activists like Dr Saadiq Kariem,” Yach said.

“Making a real difference requires strong leadership and management.”

In expressing his thanks to the Foundation, UWC, the SoPH and Sanders, Kariem mentioned the telling parts that others have played in his career. “This award is greatly appreciated,” he said, “but it isn’t just for me; there were many people who contributed to the journey of my life, and to healthcare in this province.”

These included collaborators who, in “a story of intrigue, sometimes of espionage, and even of downright mutiny”, helped shape health policy in the country in its transition to democracy. Among these were Sanders, Cameron Dugmore (now ANC Member of the Western Cape Provincial Legislature), AIDS activist Zackie Achmat, former minister of health Nkosazana Zuma, and Confidence Moloko (co-author of the leaked ANC document that called on the party to publicly declare that HIV does cause AIDS).

It is a role that was further complicated when Kariem became part of management himself. From this he has learned one lesson, he said — that all policies and initiatives, no matter how well-intentioned or well-planned, come up against budgets and politics.

In closing, Kariem had a few questions for his audience.

“Can there be a critical voice, a dissenting voice, within any political party?

What have we lost in this transition from activism to managerialism? And in our country, who will be the next generation of activists? Where will they come from? That is for us all to find out.”

The School of Public Health at UWC is a World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Human Resource for Health Development; hosts the SARChI Chair in Health Systems, Complexity and Social Change; and houses the UWC Centre for Research in HIV and AIDS (CRHA). It was established in 1993.

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Nurses have to think globally

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she is the first South African president of the world’s largest f students go into a room and the professor is not international nursing society, the Sigma Theta Tau International teaching anything you can’t get on the computer, Honour Society of Nursing. what’s the point? What do our Commenting on the United Nations’ Millennium universities have to offer in a Development Goals, Klopper noted that most world where basic lecture information from nations are not on track to meeting them, in part Harvard is available online for free?” because they do not have enough healthcare These were some of the questions posed workers, and the existing corps of healthcare

by UWC Extraordinary Professor of Nursing, workers does not receive the right kind of training.

Hester Klopper, at a seminar on Global Trends Traditional methods of education cannot reach Influencing Nursing and Nursing Education. enough people to make a difference, she argued.

The event, hosted by the School of Nursing in July, forms part of a series of seminars hosted STTI President, and former UWC Dean of CHS, For this, institutions will have to explore the vast array of online opportunities. “We see some very by the Faculty of Community and Health Prof Hester Klopper, explores global trends in nursing and health at a CHS 20 Years of interesting developments on electronic platforms Sciences (CHS) to look at health in South Democracy seminar. at UWC, people employing mobile technology, Africa after 20 years of democracy. e-learning, social media,” she said.

Klopper spoke both as a nurse (she is a To change things around, the sector will have to speak up, she founder member of the African Honour Society of Nursing) and a urged. “The time is now for nurses to be at the policy table, to nursing educator (she is CEO of the Forum for University Nursing make sure we are informed and can challenge anyone and meet Deans in South Africa and former Dean of the UWC CHS faculty). challenges in turn.”

She also spoke from a global perspective; among other things,

Award-winning HealthWise project going strong

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Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The isa Wegner, Associate Professor project aimed to study and develop in occupational therapy school-level interventions to reduce at UWC, travelled to the the transmission of HIV/AIDS and USA recently to receive an other STIs, reduce drug and alcohol award for an international research abuse, and increase positive use and collaboration that looks at how to curb experience of free and leisure time in substance abuse and prevent risky South Africa. sexual behaviour among South African Thanks to the success of HealthWise youth.

I, NIDA in 2010 provided funding for Wegner represented UWC and the HealthWise II, coordinated by Joachim HealthWise project at the Society for Jacobs of the UWC HIV and AIDS Prevention Research’s 2014 Annual programme. The objective was to Meeting in Washington DC, where she build on the theoretical groundwork received the Society’s International UWC’s Lisa Wegner (left) received an award at the Society for Prevention Research’s 2014 Annual Meeting, along with winners laid by HealthWise I, particularly Collaborative Prevention Research Stephanie Lanza, Donna Coffman and Brandon McDaniel. in translational research, which Award, which recognises international looks at the practical application of collaborations that contribute to the theoretical findings, and to run intervention programmes in 56 field of prevention science. HealthWise was established in 2001 Cape Town high schools. To date, more than 16,000 learners and as a research collaboration between UWC, the University of Cape 200 educators have benefited from the programme. A third phase Town and Penn State University (PSU) in the USA. will focus on adapting HealthWise for different contexts.

At the time, Wegner and UWC colleague, Professor Tania The 13-year commitment is paying rich dividends, says Wegner.

Vergnani, Director of UWC’s HIV and AIDS programme, teamed “But you can’t collaborate in a vacuum; it takes a good team of up with researchers Ed Smith and Linda Caldwell at PSU for people to successfully collaborate.” the original HealthWise project, funded by the US National

Economic and Management Sciences

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Allan Gray talk inspirational

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t Allan Gray, one of our themes is Legacy of Greatness. If you are in this for yourself, then you are in the wrong place. If you are in this to make a difference in a country, then that matters.”

So said Carl Herman, Fellows Programme Officer: Academic &

Personal Development at the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, at an information session to UWC first-year students in July.

The Foundation “identifies, selects and invests in individuals who show potential greatness over the long term through its scholarship and fellowship opportunities, mentoring and training high-impact responsible entrepreneurs who will dramatically contribute to a positive economic, social and political change.”

“I know I’m in the right place when I see folks coming here on a cold Saturday morning. I know I’m talking to the right individuals,” said Herman, a UWC graduate himself, as he explained the application process for the scholarships and fellowships.

It’s definitely worth it, explained candidate fellow and UWC student Luthando Mzilikazi. She talked of the monthly stipend that fellows receive, among other support. “Think differently, – that’s what companies are looking for,” said Mzilikazi. “And that’s what the Foundation can help you learn to do.”

The talk was hosted by UWC’s Department of Economics as part of its Stand Out Campaign, a programme designed to promote an understanding and appreciation of economics in the university community and the wider world.

Dr Derek Yu, senior lecturer in economics, provided information on the department’s programmes and some additional words of inspiration. “The rewards are there in terms of job opportunities as an economist, in the academic sector and journalism, and more Economics Lecturer Carmen Christian motivates Economics students to apply to the Allan besides,” said Yu. “Studying economics can open many doors.”

Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship.

Lead SA Heroes honoured at UWC

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settlement in Simon’s Town — providing a healthy alternative to eadership matters. That was the central message from the alcohol and drug abuse prevalent in her community.

Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian O’Connell, Kerr is a young cancer survivor who works with cancer patients, when he opened the inaugural Lead SA Conference on and started a Facebook Active Citizenship at page (titled Angus Kerr: Kids UWC in July. with cancer) where cancer Focused on advocating patients and survivors can and advancing leadership communicate about their among South African struggles. Le Roux is an youth, that message was animal activist who founded exemplified when, in one the organisation Deep South of the highlights of the Animal Educare, dedicated conference, the Western to supporting animal welfare Cape Youth Hero of the Year and education in the and Hero of the Year awards underprivileged communities were made to three young of Mountain View, Ocean View, leaders. Buyiswa Ponti was Redhill, Rasta Camp, Vrygrond named Western Cape Hero and Overcome Heights. of the Year, while Angus Kerr The awards were presented and Jaque le Roux got the by two icons of South African Western Cape Youth Hero of leadership, Reverend Mpho the Year nods.

Tutu and former Constitutional Ponti is currently Court judge Albie Sachs. completing her matric while Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Brian O’ Connell, with 567 Cape Talk Radio host, Africa Melane, at the Lead SA award ceremony.

Tutu, daughter of Archbishop working as a cleaner at Desmond Tutu, spoke of how the Simon’s Town Museum. she chose education and leadership above violent retaliation, Using her limited resources, she still manages to run a feeding while Sachs talked of forgiveness and how it shapes leadership. scheme and a reading club from her home in the Redhill informal

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Manuel weighs up SA democracy at Asmal lecture

Former activist and Cabinet Minister Trevor Manuel spoke about the role of democratic institutions in promoting human rights at the Kader Asmal Lecture in July.

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here is no doubt that the Constitution provides a strong basis for democracy.

But too frequently, we attempt to abstract rights and liberties, and the checks, and ignore the entire mechanics of what produces a democratic impact in the lives of ordinary citizens.”

So said former finance minister and, until 2014, minister in the Presidency for the National Planning Commission, Trevor Manuel, when he delivered the annual Kader Asmal Human Rights Awards Lecture at UWC in July. The lecture, honouring the late Professor Abdul Kader Asmal, was cohosted by the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution.

Manuel’s speech focused on the role of democratic institutions of governance in promoting human rights and civil liberties. He spoke about the South African

Constitution being a document with purpose, as evidenced by three words in the preamble to the Constitution: “so as to”.

The debate about democracy was not a narrow one about civil liberties, he argued.

Rather it was a discussion on the quality of the democratic project.

Referring to a recently published paper by the Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, titled Assessing the Quality of Democracy, Manuel presented five key principles for consideration: that democratisation is a process that requires time and patience; that democracy is not achieved through elections alone; that democratic practices can be compared but not prescribed; that democracy is built from within societies; and that democracy cannot be imported or exported, but can be supported.

UWC law student Margaret Stride is the winner of this year’s Kader Asmal Award, presented to her at the lecture. Stride is a Be Just Fellow (Be Just is an initiative of the international Bertha Foundation to encourage activism in society) doing her internship at UWC’s Legal Resources Centre. She received her LLB from the University of Cape Town, and previously interned with probono.org, dealing with refugee cases. She was also an intern with The Human Rights Law Network (HRLN) in New Delhi, India, another Be Just network partner, where she researched and drafted petitions filed in the Indian Supreme Court and wrote for HRLN publications.

He went on to say that our key responsibility was to evaluate how all parts of the government interacted. “We frequently tend to overlook the important role of the Executive in shaping policy and overseeing its implementation.”

In closing, Manuel spoke of the obligation to ensure that platforms such as the Kader Asmal Lecture, and discussions about law, rights, the strength of our democracy and the quality of life of South Africans do not become (or remain) the preserve of a small elite.

“There is no ‘democracy inspector’ sitting outside of Parliament assessing whether it discharges its mandate in the letter and spirit of the Constitution.”

A professor of Human Rights at UWC, chairperson of the Council of the University of Limpopo (University of the North) and Vice-President of the African Association of International Law, Prof Kader Asmal devoted his life to securing, protecting and advancing human rights. His preoccupation with constitutional liberties and freedoms never diminished, and he brought these to bear on all his academic, political and humanitarian portfolios.

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Mandela Day

UWC students reflect on Madiba’s legacy

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s part of its Mandela Day festivities in July, the Centre for Student Support Services (CSSS), together with the UWC/Robben Island Mayibuye Archives, hosted an interactive dialogue session where UWC students could reflect on the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela.

The session featured artefacts from the Mayibuye Archives, a panel discussion, open dialogues and student poetry. The event aimed to help young people take ownership of South Africa as the

country transforms.

Keynote speakers included entrepreneur and UWC alumnus Andile Nomlala, Lwando Mzandisi from civil society organisation Equal Education, former Robben Island prisoner Dede Ntsoelengoe, and Thozama Mabusela, who represented the UWC Gender Equity Unit (GEU).

Nomlala observed it was not by chance that he was standing in front of students at the University. “I know I was lucky to escape the trap of poverty, and the legacy of Nelson Mandela should be about seizing every opportunity presented to us as young people,” he said.

The youth should not only think of helping others on Nelson Mandela’s birthday, added Nomlala. “You can help your community by sharing information; a little goes a long way — you would be so surprised.”

Mabusela argued that the youth were not as apathetic as they were portrayed in the media. “So often we hear people say we don’t care about history and politics,” she said. “I refuse to accept that we are irresponsible and careless.”

To prove that today’s youth are not a lost generation, the GEU encourages students to volunteer and commit time to helping their peers, Mabusela noted.

Students talking at the seminar on the Life and Legacy of Nelson Mandela in the UWC Library Auditorium.

CHS staff bring joy on Mandela Day

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andela Day is a chance to use your talents to give back to the community. So staff from the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences chose to dedicate their 67 minutes of goodwill to the young patients at Tygerberg Hospital. Staff members contributed various items ahead of the visit, which they packaged into party packs and presented, along with soft toys, to the grateful children. New friends were made, leaving not only the children but also staff members with big smiles on their faces.

Lending a hand in communities is not just a one day a year event for CHS staff and students. Second-year social work students have designated their 2014 academic year as an opportunity to engage in youth development initiatives in areas such as Belhar, Gugulethu, Khayelitsha and Mitchell’s Plain.

Staff from the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences spent 67 minutes of their 2014 Mandela Day with children at Tygerberg Hospital.

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ICS spends 67 minutes with elderly at Hanover Park centre

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administrator. “They are all volunteers and some of them have been WC’s Information and Communication Services (ICS) working here for 12 years now.” marked Mandela Day by assisting at the Rehoboth Age The Rehoboth Age Exchange houses 84 pensioners and operates Exchange Centre in Hanover Park. right across from the GH Stark Centre, which caters for frail The group of about 30 UWC staff treated Rehoboth’s elderly residents as well. elderly residents, and gave stretched staff at the Centre a short ICS director, Mervyn but well-deserved break. The ICS Christoffels, explained that ICS team had a busy day. One group started a wellness campaign in set up an internet connection at February, encouraging staff to the facility, another cleaned the stay healthy as they grow older. garden, while a third entertained “But today we are here at the residents with games.

Rehoboth to offer our services to After this, the UWC team the centre,” said Christoffels. presented the residents with a ICS thanked partners cooked meal and toiletry bags.

Dimension Data for sponsoring “I would say that our main a computer, Minolta for giving challenge has always been funding blankets, Springbok Atlas for as we cannot afford to pay transporting the ICS team, and our staff members,” explained Metro Cleaners for the cleaning the Centre’s Arlette Cox, who utilities. multitasks as caterer, fundraiser and ICS staff split into groups, with some cleaning the inside and others cleaning the outside areas of the Rehoboth Age Exchange Centre in Hanover Park on Mandela Day.

Student administration reaches out to Bellville crèche

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ith various sponsorships from around campus in hand, UWC’s Student Administration used Mandela Day to forge a new relationship with Ecclesia Crèche in Bellville South.

Staff members from the department dedicated two hours of their time to the children at the crèche, playing games and reading to them. In addition, Student Administration presented the crèche with a gift bag filled with donations from UWC fruit vendor Ms Gabby and the Unicaf, as well as support from Ilse Jooste and Cole Gilbert of the Faculty of Dentistry, Madge du Preez of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, and Toni Sylvester of the Faculty of Education.

Staff member Lulama Stemela explained that the group had decided to adopt the crèche after recognising that the facility needed a few extra hands occasionally. And it won’t be a once-off, as a new partnership has been formed; the 67 minutes should

be an everyday thing, said Stemela. “We will be assisting them from time to time, whenever a need arises.”

This, she added, is a way for staff to plough back into the community without expecting anything in return.

UWC Administration staff during their visit to the Ecclesia Crèche in Bellville South.

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Dentistry

Taking dental services to the people

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understand the needs of the community and want to make a ith only some 60 public dentists scattered around the difference. That is what drives them to sacrifice their time.”

Western Cape, the healthcare sector is under pressure The initiative, Barrie adds, is a win-win arrangement. While to meet the province’s dental needs, particularly the the communities benefit from the free service, students get needs of those living in poor rural communities. the satisfaction of ploughing back into the communities while In an attempt to ease the burden, UWC’s Faculty of Dentistry hosts numerous outreach programmes in needy communities in sharpening their clinical skills.

Cape Town and surrounding towns, “to take the service to the people”. With the blessing of the Western Cape Department of Health, the faculty has been providing free dental services, including clinical and educational sessions, to towns in the Cape Winelands, Boland and the West Coast. For the work, the programme uses the UWC mobile clinic or premises of the state clinics.

There is an overwhelming need for the University’s service, says Dr Rob Barrie, outreach coordinator.

People who can’t afford private healthcare or the cost of travelling long distances to state facilities find the service especially convenient. “We go to their communities and people just walk to us,” says Barrie.

But the service is only possible because students have shown their willingness to participate, explains Barrie.

The students give up entire weekends, evenings or even weekdays to go into communities and put into practice the valuable lessons they learn at the University.

UWC fourth-year dentistry students take part in a recent outreach programme at Bottelary Primary “The University has instilled a social conscience School in the Stellenbosch farming community. among students,” Barrie explains. “As a result, students

Taking oral health to the needy

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arking National Oral Health Month in September, UWC’s Department of Oral Hygiene hosted a programme on the promotion of oral health, also delivering some appreciated dental services, at the Fellowship Bible Church Christian School situated in the Philippi farming community.

The occasion formed part of the Faculty of Dentistry’s continued community outreach projects and the service learning programme for final-year oral hygiene students, and was coordinated by Oral Hygiene departmental staff, including Natalie Gordon, Anri Bernardo, Cole Gilbert and Lesley Vorster. While the department has been running initiatives at the school for some years, the programme was different this year.

“As part of the Oral Health Month initiative, we decided to integrate the community health promotion aspect with the dental treatment aspect of oral health, showing that comprehensive preventive dental care can be done in the school environment,” explains Gordon. “This means less travelling for the learners, more dental treatment being done that was not invasive and learners being less anxious, unlike when they are taken to a dental facility for

treatment.”

As part of the programme, the UWC students taught approximately 130 learners about good oral health practices, supervised teeth-brushing exercises, while also conducting preventive dental treatment. Treatment included applying fissure sealants (sealing the fissures of healthy molars to prevent cavities forming in these teeth), providing fluoride treatments and doing minimally invasive restorations.

According to the UWC students, the event provided a positive learning experience as it highlighted the impact of poor oral health on the lives of children, such as pain hampering their learning, and the need for dental care in schools. The visit also showed that good dental care can be provided with limited resources.

UWC oral hygiene students who conducted an information session with learners in Philippi.

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Learners inspired at Science Week at UWC

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word of encouragement goes a long way. For the about 250 grade 11 and 12 learners who gathered at UWC on 2 August to learn from scholars and researchers working in the sciences, there were many such encouraging words.

The day marked the start of National Science Week, an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology to inspire learners to take up science and mathematics at school and, hopefully, careers in science.

Welcoming the learners, UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian O’Connell, explained that science is a way of learning new things, and that what we now know of matters like HIV/AIDS would not have been possible were it not for science and scientists.

Other UWC speakers addressing the learners were Professor Michael Davies-Coleman, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, and Professor Cyril Julie, who holds the National Research Foundation/First Rand Foundation Research Chair in Mathematics Education.

Davies-Coleman regaled the learners with the story of the Mandelalide A, a cancer-treatment drug named after Nelson Mandela and isolated from a tunicate, a marine creature found in South African waters. This illustrates, said Davies-Coleman, that scientists don’t just wear white coats and sit in labs all day.

(From left) Professor Cyril Julie, NRF/First Rand Foundation Research Chair in Mathematics Education; with Professor Shaheed Hartley, who is the Director at the Science Learning Centre for Africa; and Professor Davies-Coleman, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, at the National Science Week event.

“There are 300 different kinds of cancers,” he noted, “which means that we need to make more discoveries regarding anticancer drugs, and that is why we need more scientists in our country.”

Wrapping up proceedings, Julie encouraged learners to take up maths, a subject that gets easier with regular practice and commitment. “It is not only the teachers’ responsibility to make maths interesting and fun — it is up to you,” he said.

National Science week is in its 15th year, and attracts thousands of learners nationwide to workshops, science shows and exhibitions at universities.

Girls encouraged to take up maths

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Airways and founder of Sakhikamva Foundation, an organisation ugust was officially Women’s Month, and also when news dedicated to raising aviation awareness and skills development, broke that Iranian Maryam Mirzakhani, a professor at also had encouraging words, as did Dr Phethiwe Matutu, general Stanford University in the USA, had become the first manager for human capital and science platforms at the woman to win the International Mathematical Union’s Department of Science and Technology.

Fields Medal, described as the Nobel Prize of mathematics.

Professor Zubeida Desai, Dean of the Education Faculty, Appropriately, UWC’s Faculty of Education hosted the Women in concluded the event by telling the learners that they should Mathematics Mini-Convention in Cape Town on 9 August, National aim for the stars. This way they too could one day be pilots and Women’s Day. Girls from schools around the Western Cape were directors, she noted. addressed and inspired by five professional women who work in maths fields. These role models spoke of their personal and professional journeys in mathematics.

Dr Beverley Damonse, group executive for Science Engagement and Corporate Relations at the National Research Foundation (NRF), talked of the dire shortage of women in the field. “At the NRF I am the only female executive member amongst five men, and that is why we need women like you in maths,” she said.

Dr Bonita de Swardt, an astrophysicist at the University of Cape Town, provided guidance on what it took to get into a career in mathematics, and shared her love for the subject. Actuary Neo Malete told the students that passion was everything, and that where they came from did not necessarily determine their futures, a key message to come out of the day.

Guest speakers and students from all over the Western Cape attending the UWC Women in Pilot Fatima Jakoet, senior first officer at South African Mathematics Mini-Convention at the Capetonian Hotel in Cape Town.

14

Arts

Some hard truths at feminism seminar

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ex workers and the sex industry give nations, and feminists, plenty to think about.

So it appears from a lecture presented by feminist theorist and author, Professor Nivedita Menon, of the Centre for Comparative Politics & Political Theory at the Jawaharlal Nehru University in India, at UWC in July. The seminar, titled Feminist Dilemmas around Sexuality and Agency, was hosted by the Centre for Humanities Research.

At the meeting, Menon, whose titles include Gender and Politics in India and Sexualities (on ‘transgressive and marginalised sexualities’), addressed students, feminist scholars and sex workers. She explored the challenges facing women around sex work, sexual assault and feminism as a whole.

She told the audience gathered at the Library Auditorium that 71 percent of women sex workers enter the industry willingly.

She discussed how many women are forced into sex work, and explained how issues like human trafficking play out in India specifically.

Menon also looked at the difference between being a sex worker in a brothel and being one on the streets. She argued that those

women who willingly become sex workers deserve the support and protection of other women and society.

Speaking on sexual violence, she cited examples of how rape victims are treated in court. “So often if you get raped the first thing discussed in court is the way the survivor was dressed,” she said. “They will not say that you are a slut, but obviously that is the point they are trying to make.”

The seminar included an open discussion between the speaker and audience members, who commented and posed questions.

Among these was Duduzile, a mother of four. She has been in the sex industry for over 25 years, and chose to do that rather than become a domestic servant or a security guard.

“All we want in our country is for other women to stop judging us and what we do,” she noted. “We have chosen to do what we do and each and every woman in South Africa should help us and support us when we have protests and marches against abuse.”

Sex workers, who are not recognised in the country, deserve certain safeguards, added Duduzile.

“My sexuality is my choice; all I want is support from other women so that I can be safe and demand respect.”

Prof Nevedita Menon speaking to feminists, students and sex workers about issues surounding women sexualities.

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Sport

15

Another footballer off to USA

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WC’s women’s football club, UWC Ladies FC, is becoming something of an incubator for American tertiary institutions.

Yet another of its star footballers has joined a US college.

Midfielder Nomvula Kgoale left the club and country in August to pursue her football and academic careers at Lindsey Wilson College, a private university in Kentucky. Her move to the USA follows that of striker Jermaine Seoposenwe, who in February took up a fouryear scholarship at Samford University in Alabama and goalkeeper Kaylin Swart, who in March started a four-year stay at the AIB College of Business in Des Moines.

Kgoale, who hails from Limpopo, was doing her first year in BCom Law at UWC, and will switch to a degree in criminal law at Lindsey Wilson.

She was spotted by that institution’s scouts earlier this year when she played for the South African under-20 team against Nigeria in a World Cup qualifier.

Raving about UWC and her fellow footballers, Kgoale was nonetheless excited, although nervous, about her first trip abroad. She wasn’t sure what to expect but was looking forward to the experience, she noted prior to her departure.

“I’ve always dreamt of a move overseas and I believe I will deliver both in football and in my studies,” she said.

In fact, football helped her settle in quickly, she reported shortly

after arriving in the USA. “The first two weeks were challenging as I was not used to the environment, but my teammates made me feel at home,” she said.

While she hopes to get as much as she can out of her stay in the USA, Kgoale has not ruled out the possibility of returning to UWC sometime in the future.

Nomvula Kgoale is the latest UWC student to pursue her football and academic careers at a US college.

UWC out but future looks bright

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Curtley Beukes and Reza Zain Dramat. accolades in seven games — two each for espite putting up a strong fight, it “It was unfortunate that we didn’t go goalkeeper Reon October and attacking was a case of so close but yet so far through, but compliments must go to the midfielder Thulani Mkosi, and another for for the UWC men as they narrowly players,” says assistant coach, Salie Adams. inspirational midfielder Tapelo Sixishe. In missed out on a semi-final spot in “The guys gave their all and the spirit in the addition, the team earned four Samsung this year’s Varsity Football tournament. team was high.”

Super Striker awards — two for midfielder The UWC Football Club needed a convincing Wade Crowie, and one each for strikers win — a four-goal margin would have seen them automatically qualify for the semifinal draw — in their last round robin game away at the bottom of the log UCT. But their spirited neighbours would have none of it as the thrilling encounter ended in a threeall draw. That meant that UWC ended the campaign sixth on the log, the same position they finished in last year.

But coach Aboobaker ‘Boebie’ Williams says the team bowed out of the competition with heads held high. Over the course of the tournament they had beaten defending champions, University of Pretoria-Tuks, and last year’s finalists, the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s Madibaz; drew three tough games, including one against log leaders, the University of Johannesburg; while their defeats had been narrow ones.

In the end, and after a slow start, the UWC side ended the tournament on a high, serving up entertaining football and producing flashes of individual brilliance, says Williams. The UWC football club, seen here scoring against UCT, produced strong performances in the recent Varsity Football team also won five FNB Man of the Match competition.

16

Sport

Blazing a winning trail

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WC athlete Rodwell Ndlovu had some big ambitions for the 19th African Senior Championships, held in Marrakech, Morocco, in August, knowing that there was more at stake than just a medal.

The competition, held every two years, was a stepping stone for his dream of qualifying for the International Association of Athletics Federations’ World Championships in Beijing next year, and for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Ndlovu, who made it to the semi-finals of the 200m event in Marrakech, believes the African Champs proved that things were going according to plan.

“I’m only 22 years old and I feel that I’m growing in athletics,” said the student, who is doing his BSc honours in stats and population studies, on his return from the competition, where he had raced in Zimbabwean colours (he holds dual citizenship of South Africa and Zimbabwe). “I’m on the right track to achieve my goals to secure places in the World Championships next year and the Olympics a year after, which my coach and I set eight years ago.”

As is typical of students with sporting ambitions, Ndlovu has to do a lot of juggling. “I’m doing my postgraduate degree, which is very taxing, but I’m 100 percent [confident] I will finish this year with my honours degree while still fully participating in full-time professional athletics, which is also demanding,” he says. “You just need to balance the two and prioritise.”

The chairperson of the UWC Sports Council, Ndlovu has a word for youngsters aspiring to be athletes. “Your circumstances or where

you come from should not be the reason why you can’t perform to the best of your abilities. Find something you love and have ambitions to do it better that anyone else.”

UWC athlete Rodwell Ndlovu has set his sights on qualifying for the World Championships and the next Olympic Games.

Sixishe – the hope of UWC

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t the start of this year’s Varsity Football tournament, many UWC players had pinned their hopes for success largely on the shoulders of midfielder Tapelo Sixishe, and understandably so.

The 20-year-old second-year nursing student is UWC’s resident professional footballer, playing for FC Cape Town in the National First Division. In addition, he was the top goal-scorer for the University when they won the University Sport South Africa (USSA) Western Cape competition last year, and also topped the goal-scoring charts for his previous club, Mbekweni United, who feature in the SAFA Second Division.

“I know there is pressure on me to deliver in Varsity Football,” the soft-spoken Sixishe noted midway into the tournament. “The team and the fans are expecting a lot from me, but that is normal and it is not affecting me.”

As the only university student in the FC Cape Town team, Sixishe finds it tough to balance his football and academic careers. Two years ago, he went so far as to give up his position in Chippa United’s Vodacom side.

“It is a struggle, because at FC Cape Town we train twice a day, in the morning and in the afternoon. And the course I’m doing is very demanding.”

The club has been supportive, however, allowing him to attend classes in the morning and to attend the afternoon training sessions. He also

trains on his own in the mornings before class, just to keep up with his teammates.

He encourages other footballers and sports people to continue studying.

“Education is as important as sport because you can get a lifetime injury that can end your sporting career, but no one can take education away from you.”

Tapelo Sixishe is the only student in the UWC Football team to turn professional this year after signing a one-year contract with the National First Division team FC Cape Town.

UWC MEDIA OFFICE

Do you have any important UWC stories to share? Do you know of an event on campus that you’d like to see featured? Have you heard of UWC alumni who’ve done amazing things, which you think the world should know about? Or maybe you have a few suggestions, comments or questions about something in this newsletter? Whatever the case may be, the UWC Media Office would really like to hear from you.

Just email us at ia@uwc.ac.za, call us at 021 959 9525, or drop by our offices.

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