Rector’s Note Prof Tyrone Pretorius Rector and Vice-Chancellor
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n August 2012, UWC took a bold step forward as a research-led institution with South Africa being awarded the right to host two-thirds of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project. Intended to build the world’s largest radio telescope, the SKA would eventually use thousands of dishes and up to a million low-frequency antennas to monitor the sky faster and in far greater detail than ever before. In this edition of Signals, our foremost researchers in astronomy detail the impact of the SKA on UWC, South Africa and the world while giving us insights into the key areas of focus of their research. With the assistance of the SARChI Chair in Cosmology, Prof Roy Maartens, you will find not only a comprehensive reflection of the important space that astronomy occupies at UWC but also our contribution to new knowledge about the universe. These articles not only serve as an exposition of the excellent research work that is currently being done at UWC and the calibre of researchers that we have but also serve as a reminder of how far UWC has come in terms of being a research-led institution. The articles provide a comprehensive overview of the work that is being done and how the findings of the MeerKAT, in particular, hold the potential for significant future discoveries. The profile of Prof Maartens speaks to this impressive growth as well as his commitment to foster new generations of scientists from vastly different backgrounds as well as to his stature within the global research arena as evidenced by the recent renewal of his A-rating that denotes him as a leading international researcher. As usual, Signals also contains other interesting content such as Dr Lwando Scott’s in-depth analysis of the film, Inxeba and its place within South African culture and how it challenges conventional notions of black masculinity, particularly Xhosa masculinity. This is a timeous and important essay because as a society we continue to shy away from that which makes us uncomfortable and from topics that continue to be considered as taboo. Then there is the book review by PLAAS director, Prof Andries du Toit, focusing on Land Matters: South Africa’s Failed Land Reforms and the Road Ahead by Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi – subject matter that remains a vital yet contentious debate in our country. I’m also pleased that we are able to share with you images of the recently held Boschendal Plum Festival with events performed and hosted by the Ukwanda Puppet and Design Company (Siphokazi Mphofu, Sipho Ngxola, Luyanda Nogodlwana) and Aja Marneweck of the Centre for Humanities Research in association with partners Net vir Pret of Barrydale. These events are important not only because they illustrate the University’s creative projects, but also how they assist us in engaging with local communities and allow us to build long-term partnerships with them. I have enjoyed each instalment of the International Relations section and the exposition of our long-standing partnerships with other universities and this edition is no different with an article from Vrije Universiteit. Forging and nurturing these relationships is vital to the lifeblood of an institution because it enriches our academic project and directly benefits both our students and staff. I hope that you enjoy this edition.
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