Varsity Times Vol.2 Issue 1 by inl35

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Vol.2 Issue 1

Professor Thandwa Mthembu USAf Chairperson.

SATN - Changes to Higher Education Qualifications in South Africa p11 In conversation with VUT SRC

p12

Gareth Friedlander on Financial Planning to Fund Education p6

Dr Sithembile Ngidi - Oncologist to Give Back to UKZN p9

Photo: John Hogg

Meet Prof. Thandwa Mthembu USAf Chairperson

Vol.2 Issue 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Y our Trusted Truth Source

Vol.2 Issue 1 – Y our Trusted Truth Source

WEF founder encourages business, government and civil society to embrace fourth industrial revolution Prof Schwab is in South Africa for a roundtable discussion on investment with the Presidency.

he founder and chief executive chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Prof Klaus Schwab, has stressed the importance for government, civil society and business to work together to ensure the benefits of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) are distributed equally in society. Speaking in Pretoria today, at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) 6th Emerging Researchers Symposium, Prof Schwab said the world must embrace the 4IR, “as it would be the aspect of our lives for many years to come”. Prof Schwab is in South Africa for a roundtable discussion on investment with the Presidency. “It is just not enough to understand it. We all have to embrace the 4IR – we have to work together to jointly exploit new technologies for the future. Despite different opinions, the common interest should be for the sake of the country, to create strong, inclusive, and sustainable growth,” he said. Prof Schwab has written a book in which he

The founder and chief executive chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Prof Klaus Schwab. Photo: Supplied explains how leaders and regulators need to act now to ensure that 4IR technologies help create jobs and not leave millions out in the cold. The book is a sequel to his bestselling 2016 book, The Fourth Industrial Revolution. The new publication practically guides the understanding of 12 sets of emerging technologies from a systems perspective and better appreciating the rules, norms, institutions and values that shape their development and use. He said artificial intelligence could be

used to solve many social issues including deploying drones to deliver medicine in remote communities; leap-frog people’s access to knowledge, health services and many others. The Minister of Science and Technology, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane said the support for young scientists was one of the key objectives of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). “This symposium plays a very critical role in the development of human capital that

South Africa needs in order to address poverty, unemployment and inequality in the country,” said the Minister. The Minister said South Africa was already at the forefront of big data through projects such as the Square Kilometre Array and the CSIR’s Centre for High Performance Computing, adding that the country will invest appropriately to ensure the benefits of disruptive technologies. CSIR CEO Dr Thulani Dlamini said the symposium on emerging research was organised to encourage knowledge sharing among South Africa’s young scientists, engineers and technologists. “It offers a platform to highlight the impact of their research through oral and poster presentations, as well as exhibitions,” said Dr Dlamini. Over the next two days, some of the research to be presented by the young scientists here will include network vulnerabilities. Cyber security specialist, Muyowa Mutemwa, will share his research on election hacking and give tips on how South African political parties can protect themselves ahead of the 2019 general elections. Dr Vhahangwele Masindi will showcase his research on the treatment of mine wastewater and how to recover minerals from acid mine drainage. While Dr Jerolen Naidoo will share her work on medication to treat cancer in South Africa.

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Meet Proffessor Thandwa Mthembu, Universities SA’s Chairperson

Photo: John Hogg

Implementation and sustainability of free education are his top concerns

e may not have much time at the helm of Universities South Africa. However, Prof Thandwa Mthembu says he would be content if he achieved two things during his two years as USAf Chairperson: to achieve in partnership with government, a solid and well thought-through and sustainably funded free education dispensation and a sustainable solution for students’ accommodation at universities. He is concerned about numerous other challenges but, for him, these are key. The man who took over from Prof Adam Habib on 1 January 2018 feels that USAf did its bit by presenting a compelling case both to the Department of Higher Education and Training and to the Heher Commission for adequate funding. However how the process culminated has presented more challenges than solutions for the higher education sector. He says it is common knowledge that for purposes of developing policy, government works through green papers, white papers and national plans to give effect to any new policy. “Now we’re developing policy as we go,” he says, referring to the Presidential declaration of free education, of 16 December 2017. “Policy is not an announcement. It takes looking deep into implications of a decision and tightening screws

during processes of consultation. Now students are making of this what they will - anything and everything is free. Without looking at all ramifications of a policy you end up with something difficult to implement. Now, the concept and implementation of free education have become major challenges for Universities SA.” A fundamental concern of USAf is how government seeks to fund free education and whether this solution is sustainable beyond 2018. Professor Mthembu says closely related to free education is massive growth in student numbers and a heightened need for student accommodation. “The peri-urban sprawl means many of our students live in informal dwellings without all the basic facilities required for successful study. Now there’s a big push to accommodate even students living within a 10km radius from campus, who would otherwise not have been considered for university accommodation.” Looking at his own institution, he says the Durban University of Technology is currently only able to accommodate a quarter of the entire student population; even then by leasing some buildings. “Given financial constraints, whatever we will afford to build in the near future will not meet the need.” It does not end there. He believes now that free education is policy, it will be more difficult to recover the debt incurred by previous beneficiaries of the National Students Financial Aid Scheme. “Whether government says this is being phased in over five years or not, the refrain now is ‘why should we be left indebted when education is free?’”

Professor Thandwa Zizwe Mthembu joined the Durban University of Technology Community in October 2016 as Vice-Chancellor and Principal. He has been in university leadership in South Africa for about 21 years. A mathematician by profession, Prof Mthembu was born of teacher parents. He took education so seriously that he completed his PhD in mathematics at the age of 28. He completed his BSc Hons in Mathematics at the University of Fort Hare, MSc at Vanderbilt University in the USA and his PhD at the University of the Witwatersrand. Prior to joining DUT he had served for close to 10 years as Vice-Chancellor and Principal

The USAf Chairperson adds that with the private university sector now emerging, competition for the brightest of minds will be bigger than ever and public universities will struggle to maintain the system into the future. He says although there is room for expansion – given the numbers that public universities are turning away due to current capacity problems, “the best students are few and far in between.” He also believes that as quality may decline in the public higher education sector, those who can afford will migrate to the private providers without batting an eyelid. “Judging by how many parents already pay exorbitant school fees, many will be willing to pay private sector fees in South Africa; some of which may even be cheaper than at our public universities,” he adds.

Why is he worried about quality erosion within the public sector?

“We’re bursting at the seams at our public universities. A widening rift in our staff-tostudent ratios and our inadequate infrastructure all contribute to quality decline. As long as the funding mechanism for making free education beyond 2018 remains unclear, public universities will continue to lose the best of both students and staff. “Think of models that private providers might come up with -- being more nimble and not restricted by higher education regulations like we are as public universities. In the past, the higher education legislation prohibited private providers from being granted university status. Even though they are subjected to the same quality standards, and like us, they are still

accredited by the Council on Higher Education Quality, they might have in the past suffered a perception of inferiority. Now that the law allows qualifying ones to be granted university status -- the playing fields will soon be levelled in their favour. So we’re likely to get more of them, and better ones, too.”

Policy development is key

“We need to develop a proper policy and plan around free education. Our government under Cyril Ramaphosa presents an opportunity for better policy development, including on how infrastructure will be funded with housing being an integral part of that. USAf has no authority to do that alone, but in partnership with the Department of Higher Education and Training, the National Treasury and other key stakeholders.” Towards resolving the issue of students’ accommodation, the USAf Chairperson believes a lot could be achieved by exploiting private-public partnerships. “Even though some institutions may have burnt their fingers through deals not advantaging them, we need to learn from past experiences and devise enduring solutions for the future. We need to regulate the accommodation environment better for longer term sustainability.” Prof Mthembu maintains that in two years he may not achieve much more than USAf working closely with DHET to develop the policy and plan for free education – especially following the former president’s announcement of 16 December. “If we could have clarity of policy and plan on free education come 31 December 2019, USAf would have done its bit.”

of Central University of Technology (CUT) in the Free State. He had also served in various executive positions including as Vice-Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Partnerships and Advancement at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg; Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic and Research at the then University of Durban-Westville now part of the University of KwaZulu Natal; and, Principal at the Welkom Campus of the then Vista University. Prof Mthembu is a fitness enthusiast who spends his leisure time hiking, if not in the gym at 05h00 in the mornings. He is also a family man who takes advice from his six daughters very seriously.

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Cape Town academics win international competition Researchers from the UCT Graduate School of Business have won a prestigious international case writing competition with a study on Lonmin Plc Mining and responsible investment in the aftermath of the Marikana tragedy.

searching look at Lonmin Plc Mining and the role of investors following the Marikana massacre in 2012 has won first prize in the prestigious 2017 EFMD Case Writing Competition in the African Business Case category. Co-authored by Associate Professor Stephanie Giamporcaro from the UCT Graduate School of Business (GSB) and GSB alumnus and Milpark Education Dean: Financial Planning and Insurance, Marilize Putter, the study is entitled: Lonmin Plc: Mining and responsible investment – dangerous liaisons? It poses hard questions about the role of investors and shareholders in business and is written from the point of view of a senior executive from a Scandinavian bank following a visit to Lonmin. “We wanted this study to be original and creative, while also being extremely relevant and topical,” says Associate Professor Stephanie

Associate Professor Stephanie Giamporcaro, UCT Graduate School of Business. Photo: Supplied Giamporcaro. “We thought a foreign voice would give this controversial and emotional subject some distance from which we could really explore and identify the issues at stake.” Some of the key points are around justifying investing in companies with legacy issues and problems stemming from apartheid and gross human rights abuses. Prior to the Marikana tragedy, Lonmin was regarded as one of the more sustainable and socially responsible companies to invest in. For some investors, this lead to questions now of how they could have missed the brewing tension at the mine and

among workers and if they should have been more involved in monitoring the company’s treatment of employees. While the study does not attempt to give answers, it creates a framework for conversation and probing analysis that is especially useful in a classroom environment. Putter says, “Working on the case, I realised how difficult it is for leaders, given the various complexities which exist, to make the correct decision, even if they have the best intentions in the world.” She says it was especially challenging to present all of the views on the topic as there was so much information available.

“What makes this case study especially relevant,” says Giamporcaro, “Is that it is uniquely African but globally relevant. This tragedy had big implications for many sectors of industry as well as society in general and made headlines around the world.” Claire Barnardo, Case Writing Centre Manager at the GSB says case studies like these give especially international but also local business studies students an insight into the complexities of the mining sector in South Africa as well as the different relationships between labour unions, workers, executives and the corporate world in an emerging market business landscape. “This is why we started the Case Writing Centre two years ago, to produce and publish teaching case studies that are relevant to the African context and the realities of operating in emerging market conditions,” she says. The centre has produced more than 20 case studies so far, which have become an important educational tool at the GSB, giving students the opportunity to step into the shoes of business leaders in a variety of industries and find solutions to real-life dilemmas. Recently, the GSB also came in third place in the 2017-2018 Emerald/AABS Case Study Competition for Emerging Markets for the case “Responsible investment at Old Mutual: A case of institutional entrepreneurship” also by Associate Professor Stephanie Giamporcaro with David Leslie. Barnardo said that the awards showed that the GSB was on the right track with its case studies. “Hopefully, it will also help to inspire others to create more teaching cases with Africa as part of the central theme.”

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Financial planning to fund education Gareth Friedlander

very parent knows that education empowers a child to reach his or her highest potential. Studies show that, on average, each additional year of education boosts a person’s income by 10% and increases a country’s GDP by 18%. Also, a 1% increase in the share of the workforce with a university degree raises long-run productivity by 0.2 to 0.5%. “Discovery Life’s findings echo global studies - individuals with a tertiary education show a reduction in mortality of more than 22% across all ages,” says Gareth Friedlander, Head of Research and Development at Discovery Life.

Spiralling cost of education

Both in South Africa (SA) and abroad, a plethora of challenges prevent equitable access to good quality education, particularly at tertiary levels. “Education inflation exceeds salary inflation by 2% to 4%,” explains Friedlander. “Existing educationprotection mechanisms fall short in matching the growing challenges of comprehensively protecting education.” From 2010 to 2015, the cost of education rose by around 50% in SA. Currently, average tuition fees across SA’s public and private primary schools sit at around R20 000 and R100 000 respectively and up to R40 000 and R250 000 per annum respectively at the most expensive public and private high schools. Given the current pace of education inflation, for a child born in 2017, the cost of their final year of high school could exceed R600 000 at the average private high school. “Most South Africans would need to start saving a few years before their children are born to afford this. However, studies show that around 56% of local households don’t save for education”, says Friedlander. “Adding in the cost of laptops or tablets needed for everyday schooling and factor in private tutoring fees which could easily exceed R4 000 per month across a range of schooling subjects, results in the total cost of education rising by more than 20%.” adds Friedlander.

Global Education Protection solutions

Current savings vehicles for education funding rely on the performance of the investments underpinning the vehicle and on parents’ commitment and ability to save each month. If parents are dependent on cover against a lifechanging event to protect education funding, then benefit can only be derived on a claim, such as death. “Our new Global Education Protector is designed not only to protect a child’s education funding throughout their studies, but also to allow clients who choose to lead a healthy lifestyle to get up to 100% of their child’s tertiary education funded, whether the child studies in state or private institutions or at a facility abroad, and regardless of whether the parent has a claim linked to a life-changing event.” “The Discovery Life shared-value insur-

ance model uses health and wellness information to dynamically underwrite clients,” says Friedlander. “By optimising the shared-value insurance model through long-term rewards that are tailored to the needs of the individual, Discovery Life has been able to significantly enhance financial planning for education. Through providing appropriately aligned, long-term rewards that resonate with parents’

intrinsic motivations to best provide for their children’s education, health and wellness behaviour is not just improved over the short term, but leads to healthy habit formation over the long term. The resultant longterm risk surplus derived through this healthy habitual change can then be channelled into a benefit mechanism that not just protects a child’s full education against a life changing event, but channels their parents’ improved health and wellness to fund their tertiary

tuition fees.” Selecting from Core or Private Global Education protector benefits provides the same key benefits, at different levels of cover. A policyholder and their spouse can protect against disability, severe illness and death, or only death. And, members of the Discovery Vitality programme qualify for the University Funder Benefit which funds up to 100% of a child’s tertiary education fees on the Private Global Education Protector and up to 50% on the Core Global Education Protector, subject to a maximum. “This new education policy is a breakthrough in financial planning for education by using policyholder-generated health and wellness surplus to fund tertiary education,” says Friedlander. Gareth Friedlander, head of Research and Development for Discovery Life

Celebrating Our Youth

YOUTH Month Month YOUTH As we celebrate Youth Month, the Vaal University of Technology wishes to acknowledge and share the wonderful talent that we have abounding in our university. Our mission is to produce employable graduates who can make an impact in society and one of our core values is “excellence”. We recognise and we salute the youth of 1976. It was only through their efforts, struggle and courage that many of us are able to enjoy the many freedoms we experience today. The following VUT students and alumni are nothing short of excellence and greatness, and we salute them for representing the Vaal University of Technology, everywhere they go!

Chef Tshepang Mabe (28) Chef Tshepang Mabe specialises in consumer education where she takes her teachings to the masses at food trade shows such as Hostex, Good food and wine, Info Chef, Fire and Feast as well as many other community entrepreneur Expo’s, food markets and events. With a National Diploma in Hospitality Management from VUT, Chef Tshepang is an accredited assessor and moderator who has worked in multiple training and development programs facilitated by the National Department of tourism. These programmes are designed to equip and develop the youth and young chefs in the industry. She has trained industry professionals’, food lovers, chef trainees, business owners and township caterers. She does a lot of work with the youth where she imparts knowledge about the culinary industry and plants the seeds of entrepreneurship which she believes is one of the solutions for the high youth unemployment rate in our country. Chef Tshepang represents brands such as Excella edible oils, Lucky star, Lamb and Mutton SA. She’s often described by her peers as an influential, trend setter and a vigorous leader who is passionate about continuous training and development especially individuals from the disadvantaged communities. Most of the people who attend her live food demonstrations find them mind stimulating and very educational as she teaches instrumental fundamentals such as the importance of nutrition, hygiene health and safety, food costing, business management and recipe development.

Mordecai Ndlovu (28) Mordecai Ndlovu is a VUT student currently studying towards his B-Tech in Business Administration under the faculty of Management Sciences. A founder of the first business student structure called Young People in Business Initiative (YPIBI) which was established in his first year. With a strong passion for volunteerism, youth development and student advocacy in the focus of youth entrepreneurship, Mordecai has rallied the discussion of making Universities more entrepreneurial since his entry on campus in 2014. He is the campaign leader of Africa Youth Entrepreneurship Day (AYED) and co-founder of Booki App a mobile application that is undergoing incubation at Tshimologong Precinct, sponsored by JP Morgan. Mordecai Ndlovu participated alongside young people across Africa in the Africa Youth Entrepreneurship Video Petition. This petition includes South Africa, Nigeria, Botswana, Congo, Zimbabwe and many other Africa countries. During Youth Month they want to take in 1000 youth video petitions, with the belief that by being an AYED Ambassador in your community you are fostering positive change. AYED’s outcome is to spread awareness of youth unemployment and youth entrepreneurship to be advocated by youth across the continent.

Bonginkosi Ndlovu (26) Bonginkosi Ndhlovu is a former VUT SRC Chairperson at the Ekurhuleni Campus. He is still associated with VUT as a guest lecturer for Personal Selling. Bonginkosi is currently the President for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Region for Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship. He works at Halewood International as a Brand Developer. He attended the Obama Youth Project in America and worked closely with the VUT Marketing Department under the Faculty of Management Sciences at the Ekurhuleni Campus. He says that VUT has helped instill the strong leadership qualities he possess today. He is of the view that Africa is for young people to serve, and not for Africa to serve young people

Did You You Know? Know? Did VUT is hosting the National Science Week from 30 July to 4 August 2018 at the Southern Gauteng Science and Technology Park, Sebokeng

Facebook @maVUTi | Instagram @maVUTiFamily Call Centre 0861 861 888 | www.vut.ac.za

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Defying Age: Ngcobo Obtains 27 Distinctions in Nursing Science Waheeda Peters

efying all odds that life threw at her, from leaving school at an early age, nothing could deter Thembeni Bridget Ngcobo, from achieving 27 distinctions with a Dean’s Merit award in her Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Nursing Science. “It was a paranormal achievement, well expected though that I dedicate to my legendary grandmother, Mrs Elizabeth Mathe. I felt a very unusual sensation mixed with myriad emotions of anxiety, excitement, gratitude, sadness when I reflected back on my four year nursing journey in order to achieve this meticulous achievement. Certain bridges were crossed, requisites met and challenges encountered. Truly time passes within a click of a pen; it is so unbelievable that I have yet again left a tremendous mark,” she said excitedly. The 42-year-old married mother of four girls and grandmother juggled her nursing education and family demands to achieve excellent academic results. She faced a myriad challenges from adjusting to tertiary education surrounded by young vibrant emerging young adults, lack of adequate knowledge of using modern technical equipment, emotional demands and work overload. “I always felt intense anxiety and high stress levels associated with tests, presentations and exam preparations. Regardless, I had to fight hard to restore and maintain both mental and physical health,” she stressed. For four years she was 72km away from her girls who were all entering different developmental stages in life; toddlerhood, middle childhood, adolescence and emerging adulthood respectively. She visited home every Friday and returned to campus on a Sunday. “Mind you it was never about time off; I was to ensure all house chores for the week were done, meet marital demands, as a chairlady

Mrs Thembeni Bridget Ngcobo. Photo Supplied of a local community women’s club I attended meetings and at times I would have assignments and homework for the weekend. Thus adequate time for family and personal pursuits became a dream for me. When I felt the load was becoming extremely heavy and academic going became tougher my beloved daughter Nokuthula always lent me her shoulder to lean on. Hence all of the above challenges, I have always been among the top 5% in the class in all modules. I am a person who ensures she leaves a positive mark in every pathway she passes,” she said proudly. Her path to choosing nursing was also destined from an early childhood. In her early on childhood stage she would render basic nursing care in cases of minor injuries while her friends cried and fled in fear of blood. When Ngcobo and her friends played dolly house she was always the one nominated to play the nurse role, though her utmost interest was in teaching.

Before her tertiary journey, Ngcobo had no option but to leave school in Standard Nine to work in order to assist her parents financially in the upbringing of her siblings. In 2012 she enrolled with ABET (Adult Based Education and Training) and was recognised as KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN’s) 2012 top adult learner in Mathematics Literacy, Travel and Tourism and Life Orientation. At the award ceremony at ICC in Durban, MEC Dr Zweli Mkhize said to her that he saw a very bright future ahead for her. His inspiring words motivated her to matriculate in June 2013 and apply for Bachelor of Education (BEd) at DUT. Form there on she has not looked back and always strived to do her best. At the 2017 Nursing Lamp Lighting and Pledge Ceremony she was the overall achiever for the class, obtaining seven awards. “In the process of this meticulous achievement I have benefited from the support of

many whom I am exceptionally grateful to. Words cannot adequately express my heartfelt thanks to my husband for being both a father and mother to our children during the years of my absence; my children for understanding that all I did was for the betterment of our lives. I am also indebted to DUT staff for their immeasurable support towards enriching my life, mostly my dearest Ntombi Moshoeshoe, who ensured that the children and I never ran out of basic necessities, as well as my late uncle Mr John Mdletshe,” she said. When she initially applied for the qualification she was told she was too old for the programme. The then nursing department secretary Ms Ntombela said that she did not meet the programme’s selection criteria in terms of age though her matric results were good. “I begged and pleaded that I be given a chance to prove that age is nothing but a number. She then called me for an entrance test and said only the results would tell if she can take the risk to enrol me. Outcome of the interview was splendid, I recall my interviewers asking time and number whether I worked in the health sector before. From day one at university I sat myself on a mission to make Ms Ntombela not regret her decision to go against the programme policy,” she confessed. Ngcobo’s academic journey is not yet over as she plans to register for her Master’s in Nursing Science at DUT and thereafter do a post-grad in Nursing Education and Management with the hope of becoming one of DUT’s lecturers. She believes nursing is a profession to be taken with passion, compassion and devotion. “The fact that one is an enrolled academic student denotes that they met the selection criteria and therefore belong in university regardless of socio-economic standing, but only hard work and determination enhances academic success,” she said.

Celebrity Lazarus Obtains Dean’s Merit Award Waheeda Peters

urban University of Technology’s very own local celebrity, Lisanne Lazarus, graduated with her National Diploma in Journalism, achieving the Dean’s Merit award for her excellent academic results. “I am so excited and grateful to have achieved a Deans Merit award as it was not an easy road for me. I am also a former Miss DUT, Miss eThekwini 2014, Miss SA Campus1st Princess 2016, Miss Mamelodi Sundowns SA-2nd Princess and Gateway’s brand ambassador. I did a lot which was required for me to go out to events. So I would attend classes, rush off to an event and comeback to classes. It took a lot of hard work and dedication to reach this point,” she said excitedly. She also stressed that she’s very competitive and always strives to be the best, be it in a competition or in an examination or test. “I am always aiming to do my best as I will not be satisfies until I obtain the highest mark,” she chuckled.

Lisanne Lazarus. Photo Supplied Lazarus is currently the Digital Producer East Coast Radio’s Breakfast Show. Lazarus’s future plan is to ultimately become a TV presenter. However, she also wants to continue her academic journey and plans to enrol for her BTech in Public Relations Management. Besides tackling her studies, Lazarus is a popular face on television, having participated as one of the contestants on the Tropika Island

Of Treasure-Season 8, on SABC 3. She was recently declared as the winner of the reality series, Tropika Island of Treasure-(Season 8). Seven South Africans teamed up with seven celebrities, undergoing various challenges and eliminations, in a bid to win a share of a R1 million. Lisanne Lazarus and Brendan Peyper (talented South African musician and songwriter)

from #TeamRed claimed victory, making them the winners of #TIOT8 and of the prize of R1 million on the final episode of the series on 30 April 2018. Although Lazarus never had any intention of auditioning for the show, fate had dictated that she was destined for it. “I have always known about TIOT, however, it didn’t really strike me to enter. I was completing my Work Integrated Learning (WIL) at Gateway Theatre of Shopping as the head of communications and one of the jobs was to attend the TIOT8 auditions that took place at Gateway and just cover it on social media. Whilst being there, I was encouraged by promoters and my superiors to enter. So I did, but for fun,” she said. Lazarus also has her own non-profit organisation (NGO) called the Lindokuhle Crèche. The reason for establishing her organisation is that she grew up near a remote area where she was exposed to shack fires. “One day a fiveyear-old boy called Lindokuhle, died in a shack fire because he was home alone as his parents had nowhere to leave him,” she said. This was her reason for opting to start this non-profit organization in his honour. Her advice to future Journalism students at DUT is to do it for the passion and always aim to excel in it whatever you do.

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Ms Benina Mkhonto MaryAnn Francis A flair for the arts and crafts led to the creation of a unique technique in clothing design by UKZN’s Principle Programme Officer (PPO), Ms Benina Mkhonto, who is based in the School of Nursing and Public Health (NPH). The exclusive fashion wear, grounded in an African ethnic style, is impressive with the potential to compete on world markets. For now, fashion design is still a hobby for Mkhonto but her work has won the interest of many curious onlookers and fashionistas. Benina’s Creations are handcrafted designs made free hand, using no needle, cotton or stitching. Rather, fabric is cut into the desired style and then knotted to ensure a comfortable fit; forming tassels. Mkhonto, crafted her first dress at the age of 15 and won third prize at her school’s Arbor Day design competition for a creation made out of black bin bags and orange sacks. With a flair for crafting, she went on to experiment with transforming women’s jeans into skirts and forming tassels on T-shirts. Said Mkhonto: ‘In March this year, a friend of mine got married and I struggled to find a suitable outfit to wear to the wedding. I wanted something unique and trendy but with a distinct look that would set me apart. I then began crafting my first tassel dress and called it my Jungle dress.’ Since the beginning of April, Mkhonto has crafted more than 30 dresses and wears them regularly to the office, stirring the interest of colleagues and stakeholders at UKZN’s College of Health Sciences. Fabrics used includes leather, PU leather, velvet and jungle/ army fabric – all bought from fabric factory shops. Mhkonto stated: ‘My designs are a gift from God. I am guided by my spirituality and pray often for inspiration to create the ultimate unique design.’ A single mother to nine-year-old Azande, Mhkonto has an Honours degree in Sports Science and has been employed at UKZN since 2006 initially as a student mentor, then an Academic Development Officer and more recently a PPO managing a team of 10. She is also a very active member of the Every Nation Student Christian Club at UKZN, otherwise referred to as “His People”, where she volunteers her time in community engagement projects around conflict resolution. ‘I love to design and craft and am so grateful to my colleagues, my leaders, friends, family and my church for their ongoing support.’

Oncologist to Give Back to UKZN MaryAnn Francis UKZN alumnus Dr Sithembile Ngidi says she will offer oncology training to undergraduate Medical students at no cost to the University or the students involved. Based at the Ahmed Kathrada Private Hospital in Johannesburg, Ngidi said she planned to visit Durban once a month as an honorary lecturer providing a day of teaching in various oncology modules. Due to the ongoing oncology crisis in KwaZuluNatal, UKZN lost its accreditation to train registrars in oncology with a major hurdle being the shortage of State oncologists to provide training in Durban. Ngidi is passionate about the field and committed to growing oncology as a specialisation in the city. ‘The Oncology department has collapsed as there are no state oncologists left in Durban,’ said Ngidi. ‘I want to give back and be part of the change that will develop UKZN’s reputation once again as a powerhouse in training the country’s best oncologists. I also want to be at my alma mater and help the University that helped me reach my goals in Medicine.’ Ngidi was born and raised in Gamalakhe, a township on the outskirts of Port Shepstone on KwaZuluNatal’s South Coast. She grew up in a large household with

four siblings. ‘Medicine has always fascinated me. Being able to explore, heal and fix is inspiring. I was a sickly child so I want to help prevent others from suffering the way I did,’ said Ngidi. A Clinical and Radiation Oncologist, she completed her undergraduate degree, fellowship and Master’s degree in Oncology at UKZN. In 2015, at the age of 31, she qualified as KwaZulu-Natal’s first Black female Oncologist and only the country’s second. ‘UKZN has produced South Africa’s finest clinical and radiation oncologists. We were the leading university when it came to technology and knowledge in Radiation Oncology. Graduates from UKZN’s Radiation Oncology departments were respected and sought after both in the public and private sector.’ Ngidi has offered UKZN her expertise with no salary but will pursue her love for research and publish through the Institution. She also intends to register for a PhD through UKZN and become UKZN’s first doctoral graduate in Radiation Oncology. Dean of the School of Clinical Medicine, Professor Ncoza Dlova, was ecstatic to hear about Ngidi’s plans to give back to UKZN. ‘I would like to encourage all UKZN alumni to give back and make a positive difference to our University.’

Dr Sithembile Ngidi

YO U R T R U S T Y EO D UTRR U TT RH U SSTOEUDR T CR EU T H S O U R C E

Benina’s Creations Stir Interest

A proud moment

HPCSA panel. Photo Supplied MaryAnn Francis

he Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) recently assessed UKZN’s undergraduate Medical degree and recommended full accreditation for the next five years. The College of Health Sciences (CHS) had many reasons to celebrate as the Council listed numerous commendations showcasing not only its exceptional medical programme and core curriculum, but also its excellent structures, its Student Support programme, its Decentralised Clinical Training programme as well as its readiness to welcome the 90 Fidel Castro Cuban Collaboration Medical students who will join UKZN at the end of July. The CHS was congratulated for its improved communication, its excellent student support services, its homestay project in rural KwaZuluNatal, which promotes social cohesion as well as its decentralised clinical training programme. The HPCSA also recognised the School of Clinical Medicine, other Schools involved in the medical curriculum and CHS leadership and staff for their enthusiasm and commitment to improving their medical curriculum on an ongoing basis. The accreditation process of degrees is ongoing as curriculum content and in some cases, enrolment targets change periodically. The purpose of accreditation is primarily to promote excellence in educational preparation, whilst providing assurance to the public that the graduates would have a core of knowledge and skills required for competent, safe, ethical, effective, and independent professional practice. For CHS this year’s accreditation site visits

included the assessment of its Decentralised Clinical Training and Primary healthcare sites including Queen Nandi (Lower Umfolozi) Hospital in Empangeni, Stanger Hospital, Edendale and Northdale Hospitals in Pietermaritzburg, Cato Manor Clinic and KwaMashu Community Health Clinic. The DCTP was given a resounding “thumbs up”. Another purpose of the accreditation visit was to establish whether the Institution is able to increase its enrolment targets as per the call of the Minister of Health. The HPCSA assesses the implications of the HEIs increasing their intake in relation to the facilities, the staff-student ratios, laboratory space and student support. During this round, the HPCSA fully accredited the programme for an intake of 250 first-year students. The assessments are largely based on a very comprehensive self-evaluation questionnaire, which are then assessed by an evaluation task team. The evaluation task team considers consistency and a wide variety of issues, ranging from governance through to student support, as well as demographics of first-year and graduating students, other e-learning and library facilities and student participation in the Institution’s selection of staff. Support to staff, staff training, exposure of students to research and methodologies are also considered. Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of CHS, Professor Busisiwe Ncama was delighted at the outcome, ‘It is a result of teamwork among all staff including input from students and KZN Department of Health as partners. I wish to thank everybody that is involved in the MBChB programme for their dedication and hard work.’

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Vol.2 Issue 1 – Y our Trusted Truth Source

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018

11 - 13 SEPTEMBER 2018 | CONFERENCE CENTRE CENTRE, ELANGENI HOTEL, H DURBAN, KWAZULU NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA

INVITATION

Please accept this invitation to attend and participate in the SATN International Conference on 11 - 13 September 2018.

CONFERENCE THEME

THE

th INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION ROLE OF UNIVERSITIES

* * * *

CONFERENCE TOPICS:

International Experience and Trends Implications for Higher Education University Industry Partnerships in the Changing World of Work 4th Industrial Revolution & Sustainable Futures

AMONG SOME OF OUR SPEAKERS ARE: It

our

intention

ensure a multidisciplinary

Honourable Minister Naledi Pandor Minister of Higher Education and Training (DHET)

approach in addressing the fundamentals and related questions on the 4th Industrial Revolution and the role of universities. This interdisciplinary forum is for scholars, scientists, industry and practitioners from any professional discipline who share an interest in and concern related to the implications of the 4th Industrial Revolution for higher education. We have an exciting line up of international speakers and panelists who will be delivering key note addresses and participating in round table discussions and panel debates.

Dr Adriana Marais Theoretical physicist, Head of Innovation at SAP Africa and aspiring extra-terrestrial. She will present on “The Allure of the Unknown “The reason I want to go to Mars” Prof Seeram Ramakrishna, FREg

Prof of Mechanical Engineering at the National University of Singapore. He is the nanotechnology and materials informatics pioneer in Singapore. Member of World Economic Forum Committee on Future of Production-Sustainability and chairs the Circular Economy Taskforce.

View our website for details on our other speakers:

ACCOMMODATION: Please note that the block booking for accommodation at the Elangeni Hotel in Durban will be released on 15 June 2018. Please register early to avoid disappointment!

https://www.satnconference.com/:

REGISTRATION: To register for the conference, please visit our website

https://www.satnconference.com

Kind Regards

“ WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION AT THIS IMPORTANT CONFERENCE. ”

Dr Anshu Padayachee CEO: South African Technology Network (SATN)

Should you have any further queries, you are welcome to contact Ms Christelle Venter - christelle@satn.co.za or Ms. Kogie Pretorius - kogie@satn.co.za.

Your world to a better future

SATN Int Conference 390mm x 260mm.indd 1

2018/05/14 1:11 PM

Vol.2 Issue 1 – Y our Trusted Truth Source

www.SATN.org.za Changes to Higher Education Qualifications in South Africa Government has introduced a single unified national qualification framework for education in South Africa that applies to all higher education institutions and improves the ability of students to move easily and more effectively from one qualification to the next, as well as between institutions.

What are the changes?

New qualification types

New names for qualifications

New minimum admission requirements

Expanded National Qualification Framework (NQF levels and new progression pathways)

Students in the different qualifications streams (vocational, professional and general/academic streams) will follow different pathways in the higher education qualifications sub-framework

Progression of Qualifications Below is an example of the new Vocational progression pathway from a Diploma up to the Doctoral level:

Diploma (NQF Level 6)

Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7)

Postgraduate Diploma (NQF Level 8)

Master’s (NQF Level 9)

Doctoral (NQF Level 10)

Below is an example of the General/Academic progression pathway from a Bachelor degree up to the Doctoral level:

Bachelor Degree (NQF Level 7)

Honours (NQF Level 8)

Master’s (NQF Level 9)

Doctoral (NQF Level 10)

Below is an example of new generic Professional pathway from a Professional Bachelor degree (NQF level 8) up to the Doctoral level:

Where to find more information?

Bachelor Degree (NQF Level 8)

Master’s (NQF Level 9)

Doctoral (NQF Level 10)

The respective institutional faculty prospectuses and other marketing materials will provide detailed information with regards to curriculum changes and requirements for specific qualifications.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology: www.cput.ac.za l Central University of Technology: www.cut.ac.za Durban University of Technology: www.dut.ac.za l Mangosuthu University of Technology: www.mut.ac.za University of Mpumalanga: www.ump.ac.za l Tshwane University of Technology: www.tut.ac.za Vaal University of Technology: www.vut.ac.za l Walter Sisulu University: www.wsu.ac.za

Tshwane University of Technology We empower people

Vaal University of Technology Your world to a better future

Vol.2 Issue 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Y our Trusted Truth Source

VUT SRC Interview 1. Tell us about your role within the SRC

addressing transformation in the higher education sector, amongst other activities.

While executing my role as the President of the EFFSC led SRC, my duties include, but are not restricted to: ensuring that students' interests are met, guide and advise my colleagues in executing their individual duties and most importantly, ensuring that teaching and learning occurs effectively and efficiently in a conducive environment. Since I took up my responsibilities as President of the SRC, it has not been easy. However, it has been a learning experience of a lifetime and it has given me an opportunity to sharpen my skills as a leader. Being in my position has somewhat forced me to develop my 'people skills' which enabled me to get along with people from varying backgrounds, to communicate ideas effectively, to resolve conflicts and to achieve students' and organizational mandate.

3. What have you been up to since the start of the year?

It would be unfair not to mention that it is not about one person but the entire team that I have been working hand-in-hand with. These are young men and women who have ensured that students registered for free (regardless of whether or not they're first year students, with or without historical debts), that there is increased capacity in student accommodation, students received their NFSAS allowances earlier in comparison to previous years, students received

2. How has your life changed since joining the SRC? And the lives of the general student body? To me, it is not about status but it is about changing students' lives through influencing decisions in institutional committees (Executive Management Council, Senate, Financing Infrastructure Committee, Student Services Committee, Institutional Forum and Council) and actively participating in the development of policies

decent breakfast and lunch meals during the exam period and basic stationery.

4. Has the student engagement and representation grown? What are the highlights of students you represent

To bring balance between students' academic and social lives, the SRC, under my leadership, has ensured that there is a Fresher's Ball (an event that had not been held for 4 years) and other edutainment events and sports activities.

5. Looking ahead, what can fellow students expect from the team? [Community engagements? Fun events?]

I have always told the Vice Chancellor and Principal that VUT is not a private entity but a community. It is a community in a sense that the University as the institution of Knowledge should rise up in protection and development of the black community. In as much as we have not reached all our goals as the SRC, we are well on our way to renovating the closed down student residences and empowering the students doing practical and creative courses. In addition, we are currently investigating the possibility of producing graduation gowns and laboratory coats for free to VUT collaborating with Fashion Design Students. This project will also give them Work Integrated Learning.

Lemogang Medupe

Science, technology and innovation are central to Africa's future growth prospects

frica must implement a programme aimed at accelerating industrialisation in order to meet the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This is according to speakers from various parts of the continent who attended the eighth African Unity for Renaissance Conference and Africa Day Expo held in Pretoria from 23 to 25 May. The conference formed part of the Africa Month commemorations and served as a platform for experts from various sectors across the continent and beyond to contribute to sustainable growth and development in Africa. The event is organised annually by the Africa Institute of South Africa in the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology and other partners such as the Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute, Tshwane University of Technology, Water Research Commission, and International Council for Science Regional Office for Africa. The theme for this year's conference was "Accelerating Industrialisation in Africa: Implications for Job Creation and Poverty Reduction". "This quest to industrialise is not new," said Prof. Crain Soudien, CEO of the HSRC.

"The leaders of the liberation struggle envisioned that the sustainable pathway to Africa's development was to modernise our agricultural sector, industrialise, and build the required human capacity with a strong focus on science, technology and innovation." While efforts are under way to increase the number of graduates in Africa, the conference heard that 50% of existing graduates were unemployed as at the end of 2016. The challenge is to create jobs for these graduates, or risk losing them to other countries and continents. According to Prof. Soudien, the need for Africa to diversify the productive capacity of its economies through industrialisation is more urgent than ever. "We need to create sustainable long-term jobs," he said. "Africa today has the youngest population in the world. Seventy percent of our population is below the age of 35 years, and it has been estimated by the World Bank that by 2020 Africa's youth population will increase by 42,5 million. "This anticipated youth bulge has led to speculation that Africa is about to benefit from the demographic dividend. Ultimately, the measure of success for Africa's industrialisation efforts should be job creation and poverty alleviation", Prof. Soudien argued. African leaders recently signed an agree-

ment launching the African Continental Free Trade Area, a single continental market for goods and services to boost Africa's growth. The free trade area promises to open up substantial opportunities for industrialisation, diversification and high-skilled employment in Africa. By 2030, the continent's market size is expected to exceed 1,7 billion people with a combined consumer and business spending power of US$6,7 trillion â&#x20AC;&#x201C; provided all African countries have joined the free trade area by then. South Africa is the current chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), whose long-term development plan is focused on industrialisation. The SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap 2015-2063 outlines thematic focus areas for accelerated industrialisation in the region. These are grouped broadly under infrastructure development on the one hand, and value chain development and value addition on the other. Mr Daan du Toit, Deputy DirectorGeneral: International Cooperation and Resources in the Department of Science and Technology, told the conference that Africa is at the heart of the Department's agenda. "Africa needs to invest more in new research, infrastructure, knowledge, innovation and technology that can play an

important role for the unity of the continent through joint funding programmes," said Mr Du Toit. "A technology foresight exercise in energy, and a 10-year Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Strategy for Africa, are just some of the illustrations that South Africa supports STI-led development both at SADC and at African Union levels." Mr Du Toit also noted that South Africa has been identified as the host of the southern African node of the Pan African University (PAU). The fifth PAU Institute, focusing on space sciences, will be based at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. However, the conference acknowledged that the skills Africa will need to participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, in areas such as artificial intelligence and robotics, are still not being taught at most institutions across the continent.

Vol.2 Issue 1 – Y our Trusted Truth Source

Interview With Charles Nstchabeleng – University of Johannesburg Graduate 1. Which university do or did you attend? I attended the University of Johannesburg

2. When did u graduate and what are your current qualifications? I recently graduated on the 14th of May 2018.

3. How would you describe yourself?

8. How has your university experience prepared you for a business career?

In all honesty it gave me all the required knowledge on how to be a supervisor or in junior management but in terms of job specific training or experience I'd say I still need some intern or work experience to pursue my role.

I'm a very vibrant young man filled with enthusiasm. I'm very responsive to my colleagues and I'm eager to help wherever possible. I'm good at teamwork, able to analyse different opinions from different individuals. In essence I work well with people.

What influenced you to choose this career?

4. Give us some background information of yourself and the challenges you faced in university and at home?

Get employment/internship, have to enter the job market although I would prefer continuing my studies, financially I am not at a point where I can put my education before making a living.

Well there were major difficulties at first. You know it's never easy going from high school and entering a tertiary institution. My personal challenges were very unique in that I was the 1st one in my family to actually go to university. So I didn't really have a motivator had to motivate myself on a daily basis. In fact, my situation at home motivated me and pushed me towards my goal of becoming the first university graduate in my family.

5. How did you overcome these challenges?

By constantly reminding myself that If I accomplish this goal generations after me or youth in my community would look up to me and hopefully follow in my footsteps or even do better.

6. What do you think about the current higher education system?

Well a lot needs to be done in terms of how government communicates to students, corporates although they are doing a lot when it comes to bursaries and internships preparing students to work at their companies would benefit both the company and the graduates. So better collaboration and communication is needed.

7. What do you like most about your university?

UJ is one of the best universities on the continent. Their services are super organised and well structured.

My mentor had been my primary influence (brother's friend).

What short-term goals and objectives have you established for yourself?

What were your reasons for selecting your college or university?

Mainly due to the fact that the university is just around the corner from where I stay.

12. If you could change or improve anything about your college / university, what would it be?

Nowadays being a manager requires you to have a relevant qualification in the relative field, I'd add job specific training programmes to develop and prepare the graduates for the corporate world.

13. Which college / university classes or subjects did you like best? Accounting and Business Management.

14. Since graduating what have the challenges been with regards to finding employment?

One of the major challenges is not getting feedback on the posts or from the organisations that you've applied to. It puts you in a situation where you don't know what your next move is.

15. Where to from here for you?

Apply, apply, apply till I get something as I said employment is the only option for me.

ON SET: A scene from the new SABC 2 drama series, Signal Hill, on which CPUT alumnus Daluxolo Xusha (centre) plays Zachariah “Zakes” Thafeni.

Tv Star Attributes Industry Breakthrough to CPUT

lumnus Daluxolo Xusha, who stars in an upcoming drama series on SABC2, says his experience as a CPUT student prepared him for his acting career. Dalu, as he is popularly known, graduated with a National Diploma in Consumer Science: Food and Nutrition last year and is currently finishing the shoot for the new drama, Signal Hill. The 13 week-long series is a teen drama set in a Cape Town Model C School populated by children whose parents are in the LSM Group 5-8. The population is diverse and for the most part the students conform to school rules and regulations. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the preparation and training I received from CPUT Arts Society,” says the tenacious actor. “The Society has prepared me for this role by giving us opportunities to perform around CPUT campuses as well as on big stages such as the National Arts Festival and the Cultural Week Festival at the Namibia

University of Science and Technology.” He expressed his gratitude for the consistent support he enjoyed from Student Development Officers Marysa Leukes and Anette Grobler with whom he worked during his time at the Society as well as when he was the chairperson of the CPUT Green Campus Initiative, a student society which promotes environmental care. In Signal Hill Dalu plays Zachariah Thafeni who is called “Zakes” by his peers. ”Zakes is a young man who is loved by everyone at school and he follows my real name (Daluxolo) as he is the peace-maker between his friends Winnie and Amanda. But he has one big secret that no one knows about until one of his friends calls him out on it, something which ends up changing his life at school.” Signal Hill starts airing from the 29 June at 17:00 on SABC 2 every Friday at the same time for 13 weeks. Dalu will also be starring in two upcoming tv series later this year.

Unisa’s Somadoda Fikeni leads national initiative projecting possible future outlooks for South Africa

f you want to spot a distant threat, scale the tallest tree you can find to gain an unobstructed view of what might be approaching. And if you want to spur South Africans into action when it comes to joining a public discourse on the country’s future, present them with possible scenarios that may disturb and even shock them. Both of these are elements of Indlulamithi South Africa Scenarios 2030, a project which is set to stir the imaginations of all South Africans in the months to come. Initiated by respected Unisa academic and well-known political commentator Dr Somadoda Fikeni, multinational Anglo American and the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA), the project consolidates research into three possible scenarios for a future South Africa: a country torn by deepening social divides, a nation experiencing increasing social cohesion and expansion, and a demoralised land of disorder and decay. “We want South Africans across the spectrum of age, gender, ethnicity and socioeconomic status to read through the different scenarios and recognise that they

President Cyril Ramaphosa left Dr Somadoda Fikeni Right

can help to create a stable, prosperous and socially cohesive country,” says Fikeni. Indlulamithi, literally translated from Nguni languages, means “above the trees”. It is also the name for the giraffe. “Like the giraffe, we are looking above the trees towards a future South Africa that can meet the aspirations contained in our Constitution for a country that belongs to all who live in it – united in our diversity,” says Fikeni. “We have already reached out to a variety of significant organisations to introduce the project, and in coming months, the scenarios, and the research behind them, will be disseminated through engagements with representatives of a wide variety of structures across the country, including decision-makers in government, business, academia and civil society.” The project’s launch on 21 June 2018 was attended by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa alongside former president Thabo Mbeki, and opposition party leaders Mmusi Maimane of the DA and Bantu Holomisa of the UDM. It was preceded by intensive conversations with a variety of stakeholders, including the main politi-

cal formations in the country, civil society organisations, the three arms of government as well as faith-based organisations and NGOs. These conversations are set to continue with other stakeholders, including members of the public. Speaking at the launch President Ramaphosa cautioned that the process will provoke many South Africans. “Many will not agree with all the details of the three pictures painted by the Indlulamithi team, of our beloved country in 2030. However, the future is a choice and not an inevitable fate. We can all influence many of the choices that push our country in one direction or another.” Speaking of behalf of the Unisa community, Principal and Vice Chancellor, Prof Mandla Makhanya warmly welcomed the leadership and participation of an academic from Unisa in this significant initiative. “This is an affirmation of the important role played by our university in providing thought leadership, knowledge development and the shaping of the agenda on issues of national and global importance,” added Makhanya.

Sports

Vol.2 Issue 1 — Your Trusted Truth Source

Tuks stun Maties to lift Varsity Hockey trophy

Tuks captain Peabo Lembethe about to tackle a Maties player during the Varsity Hockey Final between Maties and UP Tuks at Maties Astro on May 21 2018. Photo: Kevin Sawyer

Lembethe leading by example Former Maritzburg College student Peabo Lembethe led the Tuks team to their first Varsity Hockey title win with a 5-0 win victory over Maties in the final in Stellenbosch.

The University of Pretoria stunned Stellenbosch University as they beat the competition frontrunners 5-0 in the Varsity Hockey final at the Maties Astro on Monday evening. Maties would go on to rue their missed opportunities throughout the 60 minutes as there is no doubt that they were the form team of the competition and remained unbeaten until the final. Tuks had to settle for second place on the log and qualified for the final as a goal in the last three seconds against Wits set up a dramatic penalty shootout which they duly won. Tuks put pressure from the outset and made their intentions of winning the final known in the eighth minute as Sam Mvimbi dribbled past several tackles before firing in a shot to hand the visitors a 2-0 lead. It goes without saying that the entire team contributed to the emphatic victory but a special word needs to be made of Tuks’ Bradley Sherwood who led from the front from the first whistle. He consolidated their lead on the stroke of half-time as he netted a penalty stroke to make it 3-0 in favour of the men from Pretoria. The second half dissolved into near misses and constant shifting between the two teams as Maties just could not convert their pressure into points. In fact, it would take 26 minutes for the only goal to be scored courtesy of Steven Paulo with Tuks being crowned the 2018 Varsity Hockey champions four minutes later.

Scorers Maties: 0 Tuks: 5 Goals: Sam Mvimbi, Bradley Sherwood, Steven Paulo. FNB Player of the Match: Mark Chong (Tuks) Mugg & Bean Star Saver: Hendrik Kriek (Tuks) Samsung Super Striker: Sam Mvimbi (Tuks) Teams Maties: 2. Andrew Hobson, 4. Nicholas Giger, 7. Matthew Roman, 9. Wade Dollman, 11. Dayne Samboer, 14. Gareth Tate, 15. Ruari Baker, 21. Clayton Saker, 22. Ross Anderson, 29. Mbuso Mgobozi, 38. William Everleigh. Subs: 1. Rob McKinley (GK), 5. Tom Richardson, 8. Alex Stewart (c), 12. Maximillian Pike, 16. Jordan Turnbull, 23. Reece Arendse, 24. Callen Heynes. Tuks: 1. Hendrik Kriek (GK), 3. Onke Letuka, 4. Mitchell Currie, 6. James Redfern, 7. Sam Mvimbi, 8. Peabo Lembethe (c), 9. Steven Paulo, 10. Michael Forrest, 15. Bradley Sherwood, 19. Matthew Davies, 22. Mark Chong. Subs: 5. Jared Cass, 11. Ashley Kemp, 13. Matthew Butler, 16. Nicholas Pio, 20. Christian Kriek, 21. Tim Halle, 23. Sizwe Mthembu.

he Pretoria side's captain has had an illustrious career in hockey, playing for Maritzburg College first team, going onto captain Tuks and then being picked for the South Africa u21 Junior World Cup side. Lembethe explained that playing for Maritzburg College and against other KwaZulu-Natal schools elevated his game for the higher echelons of the sport. "At Maritzburg College at under-14 level, they drilled basic skills into us, so we know how to pass the ball and stop the ball. And at first team level they just instilled the basics and how to play which helped me later on. "Competing in KwaZulu-Natal definitely helped a lot in developing my skills. Michaelhouse, Hilton and Westville were good, but our biggest rivals were Glenwood, they were a tough game." The Pietermaritzburg-born player was incredibly proud of his youthful team mates' title victory. "It was a huge honour to captain this young team. It wasn't hard, I didn't have to give them a motivational speech, the guys were already motivated. Which made my job easier. "In the final, everyone knew their job, knew why we came to Maties and took it from there and we won at the end." There is a Maritzburg College flavour in the Tuks side with head coach

Guy Elliot and team mate Onke Letuka from the school. Elliot sang Lembethes' praises after the successful Varsity Hockey season. "He was a fantastic leader throughout the campaign. He doesn't lead much through talking, but more through his actions on the field and the guys respect that. "They call him the general because of the way he leads his troops. And I know that he commands a lot of respect that from the players around him. "I've coached him since he was 15-years old, from high school to university level. We've walked a long path together, and I trust him as a player and I hope he trusts me as coach. He was absolutely fantastic and sets a good example." Lembethe will now be vying for a spot in the South African National squad for the Hockey World Cup later this year in India, and believes that the level of competition in Varsity Hockey prepped him for the task. "Varsity Hockey players are all at a similar skill level and playing guys like that week-in and week-out definitely helped develop me for the higher level."

Tuks captain Peabo Lembethe. Photo: Christiaan Kotze/ SASPA

More about Varsity Hockey For all news, fixtures, logs and updates online: www.varsitysportssa.com Facebook: facebook.com/VarsitySportsSA Twitter: @VarsitySportsSA

Instagram: @VarsitySportsSA YouTube: youtube.com/VarsitySportsSA Official hashtag: #HardHittingAction

Follow our sponsors on Twitter: @Mugg_and_Bean @FNBSA @SamsungSA Media contacts: Marisa Calvert – Head of PR Varsity Sports

021-418 7646 or 079-982-1732 marisa@asem.tv Nicholas McGregor ASEM Engage 021-418-7646 or 072-461-8971 nicholas@asem.tv

Vol.2 Issue 1 – Y our Trusted Truth Source

ormer UWC star Leandra Smeda has inked her first international contract with Lithuanian Champions FK Gintra-Universitetas. The versatile midfielder will join the Lithuanian giants Gintra from UWC. The 2014UWC Sports Women of the Year is comfortable with the ball on both feet and can play in the middle and either side of the field. The Weston High alumni believes it will be an amazing opportunity but is mainly looking forward to playing on one of the biggest football stages possible. “I am most excited about getting the opportunity to play in The UEFA Women’s Championship qualifying rounds.” Smeda is adamant Varsity Football gave her the platform to hone in our her already incredible

UWC Star Signs for European Club skills. “Varsity football was a great experience in terms of competition participation, preparations and it has helped mould me into the player I am today.” Smeda gave some words of wisdom to other women in Varsity Football pursuing their academic and sporting dreams. “My advice to other female players playing in the Varsity Football is to enjoy every moment of their game. They must also try to find a good bal-

Themba Ndlovu a Black Leopard TUT star striker Themba Ndlovu was signed by the Limpopo club after a sterling season with National First Division side Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) and TUT in Varsity Football. Ndlovu was a vital cog in the TUT machine that went unbeaten right until the final, where they were just pipped by Pretoria rivals UP-Tuks. He ended the Varsity Football season with a whopping seven goals and four assists. According to Kick Off, Ndlovu’s agent Steven Solomon was grateful to everyone that made the move happen and allow the player to potentially compete in the PSL. “We would like to thank TTM for the great opportunity to allow Ndlovu to showcase his talent and the club’s management for the way in which they dealt with everything to make sure that he secures his move to Black

2018 VARSITY FOOTBALL FIXTURES:

Themba Ndlovu Leopards.” Black Leopards are heading for the PSL after being promoted in the 2017/2018 season.

outh Africa recently announced its team, to represent South Africa at the 2018 Athletics World Cup in London. No fewer than 21 men and women representing South Africa have come through the Varsity Athletics ranks. From 13-15 July 39 athletes will give their all in a bid to show the world just how far South African athletics has come. “This is our team of warriors, most of whom tried and tested,” said Aleck Skhosana, the president of Athletics South Africa. “We believe that these are the athletes with high potential to bring this country the glory we seek. The World Cup will give us an opportunity to gauge how far our push towards being the best in the world is and we wish every athlete, management and support staff the best in the search for personal and international glory.”

Women Justine Palframan – Maties Caster Semenya – NWU Julia du Plessis – NWU Rikinette Steenkamp – Tuks Lynique Beneke – UJ Patience Ntshingila – UJ Ischke Senekal – Madibaz Tebogo Mamatu – Tuks Lente Pieterse – NWU Tamsin Thomas – UWC Ariane Nel – NWU

and during the recent African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, she scored two goals and helped her country to be between the seven last VARSITY SPORTS qualifiers nations of this tournament which will be held in Ghana from next November 17. Football Fixture List 2018– v5

2018 VARSITY FOOTBALL FIXTURES

Varsity Athletics athletes head to London for World Cup

Team SA’s Varsity Athletics athletes Men Akani Simbine – Tuks Reinhardt van Rensburg – Kovsies Jerry Motsau – NWU Lindsey Hanekom – Tuks Orazio Cremona – Tuks Tshepang Makhethe – NWU Simon Magakwe – NWU Henricho Bruintjies – Tuks Pieter Conradie – NWU Zakhitine Nene – UKZN

ance between their studies and football because they are first students before they are footballers.” The experienced Banyana Banyana midfielder has already amassed 74 caps and scored 19 goals for her country. In her playing career, the winner of the 2017 Cosafa Women’s championship, Smeda, has already featured in two Olympic Games and three African Women’s Championship tournaments. She also played the 2018 Cyprus Women’s Cup

DATE 26 Jul 2018

No 1

TIME 16:00

HOME TEAM NWU

VS vs

AWAY TEAM UWC

2 3 4

18:15 18:30 18:30

UP-TUKS UJ UKZN

vs vs vs

TUT UL WITS

02 Aug 2018

5 6 7

16:00 18:15 18:30

WITS UJ UKZN

vs vs vs

UWC UP-Tuks NWU

18:30

TUT

16:00

NWU

10 11 12

18:15 18:30 18:30

UJ UP-Tuks UWC

vs vs vs

WITS UKZN TUT

16:00

UKZN

18:15

NWU

TUT

15 16

18:30 18:30

WITS UWC

vs vs

UP-TUKS UL

23 Aug 2018

17 18

16:00 18:15

UJ UKZN

vs vs

TUT UWC

19 20

18:30 18:30

UP-Tuks WITS

vs vs

UL NWU

30 Aug 2018

21 22 23

16:00 18:15 18:30

WITS TUKS UWC

vs vs vs

UL NWU UJ