EDITORIAL
Publisher Research News Reporter Kings Terrace Court 17 Buffelsfontein Road Port Elizabeth Email: info@researchnewsreporter. co.za 0603681329 Executive editor Sara Imutowana We believe it is our duty to move this research on issues of health, law, scienc- info@researchnewsreporter.co.za 0603681329 es, humanities, commerce, engineering and the built environNews editor ment from the laboratories, research Ricky Woods journals, policy briefs, dissemination he Research News Reporter is an 10 Framesby PleinFramesby meetings, research reports, and acaorganisation of researchers, jourPort Elizabeth demic conferences into the hands of nalists, media, and communication people and organisations that can put rickywoods604@gmail.com experts. 083 312 6310 it to practical use to improve the lives We are committed to meeting the of others. highest research standards and ethics Design and layout The aim of the Research News of journalistic integrity in informing the Webseller Reporter is to communicate evipublic about the latest, novel, high-im13 Blanckenburg Street Bellville dence-based information that will pact research. Capetown empower ordinary citizens to become Our work features stories about info@webseller.co.za involved in the debate around critical research undertaken by universities, 0739281432 issues from an informed perspective. government, and private institutions in Our spirits will never rest until we South Africa with the intention of Advertising have an engaged society, and until creating debate on national issues people and policy makers have access Sara Imutowana and improving the lives of people, in info@researchnewsreporter.co.za to research, which will improve the keeping with our mission statement: status of the poorest in society through 0603681329 ‘Research is the mother of innovation.’ transformative development plans, Our research stories are generatSubscriptions programmes, interventions, initiatives, ed by using high-quality processes of Sara Imutowana and policies. collecting and interpreting or transinfo@researchnewsreporter.co.za We are unique because our news lating complex research findings into 0603681329 publication is mainly about research, a language, format and context that and it draws on available research evnon-experts can understand. idence from science to generate public Printer We have established that debate, help people to make conscious DALTAR Print & Copy researchers in universities, government Emerald Square decisions, and to influence policy and departments and private institutions 4 Buffelsfontein Road development outcomes. are conducting important research Our hope is to generate a network Mount Pleasant on various issues. However, they often Port Elizabeth with our readers because the shared only communicate the results to other Service@daltar.co.za facts of today are the outcomes of researchers. 041 368 6651 yesterday’s research.
Editorial
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RESEARCH NEWS
Stress of killing someone in the line of duty
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s Makhawukana Mushwana and Professor Kathryn Nel from the University of Limpopo and Professor Indiran Govender from Sefako Makgatho University investigated stress and the coping mechanisms used by police officers in Limpopo province, South Africa. This study used a self-administered questionnaire. Of the hundred and four police officers in the study, female police officers had significantly higher stress intensity scores, while constables and captains had statistically significant lower stress scores. The study also found that the highest
ranked stressors were killing someone in the line of duty, a fellow officer killed in the line of duty, and knowledge of and experiencing the death of a fellow officer in the line of duty. The five most frequently occurring stressors were organisational in nature. Respondents were more likely to use coping strategies that were problem-focused. The study concluded that organisational stressors were common, suggesting that the South African Police Services management should provide interventions that reduce the effects of work-related stressors
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RESEARCH NEWS
Physical activity among South African Indians
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rofessor Firoza Haffejee and Dr Naushina Kader explained that the Indian population in South Africa has been reported to lead a sedentary lifestyle, however, their physical activity participation levels are rarely reported. Their study aimed to determine the level, types and barriers of physical activity among South African Indians. Over a third of the respondents were moderately active and slightly over a 2
third were highly active. The most common physical activities were walking, weight lifting and jogging. Younger participants were more involved in high intensity activities, while those over the age of fifty years preponderantly engaged in moderate intensity activities. Both genders reported various intensities of physical activity and nevertheless levels were higher in males than in females. Barriers to physical activity in
cluded lack of time, post exercise pain and physical ailments. The study concluded that less than half of the Indian population meet the required levels of physical activity and that intervention strategies, such as time management and encouragement from medical professionals are required to improve the levels of physical activity among this population.
RESEARCH NEWS
Effects of parental alcohol use on learners
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outh African scholars, Mrs Thembisile Chauke, Dr Hendry van der Heever and Professor Muhammad Hoque investigated drinking patterns, and factors contributing to drinking, amongst high school learners in South Africa. The sample included hundred and seventy seven male and two hundred and six female learners in the age range from 15-23 years. Results indicated that both male and female respondents consumed six or more alcohol units within thirty days. It was found that alcohol consumption and different types of alcohol consumed increased with age. It was deduced that majority of learners reported that one of the adults at home drank alcohol regularly. Learners agreed that friends made them conform to drinking. This study concluded that age, gender, parental alcohol use and peer pressure were found to be the major contributing factors to alcohol use amongst learners. The study recommended for prevention campaigns such as introducing the harmful effects of alcohol use amongst learners are of utmost importance in reducing alcohol use amongst learners in South Africa. 3
RESEARCH NEWS
Weapons in high schools
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r Nelisiwe Khuzwayo, Professor Myra Taylor and Mrs Catherine Connolly from the University of KwaZulu-Natal argue that youth risk behaviour in South Africa is a public health concern. This motivated these three scholars to conduct a study to assess the impact of a behavioural youth risk reduction intervention among learners in KwaZulu-Natal high school using a self-administered questionnaire. The study found that majority of learners carried weapons to school. The intervention used by Dr Khuzwayo, Professor Taylor and Mrs Connolly in the study reduced learners’ practice of carrying weapons to school. The study recommended for the development of interventions targeting violent behaviours, such as physical fighting and carrying weapons. 4
RESEARCH NEWS
Attitudes towards interracial marriages
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s Elnari Potgieter a Project Leader for the South Africa Reconciliation Barometer at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation investigated attitudes towards interracial marriages in South Africa. Overall, the study found positive change in terms of approval of a close relative marrying a person from another race group. The approval rate was 53% in 2018. The study recommended for measures to tackle interracial marriage prejudices. The study also revealed that people’s attitudes towards interracial marriages have been slower to adjust. 5
RESEARCH NEWS
Gender-based violence and HIV
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outh Africa is known to have high levels of sexual and gender-based violence and a high prevalence of HIV. Traditionally, studies that explore the intersections of these two phenomena have tended to be done at sites that provide services for survivors of gender-based violence, but few studies have explored the experiences of gender-based violence among individuals attending HIV testing and treatment facilities. There was therefore a gap in knowledge about the prevalence of gender-based violence among patient populations in HIV testing and treatment settings. Professors Artz Klazinga and Müller of the Gender Health and Justice Research unit at the University of Cape Town have undertaken a study to assess levels of gender-based violence in a patient population of an HIV facility in South Africa. This cross-sectional study used a screening tool and a longer in-depth questionnaire on the prevalence of gen 6
der-based violence. The study concluded that levels of gender-based violence are high among populations attending HIV testing and treatment facilities. The study recommended that health
care providers need to be able to identify gender-based violence and to provide appropriate services to survivors of gender-based violence who are seen at HIV testing and treatment facilities.
RESEARCH NEWS
South Africa’s massive ‘sardine run’ leads fish
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eter Teske, Professor of Marine Genomics, University of Johannesburg, Carl van der Lingen, Honorary Research Associate, University of Cape Town, Christopher David McQuaid, Distinguished Professor, Rhodes University and Luciano Beheregaray, Professor of Biodiversity Genomics, Flinders University conducted a study on marine migrations. One of the world’s most spectacular marine migrations is the KwaZulu-Natal sardine run. The so-called “greatest shoal on Earth” takes place during the southern hemisphere’s winter. It involves the movement of tens to hundreds of millions of sardines from the warm-temperate waters of South Africa’s south coast to the subtropical waters of the east coast, over a thousand kilometres away. This annual mass migration, first reported in 1853, is triggered by cold water upwelling on South Africa’s southeast coast. In this process, cold, nutrient-rich water rises up from the deep, creating a highly productive food web. The migration attracts vast numbers of predators: the sardine schools are followed northwards by seabirds, sharks, seals, dolphins and even large baleen whales. These devour as many of the helpless sardines as they can, which is made easier by the fact that their prey is sandwiched between dry land and the hot, tropical waters of the southward-flowing Agulhas Current, which exceed the sardines’ physiological tolerances To make matters worse, those fish that survive the predation still don’t have it easy: the journey is so strenuous that the sardines which eventually arrive on the east coast are emaciated. This goes against what scientists understand about animal migrations – such large-scale population movements normally provide some “selective advantage” by allowing
animals to make optimal use of environmental resources. Surely the obvious negatives of participating in the sardine run must be hugely outweighed by some fitness benefits to make it all worthwhile? The answer, our new research suggests, is “no” – and the reasons for the sardines’ behaviour lies in their genes. One popular explanation for why the sardine run occurs is that the migration might be a relic of spawning behaviour dating back to the last glacial period, about 10,000 years ago. What is now subtropical Indian Ocean habitat may have been an important nursery area with cooler waters. When the ice age ended, the sardines would have physiologically adapted to tolerate the subtropical conditions in this region, and evolved into a distinct east coast population that continues to spawn there to this day. These sardines mix with south coast sardines during summer, then separate from them in winter as they migrate up the east coast. The presence of sardine eggs in the plankton confirms that spawning does occur in this region. Surprisingly, we discovered that sardines participating in the migration are not part of a distinct east coast population. Instead, they primarily originate from the colder waters off South Africa’s Atlantic west coast. Why would these sardines migrate to the opposite end of the country, only to end up in habitat that is obviously too warm for them? We suggest that the fish are drawn into what amounts to an ecological trap – a rare example of a mass migration that has no obvious fitness benefits. Our research started from the assumption that the sardine run represents the spawning migration of a distinct stock of sardines that is physiologically well adapted to tolerate
subtropical conditions. Physical characteristics and other data indicate that sardines on the east coast are indeed distinct. But this may result from different environmental pressures, including the stress of participating in the migration. We knew that understanding the sardines’ heritable genetic traits would provide stronger evidence for this hypothesis – or debunk it. So we used thousands of genetic markers from across the genomes of hundreds of sardines captured throughout the species’ South African range. Although most of these markers showed little differentiation, a suite of genetic markers with a signal of adaptation to water temperature showed regional differences. We found evidence for two regional populations – but it was not the east coast sardines that were distinct. Instead, we found genetic differences within the species’ temperate core range: one population was associated with South Africa’s cool-temperate west coast (Atlantic Ocean) and the other with the warm-temperate south coast (Indian Ocean). The strong affiliation with water temperature suggests that thermal adaptation maintains these regional patterns; each population cluster is adapted to the temperature range that it experiences in its native region. The sardines participating in the run showed a clear affiliation with the west coast population. Not only are these sardines not well adapted to subtropical conditions, but they actually prefer the colder, upwelled waters of the south-eastern Atlantic Ocean. This study solves some of the major riddles concerning the sardine run, which make perfect sense in the light of the new evidence. Our findings explain why only a small fraction of the sardines present on the south coast participates in the run. The bulk of those sardines are native to this region and are adapted to warm-temperate conditions. Because of this, they show little interest in the cold, upwelled water. 7
INSTITUTION NEWS
University of Limpopo academic selected into the future professors programme
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he Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has selected Dr Witness Maluleke, a criminology researcher and senior lecturer at the University of Limpopo (UL), to participate in its highly competitive and prestigious Future Professors Programme (FPP) According to DHET, this programme targets the country’s most talented young academics to accelerate their readiness to become university professors. The FPP involves an innovative approach to growing a representative professoriate through the implementation of a coherent, structured, and effectively supported programme, aiming to contribute to the need for a critical mass of academic excellence and leadership in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in South Africa. After a rigorous selection process, Dr Maluleke (35), attached to the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice is the only selected candidate at UL to join the first cohort in phase two of the programme. Dr Maluleke specialises in stock theft and other criminological and criminal justice themes. He is the Y2-rated researcher by National Research Foundation (NRF), with over 40 multi-disciplinary research articles published in local and international peer
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reviewed accredited journals. He is also the Vice-President of the Criminological Society of Africa (CRIMSA). Generally, the 24-month programme will assist participants in applying for NRF ratings, research grants, improving research capacity, mentoring, personal development, and other aspects required for full professorship eligibility. The programme expects participants to have a deep commitment to the pursuit of knowledge building, evidence of productive and imaginative scholarly work in the form of publications. It also includes the artefacts, an academic who is focused and purposeful, a willingness to benefit from and contribute to a community of scholars across disciplines, novelty and willingness to engage in the scholarly process; and a willingness to engage in the scholarly process. The University of Johannesburg (UJ) will play hosts to this programme. According to Prof Saurabh Sinha, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC): Research and Internationalisation at UJ, a total of 114 applications from the 26 universities across South Africa were received “All applications were subjected to a rigorous selection process, which resulted in a shortlist of 29 candidates,” said
Professor Sinha. Dr Maluleke could not hide his excitement after making this elusive cut. “Being endorsed by DHET affirms my contributions to the body of knowledge as a Rural Criminologist /Stock theft researcher. I am humbled and excited about this selection and I look forward to meeting other emerging scholars,” said Dr Maluleke. “This is a first-of-its-kind programme, it will include national and international engagements with seminal experts’ panel to advise me on my future intellectual projects and also expose me to international Teaching and Learning pedagogies. I cannot ask for more,” he added. The Minister of DHET; Dr Blade Nzimande congratulated Dr Maluleke on his selection. “I would like to congratulate the University and Dr Maluleke on his selection in a highly competitive process, and I trust that he will take full advantage of the opportunity that has been afforded to him and I look forward to the contribution he will make as a leading academic in South Africa and beyond.” The FPP Phase two Cohort one first engagement is scheduled for the 1718th of November 2021.
INSTITUTION NEWS
Never give up
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he “never give up” attitude of the University of the Western Cape’s (UWC) women’s football team propelled them to their maiden Varsity Women’s Football victory this week after ending as runners-up on four previous occasions. UWC beat Tuks 4-3 on penalties in the Monday evening final in their own backyard to become only the second university in South Africa after Tshwane University of Technology to have won Varsity Football in both men and women categories [UJ became the third a few hours later following the men’s final.]. The university men’s football team took home the trophy in 2015. Boasting several Banyana Banyana stars in its ranks, UWC went to the final as the overwhelming favourites, having scored 12 goals in four matches, including four in their semi-final win against Wits. And they had won all three group games. But Tuks had home-ground advantage.
In a tournament in which UWC’s Khanya Xesi walked away with the Golden Boot Award, the score in the final was goalless after 90 minutes. The clash went to a penalty shootout where UWC emerged victorious, thanks to Sinegugu Zondi’s sudden death winning penalty after the two sides were locked at 3-3 after the first 10 penalties.
UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tyrone Pretorius, congratulated the team and said the win by the women’s football team was very satisfying in many respects. “Firstly, we offer the best of both worlds for our students a world-class tertiary education and the platform to reach for the stars on the sporting field,” Professor Pretorius said.
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INSTITUTION NEWS
Unisa innovation set to bridge digital divide
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he digital divide in South Africa is indisputable, with most of its population without access to computer hardware, a limited understanding of digital means of communication and experiencing internet affordability challenges. This is particularly the case for communities in rural areas, who are compelled to travel long distances to urban areas – and therefore spend more money – to access information and communication technologies. To tackle the digital divide problem, Mbuso Ngcongo identified a need for a computer vision application in July 2018. To bring this idea to reality, he was encouraged to register for a Bachelor of Science in Computing (BSc) at Unisa, to learn how he could implement his solution to bridging the digital divide in South Africa. Three years later, his idea has turned into an innovation, called “The Digitiser”. The Digitiser is a portable scanner, built from recycled plastic and other waste materials, with an effective optical character recognition (OCR) function. It can be operated through a mobile phone, laptop or computer on which the application has been installed. The Digitiser enables students to effectively scan and submit their assignments, wherever they are. “The innovation is highly interactive,” says Ngcongo. “Equipped with a high-p
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ower processor, it is an application of machine learning. Like a child it is very eager to learn and ever so willing to help us do things better, faster and easier.” His goal is to use technology to improve the quality of education and, in particular, target learners in the Foundation Phase to facilitate effective teaching. Mbuso Ngcongo demonstrating The Digitiser by scanning a document. Ngcongo lives by his mother’s principle, that is, the three Qs: qala, qhubeka, qeda, meaning one should start, persevere and always finish what one has started, regardless of the circumstances. He had enrolled at another university in 1997, but could not finish, because he did not realise how much of a privilege it was to study at a university at that time. “When I dropped out, several people advised me to go back and complete my studies. Two of them are a Durbanbased architect and businessman, Yusuf Patel, and the late prominent attorney, Suleman Lockhat, who mentored me like his son,” Ngcongo reflects. Today, at 48 years old, he is in his final year for the BSc degree. In addition, he has been running a successful consulting business since 2002, developing database systems for small businesses in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
Ngcongo could commence on the journey of turning his idea into an innovation after he was selected as the winner at the annual Unisa Research and Innovation Showcase in 2019, hosted by the Directorate of Innovation, Technology Transfer and Commercialisation (DITTC). Through the DITTC’s funding and support services, Ngcongo has been able to protect his innovative idea and had the opportunity to partner with stakeholders to develop and test a working prototype. “A prototype, whether of low or high quality, is a beautiful thing to have, because it allows other people to see, touch and interact with the product,” he says. “When people interact with a prototype, they provide important feedback, and this helps to improve the quality.” Ngcongo further adds that the support, training and constructive criticism he received during the adjudication process, along with the access he had to highly skilled academics, industry experts and mentors, cannot be assigned any price tag. Ngcongo also emphasises that participating in the student exchange programme to France, organised by the DITTC, and remains one of his important highlights.
INSTITUTION NEWS
Professor Bhekie Mamba receives a water research legends award
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rofessor Bhekie Mamba received a Water Research Legends Award from the Water Research Commission (WRC). The award, in the category for Water Use and Waste Management, was presented during the Commission’s 7th biannual Knowledge Tree Awards ceremony. The award was presented in recognition of Mamba’s continuous contributions, the advancements he has brought to knowledge in the field, and for being a leader who has brought national and global recognition to the South African water sector over the years. The Knowledge Tree Awards celebrate excellence in water research,
recognising men and women who have made significant contributions to and had an impact on the water science domain as part of their pursuit of excellence. Recipients are acknowledged according to the following categories and based on the impact that their research has had: transformation and redress, sustainable development solutions, empowerment of communities, informing policy and decision-making, human capital development in the water science sector, new products and services for economic development, innovation, and women in science. “While these awards offer us an opportunity to reflect on the work that we
have done thus far, they also inspire new thinking, prompting us to think about tomorrow,” said Dr Dhesigen Naidoo, Chief Executive Officer of the WRC. It is the vision of the WRC “[to] have highly informed water decision-making through science and technology at all levels, in all stakeholder groups, and innovative water solutions through research and development for South Africa, Africa and the world.” Combined with one of their values, “Innovation and Creativity”, the Knowledge Tree Awards are a true reflection of the WRC’s vision and key strategic areas.
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INSTITUTION NEWS
UKZN academics analyse impact of recent looting and burning
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ollege of Law and Management Studies academics analysed the impact of the recent looting and unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and parts of Gauteng in papers they presented at the Political Economy of Protests and Opportunistic Crimes in South Africa Conference. The academics were Dr Andrisha Beharry-Ramraj of the School of Management, Information Technology and Governance and Dr Pfano Mashau of the Graduate School of Business and Leadership. The title of Beharry-Ramraj’s paper, co-authored with her master’s student, Mr Linden Singh, was: The Impact of Riots and Looting in South Africa on Human Resource Management. ‘The impact on Human Resource Management has been challenging for businesses and organisations in terms of restructuring, retrenchment, and the laying
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off of staff,’ said Beharry-Ramraj. The paper examined how employers and HR managers acted against workers involved in the unrest and looting, or who were active on online media platforms in connection with the unrest. ‘HR managers should tread carefully when assessing workers involved with any criminal activity linked to the unrest and looting, applying action that is fair and just. HR divisions across the country are evolving and adapting to be prepared to effectively handle any future situations similar to the recent unrest,’ said Beharry-Ramraj. Mashau’s paper was titled: Protests and Business Management: The Effects of South African Protests on Business in eThekwini Municipality. ‘The protests had severe implications for future investment in the country,’ said Mashau.
INSTITUTION NEWS
Bodybuilders fly the NWU flag high
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even bodybuilding athletes from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus participated in the Bodybuilding South African National Championships that took place on 2 and 3 October 2021. They showed their mettle, and three of them finished in the top seven. David Tshose, the 2019 National Champion, successfully defended his title in his category. Penny Sambo, the current chairperson for bodybuilding on the Mahikeng Campus, finished in third place, and Philemon Moseki took sixth place. Penny says it was a wonderful experi-
ence. “This was my first time at the national championship, and I prepared as much as I could. I am greatful for the experience and I am proud to have placed third at my first national-level competition. “I’d like to thank my coach, David Tshose, for his support and guidance and standing by me. He really is the greatest coach I’ve ever had,” adds Penny. The team will now focus on the upcoming University Sports South Africa Championships which will take place from 8 to 12 December 2021 in Empangeni.
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INSTITUTION NEWS
DUT ranked globally in four subjects The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has increased its global subjects ranking to four subjects in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject 2022. DUT was ranked in the top 600 in Social Sciences and Business and Economics, in the subject rankings announced on Wednesday, 13 October 2021, in London. Previously, Times Higher Education ranked DUT in Physical Sciences on 16 September 2021and Engineering on 06 October 2021. This is great news for DUT as the global subject ranking comes a month
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after DUT retained its Top 500 global rating and named in the Top 5 of all South African universities for the second consecutive year in THE World University Rankings 2022. In the Citation category, DUT was ranked 1st in South Africa and 12th in the world. According to Phil Baty, Chief Knowledge Officer at Times Higher Education, the final round of subject rankings will be published on 3 November 2021 for Arts and Humanities. DUT is confident that it will also be featured in the final subject rankings next month. The World University Rankings by
Subject 2022 included more than 1600 universities from 99 countries and territories across the globe. Trusted worldwide by students, teachers, governments and industry experts, the annual list is highly respected and credible. The subject rankings use the same trusted and rigorous performance indicators as the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022, but the methodology has been designed to suit the individual fields. These rankings highlight the universities that are leading across the globe in various subjects.
INSTITUTION NEWS
CUT bids farewell to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal
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he Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Central University of Technology (CUT), Professor Henk de Jager is leaving his position on 30 September 2021. Professor de Jager has been the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of CUT since 2017 and will vacate his position effectively at the end of September 2021. Cllr. Matthew Rantso, Chairperson of Council commended Professor de Jager, for his enormous contribution to the university throughout the years of his service at CUT. “Professor de Jager has served CUT admirably in his role as VC under extraordinary challenges facing CUT and the sector. The CUT Council is proud of his contributions, especially his sustained efforts in building external partnerships with government, business,
and industry,” said Cllr. Rantso. Professor de Jager’s association with CUT dates to 2012 when he was Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic and Research until 2015; and later, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation, and Engagement. Under his leadership, CUT has made significant strides, including increasing permanently appointed academic staff with doctorates to 40 percent. CUT has also added numerous new academic, research and innovation programmes to its offerings. “I will always be thankful for the work we, as a collective, have achieved at CUT and the meaningful relationships that we have developed over the years,” said Professor de Jager. on in this country,” concluded Cllr Rantso. Professor de Jager conveyed his
appreciation to the CUT and Council for allowing him to lead the University under complex challenges brought by COVID-19. “I am optimistic that CUT will continue to impact the lives of all South Africans positively,” concluded Professor de Jager. The process to find a new Vice-Chancellor and Principal of CUT is already underway to realise Vision 2030 which states that “By 2030, Central University of Technology, Free State will be a leading African University of Technology, shaping the future through innovation”. “CUT wishes Professor de Jager every success with the future and hopes he continues to have a positive impact on educati
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INSTITUTION NEWS
Professor Mzikazi Nduna joins the presidential technical reference team rations as expressed in the tools.”
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rofessor Mzikazi Nduna, University of Fort Hare incoming Dean for the Faculty of Health Sciences, is one of eight experts from different African countries that have been selected to serve on the Presidential Technical Reference Team for the Review of Gender Discriminatory Laws in Africa. Professor Nduna, who has extensive continent-wide experience in the field of health and human rights and advocacy towards the realization of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for all, said she is honoured by the President’s invitation to serve on the team. “I look forward to serving the team with humility, diligence, and commitment. This is a big task, not only for me but for the South African community as well as the Faculty of Health Sciences at Fort Hare. I have always been committed to justice for all. This role is going to keep me very busy in 2022 and I look forward to the challenge, the opportunity to learn and to make a difference.” She will serve alongside the following experts: • Professor Rashida Manjoo (South Africa) - University of Cape Town (Previous Special UN Rapporteur on Violence Against Women) • Meskerem Geset – (Ethiopia) - Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights • Honourable Madame Bineta Diop 16
(Senegal) – Africa Union • Honourable Maria Teresa Manuela (Angola) - African Commission on Human and People’s Rights • Memory Kachambwa (Regional representative from Kenya) FEMNET, also called the African Women’s Development and Communication Network • Dr Eleanor Nwadinobi (Nigeria) - Every Woman Counts • Emma Mogaka (Kenya) - Akili Dada, an international award-winning leadership incubator. According to Professor Nduna, the law plays a critical role in health justice. “We see this in the catalytic role played by anti-stigma, anti-discrimination, Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, abortion laws and many others. Evidence suggests that the legacy of colonial laws in Africa still prevents many men, women, and gender non-binary people from adequate access to services, in an array of areas.” “These laws need to be repealed and replaced with anti-discriminatory legal tools. Most African states are signatories to global and continental tools such as the Maputo Protocol that are aimed at addressing gender discrimination. Ratifying these tools is a first and important step that needs to be followed up with timely, continuous, and informed advocacy to support the transformation of the judiciary and align it with the aspi
She further indicates that President Cyril Ramaphosa plays a very important role in supporting political advocacy to facilitate and usher a new dawn of anti-discriminatory laws across the continent. “To this effect, President Ramaphosa recognized the identification and repealing of gender discriminatory laws that perpetuate violence against women as one of the high levels actions he took forward over his AU Chairship in 2020.”The Team is to provide technical guidance and oversight of the review of discriminatory laws in Africa. It will provide technical oversight to the Centre for Human Rights which is undertaking research, to provide the evidence, and make recommendations that the President and other key role players will use to take this agenda forward. The research will be used in political advocacy for legal regime change. Prof Nduna brings to the Team a feminist analytical lens and research expertise. She has worked in the field of health justice for 25 years. She is a household name in the South African context as a regular guest lecturer at the South African Judiciary Education Institute (SAJEI) and at the University of Pretoria’s Centre for Human Rights, amongst others. She is a research partner with a number of academic institutions in the Southern Africa region as well as with civil society. Professor Nduna was a member of the national interim committee which worked on the very first National GBVF Strategic Plan for the country. Her recent research work in the area of health justice is with the AIDS Foundation of South Africa’s Sex Rights Africa Network and the Tshwaranang Legal Advocacy Centre. She currently serves in two other high-level task teams: SANAC’s Prevention Task Team and the UNAIDS’s Gender Assessment task team. Prof Nduna will officially assume duties at UFH on 1 January 2022.
INSTITUTION NEWS
Gender equality is a hot topic
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ender equality is a hot topic that many countries worldwide are grappling with, but the University of the Western (UWC) and its Sport Administration Department have made praiseworthy inroads in addressing the problem. For this reason, UWC and its Director of Sport, Mandla Gagayi, have been nominated for the prestigious International University Sports Federation (FISU) awards. The university has been shortlisted for the FISU Gender Equality Award, and Gagayi is up for the FISU Gender Equality Champion Award. `The Gender Equality Award honours projects or individuals who have made significant efforts to advance and achieve gender equality within university sport in their country, on their conti-
nent or internationally. Winners will receive a grant of up to €5,000 (about R86 000) with the key criteria for selection based on sustainability and replicability of the project. UWC submitted the Female Student Athletes Support Programme, which aims to create space for women to exercise their rights and freedoms, get access and success to education through sport, and be accepted by society as equal partners to men. The project is targeted at girls and women who strive to use sport as a tool for their development and it was developed as one of the tools to address the legacy of women’s oppression created by the apartheid regime. The project also aims to educate and train young women to be independent and use their sporting tal
ents to contribute meaningfully to society UWC has been shortlisted along with the University of New South Wales, Bethlehem University, and British Universities and Colleges Sport for this accolade. The Gender Equality Champion award recognises individuals who have made significant efforts to increase the participation of women in sport, and Gagayi is the only man in the six-person shortlist of nominees. He is up against Sri Lankan Lakshika Madhushani, UniSport Australia’s Kylie Bloodworth, Beth Garner of British Universities and Colleges Sport, Chilean Maria Belen Varvajal Pena and Botswana Tertiary Student Sports Association vice-secretary general Botho Lilian Thobega.
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STUDENT CORNER
Yanda crowned as Miss Durban 2021 curvy
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ailing from KwaNqetho in Hillcrest KwaZulu-Natal, 18-yearold Luthando Nyanda believes that all her sweat of hard work scored her the Miss Durban Curvy 2021 1st Princess tittle. Miss Durban pageant is a Durban based annual event that allows for both curvy and petite women to enter. This year the competition was held in Coastlands Hotel, in South Beach where Nyanda bagged her first tittle. Nyanda is currently pursuing her Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management at the Durban University of Technology (DUT). Amongst other things that aspired her to enter the competition, Nyanda says her love for community work engagement really is one that . 18
stood out. “Reaching out to the community and spending time at a children’s home means a lot to me. I entered the competition knowing that it is a great platform to do what I love simultaneously, which is modelling and community work,” she said Despite the stigma against thick women in modelling, Nyanda is proud to be representing all curvy women around Durban region. She claims that beauty comes in all shapes, curvy shape being no exception! “I advocate against discrimination and any form of stereotype. They say never judge a book by its cover, same applies in modelling. You can’t disre gard a person and even conclude that
they are not fit for pageantry, just because they are thick. We are all beautiful in our own ways. I am the living testimony of that,” she said The rising star mentions Kayleigh Jephta, Miss Teenager South Arica 2020 to be someone that she looks up to. Moreover, Nyanda is thankful to her family for holding her down and for supporting her throughout the competition. “To young girls: pageantry keeps you disciplined and organized as an individual. Therefore, engaging on such competitions allows you to grow, learn and to take pride in who you are. Never allow a single soul to discourage you and tell you, you can’t,” said Nyanda.
STUDENT CORNER
Two Maties among Africa’s top law students
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wo law students from Stellenbosch University (SU) were recently named runners-up in the Christof Heyns African Human Rights Moot Court competition, placing their law faculty among the top four in Africa. Megan Roos, an LLB student who is currently completing the last semester of her studies in Finland, and Shaniaé Maharaj, in her penultimate year of BAccLLB studies, are overwhelmed by their achievement. Not only did they reach the finals, which is an achievement in itself, but they also secured their position as one of the top two English-speaking law student teams in Africa. Combined teams comprising English-speaking and French or Portuguese-speaking pairs competed in the final round. The SU team share their runners-up position with a Portuguese-speaking pair from the Universidade Eduardo Mondlane in Mozambique. The combined team of Kenyatta University’s School of Law in Kenya and the Félix Houphouët-Boigny University in the Ivory Coast finished first. The winners and runners-up were initially part of 13 teams (eight English, four French and one Portuguese) in the quarterfinal of the annual competition, which is organised by the University of Pretoria’s Centre for Human Rights and was hosted by SU this year. All competing students simulated an actual court scenario by arguing a hypothetical human rights case in front of a bench of judges and prominent jurists, who inter
rogated contestants’ arguments.Taking part in the competition was a rewarding, humbling and nerve-racking experience, especially when they made the finals, Roos and Maharaj agree. “We felt rewarded for our efforts, humbled by the privilege to be part of the acclaimed competition, and nerve-racked to compete against highly talented opponents in front of a bench of renowned judges,” they explain. “In every round, we learned so much from the judges’ questions, and some opponents were the best orators I have ever seen,” adds Maharaj. “If we hadn’t internalised the feedback from the judges and our coach in every round, we would not have made it to the finals.” According to Roos, they worked hard preparing since March, when the preliminary rounds started. “A lot of time and dedication went into preparing for the moot court, during which our arguments and our teamwork were strengthened,” she says. Overcoming language barriers was a huge challenge. As they were paired with a Portuguese-speaking team, they had to work closely together to formulate their arguments for the finals. Although interpreters Addie Morgado, Roberta Fox and Leo Gouveia translated their dialogues, misunderstandings and confusion inevitably occurred. “At times, it felt as if we were never going to be on the same page. It was most certainly an experience I will never forget!” says Roos. Maharaj too found working across
language barriers challenging. In fact, in the finals, this resulted in them spend ing five hours disagreeing before they finally came to a resolution. “During the day, I didn’t know whether we would be able to finish our preparation in time, but luckily we did,” she says. “It has taught me the importance of listening with the sole purpose of listening, not responding. More importantly, I was sensitised to different perspectives on gender-based violence, child marriage, gender identity and sexual orientation, and that there was more than one way of protecting people. This was so valuable and opened my mind to ideas I hadn’t considered before,” Maharaj continues. Congratulating the Matie team shortly after the competition, Professor Nicola Smit, dean of SU’s Faculty of Law, said: “The Faculty is exceedingly proud of Roos and Maharaj’s performance throughout the competition, and for advancing to the final round. Both students committed significant time and hard work to their participation. Such work ethic and intellectual talent promise great things for Roos and Maharaj when they will soon start their professional careers. The fact that we had an SU team in the final of this competition in our Faculty’s centenary and hosted in Stellenbosch may justly be considered a historic achievement.” Both Maharaj and Roos dream of furthering their studies and become advocates. 19
STUDENT CORNER
Student aims to empower learners with his book
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orth-West University (NWU) final-year LLB student Thapelo John Segoabe has put pen to paper to share his thoughts on academic excellence. The 22-year old Thapelo hails from Madikwe township and his academic prowess speaks for itself. Before he enrolled for his LLB degree, he completed a BCom Law degree at the NWU and boasts 15 distinctions in his tertiary studies thus far. Thapelo also secured four distinctions in Grade 12. Thapelo decided to write his book – titled A Guide to Academic Excellence – after seeing so many learners with limited options struggling academically. “I decided to take action and try to help
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the learners in our country by writing this book,” he says. “The book sheds light on how I got my distinctions in matric and aims to inform and motivate readers to prosper in their academics,” adds Thapelo. He says he believes that every learner can attain great academic results by following the principles in the book. “The book is not limited to high school learners; university students can also read the book for motivation, and parents can also benefit from it in guiding their children.” Thapelo is a founder of the Segoabe John Educational Foundation which provides mentorship and extra classes for Grade 12 learners.
STUDENT CORNER
Competition gives wings to students’ solar power generator
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rom a matric side hustle to a growing business with potential for global success, energy entrepreneurs Kwanda Jakalase and Randolph Bruce Meth say a national competition has helped to give them international wings. Nelson Mandela University commerce students Jakalase, 26, and Meth, 26, won the 2020 Red Bull Basement competition for their renewable energy innovation, and last week they were in Gqeberha on a roadshow to promote the 2021 event. Jakalase and Meth were still at school in Mthatha when they devised their first biogas project in 2014. Since then, they have taken their entrepreneurial streak and built an award-winning company, Silicon Energy Technology that is attracting millions of rand in investment. “We were involved in a biogas project and then we explored other forms of renewable energy,” Meth said of how their partnership started in matric in 2014. “With extensive research and feasibility studies we took interest in solar and realised it was an untapped market in SA at the time.”
Since then, they have been developing and innovating, with the result being chosen to represent SA as one of 38 finalists in the global student Red Bull Basement programme. More than 3,800 student teams from around the world applied for the 2020 programme. The Gqeberha pair’s idea is a solar-powered generator, called the Mitha Solar Power Generator, which uses solar energy to power up appliances through solar PV panels and batteries. It is a portable uninterrupted power supply (UPS) that can power the charging of devices like phones and laptops. It can also be used to power lights, kettles and microwaves. It has an expandable battery system and can be controlled via WiFi. “Our vision as students and entrepreneurs is clear we want to provide clean and affordable alternative energy to better our country and continent,” Meth said. “As students, we seek solutions that are practically feasible and economically viable for on-campus life as well as the community at large.”
They are hoping Silicon Energy Technology will continue to grow. “We are aiming at building a billion-dollar industry,” Jakalase said, outlining how the Red Bull win had helped their young business. “We learnt how to pitch to investors and what things global experts look at when it comes to a product. “We also learnt not to look at SA as an isolated country but let’s look at Africa as one country. “Then we might have the chance to actually get where we want to go because electricity is a very big crisis in Africa and our product aligns with that.” Meth is in his final year of a BCom in financial planning while Jakalase has completed his first degree and will move on to study engineering next year. “Even though I studied commerce, I’m quite a techie person. I had a passion about electricity from a very young age,” Jakalase said. They both credit the university’s Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences with teaching them key skills.
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STUDENT CORNER
Postgraduates receive prestigious achievers awards
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hree new Master’s and four returning PhD students are the proud recipients of this year’s Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) Vice-Chancellor’s (VC) Prestigious Achievers Award. Their names were announced at a virtual award ceremony held recently. The grateful students who received the awards are: Bimpe Omolara Alabi (Doctor of Engineering in Civil Engineering), Justine Angadam (Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Health), Zamavangeli Mdletshe (Doctor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering), Melody Ruvimbo Mukandi (Doctor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering), Namhla Matwa (Master of Sport Management), Anza Ramatsia (Master of Sports Management) and Nontsikelelo Noxolo Tafu (Master of Food Science and Technology). The VC Prestigious Achievers Awards committee chairperson, Professor Janet Condy said at the end of a very critical review of all the applicants, “we selected three new Master’s students... Despite being mindful of transformation issues, trying to balance gender and race, in the end we had three females, all three from South Africa,” Condy continues.
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“So, to all the students who have been awardees, your hard work, commitment and achievements are inspirational to all of us and you are a shining beacon to all the staff and students at CPUT.” The Doctoral students are awarded R120, 000.00 per year for three years, depending on the receipt of good progress reports. Master’s students are awarded R100, 000.00 for two years, also depending on the receipt of good progress reports. The Vice-Chancellor, via the VC Prestigious Achievers Awards CPUT website, receives abundant applications from academically performing students to fund their education. The aim of this award is to financially assist CPUT students in completing their Master’s or Doctoral studies, who have achieved excellent results throughout their academic studies and who show a potential contribution to our society. This award which was started in 2019 is conferred every year to deserving students who have shown academic excellence and an embodiment of the CPUT graduate attributes. Speaking at the event, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chris.
Nhlapo said the CPUT management aimed to build future academics who will contribute to the transformation of the higher education sector. “This is a momentous occasion on the calendar of CPUT,” Nhlapo enthused “We must celebrate excellence and make sure we support the excelling students.” Professor Janet Condy said they assessed the 2020 recipients and budget to make a decision to continue to support the current four Doctoral students (R120 000 per annum) and three new Master’s students (each receive R100, 000 per annum). Alabi, one of the recipients, said: “Many thanks for this opportunity, I will always be grateful.” Ramatsia, another recipient, said: “I would like to extend my gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and the donors. I hope this initiative continues its impact on students.” Condy added that the person who has made “this experience possible is Advocate Dianne Yach, who is the Chairperson of the Mauerberg Foundation Fund, but unfortunately she is ill so will not be with us today”.
ALUMNI CORNER
Bridging the skills gap
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here, when and what did you study? I studied for a Bachelor of Commerce degree at Rhodes University, majoring in economics and management. I completed my degree last year and graduated in April. How did you find out about ABB? My aunt told me about ABB which led me to do my own research. I saw that ABB was a reputable and ethical company and I became interested in how it had achieved this image. I thought ABB could help me development and provide me with knowledge and experience. How has your experience been so far? In the month and 20 days I have been at ABB, I have been challenged and guided into my career and mental development — through practical work and training. This experience has not only made me more interested in my field of project controlling, but has got me interested in project management. What do you like most about ABB? The training has been the most important aspect of the graduate development programme. It is an investment in all graduate project controllers and it has given me the platform to perform at the best of my ability. 23
ALUMNI CORNER
Sabelo Gumede a progressive industrial psychologist
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orn and bred in uMhlabuyalingana, a township in the north-eastern part of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, Mr Sabelo Gumede is a pioneering, innovative industrial psychologist. He is the founder and Managing Director of Uphembele Consulting Group and Cloud Therapist. Mr Gumede went to Ntokozweni Primary School and proceeded to Nodineka High School in uMhlabuyalingana, where he matriculated in 2009. He started reading for a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Psychology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, graduated in 2011, and proceeded with an Honours degree in the same field. Immediately after graduation, he registered for a Master of Social Scien24
es degree in Industrial and Organisational Psychology, graduating in 2013. Mr Gumede is currently reading for a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Industrial Psychology at the University of South Africa, investigating Ubuntu Indigenous Management Practices for the enhancement of State Owned Enterprises’ management approach in a post-modern era. Mr Gumede’s areas of interest are African psychology epistemology, Ubuntu leadership, and management. He remembers vividly how his parents used to work hard to make ends meet, an experience that made him work harder at school. His humble background did not stand in the way of achieving his longtime dream of becoming an industrial
psychologist. Unperturbed by his family hardships, an assertive Mr Gumede did not ever lose hope for a bright future. He made his parents proud by founding Uphembele Consulting Group, headquartered in Durban, an industrial psychology consultation firm that focuses on assisting organisations and individuals to solve problems and achieve their desired objectives. The firm specialises in medico-legal, wellness units, corporate assessment, training and development. Uphembele Consulting Group works with government agencies, law firms and individuals. The firm also assists attorneys in settling loss of income claims. This is realised through the delivering of well-written and reader-friendly in
ALUMNI CORNER dustrial reports. Stirred by his passion for industrial psychology, in 2021, Mr Gumede launched South African’s first cloud therapist programme, which is a leading e-counselling platform extending professional counselling services to individuals seeking mental health in an accessible and affordable manner. This application provides screenings for mental health, domestic violence, Covid-19, and gender-based violence (GBV) (there is an emergency centre where victims can report urgent cases of GBV), online counselling, family counselling, individual therapy, group therapy, and couples therapy. The application has a professional team of psychologists who are fully qualified and accredited with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). This application is designed to service any individual grappling with issues of mental health. When Mr Gumede was asked how Cloud Therapists works, he had this to say: “The platform provides live online counselling, which is face-to-face through video counselling using a web browser. Online counselling is the same as face-to-face therapy. The only difference is that people get to have their consultation from the comfort of their own private space. All a person needs to begin is a computer, a good internet connection and a quiet private space.” Research News Reporter: How do you do mental health screening on Cloud Therapist? “An individual is required to sign up on the application. Once signed up, they can have access to many Cloud Therapist services, including screening for mental health. After landing on the Cloud Therapist dashboard, an individual may click on the tab labelled ‘Mental health and gender-based violence screening’. Thereafter, they will be prompted to fill in their biographical information. From this point, they can proceed with screening and get immediate feedback,” said Mr Gumede.
“This process is exactly the same as for mental health screening. Once the individual has signed up and has clicked the tab indicating ‘Mental health and gender-based violence screening’, they will be prompted to fill in biographical details. Then the screening follows and immediate feedback is given.”
consultations are secured by the same level of encryption. The entire communication process runs directly between your computer and the client’s computer with no third parties involved. All connections are secured.” Mr Gumede’s ongoing aspiration is to become an expert industrial psychologist improving organisations’ Research News Reporter: How can a productivity using African psychology person report abuse of GBV on cloud epistemology, and Ubuntu leadership therapist? and management practices. “An individual needs to sign up on the application. Upon landing on the dashboard, they need to click on ‘GBV emergency centre’. Thereafter, they will be prompted to fill in a form that will require their name, ID, location and a brief explanation of their emergency.” Research News Reporter: With which Board are cloud therapist registered? “All of our health professionals are fully qualified either as psychologists or counsellors and they all abide by the code of conduct as specified by HPCSA”. Research News Reporter: How can a person book a therapist online? Upon landing on the main home page, an individual may click the tab labelled ‘Book a therapist now’. Thereafter, they will be asked to fill in the Cloud Therapist counselling booking form”. Research News Reporter: How long is the online counselling session? “The counselling session is normally one hour long. An individual may book more sessions as they deem fitting”. Research News Reporter: Is there a digital patient informed consent form? -Before the counselling session starts, an individual is presented with a digital informed consent to sign. Thereafter, they may proceed to meeting their therapist.
Research News Reporter: How do peo- Research News Reporter: How secure is ple do screening for gender-based vio- the Cloud Therapist platform? lence on Cloud Therapist? “Communication is totally secure. All 25
ALUMNI CORNER
University of Pretoria alumna wins a prize
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n essay in which UP Faculty of Law (UP Law) alumna Nicola Irving assessed the interplay between African customary use of pangolin and conservation law has won her the prize for the Best Undergraduate Essay in the 2020/2021 Student Essay Competition at the recent conference of the Environmental Law Association of South Africa (ELA). The essay, titled ‘Conservation crime and pangolin poaching: Tensions between customary use and Conservation Law’, looked at the extent to which the existing legislative framework undermines the heritage value of pangolins for customary communities. “Pangolins are the world’s most illegally trafficked mammal and it is estimated that approximately 100 000 Asian and African pangolins are poached annually. However, pangolins are also highly sought after and used regularly in traditional medicine and divination in South Africa, which makes the study of their place within South
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African law particularly important,” said Irving, speaking about her interest in the topic of her winning essay. “Owing to the status of customary law within South Africa’s constitutional dispensation, including the rights to culture and cultural practices, I was interested in exploring the prevailing complexities between the conservation laws and customary use of pangolin in South Africa,” she said. The essay is an adaptation of her final-year LLB dissertation, which was completed under the supervision and guidance of Dr Melanie Murcott in the Department of Public Law. Irving has demonstrated a passion for Environmental Law, having won the module award for Environmental Law (OMR 410) in 2021. She is also currently undertaking her LLM (Coursework) in Environmental Law. She earned both her BA Law and LLB degrees with distinction and, during her time as a student at UP, was awarded prizes for the best student in the Law of
Contract (KTR 211) and best academic performance in Medical Law (GRG 410), among others. Irving also served two consecutive terms on the Constitutional Tribunal (student court), as both a judge and senior judge. She is currently serving her articles of clerkship as a candidate attorney at Lawtons Africa and intends on pursuing a career in commercial and public litigation, while remaining true to her strong academic foundations at UP Law. ELA is a non-profit organisation aiming to promote and assist in the development and application of environmental law and governance in South Africa. Members of the ELA include legal practitioners, environmental management consultants, government officials, academics, students and environmental activists. Anyone with an interest in understanding the dynamics between law, governance and the state of the environment is welcome to join the organisation.
ALUMNI CORNER
UCT alumnus appointed chairman at top SA law firm
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niversity of Cape Town (UCT) alumnus Mzwandile Ezra Clavis Davids (Ezra Davids) was recently appointed as a senior partner and chairman at law firm Bowmans, one of the leading corporate law firms in South Africa and Africa. The nomination is the latest in a string of career successes for the top mergers and acquisitions attorney, who will hold the chair for five years, effective from 1 October 2021. Davids, who holds a BA and an LLB from UCT, has worked on some of the biggest mergers and acquisitions in South African corporate history, including the US$1.7 billion (R25.3 billion) acquisition of Pioneer Foods by PepsiCo and the
US$107 billion (R1590 billion) merger of SAB Miller and AB InBev. According to Bowmans deputy chairman, David Mpanga, Davids’ term will see him focus “on delivering worldclass legal services to clients across the continent, widening Bowmans’ African footprint and contributing towards the betterment of societies in which it operates”. The objective of improving the societies in which the firm operates is one that Davids holds dear, as evidenced by his active involvement with various non-governmental organisations in the education, social justice and rule of law advocacy spheres.
Development and marketing manager in UCT’s Faculty of Law, Gaby Ritchie, highlighted that the university is proud of Davids’ work with the Social Justice Initiative, Freedom of Law and the Student Sponsorship Programme, among others. “We are very proud of our Public Law Department and the work of the research units linked to it. While our Law alumni are among the top legal professionals both locally and globally, UCT is also the alma mater of some of the most energetic and driven social justice activists, like Mr Davids.”
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ALUMNI CORNER
Amplifying the impact of a modern African classic
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r John Mambambo, 37, a Unisa alumnus, says that his PhD in Philosophy helped him to translate the widely used university prescribed book Decolonising the Mind: The Politics of Language in African Literature into ChiShona, his mother tongue. ChiShona is spoken mostly in Zimbabwe, where it is an official language, and in Mozambique. Passionate about education and research, and with a flair for languages, Mambambo, who is originally from Zimbabwe, moved to South Africa in 2008, after obtaining an honours degree, cum laude, in 2007 at Midlands State University in Gweru, Zimbabwe. Recounting his journey, the author recalls the arduous pursuit to further his education and improve his employment prospects. At the time, Midlands State University had formalised a teaching assistant post for him, to ensure that they retain his expertise. A lecturer post was on the horizon, but he needed a master’s degree to pave the way. However, this was not to be, as Zimbabwe was notoriously plagued by political unrest in 2008, which grinded this ambition to a halt. In no time, he had found himself in South Africa, where he started off by accepting a teaching post at a high school in
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Cape Town – a position he occupied until 2014. Even then, deep down, he knew that this was not really what he wanted to do. “I wanted to teach at a university and I knew I could be of greater service in that space – a stark reminder that I needed to register for a master’s degree,” he says. Mambambo then left teaching to focus on his master’s degree studies with Unisa, which he completed cum laude in 2016. It was during this time that he was encouraged by his supervisor to pursue a PhD. According to Mambambo, his supervisor, after noticing his prolific writing skills, confirmed his own ambitions, which he decided to pursue. “Ultimately, I registered for my PhD, still with Unisa, an institution which instilled in me discipline,” he says. “There, I developed an understanding that I had to focus, because if I did not, nobody was going to be holding my hand; I had to push.” he adds. Still on a journey driven by passion, he decided to add his voice and to transform the university landscape. Throughout, he had supervisors who were caring and encouraging, and they would check up on him and offer advice all the way. It was only a matter of time before Mambambo came across a project that would bring him great acclaim. It was during his PhD studies that Decolonising the Mind: The Politics of Language in African Literature, written by leading African author Ngugi wa Thiongo, caught his attention. “As a prescribed text for both English and African studies at university level, and broadly accepted in those disciplines,” he says, “it made me wonder why such an impactful book, known all around the world and within university circles, was never translated into any other African language.” As a non-fiction publication, it advocates for linguistic decolonisation and the author’s website cites the book as
being “a collection of essays about language and its constructive role in national culture, history, and identity”. Mambambo aimed for the book to reach grassroots level and for it to be accessed by broader audiences, and he wanted to transform the university landscape and the medium of instruction at universities in support of an African languages’ perspective. “One of the reasons why African languages were not being used and slowly being discarded at universities,” he points out, “is because there were no texts available for them.” “Why can’t we have academic texts available in African languages, so that universities should not have an excuse for discarding African languages?” Mambambo asks. “If they discard African languages, it should be for other reasons and not because of the unavailability of material.” He undertook the long and, at times, lonely translation process as a solo project, with no funding to back him up. “For me it was not about the money; it was just me and my passion,” says Mambambo. He conceded that, along the way, he had to figure things out. He had to seek permission from the author, the publishers and the London-based rights holder and, after some back and forth, he obtained copyright permission. He then had to find himself a publisher to negotiate translation rights on his behalf.Translated to ChiShona as Kutapanura pfungwa Dzakatapwa, the book was launched in June 2021 at the First-in-Africa Conference of the International Association of Colonial and Postcolonial Linguistics (IACPL). Based on this work, Mambambo bagged a nomination by Rhodes University for a postdoctoral fellowship. Mambambo says they are now working on a project to expand the translation of the same text into more languages. “Now we are expanding the Decolonising the mind project into other South African, Zimbabwean and Kenyan languages. We are going into the African continent,” he concludes excitedly.
ALUMNI CORNER
UP engineering graduates turn marketing gurus
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wo University of Pretoria (UP) engineering graduates have made an unlikely – but innovative and hugely successful – leap from engineering to marketing, using their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to create higher sales rates and improved customer service for the business who use their services. Jaco Krüger, who has a BEng in Mechanical Engineering (2015), and Eduan Snyman, who holds a BEng Pr Eng in Mechanical Engineering (2013), were part of a team that launched marketing company BaseCloud, which runs Google Ads marketing campaigns for businesses. Marketing enables the pair to work with an array of clients from different industries and backgrounds. This results in unique problems ¬– and they love solving problems, they say. According to Krüger, BaseCloud’s Director of Technology, it all started with 3D printers. “As students at UP, we built 3D printers because it was an interesting hobby. We then started running Google Ads marketing campaigns to generate client enquiries for 3D-printing services, and found that our campaigns had outperformed most of our competitors’. As a result, our 3D-printing clients started asking about our marketing efforts and eventually began approaching us to manage the Google Ads marketing campaigns for their businesses.” Snyman, Basecloud’s Managing Director, explains that the pair realised that
their skills in engineering could be applied to marketing. “With our approach to mathematical problems and our critical-thinking abilities, we offered a unique solution that provided better results,” he says. These results can be seen in click-through and conversion rates. “This resulted in higher sales rates for our clients.” It comes down to a numbers game, Snyman adds. “By truly understanding and thinking critically about a specific campaign, we could outperform most marketing companies who have been doing this for decades. Our lead/sales management software was developed from a common marketing problem: receiving accurate feedback on leads and their quality.” This means there is no way of measuring the full effectiveness or return on investment of the Google Ads marketing campaigns – simply put, whether a prospective client has paid or not. “We solved this by designing lead/ sales management software that has taken over our business, due to the high demand for such software,” Snyman explains. “Many companies around the world do not have a way of managing new prospective clients or leads effectively. We can automatically measure phone calls, emails, forms and more, generated from various advertising mediums such as billboards, vehicle branding and social media. Measuring everything automatically and processing the
data in a new, innovative way provides our clients with meaningful results at the click of a button.” Krüger says BaseCloud’s core role is to help businesses grow. “We have found that SMMEs are full of inefficiencies in the sales department, especially amid the fourth industrial revolution. Businesses take too long to respond to new prospective clients, fail to ask the right questions or do not follow up, and ultimately lose potential clients. We solve this not only through advanced tracking, but also through software that puts businesses in contact with a prospective client seconds after they make an enquiry.” “We are not just a marketing company,” Snyman adds. “We go on a long-term journey with the client from lead generation to client nurturing and continuously assisting with business process automation.” As a UP graduate, he believes that alumni have a role to play in providing accurate feedback to the public and to the respective university, so that there is a consistent feedback loop between theory that is taught and practice in the field. “The UP culture has quite an effect,” Krüger adds. “I believe we have a higher tolerance for openness and are more willing to work with people from different backgrounds.”
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