Fashion students win big at VDJ Fashion students showcase in China at Graduate Fashion Week Another DUT Journalism student off to America Bopape wins Future Generation Art Prize Durban University of Technology’s Permanent Art Collection
Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine
ISSUE
TWO
Credits Editor: Andile Dube 031 373 6455/ andiled@dut.ac.za Contributors: Bongani Gema, Sthabile Gwala, Noxolo Memela, Waheeda Peters, and Shanice Pillay Proofreader: Terry D. Herd Images: Bongani Gema, Sthabile Gwala, Morgan Kisten, Dave Macleod/Gameplan Media, Waheeda Peters, Val Adamson and Christy Strever On the Cover: Katekani Moreku with his model Luvuyo Shoba Layout and Design: Nic Human Publisher: Faculty of Arts and Design (FoAD) Editor-in-Chief: FoAD Executive Dean, Dr RenĂŠ Smith
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Contents Awards and Honours Pillay wins regional Redbull Doodle Art international competition
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Cover Feature Fashion students win big at VDJ
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Exhibitions De Beer explores the conceptualisation of a feminine Imaginary
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Durban University of Technology’s Permanent Art Collection
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Internationalisation in FoAD Fashion students showcase in China at Graduate Fashion Week
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News Another DUT Journalism student off to America
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Drama students perform for Vice Premier of China
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Moliere’s Tartuffe at the Courtyard Theatre
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Zungu and Ngema off to Limon Dance Company in New York
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TIP and LP students at DUT Africa Day celebration
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FoAD at DUT Open Week
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Graduation Double celebration for Fashion twins
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Seminars Second annual Dean’s Seminar highlights challenges facing deaf people
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Blecher facilitates FoAD’s Design Thinking Workshop
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Our Alumni Bopape wins Future Generation Art Prize
Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Two 2017
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Editor’s Note My love for history has been a gradual thing really and it pains me that there are very few documentaries being made that tell the story of South Africa or Africans. Personally, I think there is a vast history that is just waiting to be told. The way the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) commissions film makers to make documentaries about British history is amazing. When you browse the internet, you only find documentaries that talk about Europe or the West. My search for history led me to learning more about the Queen of England who has been on the throne of the United Kingdom for over 65 years. To date Her Majesty is the first British monarch to celebrate the Blue Sapphire Jubilee and if she lives until 2022, she will break all records by reaching a Platinum Jubilee. My fascination with the Queen goes beyond the fact that she is always fashionable but her commitment to duty is something that should be admired by all. The Queen always looks reflective, poised and majestic. Some of the feedback I received from our previous issue was from Prof Lutge from the Drama department who said the articles were so affirming. I am truly touched by this. I am glad if this magazine has served as a reflective tool for you in the important work you are doing in nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. In this issue you can read about former Fine Art graduate, Dineo Bopape who won the Future Generation Art Prize, walking away with a $100,000 cash award at the Venice Biennale. I am proud of Journalism student Eugene Lukhozi who will be jetting off to America next month to study at the Scottsdale Community College in Arizona. As always we look forward to hearing your views on the magazine or if you have any stories you’d like to share, do not hesitate to send me an email on andiled@dut.ac.za. You can also like our Facebook by liking our page www.facebook.com/dutartsandesign or follow us on twitter on @DutFoAD. Until next semester, stay blessed!
Andile
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THE HIGHER EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS SUB-FRAMEWORK (HEQSF) The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) is a system for the classification, registration and publication of articulated and quality assured national qualifications. The revised Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF), which was gazetted on 2 August 2013, forms part of this framework. The Faculty of Arts and Design is in the process of aligning all qualifications to the revised HEQSF.
What does this mean? Qualifications that are not aligned to the HEQSF will be phased out. New qualifications will replace the BTech and National Diploma. Some departments have opted to offer HEQSF-aligned Diploma qualifications, whilst others will offer Degrees. The BTech, N Dip. and other qualifications that are not HEQSF-aligned will not be offered to first-time registering students from January 2020. Students who have registered for non-aligned qualifications before 31 December 2019 will need to complete that qualification before the final phase out date of that particular programme. Students who have already completed their National Diploma (NDip) and wish to register for the BTech have until 2019 to do so.
How does this affect me? You need to ensure you complete your course before the final phase out date for the qualification you have registered for. As the BTech does not exist on the HEQSF, the Minister of Higher Education has gazetted 31 December 2019 as the final date for first-time entering students enrolling in academic programmes that are not aligned with the HEQSF. You will need to check the entry requirements and articulation pathways of your chosen course before applying.
What effect does this have on my qualifications that were on the old NQF and not on the HEQSF? Your qualifications are still valid even though some of the current qualification types are not available on the HEQSF.
WHat are my options?
For new (first-year, first-time) students registering, progression will be as follows: • Diploma Advanced Diploma Postgraduate Diploma Master's Degree PhD/ Doctorate Or • Bachelor's Degree Honours Degree Master's Degree PhD/ Doctorate Please note: This is the general route of progression on the HEQSF. For specific information on what qualifications will be offered by particular academic programmes, please consult the relevant department.
Further information contact: the Faculty Office on 031 373 6522/6520 or go to: http://www.satn.org.za/ Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Two 2017
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Awards Honours
Pillay wins regional Redbull Doodle Art international competition STHABILE GWALA
Third year Graphic Design student, Sabastien Pillay was recently crowned regional winner of the Redbull Doodle Art international competition. Pillay beat hopefuls from other African countries and jetted off to Austria to join other winners from countries like Brazil, United States, and Egypt where one was named the global winner. For the Redbull Doodle art competition, a template was provided and students were required to doodle in that template and submit their entries. Pillay did that and qualified for the voting stage. From the voting he was chosen as the regional winner. The topic for this competition was “where does your mind take you”. Graphic Design student, Sabastien Pillay.
He explained: “With this topic I created a doodle that depicted my mind, which is chaotic. I showed this in a freestyle manner that was illustrated around the word “hi”. I chose the word Hi since I wanted to make it a personal affair as it deals with my mind”. In the illustration Pillay added elements that relate to him, his interests and gives you a look at his thought process. Overall there was a core message that was “Focus, love and create”. Focus, regardless of the challenges in life, work hard and get work done. Love, since everyone is searching for happiness, and with love, one can be happy and create situations in which we can shine and do our best.
Pillay’s winning design for the Redbull Doodle Art international competition.
Last year Pillay won the Interpret Durban competition and as part of his prize, he held an exhibition at the African Art Centre entitled, Dualities of Preservation.
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Awards Honours
Fashion students win big at VDJ STHABILE GWALA
The Durban University of Technology dominated the top three positions in the prestigious Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Award presented by Durban Fashion Fair. Student designer, Katekani Moreku took home the first prize with Hlengiwe Mdunge and Nasreen Paruk winning second and third place. The three DUT winners were hailed as the next best set of designers by the judges. STHABILE GWALA from DUT Corporate Affairs caught up with the three winners to find out about their experience at the Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Awards as well as their plans for the future.
Katekani Moreku Tell me about yourself? I am 25 years old and I come from a small village called Wilverdiend in Bushbuckridge.
How much of an impact has the Young Designer Award made in your career? Getting first place has been a great way to kick start my career, it gave me recognition, a great introduction to the industry and now I have a great achievement to mention in my CV.
Why did you choose to study fashion design? I chose fashion because of my love for clothing and I saw it as an opportunity for me to voice out my opinion on what and how I think people should express themselves through clothing.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue the same career path as you? Invest in yourself. Work hard to build yourself up, embrace being different and always express and your uniqueness in everything you do.
What inspired you garment for the Young Designer Award competition? My garment is inspired by the carnivals of yester-year like the Durban July main event. The carnival has many beautiful and colourful things happening all at once but still exude that one magical feeling of fun. So I decided to make a tailcoat suit with each panel having its own unique, colour print.
What are your plans for the future? I would like to showcase my work overseas.
Students pose with models at the Vodacom Durban July Designer Award finals announcement party.
Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Two 2017
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Awards Honours
Fashion students win big at VDJ (continues) STHABILE GWALA
Hlengiwe Mdunge
Nasreen Paruk
Why did you choose to study fashion design? Fashion design has always been inside of me. When I was younger I used to sew all my clothes, and after I bought a sewing machine I decided to answer my calling and study fashion design.
Why did you choose to study fashion design? I studied Biological Science for a year and I didn’t enjoy it. Thereafter I decided to follow my passion of being a fashion designer. I have always been interested in fashion design and is something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
What inspired your garment for the Young Designer Award competition? My garment is inspired by magic and illusions. How magicians trick people in finding a gap in our perceptions and our way of thinking and using that to play with our minds. How much of an impact has the award made in your career? It has exposed me to established designers, and their work and it’s been such a meaningful experience and I’m so grateful for it. What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue the same career path as you? The industry is very competitive so you need a lot of patience and passion.
What inspired your garment for the Young Designer Award competition? I made a screen printed dress with a detachable PVC over skirts inspired by the Optical Art of the 1950s and 60s. How much of an impact has the award made in your career? Being in the top three of the Young Designer Award has had a huge impact in my level of confidence. And I know now that I am capable and I can do it. What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue the same career path as you? Make sure that fashion is something that you love because it requires a lot of hard work and dedication. The only thing that will push you and motivate you to keep working hard is your passion and your vision for where you see yourself in the future. What are your plans for the future? I would like to do my BTech, also further my studies overseas and teach at an international school on the subject of art and design. I also intend on studying photography in the near future.
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The top three of the Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Award, presented by Durban Fashion Fair, (from left): Third place Pinkie Mthiyane (model) and Nazreen Paruk (designer), winner Luvuyo Shoba (model) Katekani Moreku (designer), second place Hlengiwe Queeneth Mdunge (designer) Bianca Khowa (model).
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Awards Honours
The winner of the Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Award, presented by Durban Fashion Fair was Katekani Moreku with his model Luvuyo Shoba.
Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Two 2017
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Exhibition
De Beer explores the conceptualisation of a feminine Imaginary ANDILE DUBE
Jewellery Design’s Marlene De Beer.
Jewellery Design lecturer, Marlene de Beer is re-conceptualizing the traditional understanding of jewellery.
Her research includes a written dissertation, exhibition of artefacts and a video presentation which include images and poetry.
De Beer recently held an exhibition at the KwaZulu-Natal Society of Arts (KZNSA) as part of her PhD degree in Visual Arts at Stellenbosch University. Genealogy explores the notion of contributing to the conceptualisation of a feminine Imaginary.
She chose to entitle her exhibition Genealogy because her research forms part of an effort to establishing a genealogy.
She chose to work in mediums such as silver, porcelain and appropriated materials in order to create small sculptures, wearable objects, and objects that allude to wearability. De Beer who has been a lecturer at DUT for over 10 years used her artisanal skills to add detail to some of the objects. “I am re-storying the archives of three women, my maternal ancestors. One is a Voortrekker woman whose diaries are kept in the Pietermaritzburg archival facility. My research is from a feminist psycho-analytical perspective,” de Beer said.
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The title of her dissertation is A visual and textual re-storying of the diary of Susanna Catharina Smit (1799-1863). De Beer further explained that the aim of her project is to reappraise historical interpretations of Afrikaner female subjectivity and cultural ideological representations. “The re-storying of historical texts provides the opportunity to destabilise the foreclosure of women from the symbolic, and at the same time challenges masculine privilege and exclusive access to universal knowledge. Western myths grounded in the patriarchal imaginary and symbolic have historically excluded the idea of a female genealogy or divine (Irigaray, 1983:57-72),” she said.
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Exhibition
Durban University of Technology’s Permanent Art Collection SOFTCOPY REPORTER
The Durban University of Technology Art Collection is a valuable cultural resource of local, provincial and national significance. The University Art Collection is an important resource for research and scholarship, exhibition, and educational purposes shared by the academic and cultural communities it serves. The collection also greatly enhances the cultural life and aesthetics of the University and the surrounding region. The collection contains more than 900 artworks acquired between 1983 and 2001, which have significant aesthetic, historical and market value. Most of the University Art Collection is on public display throughout the University’s Durban campuses. It also consists of a variety of media, styles, time periods, and subject matter, including contemporary and historical artworks of merit: Painting from Durban University of Technology’s Permanent Art Collection.
• by South African artists; • by students or staff and other individuals with significant connections to the University; • that contribute to the knowledge and understanding of the communities in which the University participates; • the University Art Collection is intended to include primarily works by KwaZuluNatal artists.
Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Two 2017
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Internasionalisation in FoAD
Fashion students showcase in China at Graduate Fashion Week ANDILE DUBE
DUT and BIFT students after their spectacular fashion show.
Durban University of Technology Fashion students Yanela Mtolo, Tide Louw, Nivadni Sewnath and Janine Turner showcased their ranges alongside Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology (BIFT) students during the popular China Graduate Fashion Week (CGFW). The trip forms part of an MoU with BIFT which include academic exchange related activities between DUT and BIFT. Last year, a team from BIFT visited Durban and attended the coveted annual fashion show by the fashion department, which was themed After Earth, and saw students explore their own vision of our next world. The BIFT team was stunned with the innovative designs of the students as well as the quality of the ranges – and subsequently invited DUT to showcase at the China Graduate Fashion Week from the 15 – 20 May 2017 in Beijing. The DUT students showcased their 2016 collection but it was restyled for the Beijing show.
students. The use of craft, fabric manipulation techniques, and tailor made accessories brought out the uniqueness of their designs. It was an emotional moment seeing our students and their ranges on an international platform. For the students, it was an experience that will remain with them forever, and in their words.” Held each year, CGFW is an elaborate undertaking and preview of collections from some of the hottest young design talents in the Asia-Pacific region. During this prestigious event, international partners are invited to showcase their work. This year fashion schools from countries such as Australia, Switzerland and Spain attended. BIFT is one of the top 50 Fashion Education institutions globally and is recognised for its interdisciplinary approach to Fashion education. Dr Fu from the DUT CI facilitated a visit by the BIFT delegation in 2016 to coincide with the annual DUT Fashion Show.
Fashion’s Sunthra Moodley said, “It was very well received and I can confidently say that our students’ designs are on par with the Chinese
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Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Two 2017
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News
Another DUT Journalism student off to America SHANICE PILLAY
Modest and inspiring, these are the two words that best describe 21year -old Durban University of Technology’s Journalism student Eugene Sandile Lukhozi.
paper which was R3.40, to be left with 10c in my pocket. I would do this every week just to read the paper and grow my knowledge in sport,” said Lukhozi.
The DUT student is one of 20 students in the country to receive a scholarship to Scottsdale Community College in Arizona, United States of America.
Journalism lecturer, Deseni Sooben said she is pleased with Lukhozi’s achievement.
“I feel anxious and scared at the same time,” said Lukhozi. “I never thought someone like me would be going to America. The shy Lukhozi was born in Donnybrook, in uMzimkhulu and grew up in Bothas Hill, KwaNyuswa. Coming from a traditional Zulu home, Lukhozi is the middle child and has always kept to himself. He holds his previous school in high esteem for the contribution his teachers made in his life.
“I have got to know Sandile in the second year of his studying while teaching Media Studies II. He was a very shy and quiet individual, however, there was a lot going on in his mind and he always topped the class in my subject. I’m very pleased with Sandile and his family and I think sheer hard work pays off and hopefully he will come back and inspire other students,” said Sooben. Lukhozi will depart South Africa in July. When asked about what he would miss the most, he said his little sister.
“When I attended KwaNtebeni Comprehensive High School that is where I grew as a person, because I’ve always been very quiet and I still am but that’s when I developed my social life and got involved in various sports,” he said. He developed his love for journalism because of his father. Newspapers became a tradition in his home especially the Sunday Times. He was confused by his father’s choice of paper because it was in English. However, little did he know that his father’s influence would shape his career. “When I was in grade 9 I used to buy a newspaper called Soccer Laduma. I would use my allowance of R3.50 to buy the
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Gomolemo Mohapi, Londiwe Khoza and Sandile Lukhozi.
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News
Drama students perform for Vice Premier of China SOFTCOPY REPORTER
China’s Vice-Premier, Madam Liu Yandong was treated to an outstanding show by Drama and Production Studies students who performed for her during her visit to Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently.
composed short phrases of original refrain to include with the short snippets taken from Living Legend Welcome Msomi’s famous work UMabatha. The praise poem was written by Genbia Hyla and translated into isiZulu by Siza Mthembu.
Hosted by DUT and the DUT Confucius Institute, Madam Liu Yandong’s visit was meant to promote partnerships between South African and Chinese people.
Lutge said watching her students perform at this prestigious welcome for distinguished guests, an eminent Beijing delegation, and a prominent international Vice Premiere was a very great honour for her Department.
During her reception ceremony, Madam Liu handed over equipment for language laboratories at DUT and vouchers for DUT students to use to travel to China for the annual summer camp. About 26 first, second, and third year Drama and Production Studies students who were clad in colourful outfits performed a series of songs and choreography that showcased the best the Drama Department has to offer. Drama’s Prof Deborah Lutge who served as overall director, suggested the concept, the visual design elements, and the indigenous musical style of the presentation. “The students worked on an extensive choreography by Mdu Mtshali as well as selecting, under Richardt Wissink’s guidance, the musical numbers to be included from UMabatha,” said Lutge.
“I thank Dr Fu and the International Office for their continued faith in our Department. I felt humbled by the magnitude of this event and the request. The short pieces for this very special occasion left our entire Department feeling very proud of all the students that participated and represented DUT so well. The performance for the Vice Premiere showcased Drama and Production Students as well as students from different faculties performing in Mandarin under coach, Heng Wang. These international exchanges confirm how significant cultural exchange can be in spreading the spirit of Ubuntu.” Welcoming the delegation from China and the South African team which was lead by Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mduduzi Manana, as well as the MEC for Education in KwaZulu-Natal, Mthandeni Dlungwana; DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Thandwa Mthembu said the visit was one of the most prestigious and crucial events to occur at DUT. The university enjoys several partnerships with Chinese universities.
She also cut and remoulded the choreography and song and tightened the arrangements compiled by final year student Celestia Mpanza, who additionally Drama students entertaining China’s Vice-Premier, Madam Liu Yandong.
Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Two 2017
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News
Molière’s ‘Tartuffe’ at the Courtyard theatre SOFTCOPY REPORTER
The cast of the masterpiece Tartuffe received a well-deserved standing ovation at the end of their outstanding performance at DUT’s Courtyard theatre recently. Directed by actress, writer and theatre director, Sylvaine Strike the play which is one of the “French Shakespeare’s” most famous works was first performed in 1664.
“I was then, based on the success of The Miser, and I chose Tartuffe, which is arguably Molière’s most popular work as it resonates so deeply with us today.” However, the journey from there to the play reaching the stage in different cities across the country took a while to come together as funding, sponsorships and logistics were worked out,” she said.
Neil McCarthy plays Orgon, with Khutjo Green as his wife, Elmire. Craig Morris takes on the title role of Tartuffe, and theatre stalwart Vanessa Cooke plays the housekeeper, Dorine. Other cast members include Anele Situlweni, Vuyelwa Maluleke, Adrian Alper, William Harding and Camilla Waldman.
Drama’s Prof Deborah Lutge said Molière is not frequently performed in Durban so it was a splendid treat when FoAD’s Executive Dean Dr Smith liaised with Alliance Française Durban to secure the world class production.
The 17th century play, which explores the way in which people are easily manipulated by symbols of power and honeyed words, left the audience in stitches as the Orgon’s family tries to expose Tartuffe as a con artist. Strike was commissioned by IFAS (French Institute of SA) and the Alliance Française SA to stage another Molière in 2017 based the success she
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had when in 2012 she created The Miser (also by Molière) for the FrenchSA seasons.
“Students at the Department of Drama and Production Studies were given the additional delight of a physical workshop facilitated by Sylvaine Strike who studied at the internationally renowned Le Coq Academy. The excellent finesse of the performances, the slick direction of the rhymed verse, and the ability to watch superior national character transformation through industry exchanges such as these, always prove invaluable for students and provide treasured lessons to carry out into the world beyond university,” Lutge said.
The cast of Tartuffe had the audience in stitches during their show.
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News
Zungu and Ngema awarded scholarship to Limon Dance Company in New York SOFTCOPY REPORTER
Drama graduates, Njabulo Innocent Zungu and Nqubeko Ngema have been awarded a nine-month Professional Development and Training Internship/Scholarship to study at the New York-based Limon Dance Company. The tremendously talented Durban dancers are appealing to anyone who can assist financially so that they can get to New York and make Durban proud. “We are diligent, humble, focused and passionate dancers who come from places where stars never shine but with positive minds and discipline, we believe the future of dance shines. By using our dancing talent in Modern Contemporary Dance, we would like to explore our chances in the field of dance and gain experience on working with different artists,” they add. They attended the Durban University of Technology (DUT) from 2013 to 2015 and graduated with National Diplomas in Drama and performance studies specialising in Dance and Theatre in Education (TIE) They also trained with the acclaimed Flatfoot Dance Company and Ngema has worked with the Playhouse Company’s Phakama Dance
Academy. Their training has included basic ballet, modern contemporary dance, Zulu traditional dance and hip-hop. Apart from having performed in professional theatre productions in venues such as the Playhouse, Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, Stable Theatre, Catalina Theatre, Courtyard Theatre, City Hall; International Conventional Centre (ICC), and State Theatre, they have participated in numerous festivals including JOMBA!, Dance Umbrella, Grahamstown National Arts Festival, the Dance Drama festival and the DUT Digital Festival. They acted, sang and danced in Evita The Musical presented by DUT. They have also appeared in community talent shows, fashion shows, exhibitions at arts galleries, small dance performances, musical shows, and South African awards events (NACMA Awards, Crown Awards and Trumpet Africa Gospel Music Awards). These often required their choreography skills. These energetic, passionate, focused and forward-thinking young men have also been doing Training Dance programmes in high schools.
Sponsorship is required to make this tremendous opportunity possible and anyone who can help is invited to make deposits into the following account: Account Name: The Durban University of Technology Account No: 050007068 Account type: Business Current Account Branch: Kingsmead Branch Code: 040026 Branch code (electronic payments): 051001 Drama graduates, Njabulo Innocent Zungu and Nqubeko Ngema who are renowned for their dancing skills.
Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Two 2017
Reference No: F051 – Ngema Zungu Fund
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News
TIP and LP students at DUT Africa Day celebration STHABILE GWALA
Translation & Interpreting Practice together with Language Practice students enthralled spectators with their rendition of traditional songs and regalia at DUT’s International Education and Partnerships Office Africa day celebration. The celebrations, which formed part of the continent’s commemoration of the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity took place at the university’s Art Gallery. The event kicked off with students performing classic traditional songs like iNgwe eMabalala, Bazovuma and Dali wami, which are popularly sung at traditional ceremonies like weddings and Umemulo (Zulu coming of age ceremony for women) and the annual reed dance attended by Zulu maidens. This year’s theme was ‘Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through investments in Youth.’ Director of the International Education and Partnerships Office, Dr Lavern Samuels said Africa Day should be celebrated everyday through exhibitions and seminars.
“Africa Day is a special day for our continent and it allows us to celebrate our diversity, our potential and the future of our continent,” said Samuels. Founder of the Institute of Africology, Yaa Ashantewaa Archer-Ngidi highlighted the significance of social cohesion, unity and inclusivity and the importance of holding Africa in the highest regard. Intercultural Studies lecturer, Priscilla Mncube shared her personal views on why it is important to celebrate Africa Day saying it helps to remind her of who she is, where she comes from and how far we have come as Africans. “I am honored to be here today and to speak about what makes me African. We need to ensure that we are portraying the right culture to people, it is that that they will take to heart,” she said. Africa Day is the annual commemoration of the 1963 founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now known as the African Union.
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TIP and LP students looked beautiful in their traditional regalia as they entertained at DUT ‘s Africa Day celebration.
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News
FoAD at DUT Open Week ANDILE DUBE and NOXOLO MEMELA
Popularly known for its long history of hosting some the university’s major ceremonies such as graduation, the Sports Centre was transformed into an exhibition centre for DUT open Week where prospective students had flocked to see what was on offer. The Faculty of Arts and Design (FoAD) had a strong presence at the fourday showcase which was attended by an estimated 11 144 learners from over 123 high schools from across the KwaZulu-Natal province. FoAD’S departments and programmes, Drama and Production Studies, Fashion and Textiles, Language Practice, Translation and Interpreting, Journalism, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Photography, Fine Arts, School of Education and Video Technology were a hit with the learners. DUT Open Week is an annual calendar event which is one of the most important activities undertaken by Student Recruitment Department and the entire university community. All internal stakeholders lead this mass marketing initiative which targets all high/secondary schools and parents of scholars within the province.
During the event the learners were exposed to the university’s support departments such as Student Counselling, Financial Aid and Scholarships, Student Housing as well as the Central Applications office. Alex Mdletshe, Manager at Student Recruitment said the 2017 Open Week received a positive response. “The response to our Open Week was positive; pupils from various schools came in large numbers. On Saturday where we invited the general public we also received a good turnout,” he said. Some of the schools that attended the University Open week were Grosvenor Boys’ High, Comtech High School, Isinyabusi Technical School, Seatides Secondary, Dr AD Lazarus Secondary School, Esizibeni Comprehensive High School, to name but a few.
Graphic Design’s B.Tech student interacts with prospective students at DUT Open Week.
The Open Week also included special events such as the Science of Fun, Chinese Martial Arts by the DUT Confucius Institute, a performance by the Translation and Interpretation Department and performances by students from the Drama and Production Studies department.
Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Two 2017
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Graduation
Double celebration for Fashion twins ANDILE DUBE and NOXOLO MEMELA
It was a double celebration for the Sewnath family when twins Nishthi and Nivadni graduated with a National Diploma in Fashion and Textile at the DUT Faculty of Arts and Design’s graduation recently. The twins are over the moon about sharing the graduation stage, Nishthi said: “We are very excited about starting our future together as that was what we planned all along.” Nivadni jumped in saying, “I have felt that it was a very good experience and together we had a very strong support system.” The graduates fell in love with fashion from a very young age and were determined to get into the fashion industry once they grew up. “As a child, I loved everything to do with styling and creating fashion sketches. This is when I knew that I wanted to do a career in fashion and which I will enjoy doing,” Nishthi said.
Her sister, Nivadni said: “My designing career had started when I was interested in a rt and from there onwards I started sketching and designing fashion.” They are currently working on the ranges they will be showcasing at the Durban Fashion Fair which takes place in August. “We have showcased at this year’s SA Fashion week. We are also working in the fashion industry to gain more experience. There are also plans to study for our B.Tech next year and then Masters,” added Nivadni. The Sewnath twins are two of the 3 209 female students that graduated in one of the Durban graduation ceremonies that were held at the Fred Crookes Sports Centre which was transformed into a magnificent hall that reflected jubilation. The 2017 autumn graduation numbers increased when compared to last year. A total number of 3209 female students graduated this autumn whilst 2 582 males received their qualifications. In total, 38 women graduated with Masters degrees, whilst 30 men received their Masters degrees.
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Twins Nishthi and Nivadni Sewnath graduated with National Diplomas in from Durban University of Technology.
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Seminars
Second annual Dean’s Seminar highlights challenges facing deaf people BONGANI GEMA
Deaf people are often denied access to higher education because of various institutions’ inability to provide lectures in sign languages. Speaking at the second annual Faculty of Arts and Design Dean’s Seminar, which was aimed at tackling issues faced by deaf people, Deaf Federation of South Africa’s Odette Swift said South Africa still has a long way to go in making sure that deaf people have access to higher education. Swift said during the drafting of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa there was no one representing deaf people and as a result, sign language was not recognised as an official language. She went on to say that, very few universities in the country offer sign language mentioning Durban University of Technology, University of the Witwatersrand, North-West University, and the University of the Free Sate.
“The fact that Lesotho deliberately left out the Lesotho sign language in the educational policy has denied us the opportunity to have teachers who can be equipped with the language and consequently the deaf are denied the right to be taught in their mother tongue,” said Matlosa. She added that this was also driven by a lack of awareness of the country’s most vulnerable citizens. She said to date there are only two functioning schools for the deaf in Lesotho but above the fact that the parents are not aware they exist, there was also the issue of affordability and inefficacy. “Deaf schools are expensive so some parents who are aware of them cannot afford to send their children. Above that, some recruit teachers are only qualified in teaching and not skilled in sign languages, so sign language is not even a requirement. You can’t even depend on interpretation because for that you get unemployed applicants who are not interested in what you’re doing but just want something to be busy on,” she said.
National University of Lesotho’s Dr Litsepiso Matlosa pointed out that universities not being able to cater for deaf students was a violation of a constitutional right. Matlosa has been involved in educational policy and its implication for the deaf in Lesotho since the late 90s and she said the two countries, Lesotho and South Africa have much to learn from each other as they both try to navigate this problem of education inaccessibility for the deaf.
Nqobile Sawula, Dr Maleshoane Rapeane-Mathonsi, Odette Swift, Dr René Smith, Dr Listepiso Matlosa.
Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue One 2017
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Seminars
Blecher facilitates FoAD’s Design Thinking workshop ANDILE DUBE
Social entrepreneur Dr Taddy Blecher recently led a critical design-thinking workshop with staff and students of the Faculty of Art and Design (FoAD).
He is a pioneer of the free tertiary education movement in South Africa, helping create six free access institutions of higher learning.
The workshop was aimed at encouraging staff and students to start thinking of other innovative ways to problem solving and be more student centred.
He co-founded the Branson School of Entrepreneurship with Sir Richard Branson, and has raised over R500 million in cash, property and equity to support free access to post-secondary school education. As a result, over 17,050 unemployed South Africans have been educated, found employment and moved from poverty to the middle-class. These formerly unemployed youth now have combined salaries in excess of R1 Billion Rand p.a. and expected life-time earnings of R27.2 billion. Over 600,000 young South Africans in schools have been reached with one-week education and life-skills training courses.
Blecher who is renowned for being a champion of free education described design thinking as a way of finding solutions that work and that understand the different stakeholder groupings that you are trying to work with. “Design thinking offers a structured framework, understanding and perusing innovation in ways that contribute organic growth and add real value to your customers. The key thing to understand is who are your customers and, how do you think from their perspective and how do you test methodologies and solutions to help those costumers in a way that is continually interactive to become better and better,” Blecher said.
Dr Taddy Blecher with FoAD staff and students at the Design Thinking Workshop.
The team broke into groups where they discussed challenges faced by staff and students in the Faculty and suggested ways in which these could be handled. Blecher is CEO of the Maharishi Institute and the Imvula Empowerment Trust, CEO of the Community and Individual Development Association; and former Chairperson of the SA National Government task team on Entrepreneurship, Education, & Job Creation.
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Our Alumni
Bopape wins Future Generation Art Prize SOFTCOPY REPORTER
Former Fine Art Graduate, Dineo Sashee Popape recently made waves by being the first South African to win the Future Generation Art Prize, walking away with a $100,000 cash award at the Venice Biennale. Bopape who studied at the then Durban Institute of Technology, later called Durban University of Technology, was chosen out of over 4000 applicants from 138 countries (later whittled down to 20 by an international jury) for work that is both highly personal, and political. Her installation, was on show at the Venetian Palazzo Contarini Polignac until 13 August 2017. The installation fills the behind of the Venetian Palazzo Contarini Polignac’s exquisite 15th-century stone and marble façade with several earthen plinths which she had embellished with small ceramic totems, herbs, gold leaf, feathers and crystals. On the balcony outside, she’d placed further earthen works that seemed to be trying to escape from the palazzo and out into the city. The 35-year-old’s installation emerges from her questions about women’s rights and identities (there are uterus-like vessels among the totems, and the herbs are ones for menstrual conditions), and the post-colonial politics of her native South Africa. But she’s also indebted to the land art of the 1960s and 1970s, recalled in her choice of materials and preference to work straight onto the floor.
Retired Fine Art lecturer, Dr John Roome, congratulated his former student saying “Right from the beginning she struck me as an exceptionally talented student. Not only was she gifted from a technical point of view, but she was clearly someone who could think out of the box. This rare combination of technical ability and conceptual daring is what made her a brilliant artist.” Bopape is initially going to use the prize to set up a studio in Johannesburg, but more importantly “to allow things to simmer. I’d like to have three months when I don’t read a single email. When I get to see the relationship between all the different works I’ve made. When I get bored, even,” she said. The Future Generation Art Prize is aimed at emerging artists and is run by the Pinchuk Art Centre, which was established by Ukrainian billionaire Victor Pinchuk in Kiev in 2006.
Bopape, who was born in Limpopo, creates her installations from the local soil, wherever she is working.
Fine Art graduate Dineo Seshee Bopape.
Bopape’s installation, which is currently on show at the Venetian Palazzo Contarini Polignac until 13 August 2017.
In Venice, the soil is a product created from ground-down fibre – a something-fromnothing like Venice itself. For Bopape, a black South African, the earth is also the story of territory taken away by the white settlers, a situation which is not much nearer resolution, she says, even 20 years after Mandela’s presidency.
Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Two 2017
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