Softcopy Issue one 2018 by Softcopy

Fezile Mdletshe mentors contestants on BETâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Made In Africa Horn wins Emma Smith Scholarship Award 2017 Velobala students graduate Third FoAD Postgrad Conference a success

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine

ISSUE ONE

Credits Editor: Andile Dube 031 373 6455/ andiled@dut.ac.za Contributors: Tina Shabalala, Nduduzo Ndlovu and Waheeda Peters Proofreader: Andrea Alcock Images: Ayanda Buthelezi, Michelle Reynolds, Waheeda Peters and Susanne Skipiol 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 Mshibe wins dti’s furniture design competition

Horn wins Emma Smith Scholarship Award

Prestigious nomination for DUT lecturer’s innovative desk

Msibi’s dual-purpose chair wins Art Deco furniture competition

COVER FEATURE Mdletshe mentors contestants on BET’s Made In Africa

FASHION Rise of the OXX makes Vogue Italia’s talent section

Fashion student to showcase at BIFT

Emerging designers start their own fashion brands

GRADUATION FoAD honours struggle icon with an honorary doctorate

Hadebe travels the world through languages

NEWS DUT hosts renowned linguists to promote indigenous languages

Mahatma Ghandi Media Lecture pays tribute to Winnie Madikizela-Mandela

Badat talks about his passion for his art

New lecture series unfolds on archiving

Oparinde shares his academic experiences in London

2017 Velobala students graduate

FoAD embarks on student recruitment drives

FoAD holds Continuous Assessment Workshop

SEMINARS Third FoAD Postgrad Conference a success

FoAD hosts entrepreneurship workshop

How self-study research helped Hiralaal improve her impact on students

OUR ALUMNI Kunene’s research project adopted by her employer

Top honour for DUT graduate at Liberty Radio Awards

Lazarus wins Tropika Island of Treasure!

SPECIAL REPORT Drama students perform Taming of the Shrew in Germany

FoAD NEW FACES

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue One 2018

Editor’s Note HELLO FRIENDS So many exciting things happened this semester, like the history-making wedding of American actress, Meghan Markle to Prince Harry. Markle has made history by being the first African-American to marry into the British Royal family. While there are many arguments about this marriage, what stands out for me, is that love goes beyond race and class. What also stood out for me was Bishop Michael Curry’s captivating sermon that quoted Martin Luther King, Jr. and referenced a hymnal sung by slaves in the antebellum South to talk about the power of love to change the world. So in the words of Bishop Curry, “Love God, love your neighbors, and while you’re at it, love yourself.” Because of the challenges, we faced this semester we decided to produce one issue that covers both the first and second term. I hope you will enjoy this jam-packed issue. As always it is filled with the achievements of students and staff of the Faculty of Arts and Design. Our cover star, Fashion lecturer, Fezile Mdletshe is proof of what one can achieve when they work hard and dedicate themselves to their craft. Mdletshe’s star keeps shining bright and it was no surprise to me when she was chosen to be a mentor and judge on BET Africa’s Made In Africa. Having known her personally as a colleague and friend I am proud of her and accomplishments. In this issue, you can read about Interior Design student, Lwazi Mshibe, who won the Department of Trade and Industry’s (dti) Furniture Design Competition for his space saving invention called “Songa” Mshibe is not the only one from Interior Design making waves, lecturer, Siyanda Mbele’s “Mvelo Desk” recently scored a nomination in the category of one of the “Most Beautiful Object in South Africa” during the Design Indaba’s 2018 Awards. As always we look forward to hearing your views on this 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. Until next semester, I hope you enjoy the read!

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?

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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.

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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 One 2018

Awards Honours

Mshibe wins dti’s furniture design competition ANDILE DUBE

Interior Design student, Lwazi Mshibe’s, perseverance paid off as he was announced the student winner, of the Department of Trade and Industry’s (dti) Furniture Design Competition , at an awards ceremony held at the Ticketpro Dome in Johannesburg recently. Mshibe entered the competition last year but unfortunately, his project failed to impress the judges. His second attempt proved successful when his space saving invention called “Songa” (meaning to fold in IsiXhosa) took the top honours. He had the idea for the Songa concept when he moved from his family home to live in a flat. “It was during this period when I was introduced to the struggles many students encounter living in very limited space that often required flexible pieces of furniture. That is when I designed this multi-purpose concept that comes as one and can be stored for a variety of uses. The concept can be put together and tucked away when space is required, “ said Mshibe. The Furniture Design Competition Awards seek to elevate South Africa’s furniture manufacturing capabilities, while also enhancing the furniture industry’s competitiveness both locally and abroad. Lwazi Mshibe’s “Songa” concept.

Mshibe’s future plans include focusing on developing his brand and making use of platforms and connections that will come his way to design affordable furniture that can be mass produced for local and international consumption. Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Bulelani Magwanishe, said the furniture industry was pertinent to “radically transforming” South Africa’s economy. “It is partly because it is one of the most labour intensive and trade supporting sectors, and if it is promoted correctly it can significantly contribute to industry development and lead to the beneficiation of raw materials. This initiative contributes to the development of design skills in the sector and supporting this kind of innovation is paramount to the conversation about the 4th industrial revolution,” said Magwanishe.

Deputy Trade and Industry Minister Bulelani Magwanishe presenting Lwazi Mshibe with his furniture design competition award.

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Awards Honours

Horn wins Emma Smith Scholarship Award ANDILE DUBE AND WAHEEDA PETERS

Fashion and Textiles student Tayla Horn was named the Emma Smith Scholarship winner at an award ceremony held at the DUT City Campus earlier this year. The Faculty of Arts & Design hosted its annual Emma Smith Art Award Scholarship where nine art and design students competed for the R50 000 Scholarship prize. DUT’s Art Gallery curator and organiser of the competition, Francesca Verga, said the students’ work on exhibition is a representation of the top students from across the Faculty of Arts & Design. She added that the nominees were selected based on existing student work produced during 2017, which included the third year and BTech level. The Emma Smith Scholarship Award was introduced in 1920 by KwaZulu-Natal Sugar Industry magnate Sir Charles Smith. Named after his mother, Smith’s endowment was made in appreciation of the work of visionary Art School Head, John Adams.

“I am very overwhelmed and excited, especially since I was nominated in 2010. So, this is quite an honour to realise that all my hard work and dedication to my craft has finally paid off,” she said excitedly. Horn is also ecstatic to be able to make use of her prize money towards her tuition fees at the prestigious Central Saint Martins, which is a world-famous Arts and Design College, in London. Fashion and Textiles’ Leandi Mulder won the 2016 competition for her collection made entirely of second-hand fabrics.

While the original intention of the scholarship was to allow winners to go overseas to study, the award has been extended to include a variety of purposes or projects proposed by the candidates. These include community-based workshops, further study in South Africa or the African continent and/or solo exhibitions. The competition is open to students from the full range of design, visual and performing arts programmes offered at the institution. Members of the judging panel are drawn from leading practitioners in the various disciplines; nominated by heads of department.

...this is quite an honour to realise that all my hard work and dedication to my craft has finally paid off. Fashion and Textiles student Tayla Horn who won the Emma Smith Scholarship.

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue One 2018

Awards Honours

Prestigious nomination for DUT lecturer’s innovative desk ANDILE DUBE Siyanda Mbele’s Mvelo desk that was nominated the most beautiful object in SA, at the Design Indaba.

triangle or diamond they represent a union. I translated that union as people being married to their desks/ and careers,” he said. Mbele said each symbol illustrated serves as a function and form of the desk. He also added that the open triangle V-shaped (drawers) allows the user to leave books open at a certain page, slide down pens or pencils and pile up rolls of technical drawings. Even though his desk did not take home the top honours, Mbele is still chuffed about his nomination. “It’s a great feeling, I’m super grateful for the nomination from Trevor Stuurman. Mvelo Desk was nominated alongside South Africa’s top designers, and sharing the platform with them is incredible,” said Mbele.

Interior Design graduate and part-time lecturer, Siyanda Mbele’s “Mvelo Desk” recently scored a nomination in the category of one of the “Most Beautiful Object in South Africa” during the Design Indaba’s 2018 Awards. Mbele is the owner of Pinda, which designs and manufactures hand-painted furniture inspired by the uniqueness of South African cultures. His designs provide an unexpectedly modern variation of African furniture and incorporate South African cultural references.

In 2017 Mbele was featured in Destiny Magazine’s Power of 40. The Power of 40 profiles men and women under the age of 40 who are doing extraordinary things in their various industries. He was also named ‘Product Designer of the Year 2015’ at the Nestlings Awards last year

Siyanda Mbele.

He uses Ndebele, Venda and Zulu patterns in the products, which are interpreted into a novel aesthetic that also influences the shape of the products’ legs. Describing the concept for his Mvelo Desk, Mbele said it was inspired by how people are married to their careers, through the amount of time and days spent using a desk. “I then made an analogy using the Zulu symbols/Zulu chevrons; the form of the desk represents both masculine (Triangle) and feminine (Diamond). What interested me the most in the Zulu symbols is when two symbols are joined together whether

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Awards Honours

Msibi’s dual-purpose chair wins Art Deco furniture competition SOFTCOPY REPORTER

Interior Design Programme students prototypes for dual purpose, flat-pack furniture as part of the programme’s ongoing project with the Durban Art Deco Society (DADS). This year’s brief required students to design Art Deco inspired furniture pieces. The designs, executed on AutoCAD and Google SketchUp, needed to be flat-pack and dual-purpose. The item had to have at least 2 functions, or be a piece that could be separated to create 2 different pieces of furniture. These miniature prototypes were manufactured by lasercutting technology in natural plywood, fitting together without glues and mechanical fixing.

The exhibition was titled: “Dual Purpose, Flat-Pack Furniture Prototypes: Inspired By The Art Deco Style.” At the end of the exhibition three students were selected as the 2018 winners who were able to execute the brief to the judges satisfaction. Mbalenhle Msibi won first prize for her chair which converted into a coffee table. Thabiso Nkonyeni came second with a chair that converted into a coffee table with a shelf for magazines underneath. Third place went to Qiniso Mbatha for his two side tables which converted into a bench or a coffee table by placing a rectangular board across the top. Interior Design Lecturer, Michelle Reynolds said the aim was to look at how to create furniture in a digital way – no crafting necessary.

Students worked with MakerSpace Durban to manufacture scaled design prototypes and made 30-second reflective videos, documenting their process and learning experiences.

“This would make the resulting product cost efficient as it would be made inexpensively. Good designs should be available to anyone.

The students’ work was exhibited during the 24th International Symposium on Electronic Art which took place at in Durban recently.

“Nowadays, if people are going to spend a small fortune on furniture, they want to get a lot out of it, hence the dual purpose aspect which would enable the product to transform from one purpose to the next”, she said.

At the end of the exhibition three students were selected as the 2018 winners who were able to execute the brief to the judges satisfaction.

Art Deco Competition winners, (L-R) Thabiso Nkonyeni, Qiniso Mbatha and Mbalenhle Msibi flocked by their classmates.

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue One 2018

Cover Feature

Mdletshe mentors contestants on BET’s Made In Africa A number of years ago, Fezile Mdletshe took a leap of faith and left a job as a fashion buyer to become a part-time lecturer in the Fashion and Textiles Department. Since then, Mdletshe has developed in the field of academia and is now making a name for herself as a sought after fashion adviser. She chats to SOFTCOPY editor, ANDILE DUBE about her new role as mentor on BTE’s Made In Africa.

Known for her bubbly personality and chic style, Fashion and Textiles lecturer at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), Fezile Mdletshe is one of the mentors on BET Africa’s brand new local reality show, Made In Africa.

Made In Africa is a partnership between BET in Africa, the KZN Film Commission and the Youth Directorate of the KZN Department of Economic Development; Tourism and Environmental Affairs.

The show which premiered in May on BET (DStv 129) aims to showcase the best of emerging designers on the continent, while keeping an eye on the fashion revolution that has taken the whole continent by storm.

Mdletshe has worked in the fashion industry for many years as a fashion buyer and entrepreneur, running a successful online clothing boutique. She has conducted many design workshops for designers and is a mentor for the KZN Fashion Council.

Mdletshe’s contribution to the show is to guide the contestants as they battle it out to be crowned Africa’s next fashion design star. “As a graduate myself, I bring my passion and a great love for fashion coupled with an extensive and impressive history in the industry to this intense learning environment,” said Mdletshe. The show is hosted by singer and actress, Nandi Madida and each episode features a main panellist, The Space Operations Manager, Vanessa Leisegang along with a rotating panellists including Zama Mathe, Francois Vademme and Adama Amanda Ndiaye from Senegal discussing the latest industry trends and news in the world of fashion.

Mdletshe described working on the show as an amazing experience which she wouldn’t trade for anything.

Mdletshe described working on the show as an amazing experience which she wouldn’t trade for anything. “Having worked with some of South Africa’s biggest fashion retail chains and having previously mentored emerging fashion designers through the KwaZulu-Natal Fashion Council (KZNFC), I was in a unique position to educate and guide when it comes to industry, trends and brand development.”

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Fezile Mdletshe (right) with her Made In Africa colleagues.

Fashion and Textiles lecturer, Fezile Mdletshe.

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue One 2018

Fashion

Rise of the OXX makes Vogue Italia’s talent section ANDILE DUBE AND NDUDUZO NDLOVU

The Department of Fashion and Textiles 3rd year students’ ‘Rise of the OXX Collection’ which was showcased at the annual South African Fashion Week (SAFW) was recently featured on Vogue Italia’s Talent Section. Vogue Italia is the Italian edition of Vogue magazine which is hailed as the top fashion magazine in the world, and has launched the careers of many designers and models. The Condé Nast International owned publication, described the students’ work as “fresh and interesting”. “Admiring the creative ideas of Durban’s final year students of technology is always exciting. The freshness of the creations that have had the opportunity to present on the catwalk is encouraging, and have captured our attention with their uniqueness. A small but interesting look into the future,” Vogue Italia. The students showcased their Rise of the OXX collection for the second time in a row at the renowned annual South Africa Fashion Week (SAFW). According to DUT Department of Fashion and Textiles, Creative Design lecturer, Gideon Visagie who was part of Team DUT, the garments were selected from the highlights of the top 10 students from 2017. The acclaimed South African fashion designer boasting over 20 years experience in the industry says he assisted students to rework their garments in order for them to be suitable for the requirements of showcasing at SAFW. “Due to the high work standard of the DUT team, selection of students’ work is not an easy task, but the dedication and hard work of this team is shown in the final output from the students,” said Gideon. DUT is the only education institution allowed to showcase at the SAFW which is one of the premier fashion events in the country. “Lucilla Booyzen (Director of SAFW) has stated that due to the high standard of creativity and quality that I and Meena impart on students, she is happy to let them showcase 40 garments (above the limit of 34) and to help showcase the talent now coming out of DUT,” said Gideon proudly. The following students represented DUT at the SAFW: Tamara Hoggarth, Michaela Pollard, Zane Ngwenya, Ashley Igesund, Alexia Robert, Sipho Mbuto, Saudah Ballim, Courtney Hunt, Noreen Maphumulo and Fikile Sokhulu.

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Fashion

Fashion student to showcase at BIFT ANDILE DUBE

Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Fashion and Textiles student, Zane Ngwenya will be jetting off to China in October to spend time at the Beijing Institute of Fashion and Technology (BIFT) as part of an exchange programme between the two institutions. When Ngwenya arrives at BIFT, she will part take in a fashion showcase and be a part of a static exhibition. Ngwenya, who graduated Cum Laude and with a Dean’s Merit Award for her National Diploma in Fashion during the Autumn 2018 Graduation season, will showcase her 2017 final year collection with some adaptations and additions. Speaking about her collection, she said: “It is a psychedelic tactile experience in the form of a hand woven textile that is a futuristic application of a traditional handcraft technique which is made using unconventional materials.” Last year, four DUT Fashion students showcased their ranges alongside BIFT students during the popular China Graduate Fashion Week (CGFW). At the 2017 DUT Fashion Show , False Gods, two BIFT students, Manfei Yang and Wei Wei’s collections were included in the line-up. Ngwenya said she is grateful and honoured to be representing DUT at BIFT. “Most importantly I am humbled because the fact that I was chosen is really a testament to the quality of work that the DUT fashion department is able to nurture and produce, international recognition shows that the department is developing unique talent.” She said she is looking forward to interacting with other fashion students and creatives from China with the hope of expanding her knowledge. “It’s always encouraging to see and hear about what other young people are doing. And this will also be a new cultural experience for me, I have never been abroad before so I want to take in as much as I possibly can,” said Ngwenya. Last year she was awarded the Daphne Strutt Prize by the South African National Society (SANS).

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue One 2018

Fashion

Emerging designers start their own fashion brands ANDILE DUBE

Two former Fashion and Textiles Department students Fikile Zamagcino Sokhulu and Sipho Mbutho have taken the courageous decision of venturing into the world of entrepreneurship by launched their own fashion labels.

His monochrome collection of beautifully-cut and impeccably-finished separates wowed showgoers at the MINI Menswear Scouting Competition which took place during the South African Fashion Week (SAFW) in Johannesburg recently. Both Sokhulu and Mbutho were part of the 10 DUT students who showcased the Rise of the OXX Collection at SAFW.

The two budding fashion designers follow in the footsteps of many Durban University of Technology (DUT) fashion graduates who have launched successful clothing businesses. Both Sokhulu and Mbutho have chosen to add a bit of their personality to their labels by giving them names synonymous with their own. Durban’s Fikile Zamagcino Sokhulu has opted to use her initials FZS for her label, while Port Shepstone born Sipho Mbutho’s label will bear his name Sipho Mbutho. Talking about her label, Sokhulu said as a creative she aspires to be a brand that empowers women, “I want the brand to create clothing that is functional and has an artistic influence,” she said.

Fikile Sokhulu’s collection that won Best Range of the Show at the DUT Fashion Show last year.

Mbutho described his label as a unisex brand that caters for different ethnic races between the ages of 20 to 40 who understand style and quality. “My brand embraces Nordic high-end craftsmanship irreverently. The collections include strong geometric cuts and soft ovoid silhouettes, focusing on the versatility of conceptual monochrome. Expression and championing the power of the individual are central in the conception of each garment,” said Mbutho.

Sipho Mbutho’s Rise of the OXX designs.

Sipho Mbutho (left) with a friend at the DUT DigiFest.

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Graduation

FoAD honours struggle icon with an honorary doctorate NDUDUZO NDLOVU

Struggle icon and former member of parliament, Dr Andrew Mlangeni, 92, was honoured with an Honorary Doctorate of Education by the Faculty of Arts and Design (FoAD) during the 2018 Durban University of Technology (DUT) autumn graduation season. Mlangeni is one of only two surviving Rivonia trialists - Denis Goldberg the other, contributed to the liberation of South Africa by standing up against the apartheid government.

“Dr Andrew Mlangeni is a struggle stalwart who like many, sacrificed his own liberty for the liberation of our country. He has always believed in education and whilst in prison, he completed his BA degree. He has been committed to social justice and community engagement over many years and we are greatly honoured and humbled to welcome Dr Mlangeni into the DUT family,” said Prof Pearce.

His contribution to the liberation of South Africa is well documented, as he was harassed and imprisoned for standing up against the might of the apartheid government. He was sentenced to life imprisonment during the infamous Rivonia Treason Trial alongside seven other struggle icons. He spent 26 years in jail on Robben Island. Speaking at his graduation ceremony, Mlangeni challenged DUT students to be creative and innovative in order to address challenges faced by the African continent. “I’m confident that this University which I have joined as an honorary member will continue to contribute to the transformation of this continent. But for this to happen it requires a vision and a lot of hard work from all of us, especially the youth.” He emphasised that their struggle was not a struggle at national front only but it was a struggle to liberate the African continent. Dr Mlangeni said it is important to adopt the principles of the draft plan of action adopted in Dakar on Higher Education Summit in 2009. “I would like to challenge you to ask yourself as the university, how proud are you of your contribution in terms of research, innovation and development of our country and continent,” added Mlangeni. FoAD’s Deputy Dean, Prof Brian Pearce said that DUT is honoured to confer an honorary doctorate on Mlangeni, to acknowledge his immense contribution towards the liberation of South Africa.

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue One 2018

Dr Andrew Mlangeni (DUT Honorary Degree recipient) and Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa (Former DUT Registrar).

Dr Andrew Mlangeni is a struggle stalwart who like many, sacrificed his own liberty for the liberation of our country.

Graduation

Hadebe travels the world through languages NDUDUZO NDLOVU

Nokuthula Hadebe’s strong passion for languages influenced her decision to pursue Language Practice at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), a decision that has seen her travel the world. Hadebe who graduated with a BTech in Language Practice during the 2018 DUT autumn graduation season, will in September leave for France where she has been appointed as a Language Assistance for eight months.

you need to respect people and be understanding of the different cultures. I have also learnt that staying in your shell will not get you noticed, and that the connections we make now will open doors for us in the near future. So it is important to make friends and forge those bonds. This momentous experience opened my eyes and broadened my horizons. It made me realise that beyond South Africa, there is a world with endless possibilities, and it made my family and community proud,” explained Hadebe.

The KwaMashu born Hadebe has already achieved one of her dreams, which is to travel the world, as she has been part of two international exchange programmes to China and Reunion Island.

Hadebe who currently works as a Chinese Translator and Interpreter at the KZN Chinese Community and South African Police Service Cooperation Centre, said she is very optimistic about her future prospects.

“I have travelled to China for three times during my time at DUT, I have also been to Reunion Island. In these travel experiences, I have met people who come from all over the world and the valuable lessons I have learnt is that

A total of 594 students graduated from the Faculty of Arts and Design during the 2018 DUT autumn graduation season.

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News

DUT hosts renowned linguists to promote indigenous languages NDUDUZO NDLOVU

During her opening remarks at a Public Lecture hosted by the Durban University of Technology (DUT) and the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB), Faculty of Arts and Design’s (FoAD) Executive Dean, Dr René Smith said DUT is excited about the partnership with PanSALB because it seeks to champion the use of indigenous languages. “This is in line with our objectives of promoting the use of indigenous languages, and for the first time as DUT we have introduced sign language in our programmes,” said Smith. Renowned actress, producer and author, Florence Masebe; poet and story teller, Gcina Mhlophe; PanSALB CEO, Dr Rakwena Monareng and FoAD’s Research Co-ordinator, Dr Maleshoane Rapeane-Mathonsi made up the lecturers’ panel and discussed the use of mother tongues and promoting multilingualism. The lecture formed part of the “28 days of language activism” crusade led by PanSALB which is constitutionally charged with ensuring the protection of mother tongues.

Rapeane-Mathonsi also reiterated DUT’s commitment to the promotion of indigenous languages as part of the decolonization and transformation agenda. “We have started using IsiZulu as the language of intervention through tutors, and we plan to expand from that.” Masebe argued that the incorrect use of indigenous languages in the creative and media space is contributing to the decline of indigenous languages. “No one is monitoring the use of indigenous languages in the creative and media space, which is contributing to the continuously declining quality of indigenous languages within this space,” said Masebe. She said a language policy within the creative and media arena is critical, particularly because of the influence that the creative and media industry has in shaping the use of indigenous languages within our society. Masebe is a testimony to the influence of the media in promoting indigenous languages, as she acquired fluency in most indigenous languages through listening to storytelling and drama on radio from a young age.

From left Dr Gcina Mhlophe, Dr Rakwena Monareng, Dr Maleshoane Rapeane-Mathonsi and Ms Florence Masebe.

This is in line with our objectives of promoting the use of indigenous languages, and for the first time as DUT we have introduced sign language in our programmes.

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue One 2018

News

Mahatma Ghandi Media Lecture pays tribute to Winnie Madikizela-Mandela NDUDUZO NDLOVU

The remarkable life of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was celebrated with a moving tribute which featured the screening of a documentary on her life. The Madikizela-Mandela memorial was part of the annual Mahatma Gandhi Media Lecture, which was hosted by the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT), Journalism programme in partnership with the Gandhi Development Trust (GDT). The documentary features Madikizela-Mandela’s childhood and youth when she lived in the village of Bizana. It also shows an interview with her telling how she met Nelson Mandela, who asked her to raise funds for the treason trial. This video tribute was produced by the renowned filmmaker Anant Singh who was also in attendance during the lecture.

From left, Ela Gandhi and Advocate Robin Sewlal handing over the portrait of Winnie MadikizelaMandela to Sello Hatang as a token of appreciation during the Mahatma Gandhi Media Lecture.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation, CEO, Sello Hatang, who was the keynote speaker said the passing of Madikizela-Mandela has made them realize that Nelson Mandela could have not been who he was without the immense contribution and sacrifices of Madikizela-Mandela. “When Mandela passed away, there was a lot of rhetoric about change, but nothing changed. Let the passing of MadikizelaMandela bring about change through action not rhetoric,” said Hatang. Hatang said Madikizela-Mandela should not only be remembered as a defiant fighter, but she should also be remembered for her warmth as a caring mother of the nation. “Unlike her husband, she was subjected to torture in prison, and she carried that damage throughout her life. When I remember Mama Winnie, I don’t remember her as a fighter, I remember her comforting arm wrapped around those who needed it,” said Hatang. Hatang also urged journalism students not to be swayed by the narrative, but rather to shape the narrative. “Please hold on to good ethical values of journalism,” he said.

When I remember Mama Winnie, I don’t remember her as a fighter, I remember her comforting arm wrapped around those who needed it...

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News

Badat talks about his passion for his art WAHEEDA PETERS

Enjoying what one does for a living was the focus of the talk given by visiting artist, Soleiman Badat from the Réunion Island. Badat addressed DUT students on his passion for his craft at the Durban University of Technology’s City Campus. This event was held in partnership with the DUT Durban Art Gallery, under the curatorship of Francesca Verga. The charismatic and multi-media artist, photographer, poet and musician gave an insight into his acclaimed works which he added was not something he does for money but for the ‘love’ of doing something he thoroughly enjoys. From drawing cartoons to taking pictures, Badat expressed how one has to give it their all when embarking on any projects. “For me, drawing cartoons is a way to express my feelings and ideas. I don’t want my work to appear to be too obvious and at times I use clues to put across my social messages,” he said. The unique style of his work has been documented in his picture journal which he had also shared with the students.

The talented Badat also showcased other works such as his picture collection called ‘Tesla’s Flying Technique’ where he used Indian ink and water-colours on paper. “These were made in buses, trains, waiting rooms, toilets and cafes, all part of my life journey,” he said. Other works included pictures he had taken in British Columbia called ‘Another Rainy Day’. His most recent work is his 2015 internet footage installation project in the Réunion Island. “This is a multi-screen constant work in progress which was first installed in 2012. This project deals with controversial matters such as aliens or the first landing on the moon. The project relies entirely on footage collected throughout the internet,” he said.

DUT’s Francesca Verga with artist, Soleiman Badat.

He also said to the students that producing works; be it his art or photos or installations, are not for monetary gain but for showcasing the themes. “If someone would be keen to buy any of my works I would rather sell it for a small price than for a huge sum of money,” he said.

Enjoying what one does for a living was the focus of the talk given by visiting artist, Soleiman Badat from the Réunion Island.

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue One 2018

News

New lecture series unfolds on archiving WAHEEDA PETERS

Art for Humanity as part of the Indlela Public Lecture Series hosted an talk by artists Chandra Frank and Zara Julius at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) City Campus. The aim of the lecture series is to create discussions and gather information on how narratives are told and lived, how people represented themselves during the 80s era through archiving. Chandra Frank’s work is focused on the Black, Migrant and Refugee women’s movement in the Netherlands during the 1980s. She explores the role of archives, transnational queer kinship, the making of feminist geology and the politics of pleasure. She gave more insight into her work and how students can now become involved in her research project on archiving. She spoke of the various projects she had embarked on and of her narrative exhibition which had entailed a two-year project with South African based collaborator District Six Museum. Her works explored themes such as race, gender, memory, trauma and spatiality.

Chandra Frank and Zara Julius.

“My dad is an Indian from Chatsworth and my mom is a Dutch from Amsterdam. I grew up in Amsterdam and not in South Africa. My dad left a collection of political books on South Africa and what really interested me was finding out what they meant as well as what politics looked like in the 80s era in Durban, South Africa. This question on archives really got me interested. My field is archiving so I have worked with women from all over world and the global social background they were living in,” she said. Zara Julius, who is working in partnership with Frank, also gave an overview of her projects. She is a multidisciplinary visual storyteller and music collector based in Johannesburg, with a background in social anthropology and photography. Her mom is coloured and her dad is white. Her work is concerned with the relationships between aesthetics and culture, African futures, and the varying paradoxes that emerge with the interplay of identity, faith, religion, urbanity, migration, race, and desire in Africa and the African diaspora.

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News

Oparinde shares his academic experiences in London SOFTCOPY REPOTER

Doctoral Candidate in the Language Practice Programme, and Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Executive President of the Postgraduate Students’ Association, Kunle Oparinde, recently had the privilege to travel to London on an Academic Exchange Programme where he had the opportunity of being hosted by the Buckinghamshire New University. For Oparinde, being given hands-on research skills training through various seminars and workshops with scholars and researchers with similar research areas, was an amazing experience.

In 2013, Buckinghamshire New University was ranked 12th in the UK by the Huffington Post in a list of creative universities. It was also included in a list of the top 14 creative universities in the UK by The Daily Telegraph in December 2013 Some of its notable alumni include, English comedian, writer, actor, artist, musician and television presenter, Noel Fielding; British adaptive rower who won a bronze medal at the 2008 Summer Paralympics and a gold medal at the 2012 Summer Paralympics, Naomi Joy Riches MBE.

“We were able to share ideas about current trends in research methodology among other things. During the trip, I was also given the opportunity to visit Oxford University and the University of London. I was also able to meet with the Editor of the Interdisciplinary Journal of Economics and Business Law – a DHET accredited journal that has recently published papers submitted at the last DUT Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation conference,” he said excitedly. Oparinde thanked DUT for affording him such opportunity and believes such academic experiences helps to nurture students to grow in their fields of research.

I was also able to meet with the Editor of the Interdisciplinary Journal of Economics and Business Law – a DHET accredited journal that has recently published papers submitted at the last DUT Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation conference...

Kunle Oparinde at the University of London.

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue One 2018

News

2017 Velobala students graduate ANDILE DUBE

Beaming Velobala Development Project class of 2017 students could not contain their excitement at their ‘graduation ceremony’ held at the African Art Centre recently. The students had participated in the 10-month project which is hailed for launching the careers of many artists in Durban. The celebrations also included an exhibition of the students’ final work which reflected their growth since joining the programme.

“I also want to thank the Durban University of Technology for the continued partnership, Dr René Smith and Chris De Beer. Thank you so much for supporting the programme and allowing the students to come to the university,” said Reddy. She announced the names of four students who will be part of the Velobala Mentorship Programme- a six-month training course that offers a more in-depth development giving the artists, a critical perspective to their artistic training. “The mentees receive one on one training and the opportunity to work with the DUT Fine Art students. This programme was first held in 2015 and its success is evident in the work Wonder Mbambo and Sthenjwa Luthuli,” Reddy concluded.

The Velobala Development Project is a partnership between the African Art Centre and the Durban University of Technology’s Fine Art and Jewellery Design department. The project plays a pivotal role in promoting and training black artists and craftspeople in South Africa. Some of the artists from the project have gone on to be well known artists, like Buhle Wonder Mbambo, Sthenjwa Luthuli and many others. Speaking at the ceremony, the African Art Centre’s Director, Magdalene Reddy congratulated the students saying: “I am so excited about the programme, just to see the work the students are producing, it’s really amazing. So thank you for initiating this programme. We want to thank the teachers who work very hard behind the scenes. They work very hard every Saturday, meeting with the students.” Reddy also thank the DUT’s Faculty of Arts and Design for their longstanding relationship which started 23 years ago when the project was started by prominent Zulu crafter, Hlengiwe Dube.

Velobala Development Project class of 2017 students.

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News

FoAD embarks on student recruitment drives ANDILE DUBE AND TINA SHABALALA

The Faculty of Arts and Design (FoAD) embarked on a series of student recruitment initiatives in an effort to market programmes offered by the faculty. In March, FoAD’S Information and Communications Officer, Andile Dube and Fashion lecturer, Fezile Mdletshe attended the Thomas More College Career Exhibition and the Durban Girls’ High School Careers Evening. The career exhibitions are meant to equip learners with information on programmes before making their applications to higher education institutions.

In May, Fashion and Textiles’ HoD, Sunthra Moodley and lecturer, Fezile Mdletshe represented the faculty at the inaugural KwaZuluNatal Jobs and Careers Expo hosted by the eThekwini Municipality in partnership with Independent Media. The duo presented the Fashion department’s offering to hundreds of visitors who attended the expo held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre. The expo aims to be a leading jobs and career expo in the country and attracts around 15 000 visitors. It is targeting high school learners, school leavers, students, young professionals, KZN youth or anyone in KZN looking for a job or a career change. All FoAD programmes also exhibited at the annual Durban University of Technology’s Open Week which was attended by 78 schools from all over KwaZulu-Natal. DUT Open Week aims to educate and provide guidelines for the pupils in making their career choices. Life Orientation teacher, Nonhlanhla Mabaso from Edendale Technical High School in Pietermaritzburg, said she encouraged all her pupils to participate in the DUT Open Week so that they can be informed about possible career options they can pursue. “We want them to know more about their careers and fortunately I am a Life Orientation teacher so it’s more relevant, making things easier for me in the syllabus and the curriculum that I deliver to the pupils,” she said. With the high level of unemployment in the country, Mabaso encourages her students to not only study to find employment but to also have the courage to start their own businesses.

FoAD’s Andile Dube and Fezile Mdletshe.

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue One 2018

News

FoAD holds Continuous Assessment Workshop SOFTCOPY REPOTER

The Faculty of Arts and Design held a continuous assessment workshop attended by Heads of Departments, Programme Co-ordinators and Curriculum Champions. Explaining the aim of the workshop, FoAD’s Quality Assurance Officer, Nirvana Ramsaroop said it was aimed at creating a framework for excellence for the faculty in its approach to continuous assessment, within the creative arts discipline. “The workshop was one of the steps in the continuous assessment task to create consistency and awareness among the design disciplines to ensure

that assessment strategies were aligned to learning outcomes and to ensure that the faculty maintained the integrity of our assessments,” said Ramsaroop. The workshop was facilitated by Ramsaroop together with FoAD’s Academic Development Practitioner, Dr Mogiveny Rajkoomar and was chaired by the Deputy Dean, Prof Brian Pearce. “The faculty will now be creating a framework of practice for continuous assessment and will thereafter go on to develop a continuous assessment policy that will govern and guide the teaching and learning practices of the Faculty of Arts and Design,” Ramsaroop concluded.

...it was aimed at creating a framework for excellence for the faculty in its approach to continuous assessment, within the creative arts discipline.

FoAD staff during the continuous assessment workshop.

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Seminars

Third FoAD Postgrad Conference a success SOFTCOPY REPORTER

The annual Faculty of Arts and Design’s (FoAD) Postgraduate Conference, that has become a popular feature for emerging arts academics, took place earlier this semester. In its third year, the conference attracts scholars from neighbouring countries such as Lesotho Zimbabwe, and Botswana. The aim of the conference is to encourage cross-faculty networking and reflect on the nature of academic work and research. Organised by FoAD’s Research Office, the goal of the conference was to present a range of postgraduate research conducted across all faculties at DUT and other African universities, and to reflect on the nature of academic work and research. The conference also provided the opportunity to discover the wide range of research that is being conducted at other institutions. Fine Art lecturer and Art for Humanity’s Director, Ismail Farouk, delivered the keynote address which included a reflection on his work as an artist. Farouk spoke about his publications, Planning for Chaos: Urban Regeneration and the Struggle to Formalise Trolley-Pushing Activity in Downtown Johannesburg and Waiting: Daily rhythm in a time of loitering bylaw enforcement. During last year’s conference while addressing attendees, FoAD’s Executive Dean Dr René Smith, said growing research and supervision capacity has been central to DUT’s strategic plan as well as that of the Faculty of Arts and Design. Consequently, this is why this year more emphasis was placed on ensuring that postgraduate students and supervisors understand the role and the support available at the FoAD’s Research Office. After delegates where done presenting their abstracts, FoAD’s Research Officer, Siyabonga Shangase gave a presentation detailing processes and procedures for students and supervisors to follow when filling and submitting documents to the research office. “It is important that these [processes and procedures] are understood and adhered to so there are no delays with processing forms with the various departments at DUT”, Shangase said.

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue One 2018

Postgraduate keynote speaker, Ismail Farouk.

The aim of the conference is to encourage cross-faculty networking and reflect on the nature of academic work and research.

Seminars

FoAD hosts entrepreneurship workshop ANDILE DUBE

The Faculty of Arts and Design’s (FoAD) Research Office hosted an Entrepreneurship Workshop in an effort to brainstorm ideas that can be used to support staff and students’ entrepreneurship ventures. Research, Innovation and Engagement Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sibusiso Moyo, FoAD’s Executive Dean, Dr René Smith, Dr Poppet Pillay and representatives from the different FoAD academic programmes, attended the workshop.

for students that are interested in entrepreneurship. “One of the things we are trying to push for is a formal curriculum on entrepreneurship- while that may take some time, in the meantime, there are modules on entrepreneurship that are offered by different departments,” Prof Moyo said.

Prof Moyo gave an evaluation of current entrepreneurial activity at DUT as well as the importance of entrepreneurship as highlighted in the university’s Strategic Plan.

She continued to say that according to the Strategic Plan 2015-2019 the university must be able to demonstrate that 10 graduates have been assisted to start their own businesses.

Prof Moyo explained that there is a lot of entrepreneurship activity that takes place at DUT but the coordination of these activities seems to be missing. She noted that there is no central place where all of this is coordinated.

FoAD’s Research Co-ordinator Dr Maleshoane Rapeane-Mathonsi listed the faculty’s endeavors in promoting entrepreneurship.

Prof Moyo went on to say that, the university wants to thrive in creating opportunities

“During DigiFest (DUT Digital Arts Festival) we had Jayshree Naidoo from the Standard Bank Incubator program. She spoke about the opportunities the incubator provides to people who are interested in starting their own businesses. We also had Mr Dave Ponds- inventor of ‘Ceiling in a can’. He spoke about how to use design to create profitable social innovation that results in better living. We also had Dr Rejoice Shumba who is an independent researcher, she looked at the sustainability of our projects.” Dr Rapeane-Mathonsi went on to say that apart from DigiFest the faculty has hosted seminars and workshops with the likes of Dr Taddy Blecher- a renowned South African actuary, management consultant, and educational entrepreneur. She noted that departments do prepare students for entrepreneurship through different strategies but those efforts needed to be consolidated into the faculty’s strategy.

FoAD Entrepreneurship Workshop attendees.

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Seminars

How self-study research helped Hiralaal improve her impact on students SOFTCOPY REPOTER

In a bid to improve how she affected students, School of Education lecturer, Dr Anita Hiralaal decided on a self-study research method for her PhD in Teacher Development Studies that she obtained from the University of Kwa-Zulu-Natal. Speaking at the DUT Faculty of Arts and Design’s Reach Seminar titled, Myth or Mystery, Hiralaal said she wanted to explore what she was role modelling for students as a teacher educator of accounting pedagogy.

“Through self-study of my pedagogical practice, I role modelled new ideas and more innovative teaching strategies as I enacted purposeful pedagogies from a social constructivist perspective. Moreover, I learned that I could inspire students by incorporating the arts into my lessons. Overall, through my study, I developed my own living educational theory and in so doing I am on my way to becoming a more productive role model. As my educational values continue to evolve in response to, and in relationship with, my lived experience and significant people in my life, I will be changing and learning.”

“My purpose was to align my pedagogical practice with my educational values in order to develop as a more productive role model. I used arts-based methods to generate and represent data to answer my research questions.” She explained that for her first question, she used a personal history approach by recalling specific episodes, people, and places in her life history that could have influenced her in certain ways. For her second and third questions, she videotaped her lectures, reflected on the videotapes, and wrote in her reflective journal. In constructing this thesis, she used the children’s novel, The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett (1969), as a creative nonfiction device. She extracted text from the novel and converted it into poetic form and commenced each chapter with Haiku, Lanturn and free-verse poems. Concluding her talk, Hiralaal said through the process of going back into her personal history, she was able to confront the demons that haunted her life and caused her to role model in certain ways.

Dr Anita Hiralaal (right) after her presentation on self-study research.

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue One 2018

Our Alumni

Kunene’s research project adopted by her employer NDUDUZO NDLOVU

Nontobeko Kunene’s research project which proposed that cultural and social relevance is as important as design, with reference to the advertising industry, has been adopted by her employer.

Kunene’s compelling research project has now been adopted by a prominent advertising agency, Tragos Bonnange Wiesendanger Ajroldi (TBWA), where she works as an art director.

Kunene completed her research project between 2016 and 2017 in fulfilment of her part-time BTech studies in Graphic Design from the Durban University of Technology (DUT). “The research that I did discovered common problems that are faced in the advertising industry, and gathered more data about the lower LSM groups and the history of South Africa. This research highlights the importance of cultural and social psychology and shows how advertising can come across as offensive or stereotypical when the culture of different individuals is not considered during the creation of advertisements targeted to them. It also highlights the importance of primary research and shows the benefits of creating work that is culturally relevant,” explained Kunene.

“At TBWA, I am now currently creating a cultural editorial that is designed to inform and inspire my co-workers. I am helping them gain more knowledge about the African culture so we can produce work that is culturally relevant. For now, I am focusing on two main topics which are culture clash and culture insights. Culture clash looks at how culture drives behaviour and how cultural barriers can sometimes cause a cultural clash alienating our consumers. This specific section is designed to help my co-workers become more aware of the society we live in, and understanding that it’s not about what people see but it’s about what they perceive,” she said. She believes that this research project will add a lifetime of value to the agency because it will enable them to understand culture, which will assist them to produce work that communicates effectively, and also help them to build a better relationship with their clients. “Once we build an emotional connection with our target market, we will be able to recognise relevant opportunities, so we can create effective advertising campaigns,” added Kunene.

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Our Alumni

Top honour for DUT graduate at Liberty Radio Awards NDUDUZO NDLOVU

Journalism alumnus, and Gagasi FM’s Indaba (current affairs programme), Content Producer, Mfundo Mabaso walked away with the coveted Best Content Producer (Commercial) Award at the prestigious Liberty Radio Awards held in Johannesburg recently. The 22 year-old Mabaso, said he is grateful for the support he had received from his family, lecturers and colleagues. “My family has been the most supporting structure in pursuing this career and with all that support, all I’ve wanted to do is to make them proud of me. Professionally it started when I was still doing my internship and Maud Blose, my former lecturer always pushed me to be the best at what I do as someone is always watching. When I arrived at Gagasi FM, the first thing Alex Mthiyane said to me is that in order to become a brand your work must always be at its peak all the time, and from there on I never dropped the ball,” explained Mabaso. Mabaso said he is still overwhelmed by his achievement. “As much as I’m still trying to take all of this in, my career has been elevated to another level, the bar has been raised and I have to keep up. It’s really a humbling achievement and it’s all thanks to myself and the people behind this success like my presenter Alex Mthiyane, the Gagasi FM News Team, former lecturers at DUT and my family for the support,” said Mabaso. Mabaso did a lot of voluntary work for various organisations while he was still a student, which he believes gave him much need exposure and experience. “I Started as a news reader for a couple of months at Radio Al Ansaar when I was doing my 2nd year at DUT. Went on to do voluntary photography at Contento Group during the same year. I continued doing photography and videography work joining Ezasembo Photography which is owned by another DUT alumnus, Mhleli Mkhize, who was a year ahead of me. I served my internship at DUT Journalism’s online publication JournalismIziko as a Social Media Section Editor where I did both social media and video production. From there I decided to start my own multimedia small business where I did videography, photography and voice-overs. I then proceeded to start a production career at Gagasi FM,” said Mabaso.

Journalism graduate Mfundo Mabaso.

Professionally it started when I was still doing my internship and Maud Blose, my former lecturer always pushed me to be the best at what I do as someone is always watching.

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue One 2018

Our Alumni

Lazarus wins Tropika Island of Treasure WAHEEDA PETERS

Former beauty queen and Journalism graduate, Lisanne Lazarus added another feather in her cap when she was crowned winner of the reality series, ‘Tropika Island of Treasure-(Season 8)’. Seven South Africans teamed up with seven celebrities, undergoing various challenges and eliminations, in a bid to win a share of a R1 million. Lisanne Lazarus and Brendan Peyper (talented South African musician and songwriter) from #TeamRed claimed victory, making them the winners of #TIOT8 and of the prize of R1 million on the final episode of the series. “I am absolutely ecstatic and I must add it is an incredible feeling to have won. It was difficult keeping the secret for so long, so it is such a relief to talk about it,” said the euphoric Lazarus. She also said she will be using part of her winnings towards her own non-profit organisation (NGO) called the Lindokuhle Creche, an organisation she has established in honour of a young boy called Lindokuhle, who died in a shack fire. Lazarus also added that she would be using some of the winnings as an investment towards buying properties as well. DUT’s supermodel is no stranger to receiving accolades, having being the former Miss eThekwini 2014, Miss SA Campus-1st Princess 2016, Miss Mamelodi Sundowns SA-2nd Princess and Gateway’s brand ambassador.

Journalism graduate, Lisanne Lazarus.

Currently, she is the Digital Producer for East Coast Radio’s breakfast show and is now really looking forward to her day of graduation, adding that she wants to looks great for her big day. In terms of her future, Lazarus has expressed she has not specifically planned anything as yet, but said perhaps something exciting might turn up just like her opportunity on Tropika Island. The 22-year-old graduated with her National Diploma in Journalism, achieving the Dean’s Merit award for her excellent academic results at the 2018 autumn graduation.

Brendan Peyper and Lisanne Lazarus winners of Tropika Island of Treasure Maldives.

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Special Report

Drama students perform Taming of the Shrew in Germany SOFTCOPY REPORTER

DUT Drama and Production Studies students travelled to Germany to partake in the Folkwang Shakespeare Festival 2018 as part of an innovative global exchange / research programme to honour the work of Shakespeare. The students were invited to perform at the Folkwang Universität der Künste alongside students from other renowned drama institutions from around the world like Uniarts Helsinki’s Theatre Academy and Palestine’s Drama Academy Ramallah. Launched by the Folkwang University of the Arts and the International Shakespeare Festival in 2001, the festival is known for being visually dynamic and filled with acapella singing, drums, gumboot dancing, and many more surprises.

in merged intra-cultural influences that negotiate unique social environments with circumstances driven by progress, economics and global interaction. “Modernisation counters reductionist values and in South Africa, the youth begins to embrace commonly shared issues on social platforms, the shifts or changes incurred by socio-political flux and the individual redefinition of self within socio-cultural parameters. Therefore while our direct visual cues derive from costumes and set and are an indigenous African contemporary mix, our dance is centred in industrialised rhythms of gumboot, pantsula, and township jive and the original music composed by members of the cast marries traditional rhythms with contemporary elements, interspersed with drums, horn, and acapella singing,” she said. This was not the Drama programme’s first time at the Folkwang Shakespeare Festival. In 2016, Drama students received a standing ovation for their version of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, also directed Professor Lutge.

The participants all perform exactly the same Shakespeare – this year The Taming of the Shrew – uniquely interpreted by individual global directors then merged and deconstructed to produce the same Shakespeare with all directors and international casts collaborating. Under the direction of Drama’s HoD, Professor Debbie Lutge who is also an award-winning performer and director, the students performed Shakespeare’s comedy, The Taming of the Shrew. The play is believed to have been written by William Shakespeare between 1590 and 1592. It is about a prank on the local drunk, intertwined relationships and the dramatic transformation of an ill-tempered woman. In terms of the play and its context, Lutge added that the context marries multiple cultural stimuli and represents a modern South Africa within the African continent inscribed DVC: Research, Innovation and Engagement Prof Sibusiso Moyo and Drama and Production Studies’ Prof Deborah Lutge flocked by Drama students.

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue One 2018

New Faces

Angela Buckland- Visual Communication Design: Photography Buckland has been an independent freelance photographer for 20 years; an educator and practicing artist. She studied Fine Art, painting and photography at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She left university after 2 years to study photography full time at Durban University of Technology (formerly Technikon Natal). At the end of her 4th year, she was awarded the Emma Smith Scholarship for overseas study where she completed an M.A. at Birmingham University, passing with distinction. She has won various awards, was nominated for the international photographic award, Prix Pictet in 2010 and for the DaimlerChrysler award for South African Creative Photography in 2003. Buckland has held 11 solo exhibitions and participated in various group exhibitions nationally and internationally. Her work is held in public and private collections locally and abroad. She has published three books, Zip Zip My Brain Harts (published by HSRC Press), and Light on a Hill (published by David Krut Publishing) and Quiet Place (published by Cleup). Buckland lectured for many years in the Fine Art programme at DUT. She ran her own private photography school, Photogarage for 10 years and has conducted a spectrum of workshops in SA.

Carla Alexandra Da Cruz - Fine Art and Jewellery Design Department: Fine Art Carla da Cruz has been lecturing part-time in Ceramics at the Department of Fine Art and Jewellery Design and Dental Drawings at the Department of Dental Sciences at DUT over the last 10 years. In 2004, she completed her Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degree in Fine Art with an emphasis in Ceramics. She has since had her ceramic sculpture included in several solo and group exhibitions, both locally and internationally. Da Cruzâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work is found in a number of collections including the UNISA Art Collection, the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum Collection and the Tatham Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg.

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New Faces

Izan Greyling- Video Technology Department Greyling studied architecture at University of Port Elizabeth where he graduated with a Bachelor of Building Arts in 1987. While working in London he became interested in sound and in 1990 started working at DB Studios in Durban. This was followed by 9 years at the Playhouse Company where he became the head of the Sound Department. In 1999 he started Sonic Studios and also started lecturing part time at Technikon Natal. In 2001 he joined as a full-time staff member in the Department of Entertainment Technology and obtained a Masters in Music Technology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in 2008. In 2009 he relocated to Cape Town where he worked for Prosound doing the sound installation at the Cape Town stadium and worked on the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He then joined the SAE Institute, an international Sound, Film and Animation college, as HOD of the sound department. In 2018 he returned to Durban to rejoin DUT in the Department of Video Technology. Greyling is passionate about the arts and arts education and believes it is a powerful vehicle for social development and transformation.

Dane Knudsen, Visual Communication Design Department: Graphic Design Knudsen has a Masters of Applied Arts from the Graphic Design Department at the Durban University of Technology (DUT). Aside from lecturing, he is a multi-disciplinary artist who produces work under the name Dane Stops. Towards the end of 2016, he had a solo exhibition at the DUT Art Gallery and another one in Johannesburg in 2017. Knudsen has also taken part in a number of group exhibitions and done live art at various events. He has been an active contributor to the Durban mural and graffiti scene for over a decade. The work he makes has various influences, from painting graffiti to figurative subject matter such as people and birds. For up to date work follow him, @danestops, on Instagram and Facebook.

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue One 2018

New Faces

Verne Rowin Munsamy - Drama and Production Studies Department Munsamy is a lecturer, writer, director, actor, producer and theatre reviewer based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. He is currently reading for his PhD in the field of Drama and Theatre, registered at the University of KwaZulu- Natal (UKZN), and writing around South African ‘Indianness’ and representations of it through Bollywood Theatre. He runs his own theatre company, ScruffySesssion Productions. As an artist Munsamy has toured shows all around South Africa. Munsamy has written, directed, acted in and produced 12 shows with some winning awards. He has performed on every stage in Durban in myriad genres ranging from Children’s Theatre to Standup Comedy and the ever popular Christmas Pantomimes. Alongside this performance career Munsamy has enjoyed teaching and lecturing for the last 18 years. He was a lecturer at UKZN for 14 years, and in that span he also lectured at Damelin for three years and DUT for three years. After that he taught high school drama at Maris Stella for three years. He was Artistic Director of the Catalina Theatre for two years.

Lee-Anne Naicker - Drama and Production Studies Department Naicker has been appointed as a Lecturer in the Drama and Production Studies Department. She holds a Master’s Degree in Drama from Tshwane University of Technology. She was a Drama teacher for several year at the Lady Grey Arts Academy in the Eastern Cape. She has also enjoyed a variety of jobs in television, theatre, choreography.

Manqoba Victor Ndlovu (PhD) - Media Language and Communication: Language Practice Dr Ndlovu has been appointed as Senior Lecturer in Translation Studies and Intercultural Studies. He is also Research Coordinator in the Language Practice Programme. His career in education spans over two decades having started as a teacher at Madzimba School in and Ingqayizivele Secondary School to mention a few. In 1994, he became lecturer at the University of South Africa’s (UNISA) Department of African Languages. Dr Ndlovu was also Acting Head in the Department of Facilitation of Learning at UNISA’s Durban Campus. He has also been Research Coordinator for UNISA’s KwaZulu-Natal Region. Prior to joining DUT, he was Regional Academic Coordinator for UNISA’s KZN Region.

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New Faces

Donna Steel - Department of Drama and Production Studies Department Steel is an actress, director, playwright, lighting technician, stagehand and drama lecturer. She completed her MA (Cum Laude) in Drama and Performance Studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), specialising in Théâtre du Grand-Guignol: The French Theatre of Horror. Her dissertation interrogated the notion of human monstrosity in performance, creatively engaged through The Bloodhound (2013), a Grand-Guignol thriller that she wrote and directed. She wrote and performed in Dynaecology at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival (NAF) in 2013, and cowrote and codirected Splinters at the NAF in 2011. Further stage performances have included lead roles as Philomele in The Love of the Nightingale (2011), as Adela in The House of Bernarda Alba (2010), and as Lenie in KickstArt’s Miracle (2010). Her adaptation of Grahamstown NAF Director Ismail Mahomed’s Purdah was one of six productions across South Africa chosen to participate in the 5th International Women’s Theatre Festival in Johannesburg in 2016. She has done external examination for UKZN Drama Department for both practical and written examinations since 2015.

Professor Jean Philippe Wade- Video Technology Department Jean-Philippe Wade is a professor and Head of Department in the Video Technology department. Prof Wade has a BA Honours in English Literature. He obtained an MA (Cultural theory) and PhD (South African literature) from the University of Essex. He joined the University of Durban-Westville, where he co-launched and eventually headed the Centre for the Study of Southern African Literature and Languages, and its academic journal, Alternation. He joined the department of Media and Cultural Studies at the newly-merged UKZN, which he eventually headed, before becoming head of the Creative Arts Cluster. Prof Wade has published widely in the areas of cultural theory, cultural studies, and South African literature. He has written over 30 journal articles, and edited and contributed to two books. He won the Top 30 Publishing Researcher Award at UKZN in 2015. He has successfully supervised scores of MA students and five doctoral students. Current MA projects include a documentary on the tattooing subculture in Durban, a fictional film inspired by existentialism set in Chatsworth, and a study of how cartoonists dealt with the South African xenophobic attacks. Two of his DUT doctoral students are working on gender representations in South African soapies, and another is doing a critical analysis of a Sunday newspaper supplement aimed at the Indian community. His own current research is a cultural studies analysis on the ‘izikhothane’ township subculture, and the meaning of decoloniality in the era of post-nationalist globalization.

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue One 2018

R.I.P

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela

1936-2018