ARTS & DESIGN CELEBRATES 6 YEARS OF #DUTDIGIFEST Double celebration for Fine Art’s Luyanda Zindela Beaming Agbede graduates with a PhD in Language Practice Shange’s latest designs honour women Oparinde talks being DUT’s youngest doctoral graduate
Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine
ISSUE THREE
ISSUE # 03 CREDITS EDITOR Andile Dube 031 373 6455/ andiled@dut.ac.za
WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING STUDENTS Sinethemba Mvune, Mncedisi Jiyane and Nondumiso Mchunu
CONTRIBUTORS Nduduzo Ndlovu and Nosipho Gumede,
IMAGES Design Indaba, Thalente Khomo, Mandisa Magubane and Nduduzo Ndlovu, Nkonzo Mathe and Sabelo Magwaza
LAYOUT & DESIGN On Point Communications
PUBLISHER Faculty of Arts and Design (FoAD)
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF FoAD Executive Dean, Dr René Smith
2
CONTENTS COVER FEATURE/AWARDS & HONOURS Double celebration for Fine Art’s Luyanda Zindela . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 06
#DUT DIGIFEST6 Moment of silence observed for GBV victims at opening of #DUTDigifest6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 DUTDigifest six begins with innovative 4IR talkfest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 09 Jewellery Design students host an engaging exhibition at DUTDigiFest6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Cinderella 4.0: DUT Drama students perform 4IR based play at Digifest6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
GRADUATION Beaming Agbede graduates with a PhD in Language Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 FoAD graduates Five Masters students this spring graduation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
NEWS ECP students showcase designs from recycled material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 DUT hosts a musical celebration of Johnny Clegg’s life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
OUR SEMINARS Experts tackle decolonising language policies in higher education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 School of Education and SAERA host a successful Mandela legacy lecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
OUR ALUMNI Shange’s latest designs honour women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Oparinde talks being DUT’s youngest doctoral graduate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
FoAD NEW FACES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
06
07
13
16
19 3
EDITOR’S NOTE
EDITOR’S NOTE This year I decided to do something I have never done before… I bought a book! Even though I try to read as much as I can, I have never bought a book before. So, for the first time in my life I bought a book, Oprah Winfrey’s The Path Made Clear: Discovering Your Life’s Direction and Purpose. And I must tell you that I do not regret buying this book, it is one of the best decisions I have ever made! In The Path Made Clear: Discovering Your Life’s Direction and Purpose, Oprah shares what she’s learned about setting meaningful intentions, finding your flow, purpose and living your most authentic self. This book has awakened my yearning for growing spiritually, finding my purpose and fulfilment. Since reading this book I have been on a journey to finding out what is my purpose here on earth and how do I step into my God-given calling. What I have come to understand is that we all have a purpose- we are all called into something. Not finding out what that calling is, may be the only thing stopping your from living your best life. A lot of things happened this term. In this issue you can read about the 6th DUT Arts and Design Digital Festival #DUTDigifest6 the faculty hosted in September. The theme for this year was ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’ and all discussions and exhibitions were centred on this. You can read about Fine Art student, Luyanda Zindela who took second position in the Sasol New Signatures Competition. Luyanda also graduated with a Masters Degree in Fine Art during this year’s spring graduation. 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 term, I hope you enjoy the read!
4
Andile
FACULTY OF ARTS & DESIGN
PROGRAMMES OFFERED DRAMA
EDUCATION
FASHION
JOURNALISM
JEWELLERY DESIGN & MANUFACTURE
LANGUAGE PRACTICE
FINE ART
GRAPHIC DESIGN
INTERIOR DESIGN
PHOTOGRAPHY
VIDEO TECHNOLOGY
TRANSLATION & INTERPRETATION PRACTICE
FULL DEGREES AND DIPLOMAS OFFERED AT DUT 031 373 2000 (DBN)
033 845 8800 (PMB)
info@dut.ac.za
VISIT WWW.DUT.AC.ZA TO REVIEW OUR VARIOUS ACADEMIC COURSES Please remember that A aggregate matriculants could qualify for 100% remission on tuition fees, for first-year undergraduate programmes. For more information on bursaries, scholarships and NSFAS, contact us at the Durban office on 031 373 2931/ 031 373 2557/031 373 2054; or at the Pietermaritzburg office on 033 845 8889/033 845 8890 or visit our website. Accommodation is limited. Application closing dates vary, so please apply early via the Central Applications Office.
DurbanUniversityofTechnology
@dut_official
@DUT_Tweets
DutCampusTv5
AWARDS & HONOURS
Luyanda Zindela next to his art-piece “Phowthah sis Mgabadeli”
DOUBLE CELEBRATION FOR FINE ART’S LUYANDA ZINDELA
“Winning the runnerup prize was a great validation which made me feel that I could still make art that resonates with people”.
Mncedisi Jiyane There’s plenty of celebration for Durban born artist, Luyanda Zindela who was announced as a runner-up in the Sasol New Signatures Competition held at the Pretoria Museum recently. Zindela will be graduating with a Masters Degree in Fine Art during the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Faculty of Arts and Design graduation ceremony on Thursday, 05 September 2019.
that resonates with people,” he said. Going forward Luyanda still aims to enter other prestigious art competitions. “One of my mid long term plans is to enter the BP portrait and the Future Generation art competitions, these are some of the largest art competitions in the world and these are great opportunities to break into the international art industry,” he added.
As a runner-up in the competition, Zindela walked away with a whooping R25 000 in prize money for his 111 cm x 132 cm portrait, titled Phowthah sis Mgabadeli which he created using pen and pine board. Nomfundo Mgabadeli, the person drawn on the art piece is Zindela’s best friend from University. Explaining the story behind this delicate piece he said; “She’s my best friend from University, only to later find out that we lived across the road from one another as children but never actually met.”
Besides studying, Zindela who very much admires local artist Tony Gum also works at DUT serving day to day commitments like lecturing, tutoring and assisting students with academic writing. The versatile artist considers talent as a ‘baseline minimum requirement’ in the Fine Arts field for anyone looking to make a career out of it. “Basic things like deadlines and professionalism become far more important in terms of separating the consistently great artists from the rest,” he stressed.
He took a break from traditional art making for a while to focus on his studies but values his recent achievement whilst drawing huge motivation from it. “Winning the runner-up prize was a great validation which made me feel that I could still make art 6
#DUT DIGIFEST6
MOMENT OF SILENCE OBSERVED FOR GBV VICTIMS AT OPENING OF #DUTDIGIFEST6 7
#DUT DIGIFEST6
Mncedisi Jiyane The 6th Durban University of Technology Arts and Design Digital Festival (DUTDigifest) started on a sombre note as attendees led by Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Design (FoAD) held a moment of silence to pay their respects to victims of gender based violence that has sent shockwaves across the country recently. Dr Smith and her guests who were attending the first day of DUTDigifest stood in silence at City Campus’ Video Technology lecture room, as they remembered the many women who have lost their lives due to gender based violence. Addressing attendees which included students, staff members and technology and arts practitioners, Dr Smith explained that this year’s DUTDigifest, themed Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) was aimed at presenting a wide range of inspirational, engaging and educational activities across a number of creative mediums integrated with technology. Dr Smith expressed her excitement over the festival celebrating 6 years since it was launched back in 2014. She also recognised that a lot still has to be done integrate the arts and technology, saying “We have to move forward by ensuring that the work of our students truly integrates technology”. Over the years the festival has featured a series of live art activations, exhibitions, innovations, panel discussions, workshops, music, theatre, poetry, comedy, dance, food and more. This year’s DUTDigifest was focussed on workshop activities for students which included an animation workshop facilitated by TriggerFish Animation Studio and a coding workshop facilitated by DUT student, Gomolemo Mohapi.
Talkfest which took place on Friday, 13 September 2019 featured a presentation titled Creating Art by Fak’ugesi Artists in Residence, Natalie Paneng and Nhlakanipho Mashinini; 4IR and the Job Market presented by DUT Information Technology department’s Ebrahim Asmal, Dianne Makings from the Cape Town International Animation Festival and Victoria Jackson from Naspers Lab. Google South Africa’s head of communications and public affairs Mich Atagana, Karabo Ngaepe from the Sunday Independent, Dr Sheperd Mpofu from the University of Limpopo and DUT Journalism’s Tony Manyadadze were part of the Media Ethics in the Digital Era seminar. Another seminar titled How can the arts benefit from 4IR was headlined by artist, Bongani Njalo, DUT Journalism graduate and entrepreneur Amanda Mathe and Juan Steyn from the South African Centre for Digital Language Resources. Lastly, DUT staff members were panellists at the Technovating Pedagogies seminar. The staff members were, Fine Art and Jewellery Design’s HoD, Dr Chris De Beer, Dr Carey Burnett from Video Technology, Dan Pienaar from the DUT Engineering Faculty, Journalism’s Maud Blose and FoAD’s Teaching and Learning practitioner, Rosh Sunder. On Saturday, 14 September 2019 festival goers enjoyed experimenting with robots, virtual reality and 360 degree cameras hosted by DUT’s IT department. Attendees also viewed exhibitions by the following programmes, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Photography, Jewellery Design and others. The festival culminated at Ritson Campus’ Courtyard Theatre with a stage play by Drama students titled Cinderella 4.0 and a fashion show by Fashion students.
“We have to move forward by ensuring that the work of our students truly integrates technology”.
8
#DUT DIGIFEST6
DUTDIGIFEST SIX BEGINS WITH INNOVATIVE 4IR TALKFEST “I get students to share personal stories through blogs, this helps them into moving out of their comfort zones into maturity”.
9
#DUT DIGIFEST6
Mncedisi Jiyane This year’s Fourth Industrial Revolution themed Durban University of Technology Arts and Design Digital Festival (DUTDigifest) began with an in-depth talkfest where links between 4IR and the arts were discussed. Talkfest, which has become a favourite feature on the festival’s programme boasted leaders in the fields of technology and the arts. DUT Journalism graduate and founder of Ndlovukazi Online Media, Amanda Mathe, renowned artist, Bongani Njalo and Juan Steyn from the South African Centre for Digital Language Resources took part in the How can arts benefit from 4IR seminar. Mathe kicked off the seminar by mentioning a list of the country’s artist that are already infusing technology into their artistry and are benefiting from it. She made reference to legendary South African artist, Dr Ester Mahlangu who last year we honoured with an honorary Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Visual and Performing Arts. Njalo talked about how students can benefit from 4IR and why it is important for students to start shifting to digital. He emphasised how the power of social media boosted him and his work into becoming a well-known and established artist he is today.
10
“I had never imagined that my work would be exposed to greater audiences which hugely played a part in promoting myself. I had done a three piece sculpture called Daddy’s lap in 2012 which went on to be viewed by over a hundred thousand people on Twitter,” he said. DUT staff members Fine Art and Jewellery Design’s HoD, Dr Chris De Beer, Dr Carey Burnett from Video Technology, Dan Pienaar from the DUT Engineering Faculty, Journalism’s Maud Blose and FoAD’s Teaching and Learning practitioner, Rosh Sunder were panellists at the Technovating Pedagogies seminar. Dr Burnett explained how technology has the ability to access the human element which makes it more and more affluent. She said, “I get students to share personal stories through blogs, this helps them into moving out of their comfort zones into maturity”. Dr Pienaar briefly described how e-Learning platforms offer educational materials useful to students at cheaper prices compared to manual means. He concluded that this is not only great for teaching and learning purposes but enables students to interact between themselves concerning their lessons. Other innovative Talkfest discussions were titled, Creating Art, 4IR and the job market, Media ethics in the digital age.
#DUT DIGIFEST6
JEWELLERY DESIGN STUDENTS HOST AN ENGAGING EXHIBITION AT DUTDIGIFEST6 Mncedisi Jiyane Second year Jewellery Design students hosted a threedimensional printing live exhibition as part of the Jewellery Design and Manufacture programme’s showcase at day two of DUTDigiFest. The live exhibition allowed attendees to engage with students as they used a 3D printer to design and print rings that are interchangeable. This interchangeability allows the wearer to be part of the final design process by selecting certain elements that they want to see on the rings. Meanwhile, third year students showcased hand carved items such as signet rings, necklaces and earrings, all made from recycled material.
One of the standout creations made from recycled material was a 19x44x10 cm car by student, Cromewell Kheswa. His car was made out of an old DVD player, a cell phone screen, car stereo, cable tights and metal watches. “This work is based on the fourth industrial revolution where technology is taking over a lot of things such as job opportunities. I made this car with technological items because I was inspired by the cars that drive themselves without causing any accidents due to technological advancements they have compared to ordinary vehicles,” Kheswa explained.
“This work is based on the fourth industrial revolution where technology is taking over a lot of things such as job opportunities.”
11
#DUT DIGIFEST6
Cinderella 4.0 DUT DRAMA STUDENTS PERFORM 4IR BASED PLAY AT DIGIFEST6 Mncedisi Jiyane DUT Drama students performed a fourth industrial revolution (4IR) inspired stage play titled, Cinderella 4.0 at the Courtyard Theatre on the last day of DUTDigifest. Written by lectures Lee-Anne Naicker and Donna Steel, Cinderella 4.0 was performed by first year drama students who kept the audience intrigued with their adaptation of the classic fairy tale love story.
Drama student Likhona Menzeleli said, “The play was actually an act of embracing the day to day evolving of digital technology. What I consider the most important lesson from the it [Cinderella 4.0] is that we should not be resistant to change. Traditional means still do exist and work but this is another generation, we are bound to entangle ourselves with change and technological evolution.”
Their adaptation featured Cinderella’s two step-sisters as being semi-robotic, the fairy-god mother as being techno-savvy and the glass slippers as an amazing mobile device. The 30 minute play displayed a series of occurring events comparing the use of ordinary traditional means with modern age inspired tools.
Another drama student, Munashe Chatambaudza, who narrated the play, emphasised the importance of adapting to technology. “We should accept this change, our lives and the world are literally changing. We should be adapting to this sort of change in order for us to stand a better chance of improving certain aspects of our lives,” he said.
Naicker’s perspective of highlighting the importance of modern age transition and its’s benefits resonated with the audience who couldn’t stop giggling and gave the cast a standing ovation at the end of the production. 12
The play was followed by a fashion show by Fashion and Textiles students’ first, second and third year students.
GRADUATION
BEAMING AGBEDE GRADUATES WITH A PHD IN LANGUAGE PRACTICE Nonduduzo Mchunu & Sinethemba Mvune It was a joyous occasion for Grace Agbede when she graduated with a PhD in Language Practice at the Faculty of Arts and Design’s graduation ceremony held at the Fred Crookes Sports Centre, Steve Biko Campus in Durban. Agbede who studied her undergraduate qualification at Babcock University in Nigeria came to South Africa in 2015 to further her studies. After completing her Masters in 2017 she quickly enrolled for a PhD in Language Practice.
“I chose to study at DUT because of the career opportunities that were offered. In a globalised, well-connected world, employers value alumni with international experience and education.” She decided to pursue her PhD because she wanted to explore the vast opportunities the university had to offer and her parents encouraged her to stay in Durban and continue with her studies. “I chose to study at DUT because of the career opportunities that were offered. In a globalised, well-connected world, employers value alumni with international experience and education,” she explained. Her journey to obtaining her PhD wasn’t an easy one but with the support of her family, friends and supervisors, today she beamed with joy as she walked across the Fred Crookes Sport Centre’s stage to loud cheers and applause from her loved ones. Agbede who likes to explore other views on culture and language skills while experiencing great education is now planning on pursuing another postdoctoral degree as she believes this will help her career and lead her to great opportunities in the future.
13
GRADUATION
FoAD GRADUATES FIVE MASTERS STUDENTS THIS SPRING GRADUATION Mncedisi Jiyane Rory Van As from Graphic Design, Bariki Modupe, Stuart Strydom and Luyanda Zindela all from Fine Art and Eino Haifidi from Language Practice obtained their Masters Degrees during the DUT Faculty of Arts and Design’s graduation ceremony recently. 37-year-old Van As who said he admired the fact the he was able to finish his qualification while working full time and not taking any leave from work. Van As is a Tattoo collector who works as the Head of Creative at Lemon-Ad Advertising based in Kloof and is also the founder of LAVE Shampoo Bars & TAT2 Products. His earliest memory of attraction to the Graphic Design field dates back to High School where he used to design his own t-shirts to rebuilding his 1977 Vespa scooter he owned as a child adding that “It was a profession I could imagine myself doing everyday plus it gave me an option to branch into other related fields pretty easily if need be.” Fine Art’s Strydom is a perfect example of perseverance as he obtains his Masters qualification in Fine Arts despite struggling with dyslexia at an early age. “I struggled with Dyslexia and add (a chronic condition including attention difficulty, hyperactivity and impulsiveness) during my schooling, It was not until I studied Film and Television in the Video Technology department at DUT that I started doing well academically.”
Rory Van As from Graphic Design 14
Stuart’s field of research focused on the online film genre of vlogging as a form of self-portraiture as it involves filmmaking. “I found the idea that people would share their entire lives with strangers on the internet fascinating. I was also curious as to why I wanted to watch strangers on the internet, so I investigated it,” said Stradom. Language Practice’s Haifidi is currently based in Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia where he works as a Senior Education Officer in the Subdivision of Research and Development, Directorate of National Examinations and Assessment (DNEA). “I chose the degree of language practice because my research interests were to research reading in the two major languages of Namibia (Oshikwanyama and Oshindonga); hence it was suited for me to do language practice,” he said.
-Additional reporting by Nondumiso Mchunu and Sinethemba Mvune
Language Practice’s Eino Haifidi
NEWS
ECP STUDENTS SHOWCASE DESIGNS FROM RECYCLED MATERIAL Nondumiso Mchunu The Faculty of Arts and Design’s Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP) students wooed onlookers with their charming designs made from recycled material at their impromptu fashion show hosted at City Campus’ Courtyard last week Tuesday, 20 August 2019. This year, the annual fashion show which is always a spectacle saw 31 ECP students strutting their stuff on the runway to model creations they made from materials such as newspapers, plastic bags, and feathers. The colourful fashion parade which is always filled with gales of laughter and cheers is an important fixture in the ECP’s calendar, and it forms part of the students’continuous assessment. ECP’s 3Dimensional lecturer, Karla Nixon said the brief was for students to use recyclable materials and draw inspiration from any heritage from Africa.
Nixon explained that students were given the choice of creating any fashionable piece they wanted without having to spend money. She emphasized that the significance of this project is to teach students about the importance of the environment’s recyclability and sustainability. ECP student, Sibusisiwe Mtshala who created a Xibelani skirt which is traditionally worn by Tsonga women said her creation was inspired by award winning rapper, Sho Madjozi’s signature look which often incorporates traditional Tsonga wear with modern pieces. Another student, Asemahle Mekuto commented that even though the assignment was challenging, she enjoyed the experience of working with recycled materials. “What was fulfilling about this assignment was knowing that we are looking out for the environment,” said Mekuto. ECP Students wearing creations made from recycled materials.
15
NEWS
Maskandi duo Qadasi noMaqhinga.
DUT HOSTS A MUSICAL CELEBRATION OF JOHNNY CLEGG’S LIFE Nosipho Gumede The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Faculty of Arts and Design (FoAD) held a musical tribute in honour of legendary musician, Dr Johnny Clegg who passed away after a long battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 66 last month (July 2019).The memorable and befitting concert featured performances by Maskandi duo Qadasi noMaqhinga and band Ntomb’Yelanga NabaLimi. Qadasi noMaqhinga had the crowd on their feet as they belted out some of Dr Cleggs’ greatest hits, Impi and Woza Friday, while Ntomb’Yelanga NabaLimi mesmerised with their unique sound using indigenous instruments. FoAD’s Executive Dean, Dr René Smith spoke about the role Dr Johnny Clegg and his Juluka bandmate Dr Sipho Mchunu played in the social cohesion of South Africa during and after apartheid regime’s laws of racial segregation. 16
Durban band, Ntomb’Yelanga NabaLimi.
Dr Smith also read Dr Clegg’s acceptance speech from last year’s DUT (September 2018) Spring graduation ceremony where Dr Clegg and Dr Mchunu were awarded Honorary Doctorates in Visual and Performing Arts. Dr Clegg didn’t attend the graduation ceremony, but wrote the speech which was read by Dr Smith. In the speech he expressed his sadness for not being able to receive his honorary degree personally. “As a musician and songwriter, through my friend and brother Sipho Mchunu, I discovered the musical design of traditional Zulu street guitar music. As a young boy of fourteen, I was amazed at this fantastic intervention and decided I wanted to become a MASKANDI street musician. Later on I saw Zulu war dancing and was deeply impressed at how the human body could be wired to express itself with such power and passion. So I also became a war dancer at the age of 15, and later, with Sipho, started our own dance team,” he said.
SEMINARS
EXPERTS TACKLE DECOLONISING LANGUAGE POLICIES IN HIGHER EDUCATION
“Universities should do more in complementing African languages,” he said. His objective of making African people realise the value and worth of their own language was phenomenal as he soothed the crowd to his very own IsiXhosa poem before concluding his presentation. Dr Kunju became the first student to submit an IsiXhosa written doctoral thesis at Rhodes University which has been described as a “milestone” for Xhosa academic writing and progressive in decolonising and transforming the education system in the country.
Panellists and staff members at the FoAD Dean’s Lecture.
Mncedisi Jiyane Renowned language experts tackled the importance of decolonizing language policies in Higher Education and Training institutions at the annual Durban University of Technology Faculty of Arts and Design Dean’s Lecture held at the M.L Sultan Campus recently. Panelists, Professor Sihawu Ngubane (University of Kwa-Zulu Natal), Dr Dianne Moodley (Durban University of Technology) and Dr Hlezi Kunju (Rhodes University) shared their language expertise in achieving what they described as a barrier of indigenous languages throughout the country. Sociolinguist Dr Moodley presented her own study on UKZN isiZulu speaking students titled, Towards awakening latent language in South Africa, where she discovered a lack of preference in indigenous languages being used as a medium of instruction. “It’s left to its speakers to promote the language,” She said as she continued to explain why students view IsiZulu and other indigenous languages as not yet intellectualized to be used academically. She offered a list of recommendations that can help improve indigenous languages preference amongst students such as curriculum upgrades and enforcing more financial support by “Channelling financial means towards students in the form of bursaries, get them to see the benefits of their own language.” Dr Hlezi Kunju who was named as one of Avance Media’s 2018 Most Influential Young South African in the Personal Development & Academia category pointed out the extent of westernization in higher education institutions. He also talked about how these institutions can be used to promote indigenous languages.
“Channelling financial means towards students in the form of bursaries, get them to see the benefits of their own language.” Professor Ngubane mentioned events in South African history which contribute to the current inequality state existing in our country saying “Ethnicity was the order of the day in segregating the same tribes,” before engaging in current University curriculums. “Our curriculum should reflect who we are”, as he explained UKZN’s achievement of implementing a language policy that made it compulsory for students to major in IsiZulu which came into place in 2014. He stressed the importance of enabling bilingualism between students and staff members. “Universities should use language to challenge and eradicate colonialism”, Ngubane added. 17
SEMINARS
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION AND SAERA HOST A SUCCESSFUL MANDELA LEGACY LECTURE
“What does Nelson Mandela mean for the great task of education.”
Nduduzo Ndlovu The Faculty of Arts and Design’s School of Education in association with the South African Education Research Association (SAERA) hosted the annual Nelson Mandela Education Legacy Lecture. SEARA Secretary Professor Labby Ramrathan gave an overview and background on this annual lecture, adding that it is hosted as a pre-cursor to their annual Education Conference, which will also be hosted by DUT from 22 to 25 October 2019 in Durban. “The Nelson Mandela Legacy Lecture chooses a compelling speaker to address the following questions: What does Nelson Mandela mean for the great task of education? What one might take away from a study of his writing, speeches and actions? Is there a Mandela approach to Education?” he said. Indeed, the guest speaker Professor Relebohile Moletsane did address these questions through her captivating paper titled: Rethinking Legacies in the Midst of the War on Women’s Bodies: A Feminist ‘Ghost Dance’ with Mandela. She spoke broadly about Mandela’s‘complex legacy’including his commitment to democracy, forgiveness and reconciliation. She also touched on Mandela the feminist? And lately the voices of Mandela the sell-out?
“Today I will leave you to ponder the veracity or merits of these claims. My paper focuses on the legacy and its utility for higher education and our efforts to decolonise, and in particular, to infuse gender and feminist analyses in our efforts to do so,” she remarked. She also highlighted Mandela’s silence during one of the significant moments in our country, when our former president, Jacob Zuma was facing rape charges in 2006. She used the ‘personal is political’ or ‘private is political’ slogan often credited to feminist writer Carol Henisch to amplify her argument. She also further unpacked the different connotations of silence in relation to Mandela in reference to this particular instance. “To keep Mandela’s legacy alive, and to address its blindspots, including silencing, silences and marginalisation in University spaces in particular, we might ask: How are gender feminism positioned, if at all, within the decolonisation project, particularly in the current context of extreme gender-based violence, including sexual violence and femicide on University campuses? To what extent do women’s experiences inform debates and programming in relation to teaching and community engagement?” she stressed.
Some of the speakers and guests who attended the annual Nelson Mandela Education Legacy Lecture.
18
OUR ALUMNI
SHANGE’S LATEST DESIGNS HONOURS WOMEN Nondumiso Mchunu Former Interior Design student, Sifiso Shange is fast making a name for himself in the furniture making industry with his modern and vibrant furniture designs that feature a blend of African cultural elements and now honouring women.
Shange in collaboration with John Vogel Special Mention: Foil Reflections by Mbongiseni Nxumalo was recently announced as the winner of the Best of 100% New Talent at the 100% Design South Africa Award held at the Gallagher Convention Centre on Thursday, 8 August 2019. His journey started in 2012 when he was inspired to create furniture that preserved the Zulu traditional ceremonies and gatherings that were happening at his home. Under his label, Afri Morden, he has created furniture pieces that pay homage to authentic African stories and culture. His latest offering which was on display at the 100% Design exhibition is a celebration of women. The collection featured a diamond shaped design surrounded by black, green and yellow arrows. The centrepiece of his exhibition was a cupboard, called “Mummy Server” which he created as a tribute to his mother and the other women in his life. The 28-year-old who hails from Umlazi Township, on the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal describes his work as a means of preserving African stories. “Afri Modern prides itself in the preservation of authentic African stories, specifically stories of my culture. I want to make sure I preserve them for the future. I think my purpose is being a vessel between the past, existing in the present and creating for the future.” In 2015 Shange was in the top three of popular SABC3 competition show, Win A Home Show; The Design Edition. Last year he exhibited at the Design Indaba under the Emerging Creatives Programme.
Sifiso Shange
Sifiso Shange’s “Mummy Server” which he created as a tribute to his mother.
19
OUR ALUMNI
OPARINDE TALKS BEING DUT’S YOUNGEST DOCTORAL GRADUATE
“DUT has contributed a lot to my growth and development.”
Mncedisi jiyane Kunle Oparinde became the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) youngest Doctor of Philosophy graduate when he obtained a PhD in Language Practice during the Faculty of Arts and Design’s (FoAD) spring graduation ceremony last year. The 27-year-old Nigerian born began his academic journey at Nigeria’s University of Ilorin where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in English before moving to further his studies in South Africa. Initially Dr Oparinde had planned on continuing with his studies in his home country but after he was unable to secure an admission in one of the universities in Nigeria he decided to apply at DUT, a decision which he definitely doesn’t regret. “South Africa occurred as one of my possible options and I grabbed it immediately,” said Dr Oparinde. Defining his affection for language and literature, Dr Kunle says “Issues of language and communication will continue to remain a popular one since human existence revolves around communication. My interest in language studies stems from the need to involve myself in such discipline that is critical to human existence.”
His thesis focused on political discourse and symbols and how politicians manipulate photos in Nigerian politics. “I developed interest in political discourse as it has become popular for politicians to use rhetoric in attracting voters. Politicians have learnt to be orators for political benefits and I thought it was worthy of an academic investigation,” Dr Oparinde explained. The multi-talented researcher acknowledges the pivotal role DUT has actively played throughout his journey since joining the institution, saying “DUT has contributed a lot to my growth and development. From having the opportunity of lecturing part-time to sponsoring me when presenting papers at several local and international conferences, all these experiences have contributed significantly to my development and success.” Besides having a doctoral title to his name, Oparinde started a company called Novitas Professional and Career Site. His company focuses on professional, career and personal development through training and coaching. Concluding on a career development note, the interdisciplinary researcher advises students that, “It is normal for the road to be rough, what is abnormal is to quit simply because the road is rough. Despite the challenges, giving up shouldn’t be an option.” To find out more about Dr Oparinde’s company go to: www.novitaspro.com
DUT’s youngest PhD graduate, Dr Kunle Oparinde.
20
FoAD NEW FACES
JO VOYSEY Fine Art and Jewellery Design Department: Fine Art Jo Voysey completed her MFA at the Michaelis School of Fine Art, Cape Town in 2013 after obtaining a BA Fine Art degree at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (2010). Before joining the DUT Fine Art department Voysey lectured part time at the Michaelis School of Fine Art, UCT, whilst working as a research and artist assistant to renowned South African artist – Penny Siopis. Apart from lecturing Voysey is a practising artist. Her most recent solo exhibition took place at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. It concluded her time there as an artist-in-residence in July 2019. Other solo exhibitions include Animal at Commune.1 Gallery in 2016, Cape Town and at the AVA Gallery, Cape Town, in 2014. She, too, has taken part in a number of group exhibitions in both Johannesburg and Cape Town. For further information about her work check out her website or follow her on Instagram @jo.voysey.
Jo
21
FoAD NEW FACES
FOLASAYO ENOCH OLALERE (PHD) Visual Communication Design Department: Graphic Design Olalere is a trans-disciplinary designer, researcher and educator. He holds a PhD in Product Design, UMK Malaysia in 2016, where he engaged in design to enhance the connection between indigenous values and modernity. After his PhD program, he pursued a two years’ Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Vaal University of Technology, South Africa. He has over 30 research publications in journals, international conference proceedings and as book/book chapters. He is a recipient of several academic and innovative awards, which includes Malaysian International Scholarship 2014 - 2016, Malaysia; Gold Medallist at ITEX’15, Malaysia; UMK Excellent Postgraduate Researcher’s Award 2016; KMIC International Champion 2017, Berlin Germany; NDHRN Emerging Scholar Award 2018, Philadelphia, USA. His main research interests are the links between contemporary design, design process and indigenous knowledge system (IKS). His current research project, funded by DUT’s Research Capacity Development Grant, is exploring the experience-centric application of IoT in consumer product design.
ayo s a l o F
22
FoAD NEW FACES
JEANNE SHANGE-KALALA
.
Visual Communication Design: Graphic Design Jeanne started her undergraduate studies at the Durban University of Technology in the Graphic Design Department. For many years she worked in the Siyazama Project with Professor Kate Wells. Upon completion of the B-Tech Degree, she joined the industry as graphic designer before returning to enrol for Master’s Degree. She began lecturing part time in the Department of Graphic Design whilst completing her Master’s Degree. Upon completion, she rejoined the design industry as a designer and researcher at the Centre for Cultural Design (Workspace) for a year. This was followed by five years as Junior Lecturer at the School of Architecture and the Built Environment, in the College of Science and Technology (CST), at the University of Rwanda in East Africa. She was nominated as the Quality Assurance Officer in her department. In 2017, she was appointed as acting Deputy Dean for the School of Architecture and the Built Environment. Jeanne has also worked as programme co-ordinator and facilitator for United World Colleges (UWC), Zambia exceptional youth short course held annually in Chisamba, Zambia. In September 2018, she relocated to Durban, South Africa to pursue her PhD studies at the Durban University of Technology. In June 2019, she joined the DUT, as Lecturer in the Department of Visual Communication Design/Graphic Design
ne Jean
23
FACULTY OF ARTS & DESIGN
VISUAL AND PERFORMANCE ARTS DEGREES ON OFFER IN 2020 BACHELOR OF DESIGN IN VISUAL COMMUNICATION DESIGN
BACHELOR OF DESIGN IN HONOURS IN VISUAL COMMUNICATION DESIGN
MASTERS OF APPLIED ARTS IN INTERIOR DESIGN
MASTERS OF APPLIED ARTS IN FASHION
MASTERS OF APPLIED ARTS IN GRAPHIC DESIGN
PHD IN VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS
BACHELOR OF APPLIED ARTS IN SCREEN ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY
FULL DEGREES AND DIPLOMAS OFFERED AT DUT 031 373 2000 (DBN)
033 845 8800 (PMB)
info@dut.ac.za
VISIT WWW.DUT.AC.ZA TO REVIEW OUR VARIOUS ACADEMIC COURSES Please remember that A aggregate matriculants could qualify for 100% remission on tuition fees, for first-year undergraduate programmes. For more information on bursaries, scholarships and NSFAS, contact us at the Durban office on 031 373 2931/ 031 373 2557/031 373 2054; or at the Pietermaritzburg office on 033 845 8889/033 845 8890 or visit our website. Accommodation is limited. Application closing dates vary, so please apply early via the Central Applications Office.
24
DurbanUniversityofTechnology
@dut_official
@DUT_Tweets
DutCampusTv