Executive Dean is SAHUDA’s new President
Entrepreneurship in the curriculum
Mulder wins 2016 Emma Smith Art Scholarship Award
PhD in Visual and Performing Arts
Mhlongo creates largest mural in the Province
Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine
ISSUE ONE
Credits Editor: Andile Dube 031 373 6455/ andiled@dut.ac.za Contributors: Bongani Gema, Sthabile Gwala, Noxolo Memela, Sunthra Moodley, Nirvana Ramsaroop and Waheeda Peters Proofreader: Andrea Alcock Images: Khumalo Hlobisile, Sbonelo Mthethwa, DUT Photography Department, Morgen Kisten, Michelle Reynolds, Nic Human, Waheeda Peters and Colourise Photography Studio. Cover Art: Enamelled Mandala Pendants by 3rd year Jewellery Design students 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 Executive Dean is SAHUDA’s new President 6 Mulder wins 2016 Emma Smith Art Scholarship Award
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FoAD creatives make the cut for 2017 Design Indaba
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Nzuza wins big at Zabalaza Theatre Festival
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Mshibe makes ELLE Decoration Finalist
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Oparinde represents DUT at national Three-Minute Thesis Competition
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Jewellery Design students continue to fly the DUT flag
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News Fashion students at #SAFW17
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The Brickfield Campus library gets a makeover that reflects its fashion flair
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Visual and Performing Arts PhD students making history at DUT
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Drama students explore the ‘i’ phenomenon
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Entrepreneurship in the curriculum
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Special Feature: FoAD welcomes new students in style
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Seminars FoAD hosts successful second Postgrad Conference
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Simplifying the problem statement
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Research Designer: The Art of Design in the Research Process
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Our Alumni Drama’s Mncube makes waves on the small screen
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Drama Alumnus takes up research residency in Germany
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Kimosha’s Saree Kulcha kwest
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Mhlongo creates largest mural in the Province
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Street artist does his bid for charity
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Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue One 2017
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Editor’s Note This year while browsing through YouTube, I came across The David Rubenstein Show: Peer-to-Peer Conversations where he was interviewing Oprah Winfrey. In the interview, Winfrey was speaking about her many achievements, including starting her own television network the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) and building a school for girls here in South Africa. From that interview, my “Aha moment” was when Winfrey said: “There is a common denominator in the human experience. Everybody wants to be able to live out the truest, highest expression of ourselves as a human being.” To me there is no better understanding of why we do all the things we do, why we set goals for ourselves like getting a degree or buying a house or starting a business. The reason for this is that we hold the truest and highest vision for ourselves. No matter where you are in your life there is always that next level. Earlier this year the faculty hosted its annual orientation programme, which is aimed at welcoming first year students into the Faculty of Arts and Design. This year’s orientation also included the launch of the I AM ART campaign which is the brainchild of Fine Art second year student, Shamil Balram. Congratulations are in order for our Executive Dean, Dr René Smith who has been appointed President of the South African Humanities Deans’ Association (SAHUDA). In this issue, you can read about 2016 Emma Smith Art Scholarship Award winner, Leandi Mulder. You can also read about Drama Alumnus, Mthokozisi Zulu who is in Germany participating in the Starke Stücke Festival’s Next Generation Workspace – International Research Residency. As always we look forward to hearing your views on the magazine or if you have any stories you’d like to share, do not hesitate to send me an email on andiled@dut.ac.za. You can also like our Facebook by liking our page www.facebook.com/dutartsandesign or follow us on twitter on @ DutFoAD. Until next term, stay blessed!
Andile
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Dean’s Corner It’s hard to believe we are almost halfway through our current faculty planning cycle, which prioritises curriculum renewal; developing research and supervision capacity; interdisciplinary collaboration and partnerships; promoting entrepreneurship and social innovation. Curriculum Renewal (CRP) remains a key focus area. Departments are tasked with ensuring all qualifications are HEQSF-aligned by 2018. Programmes choosing to phase out, without new academic programmes in place, risk closure. We need all-hands-on-deck as we aim to meet the critical path. The CRP process affords an opportunity to reimagine, reinvent and renew our curriculum so that it is relevant and responsive – so that in turn, prospective students choose us as a preferred Faculty for Design and the Arts. Our curriculum should reflect our faculty mission to educate and inspire a new generation, advance creativity and engage interdisciplinary knowledge. In 2014, faculty decided that DUT Digifest (Arts & Design Digital Festival) provides an opportunity for project-based learning, whilst promoting, showcasing and marketing our academic programmes. We agreed that Digifest would be integrated in our curriculum. Following feedback on previous festivals, Digifest now takes place at the end of the academic year. You said - we did. Much of what we have been doing over the past couple of years is aligned to strategic thrusts of internationalisation, innovation and entrepreneurship. With respect to internationalisation, we have facilitated partnerships with (amongst others) Ecole Supérieure d’Art de La Réunion (ESA), Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology (BIFT), and Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) - all of which have resulted in academic staff and student exchanges, which were not in place before. Our social innovation workshops and partnerships are designed to be developmental. We know that although necessary, change is not easy. We are expecting people to think and do differently. Collaborative projects like Rise of the Oxx promote design for social change. Who would have imagined when we started talking about this project that our Fashion students would showcase at #SAFW2017? Thank you to all involved. The lessons shared by the Standard Bank Incubator Head during our 2016 Digifest and on our recent visit to their Incubator for entrepreneurs, during the DHET Lekgotla on Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education, reminded us about the need for ‘design thinking’. We look forward to hosting renowned social entrepreneur and innovator, Dr Taddy Blecher in the coming months. You will be hearing more about these and other projects at our Faculty Board meetings, research seminars and in the pages of Softcopy. A warm welcome to all our new and returning students and staff. Remember, a new year affords an opportunity to start again, create afresh, to see things differently, to choose, behave and think differently. We have been given a blank canvas, page, screen, stage…to begin again. Use it wisely. Be the change… educate. create.
René
Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue One 2017
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Awards Honours
Executive Dean is SAHUDA’s new President ANDILE DUBE
Faculty of Arts and Design’s (FoAD) Executive Dean, Dr René Smith has been appointed the new President of the South African Humanities Deans’ Association (SAHUDA). Smith’s appointment makes her the first woman president of SAHUDA and the first from a University of Technology. SAHUDA is a body representing all Humanities Deans in SA. FoAD’s Deputy Dean, Professor Brian Pearce said the faculty is very proud to note Dr Smith’s appointment as President of SAHUDA. “In being appointed to this prestigious position, her leadership is acknowledged at a national level. We congratulate her and wish her well in her term of office as President. This is a high honour indeed.” FoAD’s Faculty Officer, Pragasen Reddy congratulated Smith saying, “It is not surprising to see Dr Smith being appointed as president of SAHUDA. Her work ethic and commitment to any task/project is second to none. This is one of many feathers in the cap of this amazing women, and I am lucky and privileged to have her as my Executive Dean, congrats Dr Smith.”
“At the DUT level, she has already appointed a SAHUDA/NIHSS mentor, who will work with the Faculties of Arts and Design and Management Sciences, to capacitate doctoral supervisors and support their students”. Fashion’s Head of Department, Sunthra Moodley said Smith deserved this success because of her hard work and dedication. “Congratulations on this remarkable achievement! Best wishes to you as you take on this new project. May you keep on inspiring others with your good works”. The Drama Department’s Prof Deborah Lutge extended her heartfelt congratulations to Smith saying her appointment serves as an accomplishment of which we can all be proud of. “The kudos of Dr Smith’s dynamic accolade by extension acknowledges the excellence of the DUT Faculty of Arts and Design under her leadership”.
FoAD’s Research Co-ordinator, Dr Maleshonae Rapeane-Mathonsi said Smith’s appointment is significant as she has constantly advocated for the recognition of the Arts and UOT’s, and subsequently for scholarships for the PhD in Visual and Performing Arts, offered by the Faculty. FoAD’s Executive Dean, Dr René Smith; Ahmed Kathrada, 2016 Honorary Doctorate recipient, and former DUT Vice Chancellor and Principal, Prof Ahmed Bawa.
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Awards Honours
Mulder wins 2016 Emma Smith Art Scholarship Award STHABILE GWALA
Fashion Design student, Leandi Mulder’s collection made from second hand fabrics won her another award when she was announced as the winner of the 2016 Emma Smith Art Scholarship award recently.
“When people see the work that has gone into my designs and the concept behind it, they see it as something very innovative and inspirational”, she said. Mulder said a lot of planning and preparation went into designing her concept. She said she worked on the range for an entire year; doing a lot of conventionalising and research on the current state of the fashion industry.
The collection first debuted at the 2016 annual DUT Fashion Show themed “After Earth”, earning her the Most Commercial Range on Show award. The theme tasked 38 third-year Fashion Design students to explore “I wanted my concept to be their own vision of our next something I really believed in,” world through their fashion she said. collections. With this broad 2016 Emma Smith Art Scholarship award winner, Leandi Mulder (centre) theme, students had to look with models at the 2016 DUT Fashion Show. Mulder said she is happy at what their beliefs in fashion about winning the scholarship, were and what they wished to portray to the outside world. adding that she feels like the scholarship will push her creativity in a different direction. Mulder says she developed the concept for her range whilst living in Japan for two years. She says she was inspired by the Japanese She will use the money she won as part of the award to travel to essence of creativity, their simplicity and organic aesthetics. Japan to do an internship with a knitwear and textile designer.
Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue One 2017
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FoAD creatives make the cut for 2017 Design Indaba NOXOLO MEMELA
Several students and graduates from various programmes in the Faculty of Arts and Design were selected as ‘Emerging Creatives’ class of 2017 at this year’s Design Indaba. A number of graduates and present students from various programmes in the Faculty of Arts and Design were selected as Emerging Creatives class of 2017 at this year’s Design Indaba. Sfiso Shange, Wanda Majubana, Nomfundo Cebekhulu, Nivadni Sewnath, Nishithi Sewnath, Janine Turner and Lwazi Mshibe held exhibions in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Majubana and the Sewnath sisters who are twins made the cut in the 2017 Emerging Creatives: Extended Class. They showcased their work at the KwaZulu-Natal Society of Arts (KZNSA) Gallery.
Majubana won the Best Menswear Range award for his Samurai inspired Animé range at the 2016 DUT Annual Fashion Show. In creating unique garments featuring efficient design, Nivadni’s inspiration is drawn from South Africa’s diverse cultural heritage. When her love for art began at an early age, little did she know that her sketching and fashion design would bring her this far. “I design ladies wear which are authentic, simplistic and contemporary to our continent. Being part of the Emerging Designers Creative Class is a great opportunity to showcase my work. In turn, the programme will help me gain exposure in the fashion industry,” she said. While her twin sister’s designs are created with a sense of intuition in addition to aesthetics, the opportunity will assist Nishthi in carrying through her range she had showcased during the 2016 DUT Annual Fashion Show. “This is a learning experience for me. I have met so many other local designers who can be very helpful in my journey as a fashion designer,” she said. From this experience, Nishthi hopes to launch her own fashion brand and take her designs to an international platform. Majubana has always been fascinated by art. Be it drawing cartoons or fashion designs, he knew his path would end up in fashion. “I’m inspired by art, Animé, gaming and music. I love Gert Johan-Coetzee’s work. My fantasy is to also just like him, have my work showcased locally and internationally,” said Majubana.
Nishthi Sewnath, Wanda Majubana and Nivadni Sewnath.
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Awards Honours
Nzuza wins big at Zabalaza Theatre Festival ANDILE DUBE
Drama & Production Studies third year student, Thobani Nzuza won big at the 7th annual Zabalaza Theatre Festival held at the University of Cape Town’s Baxter Theatre Centre. Nzuza who won for his one-man show, Boy Ntulikazi, took home two awards for Best Actor and Best Production. He was also nominated for Outstanding Performer, Best Visiting Production, Best Music Director, and Best Script. The road to winning awards and performing at stages like the Baxter Theatre Centre has not been an easy one. Nzuza faced many hurdles along the way one of which was having his play rejected by some festivals but he kept working at it until it was perfection. He credits guitarist, Nhlanhla Zondi who plays the background music in his shows and Kagisho Tsimakwane who helped edit his original script.
them. It is a one hander with a live guitarist (Nhlanhla Zondi), employing physical theatre. Nzuza is no stranger to winning awards. In 2014 he won Best Director and Best Production for his first play Shintsha Guluva at the K-CAP: Ekhaya Multi-Arts Centre Isigcawu Festival. In the following year he won Best Actor for Boy Ntulikazi at the K-CAP: Ekhaya Multi-Arts Centre Isigcawu Festival. He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Durban Mercury Awards for his role in Menzi Mkhwane’s play, Secret Valley of Great Kings. Last year he walked away with Best Choreographer, Creative Achievement and Cameo Role Awards at the DUT Drama Studies and Productions Student Awards.
“I am very happy and proud of wining the awards. I thank Nhlanhla who never gave up on me, and trusted me so much. He has always been there even though I was not paying him. I also thank Kagisho Tsimakwane for his great writing. I never thought this would happen to me, my professional career will be launched in Cape Town,” said Nzuza. As part of his prize, Nzuza will perform at the Baxter Theatre Season for two weeks, Junky Jackets will publish his play and he will stage in again at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival in June. Boy Ntulikazi explores challenges that determine the way individuals reflect on the world around Thobani Nzuza, who will kick start his Baxter Theatre Season in Cape Town next month with and guitarists, Nhlanhla Zondi.
Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue One 2017
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Mshibe makes ELLE Decoration Finalist SOFTCOPY REPORTER
Interior Design B.Tech student, Lwazi Mshibe has been announced as one of the six SOLVE finalists in the ELLE Decoration and Adams & Adams new talent search. Mshibe who is passionate about Scandinavian, biophilic and sustainable design was able to scoop top student achievement awards in both his second and third year. Last year he was one of the finalists at the PG Bison Student competition. Earlier this year he was one of the top 40 emerging creatives at the Design Indaba Exhibition 2017.
Next year I will be working, and being new to the Industry I (as well as others) would love to have an affordable multifunctional piece of furniture rather than having to buy expensive and a lot Lwazi Mshibe’s innovative and dynamic idea of different furniture that secured him a spot in the SOLVE 2017 design pieces,” Mshibe said. competition top six.
His goal is to be an interior designer known for designing with a sustainable yet appealing purpose and meaning, whilst creating a social awareness of the industry and design theories/styles he is passionate about. “Small spaces need more care in terms of furnishing the space, small furniture is a must in order to have a comfortable interior design. Therefore I have decided to design folding furniture that can be tucked away when needed to, like on days you might be having a large gathering of guests in that small living space. Doing this, it will help make the space look bigger and attract the guest’s attention. Interior Design’s Programme co-ordinator, Susan Barrett and Lwazi Mshibe.
Small spaces need more care in terms of furnishing the space, small furniture is a must in order to have a comfortable interior design.
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Awards Honours
Oparinde represents DUT at national Three-Minute Thesis Competition ANDILE DUBE
Doctoral Candidate in the Language Practice Programme, and Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Executive President of the Postgraduate Students’ Association Kunle Oparinde represented DUT at the national leg of the Three Minute Thesis Competition (3MT) held at the University of the Free State (UFS) in Bloemfontein recently. Oparinde whose research area of interest is sociolinguistics came first place in the regional leg of the competition, which was held at DUT last month.
He presented his actual PhD thesis which is on discourse and politics. “In other words, the power behind the use of language in political settings. As such, I am interested in the aspects of linguistic manipulation and misrepresentation in Nigerian political context. How language is used to achieve political benefits is also of utmost interest,” Oparinde said. On representing DUT at the University of the Free State, Oparinde said: “It is always a challenge for me to take part in competitions as it encourages me to always do better. I am honoured to be representing DUT,” He said. The 3MT Competition is presented by the UFS’s Postgraduate Student Council in partnership with the Postgraduate School. It originates from the University of Queensland, Australia, and has now become an annual event at UFS. Participants are given three minutes to explain the essence of their research. The presentations should cover their research problem, how they tackle it and why it matters.
Language Practice Programme Doctoral Candidate, Kunle Oparinde.
Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue One 2017
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Jewellery Design students continue to fly the DUT flag BONGANI GEMA
A very proud moment was when the Durban University of Technology’s Jewellery Design students, who took all the awards at the 2016/17 Thuthuka Jewellery Awards, received their certificates and prizes in front of their peers on Friday, 03 March 2017, at the DUT City Campus. The awards are held annually at the University of Johannesburg by the Thuthuka Development Programme following an exhibition showcasing designs from various colleges and universities across the country.
Dr René Smith, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Design at DUT, said she was very proud of the students. She said that not only did the students win for themselves, they also did for the Faculty, their lecturers and DUT as a whole. “I came here because I think what you are doing is important and it matters. I want you to know that we as the programme are very proud of you and we thank you for all you are doing for our faculty,” Smith said.
In 2016, DUT entered first and second year students under the theme: Geometry Redefined. DUT students scooped all the prizes in all the categories, including the overall prize. This year’s winners were Ben Buthelezi, Paul Mkhize, Thabo Mapota, Precious Mkhize, Busisiwe Ntuli, Anker van der Linde, Ayanda Zondi, Mandisa Nkabinde and Zeenat Adams who took the overall award. Jewellery Design lecturer Samantha Vincent said the judges at the exhibition commended the designs exhibited by DUT and were very impressed with how the students successfully portrayed the theme. She said after receiving such good praises on behalf of the students, the Department decided to hold its own award ceremony to recognise the students.
I want you to know that we as the programme are very proud of you and we thank you for all you are doing for our faculty.
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Fashion students at #SAFW17 SOFTCOPY REPORTER
Eight Fashion and Textiles students represented Durban in a big way at the South African Fashion Week Spring/ Summer 2017 Collections held at Johannesburg’s swanky Hyde Park recently. The students’ featured Janine Turner, Jessica Shuttleworth, Leandi Mulder, Nishthi Sewnath, Nivadni Sewnath, Simone Bufe, Tide Louw and Yanela Mtolo the Rise of the OXX Collection, which left the fashionistas greening with envy. Well-known designer Gideon and Head of Creative Design explains, “The mission of the OXX is to restore world order, using whatever means necessary. Students explored the theme and its meaning in a fashion context, both on a personal interpretative level and within the parameters of familiar fashion concepts that they stretched or reinvented.” Janine Turner created a whimsical folklore inspired range, called Chimera. Jessica Shuttleworth, who is inspired by the simple and rich beauty that our land has to offer, chose to explore Geomorphology”. Leandi Mulder brought waste fabric to life with her ethical fashion designs, which sent out a message of sustainability and responsible consumerism. Twins, Nishthi and Nivadni Sewnath chose to explore different designs with Nishthi drawing inspiration from the medical field and Nivadni went on a journey informed by the Xhosa Abakwetha blanket. Simone Bufe used three-dimensional handwork to explore human and elemental textures to find beauty in decay. Tide Louw looked at the nomad: rootless, roving, drifting. Yanela Mtolo created a range inspired by traditional Xhosa women’s costumes styled with second hand items in a return to her roots.
Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue One 2017
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The Brickfield Campus library gets a makeover that reflects its fashion flair BONGANI GEMA AND ANDILE DUBE
The department of Fashion and Textiles’ library was recently remodelled to be more student centred- an initiative which seeks to further enhance some of the University’s strategic goals outlined in the 2015/19 DUT strategic plan. Deputy Vice Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Professor Nomthandazo Gwele applauded DUT’s Library Service and the department of Fashion and Textile for their joint effort in relaunching the Brickfield Campus library. “We acknowledge this gesture by both the Library Services team and the department of Fashion and Textile for being student
centred in repurposing the space. We thank both teams for their efforts in flying the DUT flag high,” said Professor Gwele. Both teams worked tirelessly in establishing a flexible, safe and secure working environment by improving the physical working space of the library. Work towards remodelling the library began in 2015. Although the work was done under a very tight budget, an end product was their planned library. The floor plan of the library was changed to set up a computer lab that doubles up as training space and an open-e-zone, with improved air conditioning supply, increased sitting and wall treatment to reflect the campus’s fashion flair. Faculty of Arts and Design Executive Dean, Dr René Smith said a shift was noted towards a demand for more engaging spaces in libraries. She said Libraries are no longer just about reading books in silence, but also about engaging with online, multimedia resources in a way that makes our students feel comfortable, whether it’s with their headphones on listening to music or in a space where talking and engaging with others is allowed ”.
FoAD’s Executive Dean, Dr René Smith; DUT’s Libraries Director, Lucille Webster and DUT’s Deputy Vice Chancellor: Academic, Professor Nomthandazo Gwele.
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Visual and Performing Arts PhD students making history at DUT WAHEEDA PETERS
The Faculty of Arts and Design (FoAD) is embarking on a new chapter by offering an exciting Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Visual and Performing Arts. This degree will give students the opportunity to completely immerse themselves in the study of the performing arts medium that inspires them. Talking about this exhilarating chapter, Associate Professor in the Department of Visual Communication Design, Prof Rolf Gaede said there is already the first intake of two PhD students in Visual and Performing Arts which took place this year, 2017. “They are Greg Streak and Nadas Pillay, who are registered and a few more may follow as the year proceeds. Both candidates are currently working on their research proposal,” he said elatedly. According to Piers Carey from the Department of Visual Communication Design, the curriculum is pretty much self-defined, in that every student is required to develop and complete a selfmotivated research project in whatever specialised area of the Visual and Performing Arts interests them. He also added that the
qualification makes doctoral level study available to all the relevant departments and programmes in the Faculty of Arts and Design, including: Drama, Fine Art and Jewellery Design, Fashion, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Photography, and Video Technology. “Students from disciplines not covered by DUT programmes could also study for this qualification with suitable supervisors. It is the first time such a qualification has existed in KwaZulu-Natal, and has the potential to develop a very exciting group of transdisciplinary research students in time,” he said. FoAD’s Deputy Dean, Prof Brian Pearce said the PhD in Visual and Performing Arts is an exciting new venture in the Faculty of Arts and Design. He also added that the new PhD should have wide appeal in the faculty and beyond, allowing for an approach to research which incorporates the creativity of the artist. “In the Faculty of Arts and Design, this generic PhD degree will be of a value in a number of our disciplines, such as Graphic Design, Interior Design, Fashion Design, Jewellery Design, Fine Art, Photography and Drama Studies. We hope that postgraduates from other universities will be interested in applying to study for the new degree. We’ve had expressions of interest from several overseas universities and colleges,” he added.
DUT’s Prof Rolf Gaede and Dr Philippa Kethro with PhD students Greg Streak and Nadas Pillay, at the Faculty of Arts and Design, City Campus.
Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue One 2017
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News
Drama students explore the ‘i’ phenomenon SOFTCOPY REPORTER
Durban University of Technology’s Department of Drama and Production Studies hosted a five-day ground-breaking workshop piece, titled ‘i’.
The play explored media and media platforms, the divisions created by employment, economics, and education. Further, The ironies of what enamours and dissatisfies the youth.
‘i’ conceptually explored the prefix -i- and how attaching this letter to any word contemporizes the object, positioning it in a youthful world of frivolity, glamour, and self-affirmation amid global wealth and extreme disenfranchisement.
Lutge said: “The conceptual principle of workshop rests on shared ownership. In this work I have enjoyed the process of circling and drinking from the same well as Donna Steel, Lee-Ann Naicker and Rowin Munsamy. Hearing their voices reverberate through the long corridors and deep crevices and wide spaces and merge with student interaction has been a constant reminder that the narratives of memory, derive not from isolated pockets of knowledge but from communal shared meanderings.”
This poignant piece of theatre saw third year students tackle the social media beast in a way that speaks directly to our youth, and indeed, to many in the older generations who are feeling the everincreasing pressure to be techno-savvy. The production was multi-layered, weaving a complex network of i-associations, i-understandings, and i-dynamics that encompass the world we live in. The play asked: “who am I and do I count?” It interrogated the impact of technology on lives and how this shift in focus catapults lives into fast-forward momentary chaos. Drama’s HoD, Prof Debbie Lutge directed one of the three chapters and Rowin Munsamy, Lee-Ann Naicker and Donna Steel also directed a chapter each.
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Drama students during the show, ‘i’ . www.facebook.com/dutartsanddesign
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Entrepreneurship in the curriculum NIRVANA RAMSAROOP AND ANDILE DUBE
The Department of Higher Education and Training recently hosted a Lekgotla on Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education at Resolution Circle in Johannesburg. Addressing the conference, Deputy Minister of Higher Education & Training, Mduduzi Manana emphasised the Department’s commitment to making entrepreneurship a priority within the sector. The strategic approach of the Lekgotla was to emphasise that students can be equipped with an entrepreneurial mindset and skillset. It is up to universities to create a culture of entrepreneurship, and for entrepreneurial activity to be encouraged, supported and recognised. The Lekgotla allowed faculty to develop relationships towards entrepreneurship development. The Faculty of Arts and Design has been fostering entrepreneurial careers for graduates over the decades and we hope to now implement a formalized entrepreneurial space to grow young entrepreneurs within the Faculty of Arts and Design.
we need to work collaboratively to prepare students to become job creators and not job seekers.” Dr Smith explained, “During the Lekgotla I managed to reconnect with colleagues from the social entrepreneurship and innovation space whom I had worked with previously and who were very interested to hear about what we were doing at DUT”. Smith explained that they also visited the Standbank Incubator in Rosebank as well as a store run by DUT Fashion Alumnus and entrepreneur, Shingai Nyagweta. “It was a fitting to end the workshop by interacting with entrepreneurs and innovators. It was particularly encouraging to have met a Fashion alumnus who makes a living from selling children’s wear at 44 Stanley in Milpark, Johannesburg. You can read more on Kuna Kids at www.kuna.co.za. Support our graduates - buy local”, she said. Ramsaroop will be serving on the Entrepreneurship in Academia Community of Practice.
The Lekgtola, which was attended by government and public entities, university management, student and graduate enterprises, private sector representatives and communities, was attended by FoAD’s Executive Dean, Dr René Smith, Quality Promotion Officer, Nirvana Ramsaroop (currently completing a Doctorate in Business Administration) and the Fashion and Textile’s Head of Department Sunthra Moodley, whose department is currently engaged in similar discussions with local industry and academic partners in Namibia. Moodley said, “The world of work has changed and entrepreneurship has become central to life. As a faculty Sunthra Moodley, Dr René Smith and Nirvana Ramsaroop.
Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue One 2017
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Special Feature
FoAD welcomes new students in style SOFTCOPY REPORTER
First year students in the Faculty of Arts and Design were welcomed in style at this year’s annual orientation. The event also saw the launch of the I AM ART campaign which is the brainchild of second year student, Shamil Balram. Speaking to first year students and staff, Balram said I AM ART are powerful words as they bring a group of people with a common vision together. “What it also does, is it unconsciously makes us approach life with an artistic manner and having said that this would bring to life hidden creativities within us. These words carry the information, promoting the faculty and it has a connection to our Identity. This is a great way of validation the existence of art,” said Balram. Opening the Orientation programme, the Executive Dean, Dr René Smith encouraged students to make the most of opportunities to learn and showcase, like during Digifest 2017 and ISEA2018. She also spoke about the importance of being resilient and taking the initiative. She commended Balram and other Fine Art students for organising a student exhibition at the end of last year. She also spoke about how Balram had negotiated an exhibition stand at the 2016 Essence Festival, held at the Durban ICC.
Shamil Balram, Zinhle Mngadi, Mhlonishwa Chiliza, Julia Ferrandi, Syanda Mbele and FoAD’s Deputy Dean, Prof Brian Pearce.
Also speaking at the FoAD orientation was award winning owner of Pinda Furniture and Interior Design, Syanda Mbele; Fashion and Textiles graduate and renowned fashion designer, Julia Ferrandi; Journalism graduate and Africa News Channel reporter, Zinhle Mngadi; award winning artist and Fine Art lecturer, Mhlonihlwa Chiliza; and Liam Joyce, Independent Newspaper’s entertainment content producer and multimedia journalist.
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Special Feature
Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue One 2017
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FoAD hosts successful second Postgrad Conference WAHEEDA PETERS
The Faculty of Arts and Design (FoAD) hosted its annual Postgraduate conference again this year with the aim of encouraging cross-faculty networking and reflecting on the nature of academic work and research. Organised by FoAD’s Research Office, the goal of the two-day conference was to present a range of postgraduate research in the humanities, from across 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 various institutions. Opening the conference was Dr René Alicia Smith, Executive Dean: Faculty of Arts and Design at DUT, who explained developing research and supervision capacity has been central to the faculty’s strategic plan.
that reduces a complex and differentiated continent to a single cliché, what is our originality? Originality, of course, being the crux of research. My paper is simply a prompt to your thought, to your imagination. Not easy, but research has always been more adventurous than safe,” he said. The conference continued with various speakers from several other African countries talking on papers relating to e-learning, social media, teenage pregnancy and intercultural marriages, to name but a few. Smith added that all researchers needed to engage, examine, interrogate and ask questions. “We need to innovate, push disciplinary boundaries, go beyond the borders and silos. Mostly, we must situate ourselves at the centre,” she said.
“We also know that creativity and critical thinking are fundamental to our future and to strengthening democracies. Computers have not yet been able to do this for us”. She added, “we exist in a world and at a time where we need to see our work and our research as a form of activism not only as contributing to scholarship and deepening knowledge. We should use our work to advocate for a world where we build bridges instead of walls; where we try to understand our differences, celebrate diversity and our agency,” she said. Keynote speaker, Professor Michael Chapman, an A-Rated NRF researcher based in the Faculty of Arts and Design shared his thoughts and ideas on ‘urban cool’ as a research area. “Beyond forms of colonial or metropolitan imitation, beyond an Africanism FoAD’s Postgraduate Conference Keynote speaker, Prof Michael Chapman, FoAD’s Research Co-ordinator, Dr Maleshoane Rapeane-Mathonsi and Executive Dean, Dr René Smith..
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Seminars
Simplifying the problem statement BONGANI GEMA
Durban University of Technology’s School of Education, Professor Stephen Mago has taken it upon himself to research solutions that can assist postgraduate students in developing comprehensive, clear and convincing problem statements for their research papers. Mago recently presented a research paper titled: “The Statement of the Problem is the Problem!” Gasps a postgrad student at the Faculty of Arts and Design’s weekly research seminar. His presentation was aimed at investigating the problematic nature of the problem statement in research and ultimately get to the simplest ways that can assist researchers in identifying and developing clear problem statements for their research. Mago said he became interested in investigating this topic when he attended a seminar and a presenting postgraduate student remarked how problematic the problem statement was. He said he was bothered by the student’s remark and his initial reaction was to investigate exactly what the student meant.
He defined the problem statement as “the heart” of the research and said it is central to all researchers because it does not only motivate the researcher to carry-out specific research but it also informs the reader of the research whether to continue reading or not. “The statement of the problem is an analytical explanation that aims at finding solutions to the stated problem. If the problem is clear, research questions emerge almost naturally. So the problem should always be clear and never hidden,” he said. Mago stressed that the paper he was presenting was still a work in progress and that the second paper will follow a qualitative research design that incorporates primary data collection. But he also said he was open for further discussion and engagement on the matter.
Professor Stephen Mago (second from right) with postgraduate students as well as DUT staff.
Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue One 2017
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Seminars
Research Designer: The Art of Design in the Research Process SOFTCOPY REPORTER
The Journalism Programme’s, Tarryn Frankish recently headlined the Faculty of Arts and Design’s weekly seminar titled, Research Designer: The Art of Design in the Research Process. Frankish’s presentation explored how to design a research project that creates a balanced image of the topic/s under investigation. She spoke about managing all of the components of one’s research design saying that this requires a certain finesse. “There is an art to balancing research choices across the breadth of the research process. A well designed research project will necessarily deliberate about what literature to include; which theoretical perspective to adopt; how to operationalise the ontological assumptions through choices regarding epistemology and methodology; and engage not only with the standard, obligatory ethical commitments –which they must do – but also delve into an engagement with reflexive and critical praxis.”
She said much like an artist will change his or her composition with a single brush-stroke, a research designer holds all of these components of his creation together to create just the right picture of what is being researched. In this case, one key-stroke, one change in the design, will mean that an entirely different picture emerges. Frankish is a PhD candidate in the Desmond Tutu doctoral programme at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU). She is supervised jointly by supervisors at the VU in the Netherlands and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa. Her research uses narrative theory and method to make sense of the stories that young South Africans are told and tell about Apartheid. Ostensibly ‘Born-Free’ the next generation in South Africa allows for questions and insights into the psychological legacy of Apartheid; the transmission of ‘trauma’ across generations and the workings of individual- and collective- memory processes. Frankish has worked in psychology at UKZN for the greater part of ten years before joining Journalism at DUT in 2017. Her research experience includes supervision and teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
There is an art to balancing research choices across the breadth of the research process.
Journalism’s Tarryn Frankish.
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Our Alumni
Drama’s Mncube makes waves on the small screen STHABILE GWALA
Talented and award-winning DUT Drama Studies alumnus, Wiseman Mncube continues to make waves in South African television circles. In 2015, the graduate was appointed as one of the directors of the prestigious Musho Festival, which showcases up-andcoming theatre stars annually in Durban. Mncube has become a firm favourite in theatre circles after winning an accolade for his performance in Bra Six Two at the Musho Theatre Festival in 2012. He also gained more recognition for his works by winning three NAF (National Arts Festival) awards in Grahamstown in 2014. He scooped the New Writers Award, Standard Bank Ovation Encore Award as well as the Standard Bank New Voices Ovation Award which recognises merit and the development of theatre. His latest achievement is being cast in the role of Sizwe Hlatshwayo on Ingozi, a recently launched television series on SABC 1. The drama series premiered on Sunday, 12 February 2017, and tells the story of how one eventful night on the road tears the lives of three different families, from three different backgrounds, apart. Mncube plays the character of a father to a five-year-old boy and is also in love with Nobuhle, a hairstylist. Mncube’s character is an ambitious man, full of vision and driven by success. The character is also a down to earth young man who loves his family deeply and would do anything to protect them from harm.
Drama graduate, Wiseman Mncube who is on SABC1’s Ingozi.
Some people might also remember Mncube on the e.tv. series Gold Diggers as well as SABC 1’s Sokhulu and Partners. Mncube’s main focus currently is to continue growing as an artist and to give his talent life and growth. “Respect, be humble and work hard in silence like a lioness. Take the love you receive with love. Be patient, take your time and remember God. A hastily built house does not have a stable foundation,” says Mncube.
Mncube with his onscreen family.
Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue One 2017
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Our Alumni
Drama Alumnus takes up research residency in Germany ANDILE DUBE
Former DUT Drama and Production Studies student, Mthokozisi Zulu has jetted off to Germany where he is invited to be one of the participants at the Starke Stücke Festival’s Next Generation Workspace – International Research Residency.
During their stay, the participants will develop specific project plans, which will develop in co-operation with each other. The results of their work will then be shown in the 24th edition of the Starke Stücke Festival in 2018.
Zulu, who graduated cum laude in 2012, recently left for the Western European country so he can first attend the 67th Berlin International Film Festival; before taking up residency in Frankfurt as part of the next generation workshop team.
Zulu said he is looking forward to sharing his experiences as a South African artist with other artists from abroad. “I strongly believe in international collaborations. I wish to achieve good connections and relationships with artists from all over the world. I hope to achieve knowledge that will equip me to come back home and develop the arts industry further”, he said.
The Starke Stücke Festival is an international theatre festival aimed at young audiences. Its next generation workspace takes three phases with the first phase starting on 3 March 2017. The second phase will start on 14 July 2017 and the last phase will begin on 30 February 2018.
This is not Zulu’s first time in Germany. In 2015, he performed a one-hander at the Augenblick Mal- a German festival of theatre for young audiences. He believes that art is a universal language and the language barrier should not stop one from enjoying a show presented in a foreign language. “At the Augenblick Mal Festival in Berlin, most of the productions were in languages I do not understand. However, I understood every single show I watched and that is the power of art- my eyes were opened to the truth that art is a universal language”, he said.
As part of the international residency group, Zulu and other participants will discuss performances from the festival programme, meet international and local artists and event organisers from the areas theatre, dance and performance programmes. The group will also discuss their artistic practices, research interests as well as their own project ideas in relation to a young audience.
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Mthokozisi Zulu who is currently in Germany.
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Our Alumni
Kimosha’s Saree Kulcha kwest ANDILE DUBE
Fashion and Textiles graduate, award winning fashion designer and trend forecaster, Kimosha Ganas appeared on SABC 1’s Kulcha Kwest where she wanted to learn more about the cultural meaning and significance of the Saree. Her quest to learn more about the exquisite garment won mostly by Indian women stems from her belief that learning is an ongoing process of human development and growth. She also wants to incorporate the beauty of this Indian garment in contemporary, modern and relevant pieces that can be worn by everybody. “One of the main areas I focus my attention to, when choosing a reference point of inspiration for a design piece, is world cultures. I myself being of Indian ethnicity, find traditional Indian attire and regalia a rich tapestry of history. Identifying with aspects of the saree in terms of its origin, uses and evolution to present day has helped me gain an in depth perspective of this key clothing item that is iconic in association with Indian traditional dress. Incorporating elements of the saree into unique, contemporary clothing was the main reason for my “cultural journey”.
the history of the Saree. Narn also gave Ganas a task to create a garment inspired by what he had learned at her store. “It really was such an educational experience, from the time spent at the boutique to being behind the lens of the camera, getting to see how television shows are actually put together. I am very grateful and fortunate to have been selected to be a part of the episode. The experience has only enhanced my life’s journey and my knowledge as a designer,” Ganas said. Towards the end of the episode, she produced a stunning structured brown jacket that was inspired by the floral designs, patterns and beadwork she saw on the sarees. She concluded: “I will implement the knowledge I’ve learnt by interpreting the traditional aspects of the saree into contemporary pieces that are relatable to the present day market. I would like to bridge the gap between traditional and modern day dress codes, an aspect I feel there is still much to explore on.”
During her two-day stint with the show, she spent time at Enens, a store that specialises in women’s Eastern-wear where the owner of the shop, Kavit Naran schooled her in
Kulcha Kwest presenter, Siya Mdlalose with Kimosha Ganas and owner of Enens boutique, Kavit Naran.
Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue One 2017
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Our Alumni
Mhlongo creates largest mural in the Province STHABILE GWALA
Fine Art graduate, Sakhile Mhlongo was recently commissioned by Urban Lime to create a portrait of the African National Congress Youth League’s founder and first president, the late Anton Lembede. The huge 600 square metre portrait of the teacher turned lawyer was installed on Six Durban Club Place situated on the corner of Anton Lembede Street (formally known as Smith Street). This is a famous building and the home of the majority of advocates in Durban. Mhlongo’s artwork is believed to be one of the largest murals in the country and the only mural of its size in KwaZulu-Natal to be privately funded. In the portrait Lembede, who passed away in 1947 at the age of 30, is depicted wearing a charcoal suit, carrying a briefcase and walking towards court. Mhlongo is well known for his portraits of Anton Lembede and Dr Pixley KaSeme at the Old Court House, he also created a portrait of Moses Mabhida at the Moses Mabhida Art Gallery, and he won fifth place at the Sanlam portrait awards in 2016.
Currently he is preparing for his solo show, which will take place in June at a museum in Cape Town; he is also part of the Artists in Residence programme, which is commissioned by the eThekwini municipality. Mhlongo admits that he does art because he wants to express what is inside of him for the rest of the world to see. “God is the artist, I’m only his paintbrush, and He uses me to show people what he wants them to see through art,” said Mhlongo.
Mhlongo’s mural of the late Anton Lembede.
He’s also worked on street art, murals and portraits all over Durban with well-known artists such as Mookie Lion and Sphephelo Mnguni (both DUT Fine Art graduates), Dane Stops (DUT Graphic Design Lecturer) and Faith 47 a renowned graffiti artist. Mhlongo says he draws inspiration from his surroundings, experiences and upbringing.
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“My paintings focus mainly on the stereotypical views of African males and females within my culture where men are seen as gangsters and women are seen to be submissive. But at the same time I am really questioning the way Africans are viewed through my paintings,” explains Mhlongo.
Fine Art graduate, Sakhile Mhlongo.
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Our Alumni
Street artist does his bit for charity STHABILE GWALA
Aspiring artist and 2016 Emma Smith Art Scholarship Award nominee, Sphephelo Mnguni believes that society grows from helping each other.
create meanings of their own without any representation or symbols portrayed.” When he was asked to do the mural, he was not busy with anything, so he jumped at the opportunity. He said it felt like the right thing to do so that is how the mural came about and it is good exposure as an artist.
He recently painted a striking mural for the Bowl of Plenty (BOP) charity shop in Glenwood. Mnguni said the mural is an abstract artwork and does not represent anything but he wanted to create something colourful and beautiful. He explained: “We live in a world where we’re always confronted by symbolism and representation all the time, and I feel like Sphephelo Mnguni. there’s not enough beauty being depicted. I want people to look at the mural and say this is beautiful, and individuals should be able to
Mnguni who will be graduating with a Fine Art B.Tech later this month said he wants to take the next two years to work and build a solid portfolio and after that he would like to come to DUT to do his M Tech. The HOP Shop is a fundraising initiative of Likhon iThemba - A charity in KZN that runs the HOLAH Baby House as well as BOP a feeding scheme.
We live in a world where we’re always confronted by symbolism and representation all the time, and I feel like there’s not enough beauty being depicted. Sphephelo Mnguni’s colourful mural outside the Bowl of Plenty (BOP) charity shop in Glenwood.
Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue One 2017
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R.I.P Ahmed Kathrada 1929 - 2017