Tukkie 2023 by University of Pretoria

ISSUE 29

ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA

Contents

Opinions expressed in Tukkie are those of the individual concerned and not necessarily the view of the University of Pretoria. Tukkie is published by the University of Pretoria’s Department of Institutional Advancement.

Any editorial queries or information can be sent to: Tebogo Menong Email: tebogo.menong@up.ac.za Tel: 012 420 3047

Change of address Please send notification of address change or cancellations to: Email: alumni@up.ac.za Tel: 012 420 3533 Fax: 012 362 5088 Quote the code that appears on the address label in all correspondence.

Editor: Tebogo Menong Contributors: Xolani Mathibela Dr Sian Tiley-Nel Prof Karen Leigh Harris Wendy Ngcobo James Mahlokwane Sindisiwe Kubeka Lize Erasmus, Prof Este van Marle-Koster and Prof André Ganswindt

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From the alumni desk Rule of law: Be the best! UP delivers strong working capital Good Stock from UP becomes first female CEO of SAICA South Africa’s ailing economy needs capable leadership UP the training ground for top nuclear physicians UP’s world-renowned nuclear physician

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Digital solutions from Africa Tres, dos, uno... We have lift off!

Shop it forward. Leave a lasting legacy

UP Alumni mean business

Moo-nlight Sonata

Family matters

Sounds of success

Our Top 32 young visionaries

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Artology a visual feast

A taste of things to come

Ahead for business

Science is fun

SA’s selection for the World Court

EMS is one of a kind

A world in one place

Engineering a better future

The 21st-century library: A hub for dreams and ideas

Cooking with culture

Little Prince helps decode genome of king protea

Conference investigates the Bible

Phoenix rises to see another brave, beautiful day

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A wealth of learning is yours

Impact through innovation

Fighting spirit – UP students overcome hurdles to graduate

Prof Tuan Duong, Prof Eshchar Mizrachi and Prof Nigel Barker Alphonso Groenewald and Dana Mahan Dr Paul van Dam and Dr Anika de Witt

Harmony in African Spirit

UP-Topia a place of sharing and caring

Faster, Stronger, Together TuksSport High School celebrates 21 years of excellence

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Refilwe Mabula

Elsabe Olivier Mmaradikesa Prudance Minyuku Wilhelm De Swardt

Learning through service

Celebrating excellence

Courage wears Tuks colours

Design & Layout: Words’worth Cover: Eyescape University of Pretoria’s Alumni Relations Office Personnel Samantha Castle Senior Manager: Alumni Relations Tel: 012 412 3044 Email: samantha.castle@up.ac.za Vuyo Ntloko Alumni Events Coordinator Tel: 012 420 3912 Email: vuyo.ntloko@up.ac.za Henriette Minnaar Alumni Events Coordinator Tel: 012 412 3980 Email: henriette.minnaar@up.ac.za Xolani Mathibela Alumni Communications Coordinator Tel: 012 420 5026 Email: xolani.mathibela@up.ac.za

From the

UP Law Tops African Rankings for Seventh Consecutive Year

alumni desk Dear Tukkie reader,

s the year draws to a close, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and contributions to the University of Pretoria (UP). Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones, demonstrating the enduring spirit of our alumni community. From groundbreaking research to transformative community initiatives, your dedication has left an indelible mark. Join us in celebrating the year’s triumphs, from academic achievements to impactful collaborations, as we highlight the extraordinary endeavours that define the essence of our alma mater. Thank you for making this year an exceptional chapter in our shared journey.

UP unveils innovative Alumni Online Mall UP introduced the UP Alumni Online Mall, a unique shopping platform for its 300 000+ global alumni. Launched digitally in September, the mall offers discounts from over 400 renowned brands spanning various categories. Notably, subscription proceeds will support the UP Alma Mater Fund, aiding financially challenged students. The mall has a dual purpose: fundraising for students while rewarding alumni donors. The benefit packages cater to new, seasoned, and veteran graduates. The initiative aims to secure 1 000 annual subscriptions, potentially raising over R1.5 million for student support.

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TuksSport High School marks 21 years of success TuksSport High School, part of UP’s High Performance Centre, celebrated 21 years of remarkable growth. Beginning in a basement with 27 students, it now hosts over 200 students with a dedicated team of 25 educators. The school, based at De Villiers Sports Ground, emphasises both sports and academics. Principal Hettie de Villiers urges students to prioritise education, recognising that athletic careers may be short-lived. The school maintains a perfect academic record, with standout achievements in sports including Viwe Jingqi’s recognition as the fastest U-18 female sprinter globally and Tatjana Schoenmaker’s international gold medals.

Classical music reduces stress in cows A UP study revealed that playing soothing classical music to dairy cows reduces stress levels and boosts milk production. Conducted by UP graduate Lize-Mari Erasmus, the research demonstrates the impact of classical music on cow welfare. Holstein cows were divided into groups for over four months, with one group exposed to continuous classical music. The cows adapted to the music within two weeks. The study found that cows surrounded by music produced up to two litres more milk per session, indicating economic benefits for producers and improved animal welfare.

UP Law celebrates its continued reign as the best law faculty in South Africa and on the African continent, securing the top spot for the seventh consecutive year in the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings. The latest rankings, released on 26 October 2023, position UP Law at number 65 among the top 100 law schools worldwide, a significant improvement from last year’s rank of 78. The rankings evaluate law faculties based on teaching, research quantity and quality, and international outlook. UP Law has also claimed the first position on the African continent in the 2023 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Subject Rankings for Law.

100% pass rate and top rankings UP achieved a remarkable 100% pass rate in the 2023 South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) Initial Test of Competence (ITC). Notably, three UP students secured positions in the top ten, with Année van Staden claiming 1st place, Chloé Longwitz at 4th, and Savannah-Lee Correia Da Silva in joint 8th. Furthermore, UP had 10 candidates on SAICA’s Honours Roll, achieving 75% or higher in the ITC. The national pass rate rose to 75% from 59% in 2022. UP’s consistent pass rates over the past 15 years reflect its dedication to academic excellence. The CA Programme at UP received praise from university leadership for its local relevance and global competitiveness, as exemplified by the latest QS World Subject Rankings.

GIBS maintains decade-long dominance The Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) maintained its leadership in business education, as affirmed by the Financial Mail Annual MBA Review. GIBS stands out for its esteemed reputation among employers and as the top choice for MBA graduates. This recognition has been consistent for over a decade. The 24th

edition of the review incorporated data from 17 South African business schools and feedback from 308 employers. GIBS excelled in key areas, including being the preferred business school for MBA programmes when cost and distance are not factors, top choice for overall reputation, and primary preference for hiring.

nology. The library signifies UP’s commitment to evolving with international trends and fostering a learner-centric environment. With its transformative design, collaborative zones, and advanced technology, the library is poised to be a hub for knowledge-sharing, interdisciplinary engagement, and innovation.

Sci-Enza sparks coding and robotics enthusiasm

A century of taste and tradition

The University of Pretoria’s Sci-Enza science centre engaged with 1 500 learners from 19 primary schools in Tshwane, introducing them to coding and robotics. This outreach programme aims to nurture logical and computational thinking, contributing to improved education outcomes. Supported by the Department of Science and Innovation, the initiative showcases the centre’s commitment to making science accessible and relevant.

The Faculty of Humanities launched HumanEATies, a cookbook featuring 100 recipes to commemorate its 100th anniversary. This academic cookbook transcends a mere recipe collection and was a transdisciplinary endeavour, with recipes meticulously tested by finalyear Hospitality and Consumer Food Sciences students.

EMS Faculty earns AACSB accreditation

UP researchers achieved a significant milestone in South African plant sciences by sequencing the entire genome of the king protea, the country’s national flower. This marks the first in-depth sequencing of a plant unique to South Africa’s fynbos biome. The project, led by Professor Eshchar Mizrachi, provides insights into the evolutionary history of the king protea and its family, Proteaceae, which survived a mass extinction event 66 million years ago.

UP’s Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) achieved accreditation from The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, placing it among the top 6% of business institutions worldwide. This prestigious recognition, received after a thorough peer-review process, affirms UP’s commitment to the highest standards in commerce education. The EMS Faculty is the first of its kind in South Africa and Africa to receive this accreditation, with only three accredited business schools in the country.

Cutting-edge Health Sciences Library The University inaugurated a cuttingedge Health Sciences Library, aiming to blend learning with innovation and provide virtual spaces equipped with technology to empower students. Professor Tiaan de Jager, Dean of Health Sciences, celebrated the launch, aligning it with the University’s vision of breaking silos and embracing collaborative learning through tech-

UP researchers sequence King Protea genome

The Giving Matters campaign The University of Pretoria’s Hatfield Campus kicked off the second semester with UP-Topia, an event encompassing Giving Matters, THE UP WAY, and Make today matter. The campaign aims to engage both the University community and external stakeholders in philanthropy. The Giving Matters initiative, a three-year fundraising campaign, seeks to raise R100 million by 2024 to assist “missing middle” students. In 2022, it raised R19.3 million, and in 2023, it has already raised R15.2 million, surpassing the 2022 donor participation target by 74%. The Alumni Office will continue our efforts to keep in touch with you, and we urge our alumni to stay in contact with us. If you haven’t done so, please join the UP Alumni Connect platform. Please stay safe, and I look forward to connecting with you again in 2024. Ms Samantha Castle Senior Manager: Alumni Relations

Veterinary surgeons save heroic dog Veterinary surgeons at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital (OVAH) saved the life of Phoenix, a heroic dog that defended her family from armed robbers. When robbers attempted to enter her home, Phoenix attacked them, sustaining a gunshot wound to the head in the process. Her owner rushed her to OVAH, where the veterinary team, led by specialists in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery, managed her pain, removed bone fragments and broken teeth, and performed surgery to address her injuries.

Rule of law:

Be the best! Top in two international rankings UP Law celebrates the latest 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings for the subject area, law, confirming its position as the best law faculty in South Africa and on the African Continent for the seventh year in a row. According to the latest rankings, released on 26 October 2023, UP Law ranks number 65 in the top 100 law schools worldwide. This represents a significant improvement on last year’s position as number 78. The THE ranking assesses law faculties based on their performance in five pillars, including teaching, research quantity, and quality. Additionally, an assessment of the international outlook of law faculties is based on factors such as the number of international staff and students and the number of international collaborations.

An elated Dean, Professor Elsabe Schoeman, thanked the UP Law community for their sustained excellence and hard work, especially in the challenging post-Covid higher education environment. She emphasised the alignment of the Faculty’s strategic goals with those of the University, among others, to strengthen our international profile and global engagement through research, as well as to strengthen our social responsiveness and impact on society. The Dean called on everyone to continue to focus on research that matters and to intensify transformative research-informed teaching. “UP Law is committed to tackling the most pressing issues in our society and to work towards a better world for all,” the Dean said. By Wendy Ngcobo

UP Law is also ranked first on the African Continent in the 2023 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Subject Rankings for Law.

Law students win international competition UP Law students once again demonstrated their competitive capacity after winning the International Children’s Rights Moot Competition 2023, hosted by Leiden University in the Netherlands and law firm Baker McKenzie. Muskaan Singh (speaker), ChaunD du Plessis (speaker), Yonela Vayo (researcher), Kimberlin Brink (researcher), Vedanta Ramasary (coach) and Gracie Sargood (coach) took centre stage on 28 June when they edged out students from Tashkent State University of Law, in Uzbekistan, in the final, which featured 140 students from 19 countries. Sargood said this would not have been possible without teamwork, hard work and dedication to represent UP and South Africa exceptionally on pertinent world issues including climate change, environmental protection, and children’s health and safety. “The moot was an eye-opening experience that showed us how crucial it is, with the impending climate crisis in mind, to consider children,” Sargood said. “Each team member needed to dig deep and find their own inspiration to win this competition. As we needed to represent both sides, the applicant and respondent, it became a task of

trying to create arguments that were as strong as those we had created for the other side of the matter.”

during which time they brainstormed arguments, thoroughly discussed the applicable law and cases, and practised pleadings to iron out small imperfections. They also included breaks for fun team-building activities, which proved to be crucial.

As first speaker, Singh tackled procedural aspects, while Du Plessis focused on substantive matters. Researchers Vayo and Brink formulated arguments, identified holes in the team’s logic and helped to strengthen the speeches. Coaches Ramasary and Sargood provided guidance to the team.

“The one thing I took home from the competition is not to be afraid of not knowing – to always be open to learning and listening,” Vayo said. “I knew nothing about international law when we started, but now it is an aspect of law that I really enjoy! It is also now one of my favourite modules in third year.”

“Coaching the team with Gracie has been one of the most fulfilling experiences,” Ramasary said. “We were a team filled with passion, enthusiasm and playfulness. Winning the competition has not only instilled a deep appreciation for children’s rights and environmental law, but also confidence in our capabilities. I could not be more grateful to have had this journey with such exceptional individuals.”

“Participating in the competition has been an incredibly transformative experience,” Du Plessis said. “It’s where passion met purpose, and our team’s unwavering dedication to advocating for children’s rights found its voice. Our victory stands as a testament to the power of commitment, collaboration and the pursuit of justice for those who need it most. This journey has strengthened our resolve to continue advocating for children’s rights, making the world a better place for every child.”

The team conceded that it was difficult to manage a moot alongside their studies but that they had created a system of constant, clear communication and support. They wanted to be excellent from the get-go and met three to four times a week,

By James Mahlokwane

UP law students Vedanta Ramasary, Muskaan Singh, ChaunD du Plessis, Faculty of Law Dean Prof Elsabe Schoeman, Yonela Vayo, Gracie Sargood and Prof Ann Skelton, who is UNESCO Chair of Education Law in Africa at UP and Chairperson of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child.

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UP delivers

strong working capital Students from the University of Pretoria (UP) have consistently produced good pass rates in the SAICA Initial Test of Competence (ITC) over the last 15 years, attaining an average first-time pass rate of 95%. This year they went one better to achieve a 100% pass rate.

hree UP students are ranked among the top ten students in the country following the results of SAICA’s January 2023 ITC: Année van Staden (first overall), Chloé Longwitz (4th) and Savannah-Lee Correia Da Silva (joint 8th).

Kelebogile Selepe from Ernst & Young with Année van Staden who came first out of over 3 000 candidates who wrote the 2023 SAICA ITC.

Lushane Abrahams from Deloitte presents Chloë Longwitz with her certificate after being placed 4th in the country.

In addition to these students, UP has 10 candidates on SAICA’s Honours Roll for achieving 75% or more in the ITC: Chelsey Venter, Christopher Pieterse, Evan Walker, Isabella Van der Watt, Jean Van der Westhuizen, Louis Kruger, Nidhi Jani, Rikus Bester, Shante Dunstan and Zané Pretorius. Professor Madeleine Stiglingh, Head: CA-Programme in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) expressed her gratitude to the University’s and Faculty’s management for their continued support towards the CA-Programme.

“The successful completion of the ITC examination is a passport our students need to continue on their journey to reimagine and co-create the future and make a positive impact on society. We celebrate with our students who persevered and victoriously battled in the face of adversity through one of the most challenging times in higher education.” Professor Margaret Chitiga-Mabugu, Dean of the Faculty of EMS, congratulated all the staff members in the financial sciences departments for the role they played in UP achieving these sterling results. “These exceptional results not only showcase our academic excellence but are a demonstration that our programmes offer relevant knowledge that prepares our graduates for the world of work. We take immense pride in the performance of our students and sincerely congratulate them for upholding UP’s reputation of excellence,” she said. By Wendy Ngcobo

Overall ITC national pass rate 2023: 2022: 0%

50%

100%

Candidates who wrote the ITC 2023: 2022: 1 500

2 300

3 100

Candidates who passed 2023: 2022:

#1 in Africa

KPMG’s Brenda Jajula congratulates Savanna Lee Correia da Silva on her No 8 placing in the country.

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The QS World Subject Rankings rank UP first in South Africa and Africa in the Accounting and Finance subject areas.

1 500

2 300

174

3 100

Number of UP candidates who wrote the 2023 ITC

100%

Pass rate for UP candidates

Trailblazer Patricia Stock

appointed as SAICA’s first female CEO University of Pretoria (UP) alumna Patricia Stock has been appointed as the first female Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). Stock will take over the office from 1 December 2023.

“I

t’s an incredible honour to be the first female CEO at SAICA, and it fills me with gratitude and responsibility to model the way for other aspiring leaders,” Stock says. “While this achievement is a significant milestone, my focus has always been on competence, dedication, and contributing positively to the organisation and the profession as a whole.” She believes diversity in leadership generates fresh perspectives and enriches innovation and decisionmaking processes. “My appointment is a testament to the progress we’re making in promoting gender equality and diversity in leadership positions.” Stock is a co-founding member and current CEO of MGI RAS, a company that aims to provide sustainable solutions for enhancing good corporate governance, sustainable financial management practices, and effective people development in both the public and private sectors. Her academic journey was not easy due to stress, the pressures of studying, and financial constraints, but she managed to secure a bursary with the Auditor General of South Africa that helped ease the burden. “Obtaining my qualifications at UP was a transformative experience that had a profound impact on my career trajectory,” she says. “These

qualifications provided me with a solid academic foundation, honed my critical thinking abilities, and instilled in me a sense of confidence and competence. These qualities have undoubtedly set me apart from some of the graduates in my field and contributed significantly to my professional success.”

When it comes to her achievement and successes, Stock credits God and her mother, who resiliently supported her and her siblings with the proceeds of her informal trade selling fruits, vegetables, and snacks – a trade she started when she lost her a job as a domestic worker. By Xolani Mathibela

Stock, who was born in Atteridgeville and grew up in Mamelodi, Pretoria, says her life’s calling is to help professionals grow to be leaders of significance so that they in turn can help grow the people and organisations they are entrusted with. Her calling is summed up in her life philosophy: “Grow as I grow”. In her first year as SAICA CEO, Stock hopes to enhance member engagement; provide and contribute to innovative education and training; boost global advocacy for the profession and SMEs and strengthen sustainability initiatives for the organisation and its stakeholders. While these are ambitious goals, she believes that with the continued dedication of the team and the support of members, SAICA can achieve significant progress in the given term. She believes alumni are the living legacy of an institution, and their active engagement can contribute immensely to its growth and success. “Alumni can play a role in coaching, mentorship, guest lecturing, networking, fundraising, and advocacy,” she says.

Patricia Stock received her BCom Accounting Sciences degree from UP in 2005, and obtained her honours degree in the same field, along with a Theory of Accounting certificate, in 2006.

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South Africa’s ailing economy

needs capable leadership According to Vusi Thembekwayo, CEO of MyGrowthFund Venture Partners: “We have forgotten the hunger that got us here, and we are now arguing over things that are just unimportant.”

For whatever reason, we have forgotten the hunger that got us here, and we are now arguing over things that are just unimportant.

his was one of the opinions aired by Vusi Thembekwayo, CEO of MyGrowthFund Venture Partners, at the University of Pretoria’s (UP) first UP Alumni Business Breakfast. The event was held at UP’s business school, the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), in Illovo, Johannesburg, on 22 June 2023. The panel of business experts debated the topic ‘Skirting the edge: How South African businesses can survive our failing economy’. The three-person expert panel included Thembekwayo alongside Ben Kruger, Independent Non-Executive Director of the Standard Bank Group and Standard Bank South Africa, and Busi Mavuso, CEO of Business Leadership South Africa. The debate was moderated by UP alumnus and radio and TV broadcaster Clement Manyathela in front of a 200-person audience comprising UP and GIBS alumni and other businesspeople and UP stakeholders. It was also broadcast live to a global audience. “This is an important moment for South Africans to wake up and realise that we are in a race: we are not guaranteed to win and everything that we think of as our own is for the rest of the world’s taking,” Thembekwayo said. “So, every day when we wake up, we must be completely focused and obsessed with the idea of preserving and protecting the gains, and building on those gains.”

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He sought to remind government leaders that they need to recognise the importance and urgency of this moment, because the country is in pole position for a 100-metre race but, for whatever reason, it seems intent on slowing down. “The government of Rwanda builds the Kigali International Financial Centre, and off the back of that they say, ‘We want to be the Singapore of Africa, we want to domicile all fintech [finance technology) in Rwanda.’ They do not have the infrastructure, but they have got the will,” Thembekwayo said. “We are busy arguing over whose responsibility it is to make sure that the water coming out of your taps is safe to drink. It is not dissimilar to watching American news and going, ‘What are they talking about?’ That is how the rest of the continent sees us.” He added that in South Africa, at a provincial level, there are institutions that are provided capital by the National Treasury, with the mandate to find entrepreneurs and provide capital to them – but almost none of them meet their quota. When questioned, they say there are no entrepreneurs, but entrepreneurs are all over the internet and in need of financial assistance. Mavuso said the country’s financial woes can be attributed to a serious capacity issue in leadership. She said this is partly due to problems like cadre deployment – which resulted in politicians looking to enrich themselves – and corruption.

When leaders like the president of the country and his ministers are facing their own alleged corruption scandals, it becomes hard to expect them to have the moral ground to seriously call out corruption. This results in the normalisation of corruption, as leaders implicated in serious corruption cases walk freely with no serious consequences. “We just need to put the right people in power and everything else will fall into place,” she continued. “If you are going to have a City of Johannesburg Mayor who has a Grade 10 as his highest level of formal education, what strategic thinking and direction is going to happen? If you have cadre deployment – Chief Financial Officers who do not understand the difference between income and cash in municipalities – why are you surprised that you have failing and dysfunctional municipalities? From where I stand everything rises and falls on the strengths of our leadership. There is absolutely no way you can expect the City of Johannesburg Mayor to be able to do wonderful, innovative things. It is unfortunate, because you are putting him in a position where he is destined to fail. He has lost the race before he has even begun running.” Mavuso said cadre deployment was the fundamental mistake because it pushed out the people with the skills, expertise, and experience in the public service and replaced them with “a cadre lot”.

“Right now, I would say South Africa has a challenged economy, but if we are not careful, it will be a failed economy,” Kruger said. He directed the audience’s attention to countries like Germany, home to 18 of the world’s top tech companies, including Siemens and BMW. He added that Germany had created an environment that helped businesses thrive, by seeing them as catalysts for economic growth. “If you do not create the right environment for big business to flourish and to invest, it is harder for smaller businesses to be suppliers and operate in that value chain.” Kruger added that the right people are required at the top because leaders like President Cyril Ramaphosa are “not illintended but ill-directed”.

Busi Mavuso, CEO of Business Leadership South Africa, feels the country’s financial woes can be attributed to a serious capacity issue in leadership.

By James Mahlokwane

Ben Kruger, Independent Non-Executive Director of the Standard Bank Group, cautions against South Africa moving from a challenged economy to a failed economy.

Clement Manyathela, UP alumnus and radio and TV broadcaster, moderated the discussion at UP’s first Alumni Business Breakfast.

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The training ground for

top nuclear physicians A recent University of Pretoria graduate, Janet Reed, has been recognised as South Africa’s top nuclear medicine physician.

he trained under Prof Mike Sathekge, who received the 2023 Presidential Distinguished Award of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. “The combination of science and medicine sparked my interest in this fascinating and rapidly evolving speciality to optimise patient care,” she says. Reed, who hails from Roodekrans on the West Rand, graduated with a Master’s of Medicine in Nuclear Medicine at the University of Pretoria in April 2023. She was admitted in May 2023 as a fellow at the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa, which recognised her as the top nuclear medicine physician in the country. After graduating as the country’s top nuclear medicine physician, Reed had a journal article published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine. She also received the top achiever’s medal and an Academic Honours Blazer. Nuclear medicine is a specialised field of imaging and therapy which uses small amounts of radioactivity in the form of radiopharmaceuticals to study various organ systems in the body and diagnose and treat disease. “I have always had a great desire to make a difference and to help people,

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and together with my passion for science and biology, nuclear medicine was the perfect fit,” she adds. After graduating with an MBChB from the University of Pretoria in 2015, Reed worked at Steve Biko Academic Hospital until May 2019 before commencing with her master’s under world-renowned nuclear medicine specialist Professor Mike Sathekge in June 2019. “Training under Prof Mike was a privilege. Not only is he a worldrenowned nuclear physician, but he always helps his trainees to reach their absolute best potential and juggles many roles in the process, including academia and engagement in optimising our academics so that we can succeed,” she states. Deeply spiritual, Reed praised God for the strength and capacity to give of her best daily. She is currently working in private practice. By Sindisiwe Kubeka

A global leader

in nuclear medicine research

Prof Mike Sathekge heads the South African Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI) at Steve Biko Academic Hospital.

e has facilitated the translation of research, development and innovation into tangible benefits for patients and communities. His work on targeted alpha therapy for cancer care has led to groundbreaking advancements, including some of the first in-man studies, further cementing his position as a global leader. In addition to his outstanding research contributions, Prof Sathekge’s leadership in the field has been instrumental in promoting accessibility, availability and affordability of radiopharmaceutical theragnostics globally. As president of the World Association of Radiopharmaceutical and Molecular Therapy (WARMTH), he has played a crucial role in advocating for the appropriate use of these advanced medical technologies.

FAST FACTS • Nuclear medicine is a specialised area of radiology that uses very small amounts of radioactive materials, or radiopharmaceuticals, to examine organ function and structure. Because X-rays pass through soft tissue, these tissues are difficult to visualise on a standard X-ray. A contrast agent allows the tissue to be seen more clearly and nuclear imaging helps visualise organ and tissue structure as well as their function.

• The Department of Nuclear Medicine at the University of Pretoria is one of the leading centres used by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to train physicians and radiographers on the continent.

Prof Mike Sathekge, Head of the Department of Nuclear Medicine in the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Steve Biko Academic Hospital, received the 2023 Presidential Distinguished Award of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging at its annual congress on 26 June 2023. Prof Sathekge is also CEO/Head of the main Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI).

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Digital solutions from Africa

The only South African female using AI in medical imaging has been honoured by the G20 for her pioneering work in technology. This recognition marks a historic first for South Africa within the G20 context, signifying the nation’s prowess in digital innovation.

r Kathryn Malherbe from the Department of Radiography within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria (UP) earned this international recognition on the global stage of the G20 Digital Innovation Alliance Conference. The prestigious conference, held alongside the fourth meeting of the ‘Digital Economy Working Group’ under G20, saw Dr Malherbe bestowed with the coveted Best Female Founder award. This remarkable accolade was presented on 18 August 2023, during the conference held in Bengaluru, India. Attended by luminaries

in the global digital landscape, the event celebrated innovators who offer digital solutions to diverse global economies. “I am thrilled to have received international recognition on such an esteemed platform as the G20, with our Minister of Digital Technology, Minister Mondli Gungubele, there to support us,” shared Dr Malherbe, reflecting on the honour that this recognition brings not only to her but to the entire nation. Dr Malherbe, a lecturer in the Department of Radiography, achieved this accolade specifically for her groundbreaking creation named Breast AI. This artificial neural network empowers ultrasound imaging to detect, segment, and predict breast cancer even in remote settings, utilising a wireless Wi-Fi ultrasound probe. Amidst the gathering of over 140 small, medium, and micro enterprises at the G20 Digital Innovation Alliance Conference, Dr Malherbe’s contributions were notably exceptional. With the Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies of South Africa as her early investors, her innovative technology took centre stage. Dr Malherbe’s transformative technology has practical applications in community healthcare. It has been implemented at local Unjani clinics, bolstering community

education and patient navigators, and significantly reducing the time women in rural settings must wait for surgical intervention in cases of breast cancer. Reflecting on her achievements, Dr Malherbe remarked: “We are not only deploying AI tech, we are also promoting community education and patient navigators through community healthcare workers to assist in the entire treatment pathway.” Her recognition at the G20 conference carries a ripple effect, with potential collaborations and positive impacts on global healthcare. Her message to aspiring women in the science and technology fields is powerful: “Your gender should be used to your advantage, not your detriment. Anything is possible if you set your mind to it.” Dr Malherbe’s passion for research is evident: “I always get UP students excited about research, since it was my research that got the innovation to where it is. Students at UP shouldn’t see research as just another module they have to complete for the sake of their degree.” Her journey highlights the transformative power of research-driven innovation and serves as an inspiring example for students to embrace the potential of research in their educational journey.

Tres, dos, uno...

We have lift off! When Payload Aerospace SL (PLD Space) made history when it launched MIURA 1, marking Europe’s first fully private rocket launch, a UP alumna was there.

arishma Maharaj is a business developer at the Spanish aerospace company, and she recalls the moment: “In the early hours of 7 October 2023, those of us who were not part of the launch team gathered at our headquarters to watch the livestream of the event. I was nervous, but perhaps not as much as many of the other newly minted PLD employees,” Maharaj says.

an auto-abort. But then, the rocket began to climb. I screamed. We all did. Then it needed to clear the launchpad. If it did not, both the rocket and the supporting infrastructure could be destroyed, which would put PLD Space in a precarious situation. The rocket continued to climb. I jumped up and down. I cried that ugly cry reserved for life-changing moments.”

As she had previously watched the MIURA 1 prototype qualification test in September 2022 and the two previous MIURA 1 launch attempts, she was considered an ‘old hand’ at managing her emotions. However, as soon as the switch to auto-sequence occurred at the T-2 minute mark, all her apparent self-possession evaporated.

MIURA 1, which was launched from the El Arenosillo Experimentation Centre operated by the National Institute for Aerospace Technology, is designed to be reusable, and makes use of an aerobrake and parachute system, which allows it to land safely in the sea, where it is recovered by a ship. The advantage of a reusable rocket is that it reduces the environmental impact.

“Before take-off, no one breathed,” she continues. “We had been here before, just before the summer, when a timing issue with an umbilical connection initiated

“Less material is wasted and less energy, water and other resources are consumed during manufacturing,” Maharaj explains. “It also has a direct impact on our cost structure, since increasing the number of times a rocket or rocket stage is reused reduces the cost of manufacturing. This means higher gross margins per flight.”

Having lived on three continents, and having worked in oil and space, I have realised that the engineering education received at UP is indeed world class; it has taught me to decompose any problem into its fundamentals before trying to formulate a solution

This is a major milestone for PLD Space according to Maharaj. “It shows the world, government, investors, customers, current and future employees that we are a serious launch company that delivers in a brutal industry.” Maharaj obtained a Bachelor of Engineering in 2011, an Honours in Chemical Engineering in 2012 and Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering in 2013, all cum laude, from UP, and says she chose to study and further her studies at the University because of the unparalleled engineering programme.

By Sindisiwe Kubeka By Xolani Mathibela

TUKKIE | University of Pretoria

Shop it forward

A game-changer!

Leave a lasting legacy

“I found this platform to be an absolute game-changer, especially for shopaholics like myself. The convenience it offers is unparalleled. From the comfort of my home, I was able to access a diverse range of products, all tailored to suit the needs of a busy professional. Not only did it save me precious time, but it also provided incredible savings that were hard to come by elsewhere. Navigating through the online mall was an absolute breeze. The user-friendly interface ensured that I could find what I needed without any hassle.”

One-of-a-kind UP Alumni Online Mall will raise funds for students in need while alumni members shop

he University of Pretoria (UP) has launched the UP Alumni Online Mall, a first-of-its-kind in South Africa shopping hub aimed at the University’s more than 300 000 alumni around the world. Launched digitally in September, the UP Alumni Online Mall features deals from over 400 top brands offering products and services across South Africa and globally. UP’s alumni community can shop at discounted rates from leading brands dealing in food, insurance, gym and lifestyle services, health, motoring, entertainment, travel, fashion, accessories, sports products, homeware, beauty products, gifts, and children’s products and services. What makes this experience even more unique, though, is that proceeds from the subscription fees will go towards the UP Alma Mater Fund, which helps needy students finance their studies. “It is heartbreaking to learn that there are still a lot of students who walk into UP’s Student Funding office having lost hope and thinking of deregistering because they cannot afford to pay for their education,” says Samantha Castle, UP Alumni Relations Manager. “What is even more painful is that these are mostly students in the ‘missing middle’, which means they come from families that earn just enough to disqualify them from National Student Financial Aid Scheme funding, but not enough to afford bank loans to fund their education.”

TUKKIE | University of Pretoria

Having an appreciation of this frustration and the fact that our alumni community is aware of the hardships students face trying to acquire an education in South Africa, the Alumni Office looked for an innovative way to combine two imperatives: Raise funds for students, while simultaneously rewarding our alumni-donors. According to Castle: “The UP Alumni Online Mall is meant to complement the initiatives UP has in place to restore the future of defeated students who would otherwise drop out of university and see their chances of finding employment and reaching their goals through education decrease.” Benefit packages are designed to be appealing to three types of alumni: new graduates (those recently out of university who need to build a solid financial base by saving on rent, utilities, and groceries); seasoned graduates (five to 20 years out of university and who have more disposable income and a desire to improve their living conditions through family, housing, and lifestyles upgrades); as well as veteran graduates (20+ years out of university and who can afford to travel and purchase luxury items and retirement savings services).

much as R1 250 per month in grocery and well-being coupons redeemable at leading retail stores nationwide for just R150 a month. Our goal is to get 1 000 annual subscriptions and raise at least R1.5 million,” confirmed Project Manager Lubuto Kalanga. “Just imagine the positive impact we can have in the lives of young people, who are the future of this country. Our alumni community will get to leave a lasting legacy while carrying on with their day-to-day business. Who would not want to save up to 20% on gym fees at Planet Fitness or enjoy buy-one-get-onefree movie tickets at Ster-Kinekor and NuMetro, as well as discounted local and international accommodation, flights, and car hire? This was not easy to accomplish, but we believe we have done something very unique and almost unreal.” “We are excited about being able to provide a valuable service and muchneeded savings to our alumni, while also allowing them to help our most needy students, thereby contributing to the creation of the stronger country and continent we dream of,” Castle said. “We wish our alumni happy shopping and big savings!”

“The platform is quite amazing and easy to navigate. I redeemed a discount under the travel category and within 24 hours I was contacted to make a booking. The turnaround was impressive and they gave me other options to consider.

Vuyiswa Dlomo

Year of Graduation: 2023

Duané Kitching

Class of 2022: BCom (Hons), Marketing

Get shopping

Access the UP Alumni Online Mall savings by joining at the Alumni Online Mall homepage.

Fill in your details.

Make an online payment of R150 a month via debit order, or a once-off payment of R1 800 for the year.

Once you’ve subscribed, you will be able to log into the online mall and get discount coupons to use in-store or online (or sometimes both).

Note: An integration with our database of alumni will verify your graduate status using your ID number or passport number (for international alumni).

By James Mahlokwane

“As much as we say, ‘Save big, stay connected and leave a lasting legacy’, this is really an easy-to-use win-win product that will save our alumni as

TUKKIE | University of Pretoria

Alumni that

She praises the education she received at UP, saying that the curriculum, along with the teaching and learning methods, were eye-openers for her.

mean business

“As an alumna I believe we alumni will have the biggest impact by being excellent at whatever our chosen fields are. Our example really is the biggest value back to the brand.”

Xolani Mathibela spoke to three alumni whose prominence on the national and international stage positively positions UP as a global institution and helps create fertile ground in which relationships can be cultivated. Translating opportunities into action Cecilia Iturralde speaks four languages, can understand six, and has for the past 15 years been a Spanish interpreter to the President of South Africa and the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. She has also been playing a valuable role in promoting partnerships and knowledge exchanges between South African and Brazilian start-ups.

“The South African Embassy in Brazil has been engaging with Instituto Jovem Exportador (IJEx), a non-profit organisation, for over 18 months to arrange a visit to South Africa,” she informs. IJEx trains and empowers young entrepreneurs and start-ups and gives them exposure to international markets. South Africa’s Department of Science and Innovation has a Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) which offers similar training to start-ups and entrepreneurs. TIA hosted the delegation from Brazil. “Following the introductory visit to Africa earlier this year, IJEx has received calls of interest from various entities in Brazil who have pledged funding and incentives so that this initiative may be replicated in 2024, and hopefully for years to come,” reports Iturralde.

Entrepreneurship forces us to challenge our comfort zones. It is also the best alternative to unemployment - Cecilia Iturralde

TUKKIE | University of Pretoria

TIA has also pledged to participate and showcase South African start-ups at the acclaimed INNOVA SUMMIT, which takes place annually in June in Brazil. “Not everyone needs to go to university to succeed. Those with technical education are in high demand and work opportunities offer impressive salaries. We need to demystify the notion that if you do not have a degree, life will be doom and gloom. Not so. If you do not have a skill, then only will life be tough.”

Iturralde attained her Bachelor of Arts in Speech Pathology and Audiology degree from UP in 1985 and a master’s degree in public policy from the Catholic University of Bolivia in 2004. She managed an independent consulting firm that specialised in attracting direct foreign investments into Bolivia and later joined South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). She is currently serving in Brazil, promoting economic relationships between South Africa and her host country.

New CEO of the National Business Initiative Shameela Soobramoney, who stepped into her role as the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National Business Initiative (NBI) in April, says “finding out about this new role was both scary and exciting”. “It will stretch me beyond the remit of my previous roles and the unknown is of course daunting. Yet, I find it exciting to help effect systemic change and advance the aims of sustainability and sustainable development through the NBI’s platforms for collaborative action.” Soobramoney graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration in 2005, and obtained her Master of Business Administration in 2007.

SA ‘superpower’ wants to help Our example (as alumni) really is the biggest value back to the brand - Shameela Soobramoney

She sees this new appointment as an opportunity to help chart a course that will ultimately benefit future generations. “And I will get to do this with a fabulous leadership team who are experts at what they do,” she adds. Prior to joining the NBI, Soobramoney was Chief Sustainability Officer for the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) where she was responsible for, among other things, integrating sustainability within the organisation and being a regulator. While one of her goals is to ensure the wellness of the NBI team as a whole, for this year she will establish relationships with NBI’s stakeholders, co-create and agree on the next phase of strategy and growth. “Throughout, I will ensure the continuation of the great work that has been happening from long before my term.” She added that the she aims to continually evolve and progress the strategy to help the businesses as a collective, reach sustainable development and low-carbon economy targets.

“Out of more than 1 500 applications received, I was one of 20 candidates to be selected by Accenture because of my qualification from the University of Pretoria (UP),” says Vincent Magagula, He now works as a Senior Strategy Consultant at multinational Deloitte in New York.

aid through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, but also to secure additional funding. Two bursaries – the Dell Young Leaders scholarship and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange bursary – helped to ease the burden.” He is involved in the UP-US Foundation, an organisation that assists alumni and friends of UP to give back financially in the most tax-effective manner. “More broadly, I want to be a resource to fellow alumni who are thinking of making the transition to this side of the world, and I am contributing financially to the University through the alumni fund.”

Magagula (28) obtained a BCom degree in Investment Management at UP in 2016. “Being part of Deloitte has broadened my horizons,” he says. “I’ve had great experiences working on projects that I wouldn’t have ordinarily worked on when I was in South Africa.” What excites him most about the job is that it forces him to think critically and innovatively about how to solve problems at a global scale. “Being South African is a superpower at some of these international spaces,” he says. “The manner in which we carry ourselves, and our sense of humility and being grounded, really shines through in corporate environments.”

I want to be a resource to fellow alumni who are thinking of making the transition to the US - Vincent Magagula

Thinking back to his student days, Magagula says that funding was his biggest challenge. “My parents couldn’t afford to pay for my fees as they were making less than R60 000 a year,” he says. “I had to work extra hard to be on financial

TUKKIE | University of Pretoria

Moo-nlight

Stress less

Sonata

Cows soothed by classical music produce more milk. That may not have been Beethoven or Bach’s original intention, but a University of Pretoria (UP) study has shown that playing soothing classical music to dairy cows lowers their stress levels and increases their milk production.

he findings, which were published in the journal Domestic Animal Endocrinology, are the result of research by Lize-Mari Erasmus, a former member of UP’s Camerata choir, who has a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Agriculture (Animal Science) cum laude from the University. Erasmus’s MSc studies allowed her to combine her two passions: music and animals. Before embarking on a career in animal sciences, she had obtained a Bachelor of Music degree at UP, with Choral Conducting as one of her majors. Hers is the first study of its kind in South Africa to investigate the influence of classical music on the stress levels and milk production of cows. “The health and welfare of dairy cows go hand in hand with efficient and sustainable dairy production,” she says about the value of providing farm animals with enriching environments. The World Organisation for Animal Health describes animal welfare as a human responsibility, and includes all aspects of animal life, including proper management, housing, disease prevention and treatment, humane handling and responsible care.

TUKKIE | University of Pretoria

“Providing cows with an enriching, stimulating environment, such as through music, is one way of improving their living conditions and, in the process, looking after their mental needs too,” Erasmus says. In order to oversee the experimental phase of her project, Erasmus spent four months at Innovation Africa @UP’s Future Africa Institute, where a herd of Holstein cows are kept. “Not many studies have been conducted within the setting of a commercial dairy farm such as the one at Future Africa,” she notes. Nine Holstein cows were divided into three groups of three, and over the course of four months, each group was exposed to three treatments. One group of animals was exposed to classical music every day for 24 hours wherever they were on the farm; another group wasn’t exposed to any music at all; and in the third group, the cows heard classical music only when they were being milked. Erasmus says she could sense from their slightly agitated behaviour that the cows that were exposed to music needed time to adapt to their “new normal”, which they did within two weeks.

She included works from well-known composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Edvard Grieg, Arcangelo Corelli and Jacques Offenbach, as well as compositions such as Ludwig van Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, Camille Saint-Saëns’s The Carnival of the Animals and George Frideric Handel’s Water Music. This was played over a speaker system on shuffle mode to ensure that the animals did not learn to associate a particular sequence of music with a particular part of the day, such as milking time. About her choice of slower pieces of classical music, Erasmus says: “Previous research has found that dairy cows prefer slow music to fast-paced music, and instrumental music such as the classics rather than rock or Latin music.”

More Mozart, more milk from these cows who were part of Lize-Mari Erasmus’s study on the effects of classical music on cows.

Image Credit: Lize Erasmus and Martie Meyer

In order to determine the stress levels of the cows, and with the help of UP’s Endocrine Research Laboratory, she regularly tested how much glucocorticoid (a hormone that is produced in stressful situations) was found in the dung and milk of the animals in the different treatment groups. “Cows exposed to constant music had the lowest stress-related levels of glucocorticoid in their dung,” she explains. “They were noticeably calmer when being milked, which is generally a stressful time of the day because of all the activity.” Up to two litres more milk per milking session were obtained from the cows when they were constantly surrounded by music all day and night. “The findings indicate that auditory stimuli as a form of environmental enrichment have economic benefits to the producer,” Erasmus says. “It could mean that milk producers might be able to keep fewer cows, yet still be profitable. I believe consumers will respond positively if they know that the milk they use comes from cows who are kept on a farm where environmental enrichment of the animals’ surroundings is a matter of priority.” Erasmus’ research was supervised by Professor Esté van Marle-Köster, Head of the Department of Animal Science at UP, with Prof André Ganswindt, Director of the Mammal Research Institute in UP’s Department of Zoology and Entomology, as co-supervisor. “Prof Van Marle-Köster loves classical music too, and was immediately interested when I first presented her with the idea of studying the influence of classical music as a way of improving the welfare of cows,” Erasmus says. By Lize Erasmus, Prof Este van MarleKoster and Prof André Ganswindt

TUKKIE | University of Pretoria

Family matters

The highlight of his career was in 2020, when the National Treasury invited metropolitan municipalities to submit proposals for the City Public Employment Programme and the City of Tshwane was awarded R146 million in 2021/22 and R140 million in 2022/23 to create job opportunities for unemployed youth.

It’s not unusual that the UP Community regards itself as a family – so many children follow in their parents’ footsteps by choosing the University of Pretoria as their preferred place to study. Others fall in love with, and at, UP. Three families share their stories with Xolani Mathibela. Family hat-trick: all cum laude! When Gerald Ramsden completed his LLB degree in 1985 he never imagined that 35 years later he would become a student again and have two of his daughters as fellow students at the University of Pretoria (UP).

For the family’s medical graduate, Megan, her studies exposed her to the practical aspects of healthcare at a fairly early stage. “This helped me to hone my practical skills as a student, which enabled me to hit the ground running when I started my internship. This is a huge advantage of the approach taken by the UP medical school.” Brittany says obtaining her qualification cum laude proved to her that perseverance and hard work allows one to achieve your set goals. “I believe that my role as a graduate is to help to spread a positive message about UP, and to share what tools UP provided me with to cope in the working world.”

Gerald completed his LLM (Master’s degree in Law) in 2021 and is currently enrolled for a doctoral degree, while his daughters Megan and Brittany completed MBChB and BEd degrees in 2022. He says he and his daughters opted for UP because of strong recommendations, the institution’s high academic standards, and the quality of student life it offers. “Megan and Brittany wanted to experience residence life, but also did not want to be too far from home. As we live in Johannesburg, UP was the natural choice to achieve this, particularly since it also offered the particular academic courses they were interested in.”

TUKKIE | University of Pretoria

Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that, 35 years later, I would become a student again. What made the dream even crazier is that my two daughters were my fellow students at UP! Gerald Ramsden

Like father, like son, like UP Accounting graduate Reitumetse Manasoe and his father, Dr Benjamin Manasoe, also a UP alumnus, are on the same page when it comes to recognising what has made them futurefit professionals: the experience of having studied at UP. “Getting my qualification at UP was a transformative experience that equipped me with valuable academic and professional skills and knowledge,” said Reitumetse, who graduated with a BCom degree in Accounting Sciences during the 2023 autumn graduation sessions. “I have developed stronger critical-thinking skills, as well as time management, communication and collaboration skills, and I am confident that my time at the University has prepared me for success in all aspects of my life.”

“More than 12 000 unemployed youth in Tshwane have benefitted from the programme to date,” Dr Manasoe said.

His father felt the same way when he obtained his BCom (Hons) in Economics from UP back in 2000. “UP prepared me to be among the best change-makers in the local economic development spectrum where I head up the Economic Development Division of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality,” said Dr Manasoe, who is also a part-time lecturer at the Tshwane University of Technology. Reitumetse’s degree has already opened doors for him. “I have been given the opportunity to commence my South African Institute of Chartered Accountants articles without completing my postgraduate diploma, which is not common.” “It was an easy decision for my son to follow in my footsteps, because he knows that UP is ranked among the top universities in South Africa and offers high-quality education,” Dr Manasoe said. “It is incredible how a qualification from UP can open doors for one out there.”

It is incredible how a qualification from UP can open doors for one out there Dr Benjamin Manasoe

Merensky plays Cupid Preshnee and Reagan Moodley met at the Merensky Library on the University of Pretoria (UP) Hatfield Campus on 6 November 2003. Twenty years later they are still happily married, with three children who they hope to send to UP for their studies. Reagan says there’s no formula that guarantees 20 years of relative marital bliss – it’s their love for one another that keeps them going. “My wife and I spend a lot of time with our three children. We share common goals. We love cooking together,” he says. “We have a well-balanced life between our careers, entertainment, and family time. We continuously express our love towards each other, showing a deeper appreciation for each other.” Preshnee graduated with a LLB degree in 2005 and works as a Senior Legal Counsel and Company Secretary at global mobilitysolutions firm Alstom Southern Africa. Reagan obtained an MBA in 2006 and is the CEO and Director of AGW Systems, a company he founded which designs aluminium doors and windows as well as a range of glass accessories and finished goods. For Preshnee, getting her qualification at UP boosted her confidence, enabling her to become comfortable with presenting and speaking to large groups.

“Participating in the case studies, business simulation projects, moot court… all of this exposure helped me to understand the expectations and values of the workplace,” she says. Reagan echoes his wife’s sentiments, saying his MBA at UP helped him shift from an engineering career to a finance career at Eskom. Having an engineering background and studying finance as part of the MBA provided him with a strong skill set to create financial models and simulate scenarios in business that set companies apart from their competitors. Ten years after completing his MBA he decided to become an entrepreneur. “My MBA allowed me to think out of the box and see opportunities in all spheres of life.”

Twenty years after they met in the Merensky Library, UP graduates Preshnee and Reagan Moodley are still going strong – and looking forward to sending their children to their alma mater.

TUKKIE | University of Pretoria

Sounds of success From titans of business to innovators in the fields of science and humanities, prominent South African voices from across disciplines share their stories on LeadUP of where their journey has taken them after their time at Tuks. The LeadUP Podcast gives members of the University of Pretoria (UP) community and the broader public access to prominent UP alumni and alumni associates. This university podcast aims to ensure a global audience has access to South African and African thought leaders.

Here are six alumni and friends who shared their stories in season 3.

Episode 1:

Episode 2:

Episode 3:

Ndavi Nokeri, Miss South Africa 2022, on overcoming inequality in education

Laurie Dippenaar, millionaire and businessman, on building trust and wealth

Prof Shakila Dada, communications expert, on communication as a way to boost inclusivity

Ndavi Nokeri is now the third consecutive Miss South Africa to have graduated from the University of Pretoria. She received her BCom Investment Management degree a few months before she was crowned Miss South Africa and instantly became a role model to young and older people all over the country.

Laurie Dippenaar is a South African millionaire, businessman, investor, and banker with a wealth of knowledge who co-founded the FirstRand Financial Group, which includes subsidiaries WesBank, FNB, and RMB. He graduated from the University of Pretoria with a Master of Commerce degree, and was recently awarded an honorary doctorate.

She spoke to us about: • How and why she decided to study at the University of Pretoria.

He spoke to us about: • How he started out in banking.

•

How little things contribute towards achieving a big goal.

•

Creating a business environment based on trust.

•

Entering the Miss SA competition to make a difference in her community.

•

How he’s encouraged other entrepreneurs.

•

Her work in battling education inequality and the impact it’s creating.

•

His views on wealth and progress.

•

His long relationship with the University of Pretoria.

•

What she would love to do after her time as Miss South Africa.

TUKKIE | University of Pretoria

Professor Shakila Dada is the Director of the University of Pretoria’s Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Her work focuses on improving the lives of people with severe communication difficulties. She is a powerful example of UP alumni becoming staff and building long-running relationships with the institution that ultimately help change lives on a large scale.

Episode 4:

Episode 5:

Episode 6:

Munozovepi Gwata, fintech entrepreneur, on financial literacy for success

Robyn Oates, UN Sustainable Development Officer, on working for good

Sipho Ngwenya, media executive, on how to find your space in the entertainment industry

Munozovepi Gwata is the founder of Kukura Capital, and an entrepreneur passionate about teaching Africans about financial literacy. She completed her LLB at the University of Pretoria before moving to Webber Wentzel, and is currently a Principal Consultant at IQbusiness. She has been involved in the World Economic Forum’s Global Shaper Entrepreneurship Programme, delivered a TEDxTalk, and has written for a variety of financial media outlets.

Robyn Oates is a Sustainable Development Officer in the United Nations Secretary General’s Office in New York City. After completing her BCom Honours in Accounting Sciences at the University of Pretoria, she worked in the private sector, including at Deloitte and Barclays Capital.

Sipho Ngwenya, formerly known as Psyfo, was a child star before becoming a household name playing Ajax on Generations. After a successful period as a musician, he received his MBA from the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), and is now a senior manager at Showmax.

She chatted to us about: • How her family’s support helped her find the courage to explore internationally.

He chatted to us about: • Lessons he’s learned from achieving fame and success early on.

She chatted to us about: •

What drives her passion for financial literacy.

•

How she taught herself to invest in shares when she was a teenager.

•

Growing as a content creator through teaching others about finances.

•

Balancing the worlds of entrepreneurship and her corporate career.

•

The basics of becoming financially free.

•

How he’s transitioned between different parts of the entertainment industry.

Living her dream in New York City.

•

How she holds on to hope and focuses on taking action to improve things.

Dedicating a lot of time and effort to his studies.

•

Supporting the entertainment industry from a management perspective.

•

The future of content that targets African audiences.

•

Finding her voice in the private sector.

• •

•

Learning patience and compromise in working to bring about change.

She chatted to us about: •

How her work helps different types of people.

•

How improved communication can help people live better, fuller lives.

•

What she has learned through working with vulnerable communities.

•

What it has been like to be at UP as it transforms and changes.

•

Why inclusion of marginalised people is key to progress.

•

How each of us can help make our society a more inclusive and happier place.

Download, listen and subscribe to the LeadUP Podcast today. Click here to find LeadUP Podcast in your favourite podcast app.

Listen to our YouTube playlist 9

Or listen from your browser.

TUKKIE | University of Pretoria

Our Top 32

young visionaries

191

Number of UP staff and alumni who have been recognised as the country’s most exceptional youth

Of the 200 inspiring young people recognised in this year’s Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans initiative, 16% come from the University of Pretoria (UP).

“Y

our achievements are not just a testament to your individual brilliance and dedication. They are also a shining embodiment of the values and aspirations of our beloved institution,” said Professor Carolina Koornhof, UP’s Executive Director of Finance and Business Initiatives, during an event on the Hatfield campus to honour these recipients. For the past 17 years, young people who have had a beneficial impact on society have been chosen by the Mail & Guardian for its 200 Young South Africans list. Since the inception of the awards, 191 UP staff members and alumni – including the 32 honourees this year – have been recognised as the country’s most exceptional youth. This year, the publication received more than 3 000 nominees, and the theme was ‘Celebrating South African visionaries’. “As we celebrate your accomplishments, which are at the forefront of improving our society, we are reminded of the extensive network of change-makers that UP has fostered over the years,” Prof Koornhof said. “Each one of you is a living testament to the transformative power of education, proving that knowledge, when coupled with passion and purpose, can indeed change lives.”

TUKKIE | University of Pretoria

Samantha Castle, Senior Manager of Alumni Relations at UP, said that UP-affiliated individuals stood out in every category this year, from arts, entertainment and health to technology and innovation. “I am honoured that many of you could join us today,” Castle said. “I would like to wholeheartedly express my personal and collective pride in each and every one of you. You are inspiring a whole lot of us, because when you shine, UP also shines and the whole of South Africa shines.” Sanan Mirzoyec, an awardee in the Justice & Law category, said: “Finding out that I had been selected really meant a lot to me and I was quite surprised. These awards add credibility to what I am doing and affirm that I am going in the right direction; it really is a confidence booster.” Sephela Thema, an awardee in the Mining & Minerals category, said: “I wasn’t working directly towards receiving this award, but getting this recognition is amazing and I am grateful to my peers who nominated me. Indirectly I have been working on this through the work that I do. I am really excited.” “I did not expect this,” said Noluthando Sithole, an awardee in the Rural Development Projects category. “I cofounded an NPO with friends, which was at first a hobby more than anything

else. However, it grew to be something very close to me. I was pleasantly surprised to have won.” Prof Koornhof encouraged the awardees to consider furthering their studies at UP. “With more than 900 postgraduate options available, our institution offers a rich academic environment where innovation and research are not just encouraged but celebrated. Additionally, I urge you to explore the diverse opportunities offered by UP Online, our digital learning platform that brings world-class education to your fingertips and allows you to study at UP from anywhere, at any time and at your own pace.”

Each one of you is a living testament to the transformative power of education, proving that knowledge, when coupled with passion and purpose, can indeed change lives. Professor Carolina Koornhof, UP’s Executive Director of Finance and Business Initiatives

Growing recognition Over the years, the M&G list has featured a growing number of UP trailblazers.

She also took the opportunity to remind the honourees to sign up to the recently launched UP Alumni Online Mall, an exciting first for a university in Africa. “This platform is exclusive to UP alumni, and offers you savings of thousands of rands on your groceries, gym, health, travel and movie expenses, for just R150 a month or R1 800 a year. The best part, though, is that while you shop and save, the proceeds from your membership goes toward the UP Alma Mater Fund, which helps students in the ‘missing middle’ fund their studies.” By Xolani Mathibela

TUKKIE | University of Pretoria

Artology a

visual feast A coffee table book brings together select works from the University of Pretoria’s diverse art collections that hopefully stirs emerging scholars and inspires more transdisciplinary research on one of the most admired collections in higher education.

Animato Religioso, 2022. Andrea du Plessis (b.1980). Multimedia, oil on canvas with augmented reality (AR) interaction. To view this artwork and transform the way you look at art, download the Artivive app available on Google Play

new curated art book Artology, published by the University of Pretoria (UP) Museums, is perhaps one of the most significant art publications for the institution. Artology is a relatively novel concept that has not been included in any dictionaries, as an exhibition, a museum strategy and now as a bold new art book. This coffee table book titled, Artology: the University of Pretoria Museum Collections [1922-2022] gives readers a curated overview of some iconic works of art dating from the Palaeolithic period, the Classical, the Historical, through to the Twentieth century, and the most recent. The best-of-the best are curated and collated to reveal an array of paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, artefacts, and other cultural and art items from the University of Pretoria’s archives and permanent collections are shown in this beautifully curated book.

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This excellent book makes a great addition to anyone’s bookcase and is a great research resource. It is also an ideal Christmas gift for any art patron, UP alumna, student, staff member or museum-goer. A curatorial delight and visual feast, Artology features more than 300 items from the museum’s enormous 20 000-piece holdings, and an incalculable amount of archival material. The publication focuses on the 100-year history of collecting, beginning in 1922 with UP’s first donation of a lithograph of Paul Kruger by JH Pierneef (1886–1957), one of the greatest old South African masters, and ending with the latest museum acquisition of the University’s first augmented reality (AR) painting. The volume of 300 pages serves as an illustration for the study of art and the idea that all things in a university museum context, regardless of their origins in time, culture, or nation, are all works of art. Collections are given to museums and they are obligated to maintain them. University museums also have a social duty to grant access to, conduct research on, and promote all forms of collections to civic society and share with the local

and international community. The book elucidates how university museums fill in narrative, identity, and institutional memory gaps by recording in conserving its collections, both the past, present and emerging. This includes not relegating museum collections to the past, acknowledging that they are as significant today as they were 100 years ago. The book includes many contemporary artworks and the most recent acquisitions, to show how a fully-fledged 21st century university museum is dedicated to curating and conserving its collections. The University of Pretoria Museums continue to make an impact on society a hundred years on and in service of the community they serve. Artology stands testimony to their profession, passion, drive, consistency and success. By Dr Sian Tiley-Nel

A taste

of things to come The life and legacy of Prof Jess Davidtsz, UP’s first female professor

P Archives has received a wonderful collection of documents, photographs and letters detailing the life of Prof Jess Davidtsz, the first female professor at UP. After having read an article detailing the founding of the Department of Home Economics in the UP Archives online exhibit, “A Day in the Life” , her great niece and UP alumna, Renee Louw, decided to donate the records. This decision was not only to ensure the long-term safe-keeping of the records, but to introduce a wider audience to the remarkable life of Jess Davidtsz. Maria Jestina (Jess) Davidtsz grew up in South Africa. In 1918 she left for Canada where she completed her diploma degree at the McDonald Institute at the Ontario Agriculture Centre. She then completed a BSc degree in Home Economics at the University of Columbia in New York. A photo album of the time provides us with a glimpse of Jess’ time as a student and attests to her keen sense of humour.

A photograph from the Jess Davidtsz Cookbook.

was also instrumental in introducing a four-year degree in Dietetics in 1946, the first of its kind in South Africa. After retiring from UP in 1951, Prof Davidtsz published the Jess Davidtsz Cookbook, which she dedicated to “the Mothers and Daughters of South Africa amongst whom it was my privilege to work for many years”. This was truly a family effort: all the recipes were tested in her kitchen in Colbyn, with a photographer at hand to capture the different culinary methods to illustrate the book. Jess’ husband, Dr Coenraad Beyers, former Head of the Transvaal Archives, was called upon to do the proofreading (even though she was certain that the topic held no interest to him). The UP Archives is fortunate to also have received the transcripts of a series of her radio talks focusing on general housekeeping, time management in the home and advice to the newly-wed wife. By Prof Karen Leigh Harris

Miss Davidtsz started her career at the then Transvaal University College (TUC) in 1923, presenting “Huisvlyt” in the newly established Faculty of Agriculture. She soon became a senior lecturer in the Faculty and in 1927 was appointed as the first head of the Department of Home Economics. Under her leadership the diploma course in Home Economics, as well as the Degree in BSc (Home Economics) were introduced. In 1935 she was promoted to become the first female professor at the University. Prof Davidtsz

Have a story to share? Contact the UP Archives on archives@up.ac.za to view the collection or to donate a collection of your own so that it can be preserved for posterity and augment the UP Archives’ collective memory bank.

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Ahead

for business GIBS is the top choice for graduates and employers

he Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) has once again reaffirmed its position as a leader in the field of business education. This is according to the Financial Mail Annual MBA Review. The ranking undertakes a comprehensive assessment of top business schools worldwide by evaluating both their open and custom executive education programmes: GIBS has a combined ranking of 32nd globally. GIBS has earned the distinction of having the best reputation among employers and being the preferred choice for graduates pursuing an MBA. For over a decade, GIBS has been highly ranked in this survey. This year marks the 24th edition of the Financial Mail’s annual MBA review, with data gathered from 17 business schools across South Africa. Additionally, 308 employers, representing diverse South African organisations, were surveyed

regarding their perceptions of these MBA programmes and suggestions for enhancement. Among this group, 63% represented private sector entities, 32% hailed from public sector establishments (including state-owned entities), and 5% were affiliated with non-governmental organisations.

Science GIBS is ranked

#32 in the world

GIBS occupied a prominent position in crucial aspects: being the favoured business school for the MBA programme if cost and distance were not factors, being the top preference for employers when assessing overall reputation and serving as the first choice for hiring employees.

Who had their say about MBAs?

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Science is for everyone

hen science and imagination unite, great ideas are ignited. This was evident when University of Pretoria’s (UP) Sci-Enza science centre visited 19 primary schools across the capital city to introduce young learners to the magic of science – in particular, coding and robotics. “Earlier this year, we were able to engage with 1 500 learners from 19 schools in Tshwane,” says Puleng Tsie, Manager of Sci-Enza. “The outreach programme introduced both foundation and intermediate phase learners to coding and robotics, and from the feedback we received it was clear that learners and teachers enjoyed the programme and appreciated being exposed to other sciences outside of the classroom. Introducing learners to coding and robotics nurtures logical and computational thinking, which helps in reading and mathematics, leading to better education outcomes.”

Although MBA programmes across the country and the world have undergone fundamental changes due to COVID-19 and climate change, GIBS has remained at the forefront of adapting and innovating to meet these challenges head-on.

63% private sector 32% public sector (including SOEs) 5% non-governmental organisations

is fun

Dean of GIBS, Professor Morris Mthombeni.

for people to engage with the different fields of science through valuable hands-on learning experiences, interactive exhibits, science shows, and demonstrations presented by young scientists and trained science communicators, Sci-Enza both reflects and shapes our communities’ perspectives on science.” The centre – which has more than 200 interactive exhibits – saw some new attractions this year, including the Sci-Enza Research Showcasing. This showcased key UP research achievements (explained in simple terms or in practical ways), ensuring that the breakthroughs unlocked in UP’s laboratories are made real and easily understood by the broader community. “Showcasing encourages young learners to choose a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields, break down unhelpful stereotypes about science and scientists, feature female academic role models, and inspire innovation and knowledge transfer.”

Development Goals (SDGs). “We have run social media campaigns around the SDGs, and one of our current focuses is on ways of embedding the SDGs into our daily operations and programmes, to promote actions towards a sustainable future,” she explains. Tsie encourages locals and visitors who haven’t experienced Sci-Enza yet to add it to their next trip. “We offer science and puppet shows, coding and robotics workshops, a mobile planetarium, public talks and seminars, and school holiday science enrichment programmes. You can even get tips about science experiments you can try at home from our website.” So bring your family, school group, or anybody interested in learning more about science – Sci-Enza is making a difference in the community by making it clear that science is for everyone!

The Sci-Enza team is also passionate about playing their part in helping to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable

This special outreach programme was made possible thanks to funding from the Department of Science and Innovation through the Programmatic Support Grant Initiative managed by the National Research Foundation and the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement. “Sci-Enza’s primary mission is to make science accessible to learners of all ages in a fun and entertaining way,” Tsie says. “By providing opportunities

Sci-Enza makes science accessible and relevant via its outreach programme, and through its ongoing “in-reach programmes”, aimed at drawing visitors to what has long been a popular destination for local families, visitors to the city, and learners of all ages.

TUKKIE | University of Pretoria

SA’s selection for

EMS is

Dire Tladi, Professor of International Law and Future Africa’s Research Chair of Global Equity in Africa, has been selected to serve as a judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), commonly known as the World Court.

Among the top 6% in the world

the World Court

rof Tladi’s nomination was officially endorsed by the cabinet of South Africa in May 2023, marking a significant recognition of his exceptional expertise and outstanding contributions to the field of international law. His selection to the International Court of Justice took place on 9 November 2023. The four other jurists elected to serve alongside him are Bogdan-Lucian Aurescu of Romania, Hilary Charlesworth of Australia, Sarah Hull Cleveland of the United States, and Juan Manuel Gomez Robledo Verduzco of Mexico. They will serve a nine-year term of office beginning on 6 February 2024. The International Court of Justice, comprised of 15 judges elected by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council for nine-year terms, holds an important role in settling legal disputes between nations in accordance with international law. Additionally, it provides authoritative advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorised United Nations organs and specialised agencies. Beyond his nomination, Prof Tladi has demonstrated exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to the field of international law. He currently serves as President of the South African Branch of the International Law Association and is an Executive Member of the International Law Association.

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“I am deeply honoured to have been selected to serve on the International Court of Justice. I will diligently fulfill my responsibilities and contribute to the Court’s mission of upholding international law and promoting global equity,” said Prof Tladi. Among his notable achievements, Prof Tladi leads the Future Africa Research Chair in Global Equity established in March 2023. The Chair’s primary objective is to pursue multi-perspective strategies for global equity, with a particular focus on addressing equity issues in Africa. It aims to identify the challenges hindering progress on the continent and chart innovative pathways to overcome them. Prof Tladi has also held several key positions within the field of international law, including serving as the Chair of the International Law Commission, an organ of the United Nations renowned for its contributions to the International Court of Justice. He has provided his invaluable expertise as the legal adviser of the South African mission in New York and as a Special Adviser to the South African Foreign Minister. The Future Africa Institute and the University of Pretoria proudly support Prof Tladi’s candidature for the International Court of Justice. His appointment will significantly contribute to the advancement of international law and the pursuit of global justice.

One of a kind

he Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) is now among an elite group of 6% of institutions worldwide accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. The EMS Faculty was recently awarded the international business education accreditation, following a rigorous peerreview process, which began in 2018. Established in 1916, the AACSB is the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools, and the largest business education network connecting learners, educators and businesses worldwide.

The accreditation award highlights UP’s commitment to the highest standard of commerce education and global excellence. This is a significant achievement for the University, as the EMS Faculty is the first faculty of its kind in South Africa and Africa to be accredited by the AACSB. In South Africa, only three business schools are accredited, including UP’s Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). The EMS Faculty now joins a list that comprises only nine AACSBaccredited institutions in Africa. Dean of the EMS Faculty, Prof Margaret Chitiga-Mabugu, was elated at the positive outcome following the five-year-long accreditation process.

“We underwent a rigorous accreditation process to ensure that our teaching and learning, research, and societal engagements comply with the highest standards of business education in the world,” she said. “This international stamp of approval is a major milestone for the faculty and UP, and strengthens our position as a global role player.”

Best economics scientist in SA Prof Rangan Gupta has been named the best scientist in the field of economics and finance in South Africa. This is according to the latest World Online Ranking of Best Economics & Finance Scientists report, released on 1 March 2023.

Gupta, a Professor of Economics in the Department of Economics in the EMS faculty, is among more than 8 100 prolific scientists who were ranked and included on the list based on a number of indicators and metrics.

The 2023 rankings report by Research. com, a leading academic platform for researchers, contains a list of the best scholars in the field of economics and finance from various institutions across the world, who are making immeasurable scientific contributions to their fields.

By Refilwe Mabula

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A world

in one place Students and staff at the University of Pretoria gathered on 6 October 2023 to celebrate International Students’ Day under the theme ‘Internationalisation: A RearView Mirror for Global Citizenship’. This was a further call on the UP community to reflect on its role in building a just, equitable, diverse and inclusive world. At least 16 ambassadors and representatives of countries joined distinguished guests, officials and representatives from government institutions, members of the UP executive, staff and students at the Hatfield Campus to experience a wide range of global cultures and heritage. Students from countries such as Argentina, China, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Italy, Japan, the Kingdom of Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Namibia, Pakistan, Portugal and Switzerland all exhibited their unique cultures on the day.

Engineering a

Students from the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (EBIT) are sharing their 4IR skills with learners from underprivileged townships and rural schools as part of the Tuks Robot School programme.

ntroducing these learners to robotics, computer programming and sensor technology will stimulate interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers and prepare them for the future world of work. The programme was inspired by the University of Pretoria’s 10-year-old annual Robot Car Race, which saw many asking the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering (EECE) and Unit for Community Engagement to initiate a similar experience for school learners. The Tuks Robot School was founded in 2021 and gives UP students an opportunity to transfer their skills to high school learners. A curriculum that targets Grades 8 to 11 learners was designed around a low-cost robot platform, and several senior EECE students participated in the development of the platform and curriculum content. “We started this initiative because we found that many learners in the remote areas of our communities do not think about studying engineering,” said Professor Tania Hanekom, EECE Function Head of Undergraduate Studies. “They look at it as a career for learners who come from privileged schools. We created this platform to say, ‘No, let us show you that you can not only touch one of these robots – you can also create one!’ We inspire learners to think about engineering as a career because we have a lot of

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better future

potential in South Africa that we are not using. We need all those learners to study towards careers in STEM disciplines and help develop South Africa to its full potential.”

robotics are careers that offer good job security. The skills we share are becoming more of a necessity than a privilege – yet these learners still lack these opportunities.”

UP has partnered with non-profit organisation KTG (Keep That Gold Shining), which exposes high school learners to introductory robotics and computing principles. KTG brings learners from schools in underprivileged communities to UP at weekends to attend the Tuks Robot School and the Drone and Sensor Schools, which followed after the initial success of the Robot School.

Thato Mathou (14) of Makgetse Secondary School in Hammanskraal said: “For eight weeks I learned about how engineers create things and I witnessed how coding, architecture and technology create very useful things. This programme has definitely made me want to study computer engineering. I cannot wait!” By James Mahlokwane

“We select learners who show a keen interest in learning further and place them into a more continuous and more advanced robotics programme,” said Matthew Beekman, KTG Chief Information Officer and UP computer engineering student. “Information and communications technology and

Many learners from rural and remote townships such as Winterveld, Atteridgeville, Mamelodi, Hammanskraal, as well as some schools in Pretoria North, participated in the Tuks Robot School programme.

Why SA needs more engineers Some developed countries have one in 200 or one in 300 engineers in their populations. South Africa has only one engineer in 3 100.

Germany: 1 in 200

South Africa: 1 in 3 100 TUKKIE | University of Pretoria

The 21st-century library:

Cooking

A hub for dreams and ideas In a first for Africa, the University of Pretoria has launched an interactive, 21st-century hi-tech Health Sciences Library at the Faculty of Health Sciences.

t seeks to bridge the gap between learning and innovation and provide virtual spaces – and the technology – for students to reach their potential.

“This library is aligned with the University’s commitment to breaking down silos and, ultimately, the Faculty’s strategic plan of ‘reimagined facilities’,” said Professor Tiaan de Jager, Dean: Faculty of Health Sciences, at the launch. “It also aligns with international library trends of promoting collaborative student learning through innovation and technology,” he added.

“We encourage and look forward to everyone taking the opportunity to use this new space as a hub for their dreams and ideas and greater interdisciplinary engagement,” Prof de Jager said.

“Libraries will become spaces that fuse intellectual curiosity with technology; provide hybrid learning spaces for various forms of study; a place to connect with people, resources, and expert help from library staff.”

UP Director of Library Services Lindiwe Soyizwapi told guests that libraries have evolved from places where users access information and use learning spaces to spaces where people connect, create and collaborate. “Libraries are transforming into student success hubs,” she said.

Third-year medical student at the Faculty, Amukelani Manda, said the new library was “beautiful”; one could play VR Games on the XR Toybox and learn, but most of all, the interactive library will assist in planning one’s learning path using state-of-the-art technology.

Prof de Jager said that the library was an integral part of the UP philosophy of being a learner for life. The aim was to create an environment where sharing knowledge becomes second nature. “Whenever you step into this library, you will always be able to step out a little more enriched,” said Prof de Jager.

Chené Stander, also a third-year student studying towards a Bachelor of Sciences in Occupational Therapy, said the refurbished library was a great addition to the Faculty. “It is hi-tech and will make learning fun and give us the tools to reach for our dreams,” she said.

Referring to the fourth industrial revolution as “old news” since the fifth industrial revolution had arrived and was gaining momentum, Prof de Jager said: “The difference is the human aspect, particularly its harmonisation and collaboration with machines and technology”.

By Sindisiwe Kubeka

The new interactive library has a flexible design, collaborative spaces, virtual/ augmented reality that will enhance teaching, learning, research, signage and wayfinding, hotdesks for visible support, and comfortable designs.

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with Culture Whether you’re looking for dombolo or soetkoek, covo or morogo, a free cookbook will dish it up along with a celebration of diverse cultures and family memories.

he Faculty of Humanities at the University of Pretoria (UP) has published a cookbook to celebrate its 100th anniversary. And you can download it for free. HumanEATies is not a recipe book. It is a cookbook as it has academic resonance. Like many academic endeavours, it is a transdisciplinary project, with all the recipes tested by final-year Hospitality and Consumer Food Sciences students in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. “Food is more than a micronutrient and a science,” said Professor Vasudhevan “Vasu” Reddy, former Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, in the book’s introduction. “Food is deeply sociocultural – comforting, energising, and restorative. It plays a special role in our personal lives and sense of self-definition and shapes our well-being.” Prof Reddy immediately loved the idea when staff proposed it. “At a personal level, I’m deeply interested in food, in cooking, in ingredients, how food brings people together, how it separates us,” he said. “I’ve come out of a particular culture - and I’m not saying I’m unique; it straddles everyone - where food is very central to whatever one does, in meeting people, in relationships, in being human.”

So it’s apt that HumanEATies was launched at his farewell function on 31 March 2023. After nearly eight years as dean, Prof Reddy left to become Vice-Rector for Research and Internationalisation (including postgraduate studies) at the University of the Free State. The cookbook was born over a breakfast in November 2018 where two guests arrived with traditional German Christmas cookies they had baked to say thank you for the hospitality, and to share something from their own cultures: vanilla crescent cookies (vanillekipferl), spritz cookies (spritzgebäck) and lebkuchen. “We started talking about food and culture and how it shapes some of our earliest memories,” said Professor Juan Bornman, then head of the Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (CAAC), who played host to the event. “We also thought about the dean who had asked us to think creatively about celebrating the faculty’s 100th birthday and 100 recipes to celebrate 100 years was a great fit”.

Psychology, and ‘Don’t talk with food in your mouth’ recipes brought to you by the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology,” she said. COVID-19 delayed their plans but in 2021 Dr Heather Thuynsma, a political sciences lecturer with the added responsibility of managing the faculty’s communication and marketing within the dean’s office, “had the creative vision to take the project to completion”, said Samuels. The faculty’s staff and some students were invited to submit recipes that held meaning for them. The result is a blend of traditional foods that cross many cultures, including African, Indian, Japanese, Gabonese, Portuguese, Afrikaans, Spanish and German. Each recipe is accompanied by a short comment on the contributor’s approach to cooking food, as well as their interpretation of the history of the dish.

Prof Alecia Samuels of CAAC, who led the project, remembers the breakfast conversation well. “We discussed how each department or entity in the faculty could have a chapter in the recipe book with a title having a play on words. For example, ‘Food for thought’ for Philosophy, ‘Food for the Soul’ for

Little Prince helps decode

genome of king protea University of Pretoria (UP) researchers are at the forefront of a very special first for South African plant sciences.

hey have unravelled the precise genetic make-up of the country’s national flower, the king protea (Protea cynaroides). It is the first plant that’s unique to South Africa – and the species-rich fynbos biome in particular – to have its entire genome sequenced in-depth. “The project is also very special because most of the work was done in South Africa, one of the world’s most biodiverse countries,” says project leader Professor Eshchar Mizrachi of UP’s Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology and its Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI).

Researchers from FABI, the Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, and UP’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences worked together on the resulting paper, which was published in The Plant Journal. They collaborated with plant genome evolution expert Professor Yves van de Peer’s research group at Ghent University and the VIB Centre for Plant Systems Biology in Belgium. Prof Van de Peer also holds joint appointments at UP and the Nanjing Agricultural University in China. Tissue from the “Little Prince” variety of king protea was used in the analysis because it is readily available in nurseries and would make further research easier.

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Based on the entire genome sequencing work done, the researchers found that the genome of Protea cynaroides contains 12 distinctive chromosomes. It is about 1.18 gigabases (Gb) long, which means it contains more than 1.18 billion “letters” of the DNA alphabet (A,C,T and G) across these 12 chromosomes. In comparison, the human genome is about 3.2 Gb long, while that of Arabidopsis thaliana, the first plant ever sequenced, is about 135 Mb, or 0.135 Gb.

Proteas have survived mass extinctions The information has allowed the researchers involved to shed light on the evolutionary past of the king protea and other members of the Protea genus and larger Proteaceae family. They now believe that ancestors of the Proteaceae family developed an identical, duplicate set of their entire genome about 68 million years ago. This helped the family as a whole to survive the K-Pg boundary, a mass extinction period around the late Cretaceous period some 66 million years ago. The extinction event saw 60% of all plant species and 80% of all animals (including non-avian dinosaurs) disappear from Earth. This genome duplication event happened before all extant lineages that are part of the larger Proteaceae

family diverged some 63 million years ago into what is today around 1 600 species, most occurring in the southern hemisphere. The common ancestor of the approximately 100 species of Protea found in South Africa and Australia’s related macadamia nut trees (such as Macadamia integrifolia) and waratah (Telopea speciosissima) dates back to when dinosaurs went extinct. It supports research previously conducted separately by two members of the project team, Prof Van de Peer and Professor Nigel Barker of UP’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, who is interested in the evolution of the Proteaceae family. They suggested independently that polyploidisation (the condition where cells in an organism have more than one pair of chromosomes) could have helped plants to survive environmental turmoil and similar extinction events.

Protea’s cluster roots help them thrive Proteas survive and thrive in the nutrient-poor soils of the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa, thanks, in part, to their adaptive cluster root system. This allows the plants to take up as many nutrients as possible from the soil. Notably, it helps them to better “mine” for growth-enhancing phosphorous in the soil, which is usually not easily available to most plants.

Most plants take up nutrients with the help of a symbiotic relationship with soil fungi (the so-called arbuscular mycorrhiza symbiosis, or AM symbiosis) growing on their root systems or by forming nodules that contain nitrogenfixing bacteria (such as is the case for legumes). The research team’s analysis of the king protea’s genome proves definitively – and for the first time – that plant species in the Proteaceae family cannot form any symbiotic relationship with soil fungi because they have lost the specific genes that are involved in this process. “The loss of these key genes ultimately caused the loss of AM symbiosis,” Prof Mizrachi explains. “However, it is still unclear whether this was followed or preceded by the emergence of cluster roots in the Proteaceae family as an alternative way to take up nutrients from the soil.”

“It can help us understand the variation underlying the immense floral diversity of the Cape Floristic Region, an area known for the huge variety of endemic plants only found there,” they say. “It can empower new research in plant diversification, horticulture and how plants in particular adapt to nutrientpoor soils.” The king protea genome has a relatively stable structure, as there had not been much rearrangement of the genome, and because it diverged very early from most eudicots (a clade of flowering plants with two seed leaves upon germination).

Professor Tuan Duong

Professor Eshchar Mizrachi

“Therefore, we could use it to study and compare ancient whole genome duplications in other plant species and, for instance, noted it in the genus Papaver, of which the opium poppy is a member,” Prof Mizrachi says. By Professors Tuan Duong, Eshchar Mizrachi and Nigel Barker

Professor Nigel Barker

“If we can find out more about how this function evolved, one day it might be possible to engineer this ability into crops so that they would need less fertiliser to thrive.”

The applications of this research matter The two lead authors of The Plant Journal paper, Jiyang Chang of the University of Ghent and geneticist Professor Tuan Duong of UP’s Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, say that knowledge about the Protea cynaroides genome paves the way for researchers to better understand the molecular mechanisms that underlie various critical ecological adaptations that Proteaceae possess. This includes the ability of the plants to survive fires, their specialised way of acquiring nutrients from the soil through cluster roots and their unique variety of flower styles.

TUKKIE | University of Pretoria

Phoenix rises

Conference investigates

to see another brave, beautiful day

the Bible The University of Pretoria (UP) hosted the USAbased Society of Biblical Literature’s annual International Meeting.

of the cutive ief exe l: eft), ch rincipa (l -P n e ic so V id P’s ed Dav araj, U cation. h u a d E M Prof Ste il te f Sun gradua ith Pro nd Post SBL, w ation a , Innov h rc a Rese

he conference drew 320 delegates from 43 countries, who attended numerous meetings, seminars, presentations, lectures, and discussions at various venues on the University of Pretoria’s Hatfield Campus.

strives to advance the academic study of biblical texts, their contexts, and the interpretation of the Bible and its many traditions and contexts. The SBL also promotes comparative studies which focus on other culturally central and religious texts.

Three UP departments co-hosted the meeting: the Department of Old Testament and Hebrew Scriptures and the Department of New Testament and Related Literature from the Faculty of Theology and Religion, as well as the Department of Ancient and Modern Languages and Cultures from the Faculty of Humanities.

Programme director Professor Alphonso Groenewald, Professor of Old Testament Studies at UP, informed the gathering: “This is only the second time in the history of the SBL that its International Meeting is hosted in South Africa. The first SBL International Meeting on African soil was held in 2000 at the University of Cape Town.”

Founded in 1880, the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL) is the oldest and largest learned society devoted to the critical investigation of the Bible from a variety of academic disciplines. As an international organisation, the society

He went on to say that delegates attended this meeting because “they had the opportunity to learn from one another as they rigorously debated and engaged with different interpretations of ancient religious texts”.

Professor Steed Davidson, chief executive of the SBL, emphasised: “The conference gave attendees the opportunity to reflect again the diverse ways in which knowledge, including biblical knowledge, is now produced and consumed,” he said. “Delegates were reminded of the role different readings of the Bible had – and still have – in the authentication as well as confrontation of political power.” Gathering on the African continent presented an opportunity to all the international visitors to look more deeply into the contributions of South African and African scholars to biblical knowledge. Even more exciting for this meeting were the opportunities to look inside of and expand the growing body of biblical scholarship being generated on the African continent. The Tuks Camerata Choir performed several pieces during the opening ceremony, with many in the audience praising the choir as an outstanding ambassador of the University of Pretoria’s rich cultural life and its presentation of the cultural mosaic that is South Africa. By Alphonso Groenewald and Dana Mahan

The Society of Biblical Literature’s conference was an excellent opportunity for internationalisation, as hundreds of esteemed and renowned national and international scholars attended and participated.

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Veterinary surgeons at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital (OVAH) saved the life of a brave dog that saved her family during an attempted armed robbery.

hoenix, a female Africanis, attacked armed robbers when they attempted to enter the home of the Motalane family. The robbers shot at Phoenix and one of the bullets hit her in the head, but she continued charging at the intruders and managed to chase them away. Her owner, Mmakgomo Motalane, immediately rushed Phoenix to the OVAH at the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science, seeking veterinary attention. “Phoenix is our hero and deserves the best possible care to help her overcome this traumatic experience. She deserves a chance to survive this devastating incident,” Motalane said.

At the dental and maxillofacial surgery clinic Dr Mareli van der Wetering, under the guidance of veterinary specialist in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery Professor Gerhard Steenkamp, managed Phoenix’s pain, cleaned the wounds, and removed bone fragments and broken teeth. The left side of Phoenix’s jaw showed multiple fractures and required removal of half the jaw (hemi-mandibulectomy). In theatre, together with the anaesthesiology team, Dr Anika de Witt, small animal surgical resident, under the guidance of small animal surgical specialist Dr Hermien Viljoen, removed half of the jaw and modified the lip (cheiloplasty).

Postoperatively, she was kept comfortable in the high-care ward where ongoing care was provided by OVAH staff and students. Phoenix went home as soon as her comfort levels were controlled and she was able to orally take her food. During a follow-up visit ten days later, the veterinary team at OVAH was thrilled with her recovery. They believe this brave girl will continue to live a full life. By Dr Paul van Dam

The veterinary team on duty at the OVAH small animal clinics, all attached to the Faculty’s Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies (CACS), stabilised Phoenix and evaluated the extent of her injuries. Radiographs (see X-ray top right) revealed that the bullet had caused damage to one side of her face; specifically the upper and lower jaw.

Phoenix at the OVAH during her follow-up visit.

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is yours

Membership Option 1:

Alumni Gold Membership Cost: R750 per year. This package includes:

Libraries house the content that fuels the imagination. The University of Pretoria’s Department of Library Services (DLS) invites alumni to continue firing their imaginations as they persist with their journey of lifelong learning.

y registering as a Tuks Alumni through the Alumni Office, you can unlock a host of benefits that go far beyond the valuable knowledge and skills acquired during your academic journey. Among these benefits, the DLS firmly believes that access to UP’s libraries is the most significant advantage you can enjoy from our Alumni packages. Reminisce about the “good old days” by rediscovering the University of Pretoria’s libraries with a choice of membership options.

• Online access to the Alumni Library Guide. • Study space on various levels of the Merensky 2 Library (Please note that postgraduate rooms, the Research commons, discussion rooms, and the Study centre are reserved for current undergraduate and postgraduate students at UP). • Access to all library resources. • Access to all library events.

Membership Option 2:

Alumni Premium Membership Cost: R850 per year. In addition to the benefits of the Alumni Gold Membership above, this package offers: • Borrowing privileges for two books for a two-week loan period. (Prescribed books, Study Collection books, standard and inter-library loan services are excluded). • Five hour-long reference interviews annually, with a request limit of 20 articles per year. • Access to Special Collections by appointment. Please note that a portion of your Alumni fee contributes to an administrative fee that will be donated to the Alma Mater Fund on your behalf, making you eligible to receive a tax certificate for this charitable donation.

Other Valuable Library Services for Alumni The Special Collections unit plays a vital role in acquiring and preserving rare and valuable information resources, making them accessible to students, staff, and researchers, while safeguarding them for future generations. External researchers are welcome to inquire about our collections and seek assistance, including digitisation requests. The bindery offers high-quality binding services for articles, books and dissertations. These services are available not only to University-affiliated individuals but also to external clients, and include binding generational paper books, book restoration, foiling, casing, and customised material covering. The Digitisation Unit offers on-demand digitisation services for various materials, including paper documents, photographs, maps, slides, negatives, and 3D objects. Our digitisation efforts encompass a wide range of collections, from newspapers to historical journals and personal collections. Our goal is to enhance accessibility, long-term preservation, and global outreach for these valuable resources.

Please check our website for other useful information, such as library events, and follow us on the following social media channels. • Instagram: @UPLibrary • Facebook: UP Library Services • X: @UPLibrary • YouTube: UPLibrary

“Tuks Alumni have access to a wealth of benefits, and the DLS is committed to ensuring that they can fully enjoy and utilise these privileges,” says UP Director of Library Services Lindiwe Soyizwapi. “We encourage our alumni to explore the world of lifelong learning and to promote the University of Pretoria to your family and friends. The Department of Library Services at UP will always be here to support you and your family on your journey.”

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Autumn Graduation

Impact through

innovation The Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (EBIT) has been at the cutting edge of innovation and technology. This is one of the reasons the University of Pretoria is the only South African university to be ranked in the 2023 World University Rankings for Innovation.

hat is cause for celebration. The annual EBIT concert this year introduced Society 5.0 and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to its alumni and industry partners through an intriguing combination of music and digital images. Billed as a ‘musical journey navigating the universe and highlighting the incredible impact of innovation’ the concert showcased the latest EBIT research. The narration spoke about this voyage of discovery Mankind finds itself on and how the human is central to all we do and plan.

Mr David Kabwa, a PhD student at UP, narrated as follows: Humans are forever embarking on voyages; travelling towards an unknown future. On these voyages, new skills are learned, new knowledge is developed, and our innovations support our survival. These voyages allow interaction with other travellers, impacting our experiences and environments. We learn to distinguish between superficial and deep, artificial and authentic, and between information and knowledge.

Over time, experience, skills, and knowledge evolve into wisdom. This wisdom can be shared through investments in the future through teaching, guiding, and mentoring the next generation of voyagers, documenting our experiences, or enabling environments through real investments in infrastructure and people. Through these processes, we strive to take the best from all our experiences and apply them for the betterment of our planet and its communities. Humanity’s inclination toward authenticity, empathy, purpose, and wisdom guides our voyages toward a brighter anticipated future. And in the end, our voyages lead us back to our roots – circling toward a new generation that is grounded in our shared humanity, standing on the shoulders of the giants of the past so that we can see and voyage further into the future. Thank you for being part of the EBIT voyage, and for impacting our lives and those of our students through your continuous interest and support – through investments of your precious time, resources and wisdom. Together we can grow our impact on our communities and our country.

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celebrates delivery of high-level skills

The significant investment being made in tertiary education in South Africa paid off at the University of Pretoria, which awarded 11 908 qualifications during its Autumn Graduation season. Altogether, 46% of the students who graduated between 19 April and 16 May received some form of financial assistance during their studies, underlining the vital role of financial aid in the delivery of high-level skills. Saman Akhtar is not only a cancer

Since then, and by the grace of God, I have been in remission Saman Akhtar

survivor, she is now a qualified medical doctor. The-24-year-old graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) from the Faculty of Health Sciences. Akhtar was born in Durban and grew up in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, enjoying “a happy and carefree” childhood. “In 2016, while doing my matric year, I was diagnosed with Metastatic Ewing Sarcoma to the lungs,” she says, explaining that her rollercoaster battle with cancer started earlier that year when she developed a lump on her left wrist. “In July of 2016, we decided to excise the mass. It was sent for histology which resulted in my diagnosis of Ewing Sarcoma,” she says. Ewing Sarcoma is a type of cancer that occurs in bones or in the soft tissue around the bones. Four years after her diagnosis, in June of 2020, her medical scans came back and revealed no evidence of active cancer. “Since then, and by the grace of God, I have been in remission,” says Akhtar.

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I was always intrigued by the diverse career opportunities in the veterinary science field. Marlie Harris

I took it as an opportunity to prove to those people that in life you can get anything you want, as long as you believe in yourself and put your mind to it. Tshepiso Maila

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Siblings Sybrand and Marlie Harris are part of a one-of-a-kind unit: they are two of a family of five veterinarians who have all graduated from UP – and they were thrilled to be sharing a stage at the Faculty of Veterinary Science’s Autumn Graduation ceremony, where they both received their degrees. Marlie (24), who has graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) degree and is doing her compulsory community service (CCS) year in Upington, Northern Cape, said: “I grew up spending a lot of time in my dad’s vet practice and was always intrigued by the diverse career opportunities in the veterinary science field.” Sybrand, her older brother, graduated with a master’s degree in Veterinary Science during the same graduation ceremony. In 2019, he completed his undergraduate degree at UP and did his CCS year at Sybrandskraal animal clinic in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga.

“I decided to become a medical doctor after my mother was diagnosed with chronic conditions,” said newly qualified medical doctor, Dr Tshepiso Maila, who obtained her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree. “I wanted to be able to help her and other elderly people suffering from these conditions.” After completing her Bachelor of Nursing Science and Art at the University of Limpopo, the 31-year-old doctor, who hails from Mmakgatle village in Limpopo, wanted to pursue medicine at UP. She recalls being told that not everyone gets accepted to study at UP. “I took it as an opportunity to prove to those people that in life you can get anything you want, as long as you believe in yourself and put your mind to it and I was indeed accepted. Today I am a proud UP alumna.” Out of her ten siblings, Dr Maila is the only one who managed to further her studies at a university and is set to be the first female doctor from her village.

Vusi Chiloane pulled off a rare

I believe UP to be an objectively superior academic institution, which would encourage me to perform at my level best to match the high standards set by the University. Vusi Chiloane

At one point, I was very scared of dying and leaving my daughter to grow up without me. Lindie Bhila

academic hat-trick when he completed his third University of Pretoria (UP) degree in a row cum laude. What made his feat even more impressive was that while studying he was also managing a hereditary condition which was causing his eyesight to deteriorate. Chiloane, an organic chemistry scientist at the National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA), received his cum laude master’s degree in biochemistry. He had previously received his BSc and honours degree in the same discipline from UP. To top it all, Chiloane also received the Labotec Prize awarded to the student who obtains the highest mark for their MSc dissertation in biochemistry.

When Lindie Bhila registered for her honours degree in Information Science in 2021, nothing could prepare her for what her doctor shared with her: she was diagnosed with mycetoma, a disease of the skin and subcutaneous tissue caused by certain types of bacteria and fungi found in soil and water. “When I was told I had mycetoma on my right upper lung, I was devastated,” said Bhila. “For a moment, it felt like it was the end of my life. At one point, I was very scared of dying and leaving my daughter to grow up without me.” Bhila soon found that she was struggling to cope with her studies. However, by renewing her focus on her studies, she was able to keep going. Despite her difficulties, Bhila obtained her Bachelor of Information Science (Hons) degree with a 76% average, which saw her being chosen as one of the top 15% in her class and as a Golden Key member.

Of the qualifications awarded at the Autumn Graduation ceremonies,

201

1 384

2 021

were doctorates, master’s degrees and were honours degrees. In addition, UP conferred honorary doctorates on 10 recipients for their exceptional contributions to society. Among them were several prominent African leaders in their fields who received international recognition.

TUKKIE | University of Pretoria

Harmony

in African Spirit By day the University of Pretoria (UP) has an air of hushed reverence as researchers and students go about their studies. But on one night of the year, the volume gets turned up and UP’s love of music fills the air.

he annual Principal’s Concert, held on the Aula lawn at the Hatfield Campus, is a much-anticipated affair. This year the concert heralded Heritage Month with the theme: African Spirit! The event was a celebration of African culture and all the diversity it embraces. The Mass choir gave an outstanding performance and was certainly the highlight of the evening. Sophiatown Jazz classics and songs from iconic South African musicians such as Miriam Makeba, Bra Hugh Masekela, and Abdullah Ibrahim, blended comfortably with songs by other legends such as Freddie Mercury. But the star of the evening was music through which the UP Community was united in honouring and celebrating the beauty of our heritage.

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UP Alumni

CONNECT NEVER LOSE TOUCH

Sign up to the UP Alumni Connect app and explore features such as daily job posts and interactions with fellow alumni. You

APP STATS

231 487+

Size of overall network

can also learn about what your alma mater is up to in terms of research, technology, innovation and a whole lot more.

21 669+

Number of registered users

8 000+

Number of alumni willing to act as mentors

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UP-Topia

a place of sharing and caring Almost half of the University of Pretoria’s (UP) student population benefitted from financial aid in 2022, which indicates the importance of fundraising initiatives such as the UP Giving Matters Campaign.

he second semester of 2023 kicked off in a spirited fashion at the Hatfield Campus with UP-Topia, an activation that encompasses Giving Matters, THE UP WAY and Make today matter. Students and staff at the Mamelodi, Groenkloof, Prinshof and Onderstepoort campuses took part in the festivities, part of which were aimed at raising funds to help students in need of financial aid.

This three-year fundraising campaign aims to raise R100 million by 2024 to supplement UP’s day-to-day fundraising projects, which offer financial assistance to “missing middle” students. These are students whose families’ household income is above R350 000 a year a year, which disqualifies them for NSFAS funding, but who do not earn enough to afford higher education or secure a bank loan to fund their studies.

The UP Giving Matters Campaign is designed to engage the University communities in the united, committed belief in the power of philanthropy to do good. The goal is generally around the number of individual gifts secured rather than just the financial return. It is about raising philanthropic awareness and instilling a culture of giving.

The campaign was initiated in 2022, raised R19.3 million, and reached 456 donors by August 2022. By October 2023, it had already raised R15.2 million and exceeded the target of 500 donors participating by 62%. With 810 donors on board, it has surpassed the 2022 participation by 77.6%. The campaign is still on track to exceed the 2024 target.

The impact of giving Out of the 11 979 degrees conferred at the 2023 Autumn Graduation ceremonies,

5 477 students received some

form of financial assistance.

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The 2023 campaign focused on raising funds for undergraduate and postgraduate students to provide additional assistance to the “missing middle”, said Hernan Finkel, Deputy Director of Relationship Management and Fundraising in UP’s Department of Institutional Advancement. Student support comprises tuition fees, costs associated with accommodation, food, textbooks and making devices available to students in need. Every contribution enables the University to provide the infrastructure that supports transdisciplinary teaching and learning, laboratory work and fieldwork. Investing in students has far-reaching implications. It is an integral part of UP’s vision to equip students with problemsolving, conflict management and communications skills, and the benefits of its degree programmes which give students real-world exposure through community service projects.

Why give? • All universities need to supplement the subsidies they receive from the government in order to maintain excellence in teaching, learning and research. • The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in several expenses that were not budgeted for, such as sanitisers and protective equipment. • Loadshedding has meant acquiring large generators that are costly to run. • Fundraising initiatives are essential to address shortfalls.

You can still give Use the UP Giving Day platform and the online credit card facility by going to www.up.ac.za and click on Giving to UP > Ways to Give > Online Credit Card Donation.

TUKKIE | University of Pretoria

Faster, Stronger, Together

TuksSport High School celebrates 21 years of excellence From its humble beginnings in a basement at the University of Pretoria’s (UP) High-Performance Centre (hpc) to the monumental achievements of its student-athletes, TuksSport High School is taking stock of its impressive trajectory over 21 years.

n 10 May 2002, the University’s hpc was formally opened by the then Minister of Sport Ngconde Balfour. Among the audience were 30 excited people who shared in the enthusiasm of the day – 27 were the inaugural students of the TuksSport Study Centre, a sports school that was part of the sporting environment provided by the hpc. They ranged in age from 12 to 16 years old. The remaining three people included two teachers and the principal. Now located on De Villiers Sports Ground in Hatfield, TuksSport High School was founded with the aim of implementing a comprehensive curriculum aligned with international elite athlete development programmes. These programmes offer academic, emotional, sport-specific and sports science support to exceptionally talented student-athletes at secondary school level. The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum, and seeks to equip its learners with knowledge and skills that will not only prepare them for their roles as future sports personalities but also for their chosen career paths. Principal of TuksSport High Hettie de

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Villiers constantly urges learners to take their education as seriously as they take their sporting endeavours. “I always stress that any athletic career, regardless of how talented the athlete is, only endures for a short time,” she says. “A sports star’s career could be abruptly halted due to an injury – then what? There are never any guarantees in sport. When that happens, it’s critical to have a strong intellectual foundation to fall back on.” The school serves the needs of budding athletes who are a part of accredited TuksSport academies. When the school started, gymnastics and tennis were the first two academies, and swimming and soccer academies were introduced a year later. The remarkable levels of success achieved by learners in various sporting codes paved the way for the addition of more academies. These include golf, tennis, triathlon, cricket, judo and athletics. Throughout the school’s history, several teachers and students have made significant contributions to its many accomplishments. TuksSport High has consistently maintained an outstanding academic record, exemplified by its 100% pass rate in 2022. Notably,

graduates like Chris-Dian Haasbroek of the TuksGolf Academy and fellow student Rivers Williams achieved six distinctions each. In the realm of sport, the school has produced remarkable feats, with Viwe Jingqi recognised as the fastest under-18 female athlete globally in the 100-metres and 200-metres sprint events. Additionally, Tatjana Schoenmaker, an alumna of TuksSport High and a graduate of TuksSwimming Academy, secured a gold medal in the 200-metres breaststroke at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, further cementing the school’s pride after her earlier gold win at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022. She also won two gold medals at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

National federations and private clubs have recognised and valued the academic support and flexibility provided by the school, the training facilities provided by UP and the sportspecific packages provided by the hpc. Some national federations that joined the hpc and TuksSport High include the South African Football Association, SA Table Tennis and SA Rowing. “Whatever changes have been made over the past 21 years, the school’s progressive growth has always been and will always be influenced by an unwavering dedication to providing education of a high academic standard in a framework flexible enough to support the aspirations of the best young South African athletes,” De Villiers says.

100%

Academic pass rate in 2022

World-class athletes Viwe Jingqi - fastest under-18 female athlete globally in the 100-metres and 200-metres sprint events Tatjana Schoenmaker - Olympic medallist and multiple gold medal-winner in the 200-metres breaststroke (2023 World Aquatics Championships, Japan, and 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games)

By Mmaradikesa Prudance Minyuku

“We’ve had several athletes who competed at the Olympic Games,” De Villiers said. “Clarence Munyai and Gift Leotlela, both sprinters, have been to two Olympic Games. On the first occasion, they were both still at school – Gift was in Grade 12 and Clarence in Grade 11.” TuksSport High School and the hpc form a community of people that are united by their passion for sport and their commitment to excellence.

TuksSport High School bears little resemblance to the one that started out in the basement of hpc. More than 200 students attend the school, and there are 25 teachers and professional staff.

TUKKIE | University of Pretoria

Learning through

Community crèche gets vet care

service

Engagement with society and communities links the research and teaching skills of our staff and students to the specific needs of individual communities, thus impacting communities positively. In turn, student life and the attributes developed while at university are enriched through their service-learning and engagement.

Community engagement sometimes takes a surprising turn. The University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science, contrary to expectation, does not only work with animals. Its students and staff have collaborated with a crèche in the Mnisi community in Bushbuckridge to improve the school and the care it offers.

The Faculty has been involved in the Mnisi community in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, for more than a decade. This involvement forms part of the Faculty’s community veterinary programme, managed by the Hans Hoheisen Wildlife Research Station, a satellite campus of the University. In addition to its research activities, the programme supports farmers by providing health care and clinical support to the residents’ pets and livestock under

Catch problems early in the CHRIB The University of Pretoria’s Clinic for High-risk Infants and Babies (CHRIB) in the Faculty of Humanities’ Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology has been serving families of young infants with communication needs for more than 30 years. In recognition of the clinic’s service to the community, it was awarded the University of Pretoria’s Community Engagement Award for 2022. Establishing the clinic as a centre of excellence for families of babies and young

children with communication difficulties in 1990 was based on emerging evidence that early intervention provides long-term benefits. According to Dr Esedra Krüger, Head of CHRIB: “Research has proven that the sooner an early communication difficulty is identified in an infant, the better the outcomes.” An important aspect of successful intervention is for the therapists to obtain a holistic perspective of the young child’s psychosocial and

Clients present with a range of early communication difficulties, including, but not limited to, cleft lip and palate, autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome and hearing loss. This enables the clinic to provide the Department’s speechlanguage pathology and audiology students with the practical experience they need to identify infants with communication difficulties.

Dr Esedra Krüger (left) and Dr Renata Eccles

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Among the beneficiaries of this out-of-thebox thinking are Grade 8 and 9 learners from schools in Mamelodi that form part of the University of Pretoria Pre-University Academy (UP-PUA). The success of this endeavour has expanded into a global service-learning initiative spanning several continents, which is already in its third year of implementation at UP. The first such virtual exchange took place with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HKPU) in 2021. It entailed the Hong Kong students teaching the Mamelodi learners to build a 360° cardboard viewer, use a 360° camera and create a 360° video.

biomedical functioning, including their strengths and any difficulties they may experience. The caregiver therefore forms an important part of the client’s initial assessment and intervention. “The ability to communicate is integral to who we are as human beings,” explains Dr Renata Eccles, a senior lecturer in the Department. “Communication difficulties will have a lifelong impact, which is why early communication interventions are so important.” An important stakeholder in the life of an infant experiencing communication difficulties is the infant’s family and caregivers. The clinic therefore follows a caregiver coaching approach, where caregivers are given strategies to stimulate early communication.

with communities, Dr Martina Jordaan, Head of Community Engagement, Research and Postgraduate Studies at the University of Pretoria’s Mamelodi Campus, spearheaded a series of mutually beneficial virtual engagement opportunities.

The Ngalava “Noah’s Ark” crèche (above) was founded in 2014 by a community health worker from the area who offered home-based care for children whose mothers had to leave home to fetch water, or to look for work. The school, staffed by committed community volunteers and led by a very passionate principal, relies on school fees paid by parents to cover the school’s running costs and the two daily meals it provides for the children. Many parents are unable to pay these fees, and the school does not receive government funding or material support. The Faculty raised funds through personal donations and donations from the Friends of Ngalava and the Rotary Club in Johannesburg. To demonstrate their buy-in and how invested they are in this project, members of the Mnisi community donated building materials and provided the manual labour needed to improve the state of the school.

the watchful eyes of Dr Louise Biggs of the Department of Production Animals at Onderstepoort.

Virtually, anything is possible When Covid gave the world lemons, many went beyond making lemonade. Undaunted by the pandemic’s restrictions that prevented students from engaging

Following the success of this first collaboration between UP and HKPU, they agreed to teach the Mamelodi learners robotics and coding in 2022. This was continued in 2023 with an initiative to teach them to code drones. This latest intervention included 44 learners from the UP-PUA, who attended virtual classes presented by 40 students from HKPU. The learners came together in the computer laboratory on the Mamelodi Campus and were assisted by five engineering students from UP.

Mamelodi learners learning to code drones through the virtual instruction of students from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. They are assisted by engineering students from the University of Pretoria.

TUKKIE | University of Pretoria

Celebrating

Relentless pursuit of knowledge

excellence The University of Pretoria’s Academic Achievers’ Awards have been celebrating the excellence of its staff for 23 years.

everal awards were made, including the Chancellor’s Award, the Exceptional Academic Achievers’ Award and the Exceptional Young Researchers Award. An impressive number of A, B, C and Y-rated researchers also received awards recognising their unwavering commitment to academic excellence. The Chancellor’s Award recipients include: Professor Nigel Bennett, who holds the Austin Roberts Chair in African Mammalogy (Department of Zoology and Entomology), and Professor De Wet Swanepoel, who is directing audiology research at the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Hearing Loss (Department of SpeechLanguage Pathology and Audiology). In addition, 12 researchers were honoured with the Exceptional Academic Researchers Award, an annual recognition given to seasoned academics who

have excelled in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, research, community engagement and administration over time. Any academic achieving an A-rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF) in the given year automatically qualifies as an Exceptional Achiever. The esteemed recipients include Professors Andriëtte Bekker, Evans Chirwa, Paxie Chirwa, Teresa Coutinho, Ian Craig, Rangan Gupta, James Maina, Andrew McKechnie, Siona O’Connell, Theresa Rossouw, Dire Tladi, and Fanus Venter.

Award. Individuals receiving a P-rating from the NRF automatically qualify as Exceptional Young Researchers. Six researchers were honoured with this distinction: Professor Inger Fabris-Rotelli, Professor Priscilla Gutura, Dr Charne Lavery, Professor Derik le Roux, Dr Tendani Mawela and Dr Markus Wilken.

Annually, the Community Engagement Award is given to an individual who exemplifies the University of Pretoria’s commitment to community engagement in higher education. The criteria for the award aligns with the international MacJannet Prize standards, as administered by the Talloires Network. Dr Gerna Wessels was the recipient of this recognition.

Outstanding young achievers recognised The UP Academic Achievers’ Awards also recognised outstanding young achievers in the research sector, whose work is aligned with the University’s objectives of attaining academic excellence, global competitiveness and local significance, with the Exceptional Young Researchers

The event also recognised achievements in Teaching Excellence, Community Engagement, and The Conversation Africa Awards. Teaching Excellence awards were granted to nominated projects demonstrating purposeful teaching practices with a strong alignment between various elements, effectively addressing identified educational needs and gaps, ultimately aiming to innovate and enhance teaching and learning. These nominated initiatives displayed considerable impact on student learning, sustainability and potential replicability in diverse contexts. Dr Carin Combrinck received the individual award, while the group award was presented to Professor Tania Hanekom.

Prof Zozo Dyani-Mhango (HOD Public Law) and Prof Philip Stevens.

The Conversation Africa gives all higher education institutions an opportunity to share their research outputs with fellow academics across the globe as well as with civil society. UP’s partnership with The Conversation Africa has increased the visibility of the work of UP researchers and academics, helping them reach wider audiences beyond academic research communities. Professor Sandy Africa received the award for the single mostread article during the period 1 January 2022 to December 2023. Professor Danny Bradlow received the award for the author who published the most articles during the same period. “I applaud our over 120 accomplished academics for their unwavering commitment to their students and their relentless pursuit of knowledge, continuing to be innovators. A university’s excellence is defined by its exceptional faculty members, who possess inquisitive minds, a drive for knowledge generation and a strong dedication to preparing the next wave of researchers. Your contributions to the University and your meaningful research are highly appreciated. Thank you for your invaluable efforts,” said Professor Themba Mosia, Interim ViceChancellor and Principal.

One of UP’s key driving forces is its commitment to delivering quality research outputs. Our exceptional achievers not only anchor the University’s reputation as the leading researchintensive university in the country, but also continue to produce research that has a global impact. Professor Themba Mosia, Interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal

Prof Yusuf Abdullahi with guest, and Dr Adebesin Funmi.

Our Academic Achievers Chancellor’s Award: Professor Nigel Bennett and Professor De Wet Swanepoel Exceptional Academic Researchers: Professors Andriëtte Bekker, Evans Chirwa, Paxie Chirwa, Teresa Coutinho, Ian Craig, Rangan Gupta, James Maina, Andrew McKechnie, Siona O’Connell, Theresa Rossouw, Dire Tladi, and Fanus Venter. Exceptional Young Researchers: Professor Inger Fabris-Rotelli, Professor Priscilla Gutura, Dr Charne Lavery, Professor Derik le Roux, Dr Tendani Mawela and Dr Markus Wilken. Teaching Excellence: Dr Carin Combrinck (individual award), Professor Tania Hanekom (group award). Community Engagement: Dr Gerna Wessels.

Seated (from left): Rahaba Marima, Mia Wege, Bianca Parry, Jarishma Gokul, Renata Eccles (Mosca), and Ansie Smit. Standing (from left): Sheperd Tichapondwa, Jurgens de Lange, Babatunde Awoyemi, Frikkie Malan, Rory du Plessis, Odirilwe Selomane, Nkululeko Sibanda, and Abe Kasonga.

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Acting DVC Student Life Prof Flavia Senkubuge and Prof Caroline Nicolson (Registrar).

The Conversation Africa: Professor Sandy Africa (single most-read article) and Professor Danny Bradlow (most published articles).

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Courage wears

“I definitely benefitted from swimming with the two-time Olympian Michelle Weber and Amica [De Jager]. They helped me go faster but not overexert myself. The pace they set was perfect.”

Tuks colours

Lotter was clocked swimming 1:35:49 over 7.5km. It means she upped her gold medal tally at the national championships to four. Being the 10km champion means she can be selected for the South African team competing at the World Open Water Championships.

Whether in the water, on field or on court, Tuks female athletes showed grit, determination and admirable prowess to bring home the medals. Focused Netball champs save their best for last

and that the players kept playing better with each game. They saved their best for last.”

The statistics will forever show that Tuks are the 2023 Varsity Netball Champions, that they were unbeaten in nine games and that they ended victorious in the tournament for the third time.

Phophi Nematangari was again brilliant on defence, so it was no surprise that she got the Player of the Match award. It was the third time in nine games that she managed to do so.

But the numbers can never truly reflect what happened on court. Movie scriptwriters would have battled to concoct a more riveting plot than the one delivered by Tuks and UJ players. After the third quarter, it looked like a done deal that Tuks would win – after all, they were leading by 10 goals. With the start of the last quarter, they upped their lead to 11. But within 120 seconds, everything changed: UJ wiped out the deficit. After 60 minutes of play, the score was tied at 51-all, which meant that the final was decided in extra time.

Nematangari abides by a simple philosophy when it comes to playing netball. And that is not to allow herself to be intimidated: “Coach Jenny (Van Dyk) keeps telling me to be fearless and not to allow myself to be fazed by the reputations of other players. I should only focus on what I do best. And that is what I do.” Tuks also won the Varsity Tournament in 2017 and 2019.

Tuks’s head coach, Jenny van Dyk, called it a “great” game for South African netball.

Fast, far, and victorious

“I love it when a game goes into extra time. That is when you get to evaluate the character of the players. What a performance! The team had to pull out all the stops to win. You can never simulate something like that in training,” said an elated Van Dyk.

Judging by the results of the 2023 South African National Open Water Championships, swimming fast and far is a strength of Tuks’ female swimmers. They made a clean sweep at the Marina Martinique near Jeffreys Bay, competing in the 10-kilometre event.

“What excites me about our Varsity campaign is that we remained unbeaten

Seventeen-year-old Callan Lotter (right) won the 10km event in 2 hours, 8 minutes

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and 54 seconds. Tory Earle was second swimming at 2:08:55. The defending champion, Amica de Jager, was third, clocking 2:09:01. Lotter is seemingly an “old hand” in winning medals at the South African Open Water Championships. Last year she was victorious over 5km (girls under-16). In 2020, she won over 3km (girls under-13). “Winning gold in the 10km event was a bonus. My aim was to be victorious over 7.5km (girls under-18). I still felt strong when I did so, so I decided to keep swimming and see what I could do over the latter stages of the longer event.

When Lotter was younger, she participated in most sports, but the challenges that came with swimming got her adrenaline pumping. In 2018, a friend convinced her to give open-water swimming a go. She immediately qualified to swim the 3km at the SA Open Water Champs.

Gutsy TuksWomens Rugby take bronze The Tukswomens Rugby 7s team won bronze at the 2023 World University Rugby Invitational Tournament in Bordeaux, France. Riaan van der Merwe, TuksWomens Rugby 7s head coach, sees it as one of his team’s gutsiest performances especially as some of the biggest challenges they faced were not between the white lines of the field. The team’s campaign nearly got derailed before it started because of logistical issues.

On the first day, Tuks lost 25-5 against New Zealand’s National University team. They then beat the University of Seville 19-12 but lost 17-12 against the University of Mexico. According to Van der Merwe, expecting seven players to play three games on one day was a tall ask. “On day two, we lost 14-12 against the University of Bordeaux. In our next game, we outplayed the Mauritius National Student team, winning 43-7. There was no respite for us. After the match, the players had time to have one drink before playing the New Zealand team in the semifinals. In contrast to us, the New Zealanders were well rested.”

“I quickly realised that open-water swimming comes with its own unique challenges. You have to be fit, but you also need to be mentally and physically tough. It is guaranteed that you will be bumped around during a race. You just have to deal with it and keep on swimming.” By Wilhelm De Swardt

“Three days before the ‘World Champs’ started, we played the USSA Rugby 7s in Kimberley. We lost 10-7 against NWU in the final. That same day, we flew out to France. “As luck would have it, our flight plan was changed midair due to logistical issues. From then on, everything started going wrong. We missed our flight from Paris to Bordeaux and we had to travel by train. Only seven players arrived to play the first three games. The rest of the team came a day later.

For the third game on the trot the team lost to New Zealand 32-5. “In the playoffs for third place, we beat Seville 28-5. Credit should go to Thandeka Shongwe. As captain, she led from the front throughout the tournament. Her heroics prove that hard work does pay off. “Even the New Zealanders were impressed. She was given a complete New Zealand rugby kit at the prize-giving ceremony.” By Wilhelm De Swardt

TUKKIE | University of Pretoria

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TUKKIE | University of Pretoria

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