Tukkievaria Staff Newsletter | Personeelnuusbrief | Ditaba Tša Bašomi October 2016 Volume 34 Number 3 | Oktober 2016 Volume 34 Nommer 3 | Diphalane 2016 Kgatišo 34 Nomoro 3
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EBIT: New Dep Dean appointed
03 GIBS retains top spot
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Mandela Lecture 2016
TuksSport Olympic success
Philanthropist and entrepreneur, Bill Gates who is also the founder of software giant, Microsoft, was the guest speaker at the 14th annual Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture. The lecture was hosted by the Nelson Mandela Foundation in association with the University of Pretoria (UP) at their Mamelodi campus.
The lecture is intended to honour the memory of one of the greatest statesmen in the world, namely, Nelson Mandela. Under the theme of ‘living together’, the 2016 edition of the lecture was also dedicated to families in Mamelodi who lost their loved ones during the struggle in the apartheid years. In her welcome addres, Prof Cheryl de la Rey, Principal and Vice Chancellor of UP, paid homage to the special contribution of the people of Mamelodi to the struggle for freedom. She also outlined the many ways in which UP cotributes to the legacy of Nelson Mandela, through research, teaching, community service and innovation. Mr Gates anchored his speech around his love and longstanding relationship with the continent of Africa and its people. A key factor of that relationship was his personal friendship with Nelson Mandela from whose legacy Gates continues to draw inspiration. “Living Together is the theme of Mr Mandela’s life and was the opposite to the system of apartheid he was fighting
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against,” said Gates at the beginning of his lecture. He then proceeded to outline some of the major challenges which prevent the people of Africa and the people of the world from living quality lives together and in peace. These include the burden of disease, inequality, high infant mortality rates, global warming, food security issues and abject poverty. During an earlier trip to South Africa during which he was promoting the use of computers, Gates came to the conclusion that omputers “computers alone can't feed children or cure disease”. Shortly after his visit to South Africa in 1997, he founded the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Mr Gates was full of praise for African youth who were approaching the challenges faced by the continent with a courageous, entrepreneral and innovative spirit. Noting the key role of good universities in national development, he commended South Africa for having some of the best universities, of whom “the University of Pretoria is a good example,” he said.
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3. Mandela Lecture 2016: 1. Musicians that performed. 2. Prof Cheryl de la Rey 3. Bill Gates receives a South African cookbook as gift 4. Adv George Bizos was one of the guests 5. Bill Gates and Prof De la Rey during the press conference 6. Mrs Graca Machel, Bill Gates and Prof De la Rey on stage 7. Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi was also invited 8. Arriving at the lecture from left is Bill Gates, Prof Njabulo Ndebele, Mrs Graca Machel, Prof De la Rey and Mr Sello Hatang
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Tukkievaria September 2016
Veterinary students showcase amazing talent at Dean's Cultural evening Students from the Faculty of Veterinary Science recently amazed one and all by showcasing their many talents. The event was the annual Dean's Cultural Evening, held in the Aula on the Hatfield Campus. From the very first act, a vocal duet, it was clear that the audience was in for a treat. They were more than appreciative and the performers all stepped up to the task, embracing our diverse cultures with items ranging from instrumental music, singing, the first performance of the OP Community Choir, rap, jazz, belly dancing, Bollywood dancing, acting and mime. It was a really great spectacle with so many young, talented students.
Prof Alta vd Merwe: New
Appointment Deputy Dean Teaching and Learning, EBIT Faculty Earlier this year EBIT appointed its new Deputy Dean, Prof Alta van der Merwe, who holds a C1 rating from the NRF. The past four years of experience as head of department of the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (EBIT), had suitably prepared her for the managerial responsibilities associated with this new position of Deputy Dean. She previously held leadership positions as senior lecturer and associate professor at UP and principal researcher at the CSIR's Meraka Institute. Her own teaching philosophy largely supports a blended learning approach and her personal philosophy in teaching and supervision is to determine the level of knowledge that the student has and to use that as a platform to guide the student towards the ‘next’ concept(s) that needs to be understood before he/she can proceed with his/her learning activities. She is of the firm belief that UP has the available skills to expand the use of technology in classrooms and, as Deputy Dean, she wants to pursue projects that support the creation of innovative mechanisms at the University. Thus she will contribute to the execution of the mission of the EBIT Faculty to maintain and promote national and global partnerships that will result in quality and relevant knowledge generation in the relevant fields in EBIT. She wishes to achieve this by focusing on the development of researchers and delivering high-quality professionals who will have an innovative impact on research scholarship, teaching excellence and social justice, in South Africa as well as globally.
Veterinary students displaying their talent.
Building links with Ghana
The VC sharing a light hearted moment with UP's West Africa Chapter Co-Ordinator, Dr Pardikor Madjitey.
The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) held a conference of university leaders in Accra, Ghana, from 25 to 29 July 2016. Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria (UP), Prof Cheryl de la Rey attended together with Advisor to the Vice Chancellor and Principal, Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, and Alumni Relations Officer, Ms Vuyo Ntloko. Prof De la Rey who is also the current Vice-Chair of the ACU Council, delivered a lecture at the University of Ghana on the importance of research collaboration among African universities, and also hosted a dinner for UP alumni where the longterm aim to initiate a West African chapter of TuksAlumni was announced. A total of
43 guests attended the dinner, including the SA High Commission Head in Ghana, Her Excellency Lulama Xingwana, where Prof De la Rey outlined the UP's plans for collaboration in Africa. The Alumni dinner in Ghana is a crucial first step in the establishment of the West Africa chapter of UP alumni. One of our alumnus in Ghana, Dr Pardikor Madjitey, shared her positive experiences and fond memories of the University. Her Excellency Ms Lulama Xingwana pledged to work with the University and its partners in Ghana. Prof Maluleke visited Ashesi University, a private university situated about 40 kilometres outside Accra in order to explore opportunities for future collaboration. The DUR is following up on all contacts established, especially with Dr Madjitey and the SA Embassy, who have volunteered to assist the University in mobilising West African partnerships and alumni.
University of Pretoria
GIBS retains top spot among the world's best providers of executive education The University of Pretoria's Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) has, for the thirteenth year running, retained its top spot as the leading African and South African business school providing executive education programmes. The announcement made earlier this year was part of the prestigious annual UK Financial Times (FT) Executive Education rankings, a global benchmark. Ranked at number 43, GIBS is one of the top 15% of an estimated 300 leading business schools globally that compete for a position on the executive education rankings. GIBS is the only African business school ranked in the top 50, just below Cambridge Judge Business School. The customised ranking relies on a survey of business schools' top clients who are invited to complete an online survey about the school that nominated them. In GIBS's case, clients who participated in the survey comprised not only leading South African corporates but also top multinationals operating across Africa and abroad. Business schools are also ranked according to other criteria, including preparation, programme design, teaching methods and materials, faculty diversity, new skills and learning, facilities as well as women clients. Ms Meeta Dullabh, Director: Custom Programmes at GIBS said: 'In our customer-centric approach, our priority is
meeting our clients' development needs. This ranking is an affirmation that the job we set out to do is of a global standard.' GIBS prides itself on providing high-quality business and management education in a rapidly changing, and competitive business environment. 'To be ranked among the top 50 leading business schools globally, the only school in Africa to be ranked, for the thirteenth year in a row, is a testament to the quality of education that we offer,' added Ms Dullabh. 'We make a concerted effort to continually improve our programmes and ensure that we deliver quality executive education that has a lasting impact. We are very pleased that GIBS was again recognised as a top-ranking business school for executive education. We believe that this ranking shows that our clients see value in our programmes,' concluded Professor Nicola Kleyn, Dean of GIBS.
Universiteit van Pretoria
Yunibesithi ya Pretoria
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New Food Law initiative launched A new focus of the University's Institutional Research Theme (IRT) on Food, Nutrition and Well-being, was launched by lead researcher, Ms Anjanette Haller-Barker. She presented a theoretical framework for food law in this new research areas that brings together the various legal elements related to food (namely standards, regulations, legislation and Ms Anjanette Haller-Barker policies) and food securityrelated issues of human rights, consumerism, consumer protection, trade, health and economic growth. The enlightening seminar was hosted by Prof Andre Boraine, Dean of the Faculty of Law, and drew together lawyers and scientists from a range of disciplines and faculties. The discussion session illustrated how cooperation among branches of academic study that seldom interact can lead to powerful collaborative research in this innovative frontier. Ms Haller-Barker, who is currently based in the Institute for Food, Nutrition and Well-being and is also associated with the Department of Public Law, provided an overview of the history of food legislation, its focus over periods in history, and recent international interest in food law as a concept that is broader than trade and consumer protection. She outlined the unique context of South Africa and the gaps in research, highlighting areas that the IRT could focus on. She stated: 'Our goal is to identify researchers working in these fields, to encourage collaborative research and to build the capacity of both staff and students in the study of food law. A greater understanding of the South African context will enable us to contribute to constructive legal development in this field.' It was agreed at the launch that the next steps would be to establish a working group to identify the University of Pretoria's strategic niche area and to elaborate a strategy to develop this as a new focus area for research, postgraduate studies and the study programmes of various degrees.
Bringing joy to Leamogetswe Safety International Home on Mandela Day 2016 Staff from Enterprises University of Pretoria (Pty) Ltd (Enterprise UP) generously opened their wallets and volunteered their 67 minutes to support the Leamogetswe Safety Home on Mandela Day 2016. Leamogetswe Safety Home is a non-profit organisation situated in Atteridgeville that provides support and shelter to children and youths, including vulnerable children, abandoned babies and street children. In addition to the shoebox project, Enterprises UP staff donated non-perishable food and clothing to the centre. This year's Mandela Day initiative was a shoebox project. Clothing, toiletries and other much-needed items were included in the boxes, which were personalised for each recipient. “Your company's commitment to our home was incredibly helpful. Your assistance and support means so much to us, but even more to the children,� said Matlakala Makhubela, Director of Leamogetswe Safety Home. Enterprises UP staff visited the shelter and handed out the gifts and donations, which the children and staff received with great enthusiasm and gratitude. For 67 minutes, Enterprises UP staff also entertained and played with the young children.
'You may never know what results come of your action, but if you do nothing there will be no result.' Mahatma Gandhi
leadership award for Prof Mike Wingfield Prof Wingfield has been awarded the Distinguished Leadership Award for International Scientists for 2016, by his alma mater, the University of Minnesota. He is Professor and Founding Director of the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI) at the Prof Mike Wingfield University of Pretoria and also the current President of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO), a worldwide network of more than 15 000 forest scientists with its headquarters based in Austria. He is also an A1-rated National Research Foundation (NRF) researcher. This leadership award is bestowed on individuals who distinguished themselves in their post-university work as leaders in their professional careers. Prof Wingfield did the research for his PhD at the University of Minnesota and was awarded the degree in 1983.His work on the topic of tree health has been widely published in more than 600 research papers and five books, and he was elected as a fellow of several scientific societies, including the Royal Society of South Africa, the Academy of Science for South Africa (ASSAf), and the Southern African Society for Plant Pathology and the American Phytopathological Society. He is one of the few honorary members of the Mycological Society of America.
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Tukkievaria September 2016
TuksSport 2016 Olympic Success In the recent 2016 Rio Olympic Games held in Rio de Janeiro, TuksSport had a total forty-six athletes, coaches and managers from TuksSport representing their respective countries (38 in Team SA and two Paralympians) at the Rio Games, including Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Congo. Cameron van der Burgh, Luvo Manyonga, Lawrence Brittain and Shaun Keeling all won silver medals in swimming, long jump and rowing respectively. Whilst Akani Simbine, competed in the 100m Mens Final and finished a respectable 5th.
TuksSwimming: Van der Burgh wins silver Cameron van der Burgh won South Africa's first medal at the Olympic Games in Rio when he finished second in the 100-metre breaststroke. The final was a magnificent display of strength, speed and pure guts as Britain's Adam Peaty and Van der Burgh fought for the prize. It was Peaty who prevailed in the end, winning in a world record time of 57,13 seconds. Van der Burgh was second in 58,69 s and Cody Miller of the USA was third in 58,87 s. The Tuks/hpc swimmer deserves to be complimented for fighting right up to the finish to take the silver medal.
TuksAthletics: Luvo wins silver in Long Jump Luvo Manyonga winning a silver medal in the long jump at the Olympic Games in Rio was a story of resilience and tenacity. Instead of all his setbacks in life, Luvo pressed on to achieve silver and capture hearts around the world. In his interview on Carte Blanche with Derek Watts Luvo shared about growing up in challenging circumstances and how the HPC had helped him achieve his dream of achieving an Olympic medal. Watts was so impressed that he tweeted,
“#tuks #hpc deserves credit for performances of athletes like @luvoza and @AkaniSimbine who just missed 100m medal!” Luvo jumped a personal best distance of 8,37m just beaten on the final jump by Jeff Henderson of the USA by one centimetre – 8.38m. Luvo’s opening jump was 8.16 metres and then led the competition with a jump of 8.28 on his 4th effort, and then extended that to 8.37m on his 5th. With gold in sight he was beaten by Henderson’s a winning leap of 8.38 to eclipse him by just one centimetre.
TuksRowing: Keeling and Brittain win silver medal in Rio Lawrence Brittain and Shaun Keeling have won the silver medal in the rowing men's pair at the Olympic Games in Rio. The fact that Brittain won a silver medal must be one of the Games' biggest comeback stories. In 2014 he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease, but, being the fighter he is, it was never going to stop him. After months of treatment, his doctor gave him a clean bill of health in February 2015 and he was able to resume his training. The first goal he set himself was to qualify for the Olympic Games. Brittain and Keeling impressed with the way they fought right until the end. Between 500 metres and 1 500 metres, they were in fourth place and it looked as if they were out of the running to medal. But over the last 500 metres they clawed their way to third and then second.
Akani Simbine, became the first South African in an Olympic 100 metres final for 84 years, finishing fifth in 9,94 s.