Tukkievaria Staff Newsletter | Personeelnuusbrief | Ditaba TĹĄa BaĹĄomi April 2017 Volume 35 Number 1 | April 2017 Volume 35 Nommer 1 | Moranang 2017 KgatiĹĄo 35 Nomoro 1
Inside 02 Bob Miller receives award
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Welcome Day 2017
Wildlife Science
Welcome Day, one of the most important days on the University's academic calendar, when we formally receive our first year students and their parents or guardians as part of the UP family and community, took place at the beginning of this year.
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The hugely successful event boasted two packed sessions during which first-year students were formally welcomed to the University with inspirational words from Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Cheryl de la Rey.
New Head of Animal and
Olympians Honoured
There was also some practical advice from the chairperson of the temporary student committee, Mr Henrico Barnard. Guests were
entertained by the Tuks Camerata choir, who performed a variety of pieces from their award-winning repertoire. After the formal academic procession, Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, Advisor to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, delivered the opening remarks and introduced the members of the executive, the deans and Mr Barnard. In her address, Prof De la Ray expressed her appreciation for the fact that so many of the students joining the University this year were second- or even third-generation Tukkies. She was heartened by the inter-generational continuity and that so many parents and families have chosen to entrust the University with the future of their children.
Pictures from top clockwise: Prof Norman Duncan greeting parents. Student Representative Council 2017. Vice-Chancellor, Prof de la Ray delivering her address. Guests arriving into hall and being welcomed by UP staff. The Academic Procession arriving onto stage.
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Tukkievaria March 2017
Prof Bob Millar receives
Platinum Scientific Achievement Award Prof Bob Millar, Director of the Centre for Reproductive Neuroendocrinology (RNE) in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria (UP), has been awarded the Platinum Scientific Achievement Award by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC).
The SAMRC strongly supports excellence in health research and to this end established a set of annual medal awards to recognise world-class work. The Platinum Scientific Achievement Award is given to an outstanding scientist who has raised the profile of South African science and helped to build the foundations of health research in the country for future generations. To be considered for this award, nominees must have made at least one exceptional scientific breakthrough or contribution to research which is acknowledged at national and international level, and have made meritorious contributions to enhancing the prestige of
South African medical research and/or extending medical knowledge. Candidates for a platinum medal should also have more than 100 published scientific papers to their credit, with many of these having been published in highimpact journals and several receiving high citation rates over the course of a lifetime in health research. After completing his BSc Hons in Zimbabwe, Prof Millar undertook postgraduate research in Zambia where he identified phytoestrogens in grass species that were implicated in cattle infertility. Subsequently, for his MSc at the University of London, he conducted research in amino acid metabolism, and followed this with a PhD at
the University of Liverpool on photoperiodic regulation of seasonal reproduction in the hyrax. Prof Millar has published more than 400 articles, which have been cited more than 17 000 times, in peerreviewed journals including Science, Nature, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the Journal of Clinical Investigation, the Journal of Biological Chemistry and the New England Journal of Medicine (IF 47). He has an A-rating from the National Research Foundation and has an H-index of over 70. He has filed 18 patents and established a successful biotech company. More than 50 postgraduate students graduated under his mentorship.
appointed to International Drafting Committee of Transnational Insurance Law
honoured for his life-long theological contributions
Prof Buitendag was ordained as minister of the Dutch Reformed Church in 1977. During the period 1984 to 1985 he studied under the supervision of the internationally acclaimed Lutheran scholar Friedrich Mildenberger in Erlangen, Germany. He was the first theologian in South
Dr Marius van Oordt, a Senior Lecturer with the African Tax Institute (ATI) at the University of Pretoria (UP), has been announced as the 2016 winner in the doctoral category of the national Tax Thesis Competition.
Prof Birgit Kuschke
Prof Buitendag
Prof Johan Buitendag, Dean of the Faculty of Theology at the University of Pretoria (UP), received the HCM Fourie honorary award in honour of his exceptional contribution to Biblical Reformed theology and in recognition of his outstanding service as theologian, minister and former chairperson of the General Assembly of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika (NHKA).
Dr Marius van Oordt wins Tax Thesis Competition
Rev Hannes van der Merwe, chairperson of the Curatorium, hands over the award to Prof Buitendag.
Africa who completed a doctoral dissertation about ecotheology. In 1985 he received his DD degree at the University of Pretoria. In 2001 he was appointed as professor in Systematic Theology and Christian Ethics at UP, as Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Theology in 2004 and as Dean in 2010. With the conferral of this award, the Church mentioned that his contribution to theological training in his role as Dean of the Faculty of Theology at the University of Pretoria, has been invaluable. The award was made to him because he has realised the ideal of what the NHKA expects of a Biblical Reformed theologian. He also led the Church during his chairmanship of the General Church Assembly during 2004 to 2007 and reunited the church with the Reformed family of churches all over the world.
Prof Birgit Kuschke from the Department of Private Law in the Faculty of Law of the University of Pretoria was invited to serve as one of only 15 principal members (selected from 14 academic institutions in the EU, the US, Japan, Singapore, Brazil and South Africa) of the International Drafting Committee of the universal Principles of Reinsurance Contract Law (known as ‘PRICL’), under the auspices of the University of Zürich, Switzerland. The aim of the project is to draft Principles of Reinsurance Contract Law (PRICL) within the scope of a research network. For this purpose, a Principles Drafting Committee (PDC) has been established; it is made up of academics from countries with leading insurance sectors and representing as many legal families in the world as possible. The PDC is advised by an Advisory Group Reinsurers (AGR) and an Advisory Group Direct Insurers (AGI).
University of Pretoria
Universiteit van Pretoria
Yunibesithi ya Pretoria
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Prof Quintus Vorster: 25 years at UP Prof Van MarleKoster new Head of Animal and Wildlife Sciences
Prof Quintus Vorster started working at the University of Pretoria (UP) as a Professor in Accounting in June 1991, having previously been a Professor in Accounting at Stellenbosch University, where he obtained his PhD. Since he joined the University of Pretoria, Prof Vorster has seen many changes at the University. Back then, the social demographic on campus was very different as it was mainly an Afrikaans university. Today, he says, UP reflects the many diverse and ethnic cultures of South Africa, as well as hosting many international students. Over this period, the University has grown tremendously in academic stature. Where teaching and learning dominated in 1991, the production of quality research has become progressively more important over time, to the point where the University is now recognised as an important role-player on the African continent and even internationally. The physical landscape has also changed dramatically during this period. When Prof Vorster joined the
Prof Este van Marle-Koster, has recently been appointed as the new Head of the Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences. She succeeds Prof Eddie Webb, who is now the Acting Deputy Dean: Research and Postgraduate Education in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. Her appointment comes at a time when the visibility of agriculture, including the active and effective presence of the Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences on the Hatfield Experimental Farm, is a priority for the Faculty. The Faculty will benefit from Prof Van Marle-Koster's expertise to achieve this goal and to make the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences a leading researchintensive faculty in Africa. Prof Este van Marle-Koster’s vision is to perform multidisciplinary research in Animal Breeding and Genetics, Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition that are relevant to the South African livestock industry. She holds a PhD in Animal Science, with specialisation in Animal Breeding and Genetics, from the University of Pretoria and has been involved in teaching and research for the past 21 years. Her research focuses on the application of DNA markers and genomics in the genetic improvement of livestock. She is the co-ordinator of the sub-committee for research in the Beef Genomic Programme, and acts as the coordinator for the Dairy Genomic Programme funded by the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA). She holds a C2 rating from the NRF and is a registered Professional Animal Scientist with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP). She also serves as the current Vice-President of the South African Society for Animal Science.
University, Roper Street divided Hatfield Campus into an eastern and a western campus. Many new buildings have been erected, and the Groenkloof Campus became part of the University upon the incorporation of Normaal Kollege and the Mamelodi Campus was incorporated when Vista University was dissolved. Prof Vorster eventually moved from academics to lead UP’s finance department, though he says he often misses the academic environment as he is an academic at heart. His two children are following in his footsteps and are both lecturers in UP’s Faculty of Health Sciences. Upon his retirement, Prof Vorster says he wants to travel locally and abroad, which will give him the opportunity to pursue his hobby of photography. His advice to all staff and students is to see the University as a place that ‘nurtures innovative ideas’, which he found to be a daily highlight as UP was always a place that promoted opportunities if one was prepared to work hard. ‘I am proud to be associated with UP,’ he says.
Prof Tahir Pillay appointed
Dr Heinrich Badenhorst receives as editor-in-chief of prestigious Meiring international medical Naude Medal journal Professor Tahir Pillay, Head of the Department of Chemical Pathology and the Division of Clinical Pathology in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria (UP), has been appointed editor-in-chief of the Journal of Clinical Pathology with effect from January 2017. The Journal of Clinical Pathology (JCP), which is part of the British Medical Journal group, is a leading international journal that covers all aspects of pathology. Prof Pillay will head the publication team of editorial board members from around the world to ensure continued coverage of global research.
The Royal Society of South Africa has awarded the 2017 Meiring Naude Medal to Dr Heinrich Badenhorst, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Pretoria (UP).
The Meiring Naude Medal is awarded to outstanding early-career scientists, who have already made a mark in their field and are poised to become scientific leaders. To be considered for this prestigious accolade, candidates must either be under 35 years of age or have been awarded their doctorate within five years of nomination. Dr Badenhorst received the medal in recognition of his significant contribution to the understanding of graphite and other carbon materials in their various forms. Special reference was also made to his passion for sharing his knowledge at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. Under his leadership the Bulk Carbon Materials Research Group, which forms part of the SARChI Chair for Carbon Materials and Technology in the Institute of Applied Materials at UP, has grown rapidly and is poised to become a world-renowned centre of excellence in carbon materials research.
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Tukkievaria March 2017
Sport highlights 2016 2016 TuksSport Colours and Awards
UP honours TuksSport/HPC Olympians
The 2016 TuksSport Awards saw rowers Lawrence Brittain, Shaun Keeling and Ursula Grobler & Kirsten McCann take top honours by winning the Sportsman and Sportswomen of the Year respectively. The prestigious event took place in Pretoria where a total of 426 TuksSport athletes and officials were honoured. After surviving a Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma two years ago, Lawrence continued on his quest to participate in the Olympics. Both he and Shaun Keeling were included in the Men’s Heavy Weight Pair and went on to win a Silver medal for team South Africa at the Rio Olympic Games. In 2015 Ursula and Kirsten qualified for the Rio Games at the World Championships and went on to compete in the World Cup 1 in Varese, Italy were the Single Sculls pair rowed to a Bronze medal.
At the Olympic Games in Rio every medal that was won by our athletes gave South Africans a sense of pride.
Left: Lawrence Brittain, Shaun Keeling
Professor Cheryl de la Rey (Vice-Chancellor at the University of Pretoria) said at the UP Olympians Celebration held in honour of the Tuks/HPC Olympians that their achievements, as well as the achievements of athletes in the rest of South Africa, came at a time when South Africa is facing its first serious turning point since 1994, “In a context such as this, sport can really play an important role of contributing positively towards social cohesion and national pride. When our athletes are successful we can see our diverse society coming together. Our Olympians became symbols of who we are and what we are capable of as a nation when we are united in our desire for achievement.” Prof De la Rey went on to urge the Olympians to share their stories, especially by telling their fellow athletes about the importance of discipline, sacrifice and focus. “Our country’s youth might just take note when their heroes tell them that success cannot be achieved without hard work and personal responsibility. Prof De la Rey has good reason to be proud. Since 1992, the year South Africa was readmitted to participate in international sports, students of the University of Pretoria have been making South Africans proud with their exploits at major sporting events. The recent Olympic Games in Rio again confirmed the truth of this statement. Of the ten medals won by South Africa, three were due to the hard work and perseverance of the Tuks/HPC athletes and their coaches. At the previous Games in London (2012) the Tuks/HPC athletes won three of South Africa’s six medals. Since 1992 nearly a third of the 35 medals won at the Olympic Games were due to the never-give-up attitude of the Tuks/HPC athletes and coaches.
Ursula Grobler & Kirsten McCann
Mr Kobus van der Walt retires as Director of TuksSport The University of Pretoria formally bade farewell to Mr Kobus van der Walt, former director of TuksSport, at an event hosted by Prof Cheryl de la Ray, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UP, on Thursday, earlier this year. Prof De La Rey thanked Mr Van der Walt for his eighteen years of service to the University of Pretoria since his appointment in July 1999 and she spoke of the many successes TuksSport had achieved during his time at the helm. She highlighted TuksRugby who were crowned the Varsity Cup champions for the first time and TuksCricket who achieved exceptional success both locally and internationally. She mentioned that many other sports codes had also excelled on regional, national and international levels. “Tonight Kobus, you have truly earned your colours and you have always given gold medal service. Your legacy will live on.” Prof De la Rey extended an open invitation to Mr Van der Walt to return to share the stories of TuksSport successes achieved under his leadership.
Prof Nick Grove, Registrar of the University of Pretoria, who was Mr Van der Walt’s Line-Manager, added further praise to his selfless dedication in putting TuksSport on the map and for nurturing a culture of trust, honesty, loyalty and discipline in the Organisation. When Mr Van der Walt took to the podium, he said that his greatest joy was when the students became like his own children who filled him with pride when he saw them achieve success. "People will forget what you taught them, but will not forget how you made them feel," is an expression that he often shared with his staff. Mr Van der Walt’s role will be filled in an acting capacity for a year by current CEO of the High Performance Centre (hpc), Mr Toby Sutcliffe, who stated that Mr Van der Walt’s contribution to sport at UP had been immense and that he had remained one step ahead of the pack to ensure that TuksSport was at the forefront of any new developments.
Kobus van der Walt with his wife and children at the function.