Tukkievaria Staff Newsletter | Personeelnuusbrief | Ditaba Tša Bašomi November 2017 Volume 35 Number 3 | November 2017 Volume 35 Nommer 3 | Dibatsela 2017 Kgatišo 35 Nomoro 3
Inside 02 UP's Angel - going the extra mile
03 Overcomer: Theodore Loots
04 Sport
SPRING DAY 2017
For those not keen on sport, there were plenty of other activities to The arrival of Spring all over the world is unmistakable with the vibrant participate in. The ‘best-stall’ and food competition was intense. For the colours of leaves and flowers. The chatter of birds and other creatures, judging of the food, we had on hand professional chefs and the stall awakening from their winter slumber, fills the atmosphere with joyous judging was headed up by our own, Prof Tinyiko Maluleke. For those celebration of the arrival of the warmer weather. In Pretoria, Spring’s wanting to shake their bodies to a snazzy beat and at the same time arrival is distinctive with the beautiful blooming of the Jacaranda trees burn up a few calories, Zumba was on hand for that and its purple flowers. At the University of Pretoria (UP), very reason. Spring is welcomed with the same joy of nature - as Competition Winners displayed in our annual Spring Day event. This year was Best Burger - Facilities Management For those that stayed on after sunset, the karaoke even more colourful, vibrant and exciting - thanks to the Best Stall - Facilities Management was a big hit. Next year we need to look at our participants who again out-did themselves. Soccer - Onderstepoort own, 'UP’s Got Talent’ as there were some that Volleyball - Finance had the voices to make it all the way. Due to space The competition for the best-stall, food, sports and Tug of War - Facilities Management restrictions in this edition we could not have all entertainment from music and dancing, made the event the photos that were captured on Spring Day the success that it was. The fun walk/run is always popular, celebrations. attracted the most participants and was led by our Vice Chancellor, Prof Cheryl de la Rey. Tug of War was added into the sports Please see the special edition of the Tukkievaria for more photos from as an alternative to the usual soccer and volleyball. The soccer and Spring day! volleyball was well contested and all who participated had a lot of fun.
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Tukkievaria October 2017
UP’s angel – going the extra mile Saying goodbye to Oom Levi Staff at the Department of University Relations (DUR) wish their long serving colleague, Mr Levi Mokgoshi - affectionately known as “Oom Levi”, a fondfarewell! Mr Mokgoshi served UP as an employee for a staggering forty-one years, providing an invaluable role to DUR that encompassed him being involved in admin, support and driving roles. His colleagues paid tribute to his years of service and hailed him as an example of dedication, faithfulness and loyalty.
Recent blind UP graduate, Mashooda Sedibeng, appreciates the help she received from an ‘angel’. She admits that her success at UP would not have been possible without the assistance from Ms Tsholofelo Senne, a security guard on campus - her ‘angel’. Ms Senne has been working in the Humanities Building for the past 10 years and used to help Mashooda navigate her way to class and around campus. If she was late for class, Ms Senne would call and check up on where she was. She knew Mashooda’s timetable and would be concerned if she did not see her arrive for classes. Mashooda shares that this was over and above Ms Senne’s role as a security guard and showed how committed she was to her success and well-being. Even when Mashooda was lost she used to call Ms Senne, who would arrange with her security colleagues to locate and assist her. “She was like my angel from above!” Mashooda’s story is one of great inspiration and encouragement, having been blind from the age of six-years-old, completing her matric in 2008 with an exemption and now graduating from UP with a Bachelor of Arts. Ms Senne was not going to miss being present at Mashooda’s graduation, so she made sure that she put in a day’s leave to be there. In the busyness of work, life becomes easy to focus on doing only what’s expected of us – Ms Senne is an example of someone who made the time to go the extra mile!
New museum officer making waves
Current DUR acting director, Ms Shireen Chengadu, said that Oom Levi was a pleasant person and had got to know him and about his family when they would chat whilst he drove her around UP for her meetings. “Even though Oom is retiring, he won’t be forgotten. We can look to you to learn some of your good qualities,” said Mrs Chengadu at his retirement party. She thanked Oom Levi for his service and dedication to UP as someone that got on diligently with their work and made a positive difference to all they came in contact with.
UP Arts Museum has been getting more compliments since their new Museum Officer, Nicole Hoffmann, joined. She has done a whopping 80 personal tours since April, which has impressed her manager, Sian Tiley-Nel.
Other colleagues also paid personal tribute to their beloved Oom, highlighting his good character and values.
HUSBAND AND WIFE GRADUATE TOGETHER
In her role, she provides guided tours of the museum galleries to external visitors (local and international), staff and students. This makes her the “public face” of UP Museums as she engages with visitors and other interested parties. “Each tour is different”, says Nicole, “which is what makes my work so interesting and rewarding. Each tourist or visitor visits the museums with a different cultural background, interest, mind-set or level of education. I attempt to ‘read’ each visitor and then customise the tours accordingly, which also means that no tour is ever the same. I also enjoy meeting a very diverse mix of people.” Nicole completed her Bachelor degree in Heritage and Cultural Tourism in 2008, her Honours in 2009 (both cum laude) and was conferred a Master’s degree cum laude (MHCS Heritage and Cultural Tourism) in 2015. She has also served from 2014 to 2016 as a part-time lecturer in the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology and in the Department of Historical and Heritage Studies at the University of Pretoria. Following on from her MA thesis title, “On-Location Film-Induced Tourism: Success and Sustainability”, she has also published on the subject of heritage and tourism and presented a conference paper in 2016 at the 1st Tourism Educators South Africa (TESA) International Conference in Cape Town. Nicole is an accredited Gauteng tourist guide (cultural guide) at national level and speaks and writes several languages fluently, including Afrikaans, English and German.
CHECK OUT THE UP REVISED CODE OF CONDUCT FOR EMPLOYEES We prides ourselves in our ethical values:
Christie and Charlie Boucher, have both recently graduated with their Masters in Medicine Degrees. Christie received her MMedVet Ophthalmology (cum laude) and Charlie his MMedVet Small Animal Surgery. They are both based at Onderstepoort Veterinary Science campus.
• Responsible for the university’s business, reputation and assets
• Accountable for our decisions and actions
• Fair by giving appropriate consideration to our stakeholders’ interests
• Transparent when disclosing information to stakeholders
Please log in on the staff intranet to read the full policy document
University of Pretoria
Universiteit van Pretoria
Yunibesithi ya Pretoria
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A family affair BREAKING THE NORM Head of Department of Psychology, at the University of Pretoria, (UP), Prof DJF Maree, recently received his third doctoral degree (DPhil). What was even more special was this time at his graduation he was joined by his daughter, Maryke Maree, who graduated with her BA degree. Prof Maree earned his first doctorate in 1991 DD (Theology), Critical rationalism and theology, his second in 1995, D.Phil (Psychology), Cognition and consciousness: developing a conceptual framework and his third and most recent this year, D.Phil (Philosophy), A critical realist view of psychology as a science. When asked why he studied for a third doctorate when many would be content with one, he said that whilst some people regarded obtaining a doctorate as the end of a long process of study, he felt that to maintain your knowledge and expertise in a field required further on-going study. He elaborated, “My view is that the Doctorate is a process where you do not only gain valuable knowledge but develop a host of other critical skills.” Prof Maree attributes his curious nature as being what motivates his scholarly work and drives him to want to know more “Some people run, I read!” He started off as a researcher in Traffic Research at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) at UP and did this for 12 years and worked eventually in psychometric test development, teaching post graduates. He is also currently the chair of the Psychometrics Committee of the Board for Prof Maree was present and read her PhD psychology at the abstract. Health Professions Council at South Africa (HPCSA). In 1999, he was made a full-professor at the Department of Psychology and was appointed as Head of Department of Psychology from 2013 and in that same year elected as president of the Psychological Association of South Africa (PsySSA). Prof Maree’s wife, Marinda, also joined in this ‘family-affair’ and at UP’s recent Spring graduation received her PhD in Psychology for her thesis on “The role of self-efficacy in the careers of women in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).” The assumption was that women remain in STEM careers because of the motivational effect of STEM self-efficacy.
If you have a perception that certain careers are more suitable for men and others more suitable for woman, then Prof Tania Hanekom will be quick to point out that this perception is a myth as she has received several awards in the field of engineering. One is the Innovation and Excellence in Teaching Award, for her innovative teaching methods that help students to apply their technical ingenuity through a carefully planned and guided process of assisting students in developing a fundamental set of engineering skills. This includes hardware and software design, systems
integration, the ability to work and function in a team, time management and perseverance. Prof Hanekom’s teaching philosophy is, “Excellence fosters excellence: if one wants to nurture excellence in students, one must offer excellence in the teaching and learning strategy – one needs to set an example that students cannot resist following.” “Challenges in teaching are not to be approached as obstacles, but rather as opportunities to stimulate innovation. Innovation, in turn, encourages excellence because innovation without excellence will yield an inferior, frustrating outcome. Providing a challenge is thus an effective tactic to develop excellence: students will invariably answer a challenge with excellence because they are enthused by the prospect of achievement. This is also true for lecturers, who need to find innovative solutions to a wide variety of teaching challenges in ways that are effective and sustainable. Challenge is thus the fertile soil in which new ideas and tactics can sprout and grow.”
Overcomer: Theodor Loots
Being born with only 5% sight could be a valid reason to not accomplish many things. However, not so for Theodor Loots. He completed his schooling at the Prinshof School for the Visually Impaired, where he was appointed as head boy in 2002. In 2000, he obtained the title of the first blind man in Africa to acquire a black belt in judo. He went on to pursue his tertiary studies at the University of Pretoria, enrolling for Actuarial and Financial Mathematics in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. During his third year of study, his eyesight deteriorated quite badly and it was then that he learnt the American braille code for mathematics as quickly as he could. This enabled him access to more resources and also allowed him to complete his exam papers in braille. He would read it back to the lecturer, who would write down the answers and proceed to mark the papers. Later on, this strategy was fully automated by the use of technology, so that papers and assignments didn't have to undergo this very tedious transcription process. Loots is married to Katryn, and together they have three children: a daughter and two sons. He is the first visually impaired man to obtain a Master's degree in Mathematical Statistics with distinction (recognised by the S2A3 bronze medal). What is even more remarkable is that he recently completed a PhD in Mathematical Statistics and graduated from the University of Pretoria in September 2017. After initially being employed in the financial industry, Loots joined the University of Pretoria as lecturer in the Department of Statistics in 2013. His early career as an academic is already characterised by a number of national and international publications and collaborations. On receiving the PhD, Dr Loots said, 'Sad will be the day, upon summiting a mountain, one comes to the realisation that it has been a solitary ascent. So much greater is the adventure when shared with others, and this then is a testimony to all those that have shared in the journey; the God that is sustaining me daily, the family that shapes me, the supervisor that endures with me, and the village that feeds me.'
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Tukkievaria October 2017
Sport TuksAthletics: Akani graduated 2016 Rio Olympics, finalist in the 100 metres, South African record holder in the 100 metres sprint, and Diamond League gold medallist, Akani Simbine, graduated in September at the University of Pretoria, with a Bachelor of Information Science.
mile by supporting him. The University of Pretoria’s High Performance Centre (HPC) and TuksSports, led by Toby Sutcliffe also came in for praise from the Olympian, as he says they also played a huge role not just in his track success but academic as well. Deputy Director, of TuksSport, Steven Ball facilitated in getting the balance right between his athletics and academic program.
The proudly Tuks alumnus speaks of his experience at the University of Pretoria as,
Akani is honest in sharing that his journey to achieving this degree, as with anything worthwhile in life was challenging. There were times when the thought of quitting did cross his mind but “that’s not what champions do!” he said. He knew that he was studying for a greater purpose and this is what fuelled him on, teaching him perseverance and in the tough times to be tenacious and not to throw in the towel.
“Amazing! The facilities and support from UP has been great and equipped me to study and progress as an athlete at the same time. Completing this degree has allowed me to learn a lot and grow as a person. It’s provided me with a pathway outside of the sports arena and this is something that I encourage all professional sportspeople to consider. I have gained a qualification that no one can take away from me.” Akani obtained a scholarship after his first year from the University of Pretoria and later was assisted by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC). Surprisingly, his academic journey has also enabled him to improve his performance on the track, “My degree in the IT field has taught me that due to this field constantly being in a state of change and advancement, one has to be open to change, be prepared to grow and be in the loop of these new developments – in order to be on the top of your game. This mindset I have carried over and adopted to my athletics, to
be prepared and open to new ways and avenues to improving my performance.” Akani is grateful to his parents for being great role models to him. His gratitude also extends to the Dean of Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and IT (EBIT), Prof Sunil Maharaj and to the Dean of Economic Management, Elsabe Loots for accommodating his demanding athletics program in order for him to successfully complete his degree. His lecturer, Herman Lemmer, went the extra
“Make no mistake it was tough to balance my studies with the rigours of being a professional athlete – this was exacerbated with me competing at the Rio Olympics. However, my support team were amazing and when I stood on that podium and collected my degree I knew that it was a team effort. All the sacrifice and work was worth it!” When asked if there were a few tears of joy shed when he collected his degree, he shyly admitted there were.
TuksNetball
TuksAthletics
The Jaguars won the Brutal Fruit Netball Tournament and the Gauteng Provincial Championships. The core of both teams were Tuks-players. Jenny van Dyk (TuksNetball head coach) who was the mastermind behind the two team's success.
Twenty-two-year-old Sport Science Student, Thando Roto finished 2nd in the men’s 100m final in 10.24sec, beaten by a mere 0.02sec behind Chinese Taipei’s Yang Chun-Han, at the World University Games in Taipei.
Thando Roto gets silver in the men’s 100m final
Making their presence felt in South African tournament
Ine-Mari Venter and Errin Burger will represent the SPAR Proteas in the Quadrangle Tournament in Australia and New Zealand. They were not the only Tuks players to impress the selectors. Chene Gissing (under-19); Akousua Mensah; Anique Grobler, Chante Louw, Jasmine Ziegelmeier, Juzelri Garbers and Shongile Hlungwana, were all selected for the Proteas under-21 squad - while Marlize de Bruin, Renske Stoltz, Shadine van der Merwe and Tshinakaho Mdau were all selected to be part of Protea senior squad. Other notable achievements were TuksNetball finishing fourth at the USSA Tournament. The Tuks players were also instrumental in helping the Gauteng Under-21 Team to win a silver medal at the provincial tournament and the Senior B-team to win a bronze medal at the same championships.
TuksRowing
Talented Masuthu wins bronze medal at World Junior Championships At the recent Junior World Rowing Championships in Trakai, Lithuania, Thabelo Masuthu won a bronze medal in the single sculls. In doing so, he made South African sports history becoming the first black rower to medal at the championships. From next year he will be competing in the under-23 category. Masuthu realises that he will have to up his game if he wants to remain a competitive rower. His long-term goal is to represent South Africa in the foreseeable future at an Olympic Games.
TuksSwimming Schoenmaker wins
SA’s first medal at the World Student Games Tatjana Schoenmaker won South Africa’s first medal at the World Student Games in Taipei when she set a new personal best time of 2:24.61 in the 200m breaststroke to finish second.
the result under such intense pressure. You are truly a champ. I am sure you have inspired every female swimmer with your performance,” said Meiring in a text message to Schoenmaker.
An elated Rocco Meiring (Tuks/HPC swimming coach) said he is not sure, but it might be only the second time that a South African women’s swimmer won a medal at the Student Games. The last female to medal at this Games might have been the legendary Penny Heyns.
Graham Hill (Chad le Clos’s former coach) also weighed in with a message of congratulations to the Tuks/HPCswimmer.
“Words cannot describe how happy I am for you and how proud I am that you kept your composure to deliver
“I always believed that one day you would achieve something big. Female swimmers in South Africa will now start to believe.”