PARENTS’ DAY UKZN SCIENTIST COLUMN draws big receives a The UKZN crowds significant grant Griot 3 5 8 UKZNDABA YOUR MONTHLY CAMPUS NEWSPAPER • V O L U M E 9 • NUMBER 1/2 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 UKZN TO HONOUR RENOWNED INDIVIDUALS The University of KwaZulu-Natal will confer honorary degrees on six distinguished individuals for their outstanding contributions in the social sciences, sciences, arts, literature, politics and academic sectors.

SMITA MAHARAJ

hrough their innovation, terms because of the immense resilience, altruism and contribution she made. She T intellect in their respective was a member of the Executive fields, these individuals have Committee and became chair profoundly influenced communities of the Secretarial Committee. both in South Africa and globally. Gcabashe’s steely determination The degrees will be awarded at the to further youth development University’s graduation ceremonies and human rights during the to be held over seven days starting era is an inspiration on Monday 16 April, and ending on that has earned her national and global recognition and respect. Tuesday 24 April. The recipients are: Mr Hugh Nicolson Chittenden Ms Yvonne Chaka Chaka – DSc (honoris causa) Mhinga – DMus (honoris causa) Mr Hugh Nicolson Chittenden Known as the Princess of has made a major and distinguished Mr Hugh Nicolson Chittenden. Mrs Virginia Thudiso Gcabashe. Ms Yvonne Chaka Chaka Mhinga. Africa, Ms Yvonne Chaka contribution in KwaZulu-Natal Chaka Mhinga is an icon in the and southern Africa to the public South African and African music understanding of science in the and show business industry. field of ornithology. Her voice transcends cultural, He has spent a major part language and racial divides being of his life observing, recording, instantly recognisable to so many photographing and writing about who are always ready to jump up birds in relation to the geography, and jive to her distinctive sound. fauna and flora of many southern Mhinga’s popularity and level African regions. Chittenden of accomplishment have already has analysed bird behaviour ensured her legacy as one of the throughout the sub-continent greatest stars to illuminate the and in doing so has observed African continent. and recorded environmental More importantly, she is and climatic threats to all of life recognised for her outstanding which have come about through Professor Mahmood Mamdani. Mr Lawrence Anthony. Mrs Zuleikha Mayat. humanitarian work in Africa a detailed knowledge of birds. and other parts of the world, His knowledge of the taxo- PHOTOS: SUPPLIED helping to raise awareness of nomy of many hundreds of issues affecting women including trees and plants of the southern photographer of birds with development of society at large development of young women malaria, maternal and child African region is encyclopaedic. considerable technical expertise. in the fields of religion, poverty aimed at helping them grow into health, HIV, empowerment, Profound observational under- Chittenden is currently alleviation and community responsible citizens. She took a education and poverty. During standing of the world of birds has Chairman of the John Voelcker health. Gcabashe’s mention stand against the government of 2009, Mhinga travelled on taken public form in a multiplicity Bird Book Fund, an organisation in the Oxford University the day using the Bible, especially humanitarian missions to of books, articles, presentations, formed in 1935, whose principal Press and World Council of passages where the courage Namibia, , Vietnam, speeches and work with civil accomplishment has been the Churches archives provides a of women was highlighted, to USA, Ghana, Sierra Leone, society organisations. His per- publishing of the many editions source of inspiration for the role fight apartheid. Gcabashe was a Ethiopia, Tanzania, Liberia, sonal notes, field notes, travel of the highly respected Roberts played by a woman of humble council member of the Diakonia Rwanda, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, journals, and an accumulation of Birds of South Africa. beginnings. Her appointment Council of Churches from its France, UK, Kenya, showing records constitute an immensely as a Commissioner in the Truth inception and Vice-President of her Motherland Tour documentary. valuable source of primary Mrs Virginia Thudiso and Reconciliation Commission the South African Council of Her Motherland Tour: A Journey of information for present and Gcabashe – DSocSc (honoris (TRC) was befitting a woman of Churches leading a delegation African Women which premiered future scholars, not only of causa) her experience and compassion. to the Vatican to discuss the all over the world in 2010, raises ornithology but also of climatic Mrs Virginia Thudiso As President of the Youth injustices of apartheid. awareness of how women are and environmental change. Gcabashe has distinguished her- Wing of the YWCA – known She was also a member of addressing their most pressing Over the years, Chittenden self through her contributions as Y-Teens – she was extensively the World Council of Churches daily issues. has also become an acclaimed to youth development and the involved with the holistic from 1983 to 1997, serving two To page 5.... Sife-ukzn students Special fund planned for disabled students represent africa in the usa The Deputy Minister of the Department for Women, There was joy and excitement for five members of UKZN’s Students in Free Enterprise Children and Persons with Disabilities (DWCPD), (SIFE-UKZN) team when they heard they had been chosen to represent Africa on a Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, recently met the UKZN’s business trip to the United States from 3-11 February. Disability Unit to tell them about government’s plan to provide a special fund for all disabled students in Higher Sithembile Shabangu Education. eam members were Mr Sithembile Shabangu Tinashe Gwatidzo, Ms Slindile TNcube, Ms Qhelile Nyathi, Ms he R77 million fund will the minister included the societal Andisiwe Gqiba and Mr Joel Boafo. be available to all Higher barriers faced by disabled stu- Education Institutions in dents in choosing the careers they They visited several cities T South Africa and each student will wanted and ending up opting including New York, Washington be able to access the grant to meet for courses they did not want. DC, Springfield Missouri and their needs, including assistive Deputy Minister Bogopane-Zulu Bentonville in Arkansas to present devices and accommodation. said the purpose of the fund was projects which they undertook in to make sure disabled students 2011. The universities are required were able to choose where they In each of the cities apart to submit a proposal which tables wanted to study and were able to from Springfield, the SIFE South their needs so that they fully access the necessary support. She Africa team made presentations provide the support needed by added that the aim was to break similar to those they did at the their students. Challenges that were down those barriers preventing SIFE World Cup last year. The raised by the disability office were students studying what they audience comprised various architectural barriers, inadequate wanted to. high profile executives including SIFE-UKZN team members, from left: Ms Andisiwe Gqiba, Ms Qhelile Nyathi, Mr Joel Boafo, Ms Slindile Ncube and Mr Tinashe Gwatidzo. human resources in supporting The aim of the partnership representatives of SIFE worldwide, the students, student specific with the universities is to educate PHOTO: Sithembile Shabangu Walmart International and the needs and software requirements. society and create disability ad- US State Department. SIFE Africa program to Walmart versity students and faculty At the end of 2011, 373 vocates. The minister’s office will With the recent acquisition business leaders in the hope it advisors from around the world. disabled students were registered meet UKZN later this month to of Massmart by Walmart and would motivate them to sponsor The organisation creates at UKZN. concerns raised by finalise the way forward. Walmart’s strong interest in SIFE Africa countries. global partnerships between busi- pursuing business within the SIFE South Africa was chosen ness and Higher Education that African region, SIFE head- for the trip as this country has the prepare university students to quarters through its long standing largest Walmart store in the region. make meaningful contributions relationship with Walmart The students experienced the towards a better world as entre- had been keen to develop the culture of the United States and preneurs and business leaders partnership further for the benefit visited many important business by challenging them to address of SIFE African countries. and historic sites. real world and economic issues In view of this, SIFE SIFE is a 36-year-old registered in their communities. SIFE is headquarters invited SIFE South entity and an international non- now operating in more than Africa to the US on the business profit organisation comprising 1 600 university campuses in 38 trip with a view to marketing the thousands of college and uni- countries and territories.

ISIHLAKANI SOMFUNDI SIBEKE Deputy Minister Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu (seated left) with the Executive Director of Corporate Relations, Ms Nomonde Mbadi (seated ITHEMBA LASO E-UKZN right) and staff from UKZN’s Disability Unit. PHOTO: Sithembile Shabangu Mnu Muhammad Ismail omenyezelwe uMnyango U Wezemfundo njengomunye wabafundi ophumelele Excellence scholarships awarded ngamalengiso kumatikuletsheni wa- 2011eNingizimu Afrika uqinisekile to nine top matric students ukuthi i-UKZN izomunika konke Hard work paid off for nine top matriculants registered akudingayo ukuze abe iChartered for their first year at the College of Agriculture, Accountant nomhlaziyi wezezimali. Engineering and Science when they were each awarded U-Ismail uzokwenza izifundo zeBachelor of Commerce an Excellence Scholarship for their matric results.

ku-Accounting eKolishi Sithembile Shabangu leLaw ne Management. ‘Ngikulangazelele konke aashif Sayed, Rivalin contractual, it did not prevent engizokunikezwa i-UKZN Govender, Andrew Clarke, some from holding other bursaries njengoba ingenye yamanyuvesi K Chane Venter, Amy Hoad, and scholarships concurrently. ahamba phambili futhi ngifuna Mr Muhammad Ismail. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Gemma Gerber, Kaitlin Leigh The only obligation is the ukungenela izinto eziningi Holgate, Sashlin Reddy and Rizqa recipients must study towards a ezenzeka esikhungweni ‘Abangani bakhe wakwaPriceWaterHouseCoopers Noormahomed each received degree in science or agriculture saseMgungundlovu. bamuthanda kakhulu. ngokuphumelela kahle R10 000 towards their first year of at UKZN in 2012. I-UKZN ikunikeza konke Wenza nomsebenzi wokusiza kanye nethuba lokusebenza study. Public Relations Officer okudingayo ukuze uphumelele abantu emphakathini. khona uma eseqedile. for the College of Agriculture, ungumuntu,’ kusho u-Ismail. Esikoleni abekusona bengize Ngaphandle kwezifundo Reddy who is studying to- Engineering and Science, Ugogo ka-Ismail, uNkk ngimuthethise ngokusiza zakhe, u-Ismail ufuna ukufunda wards a Bsc in Computer Science Mr Ashay Nathoo, said: ‘My Kulsam Ismail umuchaze abantu abaningi kakhulu iKoran alazi ngekhanda, said he was privileged to have colleagues and I look forward ngengesipho esibalulekile. ngoba ngithi ngeke akwazi afunde ulimi lwe-Arabic, been awarded the scholarship as to welcoming this exciting crop ‘Umndeni wethu ujabule kakhulu ukumelana nakho konke , kodwa aphinde avule nebhizinisi it would bring relief to his par- of fresh talent to UKZN, and ngempumelelo kaMuhammad wakwazi,’ kuchaza ugogo. lezindawo zokuvakasha. ents as well. Reddy has a cricket we hope that they thoroughly nokuthi uzobe efunda U-Ismail ofuna sports scholarship and has repre- enjoy studying for their degree of enyuvesi ehamba phambili ukufunda phesheya mhla See Page 7 for the English sented the KZN cricket team. choice in science or agriculture.’ futhi eseduze kwasekhaya. eqeda, unomfundaze translation of this article. As the award was non-

2 UKZ N DABA BRINGING YOU NEWS FROM UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL CAMPUSES Parents’ day draws big crowds Parents and guardians of the 9 000 first year students attending UKZN in 2012 were out in force at Parents’ Day held on all the campuses recently.

Sithembile Shabangu, Phumelele Mavaneni, Lunga Memela

or Ms Elsie Gumede, who degree making him the first in and the Deans and Heads of their attitude. and Bachelor of Surgery degrees. travelled from Tongaat by the family to undertake tertiary Schools, parents were given Warmly received by Deans Professor Fanie Botha, Di- F train, being at the College education. information regarding UKZN’s from UKZN’s College of rector for College Professional of Law and Management’s Parents’ Ms Gumede, an unemployed reorganisation as well as what Health Sciences (CHS) and Services, said entrance to UKZN Day on the Westville campus was a single parent of three, is among was on the cards at the University Student Service offices, proud was highly competitive and the life changing experience. many women in the country for their children. parents were parents heard about the six- MBChB Programme had a solely dependent on government agred to support their children so year journey their sons and proud legacy of attracting high Her son, Mr Wonderboy grants for financial support. that they performed better while daughters would embark on performing and gifted learners. Gumede, registered for a Bachelor In addresses by members students were advised to focus on in the MBChB Programme in of Commerce in Accounting of the Executive Management their studies and be mature in pursuit of Bachelor of Medicine

PHOTOS: SITHEMBILE SHABANGU

EDGEWOOD • HOWARD COLLEGE • MEDICAL SCHOOL • PIETERMARITZBERG • WESTVILLE UKZ N D A B A 3 Ukzn anaesthetist receives cmsa’s Ukzn debating union ranked in world’s top 100 phyllis knocker/bradlow award The UKZN Howard College Debating Union (HCDU) Dr Reitze Rodseth, an enthusiastic lecturer and specialist in the Department of has moved up 20 places in the World University Debate Anaesthetics at UKZN, received the Phyllis Knocker/Bradlow Award from the Senate Rankings and is now placed second highest among the of the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA). South African universities behind the University of Cape Lunga Memela Town.

his prize is awarded to surgery will identify patients who Sithembile Shabangu a person who has not will have a life threatening heart only gained exceptional complication.’ he HCDU is presently T th symbols in CMSA’s final fellowship Rodseth’s study will be ranked 80 out of more examination, but whose conducted as a prospective Tthan 500 teams worldwide. professional career has shown and international multicentre study, These results are based on the continues to show promise of a where 5 000 patients who have performance of teams and substantial contribution to basic or undergone surgery and who individual speakers who attend to clinical research, to community spend the night in the hospital major national, regional and health, or to the advancement of after their surgery will be international competitions. followed. any scientific or humanitarian aspect ‘This study aims to establish Former President of the of medical or dental practice in the relationship between post- HCDU and current Director South Africa. operative NT- proBNP elevations of External Competitions, Mr Rodseth was awarded R45 000 and major heart complications Kameel Premhid, said they were Premhid says despite fund- in funding from CMSA towards such as death or a heart attack pleased with the ranking as they raising drives, financial con- his proposed study of 5 000 at 30 days after surgery,’ he had achieved it without ever straints have always prevented patients to evaluate the ability SUPPLIED PHOTO: explained. attending a World Championship the union from attending the of postoperative NT-proBNP to Dr Reitze Rodseth. It is expected that the study competition. world championships but this predict cardiac complications in ‘Recently, small studies have will take two years to recruit all The biggest competition year he has high hopes of them patients undergoing non-cardiac suggested that an increase in the the patients and an additional the HCDU has attended is the going to the event in Germany. surgery. NT-proBNP levels early after year to complete the follow-up. Pan African Championships in ‘With greater financial and Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, last year. administrative support, the The Union did very well with all HCDU could very easily become its teams making it through to the the top ranking South African knockout stages of the competition and African Debating Union. with one UKZN team ultimately We are hopeful the university Former Ukzn Sife president wins reaching the finals. community will rally behind us The UKZN team finished and provide us with financial and second overall and won the first, administrative support.’ Rhodes Scholarship second and 10th best speaker Former SIFE President at UKZN, Ms Qhelile Nyathi, has been awarded the prestigious spots. Rhodes Scholarship which will allow her to study towards a Masters degree at the University of Oxford in England for two years. Ukzn Mandela Rhodes Scholar Phumelele Mavaneni

yathi will study two following family tradition Masters programmes ‘Family tradition’ convinced Mandela Rhodes Scholar N – African Studies and Financial Economics – as she John Flanagan of Zimbabwe that UKZN was the place believes the programs will facilitate of learning for him to complete his Masters Degree in in her development as a relevant Agriculture. actuarial scientist with a good understanding of African finances Sithembile Shabangu and economics within investment banking. lanagan said he was following in the footsteps of members African Studies is an inter- F of his family in attending disciplinary module that covers the University as his father, sister, history, economics and politics two uncles and two cousins had all of African states while Financial studied there. Economics is affiliated to the actuarial profession and falls His father, cousins and uncles under the SAID Business School completed BSc degrees while his at Oxford where she will receive sister studied Psychology. exemptions from an actuarial ‘So I guess apart from being a sciences board. good university, UKZN is in the Furthermore, during the two family,’ said Flanagan. years she will complete eight of The Mandela Rhodes the 15 tests that qualify her as an scholarship is awarded partly

actuary after the completion of on academic performance but SUPPLIED PHOTO: her Masters degree. She will gain Ms Qhelile Nyathi. PHOTO: Phumelele Mavaneni to a greater extent on character, Mr John Flanagan. exemption from a further four including leadership abilities, a actuarial exams. what’s happening on the local Nyathi believes one of the love for people, reconciliation, Flanagan won a Gift of the Nyathi applied for the and international fronts be it reasons she was selected is entrepreneurship and education. Givers scholarship for his BSc Scholarship through the Zim- politics, economics, agriculture because of her involvement in The idea is to invest in people studies, graduating cum laude. babwe Constituency where or socially inclined events. SIFE UKZN. ‘They were very who will invest in other people Talking about his experiences she went through a rigorous ‘I also had to defend the interested in the work I did in and nations in the future. on the Pietermaritzburg campus, two-day interview process. opinions and decisions I have SIFE as well as the expertise and Flanagan will examine the he said: ‘It’s been great – thanks ‘The scholarship looked for made in life as the interviews experience I gained through it,’ economic effects of legalising to an excellent church family at individuals who are excelling continuously probed about she said. the sale of rhino horn during his NCF and amazing friends on academically and have a broad focuses outside our academics,’ Masters studies at UKZN this campus.’ outlook on life and understand she said. year.

4 UKZ N DABA BRINGING YOU NEWS FROM UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL CAMPUSES Continued from page 1 ....

ukzn scientist gets significant On 29 November 2010, States invasion in 2003 and Mhinga was honoured expeditions into the jungle with a special award from in Southern Sudan and the research grant Roll Back Malaria and the Democratic Republic of the UKZN academic Professor Thumbi Ndung’u is among 28 biomedical scientists from United Nation’s Goodwill Congo (DRC) in an attempt Ambassador for her signi- to save the Northern White around the world who will receive significant funding from the Howard Hughes ficant contribution and long Rhino from extinction. Medical Institute (HHMI) in the United States to further their research. standing commitment to In the midst of sand- empowering women and storms, gunfire and warfare, SMITA MAHARAJ children in their fight to free Anthony flew into Iraq in Africa of diseases such as April of 2003 and drove HIV and malaria. alone through 500 miles of desert to to rescue Professor Mahmood animals at the zoo. By the Mamdani – DLitt (hono- time he arrived, there were ris causa) only 35 left out of an original Professor Mahmood 650 to 700. Mamdani is a world re- Eventually with inter- nowned scholar in politics, national aid the zoo reopened history and culture as well and Anthony formed the as an accomplished author first SPCA in Iraq. His and political commentator. initiative was recognised His intellectual work and by both the US and Iraqi scholarship focuses on the governments and he received African continent and he has the US 3rd Infantry Division greatly influenced thinking Regimental Medal for and writing about Africa, bravery in his work. generating knowledge and Anthony founded the understanding in the study Earth Organisation, an in- of African and international dependent international con- politics, colonialism and post- servation and environmental colonialism, and the politics organisation which aims to of knowledge production. protect the environment and He has received numerous enhance the survival poten- awards and recognitions, tial of all life forms. His prin- including being listed as ciple conservation and envi- one of the ‘Top 20 Public ronmental focus has been the Intellectuals’ by Foreign meaningful involvement of Policy (United States) and remote rural African com- Prospect (United Kingdom) munities in the benefits of PHOTO: SUPPLIED Professor Thumbi Ndung’u. magazine in 2008. He conservation. received his PhD from he HHMI has committed Pathogenesis Programme (HPP) immune mechanisms of HIV Harvard University in 1974 Mrs Zuleikha Mayat – US$20-million for its at the Doris Duke Medical control during acute and and specialises in the study of DSocSc (honoris causa) inaugural International Early Research Institute at UKZN chronic infection. His group has African history and politics. Journalist, author, culi- T His works explore the nary expert, philanthropist, Career Scientist (IECS) awards. and holds the South African identified an intracellular protein Research Chair in Systems that blocks HIV replication and intersection between politics cultural and religious lead- The 28 scientists chosen Biology of HIV/AIDS at the he has also shown that in certain and culture, a comparative er and poet Mrs Zuleikha from 760 applicants represent a University. individuals the immune system study of colonialism since Mayat is a remarkable role wide range of disciplines, from Ndung’u, his team and their may ‘cripple’ the virus and make 1452, the history of civil war model who has made a rich neuroscience to virology to plant collaborators are currently it less pathogenic. These findings and genocide in Africa, the and varied contribution to science. All the awardees trained studying how certain individuals may be used to design novel Cold War and the War on South African society. Her in the United States as graduate are able to resist HIV-1 infection vaccines against the virus. Terror, and the history and pioneering and bold contri- students or postdoctoral fellows despite evidence of persistent Ndungu’s previous significant theory of human rights. butions in addressing gender and have published important exposure and how certain HIV- research accomplishments in- Mamdani’s most distin- issues and raising highly sen- research. ‘These are the people 1 infected people are able to clude the development of the guished contribution is in sitive cultural and religious who, 10 years from now, we achieve relative control of HIV- first full-length infectious clone reclaiming Africa’s contribu- practices regarding the role expect will be the scientific 1 replication. The knowledge of HIV1C from Africa, an tion to the global knowledge of women in religion was leaders in their countries,’ said gained from studies of people able important reagent for detailed project and in knowledge debated through the multi- HHMI President Robert Tjian. to resist or control HIV-1 may genetic studies of this strain. This generation in and of Africa. racial Women’s Cultural Ndung’u – who will receive eventually be used to develop genetic tool allows for various His accomplishments are Group she established. about US$650 000 over a novel vaccines or therapies studies on drug sensitivity and evidenced in his consider- For the past six de- five-year period beginning against HIV and AIDS. vaccine design to be conducted. able scholarly works and his cades Mayat has been a in February this year – leads Ndung’u graduated with a He is also associated with the enormous commitment and courageous and pioneering a multidisciplinary team of degree in Veterinary Medicine generation of a subtype C simian dedication to this task. woman playing a role in researchers working in the fields from the University of Nairobi human immunodeficiency virus the transformation of South of HIV and TB pathogenesis in Kenya and obtained a PhD (SHIV), a genetic chimera Mr Lawrence Anthony – African society politically and and vaccine development and in Biological Sciences in Public between HIV and SIV viruses DSc (honoris causa) in the field of education, and has a special interest in capacity Health (Virology) from Harvard that allows the use of rhesus Highly respected and in challenging social, religious building for biomedical research University. monkey models to conduct HIV renowned international and economic boundaries in Africa, especially the training He then pursued postdoctoral vaccine tests. conservationist, environ- restricting women. Mayat is of globally competitive African studies in Virology at Harvard’s He has published more than mentalist, explorer and best- well known in many parts of scientists. Medical School and received the 80 scientific papers in peer- selling author, Mr Lawrence the world and is a respected His research interests Edgar Haber Award at Harvard reviewed journals in the fields Anthony’s distinguished con- figure in the local community. are host-virus interactions, University for outstanding of virology and immunology. tributions to conservation She has played an important antiviral immune responses doctoral thesis research. In 2007 He was co-Chair of Global HIV and the environment are part in the transformation and biomedical interventions he was awarded the prestigious Vaccine Enterprise’s Young recognised at the highest of South African society applicable to resource-limited Vice-Chancellor’s Research and Early Career Investigators levels globally. Anthony is politically and in the field of settings. He has a special interest Award at UKZN for exceptional Committee and played a key probably best known for his education, and in challenging in the development of biomedical research and research-related role in the formulation of the bold conservation initiatives social, religious and economic interventions that can be used in scholarly activities. Enterprise’s 2010 scientific which include the rescue of boundaries which have re- resource-limited settings to stop Ndungu’s and his research strategic plan. the Baghdad Zoo in Iraq stricted women. the spread of HIV and AIDS. group have made recent dis- at the height of the United He is the Director of the HIV coveries on innate and adaptive

EDGEWOOD • HOWARD COLLEGE • MEDICAL SCHOOL • PIETERMARITZBERG • WESTVILLE UKZ N D A B A 5 Inspiring lecture from nobel prize winner Staff, students and members of the public who attended a special public lecture at UKZN’s Medical Campus on 2 February were left inspired after an insightful presentation from Professor Peter Agre, the 2003 Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry.

Lunga Memela

gre is being hosted at UKZN discoveries concerning channels Nobel Peace Prize laureate, by the KwaZulu-Natal in cell membranes. Fridjof Nansen, as his role model AResearch Institute for ‘The nature of science is and expressed that ‘a career in Tuberculosis and HIV (K-RITH). just amazing,’ said UKZN’s science or a career in medicine Vice-Chancellor and Principal, leads one to a place where doors He received global recognition Professor Malegapuru Makgoba, will open’. after he discovered aquaporins while extending a warm welcome Audience members also – a family of water channel to Agre. Makgoba said hard work gained insight into his vision on proteins found throughout and dedication led to cutting edge science and human rights and nature and responsible for num- science. were fascinated to learn about erous physiological processes During the lecture, Agre some of his ‘science diplomacy in humans and implicated in reflected on his scientific up- visits’ around the world. multiple clinical disorders. bringing and recognised science Agre sees aquaporins Agre shared the 2003 Nobel as an international career research making groundbreaking Prize in Chemistry with Professor which built ground-breaking discoveries in the near future. He Roderick MacKinnon, a professor partnerships and friendships said it was important to stimulate of Molecular Neurobiology globally. He also highlighted young scientists’ interest in NG A MEMELA LU PHOTO: and Biophysics at Rockefeller Norwegian explorer, scientist, scientific research as ‘science is Professor Malegapuru Makgoba, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of University in the United States, for diplomat, humanitarian and the future’. UKZN, congratulates Professor Peter Agre after the public lecture. New post graduate diploma in child protection The Child Protection Working Group (CPWG), a cluster in the Inter Agency Standing Committee of the United Nations, is collaborating with UKZN in the establishment of a post-graduate diploma dealing with child protection in emergency situations.

GQWESA NYIKANA

he diploma is considered of Save the Children and the the first of its kind. The CPWG. Tpilot project will be These organisations and developed in partnership with Higher Educational Institutions the University of Indonesia and have extensive expertise in Columbia University in the USA. providing emergency relief to This follows a process in which children. As this programme the CPWG approached more will be delivered internationally than 500 universities worldwide through distance learning, Ms and undertook a rigorous Fiona Bulman of the African Centre for Childhood will sup- examination of proposals port the development of the submitted before selecting UKZN distance materials and systems. as the lead institution. ‘The primary purpose for Ms Santhana Pillay (far right) leads first entry Humanities students on a tour of the Howard College campus. The proposal for this was these partnerships is to ensure PHOTO: PHUMELELE MAVANENI developed by UKZN’s Dean UKZN produces an educational and Head of Department: Built accredited qualification that Environment and Development serves to develop aid workers Studies, Professor Thokozani with the necessary skills which Xaba, who is also the Director of will ultimately benefit the Src and mentorship office the African Centre for Childhood. children most affected by horrific Xaba and the Executive disasters,’ said Xaba. Director of the UKZN Foun- Save the Children is one of deliver successful orientation dation, Mr Bruno Van Dyk, the leading independent organi- hosted the delegates at an initial sations which provide children The Student Representative Council (SRC) and the Mentorship Office have played an planning workshop in . affected by natural disasters and important role in ensuring that first year entry students – as well as other students – Delegates include Professor Mike conflict with food, medical care receive all the help they need during the beginning of the academic year. Wessells of the University of and education. It also assists in Columbia and the University of strengthening and re-building PHUMELELE MAVANENI Indonesia and Ms Katie Bisaro communities world-wide. and Mrs Amanda Malville he institutions are working of Humanities orientation at Library performed to educate together to successfully the Howard College campus, them about their services and T drive Orientation on all discussions included registration how necessary and accessible campuses and will continue to and financial aid information the facility is. Students were also ensure an effortless transition for along with reports from student told more about the University first entry students into tertiary support. The Writing Place and given handbooks specific to education. made use of the opportunity to their college. These handbooks highlight how their services can contain useful information stu- Orientation, which took place assist the new students in learning dents require for success in their on the five campuses, began with and adjusting to the required studies. an insightful introduction to the academic style of writing. A popular highlight on the University for the new students For some students, the day was the campus tour where with talks by representatives from highlight of the different pre- the Orientation Team was de- Professor Mike Wessells, Mrs Amanda Malville, Professor Thokozani each school. During the College sentations was the play the ployed. Xaba and Ms Katie Bisaro. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

6 UKZ N DABA BRINGING YOU NEWS FROM UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL CAMPUSES Health scientist acknowledged for Academic whizz kid Th 100 Isi-recognised publication puts faith in Ukzn PHUMELELE MAVANENI

Mr Muhammad Ismail, a favourite among his peers. acknowledged by the De- He was involved in a lot of partment of Education as one voluntary work in and around of the brightest matriculants his school and community in the country, is confident so much so that I sometimes UKZN will bring out the scolded him about helping too very best in him in his quest many people as I was worried to become a chartered ac- he would not cope with the countant and a financial pressures, but he did,’ she said. analyst. Ismail not only plans to Ismail is studying towards be a charted accountant, a Bachelor of Commerce in but wants to progress to a Accounting in the College of financial analyst and study Law and Management. ‘I am abroad after his internship at looking forward to everything PricewaterhouseCoopers, the UKZN offers as an outstanding company which awarded him university and want to be a bursary and work experience involved in lots of activities because of his outstanding on the Pietermaritzburg cam- matric results. pus. UKZN provides the Outside of academic ideal environment to nurture activities, Ismail wants to the success inherent in every memorise the Koran, learn individual,’ he said. Arabic and eventually open Ismail’s grandmother, Mrs a travel agency. He also has Kulsam Ismail, describes him a keen interest in Islamic as a very special gift. ‘Our finances and wants to create family is very thrilled about a convenient system for pro- Muhammad’s success and vident and pension funds at are happy that he will be at banks that deal in Islamic UKZN where he will be close finances. to home and studying at a top institution. See Page 2 for the isiZulu ‘He is really special and translation of this article. Professor Sabiha Essack, Dean of the School of Health Sciences, congratulates Dr Thavendran Govender after he delivered a public lecture on the advantages of multidisciplinary collaboration on research projects. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Lunga Memela

r Thavendran Govender, He juggles his research career quality of their degrees under our Ukzn project cited in Us a Senior Lecturer in with being a father of two and supervision.’ D Pharmaceutical Sciences at having a passion for boxing and Several employers commend UKZN’s School of Health Sciences, soccer. students who graduate from report on bioethical issues has received numerous messages ‘As a researcher you need to Govender. ‘They always want A UKZN collaborative project to improve the rights and of congratulations for publishing believe you are going to make more and more quality students,’ his 100th Institute for Scientific a difference in the world,’ says he reported, also stating that protection of people who volunteer to participate in Information (ISI)-recognised Govender. he enjoys watching their skills scientific research has been mentioned favourably in a publication. Govender has published grow as they journey through extensively in the fields of TB, postgraduate programmes in recent United States Presidential Commission report on This is an impressive accom- HIV and Asymmetric Catalysis. UKZN’s pharmaceutical sciences. bioethical issues. plishment for the 35-year-old He believes publishing in People who have graduated who continues to position UKZN international papers and journals through Govender include Dr DOUG WASSENAAR among the top Institutions is the ‘red measure’ of the quality Maya Makhathi, Dr Grant Boyle, of Higher Education in the of an academic’s training. who is now employed by iThemba he report, presented to US nership is locating and mapping country with competitive global ‘I have always wanted to teach. Pharmaceutics, Dr Tricia President Barack Obama all Research Ethics Committees rankings. His 100th paper was In the world of academia you Naicker of Aarhus University in Tin December last year, is in Africa on an interactive web- titled: ‘Pentacycloundecane-diol have freedom with your research.’ Denmark and Dr Byron Peters of titled: ‘Moral Science: Protecting based platform through Health based HIV-1 protease inhibitors: This has allowed him to flourish Uppsala University, Sweden. participants in human subjects Research Web. biological screening, 2D-NMR as a researcher and continue to ‘I would like to see South research’ and contains a thorough The full text of the citation, and molecular simulations inspire and motivate students who Africa contribute to a cure review of US regulations and which is on Pg 49 of the Presi- studies.’ come into higher learning from for a major disease. American standards to assess their adequacy dential Commission’s report, reads: ‘Thavendran has all the different walks of life. and European pharmaceutical to protect human participants in ‘Other notable efforts to trademarks of a true scholar Questioned about the con- sciences have been strongly research. enhance accountability and – qualifications, research pro- siderable amount of funding inclined to diseases which impact access to information about ductivity with impact factors, he has managed to attract into their counties. It would be great The report mentions efforts human subjects research are also postgraduate students, competitive UKZN’s College of Health to see those companies invest in by agencies independent of underway. For example, “Health research grants and teaching,’ said Sciences, Govender said most research in South Africa.’ the US as making ‘notable’ Research Web”, initiated by the Professor Malegapuru Makgoba, of it had been in the form of One of his short-term goals efforts to improve human par- Council on Health Research for UKZN’s Vice-Chancellor and infrastructural development and is to be at the forefront of TB ticipant protection in studies Development, an international Principal. about 10 percent had been for research by the end of the year. conducted outside the US. One non-governmental organisation An alumnus of UKZN, consumer bills and running costs. He challenged academic of the projects mentioned is whose primary objective is to Govender rejoined the Institution ‘We use our productivity money staff at UKZN to pursue a collaboration between the strengthen research for health in 2007 after pursuing post- to help support undergraduate the Institution’s goal for pre- Council on Health Research for and innovation, compiles infor- doctoral studies at Uppsala students to go into postgraduate eminence in research, to conduct Development (COHRED) and mation on studies taking place University in Sweden. He has studies. collaborative research and the UKZN School of Psychology around the world, as well as since published a remarkable ‘As a supervisor I don’t just to thrive on quality research. on the Pietermaritzburg campus, information about IRBs and 88 papers, attracted over R33 train students. I go out and find ‘Collaboration is everything. Do funded by a competitive grant research ethics committees, million funding and graduated them jobs as well. Our industry not expect to know everything.’ from the European Developing countries’ governance policies, 11 MSc and PhD candidates at partners know how tough I am Countries Clinical Trials Part- and other useful data.’ UKZN. on my students and trust the nership (EDCTP). The part-

EDGEWOOD • HOWARD COLLEGE • MEDICAL SCHOOL • PIETERMARITZBERG • WESTVILLE UKZ N D A B A 7 The UKZN Griot Of Retailing and Hospitality Only at a university would prime real estate be made into a car park.

Keyan G Tomaselli

“ e don’t want to Foundation. I started: “Only at impression in my mind includes need to pay for its use to cover the spondents from another institu- corporatise!” This was NU would prime real estate with a small hotel and viewing deck, cost of its construction. tion puts it, there was no accept- W the puzzling response a view to kill for be allocated to even craft sellers and formally Well, as is this campus’s habit, able proof that his staff had done by Facilities Management (FM) to a car park”. This is the area that regulated hawkers of various nothing happened. Cars continue anything much in 2010-11, their my suggestion shortly after the overlooks the bay and harbour kinds. Imagine a campus that to occupy prime real estate, KPA system not having been able establishment of the MTB coffee (over the Snedden theatre), actually has a decent social life, pedestrians continue to dodge to accommodate the words “aim” shop many years ago. The shop was which bewildered tourists would where collegiality can be restored, cars, buses, trucks and taxis, or “objective” when we should so successful that this initiative, I negotiate to get to a viewpoint where the social integrity of an and – other than lectures and have said “Performance Indica- suggested, needed to be franchised cluttered with unsightly parked educational collective can develop. meetings – there is little to keep tor” and/or “Target Milestone”. all over HC. Crowds would be vehicles. My proposal: turn this The Foundation’s response: us on campus at any time. We all So we’re all heading for the bu- lot into an income-generating how would such a venture be have to leave to have supper. redistributed, noise levels muted, reaucratic trenches to reformat business hub, pub and grub that financed? A second submission In the meantime, the under- all our expectations so that 2011- and the whole campus served would subsidise the institution listed the benefits of private- utilised, partially empty Steve 12 at least looks (to the auditors) a equitably. as a whole. Of course, the claim public partnerships. Business Biko Student’s Union deteriorates. little more productive!” The FM retort was from an by the City Council on much would fund the complex, NU When I first arrived in 1985 there Maybe the postmodernists already corporatised division, so of this area is an inhibiting would provide the land and was a thriving canteen in its are correct after all – we live in it took me momentarily off-guard. factor, but unlike licence; management would basement, now a derelict, wasted simalacrums constructed for On inquiry, I was told that which donated Yale Road to be outsourced, jobs would be and alienated space, not even us by software programmers a management committee Wits, the Durban council insists created, and the University serving students. The University who have absolutely no idea of made up of academics was anti- on retaining ownership of the would benefit financially. The has been incapable of managing what they are measuring, or corporatisation, and I learned road and adjacent grassy area, Schools of Architecture and the noise, smoking screaming why. But our performance will when advising the PR division, and then it competes with the Civil Engineering could have and screeching at the MTB be thus assessed anyway. As that the banks and shops below University in issuing licences for done the designs, supervised coffee shop. The solution: shut another correspondent asked, the EG Malherbe Library were food vendors. This is the Durban implementation and provided it down! The response: students “will universities ever re-capture considered something of an spaza shop mentality at work. their students real world pro- and academics insisted that it the essence of what made them aberration. Remember, in those The retail offerings would fessional experience. continue to facilitate one of the beacons of possibility?” days Natal University was anti- include a much larger space for OK, so where would staff now few sites of collegiality, but that capitalist, and clearly, this position Adams Books, a classy coffee park, I was asked? My suggestion the area be better managed. Keyan G Tomaselli is Director of made it worryingly anti-humanist shop, where all and sundry could was that a basement be built under Why corporatise? A good The Centre for Communication, Media also. Offering services to staff get a decent meal and bottomless the complex, and multi-story question. Seems that corporatisa- and Society. He was once an urban and students to make the campus coffee, an alumni shop, a pro- parking be built at the corner tion was not understood by NU in geographer with a research interest in more welcome, hospitable and fessional gym, a lookout point to of Ridge and Queen Elizabeth its positive sense, but the process shopping centre location and consumer engaging, was seen to be counter- trap tourists and relieve them of roads. A properly designed and is now taken on in the practice attraction. Now, he avoids these revolutionary. No wonder HC their hard-earned cash, a link to managed taxi and bus rank, of surveillance software such as preening places like the plague. staff and students can’t wait to get the currently physically isolated entrance and exit areas, would KPAs and other forms of forms off campus after their last lecture. Snedden, which would better solve the gemors at the entrance to which simply instrumentalise life Disclaimer: The views ex- So, as is my wont, I wrote integrate it into the life and soul HC. The downer would be that and work rather than enabling pressed in this column are a proposal, this time to the of the campus. The architect’s users of the parking garage would creativity. As one of my corre- the author’s own.

Sudoku New ukzn tagline: ‘inspiring greatness’ The Corporate Relations Division ran UKZN’s Tagline Competition last year and is 6 3 7 pleased to announce that the search for the tagline is over. As from February 13 1 7 8 9 4 3 UKZN’s official tagline is: UKZN-Inspiring Greatness.

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UKZN Tagline competition winner and an Honours Drama and Media student, Mr Kline Smith, has not only won an Apple Macbook Air laptop for his submission, but has shaped UKZN’s history as the first student to create a tagline for the university. The words ‘Inspiring Greatness’, are now embedded in the brand of this great Institution. PHOTO : THANDIWE MADIKAZI Produced by the Publications Unit, Corporate Relations Division. Tel: 031 260 1245/8668/2957 www.ukzn.ac.za

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