2012 UKZNTOUCH A UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL ALUMNI MAGAZINE
UKZN - THE NEW academic HIV/TB research capital of Africa?
InspirING greatness UKZNTOUCH • 2012 A UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL ALUMNI MAGAZINE
MESSAGE FROM PROFESSOR pg 3 MALEGAPURU MAKGOBA: VICE- CHANCELLOR AND PRINCIPAL MESSAGE FROM MS NOMONDE MBADI: pg 5 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: CORPORATE RELATIONS DIVISION NOTHING AVERAGE ABOUT UKZN’S pg 6 TRANSFORMATION AVERAGES
Focus EXCELLENCE AND pg 9 RELEVANCE IN HEALTH SCIENCES
CLINICAL MEDICINE – THE ROAD AHEAD pg 12 Achieving goals at UKZN could mean a change in mindset TRANSFORMATION OF THE HEALTH pg 15 SCIENCES New strategies needed to restructure primary health care UNLOCKING MUCH-NEEDED SKILLS pg 17 A heart-warming project that is turning around lives LEVELLING THE PLAYING FIELDS pg 20 The journey to expand much-needed health services to the rural areas TELEHEALTH MEDICINE OVER A pg 23 DISTANCE Telehealth opening doors to improving health delivery UNPACKING LIFESTYLE COPING pg 25 MECHANISMS Why do some people cope with stress better than others?
Cover: The new global KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for Tuberculosis and HIV (K-RITH) was officially launched on Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine campus. Photograph: Rod MacLeod Contents
CHANGING LIVES THROUGH CORRECTIVE RESEARCH DYNAMICS pg 28 SURGERY UKZN’s role in a humanitarian mission that crosses borders POOR SOUTH AFRICANS’ GAMBLING RESEARCH AND HEALTH DELIVERY pg 60 PATTERNS pg 32 UKZN’s internationally linked research nerve centres are making a global impact PLANT AND ANIMAL TREASURES UNDER pg 62 THREAT NEW CHAPTER IN TB SCIENCE BEGINS IN pg 36 UKZN MARITIME DISCIPLINES UNDER ONE DURBAN pg 63 Infectious Disease specialist talks about ROOF what is being done to confront the DELVING INTO THE WORKINGS OF IMMUNE pandemic pg 64 GENES Global Research Opens for Business WHAT ROCKS TELL US ABOUT OUR PAST pg 39 in Durban pg 65 The KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for VIOLENT PROTEST – WHERE HAVE WE GONE Tuberculosis and HIV opens for business pg 66 WRONG? A NEW CHAPTER IN MICROBIOLOGY pg 42 New technology and faster diagnostics are the key UKZN NEWS THE CHALLENGE OF ANTIMICROBIAL pg 68 pg 45 RESISTANCE The efficacious use of antibiotics under the ALUMNI Profiles spotlight pg 76 pg SPORTS MEDICINE PROGRAMME HITS THE 47 SPOT! pg 78 CONVOCATION pg 48 SPOONFUL OF EXERCISE HELPS THE MEDICINE GO DOWN pg 79 Out & About pg 49 DEALING WITH LOSS AND GRIEF Study focuses on psycho-social consequences of trauma and injury pg 84 Class Notes pg 50 MRs Phumla Mnganga Mrs Phumla Mnganga is the newly elected On the Bookshelf Chair of Council of the University of pg 88 KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) 100 YEAR HISTORY OF ACADEMIC pg 52 EXCELLENCE
Managing Editors External Contributors Photographs, articles and Nomonde Mbadi, Smita Maharaj Liz Clarke, Greg Dardagan, graphic illustration Editorial Team Niki Moore Liz Clarke, Anand Govender, Nomonde Mbadi, Smita Maharaj, Creative Direction Independent Newspapers KZN, Len Mzimela, Finn Christensen, Rod MacLeod Rajesh Jantilal, Rod MacLeod, Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer, UKZN Archives, UKZN Sunayna Bhagwandin and Documentation Centre and Sithembile Shabangu Corporate Relations Division. 2 UKZNTOUCH academics NEED TO URGENTLY upgradE their qualifications, says UKZN Vice-Chancellor
Unless urgent attention is given to improving the qualifications of academics at South African universities as well as the standard of governance at the institutions, the country can ‘kiss goodbye’ to a good schooling system, to the real advancement of innovation and science, to the knowledge society and to competitiveness both locally and globally.
BY: GREG DARDAGAN is defended in certain quarters because the situation is quite simply indefensible. his is according to the There needs to be a very swift realisation Vice-Chancellor of the that unless the university system is vibrant University of KwaZulu-Natal and has ambitions to be top-class we can (UKZN), Professor kiss goodbye to a good schooling system T because teachers are trained at university Malegapuru Makgoba, who says if he had the power – and the quality of their education is depen- and the money - he would make it dent on the quality of higher education. mandatory for all the country’s ‘The country can also kiss goodbye to universities to strive towards vibrant innovation and science because meeting international best that depends on bright scholars and top standards and the first step would class students emerging from universities. be for all academic staff to They are the ones who drive our knowl- obtain PhDs. edge, innovation, economic development and research priorities and they can only Addressing a wide range of tertiary edu- develop these from a high quality tertiary cation issues during a special interview, system.’ Makgoba said a major concern for him, which had been identified by the National Makgoba said 49% of permanent aca- Research Foundation (NRF), was that demic staff at UKZN had PhDs but the only 34% of staff who teach and research good news was that 90% of the balance at South African universities had doctor- had either registered for a doctorate or ates. ‘That’s a serious indictment of our had committed themselves to do so. This UKZN education system - it should be 70% if we meant that within five to 10 years the Vice-Chancellor, want to match acceptable international university should be able to boast a 75% Professor standards. PhD status as proposed by the National Malegapuru Planning Commission. Makgoba. ‘It really saddens me when this mediocrity
UKZNTOUCH 3 upgrading qualifications
UKZN Vice-Chancellor Professor Malegapuru Makgoba
There were, however, pockets of ex- ‘So the number of Schools was re- as a newly merged and reorganised cellence at the University such as the duced to 19, faculties were removed institution. College of Agriculture, Engineering altogether and the four Colleges and Science where 70% of academic continued,’ said Makgoba. ‘The ‘I am also very proud of the fact that staff had PhDs and the College of magnitude to reorganise and con- we are the only university in South Humanities where the figure was solidate 112 Schools to 19 Schools to Africa, performing so well, where 65%. ‘These Colleges were on par enhance efficiency and governance, more than half of the academic staff with the best in the world and a jewel over a period of eight years, is a ma- is Black.’ in our crown,’ said Makgoba. jor shift in any organisation by any standard.’ Another issue worrying him was ‘Generally South African universi- that five South African universities ties are characterised by poor staff At the end of August 2012 the were under administration primar- qualifications, poor management of Executive Management Committee ily because their council members student and lecturer talent and poor assessed achievements and decided didn’t appear to know their func- governance. If we don’t confront where the structure could be refined tions and roles. ‘Four of the five and solve these problems we’ll kill and improved. have a strong technikon history and education – it’s a nightmare for me.’ were handed university status by The college reorganisation had government decree. Makgoba cited UCT as a role enabled UKZN, says Makgoba, to model – it had good governance, break down old barriers with people ‘I don’t believe they were properly excellent management of talent and working together while duplication, prepared to become universities – it good resources. which occurred in the old system, doesn’t just happen overnight, it was reduced. People generally be- should be earned. Also I don’t think UKZN also had excellent gover- gan to talk about UKZN as a uni- they have been given the necessary nance, good financial resources fied institution, which they could support and have thus far failed to and was beginning to deal with the identify with. Research output mature.’ management of talent in a very stra- improved as did research funding. tegic manner. ‘We attract more than Makgoba said he was excited about R500 million annually in research On the promotion of bilingualism the opening of the KwaZulu-Natal funding which gives an indication – the use of English and isiZulu - Research Institute for Tuberculosis that we have a core of academics at UKZN, Makgoba says steady and HIV (K-RITH). ‘This is a who are really excellent and at the progress is being made. Imple- unique project between UKZN cutting edge.’ mentation had taken place over the and the Howard Hughes Medical past seven years and 2013 should Institute in the United States. The Turning to the reorganisation and see the introduction of isiZulu as a institute will be involved in critical the college structure, which began compulsory course for all full-time research into HIV/AIDS and TB, at UKZN in 2004, he said the pro- students although specifics still had which could yield significant break- cess was now bearing fruit. to be confirmed. throughs within a few years in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment ‘There were around 112 Schools ‘In KwaZulu-Natal 90% of the of the killer diseases. or departments when we started to population uses isiZulu as their first restructure in 2004. We reduced language. It is the medium of ideas, ‘I think K-RITH puts UKZN that to about 52, cut the 16 faculties culture and thought processes. ahead of any other university in down to eight and created four Col- People live in the language, share this area of study and research. We leges. their pains and passions in it and have world-renowned researchers write poetry in it. As a university coming to K-RITH, which has be- ‘In 2010 we asked an external panel we need to reflect that reality.’ come a ‘brain gain’ institution. to review the new model and they interviewed about 450 UKZN peo- Makgoba said he was happy with ‘I was one of the drivers of the ple and found general acceptance of the University’s ranking among the project – I am glad it has opened the structure. They liked it but there Top 500 in the world and third in before the end of my tenure as Vice- were areas still too cumbersome and Africa by the Academic Rankings Chancellor and will continue long bureaucratic – more consolidation of World Universities (ARWU). ‘We after I leave in 2014.’ N was needed. are a study case of the ARWU be- cause they are pleasantly surprised by the fact we are performing so well
4 UKZNTOUCH and in this regard notable research that benefit communities continues to be undertaken both within South Africa and beyond. Liz Clarke spoke to Professor Anil Madaree, Head of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, who has, through Operation Smile, travelled with a volunteer team of health professionals to several regions in Africa, including Madagascar, Rwanda, Namibia, Swaziland and the Democratic Republic of Congo performing cleft lip surgery on more than 200 children during any one of these missions. message from the office of the executive director: corporate relations division, ms nomonde mbadi This year marks the completion of the KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for Tuberculosis and HIV his edition of UKZNTOUCH and tuberculosis. It makes sense (K-RITH) – a multi-million research focuses on health delivery given that an estimated 38 percent institute built on the Medical School and the complexities and of South Africa’s population live in campus which was officially opened diversity of the many resource-constrained settings, health on 9 October this year. This is indeed T care professionals should be exposed an historic investment in advancing challenges that face the health sector in South Africa. to training in these areas. As part medical science, building a critical It is widely accepted that our health of the broader community outreach mass of highly skilled medical sci- sector is overburdened and the UKZN’s medical curriculum now in- entists and more importantly, in cludes a telemedicine component and improving the health of the poor and challenges are immense. More than UKZN is using telehealth facilities vulnerable people afflicted by HIV ever before the training of our health to train doctors through video linked and TB co-infection in our society. professionals and the relevance of training seminars in nine different We wish Professor Bill Bishai, Direc- research in the health sciences are African countries. tor of K-RITH and his team, every of critical importance and will success in this innovative endeavour. contribute to the success of service Professor Richard Hift Dean of delivery in the health sector. the School of Clinical Medicine, Our research section focuses on a says in an interview, that ‘academic cross section of studies in the sciences, UKZN is widely respected as one achievement needs to be coupled conservation, humanities and public of the leading institutions on the with a research dynamic, one which administration. News highlights pro- African continent - in the academic stimulates academic debate and vide a glimpse of the vibrant activi- training of health professionals and strives to answer the difficult ques- ties at the University. I hope that this for its contribution to the national tions facing those involved in health edition will provide insight into our and global research agenda. care, particularly at the primary rigorous academic endeavour and health level’. Professor Sabiha Es- the enormous strides that have been Understandably, the theme is vast sack Dean of the School of Health made over the year. and our writers reveal aspects of Sciences emphasises the importance academic work that span rural of entrenching Health Sciences re- Warm regards medicine, telemedicine, the trans- search into education. Through our formation of the health sciences and research, it is the University’s mission cutting-edge research in HIV/AIDS to change lives and make a difference
UKZNTOUCH 5 THERE’S NOTHING AVERAGE ABOUT OUR TRANSFORMATION AVERAGES
Since our merger in 2004, UKZN has been at the forefront of transformation for South African universities. We recognise that we have a responsibility to lead by example, and will continue to show that diversity is not a weakness but strength, as we inspire greatness.
STUDENT PROFILE RESEARCH PROFILE of UKZN staff were of 42 000 students enrolled Research-active in 2011, in 2012 are African. 64% 81.3% compared to 42% in 2004.
of graduates in 2011 62% were females.
of UKZN graduates are employed 84% within 6 months of graduation.
ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP GLOBAL RANKINGS
top 2.4 - 3% of academic leadership in 2011 UKZN is ranked within the of the 33% was female, compared to 0% in World’s Universities by the Academic Ranking of 2004. World Universities, the QS World University Rankings, and The Times Higher Education Ranking. of academic leadership in 2011 Academic Ranking of World Universities ranked was Black, compared to 38% in UKZN 3rd in Africa and 3rd in South Africa. 67% 2004. The Times Higher Education Ranking placed UKZN ‘within the top 400 for the first time’.
While others claim that you cannot increase equity and quality at the same time, the figures prove that it can be done if you are determined enough. The key to this is the effective management of the tension between the two, which we have demonstrated to great effect through impressive improvements year on year. It is no coincidence that some of our indicators are seven years ahead of the national university system transformation indicators, implemented with aplomb even in the midst of a complex merger. So if we can achieve this, just imagine how we can inspire tomorrow’s generations. RANKED IN THE TOP KNOWLEDGE PRODUCTION AND ACADEMIC STAFF 3% PROFILE COMPARED TO OF THE WORLD’S UNIVERSITIES NATIONAL UNIVERSITY SYSTEM (INCLUDING UKZN)
48% of UKZN’s permanent academic staff hold a PhD as a SE minimum qualification. EA R C 47% of academic staff are female compared to the sector IN
F average of 44%. F
A T
S UKZN’s ratio of doctoral graduates to permanent academic
E staff is 0.12 compared to the national average of 0.09.
V
I 81.3 T
C UKZN’s ratio of research publications to permanent academic
A
- %
H staff is 0.81 compared to the national average of 0.58.
C
R
A
E The percentage of professors with doctorates in the national S
E R system in 2010 was 84%, UKZN was 87%. The percentage of associate professors with doctorates in the national system in 2010 was 70%, UKZN was 78%. EM P L O The percentage of senior lecturers with doctorates in the Y M national system in 2010 was 41%, UKZN was 59%. E
N
T The percentage of lecturers with doctorates in the national
W system in 2010 was 12%, UKZN was 20%. I
84 T
H I
% N The percentage of junior lecturers with doctorates in the
6 national system in 2010 was 5%, UKZN was 50%.
M
O
N The percentage of White academic staff in the national T
H S university system in 2010 was 56%, UKZN is 33%.
InspirING greatness 0 4700 0 8 7 8 1 HIV 0 0 17800 per 100 000 adults
(AGE 15-49)
17 800 4700 800 SOUTH AFRICA REGIONAL GLOBAL
8 UKZNTOUCH EXCELLENCE & RELEVANCE IN HEALTH SCIENCES
OUR SPECIAL FEATURE EXAMINES THE HEALTH SCIENCES, TURNING THE SPOTLIGHT ON: • Clinical Medicine – The Road Ahead • Transformation of Health Sciences • Unlocking much-needed Skills • Levelling the Playing Fields • Health Service Over a Distance • Unpacking Lifestyle Coping Mechanisms • Changing Lives through Corrective Surgery • Research and Health Delivery • New Chapter in TB Science Begins in Durban • Global Research Opens for Business in Durban • A New Chapter in Microbiology Opens • The Challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance • UKZN’s Sports Medicine Programme hits the Spot! • Spoonful of Exercise Helps the Medicine go Down • Dealing With Loss and Grief
By: LIZ CLARKE
UKZNTOUCH 9 EXCELLENCE AND RELEVANCE
IN HEALTH SCIENCES
BY: LIZ CLARKE long-term process that cuts across guage, pharmacy, physiotherapy, basic sciences, clinical sciences, occupational therapy, sports sci- n the arena of health epidemiology and involving ence, dental therapy and oral health. sciences the University of economic and social impact and Some will maintain that the steady I KwaZulu-Natal has trends. In this vein, training and evolution of health sciences lies in established itself as a opportunity are a fundamental part doubling the numbers of students global player focusing academic of the mix. So too is the importance involved in health science academia research energy on a number of of ensuring that enough bright and and increasing the incentivisation of critical health issues. None of industrious students are entering students at matriculation level to opt these issues is as close to home the field of health sciences. for the health sciences. Others could as the co-infection of TB and HIV/ be even more adventurous and sug- AIDS, which continues to ravage The Nelson R Mandela School of gest that a new category of primary vulnerable communities Medicine is central to the promotion health degrees over three years be particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, of knowledge building, providing introduced instead of the current leaving in its wake a humanitarian a fertile environment for research five or six. crisis, overwhelming in size and and health professional training. complexity. Its situation, in close proximity to In the context of a growing de- communities where rare and op- mand for health professionals, both portunistic infections are rampant, locally and internationally, UKZN Not surprisingly, as front-line part- makes it even more strategic in the maintains a constant review of the ners in a number of collaborative bid to improve health service de- subjects taught at university level initiatives, cutting edge research is livery. One could argue that these to ensure they remain relevant for a significant and intrinsic part of challenges are nothing new. In a the current health needs. One of the medical endeavour at UKZN comparative sense there has always the biggest challenges facing the with major research facilities hav- been a historic shortfall in health country, which UKZN is acutely ing established their headquarters service delivery, personnel and re- aware of, is the need to increase the on the campus of the Nelson R sources, particularly in vulnerable number of doctors in training. Mandela School of Medicine in communities. However, UKZN central Durban. believes that in view of the burden Figures contained in a presentation of disease being experienced in the compiled by Dr Mark Sonderup Among the internationally funded province it has a significant role and Dr Phophi Ramathuba of the facilities playing a crucial role in to play in meeting the health-care South African Medical Association the realm of health science under- needs of local communities. (SAMA) for example, show that cur- standing is the Doris Duke Medical rently there are an estimated 27 641 Research Institute with its commit- According to a South African doctors practising in South Africa. ment to expand research and train- discussion paper on the country’s About 23 410 South African-born ing in HIV and AIDS. Very much proposed National Health doctors are believed to be practising part of this rich academic environ- Insurance Scheme, South Africa’s in Australia, Canada, the US and ment are UKZN’s three HIV and doctor-to-patient ratio is currently New Zealand. A brain drain aside, AIDS training centres in Africa: the standing at eight doctors for every solving the shortage of personnel Africa Centre for Population Stud- 10 000 people. Compare this with engaged in the heath sciences is go- ies, CAPRISA and HEARD. the US, which has roughly one ing to require cool heads if health doctor for every 300 people. services are going to adequately K-RITH is the latest global research respond to the increasing number centre to have been established at Statistics emanating from the rural of vulnerable people in need of care. the Nelson R Mandela School of districts of KwaZulu-Natal provide Medicine, its prime focus being the a stark picture of what under- It is against this diverse and com- discovery and investigation of new resourcing actually means. While plex backdrop that UKZN’s cur- diagnostic tools and therapies to these areas are home to 10 645 400 rent 2012 publication UKZNTouch control the TB pandemic sweeping people there are only six doctors per focuses on the people who are taking Africa and the rest of the world. 100 000. academic research and cutting-edge First and foremost in the minds thinking to new heights, the schol- of those who guide and oversee UKZN is acutely aware of these ars who are asking and answering the work undertaken at these needs, seeking excellence and rel- the questions confronting the world. centres of academic excellence is evance in medical studies as well to discover novel and sustainable as a number of related disciplines, It’s not about talk – it’s about mak- solutions to controlling disease, a including audiology and speech lan- ing things happen! N
10 UKZNTOUCH SOUTH AFRICA Total 51 770 560 Population #Estimate
PREVALENCE OF 62% TUBERCULOSIS 62% 38% 50% Population living in PER urban areas SOUTH AFRICA REGIONAL GLOBAL 100 000 PEOPLE
33 2 5 9
7 TB 1 7 795 8 per 100 000 adults 8DOCTORS PER 10 000 PEOPLE 795 332 178 SOUTH AFRICA REGIONAL GLOBAL
DOCTORS PREVALENCE OF 27641 REGISTERED IN SA HIV* PER 100 000 ADULTS OBESITY (AGE 15-49) (AGE 20+) 2008 42.8% 11.1 % 0 4700 SA-BORN SOUTH AFRICA REGIONAL 0 8 DOCTORS 7 8 23410 FEMALE 1 HIV 0 WORKING IN THE US, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, 0 and NEW ZEALAND 23.2% 5.3% SOUTH AFRICA REGIONAL 17800 MALE per 100 000 adults
54 yrs Male 52 66 55 yrs Female 56 71 17 800 4700 800 Life expectancy SOUTH AFRICA REGIONAL GLOBAL SOUTH AFRICA REGIONAL GLOBAL
Estimates and Sources: World Health Organization, SAMA, Stats SA, Mundi Index, SA Government Information Services. *Data refers to latest year available from 2005 (WHO) . UKZNTOUCH 11 12 UKZNTOUCH CLINICAL MEDICINE THE ROAD AHEAD
Where are we going and where do we want to be? These are the key questions that define a new vision for UKZN’s School of Clinical Medicine. Professor Richard Hift, Dean of the School of Clinical Medicine, shares his views about the road ahead.
odernising any structure elevate the University to a higher requires a multi-disciplinary international ranking. Currently M buy in. Professor Richard we rank in the 400s as a research Hift believes that the time institution. We believe that we can is right for UKZN to take the giant take that to the 200 mark within a steps, which will place the reasonably short period.’ institution in a lead position nationally and globally. Achieving these goals, says Hift, will require certain changes in mindset. ‘We have the confidence and the will to undertake this challenge,’ he ‘We have to ask whether a single de- says. ‘If it means moving away from gree which produces a highly com- the more traditional English speak- petent doctor, is enough in this day ing universities and evolving a new and age. The modern view, world structure of teaching and research, wide, is that, no, it’s not enough. that is the journey we need to take.’ That academic achievement needs to be coupled with a research dy- What is critical, he believes, is namic, one which stimulates aca- adopting a sustainable vision that demic debate and strives to answer embraces quality medical training the difficult questions facing those as well as relevant and ground- involved in health care, particularly breaking research as its core tenets. at the primary health level.’
‘Our aim as leaders in the clinical Hift believes that UKZN’s vi- medicine sector at UKZN is to sion will build up a ‘true research
UKZNTOUCH 13 CLINICAL MEDICINE
THE ROAD AHEAD
across various sectors, ‘We are talking about 15 years but will also enable us and in this day and age that is far to evolve a strategy too long. We have to find ways to where we can think restructure this process. The fact about what we don’t that a masters degree will become want to do.’ a mandatory part of a registrar’s specialisation studies will go a long As part of this col- way to underpinning a research-led laborative endeavour, academic career.’ a first step, says Hift, will be to centralise One of the biggest dilemmas, Hift the University’s ad- agrees, was the chronic shortage of ministrative process. doctors in the rural areas.
‘It will make a lot ‘In this regard, we will be noting more sense to have those students who have a desire one central admin- to follow a career as a rural doctor, istrative hub, rather and placing special emphasis on the than each depart- particular skill, support and knowl- ment running its own edge they will require.’ affairs. That way we can free up valuable Hift believes the new King Edward staff to concentrate V111 training Hospital in Cato on their core skills. Manor, in tandem with the Inkosi If we follow this path Albert Luthuli Hospital, will pro- Professor Richard Hift, Dean of the School of there is little doubt vide top quality health care. Clinical Medicine. that the work done at this University ‘We just have to ensure that the sub imperative’ by moving away from can have an even greater impact on strata of hospitals providing health a departmental approach to an HIV/TB research outcomes as well care to the community are elevated interdisciplinary and partnership as non-communicable diseases like to a comparative level. It would be model based on achieving optimum high blood pressure and diabetes.’ no good if we have a star at the top results. and decaying resources elsewhere.’ The diversity of students at UKZN ‘Change is not always easy or ac- from different cultures and back- The digital age is with us and that ceptable. It means getting rid of grounds, including those from dis- means we have to become IT savvy. fiefdoms within the university, un- advantaged communities, presented necessary bureaucracy, and stream- unique opportunities to engage in ‘Where possible students are en- lining the administrative process. meaningful research. couraged to use digital technology But if we can achieve that in a spirit as much as possible, whether its on of goodwill, we will have achieved a ‘Currently there is a PhD research their laptops or iPads. But then we major breakthrough.’ project that tracks the thinking of have to play our part ensuring that undergraduate students that have we have the WiFi zones and the Putting that vision at grass-roots a good understanding of diagnos- networks that will improve connec- level, Hift takes the line that re- tics and the deductions involved, tivity.’ search endeavours need to be more comparing their methodology with focused. those who have a lesser understand- The road ahead is not going to be ing of the diagnostic process. These easy, says Hift. ‘There will be ob- ‘I go along with the view that it findings will help us in the design of stacles. There will be people who would be more productive to en- our teaching programmes.’ will say that the old way is better. gage our research community in But we have a vision and we need to fewer and more specific topics. That One of the problems identified in the stick to it. Our goals are achievable way we can focus our energies on undergraduate and postgraduate and it is up to all of us to make our research that will have a greater learning process is the length of time vision a reality.’ N impact. It will not only mean more that it takes to reach specialised collaboration and greater synergy levels of medicine.
14 UKZNTOUCH UKZN’s Dean of the School of Health Sciences Professor Sabiha Essack
TRANSFORMATION OF THE HEALTH SCIENCES Professor Sabiha Essack, Dean of the School of Health Sciences, talks about challenges faced in the transformation of the health sciences for the 21st century.
UKZNTOUCH 15 TRANSFORMATION
OF HEALTH SCIENCES
rocesses and academic African Committee of Health the highest HIV and AIDS burden.’ cultures that have been Science Deans at UKZN’s Westville P pursued for years, even campus. The broader discussion, believes over centuries, are not Essack, surrounds the challenges easily nudged into more In her role as Chairperson of the faced by South African universities contemporary directions. South African Committee of Health in training quality health profes- Science Deans, Essack reiterated sionals to meet the healthcare needs the stance made by, among others, and alleviate the disease burden of UKZN is well-placed to introduce the World Health Organization and the country using evidence-based new strategies in the field of health the World Bank and of the ‘global practice relevant to the South sciences and become a vital cog in imperative to expand the health African context. implementing the re-engineering workforce’ in order to meet the of the primary health care-based Millennium Development Goals. ‘All health science educators are health system in South Africa, but fully aware of the demands that there are several challenges to be Among those presenting were Dr have to be met on a national scale, addressed. Peter Barron technical assistant, for the implementation of a fully in- National Department of Health clusive national health system, but it No-one understands this better who said that unless there was a is how we do it that requires intense than UKZN’s Dean of the School of fundamental change in the way in and pragmatic discussion across the Health Sciences, Professor Sabiha which the health sector functioned board.’ Essack, who believes that there is South Africa was unlikely to meet a need to explore new directions in the MDG health indicators for Central to the discussion, says health sciences education to bring infant, under five and maternal Essack, is the issue of a broader about a more holistic delivery and mortality rates. Nor was it likely to training platform and the optimal utilisation of academic knowledge achieve the MDG goal related to use of resources. and research. HIV and TB. ‘Traditionally diploma students do ‘I am convinced,’ she said ‘that if Strong education systems providing their training outside of a traditional we don’t entrench health sciences professionally regulated and qual- university environment, but we have research into education and train- ity assured training programmes to ask is that always practical. For ing and clinical needs, we will not were key to achieving the number example we are about to establish optimise healthcare of the diverse of quality health workers needed to a new hospital on the UKZN cam- health-seeking South African com- support a viable health system. pus where our health professionals munities.’ will receive their training. Within Vanessa Burch, Professor and this environment I believe we also A key component of this discus- Chairman of Clinical Medicine at need to train, under one roof, our sion, she says, is the Department the University of Cape Town un- mid-level workers in disciplines of Science and Technology’s com- derpinned this at the conference of like Pharmacy, Physiotherapy and missioned status report of clinical Health Science Deans in Durban. Occupational Therapy so that research in South Africa. patients have the benefit of an over- ‘In this new decade,’ she said, ‘we arching service.’ The report suggested that there must recognise the central role of was currently no national plan to the clinical teaching platform and ‘It will require a rethink of our reg- provide co-ordinated support for the need to significantly expand istration and accreditation process, the education and development of and diversify the platform to meet but I think a workable compromise clinical researchers, particularly current health care and human needs to be found if we are to from the public sector. resource mandates.’ achieve our goals.’
‘It is quite clear that we have to ‘The priority,’ said Burch, ‘was Essack says her mission within the come up with better and more to train more health professionals health sciences ambit is to establish practical strategies to address these and produce “fit for purpose” a comprehensive service and teach- critical issues.’ practitioners.’ ing environment underpinned by evidence-based practice and re- Earlier this year these same Says Essack: ‘Nowhere is that im- search respectively. N challenges were spelt out at the perative greater than here in KZN, annual conference of the South the most populaced province with
16 UKZNTOUCH UNLOCKING MUCH-NEEDED SKILLS
Recognising the potential of under-privileged learners to achieve academic success could be a way of unlocking much-needed skills. Professor Andrew Ross is the pioneer of a mentorship scheme promoting a new generation of health professionals
ngwavuma is a forgotten Professor Andrew Ross, former ‘We needed new ways to address pocket of land wedged at superintendent of the Mosvold the chronic shortage of health care I the far northerly end of Hospital at Ingwavuma who cur- providers. We were well aware that KwaZulu-Natal. The rently runs a student mentorship trained staff are reluctant to go to geography and landscape are programme at the University of such a deeply rural area, and even tough, resources are limited and KwaZulu-Natal, explains the back- foreign doctors willing to come life for the rural inhabitants is harsh ground of marginalized children to these outreach hospitals are in the extreme. often thought of as ‘no-hopers’ who sometimes unable to obtain work have proved that difficult situations permits.’ not only require a new way of think- But desolate and spartan though the ing, but can be turned around. The answer, he believed, was to first area may be, it is here that one of the identify local school-going children most innovative and heart-warming ‘Going back a bit, we realized that with potential to follow a career in projects in South Africa is unfold- if something pretty dramatic didn’t health sciences and support them ing, one that is slowly but surely happen in that part of KZN to im- through their studies. giving dignity and hope to a deeply prove health services, we would be challenged community. facing a humanitarian tragedy,’ said But that, admits Ross, was easier Ross. said than done.
UKZNTOUCH 17 UNLOCKING
MUCH-NEEDED SKILLS
Performance surveys showed ‘Once we had overcome those hur- Said Dumisani: ‘I always say to my that standards of teaching and dles the pressing issue was to find students – look at me. If I can do it education in those far-flung regions sustainable and long term funding. so can you. We haven’t had the best were low. Schools were for the most It was all well and good having a school education, but that doesn’t part dilapidated, overcrowded and dream, but that dream required a mean we are failures. Give us the lacking in resources and the matric lot of money to make it work.’ opportunity and we will show you pass rate was amongst the lowest in what we can achieve.’ the country with few students able Initially it was doctors themselves to achieve a basic level of success in who supported the project. Ross said a key element of the science and maths. A partnership was then forged scheme was to promote a sense of between the local community, responsibility in the students they In 1998 against this lack-lustre Department of Education, mentored. backdrop, Ross initiated a group, Department of Health, Medical which calls itself the Friends of Education for South African Blacks ‘It is not about being handed things Mosvold Scholarship Scheme - now (MESAB) and private funders. on a plate. It’s about hard work, known as the Umthombo Youth Further funding has come from identifying weaknesses, whether it’s Development Foundation. trust funds, international donors a lack of understanding or a gap in and businesses. knowledge, and fixing those weak- ‘We believed if we could harness nesses. It’s about looking after one’s potential locally we could address ‘We had people who said we were health, taking responsibility for the chronic shortage of trained mad.’ Ross smiles at these early one’s personal life, and passing.’ health professionals and promote recollections. ‘They said it would the idea of local people bringing never work and that the scheme was Last year, he said, the students in- high quality health services to their doomed to failure, but when you volved in the scheme achieved a 90 own communities in Ingwavuma, believe in something you just have percent pass rate. Ubombo and Hlabisa.’ to carry on regardless.’ A blueprint for similar initiatives? However, it wasn’t a high profile Mr Dumisani Gumede is one of the Ross believes it is the only way to go. campaign launched with bells and first graduates of the scheme, who whistles. proved that ‘amazing things’ could ‘If potential is overlooked par- happen. ticularly in areas where education ‘We first had to make sure that the is poor, we are denying people the project worked and was sustainable. ‘Dumisani, one of the first chosen chance of becoming valued citizens. It was a gamble because it hadn’t students, spent the first three weeks It certainly beats poverty and un- been done before in South Africa. of his university career in the ICU employment.’ N Most of the children we identified at King Edward VIII Hospital would normally have no chance suffering from malaria,’ recalls whatsoever of being accepted at a Ross. university.’ ‘We suggested he wait a year to To get the ball rolling schools and recover. He was adamant that he the communities chose their best wanted to continue at university students, ‘usually the 25 percenters’, and said he wasn’t going to let go of to attend day workshops at Mosvold the biggest chance in his life.’ where they were introduced to the workings of a hospital and the dif- Dumisani qualified as a ferent disciplines. physiotherapist and worked at Mosvold and Hlabisa Hospitals. ‘From these initial groups we se- He was responsible for establishing lected three matric students who a therapy department at Hlabisa had been accepted at university to Hospital - where there was none. study a health science course that we felt had the ability to succeed He now works for the Umthombo even though their marks were pretty Youth Development Foundation shocking.’ and is currently mentoring 182 students.
18 UKZNTOUCH FACTFILE MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME
SA South Africa: The focus of the mentorship THE SCHEME SO FAR Energy Source programme is an area, including for lighting as an Over the last five years more than 800 local economic indicator. Ingwavuma, Ubombo and Hlabisa, scholars have attended the hospital open Electricity which forms a dusty and dry pocket Candle Power days, 400 people have applied for financial of land on the borders of Swaziland support, and 55 young people have trained and Mozambique. Northern as Peer AIDS educators. Furthermore, KZN KwaZulu- Natal: The region has three “chronically 182 students are being supported at Mentorship Programme understaffed” hospitals – Mosvold, University/Technical College doing a wide area of Bethesda and Hlabisa – and one of the variety of health science courses including operation showing highest HIV prevalence rates in the world, Medicine, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, candle power as the primary accounting for 57 percent of deaths. Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Dental source of It also has one of the highest numbers of Therapy, Speech Therapy and 116 have lighting. AIDS orphans and child-headed households. graduated as health care professionals. Source: statssa.gov.za This year the number of students involved in Below: Professor Andrew Ross the programme rose to 182.
UKZNTOUCH 19 20 UKZNTOUCH LEVELLING THE PLAYING FIELDS
The fact that 38 percent of the country’s population live in rural areas where resources and medical facilities are limited presents a real challenge to those working in the field of rural health.
t was just over a year ago ‘It’s about a working partnership that the Department of based on trust and good sense.’ I Rural Health was established at UKZN – a But to achieve these long term goals, first in the country. Dr Bernhard says Gaede, means starting on a Gaede was tasked with setting up process of transformative medicine. this fledgling facility and at the time admitted that there was a ‘Along the way and as part of an mountain of work to do ‘to try and evolving and in many ways a unique level the playing fields’. learning process, we are having to make a host of strategic decisions. Twelve months on he says a sa- Some initiatives will work, some lient part of the journey to bring may not. It is very much a work critically needed health services to in progress. But in the end we resource poor areas had already be- believe that currently under-served gun. However, upgrading services communities in rural areas will be and facilities was only a part of the benefactors.’ solution. Gaede says its important to remem- ‘To establish sustainability and ber that transforming the way medi- ongoing improvement in the health cine and medical services are rolled of rural communities, we need to out in South Africa is no longer have a far greater understanding of only ‘the right thing to do’ but was the environment and the health dy- a nationally endorsed imperative namics of these areas,’ said Gaede. supported by the Health Professions Council of South Africa. The key aim of the newly formed Department, he believes, was to ‘There is no ambiguity. Transfor- work towards improving the health mation is here to stay. of rural communities through research, capacity building and ‘As part of this broader health advocacy. outreach, Medical School training
UKZNTOUCH 21 LEVELLING
THE PLAYING FIELDS
Dr Bernhard Gaede we have to ask where does rural start ‘Young doctors often have the per- and how should you describe it? And ception that if they are transferred to in this country, including UKZN, now where do urban areas end – and what’s facilities in the rural areas there are includes a telemedicine component as in the middle?’ huge risks to their personal safety. part of the learning curriculum, which It isn’t the case at all, but we need will be examinable. Compulsory For this reason, he believes that a pro- awareness programmes to change that community service in rural medicine gramme of “inclusive” action of train- thought process.’ will also be extended from two weeks ing and outreach deserves appropriate to seven weeks as part of the new funding. There is also the belief that an over- curriculum.’ whelming burden of disease still exists Taking this vision forward, he ex- in the outlying areas, including HIV A critical part of the new strategies, plains, will be the expansion of train- and TB – ‘not to mention depression he says, is to rethink the words “rural ing sites in KZN, where students will and hopelessness.’ health”. To most people, even those be able to study and interact with local who live in this far away setting, it communities. The first major step It might have been the case several conjures up a sense of inferiority. along this journey is the building of years ago, says Gaede. ‘But certainly in the new Murchison Hospital on the the case of HIV there have been huge ‘It’s sad but so true that families and South Coast, near Port Shepstone. strides. Patients can get their ARVs at communities who live in these out-of- a number of clinics. The medication is the-way rural areas, accept that they ‘The community here is well served no longer an unknown factor that has will come off second best as far as their on a district health care level, with a to be viewed with suspicion. People are health needs go – just because of where number of established clinics and a a lot more knowledgeable these days.’ they live and where they were born.’ small hospital. We are building on this foundation to enable undergraduate He also believes that this Gaede is determined to be part of a and post graduate students to continue ‘decentralising’ process where there new era that is trying to change those their training in rural health and to in- is an integrated approach to primary perceptions. teract with patients in a local setting.’ health, TB and chronic diseases, is the right way to go. ‘There is no absolute definition of Gaede believes that introducing rural what rural health really is,’ he said. health into the medical training cur- ‘I am hopeful that in KZN we are on ‘It’s a loose word that in most cases de- riculum for the first time is “a positive the correct path,’ said Gaede. ‘In a notes services in far flung areas, where step” in addressing shortfalls and few years time, we will see a huge dif- there is little or no infrastructure, often skewed perceptions. ference in the way health services are no sanitation or electricity. But then delivered.’ N
22 UKZNTOUCH TELEHEALTH MEDICINE OVER A DISTANCE
Telehealth should really be called e-Health, says Professor Maurice Mars, Professor of Telehealth at the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine.
UKZNTOUCH 23 By: NIKI MOORE time for the doctor who has specialist UKZN’s Medical School is using information about his patient at Professor Maurice Mars, Professor of elehealth refers to the use his fingertips. The broad statistics Telehealth at the Nelson R Mandela of information and attached to that information (such School of Medicine. T communication as the frequency, demographics or technologies in the health geographical spread of, for instance, sector and covers five areas - the a disease or condition) could help telehealth facilities to train doctors, clinical aspects of medicine, the researchers to track and identify using video-conferencing to hold administrative aspects of health needs countrywide. teaching seminars in nine differ- medicine, research, education and ent African countries for six hours surveillance. ‘I’m more interested in the actual a day. There are few sustained medical services themselves,’ said telehealth projects, but the few that Every time a patient goes to a hospi- Mars. ‘There is very little data on are operational have shown huge tal, according to Professor Maurice the developing world, and even benefits in time and cost saving. Mars, they are practising telehealth. less on sub-Saharan Africa. We Patients give their personal details spend only a few cents per person ‘There is a lot of misunderstanding to reception and these are put into a per year on telehealth, but even and misconception around tele- computer. They give medical details so we have to be careful with that health,’ said Mars. ‘So my job has to a doctor, which are put into a small spend, as we need to make evolved into being an advocate. I computer. They have tests, X-rays or sure that the money being spent on spend my time selling the concept consultations and the information is telehealth is not being taken away on the one hand, and explaining the stored in computers. from actual medicine or health problems on the other hand. But the services. It becomes a very delicate potential is huge. Telehealth, therefore, is the study balancing act. and implementation of systems to ‘For instance, there is a law that co-ordinate all this information so ‘Everything we do is aimed at every child must have their hearing that duplicate work is prevented. benefiting the poorest of the tested at school. That hasn’t hap- poor. We use the lowest levels of pened. But through telehealth we The information is valuable to technology. We don’t use technology can put the systems in place to make doctors and patients as well as for its own sake. And the biggest that happen.’ N society at large. Having patient data lesson we have learned is that 60% centrally stored saves the patient of all ICT interventions fail because several trips to hospital and saves of human error.’
24 UKZNTOUCH UNPACKING LIFESTYLE COPING MECHANISMS
Poverty, violence and life-threatening scenarios are a fact of life for many of South Africa’s more vulnerable communities. A four- year research project aims to find answers as to why some young people cope better with difficult situations than others.
UKZNTOUCH 25 UNPACKING LIFESTYLE
COPING MECHANISMS
ighteen-year-old KwaZulu- and Head of the Department All these aspects, says Kliewer, are Natal teenager Ronald of Psychology at Virginia part of the basic research function- E Solomons* has a Commonwealth University (VCU) ality of the study and will include background that no-one and Professor Basil Pillay, Head blood and saliva collection. would wish on their worst enemy. of the Department of Behavioural Medicine at UKZN. Adjunct to the investigation, a Abused by a family member, a fre- cognitive laboratory is being es- quent recipient of violent behavior Known as Project CARE, the in- tablished at UKZN’s Department involving drugs and alcohol and ternational collaborative initiative of Be-havioural Medicine that will growing up in poverty, his upbring- involving the study of families from specifically look at neuropsychologi- ing should have been a recipe for lower income areas has already cal and cognitive data relating to academic and personal disaster. commenced. the study.
And yet Solomons has weathered Clarifying how the research project ‘Key data we are looking for,’ said his stormy early life with remark- will proceed, Pillay said that fami- Pillay, ‘is how the brain compre- able resilience, finishing matric with lies chosen for the initiative – from hends risks and how it plans, judges acceptable grades and pursuing a all race groups – would be inter- and understands the issues involved. diploma in jewellery design. viewed by academic investigative We will be looking at the neuro- teams on a regular basis over the psychology of the brain in terms of The question that needs to be asked next few years. coping with poverty, violence and is why did this teenager manage family dysfunction.’ to survive and cope with extreme ‘Data collection will be done via stress when someone else with far identical question and answer Pillay said Project CARE would less negative pressures becomes forms,’ he said. ‘The informa- provide a comprehensive under- dysfunctional and psychologically tion will be collated, assessed and standing of the family, information damaged resorting to drugs and analysed on an ongoing basis. If that will help government and local alcohol as an escape mechanism. for example, we find a definite pat- authorities provide appropriate ser- tern emerging, other research pro- vices within communities. It is exactly socially challenged grammes may be required.’ backgrounds such as these which Pillay said research had already have become the raison d’etre for That is the nature of this type shown post-traumatic stress disor- an exciting research project – the of longitudinal research, says ders were rarely diagnosed at family first of its kind in Africa – that will visiting Virginia Commonwealth clinics. straddle the lifestyles and risk cop- University’s Dr Wendy Kliewer. ‘It ing mechanisms displayed by 400 is truly a voyage of discovery. We ‘And yet we know young people in volunteer families and caregivers in might think we know the answers, South Africa are exposed to more the greater Durban area. but something might come up which violence than possibly anywhere is totally unexpected.’ else in the world. Is it they have At the helm of the study, which learned to cope better, through a has involved a number of ethical Both researchers say the investiga- process of natural selection, or are and design methodology issues, tion is critical and could have an we simply not diagnosing the condi- are two leading academics, Dr important bearing on the future of tion correctly?’ Wendy Kliewer, a Fulbright scholar psychological services and therapy both nationally and internationally. Initial data suggests while genetics have a part to play in ongoing cycles ‘We need to ascertain whether a per- of violence within certain commu- son’s biology has a bearing on their nities, these genetic mechanisms ability to manage risks within their can be reversed. environment,’ said Kliewer. ‘More precisely we need to understand the But only through good science and protective mechanisms that exist in exact research will these questions the human brain and how the neu- ‘so fundamental to the develop- rological and hormonal structures ment of meaningful services’ be that deal with stress, work, and how resolved, say the two scientists. N stress, whether physical or mental, affects the immune system.’ *name changed
26 UKZNTOUCH FACTFILE CARE Team Dr Wendy Kliewer and Professor Basil Pillay.
CARE - an acronym for Community A Grade 7 age-group will be psychological factors among the Assessment of Risk and Resilience followed to analyse the adjustment youth. Lastly, the project aims to - is a pioneering study which will of the learner from primary into establish what factors promote analyse risk and resilience among middle high school education. resilience to stress amongst youth in Durban. Concurrently, a Grade 10 age- families of youth that thrive, The first study of its kind in Africa, group will be followed to analyse despite coming from a similar the project has received $64 the adjustment from high school socio-economic background. 509 (R541 875) in seed funding into the post-matric years. Interviews with the youth and from the Virginia Commonwealth Over the four years, the learner caregivers will be conducted in University’s Global Education as well as the care-giver will be the home environment. Within Office and the College of interviewed and assessed on how a month after the interviews, Humanities and Sciences. the youth adjust to risk factors physiological school-based tests The project will follow two age- in the environment. Some of the will be done to establish whether groups as well as their caregivers issues analysed would include there are any physiological from low income families in the social competence, aggressive changes in the body as a result of greater Durban municipality behaviour, academic competence stress. Neuropsychological tests annually for four years. Equal and substance abuse. will also be conducted within the numbers of families from across The second aim is to establish schools by clinical psychologists the various demographic groups whether risk behaviours as from UKZN. will be included. coping mechanisms for stress are attributed to physiological or
UKZNTOUCH 27 28 UKZNTOUCH CHANGING LIVES THROUGH CORRECTIVE SURGERY
Operation Smile changes lives through corrective surgery. A founding member of the humanitarian mission gives insight into the work being done in this field and the vital role a Durban hospital is playing.
n every sense of the word ment of Plastic and Reconstructive an 18-month-old toddler, Surgery at Inkosi Albert Luthuli I simply known as Baby Central Hospital in Durban, Head Josephine, is a miracle of Plastic and Reconstructive Sur- patient. Born with a facial deformity gery at UKZN’s Nelson R Mandela so severe that one could barely School of Medicine and part of the recognise that she had a human Operation Smile volunteer mission. face, she was flown with her ‘Josephine had been born with mother, from her rural home in part of her brain protruding from Namibia to Inkosi Albert Luthuli her forehead,’ explained Madaree. Central Hospital in Durban late ‘The protrusion had distorted the last year. nasal bridge area to the extent that her eye sockets were forced apart Her delighted mother has reported and her eyes focused in different that her daughter had attended directions. She required long and her first public outing with other complex surgery to correct the de- children – and nobody noticed that formity and then spent some time she was any different from the other with us undergoing rehabilitation. kids. ‘The fact that her scars have healed ‘We are delighted, absolutely and she is now able to take her place thrilled at her ongoing progress,’ in normal society is a gift in itself for said Professor Anil Madaree, chief all of us who worked with her.’ specialist and Head of the Depart-
UKZNTOUCH 29 CHANGING LIVES
THROUGH CORRECTIVE SURGERY
Her deformity known as Encepha- and tissue are formed gradually sources and no intensive care units.’ loceles occurs rarely, at a rate of one moving towards each other and fus- per 5,000 babies worldwide. ing at the mouth and nose to form The need for more specific surgery the skull. If this fusion is incomplete for patients with extreme facial ab- Although the exact cause is un- the child will have a cleft (a gap) in normalities, he explains, prompted known, Encephaloceles occurs the mouth/nose area. Operation Smile to expand its ser- when the neural tube fails to close vice mandate launching the World completely during foetal develop- In Africa approximately one in ev- Care Programme, specifically to ment and brain matter protrudes ery 750 babies is born with a cleft deal with these issues. from the skull. lip or cleft palate. In some cases the cleft is so wide that it leaves a gaping ‘In many cases the parents and Needless to say dedication and com- hole. families of these grossly deformed passion are the steadfast footprints children, whose features are often of Operation Smile, an international ‘And yet in as little as 45 minutes bloated and barely recognisable, are voluntary organisation, whose aim cleft lip surgery can change a child’s unaware that anything can be done. is to change lives and bring hope. life forever,’ said Madaree. ‘You only have to look at a mother’s face, ‘They hide their children away Few understand the health as our team did this week and see in back rooms fearful of being impact and psychological stress of the tears of relief when a child’s victimised and shunned by their facial malformations better than deformity has been corrected, to communities. For these children it Madaree, who has just returned realise the true worth of reconstruc- would mean a life of isolation and from a humanitarian mission to tive surgery.’ utter misery.’ Madagascar. ‘I feel very privileged and humbled This would have most certainly ‘Seeing the relief and joy of families to be part of the Operation Smile been Baby Josephine’s fate if she when their loved ones are given a organisation.’ had not been identified and flown new life free of a facial deformity is to Durban where her surgery was something that words can’t really Madaree explains that apart from performed for free. describe,’ he said. ‘One mother who the negative visual impact, children had brought her two-year-old child whose facial deformities are not cor- ‘All we ask is that the relevant gov- to the clinic, said it was the first time rected by reconstructive surgery can ernment departments of the country she had dared take off the child’s suffer major breathing problems. where the patient comes from pay head covering in public – how tragic for the transport and any expenses is that?’ ‘They find drinking, eating and incurred outside of the surgical pro- speaking very difficult and often cedure. The rest we take care of.’ The operation on this patient, he these children are malnourished said, left her with the faintest of with a host of accompanying medi- The miracle and scope of this scars that would soon become less cal and psychological issues.’ mission, he says, goes beyond the noticeable. surgery and the dedicated teams In his mission “to change lives and involved with the procedure and Medical Director of Operation bring hope”, Madaree has travelled intensive care. Smile since 2006 when the or- with a volunteer team of health ganisation expanded its humani- professionals to several regions ‘It’s more about the overwhelming tarian services to South Africa, in Africa, including Madagascar, reaction after the patients’ dress- Madaree has been part of a volun- Rwanda, Namibia, Swaziland, and ings are removed. When the new tary team bringing hope and relief to the Democratic Republic of Congo, faces are revealed for the first time thousands of patients in Africa, the operating on as many as 200 plus there are tears and laughter, looks of Philippines and elsewhere. children during any one of the wonderment, disbelief and pure joy. missions. Priceless moments in anyone’s life.’ Cleft lip (cheiloschisis), and cleft pal- ate (palatoschisis) are types of ab- ‘What we did realise quite early on Although extreme deformities such normalities of the face that develop was that there were many severe as Josephine’s are rare, without during the first 12 weeks of preg- facial deformities that required in- exception corrective surgery is nancy when the development of the vasive and complex surgery. These required. ‘But now through good skull occurs. During this embryonic cases can’t be addressed at a local networking we are able to identify period, two separate plates of bone hospital with limited equipment re- patients in need of craniofacial sur-
30 UKZNTOUCH Professor Anil Madaree with patients. gery and transport them back to Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital for reconstructive surgery, aftercare FACTFILE OPERATION SMILE and treatment.
‘Apart from cleft palates and cleft Operation Smile is entirely dependent on its volunteers. Every lips, malformation of the sinus area medical mission is made up of a team of qualified physicians, can also cause deformities that re- nurses, dentists, speech therapists and other medical and non- quire invasive surgery,’ said Mada- medical professionals. The ever-present goal is to help every child ree. ‘This too cannot be done in a with a correctable facial deformity. local hospital setting.’ A cleft lip or cleft palate operation and follow up care under normal circumstances costs about R5 500. To date the World Care Programme has provided cranial reconstruction Operation Smile South Africa (OSSA) was officially registered as a surgery to 10 children from around section 21 (non-profit) company in March 2006. Africa at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hos- Operation Smile has treated over 1650 children since 2006. pital. Since 1982, more than 150 000 children and young adults have been treated by thousands of Operation Smile volunteers Currently Madaree serves as the worldwide and thousands of healthcare professionals have been President of the College of Medicine trained globally. of South Africa and immediate past President of the International So- Operation Smile provides care for children in 60 countries ciety of Craniofacial Surgery. He worldwide. Nine resource countries raise funds and provide medical is also a past President of Colleges volunteers, while 42 programme countries receive education and of Plastic and Reconstructive Sur- training and conduct surgeries. geons, Association of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons of South- ern Africa and the South African Burns Society. N
UKZNTOUCH 31 Professor Salim Abdool Karim – Director CAPRISA
Professor Bill Bishai – Director K-RITH
Professor Marie-Louise Newell – Director Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies
32 UKZNTOUCH RESEARCH AND HEALTH DELIVERY
In an ever-advancing world, research outcomes in the health sciences have become the litmus test for optimum health delivery.
owhere is that evolving chance of survival are living longer journey of investigation and healthier lives. Things that N more dynamic or critical weren’t possible even 10 years ago than at the University of are now possible thanks not only to KwaZulu-Natal, where ground- the dedication of scientists but the breaking research, conducted willingness of volunteers who freely within the ambit of UKZN, is linked participate in this life-saving quest to two of the most devastating for knowledge. pandemic diseases ever to have confronted mankind – HIV and TB. The internationally-funded Africa Centre for Health and Population Often referred to as the academic Studies is the most far-flung of the research capital of South Africa, Research five operating in a sparse UKZN can proudly take its place rural region of northern Zululand as one of the country’s foremost in KwaZulu-Natal. research nerve centres with five international research-based in- Here for two decades, in an area stitutes and facilities linked to the near Hlabisa and Mtubatuba, University. science and community work together to find ways to a better In their own unique way each is life. Currently investigations are involved in a quest to gain new under way to see whether a more knowledge and find solutions to immediate programme of treatment some of the planet’s most vexing (as opposed to current treatment health questions. guidelines) has any impact on the number of new cases identified in Through the efforts of these nerve the surrounding area. centres people who once had little
UKZNTOUCH 33 research
and health delivery
Director of the facility, Professor treatment. It has established itself CAPRISA 004 tenofovir gel trial. Marie-Louise Newell from the as a designated UNAIDS Collabo- The groundbreaking results of the Institute for Child Health at rating Centre for HIV Prevention trial demonstrated a 39% reduction University College London, where Research with its main goal being in HIV-infection in women who she is Professor of Paediatric to undertake globally relevant and used the gel before and after sex. Epidemiology, believes that it is this locally responsive research which sort of close engagement within a contribute to understanding HIV Going forward, as well as continu- society that will ultimately lead to pathogenesis, prevention and epide- ing its investigations into finding changes in behaviour. miology as well as the links between more effective TB and HIV pre- tuberculosis and AIDS care. vention and treatment methods, The Centre now has a team of CAPRISA will also be conducting investigators that is particularly in- Among CAPRISA’s accomplish- operational research as part of the terested in tracing the origin of the ments in 2011, were: The publica- CAPRISA 008 trial. This research epidemic, and, with similar tools tion of 44 peer-reviewed journal will look into the effectiveness and and techniques, tracing the devel- publications, several in high impact safety of tenofovir gel as an HIV opment of drug resistance in HIV journals such as The Lancet, the New prevention option, as well as assess infected people on treatment. England Journal of Medicine, Nature, the feasibility of providing the gel AIDS and the Journal of Virology. through family planning services. The Doris Duke Medical Research Institute on the campus of the CAPRISA’s contribution has had KZN has the unenviable title of be- Nelson R Mandela School of an immense impact on policy and ing the most-affected and infected Medicine remains a critical com- practice. The CAPRISA 003 re- region in the world when it comes to HIV and TB incidence and preva- lence. The challenges are immense. To manage the crisis will require a Among CAPRISA’s accomplishments in significant increase in the number of approved health care workers 2011 were: The publication of 44 peer- and undergraduate students trained in the delivery of healthcare. reviewed journal publications, several in With this in mind an important goal high impact journals such as The Lancet, of the University is to improve the the New England Journal of Medicine, Nature, quality of care for vulnerable com- munities living in the province. AIDS and the Journal of Virology. Tasked with leading what is called the Enhancing Care Initiative ponent of the University of KwaZu- sults, which showed significantly (ECI), is UKZN’s Professor Umesh lu-Natal’s commitment to expand higher survival in HIV-TB co-in- Lalloo. The Initiative formed research and training in AIDS. It is fected patients receiving integrated in 1988 by the Harvard AIDS home to a number of key research ARV and TB treatment, have been Institute, is currently involved in projects including the Centre for adopted by the World Health Orga- research and teaching in HIV and the AIDS Programme of Research nization guidelines on the treatment TB and facilitating diploma/mas- in South Africa (CAPRISA) with of TB and HIV co-infection, the US ters programmes in clinical HIV its many prestigious and ongoing government DHHS guidelines for management. international collaborations, and treating HIV and TB co-infection the bilateral HIV Pathogenesis Pro- and the South African guidelines for Pivotal segments of the ECI is the gramme (HPP) between the Nelson treatment of TB-HIV co-infected Medical Education Partnership R Mandela School of Medicine and individuals. Initiative (MEPI) and its ENTRÉE Harvard Medical School. programme, which promotes strong During 2011, a number of awards links to research organisations CAPRISA’s multi-institutional team, were bestowed upon CAPRISA within UKZN and the South led by Professor Salim Abdool in recognition of its contribution African Departments of Health Karim, is embracing new arenas and scientific achievements in TB/ and Education. Innovations in in its research on HIV epidemiol- HIV treatment and, some more education and improving regionally ogy, pathogenesis, prevention and specifically for innovation of the relevant, locally driven research in
34 UKZNTOUCH South Africa are very much part of making the virus less virulent. Some people are highly susceptible. this ongoing collaborative initiative. Others are resistant despite massive The newest member of UKZN’s re- exposure. We’re not even sure if you While an AIDS vaccine remains search family is the KwaZulu-Natal can get TB a second time, after hav- elusive, UKZN is among the aca- Research Institute for Tuberculosis ing once been cured. Furthermore, demic front-runners involved in a and HIV (K-RITH) a unique col- not every antibiotic can penetrate programme of detailed and focused laboration between the University of the candlewax-like coating that research, which it is hoped may ul- KwaZulu-Natal and the US-based encases the organism or survive the timately lead to a vaccine to control Howard Hughes Medical Institute. onslaught of enzymes it secretes. H I V/A I DS. Standard antibiotics like penicillin The Institute’s new global state- are in one word - useless.’ Professor Thumbi Ndung’u, Sci- of-the-art high tech facility on the entific Director of UKZN’s HIV campus of the Nelson R Mandela K-RITH’s cross-Atlantic collabora- Pathogenesis Programme and School of Medicine is already at the tions will link scientists and clinical Associate Professor in HIV/AIDS heart of international TB research. researchers in KwaZulu-Natal with research, was awarded a R5 mil- their colleagues around the world. lion US Howard Hughes Medical The statistics are frightening. Near- Institute (HHMI) International ly two million people die each year The goal, says Bishai, is for Early Career Scientist Award to from mycobacterium tuberculosis K-RITH to be directed and popu- delve even deeper into the workings either because they are not prop- lated by outstanding South African of immune genes in an effort to find erly diagnosed, do not take the right scientists and their trainees. a vaccine. medications, or have drug-resistant strains that defy treatment. In Durban the collaborative process This year a record number of will be taken to another level with students within his department re- The World Health Organization the understanding that basic sci- ceived PhDs for their ongoing work estimates that half a million new ence – the research that underpins in isolating and understanding a MDR-TB cases are emerging an- the development of new diagnostics, number of key genes involved in the nually. And yet it is a potentially drugs, and vaccines– needs to occur control of HIV within the body. curable disease. in areas of high tuberculosis and HIV prevalence. The main focus of their research is Few can argue that a research in- how the body fights HIV infection stitute of this magnitude is needed, The new research centre houses and more specifically the workings particularly as South Africa has five floors of research departments, of the body’s immune proteins that more residents infected with HIV including laboratories and an “air can block or fight off HIV infection. than any other nation in the world controlled” bio-safety level 3 facility. – an estimated 5.7 million and has Ndungu’s team unravelled the one of the highest per capita rates of The laboratories are among the mechanism of one particular im- tuberculosis in the world. most modern in the world, equipped mune protein called HLA-B*81 and with a multi-million rand array of how it can protect against HIV by It is against this unforgiving back- high-tech machinery. acting as a red flag that alerts the drop that Professor Bill Bishai, a immune system to the presence of renowned US infectious diseases Once a bank of clinical data has HIV, followed by incapacitation of specialist and scientist in the patho- been retrieved, K-RITH scientists the virus. genesis of tuberculosis, is leading like Bishai say it will enable them a team of scientists whose single to understand more how the TB The next ‘giant’ step, he says, will motivation is finding answers to bacteria interacts with human cells. be to understand additional protec- questions that have so far baffled tive mechanisms and how the virus science. This will be a ‘critical step in the de- compensates for the attacks being velopment of new drugs or vaccines made on it by the immune system in ‘We still don’t understand how peo- to treat tuberculosis’ and another individuals who eventually develop ple get TB, not exactly,’ said Bishai. milestone in UKZN’s long voyage AIDS. Ultimately, says Ndung’u, of discovery. N researchers want to investigate ‘It’s an airborne disease that doesn’t whether it is possible to make a respect national boundaries, and it’s vaccine that mimics or improves not something you can avoid get- the immune system’s capabilities of ting with clear-cut health practices.
UKZNTOUCH 35 36 UKZNTOUCH NEW CHAPTER IN TB SCIENCE BEGINS IN DURBAN
Professor Bill Bishai, K-RITH’s new Director, comments on the opening of a new chapter in TB science in the heart of Durban.
ormer South African the Howard Hughes Medical Insti- President Nelson Mandela tute, was to find the tools to assist F once said that if we want to in the management of TB, HIV and attack HIV then TB had to the TB/HIV co-infection. be part of the equation. ‘In that respect we will not be in- It is exactly this thinking that volved in running clinical trials in spawned the idea of a specialised South Africa, but rather concentrat- facility where basic science into TB ing on basic science. The laboratory could be conducted in Africa. bench is where we will mainly be working from.’ That in essence sums up the heart- beat of the new KwaZulu-Natal Bishai said the reason why they had Research Institute for Tuberculosis opted for KZN as their collabora- and HIV (K-RITH), in their new tive base was that it was the region premises in the grounds of the Uni- hardest hit by the TB epidemic in versity of KwaZulu-Natal’s Medical the country and the sub continent. School. And in terms of epidemiology the area was an immediate key source Illustration: Alveoli – where TB K-RITH’s Director Professor Bill for biological sample collection. begins. On inhalation, oxygen Bishai believes that within the walls along with tuberculosis bacte- of the new facility, a whole new chap- It is this wealth of TB biology, he ria is transported through the ter in TB science will be written. believes, that will underpin the terminal bronchioles (blackish- essence of K-RITH’s endeavours, purple tubes) and into the ‘In many ways we will play a com- enabling the discovery and innova- alveoli or air sacks of the plementary role to the quality sci- tion of new diagnostic tools. lungs. Small nodular lesions ence that is already well established or tubercles (represented by in KZN and South Africa.’ ‘One of the biggest challenges is to white dots) in the lungs’ air broaden the understanding of the sacks are characteristic of Bishai explained that the core role multidrug resistant (MDR) and tuberculosis. of K-RITH and its supportive body, extensively drug resistant (XDR)
UKZNTOUCH 37 NEW CHAPTER
IN TB SCIENCE BEGINS IN DURBAN
generation of scientists who will be the next leaders in K-RITH. We are currently working with UKZN to develop, for example, a specialised PhD programme to strengthen the breadth of knowledge. This will involve a graduate training com- mittee who will recommend modu- lar sources and overseas studies to expand skills training.
Among the other innovative pro- grammes envisaged for K-RITH is the setting up of technology hubs that would automatically link to those at Johns Hopkins, the Univer- sity of Alabama, the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the US as well as European hubs.
Bishai said on the European side the Max Planck Institute had made an agreement to finance a Max Planck grouping within K-RITH with au- tomatic connections to the Institute in Berlin.
Outlining the human toll of TB worldwide, Bishai said that nearly two million people died each year from the disease either because they Professor Bill Bishai – Director of K-RITH are not properly diagnosed, do not take the right medications, or have drug-resistant strains that defy strains of TB,’ said Bishai. ‘In KZN through a collaborative grants treatment. He said the facts spoke there is a large population of people programme, would be one of the for themselves. with these resistant strains which key aims of K-RITH. will greatly add to our knowledge.’ The World Health Organization ‘That programme is already up and estimates that half a million new The province, he says, is also blessed running,’ said Bishai. ‘With the help MDR-TB cases are emerging annu- with some well-studied cohorts of of peer review experts across South ally. A potentially curable disease, patients, thanks to the groundwork Africa, the United States and Eu- TB is transmitted through the air of scientists like Professors Salim rope, 15 collaborative grants have and infects about one-third of the and Quarraisha Abdool Karim, already been awarded to a range world’s population. It often remains Bruce Walker and Umesh Lalloo. of students who reside outside of latent, and causes no harm to 90 Durban. Many of these grants have percent of those infected. However, The setting up of a basic science a strong HIV connection.’ more than nine million people each institute like K-RITH, said Bishai, year develop active TB, which typi- offered a unique opportunity to Bishai said K-RITH had recognised cally causes weight loss, night sweats, integrate with these HIV-orientated that to ensure sustainable basic and lung damage. In extreme cases, cohorts. science required the building of a more often than not when associ- ‘pipeline’ to assist young science ated with HIV – it is fatal. He said that capacity building students to go all the way to with a particular emphasis on professorships. Bishai and his family moved from broadening and strengthening the US to Durban last year. N the sub-Saharan knowledge base ‘Our mission is to train a future
38 UKZNTOUCH Global Research opens for business in Durban
The new global KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for Tuberculosis and HIV (K-RITH) was officially launched on Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine campus. The international facility is a joint collaborative partnership between UKZN and the US-based Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
he establishment of K-RITH The opening of the new airy and HIV and TB infection. Our hope is as a major player in the attractive building, just seven years for a cure.’ T global fight against TB and after the first ideas were mooted, HIV has set a powerful and was a joyous and proud occasion Dr Zweli Mkhize, Premier of fundamental new precedent in with celebrated storyteller, Gcina KwaZulu-Natal, said the epidemics terms of collaborative science. Mhlope, bringing a unique blend of HIV and TB had had a major of traditional magic to the event. detrimental effect on the economy Other crowd-pleasing interludes and wellbeing of the province and In his welcoming address Professor were a performance by the KZN country, impacting on all sectors. Robert Tjian, President of the Youth Wind Band, the rhythmic ‘We are the ones at the centre of Howard Hughes Medical Institute and harmonious Kholwa Brothers this raging pandemic and suffering (HHMI) emphasised the need and the Wiggins Secondary School the most. It really doesn’t matter to translate research into novel Choir. how we view the figures or interpret treatment for the “twin scourges” the statistics, the bottom line is that and new ways to manage the On a more serious note, Mr Kurt we have to do something different diseases. Schmoke, Chairman of the HHMI in order to find quicker and easier Trustees and Vice-President of ways of prevention and treatment.’ ‘It is fresh thinking that has led to Howard University, praised the the creation of this international founding K-RITH scientists for The National Minister of Health, Dr research facility - the first of its fostering the idea of an international Aaron Motsoaledi, outlined figures kind outside the US and filled with research facility built and operating that showed that TB prevalence in extraordinary scientists’. at the heart of the epidemic, rather South Africa was 800 per 100 000 than in locations with limited people. South Africa was also one of Tjian said that strong global disease burdens. 22 countries in the world responsible collaborations were important in for 80 percent of TB. that they encouraged the curiosity ‘It will be within these walls that the of tomorrow’s scientists elevating next generation of African scientists The TB burden, Motsoaledi said, the bar when it comes to fighting will emerge.’ Schmoke said the had implication far beyond the and contributing to the battle to save knowledge emerging from K-RITH borders of South Africa, which made lives. He said it was his belief that could have a profound effect on partnerships and collaborations all K-RITH’s common vision would how diseases are treated around the the more critical. yield major medical discoveries in world. the years ahead. The work to alleviate suffering had ‘The Institute will also foster a new already begun with the availability ‘I don’t think I am wrong in saying wave of academic studies in the very of new diagnostic tools developed that this is just the beginning of a place where the epidemic occurs. by the World Health Organization new age of hope.’ It is our belief that the K-RITH for TB. investigators will gain control of
UKZNTOUCH 39 ‘On World TB Day earlier this year we were able to conduct 800 000 tests with a greatly improved turnaround time for results.’
Motsoaledi said K-RITH’s mission to invest in human capital develop- ment and train young local scientists was the correct route. ‘I am looking to K-RITH to advise me on how to accelerate our fight against TB.’
He said a hat-trick had been achieved in Durban with the opening of K-RITH, the German Chamber of Commerce honouring the achievement of UKZN Vice- Chancellor Professor Malegapuru Makgoba, and UKZN being named for the first time as one of the top 400 universities in the world in the Times Higher Education rankings.
Among the dignitaries who welcomed local, national and international guests to the opening ceremony were K-RITH’s new Director Bill Bishai, and Professor Makgoba, who out- lined the history of the new building and those who had made possible a far-reaching dream.
The high point of the opening ceremony was the official unveiling of the K-RITH Tower Building. Pressing the start button were Motsoaledi, Makgoba, Tjian and Bishai. N
FACTFILE K-RITH The K-RITH initiative has cost approximately 10 million US dollars. The highly modular building with nine university departments is the linking hub between three existing UKZN Medical School buildings. It is one of the most modern research buildings in the world with a fire-safety Level 3 certification. One of the interesting aesthetic elements is the incorporation of unique mosaic designs, based on molecular themes and undertaken by established and newly trained local artists.
40 UKZNTOUCH From Left: President of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ( HHMI), Professor Robert Tjian; Mr Kurt Schmoke, Vice-President of Howard University and UKZN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Malegapuru Makgoba.
UKZNTOUCH 41 A NEW CHAPTER IN MICROBIOLOGY
Dr Koleka Mlisana, Head of Medical Microbiology at UKZN and the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS), believes that exciting new technology, including automation and rapid diagnostics, is paving the way for greater interest in this microbiological field of health sciences.
f one looked at the susceptibility testing methods. learning environment I surrounding microbiology, New horizons in health sciences are years ago, there might making that ‘challenge’ all the more have been a perception that this appealing to 21st century academics branch of science had limited in the digital age, says Mlisana. appeal for young students. ‘Whereas exhaustive methods of The thought of studying micro- sequence alignment in microbiology organisms knowing that once the are accurate, they are, as we know, Gram stain is done, culture pro- very slow. On the other hand the cesses and susceptibility testing can new generation of automated biol- take days to provide answers, may ogy, which uses robotic “brains” to not be everyone’s idea of an inviting streamline processes, is incredibly learning challenge. swift and emerging as we speak.’
‘But thanks to some amazing feats of The added advantage to automated modern science, this scenario is fast microbiology is that it requires less changing,’ said Mlisana. ‘We are staff, and so has the potential to in the era of rapid diagnostics and address the shortage of skilled staff new technology which enables the in the field of medical technology in microbiologist to play an even more South Africa, says Mlisana. vital and immediate role in the area of infectious disease investigation ‘We, in the National Health Labora- and management.’ tory Services (NHLS), are currently exploring the different automated The evolution has, says Mlisana, systems in medical microbiology. opened up a range of research and We know that these automated pro- career opportunities, particularly in cesses have the potential to generate the diagnosis and management of enormous amounts of data, which the dual epidemic of TB and HIV, is exactly what is required to un- antimicrobial drug resistance, and derstand how biological systems the ever-growing list of infectious work. In South Africa with its large diseases. The research focus for disease burden, the research oppor- the department includes evaluating tunities are almost endless.’ various TB diagnostic and
42 UKZNTOUCH Dr Koleka Mlisana
UKZNTOUCH 43 A NEW CHAPTER
IN MICROBIOLOGY OPENS
In some ways that research of their mission is to build clinical Interesting Facts About endeavour, says Mlisana, has and research capacity in Africa as a GeneXpert already began. retention strategy for health science faculties at universities.’ In 2010, the World Health Organization ‘The GeneXpert, a new diagnostic endorsed the use of the GeneXpert assay for tuberculosis can now iden- The College of Health Sciences MTB/RIF as the first test to be tify a TB infected individual as well Women in Leadership Lever- performed to diagnose TB. In South as susceptibility of that infection age (WILL), which Mlisana co- Africa, the GeneXpert has been tested to Rifampicin within two hours founded, crafts programmes and in facilities in the Western Cape, instead of the conventional several activities that enhance growth of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. More weeks.’ women academics and researchers than 30 machines have been bought at UKZN. This important initiative by the state and placed in different In turn this emerging scenario as is committed to supporting junior healthcare facilities. There is an urgent well as the general increasing aware- academics in realising their endeav- need to have the GeneXpert in all clinics ness of medical research as a field, ours towards becoming successful in South Africa. Contrary to the tests has prompted the establishment of academics and scientists. that exist at the moment, GeneXpert, a number of support and awareness new technology used by the National initiatives at UKZN, specifically for WILL organises workshops and Health Laboratory Services (NHLS), women. training sessions aimed at stimulat- works on a molecular level to identify ing and encouraging women aca- mycobacterium tuberculosis. ‘The challenge now,’ said Mlisana, demics. Three distinct categories of ‘is to ensure that these initiatives are workshops are hosted, namely: The GeneXpert MTB/RIF is a implemented at all levels.’ cartridge based fully automated Skills Building/professional skills; diagnostic test that can identify Mlisana believes there is a need • Mycobaterium tuberculosis and for unorthodox innovation when it Personal and professional growth detect its susceptibility to Rifampicin comes to the academic career path • and within two hours. It is not microscopy for the medically qualified doctors. or culture based, but is a molecular ‘While we certainly need more Inspirational/motivational technique that amplifies and detects PhDs within the medical fraternity, • development. targeted nucleic acid sequences of the the obstacles to achieving this goal TB mycobacterium. The GeneXpert is need to be considered and solutions These, Mlisana explains, are aimed a small machine, about the size of a explored.’ at producing successful and produc- microwave oven that can fit easily on tive scientists with a balanced per- a small table. Developed in the United It takes a minimum of 12 years post sonal and community life. States, it is supported by the American matric to qualify as a discipline National Institutes of Health. specialist, including internship and ‘Our project is fast gaining ground,’ community service post MBChB. she said. ‘Enhancing professional How It Works research skills and inviting senior ‘If specialists are then to begin a academics to share their personal The GeneXpert can detect Mycobac- PhD this would add a further four experiences, are just two of the ways terium tuberculosis in a sample of spu- years to the study period. It’s find- that we have successfully used.’ tum. A person suspected of having TB ing a way to reduce this timeline, to needs to give a sputum sample, which make a PhD more doable – that’s This year WILL initiated an out- the health care worker then places in a where thinking out of the box, reach programme inviting 12 grade small tube. From the tube, the sample possibly including new strategies 11 and 12 pupils from disadvan- is fed into the machine, and then bio- altogether, is the right way forward. taged schools with a keen interest chemical reactions are started to see if This also calls for clear strategies to in a health science career to be the sample contains the TB bacterium. support such academics.’ mentored and guided through their The machine looks for the DNA specific chosen study programmes. N to the TB bacterium. If there are TB The Medical Education Partner- bacteria in the sample, the machine ship Initiative (MEPI) training will detect their DNA and automatically grant, awarded to UKZN’s En- multiply it. This technique is called PCR hancing Care Initiative, of which (polymerase chain reaction). Mlisana is a recipient, is an example of such support structures. ‘Part
44 UKZNTOUCH THE CHALLENGE OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE
Antimicrobial resistance is currently the greatest challenge to the effective treatment of infections globally. UKZN’s Professor Sabiha Essack believes it is time for new containment strategies based on health systems context-specific evidence.
t is not unusual for health ‘In developed countries there ap- practitioners to initiate pears to be an overuse or indiscrim- I antibiotic treatment inate use of antimicrobial therapies. without determining the In developing countries there tends antibiotic sensitivity profile of the to be an underuse and misuse of causative bacteria. antimicrobial agents.’
While some will argue that lengthy Poor infection control, she believes, tests could delay the start of an- is at the heart of the problem with tibiotic treatment with negative the risk factors for resistance being consequences, the other side of the perpetuated and maintained in any coin is that resistance to antibiotics given environment. poses problems of its own, adversely affecting both clinical and financial Population-specific drug pharma- outcomes. cokinetics (what the body does to the drug), and pharmacodynamics ‘Antibiotic resistance can mean the (what the drug does to the body) failure of an individual patient to also play a critical role in the wider respond to therapy,’ said Essack. understanding of resistance.
‘In turn this could lead to more In view of these challenges the expensive and/or toxic alternative World Health Organization, the drugs having to be administered.’ US, UK and EU have initiated strategies for the containment of re- Factored into this scenario are the sistance, with surveillance a critical social costs of higher morbidity and part of the planning. mortality rates, longer times spent in hospital, increased health care Essack believes that surveillance costs and the need for changes in in South Africa should be disease- empirical therapy. based.
Resistance, she explained, may This would involve ‘establishing emerge in numerous ways. sensitivity profiles of common caus- ative organisms’.
UKZNTOUCH 45 THE CHALLENGE
OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE
The next stage, she says, is to ‘inform Duration of hospitalisation Essack suggests that evidence-based the development or amendment • treatment of infections guided by Location within the hospital of standard treatment guidelines. • local susceptibility/resistance would Within this framework, a list of es- • Intensive Care stay ensure productive, economically vi- sential drugs can be incorporated • Surgery wounds able individuals capable of fulfilling into national drug policies in all • Previous and current antimicro- their social roles. developing countries, as done cur- bial therapy rently in South Africa’. • Mechanical ventilation ‘An efficient treatment regimen Urinary catheterisation nationally would assure sustain- However, one would first have to • able livelihoods in all populations Nasogastric intubation establish the manner and extent of • (healthy and otherwise) as infections antimicrobial use (overuse, under- • Central venous and peripheral are the most frequently encountered use, inadequate dosing) associated catheters health problem even in the absence with resistance. • Previous hospitalisation and of HIV/AIDS.’ transfer from another unit or ‘Only then can appropriate in- hospital. Essack points out that the efficacious tervention take place in terms of As part of a new treatment strategy use of antibiotics will successfully rational and effective drug use, a ‘due vigilance would have to be exer- combat several infections in the life- reduction in use and dosing regi- cised in patients exhibiting classical time of an AIDS patient even in the mens based on population-specific risk factors for the acquisition of or presence of a compromised immune pharmacokinetics and pharmacody- colonisation with resistant patho- system. namics.’ gens’. ‘South Africa has unique require- There are several risk factors unique Also what needs to be determined, ments in the antimicrobial resistance to South African communities that she says, is the quality of hygiene and arena,’ she said. ‘These needs have to would need to be determined. sanitation in communities and infec- be addressed in the context of severe These include: tion control in hospitals. financial, human resources and tech- nological challenges.’ N • Poverty Armed with this knowledge, interven- • HIV tions could then be initiated to pre- vent/contain the spread of resistance.
46 UKZNTOUCH SPORTS MEDICINE PROGRAMME HITS THE SPOT!
Exercise is Life is the mantra of UKZN’s Masters in Sports Medicine programme which focuses on the medical applications of exercise physiology.
By: Greg dardagan disorders and assist with their reha- bilitation. he two-year course, led by Professor Edith Peters- Well-known sports medicine T Futre, places a special practitioners and academics who focus on the rehabilitation teach on the programme include of chronic lifestyle association Professor Andrew McKune, Dr Bruce Biccard, Dr Glen Hageman, disorders caused by inactive and Professor Edith Peters-Futre sedentary lifestyles and incorrect Professor Johan van Heerden, eating habits resulting in a high Dr Mike Marshall and Dr Kevin Subban. incidence of medical problems, chronic lifestyle disorders as well as including hypertension and Peters-Futre said in 2011 a team of supporting the needs of recreational diabetes. students and lecturers worked on a and competitive sport participants. comprehensive field project at the Exercise physiologist and former Three Cranes Trail Run in Kark- The programme includes a focus on elite middle-distance athlete, NRF- loof studying muscle damage, the muscle physiology, exercise metabo- rated Professor Peters-Futre, who aetiology of upper respiratory tract lism, endocrinology and cardio- trained under the highly respected symptoms and changes in the hy- respiratory physiology, exercise Professor Tim Noakes at the dration status of the multi-day trail immunology, environmental physi- University of Cape Town, has been runners. Previous field studies have ology as well as sports nutrition and involved in sports science and sports focused on the Comrades Mara- the use of drugs and ergogenic aids medicine education since the early thon, Dusi Canoe Marathon and in the first year. During the second 1980s. ‘We designed the new two- Sani to Sea Mountain Bike Race, year the emphasis is on research year Masters in Sports Medicine while numerous laboratory-based methods and statistics and the during the UKZN merger and are exercise physiology studies have research project. The programme now busy with our third intake of also been completed. is co-ordinated in the Division of students into this new programme. Human Physiology and presented We tailored the course, which Results from these research projects by this department in liaison with consists of 50% course work and have been published in a variety of the Division of Biokinetics, Exercise 50% research, to meet the specific leading sports medicine journals, and Leisure Sciences. objectives of exercise medicine including the British Journal of Sports rather than the previous more Medicine, the Canadian Clinical Jour- Lectures and training take place in comprehensive three-year course nal of Sports Medicine, the Australian the evenings to accommodate the which also included sports injuries,’ Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, professional commitments of stu- said Peters-Futre. the SA Journal of Medicine and SA dents. A limited number of health Journal of Sports Medicine. care professionals who display par- The course applies the Exercise is ticular commitment and dedication Medicine theme of the American Peters-Futre said the approach in to sports medicine are accepted for College of Sports Medicine which structuring the new degree had been each intake for the two-year course. supports the value of an active to provide health care professionals N lifestyle and the correct diet to with the physiological background counter chronic lifestyle-associated to manage the high prevalence of
UKZNTOUCH 47 Dr Sonil Maharaj SPOONFUL OF EXERCISE HELPS THE MEDICINE GO DOWN
Patients diagnosed with HIV have a lot to cope with despite anti-retrovirals having turned the diagnosis from a death sentence into little more than a lifestyle inconvenience. Patients need to take drugs regularly and keep to a specified diet, but there is another side effect to anti-retrovirals, which has been the subject of a breakthrough study at UKZN.
By: NIKI Moore The patients, who started on a cycle therapy, or whether they dropped of medium activity when they came out because of other social factors. atients on highly-active to the hospital to collect their medi- anti-retroviral therapy cation, represented a wide spectrum However, for those 38 who did com- P (HAART) spend less time of the population, including men plete the study, the results were posi- doing vigorous activity and women, urban and rural people, tive. ‘The study showed that regular because of a reduced aerobic employed and unemployed. Many exercise at least three times a week capacity, says Dr Sonil Maharaj of of the patients were unemployed led to a remarkably improved quali- the Department of Physiotherapy at because they felt too sick to work. ty of life,’ said Maharaj. ‘There were UKZN. no adverse effects we could see. The Exercises were carried out at the main problem was that as people ‘This results in a poor quality of life. gymnasium at King Edward V111 started to feel better, they dropped We have therefore done studies on Hospital, which is attached to out of the programme, which meant a rehabilitation programme, which the Nelson R Mandela School of our study results were inconclusive. involves moderate walking and Medicine. In order to ensure the We need to do another study with cycling in a home-based environ- patients could meet the exercise a larger sample and comprehensive ment, which we found significantly requirements, they were pre-tested rehabilitation programme to get a improves the individuals’ quality and screened. They were then asked more reliable result.’ of life. For employed people, this to complete 20 minutes of cycling means less sick days off work, and on an exercise bike, followed by 20 However, the initial results have for unemployed people it means a minutes of walking on a treadmill. already been encouraging. Patients heightened sense of well-being.’ They were then given a series of on ARVs who did regular exercise exercises to do at home, such as showed improvements in physical The study was carried out over a walking, squatting and sit-ups, with and mental wellbeing, with the three-month period using three hos- instructions on how to monitor and number of sick days for the em- pitals in KZN. Patients who came in record their vital signs. ployed people decreasing and an for their antiretrovirals were asked increased willingness on the part of to volunteer for the study, and then Out of the initial 54 patients, 38 the unemployed to go out and look monitored. These patients were completed the study. The drop-out for work. N known to suffer depression, limita- rate was much higher for women tions in activity due to weakness than for men, and the study was and pain, and they tended to avoid unable to determine if this meant physical activity fearing it would that women felt better while taking cause further injury or pain. ARVs and therefore did not need the
48 UKZNTOUCH TRAUMA Professor Petra Brysiewicz NURSING AND EMERGENCY CARE - DEALING WITH LOSS AND GRIEF
Anyone who has watched a hospital drama on television will be familiar with the scene: a critically ill or injured person is wheeled in and doctors and nurses have to make split-second and potentially life-saving decisions about diagnosis and treatment. All this while family members hover anxiously in the background.
By: NIKI Moore the pre-hospital environment to the of someone who is critically injured, doctors and nurses in the emergency or has died suddenly, you can make his might be the stuff of centres. Not only do staff need mistakes that intensify the trauma television drama, but it advanced technical skills, they need for both you and them. ‘It’s the little T does play out in real life in to make lightning fast decisions in things that count, for instance, the hospitals all over South a very unpredictable environment way the doctor speaks to the family, Africa, almost every minute of and also need the human skills to eye-contact, the way news is deliv- every day. And doctors and nurses help the patient and loved ones deal ered, the form in which belongings, at the coalface of emergency care with the trauma,’ said Brysiewicz. for instance, are handed over to the are not actors working from a bereaved. script - they are everyday people Television dramas provided an indi- who get stressed, get cation of what it was like in ER and ‘In my interviews with family mem- overwhelmed, battle to cope, it took a certain kind of person to bers, a lot of them said that the staff experience failure when things go work in that environment. But not were cold and uncaring, but they wrong and sometimes feel everyone has that kind of personal- don’t realise that for staff this is a helpless in the face of frantically ity, and some people really battled coping mechanism, they have to anxious relatives. to cope with the demands. distance themselves in order to be able to cope. And in South Africa, The relatively new field of emer- ‘My particular field of study is the our case is quite unique. We have gency medicine and emergency psychological aspect, the psycho- a multi-cultural, resource-poor, nursing is aimed at better equipping social consequences of trauma and multi-lingual, multi-denomination- health professionals to cope within injury. My research has been con- al society, so adding all these factors the emergency care arena. centrated on things like psychologi- on top of the trauma and grief of cal support for families, support for sudden death is a huge challenge,’ In South Africa we have particular staff, the doctors and nurses. said Brysiewicz. problems with high interpersonal violence, road traffic collisions ‘My PhD dealt with managing ‘At the moment there is nothing and similar types of incidents, says sudden death: patients in ER can formalised in terms of support for Professor Petra Brysiewicz, who is die very suddenly, and that’s an emergency care. We will soon be attached to the Discipline of Nurs- extremely stressful thing to have to introducing some interventions - ing, within the School of Nursing deal with, not only for the families, and in many cases there are merely and Public Health at UKZN. but also for the staff,’ she said. simple changes that need to take place. When dealing with the human ‘This places enormous strain on our ‘And a lot of medical staff see this connections around sudden death, health professionals in emergency on a daily basis. So if you haven’t trauma, injury and stress, it is small care, right from the paramedics in been trained to manage the families things that matter the most.’ N
UKZNTOUCH 49 INTERVIEW: PHUMLA MNGANGA
Phumla Mnganga: Chair of Council
Mrs Phumla Mnganga is the newly elected Chair of Council of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). She is currently Managing Director of Lehumo Women’s Investment Holdings and serves in a non-Executive capacity as the Chair of the Siyazisiza Trust and is also a Director of Crookes Brothers, Gold Circle and the SPAR Group. She spoke to Smita Maharaj about her background and views on UKZN.
What is your role as chooses, I believe that choice must class facilities and teaching and Q Chair of Council? be respected. There are highly learning venues. The University skilled and powerful women has a diverse student body and PM: My role is to lead the who have for personal reasons the launch of the Transformation University Council which is made a choice to raise families Charter this year is a poignant the focal point for institutional and pursue other interests. Then reminder of universal values of governance. This entails ensuring there are women who have no human dignity, tolerance and a cohesive stakeholder leadership option but to provide a strong opportunities for all – in particular cadre which serves UKZN, foundation for their families. the disadvantaged. The opening embraces excellence in governance, These women are successful of the KwaZulu-Natal Research and exercises oversight over the too and must be admired. Institute for Tuberculosis and implementation of the University’s HIV (K-RITH) in October this vision, mission and strategy. In addition to the patriarchal year demonstrates an immense structural and systemic reasons show of faith in the University. What is the motivation why women are generally under- For the first time UKZN has been Q behind your work for represented in the higher echelons ranked in the Top 400 of the world the University? of corporate society, there is often universities by Times Higher the added challenge of being a wife Education and in the top three PM: My parents were involved and a mother. Sometimes women percent of the world’s universities at Fort Hare University so my opt out of leadership activities by the Academic Ranking of earliest memories are of being because they need to focus more World Universities (ARWU). The involved in a campus. Even on their family or marriage. I University’s commitment to growing up, my father used to respect that. But equally, women advance research and research head up a theological college should feel empowered to make productivity is recognised and so I spent my childhood in an different choices and that’s okay. respected. Leadership plays a environment where education was Those who choose to take on critical role in good governance paramount and there was a strong public and leadership roles – and the NRF Lifetime intellectual tone. Having pursued a and I know how challenging Achievement Award and the first career in the private sector, I then that is – I respect that too! South African German Science asked myself what contribution Award made to Vice-Chancellor I could make to society. It just In a nutshell my advice to Professor Malegapuru Makgoba seemed logical to go back to an women is: Believe in yourself are testaments to that. These environment I grew up in – a and in the choices you make. achievements collectively reflect place where I was comfortable. the University’s simultaneous And UKZN is that place! What in your pursuit of academic excellence Q assessment are some and transformation. As UKZN’s first woman of UKZN’s major Q Chair of Council what achievements? Is the University a advice do you have for Q global player in Higher women ? PM: The University’s Education? achievements over a short period PM: I think leadership and of eight years are remarkable. PM: UKZN is definitely an public profile are matters of Substantial funding has been emerging global player. Apart choice and, whatever a woman injected into developing world- from our ranking in two
50 UKZNTOUCH Describe some of the Q challenges facing the University and how these are being addressed?
PM: A major challenge is the consolidation of the College model and another is resource constraints. As UKZN continues to grow the challenge of resource constraints (especially financial resources) is inevitable, this results in the institution having to prioritise and make tough choices. I am confident that both challenges will be managed effectively by the leadership of the institution.
What in your opinion Q are the University’s critical strengths?
PM: I believe the University’s critical strengths are strong leadership, academic excellence, a commitment to transformation and social relevance.
What are your thoughts Q on the future of the University?
PM: This University is blessed with a very strong Council, a strong Executive and a strong stakeholder voice in the form of the Unions, the SRC, and Convocation. If all these sectors of leadership can work together to pursue Mrs Phumla Mnganga, Chair of Council and Board member of the our mission and vision, UKZN UKZN Foundation. can only move from strength to strength. For me, it is exciting to respected university ranking made the host for the hub on be part of that movement and the systems, consider the following: Poverty and Education. leadership cadre that will take this University forward. On the UKZN was the only South African I have chaired the Senior subject of women again, I think University which participated Appointments Committee since there are some phenomenal women in the UN Academic Impact 2008, and was encouraged by working at this University in Conference in New York in 2010 the quality of international various capacities. Even though at which I was present. I was and local applications that the the national statistics on women impressed and encouraged by committee received in response in Higher Education leadership the contribution made by our to advertisements for senior are not encouraging, UKZN has academics and the respect they appointments. This means that made a real effort to allow women commanded among the 400 UKZN is recognised and respected to occupy leadership roles. Again universities that were present. as an employer of choice in the for me, this is very exciting! N At this conference UKZN was Higher Education sector.
UKZNTOUCH 51 100 Years of Academic Excellence
Born in an era of struggle politics and the fight for educational equality, the University of KwaZulu-Natal has a rich, diverse heritage stretching over the last century. Liz Clarke looks at a new coffee table book that celebrates the institution’s vibrant, but often turbulent legacy of learning.
By: LIZ CLARKE
It was in the 1950s that Thaven Naidoo then a ‘proud 17-year-old Durban matriculant’ with good marks, decided on a career in medicine. Accepted as a student at the then University of Natal, the segregation laws of the time meant that he would have to study and live away from the main campus, in a former military encampment at Wentworth. He records his first experience as a founding medical student like this: ‘I stood awhile taking in the scene. Ahead was the police station and in the valley below a row of derelict buildings. This was the Wentworth campus of the University of Natal and my home for the next seven years.’ Each of the rooms, he recalls, was named after a war of the day. ‘My room in Korea had seven beds and seven tables. It was difficult for more than one person to dress at a time. To overcome our boredom, custodians of the law would periodically drive down the hill and raid our dormitories.’
52 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 53 100 years of academic excellence
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Meals and transport were major issues, he recalls. The merger process began in earnest in the early 1990s and was completed in 2010. The debates, conflicts and ‘If you arrived late from lectures, the food would be cold negotiations during this transformation process are and half eaten by the many stray cats. Buses were expen- highlighted from many aspects. So too are the roles of sive and you could only sit on the back six seats. When the Students Representative Councils and students bod- lectures finished after the curfew, you could find yourself ies, who are at the heart of historical and contemporary in the back of a black Maria (police van) spending the change. night in cells.’ Governance in a new era brought a set of dynamics very This is one of the many true-life stories contained in a different from the past. new glossy souvenir publication which charts the history of five campuses spanning the years 1910 – 2010 that ‘The Higher Education system was still deeply affected today make up UKZN. by the legacy of the apartheid past,’ writes Makgoba.
However, this is not so much a history textbook, but ‘It was a leadership that was unable to meet the chal- rather a mosaic of events that has shaped the growth of lenges in the context of national transformation.’ Higher Education in KZN. Change was therefore vital. Many of the images used have come from hitherto unpublished and It’s abundantly clear that it hasn’t unique archives and from a wide vari- been the easiest of journeys, under- ety of local and international sources. pinned, as it has been, by a colonial- apartheid past and the difficult A brief turn of the pages soon tells realities that change and restructur- you that the five merged univer- ing brings. Protests, internal wran- sity campuses, the Nelson R Mandela glings, destabilising events were all School of Medicine, Howard College, part of the evolving process often Pietermaritzburg, Durban Westville overshadowing ground-breaking and Edgewood College, have one academic achievement and cutting common denominator. Each of them edge research in a global context. has been embroiled in some form of the political protest that molded mod- And there is still much to achieve, ern South Africa. said Makgoba: ‘We still see volun- tary segregation among black and The 200-page book documents the white students in lecture theatres. academic agenda, political affiliation Among staff at the Medical School and cultural backgrounds of each of there are tensions between staff these campuses over the century. It of different race group over a per- also highlights the people that shaped ceived lack of transformation.’ that history and the success and fail- Student leader Steve Biko, ures of the struggles and conflicts that founder of South African Students’ Part of the transformation recorded emerged along the way. Organisation. in the publication, is the birth of the ‘college model,’ the first in South In his foreword UKZN’s Vice- Africa. UKZN now has four col- Chancellor and Principal, Professor Malegapuru leges, 49 schools offering 2000 programmes. Makgoba states that the creation of the University in 2004 was the ‘natural outcome’ of these learning dynamics ‘ in It’s a far cry a century ago when archival records show a new democratic dispensation.’ how Higher Education in KZN progressed initially at a snail’s pace. Among the struggle beacons that arose as a result of a ‘colonial-apartheid ethos’ were former students Steve Looking back in time witnesses told of how at the Natal Biko, whose Black Consciousness Movement had a pro- Education Commission of 1904, a university educa- found impact on the country’s history and Alan Paton, tion was dismissed as not only non-essential but inap- whose classic Cry The Beloved Country will forever remind propriate. The ‘Natal Boy,’ the Commission suggested the world of racial intolerance. was ‘uninterested in Higher Education, lazy, devoid of perseverance and devoted to outdoor activities.’ Higher
54 UKZNTOUCH The academic procession approaching Durban City Hall at the inauguration of the University of Natal, March 1949.
The original Natal University College Building near the headmaster’s house at Maritzburg College. It was later moved to the old laundry area, and eventually demolished.
Professor Brenda Gourley and former President Nelson Mandela unveiling the new name plaque for the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine in 2000.
Four South African writers in London, from left, Laurens van der Post, Alan Paton, Roy Campbell and Uys Krige. Paton was one of the early members of the NUC’s Students’ Representative Council.
Professor Kader Asmal with Zaba Ngubane, the designer of the UKZN logo.
Foundation stone laid by the Duke of Connaught, 1 December 1910.
UKZNTOUCH 55 100 years of academic excellence
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Unrest, UDW, May 1972.
education, it said, was the breeding ground for snobbery. The powder keg that emerged in the Higher Education learning sector was, in an historical sense, therefore in- This mindset ‘fortunately changed’ and thanks to edu- evitable. cation visionaries in the province, one of the final acts of the outgoing colonial government was to publish the Within these threads of anger, frustration and unease, University College Act, which entrenched the right to an we see the emergence of the university’s Medical School environment that supports Higher Education. (now the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine) in the early part of the last century. The protagonists were mis- To understand the learning environment in KZN dur- sionary doctors who saw the need for more doctors in the ing the earlier years of the 20th century, one has to go region to treat African communities. back to a time in South Africa when racial segregation meant that students of colour could not study side by side The School stuttered into existence in the 1950s with with their white counterparts and were often subjected to a handful of passionate and determined black students inferior conditions in separate facilities. studying in cramped conditions in Wentworth. The School, later established on the present site in Umbilo While the Natal University campuses of Pietermaritz- Road, became the icon of political polarisation in South burg and Durban upheld the principles of liberalism, Africa sowing the seeds of open rebellion against the they sat awkwardly and discordantly with D.F Malan’s racial policies of the Nationalist government. Afrikaner nationalism and the laws of segregation based on race and colour. It is against this backdrop of struggle for independence, freedom of thought and a non-racial society - often
56 UKZNTOUCH Right: Students arriving at the Salisbury Island Campus, 1964.
Below: The first PhD recipients at UDW awarded on 22 April 1978 were Dr A Barnabas, Doctor of Science (left) and Dr A Ramphal, Doctor of Education. They are congratulated by Director of Indian Education (extreme right), Mr GK Nair.
Salisbury Island main entrance.
Frank Waring, Minister of Indian Affairs (left), laying the foundation stone of the new campus, August 1969.
Left: Academic Staff Procession to the First Graduation Ceremony, 1964.
UKZNTOUCH 57 100 years of academic excellence
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Howard College, Durban, circa 1936.
against insurmountable odds - that the pervading thread Three years later the ferryboat sank in a heavy storm – in this Higher Education narrative unfolds. fortunately with no students on board!
Worse was to come. In January 1957, before any of the Eleven years later the College was granted university original students had graduated, the government’s at- status and thus the University of Durban-Westville was tempts to do away with the Medical School, resulted in established, on its present site. ‘a truly Homeric struggle’ that last two years. While the University did not win the battle over segregation it did Given prominence too is the Edgewood College of save the Medical School. Education, which is now part of the UKZN higher learning family. An equally tumultuous passage was encountered by the Indian community in KZN, whose higher education In recent years, the focus of Higher Education has been opportunities were severely hampered by the National- on research with the emphasis on global collaborations ist government. Before 1960, very few Indian students that benefit African communities. Among the investiga- enrolled at institutions of higher learning. The first were tive projects highlighted in this publication are those that enrolled at the University College for Indians on Salis- seek answers to some of the greatest health and com- bury Island in the Durban Bay. munity issues facing the planet, including HIV and TB, climate change, food shortage, education, human rights, Like Wentworth, the first students were subjected to sanitation and poverty. learning under very difficult circumstances in an old na- val building that once housed Hungarian refugees after The aim, say the university leaders, is to establish the Russian invasion. Getting to lectures required a boat within the next decade UKZN the Premier University of trip undertaken in all types of weather. African Scholarship. N
‘The August winds scared the wits out of us,’ recalled one student.
58 UKZNTOUCH Aerial view of Howard College Campus.
The historic signing ceremony in 1991, allowing Black students Aerial view of Westville Campus. to study at Edgewood.
The signing of the agreement between the HHMI and UKZN on Pietermaritzburg Campus. the 26th September 2008 in Washington DC. Seated: Professor Malegapuru Makgoba Vice-Chancellor of UKZN and Dr Jean Schroeder Senior Program Officer HHMI with Professor Tom Cech President of the HHMI and Dr Jack Dixon of the HHMI.
UKZNTOUCH 59 Research POOR SOUTH AFRICANS’ GAMBLING PATTERNS
For most South Africans, formalised gambling is a relatively new phenomenon. It only became legally accessible in 1996 with the introduction of the National Gambling Act. Since then the gambling industry has grown rapidly, expanding from its horse-racing base to include other activities such as the lottery, casino gambling, sport betting and scratch cards.
By: VICKY CROOKES ies reveal that lower socio-economic which involved urban subjects and status is associated with increased only a small number of poor people,’ niversally, the legalisation of rates of problem gambling, little sys- said Spurrett. gambling tends to be a tematic research has been conducted U controversial issue – and on gambling patterns among poor Spurrett’s study, which was funded no more so than in South South Africans. And, it is of limited by the National Responsible Africa which is home to a vast relevance to draw conclusions about Gambling Programme (NRGP) number of poor people. The gambling prevalence in South Africa of South Africa, comprised two often-posed question is: What is the based on research conducted in other samples of poor South African prevalence of gambling in South developed countries. adults, one set living in a rural and the other in a peri-urban commu- Africa and, perhaps more All the countries where recent nity. Three hundred, predominately importantly, what are the rates of studies have established a close Zulu-speaking Black adults were se- problem or disordered gambling association between poverty and lected using census data. They were among poor South Africans? severity of gambling fall within the equally split between communities ‘very high’ category of the United and by gender and their average This was the focus of a recent and Nations Human Development education and income were low. significant study by UKZN Cogni- Index. South Africa is ranked much Only 20% of the subjects were in tive Scientist, Professor David Spur- lower at 110th on this index. Poor full-time employment. rett, former UKZN PhD student, South Africans differ significantly Dr Andrew Dellis and collabora- from the lower income subjects of ‘We sought to build a detailed pro- tors from the University of Cape most existing published research; file of gambling activity and knowl- Town, the University of Houston they are poorer in financial terms, edge of gambling types among adult and Georgia State University, who have worse health indicators and members of these communities. In focused on the gambling activities of are less educated. order to investigate whether prox- poor adults in KwaZulu-Natal who imity to legal casinos was associated live outside urban areas. ‘No-one knew what to expect in with differences in patterns of gam- South Africa; the only precedent bling activity or risk severity, the Although many international stud- was a large national study in 2010 communities were selected for being
60 UKZNTOUCH Research at varying distances from a major had gambled at some time. Regu- In taking this research forward, and relatively new casino complex,’ lar non-lottery gamblers reported Spurrett suggests that ‘further work said Spurrett. spending about 25% of their mean in other middle and low-income personal income, or nearly 10% of environments would help determine The overall findings of the study mean household income on gam- whether gambling risk severity are described by Spurrett as ‘eye bling. Together, moderate risk and shows distinctive patterns associ- opening’. Probably most striking is problem gamblers accounted for ated with human development and that poor South Africans spend a nearly 18% of the sample which is poverty levels, since this would be significant amount of their income higher than the rates in many other relevant to the determination of on gambling, which (with the excep- countries. They are also higher than optimal policies aimed at mitigation tion of the lottery) is predominantly the national rate for South Africa as of harms arising from gambling’. N unlicensed (illegal) or informal. determined by the recent national urban prevalence study. The proximity of a licensed casino Professor David Spurrett appeared to be largely irrelevant Surprisingly, neither age, gender to the majority of gamblers in the nor education was positively re- sample. Most of them had never lated to risk severity. In addition, visited a casino and only nine out of the subjects in the study who were the 300 subjects knew what roulette employed on a part-time basis were was. Only half had heard of slot more likely to be problem and at risk machine gambling. Aside from the gamblers. ‘This pattern is different lottery, the preferred activities were from that in other countries which cards and dice which took place in found the highest rates of problem un-policed areas such as back streets gambling among the unemployed. and shebeens or taverns. It is possible that unemployed South Africans simply could not afford to Overall results of the study revealed gamble enough to develop symp- that over a third of the subjects toms,’ said Spurrett. gambled regularly and two thirds
Research UKZNTOUCH 61 PLANT AND ANIMAL TREASURES UNDER THREAT Professor Johannes van Staden Creating plant cultures could be the answer to sustainability
many plants,’ said van Staden ‘and For instance, algae changes between lesser successes with others. Plants day and night, so there is no hard do not behave the same, and we and fast rule, and that’s what makes have so many plants in Africa that it so challenging’. it’s an ongoing, never-ending task. By: NIKI Moore We are growing some of the plants Van Staden has also been leading in the laboratory - so anyone want- the world in studies into the prop- outh Africa has an enviable ing to farm with them commercially erties of smoke - something most reputation for its bio- could do so - while others are being people would not even think about. S diversity, but this world- analysed for their medicinal quali- There have been several break- famous plant and animal life ties. throughs which have made the sci- treasure is under threat from the entific world sit up and take notice. uncontrolled harvesting of wild ‘Traditional healers have been plants for ‘muti’ (traditional working with plants for a very long Smoke is enormously complicated, medicine) by traditional healers. time, and have used certain plants he says. ‘There are more than 3 000 for certain things so they know compounds in smoke from grass- how they work. For instance, if a fires or veldfires (not to mention the Although natural medicine has been plant is known to heal a wound, harmful ones in cigarettes). The respected and revered for centuries, then we know there is a possibility smoke that goes up in the air, those the concern is that the current rate that it contains an anti-microbial are volatile compounds, present in at which wild plants are being gath- or anti-fungal product, and we try minute quantities. ered is unsustainable. to find it. And so we try to identify the compound, and in this way we ‘But we have discovered that these Professor Johannes van Staden, could discover a new antibiotic or compounds have profound effects Director of the Research Centre for something similar,’ he said. on the soil and what is in the soil, the Plant Growth and Development at- seeds, and other plants like grasses tached to the School of Life Sciences ‘What a lot of people don’t realise and trees. They can stimulate them at UKZN, is leading research to dis- is that the attributes of plants differ or inhibit them. cover whether laboratories can rep- widely depending on the season, the licate the compounds in traditional time of day, and where this com- ‘There are some products in smoke medicines and manufacture them pound can be found - in the leaves, that are not good, but there are for medical purposes. Additionally, the stems, the roots, the bulbs, even others that are excellent. This is a part of the work involves creating in the bark. fascinating field, but very new, and plant cultures so that indigenous I don’t think the ramifications have plants in danger of extinction can ‘These compounds are not present been thought through yet,’ said van be reintroduced in the wild. in the same concentrations all year Staden. N round, so there is constant change ‘We’ve had many successes with taking place in plants all the time.
62 UKZNTOUCH Research UKZN MARITIME DISCIPLINES UNDER
O NE ROOF Professor Trevor Jones The University has embraced this development as one of its signature initiatives
By: NIKI Moore Economics and Finance. There are It was hoped that the concentrated two programmes at the moment, faculty of maritime law and mari- he city of Durban boasts and a third about to be launched time studies would attract interest one of the biggest and most is a post-grad diploma in Maritime from all over the world. T concentrated collections of Studies which has at its core an port-related activities in the analysis of maritime transport and ‘We are drawing quite heavily on in- southern hemisphere. It therefore international business transactions puts from practitioners using practi- makes perfect sense that UKZN and shipping, and an introduction cal advice. It is being run with a has decided to consolidate its to international trade law,’ said mix of internal talent, with lecturers maritime disciplines under one roof Jones. from the College and the School of Law, but very much supplemented and add a few extra courses of ‘There are then a whole smorgas- by professionals. study which will make the university bord of maritime economics elec- a world leader in maritime and tives and international shipping ‘If you consider around 85% of all related studies. practices. We’re making a diverse international trade is conducted by set of offerings available. sea, you will realise the implications ‘The development is very good news of this new programme are huge. for UKZN,’ said Professor Trevor ‘Maritime studies involve transport- UKZN is aiming beyond South Af- Jones, academic co-ordinator for ing goods by sea, the rules of that rica’s boundaries - there is no other the Unit of Maritime Law and trade, bills of lading, rules that programme in Africa like this,’ Maritime Studies - a cluster of dis- govern who is responsible when added Jones. N ciplines which have been gathered things go wrong, admiralty jurisdic- together into one unit destined to be tion and navigation. Navigation is housed in its own building. fun for students because it involves things like collisions!’ In order to create this special school for maritime studies, several exist- Jones said the Masters in Maritime ing programmes have been stream- Law course had been resuscitated. lined and shifted into new premises, ‘We realised there was a need for a a few previous courses have been full Masters programme in Mari- NEW UKZN UNIT GEARED resuscitated and an entirely new time Law and so we decided to offer TO REVOLUTIONISE THE and unique course has been added. it again. And then we are introduc- MARITIME INDUSTRY ing something entirely new - an The Unit of Maritime Law and The university has embraced this as MComm in Customs and Excise Maritime Studies, launched one of its signature initiatives, says and we think this is going to be a at the University and officially Jones. very significant programme. We are opened by UKZN’s Vice-Chan- working closely with SA Revenue cellor and Principal Professor ‘And the city of Durban has realised Services and we have a couple of Malegapuru Makgoba, is a stra- the importance of the Maritime customs experts whose professional tegic research initiative located Cluster, so there are some quite services we are using quite inten- in the College of Law and Man- nice developments under way at the sively. We think there is going to agement Studies. UKZN is the moment. The Marine Studies pro- be quite a serious demand for that, only University in South Africa to gramme has already been running because there is no other university offer this amalgam of maritime through the School of Accounting, teaching customs and excise.’ offerings.
Research UKZNTOUCH 63 DELVING INTO THE WORKINGS OF IMMUNE GENES
UKZN SCIENTISTS SEARCH FOR VACCINE AGAINST HIV/AIDS
By: LIZ CLARKE tiretroviral drugs has been an incredible journey involving many ne of the ultimate scientists and students. We are challenges of modern only now beginning to understand O medicine is to find an that some immune genes are able effective vaccine to to target the invading virus, forc- tackle HIV. ing it to change so that it won’t be recognised. During this process the A difference in the rate of develop- virus is ‘crippled’ or becomes less fit ment of AIDS among HIV infected and less virulent thus protecting the people has led KwaZulu-Natal in- infected individual from developing vestigators to identify a tiny subset AIDS. Now we need to understand of ‘HIV controllers’ which possess the exact mechanisms involved.’ rare protective genes that incapaci- tate the virus. It is hoped these new The next ‘giant’ step, he says, will discoveries may ultimately lead to be to understand additional protec- a vaccine against HIV/AIDS. Professor Thumbi Ndung’u tive mechanisms and how the virus compensates for the attacks being Among these investigators is a made on it by the immune system in young University of KwaZulu- immune system to the presence of individuals who eventually develop Natal (UKZN) scientist, Professor HIV, followed by incapacitation of AIDS. Ultimately, says Ndung’u, Thumbi Ndung’u, who has been the virus. researchers want to investigate awarded a R5 million US Howard whether it is possible to make a Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) ‘My passion is to help find some an- vaccine that mimics or improves International Early Career Scientist swers to a disease which has baffled the immune system’s capabilities of Award over five years, to delve even scientists and caused so much death making the virus less virulent. ‘Can deeper into the workings of immune and destruction’. we make a vaccine that is effective genes in an effort to find a vaccine and safe using this strategy? Can we to fight HIV. The grant, says Ndung’u, will also identify other immune mechanisms enable him to support younger to complement and make this strat- Ndung’u is the Scientific Director scientists to develop their academic egy “virusproof”? These are the of UKZN’s HIV Pathogenesis Pro- careers. ‘These opportunities are million dollar questions we want to gramme in Durban and Associate like gold. I am hopeful that right answer.’ Professor in HIV/AIDS research. here in Durban, we can generate Ndung’u said the award would en- new knowledge and make a sig- Ndung’u praised research colleagues able researchers in KZN to study nificant contribution to developing and clinic staff for assisting his team in greater detail the interaction of an effective vaccine against HIV/ with the work of identifying patients immune genes with HIV. AIDS.’ Figures from the AIDS who had different rates of disease Foundation of South Africa show progression. From this group they ‘We can begin to test whether we that KwaZulu-Natal has the highest have been able to identify individu- can use this knowledge to develop burden of HIV in the country – at als who control HIV on their own vaccines.’ 39.5 percent. without the help of antiretroviral drugs. Harnessing this knowledge The key focus of his research is Ndung’u said UKZN scientists had for the good of society, he says, and how the body fights HIV infection played a key role in the discovery finding a vaccine that will mimic and more specifically the workings that certain Human Leukocyte An- these protective responses, will be a of the body’s immune proteins that tigen (HLA) molecules could par- major challenge. can block or fight off HIV infection. tially protect against HIV and were Recently, Ndungu’s team unraveled now engaged in new research to ‘But we are ready for the long haul, the mechanism of one particular understand the exact mechanisms. and we have some gifted, creative immune protein called HLA-B*81 and devoted young people deter- and how it can protect against HIV ‘Trying to understand why some mined to make a mark in this field,’ by acting as a red flag that alerts the people control HIV without an- he said. N
64 UKZNTOUCH Research WHAT ROCKS TELL US ABOUT Rock reader Dr Marlina OUR PAST Elburg at work in her office.
READ ANY GOOD ROCKS LATELY?
By: GREG DARDAGAN rated about 180 million years ago. kilometre-wide shear zone, which is an area where rocks have been KZN lecturer and Reading rocks involves peering at deformed because of elevated tem- researcher in specimens through microscopes to peratures and which also seems to U geochemistry, Dr Marlina discover properties from which a be a major crystal boundary where Elburg, spends a large part variety of findings and deductions two distinct areas became juxta- of her working day reading rocks! can be made about the formation of posed. The rocks in the north of the continents on earth. shear zone are completely different She says it’s the only way to get from those in the south. information on events, which hap- Elburg says it is sometimes difficult pened on earth between 500 million to discover a rock’s identity by look- ‘Whether this is the “suture” where and 1100 million years ago. ing at it in a field study because it Africa and Antarctica collided has often been subjected to changes around 500ma, and thereby formed Elburg - born and educated in Hol- in temperature and pressure which, Gondwana, still needs support from land - is currently reading her way for example, can cause sandstone the laboratory. through 350kg of rocks brought and granite specimens to resemble back from an Antarctic expedition. each other. ‘However, we think we have become a step closer to reconstructing the The expedition was carried out by ‘To determine whether a specimen geological events which led to the an international group consisting started out as granite or sandstone formation of the Gondwana super- of four scientists, including Elburg, we take samples and study them in continent,’ said Elburg. and two students. our laboratories. We look through microscopes at the minerals that She said carrying out fieldwork in Following the six-week-long stay at are present, analyze them for their Antarctica was difficult because of Sør Rondane Mountains funded chemical composition and deter- the weather conditions – tempera- by the German Federal Institute mine their age,’ said Elburg. tures went as low as -20C while they of Geosciences and Natural Re- were there and mobility was often a sources, the group believes they are ‘To some extent the success of an problem. a step closer to reconstructing the expedition to the Antarctic can be geological events which led to the measured by the number of days ‘The few small drawbacks were far formation of the Gondwana super- spent in the field – we managed 27 outweighed by the experience of be- continent! during our expedition. Between the ing on Antarctica. The experience different members we took about was unforgettable especially when I Gondwana consisted of what we 1 200kg of samples of which about was taken by helicopter to the top of today know as Africa, Antarctica, 350kg are at UKZN. the highest mountain, Widerøefjel- Australia, South America and In- let, and enjoyed a 360 degree view dia. Africa and Antarctica sepa- ‘One of our discoveries was a of the area,’ said Elburg. N
Research UKZNTOUCH 65 VIOLENT PROTEST – WHERE HAVE WE GONE WRONG?
How do we put a stop to violent and often bloody protests like the ones which rocked the country this year? A senior UKZN academic believes it is time for a practical and down-to-earth rethink about accountability, negotiation and community involvement.
By: LIZ CLARKE the very end of the frustration line.’ like, but it won’t change the facts What is needed, she believes, are in- and it won’t change the increasingly ow have we gone so far terventions that address issues at the negative attitude that the rest of wrong and how can we beginning stage when angry voices the world has about us. Wouldn’t it H come up with workable are heard. be better to devote our energies to solutions? coming up with sound management ‘That’s the time you need people to programmes and building capacity Those are questions that Betty listen, when negotiated solutions – to entrench accountability.’ Mubangizi, an Associate Profes- in most cases a compromise - have sor in the School of Management, to be found and agreed upon.’ The ‘end game’, she says is improv- Information Technology and ing the lives of ordinary people, Governance at UKZN, says must Although Mubangazi focused her many of them living in peri urban be answered, not next year, but now. Durban presentation on the poor and rural environments. results recorded in the country’s In a presentation to the KwaZulu- ‘Operation Clean Audit’, she says ‘They need to have confidence Natal Speakers’ Forum in Durban, that protests, big and small, are all that the promises from leaders to Mubangizi stressed that encour- part of the same problem. improve their lives are not just pipe aging public consultations and dreams, but an attainable reality.’ enhancing relationships between ‘An honest rethink at the highest leaders and communities ‘was a levels of leadership would be the Widespread protests are indicative, critical part’ of addressing poten- first step in encouraging communi- she says, of a failure to negotiate or tially dangerous situations. ties and workers to set aside violence understand a situation, properly. and come together to achieve sus- ‘It is at the grass root level that tainable outcomes.’ ‘It’s almost as though by sticking things start to go horribly wrong,’ your head into the sand like an she said. On the service delivery side, cur- ostrich, the problems will go away, rently only 13 municipalities out of when of course they will only get ‘Families, particularly wives and 283 municipalities (5%) in South worse, sometimes, as we have seen, mothers, are the first to become Africa received a ‘clean’ audit in the with disastrous consequences.’ embroiled in conflict pressures – 2010-2011 tax year. whether it’s their menfolk bitter and But herein lies one of the funda- angry about working conditions or ‘If the national government’s project mental issues – ‘the responsibility of the lack of service delivery which to ensure that all municipalities in communities or workers themselves is making lives unbearable. This is South Africa receive clean audits by to select and make accountable the sort of tinderbox environment 2014, a leadership buy-in that iden- those who they have voted into that becomes the stepping stone for tifies and addresses problems at an office. violent outburst. early stage is absolutely esssential,’ she said. ‘That is where awareness and edu- ‘Throwing bricks, stoning cars, cation comes in,’ said Mubangizi. burning tyres, wielding pangas ‘It is clear from the violent and trag- even resorting to more serious acts, ic happenings of this year that there ‘We don’t need conflict analysists are symptomatic that whatever is is no time to waste,’ said Mubangizi. to tell us that if lines of communi- happening comes – not at the begin- cation are weak and people feel ning, not even in the middle, but at ‘We can name and blame all we marginalised, the possibility of
66 UKZNTOUCH Research spontaneous often violent protest, fuelled by anger and frustration are highly probable. We have seen it all too often.’
The negativity resulting from such upheaval is sometimes devastating.
‘Not only are people hurt, sometimes killed, but the message that South Africa is in the grip of social unrest goes viral and before you know it the country is in the headlines for the wrong reasons. Violent protest where streets are blocked and mis- siles thrown, for example, don’t engender any public sympathy, even though the reasons for protest action may be legitimate.’ Associate Professor Betty Mubangizi Civil action, she believes, is not In an academic sense, it is ‘pre- something that should be dismissed cise and sound research’, that she or denigrated. proper oversight, a guardian layer believes can provide the working of government that assesses perfor- platform to find solutions. ‘We need to have robust public mance on an ongoing basis.’ comment as part of our constitu- Part of the solution, she says, is to tional right. It is the way that it is The next step, she says, is to ensure unbundle some of the myths and managed that we have to look out that communication channels be- non-truths that all too frequently for – to understand what are the tween leaders and the people are describe the challenges of com- ‘invited spaces’ where formalised always open and that prompt and munity participation in issues con- protest can take place and ‘invented immediate formalised interventions cerning out-of-the-way township spaces’ where bottled up emotions are made when and where neces- communities. can wreck havoc like they did at the sary. Lonmin mine.’ ‘Certainly one of those misguided The negotiating phase has to be ideas is the belief that without email It is within the invited space part of the structure, she says. ‘This or other digital applications, com- scenario (an example being com- has to be an equal partnership be- munication in these resource-poor munity participation in Integrated tween community representatives settings is poor. Not true. Anyone Development Planning) where the and leaders. Inevitably there will be who has grown up, as I have, in a leadership structures need the most a compromise. That’s why it has to rural area, will know that commu- strengthening, says Mubangizi. be an evolving process of education nication is swift and widespread. and awareness to reach that stage of The smallest incident, the news of ‘And that begins with ordinary mature governance.’ someone returning home, a fam- people, family members, teenagers, ily get together, will be observed, workers, and grandparents, knowing Strengthening human resources in recorded and communicated within how to optimise their vote, choosing municipalities – improving their minutes.’ the ward councillor, Union leaders, internal systems and governance who best identify with their overall structures and promoting good lead- The other non-truth, she says, is that needs, not necessarily the ones who ership for oversight purposes are the in the case of service delivery poorly promise the most.’ cornerstones of change, she says. resourced municipalities lack the skills needed to obtain a clean audit. Stringent vetting of potential coun- ‘So far we have failed to achieve cillors is a critical area, she says. those benchmarks. What we need ‘Yet metropolitan municipalities, ‘Not only must would-be council- now is to see research and studies considered to be well-resourced and lors have a sound knowledge of local on good governance in the public able to attract skilled personnel, are labour and service delivery issues, and private sector translated into struggling equally to achieve clean but they must be prepared to listen, action.’ N audits.’ talk and act – for that you need the
Research UKZNTOUCH 67 UKZN UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATALnews • TOUCHING THE WORLD WITH NEWS UKZN’S BOLD INITIATIVE TAKES ROOT
Rudi Kimmie Graduates who are self-motivated, civic minded, skilled, ethical and empowered should be the heart of the teaching and learning enterprise.
The pursuit of this goal is what makes institutions of higher learning socially relevant and hence the imperative that they proactively position themselves Representatives of UKZN’s BOLD initiative with the National at the forefront of development and innovation. Youth Development Agency (from left) Professor Deresh It is for this reason that the Business Organisational and Ramjugernath (UKZN), Mr Tony Ngwenya (NYDA), Leadership Development (BOLD) initiative was conceptualised Mr Kenneth Mbili (NYDA) and Mr Rudi Kimmie (UKZN). and established at the University of KwaZulu-Natal under the leadership of Mr Rudi Kimmie (UNITE) and Professor Deresh What sets the vision of BOLD apart from the many Ramjugernath (Chemical Engineering). entrepreneurship courses available is that it also aspires to In light of the gloomy prospects of high unemployment and develop strategic leadership and organisational skills. pervasive social decline facing graduates, BOLD is more than BOLD intends to strengthen UKZN’s role as a socially a skills development project. It is an embracing concept which responsive institution. promotes holistic personal and enterprise development. It talks to current socio-economic challenges facing South Africa For additional information contact Mr Rudi Kimmie at through centralising ethical awareness and social outreach as [email protected] or Professor Deresh Ramjugernath at core activities, yet also advances entrepreneurship training. [email protected] UKZN Tops in Mathematics Research
Ashay Nathoo It’s official. Internationally respected business data provider, Thomson Reuters, rates UKZN as the top South African university in the field of mathematics. UKZN was followed by the University of Cape Town, Wits, the University of Pretoria and Stellenbosch University. UKZN also compares favourably with international universities. The Thomson Reuters study used relative discipline impact in ranking universities. Instead of using the total number Members of the Management Committee of the School of of publications produced, it assesses the impact of the Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science with Professor publications under review against the impact of all publications Rob Slotow, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: College of Agriculture, in the disciplines. Engineering and Science (left). Professor Kesh Govinder, Dean and Head of the School of discipline against the expected impact of the discipline itself.’ Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science at UKZN, said In addition to being the top mathematics discipline in the ‘Rather than directly comparing the disciplines against each country, mathematics was also the top discipline at UKZN. other, the study took into account the impact of research in a
68 UKZNTOUCH UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL • WORLD OF NEWS The Coolest Building in Town
Sally Frost
Minister of Science and Technology, Mrs Naledi Pandor, officially opened UKZN’s Intensive Tuition for Engineers Programme (UNITE) new green home, and applauded UNITE for providing learners from disadvantaged backgrounds with an alternative access programme into Engineering. From left: Professor Rob Slotow, Minister Naledi Pandor, UNITE’s Deputy Director, Mr Rudi Kimmie, who described Professor Christina Trois and Professor Malegapuru Makgoba at the new facility as “the coolest building in town”, said the the Official Opening of the UNITE School of Engineering Building. R20 million architectural gem would provide a permanent home to the UNITE programme and provide a ‘green’ hub for With leader Noel Powell at the helm, UNITE is renowned university, industry and community-related activities. for pioneering interactive teaching methods in its one-year Kimmie used the analogy of a three-legged potjie pot to intensive, introductory engineering programme. explain the project’s recipe for success, namely that the legs UKZN’s Dean and Head of the School of Engineering, represented funding from the government; the necessary Professor Christina Trois, said the new facility signalled a new support from UKZN’s planning committee; and a cash beginning for the School of Engineering. injection of close to R200 million from various sponsors. Architect of the new UNITE building, Paul Phillips of Walker Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Smith Architects and a former graduate of UKZN, said Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Professor Rob Slotow, the new energy efficient building’s main feature was its described the building as ‘a magnificent edifice and flagship embodiment of green principles. home for sustainable green engineering at UKZN’. GRADUATION CEREMONIES AT UKZN
Smita Maharaj The University of KwaZulu-Natal awarded 8 832 Fifty-eight percent of the 371 graduates awarded their degrees undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at cum laude and summa cum laude were women, while 72 20 Graduation ceremonies on the Westville and graduates with disabilities earned degrees. Pietermaritzburg campuses in April 2012. In addition, the University awarded honorary degrees to six An impressive 5 439 (62 percent) of the graduates were leading South Africans for their outstanding contributions in women while 520 were international students. A total of 153 the scientific, arts, human rights, social sciences, political, and doctoral degrees were conferred. academic sectors. The University decided that through their innovation, resilience, altruism and intellect in their respective fields, the recipients had changed the lives of people both in South Africa and globally. Honorary degrees were conferred on Yvonne Chaka Chaka Mhinga, the late Lawrence Anthony, Virginia Gcabashe, Hugh Chittenden, Mahmood Mamdani and Zuleikha Mayat. Eminent guest speakers at ceremonies included Public Protector, Advocate Thulisile Madonsela and leading researcher and academic, Professor Tinyiko Maluleke. Two leading academics - Professor Bice Martincigh and Dr Nyna Amin - received the University’s Distinguished Teachers’ Award for teaching excellence. This prestigious award recognises innovative and outstanding teaching commitment. Meanwhile, prestigious University Fellowships were awarded to three highly respected academics in the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science - Professor Sreekanth Jonnalagadda, Professor Peter Dankelmann and Professor Gerald Ortmann.
UKZNTOUCH 69 UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL • WORLD OF NEWS Call Goes Out For Academic Research
Thandiwe Jumo Public Protector Thulisile Madonsela Madonsela defined the role of the public called for academic research into protector as helping to ensure that the role of the public protector and there was proper planning, budgeting, the meaning of good governance prioritisation and good governance in the at the 10th Annual Victoria and affairs of the state in South Africa. Griffiths Mxenge Memorial Lecture ‘If I had my way I would have academics at the University of KwaZulu- research this entity as we need their Natal (UKZN) in Durban. view. I believe UKZN has the ability to do Oxford Post this. We should look no further than your rich history of respect for human rights for Rhodes and pull out all stops to see to it that all South Africans enjoy the full protection of Scholarship the law,’ said Madonsela. Winner The annual lecture commemorates the significant role Griffiths and Victoria Mxenge – who were both lawyers – Phumelele Mavaneni played in the liberation struggle. Former SIFE President at UKZN, Ms Qhelile Nyathi, has been awarded Dean and Head of the School of Law the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship at UKZN, Professor Managay Reddi, allowing her to study towards her hailed the lecture as the annual highlight Masters degree at the University of in the University’s law calendar and Oxford in England for two years. commended Madonsela’s role in protecting the rights of South African Nyathi will study two Masters citizens. programmes - African Studies and Financial Economics – as she believes Madonsela highlighted the sacrifices they will facilitate her development as a the Mxenges made for the freedom and relevant actuarial scientist with a good rights South Africans enjoyed today. understanding of African finances and economics within investment banking. African Studies is an interdisciplinary module that covers history, economics Artistic Endeavour with and politics of African states while Financial Economics is affiliated to the actuarial profession and falls under the Olympic Games Flavour SAID Business School at Oxford where she will receive exemptions from an Vicky Crookes actuarial sciences board. Twelve artists from UKZN’s Centre for Visual Arts (CVA), participated in a print Nyathi applied for the Scholarship swop with the Inky Cuttlefish Studios in London and the William Morris Gallery through the Zimbabwe Constituency in Waltham Forest - a UK Borough which hosted the 2012 Olympic Games. where she went through a rigorous two- day interview process. ‘The scholarship Three prints from each artist were sent to Britain for display at five exhibitions and looked for individuals who are excelling festivals linked to the London Olympics. academically and have a broad outlook The print theme was Godiva Awakes, inspired by the story of Lady Godiva who rode on life and understand what’s happening naked on her horse through the streets of Coventry to protest her husband’s taxation on the local and international fronts be it on his tenants. politics, economics, agriculture or socially In exchange for the UKZN-produced prints, artists from the Inky Cuttlefish Studios inclined events. sent the CVA a selection of their prints on the same theme. These, together with the Nyathi believes one of the reasons UKZN prints, were exhibited at the CVA’s Pietermaritzburg-based Jack Heath Gallery. she was selected is because of her CVA Lecturer, Faye Spencer initiated the print swop to showcase the enthusiasm for involvement in SIFE UKZN. ‘They were 2D visual arts practice at the CVA and it was made possible by a former UKZN CVA very interested in the work I did in SIFE student who has an art studio in Britain. as well as the expertise and experience I gained through it,’ she explained.
70 UKZNTOUCH UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL • WORLD OF NEWS US Delegation Visits Sife-Ukzn TEAM National Mccord Hospital Winners Emma-Louise Mackie Achievements in HIV treatment and management highlighted Sithembile Shabangu Giving new meaning to A delegation from Washington, Mandela: ‘We cannot win the battle community outreach DC visited the PEPFAR-funded against AIDS if we do not also fight TB. Sinikithemba Centre at McCord TB is too often a death sentence for Hospital in Durban to see for people with AIDS.’ Dedication to improving the quality themselves the remarkable of life of deserving members The Senators learned that surprisingly of the community has brought advancements made in the treatment little was known about the disease and management of HIV and AIDS in accolades for the Students In Free combination. New diagnostics tools, Enterprise (SIFE) UKZN team. South Africa over the past 10 years. more effective treatments, and The group advancements The team were crowned winners of included Mr in vaccine the 2012 national competition and Donald Gips, research were represented South Africa at the SIFE United States desperately World Cup in Washington in September. Ambassador needed to devise Praised for their ‘development and to South Africa, more successful implementation of outstanding as well as US ways to combat sustainable community outreach Senators Mr Tom and manage projects in their surrounding Harkin, Mr Tom TB and the high communities’ the team identified a Udall and Mr prevalence of number of definable goals. Roger Wicker. TB/ HIV co- These included the application of Director of infection. business and economic concepts K-RITH at the K-RITH is through an entrepreneurial approach, US Ambassador, Mr Donald Gips (far left); US University of tackling these improving the quality of life taking Senators and other delegates at the entrance into account economic, social and KwaZulu-Natal, of McCord Hospital in Durban. problems Professor Bill through a unique environmental factors. Bishai, accompanied the Senators on collaboration between the Howard Said SIFE President, Mr Thembalethu their tour and explained some of the Hughes Medical Institute in Maryland, Mkhize: ‘The team is ecstatic. We really challenges. Bishai reminded them of USA and the University of KwaZulu- wanted to make UKZN and the country the words of former President Nelson Natal. proud.’ FOLLOWING A LONG TRADITION
Sithembile Shabangu “Family tradition” convinced Mandela abilities, a love for people, reconciliation, Rhodes Scholar John Flanagan of entrepreneurship and education. The Zimbabwe that UKZN was the right idea is to invest in people who will invest place of learning for him to complete in other people and nations in the his Masters Degree in Agriculture. future. Flanagan said he was following in Flanagan will examine the economic his family’s footsteps. His father, effects of legalising the sale of rhino two cousins and two uncles had all horn during his Masters studies at completed their BSc degrees at UKZN, UKZN. while his sister had studied psychology. Flanagan won a Gift of the Givers ‘So I guess apart from being a good scholarship for his BSc studies, university, UKZN is in the family,’ said graduating cum laude. Flanagan. Talking about his experiences on the The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship Pietermaritzburg campus, he said: is awarded partly on academic ‘It’s been great - thanks to an excellent performance, but to a greater extent church family at NCF and amazing Mandela Rhodes Scholar John Flanagan. on character, including leadership friends on campus’.
UKZNTOUCH 71 UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL • WORLD OF NEWS SIX UKZN WOMEN SCIENTISTS SCOOP NATIONAL DST AWARDS
Honoured for outstanding contributions to the advancement of science
Six UKZN women scientists She is currently a Professor and Dr Sengeziwe Sibeko – first runner-up received national awards in various JL Dube Chair in Rural Education in the Development of Rural Women: Emerging categories at the prestigious School of Education. She has extensive Researchers. annual Department of Science and experience in teaching and research Technology’s Women in Science in the areas of curriculum studies Awards (WISA). The awards were and gender and education, HIV and made to the women by the Minister AIDS education and girlhood studies in of Science and Technology, Naledi southern African contexts. Pandor, for outstanding contributions Her methodological interests include the towards advancing science and use of participatory visual methodologies building the knowledge base in their in doing research and development work respective disciplines. The awards with marginalized groups. are made annually to recognise and reward the achievements of South African women scientists. Professor Sarojini Nadar – winner of the ‘WISA winners are profiled as role Distinguished Young Women Scientists: models for younger scientists and Social Sciences and Humanities. researchers,’ said Minister Pandor. Awards were made to:
Professor Relebohile Moletsane – winner Dr Sengeziwe Sibeko is a Specialist of the Distinguished Women Scientists: Obstetrician and Gynaecologist who Social Sciences and Humanities. obtained medical qualifications at UKZN and Colleges of Medicine of South Africa. She received the prestigious Columbia University Southern African Fogarty AIDS international training and research programme fellowship and completed her Master of Science in epidemiology degree at Columbia University, New York, in 2009. She is an Oxford Nuffield Medical Fellow based at the Weatherall Institute of Professor Sarojini Nadar completed her Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe PhD at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Hospital at the University of Oxford in the in 2003 at the age of 27. She was United Kingdom where she is registered recently appointed as UKZN’s College for a PhD in HIV mucosal immunology of of Humanities’ Dean of Research, and the female reproductive tract. she is an Associate Professor in the Gender and Religion Programme in the School of Religion, Philosophy and Classics. Professor Relebohile Moletsane Professor Nadar has researched and received her primary and secondary published widely in the field of feminist education in rural schools in the biblical hermeneutics, with a special Eastern Cape and an undergraduate focus on HIV and AIDS; gender-based degree at the University of Fort Hare. violence; masculinity and sexuality. She Her PhD is from Indiana University, also has a special interest in studying Bloomington, Indiana, USA and was and developing theories of feminism obtained in 1996. in Africa.
72 UKZNTOUCH UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL • WORLD OF NEWS
Dr Joyce Chitja – second runner-up in the Traditional Medicine Laboratory at Development of Rural Women: Emerging the College of Health Sciences. Loo Scoops Researchers. She received her Masters degree in Medical Biochemistry at the Centre of Sixth Place at Excellence for Tuberculosis Research World Fair at the University of Stellenbosch. Her research interest is in African traditional Sally Frost medicine and its possible efficacy against KwaZulu-Natal tuberculosis Bill Gates deemed it was time for strains, through good and strong a new toilet. UKZN complied and relations built with local herbalists their revolutionary system was known to have expertise in treating or placed sixth at the Reinvent the managing tuberculosis using herbs. Toilet Fair in the United States. Professor Chris Buckley and his team from the School of Engineering’s Pollution Ms Bongiwe Goodness Ndlovu – Research Group, who designed the new Fellowship for Doctoral Studies toilet, were at the fair in Seattle hosted by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. On display was state-of-the-art toilet technol- ogy from around the world. The challenge presented to the teams of international Dr Joyce Chitja holds a PhD in Food competing engineers had been to develop a Security, an MSoc Sci in Community super toilet which operates on a shoestring Resource Management and a BSc budget and does not need electricity, running water or a sewage system. Bonus points Agric in Horticultural Science. She is were presented if the design captured en- currently a lecturer in the School for ergy or recycled waste into something useful Agricultural, Earth and Environmental in the process. Sciences at UKZN, a council member of the Agricultural Research Council A team from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) won the top prize of and board member of the Agricultural US$100,000 (R800 000) for a solar-pow- Development Agency in KwaZulu-Natal. ered toilet, which produces hydrogen and Her research areas include food electricity. Loughborough University in the security in relation to smallholder United Kingdom was second for their toilet, farmer market access and value which uses energy from faeces to decom- chains; water-use security, rural Ms Bongiwe Goodness Ndlovu received pose the waste and recover clean water. livelihoods and vulnerability; gender and Third prize went to chemical engineers from her Master of Medical Science agriculture; organic farming production, the University of Toronto for a toilet which (MMedSc) degree in paediatrics at land use security and reform. sanitizes waste within 24 hours by dehydra- the University of KwaZulu-Natal this tion and smoldering. year. She is currently enrolled for a Buckley explained that UKZN’s toilet was de- Ms Prudy Mashika Manoko Seepe – PhD in Medical Virology in the HIV signed to burn waste solids while re-routing Fellowship for Doctoral Studies. Pathogenesis Programme at the Doris urine to a storage tank where it would be Duke Medical Research Institute, decontaminated, purified and repurposed Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine. for flushing and hand-washing. In contrast to A developmental lecturer in the School prototype high-tech commodes, traditional of Laboratory Medicine and Medical toilets have not changed much since the Sciences at the University, Ndlovu’s 18th century. The amount of water required research is on stopping to flush them and their reliance on being HIV spread among linked to an expensive sewage system are South African adults luxuries many communities in the developing and mother-infant world cannot afford. pairs using both innate Buckley said about 2.5 billion people world- and adaptive immune wide lacked clean, safe toilets - a problem mechanisms. which contributes to the death of nearly 1.5 million children annually. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has invested US$150 million (R1,2 billion) into improving global sanitation over the past two years. The next step will be to take the top-performing tech- Ms Prudy Mashika Manoko Seepe nologies at the Reinvent the Toilet Fair and is a PhD student in the Discipline of start making larger scale pilots. ‘It is time for Occupational and Environmental Health sanitation innovation,’ said Buckley.
UKZNTOUCH 73 UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL • WORLD OF NEWS International Hospital Design Competition to Benefit UKZN
Lunga Memela Addressing a gathering on the Howard An international competition to find College campus he said South Africa International design competition for world- a winning design for UKZN’s new had during the past 20 years produced class academic hospitals announced. medical teaching hospital has been an average of 1 200 medical doctors launched by the National Minister every year ‘regardless of the demand Construction of the new learning of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi. and regardless of the quadruple burden hospital using the winning design from Fully sponsored by the International of disease’. the competition is expected to begin on Academy for Design and Health (IADH), Motsoaledi said the country needed vacant land adjoining the Howard College Motsoaledi said the competition would world-class teaching hospitals in order campus in 2014. All UKZN health save government between R300 and to meet the Department of Health (DoH) sciences disciplines and King Edward VIII R500 million in design fees for hospitals target of producing at least Central Hospital will be integrated on the around the country. 3 600 medical doctors annually. new premises. ENGLISH-ISIZULU WRITING COMPETITION
Sithembile Shabangu Promoting bilingualism and the use of isiZulu
More than 350 entries were received for the English- IsiZulu Writing Competition hosted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal in partnership with Independent Newspapers. Novice and experienced writers were invited to submit short stories, essays, reflections, poetry or pieces with a visual component (e.g. cartoon strips, illustrations or photo essays). From left: UKZN’s Director of Communications, Ms Smita Maharaj; Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Professor Mercury Editor, Mr Philani Mgwaba and Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Renuka Vithal, said the purpose of the competition was to Teaching and Learning at UKZN, Professor Renuka Vithal. promote bilingualism and in particular the use of isiZulu as envisaged in the University Language Policy and Plan. The Processes have been put in place to ensure successful project’s aim is to create literature in isiZulu, and to promote implementation of bilingualism and the development of African a culture of reading and writing in African Languages among languages at UKZN. ‘An active University Language Board is young people. tasked with implementing the University Language Policy and ‘In a world where English dominates and is still often seen as Plan,’ she said. the language of ‘learnedness’, initiatives such as these create In addition a Language Planning and Development an awareness that this is not necessarily the case and that Department had been created in the DVC Teaching and one can communicate something meaningful in any of our Learning Portfolio. A range of projects promoting different indigenous languages,’ said Vithal. aspects of the Language Plan are being funded to the value She said that the project also created a space for people to of more than R3 million across the academic and support express themselves creatively in their mother tongue even sectors, Vithal explained. when that mother tongue was not English. The winners of the competition will be announced towards ‘For English first language users, it creates the space to the end of 2012 and a selection of pieces will be published in experiment and play and become more comfortable in a book by UKZN Press to be launched at the 2013 ‘Time of using another language,’ said Vithal. ‘It also reflects how the Writer’ Festival. Selected pieces will also be published in young people of today engage and move effortlessly between titles in the Independent Newspapers Group. Winners in the language.’ three different categories will each receive R10 000 in cash. About 70% of the entries were poems. Vithal said that most All authors of winning pieces will receive two free copies of the of the pieces submitted were written in isiZulu and a few UKZN Press book. UKZN Press will contribute any royalties in English and isiZulu combined. A few of the entries were accrued from the book towards a scholarship for a UKZN disqualified because they were written in English only. undergraduate student majoring in isiZulu studies.
74 UKZNTOUCH UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL • WORLD OF NEWS UKZN Golf Day Brings Hope UKZN Professor To Students Honoured For Contribution To Sithembile Shabangu Participants included local businessmen, Music Research Eight UKZN students from staff, students, alumni, donors, friends disadvantaged backgrounds were of the University and the local golfing Melissa Mungroo each awarded a bursary worth fraternity who turned up in their R10 000 at UKZN’s 9th numbers to have a fun day and to Annual Golf Day held at the contribute towards the worthy course. Royal Durban Golf Club. UKZN Registrar, Professor Jane 128 golfers teed-off in aid of raising Meyerowitz, told the participants: ‘Your funds for student bursaries. Funding participation here today supports a really generated from the Golf Day is for good cause.’ students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds who have excelled Since its inception the annual event academically. has raised R900 000 and provided 90 students with much needed funding Each student will have R10 000 to complete their studies. The main deposited into their student account to sponsor for the event this year – and use towards their studies. for the past three years – was Standard Bank pledging R50 000. ‘Nothing gives me more joy than seeing Emeritus Professor of Music at the excitement on the faces of the the University of KwaZulu-Natal, students when they are informed that Professor Beverly Parker was they have been chosen to receive a commended for her years of service bursary. I would like to congratulate to the former Musicological Society the students and wish them well in and to the SA Society for Music their future studies,’ said Ms Shakila Research (SASRIM) at the society’s Thakurpersad, Tournament Organiser. recent music research conference at ‘Next year will be our 10th year and the Tshwane University of Technology. Five of the eight students who each the tournament will be held at the Wild Chairman of SASRIM, Professor Zelda received a R10 000 bursary at UKZN’s Coast Sun on 30 August 2013. We Potgieter, praised Parker’s work in the golf day. From left are Mr Mohammed are hoping to celebrate in style by giving society’s journal SAMUS, which she edited Moola, Ms Sajal Pillai, Ms Nozipho Zulu, away more bursaries to deserving from 1993 to 2005, and her work as Mr Mthokozisi Nkosi and Ms Sibusisiwe students,’ said Thakurpersad. Co-ordinator of the SASRIM programme Nkosi. committee for the last four years. COMPUTER SCIENCE STUDENT WINS NATIONAL AWARD
Ashay Nathoo Economics (CIFEr 2012) in New York. Ms Annaliza Moodley, who completed CIFEr is the major collaboration between her honours in Computer Science at the professional engineering and financial UKZN last year, received the award for communities and one of the leading forums the best fourth year honours student for new technologies and applications in the at the conference and prize giving intersection of computational intelligence ceremony of the Operations Research and financial engineering and economics. Society of South Africa (ORSSA). In addition to the recognition and prestige Moodley was nominated for the award by the award holds, Moodley was given a cash her Supervisor, Dr Aderemi Adewumi, who prize for her achievements. It was the first received the prize on her behalf. time since the merger that a UKZN student Moodley’s project, which focused on has won the prestigious annual award financial portfolio selection with heuristic which places the University’s name in the optimization, had earlier been accepted ORSSA Hall of Fame. She was also the first and presented by Adewumi at the IEEE computer science student to scoop the International Conference on Computational award. Intelligence for Financial Engineering and
UKZNTOUCH 75 AluProfilesmni
A ‘true-blooded township girl from Why is it, Tsautse asks, that young local Thato Chesterville’ she studied at UKZN people entering the work arena, would before taking over, amongst other rather go to Johannesburg than stay high-profile roles, the acting port legal here. Why are they paid less or offered Tsautse advisor post for the Port of Durban less money here? It shouldn’t be like Durban Chamber quickly expanding her knowledge of the that.’ of Commerce maritime arena. Part of the answer to all these issues, While immersed in this field Tsautse she believes, is the need for the President won a Maritime Law Association Chamber to spread its wings and Scholarship to train with the law firm revolutionise the way it does business. LIZ CLARKE Holland and Knight in New York, where ‘Big business tends to stick to its ivory she was placed in the Maritime Law tower exclusivity instead of looking at and Maritime Structured Finance opportunities, say in the townships like department. Umlazi and KwaMashu. If we could set
‘It’s time to celebrate Durban - our city. That means taking off the blinkers and having the will to succeed’
Maritime matters are still very close up township commerce and business to her heart – ‘South Africa has hubs in an innovative fashion, it would 3000 nautical kilometres of coastline be an incredible way of providing with the Port of Durban at its core much-needed skills and employment – that’s reason enough to celebrate opportunities.’ our potential to become one of the Achieving these goals, she says, is also world’s greatest export-driven maritime about addressing workplace issues in a When it comes to talk of squandered nations, even if we are not there yet.’ more sensitive and holistic manner. opportunities Thato Tsautse, Currently, Tsautse is the CEO of the the first woman President of the ‘It is about assisting people to achieve South African Association of Ship their best, understanding the reasons Durban Chamber of Commerce, Operators and Agents (SAASOA), and doesn’t mince her words. for things like absenteeism and the Chair of the Durban Port Liaison providing counseling for those who ‘We have a wonderful city full of Committee and Maritime Promotion need it.’ potential. The problem is that not Council. enough people realise it.’ ‘Out of 6 000 KZN businesses, only ‘My vision for the Chamber is to see 2 600 have employment assistance Tsautse, one of UKZN’s distinguished it as a vibrant networking hub that programmes. It’s simply not good alumni with a BProc, LLB and an LLM interacts with key players in commerce enough.’ to her name, says that her role as and industry, promoting employment Thinking collectively, rather than president of the Durban Chamber of opportunities across the board, individuals, Tsautse believes, is the way Commerce, is not something she takes harnessing local skills – and making to ‘unlock doors that have been shut lightly. things happen.’ tight for too long.’ ‘Call me passionate about my city. Call It means, she believes, taking the She’s particularly excited by the me intolerant of people who can’t see blinkers off and marginalising negativity. the wood for the trees. Tell me I go prospect of the new dug-out port south ‘Without changes in perception, of Durban. where angels fear to tread. I’ll go along how can we ever hope for a positive ‘Let’s embrace the idea. It will be the with all that.’ outcome? We have to ask ourselves turning point for the city. I can’t wait We’re at the crossroads, she says. some pretty tough questions. ‘We have to make the right long-term to see this long-term vision become a ‘There is no reason why we should not reality.’ decisions now. If we don’t, history is be on par with some of the big cities going to come down hard on us!’ of the world – Durban is, after all, the Tsautse, 43, mother of a teenage son, gateway to Africa. Singapore is the has done all the groundwork needed to same size and yet it is driven by a will to get to the top echelons of public life. succeed.’
76 UKZNTOUCH AluProfilesmni
Vanashree The goals that she and her team of requirements for registration with the dedicated staff and volunteers have set Department of Social Development,’ Singh themselves are ambitious, but as she explains Singh. puts it: ‘You have to try and achieve the It is estimated, she says, that 92 percent Fashion guru, impossible. Mandela has taught us that.’ of children aged 0-4 in KZN, currently consultant and Part of that ‘impossible’ journey has attend unregistered ECD centres. activist been to persuade the umbrella body ‘The sadness is that the wider Save the Children International to communities, including the responsible support the formation of Save the authorities, often do not recognise the LIZ CLARKE Children South Africa which will be a extent of the wonderful and inspirational member organisation of the International work done by these community and Grouping.’ home-based centres. The people who ‘Achieving that status has been an run them are the unsung heroes – doing important milestone for us,’ said Singh, so much to ensure that children get the who is currently Chairman of the KZN best chance possible in life, often against branch and also a Board Member of the difficult odds.’ newly formed Save the Children South Another key programme of SCKZN is to Africa. support 200 orphaned and vulnerable ‘It allows our staff and volunteers to children during a time when their evolve a plan of action that suits our own natural parents are unable to provide for particular needs. The impact of the dual them, and until the State assumes that pandemic of poverty and HIV has resulted responsibility. This support includes a in major uniquely defining social issues monthly food voucher, schooling, health such as the growing number of child- and social needs. To this end SCKZN has headed households, which we needed to launched a Sponsor A Child Programme embrace.’ to help the neediest of children. Training and learnership programmes ‘I think many people want to help but don’t are key components of the ‘way forward’ know how,’ said Vanashree. ‘Our mission Vanashree Singh, fashion guru she said. ‘With our overseas and local is to facilitate and sustain this link. It is and project and events consultant funding we are able to train between 300 starting to work, but we need a lot more and passionate activist for and 400 mainly women a year in the field awareness and participation.’ children’s rights, believes that of how to manage an Early Childhood her background in academia at Closer to home, Singh takes a keen Development Service, child care and and active interest in the world of film UKZN where she graduated with a support.’ BCom and a postgraduate diploma production. in Management Accounting and One has to start, she points out, with the ‘Anant is working on the film adaptation of Finance, has given her an edge when premise that young children from birth Mandela’s Long Walk To Freedom which it comes to making a difference. upwards require focused input for them is due for release next year. It has been to achieve their developmental goals. an incredible project and I have learnt so A day doesn’t go by when Durban-based much about Mandela, his philosophies, Singh doesn’t have a checklist as long as ‘But for mother/carer and child to his understanding of human frailty and her arm. benefit, it has to begin with sound knowledge and grounded ethics.’ human needs.’ Wife of film producer, Anant Singh and Being part of a high-profile family, mother of two school-going children, The modules that make up the training especially one that is closely associated Singh devotes most of her working day are: with the international movie world, – ‘between family commitments’ - to • An Introductory Course on Managing inevitably means a great deal of travel, initiatives that support the not-for-profit an Early Childhood Development entertaining and attending glamorous NGO, Save the Children KwaZulu-Natal Service (ECD); red-carpet functions. (SCKZN). • An ETDP SETA SAQA Accredited ‘But at the end of the day, it is the ‘For me, the care and support of Course on ‘Managing an ECD Service’; ordinary things of life that count,’ she vulnerable children in this country is a • In addition SCKZN annually trains says. ‘It’s about team-work. It’s about responsibility that cannot be ignored. approximately 600 cooks and ensuring that your children grow up with So much has to be done. The future gardeners at ECD Centers on the the right values. It’s about respecting the of a country depends on a healthy and nutritional needs of young children and independence and distinctive qualities of nurtured younger generation. Whatever sustainable food gardening. each person.’ I can do to achieve a better outcome for ‘We assist and encourage all ECD children, that’s what I want to do. That’s Services to meet the minimum where I want to be.’
UKZNTOUCH 77 UKZNTOUCH 77 Mr Vusumuzi ‘Fanle’ Sibisi Elected 78 Sithembile Shabangu Sithembile Convocation His job involves assessing routes His jobinvolvesassessingroutes Sibisi. other modesoflandtransport,’ said mostly dealwiththetaxiindustry and ‘It isachallengingjobbecausewe Regulatory Entity). Department ofTransport(Provincial an AssessorattheKwaZulu-Natal degree in2007,currentlyworksas Sibisi, whograduatedwithaBAdmin entirety,’ hesaid. of graduatesandtheUniversityinits and highlyappreciatedbythesociety great honour,infact,Ifeelhumbled ‘Being PresidentofConvocationisa Convocation Executivemembers. representatives onCouncilandsix President alongwithtwo elected asthenewConvocation known as‘Fanle’.He wasrecently Vusumuzi WisemanSibisi,also Heading thatkeygroupisMr future. champion of theUniversity’s and isregardedasanimportant the Universityof KwaZulu-Natal the largeststakeholdergroupof The 115000-strongalumniis ‘Fanle’ Sibisi. Convocation President,MrVusumuzi inConvocation His challengeistogetallGraduatesparticipate CONVOCATION PRESIDENT UKZN WELCOMES NEW UKZN TOUCH
soccer player and a supporter of soccer playerandasupporterof Hospital. Inhisyouthhewasanavid general assistantatApplesbosch up byhismother,whoworksasa Sibisi, afatherofthree,wasbrought resulted instudentstrikeaction. through miscommunication,usually disadvantaged communities,which, faced bystudentswhocomefrom teaching andlearningchallenges difficult financial,housing,and Sibisi understandssomeofthe community inKwaZulu-Natal, Born andraisedinMtulwa,arural University ingeneral. qualifications aswellofthe the integrityofUniversity’s He saidtheyvowedtoprotect the executiveteamwouldovercome. challenge thathebelievedand responsibility remainedanenormous However, hesaidthenew of theUniversity,’hesaid. figures mustserveasAmbassadors to societalneedsandallprominent ‘As aUniversityweneedtorespond collectively shapedtheUniversity. sector wouldensurethatthey Government officialsandtheprivate fostering newrelationshipswith He addedthatmaintainingand enhanced,’ hesaid. with theCouncilofUniversityare good workingrelationsestablished heights. We needtoensurethat Convocation anditsroletogreater ‘Our dutyistoensurethatwetake Convocation. all graduatestoparticipatein it remainedachallengetoget tenure, 29-year-old Sibisi said Asked abouthisplansduring operators ortaxiassociations. conflict anddisputesbetweentaxi conflict isavoided,andmediating of taxiassociationstoensurethat applied forbyindividualmembers the key. Communication, hebelieves,is example inachievingtheirgoals. opportunities toleadbypositive Today’s SRCnowhasseveral students themselves.’ and representstudentsbetterthan for sureisthatnobodycandefend or weaknessforthem.Butonething committees, whetherit’sastrength look intotheissueofsittingontender unshaken. Studentleadersmustalso so thatwhenyouargue,remain ‘It remainsimportantnottocorrupt University community.’ the DeanofStudentsaswell and alsogoodworkingrelationswith requires researchcapacitybuilding, the mostforstudentsandthat leaders mustfocusonwhatmatters student leadershesaid:‘Student Advising currentandupcoming representative onCouncil. Mashita, currentConvocation Natal undertheleadershipofSammy Chairperson ofSASCOinKwaZulu- was electedtoserveastheDeputy years instudentpoliticswaswhenhe simultaneously. Thehighlightofhis and Coastlandsresidences the House CommitteeatKillarney branch andservedasamemberof Deputy ChairoftheANCYL inthe as aGenderOfficerinSASCO, the and theANCYL.He waselected Westville wherehejoinedSASCO at theformerUniversityofDurban- He participatedinstudentpolitics after themergerin2006–2007. Council President(Westville Campus) first electedStudentRepresentative between 2006and2007,the a memberoftheUKZNSoccerteam House Committeememberin2008; a numberofstructures,suchas He hasservedtheUniversityin Orlando Pirates.
Out between alumniandtheir development. Thiscreatesafoundationforlong-termbond with essentiallife/career-skills requiredfortheircareer at Workshop Programmesassiststheserecentgraduates University. Theattendanceandsupportofyounggraduates now representsthecurrentdemographicprofileof attendees ateventshaschangeddramaticallyand popular events.Thedemographicprofileofthegraduate contact throughtheorganisingofcontemporaryand graduates withwhomtheUniversitypreviouslyhadminimal 17 800alumni.Relationshipshavebeenbuiltwith internationally havebeenattendedbyatotalofalmost A varietyofeventsco-ordinated bothlocallyand provide our Office withtheiremailaddresses. –andencourageallalumnitoplease 2011 December – anincreaseof almostemail addressessince 5000 a total of088emailaddressesfor32 thesealumni within Southinternationally). Africaand7278 Wehave communicated(106 964 withstandsat114242 stake-holder group. Thenumberof alumni currently KwaZulu-Natal andourlargest alumni–theUniversity’s of maintained relationshipstheUniversity between theAlumniIn 2012 RelationsOffice establishedand Message fromtheAlumniRelationsTeam development and promotion of the University through development andpromotionofthe Universitythrough it ishopedthattheChapterswillfurther thegeneral their futureplans.Inadditiontothe benefitstostudents, channel toexpressconcernsabout issuespertainingto for discussionwithUKZNgraduates fromthefieldanda skills development,careerprospects,provideaforum intended toassiststudentswithnetworkingopportunities, in 2011andcontinued2012.TheseChaptersare a commonorsimilarcareerpath–wereestablished students fromaparticularFacultyorSchool –whoshare The formationofeightStudentChapterscomprising Govender andMrsEsméEstrice. From left:MrFinnChristensen,MrsFikisileMabaso,MsDesiree alma mater alma . &About
lasting relationshipswithyou. near futureandwelcomesuggestionsonhowwecanbuild We lookforwardtothepossibilityofmeetingyouin addresses. details onaregularbasisandtoprovideuswiththeiremail Finally, werequestallalumnitoupdatetheircontact reunions isalsoincludedinthispublication. Reunion anda‘MusicSchool’Reunion.Informationonthese will takeplaceinAprilandthesearea‘MedicalGraduate’ ordinated. Ofsignificancearetwoimportantreunionswhich In 2013–anumberofeventsandactivitieswillbeco- Executive Committeeisincludedinthispublication. Convocation AnnualGeneralMeetingandthe contribution duringtheirtermofoffice.Informationonthe the formerConvocationExecutivefortheircommitmentand wish themwellwiththeirportfolio.Wealsowanttothank Convocation AnnualGeneralMeetinginMay2012andwe A newConvocationExecutiveCommitteewaselectedatthe – especiallyamongstourinternationally-based alumni. linked totheAlumniDatabaseandhasbecomeverypopular contact withafellowgraduateviaspeciallydesignedportal is ‘Find-a-Friend’. Thisinitiativeallowsagraduatetomake A furtherelectronicdevelopment/initiativeimplemented distributed atgraduations. Facebook andTwitterthroughinformationpackages newsletter, theupdatedandinteractiveAlumniwebsite, The AlumniRelationsTeam With ourverybestwishes alumnus publication strategies includingemailandpostalcommunication,the events, wehaveinteractedwithalumniviaavarietyofmedia endeavours oftheUKZNFoundation.Inadditionto alumni andinprovidingasoundplatformforthefund-raising significantly contributedtobuildinggoodrelationshipswith international eventsheldintheUK,AustraliaandUSA– Relations/UKZN Foundationeventsincludinganumberof The aboveevents–togetherwiththejointAlumni publication. Additional informationontheSchemeisincludedinthis are allUKZNgraduatesnowpermanentlybasedintheUK. in theUK.TheUKMentorshipSchemehasmentorswho supporting UKZNgraduateswhowishtorelocatestudy in theUK–commenced2012andisaimedatassisting/ attended. AUKZNgraduateMentorshipScheme–piloted Bay AlumnusLunchwereverypopularandallwell films inDurbanandPietermaritzburgtheRichards New initiatives–suchasthepre-release screeningof graduation tomaintaincloselinkswiththeUniversity. student inputandadviceencouragestudentsupon UKZNTouch , the bi-monthly electronic , thebi-monthly electronic UKZN TOUCH
79 Out &About Out&About UKZN Extended Learning (UEL)
Simon Tankard partner clients. The CEO of UKZN Extended Learning, Mr Simon Tankard, is upbeat about Open courses cover a wide range of opportunities to meet the practical subjects and skills areas, including general development needs of individuals and management, finance, leadership and organisations across sectors and governance, and nutrition science, and markets: ‘Our priority is to provide are offered to prospective delegates relevant education that has direct from business, the public sector and the impact in addressing multiple needs community. - particularly in the context of Africa In addition, UEL works closely with as a dynamic, developing region of Ms Caroline Harben, Chairperson: UKZN corporate clients to understand their significant importance to the globe’s Alumnus Association in Europe, and Mr specific needs and people development long term economic growth and Simon Tankard, CEO: UKZN Extended requirements and to develop customised sustainability. Learning, met in Oxford, England in courses that provide experiential, active ‘We aim to achieve this by providing a August 2012 to discuss possibilities in learning opportunities intended for world class portfolio of short courses education. delegates to have a direct immediate and career development initiatives that impact on their return to their are relevant and that meet the practical practitioners and members of business organisations. needs of individuals and organisations, organisations who wish to increase their UEL extends a warm invitation to alumni underpinned by the substantial academic knowledge and competency, or employees of UKZN to contact us to discuss your research, teaching and learning resources of organisations in the public sector or specific requirements and suggestions and capability of the University of KwaZulu- the community tasked to work on specific across learning and development Natal,’ said Tankard. projects. areas of importance to you and your Delegates attending courses with UEL UEL’s courses can last from one day to organisations. may be members of the public who wish to several weeks and UEL also travels to Tankard can be contacted directly via study a subject for personal development different geographic locations to meet email at: [email protected] or out of general interest, professional the learning and development needs of
Leadership and Project Management Workshops
Sithembile Shabangu UKZN’s Alumni Relations Office hosted a two-day leadership workshop followed by a two-day project management training workshop for the University’s April 2012 graduates and graduates from other institutions. The workshops on the Westville campus were designed to provide leadership and project management skills to alumni to use in the corporate world. The range and diversity of participants proved the workshops appeal to not only recent graduates but also to older, experienced graduates. affecting project managers. Participants included business owners, professors, recently A variety of activities encouraged teamwork and employed graduates, postgraduate students, engineers, communication while there was also an opportunity for the contractors and aviation industry representatives from all alumni to network. over KwaZulu-Natal. ‘These workshops assist in building long lasting relationships The workshops were facilitated by Ms Vani Moodley, an between the University and the graduates – many of whom internationally accredited trainer with extensive experience in are starting out on careers which require skills such as South Africa and Africa. project management and leadership,’ said Alumni Relations Manager, Mr Finn Christensen. In the project management workshop, graduates learned about a range of skills needed to create a successful project The workshops, held annually, have previously included topics plan. Areas discussed included establishing and leading a such as CV writing, interview skills, entrepreneurship, project good team, communication, structures of a project plan, management and leadership. Alumni Relations welcomes understanding the lifecycle of a project and a range of issues suggestions from graduates on other workshop topics.
80 UKZNTOUCH his thanks to Convex and the University stakeholders for the his thankstoConvexandtheUniversitystakeholdersfor Former ConvocationPresident,MrSandileNgcobo,extended art collectionsinthesouthernhemisphere. Campbell LibrarywithpricelesscollectionsandthebestAfrican Campbell familywhobequeathedthehomeandKillie towards thedevelopmentofWestvillecampus,and the JoosubFamilyTrustwhichmadeagenerousdonation McCord whofoughttirelesslytoestablishtheMedicalSchool; College building;missionariesMrAlanTaylorandJames of moneyinmemoryhissonHoward toconstructtheHoward He acknowledgedMrTBDaviswhodonatedasubstantialsum own richhistorytorelate. make donationstotheUniversity.He saideachcampushadits individuals andthefamilieswhohadmadecontinuedto MakgobaoutlinedthehistoryofUniversityandthanked future oftheInstitution. 115 000alumni)andwasanimportantvoicetochangethe stakeholder groupingattheUniversity(UKZNhasover He remindedtheaudiencethatConvocationwaslargest You candoit,’saidMakgoba. engineers, accountants,doctorsandscientistsamongothers. to obtainaHigher Educationqualification.Ourcountryneeds to createscholarshipsforourstudentsindesperateneed to theUniversity.‘UKZN’salumnihaveloyaltyanddevotion Malegapuru Makgoba,urgedConvocationmemberstogiveback Guest speaker,UKZNVice-Chancellor andPrincipal,Professor members werealsoelected. while twoCouncilrepresentativesandsixConvocationExecutive Mr FanleSibisi waselectedasthenewConvocationPresident is administeredbytheRegistrar’sOffice. Office oftheCorporateRelationsDivisionandvotingprocess This isaninstitutionaleventorganisedbytheAlumniRelations 130 alumni. Meeting ontheWestvillecampusattendedbymorethan were electedattheConvocation’srecentAnnualGeneral New UKZN ConvocationExecutiveCommitteemembers New Sithembile Shabangu Sithembile Ms AnnDruce. Mr GordonDruce, MrFinnChristensenand elected ConvocationPresident,Mr FanleSibisi, From left:Attendingthemoviepremier werenewly- UKZN ConvocationExecutive
Out UKZN’s AlumniRelations Office. Melissa Mungroo verbal updateat the venue.’ ‘This eventisagoodwayforalumnitokeepintouchwiththeir Alumnus MsJulie-May Ellingson,CEOofDurban’sICC,wasamongtheguests. attended apremiereof themovie More than270alumniaccompaniedby partnersandfamily members MOVIE PREMIEREFORALUMNI us toupdatealumni ontheir ‘It isagoodwayofnetworkingwith ouralumniandprovidesanopportunityfor with achancetointeractcolleagues. Ms EsmeEstriceoftheAlumniRelations Officesaidtheeventsprovidedalumni holds aMastersdegreeinTown and RegionalPlanningfromUKZN. and oldfriends.AndI’lldefinitelybe comingtothenextone,’saidEllingson,who
&About ProfessorDeliaNorth(SenateRepresentative onConvex) • MrAubreyMbona(SupportStaff RepresentativeonConvex) • MsBandileXaba • MsBavelileHlongwa • MsJoyNdlovu(Vice-President) • MrSbuGumbi • MrSifisoMncube • MsThembekaDlungwane(Treasurer) • MrSammyMashita(ConvocationRepresentative onCouncil) • MrThokozaniMagwaza(ConvocationRepresentative on • MrFanleSibisi(PresidentandChair ofConvocation) • following members: The NewConvocationExecutiveCommitteecomprisesthe position,’ hesaid. bottom ofmyheart.You havehelpedmegrowinmyleadership valuable supportduringhistermofoffice.‘Ithankyoufromthe (Convocation RepresentativeonCouncil),andSifisoMncube. Dlungwane (ConvocationTreasurer), ThokozaniMagwaza Council) andFront:SibusisoGumbi,BavelileHlongwa,Thembeka Xaba andSammyMashita(ConvocationRepresentativeon Convocation), FanleSibisi(PresidentofBandile From left,back:AubreyMbona,JoyNdlovu(Vice-President of Council) alma mater alma
Friends with Kids with Friends through information packages and a throughinformation packagesanda asguestsof UKZN alma mater alma TOUCH
81 Out&About Out&About Law Student Chapter Meetings
Thandiwe Jumo Law students aiming to be prosecutors were informed about the career – and in particular the Trainee Prosecutor Programme - during Law Student Chapter meetings held on the Pietermaritzburg and Howard College campuses. The goal of the two events was to give students an opportunity to engage with legal representatives about skills development, career prospects and other opportunities available to them once they obtained their qualifications and joined the work force. The meetings were co-ordinated by the Alumni Relations office of the Corporate Relations Division (CRD) and were attended Public Prosecutor, Ms Xoliswa Ndoyana and Director of University by a total of about 280 students, a Convocation Executive Relations, Mr Len Mzimela, addressing students during the Law member and staff from both the School of Law and CRD. Student Chapter meeting. Guest speakers from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Senior Public Prosecutors Ms Roshiela Benimadho give each candidate individual attention. We will equip each and Ms Xoliswa Ndoyana, briefed students on the Aspirant candidate with basic and practical skills on how to interpret Prosecutor Programme offered by the NPA. The prestigious and understand Statutes. I have been with the NPA for 22 programme offers 200 candidates prosecutor training years and I can tell you that law is not a stagnant career,’ annually. she said. Ndoyana warned students of the gruelling selection process. The impressive turn out at both events was an indication that ‘We only accept 10 candidates for each centre (there are 20 students are keen to find out about opportunities open to them centres in South Africa) because the tutor has to be able to and to discuss their future plans. Alumnus and donor Gauteng gathering in Cape Town Alumnus Finn Christensen The Alumni Lunch Relations Office co-ordinated Finn Christensen an alumnus Graduates from UKZN and the former Universities of Natal and donor and Durban-Westville as well as donors/friends of the get-together in University attended the annual alumnus/donor lunch meeting Cape Town on in Parktown North in Johannesburg on Sunday, 13 May. Saturday, 17 The event brought together alumni of all age groups and March. professions and enabled those living in both the Johannesburg The annual event and Pretoria areas to attend. In addition to alumni, the UKZN took the form of a three-course dinner at the Vineyard Hotel Foundation invited several friends/donors of the University to in Newlands which provided an ideal opportunity for the 58 the lunch. alumni, donors and friends of UKZN who attended to renew old The lunch, organised by the Alumni Relations Office, provided acquaintances and meet fellow alumni. an opportunity for alumni to meet old friends, network, share Guests were updated on developments at their alma mater experiences of their university days and to receive information through thought-provoking and informative talks given by Ms on their alma mater. Nomonde Mbadi: Executive Director of Corporate Relations, The guest speaker at the event was Deputy Vice-Chancellor: and Professor Renuka Vithal, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching Teaching and Learning, Professor Renuka Vithal, while and Learning. Guests received information packs containing Executive Director of Corporate Relations at UKZN, Ms a selection of University publications and a corporate gift. Nomonde Mbadi, provided an update on activities at the A similar event took place in Johannesburg in May for all University. Guests received information packs which contained Gauteng-based alumni and donors. a range of University publications and information sheets.
82 UKZNTOUCH the world, being one of only four African the world,being oneofonlyfourAfrican inclusion inthetop 500universitiesin Education intermsofresearch and the leadersinSouthAfricanHigher highlighted thattheUniversityis among Relations, MsNomondeMbadi. It was Executive DirectorofUKZNCorporate with questionsbeingfieldedbythe UKZN Foundation,MrBrunovanDyk by theExecutiveDirectorof A shorttalkwasgivenatthemeeting in Australia. cultivating relationshipswithalumni graduates inanattempttobegin was toreconnectwithUKZN The purposeof theeventinSydney Dyk van Bruno Sydney Finn Christensen University. Mr Fanle Sibisi spoke on the University. MrFanleSibisispokeonthe UKZN andprovidedanupdateonthe welcomed everyoneonbehalfof addressed thegathering.MsMbadi Sibisi, PresidentofConvocation,also of CorporateRelations,andMrFanle Ms NomondeMbadi,ExecutiveDirector wide rangeofquestions. her talkmostinformativeandaskeda Higher Education.’Theaudiencefound University ofNatal,spokeon‘Trendsin the OpenUniversityandofformer Gourley, formerVice-Chancellorof Guest speakerProfessorBrenda Paralympics function. was unavailableduetoa2012 venue of SouthAfrica Housewhich was achangefrom thetraditional Thames on5September.Thevenue Bankside Galleryoverlooking theRiver the brightandconvenientlysituated attended by75people -washeldat Alumnus AssociationinEurope– The annualfunction of UKZN’s GA ALUMNUS ASSOCIA THERING INLONDO alumnus/donor event attendees toreadabouttheir information weredistributed,allowing graduates. FolderswiththelatestUKZN able tonetworkandcatch-up withfellow served afterthetalksandguestswere South Africancanapésanddrinkswere for theirtermofoffice. the plansConvocationExecutivehad importance ofConvocationandoutlined Nomonde MbadiandMrFinnChristensen. Brenda Gourley(GuestSpeaker),Ms From left:MrLenMzimela,Professor mater laude closely withthem inthefuture! few yearsandtointeractingmore graduates inAustraliaoverthe next increasing itspresenceamong The Universitylooksforwardto Australian-based graduates. presence ofUKZNamongitsmany ongoing commitmenttogrowingthe the University’sworkandofferof grateful fortheircontinuedinterestin successful outing.UKZNisextremely all thatwasnecessarytoensurea found ‘lostalumni’andgenerallydid arrange theevent,contactedand Plummer helpedtheUniversity Ms RuthThorntonandLenore graduated women. Ofthesegraduates,371 held inAprilthisyear- 62%being students graduatedatceremonies under-graduate andpost-graduate It wasalsomentionedthat8832 universities includedinthiscategory. ofwhich58%werewomen. attheirleisure. Out cum laude cum N TION &About or summa cum cum summa alma alma Relations calendar. Relations calendar. to beanannualeventontheAlumni alumni whoattendedandwillcontinue The eventwaswellreceivedbythe54 schedules. Durban areaandwhohadverybusy accessible tothosefromoutsidethe make studyingattheUniversitymore engage withbusinessandstudentsto Migiro emphasisedhiswillingnessto School ofBusinessandLeadership. programmes availableattheGraduate a comprehensiveoverviewofthenew Professor StephenMigiro,whogave School ofBusinessandLeadership, the DeanandHead oftheGraduate The mainaddresswaspresentedby achievements oftheUniversity. as wellhighlightingthenumerous undertaken topromoterelationships and themanyactivities/projects latest developmentsattheUniversity Len Mzimela,updatedguestsonthe Relations andMarketingSupport,Mr achievements, DirectorofUniversity interventions, developmentsand Promoting theUniversity’songoing Mr FanleSibisi. President andChairofConvocation, Executive members,includingthe of therecently-elected Convocation opportunity foralumnitomeetsome opportunity. Italsoprovidedanideal networking andinformationsharing friends oftheUniversityasareunion, The lunchwasorganisedforalumniand Richards Bay. at theProteaHotelWaterfront in Corporate Relations Division,washeld UKZN’s Alumni Relations Office, An alumnuslunch,organisedby Bay Richards lunch in Alumnus Finn Christensen UKZN TOUCH
83 Out&About Class Notes Keeping in touch!
awarded the 2011 ‘Werner L. Martin avidly follows Formula 1, means of support. 1950s Nelson Award’ by the Fluid Fertilizer the Super Rugby, Tri-Nations and E-mail: [email protected] Foundation at their annual meeting 6-nations Tournaments. Email: Robin Lee - BA’59, BA(Hon)’60, in Scottsdale, Arizona, February [email protected] Thavrin Manickum – BSc’86, PhD(Arts)’71 20, 2012. The award recognises BSc(Hon)’87, PhD(Sc)’93 outstanding contributions in the Gillian McLaren (neé Robin studied at the Pietermaritzburg development of soil fertility practices Coetzee) – BSc’76, HEd (PG)’77 After a short period of employment Campus from 1957-1960 and taught and plant nutrition management to as a Chemist at Fine Chemicals, at schools in London in 1961-1962. increase crop yields for the benefit Gillian is a travel writer, based in Cape Town (1994-1996), Thavrin He lectured in English at Wits from of the North American farmer and Johannesburg. She is married to was employed as a Medical Scientist 1963-1971, receiving his PhD degree consumer. Derrick holds an Endowed Professor Grant McLaren and has a at Chemical Pathology, IALC in 1971. In 1971 Robin established Chair in International Crop Physiology son in first year BSc at UCT. Hospital, Durban, from 1997- the Educational Technology Unit at and is a fellow of the Crop Science www.gillianmclaren.blogspot.com 2007. He is currently employed as Wits. He left the university in 1974 to Society of America and the Agronomy Email: [email protected] Senior Scientist at Umgeni Water, work on teacher upgrading projects in Society of America. Email: oosterhu@ Pietermaritzburg, since March rural black primary schools. In 1977 uark.edu Geraldine Georgia Krause 2008 and has recently published he joined the Urban Foundation and (neé Bruss) – BA’77, BA (Hon)’78, articles in prestigious journals, like: MA’81 remained there until 1986, holding Lin Gravelet-Blondin – Journal of Chromatography B and Hydrology: Current Research. He the post of Managing Director from BSc’73, BSc(Hon)’74 Geraldine now resides in Göettingen, has also obtained the B Min degree 1983 onwards. In 1987 Robin was a Germany, working as a freelance Lin completed his BSc(Hons) (cum laude), from Calvary University Visiting Scholar at Harvard Business Business and General English trainer Chemistry in 1973 at the through part-time study in 2010, and School and from 1988 to 1990 he mainly at the University of Göettingen Pietermaritzburg Campus and then is also Administrator/Lecturer of established and worked at the Centre as well as at the Adult Education started his working life in Windhoek the Ephesus Bible School, at Ephesus for Policy Studies. After five years Centre and at various international for the Department of Water Church, Northdale, Pietermaritzburg. as an independent development companies based in Göettingen. Affairs. After some three months He has received various awards consultant, he was invited in 1996 Email: [email protected] he was transferred to Pretoria and nominations from the American to take the position of Dean of the Faculty of Management at Wits. He and spent most of his time doing Biographical Institute, United Kingdom research: analytical water quality Jerome Truran – and his Biography will appear in retired in 2000 and now resides in BSc’78,BSc(Hon)’83 Hermanus, Western Cape. chemistry including publishing two Marquis Who’s Who in the World Email: [email protected] papers. In 1980 Lin transferred to After High School at St John’s College, 2012 (29th Edition). Durban and was mainly involved in Johannesburg, Jerome chose to study Email: Thavrin.manickum@umgeni. 1960s water pollution control, waste and on the Pietermaritzburg Campus, co.za waste water,effluent management, because that is where the white emergency incident management Martin Milton - BA’86 Michael J P Miller - water of South Africa is (what better and contaminated land remediation. reason for choosing one’s institution BSocSc’69 (Psychology and Martin lives in London. Since getting During the nineties he took over of tertiary education) and therein Statistics) his BA degree from UKZN in 1985 he management of this section and was lies his life story. He turned down received his BA (Hons) Degree from Michael graduated at the former involved in the drafting of the National vet school at Onderstepoort and left UNISA, and MA from Antioch and UND in 1969 before joining Unilever Water Act including representing the country to paddle competitively DPsych from City University London. in Durban as a Trainee Manager. He the Department on a number of before he got too old! Jerome has He is a practising psychologist and subsequently enjoyed a corporate committees/investigations both had great experiences racing and psychotherapist with an appointment career with several British and locally and overseas. In 2009 he doing expeditions all over the world at the University of Surrey, Guildford American multinational corporations retired from the Department and and it gave him two of life’s great UK and a practice in SW London. His over the next 25 years rising to now has his own consulting business gifts - health and friends. He lives on first edited book Therapy and Beyond: the level of Marketing Director and dealing with much of the same issues. Vancouver Island, just off the SW tip of Counselling psychology contributions Managing Director in South Africa, the Lin would like to hear from fellow Canada, in Victoria, British Columbia. to therapeutic and social issues United Kingdom and beyond. In 1997 graduates from the same third and Jerome is on Facebook and for the (2010) published by Wiley Blackwell he established Sapro in South Africa Hons year. ‘old school’ there’s always email. and his second Diagnosis and Beyond: and the UK which led to the launch Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] of The South African Shop retail and Counselling psychology contributions online businesses in the UK. Having Martin Malden - BA’76 to understanding human distress has sold the retail and online businesses 1980s just recently been published by PCCS last year, his team is about to launch Martin lived in the UK for 16 books. new e-commerce sites specialising in years working first in the Financial Johan van Zijl – PhD(Ed)’80 Email: [email protected] Services industry, ending up in the South African products and services. Johan worked in the fields of Email: [email protected] City of London during the ‘Big Bang’ Philip A. (Tony) Donovan – developments, and then mobile psychology and education. He and his MAgricMgmt’87, PhD(Agric)’90 telecoms when cellular was first wife Annemarie (BSc(Hons)’82) live 1970s introduced. After setting up a small in McGregor in the Western Cape Philip has had his ‘Writing & telecoms consultancy in the UK, and run a charity which provides Presenting Papers & Reports for Derrick Oosterhuis - he moved to Hong Kong in January a safe home for aged, abused and Scientists & Technologists’ published BSc(Agric)’70 1995 for a three-month project - and rescued donkeys. Eseltjiesrus Donkey on-line by the South African Sugar 17 years later he is still there. He Sanctuary www.donkeysanctuary.co.za Technologist Association. Derrick is a Professor in the now has his own company designing also provides support, advice and Email: [email protected] Department of Crop, Soil, and websites and still does consultancy rehabilitation to donkey owners across Environmental Sciences, University projects in the telecom industry. the country, often in poverty-stricken of Arkansas, Fayetteville – He was areas where the donkey is the sole
84 UKZNTOUCH Class Notes is a collection of short biographies sent to us by alumni from all over the world, highlighting their personal Contacts and Social Media Links and professional achievements. Through Notes these notes, alumni keep in touch and find Facebook and Twitter old friends. Please join us on these popular Social Networking sites. If you are not already a Robert McCullough - Charmaine Schwenn – BA’93, member, sign up now and connect with the University BCom’87, Llb’89 Llb’95 of KwaZulu-Natal Alumni Relations Office where Robert was a magistrate from 1993 Charmaine is a partner at the law you can make contact with fellow alumni and keep until 2008, thereafter immigrated to firm Tate, Nolan & Knight and was up to date with all the latest news, forthcoming Vancouver, Canada. He was called Chairperson of KZN Women in events and information on your alma mater. as a Barrister and Solicitor and is Business 2010 - 2011. In 2011 In-House counsel for the Insurance she was recognised for her role Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Durban- Corporation of British Columbia. He in developing and growing the South-Africa/UKZN-Alumni/100665579978579 is married to Shelley (neé Common) company and for contributing to the BA’88, BA(Hon)’89, HDE‘91. Shelley upliftment and empowerment of Twitter: http://twitter.com/UKZNAlumni taught at Port Shepstone Senior women, being awarded first place in Primary School, Kokstad Primary the legal category of South Africa’s Find-a-Friend school, Prestbury Primary School Most Influential Women in Business (Pietermaritzburg) and Laddsworth and Government Awards. She was Primary School (Hilton). She was Head headhunted by Tate, Nolan & Knight Find-a-Friend allows you to locate and contact of Department of Senior Primary Attorneys in 2001, becoming a fellow alumni – to access this system, please and was also Acting Principal at director in 2007, and partner in visit: http://un.kidzafrica.co.za/FindAFriend Laddsworth. She now teaches at Lions 2009. Charmaine has twice been Gate Christian Academy in North a finalist in the Business Women’s Vancouver. Robert and Shelley have Association Regional Business Careers two children Nicholas (15) and Robyn Achiever Awards – Professional (12). They welcome contact with old Category (2008 and 2010) and in friends. Email: [email protected] 2009 was a finalist in the Feather The Alumni Relations Office is delighted to provide a career Awards, Courageous Woman ‘Super-Highway’ for our alumni, between yourselves and 1990s Category. the top companies in South Africa. This portal will provide Email: [email protected] current high profile jobs and career opportunities for you to Dudu Msomi – BA’92, consider, and apply directly to: Go here to view the careers BA(Hon)’93 Colin Marx - AdvDip’96(AdEd), B.SocSc’89, BSocSc(Hon)’90, webpage - Dudu is founder and Chief Executive MTRP’92 http://alumniaffairs.ukzn.ac.za/Careers/careers.aspx of Busara Leadership Partners, a Colin is a Lecturer in Land Planning research-orientated strategic advisory and Management in the Global South Keeping in touch service and consulting company at the Development Planning Unit, whose competence and expertise are University College London. leadership, governance and strategy. Email: [email protected] Provide the Alumni Relations office with 10 email addresses Dudu’s experience spans diverse of UKZN alumni that are not on our database and we will industries such as retail, advertising, Zama Madlala - BSocSc’98, send you a UKZN mug. Email: [email protected] financial services, consulting and BSocSc(Hon)’99 professional services. In addition to the qualifications received from UKZN, Zama is a talent Manager and an Contact Dudu has a postgraduate diploma HR Practitioner for African Rainbow in Advertising and Marketing (AAA Minerals. She has a passion to make School of Advertising); postgraduate a positive change to communities and Alumni Relations Office: diploma in Corporate Governance South Africa at large. Phone: +27 (0) 31 260- 2958/2016/2947/2823 (RAU); Programme for Management Email: [email protected] Fax: +27 (0) 31 260-3265 Development (GIBS) and a Masters in Email: [email protected] Business Administration (GIBS). Email: dudum@ 2000s Web Address: http://alumniaffairs.ukzn.ac.za busaraleadershippartners.co.za Elsa Tsilimigras (neé Dupen) - BSc’05 (Statistics and Andrew Cooper – BSc’93 Eng Economics) Cum Laude, BSc’06 (Electrical) (Hon) (Statistics) summa cum laude Andrew and his wife, Kim, recently Elsa is married and lives in Durban moved to Kamloops, British Columbia, North. She works as a Location Canada. He is working as a Energy Planner for Massdiscounters Specialist with New Gold at the New (Game and DionWired Head Office). Afton Mine. Massdiscounters which falls under E-mail: [email protected] the Massmart stable has recently been acquired by Wal-Mart, so she now works for the ‘largest company in the world’. Email: [email protected]
UKZNTOUCH 85
Mentoring
You and your spouse/partner are scheme for cordially invited to the Reunion of Music Graduates and Staff new UZN (with live musical entertainment and guest speakers) hosted by alumni University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Alumni Relations Office and School of Arts: Music Date arriving in Friday, 12 April 2013
Time 18:00 for 18:30 the UK
Venue Centre for Jazz and Popular Music (CJPM) UKZN’s Alumnus Association in Europe has (Shepstone Level 3, Howard College Campus) launched a scheme to mentor new alumni from the University who arrive in the United Kingdom and need assistance with Cost settling in. R150.00 per person Discussing the arrangement, Chair of the (Includes a three-course dinner and selected drinks) association, Ms Caroline Harben, said: ‘I have long wanted to get this scheme off the Seating is limited, early booking is advised ground. Anyone living here knows how difficult RSVP by Monday, 28 January 2013 to Esmé Estrice on it is when first arriving in the country to find out what you need to know to get settled. Tel: 031 260 2016 Obviously this applied at one time or another Email: [email protected] to all UKZN alumni and it seems obvious INSPIRING GREATNESS to me to try and harness the knowledge of others to help new arrivals.’ The scheme will be piloted this year by four mentors – Harben and three volunteers, UKZN UNB Medical Ms Zeena Mansoor, Ms Sebenzile Dlamini School Reunion: and Mr Dave Kolitz – with progress being 5-8 April 2013 reported on at the next Annual Meeting of the association in the UK. This reunion is open to all graduates of UKZN UNB Medical Alumni wanting to make use of the service School including the teachers at Medical School, Post-Graduate need to register with the UKZN Alumni Students and former staff of the Alan Taylor Residence Relations office in Durban which will forward details to the UK. The reunion will take the form of a sea-cruise on the Sinfonia from 5-8 April 2013. The free mentoring service will comprise Arrangements, Bookings and Payments: The Reunion Committee telephonic contact with a mentor for a period has now settled on a company which will co-ordinate all activities of about three months with advice being with respect to the reunion. Please contact this company to given on basic issues such as tax, the NHS, make all your arrangements, bookings and payments. immigration, transport and banking. It is not Name of Company: Africa on the Move. Contact person: Claire designed to substitute professional advice but Contact details: Tel: 031 767 9516, Cell: 082 8187 592, will help identify where advice may be needed. Fax: 086 6590 584 or e-mail: [email protected] Anyone wanting to use the service should For more information on the reunion, Sinfonia or bookings, contact the Alumni Relations office at please contact: Dr M F (Faruk) Mahomed (Chairperson - Reunion [email protected] Committee). Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Please see registration form on the following Tel: 031 902 2798/ 031 902 9740, Fax: 031 902 5732 and page. Cell: 083 2311 137. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ groups/274654905936755/ With our very best wishes The Alumni Relations Team
86 UKZNTOUCH REGISTRATION FORM UKZN ALUMNUS ASSOCIATION IN EUROPE • NEW ARRIVAL MENTORING SCHEME IN THE UK
Date: DD / MM / YYYY
To: Alumni Relations Office, UKZN, Durban ([email protected])
I would like to apply to join the New Arrivals Mentoring Scheme in the UK, and agree to the conditions contained in the guidelines as described below: I recognise the need to be registered and submit the following information in support of my application:
Full Name:
ID Number:
Current Address:
Years of Attendance at UKZN:
Campus: Edgewood Howard College Medical School Pietermaritzburg Westville
Potential date of arrival in the UK:
Signature: (Signature required as agreement to guideline conditions).
Date:
Guidelines as to how the scheme will work
All people wanting to avail themselves of the scheme need to register through Durban – to check their credentials and veracity. Thereafter, once they have been registered, the Alumni Relations Office in Durban will forward details of how to contact the Chairman of the UK Alumni Association, along with some details of circumstances – form to be supplied.
1. Once they have contacted the Chairman, e.g. if s/he needs to know how to get 8. The mentoring will cease immediately and sent in their form, each person will registered with a doctor, apply for if the mentee requests money for any be allocated to a mentor based in the a credit card, know who to contact purpose whatsoever from the mentor. UK and advised of the name and email regarding jobs in his/her field, etc. 9. Termination of the service is at the address of the mentor. 6. The mentor may, but is not obliged to, discretion of either party and can take 2. We expect that most of the mentoring provide contact details of any person place at any time. will take place on the telephone. in the UK. The service is designed to 10.The mentee is required to respect the 3. Each mentee will be entitled to a three help the mentee help him/herself with privacy of the mentor by phoning only by month time period for a maximum of six guidance from a local person who has arrangement. This should be done either phone calls. Each phone call should be been through the same experience. by email or by pre-arrangement when on set up prior to the call (by email), so that 7. The broader network of alumni may a mentoring call. No call can be made the mentor is aware of the requested become an asset (in the form of a spontaneously. call. data base of specialists willing to be 11. We will ask the mentees for feedback at 4. No financial arrangements can be contacted for guidance) for new arrivals, the end of the service so that the service entered into for the provision of such once the scheme is up and running. The can be improved for future mentees. a service. The service is provided free management of the scheme will include retaining details of those experts in one 12. The service will remain strictly of charge and will be done by volunteer confidential, unless the mentor is given UKZN alumni living in the UK. field or another. Alumni will be urged to volunteer to help in their own field, and permission to discuss some issue 5. The content of the service will depend on be willing to be contacted by mentees if with a third party, e.g. UKZN Alumnus the needs of the mentee the field of specialisation is appropriate. Chairman, etc.
UKZNTOUCH 87 BookshelfOn the AFRICAN RESPONSES TO HIV/AIDS Between Speech and Action Edited by Segun Ige and Tim Quinlan
This collection of essays provides a provocative critique of leadership on HIV/AIDS in Africa since the 1980s to the present. It examines the rhetoric on HIV/AIDS which has influenced culture and behaviour, service delivery, policy, the design of national interventions and the varied success of different countries in containing the pandemic. African scholars put into context a host of public and scholarly disputes ranging from AIDS exceptionalism and Thabo Mbeki’s ‘denialism’, to the racist debates on ‘African promiscuity’ and the recent revival of assertions that homosexuality is not an ‘African’ behaviour. The text refers to the record of governments in a wide range of African countries with case studies drawing on the rhetoric of governments and the nature of government leadership in South Africa, The Gambia, Morocco, Zambia and Ethiopia and the African Union’s declarations on HIV/AIDS. What emerges is that the rhetoric is diverse, occasionally logical and effective in terms of informing systemic HIV/ AIDS interventions that improve the welfare of people, and sometimes it is contradictory to the point of absurdity. Segun Ige has a PhD in philosophy from the University of Natal, Durban, specialising in rhetoric and gender. He is currently Consultant/CEO, JOI Consulting, a rhetoric and speech communication consulting firm in Cape Town.
Tim Quinlan was the Research Director of the Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division (HEARD) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal from 2002 to 2010. He now works independently as well as holding a part-time research post at the Athena Institute, Free University, Amsterdam.
Contributors: Ademola Ajuwon • H. Russell Bernard • Judith Flick • Fatima Harrak • Segun Ige • John Lengwe Kunda Shauna Mottiar • Paul Nchoji Nkwi • Stella Nyanzi • Warren Parker • Tim Quinlan • Getnet Tadele • Keyan G. Tomaselli. Available from the University of KwaZulu-Natal Press.
PRODIGAL DAUGHTERS Stories of South African Women in Exile Edited by Lauretta Ngcobo
During the years of apartheid rule in South Africa, many women ‘skipped’ the country and fled into exile to evade harassment, detention, imprisonment and torture by state security forces. Leaving the country of their birth, many took calculated, though dangerous, risks to cross borders. Once in exile, sometimes for several decades, many experienced discrimination, danger, deprivations and the stresses associated with being a foreigner in a strange land. All lived with the distant yet distinct hope that they would one day be able to return to a liberated homeland. In Prodigal Daughters, 18 women tell their intensely personal stories of exile, re-imagining and reliving a past for the sake of fixing in memory narratives that would surely disappear in a country still struggling to shake off the shackles of racial inequality and oppression. Stories of being accepted or rejected in host countries, and equally stories of homecoming, read like bittersweet memories of survival, longing and intrigue. For many of these women, a life in exile enabled their growing realisation that apartheid was just one facet of oppression in the world. It connected with much broader struggles for justice and human rights.
South Africa has yet to fully appreciate the memories and records of life experienced in that ‘desert of exile’, experiences that have helped society become what it is today. ‘It was in exile that I discovered, fell in love with and was loved by the African continent.’ — Brigalia Hlophe Bam ‘What exile did for us was to help us formulate that space which can truly be called home.’ — Baleka Mbete
Lauretta Ngcobo returned to South Africa in 1994 after thirty-one years in exile. She is the author of two politically inspired novels, Cross of Gold and And They Didn’t Die. Lauretta was the winner of the literary lifetime achievement award from the South African Department of Arts and Culture in 2006 and the winner of the Order of Ikhamanga from The Presidency of South Africa for excellent achievement in the field of literature in 2008. Available from the University of KwaZulu-Natal Press.
88 UKZNTOUCH DUSI KING IS PMB CAMPUS 2012 SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR
Winner of the 2012 Dusi Canoe Marathon and the Non-Stop Dusi, Andrew Birkett, is UKZN’s Pietermaritzburg campus Sportsman of the Year. The announcement was made at the 50th annual sports banquet held at the Victoria Country Club at which five full blues and 16 half blues were awarded. Award-winners were selected by the University’s sports executive and sports officers. UKZNTOUCH
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