CSIR-MERAKA STUDENT COLUMN Centre wins top CSIR The UKZN launched award 3 10 Griot 12 UKZNDABA YOUR MONTHLY CAMPUS NEWSPAPER • V O L U M E 8 • NUMBER 11/12 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 UKZN lauds its research achievers UKZN honoured its leading academics and top researchers at the annual research dinner at the Country Club on December 1.

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he dinner is an opportunity for the University’s Research T Office to recognise exceptional research and research- related activities as well as to honour and award UKZN researchers.

Those recognised were Uni- versity Fellows, the Top Published Researcher, the Top Published Woman Researcher, the Vice- Chancellor’s award winner and book prize winners. The recipients of the NRF Lifetime Achievement, NSTF and DST Women in Science Awards were also honoured. During the function, Pro- fessor Nelson Ijumba, UKZN’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Re- search, launched the Annual Research Report which records the University’s 2010 research highlights, developments and achievements. In 2010, UKZN maintained its upward trend in research output and there was a number Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Professor Nelson Ijumba and Professor Malegapuru Makgoba, Vice-Chancellor and Principal (right), of significant research achieve- Professor Johannes van Staden (left). with Dr Vincent Nyamori. ments which demonstrated its in- creasing stature as a research-led institution in line with its mission and vision. In his welcoming address, Ijumba said the proportion of publishing staff increased to 84% from 73% in 2009. In 2010, the research output per academic staff member was, for the first time, evaluated in terms of the newly-introduced Senate norms of 120, 90 and 60 Productive Units (PUs) for professors, senior lecturers and lecturers respectively. ‘On average in 2010, the professoriate produced at 92% of their norm, senior lecturers at 53% and lecturers at 29%. Comparative figures for 2009 were 88%, 51% and 27% respectively. ‘About 71% of the professoriate produced at or above the University Dean of Research, Professor Cheryl Potgieter, with Top researchers received awards at the Research Dinner. Professor Colleen Downs (right). To page 5 .... Wishing You a Joyous Festive Season Anti-Aids gel promises hope for women, despite setback As the world commemorated the 30th World AIDS day, the sad reality is that 30.2 percent of pregnant women in South Africa had HIV infection in 2010, a marginal increase from the 2009 HIV rate of 29.4 percent.

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omen are often 2. Tenofovir gel prescribed for unable to convince use before and after sex reduced W their male partners, genital herpes acquisition by 51 especially husbands and regular percent. partners, to be monogamous and/ 3. The higher the adherence to or to use condoms. Hence, new gel, the higher the level of HIV technologies for women to enable protection, reaching 54 percent them to protect themselves from protection against HIV in the sexual transmission of HIV, are most consistent gel users. urgently needed. In 2010, tenofovir 4. The higher the level of drug detected in the genital gel provided new hope as a HIV compartment of women, the prevention tool for women. Recent Dr Jamie Pittock presented on the need for Government and Civil greater the level of protection society to manage water resources transparently. reports created the impression that against HIV infection. new research results show that 5. Tenofovir gel has been shown tenofovir gel does not prevent HIV. repeatedly to be highly effective This is not true. Professor Salim Abdool Karim. in the laboratory and in monkeys Water preservation central in Following the announcement – in the recent monkey challenge in July 2010 that the CAPRISA it can be made widely available study conducted by the CDC, battle against climate change 004 study demonstrated that in clinics and pharmacies. not a single monkey that received tenofovir gel used before However, these perplexing tenofovir gel became infected. It is vital for governments and communities to take and after sex was effective in results do not automatically Taken together, this set urgent action to preserve fresh water – a finite source preventing HIV infection, there mean that tenofovir gel does not of promising findings makes was high hope that a solution for work. There is good evidence continued research on tenofovir which is the lifeblood of agriculture. HIV prevention in women would from laboratory research, gel imperative and provides a WORDS AND PICTURE: Phumelele Mavaneni be available once the study animal studies and human strong reason for continuing results were confirmed. One of trials showing that tenofovir gel research on tenofovir gel. Earlier the studies, known as VOICE prevents HIV. However, science this year, a confirmatory study, his was the thrust of For these policies to be prop- (Vaginal and Oral Interventions does not always produce the known as FACTS 001, which is a presentation on the erly implemented, Pittock sug- to Control the Epidemic) was answer we hope for. This new being conducted by a consortium T Pietermaritzburg campus gested good, integrated gov- initiated in 2009 and designed result, which is not consistent of South African researchers, by Dr Jamie Pittock, Director ernance systems for fighting to test whether antiretrovirals, with other available evidence on was initiated to assess the of International Programmes climate change, including as- either as tablets or as gels, are tenofovir gel, could be due to any effectiveness of tenofovir gel for the UNESCO Chair in Water pects such as leadership, broad safe and effective in preventing one of a number of reasons. At used before-and-after sex (the Economics and Transboundary legal mandates, mechanisms of sexual transmission of HIV in present, it is unclear whether the same dosing as CAPRISA Water Governance at the Australian integrating policy horizontally 5029 women from South Africa, VOICE study’s outcome could 004) in 2200 women in South National University. and vertically, independent gov- Zimbabwe and Uganda. The be due to inadequate or non- Africa. This study, which has ernance mechanisms, monitor- study included women who use of the gel by women in the been designed specifically to Pittock’s talk titled: Climate, ing and active reporting systems. received either tenofovir either study, to insufficient drug levels replicate CAPRISA 004 is being energy and water policies: He argued that these goals as tablets or gel (or identical in women at the time of HIV funded by the South African managing conflict and seizing should result in institutions which placebos) and they were requested exposure during sex, or to some and US government agencies synergies, focused on research favoured the collation of key to use these medications every other reason. and the Bill & Melinda Gates conducted in nine countries, knowledge, deployment of better day regardless of whether they For example, the VOICE Foundation. It is anticipated that including South Africa, which technology, more integrated had sex. trial results may be due to the FACTS 001 study, together produced recommendations on natural resource markets and The VOICE study revealed the daily gel applications with the CAPRISA study, is well how governments and businesses governance. that the incidence rate of HIV proving to be too onerous and placed to provide the necessary could make better climate, ‘Water and water policies infection in the women assigned tiresome resulting in women information to determine the energy and water policy decisions should be the central point to to daily tenofovir gel was six simply stopping gel application effectiveness of tenofovir gel to minimise their contributions climate change and adaptation. percent, the same as women altogether. If a is not when use before-and-after sex to to global warming. Water consumption in urban assigned to placebo gel. This used as prescribed, it should prevent HIV infection in women. His talk revealed the import- areas needs to be regulated by follows similar unexpected come as no surprise that it is then The Minister of Health, Dr ance of governments and com- law and there should be higher results released two months found to be ineffective. A detailed Aaron Motsoaledi, announced munities taking active steps taxes on industries concerning from the VOICE study showing systematic examination of the this week that almost one third now to preserve fresh water and water and energy consumption. that the tenofovir tablet group VOICE study data, planned to of the pregnant women in South also while the supply gradually Certain Australian cities have of women had HIV infection take place in late 2012, will be Africa have HIV infection. diminished over time. strict water restrictions which rates no better than placebo, in needed to eliminate adherence Women bear a disproportionate Pittock’s concerns lie have dropped water consumption contrast to results of a large study and inadequate dosing before burden of the HIV epidemic in the finding that many by 30-70 percent,’ said Pittock. (PartnersPrEP) which reported any determination can be made in South Africa. One of the projects designed to benefit UKZN academics welcomed 62 percent reduction in HIV on whether tenofovir gel itself is most crucial challenges in HIV the environment and mitigate the need for water to be the focal incidence in HIV discordant effective or not. prevention in South Africa is climate change actually result point of new climate policies but couples using tenofovir tablets There is a substantial body reducing the high infection rates in perverse outcomes and made it clear that the economic daily as prophylaxis. of evidence on the effect of among young women. Hence, increase environmental harm differences between South Africa The VOICE study finding tenofovir on HIV infection – the need for a woman-controlled and destruction due to lack of and Australia required further of no protective effect against some of which contributed to HIV prevention technology research and mismanagement. examination before South HIV in women assigned to daily the compelling rationale for remains critical if South Africa He said climate change policies Africa could adopt Australian tenofovir gel is disappointing and undertaking the VOICE study – is going to reverse its AIDS introduced at the COP17 Con- regulations. it is a temporary setback as it was an important trial to study both epidemic. Tenofovir gel provided ference in Durban should induce South Africa’s unemployment widely hoped that the VOICE tenofovir tablets and tenofovir new hope, and the FACTS rapid change for all nations and rates did not allow for high study would replicate the gel. Research on tenofovir gel to study, if it is successful, holds the focus on creating new economies taxation of industry because it positive results of the CAPRISA date has shown that: promise that this anti-AIDS gel and new technologies with resulted in further job losses. 004 trial. Confirmation of the 1. Tenofovir gel prescribed for may become the first prevention limited regulations, creating Some academics identified high CAPRISA results would enable use before and after sex reduced tool that empowers women to non-stationary environments electricity rates as more effective the gel to be become licensed as the chance of acquiring HIV by protect themselves against HIV because of the urgent need to get in regulating water and electricity a medicine, a pre-requisite before 39 percent. infection. results. than any legal mandate.

2 UKZ N DABA BRINGING YOU NEWS FROM UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL CAMPUSES Artificial Intelligence research centre African Academy of launched on Westville Campus Sciences award for History was made when the UKZN/CSIR-Meraka Centre for Artificial Intelligence leading UKZN scientists Research (CAIR) was launched at the Westville campus earlier this month. The centre Renowned UKZN scientists, Professor Salim Abdool is now the largest Artificial Intelligence (AI) research centre in Africa. Karim and Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim, have

WORDS AND PICTURE: Sithembile Shabangu received an African Academy of Sciences award for their research in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

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he husband and wife leaders have labelled the team were presented with results ‘a game changer’, ‘a T the inaugural Olusegun true breakthrough for AIDS Obasanjo Prize at an academy prevention’, and ‘a significant function attended by former milestone for women in the 30- Nigerian President Olusegun year history of the HIV and Obasanjo after whom the award is AIDS epidemic’. The finding named. was ranked among the Top Ten Scientific Breakthroughs of 2010 The prize is specifically for by Science. the couple’s highly acclaimed Tenofovir gel is set to alter work in the use of tenofovir gel the future trajectory of the HIV microbicide to prevent HIV in- epidemic. In South Africa alone, fection and genital herpes in it is estimated that use of the gel women. Their research showed has the potential to avert 1.3 use of the gel reduced HIV million new HIV infections and acquisition by 39 percent overall 800 000 AIDS deaths over the and by 54 percent among those next 20 years. who used the gel consistently. It Once implemented on a also revealed that the gel prevents broad scale, Tenofovir gel is set genital herpes (Herpes Simplex to save millions of lives and mark Virus – 2) – an incurable lifelong the turning point in global HIV sexually transmitted infection epidemic. (from left) CAIR Deputy Director and Senior Lecturer in UKZN’s School of Computer Science, Dr which enhances the spread of The Abdool Karims have Deshendran Moodley; Acting Executive Director of the CSIR-Meraka Institute, Mr Laurens Cloete; CAIR HIV – by 51 percent in women. published extensively in world Director and Head of the Knowledge Representation and Reasoning Group at CSIR-Meraka, Professor This award-winning break- renowned journals including Sci- Thomas Meyer and Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of College: Agriculture, Engineering And Science, through was the culmination ence, Nature, Lancet and The New Professor Rob Slotow. of 17 years of microbicide England Journal of Medicine. They research by the two professors. have, individually or jointly, re- he Centre was initiated mental disaster management and Both the CSIR-Meraka In- The CAPRISA 004 study is ceived numerous prestigious by CAIR Director and emergency response. stitute and UKZN’s School particularly significant as it is awards and medals, including T Head of the Knowledge ‘Similarly, the structured of Computer Science bring a global first in empowering the TWAS Prize in Medical Sci- Representation and Reasoning representation of patient clinical strengths to the collaboration. women against HIV. Tenofovir ences and the Gold Medal award Group at CSIR-Meraka in Pretoria, records will enable computers As the largest group in the coun- gel, a pioneering HIV prevention from the South African Academy Professor Thomas Meyer, and CAIR to move beyond the querying try dedicated to information strategy that women can control, of Science. Deputy Director and Senior Lecturer abilities of today’s database and communication technology is particularly important for young Several other scientific in UKZN’s School of Computer systems, leading to intelligent (ICT), the CSIR-Meraka Insti- women, who can rarely negotiate awards were made at the cere- Science, Dr Deshendran Moodley. and integrated health care tute fosters industrial and scien- condom use or faithfulness with mony by the African Academy of information systems,’ said Meyer tific development by focusing on their male partners. Sciences, in recognition of excel- CAIR’s vision is to create an Moodley says AI aims at multi-disciplinary research and AIDS and global health lence among African scientists. environment that will provide creating intelligence machines; technological innovation. Com- world class research, contribute to deals with automated problem puter Science at UKZN comes the establishment of a strong AI solving; and designs intelligent to the party with a wide range network and communication in and adaptive systems that will be of expertise in Artificial Intelli- South Africa and look at ways of able to reason, plan, learn and gence and other related areas. It mobilising AI research to provide analyse large amounts of data. is actively involved in conducting solutions for South Africa. Deputy Vice-Chancellor research, teaching and commu- CAIR will be home to and Head of the College of nity development in the broad established research groups such Agriculture, Engineering and field of Computer Science. as the Knowledge Representation Science, Professor Rob Slotow, CAIR’s primary objective is and Reasoning Group and the said the centre would contribute to promote and sustain excellent Health Enterprise Architecture towards reducing the massive research in both the theoretical Laboratory, as well as a number shortage of PhDs in Computer and applied aspects of Artificial of emerging research areas, Science, and especially in Intelligence. Strongly aligned ranging from computer vision Artificial Intelligence. He added with this aim is the need for to optimisation and modelling. that this was a key opportunity capacity building in the field. `One of the most exciting aspects in a field viewed as a critical area This will be achieved of CAIR is the potential for for development. through student supervision, the combining different Artificial Areas identified by CSIR as a presentation of advanced courses Intelligence related techniques priority for South Africa’s future in the area, and co-operation to achieve greater impact in a are the built environment, health and exchange with leading local variety of application areas,’ said care, industry, natural environ- and international universities. Meyer. ment, energy, safety and security. To achieve these goals, CAIR `For example, automatic CAIR already has members, members have already started scene interpretation and object including 18 full time and 16 part to consult and collaborate with recognition from video footage time MSc and PhD students, existing departments at UKZN, can be used to generate formal postdoctoral fellows and seven existing research groups at representations of knowledge, researchers, located both at UKZN the CSIR, and several other which in turn can lead to better in Durban and at CSIR-Meraka local and international tertiary decision making processes based in Pretoria. Additional MSc, PhD institutions and science councils. on automated reasoning in ap- and postdoctoral scholarships UKZN scientists, Professor Salim Abdool Karim and Professor plication areas such as environ- will be awarded soon. Quarraisha Abdool Karim.

EDGEWOOD • HOWARD COLLEGE • MEDICAL SCHOOL • PIETERMARITZBERG • WESTVILLE UKZ N D A B A 3 UKZN hosts International Human Life Long Service Rights Education Conference Awards honour International human rights activists, education experts and practitioners from all over the world gathered at the 2nd International Conference on Human Rights Education (IHRE) organised in Durban by UKZN’s Faculty of Law. Humanities staff The College of Humanities honoured staff for their WORDS AND PICTURE: Sithembile Shabangu dedication and commitment to the University as well as he theme of the conference the conference for South Africa, and the interrogation of the role for their continued excellence contributing to academic – held to scrutinise adding that the significance and of HRE in promoting cultural enterprise at the Life Long Service Awards function on T international human rights the importance of human rights diversity and accommodating the Howard College Campus. and educational issues – was: could never be over emphasised. traditional value systems. Celebrating Diversity and Achieving During his keynote address The plenary session on WORDS AND PICTURE: Phumelele Mavaneni Social Justice through Human Rights on: Educating Everyone? Denial, November 14 was addressed by Education. Prejudice and the Reservoirs prominent human rights edu- of hate in the wake of the Oslo cation experts and practitioners. Keynote speakers included Massacre, Langford discussed Nine academics from the UKZN Professor Frans Viljoen, Director the shooting spree at a youth Faculty of Law delivered thought of the Centre for Human Rights camp on the Island of Utoya provoking research papers. at the University of Pretoria and by Norwegian Anders Behring Mr Shaun Kruger presented Professor Malcom Langford, Breivik, blaming the incident on: Gay and Lesbian Rights Director of the Socio-Economic on the government for allowing under the African Charter of Rights Programme at the Muslim migration to Norway. Human and Peoples Rights – Norwegian Centre for Human He also elaborated on his study combating ignorance through Rights at the University of Oslo. on xenophobic attacks in South Human Rights Education. Officials and experts from Africa, saying results showed Effective Human Rights governments and international/ that only 34% of inner city South education depends on proper regional institutions with a focus Africans trust foreigners living in language education: a Case on human rights, as well as the country. Some of the ‘hate’ for development of mother- judges, scholars, lawyers, students was caused by social conflict and tongue in schools, was the title and human rights activists were this happened when ‘people from of a research paper presented among the delegates. the outside are getting better by Mr Michael Buthelezi; while The Conference was offici- access to resources than people Ms Meda Couzens spoke on: ally opened by UKZN’s Deputy who live in the country and The role of the SAHRC in Vice-Chancellor and Head believe it belongs to them’. promoting and protecting the of the College of Law and The main aims of the Con- rights of children. Management Studies, Professor ference were to support and Students from the University John Mubangizi. Professor Sev promote the United Nations presented papers to give a student Ozdowski of the University of objectives on Human Rights perspective on human rights Western Sydney gave an account Education (HRE). They included: education. on the origins of the conference, the promotion of the role of HRE During the gala dinner, Dean congratulating UKZN for bring- in the advancement of good of the Faculty of Law, Professor ing the conference to Africa and governance; the fostering of HRE Managay Reddi, thanked for focusing on the responsibility across the African continent and the staff from the Faculty for Professor Joseph Ayee with Professor Paul Hobden who received the of educating about human rights. the building of networks among organising the conference and 25 years of Long Service Award for his dedication to the College of In his opening address, stakeholders; the exploration of taking on the additional duties. Education. Mubangizi said he was happy the role of HRE in advancement to have played a role in securing of the rights of vulnerable groups; eputy Vice‐Chancellor Acting Deputy Dean of of Humanities, Professor Humanities, Development and D Joseph Ayee, said: ‘We Social Sciences (HDSS) on are here to acknowledge the long the Howard College Campus, service of staff who have contributed Professor Nobuhle Hlongwa, to the achievement of placing UKZN voiced similar sentiments to Ayee in the top three universities in the and Samuel, saying it was an country and the top 500 in the honour for the College to have world. These people have been loyal staff of remarkable quality who to UKZN for 15 to 25 years and the continuously dedicated their efforts to the enrichment of the College is happy to reward them University and South Africa. for their hard work in their various Unwabufo Okeke-Uzudike, divisions.’ HDSS Acting Deputy Dean on Dean of Education, Professor the Pietermaritzburg campus, Michael Samuel, spoke about the congratulated award winners legacy that long service staff had and applauded the College for created. ‘You are distinguished recognising and rewarding if you can work up to 25 years commitment. in one institution and continue Ayee said he hoped the awards to be valuable and effective, would encourage others to stay at contributing positively to not just the University for longer and that institutional achievement, but more award winners would be to educational and knowledge at the 2012 ceremony to receive excellence. recognition in person. ‘It is now time to question Long service award recipients what kind of legacy you have left received certificates for 15 and 25 behind, and how it will contribute years of service. They were treated to shaping the institution we to musical performances from the are becoming. This will probe School of Music throughout the Together at the Human Rights Education Conference are (from left) Director of the Centre for Human you to question how much more event, and enjoyed a sumptuous Rights at the University of Pretoria, Professor Frans Viljoen; Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor Managay you still have to contribute to in three-course meal. Reddi and Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Law and Management Studies, Professor the knowledge enterprise,’ said John Mubangizi. Samuel.

4 UKZ N DABA BRINGING YOU NEWS FROM UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL CAMPUSES Continued from page 1 .... New ideas for teaching and norm, compared to 23% of the reach of researchers, academics senior lecturers and 19% of the and support staff share this lecturers,’ said Ijumba. common vision. According to the Academic This was resonated by the learning debated Ranking of World Universities evening’s Guest Speaker, Mr Staff from a variety of Schools shared aspects of their teaching practice and research (ARWU), UKZN has for the Mahlubi (Chief) Mabizela, Chief ninth year running maintained Director: Higher Education into teaching and learning issues at a Faculty of Management Studies’ Teaching Day. its position in the top 500 listing Policy and Development Support. of Universities, and was also Mahlubi listed several reasons WORDS AND PICTURE: Sithembile Shabangu ranked third nationally and in for the significance of ‘scholarly’ Africa. research productivity in Institu- Professor Malegapuru Makgoba, tions of Higher Learning, stating Vice-Chancellor and Principal of that South Africa’s Department UKZN, this year received the of Higher Education and Train- prestigious National Research ing (DHET) was looking into ef- Foundation (NRF) President’s ficient and effective ways of fund- Lifetime Achievement Award for ing research which would be of his extraordinary contribution to social benefit in the country. the development of science, his He congratulated UKZN role in public health advocacy for its ongoing production of and higher education leadership. scholarly and peer-reviewed The achievement was articles, books and book chapters. acknowledged at the dinner Mahlubi also mentioned where he also congratulated that productivity was important fellow knowledge producers. in the Social Sciences as it was UKZN has identified a in Mathematics, Science and number of research focus areas Technology. which it believes are critical in One of the country’s glaring supporting its vision, not only as concerns was the shortage of a notable Institution of African postgraduate candidates. scholarship in South Africa, but Mahlubi explained why it was as an integral player in the global important for academics at the partnership embodied in the University to attain PhDs and Millennium Development Goals postdoctoral degrees. Staff from the Faculty of Management Studies sharing ideas for teaching and learning. which seek to restore a sense of ‘Apart from quality research meaningful development to some this ensures quality supervision of the world’s poorest countries. of Masters candidates. he programme began with phenomenon of the age and A number of interdisciplinary The areas identified are: ‘We are working on expanding a fascinating insight from that rather than ignoring doctoral research projects are Agriculture and Food Security; accredited journals. T the Centre for Leadership’s their educational potential being undertaken by academics Biotechnology; Energy and ‘Research can be a very lonely Professor Kriben Pillay into his and impact, efforts should be in the Faculty, two of whom Technology for Sustainable experience. It is heartening when development as a university lecturer. made to explore ways of better shared their proposed research Development; Gender, Race an institution takes time to Pillay, who received a Distinguished engagement with students in with the audience. and Identity Studies; HIV/ recognise research excellence,’ Teacher Award last year, quoted these spaces. (The slideshow Professor Brian McArthur AIDS; Tuberculosis and Health said Mahlubi. from the epilogue of a book he will can be viewed at http://www. from IS&T is researching the Promotion; Maritime Studies; Ms Nomonde Mbadi, Indigenous African Knowledge soon publish and this set the tone facebook.com/Learning2.0/ reasons why Information Systems Executive Director: Corporate Systems; Social Development and Relations, congratulated award and provided a stimulus for some posts/185334104884260). Research Methodology modules Ms Caryn Maitland from are designed and implemented the Economic Studies; and Water, recipients who ‘attained these exciting discussions around teaching the School of Accounting shared way they are. Mr Nick Wood from Environment and Biodiversity. achievements through many and learning. her innovative use of assessment- the School of Accounting also The dinner reminded guests challenges and global financial In her presentation titled: driven teaching methods where presented his PhD proposal on about the research output constraints’. eLearning: Positioning yourself students have an opportunity exploring the teaching practices generated by the University and The Research Report 2010 as a lecturer, Ms Rose Quilling to create their own assessments in Management Accounting and observed that UKZN’s strategic will be accessible on the UKZN of the School of Information and mock exams, giving them an Finance at UKZN. goals for 2016 are well within website. Systems and Technology (IS&T), understanding of the examiners’ In the final session of the illustrated how technology mindset in an assessment paper. day, a fascinating discussion was could be seen as having both a This project will form the basis of initiated by Dr Pamela Nichols of positive and a negative impact on her Masters’ thesis. Wits, around the use of writing teaching and teachers. Two postgraduate students to stimulate thinking and assist Academics from the faculty who are also working as Academic learning. She said writing listened to Pink Floyd’s 1979 hit Development Officers (ADOs) forced people to articulate their Another Brick in the Wall as they presented research which shared thoughts and provided a valuable were challenged to realise that important insights gained from starting point for discussion. what teachers do when they teach the students at the chalk face. Ms Simply getting students, midway can itself be seen as potentially Shannon Railton of the School of through a lecture, to write positive or negative. The Economics presented a paper on: down a paragraph summary, conclusion was that care needed The link between perceptions for instance, would provide a to be taken about demonising and performance: a study of powerful learning opportunity or over-celebrating technology first year economics students. and a spark for in-class discussion. in teaching. The question was Her research found that students Stimulated by all the insights rather: What does the teacher seemed to enjoy economics presented during the day, an idea want the teaching to be and as a subject but to dislike the was developed by the academics how can technology help? (The traditional lecture setting and the present around the concept of slideshow can be viewed at http:// way the course was assessed. introducing ‘Blue Flag’ courses. www.slideshare.net/RQuilling/ Mr Nurudin Ajayi, an ADO These are courses where the quilling-91-utlo2011). from the School of IS&T, spoke on lecturers aspire to demonstrate Mr Craig Blewett from IS&T the challenge of diversity facing excellence and innovation in spoke on: A Facebook Learning South Africa’s Higher Education, teaching and share this with Space: The Final Frontier? He with language, socio-economic the faculty and university at challenged lecturers to move and cultural backgrounds being large. Some exciting plans for out of their comfort zones into some of the factors that affected broadening the discussion of this the students’ comfort space as student performance. He ex- idea and of other topics from the part of exploring new frontiers plained how cultural differences Teaching Day in the future were for learning. He argued that in a classroom could hinder par- also mooted. Ms Nomonde Mbadi, Executive Director: Corporate Relations with social networks were the biggest ticipation and debate. Guest Speaker, Mr Mahlubi (Chief) Mabizela.

EDGEWOOD • HOWARD COLLEGE • MEDICAL SCHOOL • PIETERMARITZBERG • WESTVILLE UKZ N D A B A 5 2011 - Highlights

Viewing architect’s impressions of the new K-RITH building at the CAPRISA Offices are, from left; Dr Roger Glass, Dr Francis Collins, Professor Malegapuru Makgoba, Professor Salim Abdool Karim, Ms Stacy Wallick, Professor Nelson Ijumba, and Dr Samuel Adeniyi-Jones.

The Africa’s Centre Professor Marie-Louise Newell greets His Majesty, King Goodwill Zwelithini when he was appointed as patron for the centre.

(From left) UKZN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Malegapuru Makgoba; Dr Sibongile Zungu, HOD KwaZulu- Natal Health; Dean Kurt L Schmoke, Chairman of the Trustees of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) in the United States; Dr Ben Ngubane, Chair of the SABC Board and Professor William Bishai, Director of the KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for Tuberculosis and HIV (K-RITH) at the institute’s groundbreaking ceremony.

Chair of the UKZN Council Mr Mac Mia prepares to lead the academic procession at the Faculty of Agriculture, Engineering and Science Graduation Ceremony.

At the 2011 Alan Paton Lecture are (from left) Professor Donal McCracken; Chairperson of the APC Advisory Committee; Speaker, Mr Verne Harris; Professor Mbongeni Malaba who introduced the Vice-Chancellor Professor Malegapuru Makgoba and President Jacob Zuma unveil the plaque at the speaker; and staff of the Alan Paton Centre who organised the lecture, launch of the African Ombudsman Research Centre (AORC) at UKZN on March 15. Ms Jewel Koopman and Dr Estelle Liebenberg-Barkhuizen.

6 UKZ N DABA BRINGING YOU NEWS FROM UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL CAMPUSES 2011 - Highlights

Vice-Chancellor Professor Malegapuru Makgoba (centre) who received the National Research Foundation (NRF)’s Lifetime Achiever Award with (left) Dr Albert van Jaarsveld, NRF Chief Executive Officer and (right)the honourable Minister of Science and Technology Mrs Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) represented South Africa at the 2011 SIFE World Cup held in Kuala Naledi Pandor. Lumpur, Malaysia. The team reached the semi-finals, representing South Africa against Zimbabwe, Singapore and China. SIFE-UKZN has previously represented South Africa at World Cups in France in 2006, Singapore in 2008, and Germany in 2009. Held annually, SIFE’s World Cup draws about 1500 entrants worldwide. Each programme is assessed on how effectively it has improved the standard of living, quality of life and empowered the beneficiaries of the community in which it is implemented. Teams must also ensure that they have applied business and economic concepts as well as an entrepreneurial approach to their projects. SIFE-UKZN’s 25-member team, which comprised presenters, technical operators, project members and the Executive team, reached the top 16 of the competition. The team’s project theme focused on: Capacitating vulnerable groups in order to take responsibility for a better future through personal development on how to succeed and become economically active.

Learners from Holy Family College were enthralled by activities in the microbiology laboratories at the National Science Week on Westville Campus.

Education Officer for the National Zoological Gardens, Mr Justice Bilankulu, shows the Minister of Science and Technology, Mrs Naledi Pandor, a rhino horn which formed part of his organisation’s exhibit. Accompanying Mrs Pandor are UKZN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Malegapuru Makgoba, and KwaZulu- Natal Premier, Dr Zweli Mkhize.

Celebrated jazz musician, alumnus and ex-staff member, Zim Ngqawana, sadly passed away at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital after suffering a stroke and having complications. The Centre of Jazz and Popular Music in conjunction with the School of Music at the University of KwaZulu-Natal hosted a memorial concert and jam International students look forward to their stay at UKZN. session on the Tuesday evening of May 17.

EDGEWOOD • HOWARD COLLEGE • MEDICAL SCHOOL • PIETERMARITZBERG • WESTVILLE UKZ N D A B A 7 Awards for two Pharmacy and Rural education Pharmacology academics Two UKZN School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology academics received awards at the a crisis subject of 6th International Congress on Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences (ICPPS) recently hosted by the School in Umhlanga. inaugural lecture WORDS AND Picture Phumelele Mavaneni The nation had identified Matric results as the main indicator of quality in education in South Africa and it hey are Professor Fatima Suleman, Head of the School seemed that groups banded together after marks were T and Associate Professor in announced to decry the ‘appalling’ quality of education the Division of Pharmacy Practice, in schools. and Dr Panjasaram (Vassie) Naidoo, a lecturer at the School. WORDS AND PICTURE: Phumelele Mavaneni

Suleman received the Johnson his was stated by Professor * The belief that educational and Johnson Teacher of the Relebohile Moletsane at her challenges had emanated Year Award for her teaching T inaugural lecture titled: Back from the fact that communities philosophies, learning methods, to the Future: Rurality, Seductive and schools had abandoned and students’ results, among Nostalgia and the Challenge of culture and traditions, and other achievements. Suleman Quality Education in South Africa. that a ‘back to basics’ or ‘back runs an AIDS Online course for to our roots’ approach was her first year class and students Delivering the lecture on the needed to address problems from Drake University with Edgewood campus, Moletsane in education. whom she has established a said rural schools often bore the Moletsane said these argu- memorandum of understanding. brunt of the blame for it was there ments did not fully explain or The partnership stretches to an where the worst performances offer useful or effective opportu- exchange program for fourth Professor Fatima Suleman. were recorded and teachers nities to address the continuing year students with an interest in criticised and reprimanded for crisis in rural education. As alter- public health issues and infectious the poor results. natives, she suggested: diseases. The reasons for the poor * Research and development Suleman’s teaching philo- performance in these schools that moved from an under- sophies led her to use a case- were well-known and included standing of rural settings as based approach to teaching poorly educated teachers, lack of spaces and contexts for re- and learning for her fourth-year resources, teacher absenteeism, search, to rurality as a lived classes. These cases are based strikes, and the failure of and learned experience which on practical situations that face post-1994 reforms, including was dynamic, generative and pharmacists and prepare students outcomes–based education. variable space characterised for pharmacy practice. Moletsane challenged the by poverty, disease and death Dr Naidoo received the following three dominating * Research and development Best Publication in Pharmacy explanations for the education that moved from an under- Practice award for her journal crisis in the country: standing of rural people as article titled: The evaluation of * Poor results were a result of needy subjects of ‘our research the clinical management of HIV- a lack of resources (human gaze’, to rural participants as infected patients by private sector and material) in schools capable of understanding and doctors in the eThekwini Metro, and communities and that articulating challenges and KwaZulu-Natal. Her article, the provision of the missing identifying local solutions for published in the journal, South educational resources would local issues African Family Practice, interested result in improved learner * A move away from a deficit Dr Panjasaram Naidoo. many pharmacy academics and performances. ‘diseased and deceased’ view practitioners. * Poor performance was a of rural settings, to a pedagogy Naidoo’s research interest is in economic freedom the older handle their assets responsibly. result of the Eurocentric of hope and possibility to HIV and AIDS and public health, generation fought for,’ she said. Suleman says she has noticed nature of the curriculum and imagine an alternative future. and antiretroviral treatment Naidoo encourages her stu- students with more responsibility that introducing indigenous * A move away from an uncriti- distribution in the epicentre of the dents to believe in their abilities and commitment usually perform knowledge and indigenous cal ‘back to basics’ approach, epidemic. She is actively involved and dream big for their futures. well because they are better at knowledge systems into the to reflective nostalgia or criti- in many committees, boards She has an open door policy their work due to the pressure to school curriculum would cal memory work. and councils of pharmacy and where students can come to complete their degrees and seek improve outcomes. serves the profession at a national receive advice and help with their to improve life for themselves level. She was nominated by the careers. Even today, graduates call and their families. ‘A case-based Minister of Health to serve on the her to inquire about how to start teaching approach proves very statutory council for pharmacists, a pharmacy so they can follow helpful to them in understanding the South African Pharmacy her advice of self-empowerment, and applying their work.’ Council, from 2008 to 2013. She and entrepreneurship. The University offered also serves on the scheduling ‘There is a gross injustice in student support through various and naming committee of the our society today where students means such as the student ad- Control Council and are overburdened with financial ministrators and a Student is a Fellow of the Pharmaceutical insecurity that they cannot even Counselling Centre (SCC). ‘If Society of SA. buy groceries whilst staying on they feel uncomfortable to share Naidoo owns a pharmacy campus. They sometimes come to their concerns with me, they and encourages students to seek us for help, and we are put to the usually approach our student opportunities available to them to test to practice what we preach in administrator, Mrs Audrey own their pharmacies, especially the lecture rooms by providing Khweyama, who assists them,’ young women of colour. assistance to them when they said Suleman ‘I am particularly interested need it,’ she said. ‘It is important to recognise in helping young people own Professor Fatima Suleman your limit because you cannot businesses in pharmacy. We are said students who came from solve all your students’ problems. at a place in South Africa where places outside Durban and re- This can be stressful for a young wealth distribution still belongs ceived bursaries usually misman- lecturer, but when you recognise Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of Humanities, Professor Joseph largely to one group, and we need aged their finances, thus it partly that student support services are Ayee and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Teaching and Learning, to empower more people, mostly became a lecturer’s responsibility there to assist, you refer students Professor Renuka Vithal (right) show support for Professor Relebohile women of colour to achieve the to teach them how to budget and to SCC for follow ups.’ Molestane during her inaugural lecture.

8 UKZ N DABA BRINGING YOU NEWS FROM UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL CAMPUSES IKOLISHI LIKLOMELISE UKUZIMISELA Ukzn student teachers at rural schools KWABASEBENZI BALO A development project designed by Ms Jane Pennefather – a lecturer and school Ikolishi lakwaHumanities ‘Sekuyisikhathi sokubheka experience co-ordinator at UKZN’s School of Education – provided Post-Graduate liklomelise ukuzimisela ukuthi ushiya umlando onjani Certificate in Education (PGCE) students with the opportunity of completing a kwabasebenzi balo asebedonse nokuthi imuphi umthelela iminyaka eminingi eNyuvesi. ozoba nawo eNyuvesi month of their August school placement period in one of five rural schools in the Belincoma umthelela esikhathini esizayo. Lokhu Lusikisiki/Port St John’s area. asebebenawo kakhulukazi kuzokwenza uzibuze uthi ngokwezemfundo esezingeni kungakanani osafanele ukwenze WORDS AND PICTURE: Makabongwe Khanyile eliphezulu emcimbini ekuthuthukiseni imfundo obubanjelwe esikhungweni yethu,’ kusho uSamuel. he selection of the saseHoward College. Obambele uMphathi five schools was based Usekela thishanhloko wakwaHumanities, T on existing informal wekolishi lakwaHumanities, Development and Social partnerships with the schools, deep uSolwazi Joseph Ayee uthe: Sciences (HDSS) esikhungweni local knowledge of the areas in ‘Sila ukuzobungaza abasebenzi saseHoward College, uSolwazi which the schools are based and abakade bafika okuyibona ababe Nobuhle Hlongwa uzwakalise an awareness of the environmental nesandla ekutheni iNyuvesi imibono efanayo noSamuel no- threats faced by the area. ibe ingxenye yamanyuvesi Ayee ethi, kuyajabulisa eKolishi amathathu ahamba phambili ukuba nabasebenzi abasezingeni ‘The challenge of producing eNingizimu Afrika, iphinde eliphezulu abaqhubeka teachers to teach in rural areas or ibalwe nangamakhulu amahlanu nokuzimisela ekukhuliseni to understand their responsibility emhlabeni. Labantu bazinikele iNyuvesi nezwe lethu. in working with under-resourced e-UKZN iminyaka esuka Unwabufo Okeke- schools is not simply one of teach- ku15 kuya ku25 futhi iKolishi Uzudike, obambele uMphathi er supply – it is also about teacher liyajabula ukubaklomelisa weHDSS esikhungweni deployment and attitude change,’ ngomusebenzi wabo onzima saseMgungundlovu uhalalisele said Pennefather. ezindaweni ezahlukene.’ abathole imiklomelo waphinde The project also addressed Ms Jane Pennefather at work. Umphathi wezeMfundo, washayela iKolishi ihlombe an educational problem – the uSolwazi Michael Samuel, ngokuklomelisa umsebenzi challenge teacher education faces space for a model of professional was held with 30 principals and ukhulume ngomlando oshiywa omuhle nokuzimisela in meeting some of the needs of education to be demonstrated four circuit managers at the abasebenzi abakade bafika. kwabasebenzi. rural education ‘particularly the and for the students to begin to Lusikisiki District Education ‘Usuke ukhethekile uma izokhuthaza abanye ukuba training of teachers who have a have a growing understanding of Offices. The Life Sciences ukwazi ukusebenza endaweni bahlale eNyuvesi isikhathi eside positive orientation to teaching the complexity of the challenges workshops led by Dr Edith eyodwa iminyaka efika ku25 nokuthi baningi abantu abazoza in rural contexts or working in education and a more nuanced Dempster were based on areas uphinde ukwazi ukuqhubeka ngo2012 ukuzozithathela in partnerships with under- understanding of culture, context of work in Grades 10, 11 and nokusebenza ngokuzimisela imiklomelo yabo. resourced schools and who have and diversity.’ 12 which many teachers find ube nomthelela omuhle hhayi Abasebenzi bajabuliswe the flexible competences to teach ‘There is no doubt, however, particularly challenging. eNyuvesi kuphela kodwa ngomculo ngabakwaSchool in a range of contexts. that the students found the Maskew Miller Longman nasemfundweni esezingeni of Music umcimbi wonke ‘Rather than focusing on experience rich and rewarding donated 50 copies each of the eliphezulu ekhiqizwayo.’ bazitika ngezibiliboco. deficit development with its despite the challenges,’ said new CAPS-compliant Grade 10 outlook that assumes people Pennefather. Learners’ Book and Teachers’ lack resources and skills and Teachers, through the stu- Guide, as well as Grade 11 and ccrri releases new resource collection that these inadequacies need to dents, gained access to different Grade 12 Learners’ Books and be overcome, our partnership teaching materials, including Teachers’ Guides. The Centre for Critical Research on Race and Identity approach recognizes economic Wessa Environmental materials / The project has multiple ob- (ccrri) has successfully produced an online database poverty,’ said Pennefather. methodologies/latest curriculum jectives including the support of However, it acknowledges and debates. Students and tutors UKZN’s vision of African Schol- model – the first of its kind at UKZN – which will celebrates the stories of hope and also played a key role in training arship and support for rural edu- benefit cross disciplinary researchers with a particular change: the cohesion of many teachers with technology, as in cation; to counter a deficit model focus on race and identity in the social sciences. communities, the indigenous some of the schools there had of rural education through ex- knowledge processes which are been well meaning donations posing student teachers to many WORDS: Lunga Memela often widely intact and the rich by business of computers and positive realities of working in social fabric which has enabled other IT equipment, with no rural schools and living in these he new model, generously data base drew from records in people in poor communities to accompanying support in the use communities and to develop flex- funded by the Maurice the UKZN Research Reports, support each other in a context of of this technology. ible competences to teach in di- T Webb Trust, has been IRMA, and the online Research HIV and AIDS. Students and tutors offered verse contexts. named the Race and Identity Space. ‘It constitutes a response technical support and training It also aims to develop Resource Collection. ‘We aim to extend this to the national imperative ranging from beginner classes sustainable partnerships between data base in the future, both to educate teachers for rural on the use of Word, to high- the University, Departments of The collection aims to bring historically to include records contexts and to challenge the end training to show teachers Education, individual schools together UKZN published further back in time as well as dominant discourses based in how to use the digital projector. and rural communities in order material and existing theses broadening the range of data such a deficiency framework which Links with Schoolnet SA were to contribute to a range of that deal directly with race as including publications that many pre-service teachers also set up, in order to offer development initiatives; and to and identity. It also offers the deal with intersections between exhibit in their interactions with training on integrating ICT encourage networking across possibilities of longitudinal and race and gender for example, and each other and in their responses into the classroom. Extra- sectors, facilitating a collegial comparative studies on how, why race and sexuality,’ said Ms Kira towards contexts viewed as rural curricular activities included the and supportive role for local and in which ways race is utilised Erwin, a postdoctoral candidate and by implication inferior and development of food gardens as business in line with a national within academic research. at ccrri. undesirable.’ part of the Eco Schools projects; objective of social responsibility At present the trial database Erwin and the ccrri team are Pennefather said students the painting of schools, collection and partnerships. A further aim holds an interdisciplinary col- excited about the project and learned how to develop in- and organization of teaching was to create an opportunity lection of published research look forward to multidisciplinary expensive resources, how to build resources, sports coaching and for student teachers and local (including completed theses) interaction to be facilitated by trust with teachers, communities organization of sports events. teachers to work with the Wildlife ranging from 2003 to 2010, and this new resource. and learners, and they [students] In order to broaden the and the Environment Society is now available from the ccrri The Centre encourages its developed an increasing know- partnerships established around of South Africa on sustainable Zotero library which can be use by a wide range of scholars, ledge of cultural practices and the placement of student teachers, environmental development accessed by following this link: and would appreciate any asked searching question about professional development work- through WESSA’s Eco-Schools https://www.zotero.org/ constructive feedback. The the policy or practice gaps in shops were conducted – led projects. groups/the_centre_for_ University community is also education. by staff from the Faculty of Pennefather added that what critical_research_on_race_ encouraged to send details of She noted that at least three Education – during the month of was critical in projects of this and_identity/items/collection/ any UKZN published material schools appeared to lack a clear the project. nature was that in all facets, the PATPBK9S. that falls under the theme of model of what schooling should A Leadership and Manage- focus must be on responsibility This online collection is fully Race and Identity and has not be. ‘In this regard the presence ment workshop led by Mr Neil and sustainability. searchable for keywords and can been included in the collection, of the student teachers created a Avery and Mr Jabulani Ngcobo be sorted by author, title or other to Niall McNulty (ccrri@ukzn. field of choice for ease of use. The ac.za).

EDGEWOOD • HOWARD COLLEGE • MEDICAL SCHOOL • PIETERMARITZBERG • WESTVILLE UKZ N D A B A 9 Call for independent forensic UKZN scientist gets science authority in SA prestigious Oxford The Uses and Abuses of Forensics Science in South Africa were examined during a public lecture delivered by internationally renowned forensic scientist, Dr David Medical Fellowship Klatzow, at UKZN’s College of Health Sciences. A caring approach and a burning passion for women’s health – especially in the fight against HIV/AIDS – have WORDS AND Picture:Lunga Memela resulted in UKZN researcher, Dr Senge Sibeko, receiving latzow, who has more than the 2011/12 Oxford Nuffield Medical Fellowship. 20 years’ experience as a K practising forensic scientist WORDS AND PICTURE: Lunga Memela in South Africa, said: ‘Forensic laboratories must be independent of ibeko, who was overjoyed the government if criminal cases are when she received the to be solved objectively. Otherwise S good the news from the we are in serious trouble as a University of Oxford in England country.’ recently, said the fellowship would allow her ‘protected time to study A firm believer of evidence towards a laboratory PhD in the based on empirical facts, UK’, optimising her training towards Klatzow is renowned for his developing and improving HIV work in headline criminal cases, preventive strategies for women. including the Helderberg disaster. Klatzow says in most in- Sibeko presented at the Mul- stances the police system relies tipurpose Prevention Technolo- on confession evidence under gies (MPT) for Reproductive juries and not forensic science. Health Symposium in Wash- He noted that in cases such as ington last month where global Dr Senge Sibeko. experts on HIV prevention and the controversial Brett Kebble Dr David Klatzow’s public lecture led to members of the audience sexual and reproductive health of Medicine in South Africa murder ‘political interference queuing up for his latest book. usually messes up criminal con- gathered to discuss and advance (CMSA). ‘It was during registrar victions. but we do need to do it better.’ invest in the truth with no emerging MPT science. training under Professor Jack ‘It’s not all of them, but we have Klatzow recommends that loyalties to the prosecution team The aim of the symposium was Moodley’s mentorship and a police force with a significant forensic science be ‘removed from or the State. to further the goal of providing supervision that I became in- number of members who do not politics.’ He also recommends Klatzow’s work encompasses women around the world with volved in community health understand integrity… In science that a forensic science course be insurance work, ballistics and safe, effective, low cost, and user- rotations and discussions on the you rely on the facts. The case developed at universities and that chemistry as well as any case friendly means of protecting causes of maternal mortality and is solved through untampered forensic scientists and pathologists that requires expert scientific themselves simultaneously from morbidity. I also became aware evidence found at the scene.’ should not be employed by evidence in a court of law. He HIV, other sexually transmitted of the extent to which HIV/AIDS He explained that this was not the State. In this way, forensic currently runs a full-time forensic and reproductive tract infections, was changing the pathogenesis a uniquely South African trend scientists and pathologists would practice in Cape Town. and/or unintended pregnancy. as reflected clinically in altered Sibeko spoke at the symposium disease manifestations and the on the issue of biological natural disease progression.’ plausibility for the association Sibeko said the prevalence between contraceptive use and of HIV/AIDS among pregnant Ukzn student wins top Csir award HIV infection, an area in which women made it apparent that PhD student in biology, Ms Prabashni Lekha, received the 2011 Best Student she is currently conducting waiting to treat the already research. affected women one at a time was Award from the Council for Scientific Research (CSIR) Natural Resources and the Relatively late in her career, no longer adequate. Environment Unit (NRE). Sibeko decided to study towards ‘Given the extent of the epi- a PhD in mucosal immunology demic globally and the fact that WORDS AND Picture:Felicity Blakeway of the reproductive tract to more than half of those newly obtain the skill and tools infected are women through het- his is an annual award from needed to specialise in the field erosexual transmission, develop- NRE for excellent research of improving women’s health ing strategies to protect women T work/results by a student. by biomedical HIV preventive requires an understanding of the Minimum standards for this award strategies at global health level. protective effect of the mucosal are: After qualifying as an immunity in the reproductive obstetrician and gynaecologist tract. l Evidence of above-average in 2005 and as an epidemiologist ‘We require primary HIV knowledge of the subject mat- at the in preventive methods at public ter of the research work New York on a CU-SA Fogarty health level in order to curb the l Evidence of a track record AITRP award in 2009, Sibeko HIV epidemic that is claiming of high quality presentation is now a research gynaecologist the lives of so many women and of research at conferences or at the Centre for the AIDS their children. It has also become publication in peer-reviewed Programs of Research in South apparent that HIV preventive conference proceedings or in Africa (CAPRISA) while also methods, particularly those journals, or appropriate aca- working as a part-time consultant targeted at young women, need demic recommendations or at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in to be prioritised.’ Ms Prabashni Lekha received the 2011 Best Student Award from the achievements Phoenix, Durban. Sibeko said the Oxford Nuff- CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment Unit. l An excellent grasp of research Sibeko joined CAPRISA as a ield Medical Fellowship would processes and methodologies post-doctoral research fellow in provide her with dedicated time l Excellent behavioural attri- in the Life Sciences category at Xylan in Eucalyptus Dissolving 2006 and was a senior scientist on to spend in a mucosal immunol- butes, such as developing and the 46th Microscopy Society of Pulp Fibres’. the CAPRISA 004 tenofovir gel ogy laboratory while learning maintaining good personal Conference held Lekha’s supervisors are Pro- study. She is currently the Protocol from acclaimed scientists in one and professional relationships, in Botswana in 2008. fessor Pat Berjak, Professor Co-chair for CAPRISA’s Acute of the world’s best infection and making an active contribution In 2009 she received the Norman Pammenter and Dr HIV Infection study and co- immunology units. as a team member, and gener- award for the Best Student Tammy Bush. The project is principal investigator for tenofovir ‘After completing my time at ally demonstrating the CSIR’s Poster Presentation at the 47th part of the ever-strengthening gel research for advancing HIV Oxford in 2014, I plan to return values conference of the Microscopy collaboration between CSIR prevention science (TRAPS) to the science/academic setting Lekha is no stranger to Society held in Durban for her and the University of KwaZulu- study. in South Africa, preferably at the awards! She received the Wirsam work on ‘Drying Regime Effects Natal. Sibeko remembers registering University of KwaZulu-Natal,’ prize for the best oral presentation on Enzyme Gold Localisation of for a Fellowship with the Colleges she said.

1 0 UKZ N DABA BRINGING YOU NEWS FROM UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL CAMPUSES Certification ceremony honours pre- UKZN academics doctoral programme graduates re-appointed to the Aimed at contributing towards the realisation of a UKZN goal to increase the National Consumer number of its permanent academics with doctoral degrees to 70 percent by 2016, a certification ceremony was held to honour 14 staff members graduating from the Tribunal 2011 UKZN/SUNTRUST Pre-Doctoral Programme. Academics in the College of Law and Management WORDS AND PICTURE: Sithembile Shabangu Studies continue to use their expertise to contribute and play a significant role in South African society.

WORDS AND PICTURES: Hazel Langa

vidence of this was the consumer protection in South re-appointment by Africa. E President Jacob Zuma The Tribunal is an inde- of Professor Bonke Dumisa of pendent adjudicative entity, the Faculty of Management deriving its mandate from the Studies and Professor Tanya National Credit Act (NCA). A Woker of the Faculty of Law to decision by the Tribunal has the National Consumer Tribunal. the same status as one made Both academics are Advocates by the High Court of South of the High Court of South Africa. The services of the Tribunal can be used by the Africa. National Credit Regulator, Commenting on his re- consumers, credit providers, appointment, Dumisa said: debt counsellors and credit ‘It is very encouraging to bureaus. operate within the national Both academics have been government structures, where members of the Consumer the efforts of suitably qualified Affairs Committee since Dean of Research, Professor Cheryl Potgieter (Front, third from left), and Director: Postgraduate and people are appreciated, and 2000 and were first appointed Research Capacity Building, Dr Nthabiseng Motsemme (second from right), with ten of the 14 recipients effectively used in the best to the National Consumer of the UKZN/SANTRUST Pre-Doctoral Programme. interests of the country. I am Tribunal in 2006. looking forward to serving The participation of aca- he Programme, divided into adding that it was an ‘enjoyable Sarah Baartman at the handing South Africa to the best of my demics in various boards is six modules, is a year-long but painful journey’. over of the remains to the South ability in making sure there is commended in the College T intensive course designed Vithal’s message was around African government. justice in the credit industry of Law and Management to equip doctoral candidates with four lessons which she shared with The Dean of Research, and in consumer protection.’ Studies as it benefits the a range of skills to enable them to the candidates. The first was that Professor Cheryl Potgieter, Woker was also extremely students when academics accelerate the completion of their ‘you can’t force anyone to learn’ reflected on the long road for honoured to be re-appointed. combine their wealth of PhDs. as this was a democratic process. UKZN/SANTRUST doctoral ‘The Consumer Protection practical knowledge with She encouraged the students candidates since the beginning Act recently came into theory in formulating their Candidates are required to to take ownership of their own of the year, and thanked their operation and the Tribunal lectures. give feedback on each of the studies, but also know when to supervisors for the pivotal is expecting to deal with Other Law and Manage- modules while facilitators submit stop and listen. ‘Decide what role they had played in being matters in terms of that Act ment academics have comprehensive evaluation reports advice you will and will not take,’ part of the journey. Professor in the near future. The work served on international and for each of the modules taught. she said, while also encouraging Potgieter and Ms Williamson of the Tribunal has until now national professional boards Such programmes are important candidates to position themselves from SANTRUST awarded been to deal with matters such as the South African as staff members with doctoral as learners as there was nothing certificates to the successful can- under the National Credit Human Rights Commission; degrees increase their capacity as humbling as being a learner. didates. Act and now our work is to be the Commission for Con- to supervise both masters’ and The second lesson revolved Representing the candidates, significantly expanded. ciliation, Mediation and doctoral students. around the importance of Ms Nontobeko Buthelezi of the ‘This will be an exciting Arbitration; the South In his welcome address, finding programmes that would School of Psychology, said they time for consumer protection African Law Reform Com- Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Re- support students in the journey of were grateful to their families, as we will be called upon to mission; the Presidency of search, Professor Nelson Ijumba learning. She encouraged them colleagues and the supervisors deal with many different the Commonwealth Legal thanked the candidates who took to read, observe scholars in their for the support they had and varied matters,’ said Education Association; the up the initiative to register for field and put effort in their work received. She also thanked the Woker, adding that she Competition Tribunal of the programme. He emphasised to reach that turning point where Research Office for creating the was looking forward to South Africa, and the United that such initiatives were critical a student found they knew more opportunity, and SANTRUST making a contribution to Nations Human Rights to bridge the gap of increasing than their supervisor. for making available willing and the development of a juris- Council. the number of staff with PhDs Vithal’s third lesson involved committed facilitators. Buthelezi prudence dealing with from around 40 percent to the the notion of Ubuntu and said candidates were proud to University goal of 70 percent by peer support among doctoral have been associated with such a 2016. candidates. She encouraged programme and looked forward However, he reminded the students not to pursue only their to the development of other candidates that completing own studies but to support each programmes for staff pursuing the programme was just the other and give back to the group. their doctoral degrees. beginning and meant candidates The final lesson was about the Giving a vote of thanks, ‘have tested the water and they role of serendipity in the doctoral Director: Postgraduate and Re- are happy with the temperature’. study journey with the advice search Capacity Building, Dr Keynote speaker Professor to students to make a pact with Nthabiseng Motsemme, said the Renuka Vithal, Deputy Vice- themselves. ‘Attend any and all programme was an initiative Chancellor: Teaching and Learn- kinds of things related to your which deepened research capacity ing, shared insights gained from study as it might be the one that among UKZN staff members. having founded and participated unlocks your study,’ she said. She thanked Ijumba and Potgieter in – together with Professor The audience was entertained for championing the UKZN/ Michael Samuel – the Seminar by poet, Ms Diana Ferrus, well SANTRUST Pre-doctoral pro- Based Cohort Supervision Pro- known for her poem about gramme and also expressed gramme under the Faculty of the Khoisan woman Sarah gratitude to the programme Education. She advised them: Baartman whose remains were director, Mr Kiru Naidoo from ‘It’s not the smart ones that finish on display in Paris until 1986. In SANTRUST, for keeping the Professor Bonke Dumisa. Professor Tanya Woker. but those who want it enough,’ 2002 Diana read her poem for audience warmly engaged.

EDGEWOOD • HOWARD COLLEGE • MEDICAL SCHOOL • PIETERMARITZBERG • WESTVILLE UKZ N D A B A 11 The UKZN Griot Of Parrots and Perches But UKZN is a bit like Monty Python’s Flying Circus – or is it Fawlty Towers? – no matter.

WORDS: Keyan G Tomaselli

t’s been a momentous year. Bin smoking that makes the MTB some readers assumed that I in corridors by all and sundry has now publicly permitted me Laden was killed. Superman coffee shop hazardous to one’s was speaking to them directly. telling me of their appreciation this autonomy with the dis- I renounced his US citizenship health. Neither will I mention Well, that’s what I call directed that someone has found the space claimer but it has never nailed and Julius Malema was articulate the auditing blanket that has communication. Always write to speak out. me to the perch. We once argued under cross-examination in the “Kill now totally instrumentalised our with a specific readership in But unlike Bullard, I have for 20 seconds over the use of the Boer” song hearing. profession. mind I tell my students. Theses, yet to receive free cases of an adjective in one of my early Instead, I want to tell my for example, are written for whisky, well paid invitations to columns. That was it. The fired columnist, David readers that I am nobody’s examiners, not for students’ speak at end of the year school More seriously, the fact that Bullard, who claims that his parrot. Anybody who knows me parents, God, themselves or and faculty functions, or be a detractor can even think that earlier resignation was not ac- knows that. The June UKZNdaba anyone else. If the cap fits, wear given a Lamborghini to drive I get my script from Corporate cepted, sued The Sunday Times carried a disclaimer stating it, or ask the editor for space to for a day. That’s the price I pay Relations is bizarre. My editors and trashed university journalism that the views expressed in this respond, or write to me – after all, for being an academic – not are professionals all, sincerely programmes. The DA significantly column are mine, mine alone. I’m on Groupwise. much opportunity for graft! wanting to restore the micro increased its voter share and the True. That’s the deal I negotiated When I worked as a magazine My unerringly supportive and public sphere, and they have put NFP started fragmenting within when first asked to write it. I and newspaper columnist in wonderful students do, however, the parrots out to retirement. a week of the local elections. The also asked for protection from the 1970s I was told to write for organise birthday parties for Some might say that now that four SABC managed to make headlines management retaliation. Like the woman with a Standard 8 me and everyone in the Centre, CCMS graduates are working in with its own mismanagement. any good publisher, Corporate education going home on the and some slip me the odd packet this division that I have put my Graham Smith went AWOL after Relations has delivered. Turfontein bus. Now, I write for of nick knacks and sodas when own parrots there. Not so, these the Cricket World Cup and the On inquiry, I was told by my colleagues whom I assume are we are traveling through the staffers were employed on merit, Sharks were annihilated by the Corporate Relations that the much better educated, sprinkling Kalahari when I sometimes forget and they have brought an energy Crusaders. Obed Mlaba is no disclaimer was added as one or explanatory theory through to eat and drink. We have, in to the division that is remarkable. longer mayor, even Greg Ardé’s two readers had objected to me my satirical auto-ethnographic CCMS, created our own pocket Like Superman, they’re here, Sunday Tribune columns have had singling them out. Academics, method. While some who do of extraordinary collegiality. there and everywhere, writing, to refocus now that Mlaba has I presume? Well, now, that is not write to me object and claim Paradise is not lost to us. reporting, supporting, along with gone. And, most sensibly, striking interesting as not once have I that I am being fed the stories My favourite TV skit is, of the rest of Corporate Relations. DUT students wanted free, mentioned anyone negatively by Corporate Relations, others course, John Cleese and his dead And, no, this is not its script. scented, branded condoms. by name. Individual’s names actually do feed me stories, some parrot for which he wants a refund Against these momentous are mentioned as my argument of which I follow through. There from the pet shop. The parrot is Keyan G Tomaselli is Director, events, reconfiguration at UKZN requires, and always positively. are no conspiracies at work. nailed to its perch. I guess that The Centre for Communication, Media pales into insignificance. Since I don’t know who the Just think of my pissing I’m a bit like Cleese. That’s what and Society. He has never owned any But enough of these silly complainers are I don’t even buddy, Harold-the anti-Fordist, my family tell me. But UKZN is parrots and is not a birdwatcher. He national issues. Unlike last year I know if I know them or whether Illeana, the-anti-SAPSE warrior, then a bit like Monty Python’s does sometimes interact with a talking am not, like the international TV they know me. Some of us do and my pen pal, Andrew-the- Flying Circus – or is it Fawlty parrot at Molopo Lodge where he and news services, going to rehash the know that we don’t know. engineer. Then, of course, there Towers? – no matter. If we’re his students base themselves when events of the past 12 months. I am So what is happening here? is Blessing, Moorthy, Eric and all living within someone else’s working in the Kalahari. not tempted to complain about In challenging everyone – others, who prop me up from surreal and/or satirical script, the continued chaos at the main including myself – to improve our column-to-column. Without their then at least we can try to write Disclaimer: The views ex- entrance to Howard College, or institutional and interpersonal interventions my columns would our own characters, fictional or pressed in this column are the screaming, scheming and and professional behaviour, be boring. I am still accosted otherwise. Corporate Relations the author’s own. Sudoku Ukzn produces 146 medical doctors 5 9 4 The Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine is proud to announce a 96.4% pass rate for the Class of 2011. 146 medical doctors will embark on internships around the country in January 2012. 9 Top student, Dr Zakariya Badat obtained a summa cum laude pass. Dr Mariam Peer, Dr Aayesha Ebrahim Moosa, Dr Leeshen Pillay, Dr Safeeya Osman and Dr Swabhavika Singh all obtained 1 5 8 cum laude passes. Dean of the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, Professor Umesh Lalloo, congratulated the class on their results. He was joined by excited families and friends of the 6 9 1 4 3 class in the Medical School Campus car park. 7 4 3 6

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