ThethaAlumni Magazine, December 2018 SON OF Trailblazing TRIO OUR SOIL Meet our all-women Laduma’s AmaXhosa leadership

Walking the talk in town & gown partnership Ocean Sciences campus brings waves of change LIVING MANDELA A feast of centenary celebrations Walking the talk

Nelson Mandela’s life was one of profound words and deeds. He walked the talk and changed a nation. This is what we, as the only university in the world named after him, wish to emulate in positively impacting the lives of those we serve. We seek to honour our namesake by living his legacy and, as we celebrate the 100-year anniversary of his birth, by leading our university into a new era of transformative innovation, development and change to benefit all. This new-look magazine – Thetha – will endeavour to capture many of the projects, processes, events and 15 57 interventions aimed at achieving this, while also highlighting the successes of our alumni – those who exemplify the values of Mandela wherever they are, and in whatever they are doing. We have fashion icon Laduma Ngxokolo, creative sensation Stuart Townsend and Mandela Bay Business Chamber CEO Nomkhita Mona, all alumni who make us proud, not only for their talent and achievements, but for their ethos of giving back. 46 CONTENTS It is the same spirit of service that drives our new Vice- Chancellor, Professor Sibongile Muthwa, ably supported by Dr Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi and Chair of Council, Ambassador 4 Times of change in the summer of 2018 Nozipho January-Bardill – the only all-women leadership trio in 6 Trailblazers higher education in South Africa. Read their stories and the many others that capture what 8 What’s in a name we believe is an exciting new era of opportunity for Nelson 10 Madiba Magic Mandela University, and then discuss, share and talk to others, or thetha, to use the isiXhosa name of our new publication, to 15 Setting the benchmark 6 spread word of the good work underway. 19 #Storyofmylife But don’t simply leave it as just talk. Like Madiba, we 22 A new era of coming together encourage you to join us, your alma mater, in walking the talk – by helping us put our plans, hopes and dreams into action to 25 Alumni giving back establish a world-class university of first choice. 26 Living spaces 10 We are mindful of the mantle we carry in walking the talk and, to quote Madiba, “we dare not linger”, for much work lies 30 Shaping the future ahead in redressing wrongs and living the legacy of Nelson 33 Waves of change Mandela. We trust that you will enjoy the magazine and join us in 36 The (virtual) reality of drones co-creating a better future. Please get in touch with us, as we’d 40 Unique degree builds university leaders love to continue the conversation. Let’s talk, let’s thetha. 43 Science for all Debbie Derry 45 Checkmate! Editor 46 Cover story – Luxury Africa: MaXhosa By Laduma [email protected] 51 Viva Africa! 52 Triggerfish effect PO Box 77000, Publisher: Paul Geswindt Nelson Mandela University Editor: 57 Age of significance Debbie Derry Port Elizabeth, 6031 Lead writer: Heather Dugmore 63 Laws needed on racist speech Writers: Zandile Mbabela, Nicky Willemse, Dr Joanna Botha T +27 41 504 3935 Production: Lyndall Sa Joe-Derrocks 66 Council members E [email protected] Designer: Juliana Jangara 68 Our honorary doctorates 2018 Infographics: Irma Weyers 75 Farming for the future Photography: Leonette Bower, Michael Sheehan, Beverley Erickson, Kelley Felix, Liscka Hendricks, Simnikiwe Matthews, 76 Outdoor laboratory Kayla Geswint, Trevor Stuurman, Laduma Ngxokolo 78 Nelson Mandela University at a glance alumni.mandela.ac.za Sub-editors: Beth Cooper Howell and Jill Wolvaardt

2 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 3 As Nelson Mandela University, we and diversity, as expressed by committed to eliminating gender see ourselves as a driver of change our Executive Dean of our Faculty inequality once and for all. in Africa and the Global South. The of Science, Professor Azwinndini All this is part of our Vision 2020 challenge, and one that is facing Muronga: “As a leader, I am and beyond; a vision that includes all South African universities, is addressing diversity from a positive new focus areas that will distinguish to develop a strong student and angle, showing that there are better Nelson Mandela University nationally postgraduate pipeline. University results from diverse opinions. Hence, and internationally, such as our new first-time entrants in South Africa I talk about diversity and inclusion in Medical School with its four-pillar, are often ill prepared for tertiary the broad sense – diverse opinions, integrated approach to medicine, education, due to the generally diverse cultures and offerings of including equal emphasis on disease poor schooling system. This requires programmes that are coherent prevention, health promotion, of the university to strengthen our and relevant. At the same time, treatment and rehabilitative medicine; instructional support and foundational transformability means that we need and our new Ocean Sciences Campus, programmes, as well as enhancing to include ‘sciencepreneurship’ and the only one of its kind in Africa. All our existing early warning systems to innovation in the curriculum. Preparing our faculties are part of this campus, ensure that all our students are in a our students for the Fourth Industrial pursuing diverse, transdisciplinary conducive environment to complete Revolution includes preparing them aspects of marine and maritime their qualifications on time. for the jobs of the future, as many of research and development. As part of achieving this, the the jobs they are being prepared for Another example is our new TIMES OF development of scholarship needs today will no longer exist by the time SARChI Chair in Identities and to include community agency and they graduate. Hence, research and Social Cohesion in Africa. The tapping into “the vast transformative the curriculum need to be reviewed in Chair’s knowledge references reserves that knowledge holds, which the context of this revolution.” range from the ancient traditions CHANGE Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sibongile Muthwa needs to find institutional expression The type of world that our of philosophy and African poetic within our universities today”, as graduates will enter must be foremost wisdoms to the post-structuralist 20th century philosophers, such as French philosopher, Jacques Derrida. in the Summer of 2018 The holder of the Chair, Professor Andrea Hurst, explains that Derrida’s complexity thinking articulated We want you to be part of new ways of thinking that are useful A warm South African greeting to you in the summer of 2018. It’s almost in understanding and exploring new and alternative ways of where we find ourselves in higher the end of my first year in office, which can best be summed up as “no thinking and we want you to education and South Africa today. He person can successfully lead alone.” It is only when we work as a collective strongly challenged binary thinking, be part of the projects and where concepts such as freedom with all our stakeholders and role players that we can be truly successful. “ and security are posed as simple plans we are working on” opposites. He argued that instead, they form paradoxes and, further, it is exactly when you uncover such o encourage this, over the for a sustainable future. Through our centuries and is particularly pressing paradoxical relations that you face past 11 months we have Alumni Association, online platforms for ourselves and all South African true reality; for the world is uncertain embarked on an extensive and our national and international universities in the wake of the Fallist expressed by Professor André Keet, in our planning. To achieve this, we and paradoxical by nature. listening campaign with our alumni engagements, we want to hear movement and the hard realities of our new Chair in Critical Studies in need to increasingly advance African We want you to be part of new staff, students and alumni. what you have to say, and to share with our broader socio-economic, politico- Higher Education Transformation research and partner with other and alternative ways of thinking, and TIn May, as some of you know, we you what we are planning and doing, to cultural and environmental challenges. (CriSHET). leading universities, organisations we want you to be part of the projects participated in a special meeting of the strengthen our bond at this critical time. The answer is closely linked to the Many of the public discussions and networks on our continent, in and plans we are working on; to Alumni Association, to hear your views The higher education sector stature of our namesake: universities about diversity and decolonisation the Global South and Global North. share your expertise and ideas, and on how we can build an even greater nationally and globally is in a state exist for the expansion of human miss the point of the extraordinary As a university we are ramping up to contribute to our alumni giving university that honours every one of you of change, with transformation and understanding; pushing forward the opportunity we have right now to our research and innovation outputs campaign. Whether your contribution and the legacy of our namesake, Nelson diversity at the top of the agenda. frontiers of knowledge, foregrounding bring in innovative approaches and and growing an exciting cohort is small or large, it is about developing Mandela. As Nelson Mandela University we mutual respect, including respect new knowledge, which includes of emerging and socially diverse a lifelong culture of working together Mutual listening is the single see this as a unique moment to for human rights, human dignity and reframing the relationship between academics who are able to rise to and giving together; it is about being most important quality in bringing define our trajectory and advance respect for the natural environment, all science and the humanities, and the developmental challenges facing part of a university that is claiming its us together to rise to the challenge our name and scholarly reputation. of which contribute to the well-being working beyond disciplinary borders our country and continent. We are place in the sun, and of which we can of Vision 2020 and beyond, namely As a starting point, it requires of us of our city, our province, our nation, to evolve a scholarship that will truly committed to ensuring that young all be proud. to be a dynamic African university, to revisit the fundamental question: our continent and our world. In short, change the world. people experience the educational recognised for our leadership in what are universities for? This question the quest of Mandela University is for a So many positive developments and economic opportunities they Professor Sibongile Muthwa generating cutting-edge knowledge has confronted higher education for more equal and socially just world. are to be gained from transformation have been promised, and we are Vice-Chancellor

4 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 5 ice-Chancellor Professor Sibongile Muthwa and her team are breaking Ambassador Nozipho new ground in a bold step towards achieving Nelson January-Bardill VMandela’s long-held wish: that South Chair of Council African women will one day be equal, in all respects, to men. “Those who are ready to join hands can Significantly, Professor Muthwa, overcome the greatest challenges.” Chancellor Dr Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi Ms Nozipho January-Bardill is a firm and Chair of Council Ambassador believer in this quote by Nelson Mandela Nozipho January-Bardill took up their because, for her, it aptly captures the ethos of posts in this, the centenary year of the university. “We have people of integrity, commitment the birth of Mandela, after whom the and care – leaders who are driven by the same university was named in 2017. desires as our namesake.” Professor Muthwa has very clear As the university’s first black African female goals and visions for her new role, to take up the position of Council Chair, Ms and is acutely aware of its challenges. January-Bardill has extensive public, private, Growing up in rural Umbumbulu education and non-governmental sector Mission in southern Kwazulu-Natal, she Dr Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi experience, and is currently serving as Senior was taught to value good education, Advisor to the Executive Director of the United thanks to the sacrifices of her family. Chancellor Nations Women’s Organisation and UN Global “It’s an honour to become Chancellor at Compact Local Network.Ms January-Bardill, Mandela’s namesake university in his home who was appointed to Council by the Minister province, the Eastern Cape, which is equally of Higher Education and Training in September the birthplace of great women leaders like 2016, says she feels particularly privileged Albertina Sisulu,” says Dr Fraser-Moleketi. to serve on the council of a university whose “Nelson Mandela University is contributing vision is both inspirational and aspirational and TRAILBLAZERS a unique leadership role in what is a largely resonates with her own hope for a prosperous rural province, by ensuring that male and future for South Africa. The appointment of three top-ranking women to the helm of Nelson female students from every context are given “I have a good understanding of the Mandela University is a historic first for higher education in South Africa the opportunity to succeed at university and vision of the university. It is a vision that is to contribute to a new knowledge base and aligned with my own sense of where higher improved economy. I will be playing my part education should be heading … and an alongside my colleagues at the university to opportunity to live Madiba’s values and From her early days at Sacred Heart Secondary appointed as a Commissioner of South Africa’s Financial and advance its achievements, reputation and build on his commitment to young people, in School, she began a personal education journey spanning Fiscal Commission (FFC), and in July 2017 appointed as its goals, in the province, in South Africa, on the whose future he was so vested.” several decades. An experienced leader, strategist and Deputy Chairperson. continent and globally.” internationalist, Prof Muthwa holds a PhD from the School of A proactive advocate of free education for those unable Dr Fraser-Moleketi holds a master’s degree Oriental and African Studies, University of London, an MSc in to afford it, Prof Muthwa believes that anyone with academic in Administration from the University of Development Policy and Planning from the London School of ability should have the opportunity to attend university. Pretoria, is a fellow of the Institute of Politics, Economics and Political Science, a BA (SW) Honours (Wits), She is committed to inspiring new generations of students, Kennedy School of Government at Harvard and a BA in Social Work (Fort Hare). postgraduates and scholars to rise to the highest levels of University and holds an honorary professorship “My journey has inspired my commitment to contribute achievement. at Stellenbosch University. In 2017 she was to changing the trajectory of every young person whose life I “Alongside our social justice agenda, we are securing awarded an honorary doctorate by Nelson have the privilege to touch,” she says. our place in the global arena by driving innovations Mandela University. “As a higher education institution, we need to be acutely geared to solving current and future problems, including She has fought for democracy and equality attuned to the issues of our country, including poverty and environmental degradation, food insecurity, rapid migration for four decades. After a decade spent training with uMkhonto weSizwe in Angola and the inequality, and to be committed to improving the lives and and global injustice. We see ourselves as a driver of change Soviet Union, Dr Fraser-Moleketi returned to educational opportunities of the marginalised in particular.” in Africa and the Global South.” South Africa in 1990 and held several posts, She has had a distinguished career both in South There is no doubt that Mandela would have been proud including Minister of Welfare and Population Africa and the United Kingdom, where she has worked of Prof Muthwa’s vision. Often referred to a “male feminist”, Development and Minister of Public Service in development and public sector institutions and at the opening of South Africa’s first democratic parliament, and Administration. academia. From 2010 to 2017 she was the Deputy Vice- in his capacity as first democratic president, Mandela In her most recent position as the Special Chancellor for Institutional Support at Nelson Mandela famously announced: Envoy on Gender at the African Development University. Freedom cannot be achieved unless women have Bank from 2013 to 2017, she significantly Prof Muthwa previously served as Director General of the been emancipated from all forms of oppression. contributed to gender equality and woman Eastern Cape Provincial Government from 2010 to 2014, and ... Our endeavours must be about the liberation of empowerment in Africa. was also Director of the Fort Hare Institute of Government, the woman, the emancipation of the man and the at the University of Fort Hare for five years. In 2014 she was liberty of the child.

6 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 7 Living the challenge of the Mandela legacy The name change provides an opportunity to both like some holy relic on the appropriate saint’s day. deepen transformation and reposition the university This is to misunderstand and misrepresent the legacy of nationally, continentally and globally. arguably one of the greatest statesmen of the 20th century. The university as a whole has to live up to the values and His legacy needs to be commemorated in all its complexity. ethos inherent in the Mandela name. At different times he represented different things to The communications division conducted conversations different people: a child growing up in rural Eastern Cape; with staff and students on the implications of the name attending school away from family; a young man inculcated change. The SRC contributed significantly to the process in traditional values at the great place; the first in his family through its own consultative discussions. to attend university; a rebel defying his family and regent What has emerged is that the name change and re- to run away to Johannesburg seeking his fortune; an activist branding are in themselves insufficient if change does not struggling for political, social and economic rights; a young have a positive impact on the lived experience of students, radical firebrand challenging the established ANC elite; staff and the broader university communities. the first African law student at Wits University; founder, Taking the university to the next level should also along with OR Tambo, of an independent African legal firm; mean embracing innovation and transformation in all its a sportsman who enjoyed tennis and boxing; a founding manifestations. member and commander of a guerrilla army; part of a What’s in a Extremely critical to this realisation is the capacity and broad leadership collective imprisoned for their ideals; will of the university to embed a distinctive knowledge international icon and symbol of the liberation struggle; paradigm that is truly Africanist and globally unapologetic, first president of a democratic South Africa; dignified elder rooted both in its parlance and lexicon on social justice statesman; a father and a grandfather with unrivalled love for principles, on principles of the indivisibility of human rights, children. and of an inclusive world that foregrounds the sanctity of Clearly, the challenge of living up to the values and humanity. ethos of our namesake will rest in our ability to embrace and NAME Notwithstanding what mainstream branding can achieve, celebrate his legacy in all its manifestations, and in ways as is the norm in corporate cultures, the lasting identity of lasting, rather than fleeting. this institution will be eternalised in the nature and identity Next year marks the centenary of the anniversary of of staff members who elect to serve at Nelson Mandela his birth. This provides Nelson Mandela University with an A Weekend Post article elson Mandela Metropolitan University will University. opportunity to showcase the substance of the man, with formally become Nelson Mandela University It will become immortalised in the a programme of active engagement and generous (15 July, 2017) by Vice- on Thursday [20 July 2017]. outstanding and unique attributes of stewardship to ensure the impact of the name is Chancellor Sibongile Muthwa It is a privilege that requires our university graduates, who will champion experienced by workers, students and the community and its public to pause and social justice and human rights, broader university family. and Dr Denver Webb Ninternalise the magnitude and symbolism of this honour. among others, in posture Ultimately, it is up to every The re-branding of the university as Nelson Mandela and leadership tone, one of us associated with Nelson announced to the world our University is the next logical step in its evolution into a great irrespective of their field of Mandela University to embrace the beloved institution’s name African university, in line with our vision and mission. study at Nelson Mandela opportunities and responsibilities The name change brings with it many opportunities, University. the name change brings and to change, heralding the launch but also enjoins us with particular responsibilities and In recent years many collectively ensure we live up to of its new, modern brand – transformational obligations. have laid claim to what this means. By dropping the “metropolitan”, the university will now the legacy of Nelson This rests on the framing of and a bright future. be aligned to the name of our iconic statesman, a significant Mandela – often our scholarship – the classroom shift from the narrow geographical focus and alignment from attempting to isolate experience that transforms as it which it has historically drawn its identity. one facet of his long teaches – and on the way we relate As the SRC head of policy, Pedro Mzileni, pointed out in and active life, to to each other as students, staff and his thought-provoking opinion piece carried by The Herald preserve it in political the broader university community. on July 11 (“Student engagement contributes to varsity aspic, and trot it out name change”), the new name, at the very least, reframes and streamlines our identity away from the cumbersome acronym, NMMU. The name change catapults Nelson Mandela University – Mandela for short – into the select few universities like Stanford, Oxford, Cambridge and Harvard that neither use acronyms nor abbreviate their names. Hopefully, in a few short years to come, when our alumni are asked, “Where did you study?”, they can respond proudly, “I studied at Mandela”. Our staff will be able to assess the quality of their own contribution to this great university in line with the ethos of Mandela the icon. What a privilege.

8 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 9 he university’s year-long Centenary Celebration Celebrating a century of Programme is rooted in our beloved namesake Mandela’s passionate New voices support of learning. TFifteen years ago, he famously In a bid to elevate and make the youth a declared: “Education is the most more prominent contributor to policy, Nelson powerful weapon which you can use Mandela University launched the Annual to change the world.” Nelson Mandela Youth Convention in August. Mandela University’s Centenary The three-day convention, a vibrant Programme kicked off on 18 July MADIBA feature of the Centenary Celebration Programme, was themed Living in the Age this year – Madiba’s birthday – and and Hope of Madiba, and zoomed in on focuses on academic, scholarly and issues relating to education, leadership, engagement enterprises as ideal employability, entrepreneurship and health contributions to preserving and MAGIC and wellness. nurturing his legacy. With higher education in South Africa In their inaugural addresses in Head of the Memory Programme at the Nelson Mandela and globally in transition, research and April, both Chancellor Dr Geraldine Nelson Mandela University is the only university Foundation's Centre of Memory and Dialogue Verne Harris recent events show that the move towards Fraser-Moleketi and Vice-Chancellor shares his input with a student. more decolonised, equitable and inclusive Prof Sibongile Muthwa shared the in the world to bear the name of the global icon institutions of higher learning has been slow. university’s commitment to having the Young people have been key participants institution reflect Mandela’s values in – what better reason to celebrate 100 years of in conversations about transformation of its core business. South Africa’s greatest son? both the country and the academic sector, #ExploringMandela as witnessed during recent campaigns in the last few years. A FEAST of film and books in celebration of the Vice-Chancellor Prof Sibongile Muthwa Mandela legacy is set to continue entertaining says the slow rate of change was due, in part, and educating audiences over the next few to the contextual complexities relating to months. the prevailing high levels of inequality, and Hosted by Nelson Mandela University, the “persistent divisions based largely on race, “Excavating Mandela” festival focuses on several class and patriarchy which manifest in the themes, including democracy, cultural memory, fabric of the university and its functionalities”. politics of the present and justice. The lifeblood of a student-centric Running from September 2018 to July university is its willingness to locate 2019, the event showcases films, books and student voices in strategic platforms where documentaries about the legendary icon, engagements about student life take place, exploring his timeless relevance in current social, she said. political and economic times. The annual convention aims to create and The festival is a collaborative project between sustain a network of private, public or civic several university stakeholders and external organisations and individuals that play in partners and is a supplement and complement the youth development space, which should to both the Centenary celebrations and the be connected to youth and be activated “Dalibhunga – This Time? That Mandela?” to support the ideas and projects of young colloquium, says Arts, Culture and Heritage people towards their own development. Department deputy director Michael Barry. It is expected to yield broad outcomes, Film and book discussions and showings are including the development of a youth organised monthly – one each per month – and development index for annual publication to tie in with national and international monthly reflect progress made, and the establishment themes, such as Human Rights, Africa, Youth, and sustenance of a youth research Women/Diversity and Heritage. laboratory on youth development theory and “In this hundredth year of the birth research and innovation, and in our These events have predominantly “Films and books [are] selected by a team practices. of our namesake, it is also important engagement and internationalisation. taken the form of academic consisting of people from the university and, The three-day event hosted a range that we – as the only university in the “What sets us apart is our conferences, colloquia, public lectures possibly, other relevant parties,” says Mr Barry. of high-profile speakers, including world bearing the name of Nelson commitment to place Africa at the and book launches, film festivals and Additional films and books may be added to the Eastern Cape MEC for Finance, Economic Mandela – reflect on what it is that sets centre of our scholarship in the service exhibitions. table at the partners’ discretion. Development, Environment and Tourism, us apart from other institutions that of society.” The country’s Mandela Centenary “The goal will be to have important Oscar Mabuyane, Mandela University’s Dean discussions about [the film and literature]. carry his name,” said Dr Fraser-Moleketi. The centenary programme Year has special significance for the of the Health Sciences Faculty, Prof Lungile Wherever possible, we identify writers, film “What sets us apart is our comprises a series of institution-wide institution, as it proudly celebrates Pepeta, and former Deputy Finance Minister producers and other high-profile individuals to be commitment to reflect the values activities, planned and championed by the first anniversary of its new Nelson Mcebisi Jonas. part of these.” and ethos of Nelson Mandela in the seven faculties, along with other Mandela University name – officially our learning and teaching, our university roleplayers. launched on 20 July 2017.

10 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 11 Be the change

“The power of education extends beyond the development of skills we need for economic success. It can contribute to nation-building and reconciliation.” – Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

Nelson Mandela was a great champion of education as a weapon to transform and improve lives. His famed 2003 declaration - “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” - was the subject of the Faculty of Education’s colloquium on 19–20 July, which his personal and communal sought to interrogate the message experiences, that education could Newly launched CriSHET chair as a means to understand its be a tool for people to transform driving transformation contextual relevance in the 21st their lives and those of their century. children.” Transformation in South Africa generally, and higher Mandela’s stance on education Nelson Mandela, and his education in particular, has progressed at a painfully has always found broad resonance contemporaries in South African slow pace. To address this, Nelson Mandela University within South African society, Africa and African leadership, moved from has, for the last decade, been hard at work on peasant and rural lives to become deepening transformation at the institution through and globally. In a world faced pioneers of society, nations and various initiatives, as well as contributing to the with growing inequality, changing organisations, she said. At the CriSHET launch (from left) Prof Andrew Leitch, Dr political landscapes, armed conflicts Delegates at the colloquium – national conversation. Denver Webb, Dr Laura Best, Prof Sibongile Muthwa, Verne who fell under the categories of This work provided impetus for the establishment Harris and Prof Andre Keet. and racial and gender tensions, of the Chair for Critical Studies in Higher Education there is a need to explore a number formal, informal and non-formal Transformation (CriSHET), launched on 24 July, to of critical questions as they relate to education sector – put forward a which transformation and social justice specialist Mandela’s 2003 statement. number of questions and possible Professor André Keet was appointed in 2017. The colloquium, themed solutions towards the repositioning CriSHET is a strategic post introduced to drive the Repositioning our Understanding of the understanding of the transformation agenda of the university by grounding of the “weapon” Education, education “weapon” for meaningful it in critical studies and framing it within the concept explored, inter alia, whether development in the sector. of an African-purposed curriculum in view of the Mandela and his contemporaries Executive Dean of the Faculty current decolonisation debates. would be satisfied that education is of Education, Dr Muki Moeng This includes being a strategic resource for various achieving its intended objective in (pictured above), believes the key stakeholders, internally and externally, and to the 21st century; or if the country colloquium achieved its primary support the leadership team, positioning Nelson has reached the stage where the objective of building coalition with Mandela University within the higher education sector understanding of the statement an intent of having collective impact for strategic impact. needs to be deconstructed and through shared mission among Prof Keet is a leading figure in studying, being reconstructed, to speak to the internal and external stakeholders. involved in and guiding transformation within Higher challenges of the present. “The commitment to Education and brings to the CriSHET Chair a wealth of Opening the colloquium with move forward as a collective experience. an address that doubly served led to the establishment of a “Having collaborated in the Mandela University as the official launching of the steering committee comprising space for the past five years as an associate, visiting university’s year-long Centenary representatives of all the academic and intellectual friend, I found the Programme, Vice-Chancellor Prof stakeholders who were present at conditions here for building the scholarly base of Sibongile Muthwa said rooting the colloquium. transformation work to be the most fertile of any of the programme in the academic, “The steering committee was the universities I have encountered,” says Prof Keet. scholarly and engagement tasked to look at formalising a “People here have been working very hard over enterprise was the best contribution collective programme of action the past 10 years at deep transformation in the the institution could make towards around the following five themes: university space, and the idea and commitment to a preserving and nurturing our multi-stakeholder collaboration; transformative university is most pronounced.” namesake’s legacy. holistic development of a For more information about the CriSHET team, Mandela’s insightful declarations child; African-centred learning; please visit crishet.mandela.ac.za. about education reflected his language of teaching and learning; “profound belief, arising from and education as a catalyst of transformation.

12 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 13 Key role for the arts in nurturing a new institutional culture

Setting the benchmark

A new public art programme seeks to honour the university’s namesake in novel ways and visually articulate a changing culture, writes Debbie Derry.

thoughtful Mandela sits and de-commission” the symbols of on a bench with his back The positioning history that hold us back, as captured to the university’s main in the writings of African scholar tower block. Elsewhere, and presence Achille Mbembe, is ongoing. his trademark shirt The university’s main building, standsA tall before the same monolithic of both public built in the early 1970s, for example, apartheid edifice. And everywhere, was designed to represent apartheid’s Nelson Mandela University students art works is Christian National Education (CNE) abound, all part of a new generation “ ideology and to project nationalism seeking a transformed future. deliberate. The and apartheid ideologues. Its design The positioning and presence of new alongside is that of a hawk (valk), an apartheid both public art works is deliberate. symbol of vigilance, strength and The new alongside the old. the old.” masculinity. It also includes a large Unlike Cape Town, where the cross on its original East West statue of colonialist Cecil John Rhodes orientation. was floored by Fallist students in “The challenge is to transform, 2015 as part of the national outcry disturb, and appropriate this building for transformation at universities, and many other powerful symbols there could be no toppling of the of the past in our new vision and iconic 18-storey symbol of the mission of becoming unapologetically apartheid era. It was neither practical find ways of neutralizing our inherited a dynamic African university, not just nor appropriate. Rather, the call apartheid architecture structures and in location but in spirit, intent and for profound change offered the the spatial planning legacy left behind practice,” says Barry. university an opportunity to drive by the apartheid planners,” says head So, enter the Madiba shirt and the a new narrative – one of inclusivity, of the university’s Arts, Culture and Mandela Bench in the first phase of and resonating with the founding Heritage division, Michael Barry. what is a 10-year legacy art project. principles of South Africa’s democratic The need for a visual manifestation Both newcomers coexist alongside constitution. of Nelson Mandela was highlighted the cultural symbols of our painful, And so today, the university is during the university’s New Name complex past. A bronze rendition of in the process of challenging the Conversations in 2017, and again a young Nelson Mandela sits with his political and ideological origins of during the Vice-Chancellor’s Listening back to the apartheid past, with the the former institutions that merged Campaign early this year. tower block behind him, and his face to make up the new university – not “We want to be visually reminded towards the university’s main library, simply on paper or in the lecture of the responsibility of living up to the contemplating a better future ahead. halls and via new curricula, but also name of Nelson Mandela” was the Similarly, the 2,8-m statue of his through the arts. rallying cry of staff and students. famous Madiba Shirt purposely “We are seeking to contest and The process to “demythologise counters the edifice behind it, with

14 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 15 This beaded map of Africa is situated under the bench, at Mandela’s feet.

Renaming places and spaces

A naming and renaming project is underway to ensure that all our university spaces and places recognise, respect and honour all peoples in ways that resonate with the values and ethos of our namesake Nelson Mandela. The roll-out of a strategy that will offer all stakeholders a say in the names of buildings, rooms, roads and other components of the Strike a pose university follows the launch of our new name last year, and the need for the university to proactively build cohesion and transform. Be it the vice-chancellor, a student or foreign It will offer the wider university visitor, never a day passes without Nelson community the opportunity to examine Mandela receiving guests. The new Mandela our new identity, enhancing the brand and Bench has become the most photographed The Mandela students milling around on its grass signalling our intentions during the centenary destination on campus. Bench: fast facts surrounds and in the adjacent Beyers year of the birth of our namesake. Like the Madiba statue at the V&A Waterfront Naude Garden of Contemplation. In anticipation of the new policy, students have already been involved in discussion and in Cape Town, the edifice in Nelson Mandela • Launched on “Public art plays an important role Square in Johannesburg or in London, the in the academic community, fostering are enthusiastic about what is projected to Africa Day, 25 be a year-long process. Madiba artworks are selfie magnets. May 2018 critical thinking, inspiring creativity Those photos captured on the Mandela • Second major and pushing viewers to move past the Guiding principles Bench at his namesake university invariably university public tangible knowledge into that which The principles guiding the naming and include the main tower block in the background can only be conceived through a renaming process will take the university’s art project vision, mission and values into consideration, – and will hopefully promote discussion and • Design: sculpture deeper engagement and thought,” influence the making of shared meanings and says Barry, himself an artist and arts along with compatibility with the constitution lecturer Andrieta new perspectives. activist. of South Africa and the ethos of our Wentzel namesake. “We want – through these efforts – to ensure The new artworks stand proudly • Concept: The name changes are in line with the that all stakeholders truly feel they belong,” alongside the old – offering a new university’s transformation agenda and as Mandela University Vice-Chancellor Professor Mandela has narrative that seeks to neutralise its earned his place a change agent towards creating a new Sibongile Muthwa shared at the launch of the inherited apartheid structures and inclusive institutional culture. Mandela Bench as part of the university’s own in the sun and spatial legacy and write a new story of rests among the Alumni will also be invited to have their Centenary Celebrations programme. inclusivity and transformation. say as the project unfolds. Quoting Achelle Mbembe’s cry to youth who study “demythologise and de-commission” the today because of symbols of history in order to move forward, Prof his efforts Muthwa said the time was ripe to confront the • Bench-end origins of the institution. scrollwork: “This negative legacy from the past, readiness to manifests in our public spaces, buildings, names, learn and build a FASHION ICON: The famed Madiba Shirt symbols and rituals, and continues to influence wise, community- was first worn by Nelson Mandela at the our institutional culture. focused future dress rehearsal of the 1994 Opening of Parliament and was designed by Desre “Decolonising the university starts with the from the past. Buirski. Our university version comprises de-privatisation and rehabilitation of the public hardy specialist metal (C3R12) underneath space – the rearrangement of spatial relations. richly-coloured ceramic tiles spelling “Public art on campus is the physical out our values, and was designed by embodiment of institutional missions and largely the university’s Prof Mary Duker, with input from both undergraduate and contributes to the creation and maintenance of postgraduate students. Former President places where the university community can learn, Thabo Mbeki officially ‘launched’ the shirt live and dialogue within an environment rich in in October 2015. meaning.”

16 | mandela.ac.za | November 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 17 #Storyofmylife

In the midst of the frustration, anger and mayhem of the 2016 #FMF protests, life went on … as poignantly captured by the university’s official lensman, Leonette Bower, whose photographic documentary became her BTech thesis and has been exhibited nationally.

Seated in a Music Department practice room, music student Luvuyo Plum tells of how he serendipitously found a guitar in a ceiling ten years ago – and decided that it would be his first instrument. He was initially hesitant to pursue a degree in music, but, “ … today, I am confident to say: never has the vision been more clear in [my] mind … I am here to learn music! Yes, being versatile is important, but not at the cost of suppressing your dreams – what you really love. I am grateful for all the struggles I have [had] and [am] still to endure, because they become valuable lessons.”

18 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 19 Jenna-Leigh Greyling, watching sport with her dad, is a third-year student Khakalomzi Gwabe is the in tourism management. youngest of six children, She shares in the written raised by a single parent part of the documentary dependent on a government that she was troubled by grant. The former Diploma not being able to help of Management student finance her studies. “I feel says, “The biggest challenge bad that I’m not helping I faced was having limited my dad pay, but he said resources to pursue my he’d rather have good studies.” This changed when marks than me working the congregation of his and not having time for church stepped in to help my studies. He works very him financially and personally, hard to make my dreams culminating in his proud come true.” graduation in 2017, in a suit bought for him by his uncle.

Faith Moyo left the Postgraduate student and mother economic turmoil of Gretchen Sudenie, pictured at her Zimbabwe and had children’s school prize-giving event, dreams of obtaining a writes: “It is now 2016, and I am at university qualification. the threshold of becoming an LLB But growing student debt graduate. I had never imagined this weighed heavily on her possibility, given my impoverished and she was concerned background and with the two children she would never receive and a family to provide for!” her final results. “I would continue to talk about it amongst my friends and family. It was not until I thought of approaching my programming lecturer, Prof Jean Greyling (pictured with Faith), that my life would be turned around forever.” After completing her BSc, Computing Science, Faith went on to do a postgraduate diploma in hey are all accounting as part of her journey towards “doing incredible, positive things that will make a people surviving difference in people’s against all odds.” lives”. That was “Tthe verdict of Mandela University photographer Leonette Bower, “I wanted these students to play who took herself – and her an active role in telling their stories Sakhumzi Dukwe (centre) Apart from her photographic recognised the sacrifices of camera – behind the scenes of the – I did not want to be just the documentary of each student, his family in enabling him #FeesMustFall movement in 2015 and photographer moving into their to fulfil his aspirations of Leonette also produced a booklet 2016 to visually track the lives of some space. It had to be a dialogue and qualifying as a psychology – #storyofmylife – that includes of its students. therefore I asked them to write graduate. “I love my family: arresting snapshots of real life: the It was former Vice-Chancellor down their own stories, in their own my mom and big sister mean students’ own cellphone photographs, the world to me. My mother Professor Derrick Swartz who urged handwriting, giving them voice.” professional images of each student, has been my everything, Leonette to document the historic The students had each faced since my father passed away handwritten accounts and a CD shifts in higher education. She did, difficulties, but were all committed to in 2001 … Because of her recording by music student Luvuyo but far away from the angry rock face success and to making a difference. efforts working as a cleaner Plum singing his own composition, of the protests. Instead, Leonette Leonette found the resolve to give and selling different things talking and playing the guitar. to supplement her income entered the lives and homes of eight back to their communities through, Leonette’s exhibition has to make sure me and my big students to offer us a gritty insight for example, tutoring and community sister go to school and there been shared in Port Elizabeth and into their day-to-day realities. service, very humbling. is food on the table.” Johannesburg.

20 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 21 Dear Alumni alumni relationship-building drive at all levels. t’s an exciting time to launch Over the coming months, we will the new look Alumni magazine, be going all out to connect with our which will become an essential alumni and to bring you together communication vehicle to engage to share your views, networks and and keep in touch with the Alumni abilities. We want all of you to feel ICommunity and Friends of the Nelson very much part of the university in Mandela University. this new era; it’s a wonderful moment The launch of the revamped in which to achieve this, and to come magazine takes place in the year our together to celebrate being part of country and university celebrate the the only university in the world to centenary of former President Nelson carry Nelson Mandela’s name. We Rolihlahla Mandela, and the year in know that some of you feel estranged which the university inaugurated Prof from your alma mater, but we want to Sibongile Muthwa and Dr Geraldine change this and work together with Fraser-Moleketi as its vice-chancellor you on any issues that you feel need and chancellor respectively. addressing. In 2017, two significant The role of the faculties and key developments took place: the departments, such as Student Affairs institution launched the new Nelson (Governance, Sport and Residences), Mandela University name, identity and the Office of International Education brand in July, and at the end of the and Arts, Culture and Heritage will year, the University Council elected play an important part in connecting Ambassador Nozipho January-Bardill with alumni at the primary relationship and Siya Mhlaluka respectively as level. They will be doing the same its new chairperson and deputy with prospective and existing chairperson. students, who will be guided through These developments, articulated an admissions process until formal with greater clarity during Prof student enrolment. This personal, Muthwa’s inaugural lecture early positive interaction must be continued this year, signal the new strategic through to graduation and then to the direction and trajectory which have postgraduate or alumni status. been deemed important to engage The Computing Science and communicate with internal and Department is a model of this; it has external stakeholders, including our great social interaction with its students Alumni community. and graduates, celebrating their Through this new-format A New Era achievements, engaging them for talks, publication, the university, through bursaries and student employment and its Alumni Relations Office, pledges benefiting from their expertise in the to share a range of its significant of Coming Together marketplace and industry. learning, teaching, research and NEW ALUMNI LEADERSHIP … Alumni Relations Director Paul Geswindt with new engagement activities, as well as to members (from left) Institutional Forum representative to Council Khaya Matiso, Vice- New alumni IT system profile the achievements and strides President Michelle Mbaco, and Alumni President Khwezi Blose. The development of an efficient made by members of the Alumni alumni IT system, which will include community in their respective fields. more than 50% of all graduates since build on the university’s national “They speak to what we have chosen • Origins, Culture, Heritage and updated contact details as well as the establishment of the founding and international reputation and to be and how we are positioning Memory, and key profile information, is a priority A growing Alumni family institutions. This means that we have a success. Adding to this is our new ourselves in terms of our research • Humanising Pedagogies.” for relationship building. We will be Nelson Mandela University and large group of young, new generation strategic focus, including the Ocean priorities in the higher education making the most of technology to its predecessors awarded 144 481 alumni who join hands with our alumni Sciences Campus and the Medical sector. As a university we have settled Relationship-building drive develop and grow our relationship qualifications to 108 910 alumni and from across the decades. You all play a School, which further advances on the following organising themes Our goal is for people worldwide to with you, including leveraging the alumni family continues to grow pivotal role in the university’s decision- the university’s contribution to to steer our differentiating scholarly respond knowingly and admiringly communication platforms such as with more than 6000 graduates per making processes, with two elected scholarship, sustainability and human contribution: when you say you are a graduate of portals and social media to connect annum. You, our alumni, are our members of the Alumni Association development. Nelson Mandela University, and for and share, and keep you up to date largest stakeholder group by far, sitting on Council, but also in your Vice-Chancellor Professor • Ocean and Coastal Sciences each one of you to feel part of the about institutional developments. and the torchbearers of our name many different roles and inputs. Sibongile Muthwa led a widely • Social Justice and Democracy university. The Alumni Relations Office throughout the world. As Nelson Mandela University consultative process around the • Environmental Stewardship and and its governance structure, the Alumni House new building plans The total number of graduates we have a truly unique opportunity university’s new institutional research Sustainable Livelihoods Alumni Association, are at the centre An Alumni House is the on-campus from 2005 to date now constitutes to come together and substantively themes. As Prof Muthwa puts it: • Innovation and the Digital Economy of the institution’s commitment to the home of graduates who are welcomed

22 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 23 here whenever they visit. All the uniforms for all our insourced staff. staff linked to alumni relations, as Several of our shop managers through EXECUTIVE well as the executive of the Alumni Our goal is for the years have also been assistant ALUMNI Association, are normally based here. sports coaches, as the university Currently, the Alumni Relations Office people worldwide needed to supplement their income is operating from a small Alumni to respond to attract good assistant coaches and Relations Centre venue. coaches. The dual platform served We are now looking at a special knowingly and their careers well. Two examples building development for Alumni admiringly when are Jody Paul, who is now coaching House, which can itself become a “ hockey for the England under-18 boys, sustainable business, such as offering you say you are is Assistant Coach for under-21 men a conference facility, social space, hot for England Hockey and Head Hockey offices and a coffee shop for alumni a graduate of Coach at the University of Bath, and and friends, visitors, university staff Baakier Abrahams, who is now a President: Khwezi Blose Vice-President: Michelle Mbaco Treasurer: Elmari van de Merwe Secretary/Director: Paul Geswindt and business people.. Nelson Mandela provincial coach for the South Western We’re looking at the 2nd Avenue University, and for Districts Cricket Union. Campus as the location, as it’s central, the area is popular and there’s a good each one of you Institutional Alumni Annual Fund link between the Business School The VC has asked the Alumni and the Boardwalk. We are hoping to to feel part of the Association to launch an institutional have the plans for the Alumni House university.” Alumni Annual Fund. In the past our building approved in 2019, and built alumni supported previous VC fund- by 2021. raising projects, such as Professor Swartz’s mountain climb campaigns to Your representatives raise money for bursaries. Mr Khwezi Blose and Ms Michelle The Alumni Annual Fund is an Mbaco are the new president and innovative approach to giving and IF representative: Khaya Matiso Elected: Ayanda Mhlatsa Elected: Welcome Kupangwa Co-opted: Thomas Terblanche vice-president respectively of the we hope that you think so too. To Alumni Association. They also explain what we’re doing, let me first represent you in their capacity as explain that traditional universities members of Council. internationally receive 90% of their Mr Blose is currently the CEO of funds from 5 to 10% of their alumni the Masakeni Civil Construction Firm. Mandela brand boost donors, who are obviously extremely His Mandela University qualifications In 2005 the Alumni Association wealthy. However, this would never include a BSc (Construction invested in and established the work for us as a younger university – Economics) and BSc Hons QS. Ms University Shop as a commercial we receive generous donations, but Mbaco is currently the Manager for venture that strongly promotes the not on this scale. Strategic Operations for the ANC university brand. We price items The VC therefore proposed that Parliamentary Caucus. Her Mandela reasonably and we offer a good range, we rather encourage as many alumni qualifications include a BCom and MA, including clothing and corporate gifts. as possible to give a small amount, Development Studies. The shop is a thriving operation today. of R100 a month or more if they can Mr Blose assumed the position In 2017 our turnover was R3 million; in afford it. It is all about building the of president in line with the Alumni 2018 our target is R5 million. Annually, culture of giving over a lifetime with a constitutional provisions when Dr the Association supports various regular gift. Randall Jonas announced at the 2018 university and student projects, Let us know what you think of this AGM that he would be ending his term including bursaries, using some of and share your thoughts about how of office early. The Association thanks the shop surplus. Reinvestment in the we can all come together as proud Dr Jonas for his years of service to the development of the shop as a self- alumni of Nelson Mandela University. Association and university in various sustainable unit is also important. We look forward to sending you governance roles. Ms Mbaco was It’s been such a success that we updates on the Alumni Association’s subsequently elected as vice-president are now expanding the range to plans and programmes in upcoming at an Executive Committee meeting. celebrate the Mandela brand, and newsletters and publications. In the Mr Khaya Matiso, current CEO growing the shop, including online. meantime, please help us to update of PE College and former Mandela We’re adding a new range of leisure your details online using University Missionvale Campus wear, which you have asked for, alumni.mandela.ac.za Director and Dean of Students, was including creatively branded items also elected at the AGM as the Alumni such as hoodies.The shop is also Paul GG Geswindt Association representative on the involved in the supply of the uniforms Director: Alumni Relations Institutional Forum. for sports teams as well as the Secretary: Alumni Association

24 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 25 LIVING SPACES Nelson Mandela University is pulling out all the stops to provide its students with additional on-campus residences, writes Zandile Mbabela.

outh African universities are faced with the bringing the total number of off-campus beds to nearly massive challenge of inadequate student 6000 at the end of April 2018. This is in addition to the accommodation on campuses; a problem existing 3250 beds at its Port Elizabeth and George on- that in recent years, has begun to gradually campus residences. extend to the cities and towns in which the As a long-term solution, the university is working Suniversities are situated. on developing a new 2000-bed on-campus residence This is normally highlighted at the beginning of – broken up into 1800 beds in Port Elizabeth and 200 the year, when universities are under pressure caused in George – which has received part funding from the by a large number of students arriving there with Department of Higher Education and Training. inadequate funding, which contributes to the perennial While government funding has made notable issues around academic registration and residence strides in widening access to higher education, admissions at the start of each year. particularly for students from historically disadvantaged These numbers have grown significantly over communities, until very recently this had not been the years as more students are drawn from poorer accompanied by the requisite infrastructure budget communities through continued efforts to widen access allocations. to higher education. This year the number of these students is even greater because of the December 2017 Focus on the future pronouncement of fee-free education for those coming Higher Education and Training minister Naledi Pandor from poor and working class backgrounds. approved a R1.1-billion student housing grant for the country’s 26 universities this year, with Mandela Supply and demand University receiving R50 million for the 2017/2018 year. The increase in student numbers has highlighted The funds come in addition to prior efficiency funding how the demand for tertiary education far outweighs allocations of R66.6 million and R75 million for the the existing capacity, a phenomenon compounded 2015/16 and 2016/17 financial years respectively, which by the fact that many South African universities, include a portion for residences. particularly the historically white institutions, were Given the continued incremental demand for not geared for the massive influx of students. This student accommodation and the equally important is a challenge throughout the country, and forms need for prudence and financial sustainability in the part of the global move towards ‘democratisation of institution, Mandela University has opted not to use education’. the funding allocations as they are, but to pool the On the accommodation front, the reality is that cash to create a sustainable funding model towards the there are simply not enough on-campus residence planned 2000-bed residence. facilities to meet the growing demand. To mitigate “What made us consider this model was the this, Nelson Mandela University secures and accredits implementation of the fee-free education decision, off-campus accommodation sites that cater to students’ so this will ensure a sustainable way of adding more needs for a safe, comfortable, secure and hygienic beds on campus to meet the anticipated demand. This living environment that is conducive to learning. also means that we are keeping the money within the This year, the university’s Student Housing Office sector,” says Mandela University’s finance director, sought and secured about 3000 additional beds, Michael Monaghan.

26 | Thetha | December 2018 DecemberStudent 2018 residences | mandela.ac.za on North | 27Campus “The revenue to service the loan is guaranteed. We plan to develop the residence at scale and keep developing as we go along in a phased approach.” UNDER The university plans to break ground on the first phase, CONSTRUCTION with a 500-bed residence behind the Protea Residence at the Student Village, in January 2019. This will be followed by a 200-bed residence at the George Campus and a 300-bed building behind the new 500-bed residence at the Student • Student housing with 1800 beds Village. on North Campus and 200 beds The remaining 1000 beds will be rolled out as the loan on George Campus. Work on the funding is finalised, and will be built on the triangular piece Summerstrand site is set to begin of land between the North Campus main entrance and early 2019. Admiralty Way. • Work is currently underway The university has established a special accommodation towards upgrading infrastructure working group, which includes its Finance, Student Housing, on Missionvale Campus to Estates and Facilities Management offices, as well as accommodate the medical students, to drive the work towards this. programme. Mandela University Dean of Students, Luthando Jack, The second new Engineering building • Work on the numerous says the university is also engaging the metro about sustainability infrastructure a student hub, which would create a “more enabling interventions has begun, with environment conducive to student living” – accommodation progress already made towards a zones that include complementary amenities relevant to solar farm on South Campus. students. • Extensions to the Law Faculty floor in Embizweni on South Campus are nearing completion. Lecturing auditorium on 2nd Avenue Campus. • Second phase of infrastructure upgrades to the Ocean Sciences Campus. • A new water reservoir on George ONWARDS Campus. UPWARDS • Upgrading the Felsted Building on Bird Street Campus. & • Development of the transport hub Nelson Mandela University is on the corner of Gomery Avenue constantly working on building and University Way. and upgrading infrastructure to accommodate increased student numbers and position itself as a The Engineering “Phase 2” building pioneering place of learning. Apart from more residences for students, upgraded infrastructure is underway for the medical programme and numerous sustainability interventions. In 2017, the university completed the second new Engineering building on North Campus, transformed the former CSIR building into the Ocean Sciences Campus, and revamped the lecturing auditorium on Second Avenue Campus. The Engineering “Phase 2” building, which houses a 200-seater auditorium for teaching and learning purposes, is accommodating the six new engineering qualifications offered from this year. The entrance to the university’s new Ocean Sciences Campus The new residence lounge for students

28 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 29 This quotation by our former South and is able to issue Section 18A tax certificates for certain For Capital and Special Projects, we liaise with the African President sums up one of categories of donations which qualify for these. relevant managers in the University to identify strategic the key goals of Nelson Mandela The Nelson Mandela University Investment Company was capital funding needs, develop resource mobilisation University at a time when fee-free recently established as an investment company to pursue proposals for identified capital projects and look at ways of education has been introduced for certain strategic commercialisation projects to generate securing funding for these and other operational aspects. students from households with a income in perpetuity. It is wholly owned by the Trust and has This office is headed by Ms Tshidi Hashatse. combined family income of less than an independent board of Directors. We are exploring various alternatives for non-traditional R350 000 per year. We welcome The Chair of its Board of Directors is businessman capital funding and identifying, building and managing this development and hope that the and friend of the university, Mark Williams, who is based relationships with donors and philanthropic organisations administrative processes around it in the metro. The first meeting of the directors was held nationally and internationally. We have the advantage of that have been causing hardship for in April 2017. being the only university in the world officially named after students can be speedily resolved. One of the first major projects of the company is the the world-famous icon, Nelson Mandela. The introduction of fee-free higher development of a Life Rights Complex on land owned by the For Bursaries and Scholarships, the SRMO focuses on education for certain categories of university at its Second Avenue Campus in Summerstrand, attracting funding from the private and public sectors for students will significantly assist in Port Elizabeth. The idea is to develop a lifestyle complex undergraduate and postgraduate students. Currently, most broadening access to quality higher that includes a retirement complex and an all age groups of the funding mobilised is for undergraduate financial education for financially needy, complex. Purchases in the complex will be open to members support, but renewed focus is being placed on mobilising academically deserving students. At of the university and the general public. bursary funding for postgraduate bursaries and scholarships, The Strategic Resource Mobilisation Unit (back from left) Buyiswa Yaya, Dr Denver Webb, the same time, however, we need Sithembele Tutuse, Tshidi Hashatse. (Front from left) Sheree Gerber, Dr Sibongile Sowazi In terms of its organisational structure, the SRMO particularly at the honours level, for which funding is to be financially prudent about the and Jennilee Bezuidenhout. comprises two sub-offices: Capital and Special Projects, and relatively scarce. The Bursaries and Scholarships office is pressure it puts on our resources, Bursaries and Scholarships. headed by Dr Sibongile Sowazi. as ensuring that there is access Overall, we are extremely and success requires a number of pleased with the SRMO’s additional interventions. Over and performance to date and we are above this, our university also requires Shaping confident that we will show excellent significant funding for key projects year on year results. In recent and focus areas in our bold new years, we have significantly grown journey, including the new Ocean our income through the Trust. For Sciences Campus and Medical School, the future example, in 2015 the total income and revitalising the humanities. from donations through the Trust Engagement is another key focus was some R38 million. In 2016 it area of our university as we cannot By Dr Denver Webb, Senior Director: Strategic Resource Mobilisation Unit grew to about R56 million. In 2017 boast high-tech buildings and world- the income from donations was just class infrastructure while ignoring We in South Africa believe that all can learn – that there over R102 million. This income was poverty and inequality in society. It is are more who are capable of learning, at the very highest for both bursaries and scholarships, part of our responsibility to raise funds and also for engagement projects. for engagement projects, including levels of education, than are given the chance … All This improvement is largely due projects that help to advance access institutions of higher education have the obligation to to improved coordination between to education from school level, and open the door more widely. the various role players in the projects that work with communities university. We are extremely proud to promote entrepreneurship and – Nelson Mandela, 12 May 2005 of the teamwork demonstrated which generally assist communities across all the faculties to bring in this with developing their own agency. income. Encouragingly, we found In her inaugural address in April 2018, the Vice- financially sustainable. The establishment of the Strategic that instead of the #FeesMustFall Chancellor, Professor Sibongile Muthwa, outlined her Resource Mobilisation Office (SRMO) in the office of the protests putting off donors, as vision of the university in the service of society. This Vice-Chancellor grew out of this initiative. some feared, it actually resulted included realigning engagement activities to address The SRMO is intended as a lean, agile office to in a generous outpouring of pressing challenges of society, and establishing Hubs of coordinate strategic resource mobilisation initiatives across support from the public. It created Convergence. These Hubs of Convergence are envisaged the university. At the same time, it is also required to deliver a national awareness of the need as physical spaces where the university meets with on specific functions, notably, raising funding for bursaries, to widen access to university for communities to engage on common platforms to find scholarships, capital projects and engagement, as well deserving students and people were solutions to practical problems that affect our immediate as managing identified catalytic projects. It does so in very generous and forthcoming communities. The first one is set to be established at the conjunction with the Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Executive in supporting financially needy Bird Street Campus early next year. Deans and other units at the university. students. There is a realisation In its many focus areas, the university needs to fund The SRMO also provides support to the resource broadly in society that government its development trajectory while maintaining financial mobilisation initiatives of the Nelson Mandela University alone cannot solve this problem and sustainability in the medium- to long-term. To address all Trust and the Nelson Mandela University Investment that we all need to play our part in this, in 2014 Council asked the Vice-Chancellor to reimagine Company in terms of a service level agreement between advancing social justice and greater resource mobilisation at the university to ensure we remain the three parties. The Trust enjoys PBO status from SARS equality in our country.

30 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 31 Home of SA’s first dedicated Ocean Sciences Campus WAVES OF CHANGE

As the only hub dedicated to the future growth of Ocean Sciences in South Africa, the university’s new Ocean Sciences Campus “blue commons” approach will benefit us all.

32 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 33 disciplines, being far better than that of a sole expert maritime professor. SAIMI Strategically, this approach offers better options for both discovery research and that of solving real world problems arising from economic need, headquarters while always ensuring ecological sustainability. Places and spaces that allow the “blue commons” to come together are launched in PE all part of the ongoing infrastructure developments at the Summerstrand campus. Plans to grow the maritime These physical changes are matched by the campus-specific design economy depend on the philosophy, and its prevalent overarching ocean science themes of oceans and availability of skilled people to culture; ocean governance and marine protection; oceans economy and ocean implement them, along with health and marine biodiversity. the generation of knowledge Check out the Ocean Sciences website oceansciences.mandela.ac.za to view and technological innovation to photographs and a virtual tour of support a globally competitive the present campus and its future maritime industry. growth. The South African International Maritime Institute In place (SAIMI) was established in 2014 – a direct outcome of the South The Ocean Sciences Campus is African government’s Operation already home to: Phakisa – in response to the • Four national research chairs need for a national institute to (Shallow Water Ecosystems; coordinate and facilitate skills Ocean Science and Marine Food development to support the Security; Marine Spatial Planning growth of the oceans economy. and the Law of the Sea and SAIMI launched its national Development in Africa) headquarters at Nelson Mandela • South African Earth Observation University’s Ocean Sciences Network (SAEON) Campus on 25 June – coinciding he university’s new Ocean Sciences campus has been intentionally • The FishFORCE Academy with the International Day of the designed and revamped to embrace a transdisciplinary way of working. • Research Diving Unit with a new Seafarer. For the launch event, It has been specifically branded to reflect its purpose – that of hyperbaric chamber facility to the team opted to mark the occasion by giving back to the a dedicated creative and innovative hub for postgraduate teaching, serve the diving community seafaring community. research and engagement for Ocean Sciences – and its physical spaces • Facility for studying marine The blue economy is the Trevamped to allow scientists the opportunity to work as teams. organisms and large marine next major contributor to South R60 million has been invested animals Africa’s gross domestic product, to date, and a further R75m will be • The South African International with the potential to create spent over the next three years in Marine Institute (SAIMI) up to a million direct jobs and upgrading the old CSIR buildings. • Researchers from Business and contribute R177-billion to the The campus was launched as the Management Sciences; African country’s economy by 2030. university’s seventh campus in Earth Observatory Network The Institute facilitates input September last year. (AEON); Coastal Marine Research from the industry to ensure that The transdisciplinary research and Engineering. necessary job-related skills and strategy crosses many disciplinary training are being offered and boundaries to create a holistic To come plays a linking role between approach, and, in Mandela To support the expansion of the industry, education and training University’s case, does not stop campus, the following facilities are institutions and government. with the academy. Instead, it also in the pipeline: Since its establishment, successes include managing seeks to embrace blue economy or • A student commons for the National Cadet Programme, “blue commons” partnerships with transdisciplinary engagement forging partnerships to expand the metro, local government, big • A cafeteria training of seafaring cadets, business, civic society and other • More laboratory extensions coordinating Operation Phakisa ocean-related organisations. • A science centre Skills Working Groups and • Multi-purpose ocean sciences facilitating development of Why? conferencing, exhibition and the Research, Innovation and Simply because by doing engagement centre Knowledge Management so, all basic, formative and • Facilities for spin-off companies Roadmap for the maritime applied professional knowledge and start-ups. sector. competencies in Ocean Sciences are brought together in novel ways. It’s a case of many heads, across many

34 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 35 The (virtual) REALITY OF DRONES

The benefits of drone technology across the globe are endless – and Nelson Mandela University science and engineering whizzkids are gaining ground fast.

nvisage a drone that is autonomously airborne in 15 to 20 seconds from the moment a crime scene or danger alarm is triggered. EIt steers itself to the scene and then hovers above it, taking live, high resolution footage for the police or security companies. This is one of the drones that the Mandela University Autonomous Operations (MAO) Group is working on – it’s science fiction fantasy made real. Specialising in drones and gliders Our innovation – or autonomous underwater vehicles is that instead (AUVs) – the group is developing them for a range of capabilities, including of a person deep-sea scientific research, package going to the deliveries to ships, autonomous Damian Mooney – one of South Africa’s few specialists in “ crime scene imaging and wildlife drones and gliders. hot spot and monitoring, in support of research being conducted by the university’s piloting the scientists and engineers. Surrounded by flying parts drone from in a warehouse of the Faculty of of their diverse applications,” says He explains that crime scene there, it is Engineering, the Built Environment Mooney. “Drones can be fitted with drones that take high quality footage but for now we’re developing the (SACAA) stipulates that an RPAS and Information Technology, is MAO multispectral cameras and data- have been used globally in the military technology. One of our master’s Operating Certificate is required, completely Group member and mechanical collecting capacity to take 3D images and by security companies for years. students in the MAO Group, Benjamin together with certified drones and engineer, Damian Mooney. He is one of buildings for restoration, renovation “Our innovation is that instead of a Nelson, is focusing his research on this drone pilots. automated of South Africa’s few specialists in or extension purposes, for marine person going to the hot spot and and it should be ready by the end of No commercial drone permits from the time Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems science data capturing out at sea, and piloting the drone from there, it is this year.” have been granted to any university (drones and AUVs), and he has been a for marine and land surveys, such as completely automated from the time Currently, it is the permit aspect in South Africa or any company in the the alarm is commercial pilot for 20 years. dolphin, penguin, rhino and elephant the alarm is triggered. in South Africa that is impeding the Eastern Cape, and MAO has applied “Drones and gliders are rapidly surveys, or to monitor livestock and “It would naturally require harnessing of the full potential of to have Nelson Mandela University triggered.” gaining ground globally because help prevent stock theft.” permission from the authorities, drones, not the technology, as the certified - but the process can take up South African Civil Aviation Authority to two years.

36 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 37 FrankenDrone used to gather critical deep-sea Mooney explains that drones are ocean information, such as ocean increasingly used for package deliveries physics and upwelling, which directly to remote locations, replacing costly underpins marine food security,” helicopters or aeroplanes. MAO Mooney explains. master’s student, James Sewell, is The most serious food working on “FrankenDrone” – an security problem on the planet autonomous aircraft that can deliver a is in the Western Indian Ocean package to the deck of moving ships (WIO), which extends all the way out at sea, since these do not have the up the eastern coast of Africa, ability to stop easily. FrankenDrone uses including Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, stereographic cameras to determine Mozambique, South Africa, and the how fast the ship is travelling, enabling island states of Comoros, Madagascar, an accurate “bomb drop”. Sewell will Seychelles, Mauritius and Réunion. complete his project at the end of this “At present the data being year. captured is from gliders and sensors “FrankenDrone, which spans weighing anything from a few hundred four metres across and has both kilograms to tons,” says Mooney. “The a fuel and electric motor, can be logistics of getting these sensors out rapidly deployed, with a 5kg payload to sea often involves international capacity,” Mooney explains. “It was research ship support, which is manufactured in 2017 by one of extremely costly and time consuming. the exchange students in the EBEIT Prof Roberts and his team have very Faculty’s Renewable Energy Lab - limited access to research ships and Sebastian Pietzka from Reutlingen gliders in South Africa and the WIO University in Germany - and its flight African coastal countries because of potential is now being taken further. restricted budgets. “I named it FrankenDrone because “Our goal is to come up with a there is a lot of mixing and matching lightweight alternative, with smaller of parts. Despite its looks, it’s such sensors, that we can get out to sea a practical drone – each side is an without ships. We are using this as independent aircraft with its own an opportunity to innovate a giant power, control surfaces and receiver leap in technology, in a similar way MAO Group’s Master’s students are working on a range of drones and gliders with modules. It’s effectively two aircraft that limited hardwire telephone unique applications. flying in tight formation, which means infrastructure led to African countries if there is a fault on one side, it can still developing some of the world’s most fly the mission.” advanced cellphone networks. modules and transmit much larger and it is also very expensive, so our “Instead of trying to get a few data packages back to base through idea is the cost-effective WiFi type MAO and Marine Science big sensors that do all the work out the relay and bypass the satellite system – which can feed real-time Moving on to gliders, or AUVs, the at sea from ships, our research is communications. information – with the glider being MAO Group is working with marine about deploying large numbers of Mooney explains that a drone such programmed to deliver bigger data scientist, Professor Mike Roberts, who lighter, smaller sensors that can be as FrankenDrone can also operate packages far more frequently. is leading a new research chair, called transported in packs and deployed as a relay station for the sea gliders, “One of our students is currently the UK-SA Bilateral Chair in Ocean by airborne drones or smaller essentially acting as an airborne working on a solar-powered system Science and Marine Food Security, autonomous surface vessels. Instead WiFi relay tower system: “Most where FrankenDrone’s wings are solar- based at Nelson Mandela University’s of one autonomous glider or heavy gliders currently work on the iridium powered by day and battery operated new Ocean Sciences Campus. sensor bundle trying to gather satellite system. When they go down by night so that it can serve as an The joint hosts of the Chair are multiple types of data, each small to depths of 6000m, for example, airborne communication station for Nelson Mandela University and the sensor will have one very focused task there is no communication. When the days at a time.” United Kingdom’s leading marine to keep it small and transportable.” glider returns to the surface, it has an Mooney is confident about the science research and technology The possibility of having drones antenna and it tries to make a link with team’s contribution to this rapidly institutions: the University of (surface or airborne) that remain on the iridium satellite network, but it is expanding technology field. Southampton (UoS) and the task for days at a time and act as not efficient, as this satellite system “Our ultimate goal at Nelson Southampton-based National relays back to home stations means was developed in the 1970s; so it is Mandela University is to support our Oceanography Centre (NOC). the small sensors would also not need a bit like an old-fashioned dial-up researchers and partners in the marine “Automated subsea gliders, which to carry and power bulky satellite modem. sector by developing and making are about 3.5m long and weigh a communication modules; they could “Researchers are therefore available gliders and sensors that are few hundred kilograms, are currently have smaller, efficient WiFi-style not getting rapid information, or suited to South African and African information in the detail they need, challenges.” HD

38 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 39 Champion, who joined the programme in 2016 among According to Prof Rajani Naidoo, Chair in Higher the first of two cohorts of students, says the new DBA-HEM Education in the University of Bath School of Management had equipped her with the mechanisms to respond to these and Director of the International Centre for Higher Education challenges as a “reflexive transformative leader, willing and Management, universities worldwide “are facing great able to lead in a complex environment”. challenges … They are expected to contribute to science The DBA-HEM is conducted online and via four week- and social innovation and to solve some of the world’s long contact sessions – two delivered at the University greatest problems in a context where there are fewer of Bath and two delivered at Nelson Mandela University resources and a changing student population. We need a – which include: globalisation and higher education (HE) new type of leader who is able to respond to such changes. strategy, HE policy and management, HE and organisational The South African participants bring in a wealth of expertise change, and methods and methodology for HE research. and it is a privilege to work with Nelson Mandela University.” “The DBA-HEM is playing a key role in developing The offering of the DBA-HEM programme to South management capacity in the higher education sector in African students was made possible due to R34m received in South Africa,” explains Nelson Mandela University’s Dean of two tranches from a Teaching Development Grant, awarded Teaching and Learning, Prof Cheryl Foxcroft. to Mandela University by the DHET. “The curriculum consists of core material taught on In addition to the DBA-HEM, the university is exploring the DBA global programmes, but also includes specially the possibility of working with the University of Bath to designed sessions responding to local issues facing higher jointly develop and deliver a master’s degree in Higher education in South Africa,” she says. Education Management. Planning for this will begin later “The contact-session programmes also feature this year. teambuilding and social events, which are particularly important in the South African programme to develop networks of leaders within the country. Both cohorts Unique degree builds maintain active discussions between contact sessions via social media, and students have also organised interim webinars to discuss their assignments.” university leaders The students are required to submit a thesis. For this, Champion has chosen to focus on looking at the students’ lived experiences regarding the assessment of their learning in the higher education context. As universities work towards transforming their She chose this topic because she is “working with the curricula, culture and other aspects foregrounded by academics on transforming their assessment practices. the #FeesMustFall movement, along with global shifts The students’ lived experiences will inform us about how Top: GROWING LEADERS: Over 50 in higher education, there is an urgent need for high- to transform the assessment practice in a way that will be senior managers from 25 South African relevant and responsive to the students’ needs and higher universities make up the two cohorts level administrators able to respond to such changes, education experience.” of students who are completing writes Nicky Willemse. South Africa’s first Doctor of Business Administration in Higher Education Management (DBA-HEM), run by Nelson n pursuit of finding the best leaders and game-changers on the road Mandela University in partnership with the University of Bath, England. The to transformation, Nelson Mandela University – in partnership with the first graduates in the programme, which University of Bath in England, and with funding from the Department began in 2016, are expected in 2020. of Higher Education and Training – is running South Africa’s first Leading the programme are Mandela Doctor of Business Administration in Higher Education Management University’s Prof Cheryl Foxcroft (front, PICTURE PERFECT I(DBA-HEM), with a student component comprising over 50 senior second from right) and the University of PARTNER: The University Bath’s (front, from left) Jackie Dannatt, managers from 25 of the country’s 26 universities. of Bath – located in the Prof Jurgen Enders, Prof Rajani Naidoo, spa city of Bath, England, Among them is Mandela University’s Eunice “Champ” Champion, an and (front, right) Prof Robin Shields. a World Heritage Site best Academic Staff Development Professional from the Centre for Teaching known for its Roman-built and Learning and Media (CTLM), who joined the DBA programme “to be Insert: EMPOWERED: Eunice baths – has partnered exposed to the latest global trends and knowledge … and empowered to “Champ” Champion, an Academic with Nelson Mandela Staff Development Professional from deal with the latest issues in the higher education arena”. University to offer South the Centre for Teaching and Learning Africa’s first Doctor of Says Champion: “Globally, higher education is operating in a complex and Media (CTLM), is one of three Business Administration environment. There are expectations that higher education [should] DBA-HEM students from Nelson (DBA) in Higher Education improve access and student experience [and] increase performance and Mandela University. The other two Management. The city accountability, while [also] keeping pace with the dynamic changes of are Dr Ruby-Ann Levendal, Director of Bath has a distinctive of Transformation, Monitoring and information and technology and preparing students for work [in a world] look, with its impressive Evaluation, and Prof Enaleen Draai, Georgian architecture, where employment patterns are changing drastically. an Associate Professor within the crafted from honey- “These challenges and changes make the higher education landscape Department of Public Management and coloured Bath stone (oolitic fluid and unpredictable.” Leadership. limestone).

40 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 41 Faculty focus on access for success

Executive Dean of Science Professor Azwinndini Muronga is dedicated to opening doors for maths and science students from all walks of life. SCIENCE

n my role as a physics researcher, maths and science educator, immediate past President and for “Iinternational liaison councillor of the ALL South African Institute of Physics (SAIP), and Executive Dean of Science at Nelson Mandela University, I am extremely concerned about the state science education in the Eastern and Grade 8 – 12 maths and science of maths and science education Southern Cape.” learners from Soweto and the in South Africa,” says Professor Prior to joining Nelson Mandela surrounding areas,” he explains. Azwinndini Muronga. University in 2016, Prof Muronga “Many subsequently matriculated He is one of several notable was the founder and director of the with distinctions in maths and science, academics making significant University of Johannesburg (UJ) contributing to the quality of passes strides in furthering the university’s Soweto Science Centre from 2010 to in Soweto, boosting Gauteng’s commitment to access for success. 2016. His team demonstrated that performance by township schools and “As academics, we cannot sit back significant successes in high school the number of university entrants.” and watch our learners fail at school, maths and science are absolutely To achieve similar results in fail to gain entrance to university or possible. the Eastern and Southern Cape, Learner from Triomf Primary, Port Elizabeth, learning how to use a microscope with a physiology student from the Faculty of Science. fail at university. We have therefore “From 2011 we offered focused the Faculty of Science at Nelson introduced several programmes to maths and science mentoring and Mandela University has established help change the state of maths and inspiration to approximately 1000 its flagship Science Education,

42 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 43 Clever chess couple a match made in heaven

FIRST-YEAR BA Media Communications and Culture students Charlize van Zyl, 19, and Sahaj Grover, 23, may come from different sides of the globe – but their shared love for chess has brought them together. The couple, who have been dating for over a year, are both formidable chess players, with Grover winning the University Sports South Africa (USSA) men’s open in July this 2018 National year, and Van Zyl coming second in the USSA Science Week women’s open. Born and raised in During the 2018 National New Delhi, India, Grover Science Week programme, is the highest-rated player the Faculty of Science in South Africa, having hosted numerous schools won the South African Open from the Nelson Mandela in 2017 and 2018. He is also Bay Metro, the broader the only Grandmaster – the Eastern Cape and George in the Western Cape. highest title a chess player can Checkmate! Grade 10 to 12 learners attain – living in this country. from these schools were “My best achievement was getting invited to participate Above: Faculty of Science learner engagement in the chemistry lab. Right: Geosciences a bronze medal in the World Junior Making all the in a range of Science student from the Faculty of Science teaching learners in Mvezo how to read maps. Championships (under-20) in 2011,” Below: right moves in Week activities such as 2018 National Science Week programme physics rocket build he says. an InnoVenton campus “My current goal is to increase my varsity chess are tour, physics rocket build, Communication, and Outreach cover all the streams in the faculty in [skill-level] rating from 2511 to 2600.” Nelson Mandela organic chemistry lab tour, Programme (SECOP), which focuses line with the three-year BSc degree The reigning world champ, Norway’s female player in South Africa.” University first- women in science event on science education from Grade R programme. Magnus Carlsen, has a rating of 2839 The couple first met at the and an SA CERN virtual learners to undergraduate university At the final year BSc and points. 2013 Commonwealth Chess year students tour. These events highlight students, with outreach programmes postgraduate level, Prof Muronga, Van Zyl, who matriculated from Championships, held in Port Elizabeth. Sahaj Grover science as a potential for learners, teachers and communities through the National Institute of Collegiate Girls’ High School last “Sahaj moved here in December career path for these (above, left), across the Eastern Cape, starting with Theoretical Physics Internship year, was the top woman in the 2017. He helps me in my chess career learners and what Nelson schools in the Nelson Mandela Bay Programme (NITheP), runs workshops South African Open earlier this year and I help him in his academics since from New Mandela University and the faculty offers in the field of Metro and in the rural communities during the university holidays for – and was selected for the South we are both studying for the same Delhi, India, and science. of Mvezo, Cala and Cofimvaba. This final-year BSc students majoring in African women’s team competing qualification. We plan on travelling to Charlize van The faculty also visited is part of the faculty’s Engagement mathematical and physical sciences, in the 2018 World Olympiad Chess many more tournaments across the the rural Eastern Cape Strategy. and physics postgraduate students Championship held in Batumi, world in the future and, to me, it does Zyl (right), from community of Mvezo, In its recurriculation and from throughout South Africa, many Georgia from 22 September to not get any better than that,” says Nelson Mandela birthplace of Nelson programme review, the Faculty of from rural areas. 5 October. Van Zyl. Bay. Mandela, and engaged with Science is focusing on ensuring that all These students will join the global “This was one of my highest Nelson Mandela University sport learners from the Mandela students are able to access the diverse science community. achievements as it is one of the most manager Melissa Awu said Madibaz School of Science and range of programmes offered and to The university, through the prestigious tournaments in the world.” Chess was typically placed among Technology and several articulate these into various career Faculty of Science, is now an affiliate Another major career highlight the top eight in the USSA chess rural Eastern Cape schools. paths as necessitated by the Fourth of the International Undergraduate was in 2013, when she won the African tournaments. “This year, we were The faculty also visited Industrial Revolution. An example of Awards, and the Faculty of Science Zonals 4.3 – and made history as the second, which was amazing. Charlize schools in George and the this recurriculation is the expansion is participating in the awards to youngest South African to attain the and Sahaj have definitely boosted the surrounding townships. of the current BSc extended studies encourage a culture of excellence in title of Woman International Master. confidence of the players, and they programme (four-year BSc degree) to its undergraduate students. “My goal is to become the best also assist with the coaching.”

44 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 45 LUXURY AFRICA – MAXHOSA BY LADUMA

Living by design

Africa lives and breathes in the hypnotic designs of alumnus Laduma Ngxokolo and his iconic brand, writes Heather Dugmore.

Laduma Ngxokolo wearing his international African brand. © Laduma Ngxokolo 46 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 47 ou can see the first light country. It hit me when I first saw computers there and learning as much Recognising the of day on the tips of traditional Xhosa beadwork from the as I could. Finance was very limited; I uniqueness of his work, the cattle’s horns; hear 1800s. It spoke of what Africa is about had a NSFAS loan and I lived at home in 2012 Nelson Mandela the downtown hustle – the traditional aesthetic, the pride, with my late mom, who was a single University awarded and chants of Xhosa the flamboyance and extravagance. In parent,” he explains. Laduma the University ancestors;Y feel the rolling rhythms of Xhosa beadwork, it is reflected in the Rising Star Award. The the Eastern Cape; touch the pulse of way that colours are used, the patterns It takes a village necessity of protecting the world: London, Paris, Milan, New and the spacing between.” Laduma regards the #FeesMustFall his Intellectual Property York, Berlin, Amsterdam, Oslo, Tokyo, What pleases him is that the movement and fee-free higher (IP) was also recognised, Cape Town, Joburg. African aesthetic is increasingly education for students from with the Innovation All this is experienced through becoming globally appealing. “It is Office filing design the hypnotic garments and designs completely possible for us to compete registrations for Laduma of MaXhosa by Laduma, the global with other global aesthetics, and in 2011, which were African brand that alumnus Laduma to have African design up there on Ngxokolo created in 2010 as a student the global map,” he explains. “My transferred to him in in the School of Music, Art and Design team and I have worked hard to get 2015. The Innovation (SoMAD). Six years later, he was to this level with my brand, and the Office further helped attributed with having created “the pressure is huge to maintain our high him to develop his most beautiful object in South Africa” standards, keep on top of our game label through its at the 2016 Design Indaba Conference and expand the platform for other top entrepreneurial business in Cape Town. African brands.” incubator for the arts Today, he’s a wanted man; the called the MAD Propella world desires a part of him, and his The master at work – a satellite of the brand is on an unstoppable flightpath. MaXhosa by Laduma personifies university’s technology Laduma’s inspiration is his Xhosa luxury and quality, and his collections and business incubator, lineage, which is why he keeps on are created by a core team of 30, Propella. producing from South African soil. including five master knitters working on industrial-scale machines, hand Homegrown hero sewers, quality checkers, retailers, An Mpondo descendant, he grew up marketers and administrators. in Kwadwesi, a predominantly Xhosa “My team, which includes three of township in the Nelson Mandela my siblings, works really hard at every Bay Metro, where he recognised the level. You have to give your all to get uniqueness of Xhosa culture, and somewhere, and young South Africans embarked on his creative journey of need to realise this. I haven’t got free reimagining traditional Xhosa design time, I haven’t even got the time for into 21st century, high-trend wear. This © Trevor Stuurman a relationship, so I’m single and my happens from his downtown Joburg social life revolves around my work studio, which lies alongside the and my team; we mostly attend shows Nelson Mandela Bridge connecting and exhibitions together, sometimes Braamfontein to Newtown. in different parts of the country, and As a student, Laduma’s inspiration that’s when we take a day off and for his business was his mother. “My Today, he’s a make a weekend of it.” mom was a knitwear designer in the Apart from the Eastern Cape, eighties. I learnt from her and she was wanted man; the Durban – and specifically KwaMashu the main influence in everything that – is his favourite destination. “It’s I do. Initially my range was all about world desires a interesting and unusual, I like the survival as we had to make ends meet part of him, and music, the dance and the culture there after my father left in 1990. Back then, “ and I like the way that people present it was difficult as a man to expose what themselves,” says Laduma, who listens I do, as there was a gender stigma his international to house music, which relaxes him about knitwear, but I needed to test African brand while he works. Black Coffee and my brand on myself and so I would fit Heavy K are two of his favourites. the garments on myself and then wear is on an What stands out about Laduma, them and see how people responded. in addition to his talent, is his capacity Some people were surprised, but far unstoppable for hard work: “When I was at the more people were supportive.” university, I would work on my courses He has always had an eye for flightpath.” seven days a week, making sure I design.“There is such beauty in this got my money’s worth, using the

48 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 49 households earning less than R350 000 annually as “a great evolution for the country that should have been implemented years ago.” He is confident that these developments will have a positive impact on black South African youth: “It all starts with resources, because with limited resources you can only do so much. Of course, there are people who have achieved a lot with nothing, but if we want to see substantive change amongst large numbers of students, then they need access to resources like transport or something to eat on a daily basis, or a budget to do their projects, or access to the internet. “On top of this, they have to work hard and think entrepreneurially. South Africa has such a high unemployment rate that students need to think ahead about starting something of their own. I think entrepreneurialism should be a compulsory subject for every university student, irrespective of what they are studying.”

Growing the global footprint are omnipresent in Joburg, all Initially, MaXhosa garments were contributing to its character. “What exclusively made from the Eastern excites me is that over the past eight Cape’s natural fibres - wool and years I’ve seen significant growth VIVA mohair – but Laduma has since in the arts, music and design in the expanded into cotton, silk and African diaspora and within Africa. printed polyester. “I don’t limit I travel to other African countries myself and I see myself ultimately more often than I ever did – I’ve been building an African luxury group to Cameroon, Rwanda, Morocco, with other brands that are globally Mozambique, Kenya, Nigeria, Lesotho, AFRICA! received and easy to commercialise, amongst others, mostly to do group including Africa-inspired modern fashion shows. furniture and jewellery lines,” he “The feeling of being in other Nelson Mandela University celebrated The market provided young explains. African countries is an amazing eye Africa Day on 25 May, with various entrepreneurs with a platform on He chose Joburg as the opener. Our infrastructure in South departments presenting an African- campus to display and market their headquarters for MaXhosa by Laduma Africa is far better, our diversity inspired programme to educate, small businesses. “because Joburg is the centre of is dynamic and we have access to motivate and inspire staff, students Live performances by student Africa and my studio is part of a very outstanding universities, products, and the public about our continent’s artists entertained crowds with creative downtown community that services, opportunities, lifestyles and rich history – and future. singing, dancing and poetry, while includes Braamfontein, Newtown and entertainment.” The Office for International interactive drumming, facilitated Maboneng. The diversity in Joburg Being an international design icon Education (OIE) hosted its annual by African Drumbeat, encouraged is very important for my brand, as it has not dimmed his love affair with African Cultural Day and Market on audience participation. reflects South African culture in its his home country – in fact, quite the South Campus. Colourful African flags and décor fullest capacity and is one of the best opposite. Staff and students set up stalls to inside the Rendezvous Café and a cities in the world for entrepreneurs, a “Travel makes me value being sell their own uniquely crafted African lunch buffet menu consisting of a city of opportunity.” South African more than ever. You arts and crafts merchandise, including variety of traditional African dishes He adds that the vivid influences realise that this is such a special handbags, jewellery, ethnic clothing, from various parts of the continent, © Trevor Stuurman of many different African cultures country in which to live.” hair and skin products. complemented the day.

50 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 51 SA animation studio is a rising star

The TRIGGERFISH effect

The story of local boy turned animation kingpin, Stuart Forrest’s story is one of happenstance to Hollywood, writes Heather Dugmore.

hen I went for the aptitude test and interest questionnaire at the then PE Technikon, the result was pretty flat; it said I didn’t have an aptitude for anything specific. Art came up slightly higher than anything else, and that’s what I did.” So began the journey of fine art “Walumnus Stuart Forrest (National Diploma Fine Art – Sculpture, 1995, BTech Fine Art, 1996). Today, Forrest is the CEO of Africa’s leading animation house – the Cape Town- based Triggerfish Animation Studios, www.triggerfish.com, which has produced two of South Africa’s most globally successful films, Adventures in Zambezia (2012) and Khumba (2013). “Hollywood is actually very small when you get to know how it works, as 80% of films are managed by six companies,” says Forrest, whose team of over 100 computer animators, computer modellers, lighters, riggers, programmers and administrators are heads down creating feature animations for the world. Triggerfish is booked up for the next five years, working on projects for both cinema and a string of TV series. Today, it’s all part of a day’s work to be talking to Sony, Warner Bros, Disney, Paramount and Universal in Hollywood, or the BBC. “I didn’t ever expect this path; it has a lot to do with right place, right time,” says Forrest. “In 2006, the team at Triggerfish started developing our first feature Stick Man, produced by Triggerfish, Africa’s leading animation studio. Photos supplied film animation script. At the same time, the South African government recognised

52 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 53 Looking to the future of TV content distribution, he says non-traditional distribution models like Netflix are the way. “They are subscriber-based and targeting niche content, whereas the other traditional model channels are looking for the widest possible audience, as their programmes are ratings-driven, with ratings determining what you can charge for commercials.”

African stories, African sensitivity Currently, Triggerfish is developing African stories, rooted in African mythology or with a strong African Revolting Rhymes Khumba sensitivity that they recreate in a contemporary way. “Black Panther has done a great deal for African filmmaking and we are riding its coat tails,” he explains. “There is so much that animation was a fast-growing industry worldwide and interest in Africa now, and what Black Panther did was to wanted to invest in South African animation houses to grow shift the narrative of Africa from a story about starvation and the industry here. We were the most viable option as we had fighting to one in which Africa helps everyone else and is the already raised money to produce some of our work, and the hero of the day – it shifts socio-political thinking and opens government was very good to us.” enormous opportunity here in South Africa and throughout Right place, right time means nothing, however, without the continent.” a special skill or product, combined with perseverance In 2014, Triggerfish ran a competition on the continent in and persistence, as Forrest explains: “I try to convey this partnership with Disney, looking for storytelling talent. The to younger people; if you can come up with at least one entrants were required to submit African-focused content audacious goal and spend 20 years developing yourself for a feature film or TV series, and they received nearly 1400 single-mindedly in that direction, the odds are high that submissions from 42 countries. They chose eight, which are you will achieve a strong measure of success. I’ve followed going into production over the next few years. this path and achieved far more than I could ever have “We are constantly looking for the animators of imagined.” tomorrow,” says Forrest. “At the moment we are challenging anyone under the age of 20 who lives in Africa to create an Revolting Rhymes Workday web designer, after hours animator animated story, post it on YouTube and send it to us. Every Forrest discovered clay animation as a student. “It interested month we’re showcasing the best beginner animations on me because it was a combination of writing, photography, our Facebook and YouTube channels, which offers great sculpture and storytelling,” he explains. After graduating, exposure and they can win prizes.” he went overseas, got into IT, worked as a web developer To contribute to developing the next generation of and kept up his animation after hours. He returned to South animators, Triggerfish has a non-profit component that Africa in 1998, moved to Cape Town and after winning a stimulates an interest in animation for learners at under- 30-second animation advert for a Multichoice competition, resourced schools in Cape Town, and raises money for was offered a job by Triggerfish. This led to him becoming a Triggerfish is dripping bursaries in animation. “There are so many incredibly partner in the company and taking over the running of it as talented kids who have no idea that they can make a good CEO in 2004. with awards, the latest living out of animation, and we want to help young artists Fifteen years later, Triggerfish is dripping with awards, achieve this and access the digital economy.” the latest being their 2018 International Emmy for their being their 2018 The Highway Rat Many of the schools do not have computers or software production of Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes, as well as an International Emmy and but Triggerfish overcomes this by getting kids to develop Oscar nomination for that show. animation skills on smartphones. From 2019 the company “We’re getting a lot of recognition for our work, but it’s Oscar nomination for will be providing free online materials that schools can use to been a long journey of building our name and reputation, “ teach animation. and attending many, many meetings to secure funding Roald Dahl’s Revolting Forrest believes that animation plays a socially influential and establish suitable partnerships and funding models. Rhymes” role, especially for young people in the current political Triggerfish films have grossed over R1 billion worldwide, but climate, as it brings together divergent groups through we reinvest all profits into the development of the business storytelling. and we have been in the red for a very long time. I think the “We’re at a stage in history where the need for business will finally be okay next year. We’re excited because intercultural empathy has become a big world problem. The we’re finally seeing the seeds bearing fruit after so many need to connect with other cultures who have a different years of rigorous sowing. Angeles and we carry each other in the tough times.” viewpoint is probably one of the most pressing political “What has been crucial to our success is that our whole Forrest says the cinema-going audience for big feature problems we have today. business is very much a team effort. We have fantastic films is not growing in size but it is growing in revenue as “The time is right to leverage animation to address this, people and everyone gives their all. We also have five hands- ticket prices go up, with 80% of the market in Europe and as diversity is resonating in the market today and animation is on business partners, as well as advisors in London and Los America, and some territory growth into China and Russia. such a strong way to bring our diverse stories to the world.”

54 | Thetha | December 2018 Stuart Forrest December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 55 AGE OF SIGNIFICANCE

Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber CEO Nomkhita Mona is a team player with big ideas.

hen Nomkhita Mona left Nelson Mandela University 18 years ago, armed with an MAW in Labour Relations and Human Resources, she was determined to leave meaningful footprints in both her community and beyond. Her appointment as CEO of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber in December 2017 was symbolic of what she wanted to achieve during this, her “age of significance.” That Mona is significant is beyond question. At only 52 years old, she has clocked up decades of business acumen. Her appointment is a coup for the region and its community. “This ‘age of significance’ is partly linked to my years on planet earth, but it is more about my ability to add value at this stage of my career through all the experience I have gained,” says Mona, who also holds a BA in Industrial Relations (Nelson Mandela University) and an MBA from

56 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 57 Rhodes University. Cape Tourism Board and, more industry. Prior to this, she was the Group recently, the former CEO of Uitenhage As a motor manufacturing hub, CEO of the South African Forestry Despatch Development Initiative the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, Company Limited (SAFCOL) in (UDDI). which includes Port Elizabeth and Gauteng. “After being away for five With over 700 member companies Uitenhage, is an ideal location for EV years, I returned to Port Elizabeth in the Chamber, she says the growth. EVs are not yet manufactured and found that, while a few good Board has strategically amended in South Africa and the supply chain developments have taken place the Chamber’s strategy to focus for manufacturing needs to be here, overall, the city or metro seems on the primary sectors that are developed. The global growth of to have stagnated; it hasn’t moved essential to taking the city forward, electric vehicles includes the aligned forward at the same pace as other namely, the automotive sector, light demand for a crucial component: South African cities.” manufacturing, agro-processing, lithium-ion batteries. This would Beset with burdensome tourism, the blue economy and the necessarily include the main global bureaucracy and political power creative industries. players in lithium-ion batteries, such as struggles, the city of Port Elizabeth, “The Business Chamber strategy Panasonic, Samsung and LG. with everything that it has going is based on the Triple Helix model Africa’s first internationally for it, is not yet achieving anything - which depicts the relationship accredited testing facility for near its potential. “All the different between government, academia and lithium-ion batteries is situated at sectors and divisions in the city - from business. Towards this, we have signed Nelson Mandela University. This has the municipality to state-owned an MOU with the city and Nelson been achieved through the uYilo companies, like Transnet, to the Mandela University to collaborate at eMobility Technology Innovation business sector – are largely doing every level. This includes creating a Programme, situated within the their own thing without synergising, one-stop shop for new business and university’s engineering, innovation and therefore the centre cannot hold,” investment promotion as, once again, and engagement entity, eNtsa, Mona explains. “We need to bring it there are far too many disparate which spans a number of disciplines, all together, and I would like to use my departments and divisions involved in including engineering, information tenure here to achieve this, with the this process, which makes it complex, technology and chemistry. Business Chamber as catalyst for a protracted and investor unfriendly.” Port Elizabeth then and now – the only city in South Africa with two ports new era for the city.” She refers to the World Bank She is well acquainted with the metro and its needs, having served in measure of Ease of Doing Business years past as the Deputy President of in any city, including, for example, the Nelson Mandela Bay Chamber of how long it takes to have electricity Commerce, former CEO of the Eastern connected, how long it takes to have building plans approved, and how easy I was born it is to set up a business in the city. “We applied the measures to Port in Port Elizabeth and we did not look good. In “Elizabeth; it response, the Business Chamber has set up a help desk for business and is where my potential investors, and we facilitate the process with the metro. We umbilical cord are also recommending to the city management that they create pre- is buried and I approved zones for business to make it easier for potential investors. And feel I am now we are researching who owns all the buildings along the highway and why at an ‘age of the basic bylaws of maintaining the buildings are not being enforced.” significance’ Sector-wise, Mona describes the automotive sector as the city’s to make a “backbone”, and says it needs to be broadened and deepened tangible by increasing the number of components that are locally produced contribution and assembled, and responding to my city and proactively to the world’s electric vehicle (EV) future and associated its people.” Nomkhita Mona

58Photo | Thetha supplied | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 59 has not prioritised the removal of the part in promoting the stature of the manganese, iron ore and oil tanks university and what it offers,” she says. from the beachfront, which is required A thriving university needs As a motor ahead of any new development. a thriving city and atmosphere, “We are engaging with Transnet in and a tangible sense of growth manufacturing a ‘cooperative confrontation’ manner. and opportunity. In order to grow I feel the city needs to start agitating business in the city and enhance job hub, the and making sure our voice is heard opportunities, the Business Chamber and that we are taken seriously at a has recognised small, medium and Nelson national level. We are the only city in micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs) as a “ the country with two ports and we focus area. Mandela should be thriving with the associated “We are partnering with the businesses, including shipbuilding and Nelson Mandela Business School Bay Metro ship repairs. in our Enterprise Development “We are simply not leveraging Programme, with a range of small ... is an ideal what we have, nor our name as the business owners undergoing training location for only metro in the world named after and development at the Business Nelson Mandela. I have travelled to six School. electric vehicle of the world’s seven continents and I “We are also partnering with the have never come across anyone who National Department of Trade and growth.” does not recognise Nelson Mandela Industry in taking SMMEs on a trade in a positive way. We are not making mission to Lower Saxony, Germany, the best of this unique branding and in a wide range of sectors, including marketing opportunity. We also need clothing and textiles, agro-processing, more Mandela-honouring attractions, engineering services, tourism, the Cape Town and the Western Cape, such as a giant Nelson Mandela blue economy, chemicals and related they engaged directly with a range monument, akin to the Statue of industries, information technology, of national, regional and international Liberty. Tourists want this kind of film, TV and multimedia. incubators includes SEDA, SEFA, airlines to expand the number of CITY OF OPPORTUNITY: featuring attraction.” “This business growth drive ABSA Enterprise Development, SED flights landing in Cape Town. We the 46 000-seater Nelson Mandela Mona adds that people also is predominantly aimed at an ICT (now NMB I-Hub) the National Partners in progress are collaborating with Air Access – a Bay Stadium. need to know that Nelson Mandela exchange of ideas, business linkages Youth Development Agency, AIDC Mona emphasises the synergy with division of Wesgro – in the same University – the only university in the and hopefully to establish export EC Enterprise Development, Propella, Nelson Mandela University in many way, to open up our skies in Port world to carry Mandela’s name – is partnerships,” she explains. Harambe, ECDC and Chemin.” of the Business Chamber’s key focus Elizabeth.” in the city. “When I think of Nelson “In another effort to support Another major skills development sectors, including the marine and Fortunately, the metro also Mandela University I think of Harvard. SMMEs, we invited a large number of area in the city is the artisan sector, maritime sector, with the launch of recognises the importance of having I want people to dream of being able incubators and development funding including artisans for ship repairs and the new Ocean Sciences Campus in more flights into the city. To this end, The city to attend Nelson Mandela University, institutions in the City to present other marine and maritime industry 2017, as well as the university’s tourism a new MOU between the Business and, as a city, we need to play our to our SMME task team. The list of skills, as well as plumbers, carpenters, management programmes. Chamber, Nelson Mandela Bay centre [has “We are prioritising tourism, as the Tourism, Airports Company of South gone to] rack city is well placed to step it up to the Africa (ACSA) and the metro has been next level, and create more jobs in the signed. This will govern the ‘air lift’ and ruin. We quickest possible time. strategy for the city. It’s a fine concept “We are partnering with the but regrettably also a catch-22, as it is “ cannot simply university in tourism research, as well only when more flights start landing in as doing our own internal research, Port Elizabeth that ACSA can release accept this; to identify key tourism projects that the capital required to develop and could change the face of the city. We upgrade the airport, explains Mona. we need a are looking at the city’s assets and The Bay’s new business boss As a motor capacity, to assist in marketing our is sensitive to the people of Port rejuvenation manufacturing hub, city for conferences. This includes Elizabeth’s fatigue with the city’s the Nelson Mandela identifying the attractions the city endless plans and tourism talk programme Bay Metro, is an ideal location for and surrounding region offers, and but not enough action backing that includes Electric Vehicle addressing core challenges, such as it, including the promise of the (EV) growth, and ease of air access. waterfront development, which the university’s “For starters, we need more flights never materialises. “I have been tackling the uYilo Programme coming to Port Elizabeth. If you look closely engaging with Coega and is working with crime and industry and at Wesgro, the official tourism, trade Transnet about the delay in this government to and investment promotion agency for project and to identify why Transnet grime.” achieve this.

60 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 61 Laws needed on The Donkin Reserve, located in Port Elizabeth Central. boilermakers, welders and electricians. ruin. We cannot simply accept this; RACIST SPEECH “These are vital skills and young we need a rejuvenation programme people need to start seeing them as that includes tackling the crime and In an increasingly divided South African society, aspirational careers that can open up grime.” a whole lot of opportunities.” While the city centre is far from ociety is becoming government must urgently enact legislation to address A range of task teams have been desirable in its current state, Nelson increasingly polarised by – and control – racist speech, says Dr Joanna Botha, appointed by the Business Chamber Mandela Bay Metro offers incredible, racist speech. Fresh cases Head of Public Law at Nelson Mandela University’s to manage its priority portfolios, It's really a affordable homes and properties for involving racial slurs occur Faculty of Law. Botha, an Attorney of the High Court including Strategic Resources (Water a wide range of incomes. “It’s really weekly. of South Africa, wrote her LLD thesis, Hate Speech and Electricity), SMMEs, Roads place where you a place where you can grow your SKessie Nair recently used and Stormwater and Transport and investment, and get value for money the “k-word” to label President as a Limitation to Freedom of Expression, on this Logistics, she explains. can grow your wherever you live,” says Mona, who Ramaphosa. Nair has been charged contentious, highly relevant topic. “The task teams are very vocal was born and bred in Kwazakhele and with crimen injuria. In August, Adam about what the city needs and they investment, and now lives in Summerstrand. Catzavelos posted a Facebook video present well-conceived ideas to “ “I still visit Kwazakhele and I know (strangely reminiscent of Penny the metro on various matters and get value for many people from there who do not Sparrow’s 2015 “beach monkey” to the likes of Eskom on electricity- have formal education and have still post), using the “k-word” to describe related matters. Water-wise, we have money wherever achieved success in business and life. the demographics of a Greek beach. identified water as a critical resource There are many avenues to achieve Last week, a Hot91.9fm DJ, Sasha both for business and life in general. you live” one’s goals, but from a young age I Martinego, was fired for referring to Our goal is to influence the attitude to valued education. Julius Malema as a monkey during a water utilisation, so as to ensure the “I recognised that it plays a huge broadcast. Martinego has apologised, city has water in the long-term. role in opening doors for whatever but has since tweeted: “I’m sorry … “The municipality loses a lot you want to do in life, not only from but … Anyone, irrespective of their of water through leakages and we an academic point of view but also race … who disrespects a woman is a cannot afford this – both in monetary to develop as a socially aware, monkey.” The EFF has retaliated. It will terms as well as from a water scarcity conscious human being. I’m proud to be pursuing a criminal case against perspective. We also take a keen be a graduate of what is now Nelson Martinego, because “racists belong interest in what happens at the city Mandela University. It has afforded me in jail”. centre, which [has gone to] rack and an incredible life journey.”

62 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.zaDr Joanna Botha | 63 Most speakers face criminal intention to harm the victim’s dignity charges or lose their jobs. Speakers is an element that is difficult to prove. generally apologise. Some do so This is why the Equality Act doesn’t unreservedly; others add the “I’m not require intention for discrimination a racist” rider. These apologies have and hate speech – the impact of little impact. The damage is done. the conduct is critical. Thirdly, it is The public reaction has been debatable whether the criminal law interesting. We have witnessed should be used to regulate racist widespread condemnation. This is speech. indicative of a society maturing and Crimen injuria wasn’t designed beginning to appreciate the harm to overcome inter-group intolerance. caused by racist speech – to the An outdated (colonial) legal solution victims and to the constitutional vision to fix a modern (African) problem of a united and diverse nation. We won’t work. Precisely formulated haven’t reached a stage, however, The legislature laws regulating racist speech are where public condemnation is needed. These create certainty. They sufficient to censor racist speech. A must recognise inform us of the required behavioural legal response is required. standard and the consequences of Confusion is also a common that South Africa infringement. reaction. Many people fail to It is therefore unfortunate that appreciate that it is deeply offensive doesn’t have an the legislature has failed to enact the to refer to an African person as “ promised Prevention and Combatting a “monkey”. Lack of exposure to appropriate legal of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech sensitisation initiatives exacerbates Bill. It is even more worrying that the the problem. The policymakers and mechanism to Bill contains a poorly drafted hate the law are partly to blame. The speech offence. This is aggravated by Promotion of Equality and Prevention regulate racist the failure to enact the promotional of Unfair Discrimination Act, 2000 measures in the Equality Act. It’s (the Equality Act) contains a chapter slurs and initiate true that the Equality Act prohibits obliging promotional and educational legal reform.” hate speech as a human rights measures to overcome hate speech measure. This provision, however, and discrimination. Government hasn’t is also imprecisely drafted. A prior enacted this chapter, despite calls for draft of the Equality Act prohibited it to do so. Government should wait the use of specific forms of abusive no longer. language, including the “k-word”, Other people complain that only as a type of racism. This prohibition the white racists are exposed. They wasn’t retained, but its reintroduction forget, however, that the SAHRC could be beneficial. If many European has referred BLF leader Andile where it condemned racism and and not merely to identify an African arbitrator’s award was reasonable. She within the boundaries of the facts countries have laws banning holocaust Mngxitama’s use of slogans such as undertook to eliminate this scourge. person. So, the employee’s dismissal balanced the interests of both parties before them. It isn’t the courts’ role denial, then it makes sense for South “land or death” to the Equality Court. But, this is a reactionary role and is a was confirmed – he had breached and considered the context. to make laws setting the appropriate Africa to enact laws which regulate Similarly, last week Velaphi Khumalo limited legal response. the disciplinary code and didn’t Unfortunately, many media reports behavioural standards. specific types of racist speech. was found to have engaged in hate The first case involved the term demonstrate remorse. failed to explain the context in which The legislature must recognise Finally, it’s alarming that despite speech targeting Jewish people. “swart man”. According to the court The other Constitutional Court these cases were decided. These that South Africa doesn’t have an an increase in racial slurs, and a Part of the problem may be that the the mere utterance of such words case concerned the dismissal of inaccuracies included reports that appropriate legal mechanism to polarisation of society, the legislature media reports focus on racist slurs isn’t racist. The test is whether a workers for singing struggle songs the court had found that the “hit the regulate racist slurs and initiate legal has remained inactive and left the targeting African people. But context reasonable, objective and informed during a strike. The lyrics included the boer” song wasn’t racially offensive, reform. Most incidents are decided problem to the courts without giving is an important factor here. The legacy person would consider the words line, “Climb on top of the roof and resulting in claims that the court treats in terms of the common law crime, them the appropriate tools to resolve of apartheid as a “racially charged to be racist. The court stressed, tell them that my mother is rejoicing white racists more severely. This is crimen injuria, defined as the unlawful, such disputes. Government must present” cannot be ignored by those however, that it is incorrect to assume when we hit the boer”. The CCMA untrue. The court wasn’t asked to intentional and serious violation of the accept that the ongoing use of racial who complain that white racists face a that terms such as “swart man” are arbitrator found that although the decide whether the song constituted dignity of another. While there have epithets in South Africa reinforces raw deal. At the same time, the over- automatically neutral as this fails singing of the song was inappropriate, racist speech. It was confined to the been successful crimen injuria cases patterns of prejudice and harms the regulation of racist speech must not to reflect the impact of apartheid’s it was not racism, and that a dismissal question of whether the arbitrator’s involving the “k-word”, this isn’t a constitutional mandate. It must take erode the guarantee to freedom of legacy. We cannot allow the past’s was unfitting. She ordered a final decision was reasonable. suitable legal remedy. Firstly, the harm charge by using the law to set the expression. predominant racist view to distort the written warning, reasoning that a These cases demonstrate the caused by racial slurs causes more appropriate standard. How should the law treat racist objective enquiry. The court ultimately distinction should be drawn between limited ambit in which the courts than individual distress. It violates speech? The Constitutional Court has found that the words were used in a struggle songs and racist terms. The operate when confronted with racist the group targeted and undermines By Dr Joanna Botha recently addressed two incidents, “derogatorily subordinating” sense Constitutional Court held that the speech. Courts must resolve disputes the societal well-being. Secondly, Faculty of Law

64 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 65 Incoming COUNCIL MEMBERS The university bids farewell to four Council members as their terms ended recently. They were all recognised for their contribution and commitment to the institution.

New Council members welcomed into the fold were, Ms Michelle Mbaco, former educator chartered accountant, registered investment consultant and and current Senior Manager: Outreach businessperson, Ms Hawa Bibi Khan, who joins council as a and Reporting for the ANC Parliamentary representative of Internationalisation in Africa. Caucus. Ms Mbaco is also the vice-president of the university’s Alumni Association.

Mr Monde Mawasha, Chief Information Officer and Former speaker of the Nelson Mandela Bay Council, Executive for ICT, Economic Research and Strategy at the Ms Charmaine Williams. Coega Development Corporation, who represented the information technology sector.

Dr Nondumiso Maphazi is a Commissioner on the Chairperson of the Institutional Forum and current Commission for Gender Equality and is very active on various Construction Management academic is Professor civil society structures; she represents Engagement and Winston Shakantu. Human Rights on the Council.

Mr Donald MacLean, retired chartered accountant, financial Advocate of the South African high court and tax specialist, planner and corporate governance specialist, represents the Adv Boitumelo Tlhakung, serves on Council as a Missionvale Campus Director, Professor Former Engineering Dean, Professor Hugh Jeffery, who finance sector. representative of Law and Human Rights. Phakama Ntshongwana. served as alumni representative.

Outgoing We wish them all well for their term of office.

66 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 67 Everyone has a story to tell, and Dr Gcina Mhlophe wants to hear it. Her calling is to bring out the storyteller in each of us – to talk about who we are and where we come from in a contemporary evocation of Africa’s ancient oral storytelling tradition. In recognition of her worthy work, Dr Mhlophe received an Honorary Doctorate from Nelson Mandela University on 18 April this year at its graduation ceremony. Our For Dr Mhlophe, the stories of the living and those who have passed, whether recently or thousands of years ago, are all part of the great circle of knowledge that must be protected. To facilitate this, she initiated the establishment of the Gcina Honorary Mhlophe Memory House – South Africa’s first public home of storytelling and an oral concept, imagination, originality and using history museum, based in Durban. your voice. And in this country, we’ve got “It will be a space where people from voices, baby!” all walks of life can listen to the stories and Since 2001, Dr Mhlophe has travelled histories of ordinary people, record their throughout South Africa, visiting schools, Doctorates own stories, and view heritage films and doing performances, donating books and documentaries in an inspiring environment encouraging young South Africans to read. that is home to all,” explains Mhlophe, “We’ve been all over, and my goodness, who was born in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu- we have a beautiful country!” Natal, and has been writing for children Several months after receiving her and adults, and performing on stage and doctorate, Dr Mhlophe returned to screen, for over 30 years. Nelson Mandela University in September The memory house is currently in – Heritage Month – to deliver a public development, but meanwhile, Mhlophe is lecture titled Bones of Memory: In pursuit hosting it from her home on the Bluff in of Cultural Heritage. This was preceded Durban. “I am compelled to do this,” she by the university’s Heritage and Liberation says. “My people named me Gcinamasiko, Book Launch and Exhibition, which are which means the ‘keeper of heritage’. I all part of the wear this name like a blanket and I honour university’s it with my being.” year-long 2018 Words and thoughts, she explains, Centenary Three honorary doctorates were awarded to whether spoken, written, performed, Programme The torchbearer painted or made into beadwork, are rooted in that phenomenal women recognised as doyennes magical things that create who we are. She academic Poet, playwright, actor, director, learnt this through her paternal great- project. author and activist, Dr Gcina Mhlophe in their respective fields and whose work grandmother, Nozincwadi MaMchunu, She hosts philosophy mirrors that of Nelson Mandela whom her father said collected “a suitcase the annual stands out as a leading light in Africa’s full of words”. Spirit of Light oral storytelling tradition University – anchored in serving the community She was known to have “collected Festival to in a meaningful way. anything with words – books, articles, old honour people Bibles, newspapers – and she kept them all from all walks of life and celebrate how in a suitcase. She told my father that these they are shining a light in their community. words were magical things that would speak This year, the festival takes place in The stories of the to her one day.” Durban from 6–8 September and will Dr Mhlophe never saw that suitcase, host storytellers from Jamaica, Réunion, living and those which was lost in time, but the power of Zimbabwe, Botswana and West Africa, who have passed the message spoke so strongly to her besides local storytellers. “are part of the great that she launched a literacy campaign in With over 30 books to her name, and circle of knowledge 2001 and has continued with it ever since. translations of these into German, French, “Literacy,” she says, “is as much about Italian, Portuguese, Swahili and Japanese, Dr that must be reading and writing as it is about self- Mhlophe’s words are, indeed, magical things. protected”

68 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 69 “As a black person it was extremely difficult to become a doctor in South Africa a century ago, when Nelson Mandela was born, as there were no facilities to study here. This meant finding a way to study abroad,” says Prof Xaba-Mokoena, who justice prevail lives in East London and turns 80 this year. Let Nelson Mandela University awarded the professor an Honorary Doctorate at Justice Mandisa Maya, the first woman its graduation ceremony on 18 April in president of South Africa’s Supreme Court of recognition of her sterling work in the field Appeal, takes her role – and that of her fellow of lung disease. The people’s Her father, the late Dr Rotoli Xaba, who judges – very seriously. qualified as a doctor in 1936, was the 23rd ‘non-white’ person to become a doctor in pulmonologist In recognition of her critical contribution eat organically because of the vegetables, South Africa, each one of them qualifying to the South African legal system, Nelson [animals] and crops that we produce.” abroad. Mandela University conferred an Honorary She actively encourages women in her Prof Xaba-Mokoena received a Professor Marina Xaba-Mokoena, Doctorate on Justice Mandisa Maya at home community to do the same, and her scholarship to study medicine in Sweden pulmonologist and pioneering health sciences its graduation ceremony on 18 April. She efforts are slowly bearing fruit. and went on to specialise in lung diseases, academic, has committed her career to helping is the first woman to preside over the Justice Maya is also a champion of becoming a pulmonologist. people in the rural Eastern Cape. country’s Supreme Court of Appeal since gender transformation in the judiciary. The young doctor chose to specialise its inception in 1910 – a notable highlight In 2004, she founded the South African in lung disease after her husband, people must be educated about this. of a remarkable career. chapter of the International Association economist PE Mokoena, developed Many diseases are also treatable. An “The most challenging aspect of Women Judges and remains an active asthma. This led her to research and infection like TB, if caught early, can of being a judge is the enormous member. study lung conditions such as asbestosis, be cured.” responsibility you carry in resolving “There are still only six women judges pneumonia and TB – a major cause of This was why focusing on primary society’s disputes and determining out of 25 in the Supreme Court of Appeal death in South Africa, compounded by health care and disease prevention people’s lives, including whether a person and I am strongly recommending the HIV. were key weapons in the fight against must go to prison for life,” says Justice appointment of more women judges, “I knew I could help people with these lung disease, she explains. Maya. especially as several of our judges are diseases and in 1980 I started working as Prof Xaba-Mokoena ending her The far-reaching consequences of the coming up for retirement.” a pulmonologist in the Transkei at Mthatha working career as Chief Physician and judiciary weigh heavily on all 25 judges in Gender equity in the judiciary needs General Hospital.” She was appointed as consulting Principal Specialist at East the Supreme Court of Appeal, who strive to be addressed at graduate level, she the hospital’s Principal Specialist in 1982. London Hospital Complex before to make the right judgments and maintain explains, with no shortage of women law Prof Xaba-Mokoena also formed the retiring in 2013. their excellent reputation and record of students – many of whom are the brightest Transkei National TB Association, local Still highly active, she is National delivery. With time and experience, judges in their classes. However, after graduation, counterpart of the South African National President of the South African Medical get used to the gravity of their decisions, opportunities are thin on the ground in a Tuberculosis Association (SANTA), Association, writes articles for the SA Gender equity in says Justice Maya – but it requires of them male-dominated profession. organising international conferences and Medical Journal and has penned her the judiciary needs maximum application in each and every “There aren’t nearly enough younger ensuring the most effective TB drugs were memoir, Dream Fulfilled. to be addressed case, and a huge amount research and women judges being appointed and it is made available in the Transkei. Her secret to healthy longevity is Many diseases deliberation, given the diversity of appeals. not for lack of ability. Legislating gender “We saw such an encouraging decline simple: “Determination and a healthy “at graduate level, Justice Maya was born in the Transkei, equity in the judiciary and elsewhere in TB until the scourge of HIV hit and then lifestyle.” Exercise, hydrotherapy and are preventable with no shortage of and, during the Bloemfontein-based might be a solution. Only when far greater it rose again. As we know, these diseases avoiding sugar, fatty and fast foods at relatively low women law students Supreme Court of Appeal’s recess numbers of accomplished women in this are compounded by socio-economic all contribute towards a stronger, “cost, and people – many of whom period, she spends most of the time on country are appointed as senior judges, predicaments, which many people in our healthier body, she explains. must be educated her family’s small farm outside Mthatha. CEOs and chairs of boards will this start to country face. “This doesn’t mean that I haven’t are the brightest in “My husband and I are very focused on change, as women in senior positions will “On the positive side, many diseases had health issues – but I am still going about this.” their classes.” healthy, sustainable living and are able to then become the norm.” are preventable at relatively low cost, and strong.”

70 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 71 the role of large/megaherbivores in mitigating climate change.”

Living laboratory The study emanates from speculative discussion between scientists at a global level and proposes a fascinating approach, with Africa as the living laboratory. Unlike the rest of the world, we have not lost our megaherbivores, and are therefore perfectly placed to lead the world in understanding how these animals influence the landscape and climate. “As a starting point, we need to understand that the megaherbivore communities globally have significantly changed over the last 15 000–20 000 years,” Kerley explains. “Before then, the world was dominated by megaherbivores, but since then, North America, South America and most of Eurasia have lost The Nobel prize for economics all their megaherbivores, including the mammoth, mastodon, gomphothere has just been awarded to (four-tusk elephant), giant ground “ people who work on climate sloth, and woolly rhinoceros. Africa’s unique “This is a very recent extinction change as it is the biggest ELEPHANTS, and the consequences have been megaherbivores profound in terms of how the climate threat facing society -far bigger could potentially has shifted due to the largescale loss of megaherbivores worldwide. than global terrorism – and it play a major role in RHINOS, HIPPOS Megaherbivores, which are hind gut fermenters that produce far less will affect everyone” mitigating climate methane, have since largely been change, writes for climate change replaced with livestock, particularly Heather Dugmore. sheep and cattle, which produce far toolbox? more methane. “Today, we define a megaherbivore as an animal weighing over 1000 kilograms. The prehistoric megaherbivores were far larger and heavier than the megaherbivores of frica’s unique Transactions, which publishes leading worldwide is to find new ways in which today still found in Africa, where our megaherbivores – scientific thought and discoveries. we can intervene on a large scale, and elephants, for example, date back elephants, rhinos The paper is titled Trophic rewilding it is obvious that these interventions several million years. In South Africa, and hippos – could as a climate mitigation strategy? and should be put together in a broad megaherbivores would have occurred potentially play a major Kerley’s co-authors are from Sweden, frame. just about everywhere except the very roleA in mitigating climate change, South Africa, The Netherlands and “We already have various dry areas like the Kalahari, and the says Distinguished Professor Graham New Mexico. strategies and goals about carbon hippos would have inhabited the water Kerley, Director of the Centre for “The Nobel prize for economics emission reduction and carbon course areas.” African Conservation Ecology at has just been awarded to people sequestration, but what are the The reason that Africa is the Nelson Mandela University. who work on climate change as it is additional opportunities out there only continent that has retained He is one of six authors of a the biggest threat facing society – far that can significantly contribute to the its megaherbivores and in sizeable paper attracting global attention bigger than global terrorism – and it toolbox of climate change mitigation? numbers is attributed in some that was published on 22 October in will affect everyone,” says Kerley. “This study looks at an area that of the literature to humans and the prestigious journal Philosophical “What we urgently need to do has not been addressed previously: megaherbivores having co-evolved in Africa. The megaherbivores were

72 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 73 Organic and natural farming can beat climate change Security (CoE-FS), Prof Auerbach’s Global footprints? research over the past 45 years on organic farming and sustainable food Given the potential of megaherbivores as an option systems research has established in support of climate change mitigation, it raises the him as an international authority. interesting discussion of what it would mean to reintroduce He has doctoral students working in megaherbivores into Eurasia, North America and South Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia and South America, where they have been driven extinct by humans. Africa. Prof Kerley says far more research needs to be done on “My twin passions are: how to this, with many questions to be answered. These include: address rural poverty in Africa, and FARMING to produce healthy food without • In an equal biomass of elephants and cattle, what degrading farmland and natural happens to respective landscapes when you have systems dominated by megaherbivores and wildlife versus systems resources. The answer lies in agro- dominated by domestic livestock? ecology, soil biology and organic or • What are the implications for climate mitigation, land use for the future sustainable farming,” he explains. and food security? “We need to accelerate the • Will the world need to create larger areas for adoption of organic and natural, megaherbivores and other wildlife? sustainable farming methods • How are we managing our wildlife for climate change ganda has in South Africa for a number of mitigation? two million reasons, including the development • What are the consequences of not having organic of new farmers and adapting to megaherbivores? farmers, climate change, with the associated 200 000 widespread reduction in rainfall. “Uof whom are certified as organic “Climate change is not going away producers, which qualifies them to sell and we need to be far more proactive and export their products as organic, about improved soil health and more Distinguished Professor Graham Kerley, Director of the Centre for and gain higher revenue. There is effective rain and water absorption in African Conservation Ecology no reason why South Africa cannot farming,” he says. achieve the same.” “You need ±500mm per season to therefore more alert to human grasslands, working in synergy with “The latest report from the This is the view of Professor grow rain-fed crops; consider that over hunting, whereas when humans moved the mega grazers. Without the mega Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Raymond Auerbach of the Agricultural the past 20 years, 18 municipalities out of Africa, the megaherbivores browsers, trees and bushes would take (IPCC) states that we have to do a lot Management Programme, School in the Eastern Cape that previously were naïve to human hunting, and over the grasslands, and without the more to keep the world from warming of Natural Resource Management at had an average seasonal rainfall of easy prey. mega grazers, grasslands would take by more than 1.5°C and to reverse Mandela University’s George Campus. ±550mm, have dropped to an average The rapid decline in over the tree and forest areas. the changes to the atmosphere in A member of the trans-university of ±450mm.” megaherbivores is attributed to “The importance of vast areas of order to avoid catastrophic climate Centre of Excellence for Food For the past six years Prof Professor Raymond Auerbach the slow life history of these big grassland, in addition to their role as consequences, including largescale Auerbach has been doing long- animals. Thus with their lengthy water production areas, is that they extinction,” says Kerley. term organic comparative farming gestation period and slow growth, reflect the sunshine, and therefore He refers to an article in The systems trials with his agroecology reproduction by megaherbivores reduce solar radiation. This might Conversation Africa on 10 October master’s research group at Mandela could not keep up with the assault. prove to be even more important in 2018 by systems ecologist Professor University’s George Campus. In Africa, conservation initiatives keeping the planet cool than dark Robert Scholes from Wits University’s “The research trials show the were fortunately put in place before areas, such as trees and forests, which Global Change Institute (GCI), who soils are changing under organic the megaherbivores were hunted to absorb heat and carbon and play an writes: It seems inevitable that the management and we have been extinction, but the current poaching important role in carbon sequestration planet will overshoot the 1.5°C global able to close the yield gap between onslaught is expected to reverse the (long-term carbon storage). mark, and probably also the 2°C mark. organic and conventional yields, so recent growth in their numbers. “The megaherbivores also play a Cooling the atmosphere later in the that the organic yields are as high as The impact on the global climate major role in nutrient recycling, soil century would require the removal the conventional yields in dry years, as a result of the mass loss of health and seed dispersal. Elephants, of up to a trillion tonnes of carbon and water use efficiency is better. megaherbivores in other parts of the for example, contribute to the dioxide. The world doesn’t yet have Given the escalation of climate change world is finally being understood, dispersal of the seeds for hardwood affordable, proven technology to and the rising cost of fertilisers and and is explained in the paper in terms trees and are therefore essential to do this at the required scale. The poisons, this is essential,” he explains. of what these animals contribute to the growth of hardwoods that grow approach that is most commonly The research and findings are climate change mitigation, as Kerley slowly and hold their carbon for long punted – mass tree-planting – is attracting local and international explains: periods.” a non-starter in most of southern interest and will be published in “The mega browsers (in Africa The authors emphasise that the Africa, where the arable land and a book by Prof Auerbach titled these are the black rhino and megaherbivore proposition is not a water resources are needed for food Organic Food Systems: Meeting elephant) help to maintain the balance single solution; it is a contribution to production, and the marginal land is the needs of Southern Africa, to be in savanna systems between trees and the climate change mitigation strategy. too dry to grow forests. released in 2019.

74 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 75 OUTDOOR LABORATORY

When it comes to location, few campuses can compete with Nelson Mandela’s George Campus on the scenic Garden Route. No wonder it’s become a destination for students set on saving the planet.

e it forestry, agriculture, nature conservation, tourism or business studies, George Campus is embracing sustainability. BIts 1500 students, about 450 of whom now live on campus, walk the talk when it comes to going green with their recycling, renewable energy and use of grey water. They come from throughout South Africa, and from an increasing number of African countries, to study niche programmes on a campus that is ideally situated within an hour of five biomes. “The campus has grown sustainably and steadily over the new gymnasium and three new past decade and exerts a positive indigenous vegetation and forest pests in plantations; the future of the Many of those who are lecturing residences – and an ethos committed and empowering influence in our plantations, is the university’s Cape vulture; mitigation plans for and supervising students within to sustainability through its rain communities and in their sphere of Sustainability Research Unit. uncontrolled fires; climate change; the School of Natural Resource water harvesting, permaculture expertise and influence,” says acting MSc and PhD studies within the adaptive co-management; water Management today are “homegrown”, and recycling, among other green George Campus principal David unit – particularly in the sphere of the related research such as freshwater having studied on the campus before initiatives, in line with the university’s Alexander. natural sciences – are researching ecosystems, estuaries and water going into industry and then returning value of environmental stewardship. Among the key drivers in the likes of small-scale organic quality; evaluation of development to their alma mater. And that’s why you’re as likely attracting students to the “outdoor farming; community participation/ initiatives and food security and They have come back in recent to see animals as you are students laboratory” nestled at the foot of engagement; sustainability issues management of invasive species, be years to a campus with new roads, wandering this campus of natural the Outeniqua mountains, amidst relating to the management of insect they plants or insects. water reticulation upgrades, a plenty.

76 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 77 78 | Thetha | December 2018 December 2018 | mandela.ac.za | 79 The University Shop is your one stop shop for all your Nelson Mandela University branded clothing, corporate gifts, bags and memorabilia.

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