talk The Staff Newsletter March 2010 Statistics reveal interesting trends in study choices More students in 2010 EARLY figures already show an increase in student enrolments of 4.3% compared to the same time in 2009 (see page 6). This is an indication that our vigorous marketing campaign to ensure that prospective students applied to study here before the official closing date on 1 August and again, by the late cut-off date of 4 December paid off. Apart from the 12% increase in applications by 1 August 2009, NMMU’s flagship programmes, such as the BCom for Chartered Accountants, again attracted a significant number of students from all over the country. Indeed, 13 of the first 23 Vice- Chancellor’s Scholarship recipients this year also enrolled for BCom programmes. ‘’The chosen fields of study are very much in line with national trends,” acting marketing manager Christelle Feyt told talk@nmmu. ‘’Research indicates that business, commerce and management studies are the most popular GEARED FOR SUCCESS … Vice-Chancellor Professor Derrick Swartz is joined by some of the first recipients of the study fields among school leavers nationwide, prestigious NMMU’s VC Scholarship (back from left) Matthew Nicholls, Anrich Geldenhuys, Timothy Olls, Michael followed by fields in manufacturing, engineering Gossman, Deanne Nolte and Caitlyn Allen (seated), who finished second in the province. The 23 students will each and technology. Programmes backed by financial receive R60 000 for each year of their studies (see page 5). support structures such as governmental bursary schemes are also very popular’’. Higher Certificate (Accountancy) – 82 The 2009 provincial results also reflected a 14.8% The ten most popular programmes among first- Diploma (Economics) – 81 drop in pass rates in key subject areas such as time entering students, based on registration Some programmes may have been excluded Accounting, Mathematics and Physical Science. figures on 29 January 2010, were as follows: from this list due to prescribed capping of student She adds that parents, teachers, as well as BCom Accounting (for chartered accountants) – 142 numbers. principals are increasingly giving positive feedback Diploma (Human Resource Management) – 136 Christelle says the Eastern Cape is still our major on NMMU’s range of academic programmes. Diploma (Management) – 106 feeder province but only 51.1% of matrics in the Concerns, however, regarding insufficient student BEd (FET band) – 100 province passed in 2009. housing facilities and a lack of student life, Diploma (Marketing) – 90 It is of concern that of the more than 68 000 are also constantly raised by these stakeholder Diploma (Information Technology: Software candidates writing the matriculation examinations groups. Development) – 98 last year, only 9 492 obtained admission to ‘’If NMMU wants to expand its footprint in other BA in Media, Communication & Culture – 89 bachelors studies, 13 883 admission to diploma provinces, it needs to have sufficient student LLB – 89 studies and 11 240 to higher certificate studies. housing facilities in place.’’ In this edition GROWTH 3 WATER 6 science 6 arts 13 Building progress Forward planning Algae: ‘green’ gold Windy ice-breaker Buildings, scholarships and fuel for the future WE have reason to be happy. A student numbers have increased department working together to lay number of building projects have and our flagship C B om Accounting the foundation to their greenhouse. been completed recently including programme seems to be the most We celebrate good media coverage, the Kraal Madibaz complex on popular. a networking session for the VC South Campus, with its neon We are also happy to share news with local media and well-attended green and orange touch of colour of the first 23 Vice-Chancellor’s communication workshops. bringing a fresh taste for coffees scholarships, established to attract Our new horticulturist Elana Storm and get-togethers. And the good academically excellent students. also shares her insight on the water news … North Campus, George and In this edition we focus on fuel for situation on our campuses - indeed a Kind regards Missionvale are to follow suit. the future - algae turning into green very serious issue. Elma de Koker Early indications are that our fuel and a wonderful story of a Keep on sending those stories. Editor: talk@nmmu New management structure In order to build a better NMMU a more effective Soga’s post has been renamed Dean of Students. vancement, Director: Strategic Planning as well as system of management supporting Vision 2020, A new post of Deputy Vice-Chan- the ED: Operations. strategic objectives and structures, has been cellor: Institutional Support has been A Senior Director: Audit and Risk Management will introduced. created to whom the Registrar Hugo be appointed to deal with major risk management In short: Grimbeek, the Executive Director: issues as well as heading the internal auditing. Employment equity is now located Operations, Dean of Students, Senior The Disability function has been moved to the in Human Resources, headed by Director: Office of Academic Planning Student Affairs Division. Executive Director: Human Resources and Quality Advance- Gary Paul. ment Prof Martin Oost- Director of Organisational Transfor- huizen, and Director: Of- mation and Equity Ruby-Ann Levendal’s fice of Strategic Planning DIARY new designation is now Director: Trans- Prof Heather Nel report. Graduation sessions formation Monitoring and Evaluation A Management Committee (MAN- 14 April The Centre for Academic CO) was created to support EMCom Session 1 – 10:00 George Campus Engagement and Collaboration (CAEC) consisting of the following positions: 16 April now reports to the Deputy Vice- Vice-Chancellor, three Deputy Vice- Session 2 – 09:30 Health Sciences Chancellor: Research and Engagement Chancellors, Executive Director: Hu- Session 3 – 14:30 Law, Science, honorary doctoral degrees Prof Thoko Mayekiso. man Resources and Executive Direc- 19 April Two new posts, namely Chief tor: Finance Marius Scheepers. Session 4 – 09:30 Business and Economic Information Officer (to be appointed) An expanded EMCom will include Sciences: diplomas and Director: Infrastructural Projects members of MANCO plus the follow- Session 5 – 14:30 Business and Economic Stuart Blignaut report to the Executive ing: the Registrar, Dean of Students, Sciences: bachelors’ degrees Director: Operations, who will be all Deans of Faculty, Campus Prin- 20 April announced soon. cipals of the George Prof Christo Session 6 – 09:30 Business and Economic Senior Director: HEADS Fabricius and Missionvale Campuses Sciences: postgraduate qualifications Session 7 – 14:30 Faculty of Engineering, the Prof Cheryl Foxcroft’s Khaya Matiso, Dean: Teaching and Built Environment and Information Technology designation is now Dean: Learning, Senior Director: Audit and 21 April Teaching and Learning Risk Management, Director: Monitor- Session 8 – 09:30 Arts while Executive Direc- ing and Evaluation, Senior Director: Session 9 – 14:30 Education: undergraduate tor Student Affairs Thoft Academic Planning and Quality Ad- qualifications 22 April Session 10 – 09:30 Education: postgraduate Non-racialism and democracy focus qualifications FOLLOWN I G the march against racism in 2008 The centre will also host the annual colloquium Alumni reunion dates 2010 the new Centre for the Advancement of Non-Ra- of the Anti-Racist Network in Higher Education on Various alumni reunions will be taking place cialism and Democracy (CANRAD) was created. Missionvale Campus on 24 March where 100 aca- this year. In the week of 22 to 26 March the centre will be demics countrywide are expected to attend. : 7 & 8 May Architecture: 22 Oct launched with a function, colloquium, workshop Together with the Law Faculty, the centre will Accounting: 23 Sep Pharmacy: 29 Oct and lecture. host a Street Law workshop on 25 March led by Law: 24 Sep Towards the end of 2009 Allan Zinn was ap- National Street Law Director, Lindi Coetzee, on pointed as director of the centre. ‘Equality and Human Rights’. At 18:00 National talk@nmmu is published by NMMU Marketing & The public launch will take place on 23 March at Director of Lawyers for Human Rights, Adv Jacob Corporate Relations. The deadline for contributions to 18:00 in the GoldFields Auditorium on North Cam- van Garderen, will speak on ‘Zenophobia and the April edition of talk@nmmu is 7 April 2010. Please e-mail your contributions in MSWord and pus including a keynote speaker accompanied by Refugee Rights’ followed by a critique from the photographs separately in jpg format (no smaller than poetry, music, dance and a visual art display. International Students Association. 800kb) to [email protected]. Opinions expressed in talk@nmmu are not necessarily those of the editor or the university. News Strong call for ‘responsibility’ follows tragedy T he NMMU community – both staff and students students responded to how NMMU can ensure a rights while doing so,” one individual wrote. – have reacted with anger and great concern safer environment for all? This response echoes that of Vice-Chancellor following the tragic death of one of its students. Many felt students needed to take greater Prof Derrick Swartz who believes “each of us The murder of financial planning student responsibility for their actions, while others pointed must take responsibility for his or her life, and Khaya Mtonga, of Tsomo, Transkei, allegedly in a to the abuse of alcohol as a root cause in the respect the lives of others”. stabbing attack by another student in a bathroom February 14 tragedy, and many other crimes. “NMMU has to make every effort to ensure in Unitas residence in mid February, unleashed a “Students today always emphasise their rights (to maximum deterrence to violent and unacceptable torrent of strong feelings from staff and students this and that) but I think they need to realise that with behaviour leading to violence, as we must learn to at NMMU, much of which was captured on-line on every right comes responsibility. Therefore, when they relate to each other in humane terms (ubuntu).” NMMU’s new soapbox (see page 14). are practising their rights - it’s their responsibility to He pointed out, however, that no amount of Close to 100 replies were received as staff and make sure that they do not infringe on other people’s security could substitute individual responsibility.

Ongoing building projects evidence of NMMU’s growth C ampuses’ coffee shop boom Our campuses are abuzz with building activity giving us some great new places and spaces. The latest celebration was the opening of the new Kraal complex on South Campus. Coffee shop Madibaz Café, convenience shop Madibaz Express, fast food shop Cassies and Halaal caterers Flavours all form part of the new complex, serving both staff and students. Good news is that North Campus will also soon have a new coffee shop in the former cafeteria area. “Our hoped-for coffee shop culture is happening,” said Nikki Brown, Senior Manager Catering, Cleaning and Commercial Services. Our hoped-for Missionvale Campus’ coffee shop culture student centre, which is happening is planned to be completed by November this year, will also accommodate a coffee shop and other outlets. The student centre on George Campus is scheduled for completion by early May. OPENING… Madibaz complex manager Walter Pretorius and Senior Manager Catering, Cleaning and The new lecture halls on South Campus are Commercial Services’ Nikki Brown celebrate the opening of Madibaz with mascot Diba. already in use. Accounting head of department and lecturer Beryl Prinsloo was first to lecture in venue were handed over by the contractors. by end of July. 123 0007. One new lift in the Main Building on South has Architecture and the Library on South Campus Two weeks ago the Missionvale computer labs also been installed and the rest should be completed now also have access to new lifts. New lifts have been installed on Missionvale Campus and ramps for persons with disabilities will be completed at the end of April. The new library on Missionvale Campus is also nearing completion to be ready for the second semester. South Campus’ ventilation upgrade will be ready at the end of April bringing relief for staff and students . Other new projects include the conversion of Embizweni on South Campus into a student service delivery hub. Meanwhile refurbishments and new branding to the value of R120 000 was sponsored by Sanlam on ADDITION… Alleviating the need on South Campus for lecturing space the new large media lecture venues on the Sanlam lecture halls on South Campus. South Campus have been completed.

Building tomorrow - being firmly grounded 3 Science New project benefits interdisciplinary research inS cience

Algae: turning harmful CO2 emissions into ‘green’ gold AN innovative project using marine algae to turn carbon dioxide into biofuels and other products has put NMMU at the forefront of cutting-edge “green” technology. “This unusual venture could change the way we work in this area within the country – and maybe even the world,” said Director: Innovation Support and Technology Transfer Jaci Barnett, addressing academics at the project’s internal launch in February. Housed on campus in a giant greenhouse, the project – which will be rolled out to industry – is the brainchild of InnoVenton, our internationally- recognised institute of chemical technology. At the launch, InnoVenton director Prof Ben Zeelie said a number of global issues were driving research into alternative, and particularly renewable, energies, including “the big climate change debate” GREEN FUEL … InnoVenton Director Prof Ben Zeelie (right), Environmental Sciences School Director Dr Derek and the world’s diminishing crude oil resources. du Preez (centre) and Zalgen General Manager Otto Lessing at the launch of the marine algae project to the He said much of the algae-to-energy research NMMU community in the new greenhouse where algae filling 300 strips will eventually grow. already conducted globally focused specifically on biodiesel production, but had had very limited success. Thus, InnoVenton’s project would take a different slant – focusing instead on converting (through a process Laying our own foundations called liquefaction) the resulting algae biomass into IN a show of teambuilding and determination pushed wheelbarrows and huge rollers around organic oil as well as sugar and protein solutions, to InnoVenton staff decided to roll up their sleeves while the guys dug trenches for electrical cables be used in various applications, including human and and lay their algae greenhouse floor themselves. and water.” animal feed supplements and chemical production. “Altogether 70 tons of soil and gravel were Staff from the top levels to contract staff helped Interdisciplinary studies with Botany and Statistics brought in with our own vehicles, and the and after all the hard work they celebrated with will benefit master’s and doctoral as well as MBA ‘teambuilding’ started,“ said InnoVenton Director their end-of-year braai in their own greenhouse. students from a business perspective. Prof Ben Zeelie told talk@nmmu. Tell talk@nmmu how your department has InnoVenton has set up a private company Zalgen “Everybody helped to flatten the gravel, ladies worked together to get something done! to ultimately commercialise the technology. NW S wiss Nobel Laureate cares for the poor AS part of his visit to NMMU at the beginning of future generations,” said 76-year-old Prof Ernst. February Swiss Nobel Laureate Prof Richard Ernst Prof Ernst, a physical chemist, received a Nobel also visited Tyhilulwazi Senior Secondary School Prize for Chemistry in 1991 for his contribution in Govan Mbeki, one of the schools NMMU has towards the improvement of nuclear magnetic adopted for its maths and science development resonance (NMR) and its application in medicine, programmes. magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a medical “Wherever I go, I like to see the real side of a scanning technique allowing detailed visualisation country – not the monuments or stadiums,” said of the internal structure of tissues. Prof Ernst, who is conducting a countrywide public The school, declared a “no-fee” facility, is regularly lecture tour and also visiting some of the country’s vandalised, with the result that none of the poorest regions and schools. classrooms have electricity. With staff shortages, Calling himself a “missionary for responsible bursting classrooms and a Grade 8 intake that science”, he spreads the message that science should includes pupils who battle to read and write, pass be used to improve society and presented a public rates are low, particularly in the subjects of maths, lecture at NMMU titled “Academic responsibility and science and accounting. GROWING LEADERS … Swiss Nobel Laureate Prof Richard Ernst offers a word of encouragement to our future” on 2 February. To help improve pass rates, a number of pupils Mandilakhe Snam, 18 (left), and other pupils at Ty- “Those who train young people must ensure they from the school are selected each year to attend hilulwazi Senior Secondary School in ’s produce leaders – better leaders than themselves extra maths and science classes at our Missionvale impoverished Govan Mbeki Township. Photograph: – who are determined to improve the situation for Campus, which Prof Ernst also visited. NW Nicky Willemse

4 Building tomorrow - being firmly grounded News Relief, joy for VC Scholarship to attract students for academic excellence recipients Largest undergraduate TEAR S, disbelief and shocked silence were among the responses of the re- cipients and their parents to the news bursary introduced of their unexpected windfall. With a downturn in the economy, WE have just raised the bar by Each of the candidates had to score shortlisted to 59 applicants. many of the families who were awarding the largest single at least 49 on the application point A selection panel, headed by Deputy preparing to take out loans to cover undergraduate bursary by a public system – the equivalent of seven Vice-Chancellor Academic Prof Christo the costs of university tuition were university in the country to 23 top distinctions – to qualify. von Loggerenberg, then whittled the overwhelmed when they received first-year students. The result: 24 top academic numbers down to the final 24, made news of the R60 000-a-year The first recipients of the Vice- achievers from 13 high schools, 11 of up of 13 females and 11 males. investment by NMMU. Chancellor Scholarship has each Not surprisingly, 14 of the 24 “I was speechless,” said Jurie received R60 000 for the first year We are sending recipients have registered to complete Geldenhuys, whose son Anrich, of of their studies, and will continue out a clear the flagship BCom Accounting Framesby High School, is one of to do so for each year of their first programmes. the 24 recipients of the new Vice- degree providing they maintain signal that merit “Even if I hadn’t won this Chancellor’s scholarship. their outstanding academic records. matters scholarship, I would have come Time and “This very prestigious scholarship to NMMU because its chartered again, acting for the top performing school-leavers which are from the Eastern Cape. The accounting programme is recognised NMMU market- marks our commitment, as part of others come from Kwazulu-Natal and as the best,” said Grey High School ing manager NMMU Vision 2020, to academic the Western Cape. recipient Timothy Olls. Christelle Feyt’s excellence. We are sending out a clear “Of the 464 achieving schools Timothy is one of three Grey (left) calls signal that merit matters,” said Vice- targeted, including many from the pupils to have won the scholarship. were met with Chancellor Prof Derrick Swartz, who previously disadvantaged sectors Likewise, both Framesby High School stunned silence. initiated the new award. of , we received 138 and Harvest Christian School, each “I kept on “We are creating an opportunity nominations from 42 schools,” have three recipients for the top having to ask if the person was still for the best minds to acquire cutting explained acting marketing manager bursary. George’s Outeniqua High at the end of the line,” said Christelle. edge-knowledge and skills to make Christelle Feyt, who was tasked with fielded two candidates both of Other parents broke down in tears, a difference in society. While the overseeing the establishment of the whom will be studying for BCom acknowledging that the scholarship university will continue to provide new scholarships. degrees at the university’s George had been an answer to prayers. financial support for increasing These nominations were further Campus. They will be joined by a “One mother told me that they did access, the most important principle supplemented by tracking other learner from Kearsney College who not even have enough money for governing what we do and strive for, achievers who had already been is studying for a diploma in nature registration,” said Christelle. is individual achievement.” provisionally accepted, and were then conservation. Soccer World Cup Media coverage raising our profile internships TO attract good students we need to TWENTY- fOUR NMMU students have raise awareness of our achievements the chance of a lifetime assisting FIFA’s and successes. host broadcaster for the 2010 Football Staff, students and alumni are World Cup from 11 June to 11 July. always the leading ambassadors These students will assist Host Broad- in attracting students but the print cast Services to distribute the images and broadcast media also play an and sounds of all 64 matches to mil- extremely important role in creating lions of people around the world. perceptions about NMMU. Host Broadcast Services con- NMMU’s media coverage in the tacted our Office for International print and broadcast media was very Education to assist in the first-round good in 2009 with 90% of the 100 recruitment of students. media releases issued receiving a spot The students will be working as in- in a publication or a mention on radio. terns for three months forming part of DISCUSSIONS … Vice-Chancellor Prof Derrick Swartz talks to BayFM’s Jacques According to media practitioner a total group of 330 students, working Arendt at a media breakfast organised by Media and Corporate Relations for and spokesperson Roslyn Baatjies journalists to network with our VC. with professional equipment and deal- exclusive stories to journalists, ing with international broadcasters. especially during and after happenings while at the same time exceeded more than R1.5m in 2009. They have the opportunity to work graduation, work extremely well. communicating our achievements, Marketing and Corporate Relations’ first with an international company, learn- “The focus should really be on excellence and engagement with the workshops on media, newsletter crea- ing global working methods and ex- the unusual story; the human communities we serve.” tion and the web were all fully-booked. posing international broadcasters to interest story – real people and real All told, the value of media coverage The next workshops will be held in May. local culture.

Building tomorrow - being firmly grounded 5 News Forward planning good, but much work still ahead Leading with water conservation NMMU can become an institution on par with world leaders in the field of sustainable processes I n living its new vision, NMMU is increasingly with grounds and gardens, thanks to its pro-active focused on conserving its natural water resources environmental practices. for its own sustainable tomorrow. We look at what The foresight of former NMMU horticulturalist John is happening on our six campuses. Elliott means the university has reclaimed water available for irrigation on South Campus, and can – with some financial investment – introduce further the most feasible solution to this challenge. measures to ensure that the university’s indigenous Go getter ... gardens and lawns always remain in good condition. North Campus NMMU’s new According to NMMU’s new horticulturalist Elana Borehole water is being used for irrigation but like horticulturalist Storm, the university can become a leader with its South Campus only limited areas are linked to this Elana Storm. forward-thinking environmental practices. resource. NMMU is investigating the feasibility of However in the interim, all planned landscaping building a reservoir for North Campus. a retention dam to capture run-off created by the has been put on hold at NMMU because of the new library. critical water shortage. Second Avenue The introduction of a borehole in 2008 is a further George What’s happening? example of good foresight as this water source has Likewise, George Campus is making use of “grey” These measures focus on what NMMU is doing to largely been able to meet all irrigation needs. water – run-off collected from roofs – in order to conserve water from an infrastructure viewpoint. irrigate critical areas. Similarly, it uses purified Bird Street sewage water (from its own purification works) for South Campus All irrigation has ceased here since there are no other limited irrigation on campus. The retention dam near Marine Drive has a holding alternative non-potable water supplies. New measures include the harvesting of rainwater capacity of 700 000 litres of non-potable (reclaimed) at the new student centre to service the toilet water and at present consumption exceeds supply. Missionvale cisterns, and a sustainable campus project which This means that much of South Campus is not being Attempts to sink a borehole in 2009 were futile since will see three on-campus homes fitted with green irrigated while water restrictions are in place. the water proved too saline for irrigation purposes. technologies, including rainwater harvesting (see Enlarging the current dam has been identified as Architects are now exploring the possibly expanding page 10). Student enrolments Ground-breaking Freedom IT’s interesting to note how our student population is distributed among the different qualifications and the difference between 2009 of Expression promotes new SA and 2010. NEW times call for new measures, and thus NMMU’s Enrolments 2009 2010 % Freedom of Expression – a charter that serves as a National diploma 6963 7461 +7.2 guide for all communication – was conceived. General three-year 3758 3642 -3.0 Law Faculty’s Prof Narnia Bohler-Muller and professional first degree Management Sciences School Director Prof Miemie Professional four-year 2746 3112 +13.3 Struwig, together with Marketing and Corporate first degree Relations Director Pieter Swart, came together to BTech degree 1058 1236 +16.8 formulate a charter to capture the spirit of the new Prof academic three-year 794 773 -2.6 South Africa with its progressive Constitution. Prof Narnia Prof Miemie Pieter Swart first B-degree As a result, NMMU becomes the first university in Bohler-Muller Struwig National higher 653 756 +15.8 certificate South Africa to have its own Free- “The charter, or statement of prin- dom of Expression charter. This charter ciples, encourages communication Honours degree 940 668 -28.9 encourages Masters degree 455 561 +23.2 “This is a ground-breaking – open debate, no matter how con- debate MTech degree 287 314 +9.4 initiative. It’s practiced in the troversial, oppositional or unpopu- 2 year or less States, but nowhere in higher education lar – especially within a university,” undergraduate diploma 335 240 -28,4 in South Africa,” said Prof Bohler-Muller. said Prof Struwig. or certificate The team devised an “umbrella” document to The principles of the freedom of expression at NMMU Postgraduate diploma or inform all other policies and codes of conduct took into consideration ubuntu, various other human 119 10 -7.6 certificate drafted by and for NMMU. rights and charters, and its place within academia. Doctoral degree 103 101 -1.9 “This statement of principles, for example, Certain responsibilities were encouraged in all Undergraduate diploma/ 45 50 +11.1 determines the scope of the NMMU media liaison communication like the respect for democracy, the 3-year certificate policy,” said Prof Bohler-Muller, adding that the dignity of others, the respect for diversity, the need DTech degree 15 24 +60.0 latter had been conceived during a different, more to act on the basis of a “well-informed conscience” Total 18 271 19 048 +4.3 stringent era and needed a more positive spin. and in the public interest.

6 Building tomorrow - being firmly grounded EBEIT & Science Elephant research in Seattle ZOOLOGY PhD student Linus Munishi who hails from Tanzania, will be spending six months at the University of Washington in Seattle on a student internship and training programme to analyse genetic samples. He will be working with Professor Samuel Wasser who is renowned in this field. Linus will study genetic samples of female African elephants to investigate the effects of matrilineal genetic relatedness on dominance relationships. NMMU has a co-operative agreement with the University of Washington. The study visit is jointly funded by Wildlife Conservation Society and the International Education Office. Zoology’s Prof Graham Kerley, Linus’s supervisor, says that this investment reflects the university’s PARTNERS … Zoology PhD student Linus Munishi (centre), who is on his way to Seattle for a six-month study commitment to provide outstanding education visit to learn genetic analysing skills at the University of Washington, is joined by International Education opportunities. Office DirectorDr Nico Jooste (left) and his supervisor, Zoology’s Prof Graham Kerley.

Faster internet for NMMU Science Park IN December NMMU became one of the first group Research teams can transfer massive datasets of universities to connect to the new SANReN from university to university in hours instead of on the cards (South African National Research Network) that will days, and can talk to each other from anywhere NMMU will play a major role in any eventually link all academic and research institutions in the world. Science Park development in the Bay and, at hugely improved speeds. New programmes can be downloaded in minutes preferably a park located at the university. SANReN is the second most advanced academic and installed immediately instead of waiting This was the conclusion at a recent network in the world. overnight. workshop on North Campus organised by The benefits of this internet access include: Previously NMMU had separate staff and student our Department of Innovation Support and Fast access to web sites, audio and video feeds internet lines roughly 80 times faster than a dialup Technology Transfer. E-mails reaching their destinations almost as fast modem. An assessment of the potential for a as sending it to another NMMU user “Most of the time we were struggling to share Science Park/ Research and Development The ability to use programmes like Skype. those lines between the 5 000 computers on the (R&D) Park in Nelson Mandela Bay was A vast network of multimedia academic and NMMU network, ICT Services’ Bruce Smith told presented and discussed at the workshop training sources from America, Europe and the talk@nmmu. on 5 February opened by Executive Mayor Far East can now be delivered to the student NMMU is now plugged into the new network at Zanoxolo Wayile. sitting in a lab. one gigabit per second. “It was also the first step towards the establishment of the Eastern Cape Regional Innovation Forum,” says Innovation Experts pass international exam Support and Technology Transfer Director Jaci Barnett. ICT advancement director Prof Rossouw von Sol- A Science Park provides space and fa- ms and School of ICT senior lecturer Mariana Gerber cilities to innovation-based companies and passed the internationally recognised Certified Informa- stimulates and manages the flow of knowl- tion Security Manager (CISM) exam with flying colours. edge and technology from research institu- The certification is aimed at individuals in the tions to companies and markets. Its main Information Security field who manage design, aim is to stimulate economic development oversee and assess IT Security programmes. through innovation and collaboration. The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Further steps include a detailed feasibility exam is administrated by the Information Systems study, the establishment of a board and Audit and Control Association (ISACA), a global organ- the registering of a trust. isation for information governance, control, security “These parks attract the greatest minds and audit professionals in more than 160 countries. and greatest innovation. This park will in- “Having passed the CISM exam, along with the crease the university’s prestige and invest- 50-odd research papers I have published, helps ment potential,” said African Development EXPERTS … Institute for ICT advancement director me to operate confidently in the theoretic, as well Prof Rossouw von Solms and School of ICT senior Economic Consultant Randall Gross speak- as practical and consultative areas of Information lecturer Mariana Gerber have just been internation- ing about the potential of the Park. Security,” said Prof Von Solms. ally certified as information security managers.

Building tomorrow - being firmly grounded 7 Business and Economic Sciences First choice for MBA

FIRST YEARS … The 2010 MBA first-year class who are mostly 30 to 39 years old, employed in a mid-management job and have 10 to 15 years working experience. ABOUT 84% of the 33 first-year students selected “These figures confirm the attraction of our students enrolled as a result of the programme’s for the MBA programme in 2010 ranked NMMU’s leadership focused and ethics-centered MBA in accreditation and rankings (64%), quality Business School as first choice. areas outside the Eastern Cape,” says Director Prof of lecturers (61%), and affordability (59%). Student applications and admissions yielded Piet Naudé. Management techniques (26%), Leadership (20%) good returns after the Graduate School introduced The remaining part-time students are from East and Strategic Management (13%) were the three its MBA to late last year with 20% of part- London (16%) and Port Elizabeth. top core modules with top elective modules being time first-year students coming from that province. About 30% of the full-time students are project management (23%), entrepreneurship Five percent hails from the Western Cape. international learners. Findings indicated that (18%) and business ethics (17%). Briefs Financial advisors New appointment FORMER NMMU media, culture and communication graduate geared for studies JP Roodt (right) has been appointed Marketing and Corporate Relations head of the Business School. Before joining the university he worked at public relations and communications consultancy firm, Marcus Brewster, in Cape Town. He held the position of senior associate and head- ed the business/finance and marketing/media cli- ent divisions as well as the national social and digital media division. Last year Roodt was crowned South Africa’s best PR practitioner in media liaison by the Public Relations Institute of South Africa (PRISA). Book bonus

PARTNERSHIP … Sanlam staff members and postgraduate Financial Planning students Nombulelo Mooi (from left), Roxanne Cornelius, Luke Martins, Ncebazimi Gongxeka and Zane Nash, joined by Financial Planning lecturer Jackie Palframan (fourth from left), received bursaries from Sanlam to study the one-year part time Business Management’s Prof Madéle Tait (left) is postgraduate diploma to become certified financial planners. the South African editor and Chantal Rootman an author for the 2010 edition of Philip Kotler’s book THE first five black financial advisors studying the in- staff members at Sanlam. “Principles of Marketing: Southern African and ternationally accredited Postgraduate Diploma in Fi- The Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning, global perspectives”. The book is already in its 12th nancial Planning to become certified financial plan- launched at NMMU in 2009, follows the three- edition and being adapted for South Africa. Chantal ners, received bursaries from Sanlam in January. year BCom degree in Financial Planning, initiated and Madéle are among 17 authors working on the These students have already been appointed as at NMMU in 2006. book.

8 Building tomorrow - being firmly grounded Gallery

POTJIEKOS … Margriet Bosma (right) and husband Coos, both from InnoVenton visited Margriet’s sister Micheline (left) on the small island of Aruba in the Caribbean where they had potjiekos in a South African potjie, courtesy of the Bosmas. A number of friends on the island also managed to obtain SA’s famous cooking pots WARM WELCOME … NMMU’S Le Strada traditional choir conducted by music student Nkosinathi Sidondi was invited by a says Margriet. tour company to perform at the airport for a group of visiting Belgium tourists who thoroughly enjoyed their singing.

STAKEHOLDERS … ICT Services’ Jacques Wessels, Missionvale Campus Management’s Sonwabo Hoyi and Prof Iona Wannenburg, Director Planning and Projects Stuart Blignaut, Computing Sciences Amanda Esterhuyse, ICT Services Gavin Ludick and Computing Sciences’ Prof Jean Greyling were among recipients of the new computer laboratories on the Missionvale Campuses.

HIGH TECHNOLOGY … Vice-Chancellor Prof Derrick Swartz (right) and Health Sciences Dean Prof Raj Naidoo were recently introduced to the high technology simulated equipment with which the Nursing Science Department’s laboratories function. This equipment places our Nursing Science Department on par with some of the best departments in South Africa. Profs Swartz and Naidoo visited the General Nursing Science, Midwifery, Psychiatric and Intensive Care laboratories where advanced simulation can be created for arrithmias, ventilatory problems and the reflection of their treatment. Nursing Science moved to a bigger space on North Campus and found alternative resources to help foot the bill for their offices and labs. STARS … Seven former Sport Management students are currently employed by Eastern Province Cricket and were part of the team that assisted the Chevrolet to their victory in the MTN40 series. They include Chevrolet Warriors coach (back far right) joined by (back from left) Emlyn Gallant; Lindsay Stephen; Adrian Carter, Mercia Baatjies, (front) Michelle du Preez and Christo Esau.

DELEGATION … Staff Association Executive Committee members attended the launch of Madibaz Café after they promoted the idea of coffee shops for staff to mingle and get to know one another on campus in last year when they visited Vice-Chancellor Prof Derrick Swartz, from left Ata Beer, Bernie Booysen, Elma de Koker, Shayne Hardiman and Krish Williamson.

Send your pictures to the NMMU gallery. NEW LIFT … The first of four new lifts in the Main Building on South were E-mail: [email protected] installed at the beginning of February, (from left) Kobus Swart (Schindler Lifts), Engineering Services Deputy Director Peter Peters, Andre Hefer (Aurecon), Executive Director Operations Gary Paul, Dohan Erasmus (Clinkscales Maughan- Brown) and Technical Services Director Melvin Syce.

Building tomorrow - being firmly grounded 9 George Campus George a future model for sustainable living Green campus promoted Game ranch GEORGE Campus, known for addressing energy and The project set to start in March will focus on: management waste management on campus, might in future Establishing a baseline of water and energy become a model of sustainable living for other consumption patterns based on existing data and linked to campuses or institutions such as hotels or hospitals future audits; in the Southern Cape and beyond. Fitting the relevant houses with the necessary agriculture The campus’ Green Campus Initiative has received green technologies an extra boost with donor Continually auditing GAME Ranch Management, presented funding for an on-campus The Green Campus the electricity and water at both George and Port Elizabeth action research project, Initiative has received consumption of both campuses, does not only focus on namely the Sustainable an extra boost with conventional houses as natural veld or private reserves Campus Project. donor funding. control samples and the serving the growing demand for eco- The Sustainable Campus Project retrofitted houses tourism. The course also links with involves monitoring and comparing the daily energy Communication to raise awareness among mainstream agricultural management and household water consumption of two groups of students, municipalities, industry and communities ; focusing among others on mixed students who live in houses on campus. The aim is to Monitoring and assessment of behavioural and farming and the intensive breeding compare three houses, equipped with solar energy impact changes; of scarce game species such as buffalo geysers and a rain water harvesting system with a Application of the data to re-design business and swart-witpense. sample of identical houses that utilise conventional practices and operations of George Campus. Natural Resource Management water and energy systems. Data will be collected over a period of six months, School lecturer Stefan Hattingh, has This action research project involves students, commencing in March 2010, and the final results been speaking on RSG Landbou, industry and academic staff as well as technologies and recommendations will be announced by (Radiosondergrense Agriculture), a and the social aspects of these technologies. September. radio actuality programme on RSG (100 - 104 FM) scheduled from 12:30 Fast-growing programme in great demand to 12:45 on Fridays. Game numbers BCom students grabbed for jobs have increased dramatically

Game numbers have indeed in- creased dramatically from an estimat- ed 57 500 in 1964 to 18,6 million in 2007 while cattle and sheep numbers have decreased to 15,9 million over the same period. Two main challenges consequently face game ranch management, namely the provision of sufficient traditional sources of food and meat if cattle and sheep are being replaced by game and, secondly, effectively managing the veld, given the fact that game and wild animals cannot be managed in the same manner as ordinary livestock. “Regrettably not all traditional farmers who switch to game- farming are open to consulting experts, and this may lead to large- TOP STUDENT … Third-year BCom student Helga Crause (centre), who took top honours at the recent BCom scale mismanagement of the veld,” student awards ceremony, is congratulated by Business and Social Sciences School Director Marianne cautions Hattingh. Doubell and BCom lecturer Pieter Wicht. At Port Elizabeth’s Addo facility JOB offers are already being made to second-year The top 28 students of 2009 received awards at Game Ranch Management course George Campus BCom students highlighting the a ceremony on 4 February where local accounting focuses on the utilisation of game, demand for these students in the region. firms addressed students. while at George Campus conservation In addition, this programme is one of the fastest The George Campus BCom is a South African Insti- of the veld is core to ensure that growing programmes at George. In 2006, the tute of Chartered Accountants accredited programme. game ranch management becomes programme started with 22 students. This year there Awards were handed over by Business and Social Sci- sustainable. are more than 50 first-year students. ences School Director Marianne Doubell.

10 Building tomorrow - being firmly grounded George Campus

IN FULL FORCE … BTech Forestry 2010 class and their lecturers in front of the new lecture theatre on George Campus. BTech Forestry grows with block format presentation THE BTECH Forestry course has hit the nail on the Management has grown substantially since its from Zimbabwe. head with its attractive block format presentation beginning as a national higher diploma in the early Students attend two-week block sessions twice a over two years. As a result there are 66 course 90s with only 10 students. year, but the course is also presented full time. Apart enrolments for 2010, a 14% increase compared to The course draws students from across the from forestry and ecology modules, human resource 2009. country as well as outside South Africa’s borders and business management are also included in the The programme in the School of Natural Resource – with eight students of the 2010 intake coming curriculum. George unveils bold new strategic plan for future growth A dynamic expansion drive

OUR fast-growing George (BEd FET) have proved very popular, along with Campus is firmly on track in other subjects such as Management, Marketing and We will progressively realising its visionary growth Tourism Management for which more than 100 first- strengthen our teaching strategy to serve the demand year students have enrolled. and research focus for quality higher education Some 250 first-year students have registered for and specialist skills – both in courses in Forestry, Nature Conservation, Game the South Cape / Karoo region Ranch Management, Wood Technology and Prof Christo Fabricius and beyond. Agricultural Management. New student centre Of approximately 1 000 students, one third are A new nerve-centre for on-campus student life, the Student growth first-year students and two-thirds senior and post- new student centre is fast approaching completion. George Campus has recorded a 2,6% overall growth graduate students on campus. This facility incorporates Marula house as well as a in students in 2010. First-year applications have newly constructed area of 200 square metres which increased by 8,5%. We believe that this will accommodate four commercial units, as well as “George Campus is firmly on track from good dynamic expansion drive designated areas that students can utilise to study to great, and we are pulling out all the stops to underscores our passion for or relax. ensure that this institution can grow exponentially growth and development The new student centre and facilities incorporate and optimise its contribution to development and of our people “green” technologies supporting sustainability sustainability in the southern Cape and beyond,” practices. Isolation, ventilation, lighting, paint, said Campus Principal Prof Christo Fabricius. heating and cooling have been planned in line New facilities with green building guidelines, while rainwater New academic positions The range of new facilities already being used, harvesting and sustainable waste management will Trust in the growth potential of George Campus includes: ensure conservation (see page 10). is reflected in the recent allocation of R1,7 million Six computer laboratories – providing individual The launch is planned for May this year. from the university’s strategic fund for filling new attention to students, with all students having “We believe that this dynamic expansion posts and vacancies that will support the dynamic access to information technology and continuous drive underscores our passion for growth and expansion drive of the campus. IT support development of our people and our commitment Five permanent positions have been created in Six large lecture rooms, as well as a lecture to continued excellence and quality. We will the School of Business and Social Sciences. Two theatre that seats 200 progressively strengthen our teaching and research senior academic posts will also be filled in the A new library focus. We are extremely fortunate that NMMU’s School of Natural Resource Management, the The former Business School in York Street was Executive, as well as our local community, share this other primary area of focus. subsequently integrated physically with the main passion with us and are giving their strong support,” Currently the BCom courses and Education course campus at Saasveld. said Prof Fabricius.

Building tomorrow - being firmly grounded 11 Engineering, the Built Environment and IT Accounting on the edge: Excellent Thuthuka programme Briefs NMMU is one of only eight universities to have been granted permission by SAICA to host the Thuthuka GROWING STUDENTS … program. This transformation program is an initiative Elize Naude is co-ordinating by the Accounting profession to ensure the number of the Thuthuka programme black professionals increase significantly over the next which aims to help black few years. and coloured students There are currently 50 first-year, 66 second-year, become chartered 38 third-year and 31 final-year students in the accountants. programme. “Soft skills, including having a good language abil- “To become a CA is really tough, and so we are doing ity, all build on students’ study skills, and are crucial PRESENTERS … Education Faculty’s Dr all that we can to support our students with their for academic and professional success,” says Elize, who Muki Moeng and Prof Tilla Olivier studies,” explains project co-ordinator, Elize Naudé. has various other value-added courses lined up for the presented a paper (co-authored by Prof Apart from the normal academic work, significant year. Alette Delport) on restructuring and interventions are made in terms of personal, commu- Recent research demonstrates that the pass rate for transformation of higher education nication and social skills. For example, before lectures these students exceeds and matches the rest of the focusing on organisational identity at the started, 23 workshops on 11 topics were presented to class. World Universities Forum annual meeting ensure that the Thuthuka students excel at their studies. The students also held a Valentine’s celebration in Davos, Switzerland, in January. Some One such topic covered per- within each of their classes. 150 participants from around the world sonality types - ex- Elize warns that we should watch out for top-flight including six from South Africa attended pressed in four colors - future professionals from NMMU, including one the conference. The nature, role and as part of the ‘Umbala’ honours student Nkanyiso Ntando, who enjoyed an future of university education in a (colour) Day’s activi- all-expenses paid student exchange trip to Europe changing world, was discussed. ties early in January. earlier this year. “I believe Tubingen is the best place ever been. It’s German research beautiful, sage and people are very friendly. You can’t AS part of an exchange agreement help but fall in love with it,” said Nkanyiso of the trip. Education’s Professors Paul Webb and Lesley Wood and Dr Christina Jordaan JETSET … Nkanyiso Ntando, a Thuthuka spent time at Oldenburg University in honours student, enjoyed an all-expenses Germany late last year. PhD candidates paid student exchange trip to Europe Percy Sepeng (also a lecturer) and earlier this year, including a stag at Tubingen in Germany. Deidre Geduld joined the group. Our academics presented guest lectures and discussed various projects with Oldenburg colleagues. Recycling vehicles S ci-Fest Egyptology Chemistry’s Prof Peter Loyson has AUTOMOBILES can now be recycled through a its economical and been invited to present two lectures on range of processes successfully separating various environmental benefits. Egyptology at SciFest in Grahamstown. materials. This could lead to the preservation of In the late 90s Prof On 26 March he will discuss ‘Maths in the resources through energy saving techniques Schmidt started his own days of the pharaohs’ and on 27 March linked to the recycling of products. company, FIT-Umwelt- ‘Technology of the ancient Egyptians’. Vehicle Engineering Faculty Dean at Ostfalia technik GmbH, Wolfs- Both lectures will take place in the Art University in Germany, Professor Joachim burg, dismantling vehicles to derive information Gallery and start at 10:00 and end at Schmidt, recently visited the School of that would be useful to the manufacturing of 11:00. Engineering to share his presentation on the new vehicles. He also dismantled new proto- recycling of automobiles providing insight into types to obtain more insight. Vehicle design THE effect of light-weight design on modern automotive engineering was an aspect highlighted by German Personality analysis benefitting career professor Martin Mueller of Ostfalia University in his seminar on 11 February SECOND- and third-year Pharmacy students began Sandoz Pharmaceuticals sponsored the workshops on North Campus. The seminar focussed their academic year with workshops analysing their taking place at the Campus Boma on South Campus. on production development processes personality types and more importantly how these The 90 students learnt to recognise and identify involved in the interior and exterior would influence their effectiveness as pharmacists. personality groupings, and the likely response design of motor vehicles. It also featured The workshops were facilitated by Louis Odendaal of each personality type in any given situation. production development processes in of Competency Alignment, a company identifying Leadership skills and team membership were also packaging and ergonomics. and developing soft skills. Dischem Pharmacies and explored.

12 Building tomorrow - being firmly grounded Arts Ice-breaker project promotes inner city activity Architecture colours the sky in Central SOME 100 brightly coloured kites recently flew above the Donkin Reserve in Central as part of Architecture’s annual ice-breaker project encouraging activity in the inner city. The project on 4 February displayed the design and craftsmanship of some 500 architecture, technology and interior design students, proving their creative talent as well as getting to know each other. “We have promoted the design of kites as they are simultaneously artistic and technically intriguing and kites go hand in hand with the windy city,” said Architecture lecturer Donald Flint. “The event moved from the beach to the Donkin Reserve this year, motivated by the Workplace Architects and the municipality who are actively encouraging community activity and events in the inner city”. Workplace Architects sponsored R 3000 for the best kite. “We are delighted that these students, who are the future of our city, used this site to display their creative talents,” said Debbie Wintermeyer of Workplace Architects. The Donkin Reserve is undergoing a multimillion rand upgrade in a series of 52 projects over the next RAINBOW FLIER ... Architecture students (from left) Ashleigh du Preez, Berdene Nagel and Frances van few years. Jaarsveldt try for lift-off during the ice-breaker project on the Donkin Reserve. Picture: Mike Holmes Cello-piano duo concert RUSSIAN-BORN cellist Polina Among the best Burdukova (left) and noted South in the country African pianist Kerryn Wisniewski, both based in Gauteng performed THREE BTech graphic design students a cello-piano duo concert on 25 ensured that our Applied Design De- February on South Campus. The partment ranked among the top five award winning musicians have design institutions in the country. successfully performed together Dominic Roberts, Tim Jones, and around the country and abroad since 2005. The concert was organised by NMMU Jedd McNeilage were chosen as fi- Arts & Culture in collaboration with the Music Department. nalists in the Think Ahead Student Future events include: Portfolio Awards. Dominic won a silver Norwegian Brass Band, 16 March 19:30, South Campus Auditorium and merit award with his outstand- Organics Jazz Trio Concert, 31 March 13:00, Music Dept and Arts and ing poster series called “The Collec- Culture, South Campus Auditorium tive” which formed part of the 2009 awards aimed at promoting Guitar Studio Lunch Hour Concert, 21 April 13:00, Music Dept, NMMU graduate design exhibition. excellence in design among South Campus Auditorium Tim received a merit award in the graduating design students. Derrick Gripper (guitar), 22 April 19:30, Music Dept, South Campus Auditorium

Arts and Culture info The Arts & Culture Societies office on South Campus has moved from Mail box the Main Building to the space above the ABSA Student Bureau at the Student Kraal. Anda Masala is in this office at X 2793. The Arts & Culture main office home to Head Michael Barry and Michele du talk@NMMU would like to hear your views on issues Preez is still in Room 1611, 16th floor of the Main Building, South Campus (X2508). affecting your life at our university. Public Relations Assistant Michele Ihmig is located in the Arts & Culture Write to [email protected] office in Room 003A, K-Project Block on North Campus (X9995); and Public Relations Assistant Thembakazi Dyubhele works at the Arts & Culture office, Room G8, Admin Block, Missionvale Campus (X1361).

Building tomorrow - being firmly grounded 13

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new staff members staff new Welcome to our Welcome D , Accounting Gerrit Penning School , Business JP Roodt Phil Thembela , Biomedical Technology Zondie Leyli Advancement of Non-Racialism and Democracy of Non-Racialism Advancement D S Thembakazi Prof Margaret Margaret Prof Education Chair, , Civil Engineering Melanie Ferreira Michele Genevieve Genevieve R Debate SHARING … David Livingstone Secondary School Tourism teacher Trevor Reid (left) received Tourism books, posters and magazines from Tourism Department Head Hugh Bartis after one of the department’s offices was cleared out. Social responsibility responsibility Social Twenty Twenty 20 Destiny is a Christian society on campus with a vision to Participants wore red and brought cans to the beach at the Humewood Humewood the at beach the to cans brought and red wore Participants The society invited their families and fellow students to join them on LOVE FOOD … Students Randy Gallant (from left), Jon-Paul Raper, Raper, left), Jon-Paul (from Gallant Randy FOOD … Students LOVE the Heart in project of Cans involved were Truter and Lara Ndevu Nozzi on and old age homes children’s to distribute to of food cans collecting Day. Valentine’s reach reach out to young adults within the city who are experiencing “crowd loneliness”. entrance at Happy Valley. Co-organiser, entrance second-year at BCom Co-organiser, student Happy Jon- Valley. as 300 cans a of food over said Raper received the Paul society Christian Day. on Valentine’s of love token Valentine’s Valentine’s Day at Happy Valley where they built a heart of love with canned food. HUNDREDS of cans of food were distributed to Algoa Bay Council the Aged for and House of Wells Children’s Enrichment Centre thanks to a society. Destiny 20 our Twenty by organised project Day Valentine’s The food of love of The food y a D TREATMENT … The eye clinic is just one part of the health care services provided by Transnet’s Phelophepa Transnet’s by provided one part services clinic is just care of the health eye … The TREATMENT Cape. in the Eastern and coordinates Unit markets Development which our Community Train Health Care Accidents and can injuries damage Accidents The older you are the greater your risk. your greater the are you older The Therapy Therapy slows down the of progress mportant measures you can take Weidy Padayachee, Campus Health Services Health Campus Padayachee, Weidy I include: diet. low protein salt and Low smoking. Stop If you are overweight weight. excess lose the Stop using over the counter medi- kidneys your to toxic cations that are daily. of water glasses Drink eight in moderation. Drink alcohol regularly. Exercise cocaine can damage the kidneys. Seek kidneys. the damage can cocaine stop. help to risk factors disease Other kidney If you have a family member who has chronic kidney disease you may be at higher risk. Share it with your tests. regular and have doctor   the kidneys causing sudden kidney failure. Having certain people at diseases higher risk of puts developing kidney disease. These include sickle cell anemia, AIDS, cancer, hepatitis C heart failure. and congestive Treatment disease. kidney for is no cure There the disease with prescription drugs, treats underlying causes, diabetes, treats namely complications such as anemia and replaces lost kidney with dialysis. function y on 11 March a D Kidney

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WORL 2010 is a global health awareness campaign importance of our kidneys highlighting and the impact of disease worldwide. kidney the Focus on vital organs Focus NMMU’s NMMU’s Community Development Unit plays significant role in a bringing health servicesto rural communities through its involvement Train. Health Care Phelophepa with the renowned health care train’s visits in the Eastern Cape. eye and health offers It years. 16 for running been has clinic services, dispenses medicine and counselling and psychology services for free or at minimal cost. at Addo and at Swartkops. stops The train train at the beginning of a three-week long stay in the Metro. Bringing health to people health Bringing World Kidney Kidney World

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