olume 4 Number 8 August 2007 olume 4 Number 8 August 2007 olume 4 Number 8 August 2007 olume 4 Number 8 August 2007 olume 4 Number 8 August 2007 V V V V V

US Secretary of Health visits Medical School

nited States Other prominent members of the Department delegation included Dr William of Health Steiger, Director of the Office of and Human Global Health; Dr Julie Services Gerberding, Director, Center for Secretary Disease Control; Dr Roger Glass, Michael Director, Fogarty International ULeavitt and other senior officials Center and Associate Director for from the United States Government International Research, NIH; visited the Nelson R Mandela Ambassador Mark Dybul, US School of Medicine on 21 August. Global AIDS Co-ordinator; and Ms Professor Salim Abdool Karim, Pro Marsha Singer, South African Vice-Chancellor (Research) and Pepfar Co-ordinator. Director of the Centre for AIDS Programme of Research in South Secretary Leavitt, in his presen- Africa (CAPRISA) hosted the tation, said in his portfolio as delegation. Secretary of Health and Human Services in the US he was charged The day’s programme included a with the duty of providing better site visit to US funded HIV-related health for all Americans. However, projects in the Vulindlela area health issues also relate to human outside Howick. Most of the service issues and hence, “the US CAPRISA initiatives at Vulindlela needs to partner with institutions Picture: Anand Picture: Govender are funded by US agencies. (l-r) Professor Hoosen Coovadia, Scientific Director: DDMRI; Secretary Michael Leavitt, US Secretary for Health like UKZN to find a solution to the and Human Services; Professor Leana Uys, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Health Sciences; problem that is perplexing all of us. Reporting in The Witness (27 August and Professor Willem Sturm, Dean, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine. The future of the continent de- 2007), Kerry Cullinan wrote treatment, prevention and research treatment centre for local people, to conduct research but not do pends on our response.” “Secretary Leavitt described that is being conducted there... funded by the US President’s anything for the community,’ said Vulindlela as ‘the epicentre of Although Vulindlela is mainly a Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief CAPRISA’S site leader, Professor hope’ because of the HIV/AIDS research site, CAPRISA set up a (Pepfar), as ‘we felt it wasn’t right Quarraisha Abdool Karim.” - MaryAnn Francis

OvercomingOvercoming obstaclesobstacles

THE Student Counseling Centre and the Disability Unit on the Pietermaritzburg campus held a Disability Awareness Drive as part of a campaign termed “Disability: Whose hurdle is it? Overcoming Obstacles,” on 22 August.

Students and staff took part in a treasure hunt moving in wheelchairs, went through a jumping castle blindfolded and later walked blindfolded using cane sticks to find their way. The cane rally was organised by the KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society, Pietermaritzburg branch.

There was also a cricket game for visually impaired young people from Sigabangolwazi Blind School in Mbali, Pietermaritzburg and KwaZulu-Natal Blind Cricket players. The players were coached by Mr Mookesh Parmeswar.

The Disability Awareness Drive was attended by members of the Association for the Physically Challenged and the KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society.

“We are hoping to demonstrate that overcoming the ‘hurdle’ or ‘obstacle’ is not entirely the responsibility of the disabled person, but a responsibility that is shared. Many such ‘obstacles’ are not just physical barriers but are more complex issues related to prejudices, attitudes, myths and stereotypes (that of non- disabled people) around disability and disabled people, …leading to the marginalisation of disabled people,” said Ms Nafisa Mayat, Co-ordinator of the Disability Unit on the Pietermaritzburg campus.

Picture: Bhekani Dlamini - Bhekani Dlamini Cricket players from Sigabangolwazi School for the Blind in Mbali. Inside 2 Cape Parrot Count 3 Women’s Day 6 UKZN achievers 8 UKZN Golf Day

Founding Campuses Edgewood Howard College Medical School Pietermaritzburg Westville CapeCape PParrotarrot CountCount he endangered Cape Parrot Big Birding Day (CPBBD) is an estimate the abundance of the birds. species, including the endangered every year since the count started, is South Africa’s only annual national effort to monitor Observers also record the presence Samango Monkeys and Southern this year saw a marked decrease, Tendemic parrot. Cape Parrot the range of the Cape Parrot and of other rare bird and mammal Ground Hornbills. The areas despite the involvement of a similar covered include forests in the number of observers. The decrease Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and highlights the need for continued the Limpopo province. studies to ensure that any threats to the population are identified. She Professor Colleen Downs of the adds that “we need to understand School of Biological and Conser- the movements of Cape Parrot vation Sciences on the Pieter- between forest sites in order to maritzburg campus is a member of better understand their ecology. the Cape Parrot Working Group This should be realised in the next and the overall Co-ordinator of the few years with the recent donation CPBBD. of funds from the World Parrot Trust. This new research will focus This year marked the 10th count. A on improving our understanding of number of UKZN staff and stu- Cape Parrot distribution and demo- dents assisted with the counting. graphy in the northern Eastern Cape region.” Professor Downs reports that, while the number of Cape Parrots observed in the wild has increased - Deanne Collins Picture: Supplied Picture: UKZN students and staff who participated in the count in the Ingeli-Weza area.

Science and Maths Editorial Send your news to [email protected] teachers visit

AS part of its campaign to boost The teachers were fascinated by the the number of students registering displays in the Science and Techno- US and UK support for its programmes and to show- logy Education Centre which case its new and improved facili- prompted many of them to set up ties, Public Affairs and Corporate visits for their high school learners. Communications and the Faculty of They were impressed with the acknowledged Science and Agriculture hosted state-of-the-art laboratories, re- Mathematics and Science teachers search facilities and modern from the University’s top feeder equipment. Many said they had no THE visit of Dr Michael Leavitt, US schools at the Westville campus. idea the University was so sophisti- Secretary of Health, to KwaZulu-Natal and to cated. A Science teacher who has UKZN in particular is extremely significant. That such a Eighty teachers, some from as far worked in industry said, “I now high level US delegation chose to visit UKZN-run projects, and afield as Ulundi and Eshowe, realise the equipment I worked with then the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, is a clear indication of attended information sessions at the was mickey mouse.” The LIDAR the confidence one of the major funders of HIV/AIDS research in South Africa newly-established Science and Research Centre in Physics made has in our Institution. Technology Education Centre. The another wish he was still a student! programme included a discussion Much of the credit for attracting US support from the US President’s Emergency Plan for on the new National Senior Certi- The event gave teachers valuable AIDS Relief (Pepfar) must go to our internationally acclaimed cohort of researchers led by ficate (NSC) Mathematics and insight into the NSC Mathematics the likes of Professor Hoosen Coovadia and Professor Salim Abdool Karim, both widely Science Curriculum and its influ- and Science Curriculum – a topic respected for their contributions to scientific research on HIV/AIDS. ence on Faculty entrance require- that is of great concern to them – ments. The teachers toured the and, more importantly, illustrated The US delegation visit preceded, by a few days, the announcement by the Wellcome Trust that new Computer Science, Chemis- the excellence of the University as the Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies would receive £15 million over the next five try and Physics teaching and a premier site for the delivery of years. This much needed injection of funding will assist researchers at the joint UKZN/Medical research facilities and interacted Science. Research Council initiative to better understand ways in which to manage the conditions that with Heads of Schools and mem- contribute to the spread of HIV/AIDS in poor communities and to provide better care for bers of the Faculty during lunch. - Vicky Crookes those already infected.

Funding, especially from internationally recognised and prestigious bodies such as the US-based Pepfar and the UK based Wellcome Trust, adds credibility and prestige towards UKZN’s quest to be the Premier University of African Scholarship. The University community acknowledges and celebrates the contributions of our researchers who make this trajectory possible and acknowledges Pepfar and the Wellcome Trust for their support.

Professor Dasarath Chetty, Executive Director, Public Affairs and Corporate Communications

The ukzndaba team Picture: Vicky Crookes Vicky Picture: Professor Andrew Kindness (right) engages with teachers in Chemistry’s new undergraduate laboratories. Dasarath Chetty Deanne Collins Bhekani Dlamini Thembeka Dlungwane Fikisile Mabaso Vidhya Singh

2 DemonstrationDemonstration againstagainst gendergender violenceviolence

he UKZN Gender Based “Women’s Day is not about getting Violence Lobby Group flowers, but making a strong point Tstaged a demonstration against women’s abuse,” said Ms against violence against women Lliane Loots, Organiser of the at the Howard College campus on demonstration and Lecturer in 8 August. Drama and Performance Studies. She added that the campus Risk The Group is a loose coalition Management Services (RMS) which was formed by concerned offers services which students don’t UKZN staff and students a year know about. As a group, they ago. It arose in response to con- would like to see RMS being more cerns voiced by female students accountable. Abuse of women at about the incidents of abuse on UKZN is not just a criminal matter, UKZN campuses. but a political issue, which needs to be tackled by University The demonstration remembered management. women who are victims of date rape, rape and spousal abuse in Staff and students were invited to South African. The demonstrators, sign a petition against the abuse of who carried placards with slogans women and men and the need for such as “One man one woman”, gender safety on all UKZN cam- “real men don’t rape”, and “no puses.

condom, no sex”, included female Photo: Mangana Makhumisane and male students and staff. - Bhekani Dlamini Demonstrating against gender based violence. Strengthening UKZNUKZN WWomenomen’s’s alumni relations RELATIONSHIPS between UKZN Ninety one graduates attended the DayDay CelebrationsCelebrations and nearly 200 recent alumni were Entrepreneurship Workshops strengthened through the atten- which were the result of a success- dance of these graduates at the ful partnership between Business THE Equity Support Unit and Communications held a successful with respect for the choices women Leadership and Entrepreneurship Partners and the Alumni Affairs Public Affairs and Corporate 2007 Women’s Day celebration at make about their own lives in the Workshops co-ordinated by the Office. The Workshops covered the Westville campus on 6 August. workplace, society and the home. Alumni Affairs Office during June the essentials of starting a busi- The celebration was part of the and August. ness – from the initial writing of a UKZN calendar of events during In her address UKZN Chancellor, business plan proposal, through to Women’s Month. While the Uni- Dr Frene Ginwala asked whether Six Workshops (three Leadership securing finance, franchise options versity Executive took the lead with the focus on women should be and three Entrepreneurship) were and management-related issues. the celebrations, other members of based purely on the apartheid past; run on the Pietermaritzburg, the University community also on women in upper ranks of Howard College and Westville The Alumni Affairs Office also co- staged various events for staff and government and the private sector. campuses. ordinated a supper theatre event for students. She pondered the role of men in the 80 alumni and friends at The Dive, transformation effort and asked The trio of two-day Leadership Hexagon Theatre on 18 August. The Westville celebration focused how we should respond to the Workshops – organised by the The production, “Shake, Rattle and on women as individuals, in par- abuse of women. In the final Alumni Affairs Office and facili- Roll” featured the music of the ticular “Freeing the Soul of the analysis, Dr Ginwala believes that tated by Ms Marie Odendaal of the 1950s and ’60s. woman”. The key concept was the index of women’s progress in Student Leadership Development respect for the individual combined South Africa should be judged by Office: Pietermaritzburg and Mr Such an event brings alumni back UKZN Chancellor Dr Frene Ginwala. the state of our rural women. Mandla Ndaba from the Westville onto the Pietermaritzburg campus, Office were attended by 94 gradu- assists in maintaining links between The Director of the National Prose- ates. These graduates were keen to UKZN and alumni and also show- cuting Agency, Advocate Shamila improve their leadership skills and cases the amazing talent produced Batohi focused on those barriers use the skills as preparation for by – and activities of – the faced by women through culture their entrance into – and upward University. and practices in the home and the movement within – the work- workplace. Westville SRC Pre- place. - Finn Christensen sident Fanle Sibisi spoke about the overlooked reproductive roles played by older women. The UKZN Opera Singers; UKZN Amaquikiza Female Ensemble; the Gordons Road Girls School Orchestra and jazz maestro Chris Jenkins performed at the cele- bration. Pictures: Supplied Pictures: Professor Fikile Mazibuko presenting a bouquet of flowers to Advocate - Jay Govender Shamila Batohi. Corlia Ogle Picture: Alumni relax at the Hexagon Theatre.

3 RuralityRurality,, Education,Education, andand ChangeChange

he Rural Teacher Edu- issues arising from research con- cation Project (RTEP) ducted in rural areas. Tfunded by Nedbank, the National Research Foundation, and The project leaders in RTEP, to- the three project leaders (Pro- gether with the student researchers, fessors Balfour, Mitchell, and are beginning to map new bound- Moletsane) began in earnest in July. aries for an area which we believe Twenty-two education students is key to research at UKZN, much drawn from the third and fourth of which is located within rural year of study of the Bachelor of communities and locales. To frame Education at UKZN and McGill such work RTEP is already begin- received a number of orientation ning to demonstrate that the very and training workshops before generative and transformative setting off to the Vulindlela area nature of rurality serves both to near Bulwer where researchers inform but also delimit the effec- from the Faculty of Education’s tiveness of intervention pro- Centre for Visual Methodologies grammes designed, often with the for Social Change have been best of intentions in mind, for Picture: Supplied Picture: involved with projects for over four UKZN and McGill students with Professors Robert Balfour and Relebohile Moletsane in Vulindlela. education, health care, job creation, years. An excellent network of and poverty alleviation. schools and health care workers from a personal and conceptual from such reflections is that dents not only in the pedagogic already exists, providing an infra- perspective. education as received by students strategies needed for effective It remains a startling and disturbing structure supportive of research and teachers is a “placed resource” teaching in rural, impoverished, fact that some thirteen years after and community engagement. The 22 South African students were (Blommaert, 2002, 20) where and isolated contexts, but also to our first democratic elections, very accommodated in Bulwer for a “resources that are functional in engage the students in deepening little has changed in rural areas, Students selected for the RTEP period of four weeks during which one particular place…become their professional practice. suggesting that initiatives in teacher project were chosen with diversity time they observed the effects of dysfunctional as soon as they are education and health care remain in mind as well as commitment to the public sector strike, assisted moved into other places.” Under- Students trialled and developed an for the most ineffective since they the education of children located with the teaching of the curriculum, standing how such resources as are observation instrument for their do not address systemic challenges. in communities characterised by and participated in the daily life, received by student-teachers can be first week, and in their second week What we believe is needed are poverty and isolation. The pre- administrative and extra-curricular made effective across a variety of organised themselves into the five programmes that specifically ad- paratory phase of the project activities associated with teaching. education contexts (urban, rural, focus areas of the project: literacy, dress ‘ruralities’ as part of the involved Mrs Francis O’Brien from They were joined by two Canadian middle class, working class) is the numeracy, HIV/AIDS education, identity core to many rural com- the School of Adult and Higher students from McGill, and the key issue affecting the quality of gender, and rurality. Based on their munity based professionals who Education who provided students CVMSC Interns Kaja Jorgensen teaching and learning in 21st cen- observation in schools, interviews work in clinics and schools. RTEP with workshops on research and and Caitlin Wake (from Norway tury South Africa. concerning the five focus areas seeks through its research to under- service learning in communities. and Canada respectively). The were developed and then con- standing better the needs of pro- Professor Moletsane (Deputy interns co-ordinated the activities To understand this key issue within ducted with interested mentor fessional workers in these areas Dean: Post-graduate Education and of the students in the schools over the context of Vulindlela Professors teachers, children, and managers since we recognise that the curric- Research) and Professor Balfour the period of four weeks, paying Moletsane and Balfour met with the within the schools. One of the ulum prepares educators best for an (Head of School: Languages, special attention to research and principals (Mr Ngcobo, Mr primary intentions of this first year urban and largely resourced context Literacies, Media and Drama data collection activities. Each day Nkabeni, and Mrs Ngcobo) of the of the project is to provide the in which the assumptions and Education) then oriented students of work was accompanied by three schools (KhuhleKonke High, observation data necessary to resources that make for effective towards issues and contexts in briefing and debriefing sessions in Gobindlovu High, and Mafakatini conceptualise a theory and learning are not easily transferable, which rurality is central, both as which ideas concerning the Primary) prior to the arrival of the pedagogy of rurality. Another but need to be reconceived in order lived experience but also as a social students’ and teachers’ perspectives students to determine which stu- project in the Faculty of Education to better serve the needs of teachers and transformative agent in which of what is considered to be normal dents could be accommodated at which is examining trends and and learners in such areas as teachers and community workers in rural areas, were contrasted and which schools depending on their developments in postgraduate Vulindlela. often find themselves changed by interrogated to make for a rigorous phase and subject specialisation; education research (lead by Pro- the context in part because they are process of self-reflection and this to ensure that the schools fessors Balfour, Moletsane and Dr ill-equipped to deal with it both triangulation of data. What emerges would be able to mentor the stu- Rule) has already begun to identify - Robert Balfour MajorMajor BoostBoost forfor HIVHIV RResearchesearch

THE Africa Centre for Health and people are HIV infected, is to to be associated with this Centre of in adults of over 20% and high Population Studies, located in receive approximately £15 million excellence.” levels of poverty and unemploy- Mtubatuba, where over one in five over five years, subject to a three ment. Researchers at the Centre year review, from the Wellcome “The Wellcome Trust grant will will monitor the impact of HIV on Trust, the UK’s largest medical help us in our goal of keeping HIV individuals, their households and research charity. The Centre will negative people negative, and HIV the wider community, combining use the funding to improve the infected people optimally cared data collected within the bi-annual health status of people in the area, for,” says Professor Marie-Louise household survey with that from the with a particular focus on HIV Newell, Director of the Centre. “In annual individual level HIV, health infection. South Africa, as in many areas of and behaviour surveillance. sub-Saharan Africa, HIV is a major “The research at the Africa Centre, problem, compounded as it is by The Africa Centre will also play an situated in rural northern KwaZulu- poverty, migration and lack of important role in monitoring and Natal is unique, cutting-edge and access to effective treatments.” evaluating the Anti-Retroviral of profound importance to the Professor Marie-Louise Newell, Treatment (ART) Programme, understanding and interventions on Director, Africa Centre for Health With the renewal of funding from currently being rolled out across and Population Studies. the HIV/AIDS epidemic locally the Wellcome Trust, the Africa Africa, the largest public health and globally,” says Professor is a welcome boost that serves as Centre aims to address questions programme ever contemplated on Pictures: Supplied Pictures: that will inform the development of Professor Malegapuru Makgoba, Malegapuru Makgoba, UKZN an inspiration to the programme the continent. Chair of the Africa Centre Govern- Vice-Chancellor. “The renewed itself and the scientists researching appropriate interventions for a ance Committee. funding from the Wellcome Trust at the Centre. UKZN is honoured community with an HIV prevalence - Article Supplied

4 AlternativeAlternative learninglearning he School of Social Science received two guitars and drum In addition to the guitar gifts made ments to Dr Dennis Francis, Head Professor Okosun’s presentation Education has for the sets for teacher training pro- to the School in June, Professor of the School of Social Science was on “Cognitive Stimulation and Tsecond time this year, grammes. Okosun presented musical instru- Education, Faculty of Education, Consistent Interactivity in Early Edgewood Campus. Intellectual Foundation: Chal- lenges for the 21st Century”. His Professor Okosun, his wife Pamela presentation was on the effects that and their sons, Tyamo (12) and early stimulation could have on a Anfani (9), made the presentations child from conception to the age at the Edgewood campus. Anfani of five. and Tyamo, are no ordinary chil- dren. They are both studying at He described how a baby monitor Purdue University in Indiana. was strapped around his wife’s Tyamo is a third year Mechanical stomach when she was only two Engineering student and his months pregnant. This allowed him younger brother, Anfani, is doing to constantly stimulate his children his first year and intends to major with subjects like chemistry, bio- in Mechanical Engineering. Tyamo logy and philosophy. He believes delivered his paper on Lift and that consistent early cognitive Drag: Continuing Challenges in stimulation ensures that learning Aerodynamics. Anfani presented becomes a way of life. his study on Outdoor Wood

Picture: Supplied Picture: Boilers: “A Critical issue in En- Professor Fikile Mazibuko; Dr Dennis Francis; Professor TY Okosun; Anfani Okosun; Tyamo Okosun and Professor vironmental Justice”. - Normah Zondo Renuka Vithal. Chairman of TTeachingeaching andand LearningLearning Herman Ohlthaver The UKZN Teaching, Learning and Assessment Policy Trust visits UKZN THE Centre for Science Access on Elizabeth de Kadt thanked Mr AT its August meeting, Senate approved the UKZN Teaching, Learning and Assessment Policy and in the Pietermaritzburg campus Appel for maintaining the long- this way endorsed an important reference document for the core business of teaching and learning at the hosted the Chairman of Herman standing, generous relationship University. Ohlthaver Trust, Mr Allan Appel, with the University and assured him on 17 August. The Trust has helped that UKZN is committed to pro- This Policy is the outcome of a lengthy developmental process, which was driven by a task team of the fund the Centre’s activities for the mote access to learning. The Dean University Teaching and Learning Committee and headed by the Dean of Science and Agriculture, past ten years. of Science and Agriculture Pro- Professor John Cooke and Deputy Dean of Humanities, Development and Social Sciences, Professor fessor John Cooke confirmed the Jenny Clarence. The intention of the Policy is to spell out, at a fairly high level of abstraction, principles Mr Appel met the Executive importance of Science Access to which should underlie good practice in teaching, learning and assessment at UKZN – also bearing the Director (Access), the leadership of the Faculty. Since 2000 the Univer- UKZN vision and mission in mind. Following on approval of the policy, Faculties are now required to the Faculty of Science and Agri- sity has produced more than ensure that their procedures, which are often discipline-or Programme-specific, are in proper alignment culture, Centre staff and students 800 graduates who were admit- with the Policy. who have received a bursary from ted through Science Access. Afri- the Trust. He also witnessed a can students now comprise 50% of In terms of the ten core policy principles, learning, teaching and assessment should: Chemistry class in action, attended the Faculty. This figure would be O support and give expression to the University’s commitment to becoming the Premier University of a Maths demonstration, and toured about 15% without the students African Scholarship; Biology and Physics laboratory from Science Access. facilities. He said he is proud to be O respond to national imperatives of redress and success; associated with UKZN and ex- In his vote of thanks, Centre O enable students to engage in international contexts and debates; pressed his appreciation to the Director Dr Joseph Kioko said:

O meet the diverse educational needs of all learners; students who wrote letters to the “There is nothing more satisfying Trust thanking it for assistance. than seeing students that you O promote a culture of intellectual excitement, inquiry-led scholarship and deep learning in students; mentored, taught and nurtured O reflect a strong educational rationale informed by relevant current research in theory and practice; Bursary recipient Mr Lindokuhle realise their dreams. The Herman Mdletshe said that thanks to the Ohlthaver Trust allows students to O develop key generic competences to an appropriate level to improve student employability and Trust and UKZN, he now has the encourage responsible citizenship; follow their dreams.” opportunity to realise his dream of O draw on assessment criteria that are clearly related to the purposes and outcomes of the curriculum; becoming an optometrist. Execu-

O demand learning environments and facilities which are of a high standard and which are excellently tive Director of Access Professor - Bhekani Dlamini managed;

O promote staff development which builds capacity for continuing improvement in the theory and practice of teaching, learning and assessment.

The Policy document unpacks each of these principles in terms of several goals, and suggests a variety of strategies to work towards these goals; at the same time, Faculties are urged to consider additional strategies as emerging from their range of disciplines.

Given the crucial role of assessment in teaching and learning, the Policy also includes an Assessment Implementation Framework. This Appendix recommends approaches to assessment which will ensure principles of good practice and allow teaching staff to be properly accountable for the assessment they implement.

The Teaching Learning and Assessment Policy can be accessed in full on the UTLC webpage at Picture: Bhekani Dlamini www.ukzn.ac.za/utlc. Professor Elizabeth de Kadt, Executive Director, Access; Mr Lindohle Mdletshe, first year student; Mr Allan Appel, Chairman of the Herman Ohlthaver Trust; Miss Rashida Matyo, first year Medical student; Professor - Elizabeth de Kadt John Cooke, Dean, Science and Agriculture; and Dr Joseph Kioko, Director, Centre for Science Access. 5 UKZN achievers

EUEU AmbassadorAmbassador TTeachingeaching isiZuluisiZulu inin visitsvisits CEADCEAD thethe USAUSA ProjectProject UKZN Masters student Mr Zethembe Mpungose has been n 10 August the EU all of whom are women. A key to offered a scholarship to take up a Ambassador to South the success of the initiative has teaching position in isiZulu at the O Africa, Mr Lodewijk Briet, been the ability of Inina to engage University of Albany, a state accompanied by his wife and a directly with large markets in the university in New York. He will be delegation from Gijima KZN, corporate and conference industry. placed in the Department of Afri- visited one of the Centre for This has resulted in high volume cana Studies from September 2007 Environment, Agriculture and sales directly to end-users. until June 2008. The scholarship Development (CEAD)’s research was facilitated by UKZN Inter- and outreach projects in Eshowe. Linked research has indicated that national through the School of Gijima KZN is a local economic producer income from craft pro- isiZulu Studies. development programme involv- duction constitutes one third of Mr Mpungose is registered for a ing the EU and the KZN Depart- total household income and that Master of Arts degree on the ment of Economic Development. this additional income is invested Howard College campus, re- As part of this programme CEAD primarily in improved nutrition and searching “Perceived Gender In- was allocated R 500 000 to support education. equality as reflected in isiZulu the establishment of a commercial Proverbs”. He will continue with craft agency in Eshowe. This con- HIV and AIDS awareness raising his research while in the US and tribution was supplemented by and training is also a key compo- finalise it on his return. additional funding from the Karl nent of the initiative. Inina, under and Emily Fuchs Foundation and the direction of their chairperson, “(This) is an important opportunity the Ford Foundation. Ms Aurelia Mhlongo, has engaged this with considerable profes- to promote isiZulu Language…I

am very proud of my language,” he Bhekani Dlamini Picture: The Inina Craft Agency, as it is now sionalism an enthusiasm. Ms says. He regrets that, compared to known, has successfully generated Mhlongo is a retired hospital Mr Zethembe Mpungose. English and Afrikaans, isiZulu has R350 000 from sales in the past theatre manager and was winner of been marginalised in South Africa. year and is processing orders for a the Sowetan National Woman in He adds that in the US he will be further R150 000. It is currently Development of the Year award in representing not only the School of Instead, he enrolled for Com- that many staff from the School negotiating a multi-million rand 2000. An HIV and AIDS policy and isiZulu Stuidies, but UKZN and munication and Media Studies, have gone to teach isiZulu at export order to Canada. This workplace plan has been estab- South Africa as a whole. “My passion with isiZulu as one of his majors. universities abroad. She congratu- success has led to further funding lished and is being implemented. is to see isiZulu grow and flourish Over the years, he has developed lated Mr Mpungose, adding that he of R460 000 from Gijima KZN like other languages,” he says. the skill to translate and interpret is a capable and hardworking so as to strengthen marketing The Ambassador expressed his documents, which he believes is a senior student who has served the systems and to disseminate lessons appreciation of what he en- When Mr Mpungose left his home good way to promote the language. School well as a graduate assistant. learnt from the initiative. countered during his visit to Eshowe: “I am deeply satisfied to town of Ntumeni for UKZN he hoped to study journalism, which Head of the School of isiZulu The project itself involves a multi- see how these women have is not offered at the University. Studies Dr Nobuhle Hlongwa said - Bhekani Dlamini faceted approach to supporting managed to get together and adapt rural business. This includes sup- to the business environment, pro- porting infrastructure establish- viding them with a sustainable ment, leadership development, livelihood.” He was also impressed sales and marketing, product pack- by the fact that it was the bene- M-NetM-Net EDiTEDiT awardaward aging and distribution, product ficiaries, Inina, rather than UKZN design and production, raw that hosted the delegation and DRAMA and Performance Studies Ms Veronica Baxter, Academic Co- material sourcing, and business presented the project – “This is real and Media student Mr Stephen de ordinator, Drama and Performance administration and management. A empowerment.” Villiers has been awarded the M- Studies, says that staff and students hundred and fifty rural producers Net EDiT (Emerging Dynamics in are “over the moon” and that credit benefit directly from the initiative, - Duncan Hay Television) grant of R40 000 to goes to lecturer in Scriptwriting, make his short film. Ms Janet van Eeden, for preparing the entrants so well. Mr De Villiers wrote a treatment (a proposal of how he would make “Getting this grant now is the the film) as part of his Scriptwriting realisation of a long held dream,” module in Drama. The short film says Mr de Villiers. He has wanted is tentatively titled Commando and to make a film about this period of is based on the true-life adventures South African history ever since he of a soldier in the Anglo-Boer War. read about a real life incident

Ms Daniella Staub, Drama between a Boer soldier and a Article Supplied and picture: Honours student, was in the top ten British Officer. “Essentially, the Mr Stephen de Villiers. finalists for the award for her film is a true story about a young treatment, Tip-Off. Boer who witnesses atrocities in the war and, as a result, reaches a for a location which approximates This is the second year that a place of existential crisis,” he says. the harsh landscape of the Karoo. UKZN Drama student has won the “Then he has an encounter with a “I am very grateful to the support M-Net EDiT award to produce a wounded British soldier who shows from both the Media and the Drama Picture: Supplied Picture: short film. Johan Hyman produced him great kindness. Through this departments,” he says. “I will draw The EU Ambassador to South Africa, Mr Lodewijk Briet, and Ms Thandazile Smile in 2006, which won Best Magubane, the manager of the Inina Craft Agency, show off one of Inina’s act the Boer soldier regains some on all the expertise my departments products. Acting award in April this year. belief in humanity.” He is looking have to offer.”

6 UKZN achievers Award for School NewNew bookbook onon HIV/AIDSHIV/AIDS of Nursing

IV/AIDS: The Not So HIV/AIDS are two specific issues add value to the lives of these THE School of Nursing has re- Silent Presence, edited by that pose a challenge for those in persons. The book also reveals ceived the President’s Purple Cord H Professor Madhubala human services disciplines.” how the pandemic destroys Award for being the most active Kasiram, Ms Rubeena Partab, and Women and children are par- intimate relationships, and disrupts and responsive sub-chapter of the Ms Babalwa Dano of the School ticularly vulnerable to HIV, which the normal human developmental Sigma Theta Tau International of Social Work and Development, links with poverty, illiteracy and cycle regardless of class, race, (STTI) Tau Lambda-at-Large was launched on 16 August on the domestic violence. creed, and religion. Contributions Chapter in Africa. The STTI award Westville campus. were received from authors in is in recognition of various activi- The book’s 14 chapters convey a South Africa, Uganda and ties engaged in by the School. In her address, Deputy Vice- number of researched messages Botswana. Chancellor and Head of the about positive living, living with The STTI is the second largest College of Humanities, Professor infected persons and how the international organisation for Fikile Mazibuko said “Gender and various social support systems can - Bhekani Dlamini nursing in the world. It recognises high achievers from university

programmes in nursing, as well as Picture: Supplied community leaders. In August the Professor Adejumo wearing the President of STTI, Dr Carol Picard, President’s Purple Cord. visited UKZN to inaugurate new members into the organisation.

In 2006 the School of Nursing Africa to develop nurse-specialists hosted the annual Tau Lambda in different clinical fields of nursing Chapter conference and the Joanna and midwifery. Professor Oluyinka Briggs Institute Colloquium which Adejumo, Head of the School of promotes the STTI internationally. Nursing, was recently elected onto The School also assisted in writing the Board of Directors of the STTI the content and training of the pilot Africa Chapter as Director of clinical Masters programme in East Resources. Africa. A team from South Africa is working with universities in East - MaryAnn Frances FirstFirst prizeprize

Picture: Mangana Makhumisane Picture: forfor StatisticsStatistics Professor Donal McCracken, Dean, Humanities, Development and Social Sciences; Ms Babalwa Dano; Councillor Logie Naidoo, Deputy Mayor, eThekwini Municipality; Professor Fikile Mazibuko; Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Humanities; Ms Rubeena Partab; and Professor Madhubala Kasiram. studentstudent STATISTICS Honours student Mr Passionate to serve Africa Nishay Vithal has won First Prize SPORT Science Honours student non-violent way and be able to be Achiever’s Award for Mentorship in the 2006/2007 South African Miss Benina Mkhonto has re- heard by the next person. She for leading and serving Africa in Statistical Association (SASA) ceived numerous awards recog- serves as a representative for the the 21st Century. Based on her leader- Student Project Competition. His nising her role as a student leader. Faculty of Health Sciences on the ship role in sport she was selected project entitled “Bootstrapping: Faculty Student Council. She won manager of UKZN Cross Country With applications in regression She was awarded a certificate after the Best Student Union Member Athletics and represented the Uni- analysis for parameter estimation, taking part in the Alternative non- Award in 2006, while she served versity in Bloemfontein in 2006. confidence intervals and precision Violent Project where she learnt as the Vice-President of this student checking”, outshone 15 other how to deal with challenges in a society. She also received the Best Miss Mkhonto’s passion for sport Honours projects from students at led to her involvement in orga- five other South African univer- nising the Mr UKZN Body Build- sities. The competition was judged ing Contest and the Faculty of by a panel of leading South African

Health Sciences Sport Day. She statisticians who commented on the Supplied Picture: served as an accreditation officer consistently high standard of the Mr Nishay Vithal. for the South African Interpro- projects. vincial games in 2005. An athlete trapping, while providing the herself, she offers her services In addition to a first prize of reader with a brief and uncompli- voluntarily at KwaZulu-Natal R4 500, Mr Vithal has been invited cated overview of its methodology Athletics. to attend and present his winning and practical application. project at the annual SASA confer- Rising to the challenges of HIV and ence at the University of the Mr Vithal is currently employed as AIDS Ms Mkhonto has taken part Witwatersrand in October. a strategy analyst for African Bank in the HIV SA 2 Project on but he aspires to continue his evidence-informed practice for the Bootstrapping, the focus of Mr academic education, drawing on prevention, treatment and care of Vithal’s project, is a “modern, his corporate experience as a HIV and AIDS. “I want to reflect computer-intensive, general pur- valuable stepping stone. He has his on my own personal life and be able pose approach to statistical infer- sights set on a Masters degree, an to serve others effectively,” she says. ence”. Mr Vithal utilised examples MBA or EMBA, and finally a PhD. to highlight and illustrate the Picture: Bhekani Dlamini Picture: Ms Benina Mkhonto. - Bhekani Dlamini strengths and weaknesses of boots- - Vicky Crookes

7 Sport Corner Doing Good is Good Business

THE Chairman of Pick ‘n Pay Mr Ackerman stressed the import- Stores Limited, Mr Raymond ance of listening to others and 20072007 UKZNUKZN GolfGolf DayDay Ackerman, addressed business defending one’s customers: “The executives at a luncheon hosted by consumer is powerless against big he third UKZN Golf Day from previously disadvantaged R3 000, Deloitte R3 000, and the Graduate School of Business on business and the government… it was once again a highly backgrounds. Toyota Forklifts R3 000. Imperial 17 August. is our duty as the business com- successful event. A hundred Vehicle Rentals donated prizes and T munity to make everything right for and fifty two golf players teed off This day was made a success by the T&E Office Solutions sponsored a He outlined the core values that the customer.” at the Mount Edgecombe Country generosity of many sponsors. printer as the first prize in the drive his business philosophy: Thembelani Facilities Consultants, student category. Club on 30 August. “All businesses should have The Graduate School of Business together with WSP Group, Nation- sound administration, excellent hosts regular business present- The annual golf tournament is an wide Electical, JRH Painting, The person of the day was Mr merchandising, great sales pro- ations and seminars. For infor- opportunity for staff, students, Singatha Projects, Combined Air Donovan Thaver who won in both motions, a social responsibility mation on upcoming events, con- alumni and friends of the Univer- and Pricewaterhouse Coopers gave the guest category and as overall plan, as well as look after their tact Ms Debbie Main on 031-260 sity to relax together. It also has a a total of R85 000, KPMG winner. In the ladies’ category staff people.” Social responsibility, he 1627 or visit www.gsb.ukzn.ac.za more serious side – the proceeds R10 000, First National Bank members Mrs Dawn Pillay and Mrs said, brings people closer to one’s go towards a bursary for three R10 000, Welile Caterers R5 000, Noleen Turner walked off with first business. - Hazel Dlamini academically promising students Vumani Computer Solutions and second prize respectively. The student category was won by Mr Kieron Moodley and Dr Thavan Padayachee walked away with the prize for staff and Convocation.

“The key objective of the event is to forge relationships between the University and the corporate sector, build alumni relations and fund- raise. I would like to thank the sponsors and golfers who made this event the success it was. The support exceeded my expectations. We had a large field and everybody had a fabulous time,” said Ms Shakila Thakurpersad of Public Affairs and Corporate Communi- Picture: John Desmond cations, tournament organiser. Left - Right Professor Dasarath Chetty, Executive Director: Public Affairs Picture: Supplied & Corporate Communications; Mr Donovan Thaver, Overall Winner of Mr Raymond Ackerman. the 2007 UKZN Golf Tournament; and Mr Jay Ramchander, CEO of - Thembeka Dlungwane Thembelani Facilities Consultants. PreparingPreparing Rowers in prestige event globalglobal citizenscitizens THE Pietermaritzburg campus clubs in the world participate. The they raised the money themselves Men’s A crew has returned from the Pietermaritzburg Rowing Club did to participate. DR Prem Ramlachan of UKZN International represented the United Kingdom where they UKZN proud by performing very University abroad from 26 May to 7 June, firstly, at the Association participated in the Royal Henley well in all the events they entered. of International Educators (NAFSA) Conference in Minneapolis Regatta. This is one the most The men’s A crew finished 36 out - Article and picture supplied by and then at UKZN partner Michigan State University. prestigious rowing events in the of 85 crews. Their achievement is Pietermaritzburg campus Sports world, in which all the top rowing all the more noteworthy because Administration The theme of the NAFSA conference was “Preparing Global Citizens.” Dr Ramlachan was the co-presenter of a paper on “Health, Safety and Security of our students” which is presently on the Michigan State University website. More than 7 600 professionals from 90 countries attended the conference.

At Michigan State University (MSU) he was attached to the Delia Koo International Academic Centre. He was able to study how MSU provides services and support to its international community and to build between MSU internal service providers and UKZN.

- Article supplied

Recycle your ukzndaba Please don’t litter ... when you’ve finished with your ukzndaba, why not pass it on to someone else, or place it in a bin for Picture: Supplied The Men’s A crew that toured the United Kingdom. recycling with other paper-waste.

8 Produced by Public Affairs and Corporate Communications O www.ukzn.ac.za O Tel: 031 260 1245/2027/2957/7115 O Fax: 031 260 2813