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LIMPOPO OF LIMPOPO U Y OF UNI SITTY NIVVEERRSI
TOGETHER WE CAN DO MORE: Dr Gwen Ram okgopa (red top), Prof S k top) and Prof Sup ebi Lekalakala-Mokgele (pin a Pengpid (black top), joined by MPH students Deputy Minister of Health appeals for research on public health By Tumelo Moila r Gwen Ramokgopa, Deputy Minister not paint a good picture, Ramokgopa of Health, urged first year Masters of highlighted positive achievements and DPublic Health (MPH) students to boasted that SA has over 40% of public health respond to the current state of public health facilities. She said that preventable illnesses through research publications. She said this such as measles; severe malnutrition, while addressing MPH students during the kwashiorkor and marasmus have been recent Summer School at Medunsa Campus. reduced. Ramokgopa, UL alumnus with MBChB and MPH under her name, emphasisedthe Ramokgopa added that South Africa is on track importance of public health status and called to implement World Health Organisation practitioners in the sector to help government (WHO)'s recognition for elimination of to remedy the current dreadful situation that malaria; positive impact of some policies South Africa finds itself in. linked to oesophageal cancer (tobacco control); integrated health system, new health PUBLIC HEALTH: Deputy Minister of Health, According to her, the current status includes act; measures to decrease health costs, Dr Gwen Ramokgopa making a point the high rate of diseases caused by poverty; pharmaceuticals; measures to recruit and regarding SA Public Health status diseases of transition, the severe impact of HIV retain health professionals and measures to / AIDS, and TB; maternal and child health at risk improve health system management. due to HIV/AIDS impact and the reduced life Ramokgopa concluded that the Ministry of specialists in district health; school health expectancy for economic active people. Health will also re-engineer public health in services and municipal based ward team. Although the current public health status does three streams - focusing on providing [email protected] EXCLUSIVE
Scientists hope Hydrogen and Fuel Cell DSU gets humanitarian aid SRC promotes healthy lifestyles Technology can bring relief to power shortage Page - 7 - Page - 9 - Page - 5 - UL Witness March - April 2012 N E W S Editor’s Note s one of our primary objectives, we blood, we say kudos. Read once more show our continued full story on page 11. Ainvolvement in sustaining and promoting the status and integrity of public Building partnerships and health in South Africa. In our lead story, Dr collaborations remains a Gwen Ramokgopa, Deputy Minister of Health, priority for the University appeals to public health practitioners to help and this became realistic tackle public health problems and advocates when United States-based for avenues that promote a healthier Kansas State University population. It is imperative that every South was recently hosted in an Africa respond positively to these challenges attempt to strengthen the and support the innovations by our own public e x i s t i n g a c a d e m i c health practitioners to fight public life threats. relationship. This initiative Such threats include high rate of diseases w i l l s e e t h e t w o caused by poverty; diseases of transition and i n st i t u t i o n s s h a r i n g the severe impact of HIV / AIDS among others. insights in the field of agriculture and surely beyond other We can win against these public health disciplines. Given our vision of responding to problems as long as we reduce the rate of new the needs of our communities through Editorial HIV infections and universal dreadful diseases. innovative ideas, this relationship will help This can be achieved through the improve the livelihoods of many people, implementation of comprehensive national especially those in poor rural communities. prevention programmes. Voluntary HIV Full story on page 4. Counselling & Testing as one of those Team initiatives should be fully supported by every Captured in our mission statement that: individual. Knowing your health status is "responding to education, research, and MANAGING EDITOR important as it allows individuals to protect community development needs through Mr Kgalema DK Mohuba themselves as well as their partners and also partnerships and knowledge generation", we SENIOR JOURNALISTS enable them to make informed decisions. Read are also confident that UL lives to its promises. Maureen Talane and Padi Matlala more about this on page 10. The recently established Centre for Rural Development and Innovation Hub shall, as a JOURNALISTS We have consistently appealed to the viable link between academic and community Johannes Selepe, Dorcus Manzini University community to respond to request engagements, vindicate our UL as it shall be and Tumelo Moila for blood donation in our respective integrating various disciplines. Read the story publications. We continue to applaud those on page 8. CADET JOURNALISTS who heeded the call and encourage others to Mabore Thosago, Metji Makgoba, Nthabiseng Makola and Olrick Matsebane do same as there is a dire need for us as true Watch the space for the April edition of our patriots to donate blood to save the lives of sister publication; The Dawn and our next UL PHOTOGRAPHERS others. It is not out of their own choice that Witness edition in May. Padi Matlala, Johannes Selepe, those who need blood found themselves in but Tumelo Moila, Dorcus Manzini, Mabore circumstances led them to such a challenging Editor. Thosago, Metji Makgoba, Nthabiseng situation. To those who heeded to South Makola and Olrick Matsebane African National Blood Survives' call to donate The Editor DESIGN & LAYOUT Thabo Madisha
Copyright. WinWin ULUL corporatecorporate goodiesgoodies The reproduction of the material published in this publication without permission is To stand a chance to win one of these great goodies, simply comment about anything related to the prohibited and exclusively reserved to the University, stories in UL Publications or about any educational pressing matters University of Limpopo Marketing and you feel is of public interest. To enter simply send us a letter of less than Communications. 100 words to [email protected] before 12 April 2012. Contact details: Letters should contain writer's full names, occupation; either E-mail: [email protected] student or staff. The Editor reserves the right to edit all published letters. Turfloop Campus These corporate items are also sold at the University Alumni Shop, for more information contact Gloria 015 268 2625/2121 015 267 0485 Plaatjie @ 015 268 3286 / [email protected] or Medunsa Campus Michael Menziwa @ 012 521 4644 / [email protected] 012 521 4563 012 521 4418
2 UL Witness March - April 2012 N E W S 2012 academic registration-all the statistics By Johannes Selepe he registration process at the University of Limpopo for the 2012 academic year Thas been completed and the Institution is home to 21 594 students. The figures are broken down across four Faculties; Humanities-5 920, Management and Law-5 695, Health Sciences-5 158 while Science and Agriculture has 4 821. These figures include first entering students, under and postgraduates of all Campuses. Comparing to last year's intake, the University has accommodated an extra 170 first year students.
The University, according to the Registrar, Mr Rathnum Naidoo, has perfected its registration systems and processes hence they had successful registration this academic year for all programmes. He also attributed this success to the University stakeholders who were involved in the registration process for their maximum cooperation.
Naidoo, however, cited that the returning students still want to register with first entering students given the perception that rooms are allocated on first come first serve basis. "This has an impact of overcrowding. Students are advised to acquaint themselves with residence admission policy". The policy First entering students at Medunsa Campus queuing to register however, caters for students whose academic performance is in the region of 100 % and are therefore considered for accommodation. "Since the introduction of this policy in 2010, we have seen an ever increasing of academic performance of students and we are convinced that it enhances maximum performance", said Naidoo.
Naidoo also stressed that most first entering students do not apply timeously and resort to becoming walk-ins and late applicants. "This has a risk of not being admitted at all as preference is given to those who have applied timeously and given provisional admission letters".
The major concern for the University is that applicants who do not meet university minimum requirement which is Bachelors still come to the Institution during the registration hoping to be admitted. "The University's requirements do not cater for Diploma Access Applicants", said Naidoo, concluding and advising that students should utilise online facilities during the registration period as they are convenient and efficient.
Students enquiring from the University staff on which courses to register
3 UL Witness March - April 2012 N E W S UL, Kansas State University enhance their relations By Johannes Selepe
ON A MISSION TO EXPAND THE MOU: Prof Mahlo Mokgalong-UL Vice-Chancellor (third from right) leading UL delegation and Dr April Mason-KSU Chief Academic Officer and Senior Vice-President (second from left) leading KSU delegation
he Kansas State University (KSU) in the concluded that it will be developed to include Department of Agriculture. Embedded in the United States (US) visited the University other UL disciplines such as Sociology and modus operandi of this MoU are Cornell Tof Limpopo (UL) recently to identify Social Work. "This is necessary if we are to take University and Universities of Pretoria, Free more opportunities to expand their 2009 agriculture to the communities of Limpopo. State and Stellenbosch. maiden Memorandum of Agreement (MoU). Another area of collaboration is to give the The MoU which is in the ambit of agriculture, MoU a "third leg" by including Eduard Dr April Mason, KSU Chief Academic Officer was initially envisioned to address food Mondlane University in Mozambique in our and Senior Vice-President, indicated that the security issues and to incorporate student and research collaboration," said Prof Hlengani common interest of this MoU is post harvest staff exchange programmes. Siweya, Executive Faculty Dean of Science and food security. "It is imperative that we uphold Agriculture, UL representative. and nurture this relationship as it plays a major In his welcoming remarks, Prof Mahlo role in poverty reduction, food security and M o k g a l o n g , U L V i c e - C h a n c e l l o r, The MoU which was initiated by UL and KSU sustainability". acknowledged KSU's delegation for availing will also include Cornell University in the themselves to deliberate matters aimed at United State of America and ZZ2- a local Speaking of Food Security, UL boasts Limpopo improving the livelihood of people from poor tomato giant producer in the Southern Agrofood Station (LATS). Small scale of farmers rural communities. Mokgalong indicated that hemisphere. and SMMEs visit the Station for food-related the MoU is the right antidote to address food tests; the University has the Aquaculture security issues and allow both Institutions to Currently UL Management has accepted the Research Unit specialising in fish research and exchange expertise in areas of common concept of a Natuurboerdery Institute (Nature production on a small scale which benefits interest. Fa r m i n g ) t h ro u g h w h i c h re s e a rc h some of the rural communities. collaborations of this nature will take place. During the visit both parties deliberated on This Institute is founded on a MoU between possibilities of expanding the MoU and it was UL, ZZ2 and the Limpopo Provincial [email protected]
4 UL Witness March - April 2012 N E W S SACSSP visits UL for quality assurance Staff Reporter he South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP), a Tregulatory body for Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree in South Africa, visited the University of Limpopo (UL) recently for quality assurance purposes. SACSSP is legislated to guide and direct the social service professions in South Africa, recognises its responsibility to promote and ensure ethical behaviour and attitudes on the part of all persons and departments registered with it. Their visit entailed assessing the current state of the University's BSW programme to ensure that it complies with the requirements of the body.
During the quality assurance process, among others, matters such as student-lecture ratios, working environment of the lecturers, SACSSP and UL staff during Quality Assurance visit students' learning facilities, departmental policies and procedures as well as general responsibility to ensure coherence of all Social society as they help people to face various management of the BSW programme were Work departments at the accredited circumstances. We are glad that most of our attended to as evidence based information. universities. "We also ensure that they adhere graduates are employed by the public and The process also included interviewing field to our policies in order to produce quality private sectors. This attests that our work placement practitioners, workplace social workers", said Smith. programme is relevant to the society". supervisors and undergraduate students. This criterion applies in all SACSSP accredited Prof Richard Madadzhe, who spoke on behalf The quality assurance visit comes after the universities in South Africa to ensure of the University, emphasised that the 2009 self-assessment session conducted coherence in BSW programme. Institution appreciated the opportunity by internally. SACSSP to ensure that the state of BSW According to Mrs Iveda Smith, SACSSP programme is in line with other institutions. [email protected] Registrar, as the statutory body, SACSSP has the "Social workers play important role in the Scientists hope Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology can bring relief to power shortage
By Johannes Selepe ower shortage continues to be a major challenge in the country. However, Paccording to scientists and researchers who shared a podium during a Media Indaba held recently under the tutelage of UL Science Centre, the shortage might be a thing of the past. The Indaba brought media, government, science communities and industry experts together to elaborate the effects and advantages of Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology in South Africa as an intervention for power shortage. According to scientists, hydrogen is generated from renewable energy sources such as sun and water leading to no emissions that pollute the environment. It is used to generate energy for households, transportation and gadgets among others. Fuel cells are simply electro-chemical reactors that convert chemical energy directly into electricity. UL student tries out the South African -designed and built working concept of hydrogen powered tricycle Continue to page4
5 UL Witness March - April 2012 N E W S Scientists hope Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology can Human Nutrition & Dietetics bring relief to power shortage students offer healthy lifestyle tips
Continued from page5 By Tumelo Moila
Expounding more on this technology, Prof Kenneth Ozoemena, a prominent Scientist and Researcher at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), labelled it as a complementary power source. He explained that fuel cells could be used in rural areas where there is no energy or in places where power supply is often unreliable. He however, indicated that the challenge in this regard is to dismiss public perception that hydrogen fuel cell technology is unsafe.
NUTRITIONAL TIPS: UL Student, Anita Mafela (wearing a white coat) giving nutritional tips to TUT Students From right; Prof Kenneth Ozoemena from CSIR (keynote speaker), Messrs Lorenzo Raynard and he University of Limpopo's Human diabetic)", said Kgaugelo Ramokolo, 3rd year Bob Bond from TUT and SAASTA respectively Nutrition & Dietetics students took part Human Nutrition & Dietetics student. in the Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Open “Hydrogen fuel cell technology is mainly for T Day at Tshwane University of Technology On the day, students also focused on households. When all its present challenges (TUT)'s Ga-Rankuwa Campus. The students' anthropometric measurements such as height are met and the application becomes more main focus was to promote Food Base Dietary and weight to determine the Body Mass Index widespread, energy costs will be greatly Guidelines (FBDGs) putting more emphasis on (BMI) of participants. reduced for rural consumption. Such how to enjoy a variety of foods and being widespread application will reduce load active and drinking lots of clean safe water. “My role was to advice people on how to shedding pressure being experienced by the They also advised people to eat plenty of maintain healthy weight in terms of BMI electricity supplier", concluded Ozoemena. vegetables and fruit everyday as well as indicating underweight or overweight. Most of reducing fat intake and using salt sparingly. the students whom I advised on their dietary During the Indaba, Mr Bob Bond from Tshwane requirements, asked me questions and I had to University of Technology (TUT), exhibited "We intend promoting a healthy lifestyle by give more information. This gave me a clear South African-designed and built working engaging people into physical activities in the picture of what I will be working with after concept of hydrogen powered tricycle. It is form of different exercises. We have realised completing my studies. As a future Dietitian, I named A hi fambeni, which means lets go in that due to lack of information, many people need to work hard and always keep abreast Xitsonga. The 250W motor is powered by a experience complications later in life such as with the latest research so that I can be able to high-temperature hydrogen fuel cell. Instead overweight and obesity which may lead to face the world", added Ramokolo. of using fuel for energy, the tricycle uses cardiovascular diseases (hypertension and hydrogen gas stored in middle hydride under [email protected] low pressure. According to Bond, the tricycle is designed for mobility in rural areas and the next stage of the project is to demonstrate how hydrogen can be produced from solar or wind energy to provide a truly rural solution for mobility that is self-sufficient.
The event was held in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DST) through the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA), National Research Foundation (NRF) and Hydrogen South Africa.
[email protected] WHAT IS HER HEIGHT? UL Students (wearing white coats) measuring the height of a TUT student who was curious about her height
6 UL Witness March - April 2012 N E W S Applications of visuals in teaching context for foundation phase By Dorcus Manzini n order to compliment the current teaching modalities in the foundation phase, the IUniversity of Limpopo has established a project titled making resources for foundation phase (grades 1-3) classrooms. The project will be rolled out in ten primary schools in Mamabolo Circuit, Mankweng and it involves two foundation phase teachers from each school. Through this, UL staff and educators will research the applications of the use of material resources in the teaching context, with special emphasis on numeracy and Educators making learning interesting through material resource project literacy. Such supporting material includes charts and visuals. School who boasts 15 years experience in the The project is funded by the University teaching fraternity found the project Research Development Grant, coordinated by At the training sessions held recently at the extremely helpful and informative. "We don't Mses Mamalatswa Maruma and Wendy University, the use of resources in numeracy have resources in our School; therefore Chauke both from the School of Education and and literacy lessons were observed. The creating visual material will assist us to curb Dr Jesika Singh from Research Development findings indicated a need for more resources to this challenge." Office. Research Development Grant is a fund be applied in the teaching context as it is from the Department of Education supporting deemed to be easy for grade 1 learners to Mses Dikeledi Malema and Mokgadi Mongalo the University research publications. follow when they are taught through from Diopong and Megoring primary schools illustrations. "During lessons when an respectively echoed that the training will After implementation of this method, the educator reads the word 'apple' while carrying simplify their workload. "Through visuals, kids educators are expected to observe and report its picture cutting, the little ones understand are bound to learn better. We will also back on its impact to the pupils. the lesson better," said one educator. introduce this to our colleagues in order to be on the same level." Ms Mary Mamabolo from Segoreng Primary [email protected] DSU gets humanitarian aid By Johannes Selepe
abatha Paper and Stationery made a this quest of helping students to pursue their humanitarian contribution to UL students dreams and overcome their academic and Jliving with disabilities by donating a social challenges". cheque worth R15 000 to the University's Disabled Student Unit (DSU). The cheque Mrs Kone Motshologane, Director for DSU, recently handed over to the University who could not hide her excitement over the subsequently acquired two contemporary donation, appreciated Jabatha for their wheelchairs and other necessities to aid humanitarian aid. "We need extra wheelchairs students living with disabilities. The to quickly respond to situations whereby wheelchairs will be used for emergencies at student's wheelchairs get broken or run flat. the Unit. This will also be used in cases of temporary disabilities", said Motshologane. Handing over the cheque to the University, Mr James Sibeko, Director of this private owned She further appealed to other corporates for consortium, said that since UL does not reject assistance, citing that the University is unable students living with disabilities this was to cover all the needs of students living with sufficient enough for them to make the HANDING OVER THE CHEQUE, WHEELCHAIRS AND disabilities, especially visually impaired. WALKING STICKS: From left; Messrs James Sibeko donation. "UL is one of the institutions of “Braille material is expensive and at the and Seaparo Mogoba (right) both Jabatha Paper higher learning that has specialised facilities to and Stationery executives and receiving them moment there are no academic textbooks in accommodate students living with disabilities. in the middle is Mrs Kone Motshologane, braille, assistance in this regard will be We hope that our donation will also make a Director for DSU appreciated", she concludes. positive contribution in improving the lives of physically challenged students", said Sibeko. survive. "This is the beginning of more He explained that on a daily basis people with partnerships between us and the University; disabilities go through challenges but still we also promise to rope in more companies in [email protected]
7 UL Witness March - April 2012 N E W S CAE implement public discourse on teaching and learning issues By Mabore Thosago
hrough its Academic Staff Development Unit, Centre for Academic Excellence T(CAE) supports the University academics to propel in planning, facilitation and evaluation of their academic programmes. This is implemented through "Lunch Hour Talks" which are held monthly at both University Campuses as an avenue to engage academics on teaching and learning modalities. "This is a way of providing our academics a platform to engage in public debates around educational matters," said Dr Chabaya, Academic Staff Development Practitioner attached to CAE.
During one of the Lunch Hour Talks, Mr Benny Mphahlele, English Lecturer and motivational speaker, presented on Personal and Professional Self Mastery: Striking a living Mr Benny Mphahlele addressing the University staff during the "Lunch hour Talk” balance. He emphasised that professionals need to step down to find their personal look upon them," he said. The sessions will be proceeding throughout aspects as they are always busy with their the year. Extending the given inspiration and professional duties and ignoring their leisure Ms Evelyn Chia, an academic echoed the maintaining a living balance, academics were time and relaxation. He said that there is a dire importance of attending the seminar. tasked to choose potential students who are in need for creative workers to come up with "Realising that we have compromised personal the final years and inspire them to pass with solutions that will improve education system. aspect with professional aspects, this talk was distinctions. The chosen students are also "The adult world has lost the capacity to an eye opener. It is important to think big and expected to inspire their colleagues too. This dream. They are driven by their destination sow a seed of success to the youngster as we will be a way of producing future bright which limits their capacity to dream further are their role models." leaders. and bigger and this frustrates the youth that [email protected] University establishes viable link between academic programmes and community engagement By Johannes Selepe
he University of Limpopo has the Faculties to fulfill the mission and vision of established Rural Development and UL through stimulating innovation and TInnovation Hub (RDIH) in a move to interdisciplinarity. integrate and advance academic programmes, Since its establishment, RDIH has facilitated research and community outreach. This will the University flagship projects such as the play a pivotal role of conceptualising research Limpopo IDC Nguni Cattle Development publications and to ensure that the key Project, the transfer of National Community functions of the University inform each other. Water and Sanitation Training Institute According Prof Naftali Mollel, its Director, the (NCWSTI) and the construction of the Water Hub's other mandate is to ensure that the Quality Testing Laboratory which is a University's academic programmes are partnership between the University and the relevant and related to the needs of the market Capricorn District Municipality. and that the community engagement activities that the Institution carries out address the The Water Quality Testing Laboratory will challenges and needs of the communities. "In ensure that water quality needs of Limpopo addition, the Hub will advocate that the Province are attended to. In addition the research which is conducted by the University Laboratory will provide practical skills related is responsive to societal needs", Mollel to water quality to University BSc students in explains. Water and Sanitation.
Mollel also outlined that the Hub will strive to Mollel indicated that the staff complement of CONTENT: Prof Naftali Mollel - Director for Rural inculcate the culture of multidisciplinarity and RDIH is expected to expand to include two Development and Innovation Hub team-work among academics. "Culture of professors (coordinators), two researches and multidisciplinarity is vital as rural development combination of different disciplines, working an administrative officer. problems are multifaceted and cannot be together as a team". He further indicated that addressed by a single discipline but through a the Hub will play a facilitative role in assisting [email protected]
8 UL Witness March - April 2012 N E W S Pharmacy students equipped with study skills By Tumelo Moila
bout 56 second year Pharmacy revision purposes as well as to record where students recently attended Centre for information was sourced for referencing AAcademic Excellence (CAE)'s workshop purposes". She revealed that note-taking is a to advance their study skills, goal setting, time common factor that students struggle with management and study methods. Ms due to too much work and lapse of Matshidiso Molotsi of CAE, who organised the concentration during lectures. workshop said that developing time management and general study skills are a Lauding on the importance of the workshop, great recipe for a fruitful academic excellence. one of the attendees, Letlhogonolo Maluleke "Effective time management helps students said: "The workshop will help me achieve one keep their work under control and their of my goals which is to improve my marks stressful situations to a minimum," she added. because I now know how to take and make notes. From now onwards I will be able to TIME MANAGEMENT PRESENTATION: Mr Albert manage my time effectively". Masetla of CAE making a presentation during Another student Daniel Ramatsoma said: study skills workshop "Setting goals was very difficult for me. Now I know which methods I can use to set my goals. Molotsi indicated that time management Setting goals is as important as achieving strategies include studying in one-hour blocks, them". taking breaks, tackling difficult assignment first, working ahead and plan rewards. Students were advised that in order to be more self assertive, they should learn time-saving Among others, she said "the benefits of note- tactics; not force themselves into anything if making facilitate easy understanding of they can't get it right; not to invite the visitor to content one is studying; recording the work sit down unless they have time available and to you have done; helps with concentration and set a time limit and stick to it. PAYING ATTENTION: Students listening to Mr organising of the study material and for Masetla's study skills presentation [email protected] SRC promotes healthy lifestyles By Tumelo Moila he Medunsa Campus SRC in partnership According to dietary guidelines, in order for with Campus Health and Peer Educators individuals to remain healthy they must Torganised a Healthy Lifestyle Awareness consume healthy food and avoid the use of Day, to promote active lifestyle and healthy excessive fat when cooking and baking. Boiled eating. Students and staff members flocked to food is preferred rather than fried ones. the cubicles erected next to the SRC offices to People should also avoid excessive sugar; use check their health status namely sugar levels, low-fat milk instead of full cream milk; eat a lot blood types, blood pressure and HIV/AIDS. of vegetables and fruit; eat fibre, wholegrain food, beans and brown bread. Participants were encouraged to be involved in BLOOD PRESSURE: An unidentified student physical activities and eat well to achieve a checking her blood pressure status "It is important to promote healthy lifestyles in healthy lifestyle. They were also urged to order to reduce the high burden of non- modify their behaviours in order to be healthy communicable diseases in the country. To and live long. Eulanda Maimela, BSc first year become a healthy society, we need to engage student shared her views regarding the in activities that enhance our health", said Mr awareness day. She said that health Sibusiso Ntuli, SRC Chairperson for Health & professionals were critical of the frequent Social Welfare Desk. Ntuli indicated that SRC consumption of junk foods, which are very high will be organising more Healthy Lifestyle in fat and low in fibre, resulting in obesity. awareness days to fight the scourge of non- Obesity is one of the main risk factors communicable diseases and promote healthy associated with heart disease, hypertension lifestyles. WHAT BLOOD TYPE ARE YOU?: Jessica Masogo and diabetes. (right) checking her blood type [email protected]
9 UL Witness March - April 2012 N E W S Students know their health status By Johannes Selepe
Students listening to HIV/AIDS counseling audio while waiting to be tested nce more, the University's Health and In order to obtain informed consent of HIV that they can still come to the Centre at their Wellness Centre took a stance to testing, students were counseled before being convenient time to make an appointment. Oencourage the University community, tested. According to Letebele, after getting especially students to know their health status, their results students also received Speaking on condition of anonymity, one of the with emphasis on HIV Counseling and Testing appropriate treatment, care and support students who tested said that HIV testing is the (HCT). This is part of First Things First HCT according to their respective statuses. "It is our key to slowing the epidemic. "Now that I know campaign, endorsed last year by the Ministries role to empower those who tested negative my HIV status I'm relieved. My advice to those of Health, Higher Education and Training, with knowledge and skills as to how to stay who don't know their status is that they should earmarked to inspire students at institutions of negative. Those who are diagnosed with the get tested and if positive they should find an higher learning to test for HIV. At the virus are advised that this is not a death HIV counselor and if negative continue living a University, contrary to 2011, scores of students sentence as long as they take their drugs and healthy lifestyle", said the enthusiastic were brave enough as they voluntarily flocked live a healthy lifestyle they will achieve their student. to Turfloop's Gate Two to get tested. academic goals and live long". The Limpopo Department of Health, Shout It "As we endeavor to build a long and healthy life Students exercised their patience while N o w, Fo u n d at i o n fo r P ro fe s s i o n a l for our students, it is imperative that all of us waiting on the queues for their turns to test. Development (FPD) and New Start assisted know our HIV status", said Mr Norman For that Letebele congratulated them and with the testing resources. Letebele, Manager for Health and Wellness indicated that the Centre will respect their Centre, after being tested and officially confidentiality at all times. To those who didn't opening the week-long campaign. get an opportunity to test, he implored to them [email protected] OPENOPEN DDAAYY Medunsa Campus Saturday 09h00 May 15h00 12Venue: Medunsa Spor ts Complex For more information contact: Student Recruitment Office Mr Collins Mangena (012) 521 4468 / 4563 • Ms Angie Mhlodi (015) 268 3264 / 2625
10 UL Witness March - April 2012 N E W S Medical Science student competes in International Karate tournament By Olrick Matsebane ndronica Rakgantso, Medunsa Campus competitions," said Rakgantso, a Medical Karate Team member, represented UL Science Student. Aand the South African National Karate Team during the 10th World Karate Rakgantso said that through the tournament, Championships (WKO SHINKYOKUSHINKAI). she learnt that in order for any athlete to be The tournament was held in Tokyo counted among the best; their management Metropolitan Gymnasium in Japan and and technical team should support their Rakgantso competed in an open weight programmes. "The coaches should listen to the category which was open for all women. needs and complaints of the team and give them guidance and the necessary support for During the preliminary stage of the them to grow professionally and personally." tournament, Rakgantso's dream of adding an Andronica Rakgantsho receiving a cheque for international karate championship medal pocket money and equipment from Medunsa During the tournament Rakgantso had the under her belt was shattered as she was Campus Deputy Registrar, Mr Heno Croucamp privilege to witness the famous actor and eliminated. However, this did not diminish her before departing for the tournament karate champion, Dolph Lundgren, performing passion for karate. "Coming to this tournament next stage, for me this was an eye opener. I the tamishi wari (breaking techniques) live on was all about acquiring international hope the experience gained through this stage as he broke a pile of seven ice blocks at experience. Although I didn't progress to the competition will help me in my next once. [email protected] Medunsa Community donate blood to save lives By Tumelo Moila n response to the call by the South African patient in an emergency. One out of three National Blood Services (SANBS) that South people belong to Group O, so chances of this IAfricans should donate blood in order to universal blood group being used in hospitals save their fellow citizen's lives, Medunsa are much more than for any other blood group. Campus Community recently donated blood in large numbers. According to SANBS officials, Mokete Mankge, a BSc second year student, the donated blood will make a significant who donated the most wanted Group O blood contribution in patients undergoing surgical type, said: "I donate blood because I want to operations, patients with cancer or leukaemia, save lives. In order to donate blood regularly, I children with severe anaemia, accident victims was advised to eat a lot of food with too much and to women with haemorrhage as a BLOOD DONOR: BSc student, Karabo Sasa iron such as baked beans, peas, nuts, dried complication of pregnancy. donating blood under the capable hands of Ms fruit among them. Failure to eat the above Tebogo Masebe of SANBS mentioned food will deny me an opportunity "Thousands of people would die if fellow South to donate blood because my iron will be less Africans do not donate their blood. We are happy that we exceeded our original target of than 12, 5 which is the optimal number for grateful to the University of Limpopo donation", said Ms Tebogo Masebe of SANBS. donating". Community for their noble decision to donate According to SANBS FAQ's page, Group O blood blood to fellow South Africans in need. We are is always in need because it can be given to any [email protected] OPENOPEN WEEKWEEK Turfloop Campus 23 Saturday 09h00 -27 15h00 Venue: Anglo Platinum July Multi-Purpose Centre For more information contact: Student Recruitment Office Ms Angie Mhlodi (015) 268 3264 / 2625 • Mr Collins Mangena (012) 521 4468 / 4563
11 LIMPOPO OFF LIMPOPO UL Witness Sport U TY O UN SI Y NIIVVEERRSIT Titans clash for a good cause By Johannes Selepe and Metji Makgoba
HELPING THE COMMUNITY: From left -Louis Nel; President of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union, Cllr Freddy Greaver; Executive Mayor of Polokwane Municipality, Prof Mahlo Mokgalong; UL Vice Chancellor and Principal and Mr Barend Van Graan; Chief Executive Officer of the Blue Bulls Company after announcing their three-year partnership to help financially disadvantaged students within Polokwane Municipality
he two South African rugby giants, learning for our children," said the outspoken noble cause to assist the needy learners of Vodacom Blue Bulls and Toyota Greaver. Polokwane. TCheetahs locked horns at the Peter UL Vice Chancellor and Principal, Prof Mahlo Mokaba Stadium as a drive to accumulate Chief Executive Officer of the Blue Bulls Mokgalong, said that the bursary fund signifies bursary funds to assist the financially Company, Mr Barend Van Graan, indicated a breakthrough for underprivileged students. challenged but academically deserving that: "We are proud to work in conjunction He further added that: "We are ready to enrol students who reside within the Polokwane with Polokwane Municipality and other students into our accredited programmes Municipality. This lucrative three-year tertiary stakeholders on an initiative that is dear to our provided they meet our admission fund-raising initiative was established recently hearts. We are confident that this will make a requirements.” by the Executive Mayor of Polokwane significant impact on the lives of our future Municipality, Cllr Freddy Greaver in leaders." During this inaugural game which was also a collaboration with the Blue Bulls, University warm-up for Super 15 Rugby Tournament, of Limpopo (UL) and Polokwane Chamber of In his message of support Mr Matsobane Bulls easily beat Cheetahs 39-16. Business (PCOB). Tleane, PCOB President, said that their organisation will be committed to support this [email protected] [email protected] As part of the partnership, fifty percent of the money raised will fund financially needy but academically deserving students who opt to pursue their studies at UL.
Speaking during the launch of the bursary fund, Greaver said that the bursary fund aims to generate funds for academically deserving learners who wish to pursue tertiary education. He added that their target is to raise a minimum of R1 million annually to sustain the partnership and make tertiary education accessible to students who reside in Polokwane Municipality. "We have to use our influence and power to open the doors of South African rugby giants, Vodacom Blue Bulls and Toyota Cheetahs doing it for charity at the Peter Mokaba Stadium
Issued by Marketing and Communications University of Limpopo