August/September 2008 Volume 5 Number 8/9Volume 5 Gandhi-Luthuli Chair of Peace Studies

KZN is posi- Through the philosophies of tioned to take Mahatma Gandhi and Chief Albert the lead in the Luthuli, the Chair seeks to engage promotion of on issues of human rights, conflict Peace Studies resolution, history and morality in following the civil society. Ulaunch of the Gandhi-Luthuli Chair of Peace Studies within the College Welcoming the 1500 guests pre- of Humanities. sent, Professor Makgoba explained that the Chair’s inception was the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, result of a Memorandum of Under- Professor Malegapuru Makgoba, standing signed between UKZN officially inaugurated the Chair on and the Indian Council of Cultural 18 September together with the Relations (ICCR) in September High Commissioner of India in 2007. He said the Chair would South Africa, Mr Rajiv Kumar foster non-violence and peace Bhatia; ANC President, Mr Jacob through teaching. Zuma; the Minister of State for External Affairs in the Government “This (launch) is a defining mo- of India, Mr Anand Sharma Bhatia; ment in the history of KwaZulu- and the Consul General of India, Natal and South Africa. Mahatma Mr Harsh Vardhan Shringla. Gandhi and Chief Albert Luthuli Hirasen Albert were two great men who changed

The first Chair incumbent is Pro- the face of South Africa and the Picture: fessor John Moolakkattu whose world.” Professor Makgoba India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr Anand Sharma (left) and ANC President, Jacob Zuma (right) officially launch the Gandhi-Luthuli Chair of Peace Studies. task over the next year is to design added that he believed that the a Master’s Programme in Peace Humanities, through pro- mained a major challenge in post Peace Studies through the es- and undertaking research aimed Studies for the disciplines of Inter- grammes introduced by the apartheid South Africa. tablishment of the Chair. He said at achieving peace on the conti- national Relations, Law, Social Gandhi-Luthuli Chair of Peace what was important for him was nent. Work, Development Studies and Studies, would play a crucial role Mr Zuma congratulated UKZN for the Chair’s role in researching Education. in nation building which re- the taking the lead in promoting South Africa’s freedom struggle - Neesha Maharaj InternationalInternational DayDay INTERNATIONALISATION was students from other countries to Hundreds gathered in the Westville Reverend Archbishop Thabo education levels. He urged all celebrated at UKZN on 5 Septem- share their diverse cultures with the campus quad for the “World at Makgoba of the Anglican Church present to respect diversity and ber, providing an opportunity for University community. UKZN – Celebrating International and visitors from the Diplomatic work towards achieving Ubuntu. Day” which saw students from Corps said the celebrations aimed more than 15 countries create to showcase the nature of inter- “We need to build communities awareness of their heritage through nationalisation and acknowledge where differences are respected, a display of cultural symbols, the contributions made by inter- communities that are safe and traditional dress and literature. national students and staff at healthy. With over 80 nationalities UKZN. at this university you have more This was the first time that the opportunities to build friendships,” University, which is home to more “In light of the recent serious said Reverend Makgoba. than 2 000 students and 200 staff attacks against foreigners in South from 80 countries celebrated Inter- Africa and the re-emergence of Vice-President of the International national Day. Marking the day were xenophobia in our country we want Students Association (Westville traditional dance, music by the to reassure international students campus) Ms Sikhanyiso Ndlovu South African Military Band, and staff that they are welcome and said: “Diversity is about embracing information stalls providing in- valued members of the UKZN each other’s uniqueness. With over sights into foreign cultures and family,” he said. 2 000 international students at speeches by several speakers. UKZN, we learn a lot from each

Picture: John Desmond Picture: Reverend Makgoba stressed the other.” She expressed the need for Professor Dasarath Chetty, Pro-Vice-Chancellor: Corporate Relations; The Professor Dasarath Chetty, Pro- need to examine the issues that International Day to be celebrated Most Rev Thabo Makgoba, Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Southern Vice-Chancellor: Corporate Re- fuelled, xenophobic behaviour at other institutions. Africa; Vice-Chancellor, Professor Malegapuru Makgoba and Her Excellency Ms Joan Thomas, Acting High Commissioner of Jamaica. lations who welcomed guests such as economic hardship, high including the keynote speaker levels of unemployment and low - Neesha Maharaj Inside 3 Teaching and Learning Conference 5 Honouring Professor Meer 6 UKZN achievers 16 Sport Corner

Founding Campuses Edgewood Howard College Medical School Pietermaritzburg Westville Words on Water MagnetometerMagnetometer ProjectProject

KZN and the Consul-General of India co-hosted a delegation AT the beginning of September, of visiting and resident authors for the literary festival: Words Kyushu University’s Space En- Uon Water – India and South Africa in Conversation. vironment Research Centre (SERC) in Japan installed a state- The festival, featuring Indian and South African writers, formed part of of-the-art Magnetic Data this year’s “Shared Histories: The Indian Experience in South Africa,” Acquisition System (MAGDAS) at which showcased recent trends and developments in Indian literature. the Science and Technology Inno- vation Park located at UKZN’s The event profiled Indian writers in conversation with their South African Westville campus. counterparts. Nayantara Sahgal, Professor Michael Green, William Dalrymple, Aziz Hassim, Kunal Basu, Gcina Mhlophe, Urvashi Butalia, The MAGDAS Project, which Pitika Ntuli, Pavan K Swarup and Vikas Swarup were all participants in started in 2005, has 40 units the Durban programme. deployed around the world, con- centrated along three chains. The

UKZN MAGDAS is an addition to Crookes Picture: Vicky In his welcome address, Professor Johan Jacobs, Acting Deputy Vice- Mr George Maeda from Kyushu University’s Space Environment Research Chancellor: Research, Knowledge Production and Partnerships, said the the north-south portion of the Centre presents Professor Makgoba with a token of appreciation at the conference or conversation of writers from India and South Africa was Africa Chain. installation of the MAGDAS unit. taking place in the most appropriate city – Durban. The system is highly sensitive to Engineering student studying this vations from space. The project is “The literature of your region and nation is fully engaged with the culture changes in the earth’s magnetic area in 2009. led by the Director of SERC, of your region. Durban is a most appropriate place to host this con- field and will monitor important Professor K Yumoto. versation because it is a city of cultural formation and reformation. This geomagnetic variations over a ten The Project is Japan’s most impor- has been witnessed through the movement of people within Africa, year period. This will provide tant contribution to the Inter- Mr George Maeda, an MAGDAS Europeans and migrations from India. The city is diasporic in its cultural scientists with a better under- national Heliophysical Year (IHY), Engineer said, “Professor Kumoto nature.” standing of the sun, earth and a scientific campaign and cele- and his SERC staff and KU stu- interplanetary space. bration under the auspices of the dents gratefully acknowledge the Mr Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Consul-General of India, paid tribute to United Nations. Its goal is “to tremendously generous support of South African writers and welcomed Indian authors, remarking that it The University will have access to become the most comprehensive UKZN for executing and maintain- was the first time South African and Indian authors had celebrated by the real time geomagnetic data ground-based monitoring system of ing this MAGDAS installation.” gathering together for a literature symposium. This exemplified shared produced by the unit and envisages the earth’s magnetic field”, and it histories in India and South Africa. having a postgraduate Electrical will serve to complement obser- - Vicky Crookes

Promotion of new books, exhibitions and signings provided a great opportunity for both South African and Indian writers to interact with Editorial Send your news to [email protected] guests who came to support the event. Some of the new books that were promoted include Nayantara Sahgal’s book Rich like Us, Professor Michael Green’s For the Sake of Silence, Pavan K Varma’s The Great Indian Middle Class and Kanul Basu’s The Japanese Wife. Creating a culture of tolerance Nayantara Sahgal said: “India has always been a key character in my novels. I’m in a strange way bound to India. Staying put, where you are located on the map gives you a vision and access that I will not have had GIVEN recent incidents of racism at if I were settled in another country. Globalisation is making the world so South African universities and acts of violence standardised and distinct identity is vanishing. For me staying put gives perpetrated against foreigners, the need to understand and an Indian sensibility and some identities should be kept. It is important celebrate diversity in a University context became more evident. It was to hold on to what makes us exceptional.” with this in mind that “The World at UKZN” was held in the quad of the Westville campus to create an understanding and awareness of the international, Professor Green stated that he did a lot of historical work on South Africa cultural, ethnic and racial diversity at UKZN. This was done through the setting up of before writing his books. “Eight years of research went into the book stalls serving to display the cultural wares of many of the countries from which UKZN draws For the Sake of Silence – the silence coming through the struggle period its students and staff. The keynote address by Archbishop Thabo Makgoba served to enlighten and repositioning. The act of fiction tells the deepest truth. My books are those present as to our obligations with regard to foreign nationals who live, study and work amongst closely attached to the region and South Africa. The truth has to come us. He did this with reference to biblical injunctions pertaining to the nature of the human family. out from what I know, see and feel.” As an incubator of ideas and a home for the production of knowledge an environment conducive, in all Indian diplomat and author Vikas Swarup said: “What unites us is the respects to teaching, learning and community service has to be created. The intellectual, ideological and quality of being human ... the aim of literature is to spread that quality of cultural diversity brought to the University by almost 2 000 students, and staff, from outside our borders empathy and that is what unites people, the quality of being human and should not be under-estimated. In fact, if Senate-approved targets for international students are to be the quality of having empathy.” met that number will be closer to 4 000 – a figure that is attainable given the competitive advantages of UKZN as a research-led university, located in two cities on an eastern sea board which enjoys - Thembeka Dlungwane ideal climatic conditions. Our emphasis on providing safe and secure conditions on our campuses and in our residences must also be maintained in line with international benchmarks.

Through sharing different cultural experiences such as food, music, dress, history, geography and symbols a greater understanding and tolerance of intercultural differences was achieved in celebrating International Day. The event also served to demonstrate the UKZN’s community’s condemnation of xenophobia and racism.

Professor Dasarath Chetty Pro-Vice-Chancellor: Corporate Relations

The ukzndaba team Picture: Supplied Urvashi Butalia and Professor Michael Cawood Green greeting each other Dasarath Chetty Deanne Collins Thembeka Dlungwane Fikisile Mabaso Neesha Maharaj Sabelo Nyuswa Vidhya Singh at the literary festival. Pro-Vice-Chancellor Publications Manager Journalist Distribution Journalist Journalist Layout & Design

2 TTeachingeaching andand LearningLearning ConferenceConference cademics across all “We need to create an institutional disciplines at UKZN research arm for an evidence-based Agathered on the Westville approach to teaching and learning. campus on 25 September with a We need to embark on research to common purpose – to address the understand ourselves better as challenges they face in the areas of academics. Academics need to teaching and learning. have a thorough and deep know- ledge of their disciplines which will Presenting them with a way for- make them excellent teachers,” ward were the newly appointed said Professor Vithal. Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Teaching and Learning, Professor Renuka In addressing the issue of “Teach- Vithal and visiting academics ing Big Classrooms” Professor Professor Chris Rust from the Rust suggested the creation of a Oxford Brookes University in the structured classroom environment. United Kingdom, and Professor This could be done through en- Gina Wisker of the University of couraging discussions amongst Brighton. students during lectures, support for student learning groups and The two-day Conference aimed to focusing on student skills develop- find solutions to the difficulties ment programmes. academics face when teaching large classes and the assessment of On the issue of “Postgraduate students’ work. It created a plat- Supervision”, Professor Wisker form for academics to determine Visiting Professors Chris Rust (second from left) and Gina Wisker (second from right) with the organisers of the suggested that supervisors and more effective teaching and learn- Teaching and Learning Conference. Picture: Neesha Maharaj students agree on ground rules at ing strategies. the outset. She said there needed Statistics show that between 2004 two areas according to Professor ment of curricula in line with the to be clear communication between Professor Vithal shared her vision and 2007 this had dropped from Vithal required curriculum design, University’s vision of achieving the postgraduate student and the for teaching and learning at UKZN. 54,7 to 42 percent. Another con- analysis, critique and development. African Scholarship, academic supervisor. And accessibility was She expressed the need to interro- cern was the drop in the number of excellence, respect for multi- imperative. gate the declining rate at which students enrolling to pursue post- In charting a path forward, Pro- lingualism, and globally competi- students complete their degrees. graduate studies. Improving these fessor Vithal suggested develop- tive teaching. - Neesha Maharaj Oral History book PPoetryoetry NightNight DelightDelight A book emphasising the relevance of Oral History across the disci- plines was launched by the UKZN POETRY Night Delight’ on the Buthelezi. It aims to entertain, In her keynote address Professor Press in conjunction with the Edgewood campus on 12 Septem- educate and revive pride in poetry Fikile Mazibuko, Deputy Vice- KwaZulu-Natal Archives at the ber featured a fusion of poetry, as an art and culture form. Chancellor and Head of the Col- Msundizi Museum in Pietermaritz- dance and music. The evening, lege of Humanities highlighted the burg on 30 September. organised by students in the Faculty Members of Poets’ Corner, which role of poetry as a medium of of Education through the Com- falls under the Arts and Culture education. “Various forms of Edited by Professor Philipe Denis munity Development Association wing of CAD delighted the audi- poetry have been used as means of and Mr Radikobo Ntsimane of (CAD), was in celebration of ence with their performances. In transmitting knowledge in formal, UKZN’s School of Religion and Heritage Month. recognition of the work written by as well as informal learning con- Theology, the book – Oral History members of the Poets’ Corner Dr texts. One of the important ways in in a Wounded Country: Interactive Established in 2002, CAD is a Buthelezi compiled a 60-page book which poetry has been used as an Interviewing in South Africa – de- student-driven initiative under the called Amajukujuku containing education tool is in the area of fines the concept of oral history and leadership of Dr Thabisile more than 100 poems. moral education,” she said. She ad- its importance as a research tool. ded that poetry plays a significant research in indigenous knowledge role in teaching social ideals, com- The book, which outlines how systems and in the sciences. mending valiant or heroic acts and South Africa’s cultural, political preserving knowledge and culture. and socio-economic evolution “Oral history can be useful irres- influences the oral history process, pective of which discipline you are “Poetry Night Delight was contains sections on the ethics of studying. Previously only written organised to showcase our talent as oral history, introducing oral research was recognised for post- educators in the making. … If you history at school level and cultural graduate studies. Oral information are a teacher, you do not just focus and gender issues associated with is as credible as written infor- on the textbook – there are other oral history. mation.” initiatives that an educator can use to generate learning interests with Mr Radikobo Ntsimane, a Re- Having conducted more than 200 pupils. Through poetry, we want to searcher and Deputy Director of interviews while studying towards build morals and values and that is Sinomlando Centre, who also contri- his honours and master’s degrees, our main goal,” said Ms Nokulunga buted a chapter on: Why Should I tell Mr Ntsimane said their partici- Dladla, final year student and My Story? Culture and Gender in pation in oral history projects had Chairperson of Poets’ Corner. Oral History, said the book would a positive influence on inter- not only be useful to researchers viewees. Through CAD, students are in- within the humanities, international volved in an impressive array of researchers carrying out research in “The interview process transforms outreach projects, including the South Africa and high school learners people who previously believed Masakhane Youth Leadership studying history, but also to post- their stories were unimportant. And Course, Sport, Debating, Edu- graduate students and researchers it helps practitioners understand the cation and Bursaries, HIV/AIDS across all disciplines. people they interview and is not Picture: Mangana Makhumisane Picture: and Arts & Culture. merely a process to gather infor- (back) Mr Nhlanhla Nene, Mr Thabo Msibi and Ms Nokulunga Dladla. Mr Ntsimane believes adopting (centre) Ms Dudu Shabane, Dr Yolisa Nompula and Ms Thabile Msibi. mation.” (front) Dr Thabisile Buthelezi and Professor Fikile Mazibuko. - Thembeka Dlungwane oral history interview techniques could be useful to those conducting - Neesha Maharaj

3 Alumni get-together in London Remembering Steve Bantu Biko UKZN event for UK- and alumnus co-ordinated activities South Africa and former editor of based alumni and on the night and also provided the the Sunday Independent in South STAFF and students at the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine A“friends”/ donors of the welcome on behalf of the Associ- Africa, addressed the topic “South commemorated the death 31 years ago of Mr Steven Bantu Biko– leader, University took the form of a ation, a representative for the South Africa: Where does it fit in the new visionary, freedom fighter and former UKZN medical student at a special cocktail reception at South Africa Africa High Commissioner pro- world order?” lecture on 12 September. House, London on 17 September. vided an official welcome to the The event – attended by 55 gradu- guests and Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prior to and after the formalities Steve Biko, the founder of the Black Consciousness Movement, President ates – was jointly co-ordinated by Corporate Relations Professor guests were able to network and of the South African Student’s Organisation (SASO) and founder member the Alumni Affairs Office, the Dasarath Chetty provided a com- chat with one another as well as of the Black People’s Convention, was brutally killed on 12 September UKZN Foundation and the Alum- prehensive overview on develop- with the Alumni Association in 1977 while in detention by the South African Police under the Terrorism nus Association in Europe. ments at the University. The Guest Europe Committee Members and Act. Speaker, Mr John Battersby, UK UKZN representatives. Mr Mike Miller, Deputy Chair of Country Manager of the Inter- Organiser of the event, Professor Rajen Naidoo from the Department of the Alumnus Association in Europe national Marketing Council of The main objectives of the event Occupational and Environmental Health said that “Biko’s contribution were to continue establishing and to the struggle for liberation and unity of Black people against the maintaining relationships with apartheid state remains a beacon for the development of our young University stakeholders based in democracy”. He said that the philosophy of Black Consciousness is best the UK; and to provide a timeous articulated in the spirit of ubuntu today – a need for all people to unite follow-up on the 2007 friend and and build a South Africa that so many gave their lives for. fund-raising initiatives of the University. In his welcoming address, Mr France Maruma, SRC member at the Medical School, said that the commemoration was significant and should Such a reception has become an be held annually as a reminder of the philosophy and ideals of Biko. “I annual event for UK-based alumni hope the commemoration will remind students of the history. Biko was and many travel long distances to at the forefront during the struggle,” he said. meet fellow alumni and to be updated on developments at their At the ceremony, the film Biko the Spirit Lives was screened to give the alma mater. audience a perspective on the role of the Black Consciousness Movement during the struggle era. In the film, fellow activists – the late Mr Strini Moodley, Mr Harry Nengwekhulu and Mr Peter Jones describe Mr Biko

Picture: BharthiePicture: Ranchoddas as a man of peace and a great diplomat. (l-r) Professor Dasarath Chetty, Mr John Battersby, Mr Burt Browne and - Finn Christensen guest. The poet, Mphutlane wa Bofelo, thrilled the audience with his exciting brand of struggle poems, celebrating the life and struggle of Biko, as well as paying tribute to the people of the country, who endure much LaptopLaptop bonusbonus hardship even in the post-liberation South Africa. - Thembeka Dlungwane EDU-LOAN has not only made winner of the IPOD was Miss Mr Klaas Mabetlela, Edu-Loan’s tertiary education a reality for Anika Hiralall, a second year Business Manager for the UKZN student, Miss Betty Bachelor of Commerce student. KwaZulu-Natal region said: “It is Masondo through the provision of an honour for Edu-Loan to assist a study loan, but they recently Miss Masondo says that the com- and enable students to have the SharingSharing skillsskills presented her with a laptop puter will make her life much better life they want. We share a computer. easier. common goal of the betterment of TONY Townsend, Professor of society through the provision of Educational Leadership at Florida The final year pharmacy student is “I’m happy to have won. It will student loans. We are committed to Atlantic University in the United the proud owner of an HP Laptop help me in my research, especially make tertiary education loans States paid a working visit to the Computer after the company with group research during hospital affordable and accessible. And Faculty of Education, School of hosted a lucky draw on the Uni- visits. Previously it was difficult to we’re happy to make two students Education and Development, Dis- versity’s Westville campus on 22 cope without a computer when the owner of a computer and cipline of Education Leadership, September. Fifty UKZN students preparing presentations and work- IPOD.” Management and Policy (ELMP) whose studies are financed by Edu- ing on assignments. Life as a from 1-5 September. Loan were in the running for the student will be much easier,” she - Neesha Maharaj computer and an Apple IPOD. The said. Professor Townsend is well- published in the area of Edu- Picture: Supplied Picture: cational Leadership. He has also (l-r) Professor Tony Townsend, from taught at Monash University Educational Leadership at Florida (Australia). The ELMP Discipline, Atlantic University in the United States and Dr Vitallis Chikoko Senior headed by Dr Vitallis Chikoko Lecturer & Head of Discipline: invited him as part of its long-term Education Leadership, Management goal of growing ‘own timber’ and Policy. among its staff by learning from others. The ELMP Discipline is located on both the Edgewood and Pietermaritzburg campuses.

The five-day working visit was packed with varied activities including discussions on a possible memorandum of understanding between the two institutions, post-graduate research supervision, improving and increasing research and publication. The Discipline also successfully organised two presentations that Professor Townsend gave at each of the Edgewood and Pietermaritzburg campuses. The theme in each case was ‘Education Leadership today’. These presentations were attended by current and former students of the UKZN Faculty of Education, education officials and academics.

The Discipline has asked Professor Townsend to be editor of a book on Educational Leadership that the academics in question are currently

Picture: Neesha Maharaj Picture: working on. A memorandum of understanding is also in the offing. (l-r) Ms Shakila Thakurpersad from Corporate Relations, Ms Anika Hiralall, Ms Betty Masondo and Edu-Loan’s Mr Klaas Mabetlela. - Vitallis Chikoko 4 HonouringHonouring ProfessorProfessor MeerMeer celebration was held on willed woman. “She has been 23 August for UKZN aca- described as feisty and contro- Ademic and anti-apartheid versial. She has had a triple bypass activist Professor Fatima Meer, operation and two strokes and that who turned 80. has not kept her away from the cause. The gathering was held in recog- nition of the outstanding contri- “We are proud of her and salute her. bution she has made through aca- Her life is an inspiration, not only demia and activism and to the for South Africans, but for many social, cultural and political land- people around the world. May she scape of South African society. continue to inspire us,” said Mr Kathrada. Guests at the function, hosted by Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Corporate Professor Meer, who was over- Relations, Professor Dasarath whelmed by the good wishes, said Chetty and Deputy Vice- she had enjoyed 80 wonderful Chancellor and Head of the Col- years and was fortunate that they lege of Humanities, Professor had been 80 challenging years. “I Fikile Mazibuko, included ANC am fortunate in that I have had stalwarts Mr Ahmed Kathrada and the necessary encouragement Mr Mac Maharaj, the Indian Con- from my community to respond sul General, Mr Harsh Vardhan to all challenges. My family and

Shringla, Judges Zakeria Yacoob friends have showered all these Picture: Xoliswa Zulu Professor Fatima Meer, with good friend Mr Ahmed Kathrada at her 80th birthday celebration. and Thumba Pillay, Professor years with love and they have Jerry Coovadia and Dr Korshed made me into something impor- for arranging this for me,” said training and shaping young Thank you for being who you are Ginwala. tant and great. My University has Professor Meer. minds… for conscientising the and living a life worthy of done me proud and I want to youth… for struggling for the emulation.” Mr Kathrada praised Professor thank my University for bestow- Professor Chetty added: “We poor and with them and for giving Meer as a courageous and strong- ing so much honour on me and would like to thank you for me the opportunity to grow. - Xoliswa Zulu Deputy President endorses UNITE and SITFE GoldGold atat THE Deputy President of South Africa Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka has endorsed the roles that UKZN’s Intensive Tuition for Engineers (UNITE) and the Sugar Industry Trust Fund for Education (SITFE) play in addressing the skills crisis facing South Africa. GardenGarden At a function honoring the recipients of SITFE bursaries, Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka highlighted the national government’s skills development effort through the Joint Initiative on Priority Skills Acquisition (JIPSA) and also stressed the vital partnership between government, private sector and institutions of higher learning in ShowShow achieving this objective. THE University maintained its winning tradition at the recent Garden and Leisure Show in Pietermaritzburg scoring a gold Current 2008 UNITE student and guest speaker, Ms Nqobile Khuzwayo, emphasised how UNITE and SITFE award – it’s fifth in six years – for its interactive exhibit. have contributed towards her success and laid down a challenge to the bursary holders to optimise their potential through the SITFE opportunity. Held annually at the Royal Agricultural Show Grounds, the show is South Africa’s premier garden and horticultural event. UNITE provides an alternate access to engineering study at UKZN. Through its holistic teaching systems, Comprising 180 exhibits, it provides an excellent platform mentoring, technology workshops, life skills training, innovative extra-curricula activities and factory visits, it for showcasing the Faculty of Science and Agriculture’s has facilitated the study progress of over 900 learners from over 10 African countries. As part of its outreach diverse programmes. programme it also engages in engineering awareness initiatives with feeder schools and currently hosts an annual workshop to which approximately 20 top feeder schools send high prospect learners. A gold award is presented to exhibits which the judges deem worthy of a total score of between 80 percent and 95 percent. - Rudi Kimmie Criteria include product display, relevant information on products, marketing of products and linkage to the garden aspect of the show.

The main participants in UKZN’s exhibit were the School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, the Discipline of Horticulture and the Electron Microscopy Unit. All parties put a lot of thought and energy into devising an exhibit which had a wide spectrum of appeal, and was educational as well as visually appealing.

A team from the Biological and Conservation Sciences also participated in the Show’s ‘Ready, Steady, Plant’ event. Hosted by Ms Tanya Visser of The Gardener magazine and TV show, the event had teams racing against the clock with just 20 minutes to construct a 4m x 4m garden using material unseen by the “gardeners” before the clock started ticking. The event proved a great marketing activity and team builder.

Picture: Supplied Picture: - Vicky Crookes UNITE Management, Mr Noel Powell (left) and Mr Rudi Kimmie (right) with Deputy President Mrs Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka (centre) and SITFE bursars.

5 UKZN achievers

Courseware Award PhillipPhillip TTobiasobias LectureLecture THE Centre for Environment, Agriculture and Development ice-Chancellor Professor (CEAD)’s Protected Area Manage- Malegapuru Makgoba has ment (PAM) Distance Learning Vbeen honoured with the Programme is the joint winner of 2008 Phillip Tobias Lecture Award. the 2008 National Association of He was nominated by Minister of Distance Education and Open Science and Technology, Mr Learning in South Africa Mosibudi Mangena. Professor (NADEOSA) Award. The Centre Makgoba delivered the Lecture at shared the award with the Univer- INSITE 2008, the International sity of South Africa for their Science, Innovation and Techn- submission entitled “Community ology Exhibition at the Sandton Psychology: Re-imagining Psycho- Picture: Supplied Picture: Convention Centre on 17 Sep- logy.” Fiona Bulman (left) receives the tember. NADEOSA Award from Past- The Biennial Courseware Award President, Rachel Prinsloo. “We have nominated Professor recognises excellence and Makgoba in acknowledgement of creativity in teaching and learning The Darwin Initiative, a UK the contribution he has made as an (l-r) Professor Phillip Tobias, Professor Malegapuru Makgoba and Minister in open and distance contexts. The government programme that sup- intellectual and scientist. His of Science and Technology, Mr Mosibudi Mangena. 2008 theme was “Collaborative ports UK academic and pro- ongoing contributions to the Picture: Sejal Desai Relationships in the Design and fessional links with partner insti- country’s science systems are truly Delivery of Courseware Designed tutions overseas, provided crucial enormous challenges in terms of valued,” said Mr Mangena. TB treatment. We did this clinical by Educational Institutions.” Sub- funding and support. Mrs Fiona trial because there was no real development of the vaccine and missions for the award could Bulman of the University’s Open there is pressure from society. I Professor Makgoba said he was evidence for when and how to care include relationships within or Learning Programme was instru- urge those that are here that when inspired and humbled by the for TB-HIV infection and as you across institutions, within South mental in designing the structure of the markets are down, this is the honour “particularly because it was know it is a very big problem in Africa or across countries. the programme. Phillip Tobias who has been a great Southern Africa and not in the time to invest. When the challenge inspiration and unifier for science developed countries. We found that is so great invest in the future of The new distance learning PAM The NADEOSA award is the first and society in South Africa for many in a very short time the introduction young scientists in the country so Programme was developed jointly public recognition of the PAM years. To be asked to give a lecture of antiretrovirals in early TB they can become the torch bearers.” by CEAD, the International Centre Programme which has involved named after him is special to me.” treatment reduced mortality by for Land Protected Landscapes five years of tenacious work and He concluded with a suggestion 55%. The implications for this (ICPL) and the University of patience from a team of staff and that researchers should look at the The Phillip Tobias Award was study in South Africa are that we Wales. It is one of three streams in external contributors. developed from the establishment will be able to save 10 000 deaths new proteo-genomic approaches in the coursework Masters Degree in of the Phillip Tobias Lecture, which in if we implement immediately. designing either antibodies or T Environment and Development. - Vicky Crookes honours Professor Tobias’ contri- This is because we will be treating cells: “There has been a view that bution to the sciences of palaeo- roughly 150 000 new patients,” he because most vaccines have either anthropology and genetics through said. been based on T cells or antibody anatomical studies. It is presented mediated information, we should SIFE World Cup biannually by the Department of Professor Makgoba said many look for this, I have tried to SIFE World Cup Science and Technology. people were putting pressure on the challenge the world that actually CURRENT national champions the UKZN Students in Free Enterprise scientific community to come up HIV may be slightly different, that (SIFE) team did the University proud at the SIFE World Cup in Singapore. During his Lecture, Professor with a vaccine. “There is effective it may be neither of these two. Let’s The team was a semi-finalist in this year’s competition, where they were Makgoba released groundbreaking drug therapy. What the world is try to explore that and find out what findings by UKZN scientists. “We looking for now is a vaccine that is are the alternatives in the immune beaten by host country Singapore.The UKZN team was ranked 16 out of 41 teams that competed this year. Canada was crowned 2008 World Cup did a study in which we tried to part of treatment and prevention to system that may be generated.” Champions, with Nigeria the first runner-up and India in third place. understand when we could begin eradicate the problem in the long Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in term. At the moment there are - Sejal Desai Team Head and UKZN student development practitioner, Mr Mandla Ndaba expressed satisfaction at the manner in which his team performed. “The students did very well under the circumstances … More important EU grant for AIDS research the team … learnt a lot of things which will be useful in their project EU grant for AIDS research back home,” he said. A R2,2 million European Union (EU) grant has enabled a UKZN virologist to pursue research that could “SIFE South Africa is without doubt one of the best organised regions in ultimately lead to the production of innovative new drugs to fight HIV and AIDS. the world. We … once again received recognition for superior Professor Thumbi Ndung’u of the Doris Duke Medical Research Institute at the Nelson R Mandela School achievement and were one of (two countries) … with the highest country of Medicine was awarded the grant through a consortium known as Targeting HIV Integration Co-Factors index score … together with SIFE United Kingdom. We thank everybody (THINC) of which he is a member. The group of eight researchers, whose goal is to create new HIV who has made this possible,” says the Chief Executive Officer for SIFE treatment strategies by “targeting cellular proteins required for HIV trafficking, nuclear import and South Africa, Ms Letitia de Wet. integration”, received a grant of about R29 million, a portion of which went to Professor Ndung’u’s team. - Sabelo Nyuswa The grant awarded by the EU Framework 7 will be made available over a period of three years. It will enable Professor Ndung’u to conduct research into the genetic variability of host factors in HIV-1 replication. Professor Ndung’u described receipt of this grant as “great news.” He said “We are now in a position to contribute significantly in understanding how HIV-1 hijacks the host cellular machinery for its replication. This may ultimately lead to the development of novel drugs. We also get an opportunity to place UKZN firmly as a significant global player in the fields of molecular virology and HIV/AIDS host genetic factors.” The grant will give students and researchers at UKZN the opportunity to train in a new area of HIV and AIDS research. The University will also benefit from the expertise of leading Europe Union research as a result of Prof Mdung’u’s partnership with THINC.

- Neesha Maharaj Picture: Supplied Picture: Students from the SIFE UKZN team who represented South Africa in Singapore.

6 UKZN achievers

BuddingBudding academicacademic TTataata AfricaAfrica

iyanda Sabelo Simphiwe African context. My PhD has, “Young black African students Ndlovu a doctoral student however, evolved from trying to need to engage in the processes of ScholarshipsScholarships Sat the School of Psycho- question and understand blackness knowledge production. We have logy envisages studying towards a in South Africa to trying to been written about for centuries; PhD as an entry point to academia. understand blackness more widely gazed upon from the outside; A new scholarship opportunity was created at UKZN in September He is the 2007 recipient of the in contexts of the postcolonial and ideologically constructed the gaze when eight students received the Tata Africa Scholarships valued Split-Site Commonwealth Scholar- the diaspora,” said Mr Ndlovu. His of the colonial other. Doing a PhD at R50 000 each. ship and is studying through the PhD is supervised by Professor Jill is about reclaiming power and the Managing Director of Tata Africa, Mr Raman Dhawan launched prestigious University of East Bradbury from the School of right to speak and write. It is also a London in the United Kingdom. Psychology on the Howard College critical space for activism and the Scholarship on 18 September at the Howard College campus campus and co-supervised by Dr resistance of a different kind,” he following the launch of the Gandhi-Luthuli Chair of Peace Studies. “My PhD is generally on ‘race’ and Corinne Squire from the Centre of said. His message to students was: “Please give back to society. If you identity and specifically on Narrative Research at the Uni- want to uplift yourself you must uplift the society you live in.” blackness and what it means to be versity of East London, UK. Mr Ndlovu has received several black-in-the-world. I personally accolades, including becoming a Unlike many business-sponsored scholarships which require like to think of my PhD work as an Mr Ndlovu is currently collecting member of the Golden Key Inter- graduates to serve a term of employment upon graduation, the Tata autobiographical attempt to under- life histories of black individuals national Honour Society in 2002, Africa Scholarship has ‘no strings’ attached. The Scholarships are stand my blackness in the trans- from different socio-political and receiving a Dean’s Commen- managed through the Vice-Chancellor’s Office. forming post-apartheid South contexts. dation and various Certificates of Merit. From 2004 to 2007, he Postgraduate students Miss Phumzile Khumalo (Honours in received the Black Academia Computer Science), Miss Phathisani Ngulube (Masters of Scholarship and in 2007 he re- Statistics), Mr Phila Magwaza (Master of Law), Mr Thokozani ceived a grant from the SANPAD Dlamini (Honours in Accounting), Mr Fikani Mthethwa (Master Project. He has presented papers in of Mathematics Education), Miss Sphindile Tshambi (Master of a number of conferences and Clinical Psychology), Fortunate Ndlandla (Master of Medical received an award for the best Science) and Miss Candice Naicker (Master of Nursing Research) paper presentation at the 9th Annual received the scholarships. Postgraduate Research Conference in Pietermaritzburg. For the past six The recipients were selected by the Deputy Vice-Chancellors of years, Mr Ndlovu has been in- the University’s four Colleges. Students had to be financially volved in Fast Forward, a Schools deserving and had to have excelled or made a marked improvement Outreach Programme housed in the academically during their time as undergraduate students. School of Psychology.

Picture: Supplied Picture: Miss Khumalo who spoke at the event said: “It is an honour to be - Thembeka Dlungwane Professor Jill Bradbury and Mr Siyanda Ndlovu. recognised by Tata Africa and the University. It proves that working hard has its benefits. It’s humbling that out of the entire student community we have been selected for the prestigious scholarship.” FruitfulFruitful eexxchangechange Struggling with her studies during her first semester at University has inspired Ms Khumalo to one day introduce a community SENIOR Library and Information Ms Somers, who is passionate orientated to meet the demands of programme to assist high school learners prepare for their entry Officer at the UKZN’s Campbell about digital imaging and the issues both our students and the inter- into tertiary education. Collections Ms Nellie Somers has of intellectual property rights and national student. Given time I think Mr Mthethwa said the scholarship would take care of a huge returned from a one-month study copyright, said she was excited at our students will also have the financial burden. visit at the University of California. being afforded the opportunity to privilege of being able to borrow a UKZN and the University of be part of such a programme. laptop for class assignments and Her success in securing the scholarship came as a surprise to Miss California have an exchange agree- projects as practiced in the Uni- Naicker who said: “For me this scholarship will lessen a financial ment for both academic and sup- “It was wonderful experience and versity of California, Los Angeles,” burden and help me focus on my studies. I thank Tata for investing port staff. The visits enable staff it gave me an opportunity to she said. in our education …” with clearly defined study /research explore my academic area of projects/work experience require- interest and the American culture. She added that the programme has - Neesha Maharaj ments to have access to one or more My observation of the library given her the confidence and senior staff members in their field infrastructure and systems con- experience to continue to provide at the University of California. cludes that we are service- an informed Special Collections Research Service and the skills for providing a digital imaging service to the users of the Killie Campbell Africana Library.

“The ‘one million’ bicycles on the Santa Barbara campus was the most striking difference between UKZN and the University of California. In my opinion whilst we might be referred to as a ‘third world’ country, our University and

Library services compare favour- Hirasen Albert ably with US standards,” said Ms Somers. Picture: TATA Scholarship recipient, Miss Phumzile Khumalo is presented with her scholarship by Vice-Chancellor Professor Malegapuru Makgoba - Sabelo Nyuswa and Mr Raman Dhawan Managing Director of TATA Africa. Picture: Supplied Picture: Ms Nellie Somers.

7 UKZN achievers

AccoladesAccolades forfor BHPBHP BillitonBilliton recognisesrecognises professorprofessor andand eexxcellencecellence INDUSTRY-LEADER, BHP with them around the globe, are semesters of study were acknow- Billiton Aluminium South Africa, innovative and who stand out from ledged and recognised for their studentstudent Richards Bay, sponsored two the crowd. excellent achievements. functions to honour and recognise the top student achievers in the In order to achieve its objectives, In his address, Deputy Vice- College of Agriculture, Engin- BHP Billiton is interested in Chancellor and Head of College, rofessor Thirumala Her area of research is pharma- eering and Science at two functions providing support to initiatives in Professor Pete Zacharias said, “All Govender of the School of ceutical technology, where she in Durban and Pietermaritzburg on the College which provide the students here today are in a Pharmacy and Pharma- focuses on the development of P 12 September. incentives to excel with an group, internationally recognised cology learnt of three career suc- novel drug delivery systems for emphasis on enhancing existing as excellent. Remember, we bench- cesses while attending the Aca- enhancing drug therapy, She The College and BHP Billiton’s practices. mark nationally and internationally demy of Pharmaceutical Sciences believes a good lecturer inspires Hillside Aluminium smelter enjoy so we have confidence that our of South Africa’s 29th Annual and nurtures students, is able to a close relationship that aspires to Approximately 800 students and brand of excellence matches the Conference from 22-26 September. adapt his or her teaching metho- address the need to develop high- parents attended the two BHP global trend around the world.” dologies to meet the changing end skills in young people. As the Billiton-sponsored functions. All She received the 2008 Johnson and needs of students and the pro- world’s largest diversified re- the students who received Johnson Distinguished Teacher fession, infuses lectures with their sources company, BHP Billiton Certificates of Merit and Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching research experience and leads by targets people who want to grow commendations over the past two - Vicky Crookes and Learning in Pharmacy, she was example. elected and appointed to the Aca- demy’s Executive Committee as its As Vice-Chairperson of the Aca- Vice-Chairperson and a research demy, Professor Govender will poster presentation by her PhD focus on promoting research and student, Ms Elizabeth Ojewole, teaching and capacity development received first prize at the event in in the pharmaceutical sciences. Her Gauteng. The judges, who included goals include promoting the de- senior academics independent of velopment of pharmaceutical the Academy with a specialisation scientists, particularly Black in teaching decided that Professor people and women of which there Govender was most deserving of is a scarcity in South Africa, the Award. sourcing funding from corporate organisations for student training Professor Govender said: “As an and increasing research output academic I seek excellence in both and excellence within the disci- research and teaching in my pline. discipline. I’ve received accolades for my research in the past but this In recognition of excellence in national recognition in teaching is research, Professor Govender was

a first for me. I owe my success to twice the recipient of the Adcock Crookes Vicky Picture: A group of top achieving College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science students with (left) Mr Hanre Marais from my students who inspire and moti- Ingram Best Research Publi- BHP Billiton and (right) Professor Pete Zacharias, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of College and Professor Deo vate me, senior colleagues in the cations’ Award presented by the Jaganyi, Deputy Dean of Science and Agriculture. School of Pharmacy and Pharma- same Academy. cology who supported me earlier in my career and to the guidance and love from my family.” - Neesha Maharaj ScholarshipsScholarships createcreate opportunitiesopportunities SCHOLARSHIPS valued at R35 on Honours level candidates in Bronze Medal, the Mandela million created study opportunities making awards at post-graduate Rhodes Scholarship, Archbishop for more than 3 000 students at level, because they served “as a Denis E Hurley Scholarship, and UKZN this year. nursery for subsequent post- the WOSA (Women in Science, graduate progression. Engineering and Agriculture) Of the funds allocated, the Univer- Scholarship. sity contributed R23 million and “Scholarships act as a reward for R12 million came from donations excellence in academic perfor- Sixteen first year female students from external trust funds. mance, again across the full gamut were awarded the coveted WOSA of academic levels. This University scholarship aimed at addressing the A recent Scholarship Awards Cere- is richly endowed with significant skills shortfall in the fields of mony at the Howard College numbers of quite outstanding engineering, science and agri- campus acknowledged the success students. The award of scholar- culture. of students who were awarded the ships to these true high flyers most prestigious scholarships. The constitutes a deserved recognition Opportunities to pursue post- annual allocation of scholarships is of their excellence and of their graduate research abroad at uni- geared towards attracting and outstanding performance,” said versities in the United Kingdom retaining the best undergraduate Professor Jones. were made possible for Miss and postgraduate students. Hayley Leck and Miss Kelly Dyer, Twenty-four prestigious scholar- both recipients of the Emma Smith Professor Trevor Jones, Chair of ships featured at this year’s cere- Scholarship. Picture: Neesha Maharaj Picture: Professor Thirumala Govender (right), with her PhD student Ms Elizabeth the Scholarship Executive Com- mony including the Cecil Renaud Ojewole. mittee, said emphasis was placed Postgraduate Scholarship, S2A3 - Neesha Maharaj

8 UKZN achievers Denis E Hurley Steve Biko Peace Award Award eputy Vice-Chancellor and Mazibuko as a talented academic, ment that what one does should be RESEARCH emerging from the Head of the College of a source of knowledge, a feisty enhanced and reinforced. School of Audiology, Occupational D Humanities, Professor woman and someone who chal- Therapy and Speech Language Fikile Mazibuko, has been awarded lenges the problems that exist in “I met Steve Biko when I was a Pathology at UKZN that aims to the Steve Biko International 2008 society today. student in Zululand and he was a improve the quality of life of HIV Peace Award for her outstanding student at the Medical School. patients has received an award of contribution to the struggle for In accepting her award, Pro- What he said appealed to me and excellence. freedom and social justice in South fessor Mazibuko said she was the caring nature he showed. His Africa. extremely humbled and added ethos and philosophy helped me Ms Jessica Paken, a Senior Tutor that it was a source of encourag- understand the complex nature of in the Discipline of Audiology was The Steve Biko International Peace ement for her. humanity.” presented with the “Archbishop Award is given to unsung heroes/ Denis E Hurley Award” on 18 heroines who have dedicated them- She said: “This award is about Steve Biko’s sister, Ms Nobandile September at the Howard College dedication, an award given to those Biko, said Professor Mazibuko was Theatre. Supplied Picture: selves in different ways to the Ms Jessica Paken. struggle for freedom in South who have made a contribution to a worthy recipient of the award. Africa. freedom all over the world. This is Her innovative study titled: The She would like to see her research a gesture to recognise and affirm She said: “I am so proud. I wonder Use of the Auditory Brainstem published in journals so that the Umtapo board member, Ms Asha one another as a people. It is a what he thinks when he looks down Response Test in Detecting Subtle relevant professionals would have Moodley, described Professor reminder and source of encourage- and sees the wonderful things that Neurological Changes in HIV/ access to information that will people are doing to remember AIDS infected individuals with benefit HIV infected patients who him.” Different CD4 Counts was initially require audiological treatment. nominated for the S2A3 Bronze Other recipients of the award Medal awarded by the South Dr Robin Joubert, the Head of the include Mrs Winnie Motlalepule African Association for the Ad- School of Audiology, Occupational Kgware from the North West vancement of Science. While she Therapy and Speech Language Province, the first woman to lead a did not receive the S2A3 award, the Pathology said they were “de- political organisation in South Scholarship Awards Executive lighted” by Ms Paken’s achieve- Africa, Ms Mary Mkhwanazi, Committee believed her work ment. community activist from Umlazi deserved acknowledgement and who was the founder and first presented her with the Archbishop “Ms Paken’s supervisor, Mr CD president of the South African Denis E Hurley Award. Accom- Govender, was extremely im- Domestic Workers’ Union and Ms panying this accolade is a R15 000 pressed with the level of indepen- Anne Hope, who was responsible cash prize. dence and confidence that she for adapting the Paulo Freirean displayed while executing this very approach for South Africa and who Ninety HIV-infected patients par- sensitive and ethically demanding co-authored the Training for ticipated in the two year study study. Transformation manuals which undertaken by Ms Paken in 2006 “Her external examiner described Picture: Xoliswa Zulu were banned in South Africa in the for her Master’s degree in Com- Professor Fikile Mazibuko, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College 1970s. munication Pathology which she it as an ‘ambitious study on a very of Humanities (right), was announced the 2008 recipient of the Steve Biko important area which has not International Peace Award. Presenting the award to her is Steve Biko’s sister, obtained cum laude in April this Ms Nobandile Biko. - Xoliswa Zulu year. received the necessary attention in recent years.’ This type of project Ms Paken who is grateful that her holds numerous challenges and the hard work was recognised said: “This student showed her competency in JazzJazz maestromaestro research is important because it completing it and made a definite provides new information that would contribution to current under- UKZN guitarist and Director of the At the Festival, Mr Naidoo found and Popular Music. This, says Mr assist an audiologist in making standing,’’ added Dr Joubert. Centre for Jazz and Popular Music, himself filling in for Berklee Naidoo, would expand our stu- decisions regarding rehabilitative Mr Mageshen Naidoo joined the professor Matt Marvuglio (who dents’ concept and experience of procedures of such patients.” - Neesha Maharaj ranks of high-flying internationally took ill) and playing a televised gig jazz and expose them to fellow acclaimed artists and pedagogues with legendary Latin saxophonist artists elsewhere. This has already when he performed and taught at Marco Pignataro. In addition to started with the exchange pro- the Veracruz International Jazz teaching advanced techniques in gramme with Gotheborg in Architecture prize Festival in Xalapa, Mexico. (North American) jazz harmony Sweden, and crossing the Atlantic Architecture prize and improvisation, Mr Naidoo to South America will add a new A DESIGN by UKZN MArch student Mr Ryan Harborth won the The festival, which has the pro- introduced the Mexican and Latin dimension to the programme. 2008 “Innovation in Social Housing” competition sponsored by the minence of the North Sea Jazz American students to the music of Social Housing Focus Trust (SHiFT). Included in his prize was a two- festival, and, like South Africa’s South African jazz maestros Bheki - Normah Zondo week excursion to Holland under the auspices of the social housing Standard Bank Jazz Festival, Mseleku, Winston Mankunku, and authorities there. includes a major jazz education Hugh Masakela. Mr Naidoo is component, attracted talented jazz skilled at slipping in and out of All universities offering Architecture were invited to participate and students from across the region. American, African and Indian the outcome was announced at the National Architectural Students’ Luminaries who have taught and music idioms and the students were Congress hosted by the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, performed there include musicians especially interested in the unique from 24-29 August. Of the 34 entries received, the short-listed five Eddie Gomez, James Newton and blends of chutney and chkalaka that were exhibited in the Oliewenhuis Art Gallery in Bloemfontein. Antonio Sanchez, based at insti- often flavour Durban jazz. tutions like the famous Berklee The entry by Mr Harborth was based in Durban’s Warwick Triangle, College of Music, the New England Mr Naidoo said that students and was singled out by the jury for its successful integration into the Conservatory in Boston, and the showed an interest in coming to urban fabric; for its use of buildings to define public and private spaces; University of Southern California, UKZN. Other musicians would the integration of different unit types and levels; and the careful where Mr Naidoo is presently also like a linkage arrangement that planning of individual units. completing a doctor of musical arts would enable them to come and Picture: Supplied Picture: degree. work briefly at the Centre for Jazz Mr Mageshen Naidoo. - Ambrose Adebayo

9 UKZN achievers AwardAward forfor FellowshipFellowship contributioncontribution er HIV and AIDS preven- of Education will participate in an Centre for Clinical and Be- tion proposal which initial two month leadership pro- havioural Studies at Columbia H encourages open com- gramme at the UCLA Program on University. The initiative aims to toto educationeducation munication led to Ms Fumane Global Health in Johannesburg in promote HIV and AIDS prevention Khanare receiving a one year September and in October she will advocacy among women through DEPUTY Vice-Chancellor and Training and Government. In the fellowship from the MAC AIDS head off to New York where the skills development. Head of the College of Humanities, category, Education and Training, Fund. The lecturer in the Faculty programme continues at the HIV Professor Fikile Mazibuko, has 50 women were nominated. Ms Khanare’s plan of action to been recognised for her outstand- address HIV and AIDS encourages ing contribution in the sector of Professor Mazibuko said: “I’m dialogue on issues of love, relation- Education and Training in CEO surprised, excited, happy and ships and sexuality especially (Celebrating Excellence in Organi- extremely humbled. The event is a among youth who she believes are sations) SA’s Most Influential beneficial seminar on leadership. I the most vulnerable. She hopes to Women in Business and Govern- certainly did not expect this at all. discover the impediments to open ment Awards 2008. I believe in what CEO is doing, communication and overcome recognising contributions and these challenges. The award was apt recognition for efforts of South African women in Professor Mazibuko’s contribution nation-building and creating spaces She considers the opportunity to the UKZN College of Humani- for networking. abroad as “a learning curve” which ties drive to advance teaching and will help her determine how com- learning among South Africa’s “The event was also an opportunity munities respond to the pandemic. youth. to be with my colleagues, peers and “It’s an honour to be chosen, women who are achievers, who are especially as a woman this oppor- In a letter to Professor Mazibuko, on the road to success and develop- tunity will enable me to take a lead CEO acknowledged the contri- ment, through all sectors. It’s not in the fight against HIV and AIDS bution she has made in her career only a celebration of what we have prevention and make a difference,” and as a leader. “You have com- contributed thus far, but a moment said Ms Khanare. mitted yourself to making a posi- to project and reflect about the tive impact on the wellbeing of future.” Ms Khanare who is studying for her your sector and our country and we Masters in Education (Educational would like to congratulate you on Professor Mazibuko is on the Psychology) expressed her grati- this prestigious achievement,” said executive leadership of the Institute tude to her supervisor Professor the letter. of Higher Education (IHE) and Naydene De Lange who suggested amongst other things, she explores she apply for the Fellowship and The judging panel consisted of Ms opportunities for growth for both to the Head of the School of Social Tina Thomson, of Epiphany students and younger academics Science Education, Professor Leadership, Development and across the board. She gives strong Dennis Francis. Coaching; BHP Billiton Chair support to student-driven initiatives Picture Supplied Picture (from left) Professor Naydene de Lange (Faculty of Education) Ms Fumane Professor Vincent Maphai; CEO of in the Faculties of Education and - Neesha Maharaj Khanare (Lecturer) and Professor Dennis Francis (Head of Social Science the JSE Stock Exchange Russell Humanities, Development and Education). Loubser; UNISA Business School Social Sciences. Quality assurance lecturer, Professor Stella Nkomo; and best practices within academic and CEO of Yvonne Finch Con- schools are one of her top priorities. sulting, Ms Yvonne Finch. She also serves as the Foundation AgricultureAgriculture ScholarshipScholarship Member of a student-driven A UKZN Science Access Pro- exceptional and hopes that more because I could not understand a Five hundred nominations were women empowerment and outreach gramme student, who was awarded UKZN students will also get the thing. Several months later I’ve received in categories which cover programme driven by young a scholarship to study Entrepre- opportunity he has received. learned a lot.” a range of spheres from Arts and women in universities. neurial Agriculture at the pre- Culture, Business and Professional stigious Earth University in Costa Although studying in a Spanish- Mr Pad, who fell in love with Services, Communications, Con- Rica, said South Africa needs more speaking country was difficult for agriculture at a young age, said sumer Business, Education and - Xoliswa Zulu people to fight the food crisis that Mr Pad at first, his experience has studying at Earth University has is currently gripping the African been phenomenal thus far. opened many doors for him. continent. He said: “The experience has been “We get more involved with the Mr Ephraim Bonginkosi Pad, who hectic, especially because Costa field work and it’s as if you have has been in Costa Rica since Rica is a Spanish-speaking country. the degree in your hands. As the September 2007, said his experi- The lectures are done in Spanish food crises increases all over the ence at Earth University has been and in the beginning it was hectic continent of Africa, more students should be enrolled in agricultural studies to fight the problem. More agriculturalists should be produced not only to work and produce crops, but to go out and pass on valuable information to people in the rural parts of South Africa,” he said.

He added that although being away from home has been difficult, he has learned about other cultures and traditions. Picture Supplied Picture

Mr Ephraim Bonginkosi Pad takes time off from his studies at Earth Normah Zondo Picture: University. - Xoliswa Zulu Professor Fikile Mazibuko with her award. 10 UKZN achievers

Geography students recognised NewNew DeanDean PROFESSOR Lesley Stainbank mpressive research presen- preciated the networking oppor- reduced production of carbon has ben appointed Dean of the tations on topical issues earned tunities the conference presented dioxide at source, the education of Faculty of Management Studies. Ithree UKZN students awards at and were better informed of re- society about climate change and the recent South African Students’ search that geography students at the promotion of ways in which Professor Stainbank in at the helm Geography Conference held in other institutions engaged in. society can begin to lead a less of six Schools and two Centres, a Cape Town from 1-3 September. carbon intensive lifestyle,” added task she describes as “over- In her winning research paper on Ms Lewis. whelming” yet a challenge she is Honours in Environment Science Carbon Offsets through Forest looking forward to. student Miss Meggan Lewis Rejuvenation: A Case Study of the Miss Zaakirah Bassa’s research received first prize in the Physical Ferncliffe Nature Reserve Ms titled: Residents’ Perceptions of the “I take it as a compliment that the Geography category while Miss Lewis developed methodology to 2010 FIFA World Cup and Stadium Deputy Vice-Chancellor has confi- Zaakirah Bassa and Miss determine whether the amounts of Development in Durban, South dence in me and my ability to be Humayrah Bassa achieved second carbon dioxide absorbed by trees Africa included interviews with a Dean of the Faculty. With the and third place respectively in the through the process of photo- 100 residents within a 2km radius complexities of Management Stu- Picture: Neesha Maharaj. Human Geography category. synthesis was effective in miti- of the Moses Mabhida Stadium to dies I’ve had to get a lid on every- Professor Lesley Stainbank. gating climate change. ascertain the impact an event of this thing so this is a huge task. How- This year’s conference hosted by magnitude would have on their ever, I’m sure I will settle into this A Chartered Accountant by pro- the University of Cape Town saw Ms Lewis believed her success at lives. post in a short while,” she said. fession, Professor Stainbank chose 150 postgraduate students from the conference was the result of to embrace the world of academia universities around South Africa presenting “a complex project in a “I found it interesting to meet While striving to ensure its under- as it fulfilled a yearning to teach present papers based on their post- simple way. people of different race, age and graduate programmes are of the and utilise her accounting skills. graduate dissertations. Honoured income groups and discover the highest quality, the new Dean plans She advised current students and “Far more important than any by the recognition their work expectations they have of the World to take the necessary steps to graduates to “work hard, don’t stop carbon offset project is the need for received, the three students ap- Cup. The government is spending encourage research within the learning and run with opportunities so much on stadium construction Faculty. She said the emphasis that come along.” so it was fascinating to hear would be on producing more whether they supported the de- Masters and Doctoral graduates. In response to recent media reports velopment or not,” she said. Over the years Professor Stainbank highlighting the large drop-out rate herself has undertaken research in among undergraduate students, The topical issue of land ac- the area of Financial Accounting. Professor Stainbank pointed out quisition among women was that Management Studies has two examined in Miss Humayrah Attributing her move up the aca- effective access programmes and Bassa’s topic: A Gendered Analysis demic ladder to hard work and an Education Unit to assist new of Land Relations and Power dedication, she said her innate students who may struggle with Dynamics in Inanda, KwaZulu- sense of responsibility ensured that tertiary education. Natal. Her research focused on the whatever task she took on was cultural challenges which prohibit accomplished with success. - Neesha Maharaj women in Inanda from acquiring land.

- Neesha Maharaj Academic presents Picture: Neesha Maharaj Picture: (l-r) Winning students Miss Humayrah Bassa, Miss Zaakirah Bassa and Miss Meggan Lewis. paper in China

Attended by 1 500 international delegates, including leading EMSEMS AwardsAwards scientists and practitioners, the Congress focused on the “scientific TOP achievers were honoured at The keynote address was delivered the drop out rate and emigration as and technological aspects of the Enriched Management Studies by an alumnus of the EMS pro- some of the factors contributing to grassland/rangeland management; (EMS) Programme annual awards gramme Mr Nkosini Magwaza, the skills shortage and encouraged and on the challenges involved to dinner on 15 August. Certificates Audit Manager at KPMG. His talk students to play an active role in overcome major limitations for im- of merit and achievement were focused on the shortage of skills in addressing these problems. Mr plementing sustainable develop- presented to students who achieved South Africa, particularly the Magwaza practices what he ment”. a 70% and above aggregate and shortage of Black Accountants. He preaches, volunteering his time to those who achieved in sports and pinpointed a lack of exposure, tutor Accounting students in high Supplied Picture: The location of the Congress – the Ms Monique Salomon. leadership. limited career guidance in schools, schools at Inanda. capital city of inner Mongolia – HONOURARY Research Fellow was well within reach of the vast Representatives of some of the and PhD candidate, Ms Monique and famous Mongolian grasslands, current sponsors of the EMS Salomon from the School of an appropriate site for the mid- programme present included Shell Environmental Sciences recently Congress tours. SA, The Cyril Ramaphosa participated in the Joint Meeting of Education Trust, Standard Bank the 21st International Grassland Ms Salomon was encouraged by and the Industrial Development Congress and the 8th International the questions and feedback Corporation. The Dean of Manage- Rangeland Congress in Hohhot, generated by her presentation. She ment Studies Professor Lesley China. said, “I thoroughly enjoyed the Stainbank and the Director of the Conference and China, and would EMS Programme Mr Jabulani Ms Salomon, who is conducting like to express my gratitude to the Zikhali thanked the sponsors for her research in the Okhombe region Faculty of Science and Agriculture their continued support and also of the northern Drakensberg, for affording me the opportunity to congratulated the students. delivered a keynote paper on “The be part of and contribute to this Battle over Cattle: Livestock exciting platform”.

Picture: Supplied Picture: - Hazel Langa Management in a Changing Rural EMS sponsors and staff with the 2008 EMS Award Winners. Landscape.” - Vicky Crookes

11 International TTrainingraining youngyoung Entomology Congress

UKZN was well represented at the Two Plant Pathology students gave entrepreneursentrepreneurs 23rd International Congress of papers at the congress: Lizzie Entomology (ICE) at the Inter- Mwamburi presented on the bio- rade & Investment skills hosted by UKZN’s Graduate Education has identified the need national Convention Centre in logical control of houseflies in KwaZulu-Natal has formed School of Business. to introduce Economic Manage- Durban. poultry houses and Celestin Ta partnership with the ment Sciences (EMS) to schools Gatarahiya talked about the bio- UKZN branch of Students in Free Professor Walter Geach introduced from the primary school phase. My Staff and students from the School control of red spider mites using Enterprise (SIFE). They are the learners to Business and concern, however, is that teachers of Biological and Conservation Beauvaria bassiana (a fungus), helping learners in 15 KwaZulu- Business Entities; Mr Martin are not entrepreneurs themselves Sciences and the Discipline of combined with soluble silicon. Natal schools to develop business Challenor covered Entrepre- and need re-skilling to teach EMS.” Plant Pathology joined 2 000 plans with the aim of starting their neurship, Management and With this in mind, the GSB in entomologists from around the Their supervisor, Professor Mark own small businesses while still at Strategy; Dr Micky Chasomeris collaboration with Business Part- globe to report and discuss the most Laing, met with United Nations school. The schools competed for delved into The Economy and ners have developed a Business recent achievements in funda- Food and Agriculture Organisation the best business plan, with each Business and Professor Anesh Development Programme (BDP) mental and applied entomological (FAO) quarantine expert, Dr David group being given a R200 budget Singh, Head of the GSB provided which could be adapted to expand sciences. Nowell who is an alumnus of the for their small business. TIKZN insight into Marketing. the skills of EMS teachers. former University of Natal. He is presented the overall winner, Hosted for the first time in Africa, currently a Plant Pathologist in the Laduma Seconday School, with a Professor Singh said: “I applaud the Congress was “of enormous Plant Production and Protection free one-day training for business the fact that the Department of - Anesh Singh benefit in generating solutions to Division of FAO headquarters in the many pressing entomological Rome, working on plant quarantine challenges facing the continent, regulations as they are applied especially those related to human globally, under the International health, food security and the Plant Protection Convention. documentation of its hugely diverse but poorly unknown arthropod Professors Denis Brothers and fauna.” Steve Johnson from the School of Biological and Conservation Conference papers ranged from taxo- Sciences also presented papers at nomy, to the forensics of flies feed- the Congress. ing on corpses, and the control of pests of humans, animals and crops. - Vicky Crookes Picture: Supplied Picture: Laduma High School learners pose proudly with their certificates. DisabilityDisability awarenessawareness Picture: Supplied Picture: THE Disability Unit on the Howard Dr David Nowell (left) and Professor Mark Laing (right) at the International Congress of Entomology in Durban. College campus held a successful awareness campaign on 15 August.

The campaign was designed to create awareness on disability Memorial Lecture issues and challenges currently Natal Division of the Geological faced by students on campus. Society of South Africa and the Department of Geological Sciences There were different races, in- of UKZN. After a cocktail function cluding an ‘amazing cane race’ and sponsored by the University, a wheelchair obstacle course. The amazing cane race was a team event Emeritus Professor AJ Naldrett, of the University of Toronto pre- where various departments within sented a detailed examination of the campus competed in a series of the development of nickel sulphide challenges. deposits from their origins by “The purpose of the event was to partial melting of the mantle to create awareness on different emplacement with mafic bodies in the upper crust. challenges that are encountered by Sabelo Nyuswa Picture: our disabled students. We were Different departments took part in the awareness campaign at the Howard College campus. About 100 people attended, and happy with the turnout on the day although the majority of these were even though we would have loved Picture: Supplied Picture: UKZN academics and geology to see more academic staff present things if you are disabled,” said Student Funding, Library, Inter- Professor AJ Naldrett. students, a significant number of ... Our main aim was to make sure Disability Support Officer Yanga national Office, Community De- the public and representatives of that everyone including the general Mthiyane. velopment and Humanities. THE 30th De Beers Alex du Toit student population and the aca- Memorial Lecture, was held on the local industry were also present. demic staff understand how Departments that took part in the Westville campus on 11 August as difficult it is to do some of the event include Sociology, Sport, - Sabelo Nyuswa a joint function of the KwaZulu- - JN Dunlevey

12 GolfGolf DayDay providesprovides ScienceScience bursariesbursaries showcaseshowcase

hile enabling 116 avid THE KwaZulu-Natal Science Unlimited Expo provided the ideal golfers the opportunity opportunity for the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science to Wto play a sport they open the window on the exciting and fun-filled world of Science. love, the University of KwaZulu- Natal 5th Golf Tournament pro- The Expo, which attracted over 12 000 high school learners from around vided bursaries valued at R60 000 the province, was held at the Royal Agricultural Showgrounds in to six students. Pietermaritzburg at the end of August.

Third year electronic engineering Led by Mr Mark Horan, recipient of the National Science and Technology student Mr Joash Singh and first Forum (NSTF) Science Communicator award, the College mounted a year students Mr Jerry Majoro massive display at the Expo, taking over a quarter of the venue for its (Faculty of Science and Agri- interactive exhibits. culture), Mr VM Mpanza (Faculty of Health Sciences), Mr Andre Concerted efforts by College staff and students ensured that exhibits were Pillay (Faculty of Management curriculum-relevant and portrayed science and technology concepts in a Studies), Miss NKG Gazu (Faculty visual and tangible manner. Experts and senior students were on hand to of Humanities) and Mr Amod Tariq demonstrate, guide and interact with the audience. were presented with bursaries worth R10 000 each at a pre- “Lifting the scientific veil on topical issues has been the major success sentation dinner which followed of the UKZN science exhibitions in recent times,” said Mr Horan. “The the day long tournament on (l-r) Professor Dasarath Chetty, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Corporate Relations; message that Science is relevant to people’s everyday lives and not merely Mr Mark Pillay, overall winner and Mr Anthony Thunstrom, KPMG an exercise in academic muscle flexing has been well received.” 28 August at the Zimbali Country Managing Director, KwaZulu-Natal. Club. Picture: Supplied - Vicky Crookes The golfing winners were Mr Mark Deloitte, PWC, Old Mutual, Edu- on the criteria of academic merit Pillay in the Guest category, and Dr Loan, Toyota Forklifts, Upper and financial need. Babs Jugmohan in the Staff and Café, Bright Spark Engineering, Convocation category, while Mr Vuwani Computer and Afrospice. The recipients expressed their Sifiso Ndimande scooped first Students had the opportunity to gratitude. Mr Joash Singh said: prize for students. interact with corporate sponsors “I’m grateful for the bursary. It is a and learn more about career wonderful opportunity and will The annual event saw major opportunities available to them. motivate me to work hard.” sponsor KPMG contribute R50 000 and First National Bank R30 000. The Student Funding Centre selects Other sponsors were: Magic Pan, deserving bursary recipients based - Neesha Maharaj

TheThe PhDPhD asas aa driverdriver

WITH only 37 percent of instructional staff at Higher Education Institutions (HEI) across South Africa holding PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy degrees), the importance of the degree was reiterated by Crookes Vicky Picture: Mr Samuel Seyama from Geography shows learners how to use a stereoscope the National Research Foundation (NRF) President and CEO, Professor Mzamo Mangaliso during a at ScienceUnlimited. presentation at UKZN.

He addressed academic staff and students on the Westville campus on 22 August on The PhD As a Nursing collaboration Driver, outlining the importance of research ratings and the NRF’s plan of action to produce more PhD graduates. The NRF supports research through funding in the disciplines of natural science, IN July last year, a group of delegates from the Virginia Com- technology, engineering, social sciences and the humanities. monwealth University (VCU) visited UKZN and met with academics from the College of Health Sciences to discuss possible collaborations Describing the PhD as a qualification that “broadened the frontiers of education”, Professor Mangaliso and student exchange programmes. Dr Lyn Middleton, from UKZN’s who is also a member of the UKZN Council, pointed to the need to dispel the myth which exists School of Nursing and Dr Jenny Brown and Dr Inez Tuck from VCU’s among students that the PhD is a degree to be undertaken at an older age. While funding for PhD School of Nursing have together developed an Undergraduate and studies may be viewed as a challenge, Professor Mangaliso indicated this should not hinder students Graduate Online Course for nursing students, specialising in Psychiatry from pursuing the degree. in both the universities. The aim of the project is for the two universities to collaborate using He said the NRF would be looking at ways to increase funding for Honours, Masters and PhD students internet strategies to develop the clinical skills of undergraduate and over the next three years. graduate nursing students enrolled in the two universities. Students at The implementation of the South African PhD Project by the NRF in November last year looked at both universities will be enrolled in the web site called MOODLE for several mechanisms aimed at promoting delivery of the degree. One suggestion Professor Mangaliso the purpose of sharing information regarding psychiatric nursing made was looking at the merits of working on several projects towards obtaining a doctoral degree as practice from the perspective of their respective countries. Students opposed to presenting a proposal for a PhD dissertation. Other activities promoting the Project include: will have the opportunity to analyse cases, discuss nursing and DSM- an annual PhD recruitment drive, creation of PhD Peer Support Groups and allocation of bursaries IV diagnoses, treatment modalities, and cultural differences and for local and international PhD study opportunities. barriers to treatment. Students will compare treatment approaches and services available in the two health care systems. During his presentation Professor Mangaliso expressed the need for more NRF A-rated researchers The joint project attests to the importance of international universities at tertiary institutions throughout South Africa. Currently, UKZN is ranked third in the country in collaborating to improve in areas of teaching and research and also terms of the number of rated scientists with three A ratings, four B ratings and 78 falling under provides a platform for students from different countries to learn from category C. their different cultural and educational experiences.

- Neesha Maharaj - Maryann Francis

13 MedicineMedicine curriculumcurriculum StudentStudent protestprotest

FRUSTRATEd after 18 months without taxi transport, students on the conferenceconference Westville campus embarked on protest action on 2 September to demand that the issue be resolved.

n 20 August, students and The students handed their memorandum to officials from the Department staff of the Nelson R of Transport who were also present. OMandela School of Medi- cine converged in the Steve Biko “We are tired of this. For a long time we are demanding that the University Lecture Theatre for their seventh together with the Department of Transport must do something. We are annual curriculum conference walking a very long distance from where we can be able to access organised by the Medical Students transport. Another problem is that at night it is very dangerous especially Representative Council (MSRC). to female students,” said Mr Sthembiso Hlongwane.

In her message of support Professor The conflict between the Claremont and Chesterville Taxi Associations Leana Uys, Deputy Vice- started last year when both associations accused one another of operating Chancellor and Head of the within the campus illegally. College of Health Sciences used the metaphor of the design of one’s For the safety of students University management decided to stop both home to illustrate some of the associations from operating within the campus as taxi violence was on important logistics that need to be the cards. considered in curriculum review. Her message to the students was “We are hoping that this issue will be resolved as soon as possible as we that they need to ensure that at all have been frustrated for a long time now. Some of the students have times the foundation that is the core Picture: MaryAnnPicture: Francis failed some of their tests because of late arrival, subsequently resulting principles of teaching must be Ms Bulelwa Mpisi presented the theme address. in academic exclusion,” said one student. maintained. students had limited clinical ex- reinforced in each year. Staff and The Department of Transport said the negotiations are at an advanced Professor Renuka Vithal, Deputy posure time, limited basic sciences students noted that skills learnt in stage and that the issue of transport will be resolved soon. Vice-Chancellor, Teaching and knowledge, poor facilitation and the skills laboratory and through Learning commended the students inequality in ownership. She said paper cases was not transferred in “We are aware of the situation and I can assure the students that very for their initiative and encouraged that the new curriculum aimed to the clinical setting. However, it was soon this problem will be solved,” said Mr Vusumuzi Fanle Sibisi from other Faculties to embark on address grievances and encouraged also recognised that a shortage of the Department of Transport. similar discussions. She said that students to participate in the forth- patients and space in hospitals medical students are the brightest coming discussions. hampered the transfer of know- - Sabelo Nyuswa and smartest students in the country ledge in the clinical settings. so a lot is expected from them. She Curriculum 2010 will be a six-year added that the curriculum can be curriculum that is student-centred, Robust discussion ensued when the taken to mean everything a student problem-based, integrated, MSRC presented their perspective experiences, in other words one’s community-based and spiral. on the current curriculum and the total educational experience. She Professor W Sturm, Dean of the new curriculum. Mr Thabo encouraged students to “work with Nelson R Mandela School of Moekeletjie, Vice-President of the and through the conflicts. Be the Medicine said, “No curriculum is MSRC presented a thought- kind of medical practitioner you static. It lends itself to continuous provoking account of students’ want to become.” evolution that should lead to experiences at Medical School and improvement. A curriculum that in the hospitals from 1st to 4th year. In her theme address MSRC does not change is a dead cur- representative Ms Bulelwa Mpisi riculum.” The conference was a huge success said the main reason for imple- and indicated the importance of menting a new curriculum is to Some of the points of discussion staff and students interacting in the address global and national recom- that arose from the students were teaching, learning and research mendations for creating a doctor that there was no clear integration process. Picture: Sabelo Nyuswa Picture: for the 21st Century. The old in the clinical years. Students felt Students at the Westville Campus showing their dissatisfaction with the curriculum had many shortfalls: that conversational Zulu should be - MaryAnn Francis unavailability of efficient transport. HealthHealth RResearchesearch SymposiumSymposium SEVENTY two academic papers searchers at the UKZN College of search Symposium held at the Hermanus Magnetic Observatory ment in South Africa: Why Should were presented by UKZN re- Health Sciences AstraZeneca Re- Innovation Centre from 12-13 who addressed the topic: Polar We Value this Process? She August. Space Weather and International questioned the existing resentment Polar Year – What’s Up at SANAE- from certain quarters toward Over the two days researchers had IV down in Antarctica. pharmaceutical-driven research the opportunity to inform col- and development projects. leagues and invited guests of in- “This year we invited a scientist roads made in their respective areas from a totally different field, just “The pharmaceutical industry of research. to excite our academics about the contributed greatly towards treat- world of science. He talked about ment of disease through the pro- Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head space weather, a totally new topic duction of drugs. South Africa of the College of Health Sciences, for all of us, and inspired all who should enthusiastically embrace Professor Leanna Uys said the listened to see research as an foreign investments for clinical Symposium enabled networking exciting and fun part of academic trials,” said Dr Bhana. She called between researchers and informed life,” said Professor Uys. for collaboration between the academics of potential collabo- pharmaceutical industry and rators. The closing plenary session was academic institutions to provide addressed by Dr Vasanti Bhana, the more clinical trial training for An unusual feature at this year’s Senior Manager: Medical, students. Symposium was a presentation by Regulatory and Quality Assurance Picture: Neesha Maharaj Picture: Delegates at one of the presentations at the College of Health Sciences guest speaker Professor Pierre for AstraZeneca who presented a AstraZeneca Research Symposium. Cilliers, Research Physicist for the paper on Clinical Drug Develop- - Neesha Maharaj

14 BioethicsBioethics ConferenceConference GSBGSB hostshosts he International Conference medical Research in African Com- newer and more stringent regu- on Bioethics was held in munities” and “Ethical Dilemmas lations currently operating in TEgerton University, Kenya in Medicine: Overriding Patient developed countries. Developing studentsstudents from 12-14 August. UKZN’s Head Autonomy in Medical Practice- countries present a captive popu- of Programme in Bioethics Re- Best Interests, Necessity, Thera- lation of less sophisticated indi- search and Medical Law, Professor peutic Privilege, and Public viduals, in terms of their under- fromfrom IndiaIndia Sylvester Chima, presented two Policy.” standing of informed consent and FIFTY two MBA (Masters in Business Administration) students papers at the Conference. who are also protected by lax laws from the Indian Institute of Planning and Management (IIPM) Africa is a complex society chal- and rarely enforced regulations. As learnt of business trends and economic development in KwaZulu- The theme of the conference was lenged by problems of under- a result, communities in Africa are Natal during an educational visit organised by UKZN’s Graduate “Bioethical Perspectives and development, poverty, prevalence ripe for exploitation by unethical School of Business (GSB) in August. The GSB compiled an Practices in Research, Medicine, of preventable communicable researchers and research sponsors. intensive itinerary comprising factory visits, lectures and talks, Life Sciences and Related Techno- diseases, poor health infrastructure and cultural tours to provide the students with a well-rounded logies in sub-Saharan Africa.” The and differences in belief systems He called for stronger regulations, learning programme. conference was organised by the and cultural practices. Professor standards of care and important United Nations Education, Chima argued that, as a result, aspects of distributive justice for Arranged in conjunction with the Consulate of India the initiative Scientific and Cultural Organi- African communities represent a biomedical research in Africa. He aimed to expose students to the operations of business outside sation (UNESCO) Regional Docu- vulnerable group which deserves suggested that the African Union their own country and simultaneously experience the culture of a mentation and Research Centre on the highest standards of ethical consider formulating a directive on South African university. Bioethics based at Egerton Univer- practice when it is a source of biomedical research, similar to the sity, Njoro, Kenya. human subjects for the conduct of current European Union directives. Officially opening the week-long programme on 18 August at biomedical research. Professor This would provide guidance on the GSB Auditorium on the Westville campus were Deputy-Vice Professor Chima’s papers were on Chima stated that recent studies unifying and simplifying local Chancellor and Head of the College of Law and Management “Ethical Implications in Human have suggested an ongoing North- regulatory and administrative Studies, Professor John Mubangizi and Mr Harsh Vardhan Research: Towards a more Effec- South migration of the commercial provisions, and enhance the ethical Shringla, Consul-General of India who informed students of the tive Regulation of Human Bio- research enterprise to avoid the conduct of biomedical research in close ties between South Africa and India, including the academic Africa. links between UKZN and tertiary universities in India. One of the highlights of the Con- Professor Mubangizi said hosting the IIPM students was in line ference was a tree-planting cere- with the University’s goal of achieving internationalisation. He mony. Tree-planting in Kenya is led said it was important to expose students to other global by the Green Belt Movement universities. He indicated the possibility of future collaborations (GBM) which has launched a between UKZN and IIPM through an MOU (Memorandum of nationwide campaign to conserve Understanding). local bio-diversity, enhance natural beauty and prevent soil erosion. Mr Shringla thanked the GSB for hosting the delegation from Con-ference delegates planted trees India and briefed students on India’s bi-lateral trade agreements in support and recognition of this with South Africa which he said amounted to R5 billion annually. campaign. Providing students with an overview of economic development

Picture: Supplied - MaryAnn Francis in KwaZulu-Natal were the Head of Department of the Provincial Professor Chima plants a tree. Treasury, Mr Sipho Shabalala and Mr Donny Pethan, the General Manager: Export Development Promotion at Trade and Investment KZN.

ClassicsClassics lectureslectures The students’ learning experience extended to lectures by UKZN academics who addressed topics such as: the South African PROFESSOR Kurt Raaflaub and Raaflaub on The Truth about ancient times would be construed Economy, International Marketing, the Impact of Global Warming his colleague Deborah Boedeker Tyranny: Tacitus and the His- as treason and could land writers on Business, Business with Africa, Corporate Governance and from Brown University in the torian’s Responsibility in Early in a great deal of trouble. the South African Information Technology Industry. They also Imperial Rome. United States presented a series of took in visits to several factories within the manufacturing sector. lecturers on ancient times during Professor Raaflaub commended their two-day visit to the University He told students that historians the students and staff within the were hindered from providing a School of Literary Studies, Media Of their learning opportunity in KwaZulu-Natal, a Professor in in August. Marketing Management, Virat Bahri who accompanied the IIPM true reflection of ruling emperors and Creative Arts for working hard students said: “It was a nicely structured visit that exposed students Students were provided with an of the time for fear of adverse to keep the Classics alive. to global business trends. It was a new experience for students to insight into the tyranny of Imperial repercussions. Professor Raaflaub learn how companies manage the business environment here in Rome during a lecture by Professor said being critical of rulers during “I’m impressed by the number of students who are studying the South Africa.” classics. By studying these historical works you are critically - Neesha Maharaj aware of the modern world. We learn that our ancestors grappled with the same problems we encounter today. It lays a foundation for inculcating values in the modern world,” said Professor Raaflab.

Professor John Hilton, Head of the Classics Programme at UKZN said that such visits were important if UKZN wanted to forge links with academics abroad. It also developed staff and student capacity to compete with global universities. Picture: Neesha Maharaj Picture: Neesha Maharaj From (left) Professor John Hilton (Head of the Classics Programme at UKZN) - Neesha Maharaj MBA students from the Indian Institute of Planning and Management together with visiting Professors Deborah Boedeker and Kurt Raaflaub from during an educational visit to UKZN. Brown University in the United States.

15 Sport Corner

AccountingAccounting studentsstudents TTennisennis prospros AFTER doing exceptionally well continent. For many of us it was the at the Federation of African Sport first time that we participated in a displaydisplay soccersoccer skillsskills Union (FASU) games in Uganda tournament outside our borders.” the UKZN tennis team is expected ore than 20 teams took part in the annual School of Accounting Soccer Day held at the to do well in the South African The 28-year old also said getting a Pietermaritzburg campus sports grounds. Sport Union (SASSU) games in gold medal for the first time in M North West Province in December. Uganda has motivated him to do The day has become a highlight in the social life of the School with staff and students meeting on “common even better in different com- turf” with the aim of making it to the finals. The UKZN team will be led by Mr petitions. Lee De Waal who won a gold There was an excellent turnout of players and spectators with sponsorship from Peter Warmingtons, a medal in Uganda. Mr De Waal was “It was a good feeling standing Pietermaritzburg accounting firm. A series of round-robin play-offs determined the top four teams. The eventual recently voted Sportsman of the there on the podium to receive a winners were the third year team, Shanela. Year on the Westville campus. gold medal for my country. It meant a lot for me. It’s a memory that will “We learned so much in Uganda always be in my mind. The good during the FASU games and I’m thing about it is that it has sure that experience will assist us motivated me even more to do to do well in North West. Our aim better,” Mr De Waal said. is to bring as many medals as we can for our institution,” he said. He is committed to improving tennis skills among young players Mr De Waal is a third year Sport in the community: “It’s good to be Science student at Westville Cam- working with the youngsters but I pus who doubles up as tennis must say it’s challenging at times coach. He said the trip to Uganda because you need to be patient with was an eye opener for him. them. There are not enough coaches out there for tennis so it’s “It was a wonderful experience for better to do something for the me personally and the team. I think kids.” there are a lot of things that we can learn from these countries in our - Sabelo Nyuswa Picture: Supplied Picture: The two teams who made the Final: Console-ators (left) and Shanela (right). KarateKarate starstar

UKZN student Mr Riyaz Vawda medals. Without good preparation that I represent UKZN and South believes that good preparation and you are bound to fail,” said Mr Africa with pride. I am looking focus will stand him a good chance Vawda. forward to the tournament and it’s of bringing back medals when he a good opportunity for me to learn takes part in the Kyokoshin Kai A second-year Sport Science stu- from other top athletes who will be World tournament scheduled in dent at the Westville campus, he there,” said Mr Vawda. Japan in December. A junior in- will represent South Africa structor, Mr Vawda has just ob- amongst the 52 countries who will He also visited Japan in 2003 when tained his second black belt. be participating in the event. he took part in the Kyokoshin amateur tournament. “In any major karate tournament “It’s a good feeling to know that

like this one you need to prepare there are people out there who “The standard is different. When I Sabelo Nyuswa Picture: very well in order to bring back the value your talent. I will make sure was there five years ago I was still Mr Lee De Waal with his Sportsman of the Year award. an amateur and had little experi- ence, but now it’s a different game altogether,” he said.

In his spare time Mr Vawda enjoys assisting other young athletes who are still at junior level. “It’s good to help the youngsters who are also ambitious about the sport of karate. I enjoy every moment with the kids,’’ he said.

- Sabelo Nyuswa.

Recycle your ukzndaba Please don’t litter ... when you’ve finished with your ukzndaba, why not

Picture: Supplied Picture: pass it on to someone else, or place it in a bin for recycling with other paper- Mr Riyaz Vawda. waste.

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