12 December 2009 Number olume 6 V

Winner of the 2008 Institute for Marketing, Advancement & Communication in Education (MACE) Excellence Award for Best Internal Publication Bill Gates visits UKZN r Bill Gates, the Co- A presentation by Professor Bruce Chair of the Bill Walker, one of the Founding and Melinda Gates Members of the HIV Pathogenesis M Foundation was Programme(HPP) based at the informed of the latest develop- Doris Duke Medical Research ments in HIV research undertaken Institute (DDMRI) informed Mr by the University of KwaZulu- Gates and his representatives of in- Natal’s leading academics and roads the Programme has made postgraduate students during a visit towards the development of a to the Nelson R Mandela School vaccine against HIV and AIDS. of Medicine on World Aids Day According to Professor Walker a (December 1, 2009). critical area of research the HPP is currently undertaking concerns the Vice-Chancellor, Professor group of HIV positive people Malegapuru Makgoba led a round- referred to as the “elite controllers” table discussion on HIV Pre- who are able to maintain a viral Exposure Prophylaxis together load of below 50 virus particles per with academics Professors Willem millitre of blood. The HPP had Sturm, Dean of the Nelson R been a recipient of funding from the Mandela School of Medicine; Bill and Belinda Gates Foundation Professor Makgoba greets Mr Gates on his arrival. Salim Abdool Karim, Director of three years ago. Professors Thumbi CAPRISA; Professor Nhlanhla Ndung’u, Director of HPP and Mkhize, the Head of the School of Hoosen (Jerry) Coovadia, partici- Psychology; Dr Regina Osih, pated in the discussions. Reproductive Health Unit; Professor James McIntyre, Perinatal Health Nine postgraduate students Research Unit; Mr Jonathan Berger, engaged in research relevant to AIDS Law Project, Medicines HIV and AIDS attended a luncheon Control Council; and Mr Roger with Mr Gates and Professor Phili HIV/AIDS, STI and TB Makgoba. They were Ms Portia Director for KwaZulu-Natal. Mutevedzi, Mr James Ndrirangu, Mr Bongiwe Ndlovu, Mr Manuel Discussions provided Mr Gate’s and Macia, Ms Christina Thobakgale, other Foundation representatives an Ms Jaclyn Wright, Ms Kerry insight into advances made in HIV Vermaak, Ms Bronwyn Joubert and programmes in various disciplines Mr Vivek Naranbhai. at UKZN and an overview of current research pursuits by both academics and postgraduate students. - Neesha Maharaj

See also page 2 The round-table discussion with various stakeholders and UKZN academics. Anand Govender

es: Pictur Mr Gates and Professor Makgoba with postgraduate students. Professor Thumbi Ndungu’u, Director of the HIV Pathogenesis Programme; Dr Stefan Bertozzi of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr Vivek Inside Narandhai; and Mr Gates in the HPP Laboratory. 2 Nursing Career Day 3 Recognition for ACCI 6 UKZN achievers 8 African Bloodlines

Founding Campuses Edgewood Howard College Medical School Pietermaritzburg Westville NursingNursing CareerCareer DayDay Higher Education he School of Nursing Nursing students who had under- the importance of adopting a good hosted a Career Day on 27 gone community service training work ethic as students journey challenges TNovember to prepare its last year related their experiences towards their new work environ- final year students for their Com- to current students. Speakers ment. She reminded students to be munity Service next year. representing diverse sectors in- guided by the Batho Pele principles cluding Non-Governmental when carrying out their community Nurses, nursing academics and Organisations (NGOs), the service. career advisors presented expert Medical Aid Sector, the Research advice to the 35 Bachelor of Environment and the private sector Students were advised that research Nursing students. informed students of the various should be embedded in their roles work options available to them. as nursing professionals and that Acting Co-ordinator for the they should contribute towards Bachelor of Nursing Programme, Professor Ncama who practiced as evidence-based practice. t Hirasen Professor Busi Ncama stressed the a nurse for 10 years before joining

importance of preparing students the School of Nursing in 1997 “Nursing is dynamic and formal Alber for their work environment as advised students to adopt a positive education becomes obsolete two e: qualified nursing professionals. years after completion. We have attitude to their work and respect Pictur the patients they encounter at the prepared them for lifelong learning (l-r) UKZN’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Malegapuru Makgoba; Key areas addressed included job healthcare facilities they will be and we want to see them pursue Professor Gerald Pillay, visiting Vice-Chancellor from the Liverpool seeking skills, self management in further study in the near future,” Hope University and Mr Charles Poole, Executive Director of Physical deployed to. Planning and Operations. the world of work, goal setting, added Professor Bhengu. financial planning and require- The Head of the School of Nursing, VICE-CHANCELLOR of Liverpool Hope University in England ments for community service. Professor Busi Bhengu reiterated - Neesha Maharaj and UKZN alumnus Professor Gerald Pillay presented a Public Lecture on “The Challenges Facing Higher Education in the UK – Some Perspectives” during a scholarly visit to his alma mater on 30 November. The lecture on the Westville campus was the last in a series of public lectures for 2009 organised by UKZN’s Corporate Relations Division.

Professor Pillay cited funding, universities maintaining admission targets and educating citizens to meet the country’s human resource demands as among 21st century challenges facing the United Kingdom’s Higher Education sector.

Universities in the UK that previously had 86 percent of their budgets subsided by government funds, had to make do with a 36 percent contribution at present. According to Professor Pillay, Britain, regarded as a Social Welfare State channels a high e: Supplied percentage of its GDP towards Health and Social Welfare, leaving Higher Education with limited government funding. Pictur Staff and students at a Career Day for final year Bachelor of Nursing Students. Of concern to education role players in the UK was the decline in the number of students studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Professor Pillay said this was not a good sign for a country which did not have the human resource capacity to fill positions in these areas.

Bill Gates interacts with Universities in the UK have also been challenged in ensuring that 50 percent of its citizens between the ages 18 to 30 years old enter PPPollution Research Group the Higher Education system. Presently, 40 percent of this category of citizens were admitted to universities said Professor Pillay. He IN an effort to support and learn more about water, attributed this to the class system still entrenched in the UK which sanitation and hygiene interventions, Mr Bill Gates and in the past made university education accessible only to the nobility. his team met with the UKZN Pollution Research Group (PRG) while on a visit to Durban on 1 December. PRG Professor Pillay spoke of the clash between research and teaching members, Professor Chris Buckley and Ms Kitty Foxon where certain universities protected their star researchers from as well as senior representatives of eThekwini Water teaching. However, he stressed the importance of teaching that is and Sanitation were part of the meeting. informed by research as the hallmark of globally competitive universities. The visit involved a tour to on-site sanitation initiatives in Durban which has about 60 000 ventilated improved Pertinent points raised during the lecture included the need for pit (VIP) latrines and 80 000 urine diversion toilets, universities to be “employer friendly” and the need to ensure the making it an ideal location to view sanitation professional competence of academics who may have obtained their technology at work. degrees 20 years ago. Supplied

e: Professor Pillay said universities must produce articulate, insightful The PRG, established in the 1970s to investigate

Pictur individuals informed in their discipline who have the ability to problems of industrial water management in the Durban Professor Chris Buckley of the Pollution make sound judgements. He said students should be introduced to area, has been researching the biotransformation Research Group. career guidance during their induction to university. mechanisms occurring in VIP latrines and urine diversion toilets for the past five years. Professor Pillay said he was impressed by the infrastructure and resources at UKZN. He added that it is important to sustain an The PRG and the eThekwini Municipality have joined forces to engage in research on improving international community on campus through student and staff water supply and sanitation services. Two current projects, co-funded by the South African Water recruitment, international research collaboration and academics’ Research Commission, relate to reducing the filling rate of pit toilets and the entrenchment of contribution to global conferences. biosolids. The Group also collaborates with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in this research. “We cannot be a globally competitive university without this. You can’t be locally useful if you’re not internationally credible,” he - Vicky Crookes said.

- Neesha Maharaj

2 TTTechnologicalechnological InnovationInnovation inin AnatomyAnatomy

he Department of Clinical approach to teaching Anatomy Anatomy at UKZN has which is in line with the philosophy Tembraced new interactive of teaching and learning of the digital technology in the training College,” said Professor Uys. and development of its Allied Professor Mohamed Haffajee, the Health Science anatomy students in former Head of the Department the Faculty of Health Sciences with noted that the launch was a culmi- the introduction of a R3,5 million nation of years of negotiations Multimedia LAN Facility and between different University con- refurbishment of the Dissection stituencies to introduce interactive Hall on the Westville campus. teaching in anatomy.

The state-of-the-art multi-media Current Head Dr Jesse Naidu said technology for teaching and this innovative approach to learning was presented to members teaching anatomy would present a of the University community, “stimulating” teaching and research eThekwini Municipality officials, environment to a Department Department of Health officials and reputed for its quality and quantity members of the media on 23 of research. He acknowledged the November. The Department late Professor Julius Berjak for his demonstrated that human cadavers contributions to the advancement were not the only alternative for (l-r) Vice-President of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, Mrs Dhunluxmie Desai; Durban University of Technology of the Discipline of Anatomy. allied health science anatomy Chancellor Ms Ela Gandhi, Professor Sabiha Essack, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences; eThekwini Municipality students seeking practical training. Councillor, Mr Rabi Gobind and Professor Leana Uys, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Health Speaking on behalf of the Sciences at the launch of the new equipment. Instead, Senior Lecturer Dr Edwin Picture: Albert Hirasen eThekwini Municipality, Coun- Naidu demonstrated how students cillor Rabi Gobind congratulated could obtain experience in dis- innovative technology which Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head “In all disciplines in the College we the Department of Clinical section through interactive com- include the computer software of the College of Health Sciences, are striving to find the most up-to- Anatomy for enriching the training puter software programming called programmes: Ackland’s Anatomy, Professor Leana Uys said the date and educationally sound of students to become world class Real Anatomy which provides Netter’s Atlas, Barrs: The Human launch was a celebration of teaching methodology. The professionals. virtual images of human cadavers. Nervous System and Langman’s impressive facilities aimed at software now available in Anatomy Undergraduate and postgraduate Embryology, aimed at enhancing training current and future students on the Westville campus presents students will be introduced to this teaching and learning. of anatomy. an interactive, experiential - Neesha Maharaj GlobalGlobal recognitionrecognition forfor AACCICCI

THE work of UKZN’s African others grow more and better finger Centre for Crop Improvement millet is finally reaching fruition. (ACCI), which is dedicated to Although this indigenous grain is investing in Africa’s agricultural grown mostly by small farmers and future by training African crop eaten by a hundred million breeders in Africa for Africa, is Africans, finger millet has not making an impact on the world shown significant productivity stage. gains since the 1960s.

“The African Centre for Crop In the district of Teso, in western Improvement is crucial to our hope Kenya, many farmers have already of training more PhDs in Africa,” planted Dr Oduori’s new varieties said Mr Bill Gates, Co-Chair of the in order to help him test and Bill and Melinda Gates Foun- improve them before distributing dation. Mr Gates, of Microsoft them more widely. They attest to fame, was presenting the keynote the way the seeds have changed address at the 2009 World Food their lives for the better. Chair- Prize International Symposium in woman of one of the farmer groups, Iowa, USA. In his speech entitled: Ms Beatrice Etyang said: “It has e: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation “Support for the World’s Poorest improved the nutrition status of the Pictur Farmers,” Mr Gates told the story people. It has empowered us. It has Dr Chrispus Oduori in a demonstration field in Kenya. of ACCI graduate, Dr Chrispus helped us to pay school fees for our Oduori, who is the only plant children. It has helped us to sustain Dr Oduori is not the only ACCI dation, “The ACCI is so important The Bill and Melinda Gates Foun- breeder in Africa with a PhD ourselves.” graduate who has received world- because its training covers the dation, which actively supports the degree focused on finger millet. wide recognition for achieving fundamentals of crop breeding for ACCI, is firmly of the belief “that Through his research and use of On hearing of Mr Gates’ citation advances in agricultural develop- African scientists who are actually advances in agricultural develop- improved seeds and fertilizer, Dr of the ACCI and Dr Oduori’s work, ment in Africa. Two other ACCI doing their research in Africa.” ment in Africa can mean dramatic Oduori has achieved four to six Dr Wayne Haag, Field Director of PhD graduates, Dr Joseph Kamau improvements in the livelihoods of times the expected yield of a typical Sasakawa 2000, congratulated Dr and Dr Clement Kamau, based at Many African plant breeders who millions of people.” finger-millet farmer in Kenya. Oduori, his collaborators, sup- the Kenyan Agricultural Research received their training in Europe porters, and the ACCI/UKZN “for Institute (KARI), are working on and the United States did not Through its work, the Foundation Dr Oduori, who attained his PhD making it possible for African new crop varieties for African develop the practical skills and is committed to creating a green degree from UKZN this year, said: scientists to realise their potential, farmers. Joseph Kamau has already techniques to breed crop varieties revolution in Africa. And, if the “When I heard that I’d received the through conducting meaningful received wide acclaim for develop- suitable for the diverse agricultural current success stories of ACCI’s scholarship to study plant breeding research, resulting in outcomes ing new varieties of cassava that are environments in Africa. The ACCI students are anything to go by, the at ACCI, it was like a dream come which can improve the productivity virus resistant and produce more PhD programme entails two years ACCI at UKZN will contribute true. It was like throwing a fish into of farmers…Chrispus should not than double the yields of unim- of training at the University significantly towards realising that water.” Currently working in his consider his work done until his proved former varieties. followed by three years of research dream. home country of Kenya at the more productive new varieties are in the students’ home countries, Kakamega Research Station, Dr growing in the fields of thousands According to Dr Roy Steiner of the enabling them to learn in their Oduori’s lifelong goal of helping of farmers.” Bill and Melinda Gates Foun- local environment. - Vicky Crookes

3 AcademicsAcademics debatedebate bilingualbilingual degreedegree

wo academics from the Sepedi speaking and came from University of Limpopo, rural backgrounds. Their English TProfessor Esther Ramani was not adequate for university and Dr Michael Joseph, were at studies. UKZN recently to share their knowledge about best practices in “We believed that our students the creation and implementation of could learn new knowledge and a bilingual degree. new information through their own language and this could give them The University of Limpopo is the a better chance to succeed at first university in South Africa to university,” she said. set up a bilingual Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary English and When the degree was implemented Multilingual Studies (CEMS) with in 2003, it was not well-received. English and Sepedi as mediums of “… we had to do a lot of marketing instruction. of the degree to get [students] interested to learn in their mother- The degree has a pass rate of 92% tongue… the best advocates of our and the majority of the students degree are the former students … complete it in three years. By using our students to market and Thembeka Dlungwane

promote the degree, we are able to e: “The decision we took was to increase our numbers every year,” develop a bilingual degree with said Dr Joseph. Pictur Professor Esther Ramani; Professor Rosemary Wildsmith-Cromarty; Dr Michael Joseph; Ms Mary Gordon and Dr English and Sepedi both being used Nobuhle Hlongwa. as mediums of instructions – six One of the biggest challenges was modules are taught in Sepedi and a lack of learning material in The Head of the UKZN’s School of would look at the processes involved such a degree through the School six in English.” Sepedi, necessitating the com- Language, Literature and Linguistics, in implementing a similar degree. of isiZulu Studies.” missioning of a team of translators Professor Rosemary Wildsmith- Professor Ramani explained that funded through a grant from the Cromarty, who is fluent in both “We have a ready-made structure the majority of the students were Ford Foundation. isiZulu and English, said that UKZN and we certainly could implement - Thembeka Dlungwane

Employee Assistance and Accounting Wellness Unit accreditation upgraded UKZN is extremely proud of its School of Accounting’s improved all campuses. However, present The Unit is drawing up a formal UKZN staff members who may be accreditation status which was recently communicated to the Head of space constraints have not per- programme for 2010 based on a overwhelmed by personal or School, Professor Nicholas Wood, by the South African Institute of mitted on-site visits to both the “needs analysis” stemming from workplace problems may now turn Chartered Accountants (SAICA). to the newly established Employee Edgewood campus and the Nelson consultation with staff members Assistance and Wellness Unit for R Mandela School of Medicine. The and management. Institutions of higher learning providing accounting education and assistance. team travels to the Westville and training, such as the School of Accounting at UKZN, are regularly Ms Reena Budree, Executive Pietermaritzburg campuses on Tues- monitored and evaluated by SAICA which is an accredited Education Director: Human Resources and The Division of Human Resources days and Thursdays, respectively. and Training Quality Assurance Body (ETQA). The ETQAs are Equity said the Division has long and Equity set up the Unit in accredited for the purpose of monitoring and auditing providers of Initially, the Unit will provide ago recognised the importance of October in an endeavour to foster qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework. an enabling and happy work individual counselling and referral maintaining a “work-life balance” environment to ensure the optimal to staff seeking assistance on issues through Employee Assistance and The various accreditation criteria against which SAICA evaluates performance of staff. including: job pressures, marital Wellness programmes. education providers include: meeting various legal requirements, conflicts; family issues; personal availability of resources, the educational programme, learner support “Maintaining a work-life balance is Managed by Ms Eleanor Langley relationships; drug or alcohol and transformation requirements. with the assistance of Ms PSG Kutu abuse; legal or financial problems; critical for emotional, physical, Hlongwane, an Employee Assist- aging, retirement, illness, computer intellectual, social and spiritual The higher accreditation status has been achieved by improving the ance and Wellness Officer, the Unit addictions, depression, gambling health. Staff need to be aware of quality of the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, most is set to introduce a range of additions, elder care and stress the impact of work on their health, notably the standard of assessment and the effectiveness of tutorials. programmes to assist staff resolve management. In its effort to family and home and vice-versa. The School of Accounting has also recruited a number of young, personal problems and maintain promote Employee Wellness the Often employees feel overwhelmed recently qualified Chartered Accountants who together with more good health. The Unit, based at the Unit plans to introduce education by their responsibilities resulting in experienced staff form a committed team of academics. Howard College campus will and training sessions set to address poor health, financial and lifestyle extend its services to staff across identified problem areas. choices,” said Ms Budree. With assistance and support from staff, UKZN students have excelled in SAICA’s Part 1 Qualifying Examinations. In 2008 UKZN produced According to Ms Budree the four of the top ten students in SAICA’s Part 1 Qualifying Examination. current economic climate will This was a significant achievement considering no other university in result in increased stress levels due the country had more than one candidate in the top ten. Two out of 28 to financial and work pressures. honours achievers, who sat for the 2009 Part 1 Qualifying Examination, She said that staff who are not were from UKZN. coping must seek assistance as soon as possible. Ms Mandi Olivier, SAICA’s Project Director: Education, said: “I’m particularly pleased that the pass rate for first-time candidates in the Describing the Unit’s inception as Part 1 examination for both full-time and distance learning students a milestone for the Division of has exceeded 70 percent in 2008 and 2009. I also note the significant Human Resources and Equity, Ms steps taken to improve pass rates within the programmes, particularly Budree said she hoped it would at the third year level.” contribute significantly to branding UKZN as an employer of choice. Professor Wood commented: “The recognition from SAICA by way e: Neesha Maharaj of an improved accreditation status is most welcome given the sterling effort and commitment from my staff, but we won’t rest on our laurels.” Pictur Ms PSG Kutu Hlongwane (left) (Employee Assistance and Wellness Officer) - Neesha Maharaj and Ms Eleanor Langley, Manager of the Employee Assistance and Wellness - Hazel Langa Unit. 4 ImprovingImproving mentalmental healthhealth

r Pamela Collins, a knowledge to provide community- renowned cultural based primary, secondary and Dpsychiatrist and applied rehabilitative mental health care. medical anthropologist in the Having directed the Inter- United States, recently interacted departmental Global Health Track through Moodle with students from and co-directed the Initiative for the School of Nursing’s De- Maximizing Student Diversity at centralised Programme (SONDP). the MSPH, Dr Collins has a wealth of knowledge and skills in the The aim was to share her experi- mental health of patients with ences with students registered for debilitating diseases such as HIV the online master’s degree in and AIDS. Mental Health. In the United States, her studies Dr Collins is an assistant professor have addressed the HIV prevention of clinical epidemiology at the needs of women with severe mental Mailman School of Public Health illness and the contribution of (MSPH), and assistant professor of social stigma related to mental clinical psychiatry at the College illness and ethnicity to women’s of Physicians and Surgeons. She is HIV risk. Internationally, she has yAnn Francis also an Associate Director for conducted training of healthcare e: Mar Special Populations and Director of providers in mental health, HIV and

the Offices for Special Populations, AIDS transmission, prevention, and Pictur Rural Mental Health Research, and counselling in Argentina, Zambia, Seated (l-r) Mr Genesis Chorwe-Sungani (Malawi); Dr Lyn Middleton (SA); and Ms Winnie Cele (SA). Standing (l-r) Ms Benoite Umubyeyi (Rawanda); Ms Mongie Kealeboga (Botswana); Mr Mulbah Tokpah (Liberia); Global Mental Health at the Uganda, Rwanda, and South Africa. Ms Luntukazi Matanzima (SA); Ms Nokukanya Bokleni (SA); and Ms Nolundi Radana (SA). National Institute of Mental Health Dr Collins has served as a consultant (NIMH). to the Directorate of Mental Health HIV services. The main question Ms Genesis Chorwe-Sungani from Collins asked thought-provoking in South Africa and as a member helped us to think critically about Malawi said: “This semester I had questions which stimulated further The on-line Masters Degree in of its Task Team for Policy the topic drawing from existing an opportunity of interacting with discussion amongst us. I also liked Mental Health being offered by the Guidelines on HIV and AIDS in literatures. Dr Collins on Moodle while doing the fact that all ideas shared were SONDP has attracted registered Psychiatric Institutions. the Current Issues in Psychiatric evidence-based. I believe giving nurses from several countries. “From the discussion, I have Care module. It was a rewarding students more opportunities to Students studying the module- One of the students studying for learnt the importance of com- learning experience discussing with discuss issues on the Moodle is the current issues in psychiatric care the degree who had the privilege munity involvement in the pro- Dr Collins the integration of HIV way to go by for the future,” she are from South Africa, Rwanda, to learn from Dr Collins is Ms cess of integration of HIV and AIDS into Mental Health Care. added. Botswana, Liberia and Malawi. Umubyeyi Benoite of Rwanda. Ms services into mental health and I really appreciate the beauty of Benoite said: “The discussion with that communication between both technology because Moodle made Dr Collins is also the founder of The overall objective of the pro- Professor Collins was inspiring, teams (mental health team and it possible for me to share my ideas the Society for Emotional Well- gramme is to equip registered especially with regards to HIV team) is a key to the success on the topic with colleagues and Dr being Worldwide. general nurses with a body of prioritising activities in the of the integration,” added Ms Collins who happened to be miles mental health nursing skills and the integration of mental health and Benoite. and miles away from Durban. Dr - MaryAnn Francis Medicine Update Symposium Psychology Research

THE 29th Medicine Update Sym- Landau Memorial Lecture and to academics responsible for train- Conference posium organised by UKZN’s UKZN’s Professor Umesh Lalloo, ing medical students on teaching UKZN’s School of Psychology recently hosted its 13th annual Post- Division of Medicine at the Nelson presented the Vinod Gathiram strategies, student assessment and graduate Research Conference. R Mandela School of Medicine Memorial Lecture. to undertake research aimed at addressed the treatment of a range refining the curriculum. Driven by postgraduate students, the majority of the papers were delivered of diseases that medical practitioners Delivering her lecture titled: by students completing their Honours, Masters and PhDs at UKZN. Educating Doctors for Africa – a According to Professor Seggie attend to. Students delivered presentations under the theme “Psychologies in an captivating ‘alchemy’, Professor curriculum reform should aim for African Context”. The two-day Symposium aimed to Seggie delved into the transfor- the acquisition of “a specific body inform both Specialist and Family mation in medical education over of knowledge” that would ensure Some of the topics included: Physicians of new developments in the years, past and current suc- they practice medicine with ease their respective fields. Two cesses and curriculum challenges after qualifying. This may be G The ethical-legal regulation of HIV Vaccine research in Africa , “A memorial lectures were featured. in the training of future doctors. achieved through student-centred study of the regulation of health research in Zambia, Cameroon, Professor Janet Seggie, a Chief and problem-based learning. Malawi, Nigeria and Rwanda to determine their capacity to protect Specialist Physician at the Groote She reiterated the importance of and promote the rights of persons participating in HIV vaccine Schuur Hospital, University of Medical Education Units at medi- Experiential learning opportunities research”; Cape Town delivering the Arthur cal schools in providing leadership for students should increase to G A study on the differences and relationships between religious improve their interaction with denomination, religious orientation, psychological well-being and patients. intensity of religious beliefs;

Professor Lalloo’s presentation G The relationship between bullying and trauma among male titled: Protecting the Health Care adolescent learners; Workers in a High TB Burden G Perceptual distortion in body image : A comparative study of body Environment dealt with three levels image between white and Indian female students; in infection control for health G Xenophobia in Pietermaritzburg: Meanings of contact and practitioners attending to tuber- justifications for violence. culosis. Administrative Controls, Environmental Controls and Respi- Lecturer in the School of Psychology, Dr Kay Govender, said that the ratory Protection appeared as Conference aimed to provide a forum for students to engage with complex categories under discussion on the social psychological issues in our current context and to generate new e: Neesha Maharaj hierarchy of infection. knowledge and suggest possibilities for future research and intervention. Pictur Professor Richard Hift (right), and Professor Janet Seggie. - Neesha Maharaj - Sejal Desai

5 UKZN achievers

Glassblower joins elite group Student Counselling

KZN glassblower, Mr opportunity to attend a month’s staff acknowledged Clarence Mortlock, who training in Holland which prepared UKZN Counselling and development staff recently attended their annual recently achieved his City him for the BSSG qualification. U conference, under the auspices of the Southern African Association for and Guilds qualification from the Counselling and Development in Higher Education (SAACDHE). British Society of Glassblowers Scientific glassblowing, a precise art that dates back to the first (BSSG) joins the ranks of only a The conference was held in Gaborone, Botswana. handful of qualified scientific century BC, requires a specialised glassblowers in the country. Based skill that is currently dwindling in Following close on the heels of their overwhelming success at the 2008 in the School of Chemistry on the ookes the industrial and university sectors conference, Student Counselling staff have once again made UKZN Pietermaritzburg campus, Mr in South Africa and around the proud, with Mr Nicholas Munro the Senior Student Counsellor from the Mortlock is currently the only icky Cr world. V Pietermaritzburg campus receiving the award for the “best research paper” person in South Africa to hold a e: for the 2nd year. scientific glassblowing qualifi- UKZN is fortunate to have two Pictur accomplished scientific glass- cation from this British-based Mr Clarence Mortlock at work in Dr Ravi Naidoo, the Director of Student Counselling and Careers on the organisation. the UKZN glassblowing workshop. blowers who are highly skilled and Howard College campus and Medical School, who is also a founding capable of combining this old member of SAACDHE, was nominated for Honorary Life Membership The qualification entailed a unskilled glassblowing experience world art with today’s technology. to SAACDHE, in recognition of his significant contribution to student rigorous three-year training under his belt. The leadership of Mr Forder and Mr Mortlock take development nationally as well as the transformation of SAACDHE, programme based out of Sheffield the College of Agriculture, Engin- care of all the glassware require- whilst Mrs Saloschini Pillay, the Director of the Counselling Centres on in the UK which saw Mr Mortlock eering and Science was encouraged ments for the entire University and the Westville and Edgewood campuses, took over the reigns as the new spending extended periods of time by his potential and fought to get also service outside organisations. President of SAACDHE. SAACDHE celebrates its 30th anniversary this overseas. It encompassed practical him onto the University’s Leader- They apply innovative design to year and has made significant strides in supporting the role and function and written components, including ship and Equity Advancement fabricate a wide range of glass of Student Counsellors in Higher Education. six examinations. According to Programme (LEAP), an initiative products and devices and can make Deputy Head of School, Dr Murray usually reserved for academic staff. practically anything in borosilicate - Article and Picture: Supplied Low, Mr Mortlock was “well ahead Through this Programme, he was glass, soda glass, coloured glass of the game” and finished his mentored by Chemistry’s experi- and even quartz. This includes studies in 2 ½ years – a tribute to enced in-house scientific glass- scientific glassware such as his dedication and work ethic. blower, Mr Paul Forder, who has Schlenk tubes and double manifold been with the University for 27 vacuum lines. Mr Mortlock joined the University years. During his mentorship, Mr four years ago with 14 years of Mortlock was also afforded the - Vicky Crookes Festival of Italian Opera STAFF and students in the School The event which is organised by the of OSCA (Opera Studio and Choral of Italian Studies celebrated the Italian Cultural Institute under the Academy) who performed extracts Sixth Festival of Italian Opera at High Patronage of the President of from Mozart’s Così fan Tutte under the Howard College Theatre. the Italian Republic enjoys the the expert guidance of accompanist collaboration of a number of Andrew Warburton. entities and disciplines, among which is the Italian Department at The highlight of the evening was Dr Ravi Naidoo, Mrs Saloschini Pillay and Mr Nick Munro. Howard College. the annual competition in which 11 first year students of both OSCA This year the event was co- and Italian Studies each performed ordinated by Mrs Federica an aria and were evaluated by the Bellusci, Academic Co-ordinator jury primarily on their Italian StudentStudent eexxxcelscels of Italian Studies. pronunciation. Although all 11 students gave memorable per- ELECTRICAL Engineering The evening sponsored by the formances it was tenor Mr Esewu student Miss Kerrylynn Pillay Italian Consulate and The Institute Nobela’s rendition of von Gluck’s was the star of the night at the of Italian Culture began with a O del mio dolce Ardor which stole School of Electrical, Electronics traditional serving of delicious the show. and Computer Engineering Italian food and wine. Guests were prize giving ceremony on 19 Winner of the opera competition Mr then entertained by senior students - Article and Picture: Supplied Esewu Nobela. November.

The 21-year old scooped three SAQA appointment awards: best final year student in Electrical Engineering, best DEAN of Research at UKZN Council for Trades and Occu- activities and policies governing student in High Voltage and best e: Sabelo Nyuswa Professor Cheryl Potgieter was pations) – to achieve the objectives this work; and engage with the final design project. Pictur recently appointed to the South of the South African National products and use of the research. Miss Kerrylnn Pillay proudly dis- African Qualifications Authority’s Qualifications Framework (NQF). “I am so happy to receive these plays her awards. SAQA is currently engaged in a (SAQA) Research Committee – a SAQA advises the Minister of awards but I must say it is all research partnership with UKZN high-level sub-committee of the Higher Education and Training on because of hard work. This was Miss Pillay’s studies were which is studying educator tra- SAQA Board. all matters relating to the NQF. never going to be easy so I sponsored by the eThekwini jectories and pedagogy at FET decided to work hard from the Municipality and she starts her SAQA is the statutory body man- SAQA’s Research Committee is Colleges; it is intended that these beginning,” said Miss Pillay. career as an engineer with the dated, with the three Quality made up of respected expert findings will inform teacher devel- Municipality next year. She Councils – Umalusi (Council for researchers in the education and opment Her journey was not an easy hopes to pursue a Masters Quality Assurance in General and training sector. Its role is to provide one, as she had to witness her degree some time in the future. Further Education and Training); guidance for SAQA’s research father suffering with cancer - Dr Heidi Bolton, Senior CHE (Council on Higher Edu- agenda and its financing; monitor during the course of her studies. - Sabelo Nyuswa cation); and the QCTO (Quality and evaluate associated research Researcher, SAQA

6 UKZN achievers

Student wins SAiEE Award for Geotechnical Engineer Competition r Malcolm Jaros, a ELECTRONIC Engineering stu- lecturer in the School dent Mr Yashren Reddi, won first Mof Civil Engineering, prize in the category for best Surveying and Construction, was Engineering Design and Research, recently awarded the 2009 Geo- in the 2009 South African Institute technical Medal in recognition of of Electrical Engineers (SAiEE) his “significant contribution to National Student Project Com- furthering the art and science of petition, held at UKZN on 20 Geotechnical Engineering in South November. Africa” in the course of his pro- fessional career. For his innovative and original design of a mini-sedgeway – a two

The medal, presented by the wheeled inverted pendulum, e: Supplied Geotechnical division of the SA remote controlled robot – Mr Reddi

Institution of Civil Engineers received prize money of R5 000, Pictur (SAICE) commemorates the sponsored by EE (Electrical Mr Yashren Reddi. pivotal role played by the late Engineer) Publishers. Africa’s tertiary engineering insti- Professor J E Jennings in the Executive Director of SAICE, Mr Dawie Botha (left), presents Mr Malcolm tutions. development of geotechnical Jaros with the 2009 Geotechnical Medal at the AGM in Midrand. EE publishers Managing Director, Picture: Supplied engineering in South Africa. Mr Chris Yelland, said he was Head of the School of Electrical, Outstanding Civil Engineering foundations would provide the especially proud of Mr Reddi, as Electronic and Computer Engin- Mr Jaros boasts several recent Project in Technical Excellence in rigidity demanded by the German Mr Yelland himself was a student eering at UKZN, Professor Stanley accolades that include the Develop- 2008 from SAICE. designers for their slender three- at the former University of Natal. Mneney said: “Design is a difficult ment in Technology 2009 Award legged arch. skill to acquire and it takes years for a system he devised to reinforce Mr Jaros has applied his geo- Chief Judge and Director of to develop. The design projects the earthfill embankments that technical engineering skills to Currently enrolled for a PhD SAiEE, Mr Stanley Bridgens, a undertaken by our students are a carry the Gautrain across potential several international projects in degree at UKZN, Mr Jaros is professional engineer, said the test of their individual abilities to sink-holes in Snake Valley, between South Africa and abroad. The researching the response to technology developed by the par- survive as design engineers.” Centurion and Pretoria. experience he gained in engin- undermining of fabric-reinforced ticipants was extremely sophisti- eering the reclamation fill for the earth with a view to determining cated and the standard very high. The School of Electrical, Electronic As the designer of the foundations new Hong Kong airport gave him appropriate alarm-trigger levels for He said the main purpose of the and Computer Engineering at for the arch over Durban’s Moses the confidence to convince the railtrack settlement. competition was to provide an UKZN hosted the competition, in Mabhida Stadium, Mr Jaros Moses Mabhida Stadium team that opportunity for the electrical collaboration with the SAiEE. received the award for the Most the South African designed - Vicky Crookes engineering fraternity, industry and Participants included students from the wider community to see the 10 South African universities. quality and standard of training World recognition for student given to graduates of South - Sejal Desai

DEVELOPMENT Studies Masters disappointing my parents. But I immediate peace, joy, and student, Mr Julian Azzopardi, has knew they would understand,” he laughter... ,” he said. Literary award been recognised as one of the Ten said. AN analysis of the literary contri- Outstanding Young Persons of the After spending over a year doing butions of South African Indian World for the voluntary work he Mr Azzopardi decided to head to voluntary work, Mr Azzopardi got women captured in the book, carried out. The initiative is India in the summer of 2006 but a six-month job with the United ‘Sister Outsiders’: The Represen- organised by the Junior Chamber was still not sure what he would be Nations in Vienna, which allowed tation of Identity and Difference in International. doing. Following friends’ sug- him to pay for the Masters degree. Selected Writings by South African gestion, he went to visit the sisters Indian Women, has secured the Three years ago Mr Azzopardi set of Mother Teresa in Kolkata. Before immersing himself in his off to India, North Africa and South studies, last year he spent three prestigious Hiddingh-Currie Award for its author, Dr Devarakshanam America to do voluntary work. “The moment I walked into Mother months in Zambia to promote House I knew this was the reason I sports as a development tool for Betty Govinden, a Senior Research He immediately became hooked on had come all this way... It’s one children. Associate at UKZN’s Faculty of helping people but would have thing to see a mother love a child or Education. The Award, which never imagined that, a few years a husband his wife but embracing Article adapted from Times of acknowledges high quality academic down the line, he would be strangers, beggars, the destitute Malta, 15 September 2009 and scholarly work, will be presented rewarded for his work with the poor without a shadow of doubt or to Dr Govinden in February next Sam, Zuleikha Mayat, Ansuyah and sick. expecting to be paid back was an year. It is named after Dr William Singh and Jayapraga Reddy. The emotional trip that brought me - Claudia Calleja Hiddingh, one of the first advocates book explores the complex The Award ceremony was held in in the Cape Colony, and Sir Donald renderings of identity, away from November. Currie, an early benefactor of narrow ethnocentric categorisations, Higher Education in South Africa the various positionalities against After graduating from the Univer- and the UK. apartheid, and the role that Gandhian sity of Malta, Mr Azzopardi politics played in the lives and eventually landed a job at the In her book, based on a five-year- writings of some. European Commission in Brussels. long doctoral study, Dr Govinden Although he loved his job and focuses on the literary works of Dr Govinden said: “I am happy that cherished his colleagues he started several South African Indian my work has been acknowledged to feel there had to be more to his women, and foregrounds critical through this Award. It also affirms life at that point. perspectives on identity politics as the contribution of women who reflected in their work. ‘Sister have played significant roles in the “It wasn’t an easy decision: leaving Outsiders’, published by Unisa political and cultural life of South a secure, well-paid and respectable Press last year, highlights among Africa as a whole.” job. There was also the fear of others, the writings of Fatima Meer, Mr Julian Azzopardi and friends. Phyllis Naidoo, Dr Goonam, Agnes - Neesha Maharaj

7 AfricanAfrican BloodlinesBloodlines International latfoot Dance Company prestigious 2007 KZN DANCE- own Afrikaner roots, were pre- recently hosted a season of LINK award for choreography. sented in a dance work that offers Conference on Fperformance work called very little narrative but rather the Bloodlines at the Elizabeth Mr Gouldie’s work, “Bloodlines dreams and nightmares of the Sneddon Theatre on the Howard Part 1”, opened the season and present. Collaborating with long African Civil College campus. combined his highly theatrical time friend and internationally sense of staging with the use of acclaimed poet (and UKZN drama Conflicts Flatfoot is housed in the Drama and classical line and speed. Com- graduate), ewok (Iain Robinson), Conflicts Performance Studies Programme. bining clinical dictionary defi- Miss Loots found a way to thread THE Conflict Transformation Programme of the School of Politics The company has been a pioneer nitions of ‘blood’ with the geo- the spoken work and ewok’s own will be co-hosting an international conference with the Centre for South African dance company not metrical patterns of mathematics inimitable performance style into African Studies, Ohio State University in Peitermaritzburg on 29 only for offering award winning Mr Gouldie’s work was a search to a dance theatre work that began to and 30 January 2010. performance work that travels both feel the emotions in all of the blood redefine a genre of dance theatre. nationally and internationally, but and clinical mathematics of reason The theme of the conference is Territorial Origins of African Civil also for the vast amount of arts and and deduction. Flatfoot have a full programme of Conflicts. The conference will examine the extent of sub-national dance development work that it performance and dance develop- regional inequality in present-day Sub-Saharan Africa, assess the does in KwaZulu-Natal. Miss Loots’s work, “Bloodlines ment work set up for 2010 (which extent to which sub-national regional disparities play a role in armed Part 2”, delved head-first into a includes work with UKZN stu- conflicts, review the extent to which African systems of governance Bloodlines offered two new works political dreamscape that looks into dents), the most exciting being an currently address and redress territorial differences and grievances, by guest choreographer Mr David questions of home, belonging and invitation to perform alongside and review and analyse peace accords in Africa in which decentrali- Gouldie and artistic director of what it means to be a contemporary Nigeria’s Ijodee Dance Company sation, civic engagement, and citizen empowerment play a role. Flatfoot (and dance lecturer at African. Images of bloodlines that at the ABOK I NGOMA Dance The focus of the conference on sub-national regional disparities UKZN), Miss Lliane Loots. Mr encompass African refugees in Festival in Yaounde, Cameroon in distinguishes it from approaches to conflict that focus primarily Gouldie and Miss Loots paired up South Africa, itinerant African April 2010. on class, ethnic, or religious disparities in the study of civil war. in 2007 to create a season of work people searching for a home, called “Premonitions” for Flat- Xenophobia, and Miss Loots’s own A number of conflict-ridden and post-conflict African countries foot. These works jointly won the - Article: Supplied ironic look at whiteness and her have established reconstruction plans aimed at redressing economic deficiencies in regions where civil war has already occurred. However, reconstruction plans generally do not address regional inequities in other regions where “the next civil war” might occur. Institutions for addressing subnational, interregional inequality may be a viable way to reverse political and economic marginalization, reduce social unrest and armed conflict, and expand political, economic, and social freedoms. A goal of the conference is to identify strengths and weaknesses of existing institutional solutions for interregional inequality and to identify directions for the future.

Nearly forty papers are expected to be presented at the conference of which more than 30 are by scholars from abroad. The conference is expected to be preparatory to the launching of the postgraduate programme in Conflict Transformation in 2011 at the Howard College and Pietermaritzburg campuses under the leadership of the Gandhi-Luthuli Chair in Peace Studies of the School as well as the release of the flagship journal of the Programme – Ubuntu: Journal of Conflict Transformation, in April 2010.

For further details contact: Adamson al Ufo Okeke Uzodike ( [email protected]) V

e: Head, School of Politics

Pictur or Sifiso Khumalo and Nobuhle Khawula of Flatfoot Dance Company in Bloodlines. John Moolakkattu( [email protected]) Gandhi-Luthuli Chair in Peace Studies Frank Warren Conference THE 11th Frank Warren Conference of the South African Chemical Institute covering all branches of organic chemistry will be held at UKZN’s Pietermaritzburg campus from 17-21 January 2010.

The prestigious Frank Warren Lecture will be presented by Professor Mike Davies-Coleman from Rhodes University, who is an international expert in marine natural product chemistry. The line up of speakers will include international speakers who are leaders in Chemistry from highly-rated institutions around the globe.

A centrepiece of the Conference will be a special medicinal chemistry workshop directed towards postgraduate research students will be held in conjunction with the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline.

“We are excited at the prospect of holding this international event. This is indeed a golden opportunity for us as UKZN to showcase to the world what our University has got to offer. So far everything is going very well and we are looking forward at hosting a successful conference,” said Professor Ross Robinson.

Currently there are 150 registered delegates from tertiary institutions within South Africa. In addition there will be delegates from across the world including Australia, Egypt, Kenya, the USA and many Recycle your ukzndaba others. Please don’t litter ... when you’ve finished with your For more information contact Professor Robinson on 031 260 6363. Email: [email protected] ukzndaba, why not pass it on to someone else, or place it in a bin for recycling with other paper-waste.

The ukzndaba Dasarath Chetty Smita Maharaj Deanne Collins Thembeka Dlungwane Neesha Maharaj Sabelo Nyuswa Vidhya Singh team: Pro-Vice-Chancellor Director: Communications Publications Manager Journalist Journalist Journalist Layout & Design

8 Produced by Corporate Relations G www.ukzn.ac.za G Tel: 031 260 1245/8668/2957/7115 G Fax: 031 260 2813 The ukzndaba team wishes you a joyous and peaceful New Year