DOWN FULBRIGHT COLUMN Memory Scholar The UKZN Lane off to the US Griot 5 7 8 UKZNDABA YOUR MONTHLY CAMPUS NEWSPAPER • VOLUME 7 • NUMBER 6 • JUNE 2010 UKZN CONGRATULATES its Comrades Heroes Among the 20 000 runners entering the Comrades this year were several UKZN staff and students who completed the ‘the ultimate human race’.

Words: Lunga Memela Photo: Supplied

he annual Comrades can assure you it was not an easy Marathon celebrated its task… I think more and more T 85th Anniversary on 30 women should challenge them- May 2010. UKZN congratulates selves to run the race,” she said. all the members of the University Receiving his Comrades community who participated in this Marathon Double Green Num- grueling race. ber Club Roll of Honour was 51-year old, Professor Richard Final year Bachelor of Educa- Beckett of the School of Biologi- tion student and Residence As- cal and Conservation Sciences. sistant at the Edgewood campus, The criteria for inclusion in this The run research team Professor Vic Peddemors (2nd from right) and Dr Sean O’Donoghue (left) return fol- Mr S’phelele Shangase finished Roll of Honour are three wins, lowing a successful day on the water, along with their skipper, Mr Rod Haestier and photographer Mr Justin Gilligan. in 07:11:49 hours. He received five golds or 10 plus medals. Pro- a silver medal, beating his 2009 fessor Beckett has completed 20 record where he received a Bill Comrades races. Rowan Medal for completing the Completing his 6th consecutive race in 08:49:27 hours. race in an amazing 10 hours and Asked what kept him going 44 minutes was Nelson R Man- during the race, Mr Shangase dela School of Medicine lecturer WORLD FIRST said that the thousand of voices and Consultant Anaesthesiolo- and vuvuzelas of the supporters gist Dr Ebrahim Ahmed Va- inspired him. hed. Dr Vahed received a Bronze For Sardine Research Hailing from Ndwedwe, 22- Medal and is adamant that he has year old Ms Thembelihle Ngu- many more races to conquer. For scientists from UKZN’s School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, the bane is pursuing a Postgradu- Head of Information Tech- month of June means preparing for another adrenalin-filled research expedition ate Certificate in Education at nology at the Africa Centre, Mr UKZN following her Honours Christian Kyony also ran the down to the Eastern Cape’s ‘Wild ’ to study the annual sardine run. degree in Chemistry. She re- race and raised R1 649 for the ceived a Vic Clapham medal. “I UKZN Foundation. Words & Photo: Sean O’Donoghue

he Sardine Run Project, after an attack by common dol- respect of their movements and now in its seventh year, has phins targeting shoaling bait . feeding. Two tiny transmitters T been steadily unraveling Professor Vic Peddemors, leader will be sewn into each of the the secrets of this mysterious of the Sardine Run Project, abdomens of three event. In his doctoral thesis, has hypothesised that the birds which will be fed to bronze UKZN post-doctoral researcher may be taking advantage of the whaler (Carcharhinus Dr Sean O’Donoghue outlines ’ escape response, and that brachyurus, known locally as the importance of environmental individual fleeing fish would be copper sharks). The transmitters conditions in regulating sardine easier to target and capture, than will send information about northward movement towards shoaling fish. the ’s location and depth, To date, the role of sharks and changes in its acceleration KwaZulu-Natal coastal waters. as sardine run predators has and stomach temperature. This An important recent discov- slipped beneath the UKZN means that it will be possible to ery has been the close association research radar. This year, things work out where the shark is, both between sardine run predators are going to change. Using in relation to coastal bathymetry, during their foraging bouts, espe- highly sophisticated transmitting to remotely sensed environmental cially between the Cape gannet, devices, which are being conditions and to Cape gannet Morus capensis, and the common specially developed by VEMCO and common dolphin predation dolphin, Delphinus capensis. Video as a world first for this year’s events. This will help with analysis of underwater feeding sardine run research, Professor making management decisions events has shown that in the Peddemors and his team will be in terms of the sardine run as an majority of cases, Cape gannet able to track the movements of ecological event, and as a rapidly feeding dives occur immediately sharks, to unlock their secrets in growing tourism phenomenon. Some of UKZN’s 2010 Comrades Marathon runners. SCHOOL CELEBRATES

Opening of New Premises Marking the culmination of years of planning, the School of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (SBGM) officially opened their new premises in the F Block on the Westville campus.

Words & Photo: Vicky Crookes

pproximately R20 million Deputy Vice-Chancellor was spent on redesigning and Head of the College of (l-r) Mr RH Clarkson; Mr Reggie Gangiah; Mr Selvin Naicker, Manager: Client Services, Alexander Forbes; Ms Nicola A and upgrading the Agriculture, Engineering and Latchiah; Mr Bruno van Dyk; and Mr Jeff Jones, Executive Leader: Risk Services, Alexander Forbes. building to create modern Science, Professor Rob Slotow undergraduate and postgraduate commented that the School is laboratories and lecture venues “pregnant with opportunity” with state-of-the-art research and and said it can now focus on the teaching equipment. key issues facing our society. Bursary funding He highlighted the importance At the opening, Dean of of creating formalised links the Faculty of Science and with government, industry and For Management Studies students Agriculture, Professor Deo research centres. Jaganyi, said it was a “dream come Guest speaker at the opening, Funding made available to the UKZN Foundation by financial services provider, true.” From 2003, the Faculty Vice-President of the National Alexander Forbes will help deserving UKZN students continue their education. had envisioned the creation of Research Foundation (NRF) a Science Park on the Westville and ex-student of the former Words & Photo: Neesha Maharaj campus, incorporating all the University of -Westville, science disciplines in the same Professor Gansen Pillay, was donation of R68 000 commitment to UKZN and the had been an invaluable source area. The SBGM’s new facilities suitably impressed with the will contribute towards Foundation would like to thank of support to students who have were the last major project in School’s new developments. In A bursaries for students in them for making a difference in maintained good academic re- the Faculty’s consolidation of moving forward, he urged the the Management Studies disciplines. the lives of our students and in- cords, in completing their higher its Durban activities on the School to look after its most vesting in their future. We look education studies. Westville campus. Professor important asset: human capital, Representatives from Alexan- forward to their continued sup- Mr Reggie Gangiah, Ex- Jaganyi credited Professor Jane and encouraged researchers and der Forbes presented the Founda- port of the University and hope ecutive Leader: Commercial for Meyerowitz and former Dean, lecturers to “maintain excellence tion with the funds at a meeting that further partnerships that Alexander Forbes in KwaZulu- Professor John Cooke, for their with relevance.” His message with UKZN Foundation’s Ex- are aligned with their Corporate Natal said offering support to vision and hard work in bringing to the students was to ensure ecutive Director, Mr Bruno van Social Investment policies can be UKZN was his company’s social the project to fruition. He said that there is always an application Dyk; Ms Nicola Latchiah, Man- developed,” said Ms Latchiah. responsibility. “Universities are a since the School’s total physical for new knowledge and never to ager: Institutional Advancement; According to Ms Latchiah, microcosm of society and should space had increased by 20 percent, compromise on ethical standards, and the Chief Finance Officer UKZN had received ongoing benefit from funding opportuni- he hopes to see a 20 percent excellence or quality. In closing, for UKZN, Mr R H Clarkson on financial support from the finan- ties. We hope funding would en- increase in productivity. The Professor Pillay said the School June 8. cial services provider for over 50 hance the education of disadvan- School boasts 14 new academic and the University should ensure “Despite these challenging years. The company’s dedication taged students, preferably within staff and was recently awarded that they take full advantage of economic times, UKZN really to UKZN had seen the fruition of the finance disciplines,” said Mr research equipment funding all the programmes offered by the appreciates Alexander Forbes’ strategic education projects, and Gangiah. which enabled them to acquire NRF. new and improved instruments The opening ended with a including, a fermentation system, guided tour of the School’s new a gel documentation system, a laboratories which enabled guests INTERNATIONAL NURSING preparative gel electrophoresis, to interact with the students a real time PCR, an automated and find out about their varied chemical analyser and centrifuge research activities. rotors. Day Celebrated Academic staff within UKZN’s School of Nursing downed chalk on May 12 to offer direct patient care at health care facilities in and around Durban.

Words: Neesha Maharaj Photo: Supplied

his was part of the School’s Head of the School of Nurs- commemoration of ing, Professor Busi Bhengu said Professor Busi Bhengu. T International Nursing Day the initiative presented an ideal which marked 100 years since the opportunity for nursing educa- teaching methodology and con- death of Florence Nightingale who tors, who spent most of their time tent. Dr Bhengu hopes the col- was renowned for her dedication to in the classroom. lective reflections of nursing the nursing profession. “Our jobs don’t often al- academics who volunteered their low for direct patient care. Our services to healthcare facilities Nineteen academics at the participation in this activity will would be the basis for a publica- school volunteered their nursing allow us to celebrate the life of tion on issues facing the nursing expertise to four hospitals, an old Florence Nightingale … and at profession. age home and several community the same time observe develop- According to Professor Bhengu health clinics. My Nursing Hundred ments in patient care that have International Nursing Day is a joint initiative of the Forum taken place in hospitals and com- should be a reminder to nursing for University Nursing Deans in munity health clinics,” said Pro- professionals that quality patient (Fundisa) and the fessor Bhengu who lent her ser- care should remain at the fore. Nursing Education Association vices to the Intensive Care Unit “Commitment to quality patient (NEA) aimed at encouraging at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital care should be the main goal nursing academics within tertiary in Durban. of any nursing professional Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Agriculture, Engineering institutions to commit at least 100 Offering their services would irrespective of whether they work and Science Professor Rob Slotow cuts the ribbon at the opining of the new minutes to direct patient care on be beneficial for the School of at a hospital, clinic, research premises. International Nursing Day. Nursing in improving its own agency or educational facility.”

2 U K Z N DABA BRINGING YOU NEWS FROM UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL CAMPUSES Symposium tracks LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY And Earnings New NSC undergraduates Dr Daniela Casale and Professor Dorrit Posel of UKZN’s A recent symposium hosted by UKZN’s University Teaching and Learning Office School of Development Studies presented their research (UTLO) tracked the profile and performance of first year undergraduate students paper titled English language proficiency and earnings in who acquired their matriculation qualification under the National Senior Certificate a developing country: the case of South Africa, on May 26. (NSC) examination first written in 2008. Words & Photo: Lunga Memela Words: Neesha Maharaj

KZN academics; Umalusi, examination implemented in because of the different curricula the quality assurance body 2008, pursued higher education and systems (for example Higher U tasked with protecting at UKZN; and the number of Grade and Standard grade no the integrity of the National Senior students who gained admissions longer exist), an observation that Certificate Examinations; and school to undergraduate academic pro- merited further investigation ac- educators were among the speakers grammes. cording to Professor Vithal was who presented insights into how Enrolments in the three and that matriculants admitted in the new curriculumwhas impacted four-year undergraduate degrees 2009 to the University whose new on student enrolment at universities at UKZN had increased by 47 NSC matric performance yielded and their academic performance. percent over the last four years University point allocations in with 5 386 students registered the region of 34 and higher, ap- The Symposium titled: The in 2007 rising to 7 922 in 2010. peared to have performed better National Senior Certificate and First Demographically, there has been in terms of pass rates, and may be Year Student Performance: Implica- a decline in the number of Indi- less likely to dropout or be exclud- tions for University Admissions cre- an and white students who have ed. Statistics reflect that matricu- ated a platform for discussions been admitted to study at UKZN lants who have passed matric and on subjects such as mathematics, and an increase among the intake qualify for tertiary education English and Life Sciences since of African students. On average with lower points have gener- the implementation of the Na- over the 2007 to 2010 period the ally performed worse. Professor tional Curriculum Statement. intake of new students at UKZN Vithal indicated that this will Deputy Vice-Chancellor: constitutes 55 percent Africans, need to be monitored to identify Teaching and Learning Professor 32 percent Indians and 9 per- trends and patterns; and it could Renuka Vithal, who welcomed cent whites. Fifty eight percent of have significant implications for delegates, said she was pleased the student population is female admissions to the University and by UKZN academics’ participa- with 45 percent stating that isi- required individual responses tion in the various aspects of the Zulu is their home language and from the respective faculties. NSC examinations processes and a similar percent indicating that With many education experts research. She called for further English is their home language. questioning the quality of Grade engagement among the Univer- In 2009, of the first cohort of stu- 12 results following the introduc- sity community to avoid a reduc- dents from the new NSC, 38.7 tion of the NSC examinations, (from left) Dr Daniela Casale and Professor Dorrit Posel. tion in access for students to the percent of first year students en- Umalusi reiterated its role as the University. rolled in undergraduate degrees “custodian of quality” in main- A Data and Management received financial aid and 27.8 taining high standards. Umalusi heir research focuses on ficient help explain why many Information (DMI) presenta- percent lived in residence. Both representatives informed del- parents choose for their chil- tion chaired by Professor Vithal these figures have shown a de- egates that only 12 out of 54 Na- the returns accruing from dren to be taught in English at provided a profile of students cline from the previous year. tional Senior Certificate subjects T dominant language skills schools, from as early as Grade 4. who were among the cohort of Although comparisons be- were adjusted for the purpose of and is informed by a large body However, much of the language- matriculants who after complet- tween the “old matric” and the standardisation. of literature on the economics in-education literature that the ing their Grade 12 in the NSC new NSC are difficult to make of language. South Africa is a particularly interesting country to authors review in their paper sug- study as the dominant language gests that the early adoption of of business, government and English may have been counter- education in this country is English. productive, adversely affecting the acquisition of both English CORPORATE RELATIONS However, not more than one language and African home lan- percent of the majority African guage skills, as well as the quality population speaks English as their of educational attainment. Celebrates Football Friday home language. The South African education Photo: SUPPLIED Using new data from the first system is not set up for successful wave of the National Income teaching in English; some of Dynamics panel survey of 2008, the problems identified include the research reflects that there African learners having little is a large earnings premium to exposure to English outside the reading and writing English very classroom, teachers themselves well, in the order of 50 percent. not being English language They also found that the benefits proficient, and poorly-resourced of English language proficiency schools. accrue primarily to those with The authors argue that post-secondary education. This their finding that African home may reflect the productivity language proficiency is one of effects of language proficiency the largest and most significant but it might also be the case that determinants of English language English language proficiency proficiency among African adults acts as a signal to employers of in South Africa is consistent with the quality of education obtained the call for additive bilingualism by the individual. In contrast, the as a language policy in schools. researchers find little evidence Learners should be taught in that African home language skills their mother tongue until they are independently rewarded in have acquired some critical level the South African labour market. of language competency before The large economic returns being introduced to a second to being English language-pro- language.

EDGEWOOD • HOWARD COLLEGE • MEDICAL SCHOOL • PIETERMARITZBERG • WESTVILLE UKZ N D A B A 3 Business owners ALUMNI BENEFIT Receive keys to success From Workshops UKZN’s Graduate School of Business (GSB) and Business Partners, a specialist risk Easing the transition from graduation to the workplace, finance company for formal small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa, Corporate Relations’ Alumni Affairs Office recently held held a seminar for business owners at the GSB on June 8. its annual set of workshops aimed at equipping the most recent graduates of the Institution with effective WORDS: LUNGA MEMELA PHOTO: SUPPLIED leadership and project management skills. ttracting a host of business WORDS & PHOTO: LUNGA MEMELA owners and aspirant A entrepreneurs, Professors Dilip Garach and Walter Geach, Mr Rohan Persad and Ms Amanda Mhlongo were among the speakers that shed an interesting light on how to access resources available to SMEs and take advantage of the upswing in the South African economy. “Who said the recession is over? We are not sure yet,” said Professor Garach in his presenta- (l to r): Ms Helet Byron, Professor Anesh Singh, Professor Dilip Garach and tion on a macro perspective on Ms Nimo Naidoo at the Graduate School of Business and Business Partners the global and local economic seminar for business owners. business landscape. Exploring the vulnerability index of developing Managing Director at Busi- Port,” said Mr Persad. UKZN Alumni at the Leadership Workshop organised by the Alumni Affairs countries in relation to the global ness Partners, Mr Nazeem The Department of Trade Office. economic crisis and the climate Martin gave the assurance that and Industry’s Ms Amanda crisis, he said that the South Afri- finance for SMEs is readily avail- Mhlongo enlightened the audi- Project Management fields and provided a productive can economic landscape shows a able. He advised that it is always ence on how to access resources Training Workshop platform for learning, interacting lot of promise. better to understand the criteria and funds from the Department. A facilitated by Vani Moodley and participating in stimulating “We have the money but we of the financier, have realistic She stressed the importance of and Associates was held on June activities. certainly don’t have the skills,” expectations, and do research creating a balance between eco- 9-10, followed by a Graduates’ Ms Moodley’s workshop was said Professoe Garach. Turning before seeking finance from in- nomic growth and economic de- Leadership Workshop co-ordinated said to have exceeded the partici- to South Africa’s Gross Domestic vestors. velopment. by Ms Marie Odendaal and Mr pants’ expectations and left them Product (GDP) surplus, he said The CEO of iDube Trade According to Mr Rajen Gov- Mandlakayise Ndaba of the UKZN with the profound saying, “Doves that we cannot boast about a sur- Port, Mr Rohan Persad presented ender one of the delegates “The Student Leadership Development don’t fly where eagles soar”. Ev- plus when the country is still rife an interesting 60-year plan Seminar for Business Owners, Programme on June 14-15. ery task that has a beginning and with unemployment, poor hous- for the port consisting of well- was simply outstanding! I must an end was regarded as a project, ing and poverty. He stressed that designed passenger and cargo commend [the GSB] on the “These workshops assist in and valuable lessons were learnt South Africa still has to attract terminals with a warehouse for structure, choice of speakers and building long-lasting relation- on how to be a good Project Man- foreign direct investment (FDI) global trade on South African topics and an up to date presen- ships between the Alumni Affairs ager. by getting big companies to build soil. “International connectivity tation. This just gets better. I am Office (and the University) and A creative and inspiring Ms factories, transfer skills and cre- has been recaptured by King proud to be associated with the the graduates – many of whom Odendaal and Mr Ndaba tack- ate local employment. Shaka Airport and iDube Trade Graduate School of Business”. are starting out on careers which led issues of good and bad leader- require such skills as project man- ship in interesting and innovative agement and leadership. The ways. Feedback sessions reflected workshops are held annually and that in the professional world have included such topics as CV leadership is an essential qual- writing, interview skills, entre- ity for productivity and staff rela- preneurship, project management tions. CALS HOSTS and leadership. The Alumni Af- Participants who attended fairs Office welcomes suggestions both workshops said that they from graduates on other work- wished the workshops had been a shop topics and will try to arrange week’s length each for there was Students from the US workshops on these suggested top- just so much to learn. Receiving ics,” said the Manager of Alumni certificates of attendance, the par- UKZN’s Centre for African Literary Studies, (CALS), hosted a US Student Group visit Affairs, Mr Finn Christensen. ticipants were equally grateful to Both workshops attracted the facilitators and the Alumni on May 26, which was aimed at building and strengthening relationships between alumni from various professional Affairs Office. international academic institutions particularly during this period when South Africa is hosting the Fifa 2010 World Cup.

WORDS: ASHNEE PETERS PHOTO: SUPPLIED

t was also an opportunity pertaining to institutions and socialise. The students were very to expose UKZN’s different organisations who contributed to impressed with the preparations I research and support centres the struggle against apartheid in that South Africa has done for the to the international student South Africa. 2010 World Cup, and they were community. After that tour they were looking forward to watching the welcomed at CALS by Professor opening ceremony. Thirteen students and two Mbongeni Malaba from the All the students received academics out of the 19 who School of Literary Studies Media 2010 World Cup items, such as were registered for the visit came and Creative Arts-English vuvuzelas, the South African from Drake University. The division, who presented a paper flag, and water bottles. These students first visited the Alan on the Role of Literature in the Anti- items were sponsored by Paton Centre which archives apartheid Movement. Thereafter, UKZN’s Corporate Relations not only Alan Paton’s literary they were given a tour of CALS Division and the Department of works and related documents and its background, followed by Arts, Culture and Tourism in and manuscripts, but also papers a finger lunch and a chance to Pietermaritzburg. Drake University students blowing their vuvuzelas.

4 U K Z N DABA BRINGING YOU NEWS FROM UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL CAMPUSES DOWN MEMORY LANE Professor Devamonie Bughwan has been a trailblazer all her life, challenging many of Society’s expectations.

WORDS: DEANNE COLLINS PHOTO: FINN CHRISTENSEN

he was the first girl in her teaching position at Howard collaborated with him on a family and one of the first College and later taught English number of productions. S in the Indian community at the University College for Professor Bughwan describes to achieve a university degree; she Indians on Salisbury Island and her years in the Drama Depart- managed to combine motherhood at the University of Durban- ment as happy and eventful: with postgraduate studies at a time Westville. “These were turbulent times. I when this was almost unheard of She recalls Salisbury Island always supported the students in her community; and she bridged with fondness: “Instead of taking in their struggles and many a numerous cultural divides during the ferry, I used to drive all the student meeting was held at the the darker days of apartheid. way round so as to be able to get Asoka Theatre.” home when I needed to. There “During her term of office, One of 10 children, Professor was a lot of noise from the ships Professor Bughwan made an Bughwan’s extended family did horns and the foghorn … but immense contribution to South not approve of tertiary education there was a great community African theatre by supporting for girls. Fortunately, her father spirit!” productions of works by local Dr Serban Proches. was liberal-minded, and with his The move to Durban- South African playwrights, such support she became the first girl Westville was difficult, and as Kessie Govender, Muthal in the family to attend university. Professor Bughwan says that she Naidoo and Ronnie Govender. Matriculating in 1941 at the age missed Salisbury Island a lot. Yet In addition, the Asoka Theatre BIOGEOGRAPHER CLAIMS of 15, her next port of call was there were bonuses in unexpected staged epic works which covered Fort Hare University. friendships and bonds were diverse genres of theatre from The two-day journey alone by formed across cultural and Shakespeare, Ibsen and Chekhov Vice-Chancellor’s Research Award train to Fort Hare was a daunting religious divides that endured for to Narayan’s The Guide which she experience for the young girl, but many years to come. directed. South African protest The University’s most prestigious research accolade, the Professor Bughwan describes her Although she lectured in theatre and the African dias- Vice-Chancellor’s Research Award, has been awarded to years at the University as “one of English for many years and pora were explored during her Dr Serban Proches for 2009. the happiest times”. In addition obtained a Doctorate from tenure,” said ex-student and col- to Xhosa-speaking students, UNISA for her thesis on the use league, Professor Suria Govender WORDS: VICKY CROOKES PHOTO: SUPPLIED Fort Hare had one of the largest of English by Indians in South of UKZN’s School of Languages, contingents of Indian and Africa, drama always remained Literature and Linguistics. Senior Lecturer in the or a few related varieties, and Coloured students in those days. close to Professor Bughwan’s Professor Bughwan retired School of Environmental cannot survive without large The students lived in harmony in heart. When Professor David in 1986. Her current projects in- Sciences on the Westville populations of their host plants. mixed hostels. Horner resigned as Head of the clude addressing women’s organ- A campus, Dr Proches holds a National Several weevil lineages survived Professor Bughwan received Drama Department at UDW, isations and schools, and travel- Research Foundation (NRF) P-rating over tens of millions of years in a bursary of 40 pounds from the Professor Bughwan succeeded ling overseas to visit her children (young researcher with exceptional this region, some ever since the Natal Education Department him. She had worked with and grandchildren. break-up of Gondwanaland, and graduated with her BA CED Professor Horner and had leader potential). He is one of only two P-rated researchers in but currently face threats from in 1944. She taught for three insecticide use and unsustainable years at a primary school and a the country and received the NRF President’s Award in 2008 for his plant collection. Finding further three years at Clairwood weevils involves the thorough contribution to knowledge creation High – the first co-educational examination of plants, in par- and dissemination. Indian school. Thereafter she ticular flowers and fruit. lectured part-time at both the Criteria for the Vice-Chan- Originally from Romania, Springfield Collegue of Educa- cellor’s Research Award include where he completed his under- tion, and the University of Natal. being under the age of 40 and graduate and Masters degrees, Marriage and raising three having conducted innovative re- Dr Proches received his PhD children did not deter Professor search that has already received from the former University of Bughwan from pursuing her international acclaim. Durban-Westville in 2002. Sub- passion for knowledge. Despite Dr Proches has published 50 sequently, he was a postdoctoral her father-in-law asking why she journal articles to date, primar- researcher at the Universities of was always “sitting with books” ily in the fields of Biogeography Port Elizabeth and Stellenbosch, Professor Bughwan pursued a and Biodiversity. His current and UKZN (Pietermaritzburg Masters Degree in English. Indian projects address topics such as campus). He has conducted field students were not permitted to global regionalisation, alien plant work across southern Africa, Eu- study at Howard College, and invasions, and the Maputaland- rope, the Middle East and South- she attended lectures at Sastri Pondoland-Albany region – one East Asia. He currently serves as College, where she was lectured of the 34 globally recognised Associate Editor of the Journal of by the late Professors Elizabeth biodiversity hotspots, stretching Biogeography and has handled 35 Sneddon and Raymond Sands. from the Eastern Cape to Mo- manuscripts since occupying the Both were to have a profound zambique, with the city of Dur- position in 2007. impact on Professor Bughwan’s ban lying at the very heart of it. Dr Proches joins a proud tra- life, becoming close friends and In particular, Dr Proches dition of previous Vice-Chancel- encouraging her interest in and focuses on weevils (Coleoptera: lor’s Research Award winners love for the theatre, which had Curculionidae) associated with from the Faculty of Science and burgeoned during her school plants endemic to this region – Agriculture including: Professor days at St Aidan’s Primary and as indicators of plant persistence Orde Munro (Chemistry, 2007), the Durban Indian Girls’ High and climatic stability. With over Professor Richard Mace (Phys- School. 10 000 species in South Africa ics, 2005), Professor Steve John- Not wanting their children to and hundreds of thousands son (Biological and Conservation suffer the effects of second-class worldwide, weevils are the most Sciences, 2002) and Professor apartheid education, Professor diverse group of organisms Rob Slotow (Biological and Con- Bughwan and her husband, regionally and globally. They servation Sciences, 2000). Since who owned a very successful vary enormously in colour its inception, researchers from photography business, decided to and shape but are severely the Faculty of Science and Ag- send them overseas to England understudied in southern Africa. riculture have claimed 12 of the do their O-levels and A-levels. Most weevil species are specialists 21 Vice-Chancellor’s Research Professor Bughwan took up a Professor Devamonie Bughwan. associated with one plant type Awards.

EDGEWOOD • HOWARD COLLEGE • MEDICAL SCHOOL • PIETERMARITZBERG • WESTVILLE UKZ N D A B A 5 DEAN OF HEALTH SCIENCES Selected for Ministerial Council The National Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has recognised UKZN’s Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Sabiha Essack’s efforts in advancing health science research.

WORDS: NEESHA MAHARAJ PHOTO: SUPPLIED Professor Sabiha Essack.

rofessor Essack has been activities in health research eth- tion for many international re- research subjects, advised post- health sciences, Professor Essack appointed to serve as a ics. searchers in recent years. graduate students new to re- has had substantive research P member of the National Serving on the NHREC is “A substantial amount of re- search to be aware of and abide output in peer-reviewed jour- Health Research Ethics Council especially significant for Profes- search is conducted on vulnera- by the code of ethics. nals. Her achievements to date (NHREC). sor Essack who said: “This is my ble populations and it is essential “Familiarise yourself with include: the Minara Chamber of first Ministerial appointment. I that these very populations are health ethics regulations, ensure Commerce Recognition Award Professor Essack’s priority am humbled to have my national treated with the highest ethical that you receive ethical clearance in Academia, HESA representa- during her three year appoint- standing and service acknowl- principles, that they participate from Ethics Committees compli- tive on the SAQA Professional ment will be drawing up an ac- edged in this manner.” fully informed of the benefits of ant with the National Health Act Body Reference Group, CHE creditation framework to ensure The ethical treatment of vul- participation and that their hu- and ensure ethical conduct in all programme accreditation panel that ethics committees comply nerable populations who serve as man rights are protected,” said aspects of our research, not just member, participation in the with legislation outlined in the research subjects is a priority for Professor Essack. in the protection of subjects or World Innovation Summit for National Health Act of 2003. Professor Essack. South Africa, Professor Essack who is of participants but also in terms of Education and achieving a C- Her appointment follows her role reputed for its wealth of research the view that the current set of intellectual property, research rating by the National Research as Chair of the Committee of material, research infrastructure legislation relating to ethics in publication and other research Foundation. Health Sciences Deans, and both and regulatory framework has research, if executed correctly, output,” she said. University-based and external been a popular research destina- effectively protects the rights of In her 18-year career in the HONORARY DOCTORATE For Professor Coovadia Eminent scientist Professor Hoosen Coovadia, an Emeritus Professor at UKZN and current Director of the HIV Management Cluster at the Maternal Adolescent and Child Health Unit of the University of the Witwatersrand in Durban was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Science (Medicine) by the University of Cape Town on June 4.

WORDS: NEESHA MAHARAJ PHOTO: SUPPLIED

his honour was bestowed drugs) before and after risky Three of the four Merck awardees: from left: Ms Liesl Hendry, Ms Nonobeko upon Professor Coovadia sexual behaviour to minimise the Mvubu and Ms Lauren Eyssen. T in acknowledgement of chances of HIV transmission. his high-quality scientific research “Where the science is already in HIV and AIDS; his public defence strong, for example in the of scientific endeavours aimed prevention of MTCT, the next at fighting the disease; and his step is to implement the proven WOMEN SCOOP willingness to impart knowledge he interventions as effectively had generated on the disease to the as possible by addressing next generation. weaknesses in the health delivery Merck Awards system,” he said. “I value this honour very The inspiration to succeed in The School of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology highly because of the reasons his chosen discipline was the result for which I am being awarded of an innate curiosity, ambition recently paid tribute to four of its top women students this doctorate, and secondly, the and a vow never to succumb to at its annual Merck Awards ceremony on the Westville enormous respect I have for the the discrimination based on race campus. University of Cape Town which is evident during the apartheid Professor Hoosen Coovadia. bravely and effectively managing era. “So I worked doubly WORDS & PHOTO: VICKY CROOKES the perilous transition to a more hard to equal the oppressors’ normal society where race will be minimised by making HIV drugs achievements in medicine,” said he awards were presented prize winners with cash awards just one of many defining factors freely available, as is the case Professor Coovadia, He added to the best final year and Merck plaques. in the life of South Africa’s in other countries, spurred his that the excitement of discovery T students in the disciplines In addition to excelling in citizens, while at the same time scientific and socialist activities in research and a socialist passion of Microbiology and Biochemistry the academic field, several of retaining a distinguished record against the pandemic. to fight for equity, and care for on both the Westville and the awardees were successful in of academic achievement,” said Accelerating efforts in the people, further inspired him. Pietermaritzburg campuses. a number of other areas during Professor Coovadia. prevention of the disease should Professor Coovadia considers their undergraduate careers. Ms Professor Coovadia made be the way forward in HIV among his best achievements: The recipients of the awards Eyssen represented the University HIV and AIDS research his and AIDs research, believes research in malnutrition; for Microbiology were Ms Non- in hockey and rowing and was area of interest after witnessing Professor Coovadia who added infectious diseases of children; tobeka Mvubu (Westville cam- also involved in community the magnitude of the disease’s that behaviour change to safer and advances in the prevention pus) and Ms Nongcebe Memela work with St John’s Ambulance impact on patients, especially sexual intercourse underpins of mother to child transmission (Pietermartizburg campus) and Services. Ms Hendry, who gradu- children at in-patient wards at interventions such as the of HIV, in particular the for Biochemistry, Ms Liesl Hen- ated summa cum laude, also played the King Edward VIII Hospital prevention of mother to child preservation of breastfeeding dry (Westville campus) and Ms inter-university and club tennis. in Durban since the early 1990s. transmission (MTCT) of HIV- among HIV positive mothers, in Lauren Eyssen (Pietermaritz- All four recipients of the Mer- The frustration of knowing 1, the use of microbicides, and the face of cynicism from medical burg). Merck representative, Mr ck awards are currently enrolled that patients’ suffering could be the use of ARVs (Antiretroviral colleagues. Jason Kuppusamy, presented the for Honours degrees at UKZN.

6 U K Z N DABA BRINGING YOU NEWS FROM UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL CAMPUSES MATHS4STATS Celebrates Completion A total of 223 school teachers in KwaZulu-Natal who benefited from a statistics skills training programme facilitated by UKZN’s School of Statistics and Actuarial Science received awards after successfully completing the course on May 29.

WORDS & PHOTO: NEESHA MAHARAJ

he KwaZulu-Natal maths4stats Lecture Series, T a joint venture between the School, Statistics South Africa and the Department of Education (DoE) was aimed at upgrading teachers’ knowledge of statistics. This is essential to enable the teaching of Mr Phumlani Myande. Data Handling, a subject offered to both primary and secondary school learners since the implementation of the NCS in 2008. Five hundred mathematics teachers from schools around the province in both the FULBRIGHT General Education and Training (GET) and the Senior Education and Pictured are representatives of the DoE, Statistics South Africa and UKZN Training (SET) phases participated academics who contributed to the Maths 4Stats Lecture Series. in this pilot project which entailed signed by the DoE, Stats SA and School; and Mr P Dikgomo, the SCHOLARSHIP training in basic statistics by UKZN officials. Head of Mathematics, Science, academics from the School of Addressing school teachers Technology and ICT in the DoE. Statistics and Actuarial Science at the awards ceremony were Mr Lehohla encouraged on both the Howard College and Is a Dream Come True Mr P Lehohla, the Statistician- teachers to move forward in Pietermaritzburg campuses over the General of Statistics South their training and applauded past five months. Classes were given Africa, Mr L Mkwenkweni, the statistics lecturers from the UKZN student Mr Phumlani Myande has been awarded on Saturday mornings. an official of Statistics South School of Statistics and Actuarial Though not all teachers Africa; Professor Delia North, Science for the leading role that a Fulbright Scholarship to pursue a Master of Art in were awarded certificates of Head of the School of Statistics they were playing in promoting Education Leadership Studies at Columbia University. attendance on Saturday, teachers and Actuarial Science who statistics literacy at grass roots that missed lessons could planned the programme, level in South Africa. He wants WORDS: LUNGA MEMELA PHOTO: SUPPLIED complete them next year and designed the course content and this programme to be rolled out thus qualify for their certificate taught the lessons along with at other universities around the till in a state of disbelief, the am concerned that South Africa of attendance. Certificates were the other lecturers from the country! School of Education student formulated good policies in order S won the scholarship despite to challenge gender imbalances hailing from a disadvantaged school in education but there is no great in a rural area near . change in the representation His parents made immense of both male and female in sacrifices to enable him to achieve our schools ... My interest is to GOLD FOR investigate how this is dealt with tertiary education. in the US and how their policies Royal Show Exhibit Mr Myende was encouraged are formulated to deal with this by a lecturer at the School of Ed- challenge,” he said. ucation, Mr Thabo Msibi who Mr Myende has been an ac- The College of Agriculture, Engineering and also obtained the scholarship tive member of the Community Science’s Royal Show exhibit contributed in 2007. “I sent the application Development Association, the forms which required me to write Student Representative Council another Gold Medallion to the University’s two essays ... In these essays I had (SRC), and contributed to the collection of Royal Show medals at this year’s to describe in detail my study ob- Progress Youth Alliance (PYA) jectives and how I felt US univer- during his studies at UKZN. event in Pietermaritzburg. sities can contribute positively to Asked about the most valu- UKZN students at the University’s award winning WORDS & PHOTO: VICKY CROOKES the achievement of them,” said able lessons he learnt at UKZN, exhibit at the Royal Show from left: Mr Nhlakanipho Mr Myende. This only quali- Mr Myende said that through his Kumalo, Ms Linda Luvuno, Ms Angela de Jong and fied him for provincial interviews involvement in different organi- Mr Carl Freese. but further help was received sations he has learnt that there he exhibit, which focused and a lot of ‘behind the scenes’ largest audited annual event, but from Mr Msibi and Ms Fumane is a lot that one can do for needy on 100 years of academic work by key individuals within is also one of the most respected Khanare who also lectures at the communities without contribut- School of Social Science Educa- ing money but by providing vol- excellence in the province, the College. The enthusiasm mixed exhibitions on the African T tion, Edgewood campus. untary services only. “I have also achieved an overall score of above of the College’s students who continent. From an agricultural Mr Myende said that after learnt that one needs to move 80 percent, placing it in the Gold worked at the exhibit also con- aspect, it is the largest show of its ranking in the top 10 out of 25 away from the comfort zones in Medallion category. Judged tributed to its success. Disciplines kind in the country and has an and Units that participated in excess of 1 000 livestock on site candidates in the national level, order to develop mentally,” he over a period of three days, the he underwent intensive entrance said. exhibit received top marks for: the Royal Show exhibit included: and attracts approximately 4 000 Agriculture, Agrometeorology, farmers. It also hosts one of the exams to secure a position at Mr Myende encouraged external attraction, method of Columbia University. “This is a students to work hard and try to communicating benefits, originality, Computer Science, Geography, largest and most professional dis- the Golden Key Society, Hydrol- plays of birds, rabbits, poultry and very powerful and demanding involve themselves in the various and presentation of personnel and ogy, Psychology and the Science honey in Africa. Attracting 220 000 scholarship which makes me organisations available at the customer care. and Technology Education Cen- people from all walks of life, the even more thrilled,” said Mr University. He will leave for the The College’s professional, tre. Show is an ideal platform to show- Myende. US on July 31. interesting and attractive display In its 160th year, the Royal case the University and its diverse “My research interest is in can be attributed to team work Show is not only the province’s areas of expertise. Gender and educational policy. I

EDGEWOOD • HOWARD COLLEGE • MEDICAL SCHOOL • PIETERMARITZBERG • WESTVILLE UKZ N D A B A 7 The UKZN Griot Of Branding and Corporatisation FLOPO BOASTS WORDS: KEYAN G TOMASELLI Internet Connection n response to a previous column, Traffic and Ranking, Students from the UKZN Florence Powell (Flopo) Residence can now enjoy the I a UWC professor sent me the following: “The university convenience of wireless internet connection in their own rooms. authorities have money to beautify buildings, putting the UWC badge Words & Photo: Lunga Memela on every little door of each building. he students are proud of principles a numerical model for And yet, they do not have money their House Committee to fund the research of deserving the No Name University (NNU). By now, NU had appointed a T representative, Mr Buhle- PhD and Masters’ students! So, the new Director to Public Affairs Bemvelo Dube, who presented the DoE should rate the universities who integrated media, branding, idea early this year to Mr Abdullah whose campuses appear the ‘most and marketing. He curtailed Shariff from Information and beautiful’ [an additional criterion] the publishing industry and Communication Technology (ICT) as this latest fad of ‘branding’. contracted expensive private Durban Technical Services and [Remember, they used to do it research consultants to develop UKZN Student Housing Director, Mr to slaves and farmers still do it to an NU brand . Thus was born Sifiso Dludla. their animals!]…we live in a ‘totally’ the very successful Superman, Prior to being elected as the commodified society/world, where Rolls Royce and Basketball cam- From left: House Committee Secretary, Ms Thandazile Thabethe; Media and residence’s House Committee everything has a number, a price paign, “The Power to Succeed” Publicity Officer, Ms Zama Phungula; Sports Officer, Mr Dumisani Khumalo; representative, Mr Dube was tag..... Classical scholars must be which informed Natalians that Treasurer, Mr Samukelo Magcaba; Chairperson, Mr Mvelo Dube; and driven by the student body’s turning in their graves!” at least one university in Durban Committee Development, Mr Siyabonga Ngongoma. 2009 manifesto raising their How does this apply at existed. The No Name Univer- concerns about working late detailed letter of proposal. Student Housing. UKZN? Well, the easily quan- sity recovered its earlier name evenings at the on-campus local Broadcast from a central “A few weeks later with four tifiable chaos at the front gate Natal University which included area network (LANs). This led hub and run by radio waves, a connection points, students of of Howard College continues, beautifying campuses and him to approach Mr Shariff wireless LAN required quite an Flopo can do most of their work the confusion defying Corporate providing branded and coherent who was interested in the idea expensive budget, but persistence from the convenience of their Relations’ attempts to cleanly signage. Applications increased. but advised him to involve the and perseverance clinched rooms, ensuring their safety brand the campus/University. Our students who evaluated the Director’s Office of UKZN the deal after several weeks when working in the evenings,” This got me to thinking about campaign were astonished at Student Housing and submit a of negotiations with ICT and said Mr Dube. UKZN brands historically. My the crudity of the professional own relationship with Natal research, but at least this experi- University (NU) started when I ence taught them that they could Sudoku was headhunted in early 1984 to hold their own in any forum. take up my present post. My im- Then along came the New age of NU then was that it was Name University. During this 2 1 4 run by the NP mafia of Owen period, Corporate Relations lost Horwood and Laurence Mc- its way, and antagonistic models 3 1 2 Crystal, so I had to be dragged of communication proliferated. to my interview by Chris Bal- The publication empire was lantine and friends. Here I was resurrected. This period wit- 7 4 5 2 met by the hugest selection com- nessed the battle of the brands mittee and a whole new bunch as different constituencies within of top academic managers who the New Name University 5 9 6 had deposed the terrible two- sought to inject their respective, some. NU was now a cauldron often opposing, brands, agendas of anti-apartheid liberalism, and philosophies. The letterhead 5 4 Marxism, community projects crest was indigenized, the new and labour activism, not to men- catch phrase is something about 8 1 7 tion other forms of subversion African scholarship that fails to driven by Fatima Meer’s inde- easily roll off the tongue, and fatigable Black Research Centre. corporatisation ran riot. Such is 1 2 5 One of my first administra- the lot of institutions and their tive tasks in 1985 was to publish hapless employees in the Infor- a lecturer ad in The Weekly Mail. mation Age. (This will be the 7 6 The PR Division was run by subject of a column to come, af- a ex-paint executive, who told ter which UKZNDABA may have 6 4 1 3 me that the Rand Daily Mail had to find a new columnist to re- closed – being a media professor place this one who will be surely the weekly newsreels some of didn’t I know that? So I went put out to pasture.) The joke us were allowed to watch in to Adams Bookshop, bought a in the UK about the Research cinemas prior to 1980. Colour copy of The Weekly Mail, and Assessment Evaluations is that at pics are always more nuanced donated it to the PR Division. any one time half the UK aca- – divisive dichotomies disap- The paint man was later suc- demics are evaluating the other pear behind the inclusive tones. ceeded by an executive from the half. At least, in the UK, it’s the Revitalizing our institutional sugar industry who developed academics who are doing the history is now being leveraged a publishing empire par excel- evaluating, not the bureaucrats! for brand-building, and is as lence. Communication was top Here at UKZN, we’ve now important as is beautifying cam- of his agenda, but not branding. reached a more stable phase. puses and making them livable. By the late 1980s it was becom- We’re no longer embarrassed Professor Tomaselli is director ing clear that NU was lacking a with our history. We know this of the Centre for Communication, brand and an identity, and that because the April UKZNDABA Media and Society the majority of Durban school published stories on the topic children were totally unaware with black and white photos. that there was a university History always happened in THE UKZNDABA TEAM in Durban, let alone two. black and white – remem- Nomonde Mbadi – Executive Director; Smita Maharaj – Director: Communications; Deanne Collins – Publications So, here at CCMS, work- ber African Mirror, Pathé News, Manager; Neesha Maharaj – Journalist; Lunga Memela – Journalist; Vidhya Singh – Layout & Design. ing with Honours and MA Movietone and now The History Produced by Corporate Relations. Tel: 031 260 1245/8668/2957 www.ukzn.ac.za students we derived from first Channel? The former were

8 U K Z N DABA BRINGING YOU NEWS FROM UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL CAMPUSES