Monday Paper 29 April – 12 May 2013 Vol. 32#6 Newspaper of the University of Cape Town

This edition and other editions of Monday Paper are available online at www.uct.ac.za/mondaypaper. For daily online news at UCT, please visit www.news.uct.ac.za/dailynews Grand Prix for Mizrahi

rofessor Valerie Mizrahi, director “Valerie’s work is characterised opportunities for students from the Pof UCT’s Institute of Infectious by an incredible ability to engage with laboratory to travel abroad for special- Disease and Molecular Medicine (IID- students in research, through supervis- ised training. MM), has been awarded the coveted ing and coaching. The way she does The IIDMM is a centre of excel- Grand Prix Christophe Mérieux Prize this is widely acknowledged,” added lence where world-class scientists by the Institute de France in Paris. Cossart. work collaboratively to tackle diseases The €500,000 award (over R6 In her response to the prize Miz- of importance in Africa. As the larg- million), made by the Institute’s Acad- rahi said: “For me the most gratifying est postgraduate research institute at emy of Sciences, is a highly prestig- part of it is that the award committee UCT, the IIDMM is a major training ious international accolade and will be recognised my commitment to, and hub in Africa for biomedical, clinical presented to Mizrahi at a ceremony in passion for, developing people. I’ve and public health researchers, and Paris on 5 June. trained so many young scientists – and currently hosts some 150 postgraduate Paying tribute to Mizrahi’s this award is for them.” students and 80 postdoctoral research research, member of the Academy of She plans to use most of the fellows in more than 20 multi-investi- Sciences Pascale Cossart said: “What prize money to hire senior research- gator research groups. characterises Valerie Mizrahi’s work ers who are able to bring new skills The IIDMM has a very strong is not only her excellent research to the laboratory that she runs with thrust in TB research, hosting the on Mycobacterium tuberculosis and IIDMM colleague Dr Digby Warner, South African Tuberculosis Vaccine tuberculosis, but also her very active particularly in chemical biology and Initiative, the Clinical Infectious involvement in the tuberculosis com- bioinformatics. Diseases Research Initiative, the munity in South Africa, on the African “Given the shortage of career Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, and the continent, and internationally.” opportunities for outstanding early- UCT node of the DST/NRF Centre The Academy of Sciences, which career scientists who are interested of Excellence for Biomedical TB makes awards to the most meritori- in pursuing a career in biomedical Research. ous scientists and promising research research in South Africa, I believe The Institute de France consists projects, also lauded Mizrahi for this would be a great investment,” she of fi ve academies with a rich his- her special qualities in mentoring said. tory spanning several centuries. The Accolade: IIDMM director Prof Valerie Mizrahi has been awarded the coveted students, particularly those engaged in Mizrahi also plans to purchase Institute’s Academy of Sciences was Grand Prix Christophe Mérieux Prize by the Institute de France in Paris, for her TB research. laboratory equipment to provide founded in 1666. TB research and her ability to mentor young researchers. What does Africa month mean to the UCT community? n the eve of Africa Month in May, Deputy Vice-Chan- can build on the accomplishments of 2012 – when UCT Ocellor Professor Thandabantu Nhlapo urges members succeeded in combining the scholarly with the cultural in of the university community to celebrate together and to the exuberant celebration of our African identities. Africa use the next four weeks to refl ect on the ways in which UCT Month in 2013 will be about maintaining this momentum, can continue to use its human, intellectual and material highlighting aspects of identity that at are once personal resources to give expression to its Afropolitan vision. and institutional; academic and cultural. This year will feature an expanded programme of There are good reasons for celebrating Africa Month. events and activities, resulting from an increase in the “Africa is the continent on which we are situated, with scholarly work with an African focus that is conducted at which we feel a sense of kinship and whose histories and UCT. problems are inseparable from ours. Notably, there will also be stronger student participa- As a university community, the more immediate rea- tion; in addition to a Plaza event, both the SRC and its sons are academic and social. In pursuing our core business Societies will be rolling out round-table discussions and of teaching and learning, and research, we have the capac- seminars. ity to directly address the legacy of the histories mentioned The year 2013 is signifi cant because it marks the 50th above and do something tangible about the problems. But anniversary of African Unity (in the form of the OAU, in doing so, we also have the obligation to put in some established in 1963, and its successor, the African Union) work towards improving the institutional culture of our and gives us the opportunity to refl ect on the role of these university. organisations in ushering in the changes and developments The greatest outcome of the extended Africa Month that many Africans are seeing today. celebrations in 2012 was the overwhelmingly positive re- At its best, Africa Month should be an opportunity to sponse from staff and students who said that in that period fl esh out the framework we call the Afropolitan vision – in they could see themselves refl ected in the mainstream cul- many weird and wonderful ways. If we do it properly, ture of UCT. It did not matter whether this was in the form we will be left in no doubt that we are good continental of the increased visibility of cultural symbols or attending citizens in both our scholarly outputs and in our hearts. At a lecture on their currency or religion or home region, or that point it will begin to dawn on us, I hope, not only that Giving expression to UCT’s Afropolitan vision during Africa Month: Deputy hearing their language spoken; the verdict was the same. every month can be Africa Month at UCT, but also that Vice-Chancellor, Professor Thandabantu Nhlapo. I would like to think that this coming Africa Month Afropolitanism has become embedded in our culture.” 2 Monday Paper NEWS 29 April – 12 May 2013 Vol. 32 #6

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A delegation from the Eberhard Karls Universität whose exceptional careers in science have opened up new and Four UCT postgraduate students have been awarded the 1 Tübingen visited UCT earlier this month to discuss in- sometimes revolutionary ways of improving human well-being. 7 Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future scholar- tensifying existing collaboration between South Africa and ship, a prestigious international fellowship given to women from Germany, in this the 2012/2013 German/South African Year of The Mother City wore her fi nest on Saturday 13 April to developing countries who are currently studying abroad. The Science. Pictured (left to right) are Eberhard Karls Universität 4 welcome hundreds of prospective UCT students to Open scholarship is aimed at academically excellent women in the Tübingen’s Exchange Co-ordinator, Ms Nici Sauer; UCT deputy Day. Pupils from schools as far afi eld as Grahamstown, Johan- fi elds of science and technology who wish to teach in their home vice-chancellor Professor Danie Visser; Universität Tübingen’s nesburg and Oudtshoorn jostled for information; particularly countries on completion of their PhD programmes. Recipients are Vice President: International, Prof Heinz-Dieter Assmann; UCT in the Jameson Hall, where the Faculty of Science’s hands-on (from left), Liabo Motleleng from Lesotho (Department of Chem- School of Economics’ Dr Patrizio Piraino; and Acting Director of exhibitions drew scores of interested viewers (in picture). Particu- ical Engineering), Taryn Morris from South Africa (Biological UCT’s International Academic Programmes Offi ce (IAPO), Lara larly visible were groups of pupils participating in UCT’s Schools Sciences Department and a current recipient), Tsungai Jongwe Dunwell. Prof Visser and Prof Assmann agreed to continue the Improvement Initiative’s 100Up project. Some 20 schools in from Zimbabwe (Department of Medicine) and Antonina Wasuna work between the two universities and to seek opportunities for Khayelitsha take part in this initiative, designed to help prepare from Kenya (Department of Chemistry). Another recipient, Naa reciprocal student exchange, as well as enhanced research col- 100 pupils from the area for possible admission to UCT in 2014. Dedei Tagoe from Ghana (Department of Architecture, Planning laborations. UCT and Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen have and Geomatics) is not pictured. been connected for almost 15 years, through the IAPO, which More than 7 000 participants attended the annual UCT receives their students on semester study abroad. 5 Mathematics Competition on 17 April, representing a record UCT will hold its annual Candlelight Memorial Ceremo- 164 Western Cape schools. The question papers were set by more 8 ny on Jammie Plaza at lunchtime on 9 May, coinciding Student opinion matters when it comes to maintaining UCT’s than 200 high school mathematics teachers – one for each grade with memorials held internationally that commemorate those 2 high academic standards, said Vice-Chancellor Dr Max – with the assistance of 30 UCT students. The competition is the who have died from HIV/AIDS. Organised by the HIV/AIDS Price at a student-hosted discussion on the subject. UCT pays biggest of its kind in the world. All participants write the papers Institutional Co-ordination Unit (HAICU), the Memorial careful attention to maintaining the highest academic standards, at the same time and place. The 30 best-performing students from Ceremony is also used as an opportunity to create awareness continued Price, and the student voice was an important factor in each grade will be invited to join the UCT Mathematics Circle, a about issues associated with HIV and AIDS. This year a special measuring how well UCT is performing. The discussion kicked programme of lectures and discussions during which UCT aca- dance piece, choreographed by UCT alumnus Sacha Hendricks, off the annual Academic Activism Week, between 22 and 26 demics introduce the young mathematicians to topics outside the will depict the breaking-down of the stigma surrounding HIV/ April, which is organised by the university’s Students’ Repre- school curriculum. From that pool, and after a few more selection AIDS. HAICU’s Lucina Reddy explains that Hendricks was sentative Council (SRC) to raise awareness among students about funnels, the South African team for the International Mathematics approached because she has choreographed work that speaks issues that affect their academic well-being. The theme for 2013 Olympiad – a competition that will be held in South Africa (and to social justice issues. In addition, fi rst-year Fine Art students was Quality Assurance at UCT. Other events included a panel at UCT) for the fi rst time next year – is selected. from Michaelis will exhibit art refl ecting the theme of the discussion on the balance between teaching and research, the event. setting-up of the mobile SRC offi ce on Jammie Plaza, and a book Dr Moonira Khan, executive director of UCT’s Department drive by activist student societies. 6 of Student Affairs (DSA), recently graduated with a doctor- The national strike led by the South African Transport and ate from the University of Kwazulu-Natal (UKZN). The DSA is 9 Allied Workers Union affected UCT’s Jammie Shuttle ser- Prof Jill Farrant below a poster of herself, part of the responsible for providing support and development services for vice last week. Reduced capacity on 24 and 25 April saw long 3 15th anniversary exposition on the Champs-Élysées in UCT’s more than 24 000 students. Khan’s study, in the discipline queues at major shuttle stops around campuses as some drivers Paris of the 77 winners of L’Oreal-UNESCO Women in Sci- of public governance, was titled Student Governance in Higher joined the strike. Some students were put out by delays, while ence Award. Farrant won the African/Arab states title in 2012, Education Institutions in the Western Cape, South Africa: A Case others sympathised with the drivers, saying it was their right to one of three UCT women scientists to have done so. Other UCT Study. Khan says that the study has deepened her insights and air their grievances. “We do understand that it’s a strike and we Laureates are Emer Prof Jennifer Thomson (2004), and Prof critical refl ections on student affairs, particularly the signifi cance have no control over that; people want more wages because the Valerie Mizrahi (2000). Thomson and Farrant work in the area of a robust student governance environment in higher education, cost of living is high,” said Yonique Morta, a fi rst-year BCom of plant biotechnology and molecular physiology respectively, and the role of student leaders in contributing to the democratisa- student. “I’ve been late for one or two classes, but not that and Mizrahi in infectious diseases.The award recognises women tion of universities. many,” remarked Neo Mayo, a fi rst-year music student.” 29 April – 12 May 2013 Vol. 32 #6 NEWS Monday Paper 3

Pioneering development programme Calling content underpins commerce students’ success collection

n educationally challenged background owners! Aneed not hamper success at university level, as has been shown by a number of UCT o you, or does your Department, own a Education Development Unit (EDU) commerce D‘content collection’? students who have walked off with top marks in For the uninitiated, a content collec- what are often believed to be the most diffi cult tion is any collection of useful, archival, commerce courses, including fi nancial account- or scholarly content in physical or digital ing, economics and statistics. format – such as theses, articles, photo- In the past six years, students enrolled in graphs, business documentation, websites or the EDU Academic Development Programme web-based portals. (ADP) have often outperformed mainstream If you own such a collection – and there students in some key areas, achieving top are likely to be many on our campuses – the honours. Metadata Working Group (MWG) would like Several students have achieved subject to hear from you. distinction in recent years; and in 2011, the top Jointly managed by UCT Libraries and fi rst-year commerce student in mathematics Information and Communication Technol- was Sakhe Mkosi, a BCom EDU undergraduate ogy Services (ICTS), the MWG was formed who averaged above 93% for his courses that to implement and manage the Metadata and year. Subsequently he remained on the Dean’s Information Architecture Policy, one of the Merit List throughout his studies at UCT, and Council-approved governance policies devel- is on track to graduate with a BCom (Chartered oped by UCT’s Enterprise Content Manage- Accounting) degree this year. ment (ECM) programme. Over the years the Commerce EDU has The policy aims to ensure that all content become recognised as one of the country’s most objects generated and managed by UCT have successful academic development programmes metadata that meets international standards in terms of graduation and throughput success and is applied consistently. rates for black students, says Daniel Munene, Co-chaired by Libraries’ Mandy Noble EDU’s Programme Co-ordinator. The EDU and ICTS’s Jenny Wood, the MWG aims Ensuring academic success: Commerce Education Development Unit (EDU) Programme Co- falls under UCT’s Centre for Higher Education to implement the policy by assisting those ordinator, Daniel Munene and Commerce EDU director, Associate Prof June Pym. Development (CHED), which is responsible responsible for content collections to manage for the university’s academic development and apply metadata to their collections. They programmes. According to Munene, there used to be where we can, to ensure a sense of trust and explain that ‘metadata’ refers to the structured Munene believes these success stories are a perception that students who came to EDU community.” information provided in the records that de- in large part due to the unit’s interventions in would be getting a lesser degree to that offered There is a strong focus on engaging with scribes objects in a collection and facilitates supporting under-prepared students, but he also to mainstream students. This perception has both academic and affective factors, as well as their retrieval. pays tribute to the students’ determination and since been turned around completely, especially developing graduate attributes that will make a “The addition of standardised metadata hard work. as EDU students are now excelling in many meaningful contribution to a socially conscious optimises the sharing of information between “The EDU defi nitely walks the walk when it subjects. South African society. This ethos of engagement related initiatives and portals,” says Noble. comes to putting transformation into action,” he Economics is now one of the students’ has also led to a marked increase in students’ “Accurate and consistent metadata enables says. “We in the EDU feel we have a responsi- most popular subjects, a result of innovative involvement in extracurricular activities and the content to be retrieved easily, thus making bility not only to take in deserving students who workshops that help them get to grips with leadership programmes such as the Students’ it accessible to a wider, international com- demonstrate potential, but also to enable them the subject. In statistics lectures, students use Representative Council. EDU students have munity.” to succeed in their degrees and graduate at the interactive ‘clickers’ that electronically convey also started their own society, the Education Wood adds that in the future UCT’s end of the day. Transformation is not just about their answers to class questions. As a result, the Development Unit Student Society (EDUSO). Open Content/Open Data policy may require student numbers at entry level, but also about lecturer is able gauge students’ responses and “These are tremendously positive develop- content to be easily discoverable, for research numbers at exit level.” demonstrate the correct answer. ments. They indicate that EDU students feel reproducibility. “Adding metadata to your Built on years of academic development In fi nancial accounting, students use their part of the fabric of UCT and that they’ve collection will prepare you for this next step,” experience at UCT, the EDU, under the direc- home language to explain concepts to class- gained more self-confi dence.” Munene also she said. tion of Associate Professor June Pym, was mates who share the same fi rst language. praises the teaching and administrative staff for “However, before the MWG can help, we conscious of these imperatives when the present “This not only elevates people’s mother building appropriate skills and support in the need to know how many content collections model of this pioneering academic develop- tongue, but also shows that cognitively there unit. exist at UCT, who manages or owns these ment programme was established in 2001. The is no problem in understanding an accounting The unit also sees that the students are collections, and what their needs are in terms programme has grown from strength to strength course in Xhosa, or Zulu, because a concept is a supported fi nancially, through bursaries and of metadata and information and communica- since then and is now considered a model of concept!” Munene explains. other funding initiatives. Funding from several tion technology (ICT) support,” Wood added. good practice in academic development circles. Other interventions monitor how students partners, including the South African Institute of Alerting the campus community to a While some EDU students may study for cope with their studies and how they integrate Chartered Accountants, the Susan and Michael questionnaire that will be sent out soon, a longer period of one to two years, and have into the university community. Dell Foundation, Investec, Deloitte and the Noble and Wood requested collection own- more fl exibility in their choices, they do the One of the most important aspects of the Saville Foundation, has been instrumental in ers’ cooperation in completing and returning same subjects and curriculum, write the same EDU’s work lies in creating a safe space for stu- supporting the unit’s range of work. the questionnaires. If you do not receive a examinations – and obtain the same degree. The dents, says Munene. “Aside from the extreme “We are indebted to these organisations for questionnaire, and are a collection owner, EDU focuses on the whole degree time period, academic demands that students face, many also sharing our transformative vision and for having please assist the MWG by requesting a copy, and is now also incorporating postgraduate have to juggle a number of familial responsibili- the confi dence that we can achieve that vision,” by emailing [email protected] or mandy. students. ties. We do our best to advise and help students says Munene. [email protected]. Compulsory laptops: pilot project investigates usefulness

aptops became compulsory this four selected courses were asked to in the pilot project benefi ted from of the most exciting projects I’ve Lyear for four courses at UCT – bring a laptop to class, or to buy one hands-on ICT training, and informa- been involved in at UCT. It has the in physics, chemical engineering, at a reduced price through the Student tional materials and useful software, potential to be a real game-changer architecture design and theory, and Laptop Initiative. To ensure that provided on a 2GB fl ash drive. in terms of how teaching takes place law. And a UCT researcher will be fi nancially constrained students were The Centre for Educational – and in terms of how students learn. tracking just how useful they are in not excluded, ICTS gave 82 laptops Technology has assigned a researcher It’s only once lecturers can be sure the learning process. to fi nancial aid students, with 18 go- to the pilot to examine how teaching that every student in their course has The Laptop Pilot Project began in ing to chemical engineering students, and learning is affected by students a laptop (regardless of their economic ICTS, spearheaded by Kira Cher- 37 to law, 22 to physics and fi ve to having laptops. She will also list the situation) that they can use technol- notsky, director of the Customer architecture students. practical or infrastructural challenges ogy to fundamentally change the Services Division. Chernotsky will These were given on the under- presented by having so many students classroom experience. investigate the merits of making a standing that if the students drop out with laptops on campus. The pilot “The level of enthusiasm and co- laptop a requirement for students. or change course, they’ll return the will be used to determine what impact operation shown by all involved is an The project will provide students with machines to ICTS. They’ll also be re- a possible university-wide rollout of indication of widespread support for Geared for learning: Engineering the knowhow and tools to study and sponsible for loss or damage. All go- the programme would present. the pilot.” student Priyashnie Govender was compete in the electronic age and in ing well, graduates from the courses Chernotsky, who was responsible She hopes many more depart- the fi rst recipient of a laptop through the globalised workplace. will be able to keep the computers. for initiating the project and procur- ments will want to roll the initiative ICTS’s Laptop Pilot Project. All students registered for the The 500 students participating ing funding, said: “This has been one out to their students from next year. 4 Monday Paper RESEARCH 29 April – 12 May 2013 Vol. 32 #6 International leader at the helm of Energy Research Centre

rofessor Harald Winkler’s sum- What will it take to imagine a And this is where the fourth Pmary of his vision for UCT’s different energy future? Broadly, pillar, improving governance, fits Energy Research Centre could be four things, says Winkler. neatly. “An independent system encapsulated in only seven words, Firstly, affordable access to and market operator is a crucial Use less energy, more efficiently, energy is pivotal, especially in reform for SA’s energy sector.” mostly renewables. The centre’s South Africa. “This is critical to Winkler’s vision is that to- new director offers a reflection on alleviating poverty and inequality,” gether, doing excellent research on the world’s energy troubles – and adds Winkler. the four broad areas will “add up to the factors driving climate change. Second, the fuel mix must imagining a different energy future A lead author of the Intergovern- change; South Africa is too coal- in our economy and society”. mental Panel on Climate Change dependent. Diversity is an energy The centre plays an important since 2005, Winkler has a special policy goal in its own right, but role in Africa. In 2010 the ERC interest in the area. also critical to the third priority: was selected as Africa’s Regional The UCT alumnus (he has a Reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Designated Centre in energy plan- PhD from UCT, in addition to “Weaning the world off coal and ning, training African energy plan- an MSc in energy and resources fossil fuels will take decades,” he ners and thereby providing support from UC Berkeley, and a BA in adds. “South Africa is building two to African Regional Co-operative sociology and politics from Wits) new coal-fired power stations to Agreement (AFRA) member states. is internationally renowned for fill energy needs.” As a result, a “good number” of his research work in energy and But carbon taxes are chang- African energy students are making climate policy. He’s also taught and ing the way the world views fossil their way south to UCT. supervised students at postgraduate fuels and will grease the wheels The centre has also begun level since 2000. of transition. Talking to ERC’s a feasibility study on climate The ERC is “unique” in South renewable energy focus, Winkler change mitigation plans with Latin Africa; a multi-disciplinary aca- points out that “huge amounts” of American and African partners – demic centre producing high-qual- renewable energy sources are avail- and partners within UCT, like the ity, targeted and relevant research able: solar, wind, hydro-electricity, African Centre for Cities. This is that will articulate precise, practi- and biofuels among them.“And we just a hint of the interdisciplinary cal and progressive alternatives have the technologies to use them work that’s growing in the Faculty to the energy challenges of South and the economics of many are of Engineering & the Built Envi- Energy future: Prof Harald Winkler, new director of the Energy Research Centre Africa, Africa and beyond. improving.” ronment. in the Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment. ‘Ultimate’ botanist Skelton fl ies SA fl ag high

ast year was something of an is closely related both in evolution- increased cover, or hairiness, reduced of hairy leaves led him to investigate species were more common in drier, Lannus mirabilis for PhD botany ary terms and in appearance to the water loss.” whether pubescence could act as a hotter environments; this led him to a student Rob Skelton. Australian genus Banksia.) But his fi ndings didn’t align kind of refl ective layer. link between aridity and pubescence. First, he fl ew the South African Their tough and leathery leaves with the water conservation theory: “Plants can get too much light,” “The hairy leaf is a radiation- fl ag as part of the national Mambas are either glabrous (smooth) or pu- surprisingly, the smooth-leafed sub- Skelton explained. The hairiness protective trait, a way of reducing team (in which he’s known by the tag bescent (hairy). Initially, Skelton had species lost less water. could act as a natural sunscreen. light-induced reduction in the photo- ‘Helter’) at the Ultimate world cham- wanted to show that the reason for He then had to develop and His results showed that pubescent synthetic capacity of a plant. pionships in Japan. As an encore, this difference was linked to water test alternative hypotheses for leaves do refl ect more light, and that On top of that, pubescence – by he netted the Australian Journal of economy, and then move on. the functional signifi cance of leaf this reduces light-induced damage to increasing the refl ection of light from Botany’s Best Student Paper of 2012 “The view at the time was that pubescence. The silvery appearance the leaf. He also showed that hairy the leaf – also cools the leaf in stress- award. ful times of little water. The award sets a precedent for “As you move towards drier a researcher with plans to pursue environments, plants are able to rely postdoctoral studies. Along this path less on water for cooling, and use lie many more papers. pubescence instead. So it’s an adapta- “But it’s good to get the recog- tion to extremely dry habitats.” nition,” said the plant scientist. “It Skelton’s work has broader impli- helps me get my research and ideas cations vis-à-vis climate change and out there.” encroaching aridity in the Cape Flo- ‘Out there’ sums it up. This ristic Region. His current fi eldwork international journal is a repository takes him on bi-monthly excursions of leading plant science research in to camp out at a remote site near Southern Hemisphere ecosystems. Jonaskop, among the highest peaks of Co-authored with UCT’s Profes- the Riviersonderend Mountains (“It’s sor Jeremy Midgley and Associate pretty cold there at the moment!”), Professor Mike Cramer, and the Uni- private land bordering the Cape versity of KwaZulu-Natal’s Professor Nature Reserve, with limited public Steve Johnson, Skelton’s winning access. piece came out of his MSc work on Limited is good, he says. leaf pubescence in Leucospermum, “We want to understand what a genus of some 50 species of ever- plants are doing outside of human green fl owering shrubs in the family interest. Proteaceae. “We now have a fi ner-scale-un- Leucospermum species are com- derstanding picture of what variables mon to the scrub and mountain slopes plants are responding to. Determin- of the Cape Floristic Region – and ing which variables are important probably best known for their ‘pin- Out there: PhD student and botanist Rob Skelton downloading sap fl ow and weather data from a station at Jonaskop in to which groups will tell us which cushion’ fl owers. (And there’s even the Riviersonderend Mountains. Sap fl ow sensors (which measure the fl ow of water through a plant) and meteorological plants will be vulnerable to climate an Australian connection: the genus sensors allow Skelton to monitor both plant functionality and weather conditions almost continuously. change.”

June graduation call With a special June graduation edition of Monday Paper planned for the end of May, we’re putting out a call for leads and stories with a graduation focus. These could showcase interesting and cutting-edge research, or high achievers – or perhaps you know of a graduand who has defied enormous odds to qualify for their degree or diploma. We’re also keen to get family stories: parents hooding their children, or vice versa. Please email Inam Mbombo with your ideas ([email protected]), a synopsis of your suggested story, and the contact details of the graduand/s. 29 April – 12 May 2013 Vol. 32 #6 RESEARCH Monday Paper 5 Stem cells: Handle with care

hile stem cell technology is a tion data on a wide range of patients Wreal and present key to cures affected by a range of retinal degenera- for inherited disorders, the watchword tive disorders. is caution, said Professor Jacquie To date, this research – which Greenberg in her inaugural lecture on is supported by Retina SA, and 17 April. funders such as the Medical Research “Stem cell prospects are the fuel Council – has led to several advances of false promises. Many people want in the identifi cation of the genetic to hear they can be helped, but we causes of the disease and new retinal must balance hype and hope.” disease genes RP17 (CAIV) and RP13 Greenberg, based in the Depart- (PRPF8). These genes were originally ment of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, mapped uniquely to South African is co-head of the Faculty of Health families. Sciences’ new UCT Stem Cell Initia- As a result, the affected families are tive. With a UCT career spanning receiving better genetic management over four decades, she was able to and will be able to track developments give a lecture detailing a journey – and potentially, even participate in along the double helix of the human research towards future therapies for genome, moving from basic science their disorders. An offshoot of this to translational genetics, to therapeu- work is the ophthalmic genetic service tics directed at South African families now offered, with four genetic counsel- with genetic conditions. “Should anyone be tested for a condition that is fatal and devastating to both the patient and the patient’s family?” – Prof lors trained at UCT. Although much of the current Jacquie Greenberg at her inaugural lecture on 17 April. Greenberg also serves on the thinking around genetic therapeutic committee of the national Department intervention has been saddled with the UCT Stem Cell Initiative have work stimulated a lifelong interest It’s an area in which she’s made of Health team tasked with drafting the ‘baggage’ around the science and established the fi rst iPSCs from South in the late-onset neurodegenerative a signifi cant contribution. In 1996 regulations and guidelines for the new ethics of culturing embryonic stem African patients suffering from the diseases, the inherited ataxias and Greenberg became one of the fi rst National Health Bill’s section on hu- cells, new stem cell technology has inherited neurodegenerative disease Huntington’s Disease, a genetic disor- genetic counsellors to register with man cloning and stem cell research. changed that. spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7). der that affects muscle co-ordination the Health Professions Council of As for their future work, the UCT In 2012, Japanese scientist Shinya They’re also in the process of deriv- and leads to cognitive decline and South Africa. She’s also the course Stem Cell Initiative is generating stem Yamanaka won the Nobel Prize for ing cells from patients with the neuro- psychiatric problems. convenor of one of only two master’s cell lines for other conditions. These pioneering induced pluripotent stem muscular disorder myasthenia gravis, Importantly, this research alerted programmes in genetic counselling in will be used for future investigation cells (iPSCs), using technology to a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular her to the complex ethical considera- South Africa, which remains “much into disease modelling and possible turn cultured skin and other cells into disease characterised by skeletal tions of genetic counselling – and in demand and much needed”. Sadly, therapeutic screening. iPSCs. Scientists can now take primi- muscle weakness. the dilemmas of predictive testing. a lack of posts is resulting in the slow “We do research not for the sake of tive human cells and develop these But geneticists working with stem Typically, the onset of the disease demise of this vital service, despite science, but for the sake of patients – into any type of cell in the body, even cells aren’t just “tinkering with cells” is between the ages of 30 and 50, the World Health Organisation’s and to do what we do better. sperm. They’re an ideal source of said Greenberg. Although iPSCs skip and there’s a 50% chance of it being recommendation that there should be “As excited as we are about stem cells for the ‘disease-in-a-dish’ study the ethical brouhaha associated with passed on by mother or father to their two genetic counsellors per million cells, we need to restore balance. There of diseases affecting inaccessible tis- embryonic stem cell research, the sons or daughters. people. are many people who hope it’s a cure sues, such as the eyes and brain. technology is still very new. “It’s a Sword of Damocles,” said Since 1990 Greenberg has worked for the future; and yes, it is, but the “Stem cells are cruising into clin- “What we do must be scientifi - Greenberg. “Would you, as a child, closely with long-standing colleague future is not yet now.” ics,” Greenberg remarked. “Patients cally safe and ethically sound.” want to know? Would you need to Professor Raj Ramesar, head of the (You can listen to the full audio re- are being treated with their own Greenberg wrapped up her PhD know? Should anyone be tested for a Division of Human Genetics, on cording of the lecture at http://www.uct. cells.” in 1990 in UCT’s Division of Human condition that is fatal and devastating the Retinal Degenerative Disorders ac.za/news/lectures/inaugural/2013/, Collaborating with researchers Genetics, now part of the Department to both the patient and the patient’s screening programme. Currently, the or visit the UCT Stem Cell Initiative in Oxford and Japan, scientists from of Clinical Laboratory Sciences. The family?” registry has clinical and genetic muta- website at http://stemcells.uct.ac.za/.) Top international award for cardiovascular researcher aren Sliwa-Hahnle, professor standard in Germany, with a huge fund- therapy of peripartum cardiomyopathy, Kof cardiovascular research and ing volume and many innovations over a disease affecting women post-deliv- director of UCT’s Hatter Institute for the past 100 years. “It is a great honour ery, resulted in the establishment of the Cardiovascular Research, has been to receive this very prestigious award.” Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Working awarded a top international award for During her years in cardiovascular Group, which she chairs. her research into cardiovascular preven- research, Sliwa-Hahnle established a This group has leveraged funding tion, heart failure and the pathophysiol- theme of projects called the Heart of for a 1 000-patient international registry ogy of cardiomyopathy. Soweto Studies, which are recognised on PPCM, and the project is expected The Paul Morawitz Award is the worldwide. The projects investigate the not only to improve knowledge of this highest annual award for exceptional prevalence, presentation and manage- disease (which occurs in 1 in 1 000 cardiovascular research for people from ment of cardiac disease in an urban South African women), and – ulti- German-speaking countries (Austria, African population. mately – patient outcomes, but also to Switzerland and Germany), and can “These studies on more than 8 000 further enhance UCT’s international be given to scientists, cardiologists, patients highlighted the high prevalence reputation as a centre for leading medi- cardiothoracic surgeons or paediatric of hypertension, obesity and cardiac cal research. cardiologists. disease in Africa, and have resulted in Her special focus on heart disease The award’s laudation notes that more than 20 publications so far. They in pregnant women also addresses the Sliwa-Hahnle studied as a physician have also been used to train eight post- World Health Organisation’s Millen- in Berlin, Germany, and subsequently graduate students, mainly physicians, nium Goal 5: to reduce maternal and worked at the University of the Witwa- who did their doctoral theses and PhD child mortality. tersrand. projects using aspects of these studies,” “I see myself as a mentor for young “In 2010 she was appointed as said Sliwa-Hahnle. academics struggling to lead a balanced professor of cardiovascular research She recently expanded the project life which incorporates clinical work, and the director of the Hatter Institute to include other African countries such enjoying research, having a partner for Cardiovascular Research in Africa, as Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, and children and fi nding some time for at the prestigious University of Cape Kenya and Sudan, and has also de- themselves,” says Slilwa-Hahnle. Town, South Africa,” the laudation signed a number of innovative research “The award is important for strate- says, adding that, “due to her scientifi c programmes and has leveraged funding gic planning, as we have just submitted excellence and international success, for several major research projects – an application for a large German- International honour: Prof Karen Sliwa-Hahnle, director of UCT’s Hatter Institute she made German cardiology interna- not only in South Africa and the rest of African collaborating group. Hopefully, for Cardiovascular Research, has been awarded the Paul Morawitz Award for her tionally visible.” Africa, but also internationally. having received the Paul Morawitz research into cardiovascular prevention, heart failure, and the pathophysiology of Sliwa-Hahnle said cardiovascular Sliwa-Hahnle’s research on the Award will increase our chances of cardiomyopathy. research was performed at a very high physiology, clinical outcome and success.” 6 Monday Paper NEWS 29 April – 12 May 2013 Vol. 32 #6 A DAY IN THE LIFE OF DR CORINNE LANDON, PRINCIPAL MEDICAL OFFICER

MP: What is an average day I would say trying to balance the like for you? administrative load and my clinical Most days are unpredictable, due responsibilities. As a health profes- to the nature of a medical practice. sional I would prefer to spend more However, I usually arrive in the time consulting, but an important morning and check my emails to part of my job is also to provide see if there is anything urgent that administrative support and medical needs my immediate attention. I advice and guidance to the execu- then consult for most of the morn- tives. ing, and attend to my administrative matters in the afternoon. However, MP: The best bits? most days are not average, as there One of the highlights is working in is often an urgent medical matter to a multi-disciplinary team. We have be resolved, and pathology results a wonderful, dedicated staff at the and ill patients to be followed up. Health Service. I am privileged to work with clinical nurse practition- MP: What does your job en- ers, medical offi cers, psychologists tail? and social workers who are expe- As a clinician, my priority is to rienced professionals. The clinical provide medical and educational nurse practitioners are the backbone interventions to UCT students as of the service, providing compre- well as to manage the team of doc- hensive medical care to most of the tors and clinical nurse practitioners. students, and ensuring the smooth I sit on committees such as HAPI running of the service by ordering (HIV & AIDS Policy Implementa- and maintenance of the necessary To the rescue: Dr Corinne Landon, Principal Medical Offi cer, Student Wellness Service. tion Group) and the Readmission stock. The clinical nurse practition- Review Committee of the Science ers refer to the medical offi cers and graduated from university, keeping medical protocols for the university, MP: The worst bits? Faculty, and advise UCT staff and psychologists only if after fully me updated on their achievements and with my dedicated team set up I don’t have any worst bits, but if faculty members on medical issues assessing the patient, they decide and the work they are doing – even procedures for the health team at you had to ask my family they would that may impact on students, such that it is not within their scope of their recent marriages and children. Student Wellness (hotline and triage probably say that I worry too much as swine fl u, post-exposure prophy- practice to manage the patient. system), to deal with concerned – I think maybe it’s just ‘caring’. It is laxis, needlestick policy, sexual as- The practice also couldn’t func- MP: Any stand-out experi- parents, staff and students. As diffi cult for any health professional sault, and psychiatric emergencies, tion without our dedicated reception ences you’ve had? expected, despite stringent hygiene to ‘turn off’ when they leave the to name just a few. Faculty staff and and administrative staff. I can clearly remember the outbreak protocols, the health team staff also offi ce. Students keep me awake at other UCT staff contact me request- Of course, interacting with our of the H1N1 fl u epidemic in August became infected – including me. night while I wonder if I might have ing advice on matters such as medi- students is always the highlight of 2009. One of the UCT students The combined effort from the missed a diagnosis, or if their condi- cal certifi cates, deferred exams and my day – especially when, even who had travelled to Johannesburg health team, UCT’s executives, tion may have deteriorated during the management of ill students. as they face so many challenges, became infected with H1N1, and Communication and Marketing, as the night. I usually contact them fi rst they can be encouraged to focus the entire university community was well as Human Resources, meant thing in the morning, to put my mind MP: What are the biggest on achieving their goals. I often on high alert. that the anxiety about H1N1 could at ease and to ensure that their medi- challenges? get emails from students who have I was involved in developing be contained. cal condition has stabilised. UCT institute supports foster child grant campaign

CT’s Children’s Institute, the to cope with the demand. Originally April 2013 the South Gauteng UUniversity of Pretoria’s Centre designed to accommodate 50 000 High Court ruled that a Kagiso for Child Law, Legal Aid SA and children, the foster care system grandmother qualified to be a foster the Black Sash say that the coun- is responsible for the welfare of parent for her three orphaned grand- try’s foster care system is failing to 500 000 children, explained Chil- children. assist family members caring for dren’s Institute programme manager “This South Gauteng judgement orphaned children. Paula Proudlock. helps solve one of the challenges This is not a new problem; it’s Among other factors, the that have been preventing access to been occurring since 2002, when overwhelming caseloads and the foster child grant for grandpar- the numbers of orphans applying for overcrowded court rolls created ents,” said Proudlock. “The judg- foster care started to grow rapidly enormous backlogs, resulting in the ment will bind all magistrates in due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. lapse of over 110 000 foster care Gauteng and be of persuasive value Besides failing orphans, the orders – cutting financial aid to as to magistrates in other provinces. system is also failing abused and many children. “However, the judgment does neglected children who desper- In 2011, after being approach not provide a solution to the ately need the services of the by Childline and Child Welfare for backlogs in the foster care system overwhelmed social workers and help with the lapsing grants, the that are caused by the mismatch children’s courts, said a recent Centre for Child Law approached between the numbers in need and statement issued by the four organi- the High Court to avoid the looming the capacity of social workers and sations. crash of the foster care system. A courts to keep up.” Prof Ann Skel- Black Sash Regional man- court order was granted that tempo- ton of the Centre for Child Law at ager Thandiwe Zulu said: “Courts rarily alleviated the pressure on the explained Katharine Hall, senior re- the need for a social worker report the University of Pretoria concurs: are not the appropriate place for foster care system by ‘deeming’ fos- searcher at the Children’s Institute. and a court inquiry, and ensure all “Unfortunately the judgment does grandparents and siblings caring for ter child orders not to have lapsed “It has taken the Department of orphans could be reached with a not solve the systemic problems orphans. It is a fact that the foster- and placing a temporary mora- Social Development over 10 years grant quickly. that still exist, and may in all likeli- care system fails these relatives and torium on further lapsing. “This to reach these 460 000 orphans In November 2012 we attended hood add to the pressure on the that overwhelmed social work- provided time for the department with an FCG. And there is every a consultative workshop with the foster care system, as it opens the ers are unable to deliver services to introduce the necessary reform,” sign that the system cannot accom- Department, where they gave doors for more people to be placed for many children in real need of added Proudlock. modate more children. Already we further details on the proposal to be on an already stretched system.” protection. We believe that a non- Research by the Children’s have seen that grants are lapsing implemented as an ‘Extended Child Prof Skelton also warns that court-based system is long over- Institute shows that there are now because the system cannot keep up Support Grant’, which would give “another lapsing crisis is imminent, due, and must be implemented to over one million orphans living with the numbers. This leaves the relatives caring for orphans a larger as all foster care orders deemed to provide much-needed, appropriate with relatives in poverty; yet in majority of orphans without ad- CSG than is standard. If this pro- have been extended for two years income support for kinship carers.” 2011, only 460 000 were receiv- equate social assistance,” said Hall. posal could be finalised and imple- by the original court order of 2011 These civil society organisations ing the Foster Child Grant (FCG), Proudlock added: “In September mented in 2013, we would see great will expire on 22 June 2013. If and many others at the coalface, worth R800 per child per month. 2012 the department announced its benefits for orphans, child-headed these orders lapse, then the South such as Childline and Child Wel- The remaining orphans are intention to introduce reform aimed households and abused children.” African Social Assistance Agency fare, have been calling for reform either getting the much lower Child at providing a grant that relatives The question of foster child will discontinue payment of the for over ten years, as they have Support Grant (CSG) of R290 per could access directly via applica- grants is also receiving attention foster child grants, and we will face witnessed how the system is unable child per month, or nothing at all, tion to SASSA. This would cut out from the country’s courts. On 12 the same crisis we did in 2011”. 29 April – 12 May 2013 Vol. 32 #6 CLASSIFIED Monday Paper 7

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Little Moon, with Stop Hunger Now at which nating debates. or Nyangana, is an initiative of 360 meal-bags (each meal-bag the student-run non-governmental feeds six children) for the pupils • Africa Month kicks off on 1 May organisation that helps to foster a will be prepared. Norrish is ap- with the All-Africa Basketball Tour- literary culture among grade 1, 2 pealing to the UCT community to nament, appropriately titled ‘Africa and 3 pupils in the impoverished lend a hand on the day. United’. area. “We are calling on volunteers • On 2 May the Africa Day Plaza Event First established as a pilot pro- from UCT to help us not only showcases African food, stalls, music, ject, but now a permanent fixture in packing the food, but also in dance, poetry and art. First-year stu- on SHAWCO Education’s roster, raising funds to pay for the food,” dents from Michaelis School of Fine Nyangana is currently in its third says Norrish. “Just R10 covers Art construct ‘Unibags’ symbolising year of operation. Volunteers use the cost of one meal-bag, and we their perceptions of African identity drama, storytelling, songs, games, welcome passers-by to donate this and refl ecting the ‘Uni-queness’ of reading and “any other methods on the day.” being African. that spark the interests of these 90 A love of reading: Two young pupils share the joy of reading with a SHAWCO Little Moon aims to raise • Short scholarly presentations, Sotho volunteer, as part of the Little Moon project. On 16 May, the committee and young children to bring literacy to SHAWCO Education will host a ‘packaging’ event with Stop Hunger Now, at R5 400, which will cover food dance, Township Jazz and tastes of life for them”, says Julia Norrish, which 360 meal-bags for the pupils will be prepared. costs until the end of 2013. Africa culminate in ‘Youth in Africa – the Little Moon project leader for Interested parties can contact on stage and in research’ on 8 May. 2013. is key when wanting to inspire on an empty stomach,” Norrish the Little Moon project via email: • UCT Libraries celebrate the restora- Much of the interaction young children to learn,” says adds. [email protected]. tion of the JW Jagger Library on 10 takes place in the pupils’ mother Norrish. Little Moon provides warm Alternatively, donors are welcome May, with some of the highlights in- tongue, isiXhosa. “One of the things we strongly meals for the children before to visit the SHAWCO office on cluding an online exhibition of maps “We believe that the incorpo- believe in at Little Moon is that every session, which are sourced Level 5 of the Steve Biko Build- of Africa, poster displays, manu- ration of mother-tongue education productive learning cannot happen at a relatively low cost from ing on UCT’s Upper Campus. scripts and archives, and an online display of the Land Act of 1913. • 11 May brings with it music and dance, from countries across the International squash Get the message: continent, at the Baxter Concert Hall. Sixth-year This concert features Mozambican and inter-varsity medical student Chopi xylophone virtuouso Venan- and president of cio Zango, who is a South African SHAWCO Health College of Music (SACM) artist-in- excitement Saadiq Moolla’s residence for the fi rst semester. Mobile Xhosa site CT’s squash courts will host some of the big names provides medical • The University of Toronto’s Prof Uin world squash during the Keith Grainger Memorial translations Alexie Tcheyuap presents a seminar UCT Squash Open from 28 April to 4 May. for students on his book, Post-Nationalist African The tournament is held in honour of late UCT student and healthcare Cinemas (2011), on 13 May, followed and talented squash player Keith Grainger, who suc- practitioners via cell- by his lecture on ‘African Child cumbed to cancer in 2001, during his third year at UCT. phone. The School Soldiers’ on 14 May. of Languages and Grainger, whose leg was amputated before he arrived at • 17 May sees a masterclass with fi lm- Literatures university, was deeply involved with UCT squash before maker Akin Omotoso, the Nigerian- his passing, as both player and organiser. born South African actor, writer and This year’s instalment – the eighth so far – is registered Mobile Xhosa translator director, who shares his local and as part of a US$5 000 series (about R45 600) of events in international experiences in the fi lm South Africa on the men’s Professional Squash Association industry. (PSA) and Women’s Squash Association (WSA) tours. helps the medicine go down • The Centre for Higher Education “The UCT Squash Club has encouraged the local com- t’s a common problem healthcare practition- with isiXhosa. Development (CHED) seminar on munity to get involved and support the event on and off Iers face in a multilingual society: how to “So I built the site as an aid for myself, a ‘Addressing the (In)Visibility of the court,” says Kerr Rogers, sports co-ordinator at UCT. translate medical questions and ailments in handy reference on my phone. It helps so much African Research’, presented by the “Spectators will be guaranteed plenty of drama on the another language accurately enough to provide to be able to explain to a patient that you will Scholarly Communications in Africa court, with SA’s best players matching their skills against correct diagnosis and treatment. be taking blood, for example, so that they un- Programme, will give insights into the players ranked among the top 100 in the world.” And it’s one sixth-year medical student and derstand what you’re doing and why. It reduces rise of the internet and information These players include alumna Siyoli Waters (South Af- president of SHAWCO Health Saadiq Moolla anxiety and improves the quality of care.” and communication technologies in rica), ranked 41st in the world (ladies), and Shaun le Roux faced head-on when treating isiXhosa-speaking In fourth year he showed the site to one of African universities, and the various (South Africa), ranked 54th in the world and second in SA. patients at SHAWCO’s mobile clinics. his tutors, who encouraged Moolla to develop challenges faced in the race to partici- The fi nals of both the women’s and men’s events will His Mobile Xhosa website/mobisite is it. This he did with the help of the African pate. take place on 4 May. a technologically innovative and neat solu- languages and literatures team, who became • 23 May sees a round-table discussion “All donations received will be handed over to the tion. The site provides free English/isiXhosa instrumental in the site’s development. It’s still a on Afropolitan Research opportunities Cancer Association of South Africa at the prize-giving on translations, via cellphone, for commonly-used work in progress. The department provides new and constraints, with an equally excit- 4 May,” added Rogers. medical phrases. Access is via a URL, and once translations on an ongoing basis – and Moolla ing DVC Prof T Nhlapo-hosted panel This week also sees the revived intervarsity sporting on the site, users can search according to groups keeps discovering new phrases he has trouble discussion to follow on 24 May, titled bonanza between UCT and arch-rivals Stellenbosch Uni- of commonly-asked phrases such as ‘present- communicating! ‘The Big African Debate’. versity taking place for the second year in a row. The Ikeys ing problem’, ‘heart’, ‘respiratory’ or ‘social’. It He’d also had a fi rst-hand ‘lost in transla- • Various staff and student events and and Maties will cross swords in 27 sporting codes from 3 also has a dictionary. tion’ experience when he visited a doctor during series take place over the month, to 5 May at UCT. The idea came to Moolla two years ago, a trip to Egypt. including the IAPO Africa Regional Chess, table tennis, netball and hockey are among the when the need for medical translations became “They spoke only Arabic. I didn’t get the Cup tournament, in which staff face- codes that take to their ‘fi elds’ on 3 May, while the next apparent during his volunteer work at SHAW- proper treatment – or reassurances. In South off in Bola and Volleyball on 17 May, day begins with a cycling time trial inside Jameson Hall. CO clinics. It was also fuelled by an interest in Africa, patients experience this in their own as well as the Annual Candlelight Me- The yacht clubs take to the seas at Milnerton Aquatic Club, web design and communications developed as a country.” morial Ceremony on 9 May, which while Ikey TaekwonDokas will be looking to get one up schoolboy at Rondebosch Boys’ High School. He’d like to include sound bites to help will call on participants to break on their Matie opponents on the martial arts mat, before a “Language profi ciency is part of our medi- students with pronunciation, and he’d like to down the barriers of HIV stigma on 4x100m relay lights up the UCT A Rugby Field. cal training. We learn Afrikaans and isiXhosa see the site expand to include other vernacular the continent. CHED offers ‘Lan- The fi nal day of the annual event sees the athletics through the Department of African Languages languages. guages for Life and Learning’ from clubs competing in a 10km race, the golfers ‘getting their in the School of Languages and Literatures, (Mobile Xhosa is licensed under a Creative 13 May, and the English Department McIlroy on’ at the Westlake Golf Club, and a surfi ng meet which teach us the basic skills needed to com- Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share- presents the ‘Africa, Reading and between UCT, US and the Cape Peninsula University of municate with patients.” Alike 3.0 Unported Licence.http://mobilexhosa. Humanities’ discussion series from 7 Technology surfers, depending on the weather. But many students like Moolla struggled org.za/) May onwards.

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