2013 UKZNTOUCH A UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL ALUMNI MAGAZINE
AFRICAN LANGUAGES – A RESOURCE FOR SOUTH AFRICAN EDUCATION AND NATION BUILDING
A FOCUS ON THE COLLEGE OF LAW AND MANAGEMENT STUDIES
AT THE FOREFRONT OF ELEPHANT RESEARCH
INSPIRING GREATNESS UKZNTOUCH • 2013 A UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL ALUMNI MAGAZINE Contents
MESSAGE FROM PROFESSOR pg LAW CLINICS AND STREET LAW PHILANTHROPIC INVESTMENT pg 2 MALEGAPURU MAKGOBA: VICE- 38 UKZN’s contribution to the development pg 70 CHANCELLOR AND PRINCIPAL of clinical legal education THROUGH THE UKZN MESSAGE FROM THE pg IMPROVED INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYEE FOUNDATION pg 5 EDITORIAL TEAM 41 PERFORMANCE KEY TO BETTER PUBLIC SERVICE DELIVERY UKZN TOP IN AFRICA ON INFLUENTIAL UKZN HONOURS TOP SCHOLARS pg 6 WORLD RANKINGS SYSTEM REGULATING LABOUR BROKERS VITAL FOR pg 71 pg 44 WORKER SECURITY AND FAIR WAGES pg APPOINTMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY 7 OMBUD LAW SCHOOL AUTHORS UKZN ACADEMIC A PART pg 47 HONOURED pg 72 pg 8 AFRICAN LANGUAGES: A RESOURCE OF GROUNDBREAKING FOR SOUTH AFRICAN EDUCATION AND pg USING ILLUSION AS A NATION BUILDING 48 PEDAGOGIC DEVICE COSMOLOGY RESEARCH
FOCUS LEADING THE WAY IN LAW RESEARCH DYNAMICS pg 74 UNIVERSITIES ON THE VERGE: pg 12 AND MANAGEMENT DEMISE OF THE TRADITIONAL STUDIES UNIVERSITY UKZN ON COURSE FOR AFRICA’S pg 50 BEST POSITION LAW SCHOOLS FACE SERIOUS pg 14 CULTURE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP BEING UKZN NEWS CHALLENGES pg 53 pg 76 Appeal Court Judge INSTILLED AT UKZN THE PROMISE OF BROADBAND NEW DEAN – A COMMITTED RESEARCH ALUMNI PROFILES pg 17 pg 55 ACTIVIST pg 84 pg 20 UKZN’S GRADUATE SCHOOL OF pg 57 UKZN AT THE FOREFRONT OF ELEPHANT BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP HAS ITS RESEARCH pg 86 CONVOCATION SIGHTS SET HIGH pg RESEARCH ON EYE MOVEMENTS WHILE ‘LADY JUSTICE’, THE LAW AND VIOLENCE 60 READING ISIZULU pg 24 AGAINST WOMEN IN SOUTH AFRICA pg 88 OUT & ABOUT COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION AFRICA CENTRE RESEARCH IDENTIFIES WAY pg 28 pg 62 TO REVERSE HIV EPIDEMIC THROUGH REGIONAL AND LOCAL pg 90 CLASS NOTES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MAJOR GRANT FOR HEALTH SCIENCES pg 64 PROJECT IN AFRICA pg 31 THE SEARCH FOR EXCELLENCE ON THE BOOKSHELF THROUGH POSTDOCTORAL DST WOMEN IN SCIENCE AWARD WINNERS pg 96 FELLOWSHIPS pg 65 NEW DIRECTOR FOR UKZN HIV RESEARCH THE COST OF INERTIA pg 68 pg 33 CENTRE AFRICAN OMBUDSMAN RESEARCH pg 69 RURAL COMMUNITY IN UMBUMBULU pg 36 CENTRE WORKS FOR GOOD BENEFITS FROM UKZN RESEARCH GOVERNANCE
Cover: The focus of this edition of Managing Editor Production Editors Creative Direction UKZNTOUCH is on the College of Law and Smita Maharaj Smita Maharaj, Sunayna Bhagwandin, Rod Macleod Management Studies. Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer, Sithembile Editorial Advisory Shabangu and Greg Dardagan Photographs, articles and graphic Smita Maharaj, Len Mzimela, illustration Finn Christensen, Contributors Rod Macleod, Greg Dardagan, Independent Disclaimer: The views expressed are the Sunayna Bhagwandin, Hazel Langa, Greg Dardagan, Hazel Langa, Newspapers KZN, UKZN’s archives and author’s own and may not reflect those of the Raylene Captain Hasthibeer MaryAnn Francis, Sally Frost UKZN Corporate Relations Division University. and Sithembile Shabangu and Xoliswa Zulu UKZN: A TRAILBLAZER IN HIGHER EDUCATION
BY: GREG DARDAGAN
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has become a higher education trendsetter in the sensitive areas of transformation and language policy with its trail blazing and sometimes controversial innovations receiving widespread support and praise.
his is according to Vice- Equity Index, and we also have the largest Chancellor and Principal, cohort of young academics and scholars Professor Malegapuru and the highest percentage of Black Afri- T Makgoba, who says he can staff at any of the Big Five research-led senses a general feeling institutions in the country. Furthermore, of enormous pride in the University the percentage of research active and pub- and its internationally recognised lishing Black and women academics has achievements. improved tremendously. Presenting his views on a wide range of ‘On top of that the proportion of research issues, Makgoba - who retires at the end active staff which stood at 45% in 2004 of next year – said great strides had been around the time of the merger has rock- made in transformation at UKZN in re- eted to 89%.’ cent years. UKZN’s Council and Senate also had the UKZN ‘Several things characterise transforma- best equity index of all major universities Vice-Chancellor tion at our Institution as opposed to that in the country. ‘So from a governance per- and Principal, at other universities in South Africa. To spective the UKZN Council closely mir- Professor begin with we are the first university to rors the national demographics in South Malegapuru describe the quantitative measure of trans- Africa putting it in a good position to drive Makgoba. formation through the recently released transformation effectively,’ he said.
2 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 3 UPGRADING QUALIFICATIONS
UKZN VICE-CHANCELLOR AND PRINCIPAL PROFESSOR MALEGAPURU MAKGOBA
And while equity had improved so highlights for the Institution this year ‘Over the past two years our Execu- too had the quality of academics at he first singled out the improvement tive Director for Human Resources the University. in the graduation output which saw has been directing a policy on talent more students graduate in 2013 than management. Once everything is ‘More than 50% of our academic at any other time in the University’s in place and functioning well our staff now hold a PhD as the minimum history. teaching and learning outputs as qualification compared to 35% at the well as our transformation will im- LEADING AFRICAN start of the merger, while about 90% ‘Also there has been a 14% increase prove. of the remainder are now registered in our research output compared to for a PhD.’ the previous year with an increasing ‘However, it is still new thinking SCHOLARSHIP... level of international citations accom- here and it will take time before we On the issue of language policy, Mak- panying those research outputs. reap all the benefits.’ goba said the response to the decision to introduce isiZulu as a compulsory ‘And six of our scientists were recog- He was very optimistic about module for all students from next year nised by the New York-based multi- the success of the move to promote he theme of this edition of is indeed a ‘laudable 2013 had received overwhelming support. national media and information firm innovation, commercialisation and UKZNTOUCH is an move’, writes Profes- He had no doubt similar policies Thomson Reuters as being among entrepreneurship at UKZN. ‘I think T expression of the views and sor Nobhule Hlongwa UKZNTOUCH would soon be – or were already be- the most highly cited researchers in entrepreneurship will be the new mis- opinions of leading and Professor Nhlanhla A UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL ALUMNI MAGAZINE ing – introduced at other universities. the world. sion of institutions of higher learning Mkhize in their article academics in the College of Law and AFRICAN LANGUAGES – A RESOURCE FOR SOUTH because knowledge will soon become Management Studies. Their candid titled: ‘African languages AFRICAN EDUCATION AND NATION BUILDING ‘However, it is important to point out ‘Added to all this we have expe- the commodity through which na- – a resource for South expert opinions and research A FoCUS oN THE COLLEGE OF LAW a few things which may not be clear: rienced relative stability and our tions trade.’ unravel complex issues that cover a African education and AND MANAGEMENT STUDIES position in the various rankings nation building’. ‘Not number of topics: labour broking, AT THE FoREFRoNT OF ‘English will continue to be the lan- of world universities has improved Makgoba is satisfied with the only does the University governance and accountability, the ELEPHANT RESEARCH guage of instruction at UKZN with significantly - we are now No 1 current state of the University. ‘I identify with South Af- isiZulu being introduced over time. in Africa on the respected Webomet- learned many lessons from my par- challenges facing Law Schools, and rica’s policies on multi- This is being done to comply with rics listings!’ ents, one being to always try to leave academic empowerment in the lingualism; it seeks to be the Constitution of the country and a place in a better position than you public sector, among others. The a key player in their suc- to promote social cohesion thus help- ‘It is important to point out that found it. articles also look at legal assistance cessful implementation,’ ing to ensure that people who live in UKZN is one of the few universities to the poor through the UKZN say the researchers. This KwaZulu-Natal are able to commu- to appear in the world rankings while ‘Well, we inherited two universities Street Law Project; and examine significant development nicate with each other. undergoing a merger. Rankings don’t (the University of Natal and the technology and its impact on will ultimately equip take transformation into account, University of Durban-Westville) and education, and the transformation graduates with essential ‘But more fundamentally, it is prefer- if they did some universities both in created one. So the question may be of communities through regional communication skills in able for a university that is a seeker Africa and the rest of the world would asked whether the new University is and local economic development. all professions. of knowledge to operate with its rank very differently.’ better than what we inherited. Creating a culture of academics and students able to speak entrepreneurship to address the The publication features the language which is the medium of Makgoba said the four key features ‘The answer is an emphatic yes by high unemployment rate is the focus the appointments of re- conversation of the majority of people found in every world-class univer- any assessment whether it is in the of a new University portfolio: vered UKZN alumnus, Justice Zak Yacoob, to in the province. So much knowledge sity were good governance, abundant area of policy or structure, the use Innovation, Commercialisation and and identity are buried in the lan- funding, excellent management of of talent and acquisition of funds, the position of Universi- Entrepreneurship. It is envisaged InspIrInG Greatness guages we speak.’ talent and, most important, is the in the promotion of teaching and ty Ombud, and eminent that empowering graduates and UKZNTouch 2013 REPRO.indd 1 2013/11/14 3:45 PM quality of the vice-chancellor. Vice- learning or the amount and quality scholar and clinical vi- academics to innovate and create rologist Professor Deen- Makgoba made it clear the language chancellors determined the fortunes of research being done. were assessed. The Webometrics sys- employment will lead to the an Pillay’s appointment as Director policy would not be used as a criterion and misfortunes of universities. tem, an initiative of the Cybermetrics establishment of much-needed of the Africa Centre for Health and for preventing non-isiZulu speakers ‘As my time here draws to an end I Lab in Spain, is the ‘largest academic small and medium businesses. Population Studies. University news from being admitted to or employed UKZN was up there with the best in plan to tie up any loose ends in the ranking of Higher Education Institu- and alumni activities provide insight at UKZN. terms of its governance and funding wide variety of exciting projects we tions in the world’. We are particu- into a vibrant, rich and diverse aca- but was not strong in talent manage- have initiated over the past decade. Leading African scholarship on larly proud of this endorsement. N Everything was in place for the intro- ment. the continent, the University gave demic year. This year UKZN was duction of the policy next year and ‘My successor should inherit a tangible expression to its vision to named first in Africa in the inter- national Webometrics Rankings of most of the University’s leadership ‘This is mainly because we have had steady ship to steer into the chal- be the Premier University of African World Universities which rates higher was currently undergoing isiZulu to manage talent from two different lenging future.’ N Scholarship when it announced the The Editorial Team education institutions based on their tutorials. traditions during the merger, while introduction of isiZulu as a compul- web presence and input. A total of sory module in the undergraduate the emphasis has been on transfor- 11 994 higher education institutions Turning to what he considers are mation. degree programme next year. It
4 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 5 UKZN TOP IN AFRICA ON INFLUENTIAL WORLD APPOINTMENT OF THE RANKINGS SYSTEM UNIVERSITY OMBUD The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has secured the top position in Africa in the Webometrics Rankings of World Universities which rates Higher Education Institutions based on their web presence and input.
his is the first time the Globally UKZN is now placed by UKZN is the impact criterion Justice Zakeria University, previously 381 compared to 773 last year. A which is calculated from the Mohammed Yacoob, T placed fifth, has been total of 11 994 Higher Education number of links on diverse third- an alumnus of the first on the continent. Institutions were assessed, of which party sites to the UKZN website. 974 were in Africa. Those links are seen as ‘recognising University, was the institutional prestige, the appointed as the UKZN’s Vice-Chancellor academic performance, the value of and Principal, Professor the information, and the usefulness University’s second Malegapuru Makgoba, of the services as introduced in the Ombud with effect from said the University had ex- webpages according to the criteria celled in terms of access to of millions of web editors from all 1 October 2013, for a research publications, in- over the world’. three-year period. formal scholarly commu- nication and electronic Webometrics says the original aim publications. ‘A special of the ranking system is to promote ecognised as one of South tribute must go to the academic web presence, supporting Africa’s sharpest and highly staff, the students, the the Open Access initiatives for R respected legal minds Research Office and increasing significantly the transfer Justice Yacoob is a the Corporate Rela- of scientific and cultural knowledge well-respected Constitutional law tions Division,’ said generated by universities to the expert and is widely recognised for Makgoba. whole society. his contributions to our democratic dispensation. In February 1998 he The Webometrics system, an In order to achieve this objective, was appointed as a Judge of the initiative of the Cybermetrics Lab the publication of rankings is one South African Constitutional Court. in Spain, is the ‘largest academic of the most powerful and successful ranking of Higher Education tools for starting and consolidating He is the author of several ground- Institutions in the world’. the processes of change in academia, breaking judgments on socio-eco- increasing the scholars’ commit- nomic rights and in other areas of Webometrics uses two criteria to ment and setting up badly needed law. Yacoob is a veteran anti-apart- measure the ranking of websites long-term strategies. heid activist. During the early years He was awarded an honorary doc- Justice Zakeria Yacoob. – (1) visibility, which is the of his professional career Yacoob torate in Law by the University in impact the website has The objective is not to evaluate championed the cause of the 2011. and (2) activity, which websites, their design or usability oppressed and underprivileged community.’ is divided into or the popularity of their contents victims of apartheid legislation. Congratulating him on his ap- three criteria according to the number of visits pointment, Mrs Phumla Mnganga, The office of the University Ombud – presence, or visitors. Web indicators are Yacoob has a long standing and Chair of UKZN’s Council, said: was established in 2010 to provide openness and considered as proxies in the correct, impeccable association with the ‘Council is privileged that a revered the UKZN community with an excellence. comprehensive, deep evaluation of University. An alumnus of the Uni- alumnus of UKZN has accepted the independent, neutral dispute resolu- the university global performance, versity, he served as a member of appointment to this significant posi- tion resource that deals with com- The greatest taking into account its activities Council of the former University of tion. Justice Yacoob’s integrity, wis- plaints and concerns in a fair and improvement and the and outputs and their relevance and Durban-Westville from 1989-1993 dom and legal acumen will enhance equitable manner. N main contributing factor impact. N and 1995-1997 and was Chancellor the role of the Ombud’s Office and for the increase in the ranking from May 2001 to December 2003. bring great value to the University
6 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 7 AFRICAN LANGUAGES A RESOURCE FOR SOUTH AFRICAN EDUCATION AND NATION BUILDING
BY: PROFESSOR NOBUHLE HLONGWA AND PROFESSOR NHLANHLA ‘BACWALI’ MKHIZE
In its decision to have an African language (isiZulu) as a mandatory requirement for all students at the undergraduate level, the University of KwaZulu-Natal has made history in the language planning landscape.
his is not surprising given player in their successful implemen- use and status of the indigenous the University’s vision to be tation. languages of our people, the State T the Premier University of must take practical and positive African Scholarship. This Of the eleven official languages rec- measures to elevate the status and laudable move is somewhat ognised in the Constitution of South advance the use of these languages.’ overdue given that it was in 2006 Africa, nine are African - leaving (Constitution 1996, Act 108). that the University’s Language aside the debate whether Afrikaans Policy, advocating bilingualism with is an African language or not, ex- It is important to touch briefly on special reference to the cept to communicate our view that the standard - one might even add, development of isiZulu as the it has the same constitutional status rehearsed - objection to the use of language of communication, as the other languages. African languages for educational medium of instruction and purposes, namely that such a move language of administration, was Further, the Constitution provides will impact negatively on the global approved. for the use and development of all competitiveness of students. An ob- official languages and in particular, jection of this nature is fraught with the development of historically-dis- historical and firmly entrenched Professor Nobuhle Hlongwa is the College of Not only does the University iden- advantaged indigenous languages. colonial overtones which cannot Humanities Dean of Teaching and Learning. tify with South Africa’s policies on The Constitution states: ‘Recog- be pursued here. For our purposes, multilingualism; it seeks to be a key nising the historically diminished it is sufficient to state that the
8 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 9 AFRICAN LANGUAGES
A RESOURCE FOR SOUTH AFRICAN EDUCATION AND NATION BUILDING
There is another deeply psycho- medicine, nursing, psychology, and excluded from meaningful participa- order to perform the revolutionary sity should take African languages, logical dimension accounting for education, graduates will be able to tion in a range of spheres including task that intellectuals of other nations in this case isiZulu, on board as one the failure of African languages to communicate with their clients and the economic, social, and political. have done to their native languages. of many steps to affect its vision and thrive and that is the tendency by the national interest will be served. One wonders how many (would be) This is to develop African languages mission. We also believe that the in- the African elite to denounce them The same argument applies with the brilliant scientists, educationists, art- as languages of scholarly discourse tellectualisation of African languages in favour of European languages. To use of other African languages. ists, etc have been stillborn as a result. and technology and as a Premier should take cognisance of the on- this end it is often argued that Afri- University of African Scholarship, going developments in information cans themselves prefer their children While the reasons for the preference No country or continent can main- UKZN is well-positioned and equal and communication technology. to be educated in English (or French for European languages are couched tain a global competitive edge by to this mammoth task. for that matter) in order to maximise in economic terms, we consider educating its children, especially Finally, without the development of their employment opportunities. Af- them to be psychological, having to in their formative years, through a It is for the reasons mentioned above, African languages as envisaged in our rican languages are associated with do with mental (de) colonisation. It medium they can barely understand, among others, that at UKZN African Constitution, the ‘rainbow nation’ of ghetto education and apartheid is is not far-fetched to postulate that let alone by an educator who also languages are considered a resource which we are renowned as a country often emotionally invoked. the first ‘native’ to have come clos- does not understand their language. and not an impediment to social, will always remain an elusive, utopi- est to the coloniser’s ways of life and The challenge is therefore on African cultural, economic and other forms of an ideal. Like the proverbial utalagu, it The language as a resource paradigm their attendant riches is the one who intellectuals, working in tandem with development. will always escape our reach. N stresses the advantages of being mul- mastered their language and in so like-minded intellectuals of all hues as tilingual. Multilingualism not only doing, establishing his (most likely, well as the men and women of the vil- Having branded itself as the Premier Hlongwa and Mkhize have written gives one access to different cultures it was a man) status as a go-between lage, the organic intellectuals, to free University of African Scholarship, it here in their personal capacities. and literatures but also allows one (translator), between the coloniser themselves from colonial bondage in goes without saying that the Univer- Professor Nhlanhla ‘Bacwali’ Mkhize to compete for jobs in a much wider and the colonised. An army of trans- is the Dean and Head of the School of market. In countries such as Swit- lators - positioned slightly above the Applied Human Sciences. zerland and Australia cultural and ‘illiterate’ native but way below the linguistic differences are cherished; master - would have grown over a UKZN PIONEERS THE INTRODUCTION OF ISIZULU IN development and use of isiZulu for they contribute to national strength. period of time. Using a European instruction, administrative and other In a similar vein, in Australia the language then became synonymous UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES purposes at UKZN, is not aimed at re- Japanese language is not seen as a with superior intellect. To this day, placing English. Rather, the intention problem; it is a resource that enables this remains one of the key criteria by is to facilitate access and foster social Australians to do business with Japan means of which some African parents All students registering for bearing language courses will be learning communities together and cohesion not only for the students more successfully than other coun- assess their children’s intellectual undergraduate degrees at UKZN made available by the University promote social cohesion. and staff but the community at large tries who do not have competency in abilities. Sadly, a number of African from next year will – unless they during this time. - commensurate with one of the key the Japanese language. academics still perform this function get exemption - be required to pass UKZN is proud that it is the first pillars of the University’s endeavours, even at university level in that they or obtain a credit for a prescribed In Phase 1 and Phase 2 (2019 – South African institution of higher community engagement - by tapping There is no harm in learning addi- are employed as translators in proj- isiZulu module before they can 2029) UKZN will encourage and learning to make bilingualism into the riches of indigenous African tional languages, instead, advantages ects led by others and are not trained graduate. facilitate all academic disciplines to a compulsory requirement for languages. accrue. Psycholinguists tend to favour or poised to make a meaningful intel- assist students and staff to develop undergraduates and thus contribute retention of the home language of the lectual contribution. This rule gives tangible expression appropriate writing skills in English to providing the country’s Indeed, in isiZulu as in other African learner while encouraging effective to UKZN’s language policy and isiZulu in their disciplines. Each young professionals with vital languages, the standard greeting - acquisition of additional languages Let us hasten to mention that while and plan which is intended to degree programme will determine communication skills. sawubona - is an expression of mutual (additive bilingualism). The teach- linguistic ability is indeed a key promote and facilitate the use of the appropriate level and type of recognition which is extended beyond ing of African languages will follow component of intellectual function- isiZulu as a language of learning, proficiency. This is a significant milestone for the speakers to their families, their suit: while learners will remain firmly ing, this does not apply exclusively communication, instruction and UKZN, but much remains to be village, livestock, and everything to entrenched in their home languages, to the mastery of dominant Euro- administration. It also reflects This is in line with the University done, including the development which they stand in relation. Fail- they will acquire additional linguistic pean languages; so is competence in UKZN’s commitment to the Language Policy and Plan and our and production of specialised ure, or blatant refusal, to learn the resources to enable them to be more African languages and others in the development of isiZulu as an Transformation Charter which seek glossaries and dictionaries. An languages of others in the context of competent in their disciplines and world. While it is true that European academic language alongside to develop African languages as immediate priority is to expand the numerous affordances and natural im- professions. This should also increase languages can and have been used English which at this stage remains academic languages. opportunities for the development mersion (living in the midst of and in their employment opportunities. for emancipatory purposes - the the main language of learning and and provision of various levels of some cases being raised by the people This is more apparent in the province emancipation of the African conti- instruction. At a University where more than language proficiency for staff and who speak that language) is a deliber- of KwaZulu-Natal, where approxi- nent was spearheaded mainly by the 60% of students are isiZulu- students. N ate act of non-recognition, a denial mately 80% of the population speaks Western-educated African elite work- During the first phase of the speaking, the Institution has an of the humanity of the other, while isiZulu as their mother tongue, and ing jointly with real and not imposed implementation (up until 2018), obligation to ensure linguistic Professor Renuka Vithal expecting one’s own to be affirmed. even in the wider context of South traditional African leadership - what students and staff will develop choices result in effective learning Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Africa where 25% of the population is often lost is that the vast majority communicative competence in solutions. Additionally, in a country Teaching and Learning and Arguing against efforts to rectify this are isiZulu speakers. of the African population is unable to isiZulu and English sufficient for that continues to be divided on the unfortunate historical state of affairs access education through European academic interaction. Appropriate basis of linguistic identities, lang Chair of the UKZN Language Board is even worse. In professional disciplines such as languages. This results in them being credit-bearing and non-credit- uage should serve to bring diverse
10 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 11 LEADING THE WAY BY: GREG DARDAGAN
IN LAW AND Imagine society without the rule of law. Where citizens have no recourse to a justice system or protection from the State against thugs and criminals; where there is no legally institutionalised punishment for transgressors, where might is right and dog eats dog.
MANAGEMENT uman rights – including The University of KwaZulu-Natal on a career in law but handicapped the right to life – would be has a proud history of producing by inadequate schooling. There’s H non-existent. It would be well schooled law graduates, many also a school of thought lobbying open season for killing, of whom have gone on to distinguish for an LLB degree to revert to being robbery, rape, rampaging and themselves in a variety of capacities a postgraduate course demanding STUDIES pillaging with the only brake being in the field and allied careers all five years of study instead of the a more powerful force. over the world. current four.
It’s a frightening scenario for those This edition of UKZNTouch high- Without doubt, UKZN’s Law used to reasonably ordered societal lights the College of Law and School, like many others in South living in which democratically Management Studies, examining a Africa and the rest of the world, elected governments are tasked with wide variety of issues in interviews faces challenges but it is successfully ensuring justice prevails. with and commentaries from ‘legal meeting them head-on. eagles’ in the School of Law as well In reality the line between civilised as play-makers in the Graduate In the area of Management Studies, society and anarchy is thin. People School of Business and Leadership the GSB&L – which recently freed from the constraints of (GSB&L), the School of Manage- held its first Start-Up weekend in effective law and order often run riot ment, Information Technology and Durban during which aspirant displaying anarchical behaviour not Governance; and the School of entrepreneurs were empowered to usually obvious when checks are in Accounting, Economics and Finance. develop an innovative idea into a place. fledgling business – continues to With human rights having been put high quality business leaders MAN The rule of law is the gritty glue abused for so long in South Africa and innovators into the market which works best to help create prior to the first democratically throughout South Africa, Africa LAW & and maintain peace for the greatest elected government being installed and the rest of the world. MANAGEMENT STUDIES & number of people - thankfully in 1994, a myriad legislation is societies throughout the world now in place to protect the dignity Pointing to impressive successes, recognised this a relatively long and rights of people of all hues and leaders at the School are confident time ago! persuasions. it is well on its way to being ranked amongst the best in Africa. LAW & STUDIES Now a weighty responsibility rests And crime is rampant, testing law on the shoulders of individuals enforcement agencies to the full, UKZNTouch 2013 focuses on whose duty it is to implement the putting a strain on the legal system some of the people who are the MANAGEMENT rule of law - to ensure justice is done including the courts of law. heartbeat of the College of Law and most important that it is seen to and Management Studies, leaders L AW STUDIES be done. For the system to operate efficiently, dedicated to teaching, learning and well trained people are needed to put the promotion of young talent in Among them are the attorneys, laws into practice in a professional their specialised fields. N advocates and a wide variety of and just way. other legal representatives who work in State or private institutions In this area, there is a concern about and organisations. young folk arriving at university set
12 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 13 LAW SCHOOLS FACE SERIOUS CHALL ENGES – APPEAL COURT JUDGE
BY: GREG DARDAGAN
The practice of law in South Africa – and other countries – is suffering because so many young people who enter universities to study for a career in the profession are hamstrung by inadequate educational backgrounds and under prepared for the challenges awaiting them at tertiary level.
urthermore, there is in South Africa faced challenges months at Cambridge University in widespread recognition in which were the product of the coun- England and colleagues told of simi- F South Africa among try’s troubled past. lar situations there. The concerns advocates, attorneys and are more pertinent in legal studies Deans of Law at most universities ‘The student body at UKZN’s Law which are dependent on words, that four years of study for an LLB School and the entire University language and the ability to express degree are not sufficient to provide have been transformed to a greater oneself as well as to communicate an adequate grounding. The thrust extent than most of the other histor- clearly and accurately.’ is for five years of study with the ically White universities resulting LLB possibly reverting to being a in heightened challenges in regard Wallis, a UKZN alumnus, also postgraduate course. to transformation. Unfortunately, bemoaned the move at schools away people from all communities are from pure mathematics to a more This is the assessment of Mr Justice coming to this University - and oth- functional study of the subject say- Malcolm Wallis, a judge of the Su- ers - with high hopes and great ex- ing it was causing problems down preme Court of Appeal in Bloem- pectations but also with inadequate the line as maths had always been fontein for the past two years, and educational backgrounds. one of the ways pupils were taught also an honorary Professor in the about the logical progression of School of Law at the University of ‘We are all aware there are sig- ideas and concepts plus the ability KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in Dur- nificant problems in our schooling to reason. ban. system leading to young people not being given the tools and rigorous ‘Even at some so-called “good In a special interview in his office background needed for the step up schools” relatively few students take at the University’s Howard College to university study. There appears maths being encouraged rather to campus from where he helps con- to be a lack of disciplined reading do the functional version (Maths duct a Masters course in Maritime and structured writing in schools. Literacy) which I think is nonsense. Law during Appeal Court recesses, When I was at school you just did Wallis – who attained his Doctorate ‘These problems are not unique to maths and most people passed. They in Law in 2010 - said all law schools South Africa. I recently spent three learned about disciplined thought
14 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 15 LAW SCHOOLS FACE SERIOUS CHALLENGES O ‘We also need to look at what cours- maritime cases which at one stage R es are required – everyone should accounted for more than 20% of my B A do core legal courses because if a work.’ student is aiming for a law degree there are certain courses which Wallis said there was a healthy de- must be compulsory,’ said Wallis. mand for the maritime law degree. ‘UKZN resuscitated its LLM pro- D The Masters of Maritime Law gramme last year after it had been course, which Wallis has helped to dormant for a while and we had structure and hone over the two our first three graduates this year.
years he has been at UKZN, con- I think it is extremely important B tains four modules - (1) Admiralty for UKZN, being situated in the Law and Procedure (2) Carriage city with one of the busiest ports in
of Goods (3) International Trade the southern hemisphere, to have a and (4) a collective course dealing course focusing on maritime studies A with issues such as towage, salvage, and thus maritime law.’ ports, pollution, piracy and port
regulations. A variety of career options were Mr Justice Malcolm Wallis. available for graduates, not only in N ‘Before the really serious work starts law practice but also at shipping and
there’s an introductory week during insurance companies and organisa- and logical reasoning which are not which I take my students to the port tions such as Transnet, the National always easy to install at university for them to see first-hand what’s go- Ports Authority and Petronet. D level. ing on down there. Durban harbour easily maintained ‘Youngsters are told they are of uni- ‘After that we try to give them a its rating as one of the busiest in the versity standard but then find they broad overview of maritime law and southern hemisphere and continued struggle with the work. Transition very specifically the jurisdiction, the to grow especially the container to university level has always been a law in courts and how the courts cargo business which had soared. problem but it’s worse now.’ function. The proposed dug-out harbour on the site of the old international Wallis emphasised, however, that ‘Then because Durban is a cargo airport offered exciting possibilities, there were top class law students - harbour rather than a ship-building he said. representative of all communities - port there’s a major section on the graduating from UKZN and going carriage of goods.’ KwaZulu-Natal’s other major port, on to distinguish themselves both Richards Bay, was not a rival as it PROFESSOR MANOJ MAHARAJ locally and internationally. Wallis conducts lectures assisted handled mainly bulk cargo, espe- by academics from the Institute of cially the export of coal. Apart from the need for an LLB Maritime Studies and a variety of THE PROMISE to become a postgraduate degree, practitioners in the field, includ- Wallis said he was enjoying his he also had reservations about the ing his son, Paul, a UKZN LLB role at the University. ‘It is very modular system used in the study of graduate who practises at the Bar in satisfying to meet young people law at UKZN. Durban. and encourage them along the way OF BROADBAND while imparting a bit of what I have ‘We need to closely examine the The judge’s interest in matters acquired through knowledge and system. I am not at all convinced maritime was sparked during his experience over many years. Any country which invests in its human resources has resources for life. The that law courses can be adequately 35 years as an advocate in Durban primary difference between South Africa and other similarly sized, economically taught in six-month modules. Take where, being a major harbour, there ‘I plan to continue for the foresee- successful, developing countries is that those countries have invested extensively criminal law or the law of civil had always been a maritime law able future if UKZN can make use procedure for example – how can component in legal practice. of me – apart from everything else in their human resources, especially their youth. Our reliance upon abundant raw you possibly teach those in 13 weeks it suits my wife who says she’s happy materials has meant that throughout our history, foreign exchange was easy to followed by an exam? It’s just too ‘I started practising in 1973 and I have an office at UKZN to store much. I understand that at UCT once I was briefed in maritime all my documents and papers rather come by, thus resulting in our neglect of our youth development. and some other universities all law cases I found them interesting. I than them cluttering up the house courses are one-year courses. assume clients were happy with the and making a general mess of the work I did because I kept on getting place,’ he adds with a wry smile. N
UKZNTOUCH 17 THE PROMISE
OF BROADBAND
it is imperative we utilise all op- that the introduction of ICT into portunities available to allow us to school and hospitals threatens their compete with developed countries. job security. Nothing is further from ICT presents this opportunity. It the truth; ICT will enable educa- allows us to leapfrog developed tors and health care professionals economies and bootstrap ourselves to concentrate on what is impor- to become competitive. We need tant. Educators can concentrate to fully embrace these technolo- on teaching our children how to gies and make them available to all learn, and facilitating the learning South Africans. process. Improved efficiency in the public health service and increased It is well known that in Africa the reach through eHealth services is majority of users access the Internet bound to result through the careful and the World Wide Web through and considered implementation of mobile devices. This platform, while ICT services. providing almost ubiquitous access, has its limitations. It is imperative The role of the educator, that of that our Government does not rely the ‘sage on the stage’ is no longer solely upon the mobile platform and valid. Any learner, with access to rolls out home access to broadband a mobile phone will have access to all citizens. The provision of to any information pertaining to broadband access to low cost homes the subject being studied. Educa- is critical. This is normally out of tors need to acknowledge this and reach of poorer people, and yet it change their teaching paradigm to Associate Professor Manoj Maharaj. is this very technology that has the embrace technology. It is time that capability of dragging people out of mobile telephones are encouraged poverty. Fibre to the home should in the classroom and integrated into s the international reliance become a national policy, driven classroom learning. Thus access to ICT (or lack of this on the raw materials levels by government and not left to the access) has the potential to deepen A off, or as other countries commercial telecommunications Commercial telecommunications It is well known that in Africa the the digital divide. As a country we discover similar resources companies whose quest for profits service providers will only provide need to put into place measures that for export, our economy and growth often outweighs socially motivated access where they can reasonably majority of users access the Internet mitigate against this. We need to en- suffers. As a country we need to investments. guarantee a short-term profit. Gov- sure access to all citizens now. The reduce our reliance on limited ernment on the other hand needs to and the World Wide Web through high costs of access and resultant natural resources and invest in our Education is critical to the develop- look at long-term returns on invest- barriers to entry into the iEconomy ment of any country. At the rate of ment measured by the level of inte- mobile devices. This platform, while is already having a negative impact unlimited human resources. population growth in our country, gration of its citizens into the inter- on the majority of our citizens. The Education and employment of our it is highly likely that we will never national economy or by any means providing almost ubiquitous access, has key to accelerated and sustained youth are the keys to this be able to address the educational that do not rely on ‘bottom-line’ its limitations. It is imperative that our economic growth is universal low investment. backlog through traditional means. profit. Access to ICT needs to be es- cost (free) access to ICT. Universal ICT access will allow gov- sentially ‘free’, thus reducing barri- Government does not rely solely upon Information and Communications ernment to address the education ers to entry and enabling all citizens In preparation for universal access Technology (ICT) provides us with deficit and enable users to educate to explore and innovate solutions the mobile platform and rolls out home to broadband ICT services we need this opportunity. themselves, broaden their horizons without fear of failure. An opportu- to start making changes to our pri- and ignite dreams that can only be nity that presents itself is for govern- access to broadband to all citizens. mary education system. Teaching The international ICT landscape for the betterment of our society. ment to enact policy that ensures information management in infor- is as dynamic as it is varied. ICT that fibre connectivity is a part of all tangible benefits. Cost savings on the world’s leading universities. The mation security at this level is one is regarded as a disruptive set of One of the major issues to be ad- low cost housing developments. In- social services, public health and Khan academy (www.khanacad- of the ways we can start to turn the technologies that has the potential dressed by policy makers is the inher- ternational and local research point policing are just some of the possible emy.org) provides an excellent op- tide. N to drastically change the economic ent resistance to change displayed to the rapid assimilation of technol- downstream benefits. portunity for learning for all ages. playing field and provide a great by many workers. The difficulty in ogy by users (especially children) Once again, those citizens with Manoj Maharaj is an Associate leveling effect. This has been amply integrating ICT into health care without any formal training. The The advent of Massive Open On- broadband access will benefit from Professor in the School of demonstrated in countries such as and education is well documented. downstream benefits of this will be line Courses (MOOCs, www.cours- this and those who do not have Management, Information Technology India, which has used information Much of this resistance is through a manifold. Service provision, access era.org, www.edx.org) presents an access face the danger of falling and Governance in the Discipline of technology to drive economic devel- fear of redundancy. Many educators to telehealth services, and access to unparalleled opportunity for access further behind. Information Technology. opment. As a developing economy, and health care professionals worry education are just some of the direct to Higher Education presented by
18 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 19 UKZN’S GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP HAS ITS SIGHTS SET HIGH
BY: GREG DARDAGAN
The Graduate School of Business and Leadership (GSB&L) at UKZN is among the top 11 business schools in South Africa and is working hard to close the gap on the leaders.
o says the Dean and Head the front foot. Certainly as the of the School, Professor School grows we will need our own S Stephen Migiro, who building as currently we have to reveals that more share the facility with other Schools resources are needed to support in the College,’ said Migiro. efforts to boost the School’s status. Migiro put the University of The Kenyan-born academic has Cape Town’s Business School in been at the helm of UKZN’s the No 1 spot in the country Business School since March closely followed by the Gordon last year moving from the Unisa Institute of Business Science in Business School where he was the Johannesburg. institution’s Research Manager and a Professor in the area of finance, ‘However, I am confident that operations management and within about five years we could be economics. a prominent GSB in South Africa but we need funding injections to When he arrived at UKZN there assist with marketing activities, were 507 students studying at the with attracting top academics and Business School which was battling to allow us to expand facilities. to reach its target enrolment Currently we do not have enough figure. With interventions he has tutorial rooms and there is a real introduced this year it has exceeded possibility we will run out of space its target! as the School grows. ‘Our goal was 640 students for 2013 ‘My goal is to get student numbers but we now have 712 or 111% of up and let the University respond the enrolment target and hope to to what is required to keep us on reach 720 with the addition of more
20 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 21 UKZN’S GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP
HAS ITS SIGHTS SET HIGH
Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, municipalities in the province and ensuring our programmes are very On plans for the future, Migiro said Nigeria, Ghana and Uganda. tries to identify entrepreneurial op- practical. We are also fortunate to the School wanted to work closely portunities for the local population. enjoy generous sponsorship support with partner institutions both in ‘We are located within UKZN from business and industry players.’ and outside South Africa in areas which is in the KwaZulu-Natal The course benefits particularly of common interest such as teaching province of South Africa on the those planning to work in KwaZulu- The School worked closely with and research. The School is now continent of Africa where we enjoy Natal but is also made relevant for the eThekwini Municipality to host accredited with the Association of an excellent reputation which students from other provinces and a Start-Up Weekend at the end of African Business Schools (AABS) illustrates and communicates our countries. September. The basic idea here was and I’m aiming for accreditation Premier African Scholarship. to attract potential entrepreneurs with other similar bodies, including There are unique and common Migiro said the GSB&L had good who have business ideas but are the Association of MBAs in the challenges across Africa which our relations and worked closely with not sure about putting them into United States. We also need to institution needs to focus on in our commerce and industry. ‘We work practice. During the weekend the develop additional programmes research, teaching and community well with the Durban Chamber of entrepreneurs were mentored by aligned to needs existing nationally engagement. Commerce and also the Chambers successful business practitioners who and in KwaZulu-Natal. in Pietermaritzburg and Richards did their utmost to turn the ideas into ‘The findings of research done Bay. ‘We draw some of our guest realities. Migiro said the School was ‘I am very proud of the quality of at our School should be relevant speakers from the business and committed to entrepreneurship and the School and the graduates it elsewhere in Africa because of industry sectors to share their responsible community engagement produces. We will continue to work commonalities and issues involved. knowledge with students while and was pleased the business hard to ensure we maintain and Similarly, research done in other many of our lecturers are from community gave the unique event improve our status in the top league African countries could be useful those sectors as the emphasis is on its full support. of business schools in Africa.’ N here,’ said Migiro
On the question of being a leader in the incorporation of African Scholarship in course modules, an FACTFILE THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP in depth review had taken place into the content of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) curriculum to enrich it using an African context. The School is The Graduate School of Business and Leadership (GSB&L) offers currently developing case studies a variety of degree and diploma programmes including its flagship based on the continent’s business A VARIETY Master of Business Administration (MBA); Master of Commerce in and leadership challenges. Leadership Studies (MCom), and Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership OF DEGREE and Management (PGDLM). ‘Many business schools use case AND DIPLOMA studies developed in the west where Also on offer, among other courses, are a PhD, the Management the environment and culture are PROGRAMMES Development Programme (MDP), Master of Commerce by Research, very different. We aim to prepare ON OFFER the Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship and a host of executive our students for the market they are programmes for companies. most likely to work in while at the same time ensuring they are up to The School focuses on three core areas – business, entrepreneurship speed with international trends. In and leadership. It has 15 full time academics and a variety of leading Professor Stephen O. Migiro, Dean and Head of the Graduate School of Business fact, we are introducing a module on professionals from relevant business sectors. This combination of and Leadership. international business management THE SCHOOL academics and practitioners ensures a good blend of theory and practice in the revised MBA programme.’ FOCUSES ON which enhances the learning experience for students. candidates on the PhD programme a Premier University of African before the end of the current Scholarship. A unique course the School offers THREE CORE The MBA is offered either through part-time evening class from Monday academic year.’ is a Local Economic Develop- AREAS – BUSINESS, to Thursday from 18h00 to 20h30 or a block release programme involving ‘We want to be known widely for ment (LED) programme which is all day classes from Wednesday to Saturday. Migiro says his vision is for UKZN’s the excellence of our research and supported by the KwaZulu-Natal ENTREPRENEURSHIP GSB&L to become a prominent the quality of our products… and I Department of Economic Devel- AND LEADERSHIP The programme takes two and a half years to complete. business school in South Africa and believe we are.’ About 10% of the opment and Tourism. The pro- Africa. ‘Our vision is aligned with School’s students are from African gramme focuses on the challenges that of the University’s of being countries including Zimbabwe, existing within communities and
22 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 23 ‘LADY JUSTICE’, THE LAW AND VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN SOUTH AFRICA
BY: PROFESSOR MANAGAY REDDI
‘Lady Justice’ is a symbol recognised the world over as the manifestation of justice. The earliest representation of this personification of justice was evident in ancient Rome which adopted the image of a female goddess of justice known as Iustitia.
his personification of sentient beings somewhat lower in Our legal history reveals that even justice as a woman has the pecking order than men. This the law reflected this perception T continued through the continues to be the position in many through legalising violence against ages and in almost all countries both in terms of societal women by permitting the physical civilisations. Typically, ‘Lady views in general and the law in chastisement and legalised rape of Justice’ is depicted, sometimes particular. The South African law wives by their husbands. blindfolded, but always with a set that applied in the pre-constitutional of scales held in her left hand and era is replete with instances of stark The almost universal failure a sword in her right hand. The discrimination against women. to respect the human rights of sword, an historical symbol of women has long been a concern authority, advances the concept For instance, married women were of the United Nations. The that justice can be swift and final regarded as minors under the General Assembly’s adoption while the scales signify that in marital control of their husbands; of the Universal Declaration of dispensing justice, both parties to the rape of married women by their Human Rights in 1948 heralded an a suit will be treated evenly but the husbands was not a crime under acknowledgment that the principle side that presents the more South African law; pregnant women of equality for men and women is a persuasive arguments will have were denied the choice to lawfully basic human right. However, what justice ruling in its favour. terminate their pregnancies; quickly became apparent was that women performing the same work merely acknowledging the principle The irony of having the figurehead as their male counterparts were of equality did not guarantee that, of a woman as the manifestation remunerated at lower rates of pay in substance, women’s rights would of justice cannot be lost on anyone than the men; and women were not be acknowledged and their dignity familiar with the circumstances of allowed to perform certain types as equal human beings affirmed and women not just in South Africa but of work such as flying aircraft or protected. It was this understanding throughout the world and not just in enlisting in the armed forces. that led to the formulation of the this age but since time immemorial. Convention on the Elimination There is also no denying the link of All Forms of Discrimination There is no disputing that between the perception of women as Against Women, which South historically, world-wide, women lesser beings and the high levels of Africa has ratified. have been viewed and treated as violence perpetrated against them.
24 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 25 ‘LADY JUSTICE’, THE LAW AND VIOLENCE
AGAINST WOMEN IN SOUTH AFRICA
The South African Constitution aims at transforming South African failed to reach the objectives of to the evidence of complainants in between the right to be free from When women treat as sacrosanct also obliges the State to ensure society in line with the ideals its preamble and was therefore sexual offence cases; and prohibits violence and gender equality. religious observances that that all persons, including women, expressed in the Constitution. augmented in 1998 by the Domestic courts from drawing unfavourable What this means is that in the discriminate against them they enjoy the benefit of all the rights and Violence Act which has been hailed inferences solely on account of context of the right of women to feed into the propaganda that they freedoms contained in the Bill of Where violence against women as groundbreaking in a number there being a delay between the equality, there rests a special duty are inferior beings; when women Rights. Consequently, South Africa was concerned, the legislature of aspects. Unlike its predecessor, alleged commission and subsequent of care on responsible state agencies subscribe to cultural and traditional has had to implement various legal was especially quick to respond to which applied only to married reporting of a sexual offence or the to protect women from gender-based practices that promote the notion measures aimed not only at ending the injustice of the common law couples, the Domestic Violence Act fact that the complainant had not violence. This recognition of the of men’s superiority, they become discrimination against women but provision which permitted a husband includes a comprehensive definition made a previous consistent statement crucial connection between freedom complicit in the view that they are also at protecting and promoting who raped his wife to use the wife’s of domestic violence and covers in respect of the alleged offence. from violence and equality is an inferior to men; and when women their rights including the right to be consent to the marriage as a defence any kind of domestic arrangement, endorsement of the Constitutional raise their boy children differently free from violence. to the charge of rape. Consequently, including dating relationships From the nature of the various laws Court’s statement in an earlier case, from their girl children, they in 1993 Parliament passed the and unrelated persons sharing a passed, it is clear that the South S v Baloyi 2000 (2) SA 425 (CC), inevitably perpetuate the falsehood In South Africa, violence against common residence. Under the Act, African legislature appears intent on that the right of women to be free that males, by virtue of their women violates a number of the an abuse survivor can lay a charge fulfilling its obligations to prevent, from violence is ‘fundamental to the gender have authority over females. provisions of the Bill of Rights of assault against her abuser and punish and prosecute instances equal enjoyment of human rights These notions all contribute to such as, among others, the right The Prevention of obtain a court order that prohibits of violence against women. This and fundamental freedoms’, that the ineffectiveness of the law in to equality; human dignity; life; the abuser from assaulting or intention is also reflected in some of domestic violence ‘both reflects and eradicating violence against women. freedom from public and private Family Violence threatening her and from coming the cases decided in our courts over reinforces patriarchal domination’, The reason is simple – the people violence; privacy; freedom of Act, although to her home or workplace. Court the past few years. and that the eradication of sexual charged with executing the law are association; and freedom of proceedings are held in camera. violence is therefore fundamental as much a part of society as everyone movement and residence. well intentioned, If the abuser violates the interdict, Carmichele v Minister of Safety and to the attainment of a non-sexist else. Therefore notions about women the abuse survivor is able to have Security and Another 2001 (4) SA society. being subordinate to men will be as The ineptness of the common law failed to reach the abuser arrested. The Act also 938 (CC) is a landmark case that prevalent in their beliefs as in the rest remedies in dealing with violence sets out the powers and duties of has contributed vastly to the This brief exposé of the position of society. Violence against women against women is legendary. the objectives of the police and social workers in jurisprudence on the State’s duty of women under South African is how these beliefs are habitually Therefore, a simple reliance by the its preamble and instances of domestic violence. to safeguard the rights of women law indicates that there is no manifested with the result being that State on the common law remedies especially the right to freedom from legal reason why women in our those charged with executing the law would be inadequate to meet its was therefore The Domestic Violence Act is violence. The applicant in Carmichele society should continue to be are often as guilty as the rest of the international law and constitutional an unequivocal manifestation of had sued the Minister of Safety and the victims of violence at the men in society of violating women. obligations. The need for legal augmented in 1998 the objective of the legislature at Security and the Minister of Justice abnormal levels that are prevalent Consequently, there may well be a reform has therefore led parliament ensuring that the State executes its and Constitutional Development for in this country. Indeed, the South propensity on the part of some of to promulgate a series of Acts by the Domestic constitutional duty and international damages arising from the injuries African legislature is deserving of these people to treat with sympathy oriented at improving the position of Violence Act which commitment to eradicate violence she had sustained in a brutal attack commendation for the remarkable the perpetrators of violence against women under the law. against women. However, the by a man who had been awaiting progress made in ensuring that a women. It is therefore imperative has been hailed as continued under-resourcing of trial for having attempted to rape surfeit of laws have been passed to that the leadership of the various The first of these ‘women’s rights’ courts and police stations combined another woman. ameliorate the subordinate position agencies tasked with eradicating Acts was the 1996 Choice on groundbreaking with police ineffectiveness and to which women and other persons violence against women do Termination of Pregnancy Act which occasional judicial insensitivity In a unanimous judgment that were condemned under apartheid everything possible to ensure that recognised women’s reproductive in a number of have diminished the effective found in favour of the applicant, the rule. Our judiciary is equally the letter, spirit and intent of the law health rights. The Act also sought implementation of the Act. Constitutional Court held that the deserving of commendation for are respected and properly enforced to prevent the sometimes fatal aspects. State is obliged by the Constitution interpreting and developing the by every one of the people they consequences of illegal backstreet The limited ambit of application and international law to prevent law in consonance with the ethos manage and lead. abortions. A new Maintenance Act Prevention of Family Violence Act of these Acts combined with the gender-based discrimination and of our Constitution. Evidently then, was passed in 1998 in response to which, among other things, made ineffectiveness of the remedies to protect the dignity, freedom and the law is not the problem. What is The incongruity of a woman, ‘Lady the many problems faced by women it an offence for a man to rape his in preventing, prosecuting and security of women. The court also a problem is the lack of respect for Justice’, personifying justice is that under the old maintenance laws. wife. This was a significant step that punishing the perpetrators of declared that it is important for women and their status as the equals women are still involved in an Another Act of special significance conferred formal recognition on the sexual violence against women women to be free from sexual violence of men in their entitlement to the apparently interminable struggle to women, the Promotion of need to eliminate violence against and children led the legislature or the threat of sexual violence as enjoyment of every human right and to get justice for themselves. Until Equality and Prevention of Unfair women in all spheres, even one that to promulgate the Criminal Law such violence played a pivotal role freedom that exists. The culpability this is achieved, for vast numbers Discrimination Act was passed in has traditionally been regarded as (Sexual Offences) Act in 2007. in women’s subordination in society. for this disrespect lies not at the door of women in this country and the 2000. This Act seeks to advance almost sacrosanct from external The most noticeable features of of men alone – women also share world, ‘Lady Justice’ will continue equality in public and private life interference. this Act are that it declares the One of the most significant aspects some responsibility for allowing to be a most unfortunate parody. N and provides a framework to tackle complainant in a sexual offence case of the Constitutional Court’s this disrespect to be perpetuated unfair discrimination, harassment The Prevention of Family Violence a ‘vulnerable witness’; abolishes judgment in Carmichele is the critical against them. Professor Managay Reddi is Dean and and hate speech. Ultimately, the Act Act, although well intentioned, the ‘cautionary rule’ as it applied relationship that is shown to exist Head of the School of Law.
26 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 27 COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION THROUGH REGIONAL AND LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
BY: DR STANLEY HARDMAN
An integral part of the mission of the University of KwaZulu-Natal is to be of service to the community and while it is true to say that everything a university does should be of benefit to the community through high quality research and teaching for the professions, an equal imperative - especially in the South African context – is that a university should play a profound role in the transformation of society.
t is in this context that the in transformation economics, of practitioners but does not Regional and Local community development and stop there. The RLEDI thought I Economic Development management competence. leaders have developed a range of Initiative (RLEDI) situated complementary initiatives which in the Graduate School of The research component, led focus on developing an enabling Business and Leadership, working by Dr Jennifer Houghton and environment in which dedicated in partnership with the myself, is grounded in practitioner LED practitioners are able to thrive. Department of Economic research to ensure that the focus is Development and Tourism as an relevant to practitioners developing The first supplementary initiative active and funding partner, has competency in practical research is the Social Entrepreneurs Project. significant relevance for the which informs their work and This non-formal project identifies communities of KwaZulu-Natal. provides them with a pathway to people who are making a real dif- continuing growth as reflective ference in various communities, The field of regional and local practitioners. After all, practitioners especially in the form of support for economic development is loaded are the people selected and emerging entrepreneurs and citizens with opportunity for relevant commissioned by municipalities concerned with social development. research and teaching and provides and other agencies dedicated to These social entrepreneurs come a fertile environment for extremely economic transformation, as their from a variety of contexts includ- relevant community engagement. agents for facilitating change for ing chambers of business, business Thus the RLEDI is anchored in inclusive economic growth with support centres, community trans- a Postgraduate Diploma in Local development. formation projects and innovative Economic Development (LED) and job creation projects. Entrepreneurs a coursework Masters in Leadership In order to bolster the development are provided with intensive train- Studies. These two qualifications of LED as an academic field of ing which assists them to verbalise are the vehicle through which study, the RLEDI promotes and and visualise their personal visions about 160 Local Economic facilitates the Skills & Work Journal, and also assists them to identify Development practitioners are an edition of which is dedicated to their own competency development undergoing professional training LED each year and is growing as a needs. They become involved in between 2012-2015. prestigious resource both nationally learning projects for their personal and internationally. and work growth under the able The programmes require both coaching and support of Mr Vikani disciplinary and interdisciplinary Service to the community comes Funda, an associate staff member. dimensions to ensure grounding through building up this cadre The team leader for this initiative
28 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 29 COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION
THROUGH REGIONAL AND LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
projects to support Regional and particular municipalities. This Local Economic Development. will assist LED officers to identify strategies for capacity building. These projects include promotional and supportive work for the initia- The above initiatives are intended THE SEARCH FOR tive; practical work with LED relat- to support an enabling framework ed projects on the ground as well as for LED practitioners who need assistance to municipalities in need to develop relationship networks of input. The team leader of the in their localities in order to fulfill EXCELLENCE Young Researchers Project is Ms their mandates and bring their work Bakhetsile Dlamini who provides to life. Thus, in thinking into the dynamic direction and guidance. future, the RLEDI is concerned THROUGH It is hoped that young researchers with developing traction in the after completing their year of study communities and working towards and bolstered by their MCom De- improving institutional linkages grees, will provide a growing and and community participation. POSTDOCTORAL formidable group of change agents in the various communities as they To this end the RLEDI has pro- take up professional positions. posed the development of a Pro- FELLOWSHIPS vincial Economic Development In- The third complementary initiative terpretation Centre with a network is the Winter School. This is de- of municipal nodes. This will add signed to provide anyone in the LED significantly to accessible man- community, both practitioners, and aged knowledge and promote link- councillors, with opportunities for ages, especially between the various BY: PROFESSOR NOMTHANDAZO NTLAMA, developing their competency and stakeholders including government DR GIVEN MUTINTA AND DR BRETT VAN NIEKERK Dr Stanley Hardman. knowledge in the field of RLEDI. departments, the private sector and Each June this project provides funding and investment agencies. is LED Researcher, Ms Nolwazi some form of executive programme Mthembu, who does an amazing intended to stretch goals as well as Moreover, the RLEDI project The restructuring of institutions of higher learning job of working with the vast array of programmes to develop competen- envisages the growth of the Social in South Africa resulted in the institutions having stakeholders. cy. The Winter School draws on the Entrepreneurship Project, mainly to craft their own identify in order to ensure Centre for Local Economic Devel- through developing a University- In partnership with a group of opment housed in the University of wide network of students who can the development of their research profile in the students from the Massachusetts Johannesburg - a national initiative participate in interdisciplinary sup- production of knowledge. This was aimed at Institute of Technology, part of an to develop the professionalisation of port for social entrepreneurs. emerging relationship, the Young LED. addressing the historic legacy of inequalities in the Researchers provided consultancy Finally, the RLED project aims to Higher Education system which South Africa inherited for the social entrepreneurs and Documentation of the project is ensure that all LED practitioners and part of the process was the introduction of their clients during June this year. occurring in the form of internal have access to entrepreneurship This innovation promises to yield evaluation under the leadership of support programmes which they postdoctoral fellowships at the institutions. powerful learning for all participants UKZN’s Dr Angela James. This can use as a powerful enabling and is a potential growth point for means that we are building up mechanism in their communities. the RLED Initiative. It is thus a both a comprehensive record of the What remains a concern, however, KZN is part of the process diversity and research culture. ‘watch this space project’. governance of the projects through is how this project could stimulate as it seeks to become a These Fellows are provided with a the project management reports discourse between educators and U Premier University of ‘hands-on-approach of learning’ The second is the Young and insights into the initiatives those engaged in the economy so African Scholarship by in research as they are required to Researchers Project where between through formative evaluation. that the economic realities facing incorporating the postdoctoral work independently. eight and 10 young researchers are school leavers become a stimulus for fellowships as a strategy towards identified each year from a variety A further initiative on the horizon profound innovation. N the achievement of this goal. The CLMS offers high quality, in- of disciplines to form a research is to incorporate work being dividualised postdoctoral research collective where each of the done on local economic maturity Dr Stanley Hardman is the Project The College of Law and fellowship experiences under the participants is engaged in a Masters assessment. Tools and a process for Manager of the RLED Initiative which Management Studies (CLMS) is the direct supervision and mentorship by Research which focuses on issues their use have been developed which is embedded in the Graduate School of vehicle driving this by providing an of individual College staff. It fosters of policy and practice and, within indicated the areas of strength Business and Leadership. opportunity for postdoctoral Fellows an environment respectful of the the collective, works on practical and the issues needing redress in to add value to the University’s roles of postdoctoral research Fel-
30 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 31 THE SEARCH FOR EXCELLENCE
THROUGH POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS
resources, including telecom- The diverse research projects are a munications and computer net- reflection of the objectives identified works. by the College for the fellowship. • Dr Toyin Aderemi is exploring The College encourages the Fel- sexuality and HIV prevention lows to engage in original research education for teachers of learners and publish the findings in accred- with disabilities in KwaZulu- ited journals with the aim being Natal. Her work aims to identify to promote excellence in research essential factors for effective im- and increase the production of new plementation of HIV prevention knowledge on diverse issues in order education in schools for learners to influence and enrich the devel- with disabilities. opment of new policies on these issues. The goal is also to assist the • Dr Shikiru Ashamu is assessing Fellows to develop and expand their the impact of bank policy re- research networks for future col- forms on the growth of the Nige- laboration in research production. rian economy. The study aims to contribute towards bank reforms Furthermore, the College provides as a way of achieving sustain- an opportunity for the Fellows to THE COSTS OF able impact on growth attaching present their original research at importance to money supply and conferences in order to influence ac- exchange rate in the policy mix. ademic debates on issues of national and international interest. It realises • Dr Komi Mati is studying the the Fellowship is a rare opportunity INERTIA determinants and impact of HIV and encourages the Fellows to make testing and counselling by cou- use of their enormous freedom to ples. This project may contribute generate knowledge, in part through BY: PROFESSOR KARTHY GOVENDER to the design of appropriate HIV being involved in teaching responsi- prevention. bilities which would empower them with appropriate skills to comple- • Dr Saidou Oumar is investigat- ment the Fellowship. Professor Etienne Mureinik, the former Dean of the ing the socioeconomic implica- Law Faculty at the University of the Witwatersrand, tions of the supply and demand This means that the Fellowship for Non-Timber Forest Products comes with many benefits of which memorably described the Interim Constitution as a Professor Nomthandazo Ntlama. in Cameroon. The study may es- the greatest one is the facilitation bridge from a culture of authoritarianism to a future tablish the role the products play of the research agenda as the Fel- characterised by justification. We were meant to lows, resulting in individual career in the livelihoods of the rural lows have time to conduct research, opportunities appropriate to the poor. produce articles and set the stage for leave behind the authoritarian and unaccountable quality and reputation of the Col- their future work. exercise of public power that characterised the lege. • Dr Chummun Khan is explor- ing Micro-insurance in South In short, the Fellowships are step- apartheid regime, as the democratic constitutional Seven postdoctoral research Fel- Africa. The study has potential ping stones to longer term positions dispensation requires those exercising power lows, who are involved in diverse to contribute to socio-economic within and outside academia. Fur- to justify their choices and decisions by force of research projects, are currently be- development and poverty alle- thermore, a successful postdoctoral ing hosted by the College: viation. research fellowship will support persuasion and logic and not by the force at their the College and University in their disposal. • Dr Brett van Niekerk is investi- • Dr Sandra Hildbrand is focus- endeavors towards pre-eminence in gating Information Operations ing on systemic approaches to research and Africa-led responsible responsive governance by Taxonomy and Education for the improvement of sugar-cane community engagement. N equiring justification serves communicating to citizens that they South Africa. The study hopes production and supply. The two important societal matter and are respected. to identify best practices for edu- study has the potential to address objectives. It contributes to R Underpinning this is the notion that cation in these fields and more specific challenges relating to Professor Nomthandazo Ntlama is rational and proper decision we are entitled to be treated with importantly may increase the stakeholder relationships, col- Dean of Research in the College of making because only sound dignity by those who exercise power effectiveness of the government laboration and leadership. Law and Management Studies. decisions can be justified and it over us. It is perhaps opportune to protect national information advances accountable and
32 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 33 THE COSTS OF
INERTIA
tion personnel on duty sat with her Auditor-General and the National the heads of prosecution services decision made at the subjective dis- press is not a theoretical notion, but feet on another chair and focussed Director of Public Prosecutions, all exercise their powers independently cretion of the President. However, one that is indispensable to ensuring exclusively and entirely on her cell- of whom are required to exercise and with integrity. when the President appoints the accountable, responsive and proper phone and powder pouch during their power independently and NDPP or when the Public Protec- governance. It is an unequivocal the period that we were there. She impartially. The health of our con- Our Constitution and the enabling tor is appointed, the body making ally in that quest. treated us, the public, her immediate stitutional democracy will correlate legislation requires that the NDPP the appointment must objectively superiors and the SAPS in general directly with whether these institu- be a fit and proper person having re- demonstrate that the appointment At a systemic level, we need to en- with disdain. Why would a junior tions are functioning as envisaged gard to integrity, conscientiousness is rationally connected to criteria sure greater accountability of those official publicly behave in such a in the Constitution. Even though and experience. Neither President laid down in the Constitution or that exercise public power. Thus disrespectful and disdainful man- these institutions buttress and un- Mbeki nor President Zuma has the law. The question is not whether despite the cost savings, I would ner? She behaved in that fashion derpin our democracy, our focus advanced the cause of the inde- the President or Parliament subjec- argue against combining local because she knew that there would generally tends to be on the courts pendence of the NDPA. With the tively thinks that the candidate is a government elections with those of be no consequences to her conduct. exclusively. benefit of both hindsight and the fit and proper person, but whether the national and provincial govern- Weak management has meant weak findings of the Ginwala Commis- the person objectively is a fit and ments. Two sets of elections would enforcement and weak compliance We must not assume that our in- sion we can now say that the deci- proper person to be appointed to require justifying and explaining to and the organisation just slips and terests as citizens in ensuring that sion by President Mbeki to suspend the post. The reasoning of the court the electorate on two different oc- slides. Thus, unless SAPS teaches these oversight institutions continue Mr Pikoli, the previous director of thus directly advances the culture of casions in a five year span why they its managers to manage, assume to grow and prosper necessarily Public Prosecutions, and thus pre- justification and promotes the core should vote for a particular political responsibility and take unpopular coincide with those in power. An vent him from functioning in terms values of our constitution. party. I would rather that than the decisions to enforce compliance independent and effective press and of his prosecutorial mandate lacked politicians courting my vote only with regulations and policies we Public Protector serve our interests, adequate justification, while the de- When slothful police officials treat once every five years. will continue to be subjected to dis- but not necessarily those of the likes cision by President Zuma to appoint us with disdain or when presidents respectful and disdainful behaviour of Dina Pule or those involved in the Mr Simelane to replace Mr Pikoli, act irrationally, we pay a cost and We also need to reignite the national and a substandard level of services. SAPS lease scandal. without interrogating the concerns are prejudiced in a direct and ma- debate about our electoral system. raised about the former’s integrity, terial manner. Disengagement and The proportional representation Professor Karthy Govender. Accountability must mean that It is most decidedly in our interest was irrational. Thus in quick suc- disinterest on our part will not ar- party list system has the benefit of there are consequences if people un- to safeguard and protect our consti- cession one President unjustifiably rest this sort of behaviour but rather simplicity, but surely we have ma- derperform, do not perform, or who tutional institutions. It is thus in our suspended and effectively prevented nurture and nourish it. We can play tured beyond that. Would a hybrid now, almost 20 years later, to wilfully violate the law. Dina Pule’s interest to ensure that the indepen- an NDPP from performing his a direct role in establishing respect- proportional representation party reflect on whether we have crossed humiliation before Parliament and dence of these bodies are not either functions while another President ful governance. list system and constituency based this bridge. the nation is most likely to give any directly or indirectly undermined irrationally appointed his succes- system not better advance the val- Minister thinking about improperly that appropriate persons are ap- sor. Neither decision was justified in In addition to creating the various ues of accountability, responsiveness The drafters of the Constitution seeking to benefit their partners and pointed to the posts, and that they terms of law and both were uncon- institutions to support our democra- and openness? In such a system, we pointedly identified accountable, then brazenly lying about it, cause function in the manner envisaged by stitutional. This cannot contribute cy, our Constitution entrenches rep- would matter more. responsive and open governance to reflect, ponder and hopefully the drafters of the Constitution. We to the prestige and reputation of resentative, direct and participatory as one of the founding values of our desist from disdainfully abusing our witnessed how Adv. Thuli Madon- this vital institution and in the case democracy. Participatory democra- Returning to Professor Mureinik’s constitutional democracy in order trust. No amount of tweaking of the sela re-invigorated the office of the of Mr Pikoli, the South African cy creates the space for us to involve comment, establishing a culture to set our faces against arbitrary and Ethics Code and changes in law are Public Protector and re-established taxpayer had to fork out R7.3 mil- ourselves in decisions, even those of justification remains work in irrational behaviour. The text of likely to have the same impact as it as a credible institution. The les- lion rand to compensate for Presi- made at the highest levels. This progress and the last 19 years have the Constitution requires adequate effective and proper enforcement. son in this instance is that the leader dent Mbeki’s erroneous exercise of means reporting the indolent junior taught us that assertive vigilance reasons to be given for administra- Ms Pule’s shenanigans came to does matter as he or she sets the tone judgment. Much more was spent police officials at the lower end and and engagement by the citizens are tive action that affects rights, al- light because of robust investigative for the organisation and decides on in legal costs. We cannot assume actively participating in processes needed to propel us towards attain- lows for access to information, and journalism and an Ethics Commit- how to implement the mandate that Presidents will always make and debates surrounding the ap- ment of this objective. Muted acqui- requires the public administration tee in Parliament that took its job most effectively. the correct decisions and that is why pointments of constitutional office escence and abdication in the belief to be efficient, economical and ef- seriously. Had it not been for the the Constitution does not give them bearers such as the Public Protector, that those in power know best and fective. A plethora of laws seek to independent reporting of the Sun- These appointments are often made unfettered discretion to make these the NDPP and commissioners to the will always act in the best interest ensure proper governance and effi- day Times, Ms Pule may still be the either by both the legislature and decisions. various chapter nine institutions at of our democracy and the nation, is cient use of resources. Yet despite all Minister of Communications. the executive or by the President. the upper end. We need to ensure likely to have the opposite effect. N this, the lived experience of South The office of the National Director The Constitutional Court in the that we continue to have a represen- Africans is that, in many instances, It is vital that these oversight institu- of Public Prosecution (NDPP) is Simelane case established that ap- tative, independent, able, effective Karthy Govender is a Law professor the governance that they have been tions are able to function effectively, vital to the functioning of a consti- pointments to constitutional institu- and properly resourced judiciary. at UKZN who specialises in subjected to can hardly be described efficiently and independently and tutional democracy as prosecutions tions requiring the incumbent to be The centrality of an effective judi- Constitutional and Administrative as respectful and transparent. A few grow and prosper. In addition to the should never be used as a tool to independent cannot be described ciary to our order sometimes only Law. He served two terms as a Human weeks ago, I went with a colleague courts, there are a host of institu- settle political scores or bring down as a political appointment. The ap- becomes apparent to those exercis- Rights Commissioner and acted as to report an accident to the Mont- tions identified in the Constitution political rivals. It is for this reason pointment or dismissal of the Dep- ing public power when they are no a judge in the High Court of South clair Police Station. One of the sta- such as the Public Protector, the that most democracies insist that uty Minister of Justice is a political longer in power. The freedom of the Africa.
34 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 35 AFRICAN OMBUDSMAN of differences and similarities RESEARCH CENTRE WORKS amongst them; and what can be done to introduce a degree of harmony with the aim of devel- FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE oping normative standards for the AOMA members. The core objective of this analysis is to inform AOMA’s future strategy BY: GREG DARDAGAN and planning processes. A survey questionnaire has been sent to all AOMA members and will be The African Ombudsman Research Centre (AORC) was established on the Howard followed by in-depth interviews College campus of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) two years ago to serve with a sample of members.
as a focal point for ombudsmen offices throughout Africa. As part of another project, the Secre- tariat had also put out a call to mem- he Centre acts as the training, co-ordination and com- in August 2013 for those of- bers for contributions of case reports, training, resource and munication, and advocacy - espe- fices that participated in the pilot so that a database of jurisprudence of the members of AOMA. T archive centre for the cially promoting the concept and training during July 2012. One can be created. This will be a useful African Ombudsman and institution of the Ombudsman and official from each of the 10 source of reference to members. Bodasing said the co-ordination Mediators Association (AOMA) encouraging its use and develop- countries that participated in meeting on the implementation of which is a 10-year-old organisation ment in Africa. the pilot training, were invited. Furthermore, a database of CV’s of the Memorandum of Understand- boasting 39 members throughout From 4 - 7 December 2012 the Ombudsman who are members of ing between the African Union Africa and its nearby islands. Its It also lobbies governance institu- AORC, with the assistance of AOMA had been created, and was Commission (AUC) and AOMA in tions in Africa such as the African the Institute of Professional and available on the website. This gave June 2011 adopted a joint opera- thrust includes encouraging those Union (and all its structures) and Legal Training based at the a sense of the expertise within the tional implementation framework countries which are not yet NEPAD on governance issues. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Association. consisting of seven strategic objec- members of the association to join conducted training of officials tives. the ranks of the growing movement Bodasing said in terms of its impact from the Ethiopian Institute for The AORC has also put out a call for for good governance and the rule of on good governance in Africa the the Ombudsman. The AORC nominations of suitable candidates They are: law across the continent. AORC worked to: has trained officials from the to sit on its Advisory Board. The Ad- Ombudsman of Mozambique. visory Board will be AORC’s intel- • The establishment and Acting Head of the AORC Ad- • Promote the concepts of The Portuguese course was lectual think tank: they will serve as strengthening of Ombudsman vocate Ishara Bodasing says the Ombudsmanship and to tailored for its officials and of- a sounding board, a source of ideas Institutions in all Member States Centre operates as a focal point encourage its development in the fered during October 2013. The and expertise - and contribute to the of the African Union for African ombudsman offices by rest of Africa. AORC is preparing, with the business well-being of the AORC. co-ordinating their activities and Investigator General of Zambia The members should represent a di- • The popularisation of the supporting them with information • Develop capacity and profes- and the IOI to roll-out Sharpen verse range of skills and experience African Union Shared Values and training as well as acting as a sionalism in discharging the Your Teeth training for English in areas such as research, training, Legal Instruments within the Advocate Ishara Bodasing, Acting point of liaison with all participants duties of the office of Ombuds- and French-speaking officials in law, finance and human resources; African Union Member States Head of the AORC. involved in enhancing corporate man wherever such offices are Ombudsman offices in Novem- and who understand the concept of and the Public governance in Africa. opened, whether by country, ber this year. ombudsman and will view AORC’s of the African Governance region or focus area. From work with a fresh eye. • The ratification of the African Platform ‘The vision of AORC is to provide 9 – 13 July 2012 the AORC, • Support the understanding Union Shared Values Legal timely and appropriate support to with the assistance of Deutsche and study of best practices and • Collect, store and distribute Instruments • The creation of synergy between AOMA so as to achieve its vision Gesellschaft für Internationale the alignment of the role of the research results and data about the African Ombudsman and of being the leading international Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the office of Ombudsman with inter the institution of Ombudsman as • The domestication and Mediators Association and other association of ombudsman offices, Queen Margaret University, nationally accepted best practic- it grows in the African continent. implementation of the African African Institutions practitioners and scholars dedicated conducted training of 20 inves- es. The AORC has commenced A history book on AOMA was Union Shared Values Legal to the promotion of open, account- tigators in Ombudsman offices. with research into a comparative published and launched in Instruments • Efficient management of the able and people-centred democratic The project was launched by analysis of legal systems among February 2013. co-operation between the two governance in Africa,’ said Bodasing. the Public Protector of South AOMA members. This compar- • Monitoring the implementation parties. Africa at an event where Com- ative analysis will seek to reveal • Facilitate the exchange of infor- of the African Union Shared Services provided by AORC to missioner Julia Joyner was the challenges and strengths of mation and experiences among Values Legal Instruments The AORC had been tasked with AOMA and Ombudsman members the Guest Speaker. A Train the various Ombudsman of- the ombudsmen in Africa as well including through the peer the implementation of all seven stra- include information and research, the Trainers course was held fices in Africa; what are the areas as planning periodic conferences review mechanism at the level tegic objectives. N
36 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 37 LAW CLINICS AND STREET LAW UKZN’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF CLINICAL LEGAL EDUCATION
BY: PROFESSOR DAVID MCQUOID-MASON
The UKZN Campus Law Clinic (CLC) – celebrating its 40th anniversary this year - provides legal assistance to poor people and allows law students, under the supervision of qualified attorneys, to obtain practical legal training in a social justice environment.
t was founded in 1973 to of law clinics and Street law clinics we published the final version of the deal with the pass laws and throughout Eastern and Central African Law Clinicians Manual (2012) I other oppressive apartheid Europe and Central Asia. The Uni- which is in high demand in develop- laws which affected the versity was also the birthplace of the ing countries. lives of the majority of Black people Association of University Legal Aid in South Africa. Institutions (AULAI) Trust in 1999 The UKZN Campus Law Clinic which continues to fund AULAI to shares premises with the UKZN The CLC was established in August support the development of law clin- Street Law project and the Centre 1973 in my office immediately after ics in South Africa and inspired the for Socio-Legal Studies on the How- the first International Legal Aid setting up of similar bodies in Nige- ard College campus. Conference in South Africa was held ria and Poland. This was followed by at the then University of Natal (now the First All African Clinical Legal The UKZN Street UKZN). The Conference became Education Colloquium in 2003 held Law Project the catalyst for the clinical law move- on the Howard College campus, ment throughout South Africa and which encouraged the development In 1986 a pilot Street Law pro- Zimbabwe. of law clinics in a number of African gramme, based on the United States countries in East, West, Central and Street law programme and initially The CLC later became one of the Southern Africa. funded by the Attorneys Fidelity exemplars for South Africa and was Fund and later USAID, was set up one of the first in the country to give The experiences of the CLC have at the then University of Natal (Dur- law students academic credit for law been used in clinical legal education ban) to operate in five schools. The clinic work. training in Nigeria, Uganda, Cam- pilot programme was such a success bodia, the Philippines, Indonesia, that it soon expanded to 16 other uni- Over the years a number of clinical Turkey and Afghanistan. In addition versities with the result that in 1987 legal education conferences have Robin Palmer of the Institute for the South African Street law head been held at the University, culmi- Professional Legal Training (IPLT) office was established at the Centre nating in the 1997 Colloquium on and I have undertaken the training for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS), at Clinical Legal Education in Eastern of groups of law clinicians from law Howard College. A number of Street and Central Europe and the Former schools and university law faculties law student manuals and instructors Soviet Union held at the Innovation in Southern, West and East Africa in manuals were produced covering an Centre, which led to the development their parts of the continent. Last year introduction to South African law
38 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 39 LAW CLINICS AND STREET LAW UKZN’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF CLINICAL LEGAL EDUCATION IMPROVED INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE model for a game on the Convention of the Rights of the Child in Nigeria. The South African Street law, Human KEY TO BETTER Rights for All and Democracy for All books have also been used in street-law, hu- man rights and democracy workshops in Egypt, Haiti, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, PUBLIC SERVICE Zambia, Namibia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, Morocco, Ethiopia, India and Ban- DELIVERY gladesh. Street-law programmes in one form or another exist in Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria and Ghana. BY: PROFESSOR BETTY MUBANGIZI The South African Street law pro- AND MS NOMUSA DUMA gramme conceived at UKZN has inspired similar programmes in a number of developed and develop- Although there are notable socio- ing countries in Africa, Europe, Professor David McQuoid-Mason. Asia, Asia-Pacific, South America economic developments in South and North America. These include Africa, after almost 18 years Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Na- and the legal system, criminal law programme assisted in developing mibia, Mozambique, Kenya, Tan- of democracy, ineffective and and juvenile justice, consumer law, Street law programmes and materi- zania, Uganda, Ghana, Morocco, inadequate service delivery family law and social welfare law als and providing workshop training Egypt, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Iran, Iraq, continues to plague the public which were subsequently consolidat- in Eastern and Central Europe, Afghanistan, India, Bangladesh, ed in one text titled Street law: Practical Central Asia and the former Soviet Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, New service, entrenching social inequities Law for South Africans.(2004). Union. The countries involved in the Zealand, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, rather than alleviating them. project were Albania, Belarus, Croa- the Czech Republic, Albania, Croa- After the release of Nelson Mandela tia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, tia, Ukraine, Latvia, Kazakhstan, in 1990, the South African Street- Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, nd with With existing anecdotal evidence law programme, together with the Latvia, Macedonia, Moldova, Mon- Turkey, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, recent, and raising questions about the system’s American programme, published golia, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vanuatu, A continued, usefulness, this condensed paper Human Rights for All designed to Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Our expe- Australia, Norway, the United King- public highlights the effectiveness of the introduce Black and White South rience in dealing with the transition dom, the Falkland Islands, the United service delivery EPMDS in the Department of Africans to the Universal Declara- from apartheid to democracy in States, Spain, Argentina, Peru and protests highlighting critical Sports and Recreation in KwaZulu- tion of Human Rights which had South Africa resonated strongly with Russia. challenges in the South African Natal (KZN-DSR). The paper is never been ratified by South Africa. the countries that were undergoing public service, the need to boost based on a recent research study An American version of the book the transition from communism and In recent years the UKZN Campus institutional performance has the aims of which were twofold. was subsequently published in 1996. dictatorship to democracy. Law Clinic, the UKZN Street law never been greater. Firstly, the research sought to In 1992, the South African Street programme and the CSLS have host- establish the role of the EPMDS in Law programme, together with the By the end of 2001 Street law, human ed legal aid delegations from Lithua- Yet any institutional performance improving employee performance, American programme, decided to rights and democracy materials had nia, Kyrghyzstan, Afghanistan, Iran, management intervention must and secondly, to examine the link introduce South Africans to the been published by Belarus, Croa- Turkey, Mongolia, Moldova, Myan- begin with the individual employee between employee performance principles of democracy in prepara- tia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, mar, Indonesia, Cambodia, Uganda, in the public service, to ensure proper and the achievement of the tion for the country’s first democratic Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Kenya, Sierra Leone and Nigeria. N alignment between the individual Department’s strategic goals. elections. We published a book and Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, employee’s actions and the strategic instructor’s manual titled Democracy Russia, Slovakia, Ukraine and Uz- Professor David McQuoid-Mason state departmental goals. While employees understand the for All as well as the Democracy Chal- bekistan. In addition Democracy for is the Acting Director of the Centre use of the EPMDS and its potential lenge board game which requires All has been translated into Arabic, for Socio-Legal Studies and a Senior In the South African public ser- benefits, the study revealed that players to identify and define 13 dif- Croatian, Mongolian, Romanian, Research Associate there. He is also vice, employee performance man- the system is found wanting in ferent signposts of democracy using Russian and French, and is now President of the Commonwealth Legal agement is largely based on the terms of improving employee interactive techniques in a board being translated into Turkish. The Education Association. Employee Performance Manage- performance and contributing to game involving quizzes and debates. Democracy Challenge game has been ment and Development System the Department’s strategic goals. In 1997 the South African Street law translated into Swahili and used as a (EPMDS). This may be attributed largely
40 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 41 IMPROVED INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE
KEY TO BETTER PUBLIC SERVICE DELIVERY
that remain include poverty, The 1997 White Paper on Trans- mentation, not its conceptualisa- According to the policy (DPSA, Lastly, the study recommended income inequality, threats to social forming Service Delivery (also tion. Such dissatisfaction emanates 007:8), managers, supervisors and that the Department makes every cohesion, on-going demographic called the Batho Pele White Paper) from what the study identified as employees must be trained in the effort to link the implementation (race, gender, age, class and addresses the government’s expecta- three critical challenges: mechanics of the system and areas of EPMDS with employee growth geographic) inequities and the tions of public servants in greater such as communication, problem- skills acquisition and performance impact of globalisation. detail, and lists the following eight • the lack of a collective and solving and conflict resolution in incentivisation. In the absence of basic principles for transforming coherent understanding of the order to manage the system more this strong link, the findings consis- The KwaZulu-Natal Income Dy- service delivery: consultation, ser- purpose and objectives of the effectively. tently suggest that the Department namics Study (KIDS) corroborates vice standards, courtesy, access, EPMDS will continue to pay out pay pro- this trend, pointing to increasing openness and transparency, dealing A second recommendation is that of gression and bonus incentives, often poverty, inequality and social exclu- with complaints, and giving best • the ineffectiveness of the training. The training of supervisors to undeserving individuals. This sion in the initial post-apartheid era. value. implementation of the system is particularly important, and should would mean that individuals who In the context of this unacceptably (employer bias, lack of training, result in knowledge of supervisors in are better performers may become high level of persistent inequality, Corollary to Batho Pele principles, inconsistent application, etc) implementing the system, ensuring demotivated by the absence of such the post-apartheid state is engaged the EPMDS was launched on that employees receive adequate a link, and may as a result not be in various efforts aimed at redress- 1 April 2007. Designed by the • the lack of an identifiable link training and possess sufficient as incentivised as they could and ing pervasive imbalances. Department of Public Service and between employees’ day-to-day information to be able to fully should be. Administration (DPSA), the system performance and the Depart- participate in the processes. This In this regard, the manner in which was intended as a voluntary model ment’s strategic objectives. should ideally be done with the It is of course recognised in the the democratic state is required to for the performance management support and co-operation of the national EPMDS Policy that ‘[not] conduct its business should ideally, of senior public officials in It is concluded that the KZN-DSR’s Human Resources Division in the all the work done in a department Professor Betty Mubangizi. be qualitatively different from that departments and provinces across EPMDS is currently inadequate in Department. is captured in a strategic plan’. pursued during the apartheid era. South Africa. It aims ‘to optimise improving employee performance This means that performance Part of the challenge is to promote every employee’s output in terms within the organisation; nor is it A further recommendation agreements for employees whose institutions which enable the state of quality and quantity, thereby successfully channeling individual from the study was that, as part key responsibility areas and to deliver on the Constitution’s improving the Department’s overall performance towards achieving of their performance contract, activities are not covered in the promise of a democratic and equal performance and service delivery’. higher-level Departmental goals. Departmental and line managers strategic or operational plan (are society. (DPSA, 2007:10). should be required to participate not catered for)’ (DPSA, 2007:8), Since dissatisfaction with the system in workshops and training sessions this nonetheless doesn’t absolve This mandate is embodied in the The case study of the KZN-DSR, is more on issues of implementation on EPMDS. This would greatly employees from the responsibility to public service’s Batho Pele (people explores the degree to which than conceptualisation, it is to this enhance their ability to align their participate in the system. first) campaign. It underpins the the EPMDS contributes to the question that case study’s recom- employees’ performance with government’s efforts to create a enhancement of the democratic mendations focused. higher-level Departmental goals, Despite current perceptions of the public service that is responsive to state’s ability to deliver on the and would correct the impression EPMDS, indications from this case the needs of its citizens and thus promises made in the Constitution. It is recommended that the Depart- of EPMDS as ‘just another study are that an active engagement attend to the intractable and urgent The case study does this by ment engages in a campaign to raise bureaucratic exercise’. in the performance review process challenges in the country. examining the efficiency and awareness among all employees by employees is likely to yield the effectiveness of the implementation regarding the need to participate In conjunction with the above, the benefits initially envisaged. N According to Chapter 10 of of the EPMDS, and also by assessing in the performance management Department needs to pay particular the Constitution, the following the extent to which the system has system. This campaign should, inter attention to all phases of the The findings reported in this article are fundamental democratic values are delivered in the context of its aims alia, deal with the purpose of the performance management cycle, based on Ms Nomusa Duma’s Masters expected of the public service: (1) a and objectives. EPMDS; the link between indi- from planning to management Research in Public Administration high standard of professional ethics; vidual employee performance and and assessment. It is essential that which was supervised by Professor (2) efficient, economic and effective Findings of the study indicate that the performance of functional the capacity of both managers and Betty Mubangizi. This is an edited use of resources; (3) development- the KZN-DSR, like other depart- units where such individuals are employees be developed to increase version of a paper by Duma and Ms Nomusa Duma. orientation; (4) impartial, fair, ments in the KwaZulu-Natal pro- employed; the link between each understanding and execution of Mubangizi of UKZN’s School of equitable and unbiased service vincial government, is implementing functional unit and the broader their roles in all of these phases. Management, Information Technology provision; (5) responsiveness to the policy of EPMDS. Employees strategic objectives of the Depart- and Governance. It is one of several to implementation problems as people’s needs, including public have a reasonable understanding of ment; and the purpose and process If a culture is established in papers which appear in Volume 27 happens with most well intended participation in policy-making; (6) the need for such a system and the of incentivisation. which individual daily tasks are (1) of the Loyola Journal of Social policies. accountability; (7) transparency; (8) benefits that can be derived by the consciously aligned with the ‘bigger Science, a multidisciplinary, peer- good human resource management; Department if the system were to be Along with proper alignment picture’ of which the Department is reviewed biannual journal which is According to the Human Resource and (9) broad representation of the implemented properly. between performance contracts and a part, EPMDS will have achieved published in India and for which Development Strategy for South South African people within the strategic goals, the national EPMDS its goals – both at the level of the Mubangizi was the Guest Editor. Africa 2010-2030, some of the most parameters of ability, objectivity, Tellingly, employees’ dissatisfaction policy cites proper training on the Departmental mandate and at the intractable and urgent challenges fairness and redress. with the system concerned its imple- system as crucial to its success. level of the individual’s efficiency.
42 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 43 REGULATING LABOUR BROKERS VITAL FOR WORKER SECURITY AND FAIR WAGES
BY: DR SHAUN RUGGUNAN
The labour broking debate in South Africa is well rehearsed. Employers argue that a ban or even a strict regulation of labour brokers will result in massive job losses and be detrimental to the economy while Trade Federations such as COSATU contend that labour broking, regulated or not, equates to modern day slave trafficking.
he trade union Solidarity all workers, not just temporary or favours a more balanced contingent workers. T policy of banning exploitative practices Globally since the 1970s we rather than an outright ban on all have seen the increase in all labour brokers. types of contingent, precarious and temporary work. Even the Meanwhile, the State finds itself in Japanese labour market, once the the difficult position of trying to bastion of full-time secure work, mediate on these views. has succumbed to the lures of cost saving that is provided by employing I want to suggest two other issues workers via labour brokers. that need to be taken into account, both of which have been poorly In South Africa, the conversation articulated by organised labour, on labour broking suggests that it employers and the State. primarily concerns agricultural workers, mine workers and manual The first is that without severely labour work. Whilst these groups restricting and regulating labour of workers are among the most broking, we are opening ourselves to vulnerable and the most exploited, a ‘race to the bottom’ both in terms labour brokers are used to employ of working conditions and wages for a range of white collar workers
44 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 45 REGULATING LABOUR BROKERS
VITAL FOR WORKER SECURITY AND FAIR WAGES
including, for example, various earlier this year, types of office administrators. where hundreds of LAW SCHOOL AUTHORS HONOURED textile workers died. This is an issue that has ramifica- tions for all types of workers, union- The debate also needs ised and non-unionised, skilled and to be nuanced and The Law School took the Another of Hoctor’s books on the Numerous academics contributed unskilled. Temporary work will less emotive. There opportunity at a book launch market is: South African Criminal to the Oxford University Press continue to be the largest growing may be profound in the UNITE building on the Law and Procedure Volume III: legal textbooks. These included type of employment as current neo- unintended conse- Howard College campus to Statutory Offences, originally co- The Law of Evidence in South Africa: liberal labour market policies fail quences if there is a honour all its academics who authored by Hoctor with academic Basic Principles co-authored by globally to create permanent jobs. total ban on labour authored books or contributed colleagues JRL Milton and MG academics Mr Adrian Bellengere, In the race to save ever more costs broking. For example, to them between 2011 and 2013. Cowling. Hoctor is now the sole Ms Benita Whitcher and Mr in employing both skilled and un- there may be large The authors received recognition contributing editor of the book Robin Palmer. The book provides skilled labour, employers will turn job losses as those for sharing their expertise and which has become the leading a step-by-step introduction to the to labour brokers for a wide range currently employed research in various fields of law publication in the area of statutory Law of Evidence in South Africa. of differentially skilled workers. An as temporary workers with the legal fraternity, nationally offences in South Africa. It is being The book utilises case illustrations extreme expression of this is the are not absorbed into and internationally. regularly expanded and updated and practical examples to simplify case of the Philippine state which permanent jobs. The and is a handy and useful guide for the complex nature of the Law of acts as a global labour broking state decisions need to be One of the authors was Professor legal practitioners. Evidence which is a fundamental exporting millions of its worker- evidence based rather Shannon Hoctor, the UKZN for all law students. N citizens abroad in order to secure than serving specific Law School’s most productive Another author celebrated for his employment. agendas. researcher in 2012. His book, output was Professor RC Williams. Criminal Law in South Africa was He has published several leading The point is that the labour broking The second direction Dr Shaun Ruggunan. published earlier this year. The books dealing with tax law which debate and its legislative outcomes in which the debate needs to shift to book provides a practical analysis have become vital references for will have a domino effect on all is one that emphasises the role of of criminal law in South Africa all those practising in this highly workers, skilled and unskilled. ‘decent work’ for all workers. The work agenda for ALL workers (not making it a valuable encyclopaedia specialised field. Temporary, contingent, insecure idea of ‘decent work’ means, that just temporary workers) may mean for lawyers, prosecutors and employment will become the norm. all work, skilled or unskilled, needs that COSATU wins over many judicial officers dealing with Books displayed by other notable to be in line with the International more allies in the debate. criminal cases in South Africa. authors included those of COSATU and other trade Labour Organisation’s (ILO) idea Professors Vawda, Sharrock, federations need to recognise that of decent work. Globally we are witnessing a Hoctor has updated and Kidd, Du Plessis the traditional union member who is decline in full-time employment, expanded a previously published and Woker. permanently employed is becoming In growing recognition that many an increase in job insecurity and a work: Cooper’s Motor Law: Criminal increasingly rare and organisational workers are involved in precarious decrease in all indicators of decent Liability, Administrative Adjudication strategies need to focus on this new low quality jobs, the ILO has work. This is being experienced not & Medico-legal. With knowledge reality. Unions need to focus on suggested a number of interventions only by the traditional working class of road traffic legislation being new ways of organising a diverse to raise global standards of working but by all workers, including those vital in South Africa today, the working class which consists of conditions. A central aim of the who are in the middle class as well book is of great interest and temporary workers, young people, decent work agenda is the creation as those in professions and skilled value to all road users as well immigrant workers and other types of better jobs of acceptable quality. occupations. as justice officials and traffic of marginalised workers. authorities. The book, COSATU has committed itself Failure to severely regulate labour published in a loose-leaf Once all workers, (including those to a decent work agenda. Decent broking in South Africa will format, is being updated in human resources) realise that work needs to be measured accelerate insecurity for all workers, and revised with new not regulating or banning certain against the criteria of ‘employment as it will accelerate a ‘race to the case law and changes to labour broking practices means that opportunities, stability and security bottom’ in terms of wages and legislation thus keeping it all workers will be vulnerable to at work, wage levels, working working conditions. N current and in line with exploitative labour practices, then hours, personal and social life, the latest developments worker solidarity can be achieved equal opportunity and treatment Dr Shaun Ruggunan is a Senior in road traffic legislation on this issue. Without a severe in employment, social dialogue Lecturer in the School of Management, and the Administrative regulation of labour broking we are and representation, and a safe work Information Technology and Adjudication of Road opening ourselves to a ‘race to the environment’. (Ghai, 2002:14). Governance. Traffic Offences. bottom’ for all workers. This race is best captured by the tragic events By framing the labour broking issue in the Bangladeshi factory collapse as one that detracts from a decent
46 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 47 USING ILLUSION AS ing. ‘I have managed to merge or link my arts background, especially the mentalism performance aspects, The mindset is still: ‘I want to make it for A PEDAGOGIC DEVICE into leadership studies and teaching which is what I believe resulted in myself’ whereas it should be: ‘I want to my Distinguished Teachers Award make it for myself and others’. in 2008.’
Abracadabra! Professor One of the biggest problems in tain way. neuro plasticity.’ Kriben Pillay has a magic teaching leadership, says Pillay, is that people present the most fantas- ‘My own personal research has There was so much in society to- touch when it comes tic courses about how to do things directly impacted on what I would day which made people mindless, to getting a message better but then within months par- like to see happening in my College including things like i-pads and across. ticipants are back to square one. ‘My and the entire University. It’s about ‘music-filled ear plugs’. ‘This cuts research has been trying to under- how we design our lectures, how we people off from the world because stand what has been happening and speak to our students, how we go they are fearful of it but if we can BY: GREG DARDAGAN where we can make a difference. about doing assessments,’ said Pillay. dissolve fear the so-called fearful things may still happen but we are nd he uses this ‘gift’ to the ‘My work shows that individuals can ‘It is not about mollycoddling the not running away from them – in- benefit of students as well bring about change when they start student - it is simply saying the stu- stead we are engaging with life and A as academics in his position affecting the organisational climate dent becomes more results reflected. trying to make things better.’ as UKZN’s Dean of even though it may be miniscule to So if for instance they were given an Teaching and Learning in the begin with.’ introductory module on how their Pillay said UKZN needed to play a College of Law and Management brain works with regard to certain leading role in educating students Studies. Pillay has been Dean of Teaching types of stress relationships they that a degree was not just a piece and Learning in the College for the might also learn how to manage of paper which became a passport past 18 months. Virtually anything themselves better.’ to a lot of money. ‘We are here to Pillay describes himself as a per- that relates to the quality of teach- produce well rounded citizens with forming mentalist who has adapted ing and learning is his responsibility The Teaching and Learning Unit a strong social sense who contribute the art of illusion to assist in teach- within the College’s four Schools of also plays an important role in pro- critically to overall developments in ing difficult concepts in academic Law, the Graduate School of Busi- viding support including individual South Africa and the whole region. courses. ness and Leadership, Management academic monitoring for under-pre- Information Technology and Gov- pared students who are identified as ‘The danger is that we are in a social ‘I use illusion as a pedagogic devise ernance, and Accounting, Econom- such early on while they are strug- cultural paradigm that is “me” cen- and have experienced an amazing ics and Finance. gling with their studies. tred and there is very little thinking response to it from students. Within about “us”. This is contributing to half an hour I can show youngsters He is responsible for overseeing cur- ‘We also oversee with two of the very fragile social structures world- how to think more critically about riculum redesign and leading the Schools the extended curriculum wide with companies and banks col- certain things,’ said Pillay. process through the various College programme where a student would lapsing because CEOs have taken and University structures, ensuring for example do the BCom course them for a ride. ‘For instance I do an illusion in what is offered is economically viable over four years instead of three which participants are convinced to for the College, playing a leadership because of gaps in their education ‘And so while we may produce believe in one thing when in fact it is role in the professional development which were identified through their skilled graduates the mindset is something else. One can then engage of all the academic staff and mak- matric entry points. This gives them still: “I want to make it for myself” participants how to critically impact ing sure academics take advantage a better platform and less chance of whereas it should be: “I want to what they have just experienced and of various programmes on offer to failure.’ make it for myself and others”. I think this, more than anything else, improve their skills. has great value to society because we Pillay said a lot of his research ‘I believe that as a University it is are constantly being duped by politi- ‘I have just completed a course in revolved around what he termed time we stood up and allowed our- cians, the media, and a whole range neuroleadership - a growing area in ‘mindfulness’. ‘When you are mind- selves to be counted in this area of of other elements.’ which neuro sciences are impacting ful something physical happens to ethical regeneration.’ N on a range of disciplines. It’s about the brain. It’s about being alert and Pillay, a member of the British Soci- understanding how the brain oper- using the brain in a much more Professor Kriben Pillay is Dean of ety of Mystery Entertainers, is now ates in certain situations and what critical and alert way. When you pay Teaching and Learning in the College writing a book reflecting on how kind of chemicals are being released attention that attention changes the of Law and Management Studies. Professor Kriben Pillay. mentalism has informed his teach- thus causing people to act in a cer- brain – in neurosciences it is called
48 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 49 UKZN ON COURSE FOR AFRICA’S BEST POSITION
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has the ‘Also the number of post docs doing research has increased from 50 to potential to become the top research-led university 270. While about 40% of women in South Africa and Africa within the next five to and 38% Black academics are pub- lishing their work, the goal is to hike 10 years as well as to significantly improve on its that proportion significantly,’ said international ranking. Ijumba.
‘Participation and good perfor- BY: GREG DARDAGAN about 74% of the academic staff mance in the world rankings have were publishing the results of their been beneficial for us in a variety hat’s the forecast of work – that figure is now around of ways. Benchmarking ourselves UKZN’s Deputy Vice- 89%! against the best institutions on the T Chancellor: Research, globe gives us the opportunity to Professor Nelson Ijumba, Ijumba says he is particularly examine our operations, improve who vacates his high level position pleased with UKZN’s position in our research, teaching and learn- at the end of December after world rankings. ‘We are No 1 in ing methods as well as our data serving a five-year tenure with Africa on the Webometrics listings, appreciation in terms of informing distinction. in the top 500 and third in Africa decisions. on the Academic Ranking of World Universities, and in the Top 600 in ‘It has also helped us to attract high Ijumba says all through its recent QS World Universities rankings.’ quality academics and students be- surge in the competitive world of re- cause a lot more people are noticing search the University has remained Over the past five years UKZN us now than was the case five or 10 steadfastly committed to the de- has been awarded three additional years ago. Another benefit is the velopment of emerging scientists South African Research Chairs access to funding both locally and ensuring heightened participation – Land Use Planning and Manage- internationally – certainly UKZN from Black and women researchers. ment, Intelligent Real Time Power is not seriously constrained by a lack Systems and Rural Agronomy and of funding for research.’ During Ijumba’s term, research out- Development – bringing to 11 the put at UKZN has gone up by close number of SARChI Chairs which Ijumba said UKZN had identified to 29%, but perhaps even more is an initiative of the Department of nine research focus areas - Agricul-
RESEARCH encouraging is the fact that the Science and Technology (DST) and ture and Food Security; Biotechnol- number of people doing research at the National Research Foundation ogy; Energy and Technology for the Institution has jumped. In 2009 (NRF). Sustainable Development; Gender, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Professor Nelson Ijumba.
50 UKZNTOUCH RESEARCH RESEARCH UKZNTOUCH 51 UKZN ON COURSE
FOR AFRICA’S BEST POSITION
Race and Identity Studies; HIV/ fer because of the focus on research AIDS, Tuberculosis and Health – rather they are made better by it. Promotion; Maritime Studies; Because of the Indigenous African Knowledge Ijumba said the University had Systems; Social Development and large number managed to drive research at CULTURE OF Economic Studies; and Water, Envi- UKZN using the ‘carrot and stick ronment and Biodiversity. of high calibre approach’. ‘Those who do well get scientists rewarded while those who are not ‘Some are more developed than up to scratch get reminded of their ENTREPRENEURSHIP others. One of our biggest and most working at UKZN agreement to commit to research successful is in HIV/AIDS, TB and productivity. Every academic is re- Health Promotion where we have more research quired to spend at least 40% of their three major research institutions: time on research. BEING INSTILLED CAPRISA, K-RITH and the Africa breakthroughs are Centre which are all at the forefront ‘The challenge for the leadership of research initiatives, covering vari- expected is the successful inculcation of the ous aspects of HIV/AIDS and TB. ethos of research among academics. AT UKZN We have come a long way in that ‘We are also strong in the areas of output are known and respected area and based on our achievements Water Research, the Environment worldwide. so far we are succeeding.’ as well as Agriculture and Food Professor Deresh Ramjugernath, Security, where the African Centre ‘Results from research being done UKZN encouraged partnerships Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Innovation, for Crop Improvement is doing es- at CAPRISA and K-RITH are with industry because it provided a Commercialisation and pecially good work both locally and informing the design of protocols good source of funding and an op- Entrepreneurship. in the rest of Africa.’ for interventions for TB and HIV/ portunity to make research outputs AIDS, including the World Health industrially relevant. The Universi- A research area UKZN has taken Organization’s directive on how to ty had worked closely with SASOL Creative forces are at work within UKZN to boost the reputation of the Institution from its a deliberate decision to support is handle the diseases.’ and Eskom over the years and had current standing as one of the top research-led universities in Africa to a position where it Indigenous Knowledge Systems recently forged a partnership with (IKS), in which UKZN is now be- Ijumba said the obvious stand-out eThekwini Municipality. also has the enviable reputation of being an entrepreneurial innovator. ing acknowledged as the leader in research breakthough at UKZN the field. ‘We have been awarded during the past five years had been ‘If the kind trajectory we now enjoy the right to host a hub of the DST- the CAPRISA 004 trial of the teno- is maintained I forecast us being the BY: GREG DARDAGAN opportunities to compete to be lead- the area of innovation and commer- NRF IKS Centre. Our strategy is fovir gel microbiocide which pro- number one university in Africa in ers in the companies. cialisation which he will use to open to integrate IKS into institutional vided the proof-of-concept evidence the next five to 10 years and much he forces for change want up opportunities in partnership with research, teaching and community that antiretrovirals could prevent further up the rankings on interna- a culture of The overriding vision is for gradu- industry and government. engagement initiatives.’ HIV infection in women. tional listings. T entrepreneurship to ates to leave the University armed permeate UKZN as a living, with the know-how to give them the He says his new position represents Ijumba said research endeavours Because of the large number of ‘I have thoroughly enjoyed my thriving ideal. option of becoming entrepreneurs an enlightened way of thinking at were making an impact on the high calibre scientists working at tenure as Deputy Vice-Chancellor: and creating jobs rather than with a the University. ‘Very little serious community and policy formation UKZN he expected more research Research and hope whoever comes They envisage inventions by one-eyed intention of seeking to be attention has previously been given as results were being taken out of breakthroughs in the areas of HIV/ into the post will continue the trend academics, researchers and students employees! to commercialisation, and in par- laboratories and used for the benefit AIDS, Water, Environment and and attain greater achievements. I being commercialised via spin-off ticular to entrepreneurship. Part of of people from all walks of life. Biodiversity. ‘Exciting work is also have been fortunate to secure the companies the University will set up At the helm of these inventive forces my function is to see how we can being done in drugs design to over- support of the Executive and staff and have a stake in. Non-negotiable is Professor Deresh Ramjugernath change the culture at UKZN to one The Africa Centre based in Matu- come various types of cancers and while everyone has rallied to the is that the enterprises must be sus- who was recently appointed to the that adopts and promotes this idea batuba was one of the centres which there is potential for breakthroughs call to increase research output. tainable. new position of Pro-Vice-Chancellor of innovation, commercialisation had managed to get community buy there.’ for Innovation, Commercialisation and entrepreneurship.’ in. A lot of the work being done ‘I look back with satisfaction and And UKZN students must be and Entrepreneurship. there involved demographics and By their very nature universities pride in what has been achieved trained and get practical experience Ramjugernath said one of the everyday issues related to HIV in were supposed to be generators and where the University is now. within these companies so they can Ramjugernath, the current holder of reasons for South Africa’s high the area including the impact of of knowledge and should thus be The future is very exciting and very be marketable when they go into the South African Research Chair unemployment rate was the insuf- the disease. ‘The Africa Centre’s engaged in research. It was for that bright for UKZN.’ N the working world. Furthermore, in Fluorine Process Engineering and ficient number of small and medium research output is integrated in the reason UKZN decided in its mis- graduates – especially those with Separation Technology, is an ac- enterprises. ‘Look at countries world community while at the same time sion to be a research-led institution. business nous who hold doctorates complished researcher with obvious wide where employment is relatively the Centre’s work and research Teaching and learning did not suf- and masters degrees – must be given passion and extensive experience in high and small/medium enterprises
52 UKZNTOUCH RESEARCH RESEARCH UKZNTOUCH 53 CULTURE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP
BEING INSTILLED AT UKZN
are usually a major sector in their more competitive; and enhancing ‘Another aspect we are really pro- NEW DEAN economies. the potential for commercialisation. moting is for academics to build their research profiles and reputations to ‘In South Africa we don’t have a ‘Being one of the leading universi- the extent they are in demand to do A committed strong enough culture of entre- ties for knowledge production we outside consulting work. This will preneurship and our universities produce a lot of research outputs, be properly managed because we have not played a leading role to but that does not necessarily trans- certainly don’t want them forgetting change that situation. Students late into something that is of com- about their core responsibilities.’ research have generally come to study to get mercial and social value. So UKZN a qualification so they can get a job has to look at all the opportunities Ramjugernath is presently leading a somewhere. to see how we can bridge the chasm research team working with CHE- between research output and poten- MIN and ESKOM Foundation to activist ‘Universities need to shift this think- tial commercialisation and social recycle compact fluorescent light ing among young people to one upliftment.’ (CFL) bulbs and extract the precious based on the premise that you get a rare-earth metals they contain. tertiary qualification to become an He says if universities start operat- Funded by a grant from ESKOM employment creator!’ ing not necessarily as commercial Foundation through CHEMIN, a enterprises but just thinking com- commercial plant is close to comple- Ramjugernath’s new role is to har- mercially there are ample opportu- tion on the Durban campus and Professor Urmilla Bob, UKZN’s Dean of Research. ness the forces of change wanting nities to generate income and add there are plans to roll out plants in to promote and enhance entre- value to society and thus take some other parts of South Africa.’ preneurship at UKZN and in its of the pressure off government sub- surrounding communities. This in- sidies, student fees, and the search A company called Rare Earth Professor Urmilla Bob was an outspoken anti-apartheid activist during her student volves working with local chambers for funding from stakeholders and Recycling Technologies of which of commerce and industry and with sponsors. UKZN is a shareholder will now years in Durban in the late 1980s. The authorities eventually saw her as a threat business enterprises to entrench an drive the initiative of collecting and to the State and she was detained by the security police who placed her in solitary entrepreneurial culture. ‘My role is to get our staff and recycling the bulbs.’ confinement for 42 days followed by several months under house arrest. students on board and develop ‘It doesn’t just mean teaching en- mechanisms for UKZN to achieve Another project is the development trepreneurship - it means living the all this. I am presently working on a of robots to assist ESKOM in the BY: GREG DARDAGAN national and international research mitment completing her degree at philosophy and in that way we can draft strategy to be presented to top cleaning and maintenance of high and the development of partner- the former University of Durban- in time develop spin-off companies management after which I’ll work tension electricity wiring. oday - more than 20 years ships, as well as office management. Westville (UDW), doing her hon- created through commercialisation hard to get the buy in and support later - Bob is still an ours through Unisa and later being of research undertaken at the Insti- of academics, students and support ‘What often happens is you get T outspoken activist with an It’s a tall order, daunting for any awarded a USAID bursary to read tution. There are a lot of opportuni- sectors. an inventor who comes up with indomitable spirit but her lesser person, but Bob just bubbles for her masters degree in geography ties for the University, for staff and a discovery but may not have the activism is now in support of the with passion for the task at hand plus at West Virginia University in the students. ‘I estimate it’ll take about a year to business sense and skills to make it University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) all the accompanying challenges. United States. get things properly set up.’ a commercial success. and its mission to be the Premier ‘Take Facebook and Microsoft University of African Scholarship. ‘It became clear to me while in de- She carried on to complete her as examples – they were born at Ramjugernath has already been in- ‘In such cases we will facilitate a tention as a young student – I was PhD at West Virginia in 1999, also universities. So if you can create teracting on the issue with the role partnership with people who know busy doing my BPaed – that when lecturing in the Black Studies Pro- the spark that leads to innovation players in government and private how to do just that.’ An accomplished researcher with you live in a world where there is gramme at the institution. and creative thinking – not only sectors whose support and contribu- an impressive output in terms of the a tremendous focus on individual academically but also in the area tion he sees as being key to the suc- Ramjugernath’s pioneering spirit publication of her work accompa- gain and you fly in the face of that It was during her time at the Uni- of business and enterprise - we will cess of the venture. and resolve look set to catapult nied by huge respect for the number by choosing a responsible career versity that she met the man of her have more as an institution to give UKZN into a new tertiary education of postgraduate students she has path and opposing societal wrongs, dreams and married him – their back to society. We can then start ‘Within the Research Office there age where job-creating entrepre- supervised, Bob was recently ap- a very difficult journey lies ahead in first child was born in the USA! to move towards a knowledge-based is a unit known as Inqubate - it’s neurship feeds off the University’s pointed UKZN’s Dean of Research. which people will try to take things economy driving economic growth the University’s vehicle for tak- elevated research-led priorities. N away from you. But the call of Africa and especially and social upliftment in the coun- ing research developed at UKZN Her role in the new position includes home was strong and when offered try,’ said Ramjugernath. through to commercialisation. being responsible for supporting the ‘I realised one of the things that a geography lecturing post at UDW, They will assist to make decisions Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research can’t be stolen is an investment in she returned with her beloved fam- UKZN also wants to be innovative about whether inventions are good in providing leadership for issues education. I committed myself to ily in tow! in everything it does because inno- enough to be patented and licensed, such as research management, making that investment.’ vation leads to greater efficiencies and generating alternate sources of capacity building, interaction with ‘I had always wanted to come back within the organisation; making it income for the University. funding agencies, the promotion of Bob followed through on the com- because I felt UDW was my aca-
54 UKZNTOUCH RESEARCH RESEARCH UKZNTOUCH 55 NEW DEAN
A COMMITTED RESEARCH ACTIVIST
demic home. When I was released Bob says she always resisted becom- ‘Essentially I am a planner not a from detention academics rallied ing an administrator because her plunger - I dislike operating in crises around me – and other former passion was for research and capac- mode. I tell people I am a doctor UKZN AT THE detainees – making special arrange- ity building. ‘Many of the students but not a doctor in an emergency ments and going out of their way to I supervised through to graduation ward!’ ensure I completed my course. are now lecturers at UKZN and other universities in South Africa Bob said she hoped to strengthen FOREFRONT OF ‘That taught me, and it continues to and Africa. collaboration between researchers this day, that our institution has a - particularly young, emerging re- strong Ubuntu spirit which is one of ‘So in a way even my postgrad searchers. ‘If you are successful you our biggest strengths, despite all the research has been about building are ok but if you don’t know how ELEPHANT RESEARCH pressures of the merger.’ capacity for Higher Education.’ to play the game you can become overwhelmed. Since her appointment as a lec- Bob, who has contributed signifi- turer in 1999, Bob - attached to the cantly to research development and ‘So no matter how many incentives School of Agricultural, Earth and empowerment, is now at a stage in we offer if a researcher hasn’t figured Environmental Sciences - has done her personal career where she feels out how to write articles and target vast amounts of research in the area capable of managing her own re- accredited journals they struggle. The changing natural of land reform and more lately in search space. My job and that of my colleagues is landscape in Africa has seen the field of mega events, such as the to work with the Deans of Research impact of the 2010 Fifa World Cup ‘I know what I want to do over the in the Colleges and with the dif- an increase in the number of in South Africa. five years of my appointment. I have ferent centres to identify strengths elephants being restricted spent time being in the field, su- and in that way demystify how to Over the past 12 years she has pervising students, being hands-on become a productive researcher.’ to small, fenced reserves, graduated 13 PhDs and about 40 about everything, even gatecrash- posing unique problems for masters students. ‘I am very proud ing meetings to get the information Over the next five years she wants the management of game of that achievement. I have focused I wanted’. to see more research being done on one of the things I really wanted and published, especially by young reserves across the to do and that was to assist Black ‘I have been a maverick in learning people. ‘UKZN’s 2012 Top 30 list of continent. and women students both in South what it means to be a researcher.’ most published researchers has just Africa and on the rest of the conti- been announced and I am excited nent.’ When the new position was adver- to see how many are under the age BY: BARRINGTON MARAIS tised she decided to explore what of 50 and are first timers on the list. Bob is currently part of a research it felt like being a manager in an This indicates a clear shift away he size and social group working with the Govern- institution which had given her from previous trends. nature of ment to produce a review of the so much. ‘I felt the position was in T elephants, their State of the Nation after 20 years synergy with my own aspirations ‘It is a privilege to have been ap- vast of democracy (being celebrated and required someone who knew pointed as Dean of Research. I in- consumption of next year) and is also a member of first hand about the different com- vested my time to become a good re- vegetation, and their a team developing a monitoring and ponents of research.’ searcher and a good scholar and am steadily increasing evaluation system for the national grateful that UKZN has recognised numbers have resulted Department of Arts and Culture’s Active in the new post since August this by giving me the opportunity to in debates on the programme promoting job creation she finds it exciting and rewarding. grow in my own academic career as necessity of population through cultural tourism, eventing, ‘I am engaging with policy, dealing well as being able to contribute to exhibitions and training. with strategic aspects of the Univer- the development of the University at control to protect sity and contributing in areas where a different level.’ biodiversity in Africa. ‘What has happened in my career we are exploring how to support path is that I have become more of a particular groups of researchers and One thing she struggles with is the Addressing this and a number methodological contributor because develop more facilitative policies dress code. ‘Changing out of the of other issues related to African ele- I can train and assess the interac- which are supportive of research jeans and T-shirt of a researcher phants, the Amarula Elephant Research tions. I do multi-disciplinary work and of creating a robust research in the field into the corporate style Programme (AERP), directed by UKZN’s and find myself contributing more environment. clothing of a manager requires Professor Rob Slotow, stands at the forefront of and more to issues outside my direct quite a paradigm shift - but I’m research related to African elephant behaviour. area of interest of urban and rural ‘We need to protect the quality of getting there,’ she adds with a The Programme is funded by the non-profit development.’ our research rather than just focus- broad grin. N Amarula Trust. sing on quantity.
56 UKZNTOUCH RESEARCH RESEARCH UKZNTOUCH 57 UKZN AT THE FOREFRONT
OF ELEPHANT RESEARCH
time in 2010. In the same year the Programme became the concern of the newly formed Amarula Trust, and the extension for an additional three years saw almost a R1 million in funding allocated to support the Programme through to July this year.
The Programme brings together the expertise of a range of disciplines within UKZN, as well as from other academic institutions, both in South Africa and internationally. Utilising a team of researchers and PhD and MSc students, the Programme has involved government conservation agencies, private game reserves, and ecologists all engaged in generating elephant management plans based on data collected through a number of key scientific research projects.
Understanding the movement of elephants provides pivotal insight into a number of issues relating to the management of these majestic animals, and AERP has made this a key focus of its research activi- ties. Using the modern technology of Global Positioning Systems on elephant collars, the movements of elephants have been success- Dr Markus Hofmeyr (SANParks Head of Veterinary Services), Dr Danny Govender (SANParks), UKZN PhD Candidate Audrey fully documented, and the Amarula Delsink and SANParks Helicopter Pilot Grant Knight with an immobilised Kruger elephant cow fitted with a GSM Telemetry Trust provided a special donation Collar as part of the Amarula Elephant Research Programme. of R250 000 in 2009 to enable the expansion of this activity – a sub- stantial part of the donation being Slotow has noted that ‘it is impor- of factors relating to this issue, by used to replace old collars or collar tant to use information on how the providing a harvest of important new elephants. elephants perceive their conditions, evidence to work directly from. rather than imposing our view onto The collars automatically record the elephants. An important envi- A major outcome of the AERP has the location of an elephant every ronmental change that influences a been in Human Capital Develop- 30 minutes, and then download number of management decisions is ment, and a substantial number of Dr Peter Buss (SANParks Veterinarian) and Mr Charles Thompson (SANParks this information through the GSM the change in seasons, especially the PhD and MSc students have gradu- Helicopter Pilot) remove and replace an old collar as part of the Amarula cellular network, or directly to satel- rains at the end of the dry season’. ated from within the Programme. Elephant Research Programme (Photo: Audrey Delsink). lites. This has provided researchers with amazingly high resolution and The research has also involved inves- With a keen awareness of conser- accurate information regarding tigations into the effect of elephant, vation issues related to African The Programme, active since 2002, Initially conceived as a five-year the movements of elephants in real fire and other causes of mortality elephants, Amarula’s global mar- is intended to strategically contrib- research initiative with a R3 mil- time. Using indices such as rate of on large trees in the Kruger Park. keting spokesperson, Ms Siobhan ute to African elephant conservation lion grant from Amarula, the movement, or the number and angle The impact of elephants on large Thompson, highlights the fact that through research initiatives directed Programme’s success has led to it of turning behaviour, insight has trees is one of the main concerns of ‘everything learned through the towards management of elephants being extended twice – first by three been provided into how elephants conservation managers as well as Programme can be applied to bet- A newly collared elephant in Kruger in wild areas in South Africa and years with an additional R1 million are responding to local conditions. the public, and work done in AERP ter elephant conservation manage- National Park. other parts of the continent. in funding, and then for a second has served to illuminate a number ment’. N
58 UKZNTOUCH RESEARCH RESEARCH UKZNTOUCH 59 RESEARCH ON EYE MOVEMENTS WHILE READING ISIZULU
Lecturer Ms Sandra Land is doing research on eye movements in isiZulu reading in an effort appeared to be easy to read because make on average one regression for of isiZulu and English, is to ensure of its orthographic transparency - every 27 letters – which means that that they are supported and enabled to discover strategies developed by highly competent readers of the language. almost all the sounds of the spoken they regress about twice as much as to develop effective reading skills in language are represented in the readers of English text. both languages. written form by particular letters - BY: MELISSA MUNGROO that when I read text in isiZulu my package so that readers’ eye move- and its consistency - letters unvary- ‘Reasons for these differences reso- ‘It’s a bit like teaching children (or brain and eyes do something differ- ments could be mapped directly ingly represent particular sounds. nate with Goswami and Ziegler’s adults) to play squash and tennis – he research is being ent from what they do when I read onto the texts they read. Psycholinguistic Grain Size Theory although they just have to learn how carried out with the aid of a English text,’ explained Land. ‘In comparison, English orthog- which suggests that readers of Eng- to run about the court and hit the T computer programme She believes this was the first pack- raphy is opaque so that sounding lish (and similarly opaque, inconsis- ball, you would never expect them especially developed for Trying to work out what the differ- age of its kind to be developed for words out only works for about half tent languages, such as French) will to use the same racquet for both Land’s research by an eye-tracking ence was resulted in Land doing a reading in an African language. of them (try “works” for example,) tend to look for patterns in spans of games,’ added Land. N software company in the United PhD on the subject. and inconsistent, where the same text of up to a few syllables in order States. Readers, who had responded to letters often represent completely to decipher text, whereas process- The idea for her research was Land’s University-wide and public different speech sounds, as in ing only a few letters at a time is a sparked when Mr Warrick Hul- invitation to competent adult isi- “through”, “thorough”, “trough” more effective strategy for reading ‘A few years ago I invited some Cer- bert of Moffat Optical in Pieter- Zulu readers to participate in the and “tough”,’ said Land. languages with a transparent or- tificate students who were struggling maritzburg came to demonstrate study, agreed to a screening test of thography such as isiZulu, Italian, with English to submit assignments the Reading Plus programme to their reading speed and skill. The ‘However, in spite of the apparent and Finnish,’ explained Land. in isiZulu,’ said Land of UKZN’s reading specialists in the School of most skillful of them then patiently benefit of transparency, findings Centre for Adult Education in the Education. read texts while their eye movement that have emerged from this study She concluded that the Roman School of Education. was tracked and recorded. Land indicate that: isiZulu text takes alphabet was possibly not the best It was instantly clear to Land that then tried to make sense of them. twice as long to read as English text; choice of script to represent isiZulu. ‘I was confident I read isiZulu well the programme could be used not its readers make 20% more visual enough to enable me to mark, al- only to improve reading skills, but Findings from this research indicate fixations than readers of compa- ‘As suggested by Mark de Vos of beit slowly, four or five assignments. to record and analyse eye move- that although English and isiZulu rable spans of English text; fixations Rhodes, a syllabic script similar to Most of the class took me up on my ments for the purpose of reading both use the Roman alphabet and (points where the eyes stop and that of Japanese might have led to offer. research as well. share literacy conventions such as focus) on isiZulu text last about 30% a written form that was easier and presenting text in lines that run from longer than fixations on English swifter to read. However, it’s far too ‘Twenty or so assignments later, my Thus began a protracted e-mailing left to right to make up paragraphs, text; the amount of text decoded late for that now,’ said Land. ‘The Zulu reading skills had been given process with staff of the Reading there are significant differences in in each fixation is about four letters, best we can do, especially in this serious shock treatment and had Plus organisation in Boston in the optimal strategies for reading them. compared to eight to 17 letters de- province where most learners must developed dramatically. From then United States which worked with coded in each fixations by readers of develop reading skills in the two on, I became increasingly aware Land to put together an isiZulu Land noted that at first sight, isiZulu English text; and readers of isiZulu radically different orthographies Ms Sandra Land.
60 UKZNTOUCH RESEARCH RESEARCH UKZNTOUCH 61 10% of all HIV- infected individuals AFRICA CENTRE UNAIDS has on ART).
welcomed the ‘The results provide convincing evidence RESEARCH results of the study that population-level reductions in the describing them transmission of HIV as ‘extremely can be achieved in IDENTIFIES WAY nurse-led, devolved, important’, and public-sector ART programmes in have called for rural sub-Saharan TO REVERSE African settings,’ all countries and said Tanser. communities While ART is highly HIV EPIDEMIC to achieve high beneficial to the HIV-infected indi- coverage of vidual in terms of increased survival, antiretroviral a recent clinical trial therapy indicated that in stable couples with only one partner HIV-infected, the were repeatedly tested for HIV in likelihood that an the Centre’s population-based HIV infected individual survey - one of the largest popula- will pass the infec- tion-based HIV surveys in Africa. tion onto their Through linkage to clinical records partner is greatly from the public sector HIV Treat- reduced. Professor Frank Tanser. ment and Care Programme, the researchers were able to precisely This finding has fuelled hopes measure the proportion of all HIV- that widespread use of ART could for all countries and communities to infected individuals receiving ART decrease the rate of new HIV achieve high coverage of antiretro- in the local community. infections at a population level. viral therapy, both for the benefit of The Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies based in the College of However, it has been vigorously people living with HIV and for the During the period of the investiga- debated whether such population- communities in which they live. Health Sciences at UKZN has published ground-breaking research findings which tion, 1 413 participants in the study, level reductions could be achieved show the HIV epidemic can be reversed through increasing the distribution of who were initially not infected, be- in ‘real-world’ sub-Saharan African Professor Salim Abdool Karim, came infected with HIV at a rate of settings. President of the South African antiretroviral therapy (ART). 2.6% per year. Medical Research Council and The results of several large-scale Director of UKZN’s Centre for the Using innovative spatial statistical trials throughout Africa designed to AIDS Programme of Research in BY: MARYANN FRANCIS The study, led by Professor Frank In the study population, a staggering techniques the researchers were specifically test this hypothesis will South Africa (CAPRISA) as well Tanser from the Africa Centre and one out of four adults (15 years and able to clearly show that when well- only be available in four years time. as a pre-eminent scientist in HIV/ t is the first time the funded by the National Institutes older) are infected with HIV. Since established risk factors of infection One such trial is being conducted AIDS research, said: ‘This major positive impact of of Health in the United States, 2004, ART has been rapidly scaled- were taken into account, an indi- by the Africa Centre in communi- scientific finding shows how the roll- I antiretroviral therapy on the used innovative spatial statistical up and more than 24 000 patients vidual not infected with HIV was ties outside the Centre’s HIV sur- out of AIDS treatment is reducing rate of new HIV infections methods to compare the rate of new have been initiated onto therapy in nearly 40% less likely to acquire veillance area. the spread of HIV. This encourag- has been demonstrated in a HIV infections in high versus low the Hlabisa sub-district. HIV in the areas of high ART cov- ing result highlights the importance community setting with the results ART coverage communities in the erage (30-40% of all HIV-infected UNAIDS has welcomed the results of investing even more in AIDS of the study being published in the Mtubatuba area in rural KwaZulu- Between 2004 and 2011, nearly individuals on ART) compared to of the study describing them as ‘ex- treatment services in South Africa.’ Natal. 17 000 HIV-uninfected individuals areas of lowest coverage (less than tremely important’, and have called N prestigious journal, Science.
62 UKZNTOUCH RESEARCH RESEARCH UKZNTOUCH 63 MAJOR GRANT FOR HEALTH DST WOMEN IN SCIENCES PROJECT IN AFRICA SCIENCE AWARD
UKZN’s College of Health Sciences (CHS) - with Professor Sabiha WINNERS AT UKZN Essack as Principal Investigator - has been awarded a grant valued at about R27 million to strengthen the postgraduate and research Six women researchers from UKZN were Professor Sabiha Essack. capacities of two universities in Malawi and Mozambique. acknowledged at the annual Department of Science and Technology ‘Women in Science’ (DST WISA)
BY: LUNGA MEMELA sure, social science aspects, as well as their institutions and would generate awards function held in Johannesburg. Dr Maheshvari strategies to achieve African Union useful data on managing infections Naidu, Professor Deevia Bhana and Professor he higher learning imperatives by South-South collabo- and managing each country’s re- institutions are the ration with North-South support. sources. Vishanthie Sewpaul of the College of Humanties and T University of Malawi and Dr Christina Thobakgale of the College of Health Mozambique’s Inst Essack, who is Dean and Head Tuto said they were challenged with Sciences were winners in their research categories. Superior Ciências Saúde- of the School of Health Sciences, patients who took incorrect dosages Commissar Instaladora. said health statistics of the target and exceeded their duration of treat- Students Ms Philile Mlotshwa and Ms Nontobeko NORHED LMICs in sub-Saharan ment. This often led to drug resis- Mvubu, of the College of Agriculture, Engineering Africa identified communicable tance and was a financial burden The grant was awarded by the Nor- diseases as the main cause of years to the health system, increasing the and Science, received a Fellowship award and a TATA wegian Agency for Development Co- of life lost. Antimicrobial (drug) re- need for even more costly and toxic Scholarship respectively. operation (NORAD) under its new sistance (AMR) was a key obstacle drugs. The universities in Malawi programme: the Norwegian Pro- for the successful management of in- and Mozambique said they would gramme for Capacity Development fectious diseases in Africa, especially rely on the expertise and health sci- BY: MELISSA MUNGROO in her category of Emerging Re- in Higher Education and Research in LMICs where the burden of infec- ences best practices used at UKZN. AND SEJAL DESAI searcher: The Role of Science in for Development (NORHED). tious diseases was high and access to Violence against Women. She was Dr Maheshvari Naidu. diagnostic services and second-line The collaborators said drug resis- he Deputy Vice-Chancellor awarded an engraved glass trophy Through strategic investments, treatment often absent. tance was a global problem, however and Head of the College of and official certificate together with NORHED is designed to stimulate Norway and the other Nordic coun- T Humanities Professor an award of R50 000 in national productive South-North collabora- ‘The World Health Organization, tries were distinctive through their Cheryl Potgieter was recognition of her outstanding tion between NORAD and institu- among other international agen- ‘low resistance rates’ and a strong requested by the Minister of Science research contribution in her field. tions of higher learning in low and cies, has long recognised AMR as political commitment most recently and Technology, Derek Hanekom, to The award was accepted on her be- middle income countries (LMICs). a growing global health threat, and demonstrated by the One Health deliver the keynote address at the half by her 12-year-old son, Kialan NORAD had observed that such the World Health Assembly, through proposal to the European Parlia- event. Potgieter spoke on the DST’s Pillay, who said he was extremely institutions faced difficulties in several resolutions over two decades, ment and the global health commu- proud of his mother. Naidu credits theme: The scourge of Violence providing quality and relevance of has called upon member states and nity in 2012. her nonconformist upbringing and Against Women: the Role of Science learning and research, retaining the international community to take parents for where she is today. ‘I staff and ensuring adequate working measures to contain and prevent Professor Arnfinn Sundsfjord, Dean and Research. believe in honouring the immense environments and career prospects. AMR.’ of the Faculty of Health Sciences at grace my parents showed me with the University of Tromsø in Norway, Potgieter said: ‘These awards give an upbringing that broke gender Existing partnerships and research Essack highlighted recent media re- said the institution was encouraged recognition to the many women stereotypes through their uncondi- collaborations between UKZN, ports in which the United Kingdom’s by the initiative from UKZN as it at UKZN who are contributing to tional love and support of my edu- the University of Tromsø in Nor- Chief Medical Officer suggested that addressed a very important topic on UKZN being a research-led uni- cation and travel over that of more way, the University of Malawi and antibiotic resistance be listed on the a global scale – ‘the crisis of drug re- versity. Exploring the research that traditional roles of the time. I wish Mozambique’s Inst Superior Ciên- national risk register. She said the sistance when there are no new drugs they are doing and its impact on to honour them by further afford- cias Saúde-Commissar Instaladora, vast majority of countries had em- available for low income countries’. intervention, policy and teaching, ing opportunities to other women,’ resulted in a consortium which was barked on national and international it is clear that the research agenda she said. awarded the NORHED grant for a initiatives as well as partnerships to The UKZN team, consisting of is integral to our transformation project titled: Antimicrobial Stew- contain resistance by a variety of Essack, Professor Preshnie Moodley, agenda. I would also like to point UKZN School of Education’s Bha- ardship and Conservancy in Africa. stewardship measures. Emeritus Professor Willem Sturm, out to the winners and to all women na, was the first runner-up in the Professor Fatima Suleman and Dr in the College that often it is not category Distinguished Researcher The project will focus on communi- Professor Doutor Domingos Tuto Christine Varga, was particularly only institutional barriers that we – The Role of Science in Combat- cable diseases and antimicrobial re- of Mozambique and Dr Geoff Chi- pleased with the feedback from need to engage with and challenge.’ ing Violence Against Women. sistance in Africa, the containment of pungu, Clinical Microbiologist at reviewers. N ‘Having been twice in the top three drug resistance, infection prevention the University of Malawi, said the Naidu, a feminist Anthropologist, finalists in the DST ‘Women in Sci- and control, antibiotic selection pres- project was extremely important for was announced overall winner ence Awards’, in 2011 in the Distin- Professor Deevia Bhana.
64 UKZNTOUCH RESEARCH RESEARCH UKZNTOUCH 65 DST WOMEN IN SCIENCE
AWARD WINNERS AT UKZN
guished Women Category (Social range of competing priorities,’ said ment guidelines for children world- has an interest in community uplift- understanding the human host and Analysis (SACEMA) following Sciences and Humanities) and now Sewpaul. wide following the demonstration ment particularly through translat- immune response to infection by the completion of a BSc Honours in 2013 (Distinguished Researcher) that progression is very rapid in the ing science and research findings to studying cytokine production and in Statistics (cum laude). She is the establishes this research agenda as a Thobakgale, second runner-up in absence of anti-retroviral treatment. the general community to stimulate gene expression in epithelial cells Fundraising Director of the Golden necessary focus in national debates the Distinguished Young Women in Currently, her research focuses on interest and uncover much-needed infected with Mycobacterium Key International Honours Society about children, gendered/sexual the Life Sciences Awards, was com- innate immune responses during new talent. tuberculosis (Mtb) strains that are and has been on the Dean’s recom- violence and inequalities in South mended for her research focused on early and late stages of infection and dominant in KZN and Western mendations list since 2011. Africa. It also recognises UKZN’s understanding cellular and viral their impact to control HIV. She has She was recently appointed Senior Cape. She was awarded the KZN strategic plan and research in so far factors that influenced disease pro- a keen interest in the development Lecturer and researcher at the HIV Research Institute for Tuberculosis Mlotshwa is currently conducting as studies around gender are con- gression in HIV infected infants. of young scientists and would like to Pathogenesis Programme (HPP) at and HIV (K-RITH) Collabora- research in the area of TB and HIV cerned,’ said Bhana. Findings from her PhD research in- contribute to the discovery of young UKZN. She graduated with a PhD tive Grant, a student-support and coinfection. Her project entails col- volving children infected with HIV researchers who could be at the from UKZN in 2012, and received travel grant that enabled her to do laborative research with the Centre Sewpaul of UKZN’s School of Ap- have yielded numerous important forefront of research in Africa and a Postdoctoral Fellowship from the part of her Master’s project at the for the AIDS Programme of Re- plied Human Sciences took home observations demonstrating that help solve health problems faced by Ragon Institute at Harvard Univer- John Hopkins University in 2012. search in South Africa (CAPRISA). the first runner-up Distinguished age at the time of infection, viral the continent. sity. Mvubu’s work was presented at the It is possible that results from this Women in Science Award: Hu- proteins recognised by the infant’s K-RITH opening symposium in project may necessitate best practice manities and Social Sciences for immune system, genetic make-up Coming from the rural village of Mvubu received her Bachelor of 2012 and was presented at the South for treating patients co-infected with outstanding contribution to build- of the transmitting mother or child Ga-Mashashane in Limpopo where Medical Science degree at UKZN African Society for Microbiology HIV and TB. Mlotshwa grew up in ing South Africa’s scientific and and the functionality of the immune she lived during her undergraduate in 2009 with seven academic merits conference in November 2013. a rural area burdened by TB and research knowledge base. ‘I am cells, significantly determined dis- years and raised by a single parent, for her degree and was awarded the HIV/AIDS. She aspires to be a top pleased to be placed second in the ease outcome in infants. Thobakgale was the first of eight Dean’s Commendation in 2008 and Mlotshwa is a first-year MSc stu- researcher able to influence public country. It takes a great deal of hard siblings to make it to tertiary level. 2009. In 2010, she was awarded the dent at UKZN. Her field of study is health policies for the betterment of work and endless hours of commit- Tobakgale’s research findings have She believes that opportunities com- Merck award for being the best final Statistics with specialisation in sur- lives of the people in her community ment to achieve at this level. As been presented at 10 international bined with hard work and excellent year Microbiology student. vival modelling. She received fund- and South Africa at large. N a woman, academic achievement and four national meetings. It has mentorship opened a lot of doors ing from the South African Centre has to be balanced against a whole had an impact in changing treat- along her career path. Thobakgale Her Masters project is aimed at for Epidemiological Modelling
Professor Vishanthie Sewpaul. Dr Christina Thobakgale. Ms Nontobeko Mvubu. Ms Philile Mlotshwa.
66 UKZNTOUCH RESEARCH RESEARCH UKZNTOUCH 67 NEW DIRECTOR RURAL COMMUNITY IN FOR UKZN HIV UMBUMBULU BENEFITS RESEARCH CENTRE FROM UKZN RESEARCH
Leading Clinical Virologist, Professor Deenan Pillay, The rural community of Umbumbulu in KwaZulu-Natal was recently given has been appointed as the new Director of UKZN’s the opportunity to participate in a hands-on agricultural research project Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies. led by Professor Albert Modi, Dean of the School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences. illay is a Professor of Pillay said: ‘This is a very exciting tive relationships that will maximise Virology and Co-Director of new challenge. The potential to the value of the Africa Centre.’ P the Division of Infection and answer some of the key remaining BY: BARRINGTON MARAIS Immunity, at University questions relating to the spread of ‘The Africa Centre was established College in London. infections such as HIV and TB is by the Wellcome Trust in partner- his outreach initiative forms immense. To do so in the dynamic ship with the South African Medical part of a mission to He is a Clinical Virologist, having setting of South Africa, with its rap- Research Council in 1998 and em- T encourage rural trained in London, Newcastle and idly emerging biomedical research ploys around 350 people, including communities in KwaZulu- San Diego, and has a long stand- strength, is a tremendous privilege.’ around 25 scientists. The corner- Natal to explore agricultural ing research and clinical interest in stone of its research programme is biodiversity as an innovative way to HIV virology, particularly related The Africa Centre is based within a biannual household demographic achieve food security and improve to the study of global HIV drug a rural population with one of the survey that since 2000 has collected their general quality of life while also resistance and transmission. He highest burdens of HIV in the data on births, deaths, marriage managing the negative impacts of helped establish the Bloomsbury world. There it carries out research and migration events as well as alien invasive plant species in the Research Institute, a partnership into the impact of the virus on the household economics. The survey between infectious disease research local community and, in partner- covers a population of around region. groups from UCL and the London ship with the local Department 90 000 people in 11 000 households. School of Hygiene and Tropical of Health, runs one of the region’s ‘In the context of the current debate Medicine. largest rural, primary-care-level an- ‘An additional annual HIV surveil- about land redistribution, food inse- tiretroviral therapy programmes. It lance study, established in 2003, curity and poverty in South Africa, Professor Nelson Ijumba, UKZN’s also has a strong capacity-building covers adults 15 years and older, it is critical for communities to be Rural communities in Umbumbulu are benefitting from an outreach programme Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, programme, providing opportuni- collecting data on HIV status, sex- educated and empowered to make co-ordinated by Professor Albert Modi. said: ‘UKZN would like to con- ties for staff to study towards uni- ual behaviour and relationships, sustainable decisions regarding gratulate Professor Pillay on his ap- versity degrees, including master’s and other health issues. The Centre their livelihoods,’ said Modi. pointment and hopes that, through degrees and doctorates, and for also has a virology laboratory at the which can productively undertake Modi, a GreenMatter Senior Fel- his leadership, the Africa Centre community members to gain other Medical School in Durban, with The approach is in line with the gov- sustainable agricultural practices low, believes that encouraging rural will continue to be at the forefront of skills-based training. research relating to the dynamics of ernment’s National Development for themselves and for trade pur- communities to better understand knowledge production and commu- HIV in breast milk and population Strategy and National Development poses. Rural land, however, faces the link between indigenous knowl- nity empowerment in HIV/AIDS.’ Dr Ted Bianco, Acting Director of viral phylogenetics. Plan Vision for 2030, which seeks to the threat of encroachment by alien edge and science allows practical the Wellcome Trust, said: ‘We are significantly improve the quality of plants, reducing food security for strategies to be swiftly implemented According to a media statement delighted that Deenan Pillay has ‘The Centre has been behind sev- life of South Africans. marginalised communities. in areas such as organic vegetable released by the Wellcome Trust, Pil- agreed to take up the role of Direc- eral high profile research papers production and integrated pest lay will take up his post at the Africa tor of the Africa Centre. Deenan is recently, including two papers in A focus on rural people is regarded ‘Under the mentorship of Professor management systems. Centre on a secondment from UCL a highly respected clinical investiga- the journal Science this year demon- vital as those communities maintain Modi, we have been able to remove on 1 November 2013. His appoint- tor in the research and public health strating for the first time the positive access to land that can be used to unwanted alien plants and replace This approach requires commit- ment follows the decision by Profes- communities. He has shown great impact of antiretroviral therapy on ensure food security and the genera- them with useful vegetables, indig- ment towards educating and shar- sor Marie-Louise Newell to return leadership in creating partnerships the rate of new HIV infections in tion of livelihoods without relying enous trees and medicinal plants, ing knowledge with these communi- to the UK to take up a position at amongst researchers and institu- a community setting and that such solely on government. creating a food source for our com- ties. N the University of Southampton. tions, as illustrated by the Blooms- therapies are a highly cost-effective munity and the possibility of jobs as Newell has been Director of the bury Research Institute. Such investment for the people of South The National Integrated Food Secu- we begin to harvest for commercial Africa Centre since 2005. experience will prove extremely Africa.’ N rity Strategy (IFSS) calls for an in- use,’ said community member, Mrs valuable in building the collabora- crease in the number of households Babongile Mkhize.
68 UKZNTOUCH RESEARCH RESEARCH UKZNTOUCH 69 PHILANTHROPIC UKZN HONOURS INVESTMENT THROUGH TOP SCHOLARS THE UKZN FOUNDATION BY: SEJAL DESAI were honoured at a special cer- Dhlomo congratulated the recipients emony held by UKZN. The scholar- and reminded them that the awards ships awarded are largely funded by ‘extols them to begin a long journey The University of the University and by donors and that requires them to emulate and BY: BRIDGET MCBEAN • Support students through national and regional communities KwaZulu-Natal demonstrates the calibre of students surpass the achievements of Frene bursaries and scholarships served by the University. The do- at UKZN. Ginwala, Zak Yacoob, Vincent nations, gifts and grants received by (UKZN) has awarded Maphai and Pius Langa’. UKZN has embarked on • Bolster the teaching, research the Foundation are disbursed to the approximately R80 Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Teach- a major philanthropic and outreach of the Colleges, intended beneficiaries within the ing and Learning, Professor He commended UKZN for being Schools, Centres or Disciplines University and where appropriate, million to recognise and Renuka Vithal said: ‘Scholarships a true African University in the campaign to enable naming rights are available for the commend academic are awarded on a fiercely competi- African soil, serious about Africa’s better student support, • Enable access and equity donors. excellence. tive basis in which merit is the most Development. programmes important criterion. A stringent build new spaces and Constituted in 2004 with the merg- selection process ensures students Scholarships awarded included pursue exciting academic • Upgrade the libraries and er of the University, the Foundation A total of around 4 000 awards were recognised are the very best of thou- the Frene Ginwala, Zak Yacoob, programmes that will equip them with state-of-the-art comprises fifteen Trustees who made to students who attained out- sands of hopefuls.’ Vincent Maphai and Pius Langa information technologies come from the University’s Council standing results in 2012. Of these, Scholarships and the Emma Smith catapult the Institution and Executive Management Com- 73 top-achieving scholars, who have Guest speaker and KwaZulu-Natal Overseas Scholarship. N to the forefront of • Refurbish and augment student mittee, Convocation as well as inde- received prestigious scholarships, Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni accommodation. pendent members from the business knowledge creation. world. The mission of the UKZN Founda- The UKZN Foundation manages tion is to secure investments for the The Foundation Trust manages the campaign, building strategic advancement of UKZN. It achieves an endowment which supports its partnerships with those who share this by procuring bequests, endow- own work as well as providing for the University’s interests and wish to ments, grants and gifts that advance various specified needs within the make gifts and grants which help to the goals and aspirations of the Uni- University. further its vision, mission and goals. versity and satisfy the objectives of The Foundation is a registered its partners and benefactors. The Executive Director heads the Trust, a Public Benefit Organisation team of 10 staff members based at (PBO), and a recognised non-profit The Foundation prioritises in- Howard College, Durban. organisation (NPO) under South stitutional development projects African law. which are responsive to societal, * For further information con- economic and technological needs tact the Foundation’s Executive It is associated closely with sev- and problems; that aim to advance Director Ms Bridget McBean eral charitable entities in the United human, environmental and global at telephone 031-260 2017 or States and the United Kingdom well-being, and are of immediate e-mail:[email protected] N which enable benefactors in those relevance or benefit to the local, countries to receive tax benefits for gifts to UKZN.
The Foundation is presently seeking prospective partners with an inter- UKZN’s Top-End Students at the est specifically, but not exclusively, 2013 Scholarships Ceremony held in providing gifts or grants to: at UKZN’s Westville campus.
70 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 71 UKZN ACADEMIC A PART OF GROUNDBREAKING COSMOLOGY RESEARCH
BY: SEJAL DESAI that has brought scientists one step closer to unraveling the mysteries of UKZN’s newly appointed Astrophysicist the universe. and Senior Lecturer in the Chiang is one of 70 researchers involved in the creation Astrophysics and Cosmology Research of a high-sensitivity 10-metre telescope, valued at Unit (ACRU), Dr Cynthia Chiang, is part around R150 million, named South Pole Telescope (SPT). It is the first telescope successful in capturing a of a team of experts that have made particular polarisation signal in the cosmic microwave history with a groundbreaking result background (CMB) of the universe. The CMB is the oldest discernible light we can observe; it allows
scientists to shoot photographs of the universe in its infancy, 13.7 Dr Cynthia Chiang with “SPIDER” – an instrument similar to SPT. billion years ago. It is hoped that the success of SPT will be a significant start in deciphering the In the photos captured, scientists edge work has led to an upsurge in mysterious dark matter that makes were able to view a distortion interest from our students and will up a great part of the universe. caused by ‘gravitational lensing’, attract international researchers in ‘When the CMB light is making its joint collaborative research.’ The project began in 2006 in way through the universe it passes a collaboration centered at the through lumps of matter, the light Chiang says she is excited about University of Chicago where SPT is deflected by the gravity from starting up UKZN’s first cosmology was crafted from scratch. Chiang the matter, causing its propagation instrumentation lab. ‘Apart from became involved in 2012, when a direction to change. SPT was able the great science potential, cosmol- specialised new camera that could to see the distortion that bends light ogy instrumentation also provides see polarised light was developed. around the matter.’ Chiang says excellent training for students. This camera is what Chiang says this new discovery will help scien- UKZN has a wonderful cosmology was the key element in the success of tists understand where the matter group, we have a lot of strength in the project, as it was sharp enough lives and how much of it there is. theory and data analysis but the to capture the distortion observed. missing ingredient has been instru- SPT was set up for operation at the Director of ACRU, Professor Sunil mentation and building hardware South Pole, where Chiang spent Maharaj, says Chiang’s research is for these telescopes, I’m hoping to 10 months taking care of its daily relevant to the national thrust in as- bring that to the University.’ N SPT in the South Pole operations. tronomy and science projects taking place in South Africa. ‘Her cutting-
72 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 73 So what is creating this immense versity staff are beginning to create sities as they exist, only offer a few pressure on the universities that is research spaces for themselves whilst modules that may take cognisance of UNIVERSITIES ON THE threatening to change the educa- concentrating less on what universi- this important need in society. The tional landscape? In fact there are ties ought to be doing. This is not an expert in a field, who is capable of many factors. First, and perhaps the indictment on anyone but this will mentoring students, takes on the role VERGE: DEMISE OF THE most important, are the rapid inno- see traditional universities slowly of a high ranking university. This vations that technology is bringing dying a painful death, especially for kind of learning already exists in the to the fore. People can communicate those who cannot adapt easily to the form of mentorship programmes. with each other irrespective of the changing media. Universities in the TRADITIONAL UNIVERSITY infrastructure, provided there ex- current form may become research So, from doom and gloom to a re- ists internet or cellphone access. A universities of the future. ality that is inevitable. Universities lecture broadcast from a tiny room are on the verge of capitulating to BY: DR VIMOLAN MUDALY in Westville can be accessed in a The fourth reason is well-known the demands of globalisation and remote village in far north-eastern and should not come as a surprise. the pressures from both the global India. A lecturer, presenting on University libraries will become and domestic environments. The Twenty years from now, a common theme can satisfy the obsolete with the way information is standards ought not necessar- traditional universities requirements for many universities freely available on the internet. Li- ily to decrease but the demands on throughout the world. An expert braries will be digital and therefore students increase. With on-line or will become relics and in any field can influence student information can be accessed from distance learning systems, students probably be converted minds throughout the world by pro- remote locations without the need are expected to become more in- into office blocks. It will viding a common lecture to many for a student to place a single foot on dependent and focused and this institutions at the same time via live campus. The knowledge acquired may indeed be what our students be almost impossible for streaming. Globalisation at its best! from these sources need to be vali- need. Schools now have a greater universities to survive dated and students would have to be role to play in providing universi- Second, and not far less important, trained in ways of ‘trusting’ the in- ties with independent thinkers. The at the rate at which is that the cost of attending univer- formation they access from the web. education system must now begin the world is changing. sity has escalated enormously. There But there is so much information on to re-examine its curriculum and are no guarantees of continued the web that there is often nothing include in its provision, the training The technology that financial support for indigent stu- new that a lecturer can provide in an of harder working and independent exists currently has dents and therefore, most students on-campus lecture. learners. If this does not happen revolutionised the way may be excluded from obtaining then the universities of the future degrees. With the universities move Collaboration and communication will produce ineffective graduates. people communicate with towards an online system this will between students and staff will be So the universities as we know it are each other but 20 years enable more students to enroll and it greater than through face-on-face on the verge of demise and if we do creates greater opportunities for mi- lectures. This will be made possible not change with the times, we too from now, methods of nority and disadvantaged students. through technology such as Face- as lecturers will become obsolete. communication would have Lectures will be freely available on book, Twitter, Blackboard, Moodle, George Bernard Shaw once said expanded exponentially. the web and students can download and so on. Moreover, students and that ‘progress is impossible without them as and when they want to. staff at different institutions sharing change, and those who cannot The idea of having a Textbooks and other resources can similar modules may be able to com- change their minds cannot change professor standing at the be downloaded from secure sources municate with each other thus ex- anything’. How we change will de- thus averting the huge costs associ- panding the knowledge base for all. pend on the speed with which these podium delivering a lecture ated with buying texts from book- Imagine the possibilities of students developments reach us. N to a group of students stores. from UKZN engaging in academic will be rare and perhaps discussion with students from Har- The third reason may seem to be vard and Oxford universities. This this may only occur only absurd but it places particular pres- will only improve the students of the Dr Vimolan Mudaly is a Senior on extremely special sure on institutions to perform in future. Lecturer in the School of Education. particular ways. There is a gradual This article was presented at the 7th occasions. This is not tendency for universities to place less Finally, there will be a shift in focus Annual Teaching and Learning Higher a doom and gloom emphasis on teaching and greater from pure academic skills to career Education Conference hosted by the prediction as will emphasis on research. Look at the applicable skills. There will be a University Teaching & Learning Office funding available for publishing in greater demand for those who can (UTLO). be surmised in the reputable journals as compared to do the actual work and hence expe- rest of this article. that given to good teachers. With riential knowledge would be a main this publish or perish attitude, uni- requirement for graduates. Univer-
74 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 75 UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL • WORLD OF NEWS UKZN CENTRE GETS GRANT TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF INFANTS IN KZN UKZNUNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATALnews • TOUCHING THE WORLD WITH NEWS Lunga Memela
UKZN’s Centre for Rural Foundations provides sizeable Health (CRH) will receive R8.7 philanthropic assistance to high impact UKZN UNVEILS SMART GRID million from the ELMA Group initiatives within the Foundation’s of Foundations over the next focus area. Its mission is to improve three years to improve neo- the lives of Africa’s children and youth RESEARCH CENTRE natal care in KwaZulu-Natal. through the support of sustainable efforts to relieve poverty, advance The money will be used in a programme CRH Director, Dr Bernhard Gaede. – the KwaZulu-Natal Initiative for New education and promote health. Born Care Project (KINC) – which The KINC project will focus on the obstetric units which were run by oversees the support and development building capacity and developing the midwives. Traditionally, midwives of infant care in district hospitals. skills and conditions conducive to focused mainly on the delivery of babies In line with the United Nations improved quality of care for infants. and the initial labour ward context with Millennium Development Goals CRH Director, Dr Bernhard Gaede, said nurseries being somewhat neglected. (MDGs) and the South African the majority of district hospitals were The project will strengthen the National Strategic Plan, the situated in rural areas where situations Prevention of Mother to Child CRH pioneers several research were often very different to what was Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV projects which are supported by generally considered as the norm. programme within the nursery, as the Department of Health (DoH). He explained that in most district well as breast feeding practices Meanwhile, the ELMA Group of hospitals nurseries were attached to and support for the mothers. UKZN SCIENTISTS RECEIVE TOP NATIONAL HONOURS
Professors Malegapuru Makgoba and evolving epidemiology and prevention of Quarraisha Abdool Karim receive their HIV in women as well as in the fields of awards from President Jacob Zuma. ethics and human rights. The Chair of the UKZN Council, Mrs Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer impacted internationally and served the Phumla Mnganga, congratulated and interests of the country. applauded Makgoba on achieving this The Smart Grid Research customer billing is reliable. Deputy Minister Public Enterprises, Mr notable milestone in his distinguished UKZN’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Centre was officially launched Bulelani Magwanishe (2nd left), unveils career. ‘Equally I applaud his In his address, Ijumba said: ‘Eskom’s Professor Malegapuru Makgoba, at UKZN’s Westville campus the commemorative plaque at the Smart contributions to medicine and science,’ student support and investment in received the award in silver for his by the Deputy Minister of Grid Research Centre on the Westville said Mnganga. research infrastructure at UKZN ‘dedication and excellent contribution Public Enterprises Mr Bulelani campus with (from left) Professor Nelson gives a new context to corporate to the field of science and medicine, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Magwanishe; the Deputy Vice- Ijumba; the Deputy Mayor of eThekwini, social responsibility. It has empowered locally and internationally; and for his Professor Nelson Ijumba, said Abdool Chancellor: Research, Professor Ms Nomvuso Tshabalala, and the CEO of individuals, capacitated the Institution contribution to the building of democracy Karim had been devoted to stemming Nelson Ijumba and the CEO Eskom, Mr Brian Dames. and benefited the community at large.’ in South Africa’. The citation describes the global AIDS epidemic for more than of Eskom, Mr Brian Dames. The Smart Grid Research Centre along Makgoba as an ‘outstanding academic two decades; culminating in her scientific The Research Centre will assist in with the High Voltage Direct Current discovery that Tenofovir gel prevented partnerships. The Eskom-sponsored and a pioneer of transformation in developing the Smart Grid System for Centre and the Vibration Research Two UKZN personalities have HIV infection and genital herpes in Technology Innovation Park is located at Higher Education’. South Africa and is the only simulator of and Testing Centre forms part of the received Order of Mapungubwe women. the University’s Westville campus and awards from President Jacob Associate Scientific Director of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Science and Technology Innovation Park ‘This research, which produced the is a significant development offering Zuma for excellence and CAPRISA, Professor Quarraisha Abdool It will prepare graduates to work on (STIP). world’s first HIV protection technology post-graduate students world-class exceptional achievement. Karim, received the award in bronze for the integration of renewable energy STIP was established as a partnership research facilities. her ‘outstanding work in the field of HIV/ for women, was ranked among the Top generation to the grid and assist Eskom between UKZN and Eskom to foster According to the Government website, 10 Scientific Breakthroughs of 2010 by The occasion also marked Eskom’s AIDS and tuberculosis research and and municipalities produce prompt research for product advancement the Order is awarded to South African the prestigious journal, Science,’ 90th anniversary. health policy development’. Abdool Karim and accurate metering to ensure that and innovation through knowledge citizens for achievements which have has made seminal contributions on the said Ijumba.
76 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 77 UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL • WORLD OF NEWS UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL • WORLD OF NEWS RENOWNED UKZN 11TH VICTORIA AND GRIFFITHS MXENGE RESEARCHER APPOINTED MEMORIAL LECTURE
CHAIR OF NEW UNAIDS Neesha Maharaj
Public Interest Law – Then and Now was the topic homage to the late Victoria and Griffiths Mxenge, lawyers PANEL of the 11th Victoria and Griffiths Mxenge Memorial and struggle heroes who played a pivotal role in the demise Lecture delivered at UKZN by Madam Justice Dhaya of apartheid. According to Pillay, the Mxenges were known Greg Dardagan Pillay, a judge of the High Court of KwaZulu-Natal. for taking up causes which opposed sexism and racism. ‘I interacted closely with Victoria during the United UKZN scientist, Professor Salim Abdool Karim, has been appointed Addressing members of the legal fraternity, academics and Democratic Front’s trial in Pietermartizburg in the 1980s. Chairman of the newly established UNAIDS Scientific Expert Panel. students, Pillay compared public interest case law of the past with what comes before the courts today. The Mxenges were driven by circumstances and public The new body will convene a series of scientific consultations to ensure that the best The annual Lecture, hosted by the School of Law, pays interest law was important to them. Their consciousness scientific evidence is used to inform the global response to HIV. compelled them to help the community selflessly and without Abdool Karim’s appointment was announced by the Executive Director of the Joint fear,’ said Pillay. United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Mr Michel Sidibé, during his Pillay urged law graduates to practice public interest law opening address at a UNAIDS Scientific Symposium in Durban. which advances the rights of the poor and disadvantaged A statement said the panel would provide strategic advice on the relevance of new communities. Professor Salim Abdool Karim. research and findings and how they could be rapidly implemented to best effect to Guests were also addressed by the Dean and Head of the prevent new HIV infections and improve the lives of people living with HIV. School of Law, Professor Managay Reddi, who said the Lecture aimed to salute the Mxenges and thousands of other struggle heroes who perished in the quest for freedom in South Africa. INTIMATE MOMENTS WITH NELSON MANDELA Law students who excelled were presented with awards for excellence in various categories. Top honours went to Ms Kimberley Sharp, the top final year student of the Class of Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer 2012, who got six awards for excellence in various areas of law. The Nelson Mandela Intimate The ornaments depicted Zulu Moments exhibition was on Professor Managay Reddi, (right) presents Madam Justice culture and included display at the John Bews Building Dhaya Pillay with a gift at the Mxenge Memorial Lecture. on the Pietermaritzburg campus. musical instruments, Hosted by the Life Sciences Library and figurines, and items the Alan Paton Centre and Struggle made from Nguni Archives, the exhibition included a cowhide. photographic collection of intimate ‘The exhibition was UKZN HONOURS DISTINGUISHED TEACHERS moments with Madiba. a wonderful way to celebrate Mandela’s Mr Nazim Gani, Head and Manuscript Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer Librarian at the Alan Paton Centre and wisdom and the sacrifices he made Struggle Archives, said the exhibition College of Agriculture, Engineering for all South Africans. UKZN academics Dr Corrie was created by the Nelson Mandela and Science, was recognised for For me the highlight Schoeman and Dr Anthony Foundation and featured the work of six his innovative approach to teaching. was to celebrate Collins received Distinguished South African photographers. His research areas focus mainly on Madiba’s birthday and Teacher Awards at a dinner the evolution and ecology of animal ‘It brought together text and image to showcase South in Durban hosted by the communities in southern Africa and – intimate portraits of Mandela and Africa’s greatest icon,’ said Gani. A selection of photographs depicting University Teaching and words spoken by him. The photographic Learning Office (UTLO). Madagascar, particularly those of bats. The exhibition, first curated in 2008 Intimate Moments with Nelson Mandela exhibition displayed images of Madiba, Collins, a Lecturer in the School of Applied to mark Madiba’s 90th birthday, was on display at UKZN’s Alan Paton Centre. Welcoming guests Professor Renuka some of which had never before been Human Sciences, College of Humanities, donated to the Alan Paton Centre by Vithal, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of seen in public,’ said Gani. Teaching and Learning, said the award was recognised for distinguished (Back left) Professor Renuka Vithal and the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory Gani thanked the Nelson Mandela The exhibition also showcased books, acknowledged excellence and innovation contributions in the area of curriculum Dr Rubby Dhunpath, Director: Teaching at the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Foundation for entrusting the pamphlets, and cultural ornaments. in teaching annually. She announced development and for his innovative and Learning, and (Front) Dr Corrie ‘We plan to use the exhibition in future University with the valuable archive The books selected were related to that the DTA alumni would be invited to teaching practice. He is a critical social Schoeman and Dr Anthony Collins. to celebrate an annual Mandela Day. of Madiba’s life. He also commended Madiba and included Long Walk to deliver guest lectures on the University psychologist with interests in violence, In addition, as part of the Centre’s Mr Yakesh Jagesar, Head of Freedom; Nelson Mandela and the Education Induction Programme to trauma and consumer culture. and Mrs Roshnee Sunder of DUT, outreach programme, we would like to Circulation, Life Sciences Library on the Rise of the ANC; Nelson Mandela: inspire academics at the University. delivered inspiring presentations on contact schools to exhibit the display,’ Pietermaritzburg campus, for ‘creativity Recipients of HELTASA National Conservations with Myself; and harnessing technology to captivate said Gani. in the layout and design of the display’. Schoeman, a Senior Lecturer in Excellence in Teaching Awards, Mandela: The Authorised Portrait. the School of Life Sciences in the Professor Gary Marsden of UCT students attention in the lecture room.
78 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 79 UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL • WORLD OF NEWS UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL • WORLD OF NEWS TATA SCHOLARSHIPS FOR POSTGRADS MAKGOBA RECEIVES A NEW
Sithembile Shabangu LIVING LEGENDS GENERATION Twenty-one UKZN postgraduate students received 2013 TATA Africa Prestigious Scholarships AWARD at an awards ceremony held at the UNITE OF DATA building on the Howard College campus. The scholarships are awarded to top performing disadvantaged UKZN Vice-Chancellor award from the Municipality where four students from different fields to help them finance their studies. Professor Malegapuru of the campuses of UKZN are located.’ DETECTIVES In his welcome address, UKZN Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Makgoba has won an eThekwini In his awards statement, eThekwini Professor Malegapuru Makgoba, congratulated the students Living Legends Award for Mayor Councillor James Nxumalo said: Greg Dardagan and their parents. He highlighted the role played by parents his critical contribution to ‘We are very humbled and proud of the field of medicine. and commended them for being ‘real shapers of these kids’. our Living Legends who in one way or A University of KwaZulu-Natal Makgoba also thanked and applauded TATA for The Awards acknowledge individuals another have brought honour and pride academic is going out of her recognising and supporting the students. with ‘outstanding achievements, to our city. It is the passion and integrity way to show that statistics and those who have demonstrated of these special citizens that elevate Managing Director of TATA Africa, Mr Raman Dhawan, said is not the boring, dry subject a sustained and extraordinary our city to new heights. They are like the in his official address that numerous opportunities were it is often perceived to be. contribution in various categories of gemstones in our crown. available in Africa but it was up to students to identify them. The Academic Leader of Statistics at expertise’. ‘Each of our award recipients has gone ‘I would like to congratulate all recipients and thank UKZN, Professor Delia North, said Now in their sixth year, the awards the extra mile, often unheralded and you for giving me the honour to be with you here,’ said statisticians had been slack in marketing UKZN Vice-Chancellor Professor Malegapuru Makgoba and Managing showcase the best in human endeavor unsung. They have made a contribution Dhawan, who encouraged students to give back to the their profession, but she was on a Director of TATA Africa, Mr Raman Dhawan. and the spirit of Ubuntu. to society, not for their own benefit but mission to change that. communities they came from, to continue to believe to make their communities and the in whatever they did and to respect all views. Makgoba expressed his gratitude ‘In the old days stats was a branch of to the eThekwini Municipality for the world they live in a better place. We Ms Zama Msibi who is completing her Masters’ degree one step closer to her dream and conveyed an ‘earnest mathematics – it was very theoretical recognition bestowed on him saying he salute them.’ in Medical Microbiology, thanked TATA for getting her and heartfelt thank you’ on behalf of all the recipients. and you proved things,’ said North. was humbled to be named as one of ‘That was before the advent of the 2013 Living Legends.‘It is a singular computers which now allow companies honour to receive this extraordinary to store masses of data and thus the services of statisticians are in great LAUNCH OF UKZN BOOK PROMOTING BILINGUALISM demand. ‘The way we train our students today, Sithembile Shabangu they become data detectives who UKZN FELLOWS OF search for clues or patterns in data From left: Independent Newspapers’ Mr which will put their employers ahead Greg Dardagan; Professor Renuka Vithal; of competitors. They are trained to be Editor of the book, Dr Nakanjani Sibiya; ACADEMY OF ENGINEERS applied statisticians based on sound and Editor of The Mercury, Mr Philani mathematical principles.’ Mgwaba. This year is the International Year of UKZN Deputy Vice-Chancellor, ‘The objectives of the Academy are to Statistics and to mark the occasion Research, Professor Nelson promote excellence in the science and North and her team at the School of reflections, poetry or pieces with visual Ijumba, and Pro-Vice- application of engineering for the benefit Mathematics, Statistics and Computer components, among other items. Chancellor for Innovation, of all members of the public in South Science organised a celebration day Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Commercialisation and Africa. The Academy comprises South at UKZN in which 150 teachers and Learning, Professor Renuka Vithal, said Entrepreneurship, Professor Africa’s most eminent engineers of all Education Department subject advisers at the launch that she was happy to Deresh Ramjugernath, have disciplines and related professionals were shown the latest basic statistics see a book containing a selection of the been inducted as Fellows of with proven ability and achievement. It is materials on computers. the South African Academy able to take advantage of their wealth of best entries and promoting bilingualism North said pupils in rural areas did of Engineers (SAAE). knowledge and experience which, with published within a year after the not always have access to computers, competition was launched. Ijumba was inducted at a ceremony the interdisciplinary character of the membership, provides a unique source so some teachers still used paper- Amagalelo - a book containing The competition was sponsored by ‘Through the publication of this collection in Cape Town on November 5 with which to meet the objectives.’ based resources. The workshop a selection of the best UKZN in partnership with Independent of writing, the aim of contributing to and Ramjugernath was inducted gave those teachers an opportunity short stories and poems Newspapers with the book being literature in isiZulu has been achieved. in Pretoria on October 30. Only nine engineers have been to experience statistics modules on entered for an isiZulu-English published by UKZN Press. The success of this project has shown An excerpt taken from the SAAE inducted to the academy this year. screen and hopefully be able to use the writing competition - was More than 350 entries were received the importance of creating spaces for website gives an indication of the Details of the South African Academy knowledge to help with teaching in rural launched during the Time of for the competition from novice and people to express themselves creatively prestige attached to being made of Engineers can be found at www. classrooms. the Writer festival on the experienced writers who had been in their mother tongue, rather than in a Fellow of the Academy which saae.co.za
80 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 81 UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL • WORLD OF NEWS UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL • WORLD OF NEWS STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN RACE KART CHALLENGE UKZN SCIENTISTS AT THE HELM OF EXCITING Barrington Marais DIGITAL LASER INVENTION Three students teamed up to Akhil Gangaram and Mr Killian compete in the 3rd Annual Nair. They were supervised by Glenwood High School Gordon Professor Glen Bright, Ms Fiona Murray Downhill Challenge Leverone and Mr Vince van Erk. as part of their final-year All the members are avid car Mechanical Engineering project. enthusiasts and the project gave Phase one of the project produced a them an opportunity to explore kart ‘built to race under the influence of the design and construction gravity’. The next step is to design the process of a vehicle. kart so that it is powered by a ‘green’ In terms of designing and machine - a fully electric motor. manufacturing the vehicle, the The UKZN team consisted of engineering The race is named after Professor team experienced some challenges students Mr Kasheel Goberdhan, Mr Akhil Gordon Murray, a Glenwood High Old such as the sourcing of components, Gangaram and Mr Killian Nair. Boy and renowned designer of Formula modification, and perfecting the braking and steering systems. Mr Roland Koch, One race cars and the McLaren F1 ‘The project has been exciting and fun,’ Technical Manager in the School of road car. One of the primary aims said Gangaram. ‘There is a lot of potential Engineering, explained that ‘the UKZN of the challenge is to encourage not out there and a lot of competition entry had a technically advanced Honorary Professor Andrew Forbes. only science as a subject but also which we can’t underestimate. But suspension and braking system’. Photograph: Independent Newspapers. automotive engineering as a career. we are confident our research will pay The UKZN team consisted of engineering The team finished up first in their off. Our entry is a good advertisement students Mr Kasheel Goberdhan, Mr division and second overall. for UKZN Mechanical Engineering.’ about laser technology and we see it as a new platform on which future technologies may be built,’ explained Forbes. TEACHING AND LEARNING CONFERENCE ON EDGEWOOD CAMPUS Ngcobo, whose input in the Barrington Marais PhD student, Mr Sandile Ngcobo. experimental work formed part of his Photograph: Independent Newspapers. PhD studies, believes the research Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer the conference which provides a platform approaches to curricula, pedagogy Researchers at South Africa’s demonstrates the ability within the CSIR for disseminating higher education and technology,’ said Dhunpath. Council for Scientific and The ground-breaking research has to lead innovation in this field. and institutional research findings. ‘While lecturers may no longer control Industrial Research - led by uncovered the potential to digitally ‘I believe the digital laser will be Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and the elevator of education in the way Honorary Professor Andrew control laser emissions in real-time, a “disruptive” technology. This is Learning, Professor Renuka Vithal, they once did, they are still responsible Forbes of UKZN’s School of hence the name ‘digital laser’. technology which may change the Physics and Chemistry and PhD outlined the rationale for the theme of for igniting the lamp of learning – even ‘Our digital laser uses the LCD as one of status quo and which could create new student at the University Mr the conference. ‘It may be argued that though it may require the click of a its mirrors fitted at one end of the laser markets and value networks in the near Sandile Ngcobo - have developed failure and attrition is institutionalised mouse rather than the squeak of chalk.’ cavity,’ said Forbes, who is the leader future. The research into the digital the world’s first digital laser. in the South African higher education Keynote speakers at the three-day of the Mathematical Optics Research laser continues. It adds to the CSIR’s system. Universities continue to come conference included Professor Philip Both Forbes and Ngcobo were born Group at CSIR. strong track record in the development under on-going criticism, most notably for in KwaZulu-Natal. Forbes completed of laser technology in mathematical Altbach from the Centre for International ‘Just as with LCD televisions, the LCD the quality and numbers of graduates. his secondary schooling at George optics,’ said Ngcobo. Professor Renuka Vithal and UCT’s Professor Higher Education at Boston College in inside the laser can be sent pictures to Campbell High School in Durban while Ian Scott. ‘Yes we know the schooling system is the United States and Professor Guy display. When the pictures change on Minister of Science and Technology, Ngcobo matriculated from Eastwood not yielding the quality of student that is Standing from the School of Oriental the LCD inside, the properties of the Mr Derek Hanekom, said the discovery The 7th Annual Teaching and High School in Pietermaritzburg. desired by higher education. But, unless and African Studies at the University laser beams that exit the device change was a clear indication of the potential Learning Higher Education we move to a more enabling future- of London in the United Kingdom. Laser technology forms an essential accordingly.’ for extraordinary scientific innovation in Conference was held on UKZN’s orientated higher education curriculum part of everyday life: being used in South Africa. ‘The fact that the world’s Professor Ian Scott from the University of In an experiment at the CSIR’s Edgewood campus in September. discourse, a self-fulfilling prophecy lodged devices for laser lighting displays in first digital laser should come from our Cape Town and Professor Paulus Gerdes laboratories in Pretoria, the team Hosted by the University Teaching and in mediocrity will continue to be sustained entertainment, office equipment, DVD country is testimony to the calibre of from the Universidade Peadogogica in programmed the LCD to play a video Learning Office, the conference theme and hold the system down as a whole.’ players and even bar code scanners in scientists that South Africa has,’ he said. Maputo delivered plenary addresses. of a selection of images representing was Re-envisioning African Higher retail stores. The Director of Teaching and Learning A host of academics from Africa and a variety of desired laser modes. Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of Education: Alternative paradigms, and Convenor of the Conference, Dr beyond presented papers on a wide In conventional lasers, the shape of The result was that the laser output College: Agriculture, Engineering and Emerging Trends and New Directions. Rubby Dhunpath, said: ‘In this conference variety of topics ranging from ‘Improving the light that is emitted is either not changed in real-time from one mode Science, Professor Deo Jaganyi, said the The annual gathering of academics, academics and researchers and allied Access to Learning Using Podcast controlled at all, or a single shape is shape to another. cutting-edge research was a high profile researchers and policymakers staff continue to add their voices to selected by expensive optics. For the achievement for both UKZN and South delivered on mobile technology’ by ‘The dynamic control of laser modes showcases innovation, generates contemporary higher education debates, first time the CSIR team has expertly Africa in the international scientific M Madiope, R Ranko-Ramaili and could open up many future applications, debate, and theorises opportunities and and share innovative approaches to demonstrated that this can all be done research arena. M Ally to ‘Patterns of Thought in Studying from communications to medicine. Our challenges in teaching and learning during education that show how these tensions Patterns in Mathematics’ by S Bansilal. inside the laser. can be addressed by appropriate device represents a new way of thinking
82 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 83 AluProfilesmni AluProfilesmni OLD FASHION HARD WORK PAYS UKZN ALUMNUS LEADS BY EXAMPLE HUGE DIVIDENDS FOR UKZN ALUMNUS Mr Pharmacare Ltd, qualified as She opened a practice in Durban but it a Medical Doctor but later wasn’t as fulfilling as running a practice Stephen changed careers and has in the township, so she decided to been in the business sector change careers and started studying Saad for the past 10 years. for an MBA full time. She thanks her Asked about her leadership husband and kids for their support Group Chief skills in the demanding during this time. Executive of Aspen business world, she said: Dlamini decided to put into practice ‘Leadership for me starts with what she had learnt at the business Pharmacare one’s self. A good leader is school by joining the Corporate authentic.’ Financing Division of the HSBC Sithembile Shabangu Recalling her days at the Investment Bank. Remembering that former University of Natal, her goal was to learn she accepted the UKZN alumnus and Group Chief Dlamini said when she enrolled challenges involved including a healthy Executive of Aspen Pharmacare, she knew ‘Bantu education’ cut in salary and working with bosses Mr Stephen Saad, is a ‘role model’ had not prepared her for much younger than her. in the vital area of job creation tertiary education. The first Getting married during the fourth year through entrepreneurship. two years were hard. of her studies and having two children Driven by his overriding vision, early in her career brought different ‘Perseverance pays as to rest is to rust’, ‘I failed for the first time but In November 2012, Saad was announced healthcare in rural areas, HIV/AIDS it was one of the best things challenges. With no maternity leave Aspen is recognised as Africa’s largest available, she was back at work a week pharmaceutical manufacturer and the as the Sunday Times’ Businessman of and TB programmes and healthcare to happen to me because it the Year. education. taught me humility and the after giving birth but was thankful she ninth largest generic pharmaceutical need to rise up and run again had an understanding and supportive company in the world. Asked what his recipe for success is Aspen’s sustained unbroken annual after failure.’ husband. Saad (48) graduated with a Bachelor he said, ‘It’s passion and perseverance. performance of more than 40% How does she balance her professional of Commerce degree and completed Believe in what you are doing and never compound growth in all key financial Dlamini said she had always give up.’ indicators has seen its share price rise wanted to do well, be financially and personal life? ‘The truth is you his articles to become a chartered never get the balance right - you just accountant in 1986. Aspen has expanded globally and is from an initial 53c to peak at R229,43 in independent and afford the best June 2013. Dr Judy education for her children. juggle the balls and prioritise. Saad was first exposed to the established throughout South Africa and ‘But when it comes to my family, I drop pharmaceutical sector in 1989 when he sub-Saharan Africa as well as in countries In 2012 he raised more than R10 She says her role models are her such as Australia, Hong Kong, Philippines, million for paediatric healthcare in Africa parents and ‘in a certain way’ her everything. My family is my priority.’ became a 50% shareholder of Quickmed Dlamini CC, which he later merged with Covan to Malaysia, Taiwan, Dubai, Germany, by cycling 240 km off road in one day, children. She knew early in life she Her hobbies include travelling, reading Ireland, Mauritius, Brazil, Mexico and an initiative that was supported by the Chairperson of wanted to be a medical doctor with the and shopping. She recently partnered form Zurich. He subsequently sold the company to Prempharm (now Adcock Venezuela, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi. Mbekani Investment inspiration being a family practitioner with CEO of Ndalo Media and Ndalo Nigeria. who visited her home to treat her Luxury Ventures Ms Khanyi Dhlomo in a Ingram) in 1993 for R75 million. Aspen also promoted Nelson Mandela Holdings Limited and father who didn’t like going to hospital. new fashion venture, Luminance, which He served out a restraint of trade in The company employs more than International Day within its subsidiaries Aspen Pharmacare She admired the doctor’s self- Dlamini is thoroughly enjoying. ‘I’m doing the pharmaceutical sector by helping 6 000 people worldwide, and supplies worldwide and in 2013 more than 4 500 employment status. ‘I loved autonomy and investing in what I’m passionate transform Varsity College from a loss- high quality, affordable medicines and employees from 14 countries contributed Ltd and wanted to be in charge of my own about with a business partner who making institution before selling it for products to more than 150 countries. to the success of 36 community-related destiny.’ is passionate about the same thing, R100 million and establishing Aspen He said the most valuable attributes projects on six continents touching the lives of about 9 400 people. Sithembile Shabangu Her professional medical career someone with the same value system - now one of the world’s top 10 generic of a leader were accountability and began with a practice in Umlazi, south as mine. Nothing could be better.’ pharmaceutical companies. responsibility. ‘Get on with the job and Saad is married and has four daughters. Medical School taught me to of Durban, where she says she had She encouraged women to be true to In October 2004, Saad won the coveted make it happen. We all make mistakes He treasures his family and enjoys work very hard and I’ve done just the ‘best time of her life and lived her themselves, follow their passion and Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year occasionally – that’s understandable spending time with them in the bush that all my life, says alumnus Dr dream’. She added that what made it never to give up. ‘Life can be very long Award in South Africa. In 2005, he was - as long as the same mistakes aren’t appreciating wildlife. Judy Dlamini, recently named fun was the one-on-one interaction with if you are not happy with your career inducted into the international Ernst & repeated.’ Inspired by his parents, Saad said he finds as one of the top 10 richest patients, being within a community and choices.’ Young World Entrepreneur of the Year Saad also drives Aspen’s Corporate the balance between his professional and woman in South Africa. the chats she had with schoolchildren Hall of Fame, sharing this honour with Social Investment (CSI) initiatives which personal life by diligently practising the Dlamini, Chairperson of Mbekani seeking advice. ‘It was home away from among others Patrice Motsepe (ARMGold) focus on supporting programmes philosophy that there is no price to be Investment Holdings Limited and Aspen home.’ and Michael Dell (Dell Computers). targeting the delivery of primary paid for family, they always come first.
84 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 85 UKZNTOUCH 85 Convocation MESSAGE FROM MESSAGE FROM THE CONVOCATION PRESIDENT ALUMNI RELATIONS TEAM Convocation President, particular field. In 2013 we recognised Mr Vusumuzi ‘Fanle’ Sibisi. the excellent achievements of two such well-known achievers: Dr Pravin Jamnadas Gordhan and Professor extending invitations to the Convocation Quarraisha Abdool Karim. It is such Executive (Convex) to attend their people who are true ambassadors of activities such as Student Induction. the University and who make us so A pioneering development to take place proud to be fellow graduates. at the University is the introduction of Convex has identified fund-raising as isiZulu proficiency as a module in all a major focus of activity and Convex undergraduate degree programmes. Dear Fellow Graduates, members have themselves pledged All students registering for funds to show their commitment to undergraduate degrees at UKZN from Since the President’s message their fund-raising initiatives. Convex 2014 will – unless they get exemption in the 2012 UKZNTouch has met with various committees at - be required to pass or obtain a credit alumnus publication a number of the University and it has been decided for a prescribed isiZulu module before developments have taken place to focus on the Alumni Bursary Fund they can graduate. During the first at our alma mater which I will for the next few years. I further urge phase of the implementation (up until now highlight. The University all of you to please consider making a 2018), students and staff will develop has continued to excel and is donation to the University. communicative competence in isiZulu ranked in the top 400 universities and English sufficient for academic Before ending, I wish to acknowledge internationally and among the top interaction. the sterling work done by the late Chief four in Africa, according to the Justice Pius Langa. Chief Justice UKZN is proud that it is the first South Times Higher Education rankings – Langa was the first Ombud for the African institution of higher learning an achievement for which we can all University of KwaZulu-Natal and during to make bilingualism a compulsory be proud. his term as the Ombud, he dealt with Dear Graduate requirement for undergraduates Our very own Vice-Chancellor, all cases referred to his office with and thus contribute to providing the The Alumni Relations Team had an exciting and busy The Alumni Relations Team, from left: Ms Desiree Govender, Professor Malegapuru Makgoba, dignity and with the utmost respect country’s young professionals with vital 2012 and this momentum continued in 2013 - with the Mr Finn Christensen and Mrs Fikisile Mabaso. received the first South African-German to the complainants. Chief Justice communication skills. team interacting with over 140 000 graduates at a Science Award for being one of South Langa, who played an important role range of lunches, dinners, talks, visits and Graduation In addition to participation in the various Africa’s top researchers and scientists. in the leadership of the University of ceremonies as well as via email, written and telephonic In order to invite alumni to the planned events and to keep University structures, committees and Most recently (April 2013) he was KwaZulu-Natal, was appointed as a communication. Extensive communication via the everyone updated on University issues, we are eager to events, Convex has participated in a honoured by President Jacob Zuma government representative on the website, Facebook, Twitter, email and SMS is an secure the current contact details of alumni, especially number of alumni and donor-related with the Order of Mapungubwe (Silver) Council of the University of Natal in effective way of informing graduates of UKZN events email addresses and mobile phone numbers. Also, please activities both locally and internationally. - this is awarded to South African April 1998. He resigned from Council and issues. encourage any friends or relatives who are graduates and Such participation has allowed me and citizens ‘for achievements that have at the end of September 1998 and have not received any recent correspondence from the my fellow Convex members to interact In 2013 a number of exciting and important activities took impacted internationally and served became Chancellor in October of the University to provide us with their updated contact details. with a great number of alumni and place including: Alumni dinners in both East London and the interests of the Republic of South same year serving in that position until This can be done via http://alumniaffairs.ukzn.ac.za Africa’. In addition to the achievements to secure a better understanding of the end of 2003. Port Elizabeth in March, the April Graduation ceremonies alumni needs and ways in which to build on the Westville and Pietermaritzburg campuses (at which As always the Alumni Relations Team looks forward of Professor Makgoba, an impressive I close with very best wishes to all of and maintain relationships with them. we welcomed over 8 000 new graduates), the Reunion to interacting and meeting with alumni and welcomes number of UKZN academics have you and hope that many of you will All graduates are urged to attend for graduates and staff of the Music School (12 April) suggestions on how we can build stronger relationships received international recognition and attend our events, consider donating these events as they provide excellent which took place on the Howard College campus and the with all our fellow graduates. awards for their research in many to the University and explore the networking opportunities as well as Convocation AGM and Awards which were held in May. categories. possibility of furthering your studies at opportunities to receive news on the An alumnus lunch in Swaziland was held in July, this was On the student front I am happy to the University of KwaZulu-Natal. latest developments taking place at the followed by an alumnus lunch in Mpumalanga in August. report that the 2013 registration of University. The annual London-UK event took place on 12 September. With our very best wishes, students went remarkably smoothly Other interesting events included the Student Chapter A particular highlight for Convex With best wishes, The Alumni Relations Team and we acknowledge with gratitude activity on all five campuses and the Durban Alumni this year was the high quality of the student leadership for their level Fanle Sibisi Association had a full programme of talks and outings. Convocation Award nominations. of maturity in timeously engaging (President and Chair of More information and photographs on these events can be the University on any issue. We also These awards honour and recognise Convocation) found within this publication. appreciate the student leadership for graduates who have excelled in their
86 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 87 88 UKZN Foundation). Relations Manager) andMsBridgetMcBean(Executive Director: From left:MrThataoneEdwards, FinnChristensen(Alumni reminisce abouttheirtimespent attheMusicSchool. which saw100pastandcurrent staff andstudents Staff attheJazzCentreonHowardCollege campus UKZN Schoolof ArtsReunionof MusicGraduatesand The AlumniRelations office recently co-ordinated the MUSIC SCHOOLREUNION Elizabeth-based alumni. relationships withanumberof EastLondonandPort Foundation staff anopportunity to meetandrenew Eastern Capeproviding AlumniRelations andUKZN successful andwellattendeddinnereventsinthe The AlumniRelations Office co-ordinated two FOCUS ONEASTERNCAPEALUMNI EAST LONDON AND PORT ELIZABETH Out UKZN TOUCH
&About alumni eventinEastLondon. Above: MsBonakahleMntungwaandMavisNaidooatthe Mr FanleSibisi,ConvocationPresident. Christensen, AlumniRelationsManager;MsMirandaKopeleand Leadership; MsNdilekaNtikinca;CikizwaNondlwana;MrFinn Stephen Migiro,DeanandHead:GraduateSchoolofBusiness Elizabethfromleft–Professor Left: PicturedattheeventinPort LONDON EVENT UKZN, lawyerandprominentfilm-maker. by GuestSpeakerPhilippaJuul,analumnusof 2013. Thecocktailreceptionincludedanaddress at theBanksideGalleryinLondon inSeptember The AlumniandDonorLondoneventwasheld Bankside Gallery inSeptember2013. Bankside Gallery BrowneattheAlumniandDonorLondonevent Burt (From left)MrMunyaChimbairaand guestwithElsaand DINNERS ALUMNI LUNCH MPUMALANGA campus. ceremony attheWestville Convocation AGMandAwards keynote addressatthe2013 Ndabeni-Abrahams, deliveredthe Communications, MsStella Deputy Ministerof 2013 CONVOCATION AWARDS CEREMONY (Convocation Treasurer). and MsThembekaDlungwane Moolla (ConvocationAward Nominator) President ofConvocation),MrHaroun Awardee), MsJoyNdlovu(Vice- Quarraisha AbdoolKarim(Convocation of Communications),Professor Ndabeni-Abrahams (DeputyMinister (President ofConvocation),MsStella Bavelile Hlongwa,MrFanleSibisi Representative onCouncil),Ms Sammy Mashita(Convocation From left:MrAubreyMbona, Ms CharlotteNkosi. Foundation; and (Individuals): UKZN Development Officer Ms NadiaPaul,Senior Shongwe; Manager; MsJoyce Alumni Relations Mr FinnChristensen, from left: Together hereare Alumni Relations. organised by Woods Resort at theGreenway the alumnievent August to attend to WhiteRiver in region travelled Mpumalanga from the Over 50alumni
Out
&About
teachers, lawyers andmedicalpractitioners. graduates –includinggeologists, agriculturalists, range of professions wererepresentedby the experiences andexchangingcontact details. A each other,swoppingstories of theiruniversity in Manzini.Thegroupthoroughly enjoyed meeting sharing presentationsattheTum’s GeorgeHotel in July for athree-courselunchandinformation A groupof 55alumnifrom alloverSwazilandmet UKZN staff andSwaziland-based alumni. UKZN staff ALUMNI LUNCH SWAZILAND AGM AND AGM AND
UKZN TOUCH
89 Out&About Contacts and Social Media Links ClassKeeping in touch!Notes FACEBOOK AND TWITTER
for a period of four-years. Denisha Class Notes is a collection CFA; Mark MBChB (UCT 2006). Canada. in Grahamstown, in the Eastern will return to South Africa in June Please join us on these popular Social She taught at Matric level for a few Email: [email protected] Cape. He is an admitted Attorney 2016, rejoining DIRCO’s head office in Networking sites. If you are not already of short biographies sent years before retiring to raise a family. of the High Court of South Africa, to us by alumni from all FAROUK MAHOMED MBChB’79, Pretoria. a member, sign up now and connect with During her children’s’ formative years possesses an MBA from the Business Email: [email protected] she tutored English, Afrikaans, Speech Dip(HSM)’96, Masters(Public School Netherlands as well as a the University of KwaZulu-Natal Alumni Relations Office where you can over the world, highlighting Health)’12 their personal and and Drama and Mathematics on a second Doctorate - PhD (Commerce) SEGGIE KISTASAMY make contact with fellow alumni and keep up to date with all the latest voluntary basis to community children. After having graduated as a Doctor from the Rhodes Investec Business PGDip(BusMgt)’03, MBA’07 news, forthcoming events and information on your alma mater. professional achievements. For the past 12 years she has from UNB (University of Natal Black School at Rhodes University. He has Following his MBA graduation from Through these notes, led a group of ladies giving voluntary Section) in 1978, Farouk spent a few served local government in Gauteng, Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Durban-South-Africa/UKZN- UKZN, Seggie took up the position of enrichment mentoring to orphaned years in hospitals (McCords Hospital Mpumalanga, Western Cape and the alumni keep in touch and MD for Total Namibia and recently Alumni/100665579978579 children at a Durban children’s home. and King Edward VIII Hospital) rotating Eastern Cape. He has published a relocated to the Head Office in Paris. find old friends. Now fully “retired” - Sharon plays through all major disciplines. He spent book titled: Quality Service Delivery Twitter: http://twitter.com/UKZNAlumni He believes the degree prepared him tennis and gets to the gym as often as a year as a Lecturer in Anatomy at - A Conceptual & Reference Guide for the global world. As the African possible while supporting her parents Medical School (UNB) before entering for South African Municipalities. frontier takes its prominence in the FIND-A-FRIEND 1950s (now in their ‘90s). private family practice in 1984 in Email: [email protected] global economy, he is looking forward to Email: [email protected] Isipingo in KwaZulu-Natal where he MIMMY CINDI BSocSc’96 this new opportunity. CEDRIC GREEN BArch’59 established the Mahomed Medical Get in touch with old University classmates and friends! If you wish to NEIL D SMITH BScEng(Chem)’72 Email: [email protected] MDP (Carnegie Mellon University, Centre. He obtained his Masters in Mimmy is presently employed at the contact a former University friend, try searching the Find-a-Friend alumni Cedric has been working in France Family Practice (now converted to for the last 25 years, making prints Pittsburgh, USA 1985) Department of Social Development FRANS MARUMA MBChB’09 directory: http://un.kidzafrica.co.za/FindAFriend FCFP) in 1989 and later successfully in Mpumalanga as a Social Work (mainly etchings), painting and Neil is retired and living in Hillcrest completed the DHSM (in 1996) at Frans is currently enrolled for an designing houses. He has become Supervisor. She has a private practice in KwaZulu-Natal with his wife – UKZN. He completed his dissertation/ which she registered in 2011. Mimmy MMed degree with the University of If you experience any problems, please contact the Alumni office - a leading expert in non-toxic and Sharon. He started out in Production thesis on Health Legislation towards the Free State and has held a number Email: [email protected] electrolytic etching methods, thanks is due to complete her MA: Political Management in Heavy Chemical the MPH. He is married to Professor Transformation and Governance with of membership positions including: to his research published in a book Industry at AECI and then SASOL Ames (Amaboo) Dhai who heads the Member of Council (AHPCSA), National and on his website (www.greenart. the University of the Free State. ALUMNI CAREER PORTAL before being appointed as Technical Steve Biko Centre for Bioethics,Law, Email: [email protected] Executive Member of JUDASA (Junior info) Before going to France he Manager, Sasol/Natref Refinery, Research and Human Rights at the Doctors Association (JUDASA) - an was visiting Professor in the School Sasolburg during the 1980s. For the University of the Witwatersrand. SARISHA RAMESHLALL KOMAL Interest Group of South African Medical The Alumni Relations Office is delighted to provide a career of Architecture at Lausanne in 18 years until retirement in 2008 he Farouk has two children, Zain and BA’96, Masters(Comm.&Dev. Association - Mpumalanga Provincial Switzerland, after specialising for 14 was MD and Director of Companies Safia. Email: [email protected] Studies)’02 Chairperson (JUDASA), President of “Super-Highway” for our alumni, between yourselves and the top years at the University of Sheffield in in the Automotive Component SRC at UKZN Medical School, President companies in South Africa. This portal will provide current high Sarisha has been involved with several bioclimatic and solar architecture. Manufacturing and Aftermarket of Happy Valley Clinic Project (UKZN), youth and adult capacity building and profile jobs and career opportunities for you to consider, and apply directly to: Email: [email protected] Marketing Sector. Neil plays golf twice 1980s General Secretary of Happy Valley developmental initiatives for several http://alumniaffairs.ukzn.ac.za/Careers.aspx a week and gyms three times a week Clinic Project and Chief Co-ordinator of GARY VAN ECK BSc years. She is presently researching to keep himself out of mischief. the Mentorship Programme at UKZN. 1960s Eng(Mech)’84 for her Doctorate Degree focusing Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] CONTACT on - An exploration of leadership JOHN JARVIS BCom’60 Gary read for an MSc (Naval interventions at high schools with ROBYN JACOBSON Architecture) at University College KAMEEL PREMHID BA’11, Llb’13 (FOUQUEREAUX) BCom’77, an EQ impact. She was a Top 10 Alumni Relations Office: John joined a Big 4 accountancy firm London, and continued working in the in Durban before moving to Harare Llb’79 finalist in the National Teachers Whilst at University, Kameel was Address: 232 Mazisi-Kunene Avenue, Howard College campus, marine field for many years. He is Awards (NTA) Western Cape 2010 involved in many student leadership in 1960 until 1964. He wrote his CA Robyn received her PhD from currently General Manager of a junior Durban, 4041 finals in 1964/65 and joined RST for Excellence in Secondary School activities. This included being an Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto mining and exploration company, Teaching. She was recognised by the LSRC Member at Howard College, Phone: +27 (0) 31 260- 2958/2947/2823 mining group in Zambia from 1964 and has an LLM from UNISA. As focused on mining minerals on the to 1966. He then went on to work South African Council of Educators the President of the UKZN Debating a result of her experience and the continental shelves world-wide. He is (SACE) as Top 18 in the country Union and a parliamentary candidate Fax: +27 (0)31 260-2236 in a number of countries – including: findings in her doctoral research married with three adult sons, and London, Rotterdam and Bangkok. He for Excellence in Education and in the 2009 General Elections. He was Email: [email protected] (Managing Conflict on University enjoys life in Cape Town. Email: gary. Professionalism. Sarisha was also awarded a prestigious KZN Rhodes moved to the Foschini Group in Cape Campuses) she established Managing [email protected] Web Address: http://alumniaffairs.ukzn.ac.za Town between1973 and 1976, SA selected as a Top 10 finalist in the Scholarship and started a two-year Conflict in Education which offers SA STARS in Education.She has MPhil in International Relations at the Nylon Spinners in Cape Town from mediation, facilitation and training/ SHABIR CHOHAN BCom’86, PG 1976 to 1996, AECI Johannesburg Dip (Acc)’87 completed a book titled ‘Notes on my University of Oxford in October 2013. workshops in conflict management, fridge. A woman’s endurance most Kameel spent time in the run-up to his between 1996 and 1998. John is dispute resolution and restorative now self- employed in Cape Town - Shabir articled at Coopers women’s silent life.’ departure as a legal intern at the Helen justice. As well as studying at UKZN, and Lybrand (now Email: [email protected] Suzman Foundation where he was in John Jarvis - Financial Consulting. He she also worked at the University: married in 1969 and has two sons PricewaterhouseCoopers) from 1987 charge of the HSF’s strategic public she lectured in Law at the Howard to 1990 and was then seconded interest litigation work. living in London and Zurich. College Law School where she held Email: [email protected] to Coopers and Lybrand in London 2000s Email: [email protected] positions of Assistant Dean, University from 1990 to 1992. Shabir was CEO Proctor, Director of the Law School; ITHALA Development Corporation DENISHA REDDY Llb’02 PRU (THENJIWE PRUDENTIA) 1970s at the Westville campus she was from 2000 to 2003 and is currently NDIMANDE BA’12 BA(Hon)’13 Denisha served articles and practiced Professor and Academic Registrar. CEO of Albaraka Bank Limited. at Deneys Reitz (now Norton Rose) Pru is currently part of the Sanlam SHARON P SMITH, (NEE Robyn now lives in Canada and works Email:[email protected] RAFFERTY) BA’70, Univ. Edu. internationally. in Johannesburg from 2003 to Up Graduate Programme 2013, Dip’71 Email: [email protected] 2007. She joined the Department where she is employed as an Internal 1990s of International Relations and Communications Assistant in Cape Sharon lives in Hillcrest in KwaZulu- BRADLEY JACOBSON, BCom’77, Cooperation (DIRCO) in 2003 through Town. She is able to network with many Natal, has been married for 40 years BAcc’78 PRAVINE NAIDOO BProc’95, their diplomatic training programme different people in her job. to Neil D Smith BSc Eng (Chem) DBA’06 and was transferred to the South Email: [email protected] Bradley is married to Robyn Jacobson (UND 1971) and has three children, African Consulate-General in Shanghai and owns and operates four Tamaryn BA Hons Dramatic Art (Wits Pravine is currently the Municipal in June 2012 as the Consul-Political, 1996); Ryan BCom Hons (Stell 1999), McDonald’s restaurants in Toronto, Manager at the Makana Municipality
90 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 91 Mentoring REGISTRATION FORM scheme for UKZN ALUMNUS ASSOCIATION IN EUROPE • NEW ARRIVAL MENTORING SCHEME IN THE UK new UKZN Date: DD / MM / YYYY
alumni To: Alumni Relations Office, UKZN, Durban ([email protected]) I would like to apply to join the New Arrivals Mentoring Scheme in the UK, and agree to the conditions contained in The Alumni Benefit Card arriving in the guidelines as described below: (FOR USE AT ANY UKZN I recognise the need to be registered and submit the following information in support of my application: UNIVERSITY LIBRARY) the UK Full Name: ID Number: The alumni of the University of KwaZulu-Natal pay UKZN’s Alumnus Association in Europe has only half the subscription fees at the library on launched a scheme to mentor new alumni Current Address: production of an Alumni Benefit Card (no cost from from the University who arrive in the 1 January 2013). This card can be obtained directly United Kingdom and need assistance with Years of Attendance at UKZN: from the Alumni Relations office on Howard College settling in. or through any one of the five campus libraries. We Discussing the arrangement, Chair of the Campus: Edgewood Howard College Medical School Pietermaritzburg Westville require 2 identity photos. association, Ms Caroline Harben, said: ‘I Our office physical address: have long wanted to get this scheme off the Potential date of arrival in the UK: Alumni Relations Department, University of KwaZulu- ground. Anyone living here knows how difficult Natal, 232 Mazisi-Kunene Avenue (King George V it is when first arriving in the country to find Signature: Avenue), Howard College campus, Durban 4041. out what you need to know to get settled. (Signature required as agreement to guideline conditions). Obviously this applied at one time or another Contact: Desiree Govender to all UKZN alumni and it seems obvious Date: email: [email protected] to me to try and harness the knowledge of Phone: 031 260 2958 others to help new arrivals.’ The scheme was piloted in 2012 by four mentors – Harben and three volunteers, Ms GUIDELINES AS TO HOW THE SCHEME WILL WORK Zeena Mansoor, Ms Sebenzile Dlamini and Mr Dave Kolitz. All people wanting to avail themselves of the scheme need to register through Durban – to check their credentials and veracity. Thereafter, once they have been registered by the Alumni Relations Office in Durban, they will be asked to contact Alumni wanting to make use of the service the Chairman of the UK Alumni Association by email, along with some details. need to register with the UKZN Alumni Relations office in Durban which will forward details to the UK. 1. Once they have contacted the Chairman, needs to know how to get registered 8. The mentoring will cease immediately and sent in their form, each person will with a doctor, apply for a credit card, if the mentee requests money for any 2014 REUNION FOR ASOKA The free mentoring service will comprise be allocated to a mentor based in the know who to contact regarding jobs in purpose whatsoever from the mentor. telephonic contact with a mentor for a period UK and advised of the name and email his/her field, etc. 9. Termination of the service is at the THEATRE GRADUATES of about three months with advice being address of the mentor. 6. The mentor may, but is not obliged to, discretion of either party and can take given on basic issues such as tax, the NHS, 2. We expect that most of the mentoring provide contact details of any person place at any time. immigration, transport and banking. It is not will take place on the telephone. in the UK. The service is designed to 10. The mentee is required to respect the A one day Conference and a Gala Reunion Evening designed to substitute professional advice but 3. Each mentee will be entitled to a three help the mentee help him/herself with privacy of the mentor by phoning only for UKZN (formerly UDW) Asoka Theatre Alumni is will help identify where advice may be needed. month period for a maximum of six guidance from a local person who has by arrangement. This should be done planned for March 2014. Anyone wanting to use the service should phone calls. Each phone call should be been through the same experience. either by email or by pre-arrangement All of those who passed through the doors of the Asoka contact the Alumni Relations office at set up prior to the call (by email), so that 7. The broader network of alumni may when on a mentoring call. No call can Theatre from 1972 to when it closed its doors in 2000 [email protected] the mentor is aware of the requested become an asset (in the form of a be made spontaneously. call. data base of specialists willing to be are invited to attend. Please see registration form on the following 11. We will ask the mentees for feedback at 4. No financial arrangements can be contacted for guidance) for new arrivals, the end of the service so that the service This includes all who read for the course in page. once the scheme is up and running. The Communication, Speech and Drama 1,2, 3, Post entered into for the provision of such can be improved for future mentees. a service. The service is provided free management of the scheme will include Graduates and all educators and workers at the Asoka retaining details of those experts in one 12. The service will remain strictly With our very best wishes of charge and will be done by volunteer confidential, unless the mentor is given Theatre. UKZN alumni living in the UK. field or another. Alumni will be urged to The Alumni Relations Team volunteer to help in their own field, and permission to discuss some issue For further information, please contact Junaid Ahmed 5. The content of the service will depend with a third party, e.g. UKZN Alumnus ([email protected]) be willing to be contacted by mentees if on the needs of the mentee i.e. if s/he the field of specialisation is appropriate. Chairman, etc.
92 UKZNTOUCH UKZNTOUCH 93 NOMINATION FORM FOR THE 2014 CONVOCATION AWARDS NOMINATIONS FOR 2014 CONVOCATION AWARDS Please complete the information below and attach the following documentation: 1. A comprehensive and current curriculum vitae of the individual you are nominating. 2. A motivation by yourself, the proposer. 3. An independent motivation by a third party is optional. The annual Convocation Awards honour those alumni who personify the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s mission to achieve excellence, thereby bringing distinction to themselves and their alma mater through their outstanding accomplishments. Past I nominate: recipients of the Awards include Alec Erwin, Harriet Ngubane, Jay Pather, Stephen NAME: (please print) Saad, Mamphela Ramphele, Shaun Pollock, Virend Somers, Phyllis Naidoo, Navi Pillay, Imtiaz Ismail Sooliman and Quarraisha Abdool Karim. For the (please select an award category): The categories for the five Convocation Awards are: • Award for outstanding contribution to Agriculture, Engineering and Science Award for outstanding contribution to Agriculture, Engineering and Science • Award for outstanding contribution to Health Sciences Award for outstanding contribution to Health Sciences • Award for outstanding contribution to Humanities • Award for outstanding contribution to Law and Management Studies Award for outstanding contribution to Humanities • Special Award for a graduate and employee of the University of KwaZulu-Natal who has contributed significantly to the field of work engaged in at the University. Award for outstanding contribution to Law and Management Studies
Special Award for a graduate and employee of the University of KwaZulu-Natal who has contributed significantly The University of KwaZulu-Natal is proud to honour its alumni with these Awards and is asking for your to the field of work engaged in at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. help in continuing the tradition. We therefore invite you to identify and nominate worthy individuals for the 2014 Convocation Awards. If you know of any alumnus who is deserving of an Award, please complete the nomination form, noting the criteria below, and mail it to Finn Christensen at the Alumni Nominee: Personal Details Relations Office, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College campus, Durban, 4001 by Wednesday, 12 March 2014. The Awards will be presented at a ceremony which will take place by mid-2014. ADDRESS:
Criteria to be met by nominees for all Awards are as follows: CODE: 1. The nominee must be a graduate of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (this includes graduates of the former Universities of Natal and Durban-Westville). TELEPHONE: FAX: 2. The nominee should personify the University’s tradition of excellence. E-MAIL: 3. The nominee should be recognised by his/her peers. 4. The nominee should have made an outstanding contribution to his/her own particular field. 5. Honorary graduates and members of staff are not eligible; except in the case of the Special Award Nominator: Personal Details category. NAME: (please print)
Should you wish to clarify any of the above – please contact either Fikisile Mabaso or myself. Telephone: ADDRESS: 031-260 2823 or 2947 and Email: [email protected] or [email protected] We look forward to receiving your nominations. CODE:
TELEPHONE: FAX:
With thanks and best wishes E-MAIL: FINN CHRISTENSEN Alumni Relations Manager
UKZNTOUCH 95 BookshelfOn the
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Second THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN HOW SAFE ARE STUDENTS AT RIGHTS IN SOUTH AFRICA: A LEGAL SOUTH AFRICAN UNIVERSITIES? e dition The Protection of AND PRACTICAL GUIDE A PORTRAIT OF STUDENTS’ LIVES second edition Human Rights in South Africa The Protection of By Professor John C Mubangizi (Juta & Co.Ltd) INTERRUPTED ON CAMPUSES T he Protection of Human Rights in South Africa he Protection of Human Rights A Legal and Practical Guide Human Rights in South Africa By: Themba Keswa (Kwarts Publishers) Mubangizi’s updated second edition keeps the format of the first edition in its purpose of A Legal and Practical Guide providing useful information about human rights protection in South Africa. This second edition keeps the format of the first. It has been updated The book takes the reader on a journey of how unsafe and dangerous being a Second e dition to better serve the purpose for which it was originally intended – university student in South Africa can be. as an academic and professional tool for those who study, teach The book explores the role international law plays in South African domestic human rights or practice human rights law, as well as for ordinary people who protection, the role of the Constitution and of the dynamics of the transformation of human are interested in human rights. It provides useful information From students who get robbed at gunpoint, to those who get raped, to the high failure about international human rights norms and their relevance to rights protection. rate, to students who lose their lives on campus, the book is a shocking revelation of South Africa. Considering the interplay between international and domestic human rights standards, it explains and explores how the The main significance of the book is that it covers a broad scope of human rights issues student university life seldom revealed and often hidden from parents by authorities at South African Constitution protects human rights. Apart from serving as an academic and professional tool, it also serves to equip non- which are pertinent in South Africa. This makes it not only a handy and useful guide for institutions of higher learning. specialists with the knowledge to safeguard and enforce their rights. academics, students and human rights law practitioners, but also a coherent reference The publication is available as an e-book from all the leading retailers. The material is still presented in an accessible fashion to make this Laurie ackermann John C Mubangizi book the easiest way of gaining a coherent understanding of the for ordinary people who take the responsibility of enforcing and safeguarding their human past, present and future of human rights protection in South Africa and beyond. rights seriously. * Themba Keswa has written for the Sunday Times, the City Press The information in the book is not only relevant for understanding the past and present and News24.com. He is a UKZN Law graduate and holds a journalism dimensions but also the future of human rights in South Africa. qualification from UNISA. He is also finalising a MPA at the University of ISBN 978-0-7021-9917-2 Pretoria. * Professor John Mubangizi is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Law and Management Studies. J o H n c MUBAn G i Z i
AN AFRICAN JOURNEY TOWARDS GOOD AMAGALELO GOVERNANCE: THE HISTORY OF THE AFRICAN (UKZN Press) OMBUDSMAN AND MEDIATORS ASSOCIATION Amagalelo - a bilingual book containing a selection of the 20 best short stories and By Professor Managay Reddi and Dr David Barraclough poems entered for an isiZulu-English writing competition - launched during the Time As the title suggests, this book documents the valuable contribution of the African of the Writer festival on the Howard College campus earlier this year. Ombudsman and Mediators Association (AOMA) to the evolution and implementation of The competition was sponsored by UKZN in partnership with Independent AN AFRICAN JOURNEY TOWARDS good governance initiatives in Africa. Newspapers in South Africa. The purpose of the competition was to promote bilingualism and in particular the GOOD GOVERNANCE: The book traces historical events which led to the origin of the AOMA and the African Ombudsman Research Centre (AORC) and emphasises their current roles in promoting use of isiZulu as envisaged in the University Language Policy and Plan, to contribute THE HISTORY OF THE AFRICAN good governance, protecting the rule of law and upholding human rights in African to creating a literature in isiZulu, and to promote a culture of reading and writing in countries. African languages among young people. OMBUDSMAN AND MEDIATORS Through a narrative description, the authors paint a clear picture of the role of AOMA and This book contains a collection of short stories, essays, reflections, poetry or pieces AORC in achieving these goals. with visual components. ASSOCIATION The book also explores the challenges these organisations face and proposes solutions to Edited by Dr Nakanjani Sibiya, the book presented an invitation to write in an African address them. language in a way that captures ‘our changing world and to become part of creating This makes the book not only a useful source of reference for AOMA on improving its and producing literature by drawing authors into this exciting activity who might not practices but it is also a valuable resource material for scholars and organisations around have considered such a possibility before’. the globe. The judges - internationally renowned storyteller Gcina Mhlophe, Sibiya, Professor Managay Reddi and David Barraclough The book also highlights the collective and separate roles each African country plays in Otto Nxumalo and Dr Gugu Mazibuko - were impressed by the exceptionally high improving the understanding of the Ombudsman Practice and its goals thus preserving this standard of the entries. information for future generations who will continue this legacy. The success of this project has shown the importance of creating spaces for people to express themselves creatively in their mother tongue, rather than in English. • Professor Managay Reddi is Dean and Head of the School of Law in UKZN’s College of Law and Management Studies. * Amagalelo is available from the UKZN Press. • Dr David Barraclough is an Academic Editor and Writer attached to UKZN’s School of Law.
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Produced by Corporate Relations Division University of KwaZulu-Natal
Publications Unit: 031 260 4249/8737 [email protected] [email protected]
Alumni Relations Office: 031 260 2958/2823/2947 [email protected]
Alumni Relations website http://alumniaffairs.ukzn.ac.za
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