July Jan - April2017 2017

Hlengiwe’s Amazing Journey of Courage Pics: Grad in Pictures

Bongekile: Top Achiever Award

Meet Your UNIZULU Debating Team

Doing UNIZULU Proud in America #EditorialComment his edition of #tag acknowledges and celebrates academic excellence in all its glory. TFrom the student who made it through tough financial hardships to emerge triumphant with their July 2017 qualification; to the student who burnt the midnight oil improving their knowledge in their field of study, PAGE THREE we salute your grit and resolve towards getting an Hlengiwe: An Inspiring education. Story of Courage

This Graduation Issue celebrates that determination. PAGE FOUR We hope that this willpower demonstrated by those Sizwe Overcomes who have come before you serves as a positive example Tough Life to Graduate with to you. Flying Colours

Graduation was once described as an “avalanche of PAGE FIVE hope” by Vice Admiral Refiloe Mudimu, South African Strong Self-discipline Earns Navy Chief who has now retired from this position. Bongekile Top Achiever Here, V Adm Mudimu was alluding to the power of Award education after witnessing hundreds of graduands descend the graduation stage at one of KwaZulu- PAGE SIX Natal’s higher education institutions. Anele’s Mother Helps Propel Her to Academic Education is easily one of the most empowering forces Successx in the world. It provides the key to a better life which is backed up by the yearly student strikes at higher PAGE SEVEN education institutions in . Sometimes Victory for Sthandiwe destructive as they may be, at the core of the protest After Setting Herself High actions is almost always the battle and dream for a Expectations better life by young people who see education as their only way out of poverty and a life of hardship. As much as it is a right, education is also a privilege and we can only hope that as you read this editor’s note, PAGE EIGHT& NINE Grad in Pictures you realise just how fortunate you are to be studying at a university when so many of your peers remain outside looking in; their dreams shattered in an instant. PAGE TEN This issue also features a collage of graduation pictures Flying the UNIZULU Flag on pages 8 and 9. High in America

On a separate note, we are constantly on the lookout for interesting student related stories on campus. If PAGE ELEVEN you have any such stories, please touch base with us by Grooming Our Students to visiting our offices (Communications and Marketing be Upstanding Citizens Division, Admin Building, ground floor) or by emailing us at [email protected] or NdlovuSP@unizulu. ac.za. We’d love to hear from you in this regard. PAGE TWELVE UNIZULU Debating Team Till the next issue… ciao. Represents Institution

PAGE THIRTEEN Lindokuhle Mgedezi: A Rising Star Editorial Team Sphamandla Gumede, Lydia Meyer, Veronica PAGE FOURTEEN Botha and Sinegugu Ndlovu The writing Centre

PAGE FIFTEEN Loving all thing Maskandi 2 #Motivational Hlengiwe: An Inspiring Story of Courage

SINEGUGU NDLOVU not to give up; assuring her that she would graduate if orn with osteogenesis she held on a while longer. imperfecta (OI), a group B And so she did. of genetic disorders that mainly affect the bones, Recounting her incredible Hlengiwe Mabaso’s life has story of bravery, Hlengiwe borne testament that grit is was born in Rockcliff, one of the key requirements Ladysmith. During her to navigating through infancy, she would be everyday life. diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta, also known Hlengiwe recently as brittle bone disease, graduated with her Bachelor which results in bones of Education (B.Ed) that break easily. The degree during this year’s severity may be mild to UNIZULU Graduation severe depending on the Ceremonies. What should individual. have taken her four years to complete (her B.Ed degree), “My family accepted my instead took her five years condition very early on but as a result of difficulties it wasn’t so easy for other she faced because of her children. Until the age of disability. eleven, I walked on my knees because I did not have “I began my B.Ed studies a wheelchair. As a result, I in 2012 and was faced with remember that as a child, the challenge of not being other children would run able to access lecture rooms away from me and would because of the fact that not want to play with me. I’m wheelchair bound,” That was very painful for she said. “As a result, I me,” she said. deregistered in March that year. Fortunately, Because of her disability, Qaphelani Dlamini, a fellow Hlengiwe started grade one Pictured: Hlengiwe Mabaso during her graduation in B.Ed student who was in his schooling when she was nine May this year (2017). third year at the time who years old. This is because also has a disability spoke she had been hospital bound Asked what made her disadvantage and feel to the then Dean about my (until the age of nine); with push on in the face of such entitlement. Your future situation. An arrangement the staff doing everything in incredible odds, Hlengiwe is your own responsibility was made with my lecturers their power to help her learn said she wanted to make her so do whatever it takes to to accommodate me by how to walk through physio mother- who struggled to succeed. I wouldn’t have swapping lecture halls therapy and other medical raise her as a single parent- made it without Mr Dlamini and lecturing in accessible interventions. proud. and Mr Ntshinga so I thank lecture rooms when I was them for their immense attending classes,” she said. “When I started schooling She thanked Messrs contribution to my life,” she at the age of nine, I used Ntshinga and Dlamini for said. Because Hlengiwe could not crutches to help me walk. their helping hand, urging attend lectures for one major Unfortunately, one of my other students who may be Hlengiwe is currently subject, she gave up during legs became swollen less facing difficulty to not give seeking employment her third year of study, than six months after I up. “Resting on your laurels at schools which have yet again contemplating began schooling. In grades is never an option. infrastructure that can deregistering. Another one and two, my mother accommodate her disability. guardian angel, Thamsanqa would carry me to school Fight on because only She is also considering Ntshinga, who was a until I got a wheelchair you can change your life. retuning to UNIZULU to lecturer in the B.Ed at the age of eleven,” said Don’t take advantage of study towards a B. Com Department, convinced her Hlengiwe. your disability or any other degree. 3 #TagAchievement

Sizwe Overcomes Tough Life to Graduate with Flying Colours

SINEGUGU NDLOVU Picture by Sphamandla Gumede rphaned at one-and- Oa-half years old to live a life that was far from easy, Sizwe Maguni, who graduated with 25 distinctions from the (UNIZULU) is proof that one’s past does not determine their future.

Maguni was honoured as one of the Top Achievers at the UNIZULU Education Faculty. He graduated on Monday, 8 May 2017, during the University’s 2017 Graduation Ceremonies held at the King Bhekuzulu Hall, KwaDlangezwa Campus, KwaDlangezwa. The Graduation Ceremonies Pictured: Top Achiever Sizwe Maguni, being hooded by Zakhele Gumede, Deputy Register: Student started on Monday, 8 May Administration. 2017, ending on Friday, 12 May 2017. was prepared. This strong entire year,” said Maguni, He also attributed his sense of discipline also who also attributed his academic success to his “I’m very excited ensured that he obtained latest academic feat to his study group which was about my academic seven distinctions when he late aunt’s plea for him to formed during his first performance. In truth, I matriculated. work hard towards getting year of study. did not expect it as I found an education two days and English to His excellent academic before her passing as well “All of us in the group be difficult majors,” said performance however as his former high school’s were in our first year of the 23-year-old Maguni masks a tough life. “I’ve teachers constant support study when it was formed graduated with his been through a lot. In and encouragement. and we are all graduating Batchelor of Education 1996, my parents both during the same session. (Further Education and died and I was left with “They (his teachers) have There were about nine of Training: Geography and my grandmother who always believed in me. us in the group and we Language) degree. raised me. While I was in They kept in constant supported each other a matric, my maternal aunt, contact with me during lot,” he said. Unwavering discipline is whom I was extremely my studies at university counted by Maguni as his close to, passed away the and supported me with Maguni, who is now a recipe for success, saying day before a Geography finances as I was severely teacher at a school in that as from high school, exam. I however managed lacking in that area. I will Johannesburg, celebrated he normally studied up to pass that paper, which never forget what they his achievement by until 1h30 and would wake consisted of two papers on did for me and I thank throwing a party and up at 4h00 during exam the same day because I had them for their love and spoiling his grandmother time to make sure that he studied hard during the support,” said Maguni. with some retail therapy. 4 #TagAchievement Strong Self-discipline Earns Bongekile Top Achiever Award four Bs and one C on her SINEGUGU NDLOVU Picture by Sphamandla Gumede matric results. very day without fail Eafter her lectures, Mashaba, who now works Bongekile Gloria as a nurse at a Hospital in Mashaba, 22, Batchelor Jozini, plans on furthering of Nursing graduand her studies next year. “I’m at the University of planning on enrolling for Zululand (UNIZULU), a degree in Education and would dedicate time Management next year towards studying what she (2018). My aspiration is had learned during the to be the sister in charge day so that she remained (at a ward) or a lecturer,” on track with her studies. she said. It would be this strong Mashaba advised other discipline and dedication students to focus on their that would lead her to studies. “Don’t just study becoming one of the for the sake of it. Give Top Achievers in her yourself time to focus on Faculty (of Science and Pictured: Bongekile Gloria Mashaba being hooded by Ernest your studies. Agriculture) during the Doeseb, Deputy Registrar: Enrolment Management, Enrolment UNIZULU Graduation Management at UNIZULU. Have fun, but that should Ceremonies which kicked 12 May 2017. “I studied during exams to catch up,” not be more important off on Monday, 8 May every day after lectures said Mashaba who also than your studies”, said 2017, ending on Friday, and dedicated three hours achieved two distinctions; Mashaba. UNIZULU Graduation by Numbers

SINEGUGU NDLOVU Childhood Development Institute of Afrikology their Master’s degrees, Centre at the University at the University 359 with their Honours A total of 4338 students of Fort Hare; Professor of Technology; Professor degrees, 10 with their graduated at UNIZULU Maureen Robinson Kwesi Kwaa Prah, Post Graduate Diplomas during its May Graduation from the Department Founder and Director of (PGD), 424 with their Ceremonies which kicked of Curriculum Studies, the Centre for Advanced Postgraduate Certificates off on Monday, 8 May ; Studies of African (PGC) and 3429 with 2017, ending on Friday, 12 Professor Moeketsi Society (CASAS); Dr their undergraduate May 2017. Letseka, Professor of Nthabiseng Motsemme, qualifications. The graduation Philosophy of Education: Academic Director: ceremonies were held University of South National Institute for the A total of 1669 students at the University’s Africa (UNISA) College Humanities and Social graduated from the King Bhekuzulu Hall, of Education and Editor Sciences (HIHSS) and Faculty of Education, KwaDlangezwa Campus, in Chief: Journal Africa Madam Justice Mohini 599 graduated from KwaDlangezwa. Education Review; Moodley, Judge: High the Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 1229 The graduation Professor Eugene Cloete, Court of South Africa, graduated from the ceremonies enjoyed an Vice Rector: Research and KwaZulu-Natal Division. Faulty of Arts and 841 array of distinguished and Innovation, University graduated from the established guest speakers of Stellenbosch​​; Yaa A total of 32 students such as Dr Namhla Ashantewaa K. Archer- graduated with their Faculty of Commerce, Sotuku, Director: Early Ngidi, Founder/Director: PhD degrees, 84 with Administration and Law. 5 #TagAchievement Anele’s Mother Helps Propel Her to Academic Success

SINEGUGU NDLOVU study at the ALancaster University Management School, United Kingdom, found that maternal influence is the leading factor over whether children stayed on at school and went to study at university.

The study, co-authored by Professor Ian Walker, found that this link is strongest between mothers and daughters, and these findings could not be more truthful for University of Zululand graduand, Anele Pearl Caluza, 24, who was named as a Top Achiever Pictured: UNIZULU Arts Faculty Top Achiever, Anele Pearl Caluza (middle), who graduated with during her graduation on her Diploma in Public Relations Management during the University’s Graduation Ceremonies. Here, Wednesday, 09 May 2017 she is being presented with a laptop given to all Top Achievers by Professor Gregory Kamwendo, Arts during the University of Faculty Dean, and Professor Xoliswa Mtose, UNIZULU Vice-Chancellor. Zululand’s (UNIZULU) Faculty of Arts graduation “I was raised by a single so much work and was people and students to ceremony. Caluza obtained mother who worked practical and at the time, never believe, or let other a Diploma: Public hard to ensure that I had I was used to theoretical people tell them that Relations Management. everything I needed and work. Although it was something is not possible. we never felt the emotional hard, I managed to pass it “When I got to university, I She formed part of 1229 gap of not having a father. with a distinction. In fact, was told that my aspiration students who graduated I did face some challenges I passed all my modules of passing all my subjects from the Faulty of Arts during my studies but my throughout my diploma with flying colours was not during its graduation mom has always pushed studies with distinctions,” possible. This prompted ceremony this year (2017). me to my full potential. said Caluza who added, “I me to want to prove all In total, 4338 graduated My mother prayed for me wouldn’t say I’m smart. I the naysayers wrong and I and was my rock,” said am simply a hard worker”. from UNIZULU this year. did just that. I studied hard Caluza. Of that number, 1669 Caluza is currently during my diploma studies. students graduated from She said while she worked doing her Batchelor of Technology in Public Before lectures, I would the Faculty of Education, hard throughout her study the section we would 599 students graduated diploma studies, she did Relations Management. Asked how she and her learn that day and after from the Faculty of Science not expect to be one of family planned to celebrate lectures, would also study and Agriculture, 1229 the Top Achievers in her such a huge feat, she said more. I would dedicate students graduated from Faculty. “I faced during she had a feeling that at least three hours a day the Faulty of Arts and 841 a challenge during my her family was planning outside lectures towards students graduated from second year in one of “something huge”. studying. I never went to the Faculty of Commerce, the modules (Research bed without studying,” she Administration and Law. Methodology) which had She advised other young said. 6 #TagAchievement

Victory for Sthandiwe After Setting Herself High Expectations

SINEGUGU NDLOVU her father placed high thandiwe Sikhulile expectations on her and SZulu, 22, achieved an her siblings. The fact that 81% on her LLB degree she was a teenage mother at the University of also propelled her to work Zululand (UNIZULU). harder in order to restore While this is a massive her family’s faith in her. feat, she was however “Growing up, we had to not satisfied with her meet certain expectations performance as she was so maybe that’s why I’m hoping for an average hard on myself and it was mark of at least 90%. our father who mainly Zulu, who comes from placed those expectations Dundee, Northern on us. A 60% mark was KwaZulu-Natal, basically considered a graduated with her fail, but he didn’t do this LLB degree during the in a bad or cruel manner, graduation ceremony he simply motivated us of the University’s and always reminded us Faculty of Commerce, that he expects nothing Administration and Law. but the best from us,” said The ceremony formed Zulu, adding that she part of the UNIZULU worked extremely hard Graduation Ceremonies during her degree studies. 2017. While she may have “Even my friends can not been satisfied with attest to that. We helped her performance, she was each other a lot to named one of the Five Top Achievers in her unpack the content we Faculty. had learned in class. Even during our spare time, we “I’m happy (about my spoke about our school average mark) but I work. We had ‘sessions’ didn’t do as well as I as we called them where had hoped I would,” we would meet; without said a somewhat gloomy books, and discuss what Pictured: Sthandiwe Sikhulile Zulu sounding Zulu. “My goal we had learned in class,” was to get a final mark said Zulu. during first year of study. She urged other young in the region of 90% but However, her excellent people to never allow I’m still happy because While she said she did not academic performance their mistakes define not everyone can get the face massive challenges and her father’s continued them. “The fact that you mark that I got,” she said. that threatened to derail efforts to provide for her made mistakes along the her dreams and studies, and her family would way should never define Asked where her her father at some result in her qualifying you. The worst mistake dissatisfaction with point losing his job to enter second year and you can make is to stop her mark stems from, and her mother being being awarded with study trying. Always do your she said she grew up unemployed somewhat bursaries at the end of best and give it your all,” in a household where created financial troubles her first year studies. she said. 7 #GradInPictures

8 #GradInPictures

9

9 #MeetTheAlumna Flying the UNIZULU Flag High in America

eet Siphelele “Titi” spiritual home with Godly mountains. Colorado also departments at UNIZULU. MSiyaya, 23-year- principles. My faith in God experiences all four seasons Mostly, I’d to thank the old UNIZULU Hydrology that has kept me going. I am a and I can’t wait to experience Hydrology Department. graduand who is currently very persistent, driven young snow for the first time in my I’d probably not be where serving her internship in woman. I admire resilience life. I am today if it weren’t for Colorado, United States. and believe in myself first. this department. It shaped The state, situated in the Sphamandla: How did you me into the person I wanted western part of the country, Sphamandla: Tell us about feel before departure? Were to become. Thank you to has a diverse landscape of your expectations of the US you nervous? UNIZULU for opening your arid desert, river canyons and whether they were met? Siphelele: I was numb. I doors to me; my friends for and snow-covered Rocky Siphelele: My expectations think somehow it had not all those sleepless nights Mountains, which are partly were so high, especially really clicked that I’m really of studying; my family and protected. with the way the media leaving. But on the day of the God the Almighty. Believe portrays America. But I must departure, I was overwhelmed in yourself. Listen first to #tag’s Sphamandla Gumede say America is great. It’s by mixed emotions. I was your heart above all the other caught up with the young fast paced. The lifestyle is happy that I’m going to the voices. You only have this lady to find out more about different compared to what US (for the first time) but life to pursue your dreams. her internship and life in the I’m used to. Everything here was also sad that I’m leaving Don’t expect your journey USA. This is what she had to is so advanced technology my family and I was nervous to be smooth, embrace the say: wise. But what I really about what awaits. But God daily challenges. If you want like where I live, besides has guided me through. something, go after it. And if Sphamandla: Tell us about the beautiful mountains of you fail, get back up and let what you are currently doing Colorado, is the way they Sphamandla: Is there God direct you to the right in America? take care of the environment. anything you’d like to add? path. Lastly, be willing to Siphelele: I’m currently People here are so conscious Siphelele: I’d like to thank sweat and tackle whatever working for a nonprofit of the environment, their all my lecturers from the distractions the world puts in organisation in Castle Rock, waste management strategies Hydrology and Geography front of you. Colorado, in line with what (are excellent). I’ve trained for in hydrology. I was actually meant to have Sphamandla: Have you begun training to further my adjusted to your new studies but have not as yet environment yet? owing to the fact that I am Siphelele: Adjusting to the yet to receive my certificate environment was not so of qualification to prove that difficult. My first few days I’ve completed my degree. were a bit challenging in I should be registering for terms of adapting to the time this in the fall (Springtime differences. Because of the in South Africa) or in the major differences in altitudes, 2018 academic year. I’m also I was finding it difficult hoping to save enough money to keep hydrated. My skin to enrol for an international suddenly became drier. I’m internship in London or still getting used to driving Colombia which will give on the right side of the road, me comprehensive work which is totally confusing at experience and industry first. People here really enjoy experience. every moment. They value time with family and because Sphamandla: Tell us about Colorado has a diverse yourself? Who is Siphelele? landscape of arid deserts and Siphelele: I was born in beautiful mountains, people Nongoma but grew up in here enjoy outdoor activities Mtubatuba. I am one of 3 like camping, hiking, children and was raised in a skiing and just being on the 10 #PromotingHealthEducation

Grooming Our Students to be Upstanding Citizens

SINEGUGU NDLOVU taking care of themselves s part of its mission as well as the importance Ato effectively of making good decisions and efficiently provide by valuing themselves. integrated services aimed Mbokazi-Nkambule at creating a learning also highlighted the environment underpinned importance for the female by safety, good health and students to be able to take wellness; the UNIZULU care of themselves and Student Services be assertive, not allowing Entertainment during the Brothers for Life initiative launch. Department recently others to put undue hosted the Zazi and pressure on them. Brothers for Life projects. The students also listened ZAZI, which focuses to talks that addressed on female students, was human trafficking as well launched in May 2017 as HIV/AIDS. DramAide with the theme: Know (Drama in AIDS your strength while Education) also conducted Brothers for Life, which a stage play that addressed focuses on male students, issues around SGBV. was also launched in May UNIZULU Dean of Students Sibusiso Mchunu with Zanele 2017 with the theme: Nhlanhla Mtaka, political Mbokazi at the Zazi launch. Manhood. scientist and founder of Ingabadi Group, was The launch of the two the guest speaker at the projects followed the Brothers for Life event. launch of the Sexual Gender Based Violence He motivated the male (SGBV) Dialogue to students on manhood, address issues highlighted asking the question, What during the SGBV is a man?, before saying, “a dialogue. man is a man by his good actions”. “Being educated Guest speaker Nhlanhla Mtaka engages with male students during The two campaigns were doesn’t make you a man, his talk at the Brothers for Life initiative launch. attended by students from but the way you handle the KwaDlangezwa and yourself around society Richards Bay campuses. and your actions towards ZAZI enjoyed an array the opposite sex make you of speakers; the main a man,” he said. Mtaka being Zanele Mbokazi- also motivated those that Nkambule, well known attended the session to socialite and business be an example in society woman, who motivated as they had acquired female students about valuable knowledge. Entertainment during the Zazi initiative launch.

11 #MeetTheTeam UNIZULU Debating Team Represents Institution at Universities Debating Championships

NALEDI HLEFANE he UNIZULU Debating TUnion was formed only in May 2017 but within two months of its establishment, it had started “arguing” with the “big boys” in the debating game, participating in the prestigious South African National Universities Debating Championships (SANUDC) this month (July 2017). A week-long affair, SANUDC took place at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Soweto Campus and it was attended by 46 campuses of various universities in the Southern African Development Pictured from left to right: Thandokazi Bangani, Izibusizo Ngubane, Busiswa Mkhize, Mduduzi Community (SADC) region. Mnqayi, Vusumuzi Khumalo, Sibongakonke Mkhize, Mbuso Gcwensa, Sandiso Ncube and Nothando Khuzwayo. #tag spoke to Izibusiso nonetheless and focused on Moving forward, Ngubane from various faculties Ngubane, the head of winning the R50 000 cash said he will ensure to and departments showed the UNIZULU Debating prize. organise ongoing trainings interest but the number was Union who led the group for the Union so that it eventually filtered down to The Union eventually made of 11 who partook in the can participate even in 41 students who now make it to round nine, which was championships. Three international debating up the official UNIZULU before the quarter finals. members of each campus championships and become Debating Union. While this was not its were selected to become a “strong world competitor”. desired outcome, having adjudicators while the With a union in existence, represented the institution remaining eight were further Background on the SSD saw it possible for alone was something the divided into four smaller the newly formed team to team was proud of, he said. UNIZULU Debating groups who then competed Union participate in SANUDC against other groups. Speaking on behalf of but this meant that it had The competition was no the UNIZULU Student The Union was established to undergo intense training walk in the park, Ngubane Services Department (SSD), through the efforts in preparation for this. A admitted. With topics having Societies Administrator of Studens Services camp was thus organised in being impromptu and teams Musa Mpanza expressed Department which sought June this year (2017) where given only 15 minutes great pride in the team’s to put the University on the students went head-to-head to prepare before each performance saying “it did mark in terms of debating. in different debating rounds round, debating prowess very well for a first attempt”. The Department then which were facilitated and knowledge of current “Through participating in made a call to all aspirant by two external debating affairs proved vital for the this year’s championships, student debaters at both experts. At the end of the debaters. The experience we’ve learnt the dos and the KwaDlangezwa and camp, the strongest 11 was new for the UNIZULU don’ts so we are hoping to Richards Bay campuses;the members were chosen to team but Ngubane said the conquer next year,” Mpanza response of which was represent the institution at collective was “pumped up” added. enormous. Over 70 students the championships. 12 #RisingStar Lindokuhle Mgedezi: A Rising Star

NALEDI HLEFANE

t first glance, ALindokuhle Mgedezi is likely to strike one as just another student from campus.

However, given the platform to sing, trust and believe, this third-year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) student from Gcilima in Margate, KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, can teach you a thing or two about belting out a note!

His voice is a cross between that of The Soil’s Ntsika Ngxanga and the melodic Pictured: Lindokuhle Mgedezi. Also pictured is Lindokuhle (middle) with artist DJ Cleo (left) and afro pop duo Soul Kulture. Phantom Steeze (right) Fact Durban Rocks concert, one of the highly-anticipated after-parties of the But make no mistake, his annual Vodacom Durban July. sound is authentic! In fact, he snatched first prize in received airplay on Ukhozi many artists out there he is set on bringing a the King Cetshwayo Talent fm and Gagasi fm. It is aren’t already offering? completely new dimension Golden Search earlier this also available for download “Originality is one,” he to the music industry- a year (2017). Run by and on iTunes (search for says. “I also believe that fusion of soul, afro pop and within the King Cetshwayo Lindo- Awusekho) where, because music is a medium RnB he calls “Mzansi Trap District Municipality, according to the rising of communication, it has Soul”. the competition seeks to artist, it has been doing to have a strong message. identify and nurture raw very well. The downloads Now this is what I intend to Music captured this vibrant talent. have increased further achieve through my lyrics. young man’s heart while he after Mgedezi performed Mine are messages of was still a child but it was Contestants stood a at Afrotainment’s Fact motivation and love. I want only in 2013 that he started chance to get a stint with Durban Rocks concert, one to create music that my dad singing professionally. He Durban recording label of the highly-anticipated can listen to without taking was part of a group which Afrotainment where two after-parties of the annual any offense to the language had regular performances songs would be produced, Vodacom Durban July. used, but at the same time, at Ushaka Marine World released and promoted, the music has to appeal to in Durban, where Mgedezi followed by a concert That experience, according the younger generation,” he would later win the “Search at UNIZULU’s King to him, was surreal. Being says. for The Stars” competition. Bhekuzulu Hall to officially in the presence of renowned launch the winner. This is When asked about who he artists such DJ Cleo and He never writes songs so undoubtedly every up-and- would love to work with performing to a receptive he swears by the recorder coming artist’s dream. in the industry right now, crowd was awesome. Of on his phone. This comes Mgedezi is quick to mention course, the screams let out in especially handy when “The competition was stiff Nasty C and Sjava. melodies come to him at but somehow I managed by some of the ladies were odd times. It seems trite to come up top,” a modest greatly appreciated too, he As to how Mgedezi will to say, but this budding Mgedezi says. quipped. juggle music and teaching, musician eats, sleeps and he is unsure, but he seems breathes music, and it’s His first single Awusekho But what does Mgedezi prepared to wear both hats therefore not surprising that was released in May and has have to offer that the for now. 13 teaching and learning centre for academic reading and writing The Writing Centre The Writing Centre falls within the Teaching and Learning Unit and strives to the responsive to the diverse needs of the students at the University of Zululand. The Writing Centre, in its quest to render excellent service, upholds these values: l Student-Centeredness l Responsiveness l Accessibility l Service-excellence

The Writing Centre Aims to help students to use writing as a means to become effective learners in the University environment. This is done through: Group Consultation l Structured workshops l Small group consultationsessions l Class presentations l Individual consultations

Student assistance is provided in the form of: Aims to help students to use writing as a means to become effective learners in the University environment. This is done through: One on one consultation l Academic reading

l Introduction to academic writing: Assignments, research proposals

l Referencing, avoiding plagiarism, paraphrasing, summarising and quoting

l The structure of an argument: Cogence, cohesion, coherence

l The writing process

l Topic analysis Students can also make individual appointments. l Understand assignment instructions

l Walk-in queries (Individual or group) For further information contact: The main Writing Centre is situated at DH5 and services the The Writing Centre Coordinator. two large faculties namely the Faculty of Education as well as the Mr. Jeffrey Siphiwe Mkhize. Faculty of Arts. Email: [email protected] Phone: 035-902 6248 There are three Satelite Writing Centres based at: l SC 108 in the Faculty of Science and Agriculture l Commerce, Administration and Law l Richards Bay campus

OPERATING HOURS: Weekdays 07H30 to 16H00. UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND13 #TalentCorner

Loving all things Maskandi

SPHAMANDLA GUMEDE “My father passed away orn and bred in when I was young and I BIsilutshana, Nquthu, was raised by my mother northern KwaZulu- who also happens to be Natal, Lungisani Mbatha, the bread winner in my a UNIZULU B.Ed family of seven. Life was (specialising in English and never easy for us. We went Social Sciences) student through lot of hardships has dreams of one day which also forced me to becoming a heavyweight take a gap year in 2013. I in the Maskandi musical enrolled at UNIZULU in genre. 2014 and I went through Maskandi is a genre of so much stress with South African Zulu folk regards to financial issues. music which is widely My first year was very popular in the country. difficult without enough So popular in fact that cash for varsity and I relied Maskandi musician mostly on my siblings who 0Mroza’s track: Van supported my studies. I am Damme became the grateful for their support,” SABC’s 2016 Song of the he said. Year. To date, Mbatha has Lungisani’s love for performed in numerous Maskandi can be traced musical events, mostly back to his childhood, those that took place at although at first he never UNIZULU. He has shared considered his affection for the stage with famous artist the genre an actual talent. such as David Simelane “My talent started to who is popularly known flourish when I was able for his song: Zamalek. to sing and play the guitar He has also been at same time. Due to interviewed by a number pressure from my fans who demanded more music of radio stations such as from me after having a Ukhozi FM, Izwi loMzansi, chance to watch me whilst Zululand FM and Rise FM; performing on stage, I three of them currently recorded an album in playing his music. In May 2016,” he said. The album this year (2017), he had comprises of 13 tracks, of an interview with 1KZN which most of the songs TV’s UGUBHU LWAMI were requested by his fans show which focuses on after having had watched Maskandi music. The him performing on stage. show, so said Lungisani, marketed him well. Titled: Ngingakukhohlwa Konke, he said this album Speaking of his aspirations, is dedicated to his mother Lungisani sees himself who has been his pillar of Pictured: Aspiring Maskandi superstar, performing at big events strength. Lungisani Mbatha. across the world stage. 15 Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/unizuluhashtag

CONTACT US: Communications & Marketing Division Private Bag X 1001, KwaDlangezwa, 3886 Tel: 035 902 6668; Fax: 035 902 6311 Email: [email protected]