SPI NATIONAL PORTRAIT AWARD EXHIBITION at UJ ART GALLERY P.55

UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG Issue 02 | Vol 9 SUMMER EDITION 2013

SPI NATIONAL PORTRAIT AWARD EXHIBITION AT UJ ART GALLERY p.55

e Editorial n UJ News r Research s Sport

COMBINING THE UJ SHOOTS INTO THE INTRODUCING UJ WOMEN CROWNED PURSUIT FOR GLOBAL TOP 4% OF GLOBAL THE UJ POSTGRADUATE INAUGURAL VARSITY EXCELLENCE UNIVERSITIES ASSOCIATION CHAMPS A CONTENTS UJ Advance: Summer Edition 2013

ED Editorial Editor’s Note, Editorial Team pg 3 From the VC’s desk Successfully combining the pursuit for global excellence and stature with accessibility, inclusion and diversity pg 4 - 5

UJ News New Executive Dean: Engineering of and the Built Environment takes up ofﬁ ce Seasoned fundraising and marketing leader takes the reins at Advancement pg 6 - 7 UJ’s newest alumnus Dr Barack Obama Dr Barack Obama accepts the university’s award for honorary doctorate of laws pg 8 - 9 UJ Goes International – Moving towards global excellence Academics tackle global challenges at 3rd QS-MAPLE Conference Solving the world’s grand challenges through global research and collaboration UJ shoots into the top 4% of global universities From Lagos to Singapore – UJ pushes for global excellence UJ welcomed into elite international group of universities pg 10 - 15

Books & Discussions Ronnie Kasrils – Armed and Dangerous – From Undercover Struggle to Freedom Amina Cachalia – When Hope and History Rhyme McIntosh Polela – My Father, My Monster Raymond Parsons – Zumanomics Revisited pg 16 - 19

Funding & Development Meal Assistance Programme beneﬁ cial for students Innovative Resolution Circle opens doors for students to gain industry experience UJ boosts teaching and learning facilities on Kingsway Campus pg 20 - 23

Lectures & Talks Trevor Manuel Dr Mamphela Ramphele Prof Muhammad Yunus Blade Nzimande pg 24 - 27

1 ED editorial Ed's Note CONTENTS CONTINUED

Alumni Entrepreneurship is key to our economic growth pg 28 - 29

Community Engagement UJ Architecture students breathe a creative spark to Slovo Park pg 30 - 33 Moving forward FA

Faculties Cairncrossite – the new mineral species named after UJ’s Geology professor from accessible Nothing but love for rocks – UJ’s pioneering and passionate researcher in Medical Geology excellence to UJ architecture lecturer wins at the Eco-Logic Awards “Social grants solve more problems than they create” – the Annual global excellence Helen Joseph Memorial Lecture UJ retains international accreditation for one of the top IT Honours degrees EDITORIAL TEAM UJ and NYDA’s new innovative student business idea initiative promises fi nancial support for budding entrepreneurs Editor: Tumelo Tladi The University, this year, introduced the accessible institution, regardless of where Contributors: Herman Esterhuizen, “I see Uhuru Peal!” – climbing Kilimanjaro for breast cancer awareness pg 34 - 43 new Values Charter which will drive the one may come from. UJ’s role over the past An-Li Theron, Mpho Selahle, strategic direction of UJ in the years to eight years, since the merger, has been to Michelle Leriba, Phemelo Dibodu, Collen Maepa, Faculty Marketing RT come. Guiding the principles contained in build an image the University community Coordinators Research & Teaching the charter are the University’s Strategic could be proud of. We are now able to see Introducing the UJ Postgraduate Association Thrusts. These thrusts represent a the change we are affecting within our Photography: Jan Potgieter and UJ professor appointed to National Senior Certifi cate task team commitment of where UJ wants to position society and globally. Yandisa Monakali Measures of support see fi rst-year student retention rate climb at UJ itself within the next decade. And so, the next ten years will see the Proof reader: Esmé Grobler UJ researchers receive highest honours at NRF annual awards One of the University’s goals is build a University shift its focus from an institution Staff Qualifi cation programme demonstrates successes of postgraduate Design and layout: aisle_B_ reputation of a university that is globally of accessible excellence to that of global study initiative pg 46 - 49 recognised for its excellence in teaching and excellence and stature. With this comes EDITORIAL OFFICE learning, and innovative and ground-breaking an increased effort on innovations and S N research. This is why the fourth strategic interventions in teaching and learning, Strategic Communication Institutional Advancement thrust of the University is to achieve “an and research; as well as collaborations Sport News Doornfontein Campus Visser and McCann scoop top honours at the UJ Sports Awards international profi le of employees, students, in research with local and international University of Johannesburg UJ women crowned inaugural Varsity champs scholarly output and institutional reputation”. institutions of higher education. pg 50 - 53 This thrust goes hand-in-hand with We want to be the institution that Tel: 011 559 6619 the aim to entrench the core vision of attracts and retains the best domestic and Email: [email protected] A C the University within academia, as “an international scholars and talent, and that Arts & Culture international University of choice, anchored forms part of becoming that international Submissions for UJ Advance SPI National Portrait Award exhibition e pg 54 - 63 in Africa, dynamically shaping the future” – a University of choice; an international and are welcome. vision statement embedded within the heart respected Pan-Africa epicentre of critical Contact [email protected] or 011 559 6619 to request OP of the institution engagement, reflection and scholarship. information on issue themes, UJ is an institution that welcomes anyone Opinion deadlines and article guidelines. Should UJ confer degree on Obama? who has a thirst for knowledge – that is one Until the next edition, Photographs must be supplied in pg 64 - 67 of the things we pride ourselves in; we are an Tumi 300dpi jpeg or larger.

2 Summer Edition 2013 3 ED editorial From the VC's desk

Successfully combining the pursuit for global excellence and stature with UJ HAS BEEN RANKED accessibility, inclusion and diversity IN THE TOP 4% OF UNIVERSITITIES IN THE As we come to the close of another year, I am delighted to share with you some great WORLD successes of the University; achievements that validate our efforts and our ability to push boundaries to exceed even our own expectations, despite our youthful age

Just eight years aft er being employer reputation, which means that we as Nigeria, Hong Kong, established UJ has been are producing sought-aft er graduates. Our Singapore, Kenya and ranked in the top 4% of performance in the category of international Ghana, among others. universities in the world, faculty means that our internationalisation Overall, 2013 has been a making UJ one of the top 650 strategy is spot-on and it is already very fruitful and remark able EXCELLENCE universities in the world for the beginning to bear fruit. Similarly, our strong year for the University, DIVERSITY 2013/14 Quacquarelli Symonds showing in the subject area of Arts and and we are continuing to THIS MAKES US FIRST AFRICAN (QS) World University Humanities, confi rms the correctness of our build momentum and to THE YOUNGEST UNIVERSITY TO Rankings. research strategy over the past few years. achieve exceptional results. UNIVERSITY TO ACCESSIBILITY BE ACCEPTED AS Being a university that In many respects, this ranking makes Both the high QS ranking HAVE MOVED INTO A MEMBER OF is less than a decade old, us the youngest university to have moved and the membership THE GLOBAL 4% UNIVERSITAS 21 one cannot deny that being into the global top 4%. Th e news of our of Universitas 21 are ranked among the top 4% QS ranking couldn’t have come at a better signifi cant endorsements of universities in the world is an time for us - to uplift us, to inspire us the growing international outstanding achievement. It is and to signal that our eff orts over the last reputation of UJ, and credit absolutely extraordinary that eight years - to cultivate an institution that of this endorsement and that the University has been able to combines a pursuit of global excellence and growing momentum goes to achieve this and we couldn’t be stature with inclusion and diversity – were the UJ community – it has to INCLUSION more proud. not futile. And that is the wonderful story do with the dynamism, the I am particularly pleased that must be told about the University of energy and the commitment because UJ is the only Johannesburg. of our staff , students, So the focus now is turning, in particular, alumni and all our partners to how we can move up the rankings into – both here at home and the top 3% of global universities, and so a lot internationally. UJ IS THE ONLY So the focus now is of eff ort is going to focus on improving the Without your eff orts COMPREHENSIVE UNIVERSITY turning, in particular, University’s academic reputation in order to we would not be able to WITHOUT A MEDICAL to how we can move achieve an even better ranking. realise our goal to be “an SCHOOL IN SA TO HAVE Th e University, this year, was also the international university of RECEIVED QS RANKING fi rst and only African university to be choice, anchored in Africa, comprehensive university accepted as a member of Universitas 21, dynamically shaping the without a medical school in a prestigious consortium of top research future”; to be an institution South Africa to have received universities around the world. We also of global excellence and a QS ranking. It is also continue to expand, signifi cantly, our stature; a university that gratifying that we have been research collaborations and partnerships continues to be accessible, ranked so highly with regard to with institutions in other countries, such inclusive and diverse. ✜

4 Summer Edition 2013 5 UJ UJ news Local

UJ’s new Executive Dean of Engineering takes up ofﬁ ce

The University has gained a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the ﬁ eld of engineering sciences with the appointment of Professor Saurabh Sinha as the new Executive Dean: Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE)

As of 1 October 2013 Prof Sinha took over Eskom, SKA as well as private industry. the reins from Dr Kim Battle (Vice Dean), His current research interests and over who was Acting Executive Dean of the 65 peer-reviewed journal and conference Faculty following Prof Tshilidzi Marwala’s publications involve mm-Wave integrated Seasoned fundraising and marketing appointment earlier this year as Deputy Vice- circuit (IC) design, and more generally, Chancellor: Research, Postgraduate Studies analogue and mixed-signal ICs. leader takes ofﬁ ce at UJ and the Library. Beyond his academic contributions, Prof Prof Sinha, a qualified electrical engineer, Sinha is a registered professional engineer, Mr Milcho Damianov gets appointed as UJ’s new Executive Director: Advancement a researcher, and an educator, was serves as an industrial consultant for previously an Associate Professor at the Business Enterprises at University of Pretoria University of Pretoria (UP) where he lectured (Pty) Ltd. He is also engaged with a number on a full-time basis. In his capacity at UP, he of large-scale regional and international Mr Milcho Damianov, newly appointed International Fundraising School at Indiana project management, public and was also the Director of the Carl and Emily research projects; among which is a national Executive Director: Advancement, reported University in the United States, previously alumni relations as well as corporate Fuchs Institute for Microelectronics (CEFIM), energy harvesting project. for duty on Monday, 2 September 2013 served as Director of Advancement at communications. Damianov has extensive where he was leading the Electronics In 2007 he received the South African at UJ. Cape Peninsula University of Technology; work experience at tertiary institutions in and Microelectronics Group. Together Institute of Electrical Engineers’ (SAIEE) Th e appointment of Mr Damianov comes Director of Marketing, International Aff airs Europe and Southern Africa, and his skills with his group, he conducted teaching at Engineer of the Year award, and co-recipient at an opportune time to complement the and Development at City University, USA, have proven fundamental to the success of undergraduate and postgraduate levels, of the 2012 Institute of Electrical and strategic direction of the institution which at the Bulgaria Campus, General Manager several universities and organisations. research and associated management tasks. Electronics Engineers (IEEE) – the world’s has positioned itself as an important player Marketing and Corporate Aff airs at Th e In UJ, Damianov has found a caring, Prof Sinha holds a B.Eng degree in largest professional association for advancing in the higher education arena, both locally Playhouse Company in Durban, Director passionate and ambitious university that Electronic Engineering with distinction, technological innovation and excellence – and internationally. of Marketing and Development at the is eager to take its place in the deployment an M.Eng (Microelectronic Engineering), Educational Activities Meritorious Service “In Damianov, we have someone with University of KwaZulu-Natal, Executive of research, science and technology in the also with distinction and a Ph.D (Electronic Award. He is the managing editor only locally the experience and the talent to facilitate Director of the Walter Sisulu Foundation quest to fi nd solutions for humanity’s most Engineering) from UP. He has been with the accredited journal of electrical engineering in the strengthening of crucial partnerships and Chief Executive Offi cer of University of pressing challenges. ✜ Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and South Africa, the SAIEE Research Journal. ✜ between UJ, our alumni, sister institutions, Swaziland Foundation. IT at UP since 2002. government and industry,” says Professor In addition to his Master’s degree, Prof Sinha’s research has been supported Tinyiko Maluleke the University’s Deputy Damianov also holds a postgraduate by the South African National Research Vice-Chancellor of Internationalisation, qualifi cation in Marketing Management ABOVE | Mr Milcho LEFT | Professor Saurabh Damianov, Professor Foundation (NRF), Armscor, the Armaments Advancement and Student Aff airs. from the Institute of Marketing Sinha, Executive Dean: Tinyiko Maluleke and Corporation of South Africa SOC Lrd, Council FEBE Damianov, who is one of the fi rst South Management, South Africa. He has a vast Mr Kerry Swift for Scientific and Industrial Research, PHOTO | supplied Africans to graduate from the prestigious knowledge of fundraising, marketing, PHOTO | Jan Potgieter

6 Summer Edition 2013 7 UJ UJ news Local

Writer: Professor Ihron Rensburg, Vice-Chancellor and Principal Photos: Jan Potgieter

It is my delight and pleasure to announce to you, on behalf of the entire community of UJ, that Dr Barack Obama accepted an honorary doctorate of laws from UJ, making him our newest illustrious alumnus, and that all matters relating to the award were concluded according to the relevant policies and charters of the university. President Obama’s focus on youth leadership falls squarely in line with our own values of Conversation, Imagination, Regeneration, and Ethical Foundation. By accepting the Honorary Doctorate, President Barack Obama elevates the global stature of our university. Our mutual focus on youth UJ welcomes development makes UJ and President Barack its newest Obama ideal partners in the quest for the development of leadership skills among illustrious the youth of the world. As a university, we alumnus – appreciate particularly his conversational stance towards the youth as it suggests Dr Barack openness to being challenged and willingness Obama to challenge in turn. Our aspiration, as you will no doubt be aware, is to become an international and respected Pan-African epicentre of critical engagement, reflection and scholarship, and we stand ready to engage leaders, scholars, activists and students from all over the world in pursuit of advancing human dignity and human rights. Importantly, and on the basis of his compelling vision for world peace, and his potential to achieve it, Dr Barack Obama was awarded the Noble Peace Prize during his fi rst term of offi ce as President of the USA, a rare achievement among serving presidents. Dr Barack Obama meets all our criteria for outstanding leadership that contributes to human development and public scholarship, and it is in line with the UJ vision, mission TOP | US President Barack ABOVE | The Soweto and values. Obama engaged with Gymnasium fi lled with young African leaders young leaders, local and I’m sure that you will join me in welcoming LEFT | Dr Barack Obama, international media Dr Barack Obama as a University of UJ’s newest illustrious Johannesburg alumnus. ✜ alumnus

8 Summer Edition 2013 9 UJ UJ news International

Academics tackle global challenges at 3rd QS-MAPLE Conference

The Conference made its way to Africa’s economic hub, Johannesburg, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Rosebank on 7 and 8 May 2013

“Coming together is a background information on the two co-hosts tracks: agreed and disagreed on beginning, keeping together of the Conference. + Quality Assurance and various issues. The sessions is progress, working together “This is a crucial time for a conference Accreditation continued on Day 2 (8 May) with is success”. These are the of this nature, especially with Africa and the + Learning and Teaching just as much enthusiasm. The famous words of Henry Ford Middle East experiencing such growth in their + Internationalising the Student delegates shared interesting which came to life during the higher education”, said Mok. The QS-MAPLE Experience Transnational statistics on how postgraduate 3rd QS-MAPLE (Middle East Conference has a mission, which is to help Education and International studies affect a country’s and Africa Professional Leaders build world-class universities in Africa and Partnership economy. The conference in Education) Conference. Asia. Representatives from universities in + Branding, Marketing and concluded with the exclusive The Conference made its Asia, the Middle East and Africa gathered Recruitment screening of ‘Elelwani’, the way to Africa’s economic hub, to make a contribution towards remedying + University Governance and award-winning fi lm directed by Johannesburg, at the Hyatt the defi ciencies facing institutions of higher Management UJ’s Ntshaveni wa Luruli. The Regency Hotel in Rosebank on education and sharing ideas on how to + Research and Research fi lm is due to be released in 7 and 8 May 2013. improve the learning environment at their Training. South Africa in August. The University co-hosted institutions. Prof Ihron Rensburg, Vice- One other important and This was the second the conference with Nanyang Chancellor and Principal of the University of exciting aspect of this QS-MAPLE Conference held Technological University (NTU), Johannesburg delivered an inspiring keynote conference was the inclusion in South Africa, with the fi rst a rare collaboration between speech to delegates at the offi cial opening. of three Africa panels. These one being held in Durban in Africa and Asia. Nanyang is He stressed that higher education could plenary panels, led by leading 2012. This year the QS-MAPLE described by many as the help countries jump stages of economic African academics and leaders Conference has surpassed all fastest-rising university among development. in higher education provided expectations as it attracted the world’s top 50 universities The opening plenary also included an an African perspective of the university leaders from over the quality of education around the world. as it is ranked 47th, 11 places amazing performance by the A Cappella challenges and opportunities 100 institutions in 42 countries The QS Ranking workshop preceded the higher than last year. Music Society of UJ welcoming the delegates to internationalisation of including Afghanistan, Australia, conference and was held at UJ and attended The QS-MAPLE Conference with warm celebratory African songs which higher education in Africa. Canada, Egypt, Hong-Kong, by university leaders from 114 countries. provides university leaders created an African feel and set the mood for The topics covered were; Iran, Nigeria, Philippines, Qatar, The Conference was one to remember TOP | Dignitaries at the 3rd with a platform to network the Conference. Executive Education, Saudi-Arabia, Thailand, UK and as it helped universities acquire a more QS-MAPLE Conference and form lasting relationships The delegates then commenced with the Research and Innovation and US as well as a large number heightened sense of synergy and harbour a ABOVE | Professor with delegates from other parallel sessions where session presenters Intra-Africa Experiences of of UJ partners. Besides the culture of togetherness; and will assist them Tinyiko Maluleke, universities. Delegates were were given a platform to present their case Internationalisation in hospitable nature of South in producing students who will be able to face Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Internationalisation, welcomed by the Managing studies of internationalisation and also share Higher Education. Africa, this also indicated a challenges of the 21st century. Advancement and Student Director of QS Asia, Ms their experiences. These tracks allowed for growing interest among nations The 2014 QS-MAPLE Conference will be Affairs at UJ Mandy Mok, who gave brief The Conference was organised around seven exciting debates as delegates to work together in improving held in Abu-Dabi. ✜ PHOTO | supplied

10 Summer Edition 2013 11 UJ UJ news International

UJ shoots into top 4% of global universities

Just eight years after being established, the University of Johannesburg (UJ), has moved into the top 4% of universities in the world.

Ranked among the top 650 global Africa, (certainly in comparison to all ranked institutions for the 2013/14 season by universities in SA), UJ has, through its QS Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University TOP ranking redefi ned its place among national Rankings released on 10 September, UJ is and global universities. Solving the world’s grand challenges one of seven ranked universities in South 650 The outstanding showing of UJ is further Africa (SA) and one of 13 ranked universities underscored by exceptional performances through global research collaboration in Africa. Remarkably, eight-year-old UJ is in several QS sub-categories. In the subject the youngest of all ranked universities in SA 13 area of Arts and Humanities, UJ holds Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UJ, Professor Ihron Rensburg speaks and in Africa. With the exception of UKZN position number 331 globally. For the at The Times Higher Education (THE) World Academic Summit which is less than 50 years old, all other SA 7 category of employer reputation – which universities which are ranked are more than speaks to the employability of its students - a hundred years old. Similarly of the six other UJ holds the admirable position 392, while Th e Times Higher Education (THE) World 2040, of the central position Africa will ranked universities in Africa (all of which are for international faculty it is positioned Academic Summit, the fi rst of its kind, hold in youth and student population Egyptian), only the University of Ajou (a South at 370. These are terrific returns for SA’s took place in October 2013 in Singapore, growth and the importance therefore, Korean University with a presence in Egypt) youngest ranked university. where it was co-hosted by the world’s for the world and for higher education is less than fi fty years old. All other ranked Says Professor Ihron Rensburg, Principal fastest rising university in the world, institutions to be well-prepared for this universities on the continent are more than 50 and Vice-Chancellor of UJ, “I am particularly Nanyang Technological University (NTU). phenomenon. Th is, as he pointed out, years old. The age of a university is a critical pleased that UJ is the only comprehensive Ranked 76th in the world in the latest called for considerable step change in factor in all QS ranking indicators, especially university without a medical school in South THE world rankings which were launched global research collaboration, because for academic reputation and citations per Africa to have received a QS ranking. It is this morning here in Singapore, NTU is a key solutions are best forged together in the faculty. The older the institution, the longer it also gratifying that we have been ranked so partner of the University of Johannesburg. research and scholarly community. has had to establish an academic reputation highly with regard to employer reputation As such, the Vice-Chancellor and Th e only voice from Africa on the third and the longer it has had to build up the which means that we are producing sought- Principal of UJ, Professor Ihron Rensburg day of summit, featuring high powered number of citations per staff member. after graduates. Our performance in the UJ RANKINGS was pleased to be sharing the podium speakers and global academic leaders, Therefore, the longer the period considered IN THE WORLD category of international faculty means that with notable global university leaders at Prof Rensburg argued strongly for the for the purposes of ranking, the better the IN AFRICA our internationalisation strategy is spot- IN SOUTH AFRICA this important gathering, and to speak establishment of third Generation Cross prospects for the university. In this regard, the on and it is already beginning to bear fruit. specifi cally to the possibilities off ered by Global North-East-South Institutes of performance of UJ over an eight-year period Similarly, our strong showing in the subject global research collaboration in the pursuit Advanced Studies towards genuine global is simply exceptional. area of Arts and Humanities, confirms the of solving the world’s grand challenges. dialogue and mutual learning. Furthermore, UJ is the only fountains of research output production. correctness of our research strategy over In his delivery, entitled ‘Multiple Prof Rensburg announced plans for UJ comprehensive university which has no Notably, except for Rhodes University, which the past few years.” Perspectives, Global Solutions, Better and NTU to establish a joint Asia-Africa medical school to be ranked in SA. Medical is ranked as a ‘very high research’ university, UJ’s ranking among the top 4% of together’ Prof Rensburg points to energy, Institute for Advanced Studies, which will schools are globally recognised as great UJ is ranked as a ‘high research’ university universities globally comes on the heels water, environment, urbanisation, poverty, be the fi rst of its kind, and the latest in a set alongside the rest of the fi ve other ranked of UJ’s recent inclusion as the fi rst and global governance and ethics as key among of collaborative initiatives between UJ and South African universities. only African university to be accepted into the world’s current grand challenges. NTU. Other collaborations include joint Continentally, only Ajou and Cairo Universitas 21*, a consortium of top research Prof Ihron Rensburg addresses notable hosting of the 2013 QS MAPLE conference; The age of a university universities are ranked ‘very high research’ world universities. Its membership of this global university leaders at the Times Higher UJ Student Placements in NTU Singapore- universities, the rest of the ranked universities prestigious consortium and now its QS ABOVE | Professor Ihron is a critical factor in all Education (THE) World Academic Summit based industry partners; and joint hosting on the continent are either equal to or ranking are seen by the University leadership Rensburg, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UJ at Nanyang Technological University. of the 2016 QS World Class conference QS ranking indicators lower than UJ. Traditionally, considered a as an important endorsement of the growing PHOTO | supplied Th e VC also pointed to the shift , by in Singapore. ✜ non-research intensive university in South international stature of UJ. ✜

12 Summer Edition 2013 13 UJ UJ news International

From Lagos to Singapore: Th e ultimate main aim for the UJ delegation UJ pushes for global collaboration was to give substance to its Africa focus, a continuation of its earlier visits in 2012 and also to explore areas of mutual interest A reflection by Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Internationalisation, and possible collaboration. To this end Advancement and Student Affairs Professor Tinyiko Maluleke UJ presented to its hosts, its fi ve main areas of research focus, namely, a) water and nanotechnology, b) megacities and Th e University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) institute. Th e second university sustainability, c) African philosophy and goal to become the Pan-African epicentre visited on 24 September was political thought d) process automation for critical intellectual inquiry took an Covenant University, located and artifi cial intelligence as well as e) important step following the recent high- in Ota outside Lagos, a private earth and geo-sciences. On each visit, UJ level visit to three Nigerian universities in university. Although the executive deans held extensive discussions and around Lagos and Ibadan from 21 to 27 administrative model followed with their counterparts and heads of September 2013. by this university – being departments as they explored possible areas private – is diff erent from that of collaboration and exchange. Although LAGOS followed by UJ, the University there were many synergies and possible Nothing underscored the importance of delegation thought it areas of collaboration discussed by the this visit by UJ more than the fact that the deans with their counterparts, the one area UJ delegation – which comprised all nine that seemed to dominate was the area of ABOVE | UJ Auckland Park executive deans, the executive director research on megacities and sustainability. Kingsway Campus for Internationalisation and two Deputy The aim for the UJ Th is may not be surprising as all three cities PHOTO | supplied Vice-Chancellors, (Professors Maluleke – Johannesburg, Lagos and Ibadan – face and Parekh) – was led by none other delegation was to very similar challenges around such areas as than the Vice-Chancellor and Principal give substance to its human settlement, transport and energy. UJ welcomed into elite international himself, Profes sor Ihron Rensburg. Th e Africa focus group of universities Nigerian visit is an outcome of earlier SINGAPORE visits to East and West Africa in 2012, Th e second visit was to Singapore, from UJ announced as the fi rst African university to join the Universitas 21 where selected universities were visited in important to get an idea of 30 September to 5 November, where Prof Tanzania, Senegal and Ghana. Th ere are the environment in which Rensburg was the only speaker from Africa, great opportunities of mutual benefi t for Nigerian private universities at the Times Higher Education (World The University was announced as the operating independently. Member universities our countries and for the enhancement of operate. Th e last university University Rankings) Academic Summit fi rst and only African university to join the collaborate on areas such as research- higher education on the continent through visited by the UJ delegation held at the Nanyang Technology University, most prestigious and innovative university inspired teaching and learning, and provide the forging of partnerships that will facilitate was the oldest and one Singapore. If what sets Nigeria apart from consortia in the world, the Universitas 21, wider advocacy for internationalisation. staff , postdoctoral fellows and student of the most illustrious of its sister countries in Africa is that it is the along with the University of Maryland and Universitas 21 now incorporates a total exchange, as well as collaboration Nigerian universities - the most populous on the continent, Singapore Ohio State University. of 27 members, and UJ’s addition serves ABOVE | Professor in research. University of Ibadan where distinguishes herself through consistently UJ joined the network on 10 May 2013 to establish new international links in Tinyiko Maluleke, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: On 23 September, the UJ delegation the delegation was very and single-mindedly focusing and investing during the U21 Annual General Meeting, South Africa. The network, which will now Internationalisation, visited the University of Lagos – by far the warmly received. Remarkably, in education, science and technology over hosted by the University of British Columbia have an even greater geographic spread Advancement and Student most sought–aft er university in Nigeria. Ibadan has a healthy 50:50 a period of fi ve decades. Th e results are in Canada. over 17 countries, will benefi t greatly from Affairs Established in 1962, the University of split between undergraduate striking and they show in three top public The aim of the group is to facilitate the inclusion of these three important PHOTO | Jan Potgieter Lagos has an enrolment of over 40,000 and postgraduate students universities with world class facilities and partnerships between the members, universities, and the opportunities that these distributed across twelve faculties, a amongst its 22,000 formal programmes, ranked among the world’s top creating opportunities on a scale that none partnerships will create, both for new and college of medicine and a distance learning programme students. fi ft y institutions. ✜ of them would be able to achieve while existing members, are eagerly anticipated. ✜

14 Summer Edition 2013 15 BDED books & discussions

Amina Cachalia dedicated her autobiography to her grandchildren Kasrils launches 4th edition of Armed and Amina Cachalia dedicated her autobiography to her grandchildren Dangerous at UJ The late activist and African National Congress (ANC) veteran Amina Cachalia wrote The current South African politics do not reflect her autobiography to share her legacy with her the legacy of the struggle against apartheid. This grandchildren. Her son Ghaleb and daughter was Ronnie Kasrils’ reflection of the evolution Coco told the UJ community at the launch of of politics in South Africa at his book launch on her autobiography When Hope and History Wednesday, 16 October 2013 UJ. Rhyme, on Wednesday, 12 June 2013. Kasrils is a former Minister for Intelligence During the book discussion on the Services of South Africa and former member UJ Kingsway Campus, Ghaleb and Coco of the National Executive Committee of the described their mother as a feminist who ANC. The book, Armed and Dangerous – From fought relentlessly for women’s emancipation. Undercover Struggle to Freedom, provides a “Intrinsically, I think my mom was a real Intrinsically, I think reflection of the various experiences of Kasrils’s feminist. She was critical of the things women my mom was a life during the political struggle prior to and post experienced during the apartheid times. She real feminist. She 1994. Kasrils lived in various camps in Russia, learned that from our grandmother (Amina’s was critical of the Britain, and parts of Africa when he served in the mother) who took on the police and other things women ANC’s Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK). oppressing forces – she was a very strong Although Kasrils agrees that the struggle woman,” said Coco. experienced during against apartheid was worthwhile, he believes the In the book, Amina Cachalia tells a tale of her the apartheid times government could have done better with policies real life experiences and how she was involved around foreign investments in the country to in the struggle for liberation. The book features ensure ordinary South Africans benefi t more. her personal life, drawsAmina on Cachaliasome experiences dedicated Prof Edward Webster, Professor of she shared with formerher autobiography state president to Nelson her Sociology and Reserch at Wits, and Dr Arianna Mandela (who, accordinggrandchildren to Coco and Ghaleb, Lissoni, Postdoctoral Fellow at UJ’s Faculty of was very fond of their mother),The late andactivist her andview of Humanities, gave a defi nite analysis of the book the ANC Women’s League.African National Congress during the launch, sharing their views on the The two expressed(ANC) their veteran satisfaction Amina at Cachaliathe meanings of Kasrils’s experiences while he was way the book is written.wrote Although her autobiography the book to in government. “The book allows South African features some controversialshare her state legacy of affairs, with her Coco government offi cials to relook at where they have and Ghaleb said theygrandchildren. have never received Her son any Ghaleb gone wrong as leaders. It is a unique important confrontation from theand public. daughter However, Coco sometold the of piece in that it has four editions which cover their close families wereUJ community skeptical about at the it. launch various stages of the South African political Ghaleb said thereof were her autobiography many of his mother’s When landscape,” said Dr Lissoni at the launch. pictures that were notHope included and History in the book.Rhyme, He on According to Prof Webster, the book reflects said they were lookingWednesday, into compiling 12 June them 2013. into the failures and points out importantly the ABOVE | Ronnie Kasrils, at an exhibition to share withDuring the the nation. book discussion ABOVE | Amina Cachalia stages where the party in charge of running the his book launch, reflected Among the peopleon thewho UJ attended Kingsway the Campus, launch was described by her on his life experiences children as a feminist who government, the ANC, lost track to at the University wasGhaleb Ms Zanele and Coco Mbeki, described wife of during the struggle, prior to fought relentlessly for good governance. and after 1994 former South Africantheir President mother Thaboas a feminist Mbeki. women’s emancipation PHOTO | UJ PHOTO | supplied

16 Summer Edition 2013 17 BDED books & discussions

Zumanomics Revisited at UJ

Prominent South African economist, Professor Raymond Parsons and Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe explored South Africa’s political economy and shared their views on UJ Reads continues to whether the National Development Plan can inspire a reading culture make a difference to the country’s future, at the launch of the book Zumanomics Revisited - The Author and journalist McIntosh Polela Road from Mangaung to 2030, at UJ. engaged with staff and students at UJ about Hosted by the University’s SARChI Chair his book My Father, My Monster, on 17 and 19 for African Diplomacy and the Faculty September 2013, marking the end of the UJ of Economics and Financial Sciences, in Library and Information Centre’s UJ Reads partnership with Jacana Media, the launch reading project for 2013. of Raymond Parsons’ Zumanomics Revisited, The event took place on all four campuses, took place on Friday, 30 August 2013 at and consisted of discussions held in each of the Council Chambers, Kingsway Campus, the libraries. The UJ Reads initiative is aimed Auckland Park, Johannesburg. at motivating students and staff to read for Drawing on his considerable experience fun and relaxation, as well as to expand their and analysis of SA’s political economy, Prof horizons on various important subjects of life. Parsons reassessed the economic prospects Polela obtained his master’s degree from for SA post-Mangaung and the post-2014 the London School of Economics in the general election. Parsons believes that United Kingdom in 2006. He has ten years of the economic and political landscape has journalistic experience under his belt, including changed signiﬁ cantly and that there are still ﬁ ve years with eTV. He was the spokesperson tough decisions ahead if SA wants to do for the Special Investigation Unit, better better after the 2014 elections. known as the Hawks. His book My Father, My Deputy President Motlanthe was a guest Monster, was shortlisted for the Alan Paton speaker at the book launch which was Literary Award in 2011. facilitated by Financial Mail editor, Tim Cohen. In his book, Polela writes about his painful past without sounding to sentimental, and it is the authenticity of the book that connects well RIGHT FROM LEFT | with students and staff. At every discussion and Seated: Prof L. Bonga- Bonga, Prof R. Parsons workshop, across the four campuses, students (Author), Deputy President had not only read the book but, where eager Kgalema Motlanthe, Prof to ask questions. The book also challenges R. Marcus; Standing: Prof S. Chetty, Prof D. van Lill, social issues such as abuse, poverty, neglect Prof D. Thwala, Prof B. and dealing with the past through forgiveness. It is the responsibility Mamba, Prof T. Marwala, Polela believes that: “It is the responsibility of of society to love Prof T. Maluleke, Ms B. Impey (Jacana media) and society to love young people.” young people Prof A. Dempsey at the UJ Reads has proven to be an exciting Zumanomics Revisited initiative designed to grow our knowledge, book launch. PHOTO | supplied promote a culture of reading and create dialogue around issues that face our current generation.

18 Summer Edition 2013 19 FD funding & development

UJ’s innovative Resolution Circle opens doors for students to gain experience

Meal Assistance Programme UJ’s Resolution Circle is turning the tables by offering that essential experience to UJ students beneﬁ cial for students

Internal research conducted by UJ found that many of our Many graduates, after completing their knowing that their hands are as well-prepared them,” he further explained. students were attending classes hungry and this prompted the start of a formal Meal Assistance Programme in 2010 studies, are often faced with the dilemma of as their heads are.” Also present at the launch was Prof Roy fi nding a job because they do not have the “A rift between industry and universities Marcus, Chairperson: UJ Council, who echoed required experience. UJ’s Resolution Circle is has existed for a long time,” said Prof outstanding support to the birth of this multi- turning the tables by offering that essential Clarke, “partly because there is no defi ned million rand project. “Tonight is absolutely Th ree years later the students with a modest food allowance that additional contribution experience to UJ students. commercial interface between the two a benchmark of something extraordinary programme feeds 2100 gives them daily access to a balanced meal. of R160 000 to nurture Resolution Circle launched the Resolution parties. The result is inadequate awareness in South Africa. The University makes the students daily at a cost of “We can already see positive indications and grow postgraduate Circle Nano; a newly-built structure on the in industry of relevant research solutions, as commitment to meet the needs of the nation R10 million for the 2013 that the Meal Assistance Programme is enrolment. Th e contribution Kingsway Campus situated next to the well as relevant and important commercial and this is one of the projects that show our Academic year and is having ultimately enabling these students to obtain will go towards the cost of Human Resource offi ces on the A-block problems never coming to the attention of commitment to build a better society,” said a positive impact on academic their higher education qualifi cation.” a Post-Doctoral Fellowship parking. The Nano building is equipped with the researchers who could potentially solve Prof Marcus at the launch. ✜ performance. Commenting on the benefi ts of in Higher Education high-tech equipment used to count and the programme, many of the enrolled Policy and Leadership. monitor huge crowds and spaces, offering students confi rmed that the programme “My personal contribution a massive innovation in the research and has contributed positively not only to is just a drop in the ocean. development industries. The programme their academic performance but also to I believe it is important to On Wednesday, 17 July 2013, top aims to provide their general outlook on life and positive foster ideas that nurture technology industry experts gathered in the students with a integration with other students. students both academically and building to witness the University’s milestone “We have noticed a remarkable holistically and it also supports in bridging the gap between student and food allowance improvement in the self-esteem of these the guiding principles of the entry-level employee, in the manufacturing that gives them students,” confi rms Helani, “and this University – to cultivate a rich engineering and science fields. The access to a meal has translated into improved academic living and learning community programmes offered at the Resolution performance. Since they have been on the in which students develop a Circle Nano are part of the Work Integrated programme some of the students are now commitment to personal and Learning (WIL) requirements for a National Godfrey Helani, Director: passing with an average of 65% compared to intellectual growth, leadership Diploma in Engineering Technology, and Student Life and Governance a previous fail or 50% pass.” and service,” concludes are effectively a prerequisite for graduation. at UJ says the Meal Assistance Th e Programme is widely supported Prof Rensburg. ✜ These students spend two years studying Programme includes breakfast throughout the University and the latest theory in class, and thereafter are required to and supper on weekdays and contribution to the programme comes from spend a third year working in the industry to weekends greatly benefi ting the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the ABOVE | During 2013 gain experiential learning. both day and residence University of Johannesburg (UJ), Prof Ihron UJ's meal assistance Prof Willem Clarke, CEO: Resolution Circle ABOVE | The Resolution students across the four UJ Rensburg, who has donated R200 000 from programme fed 2100 offi cially opened the building saying, “We want students daily at a cost of Circle Nano is based on campuses. “Th e aim of the his annual remuneration. R10 million to turn out young workers who can walk into the Kingsway Campus programme is to provide needy In addition, Rensburg has made an PHOTO | Shutterstock their new workplace with the confi dence of PHOTO | supplied

20 Summer Edition 2013 21 FD funding & development

UJ boosts teaching and learning space on Kingsway Campus

Construction is under way for two new lecture venues on the University of Johannesburg’s Kingsway Campus. The two venues, which will be situated adjacent to the existing A-Ring, will each provide space for 750 students. The new lecture facility has been designed to accommodate two mirrored 750 seat venues around a circular courtyard and an ablution block located between the new and old buildings. The additional 1 500 seats will greatly alleviate the serious shortage of teaching and learning space currently being experienced at APK. The building in plan is similar to the existing B-Les lecture facility, however, slight modiﬁ cations have been made to the pure fan shape, thereby providing the new facility with an iconic design with greater seating capacity and study space. ✜

ABOVE | Artist’s TOP RIGHT | Artist’s LEFT | Construction of Impression of the new Impression of the view the new lecture facilities lecture facilities on from the front of the begins on Kingsway Kingsway Campus once building, once completed Campus completed PHOTOS | supplied PHOTO | supplied

22 Summer Edition 2013 23 LT lectures & talks

Dr Mamphela Ramphele calls for “We are at risk of losing our end to gender-based violence moral high ground and our moral integrity because we have not lived the values On Wednesday 7 August 2013, UJ was joined by a panel of esteemed that are embedded in our medical experts and female icons at the Country Club Johannesburg democracy. Beautiful people are for the annual Women’s Day celebratory event people who act out the values that they hold. It is in the energy of mobilisation that we will This year the event was hosted and businesswoman, Michelle Constant. become the real mbokotos; the by the UJ Library under the Dialogue focused on women, outer beauty real boulders our grandmothers guidance of Executive Director: and the beauty within, with Dr Ridwan Mia and mothers were in 1956,” she Library and Information emphasising that reconstructive surgery “is added. Also in attendance at the Services Dr Rookaya Bawa, as much about inner beauty as it is about event was former ﬁ rst lady of and featured a keynote address outer beauty”. South Africa, Zanele Mbeki by esteemed medical doctor, The panel also addressed the issue of and Vice-Chancellor academic, former political women, femininity and power, and if the three Prof Ihron Rensburg. ✜ activist and co-founder of can co-exist – whether women become the Black Consciousness harder on themselves as they become more Movement, and now the leader powerful, or if the world becomes harder of the newly-formed Agang, Dr on them. “You can be a beautiful, feminine Trevor Manuel says “people are Mamphela Ramphele. woman and still be powerful,” was South Africa’s biggest asset” The conversation, titled Dr Ridwan’s response. “Beauty is Skin Deep”, Following the panel discussion, Dr He addressed the State of the Social enable everyone to have a decent standard included panelists Dr Reza Ramphele shared her experiences of being Trevor Manual, Minister in Economy of South Africa colloquium, of living. He mentioned that 11 million Mia, Aesthetic Doctor and a woman both during the struggle and now, the Presidency, urged South hosted UJ’s Centre for Social jobs need to be created by 2030, in order an expert on Botox, Dermal when women still ﬁ ght for equality, human Africans to take an active role Entrepreneurship and Social Economy to help alleviate the youth from their Fillers and Chemical Peels; rights, freedom and dignity in many aspects in the country’s development (CSESE), on Wednesday, 4 September 2013. poverty traps and boost the economy. He Dr Ridwan Mia, well-known of their life. Manuel led an in-depth conversation said, “Th ere are two key facets that are Plastic & Reconstructive “South Africa has more women in around how the social economy is aligned aff ecting our economy, the history of the Surgeon responsible for the parliament that any other country in Africa, with the objectives of the National country and the monopolistic distribution skin transplant performed on with the exception of Rwanda, and more Development Plan (NDP). of resources during the apartheid era three-year-old Isabella “Pippie” women in cabinet than any other country Th e Minister focused on how the together with price fi xing and the delivery Kruger; Dr Carol Benn, a special in the world, again except Rwanda and sector should work together towards of inadequate facilities by companies.” surgeon and head of the Helen Scandinavia. Yet we have a pandemic of aligning the social economy with the He went on to stress the importance Joseph Breast Unit and the gender-based violence in this country. Why? objectives of the NDP. Minister Trevor of proactivity, saying “Decisions can’t be Netcare Breast Care Centre of Because we didn’t do the work that enabled Manuel said, “Asia’s largest agent of change deferred to 2030, as young people will be Excellence in Johannesburg; me to live with strong women, and for strong is its people, and this is also its biggest running the institutions”. Th e Minister took Professor Harry Seftel, well- women to bring up strong men; for women to investment”, he went on, “South Africa a few questions from the audience; one was known healthcare practitioner, stand up,” Dr Ramphele told the guests. should follow suit and turn its resources with regards to civilians being dependent author and radio personality, Speaking on the difficulties South into productive assets, although we are on social grants. His response was to stress as well as former Miss South Africans, and mostly women face in today’s on the back foot with unskilled people that the dependency culture needs to be Africa and UJ alumnus, Bokang democracy, Dr Ramphele encouraged ABOVE | Dr Mamphela ABOVE | Minister in the and slow technological development.” outgrown, “Th e youth need to be mobilised Montjane. The panel discussion women to stand up for what they believe; to Ramphele at UJ’s annual Presidency, Mr Trevor Women’s Day Celebration Manuel Trevor Manuel also outlined the and social grants need to be seen in a was facilitated by South African stop complaining about their struggles and event in Johannesburg PHOTO | UJ objectives of the NDP and how it aims to diff erent light”. ✜ radio and television personality take action. PHOTO | Yandisa Monakali

24 Summer Edition 2013 25 LT lectures & talks BELOW | Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande PHOTO | UJ

“Poverty is not one dimensional” – says Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Prof Muhammad Yunus

Poverty is not a one dimensional thing - if you interact with poor people, you will understand their unique problems

This was Prof Muhammad Yunus’s words as people, while in actual fact it should be the he addressed the University of Johannesburg people punishing the system to solve the (UJ) community at a public lecture on problem of unemployment,” said Prof Yunus. Thursday, 03 October 2013. Prof Yunus emphasised that people Organised by the Faculty of Economic should develop an entrepreneurial mind-set and Financial Sciences and the Faculty of in order to fi ght unemployment and stop the Universities must be forces of Management, in collaboration with the Library circle of poverty. He said people should stop change, says Blade Nzimande and Information Centre, the lecture aimed viewing themselves as job seekers, but see at encouraging South Africans to seek new themselves job givers. “We have to create Universities should eliminate discrimination and promote social ways to fi ght unemployment. an environment where no one lives on state cohesion in tackling the triple challenges – overcoming inequalities, Prof Yunus, a Bangladeshi banker, charity,” he added. eliminating poverty and addressing unemployment facing South Africa economist and Nobel Peace Prize recipient The Faculty of Management is one of UJ’s who founded the Grameen Bank in innovative and society-oriented mechanisms 1983, says business should be based on that promote entrepreneurship and skills selflessness. He believes that contributing development for small business owners. One Th is was the message from Minister of government has become an easy target to people’s lives and making them happy is of the Faculty’s well established centres is Higher Education and Training Blade for such behaviour. Some of the protests a super-incentive, an incentive that is bigger the Centre for Social Entrepreneurship and Nzimande at the annual Solomon Mahlangu are counter-revolutionary because p eople than just making profi t “because social Social Economy (CSESE). Relating to Prof lecture held at UJ. destroy public property – destroying a clinic business money is endless.” Yunus’ philosophy for business, the CSESE’s Minister Nzimande addressed to while demanding a library does not make Amid the many things Prof Yunus did in strategic intents are to: be an internationally university staff , students and government any sense at all. Th is is not what Solomon the past, he has had phenomenal success recognised centre of excellence in employees on the role the state should Mahlangu stood for,” Minister Nzimande helping people lift themselves out of poverty researching, educating, fi nding, supporting play in enhancing social cohesion and emphasised. in rural Bangladesh by providing them with and developing social entrepreneurial projects building a better future for South Africans. He also criticised corrupt individuals credit without requiring collateral. Prof Yunus within the social economy and promote “Universities have a particularly crucial who do fraudulent activities in developed his revolutionary micro-credit scholarship in the emerging fi eld of enquiry. role to play in building our societies. Th ey universities to benefi t themselves. He system with the belief that it would be a cost The Centre also aims to deliver must be innovative and creative thinkers of explained that placing universities under effective and scalable weapon to fi ght poverty outcomes that form part of an increase transformation. Transformation can only be administration was not an option; people – a breakthrough for rural Bangladesh. in social entrepreneurial innovations and achieved through looking at the challenges must be appointed formally and be held “Hiding poverty will not solve the problem social enterprises aimed at achieving the of the entire university system and not just accountable. Th e Minister highlighted that of our people; it makes their lives even worse. Millennium Development Goals, and the individual university,” he said. his department has made huge progress in Humans have the creative power to do eradication of poverty and social challenges Th e Minister deliberately slammed many areas and it is learning from other ABOVE | Professor things; they just need to employ that in their facing our young democracy and Muhammad Yunus the illegal public protests of people countries, such as Ghana, on how to develop mind-sets. The capitalist system is punishing the continent. ✜ PHOTO | UJ marching to his offi ce for services. “Th e its informal economies. ✜

26 Summer Edition 2013 27 AL alumni

This was the strong message given because of the disadvantage of previously “The spirit of entrepreneurship is resilience, Consequently, the current account defi cit by the keynote speakers at the fi rst oppressed groups. This was done to speed and passion is what drives you,” Madoda said widened further as exports continue to lag Entrepreneurship Affi nity Group event, up the redistribution; however, corruption before introducing Mr Johannes Khosa who behind imports. hosted by the UJ Alumni Network at undermines the intention of these institutions discussed the current fi nancial climate. Khosa predicted that the economic growth the School of Tourism and Hospitality and legislation.” will remain below 5% influencing the private (STH), on the Bunting Road Campus. He mentioned that China has overtaken ECONOMIC OVERVIEW AND PROSPECTS sector to probably remain hesitant to expand The topics discussed were: Germany and Japan as the largest economy FOR 2013 AND BEYOND capacity aggressively. Therefore the economy + Political environment and the entrepreneur by Mr due to entrepreneurship and Nigeria’s “The hangover from 2008 is still with us.” Mr will struggle to create jobs whilst structural Zizi Kodwa, Advisor to the Premier of Gauteng, economy is rising due to that. “We have to Johannes Khosa painted a bleak economic issues need to be resolved, e.g. education, Nomvula Monkonyane; and look at the opportunities on our continent, like picture and said global growth is still infrastructure, power supply and labour + Economic overview and prospects for 2013 and Namibia and Lesotho, not only in South Africa.” struggling, especially advanced economies. market policy reforms. In the meantime beyond by Mr Johannes Khosa, Economist at Kodwa said the government is committed South Africa is not operating in a vacuum and entrepreneurship is considered part of Nedbank. to small and medium enterprises and that this impacts our economy, placing domestic the solution. Dr Zodwa Magwenzi, of the UJ Alumni the transferral of skills must take place. exports under pressure and households on Network, welcomed the group of senior That is why mentorship is so important a variety of fronts. Domestic expenditure ENTREPRENEURS IN SOUTH AFRICA alumni entrepreneurs and asked delegates for young people. “Government can only is weak, both business and consumer The global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) to consider their roles as entrepreneurs create an enabling environment and confi dence is weak and fragile, and economic by the University of Cape Town Graduate and how they can make an impact in the entrepreneurs have to start with the basics growth is struggling. School of Business shows that SA achieves lives of young entrepreneurs at UJ and also and understand that it will take them a couple Recent macroeconomic data shows that the lowest score of most developing countries the development of the institution. “Stay of years to become successful,” he said. global economic activity continued to improve in entrepreneurship. connected to stay ahead,” she said, as she He reiterated that we have to learn this year, however, our fi scal consolidation However, there are challenges facing urged new delegates to become members of from China and that the base of the is partly dampening activity in South Africa. entrepreneurs in South Africa: the UJ Alumni Network. economy is entrepreneurship so we Indicators in most of the key countries are + Access to fi nance for new businesses. Banks “We have to create an entrepreneurial have to change our mind-sets. satisfactory, pointing to a gradual recovery are risk cautious as most new businesses tend mind-set in students, as this is a solution with aggressive stimulus supporting the to fail within the fi rst year; + to the economic development of our Japanese economy. Credit records of applicants and collateral; and + Cash fl ows, with delayed payments to small countries. We have to develop students to Underlying conditions remain weak businesses top on the list. > become entrepreneurs who will contribute to We have to create an though, with China losing momentum with a sustainable development in Southern Africa,” slowdown in capital expenditure and worries Khosa said that banks are criticised for not she added. entrepreneurial mind- about debt. Global trade volumes remains doing enough to support SME’s and pointed set in students weak and commodity prices have fallen. out how Nedbank supports entrepreneurs: POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT AND THE + Nedbank has more than 200 000 SME clients ENTREPRENEUR A VULNERABLE ECONOMY and approved more than 90% credit applications; + Mr Zizi Kodwa, former spokesperson for the THE NEED TO MAKE A PARADIGM SHIFT South Africa is vulnerable because our It is the fi rst large corporation to sign the ANC Youth League, talked about the political Mr Madoda Dhlamini, MC and chairperson of exports are affected - slower demand from Prompt Payment Code (paid within 30 days after the receipt of a valid invoice); environment before 1994 when multi-national the Entrepreneurship Affi nity Group followed on, the Eurozone and demand to China peaking. + It procures products from about 3 000 SME’s – corporations lobbied to d isinvest in South saying that change of mind-set is a paradigm The mining and manufacturing sectors are stationary, recruitment, catering, etc. Africa, and post-apartheid lobbied again for shift we have to make. “It is a different world affected by this: + It supports the Small Business Friday; investment in the country. He said it is now now and we have to learn, engage and share About 47% of mining and 20% of + Aires the “my Bizz” TV programme on ETV each time to mobilise the GEAR Strategy (Growth, experiences with each other.” manufactured goods export to Asia; and Friday; and Entrepreneurship is key Employment and Redistribution – a macro- He told of his experience starting a joint 20% of mining and 23% of manufactured + Has launched the small business index; economic strategy) that was laid out in 1996. venture with a R40 billion-strong French goods export to Europe. + Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) for our economic growth “The challenge is that the economy is company and the support provided to him by Added to this, the local operational provides business development and support almost double-sided: we have the poor and the National Empowerment Fund (NEF). With environment is challenging due to unit services for small enterprises. Read more on www.seda.org.za We need to change our mind-sets and make the paradigm shift to the very developed and we have to look this partnership he could stand shoulder to labour cost that doubled in the past becoming entrepreneurs as entrepreneurship and small business is at how to close the gap. The government shoulder with such a big company. “We have decade resulting in producers struggling The NEF’s role is to support Broad-Based the key to economic growth and development in South Africa brought in policies and institutions like to realise that we are not living in a restricted to produce at full capacity, adding further Black Economic Empowerment (BB-BEE). Affi rmative Action (AA), Broad-Based Black environment any more. Our neighbours are strain on exports. Strike actions, high Read more at www.nefcorp.co.za Economic Empowerment (BBBEE), the booming in terms of infrastructure and we electricity prices, regulations and political To read more about the UJ Alumni National Youth Development Fund and can take advantage of that. We are living in a and policy uncertainty, as well as other Network and all the opportunities offered, go the National Youth Development Agency, global environment”. logistical constraints add to this challenge. to www.ujalumni.co.za ✜

28 Summer Edition 2013 29 CE community engagement

The students are getting real-world experience by designing concepts that addresses a UJ Architecture speciﬁ c need students

breathe a An army of 50 students of UJ’s Department creative spark of Architecture together with an organisation called “1:1” (one to one) Agency of to Slovo Park Engagement were out in full force in Slovo Park as part of an innovative community UJ’s Department of Architecture’s outreach initiative – Slovo Park Project 2013 students take part in an innovative – to provide the community’s children a safe community outreach initiative playground and escape from the harsh reality of their informal settlement. The students spent ﬁ ve days building a 150 square metre, concrete, sustainable, eco-friendly playground for the children of Slovo Park, an informal settlement bordering Eldorado Park and Soweto. The students visited the settlement where a highly organised community forum allocated the space for the park. It was clear from the mapping that the children of the settlement have no place to call their own and play safely in this dusty and hot precinct.

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30 Summer Edition 2013 31 CE community engagement

LEFT | FADA students had RIGHT | Two of Slovo to get their hands dirty to Park’s children who build the playground for enjoyed playing on the the children of Slovo Park newly-built playground

The students were able to community and other stakeholders. The learn what play elements panel considered ways to make these ideas children like, when they played, a reality as part of a community outreach how often, and what aspects initiative and the panel selected three they could incorporate when designs. These designs were incorporated they build a playground. The into one design. The playground uses an information was influential existing broken truck as the design generator in developing designs for a and is complimented by a tyre mound and playground. Based on their concrete “hop-scotch” element, two-tiered visit, the students identifi ed seating for informal soccer and some the obvious benefi t of building landscaping to soften the environment and the playground in a location create shade from the pelting sun. that is accessible for the whole “It’s pretty amazing,” says Mr Denver community and easily visible, Hendricks, project leader and UJ Architecture promoting supervision. lecturer. “It goes up quickly when you have The Faculty of Art, Design so many volunteers in place, but it really and Architecture students takes some time for planning. We are a were prompted to use their teaching institution, so our main objective is design skills to seed ideas to provide a hands-on teaching component for improving safety for the for our students. But, as in most professions, children and better use of there is also the necessity to serve a public space. The students took their need. This initiative, however small, is doing action research back to UJ’s exactly that. The students are getting real- design studios for a facilitated world experience by assessing, evaluating creative response to the needs and designing concepts that addresses and issues witnessed by them a specifi c need. They learn about their LEFT | The children ABOVE | A cement mixer at Slovo Park. future profession and in the process make enjoyed the fi nished had to be used to prepare The students’ research and value contributions to our surrounding product with their friends the concrete for the ideas were presented to the communities,” he says. ✜ PHOTOS | FADA playground

32 Summer Edition 2013 FA faculties

undertaking my research.” Each part of South Africa (like Barberton, After fi ve years in Paris, Prof Mouri fi rst Limpopo, Vredefort) with its unique rocks joined the University of Helsinki, then the tells an interesting and fascinating geological Geological Survey of Finland as a research story. This is unique to SA and you can’t fi nd it associate. “It was a massive cultural and anywhere else in the world. Based on all this, climatic shock. Finland was very cold and dark South Africa became my ‘adopted’ country Cairncrossite in winter and it took me time to adapt because She feels that UJ really supports her efforts I had to learn English and Finnish (she also and that she has the opportunity to be very the new mineral species named speaks French, Arabic and Berber, one of the productive. The university also encourages after UJ’s Geology professor North African languages) to communicate. It her vision, like her new passion, medical was a very challenging experience at that time, geology. but now I see it as a very positive and valuable This is a subject that recently began Professor Bruce Cairncross, Head of learning experience.” to intrigue her and in February 2012, she Department: Geology at the University of When she had the chance to swop Finland established the South African Medical Johannesburg (UJ), was recently honoured for the USA, she grabbed it with both hands. Geology Chapter, a division of the by the International Mineralogical “I was presenting my work at an International International Medical Geology Association Association (IMA) by having a new conference in Spain when I was approached (IMGA). She recently also delivered a very mineral species named aft er him, by one Professor who asked if I would be interesting public lecture at UJ entitled Cairncrossite. interested in a move to the US to join the Medical Geology: An interdisciplinary Th e mineral, a strontium-calcium- University of Minnesota for a research emerging fi eld of science. silicate-hydrate is similar to minerals of the position. Of course, I said ‘yes’ to another “This is a return to my childhood dream gyrolite and reyerite groups. It originates Nothing but a exciting experience.” of being involved in both medical and natural from the Wessels mine in the Kalahari However, Minnesota’s weather was not sciences. These fi elds have been seen as manganese fi eld and was discovered by the much of an improvement on Helsinki. separate for many years but new advances in well-known collector, Dr Ludi von Bezing. love for rocks “Because Minnesota is in the northern science and Prof Cairncross is a sedimentologist part of the USA, temperatures in the summer technology show that the geology on the and stratigrapher, specialising in terrestrial UJ boasts a pioneering and passionate easily reach 40 °C with high humidity and composition of the minerals in the soil, water clastic depositional systems and the origin researcher in Medical Geology - 40 °C in the winter. It was defi nitely not a and air. These naturally occurring chemical and formation of southern African coal place I wanted to spend the rest of my life. As elements or minerals can have a positive deposits. Together with his graduate a child of Africa I felt I needed to return back or negative impact on the health of people, students, he has worked in the Witbank, Her love for rocks led Professor Hassina student of the year, she was awarded a to my continent.” animals and plants living in a particular Highveld and Waterberg coalfi elds, Mouri on a journey from Algeria to France and Franco-Algerian Fellowship to continue Prof Mouri’s wish was to return to Africa environment. unravelling the origin and formation of Finland, then to the USA and fi nally to South her postgraduate studies in France. There to contribute to the Research Development “An example of health problems caused the coal seams and associated coalbed Africa. Today she is an associate professor at she completed her Masters and PhD in in Geosciences and Earth Science Education.n. by naturally occurring geological problems methane and applies this expertise to the UJ’s Department of Geology, where she is metamorphic geology. In 2000 she accepted a tenured senior around the world is thyroid cancer caused by the exploitation of this valuable energy developing and leading an emerging fi eld of “I am interested in all kinds of rocks, but lectureship in the Department of Geology at trace elements such as vanadium, selenium, resource. science known as Medical Geology. metamorphic rocks enchant and challenge the University of Pretoria as the fi rst female zinc, iodine and cadmium associated with His other area of interest is researching Mouri was born in a mountainous region me most. They are very complex rocks, which academic geologist in that Department. In volcanic eruptions.”

the geological heritage of southern Africa called Bejaia in Algeria but she has lived in have gone through a process of change 2008, she was offered a senior lectureship atat LEFT | Professor Prof Mouri says she would like to and the regions mineral and gemstone South Africa for the past 13 years. She has through time. One has to undertake a journey the University of Johannesburg, where she Hassina Mouri emphasise that medical geology is not deposits; he has published fi ve books on an interesting passion – metamorphic rocks. that can be some billion years into the past to was promoted to an Associate Professor in PHOTO | Mary-Anne Palmer about mining related issues. The issue is this subject. In this regard, he has been “I grew up in an area which was understand them – at least 3.3 billion years 2010, a position she has held since then. more about natural geological processes ABOVE | Amphibolite an invited speaker at the International surrounded by mountains and rocks. I have in the case of the Limpopo belt where I am “I immediately felt at home in South Africa, metamorphic rock and material found in our environment that Tucson Gem & Mineral Show in the USA always been fascinated by my surroundings even though some of my colleagues in the PHOTO | Amazon can be much more harmful with time. For (in 1998, 2002 and 2004), the Rochester and I longed to understand the geology of north felt I was crazy - this was because of example, toxic elements which are already Mineralogical Symposium, New York in the world around me. As a student I had to the perception they have about SA. However, present in the air that we breathe (from the 2001 and at many local gem and mineral choose between medical sciences and natural Metamorphic rocks this did not discourage me. I knew nobody dust) can cause serious lung diseases or club meetings. sciences. My fear of blood convinced me to and yet I adapted quickly. Sometimes I think in the soil and water, which over a period Prof Cairncross was nominated for choose natural sciences, speciﬁ cally geology.” enchant and that South Africans don’t realize that they live of prolonged exposure can cause cancer. the Carnegie Museum of Natural History Mouri studied at the University of Algiers challenge me most in a paradise – the people, the climate, and These issues are very widespread especially Carnegie Mineralogical Award in 2002. ✜ and graduated cum laude. As an outstanding of course the unique geology of the country. on the African continent because of its e continued...

34 Summer Edition 2013 35 FA LEFT | Mr Ken Stucke, Senior Lecturer in the faculties Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA) PHOTO | supplied

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complex geology and climate conditions. She is currently supervising two postgraduate students in the fi eld of medical geology. In August this year she was elected Councillor for the International Medical Geology Association (IMGA).The IMGA aims to provide a network and a forum to bring together the combined expertise of geologists and earth scientists, environmental scientists, toxicologists, epidemiologists, medical specialists and biochemists in order to characterise the properties of geological processes and agents, the dispersal of UJ Architecture lecturer wins geological materials and their effects on the at the Eco-Logic Awards human population. In August 2012, Prof Mouri was elected Councillor for the International The University is once again on the forefront of innovation and technology with “Green Architecture” Union of Geological Science (IUGS). Together with her election for IMGA, it shows the interest that Prof Mouri is giving to the two Senior Lecturer in the through the conscious use of their “Green” or environmentally fi elds of Science (Geology and Health). Faculty of Art, Design and consumer spending power. Initiated by responsive design since 2001. Prof Mouri wishes to make a difference by Architecture (FADA), Mr Ken the Enviropaedia and judged by a panel of He has been teaching “Green working together with the medical community Stucke is the winner of this highly respected, environmentally aware Architecture” and complex so that people can be warned if they live in year’s Eco-Innovation award individuals, the awards investigate a range construction technologies to areas where the natural environment can be at the Enviropedia Eco-Logic of products, services and organisations architecture students for more hazardous to their health. Awards, held at the Cradle with a view to recognising and rewarding than a decade. ✜ “There are currently no experts in medical of Humankind. those that have been produced in an eco- geology and in Africa especially it is a Th e Eco-Innovation award, logical manner. FINALISTS IN THE new discipline of science. I am currently sponsored by Standard Bank, The Eco-Logic Awards also CATEGORY INCLUDED: organising the fi rst international symposium was awarded for Mr Stuke’s recognise and reward those individuals, + Coca-Cola on medical geology in Africa, to be held design of House Jones in communities and Municipalities who are + Hemporium + in March 2014. It is so stimulating and Hurlingham – a low-energy making a significant contribution toward Wildlife & Environmental Society of South Africa encouraging that UJ and my colleagues at “Island Home” that is well creating an eco-logically sustainable + Five Star Stoves the Department are supporting me in this integrated into its environment society and environment. + Eco-Health endeavour. I hope that all the departments and able to provide for its own Born in South Africa, Mr Stucke + Biotrans Pole Sleeve ABOVE | House Jones in from the faculty of Science as well as other servicing needs. grew up in Malaysia, England and + Eco-Atlas Hurlingham, Johannesburg faculties at UJ will join and work together in Th e Eco-Logic Awards France, and studied at the University of + GreenAble Projects PHOTOS | supplied order to develop Medical Geology, because have been created to enable the Witwatersrand. He has practiced as + GreenPop I believe this is the only way to make a both individual and company an architect in Botswana, England and + EcoPack difference and to contribute to the well being consumers to participate South Africa, and runs a small boutique of our society.” ✜ in looking aft er our planet architectural practice that has specialised in

36 Summer Edition 2013 37 FA faculties LEFT | UJ has been accredited as one of the best in IT Honours degrees PHOTO | UJ Leading UJ Social Researcher: Social grants solve more power of grant benefi ciaries and their role in securing electoral problems than they may create support for the ANC. Since grant benefi ciaries make up So says Professor Leila Patel, the Director of the Centre for Social a signifi cant percentage of Development in Africa (CSDA), a research centre based at UJ voters, many perceive it to be a vote buying mechanism that is used by the ruling party to win Patel was speaking at the annual “although the share of taxes going to grants mean people are no longer poor, but they support from poor voters.” Helen Joseph Memorial Lecture increased from 11% to 13% since 1996, show that the depth of poverty of poor people The CSDA revealed that in held by the University. social assistance as a percentage of GDP in the country has been reduced. their preliminary fi ndings there During her lecture, Patel revealed fi ndings is at around 3.3%. It seems then that the “Although overall inequality increased is no evidence to support the from a study that the CSDA conducted in grants system does not present a signifi cant between 1993 and 2008,” she says, “grants claim that grant receipt gave June this year. The CSDA study investigated sustainability problem”. do make a difference in reducing inequality. the ANC an electoral edge over the voting behaviour of grant benefi ciaries In fact, explains Patel, the costs to the Without grants, income inequality would be other parties. in Doornkop (Soweto) and Riverlea, both economy in terms of poverty and inequality much larger.” “While some individual poor urban areas with a high grant uptake, would be much higher without the grants. One of the biggest recent issues of benefi ciaries might change which was conducted partly in response to “There is now compelling evidence that contention with regards to grant receipt, their behaviour to access the current popular discourse regarding the the social grants system reduces poverty argues Patel, concerns “the use of a grant that might benefi t effect of social grants in South Africa. irrespective of which poverty lines are used”. state monies and human resources for them fi nancially, this does not “Social grants, it is argued, create perverse Patel points out that the fi gures do not electioneering purposes and the electoral describe the average behaviour incentives, such as buying votes, increasing of benefi ciaries. Respondents teenage pregnancies, discouraging work also did not think that grants seeking and a reluctance to take Anti- were a form of bribery. But, two Retroviral medication in order to access the thirds of all respondents held disability grants,” explains Patel. the view that the handing out of However, says Patel, none of these food parcels before an election UJ retains international accreditation assertions are true. “Teenage pregnancies amounted to vote buying.” for one of the top IT Honours degrees started declining in the fi rst half of the 1990s Patel laments the current and this trend was already under way when discourse surrounding grant UJ becomes the fi rst African university to attain and sustain full, international, the grant was introduced, and researchers benefi ciaries and their voting accreditation for its BSc Honours Information Technology (IT) degree have found that grant benefi ciaries who were patterns, which she says without work were extremely motivated to “represents [grant benefi ciaries] get work and… place a high value on paid as people who are easily In less than a month after making its Chartered Institute for IT’s accreditation panel employment”. swayed by politicians for debut, as one of the world’s top universities to the University earlier this year. Further, Patel identifi es concerns people their own ends. Benefi ciaries (Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University UJ’s BSc Honours IT degree met, above have about the negative impact social grants are not credited with rational Rankings (2013/14)), comes another victory threshold, the education requirements have on the economy. “Social grants have decision making powers and for the University of Johannesburg (UJ), with for Chartered Information Technology increased from 3 million benefi ciaries in 1995 an ability to make rational it being the fi rst African university to attain Professional (CITP) registration for a period to over 16 million today covering almost choices about their lives. and sustain full, international, accreditation of fi ve intakes, from the 2013 intake up to and a third of the population,” she says, “and in These representations of for its BSc Honours Information Technology including the 2017 intake. the debate on fi scal issues, a trade-off is grant benefi ciaries quite (IT) degree. “The international accreditation, not only presented as a choice between grants unknowingly amount to an The BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, highlights the standard of the University’s ABOVE | Professor Leila and jobs”. attack on benefi ciaries and based in London, has accredited UJ’s IT teaching and learning programmes, but also Patel at the annual Helen But is the current social assistance Joseph Memorial Lecture poor people, blaming them honours degree for the third consecutive reflects its Academy of Computer Science system sustainable? “Yes,” says Patel, PHOTO | UJ for their misfortune”. ✜ time. This follows a visit by the BCS, The and Software Engineering’s (ACSSE) drive e continued...

38 Summer Edition 2013 39 FA faculties

e continued... BELOW | Itumeleng UJ and NYDA’s new innovative student Lengana whose business entrepreneurship initiative promises fi nancial to ensure that the University’s graduates idea, Farmers Footprint, are fully equipped to join industry, locally won him the grand prize of support for budding entrepreneurs and internationally. The Academy fortifi es R100 000 PHOTO | Jan Potgieter IT research and strengthens innovation and skills development, which could translate into Th e Vice-Chancellor’s Innovative Yershen Pillay, NYDA Executive obstacles. Th e learning will job creation within the IT industry, which is Business Idea Awards, an initiative Chairperson, says supporting initiatives thus be deeply grounded prioritised in the National Development Plan off ering students with promising business that seek to increase South Africa’s in students’ own lives and driven by Minister in the Presidency, Trevor ideas an opportunity to transform their entrepreneurship culture is part of realities,” says Molotsi. Manuel,” says Professor Elize Ehlers, ACSSE’s ideas into business enterprises, was the NYDA’s activities. “Too oft en self- Molotsi concludes, department head. launched at the Soweto Campus of the employment is seen as the last option “Th is initiative refl ects In 2003, UJ was the fi rst institution University this year. In October UJ’s when the individual cannot fi nd a job, it’s UJ’s commitment to social to achieve the prestigious and exclusive Centre for Small Business Development encouraging to see UJ embarking on such responsibility and highlights BCS accreditation, ahead of any of its (CSBD), in partnership with National an initiative at tertiary education level and the signifi cant role education peers. Subsequent to this achievement the Youth Development Agency (NYDA), we hope that other tertiary institutions will plays in leading change in accreditation was awarded again to UJ’s announced the top ten VC’s Innovative follow suit,” Pilllay indicates. emergent markets which was ACSSE, after meeting the criteria, in 2008. Business Awards at an award ceremony. “Th e purpose of the University in prioritised in the New Growth Currently, UJ is one of two universities, “Students who face a future without entrepreneurship is to nurture young minds Path driven by Economic in South Africa, with BCS, The Chartered prospects of formal employment stand a and talent that must lead our enterprises, Development Minister, Institute for IT accreditation. Other chance to benefi t from this new student communities and state. It is to make it Ebrahim Patel. Th is initiative international universities accredited include entrepreneurial initiative that forms part of possible for nations to thrive and accomplish is a strong launch-pad for the University of Oxford and the University the University’s Centre for Small Business great things,” said UJ Vice-Chancellor student businesses which of Cambridge. Development (CSBD),” says Molotsi Professor Rensburg, while delivering his could have brilliant potential The accreditation, means that UJ students Moipone, the Director of the CSBD. speech at the award ceremony. who successfully complete this degree, can Th e initiative focuses on developing Th e ultimate grand prize of R100 000 join the BCS as professional members and fl edgling student business start-up ideas went to 22-year-old Itumeleng Lengana later achieve the international Chartered and nurturing business skills and life for his business idea Farmers Footprint, a The initiative focuses Information Technology Professional skills in equal measure among UJ students vegetable garden idea that aims to harvest on developing (CITP) status. between the ages of 18 and 35, thus growing scarce vegetables and crops and manufacture fledgling student Says Professor Ehlers on how students future-fi t entrepreneurship. Annually, the vegetables that aren’t in season. “Fortune is can obtain professional status: “Students University will be investing more than when opportunity meets preparedness, the business start-up should complete either the BSc Information R300 000 towards the Awards in order opportunity was presented and the most ideas Technology or the BSc Computer Science to help students ignite the growth of prepared grabbed it with both hands,” and Informatics degree at UJ to obtain entrepreneurship. said Itumeleng. entrance to the BSc Honours Information Participating students submitted their According to Molotsi, budding but face future hurdles. Th ese Technology degree.” business ideas, which were reviewed by a entrepreneurs can benefi t from day-to-day hurdles could be anything Currently more than 80% of the staff at panel of judges that included representatives help and advice and share ideas with other from the lack of understanding the Academy are professional members of from the University’s Vice-Chancellor’s future entrepreneurs. “Students can undergo business concepts that include the BCS with Prof Basie von Solms, head of offi ce, business partners and industry. Th e business idea generation and business intellectual property or UJ and the International Telecommunications student with the best business was awarded planning idea training programmes that company and product law, Union (ITU)’s Centre of Excellence in Cyber the R100 000 cash-prize sponsored by the assist in building both entrepreneurial access to fi nance, pitching Security (CoECS), being a CITP and Fellow NYDA, and second and third place will each acumen and self-confi dence in students. for funding or technical of the BCS. The ITU-UJ Centre of Excellence receive R50 000 and R30 000 respectively. Th is dual emphasis is a key part of the skills that include soft ware in Cyber Security is a dedicated centre that Furthermore, the seven entrants in the top philosophy behind CSBD. We believe development and marketing. acts as a central point for all aspects related ten each received R20 000. Th e prize money that by building self-confi dence alongside One could say we are de- to cyber security and critical information awarded to all entrants must be used for functional skills, our students will be in a risking people who already infrastructure protection in Southern Africa. ✜ business set-up costs. better position to overcome challenging have ideas worth millions.” ✜

40 Summer Edition 2013 41 FA faculties

BELOW | Ms Amanda “I see Uhuru Peak” - climbing Louw and Prof Ihron Rensburg, Vice-Chancellor Kilimanjaro for breast and Principal at UJ A few interesting cancer awareness PHOTO | supplied breast cancer facts

+ 1% of all breast cancers are soon and treatment can be diagnosed in men. minimally invasive. “You are never too old or too foundation’s latest campaign – Pink Peaks. + General statistic show that + Since 2008 220 unfi t to do something exciting They climbed the highest mountain in Africa one in eight women will be mammographers have – I believe life isn’t meant to to show that with the correct preparation, diagnosed with breast cancer qualifi ed at UJ. + be boring!” This statement mental toughness and the will to go on, any during her lifetime. However, Radiography is classifi ed sums up what Amanda Louw, mountain can be conquered. Kilimanjaro was some say that one in 26 as a scarce skill by the women will be diagnosed but Department of Health and a lecturer in radiography and chosen because a challenge was needed this can be due to the fact the Department of Labour mammography at the UJ, is that could (partly) be compared to the that women in poorer, rural (mammography falls under all about. diffi culties that someone faces when he/she areas may not have access radiography, but it is even Amanda climbed Mount is diagnosed with breast cancer. to medical facilities and thus more specialized). There Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in “I fi rst heard about Pink Peaks in February they may not be diagnosed is a constant demand for October this year to raise this year. I always invite the ladies from and treated. more mammographers and awareness and funds for Bosom Buddies (a project of BHF) to come + It is important that all women it is a good career choice for breast cancer treatment. and speak to my students and give a human of 40+ should get regular women. However, women Her work, training future face to mammography. I overheard one of mammograms. Young who want to qualify as mammographers at the the ladies, Rebecca Musi, saying that she had women must do breast self mammographers must be Department of Radiography to get fi t this year to climb Kilimanjaro. This examination when they reach professional, have empathy puberty. This examination and be a good communicator at the University since 2008, is something I have always wanted to do and must bedone on the same because mammography is had put her in touch with the I felt someone from mammography had to day each month. This way such an intimate and often Breast Health Foundation (BHF). be present on this climb. I wrote a motivation abnormalities can be detected emotional procedure. This foundation is a Section letter and luckily I became part of Pink Peaks!” 21 not-for-profi t company that After much mental, physical and was established in April 2002 emotional preparation, the ladies began with the goals of educating the their climb on 8 October and successfully public regarding breast health summited Kilimajaro on the morning an assessment and subsequent sessions the UJ logo must reach the summit. This is to more than 230 000 people in 2012 (keep “I was a single mother for issues and raising funds to of 15 October. with a coach, Leandri de Beer, at the High obviously a big reason why I had to succeed.” in mind that breast cancer is not limited 18 years and I wanted to “I was very excited as I have never Performance Center of UJ gymnasium on The 2013 mammography students at UJ has to women only – 1% of the cancers are show my daughter Ilonka, travelled in Africa before. In fact, I have only the Auckland Park Campus to get me super also donated more than R2 000. diagnosed in men).” who turns 21 this year, that been out of the country once! I think that fi t for the challenge. I also followed my “Most people with access to the media UJ colleagues also helped Amanda with determination nothing is They climbed the is also the biggest challenge for me – the usual routine of running, mountain biking take it for granted that everyone knows prepare herself mentally for the challenge impossible. And also, I did it highest mountain in strangeness of a foreign country and a big and sessions with my personal trainer, about the danger of breast cancer and the of Kilimanjaro. Something that she was for myself. With my daughter Africa to show that mountain. And the temperature fluctuations, Khumo, at a private gym in Melville.” importance of breast self-examinations and especially nervous about was the snow all grown up I now have more we are starting in a tropical rainforest with In preparation, she also took part in the getting early treatment. However, the reality is and cold temperatures on the mountain. time to do things I have always any mountain can be average temperatures of 40 °C and ending on mountain bike race at the Knysna Oyster that a lot of people are uninformed and do not “Dr Leon van Niekerk from the Department dreamed of. Now at last I conquered a mountain peak at -30 °C!” Festival and she jogged regularly at the UJ have access to information. BHF uses their of Psychology was working with me to have the time and energy to Amanda is full of praise for the support Stadium close to her home in Westdene. mobile units (there are currently four but they improve my mental toughness through challenge myself with new she has received from UJ. “I spoke to UJ has also helped Amanda’s cause hope to have 20 within the next fi ve years) to strategies such as chunking, visualisation, adventures. I am also dreaming fi nance educational projects. Professor Wim Hollander at UJ Sport and fi nancially. “Prof Andre Swart, executive provide services to people in rural areas. Two goal setting and deep relaxation. In of climbing the Great Wall Amanda and 14 other Movement Sciences and he was very Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, of these units are active in Gauteng, one in terms of spiritual preparation, I spent of China, walking Santiago ladies with different links enthusiasic about helping with my physical approved a substantial donation towards Kwa-Zulu Natal and one in the Western Cape. much time engaging with the reasons de Compostela in Spain and to BHF formed part of the preparation for the climb. He arranged for the cause with the understanding that Together, these units have provided services why I am taking up the challenge.” exploring Peru.” ✜

42 Summer Edition 2013 43 RT research & teaching

UJ professor appointed Introducing Th e PGA was formally recognised by Executive Committee members will act to the National Senior the University’s registrar, Professor as mentors who share their experiences the 2013 UJ Marie Muller, as a body that would of being a postgraduate student with Certifi cate task team represent postgraduate students at the interested UJ undergraduate students; while Postgraduate UJ Senate. Since its establishment, the at the Postgraduate Symposium the PGA Professor Shireen Motala appointed to Association association was composed of three will present its objectives and activities to serve on the Ministerial Committee postgraduates from the Faculties of the postgraduate student community. Th e (PGA) Science, Health Science and Humanities PGA Executive Committee would like to who were funded by the prestigious Next thank the PGC staff , especially Ms Laura The Minister of Basic Education, Angie Generation Scholars programme. Arnold and Mr Simon Machogo-Sekoto, for ABOVE | Director of the Motshekga, has appointed Professor Shireen The UJ Postgraduate Association (PGA) Postgraduate Centre, was established in 2010 as a non- Th is year the UJ Postgraduate signifi cant developments within the PGA. ✜ Professor Shireen Motala Motala, Director of the Postgraduate Centre political structure which aims to support Association (UJ PGA) grew into a seven PHOTO | supplied of Research, Innovation and Advancement at postgraduates scholastically and socially member committee that aims to connect the University of Johannesburg (UJ) to serve all UJ postgraduate students. Th ree of these on the Ministerial Committee to investigate members will sit at the UJ Senate, the body the current promotion requirements and other responsible for managing the university’s related matters that impact the standard of academic and strategic matters such as how the National Senior Certifi cate. to increase the number of postgraduate students registered at the university. The committee’s mandate is: Th e vision for the 2013 PGA Executive + to investigate all facets of the National Senior Committee as outlined by the Chairperson, Certifi cate and make recommendations on Mr. Vincent Makhubela, is to grow the PGA how the relevant matters can be addressed; + in 2013 by extensive advertising that will to demonstrate to the public that introduce it to all postgraduate students. the DBE is committed to maintaining the credibility of the NSC; and In this way postgraduate students will + to improve public perception of, and confi dence understand that the PGA is a platform for in, the National Senior Certifi cate qualifi cation. them to express their grievances, share their achievements, promote peer learning, and The membership of a ministerial committee encourage inter-disciplinary research. to oversee the fi nalisation of the curriculum As part of the marketing of the PGA, we and assessment policy statements for are going to host inter-campus roadshows technical schools has been announced in and two social networking events. Th ese terms of the National Education Policy Act social networking events will allow all (1996).The committee is also mandated to postgraduates students, especially those advise the Minister of Basic Education on from other universities the opportunity to other strategic matters. make friends and relieve their academic The eleven member committee includes stress. Th e PGA will, in future, also representatives from the Department of RIGHT | The PGA be an important presence at several Education, the Engineering Council of Executive Committee Postgraduate Centre (PGC) events such South Africa, University of Witwatersrand, with Prof Shireen Motala as the Postgraduate Awareness Week and the Independent Examinations Board and (centre), Director of the Postgraduate Centre the Postgraduate Symposium. During the the South African Agency for Science and PHOTO | supplied Postgraduate Awareness Week, the PGA Technology Advancement. ✜

44 Summer Edition 2013 45 RT research & teaching

Measures of support see ﬁ rst year student retention rate climb at UJ

The University recently reported steadily increasing retention of ﬁ rst year students, the result of a series of initiatives to reduce the institution’s drop-out rate

LEFT | Madibeng increasingly diversifi ed, coming from a range programme with an accent Building, UJ Auckland of cultures and an assortment of educational on students mentoring fellow Park Kingsway Campus backgrounds with irregular standards. students. Called the First Year RIGHT | UJ Auckland Park Kingsway Campus “Universally students are often victims Experience (FYE) programme, of poor articulation between secondary it was introduced in 2010. “Its and tertiary education, suffer a lack of elements are not new, but preparedness for university life and are poorly have been re-energised with informed on university programmes,” she intensifi ed staff focus and comments. Viewing tertiary study in the main greater student awareness,” as a means to a job, they often select courses states Motsabi. inappropriate to their abilities. While academic failure is a signifi cant cause of fi rst year dropout, in South Africa fi nancial diffi culties loom large in the minds From 2010 to 2013 a of new students. UJ’s own statistics show that students on grants regularly outperform total of 51 academic those who are non-funded; the gap in staff completed success rates is now over 5%. It is of major their studies and concern to local universities that bodies such as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme graduated are needing to support an increasing number of university entrants. FYE offers academic skills As in all multicultural communities, reinforcement through an socio-cultural issues also come into play. Academic Development Centre In 2012, the university recorded an improved South African universities have experienced and psycho-social assistance fi rst year success rate of 80%, up from a sea-change in demographics in the last through the university’s Centre 75.6% in 2011. decade - UJ’s student body is now 75% black, for Psychological Services and High fi rst year attrition is a serious problem with some 60%-65% being fi rst generation Career Development (PsyCaD). faced by most universities across South university scholars under enormous In addition the university’s Africa. Stats from The Council on Higher pressure to succeed. Tertiary institutions Management Executive Education reveal that between 2005 and 2010, also faced considerable adjustment with the Committee has recently 46% of students enrolled in 3-5 year degrees at introduction of the National Senior Certifi cate approved substantial strategic South African universities left their educational (NSC) matriculation in 2006, when student funding to further develop the institution without graduating. numbers spiked dramatically as a result of tutor programme. Far from being a South African more learners than anticipated qualifying for Essentially teaching problem however, fi rst year drop-out is a university entrance. assistants, the 1 285 tutors are an international concern. UJ academic, Recognising the need for a multi- an interface between students LEFT | UJ Doornfontein Campus Soraya Motsabi, explains that student pronged approach, UJ’s response has been and teaching staff. Selected PHOTOS | UJ populations at universities worldwide are holisitic, a part-academic, part-psychosocial from third-year year level e continued...

46 Summer Edition 2013 47 RT research & teaching

e continued...

and up, they do well academically, are good communicators and able to identify students BELOW CLOCKWISE | Prof needing help. They receive intensive training UJ Researchers Shine at John Maina, Prof Thad and professional supervision, in turn gaining a NRF's 28th Annual Awards Metz, Prof Hendrik Ferreira set of skills that hone their potential as future and Prof Alex Broadbent academic staff. PHOTOS | Jan Potgieter, Collen Maepa, supplied In similar vein, UJ introduced academic Four top-notch University of awarded to a young researcher advisors in university residences and approved Johannesburg (UJ) researchers who, on the basis of exceptional RIGHT | This last series Staff Qualifi cation Programme of graduation ceremonies off-campus accommodation facilities. Under received the highest honours potential demonstrated in saw some of UJ’s demonstrates successes of the Academic Excellence Programme, the National Research their published doctoral work academic staff also 250 student advisors are serving 2 000 fi rst Foundation (NRF) can bestow and research outputs in their being conferred with their postgraduate study initiative degrees years in 25 residences. in its highly prestigious rating early post-doctoral career, is ILLUSTRATION | Shutterstock According to Professor Elizabeth de Kadt, system for researchers. considered likely to become a This last series of graduation ceremonies saw some of UJ’s academic staff also being Executive Director: Academic Development, the Professors Hendrik future international leader in conferred with their degrees for having completed their masters and doctoral studies. university is further refi ning Safenet, an early Ferreira from the Faculty of his or her fi eld. risk identifi cation system that enables students Engineering and the Built Th ese brilliant colleagues in danger of failing to be red-flagged as early as Environment, John Maina make us proud as they blaze a their fourth week of study. from the Faculty of Science, trail for fellow UJ researchers Thousands of students at UJ who have during this series of graduation ceremonies, De Kadt explains that student selection and Th addeus Metz from the to follow. Th e University embraced the fruits of their academic labour, 879 were undergraduates and 283 were at has also been improved in some Faculties Faculty of Humanities each has put in place all the descended upon Kingsway Campus in postgraduate level. Apart from the 25 doctoral by careful consideration of the National received A2 ratings, while Prof elements that make UJ the Auckland Park, with their gowns during the degrees awarded, 112 honours degrees and Benchmark Tests, undertaken by matriculants. Alex Broadbent was P-rated. premier space for research last series of graduation ceremonies of the 146 masters’ degrees were also conferred. “The tests, commissioned by Higher Education Th e NRF defi nes an A-rated and innovation – world-class University during the last term. The high number of masters’ and South Africa (HESA), can be a good indicator researcher as a researcher who laboratories, a top-class library, This last series of graduation ceremonies doctoral students who graduated proves of students likely to require fi rst year support, is unequivocally recognised research funding, a vibrant saw some of UJ’s academic staff also being that by establishing the programme UJ is and suggestive of fi eld of study placement,” by their peers as a leading community of postgraduate conferred with their degrees for having moving in the right direction in encouraging she said. “An ongoing challenge,” she says, international scholar in their students, postdoctoral fellows completed their masters and doctoral both staff and students to pursue even “is getting student to register, not only for the fi eld for the high quality and and visiting scholars from studies. This is, in part, the results of the higher qualifications following their appropriate qualifi cation but also at the right impact of their recent research across the globe, to mention Staff Qualifi cation Programme (SQP), which undergraduate studies. level ie mainstream or extended curriculum.” outputs. Similarly, a P rating is but a few. ✜ was implemented in late 2009, to encourage From 2010 to 2013 a total of 51 academic Bridging measures have also been put into academic staff without masters’ and doctoral staff, enrolled in the SQP-M within the place at high school level. One step is the degrees to study further. The SQP is split various faculties, completed their studies and introduction of a self-guided workbook to assist into two, with one programme offered to graduated. A total number of 22 academic school leavers in registering for appropriate academic staff with honours qualifi cations staff, enrolled in the SQP-D also within the qualifi cations, while outreach programmes to study toward a masters’ degree (SQP–M), various faculties, completed their doctoral at the university’s Soweto campus have seen and the other offered to those with a masters’ degree and graduated in 2012 and 2013. Grade 11 learners trained in career advice, to study for a doctoral qualifi cation (SQP-D). This highlights the programme’s success offering benefi cial information to their peers. The fi nal series of graduation ceremonies in encouraging postgraduate and research Most local universities have support is one which sees fewer graduates getting studies at the University, which will ultimately programmes, but they are poorly funded and capped, with the majority of students result in improved teaching and learning, students often do not know where to fi nd them. having been conferred during the Autumn higher research output and a postgraduate In the face of increasing demand for tertiary ceremonies. More than 1 160 students were student complement that produces concrete education (UJ’s applications for 2014 already rewarded for the successful completion of results, further entrenching UJ’s position as count 10 000 more than last year), the pressure their studies. Of the graduates who received a competitive and accessible institution of to overturn fi rst-year drop-out will amplify. ✜ recognition for their academic achievements global excellence and stature. ✜

48 Summer Edition 2013 49 S N sports news

Visser and McCann scoop top honours at UJ Sports Awards

South African long-jump champion Zarck Visser and international rowing gold medallist Kirsten McCann were named Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year at this year’s UJ’s gala sports awards ceremony

ABOVE | Kirsten McCann

PHOTO e continued... | supplied 51 S N sports news

UJ’s ladies football team overcame UJ ladies a lacklustre early season to claim the inaugural championship title in the Varsity crowned Football series in Pretoria on Monday night. inauugral Th e UJ women put in a commanding Varsity performance to claim a 6-0 victory over tournament favourites Tshwane University Football of Technology (TUT). Th e current USSA national club champs champions, TUT, were caught off -guard by a strong midfi eld attack, which was RIGHT | Zarck Visse PHOTO | supplied

spearheaded by UJ’s national e continued... players Amanda Dlamini, Presocious Matabologa and Visser, who won the IAAF championships in Kazan, Russia, in July. Maphuti Manamela. Diamond League meeting in McCann, 25, followed this up with an eighth According to UJ football Switzerland in August, was place at the senior world championships. She manager Joel Kgokong, the institution’s standout male also added to her medal tally with gold and the home team had performer. His season’s best silver at the senior national champs. underestimated his side, which jump of 8.32m, achieved at that Another big winner on the night was has won the Gauteng student meeting, saw the 24-year-old Student-Athlete of the Year Marco Becker, league for the past fi ve seasons. move into fi fth spot on the IAAF who delivered UJ’s best combination of “Our game plan was to rankings. Aside from defending academic and sporting achievements. The control the midfi eld, eliminate his national title, the third-year biokinetics honours students scored a 76 the wingers and play two transport management student per cent average with 28 distinctions over strikers in the middle, who also jumped his way to gold his four years of study. He also captained the could easily penetrate the fl at for UJ in the inaugural Varsity Namibian men’s squash team and is ranked as four defenders,” said Kgokong. Athletics series earlier this year. Namibia’s number one senior player. UJ overcame a sluggish In the women’s category, In the club category, for non-students, UP-Tuks side 2-0, while TUT McCann was awarded the wheelchair tennis player Lucas Sithole was trounced the University of the university’s top accolade for named Sportsperson of the Year.In August, Limpopo 4-0 in their march to a second year in a row. The Sithole became the fi rst African to win the US the fi nals. ✜ third-year Bachelor of Science Open singles title after taking the British Open student secured the honours title the previous month. He also reached ABOVE | UJ Ladies Football team with with her lightweight single sculls the fi nals of the Daegu and Swiss Open Professor Ihron Rensburg, TOP | The UJ Women victory at the world student championships this year. ✜ Mr Jaco Van Schoor and football with their Mr Wim Hollander championship trophy PHOTO | UJ PHOTO | supplied 52 Summer Edition 2013 53 A C arts & culture

UJ becomes new home for Johannesburg Youth Orchestra Company

The Johannesburg Youth Orchestra Company (JYOC) is a resident company of the University of Johannesburg (UJ) following the recent signing of a three-way agreement between the University, JYOC Visual Art and the POPCRU Group of Companies (PGC) exhibition: SPI National “Th rough giving young signifi cant refurbishment to make it fi t for It is extraordinary and people opportunities to learn, purpose and earlier this year, Workerslife, extremely encouraging Portrait Award create and participate in music a subsidiary of the PGC, was secured as that a company like the making, the Johannesburg the anchor donor for the refurbishment, PGC recognises the exhibition Youth Orchestra b suilds pledging a total of R3 million to complete value of investing in young people’s internal the project. JYOC which ultimately Excitement was mounting in the capacity to reach their “Th is is truly a dream realised,” said creates the space for us Northern provinces as the Sanlam potential. JYOC forms an CEO of JYOC, Susan Rendall, who to continue changing Private Investments (SPI) National Portrait Award exhibition with works integral part of the UJ Arts & acknowledged Swift for his role in brokering lives. Th e JYOC wishes by the selected top 40 portrait artists Culture music programme, the relationship with UJ saying: “Kerry to express its deepest was about to be opened at the UJ Art underscoring the development dreamed this dream a long time ago. Th e gratitude to PGC and to Gallery on 23 October 2013 agenda at the core of all our timing could not have been better in terms UJ for their respective, work,” said Executive Director of the life of JYOC and the integration generous and signifi cant of UJ’s Division of Institutional with UJ Arts & Culture, especially contributions to this Advancement, Mr Kerry Swift . given the precarious economic climate. exciting development.” ✜ Since its inception in 1998, the JYOC has been based at the Wits School of Education in Parktown. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UJ in 2012 saw JYOC Through giving young people appointed as a resident opportunities to learn, create and company of the UJ Arts & Culture and they were participate in music making, the allocated premises for their Johannesburg Youth Orchestra exclusive use on UJ’s Bunting builds young people’s internal Road Campus in Auckland Park. Th e building, formerly capacity to reach their potential a hostel kitchen, required

54 Summer Edition 2013 ABOVE | Modern Youth 55 PHOTO | Ashley Bothma A C arts & culture

LEFT | Desmond Tutu PHOTO | Eleanor Turvey

This award initiated by Sanlam Private adjudicators have had extensive experience Investments in collaboration with the Rust- in making art, teaching and serving as en-Vrede Gallery in Durbanville in 2012 adjudicators on other competitions. This, attracted an unanticipated 1783 entries by combined with their personal experiences and 1200 artists for the fi nal adjudication earlier current active practice provided for a suitable in 2013. combination of insights that undoubtedly A prize of R 100 000.00 was awarded contributed to the selection of a deserving to Heather Gourlay-Conyngham. Born in award winner. Durban in 1956, Gourlay-Conyngham now lives in Hilton in the midlands of KwaZulu- Natal. She has worked as an art teacher and painter since graduating with a BA Fine Arts There has been enough from the University of Natal in 1978 and a common understanding Higher Education Diploma in 1980 from the of the principle of what University of South Africa. Her paintings a “portrait” entails that focus primarily on the human form. made for an exciting and Modeled on the London based National animated process of Portrait Gallery, BP Portrait Award, the selecting the 40 works competition invited entries in any medium for exhibition with the exclusion of lens based media such photography, television and fi lm. There has been enough common The convener of the panel, Stefan Hundt, understanding of the principle of what a curator of the Sanlam Art Collection and “portrait” entails that made for an exciting and Head: Sanlam Private Investments Art animated process of selecting the 40 works Advisory Service commended the judges for for exhibition and to adjudicate which work their “exceptional dedication in making a very was worthy of the award. diffi cult decision, given the large number of The independent panel of three entries received”. adjudicators consisted of Hayden Proud, The national touring exhibition can curator for Historical Painting and Sculptures was showcased at the UJ Art Gallery at the Iziko SA National Gallery in Cape Town, from 23 October to 13 November, and can Vulindlela Nyoni, a lecturer in printmaking still be seen at Stephan Welz & Co at the at the University of Stellenbosch, and artist Alphen Estate in Constantia, Cape Town, and art teacher Susanne du Toit. Du Toit from 26 November to 10 January 2014. recently scooped the prestigious 2013 BP It will be hosted by the KwaZulu-Natal Portrait Award in the United Kingdom. All the Society of Arts during April 2014. ✜ A C arts & culture

ABOVE | Mamphela RIGHT | Face of Xhosa – Ramphele My Forefathers PHOTO | Tamlin Blake PHOTO | Anathi Tyawa

58 Summer Edition 2013 A C arts & culture

LEFT | Lullaby RIGHT | A Young Man PHOTO | Anita Sent PHOTO | Heather Gourlay- Conyngham

60 Summer Edition 2013 A C arts & culture

RIGHT | Ms Tshegofatso Phage Seated PHOTO | Nicholas Allen

BELOW | Mom Sleeping PHOTO | Heather Gourlay- Conyngham

62 Summer Edition 2013 OP opinion

Should UJ confer degree on Obama?

Prof Chris Landsberg Prof Farid Esack

A handful of members of the University of Awarding an honorary doctorate to a person Johannesburg (UJ) senate have started to by an institution of higher learning is a publicly comment selectively and untruthfully prestigious symbol which honours the person on confi dential discussions which recently for their contribution to a particular academic took place in that important body regarding a fi eld or, more generally, for their work and proposal to confer an honorary doctorate on accomplishment in one or more areas US President Barack Obama. relating to the world and humanity. They are not only violating the rules of the It is also a reflection on the institution senate and the university, but through their awarding the honour. unfounded allegations, they are in fact casting Those honoured reflect the values of the aspersions on important university processes. institution, its moral compass and its ability These colleagues are displaying a to ensure that it honours and aligns itself with shocking disdain for their institution. Their those who support justice, equality, freedom allegations include suggestions, insinuations and a just peace. and innuendo to the effect that there has But the UJ senate and council decision been no consultation, and that there is to award Obama an honorary degree is both widespread dissent, deep divisions and even deeply disappointing and insulting to the rich the “rigging” of voting processes. tradition of struggle for justice, equality and My intention in this piece is not to dignify freedom in South Africa. A handful of members of the University of these spurious allegations with a response. It sullies the reputation that the university The University of Johannesburg (UJ) Johannesburg (UJ) senate have started Rather, as a member of the senate, I wish to earned when, in 2010, it became the fi rst one has just dealt a signifi cant blow to its to publicly comment selectively and defend not just the integrity of the senate and in the world to break off ties with an Israeli reputation among human rights activists untruthfully on confi dential discussions its members, but all relevant UJ institutions university because of the latter’s support and progressive academics by deciding which recently took place in that and processes relating to honorary degrees. for Israeli apartheid and the occupation of to award Barack Obama an honorary important body regarding a proposal I wish to state unequivocally that my Palestinian land. doctorate in law to confer an honorary doctorate on US respect for the senate, legitimate UJ The argument made by some of its President Barack Obama processes, the UJ leadership and council is academics that the award was made to solid and intact. To this end I wish to briefly Obama and not to the US regime was absurd. outline and highlight key aspects of UJ It can be compared to honouring FW de policies, processes and procedures when it Klerk because he was a much nicer man than comes to deciding whether or not to award PW Botha and that De Klerk, rather than his an honorary degree. apartheid regime, was being honoured. The awarding of honorary degrees at Under Obama, the number of US- UJ is tightly regulated, ethically founded, drone attacks and extrajudicial killings process-driven and governed by a strict and in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen and meticulous set of policy guidelines. Somalia has risen dramatically, in clear ABOVE | Prof Chris ABOVE | Prof Farid Esack Landsberg All nominations for honorary degrees violation of the international law prohibiting PHOTO | Jan Potgieter PHOTO | Jan Potgieter are submitted to a joint Council and Senate extrajudicial killings.

e continued... e continued...

64 Summer Edition 2013 65 OP opinion Section head

e continued... Prof Chris Landsberg e continued... Prof Farid Esack

Honorary Degrees Committee (HDC) – a strictly to all nominees for honorary degrees such as the proposal to offer an He has perfected the presidential use of drone attacks, many Red Scare – and, over the years since, committee consisting of, among others, at UJ, Barack Obama included. The relevant honorary doctorate to Obama. art of reducing war to drone strikes appear to have been either imprison several other “enemies” of elected representatives of the senate, the UJ policy stipulates specifi c criteria for It seems that having mechanical acts of murder directly co-ordinated by the CIA – effectively the government. chair of council, the principal and vice- candidates deemed worthy of consideration “predicted” that the university by computer games. rendering it a paramilitary group outside All previous US presidents combined chancellor, three deputy vice-chancellors, the for honorary degrees. Briefly stated, these would be split by the mere The administration has of direct congressional oversight – or a had only charged three individuals registrar, executive deans and at least three criteria include outstanding intellectual discussion of the candidacy also employed drones in secretive military unit known as Joint Special under the provisions of this law. members of council. Only candidates who contributions and outstanding contributions of Obama for an honorary increasingly repugnant ways Operations Command, which itself appears to But of the six individuals charged by receive unanimous support in the HDC will in public life aligned to the UJ vision, as well doctorate in relevant university including in “signature strikes”, co-ordinate strikes with the CIA. Obama’s Justice Department, one be referred to the next set of structures for as distinctive social achievement. structures and in accordance which choose targets based on Despite paying regular lip service to his revealed information regarding potential further consultation and indication of support From the processes and policy guidelines with due processes, this handful computer-detected patterns of desire to close the Guantanamo Bay prison fi nancial mismanagement at the or disapproval. outlined, it becomes clear that those alleging of colleagues (as reported behaviour rather than specifi c, facility, Obama’s administration has, in fact, National Security Agency, two revealed lack of consultation are either wilfully in some media) have had to corroborated information. continued the practice of indefi nite detention. information on potentially illegal abuses ignorant of due process or in all likelihood follow up on their “predictions” The vast majority of the The Guantanamo prison currently holds of civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan simply mischievous. In fact, the high and by engaging in all manner of more than 4 000 people who more than 150 detainees, most of whom have by the US military, and two revealed We all must learn to stringent candidate approval thresholds activities aimed at sowing and have been killed in these drone never been formally charged with a crime. information they believed might help set for all key committees in the honorary fomenting (or at least projecting) attacks are innocent civilians Some of them entered there when they prevent a US invasion of Iran. live with legitimate degrees process cannot be met without the divisions they “predicted”. and the others are alleged were 13 years old and the oldest prisoner was democratic outcomes. vigorous debate. This appears, therefore, to have “terrorists” or “militants”. incarcerated in his 70s. Those who have failed It has also been alleged by one or two been a self-fulfi lling prophecy. Democracies which affi rm That was 12 years ago – how can anyone members of the senate that the proposal The right thing for all of us to the rule of law always refer to with a pretence to the values of freedom and Now, UJ, an institution to make persuasive for the possible awarding of an honorary do is to await the fi nalisation of “alleged” criminals until they are democracy hold anyone in detention without arguments should doctorate to Obama was either deliberately that process and to respect the judged otherwise in a court access to a fair trial for so long? that appears to have not only accept but brought late into the agenda of the senate or fi nal outcome. of law. What a justly deserved outcry apartheid forged a new path forced on to it. We all must learn to live And yet here, Obama has set South Africa received when in the name of of progress, equality also defend the fi nal Without seeking to violate the integrity with legitimate democratic himself up as accuser, detective, security it introduced detention without trial outcomes and confi dentiality of the senate’s outcomes, even they go against protector, judge and executioner for periods of up to 90 days. and justice from its discussions, it must be said that these our wishes. Those who have of a country that maintains In recent months, as a number of those racist and oppressive allegations are completely unfounded. failed to make persuasive military bases in 60 countries. imprisoned in Guantanamo Bay have initiated foundations, has opted The support of the senate is, for example, Anybody familiar with normal (university) arguments and to thereby And now he is being a hunger strike to protest against their only considered to be suffi cient if at least committee processes will be familiar with garner the necessary support honoured because he is the fi rst detention, the Obama administration has to confer an honour on two-thirds of the senate members in the notion of supplementary agenda items inside legitimate structures coloured man to get into the approved repeated force-feeding, in violation a person who does not attendance at a quorate sitting of the senate – urgent and important items which due should not only accept but also position to so? of the Geneva Conventions. vote (by means of a secret ballot) in favour to various reasons are brought late into the defend the fi nal outcomes. It Moreover, the Obama In June 2013, the Obama administration personify any of these of a candidate. Note that the senate, which agenda of a meeting. cannot be right for colleagues administration has employed revealed for the fi rst time that there are 46 noble ideals comprises primarily senior academics, also It is conceivable that the proposal to offer who are privileged members misleading techniques for detainees it plans to hold indefi nitely without trial. includes SRC and council representatives. Obama an honorary degree may have been of authoritative university counting drone fatalities – Since the inception of the non-civilian Furthermore, the UJ council will only one of the supplementary agenda items. The structures to risk bringing the seemingly in order to obscure military tribunal at Guantanamo Bay, only Now, UJ, an institution that appears to consider the possible approval of the late inclusion of supplementary agenda items university into disrepute, by the actual collateral damage seven convictions have been handed down have forged a new path of progress, conferment of an honorary degree if at least is standard and accepted practice. going outside of the legitimate inflicted by these ostensibly and fi ve of those have been overturned on equality and justice from its racist and 80 percent of its members present in a In any case, when a supplementary structures with unfounded “surgical” strikes. appeal in federal district courts. None has oppressive foundations, has opted to quorate meeting vote in favour. agenda item is of unusual or great allegations simply because The administration has been upheld on appeal. confer an honour on a person who does It must also be noted that students are signifi cance, members will discuss and they did not get their way. ✜ automatically defi ned males Obama’s Justice Department has charged not personify any of these noble ideals. represented in the council. The council, although deliberate – sometimes even vote – on of a certain age as “enemy six individuals with leaking “classifi ed The UJ community and all those primarily comprising external experts, includes whether it should be included or not before Prof Chris Landsberg is the combatants” for purposes of information” under the Espionage Act of who value justice must rise against elected representatives from the senate, adding or removing it from the agenda. incumbent of the SARChi Chair: death-toll tallying. 1917, a law enacted shortly after the US entry this retrogressive move. ✜ African Diplomacy and Foreign academic staff who are not full professors, non- This would have been the route followed at Before his May 2013 into World War I to prevent the government Policy, Faculty of Humanities; academic staff as well as the SRC. the senate in deciding on the inclusion or and Senior Associate, UJ announcement on new interfering in military operations, and later Prof Farid Esack is the head of the The processes described above apply exclusion of a supplementary agenda item School of Leadership. policies supposedly limiting used to threaten labour leaders during the Department of Religion Studies at UJ.

66 Summer Edition 2013 67