ThethaAlumni & Friends Magazine, February 2020

Choir 25 yrs

Amalaphu Obulumko Celebrating a decade of isiXhosa doctorates Footprints in the Sand Tracking our clever ancestors

New Medical School Striding Ahead 4 Offering health, hands and hope

“It’s a privilege to give the people of South Africa hope.” These words by Springbok rugby coach, Rassie Erasmus, were in response to questions about the pressure being placed on the 15 players and support team to bring home the William Webb Ellis Rugby World Cup trophy. This is as it is, and must be, for Nelson Mandela University – a privilege to offer hope of a better life, not only for our students and staff, but all those we seek to serve in living the legacy of our namesake, Nelson Mandela. Our innovative new medical programme, which we are confident will become a reality in 2021, is a tangible example of our privileged role as an institution of higher learning in seeking solutions to the challenges that confront our society. We’re proud of our primary-based, preventative education model, inspired by Cuba’s health 62 care success story, because of its relevance for our own South African health care needs. This is also why we chose Missionvale Campus in its under-resourced surrounds as home to the country’s 10th – and long-awaited - medical school. As we pioneer this health model of the future, a team of international researchers is uncovering the secrets of the pioneers of the past at Pinnacle Point near Mossel Bay. Their findings indicate that it was here that the cradle of human culture as a species – our innovative ancestors – began. The privilege of serving through our learning, teaching, 20 10 research and engagement is further captured through the CONTENTS University’s hearts and hands with our “architects for public good”, groundbreaking research into outer space and the New Medical School striding Ahead 4 Art against plastic 44 creative zeal and drive of individual staff, students and For the common good 10 Policing our seas 46 alumni to make the world a better place in their various spheres of life. 2019 Alumni Awards 13 Sea warrior 50 First-year fashion student Luke Rudman visually jolts us The important role of the Alumni Association 17 Growing in popularity 54 to tread more softly with his recycled designs, Professor Jean Greyling takes his TANKS into the townships, Footprints in the sand 20 Chasing the clock 58 introducing children to the world of coding, and alumnus The earliest sand art 22 Nature study 60 Unathi Lutshaba enlightens us as to the value of the creative economy. For the people, by the people 24 Our language of inclusivity 62 Each, and many others featured in this, our third edition Woman of steel shows her mettle 28 Observing the stars in our cultural economy 67 of Thetha, like Auditor-General Kimi Makwethu and Nelson Mandela Foundation head and alumnus Judy Sikuza, offers 30 71 Knowing yourself The value of ‘waste’ us hope. Faculty’s PgA success 32 Fledgling student society set to fly high 72 And so too for our institution. Nelson Mandela University, like our Springbok rugby team, has a Labour law at coalface of change 34 Trailblazing space research benefiting responsibility far beyond its lecture halls and research Turning maths into a masterpiece 36 emerging markets 73 laboratories, to try to overcome the many challenges of this country. We remain confident that by working together Taking coding to kids 38 Simple device a game-changer for patients 74 (#strongertogether) we can do so because we all know, A song for all seasons 40 to quote Nelson Mandela “that education, more than anything else, improves our chances of building better lives”. Publisher: Paul Geswindt Editor: Debbie Derry PO Box 77000, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, 6031 Sub-editors: Beth Cooper Howell and Gill McAinsh It must be our privilege to do so. T +27 41 504 3935 Writers: Nicky Willemse, Cathy Dippnall, Heather Dugmore, Lize Hayward, E [email protected] Full Stop Communications, Debbie Derry, Gill McAinsh, Sam Venter Debbie Derry Production: Lyndall Sa Joe-Derrocks Editor Design: Juliana Jangara Photography: Leonette Bower. Many thanks to all who contributed images 40 to this publication alumni.mandela.ac.za February 2020 | mandela.ac.za | 3 TOP STORY TOP STORY

Professor Fikile Nomvete, the new Director of the Medical Programme, checks out the new anatomage table, the only one of its kind in South Africa, that will used as a NEW virtual cadaver for medical students. MEDICAL SCHOOL Striding Ahead

Port Elizabeth has been waiting for a medical school since 1946. It’s a giant boost for both public health and the local economy, writes Heather Dugmore.

“When I am at the Missionvale Cape, the National Department of Under construction Campus standing in one of our Health and the Department of Higher Multiple teams and stakeholders are The Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Professor Lungile Pepeta medical school lecture halls, I almost Education and Training (DHET). working around the clock to fulfil the (right), is a paediatric cardiologist and a fellow of the College of Paediatricians don’t believe that we have come this “The full funding required from complex requirements of a medical of South Africa (FC. Paed. (SA)), Colleges of Medicine of South Africa. He is far,” says the Executive Dean of the the DHET was not available and institution. also a fellow of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions Faculty of Health Sciences, Professor we were advised to phase in the These include lecture halls, a from the United States of America (FSCAI (USA)). Lungile Pepeta. facilities. We had to think about this skills laboratory for second to final- The Faculty of Health Sciences currently has about 4000 students “It’s been very intense, and we carefully, as a whole lot of facilities year students, and basic science in ten departments, namely: Dietetics, Emergency Medical Care, have worked incessantly to get the are non-negotiable if you are to laboratories for physics, chemistry, Environmental Health, Human Movement Sciences, Medical Laboratory accreditation for a medical school launch a fully operational medical physiology and anatomy. There Sciences, Nursing Sciences, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Development at Nelson Mandela University school. will be over 60 offices for medical Professions, and Radiography. approved. We have also had to “That’s when the idea of staff members on the Missionvale All Faculty of Health Sciences departments work together in secure support from numerous repurposing the Missionvale Campus, as well as new spaces a transdisciplinary manner through the Integrated Transformative stakeholders, including the Eastern buildings was born – these would created for the medical school at Professional Education (ITPE) platform with the theme: Transforming Cape Department of Health, the meet the needs of our medical nearby Dora Nginza hospital and the health sciences education to support equity in health. Office of the Premier of the Eastern school.” associated clinics.

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“We deliberately chose the Missionvale Campus for our medical school, the 10th in South Africa, Cuba and the four because it is in the township areas of Missionvale and Zwide, populated pillars of medicine by working class, unemployed and financially strapped communities,” Prof Pepeta explains. “Our medical school model is unique in South Africa, and we “Missionvale Campus was have incorporated some of the best elements from the Cuban originally part of the old Vista medical training model for our medical school programme,” University, built for black people says Prof Pepeta. during the apartheid years. Situating “It’s a comprehensive approach to medicine that focuses the medical school here, as well as equally on the four pillars of medicine − disease prevention, our extended programme for nursing health promotion, treatment and rehabilitative medicine. science and emergency medical care The system produces well-rounded (comprehensive) general programme, is all about committing physicians, appropriately trained for South Africans’ medical to proper healthcare for all our and health needs. They are trained to practise in diverse communities, and contributing to communities − from the cities to the deep rural areas.” urban renewal and development.” Prof Pepeta says that he was initially sceptical about this Before the University can approach until he visited Cuba and experienced, first-hand, the open applications for the six-year “quality and appropriateness of their comprehensive medical MBChB degree starting in 2021, training for our country’s needs.” the curriculum, along with the While South Africa is recognised for training world-class infrastructure and equipment to healthcare practitioners – and it’s important to maintain our high support the programme, must be standards – it is also crucial to introduce new, population-wide approved following a site visit by the approaches to health, he explains. Health Professions Council of South The efficiency and professionalism of Cuba’s system speaks Africa (HPCSA) and the Council on for itself in that country’s health statistics: life expectancy in Higher Education (CHE). Cuba for the population is ±80 years while ours stands at ±60 years; infant mortality is two per 1000; ours is soaring at 30 – 40 New blood per 1000. Medical students will be selected for In Cuba, 80% of medical practitioners are comprehensive the first MBChB cohort in 2021. or specialist family physicians and only 20% are specialists in “Our first choice will be Eastern other areas of medicine or are super specialists. In South Africa, Cape matriculants with a pass rate of it is the reverse, with many in private practice or emigrating 60% and over, and we require maths, overseas. physical science, life science and The Cuban system laid the foundation for top specialists English,” says Prof Pepeta. such as Dr Khanyisa Makamba, who was among the first cohort “BSc students wanting to switch of South Africans to be trained in Cuba from 2012, and who over to medicine must have a pass team are receiving many CVs from all and coordinators for the Distributive once the medical school is up and subsequently went on to specialise in urology in South Africa. rate of 60% and over.” over South Africa and internationally. Training Platform. All the clinicians at running.” He adds that 60% of matric “People at all levels are wanting the provincial hospitals in the Nelson How did Cuba get it right? admissions will be from non-fee to be part of our new medical school, Mandela Metro – Livingstone, Dora Health for all Prof Pepeta explains: “Through their comprehensive healthcare paying schools (Quintile 1-3), and and many have said they are keen to Nginza and Port Elizabeth Provincial “We are training medical system, based on the four levels of care, everyone in the there will be an 80% direct admission move to Port Elizabeth. Our staffing – and private hospitals, are extremely practitioners to be fit for purpose – health system focuses on advancing health rather than only from schools with 20% from needs are considerable. The basic excited about the medical school, to practise and treat people in all our on treating disease. Home-based care and local clinics are universities. sciences alone require more than 60 says Prof Pepeta. communities,” says Prof Pepeta. efficiently aligned to polyclinics or what we call community The school will also accept as staff.” The government is also “From first year to the final year health centres. many as possible of the Cuban- The Director: Medical working on upgrading the wards, of this six-year degree, our students “One community health worker looks after about 50 trained South African medical Programme has been appointed pharmacies and outpatient facilities will train in communities in the urban households in their community, and they know every single students returning each year. These and started on 1 October 2019. He at Livingstone and Dora Nginza, and and peri-urban environment in person’s health status, disease status, medication, the names undergraduates study medicine in is Professor Mfanufikile Nomvete, a a new catheterisation laboratory the metro, and in district hospitals of the pills, and whether they are running out. They educate Cuba and complete their sixth year in gastroenterologist from Livingstone for diagnostic imaging of heart in the Eastern Cape, including the patients about their health, their disease condition and South Africa. Hospital and former head of its conditions is being installed and due Cradock, Graaff-Reinet, Makhanda the medication they are taking. They work with a team of “We will train them here for their Internal Medicine Department. for completion at PE Provincial early (Grahamstown) and Humansdorp. health professionals, from doctors to physiotherapists to final year and employ them in the The faculty is currently looking in 2020. “In all these centres, we will have psychologists to dieticians to focus on all four levels of care.” province once they graduate.” to appoint the Director for Research, “The whole health services district or rural extensions of our Staffing-wise, Prof Pepeta and his Director for Teaching and Learning, platform will improve in the province campus, with accommodation and

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New technology The Cuban a game-changer connection

The University’s medical school is set to house the most advanced From 2012, South Africa sent anatomy and skills laboratories in the country. large numbers of students The anatomy lab will feature the latest global technology to Cuba, which offers an available, including Anatomage virtual anatomy dissection tables, excellent fit-for-purpose used for interactive anatomical education, radiology, surgery and medical training programme. research. With our country’s rapid Nelson Mandela University will be the first medical school in population growth, explains South Africa to use the Anatomage tables, which are used in medical Prof Pepeta, the Department schools in Europe and the US. of Health wished to The skills labs will feature the Body Interact Table, with a address the problem of simulated patient. No other university in South Africa is currently our universities producing using this technology. fewer than 2000 doctors per The Anatomage tables are the stuff of science fiction – and a year – a figure which could superb 21st-century learning tool for today’s technologically-aware not match the ratio of two generation. doctors per 1000 people. Students were sent to The table’s features include: Cuba through the Nelson • full external and internal anatomy of male and female – with all Mandela-Fidel Castro the realism of living humans; Medical Collaboration. • a 3D body platform enabling students to rotate the bio-digital human using their fingers trackpad-style; • the body can be ‘cut’ and operated on with the system’s The new medical school has been purposely positioned at the University's Missionvale Campus, touch-interactive cutting tools; amidst those who need proper healthcare most. support.” • cuts reveal internal structural detail, with users scrolling; “We deliberately The school’s interprofessional through the plane of the last cut – or cutting again to explore chose the education concept is also a win-win more anatomical features. lecture rooms where our students from any of our campuses or from for both patients and students. Missionvale will link up to the main campus anywhere in the world, and vice Alternatively known as Integrated These exciting tools will enable students to repeatedly practise Campus for our via audio-visual technology to versa. This system ensures the same Transformative Professional working with the human body, while also studying embalmed medical school, participate in lectures, conferences quality of education throughout, Education (ITPE), it involves health cadavers for a unique view of virtual and real bodies at the same and procedures. The students will be and at the same time it serves professionals training together in time, says Prof Pepeta. the 10th in South doing clinical work at that stage and to upskill the doctors in all our communities and sharing expertise in The Body Interact Table (virtual human patients) will take medical Africa, because it attending patients based on issues hospitals and ensure that they respective skills areas. students through common emergencies such as heart attacks. If, being dealt with in lectures. earn their continuing professional “All the disciplines in the Faculty for example, the patient has a heart attack, the student responds, is located in the “We also intend to work with the development points. of Health will retain their autonomy and the system scores them at the end and debriefs them on what township areas of private sector to train our students. “Port Elizabeth-based trainers and identity, and, at the same they did correctly and what they did wrong. This kind of technology Missionvale and We must use all the resources we will visit our partner district time, their scope of practice will be significantly advances medical school teaching. have to train the best medical hospitals, and multi-skilled staff enhanced by the medical school, as Zwide” practitioners for our country. members will accompany the every discipline will have presence in “Lectures can be delivered students to give them back-up and the clinical space, which is currently underutilised.’’ Prof Pepeta is confident that the Refurbishing of the campus in preparation for the country’s 10th Medical School is well underway. University’s proactive, committed and pioneering approach to addressing health education will reap benefits for the local community and beyond. “There is so much more we can do to improve population health, quality of life and the life-span in South Africa, and I am confident that our new medical school will help us achieve this.”

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Kimi Makwetu was a popular guest speaker at Nelson Mandela University For the common in August last year. Cape Town-born Auditor-General growing rot in state institutions. A clean sweep SARS, the Public Service Commission (AG) Kimi Makwetu has been head of “During this time, there was an Thanks to a crucial amendment to - any one of those. the highest audit institution in South absence of accountability at the top the Public Audit Act, which was “We have the power to say: ‘Here Africa for the past six years. to give support to the development signed into law in April 2019, the is the risk that we have identified The office of the Auditor-General of strong institutions. Those that AG has more strength and authority in the audit, which has got all the of South Africa (AGSA) is the only shared the vision of accountability for his office to go after habitual elements of material irregularity. Will Chapter 9 institution that, by law, were more than likely overwhelmed wrongdoers. you get to the bottom of that?’“ must audit and report on how the by those who did not think the same Where a case of irregular This means that if irregular South African government has spent way,” he explains. expenditure cannot be backed up expenditure that has been taxpayers’ money. ranks at various corporates, he was challenging times could be said to “I think this has been the by documentation or a credible identified during the audit has not Makwetu, a chartered a director in Deloitte’s forensic unit be arduous in the face of a public biggest contributor to the muddied explanation, the AG can refer it to been addressed after numerous accountant, holds a Social Sciences before his appointment as deputy service administration where lack of environment in which we have found law enforcement agencies for further engagements with the administration degree from the University of Cape AG in 2007 and then AG in 2013. accountability is rife. ourselves; where accounting officers investigation. concerned, the AG can issue a Town and a BCompt Honours degree As a purveyor of honesty, This, Makwetu says, is because have failed their fiduciary duties and “You then hand it over to the certificate of debt, holding the from the University of Natal. transparency and accountability, of years of poor political leadership got away with it, as there have been entity that will investigate; it could accounting officer personally liable After working his way through the the AG’s position in these ethically that looked away in the face of the few consequences.” be the Hawks, the public protector, for this irregular expenditure.

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“The amendments to the Public Audit Act are trying to say we will develop a mechanism through the audit process which puts you in a position where you must do what the law requires you to do as the ALUMNI accounting officer. If you fail to implement our recommendations, then it becomes a binding remedial action. You shall do it.” Family man 2019AWARDS Holding to account Makwetu is adamant that in terms of the Public Finance Management Act, Hidden behind his public persona, Auditor-General the accounting officer takes the rap. Kimi Makwetu is cheerful about his formative years in Nelson Mandela University celebrated the 10th anniversary been conferred. These individuals can be proudly He admits that political pressure Gugulethu. of the Alumni Awards and the Alumni Relations Office in acknowledged as notable Alumni of our University. may occasionally play a role in “My mother sold meat products to migrant labourers, 2019. The Alumni Association introduced the awards to Former recipients include leaders of global, national and influencing senior officials to break while my dad worked in construction. I often tell people acknowledge the achievements of graduates nationally local organisations, as well as individuals who excelled in the law, but urges the officials to that I was financially trained at home before going and internationally. These achievements have not only their various academic disciplines to bring the arts and stand firm. He suggests government to institutions of public learning, where I got formal been in their various disciplines but often also in other sciences to life. and officials revisit the National certificates and recognition, but If you look at me, I look disciplines and areas of life which have a positive impact on In 2019, the University celebrated the achievements Development Plan, specifically just like one of the guys I grew up with in the township!” society. So you can have a Health Sciences graduate doing of two Achievers and four Rising Stars. The 25th Chapter 13, which proposed Makwetu is passionate about his family. He is married some exciting things in the tourism industry or a graphic anniversary of the University Choir was also recognised ending political meddling in the and has three children, two boys and a girl. Naturally, after designer who develops award-winning apps. with a special award. The Choir is a great cultural and appointment of accounting officers the glare of public life, he revels in family time together Director of Alumni Relations Paul Geswindt shared ambassadorial force of our university and all the individuals in order to professionalise the public and loves to spend hours with his cricket-playing sons. that since the inception of the Alumni Awards in 2009, who contributed to its success, past and present, were service. Wandile, the eldest, flew the South African flag high 32 Rising Star, 38 Achiever and 15 Special awards have recognised with the Special Award. (Also see page 40) “The current government when his U19 team represented the World Cup in New relapses can only be turned around Zealand – and when he captained the U19 squad touring if the political leadership was to England. take the lead in a wholesale clean “My wife and I try not to miss a game when our sons administration in the public sector.” are in action.” Makwetu stresses the continued lack of accountability in municipalities seen in the 2017/2018 local government audit outcomes, where only 18 municipalities were “If the leaders are unethical, able to obtain clean audits, down from 33 the previous financial year. have a disregard for governance, “Leadership sets the tone at the top of any organisation. If the leaders compliance and control ... it will are unethical, have a disregard filter through to the lower levels for governance, compliance and control, and are not committed to of the organisation ... ” transparency and accountability, it will filter through to the lower levels of the organisation where there will philosophy is to empower the people beginning for us.” be a poor ethical climate. he works with and allow them to Makwetu feels his biggest “Basically, the money South conquer themselves. accomplishment since joining the Africa loses annually due to financial “It is also about permitting them AG is helping people grow their mismanagement and unethical to master significant systems of potential and talent. behaviour could be used to address government, as well as to appreciate “As an individual and what pressing needs, such as providing the fact that in government, we’ve done collectively as a free higher education to deserving you have a great opportunity to team, we have played our part poor students, and quality accessible contribute to a greater good. If in multiplying the ranks of healthcare to the entire population. everyone had the ability to exercise professional accountants in South Wasted public spending can and their independent thinking toward Africa, and many of them have been must be put to better use!” achieving that goal, the end absorbed into various levels of Among those at the 2019 Alumni Awards were (back, from left) Alumni Relations director Paul Geswindt, award recipients Litha Soyizwapi, Robin West, Quinton Uren, Mzukisi Kota, Alumni Association president Khwezi Blose, (front, from left) recipient Dr Thakane Ntholi, Vice-Chancellor As a leader, Makwetu’s result may well be better than the responsibility in the AG.” Professor Sibongile Muthwa and Alumni Association vice-president Michelle Mbaco. Absent: Judy Sikuza (Inset).

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2019 Alumni Achiever Award Recipients 2019 Alumni Rising Star Recipients

Mzukisi Kota is a partner and director at Johannesburg-based Webber Wentzel, Quinton Uren Mzukisi Kota one of the top law firms in the country, and the most recent recipient of the coveted African Law Firm of the Year at the 2019 African Legal Awards. Involved in legislating towards a more sustainable environment, Kota specialises in energy and infrastructure projects, matters of public law, and the regulation of industries or sectors. In Delivering world-class assembly facilities to the automotive sector has led to global success the energy sector, he advised the South African Department of Energy in the development and for Bay company Jendamark Automation, which has founder and Managing Director Quinton implementation of its highly-acclaimed Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers project. Uren at its helm. The company exports manufacturing assembly solutions incorporating Fourth He has also advised a broad range of clients on projects across the energy, petroleum pipelines, Industrial Revolution technologies, to countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, North America gas, rail, ports and mining industries and sectors. Kota graduated with an LLB degree from Nelson and South America. Uren studied mechanical engineering at what is now Nelson Mandela Mandela University in 2007 and was awarded a Skye Foundation scholarship to study for his LLM University in the late 1980s and got his first taste of automotive engineering as part of the General in the Netherlands in 2009. In 2018, he was recognised by Chambers Global as an Up and Coming Motors cooperative training scheme. He soon realised he wanted to be his own boss and, after Outstanding Lawyer in the field of public law. He is a member of the Law Society of the Northern acquiring two Computer-Assisted Design (CAD) workstations, started his side business, Nasquin Province, and is published in numerous print media on a wide range of issues, including land Designs. This became a full-time operation and, in 1992, Nasquin joined forces with Jendamark expropriation without compensation and the proposed Eskom restructuring. Electronic Component Industries – combining their synergies in software, electrical, electronic and mechanical design to form Jendamark Automation. Following the global economic recession of 2008, Jendamark expanded its focus to the export market – and the business has gone from strength to strength, with sales offices established in Germany and the United States and a full Dr Thakane Ntholi is passionate about demystifying science, especially manufacturing facility in India. The company has twice received the Eastern Cape Exporter of the Dr Thakane Ntholi geology, and making it more accessible to students and communities. Year Award and in 2018, Uren was named Industrialist of the Year at the CNBC Africa All Africa She obtained her PhD in Geology and Earth Stewardship Science in Business Leaders Awards. 2017, with research focusing on using leading-edge technology to treat acid mine water in the deep gold mines of South Africa, managing and reversing its damaging environmental impact. The model she developed, called the Passive Underground Mine-Water Purification System (PUMPS), is used in the Witwatersrand gold mines today. Her unique scientific expertise has seen her rise quickly through the professional ranks of the Council for Geoscience in South Africa, where she is Acting Mapping Programme Coordinator. She is also the Council’s project manager for the Mine Environment and Water Management Programme. She has been involved in research and training visits nationally and internationally, including visits to the Geomicrobiology Group at the Department of Geoscience at Princeton University, United States, and the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam, Germany. Dr Ntholi has also guest lectured at institutions, including Nelson Mandela University, the University of Cape Town and the University of Robin West Free State. Awards received include the Golden Key (UCT Chapter) in 2013 and first prize in a Science Slam competition, hosted through the South African-German 2012/2013 Year of Science in Berlin, Germany. Netherlands-based Robin West is Vice-President of Expedition Operations for Seabourn, an ultra- luxury cruise line, which travels to more than 170 iconic World Heritage Sites as the official cruise partner of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO’s) World Heritage programme. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, the six-star cruise line operates all Psychology honours graduate Judy Sikuza is the Chief Executive Officer of the around the world, with trips ranging from short seven-day Caribbean cruises to exotic 100-plus- Mandela Rhodes Foundation (MRF), which provides postgraduate scholarships and day around-the-world adventures. In his role as vice-president, West, who studied Human Judy Sikuza leadership training opportunities to Africans who show leadership potential, in line Movement Sciences at what is now Nelson Mandela University in the 1990s, is responsible for the with its overarching mission to build exceptional leadership in Africa. Sikuza, a Mandela overall planning and management of all aspects of Seabourn’s expedition operations to Antarctica, Rhodes Scholar in 2007, joined MRF in 2014 and has held several managerial and director positions the Arctic and other destinations around the globe. West is also a Member of the Executive as head of the Foundation’s flagship Scholarships and Leadership Development Programme. She Committee of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), which promotes was instrumental in the successful execution of the 2013 to 2018 strategy to double the number safe and environmentally-responsible private sector travel to the Antarctica and comprises more of Mandela Rhodes Scholars in Residence, and has led strategic projects for the Foundation, such than 100 respected companies and organisations worldwide. In 2015, West received a Seabourn as its 15-year impact study and the 100 Scholars for Madiba’s 100th celebrations. Since 2014, award for Leadership Excellence for helping Seabourn achieve its highest ratings yet. Seabourn she has represented the Foundation as a non-executive board director of Oxford University Press is one of 10 cruise line brands within the Carnival Corporation Group, the world’s largest travel (Southern Africa), chairing the board’s social and ethics committee. Sikuza has been invited as a leisure company, with a combined fleet of over 100 vessels. West, who started his career as the keynote speaker, panellist, moderator and programme director on several public platforms locally owner and operator of two adventure companies, has worked in the expedition industry for 15 and internationally for institutions such as the Graça Machel Trust, Obama Foundation, Oprah years, acquiring a deep knowledge of some of the most remote and exciting places in the world. Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, Oxford University and various school principals’ association Based on his knowledge and experience he now heads up Seabourn’s latest development, two conferences. Other achievements include being selected as an Archbishop Desmond Tutu new ultra-luxury purpose build expedition vessels. Leadership Fellow and one of Michelle Obama’s Young African Women Leaders.

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Graphic design graduate and self-taught software app THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF THE developer, Litha Soyizwapi, is the founder and creative Xolisa *Litha* Soyizwapi director of Glyfik4 Branding and Design and LightOS Digital, serving a range of top clients including Gallo, Nedbank, Miriam Makeba and South African Tourism. He is also the designer and developer of the GauRider, a mobile app that helps people track bus and ALUMNI train times for the rail network service Gautrain. The app reached number one in the travel category of the iPhone, in the South African AppStore. He recently released GauRider 2.0, which helps commuters track spending on their Gautrain gold cards, and is now looking forward to developing a South African taxi app. Highly regarded in international technology circles, Soyizwapi is a sought- after public speaker, having been invited to speak at respected national and global conferences ASSOCIATION including TEDx Soweto, TEDx Johannesburg, the Creativate Digital Festival in Makhanda, Release Notes in Indianapolis, Indiana (a conference for independent developers who have their own successful businesses, as a result of developing programmes using Apple’s IOS and Mac systems), Layers in San Jose, California, and Accenture Digital Talks, which are livestreamed across the world.

Nelson Mandela University’s Alumni expanding positive relationships with representatives also form part of the Association is unique because its goals all graduates through utilising and Association’s Executive Committee. 2019 Special Award Recipient – and functions include areas that are maximising their expertise, goodwill Alumni are represented on a number traditionally part of convocation as and influence in support of the of institutional committees, including Nelson Mandela Choir well as alumni relations responsibilities. university. the Graduation Planning Committee, As a result, the Association is a more Alumni Association members Arts, Culture and Heritage 25 years of excellence effective and efficient governance and elect new executive committee Committee. alumni relationship building structure. representatives every three years, The following Association Its main role is to support and enhance as well as alumni representatives to members were nominated and the realisation of the University’s vision serve on the University’s Council and elected in various portfolios for a and mission through maintaining and Institutional Forum (IF). The latter three-year term.

PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT TREASURER Khwezi Blose is the MD and Michelle Mbaco is a Training and Welcome Kupangwa holds a owner of Tina Consulting: Quantity Development Consultant and holds BCom (Business Management) ‘14; Surveying Services and Siyaya a BCom ‘05 and MA: (Development BCom Hons (Business Management) Hygiene Services. He holds the Studies) ’12. Ms Mbaco is also an ’15 and MCom ’14 and is a Lecturer following Mandela University Alumni representative on Council. at Nelson Mandela University in qualifications: BSc (Construction the Department of Management Economics) ‘05; BSc Hons: (Quantity Practice. The Nelson Mandela University Choir was presented with a Special Award in recognition of 25 years of excellent music and Surveying) ‘05. Mr Blose is also an ambassadorship by all those who served the choir. The choir proudly represented the University nationally and internationally and had the opportunity to perform for Queen Elizabeth II, as well as our University namesake, Nelson Mandela. See story on page 40. Alumni representative on Council.

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Elected Executive Committee Members Alumni Association Mission The association supports and enhances the realisation of the University’s vision and mission through maintaining and expanding Adv Thanduxolo Nkala Ayanda Mlatsha holds a Lithemba Xotyeni Athenkosi Sityata has positive relationships with its is a LLB ’16 graduate BCur (Extended Program) holds a BAdmin: a BCom: (General) ’17 members and through utilising and is the Managing ’12 and Diploma: (Nursing (Political & Government and PG Dip: (Financial Director at 4IR as well as Education) ’17 and is Studies) ’13 and is an Planning) ’17 qualification and maximising their expertise, an Advocate of the High the Coordinator and Administrative Assistant and is the Finance goodwill and influence in support Court of South Africa. Student Liaison Officer at Nelson Mandela Assistant for the Mandela in the Nursing Science Metropolitan Municipality. Bay Development of the university. Department at Nelson Agency. Mandela University.

Contact: Nelson Mandela University Other Members The Association goals include Alumni Relations • Enhancing the image of the Ex-Officio members of association both inside and Further your studies • Update your information • Contribute financially • Join our networking the Alumni Association outside the Nelson Mandela events • Share your expertise and stories. University community as an Executive include: important stakeholder body and an asset to the university T +27 41 504 3935 F +27 41 504 1417 to support the realisation of the university’s mission and goals. • Dean of Students – Luthando Jack • Fostering loyalty to and pride in alumni.mandela.ac.za • Deans Forum Representative – Dr Muki Moeng Nelson Mandela University among • Senior Director: Strategic Resource Mobilisation members, through effective and Advancement – Dr Denver Webb communication so that they may [email protected] Elected (2018) Secretary of the • Senior Director: Communication and Marketing positively influence others. Institutional Forum Alumni Association – Chantal Janneker • Fostering the provision of Member representing and Director: Alumni • SAS President – Keanan Bouwer Nelson Mandela University Alumni alumni Relations • SRC President – Thembalethu Nyikilana opportunities for Alumni to Khaya Matiso (IF Paul Geswindt is • Alumni Relations Coordinator – Santhoshini contribute in financial and Representative) holds Director of the Alumni Petersen (Alumni staff) other meaningful ways to the @MandelaUniAlumni a BTech: (Business Relations Office, which • University Shop Manager – Shene Du Toit advancement of Nelson Mandela Administration) ’02 and is responsible for (Alumni staff) an MTech (Business University. Nelson Mandela University Alumni the day to day running • Providing Alumni opportunities Administration) ’03 and of the Association, For more information regarding the Alumni is the Principal at Port as well as Secretary Association please visit alumni.mandela.ac.za to benefit from their relationship Elizabeth TVET College. of the Association. or email [email protected] to get a copy of with the university. He holds a BComEd ’90, Director: Paul Geswindt the Alumni Association Constitution, or to find out • Promoting the ideals and purpose PG Dip in Educational about the various activities of the Association. of the university to constituencies Alumni Relations Centre Management ’ and stakeholders of the university. 06 and an MA in North Campus Development Studies ’13. • Promoting, protecting and maintaining the rights of the Summerstrand Alumni Association. Port Elizabeth

18 | Thetha | February 2020 February 2020 | mandela.ac.za | 19 TOP STORY TOP STORY

Left: Circles in the sand – African Centre for Coastal Palaeoscience (ACCP) research associate Dr Charles Helm demonstrates how early humans Around 160 000 years ago, a massive ice age wiped out most living creatures may have made patterns on the sand. Right: Playing a key role in the South African Coast Palaeoclimate, Palaeoenvironment, Palaeoecology, on Earth – but evidence suggests that a small pocket of Middle Stone Age and Palaeoanthropology (SACP4) project are (from left) principal investigator Professor Curtis Marean, co-principal investigator, Nelson Mandela University botany professor and African Centre for Coastal Palaeoscience (ACCP) director Professor Richard Cowling and ACCP national deputy people survived right here on South Africa’s temperate, food-rich southern director and botany lecturer Dr Alastair Potts. Cape coast. Nicky Willemse reports. savannah grasslands during the ice The world’s oldest shellfish ancestors once did. age, supporting large, now extinct restaurant They use screwdrivers and other herbivores like the giant Cape zebra The oldest shellfish use on the metal tools to pry the high-protein and buffalo. planet – dating back some 168 000 offerings from the rocks. The signs of early cognitive years – has been discovered at But scientists have gone as far as development among these early Pinnacle Point, so scientists assume to have them make and use the bone people is that they created art, the foragers’ survival depended and wood sea-foraging implements including using red ochre for largely on the marine and other food their earliest ancestors may have Footprints decoration, and made sophisticated resources they were able to find. used. stone tools using fire. And, just as we To build an accurate picture “These local communities in the sand busy ourselves with sand art on the of how these early marine still have an inherent indigenous beach – drawing patterns or building dwellers survived, researchers knowledge about intertidal foraging sandcastles – so did they. have enlisted the help of Khoi and that we hope would be a good Their omega-rich diet from the San descendants living in coastal modern analogue to understanding sea shallows would have spurred this communities around Stilbaai, Gourits prehistoric aspects of the sea intellectual growth – and it’s likely and Arniston, who continue to gather economy,” says Dr De Vynck. they understood lunar and tidal mussels, alikreukel, octopus, red bait “We have found that the cycles in order to make the most and other shell fish from the rocks foraging (particularly with wooden For more than a decade, researchers of their foraging expeditions to the in the sea shallows – just as their implements) is very productive.” from all over the world have made shoreline, which at that time was important discoveries suggesting several kilometres away from the that the humans who lived here caves in which they lived. were much cleverer than their Through optically stimulated Ancient art acknowledged ancestors and could very well be the luminescence (OSL), which measures forefathers of everyone alive today. the last time a grain of sand was To describe the sand patterns made by humans, African Centre The southern Cape coast, with exposed to light, researchers have for Coastal Palaeoscience research associate Dr Charles Helm and its prolific shellfish, edible plants dated at around 70 000 to 164 000 his team proposed a new term, “ammoglyph”, which has since been and warm Agulhas current causing years ago the time when our accepted by the palaeo-art community. predictable rainfall, would have been ancestors lived in the area. ”Ammos” and “glyph” are the Greek words for “sand” and “a one of few spots on the planet where All these findings have shifted carving, image or symbol”, respectively. humans could survive an ice age. the start of human cognitive These extensive aeolianites (cemented dune deposits) and More than a decade of development from some 40 000 cemented foreshore deposits are a critical discovery, says Dr Helm. groundbreaking research in cognition emerged on the Cape Tracking the past years ago in Europe, a view long-held “Evidence of a human presence on these ancient dunes and this area, through the South south coast ... You can observe more The area studied stretches from in scientific literature, to 100 000 beaches is more substantial than has been thought (and) this African Coast Palaeoclimate, about modern human development SACP4 research sites at Pinnacle years earlier, in South Africa. evidence would buttress that of other avenues of research that attest Palaeoenvironment, Palaeoecology, here than anywhere else,” says Point caves in Mossel Bay to Wits “The southern Cape coastline to the cognitive abilities of early humans in this region.” and Palaeoanthropology (SACP4) Mandela University botany professor University sites at Blombos Cave, is now most probably the cradle of The search for ammoglyphs on the Cape south coast has the project, has unearthed the earliest Richard Cowling, a co-principal Klipdrift and Klasies River Mouth human culture for us as a species,” potential to become a new field of study – a “meeting point of evidence for modern humans’ investigator in the SACP4 project, further along the coast. But it also says ACCP research associate Dr Jan archaeology, art, ichnology, palaeoanthropology, pattern recognition intellectual development. and head of the African Centre for stretches seawards towards the De Vynck, an expert on early human and sedimentology,” he explains. “With the evidence available Coastal Palaeoscience (ACCP) at palaeo-Agulhas plain, an area now activity along the southern Cape coast. today, it is very possible that modern Mandela University. under water, which would have been

20 | Thetha | February 2020 February 2020 | mandela.ac.za | 21 TOP STORY TOP STORY The earliest sand art

Among the most recent evidence Other patterns found include tracks of hatchling sea turtles, from for humankind’s cognitive and a “hashtag” pattern, which some 100 000 years ago, as well creative development along resembles known palaeo-art in as the 2016 discovery of around 40 the Cape south coast was the the region, as well as two possible footprints made by early humans discovery of images drawn on animal images, one potentially travelling down a dune surface the sand some 70 000 to 158 000 taking the form of a sting ray. some 90 000 years ago. years ago. These discoveries were made The art and track sites have One of the sand artworks by African Centre for Coastal been preserved through a discovered appears to be a near- Palaeoscience research associate natural cementation process. perfect circle, with a depression Dr Charles Helm and his team, For example, tracks made in wet Did you know? in the centre. Two nearby oval who over the past decade have sand at the bottom of a dune shapes suggest that the person discovered some 140 fossil track are preserved when wind blows who drew it was kneeling and sites – made by reptiles, birds and fine dry sand (from the top of the It is similar and can exceed • Dr Peter Nilssen, an archaeologist, and Jonathan Kaplan, the would have used a forked stick (in mammals – along the southern dune) over the beach surface. production rates inferred from other director for Cultural Resource Management in Mossel Bay, the same way a maths compass is Cape coastline. With layer after layer after layer of ethnographic studies globally. For discovered Pinnacle Point caves in 1999 during an archaeological used) to draw the circle. These include the first fossil sand, the tracks are preserved. instance, protein gathered from the survey that was part of an environmental impact assessment shoreline is comparable to or can survey for the then proposed Pinnacle Point Beach and Golf exceed protein gathered by bow Resort. Nilssen alerted his friend and PhD supervisor Curtis hunters in Kenya, targeting game. Marean – and, a few years later, the SACP4 project was born. Sea foragers on the southern Cape • A piece of rock art with an ochre crayon drawing on it, discovered Testing predictions through coast can gather about 1492 calories at Blombos cave and estimated to be 73 000 years old, is globally per hour. accepted as the oldest art of our species. The Smithsonian “We found the height of the Institute in Washington DC, United States has requested to have ‘video game-type’ modelling water was the biggest influence the artwork on loan, to display alongside the work of world- on how productive a coast can be. famous artists. Instead of just hypothesising about how Palaeoscience at Nelson Mandela University. The lowest tides were the most Middle Stone Age human beings might “Models such as this allow us to ask ‘what productive.” have behaved, researchers are putting their if’ questions of the past that cannot be asked Dr De Vynck says there is speculations to the test through “agent-based of the archaeological record. For example, evidence to suggest that the modelling”. we can ask ‘what if’ people understood the way early man foraged was an Basically, they recreate the ancient world in connection between the moon and the tides evolutionary process. a video game-type environment, where they and ‘what if’ they did not? “Modern human beings were test how the humans or “agents” would have “Would this have an impact on the bounty completely adapted to optimally acted or moved. from the sea? And, guess what? The model exploiting intertidal resources some To do this, they use a map of a relevant shows us that people who understand this 90 000 years ago.” area, including the various vegetation and connection are able to significantly increase He says the fynbos in the area, marine habitat types. They carry out foraging the amount of food obtained from the sea.” with its underground storage units, experiments to determine how many calories This is significant, because one of the would have also been a rich source of people could gain from each food type for signs of cognitive development discovered food for early humans. each month, including plant food, intertidal at the caves is that early humans appeared to “In Stilbaai today, Khoi and San resources, game, water, and so on. maximise their sea foraging expeditions by people are still eating 58 species of All of this data is logged in the model. following the cycles of the moon. fynbos, including the berries, leaves “This is quantitative social science, By making the journey during spring and bulbs.” instead of us just trying to guess,” tides, when the moon is full or new, and when This rich field of study has cast says SACP4’s principal investigator, the tides are at their highest and lowest, a spotlight on the immense value palaeoanthropologist Professor Curtis they were able to reach the more calorie- of knowing and understanding our Marean, from the Institute of Human Origins rich shellfish on rocks that were normally coastal ancestors – and given them at Arizona State University, and an honorary submerged, and were better able to sustain their rightful place within humanity’s professor at the African Centre for Coastal themselves. evolutionary journey.

Pointers to the past - the Pinnacle Point caves at Mossel Bay were once home to a small group of Middle Stone Age people.

22 | Thetha | February 2020 February 2020 | mandela.ac.za | 23 ARCHITECTURE ARCHITECTURE

Second year architecture students at work on Crèche13 (from left) Helane Richter, Mokgeti Machete, Cameron Watkins (in the window), Rachel Molisy and Katelin Hagemann.

FOR THE

PEOPLE,by the people

Model of Crèche13

A portable, beautifully designed curriculum, in collaboration with the These children and the current crèche in the informal settlement Airport Valley community. caretakers, Tembeka Mbada and dignified, habitable building that also “Crèche13 of Airport Valley, Walmer Township, They identified an existing Nombulelo Zweni, will move into contributes delight for the children is a quality Nelson Mandela Bay, is a fine crèche, which caters for about 40 Crèche13, situated at a site nearby. in this area, which is typified by dire construction example of sustainable, social children, in a shack construction in The innovative project draws on living conditions,” says architect and that enterprise architecture. It also has dire need of attention in Airport a pre-manufactured “kit-of-parts” lecturer in architecture at Mandela contributes to deep pedagogic and academic Valley. strategy which allows for portable University, John Andrews, who is a conducive implications about architecture – by architecture, using low-cost materials leading the project. environment whom, for whom, with whom? (corrugated iron and standard He and his second-year students for our The Crèche13 project was timber), low-tech construction costed the construction at an pre-school conceived and designed techniques, recycled shipping economical R280 000, with the children to by second year students containers and roof sheeting. added commitment of raising the flourish. What at Nelson Mandela “The architecture of funds to build it, sourced from the the University University’s School Crèche13 reinterprets University, private sector, individuals has done is of Architecture the use of industrial and demolition site materials great and as part of their materials to create a donated by construction companies. we are very academic An essential aspect of the project grateful for the was engaging with Airport Valley and partnership.” Walmer Township representatives The building was manufactured Crèche13 was assembled on campus and will be driven to on the entire process, from design on campus before it was driven to Airport Valley in January 2020 development to completion. site in January 2020. “This is an important project The rationale behind its within Walmer Township’s and portability is that the crèche can be Airport Valley’s overarching goal to moved anywhere. alleviate crime in our community by This makes it compatible with improving the living conditions and the dynamic environment of the dignity of the area,” says Walmer South African informal settlement Township ward councillor, Ayanda landscape while complying with Tyokwana. stringent municipal regulations.

Roofing structure of Silindokuhle 24 | Thetha | February 2020 Pre-school in Joe Slovo West February 2020 | mandela.ac.za | 25 ARCHITECTURE ARCHITECTURE

wooden pallets and bottles, is used as a pre-school, and as a community centre for church, funerals and Community vision educational initiatives,” Kimwelle explains. “It has also been extended to include a spaza shop, carpenter’s Simon Galland, of Collectif Saga workshop, and a bottle recycling and SME space.” Architects in Port Elizabeth’s Baakens It has received several accolades, including the 2018 Valley, completed his fourth year South African Property Owners Association’s (SAPOA) of architecture at Nelson Mandela Most Transformative Project in South Africa. University as an exchange student In Walmer Township, the Masifunde Changemaker from the National School of Academy he designed in association with Port Elizabeth Architecture in Nantes, France, where firm Ateljee Architects, was recently awarded the 2019 he completed his master’s. Collectif Regional Award for Architecture by the South African Saga works on projects in Port Institute of Architects – Eastern Cape (SAIA-EC). Elizabeth and Nantes. It’s a low-carbon, low-energy structure built from “Before we start a building Lighting effect of the Joe Slovo combined conventional and unconventional materials, Community Centre at night project in any community, we spend Community architect Kevin Kimwelle (Professional Associate time in the community and have Nelson Mandela University) workshops with the local people bicycle constructed from to understand their vision and how recycled waste from Isuzu, we can turn this into architecture,” which enables Moko to says Galland. “We use our skills as collect waste efficiently, architects to serve the needs of the A prospering partnership while giving him visibility, local population and contribute to pride and dignity. the aesthetic and revival of areas that Kimwelle has secured are not generally associated with a partnership with Isuzu Waste picker Kusta Moko on his innovative architecture.” Master’s in architecture alumnus, Kevin Kimwelle, trucks, Port Elizabeth, recycling bike “We found that a lot of people was awarded the honorary position of Professional which has provided a truck living in townships have good Associate by Nelson Mandela University in June for the project builds. construction skills, often using last year for his engaged research and community He explains that community members participate in the recycled materials to build their own architecture, featuring innovative green designs in builds, and as part of the process, spin-off businesses are homes”. township and working class areas. He is the first ever created by members of the community, such as making furniture For all their projects, Collectif Professional Associate of the University. from the pallets or learning how to build their own spaza shops. Saga scours the city in search of He devotes his skills to co-creating buildings with “It’s about architecture and development coming together waste materials, which they transform communities in Joe Slovo, Walmer and Kwazakhele Spaza shop from recycled pallets for owner Thembakazi Thelma and it takes bold people to commit to a social innovation into building components. (pictured here), Joe Slovo community Townships in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, using approach.” After collaborating on the Joe recycled materials such as wooden crates, glass and Kimwelle’s work is one of the many leading-edge social Slovo Community project, Collectif plastic bottles. utilising passive design principles (natural lighting and innovation and community projects in South Africa showcased Saga went on their own to design and He recently secured a three-year German Academic ventilation with no mechanical or electrical systems). It on a new online global network and digital creativity space called build the Silindokuhle Pre-school in Exchange Service/DAAD-funded programme with was named the 2018 South African Property Owners Common Good First, launched on 22 October 2018 at Nelson Joe Slovo West, which won the 2018 Professor Silke Flaßnöcker of the Wismar University of Association’s (SAPOA) ‘Most Transformative Project in Mandela University’s Bird Street Campus in Port Elizabeth. AfriSam-SAIA Award for Sustainable Applied Sciences, Germany. He is also collaborating South Africa’. Architecture and Innovation. with Lawrence Technological University, USA, led by The Masifunde Changemaker Academy is home to Visit www.commongoodfirst.com “We worked with a group of Professor Scott Shall of the International Design Clinic. Walmer Township´s first Montessori pre-school. Since ladies who ran pre-schools from their “The multi-purpose Joe Slovo Community July 2018, 27 learners (3 to 6 years) attend pre-school homes, and we designed a ±300m2 Project we designed and was built from recycled and after-care here, facilitated by three qualified building that is now used for children practitioners. aged one to six years in the morning, One of Kimwelle’s latest projects is the Penguins and for extra lessons for high school Learn and Play Centre – an early childhood learners in the afternoon.” development centre in Nelson Mandela Bay Metro’s Collectif Saga’s latest project Gqebera township, built from eco-bricks (two-litre is an agricultural training centre in plastic bottles stuffed solid with non-biodegradable Walmer Township where six older plastic and waste to create a reusable building block people who have been successfully for internal walls). growing organic vegetables, will This project connects well with another of his teach younger people how to projects – a waste bicycle for Wilson ‘Kusta’ Moko – a grow their own food and be self- recycler who collects waste within Walmer Township, sustainable. and who will assist in the construction of the eco-bricks. 'Wine Bottle Wall', Joe Slovo Community Centre, with community member Patricia Piyani In this case, the social innovation is the prototype Interior of Masifunde made from recycled pallets

26 | Thetha | February 2020 February 2020 | mandela.ac.za | 27 ARCHITECTURE ARCHITECTURE

Architecture Alumnus Lizette Smith heads a structural steel The new pedestrian bridge across the Baakens River was crafted by Lizette manufacturing firm Smith's steel company which is helping to build the metro, writes Based in Despatch, Bisho Steel is the agriculture and architectural now in the managing director’s chair Today Smith’s daughter is Gillian McAinsh only female-owned structural steel applications.” herself, guiding a staff of 50. studying fine art and her son is company in the Eastern Cape with a Iconic structures on which Smith’s “For any success in business you studying building science so “the qualified architect leading the team. firm has worked include the Pearson need to be supported by a team with genes do flow through”. Smith’s father started the Conservatory, UDDI Science Museum the same goals and vision because She is determined to get the business in 1972 and today she and and more recently – one of her this is not a one-man show. Your work family business safely through these her brother Cornelis Bakker run the personal favourites - the Baakens people become like an extended economically tough times. firm once known as Despatch Steel Valley pedestrian bridge outside the family.” “The construction industry has Construction. Tramways Building in town. She acknowledges her degree always been very up and down; it is “My father focused mainly on “I had a passion for architecture has given her a competitive edge. not stable and it is in a slump now. industrial applications, whereas and an insight into the building “Architecture helped me to Fortunately, however, we’ve been after I joined the company, my industry and hence I studied understand the built environment. It very busy and we haven’t felt the background led us to be successfully architecture at UPE, now Nelson gives you a different eye to observe pinch.” involved with architecturally sensitive Mandela University, and graduated the ‘flavour’ of a building. She relishes watching projects projects such as the Tramways with my BArch degree in 1990.” “My kids mock that I always look take shape. Building,” says Smith. She worked for an architectural up at the roof, whether it’s in a mall, “You take them from quoting to From making burglar bars and firm until motherhood led her back church, or whatever, to see what it is drawing to fabrication to painting handrails nearly 50 years ago, Bisho to the family-friendly environment constructed from!” to installing – the thrill of seeing Steel now tackles projects in Nelson of Bisho Steel, albeit in a junior That structural eye is almost bred something from paper to reality is Mandela Bay and farther afield. administration position. Although into Smith. “As the youngest of four mind-blowing. “Our core service is providing her father founded the firm, Smith children, I remember accompanying “You are leaving your footprint structural steel to the building still had to pay her dues and work her my father on trips to various building for the next generation.” industry: commercial, health, way up. sites for inspections and steel And in the case of Lizette Smith, BUILT TO LAST – Lizette Smith is the managing director of Bisho Steel, a successful structural steel manufacturing business. Photo: Gillian McAinsh education, industrial, domestic, Fast forward 25 years and she is deliveries.” that footprint is cast in steel.

28 | Thetha | February 2020 February 2020 | mandela.ac.za | 29 PHILOSOPHY PHILOSOPHY

Skin colour is not the determinant of knowing yourself in the world, says Dr Sam Nzioki, director of Nelson Mandela University’s new Centre for Philosophy in Africa. KNOWING “Through the Centre we explore culture, ethical living, YOURSELF decolonisation and Africanity as

“You can’t biologise or racialise An inclusive approach expressions of being an African some of the central culture. My idea of knowing myself The question of “what is philosophy university. concepts of what in the world is African, but my skin in Africa?’”, he emphasises, is The Centre is currently colour is not the determinant. This not confined to the discipline of thinking about how to develop “a Dr Sam Nzioki the discipline of reduction of people to a template philosophy. It exists in all disciplines bold packaging of philosophical philosophy in of colour is vicious racism and and the Centre is positioned to processes” to engage school something that was weaponised by have an institution-wide presence learners, students, teachers, lecturers philosophy is not just a play with took it upon themselves to create the Africa means for history. But it is not culture. Culture in asking the big philosophical and and postgraduates in the critical ideas; it is a vigorous combat of the Thinkers Collective. is a complex of multi-layered realties curriculum decolonisation questions, thinking tools of logic, knowledge mind and self – a constant realisation “They asked me to give them a the scholar and of knowing oneself and how one lives whether in mathematics, physics, creation and how to think and live of ‘I don’t know but I continue to Friday meeting space, and they are everyday person in one’s life.” These are the words of Dr pharmacy, psychology, education, ethically. learn’.” debating the big decolonisation Nzioki who joined Nelson Mandela economics, the arts, or any other Ethics, Dr Nzioki explains, “is The Centre proposes this as one questions about how you emancipate Africa.” University in October 2018. discipline. not just about life orientation; it is of its main ideas and is engaging yourself and give yourself capacity, The Centre for Philosophy in “It requires transdisciplinary, a rigorous way of asking questions with like-minded people, including even if you come with tools from a Africa and the SARChI Chair in Africa-purposed research for which and taking responsibility for being students and staff, as intellectual bad legacy. Identities and Social Cohesion were we do not have extensive research in the world. This is the foundation activists across all disciplines. “They explore how to use both launched in February 2019 as depth at this time. of a living philosophy from which a What is inspiring is the these tools to sharpen their world; part of the university’s revitalisation “One of the first objectives of the philosophy in Africa can develop. It revitalisation of young people to unlock tenacious prejudices, of the Arts and Humanities, and the Centre is therefore to conduct and is also essential in this time when far wanting to study philosophy and ask including race and identity politics, Faculty of Arts’ journey in “thinking stimulate inter- and transdisciplinary, too many leaders, public servants the questions of life. The students and hegemonic capitalist issues. differently”. and intra-institutional philosophical and corporate heads are finding in Dr Nzioki’s philosophy classes “I encourage them to think about “Through the Centre we explore research, with a focus on developing themselves on the wrong side of are from the sciences, humanities philosophy as a way of changing or culture, ethical living, decolonisation a canon, maxims and concepts ethics.”’ and law, and they are taking it as a expanding how they think about life and Africanity as some of the central that are purposed for Africa and The key, he says, is to ask subject, not a module. and problem-solving. It’s exciting concepts of what the discipline of Africanity.” ourselves what it means to “do” In 2018, a group of mainly to witness them increasingly philosophy in Africa means for the Nelson Mandela University philosophy as a way of life. “It undergraduate students from a questioning the binary view of reality, scholar and everyday person in Africa.” embraces this as one of the borrows from the ancients, where broad range of disciplines further as reality is not that simple.”

30 | Thetha | February 2020 February 2020 | mandela.ac.za | 31 LAW LAW

environment. Faculty of Law staff members who are engaged with research, frequently attend and participate in these sessions. As part of the leadership programme, once a month on Fridays, the faculty invites business professionals, legal specialists and notable, successful individuals from a range of professions to provide insights on pressing issues, including the impact of politics on the law and South Africa (such as Faculty’s PgA how land expropriation without Gundo Mukwevho Phiwokuhle Ncanywa compensation impacts the economy and the country); what it is like to practise as an attorney or advocate; LLB graduate Gundo Mukwevho LLB graduate Phiwokuhle how to budget and plan financially was a PgA in 2017 and joined Ncanywa was a PgA in 2017 law firm Joubert Galpin and joined law firm Joubert (many of the PgAs and candidate Searle in Port Elizabeth as a Galpin Searle in Port Elizabeth attorneys are receiving a salary candidate attorney in 2018. as a candidate attorney in for the first time); how to market SUCCESS His PgA appointment was his 2018. Ncanywa says his PgA themselves and see themselves and first exposure to the working year proved to be a powerful the faculty as a brand; and what environment and he says it “did gateway to the employment impacts positively and negatively on wonders” for him in terms of arena and assisted him in this, including the do’s and don’ts of maturing him and developing securing his candidate attorney social media. him as a suitable candidate appointment. He explains attorney for a reputable law that he gained a different It is hoped that PgAs will firm. It enhanced his sense of level of maturity through his ultimately form a community op law responsibility, accountability, experience and contribution as representing some of the most firms from time management, a member of the faculty where successful graduates that the around the communication skills and he engaged with lecturers and Faculty of Law has produced. It is confidence. professors, several of whom are expected that many of the PgAs are also involved in the legal field as country are going to become successful legal consultants and commissioners. drawing from practitioners, business people or the Faculty of academics, and that they will, in T future, be able to re-invest their Ntemesha Maseka Law’s Postgraduate time, experience and resources for the Deputy Dean, Dr Lynn Biggs, qualification. The vast majority the benefit of the next generation of Associate (PgA) talent PgA Ntemesha Maseka’s who also heads the faculty’s Learning of PgAs are South African, with a Mandela Law students. as candidate legal research interest lies in Mmusho Mokgwetsi international humanitarian and Teaching Committee, and it few originating from other African practitioners. law, which forms part of public was formally introduced as a faculty countries, notably Zimbabwe and international law. “I am currently PgA Mmusho Mokgwetsi is institution in 2017 when the faculty Zambia. The Faculty of Law has invested researching the accountability doing his master’s on the Law of appointed nine PgAs. This grew to A growing significantly in its own students by of UN peacekeepers for sexual the Sea with Professor Patrick 15 in 2018, and 22 in 2019 (with 12 of A win-win situation number of creating work opportunities for top violence. My work considers Vrancken, specifically the FAO the PgAs from 2018 remaining with Embarking on postgraduate research PgAs have LLB and LLM graduates. The initiative this topic from an international Port State Measures Agreement, the faculty for a second, final year). for the first time can be a daunting law perspective – particularly which came into effect in 2009 is led by the Executive Dean of the PgAs receive a market-related endeavour, but with support it can secured articles humanitarian law, human and to which Africa became a Faculty of Law, Professor Avinash rights law and criminal law,” party in 2016. “The crisis in our salary and contribute to lectures on be an inspiring, exciting time. To at reputable Govindjee, who devoted resources she explains. Maseka is looking fish resources and oceans only the diploma courses, run tutorials encourage the latter, the faculty’s law firms or to growing a cohort of postgraduates at this from the South African came to the fore in the 1990s and assist with marking. The PgAs Professor Patrick Vrancken, the in order to facilitate their studies, perspective, “as this is one and we need to identify and preside in the first-year Moot Court SARChI Chair in the Law of the have joined enhance their employability and of the countries pushing for address the gaps as a matter of exercise and are peer-mentors to Sea and Development in Africa, the Bar while a more coherent framework urgency,” he explains. “One of advance their leadership abilities. first-year students. They are also leads monthly 90-minute lunchtime still registered At the same time, this increases of accountability. Ideally, the the gaps I have identified is the given a solid amount of time to focus research hub sessions where PgAs peacekeeper who has committed sharing of information between the pool of candidates for filling on their LLM or LLD studies. and other postgraduate students for their the crime should come back and states, because at present there academic vacancies, predominantly face prosecution; the complexity isn’t a platform or legal structure A growing number of PgAs have ask questions about any aspects postgraduate with outstanding black and female is that it straddles international for two coastal states to share secured articles at reputable law of the research process with which qualification. South Africans. law and military law.” information.” firms or have joined the Bar while they are grappling, and benefit from The programme is managed by still registered for their postgraduate sharing experiences in a collegial

32 | Thetha | February 2020 February 2020 | mandela.ac.za | 33 LAW LAW

Court. relationships, in turn leading to better employee and AMCU members were retrenched, and bound by a full company performance and greater competitiveness,” she and final settlement clause in an agreement concluded said. with the majority union (NUM), without participation of Bowler’s research showed that the strongest positive Labour Law at AMCU in the retrenchment process – and without the influence on the relationship between shop stewards and employees even being informed that they were earmarked managers was their value system: “That is, if they believe for possible retrenchment. that they both have a vested interest in the performance The Labour Court and Labour Appeal Court upheld the of the organisation, in the need for working together to coalface of change principle of majoritarianism and disagreed with AMCU’s create wealth, then they work at the relationship. argument that it was “constitutionally objectionable” to “A deficiency in the LRA is that it doesn’t move exclude a minority union and its members from a collective employee participation beyond unionised companies and Shifts and schisms in the trade union landscape, waves of retrenchments agreement on their retrenchment. and court challenges to collective labour law, questions on the state of “Our labour management-worker relationships – Sam Venter explores what these mean for law was actually “Challenges to legislation and precedent are South Africa’s democracy, economic growth and global competitiveness today. designed to grant a hearing before good for our constitutional democracy” dismissal. It’s These are relevant questions for the Nelson Mandela good to have the University Faculty of Law as it marked the 20th anniversary Dr Jennifer Bowler pushback – unions are also beginning to say the system a focus on collective bargaining. Where you have trade this year of introducing the coursework Master’s (LLM) in some respects is not working. Although it shows that unions, you have to engage with them. But where you degree in Labour Law that has formed the cornerstone of a the structures of traditional labour law are under pressure, don’t have trade unions, the obligations on employers to key strength for the faculty. and even though there is contestation in the workplace, engage with employees are limited. “Twenty years ago, the questions were different – a it is all occurring within the framework of the LRA and “The LRA should foster employee participation beyond new and progressive labour law regime was just beginning employment law. trade unions because it’s clearly linked to improving to roll out, giving effect to the rights provided by the new “This is great. It’s robust. The more of this we see, the performance and ultimately competitiveness,” she said. Constitution – but the principle of developing specialist better for our constitutional democracy.” practitioners able to act, advise, engage and influence a Reflecting and building socially just labour law and labour relations environment Global competitiveness “Twenty years seemed like a good time to reflect – on remains the same,” said the programme’s founder, At the same time as South Africa’s global competitiveness the strengths we’ve developed, on the critical mass of Professor Adriaan van der Walt. “regained momentum” to rise seven places to 60th our alumni contributing to labour law development and in the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2019 Global practice, and the new questions and challenges facing Competitiveness Report*, the same report rated the students, academics and practitioners,” Prof van der Walt country’s management-labour relationships close to the said. “Effective union-management, and employee- Good for worst in the world (139/141 countries), and has done since For Dean of the Faculty, Professor Avinash Govindjee, management, relationships contribute positively democracy at least 2011. himself a graduate of the LLM Labour Law, the significance Reflecting on the “This is cause for concern,” said Dr Jennifer Bowler of gathering high-profile alumni together for the to company performance.” current state of of Mandela University’s Industrial and Organisational conference was not only to showcase the diverse areas collective labour Psychology department, “as we know that effective union- of labour law and labour relations where graduates law, conference management, and employee-management, relationships are making an impact, but also to act as a springboard speaker Imraan contribute positively to company performance.” for bringing the expertise and experience of leading The ensuing decades have seen the faculty become Mahomed, a BCom LLB alumnus and Practice Area Speaking at the conference, she said: “Strikes, high practitioners into the faculty to complement the education recognised as a centre of expertise not only for the Leader for employment law at legal firm Lawtons Africa in levels of disputes and absenteeism are seen as examples of the next generation. Master’s programme and its graduates who are now Johannesburg, said the emergence of new trade unions of uncooperative management-labour relationships and leading practitioners in labour law and labour relations, such as AMCU and the breakaway of NUMSA from trade low levels of trust. The ‘wisdom’ of the WEF favours but also for the practical training, consultancy and research union giant Cosatu were leading to “shifts in our labour law decentralised bargaining, seeing South Africa’s centralised provided by the Labour and Social Security Law Unit environment, because there is willingness to challenge”. approach as reducing flexibility and increasing costs.” (LSSLU) headed by Prof Van der Walt. “We are now seeing unions like AMCU and NUMSA However, she said recent research showed that in the Meanwhile, much has changed in the labour law and pushing the development of collective labour law, low-trust environment of many South African workplaces, employment relations environment since 1999 – economic where historically this was led by Cosatu as the biggest trade unions and shop stewards play a crucial role in downturns affecting the power of trade unions, questions federation. Unlike Cosatu, they’re not constrained by mediating the relationship between employees and about the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the allegiance to the tripartite alliance, they’re willing to management – and there is a need in non-unionised future of work and collective labour relations, significant challenge the constitutionality of provisions of the Labour workplaces for similar employee representation and amendments to the Labour Relations Act and landmark Relations Act, and to take on the way that collective labour participation. judgments in the Constitutional Court and Labour Court. law has been developed through the courts.” “The relationship between management and shop “Quo Vadis?” for collective bargaining, collective He said the most extreme example of the principle of stewards as employee leaders is highly influential in labour law and strike law in South Africa thus seemed an majoritarianism which has come into play was the 2018 shaping employees’ relationships with the organisation. apt question for the labour law alumni reunion conference case of AMCU vs Royal Bafokeng Platinum, currently Constructive management-shop steward relationships in Port Elizabeth in July. awaiting the outcome of an appeal to the Constitutional could positively impact employee-organisation Imraan Mahomed

34 | Thetha | February 2020 February 2020 | mandela.ac.za | 35 ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT Turning

First in the “maths in nature” (Grade 10 to 12) MATHS into category was Lauren Damstra from Eunice Girls High School in Bloemfontein, whose artwork “Infinity” used the vastness of outer space to represent “the a masterpiece terror of things we don’t know”.

The Grade 8 to 9 winner in the “maths in nature” category was Luke Ferreira from Redhill High in Johannesburg, for his exploration of mathematical patterns in cave art, in his artwork “Pale Face”.

Placed first in the Grade 8 to 9 “maths in man- made designs” category was Caitlin Wilde from Fish Hoek High School in Cape Town, for her “Heritage Mandala”, inspired by traditional Zulu patterns.

Look closely at nature and you’ll see that flowers are Future focus parabolas and a snake’s skin a masterpiece of symmetry. The Bridges Organisation is also spearheading a new Study any cityscape and you’ll find a multitude of global shift in education called STEAM, the acronym mathematically-precise shapes. standing for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and For the past two years, Nelson Mandela University’s Mathematics, which GMMDC is promoting in South Govan Mbeki Mathematics Development Centre African classrooms. (GMMDC) has been encouraging high school pupils to “STEAM is a more modern approach to mathematics, find mathematics in the world around them – and then where pupils are encouraged to explore the links turn it into art, through a unique maths-art competition. between mathematics and the arts,” says GMMDC “There is so much maths in art, and so much art in director Professor Werner Olivier. maths ... we are looking for beautiful drawings, created The annual maths-art competition is open to all high using maths,” says GMMDC’s competition coordinator school pupils. In 2019, the two categories they could Carine Steyn. enter were “maths in nature” and “maths in man-made First in the Grade 10 to 12 “maths in man-made Last year’s pilot competition was run in Eastern Cape designs”. They are adjudicated on artistic merit, and designs” category was Morgan Durrheim from schools, drawing more than 100 entries. This year, it on how creatively they represent the links between Beaconhurst High in East London, whose artwork was expanded across the country, attracting nearly 600 mathematics and the arts. “Hidden Mathematics” explored famous ancient and submissions, with entrants finding their inspiration in “The competition adds an innovative educational modern landmarks, from the Pyramids of Giza to nature, man-made objects, modern cities and traditional layer to our centre’s technology-blended approach to the Disneyland’s famous castle. cultures, such as Ndebele houses, Xhosa beadwork and teaching and learning of maths and science,” says Prof San and Khoi cave art. Olivier. The top entries were exhibited in Austria in July, at the “It aims to develop creative young thinkers, who annual conference of the Bridges Organisation, a leading are better equipped to tackle the skills challenges they body globally which promotes research and interest in will face in their future careers in the Fourth Industrial the connections between mathematics and art. Revolution.”

36 | Thetha | February 2020 February 2020 | mandela.ac.za | 37 ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT

Computing Sciences Prof Jean Greyling teaching learners coding with TANKS. “There are 25 000 schools

who won the University’s Innovation in South Africa Excellence Award this year, and is a and 16 000 finalist in the South African Breweries Foundation’s Social Innovations of them don’t Award. have access TANKS was originally developed for children aged eight to 12, but to computer Greyling has used it successfully with labs” all ages, including first-year university students. “The game is extremely relevant in this country, in the context of multi-nationals, but you need President Cyril Ramaphosa’s drive computer labs. What I’m saying is: to promote coding and robotics in ‘Listen, we can do this without labs.’ schools.” “We have developed game kits, 2019 had reached more than 15 000 The homegrown project is also which go to participating schools. children. attracting international interest, Each kit contains eight games, 11 The game, which Batteson with Prof Greyling being invited to instructional videos and lesson plans. continues to maintain, essentially the United Nation’s Educational, This allows the school to present the Taking takes the form of a puzzle. Working Scientific and Cultural Organization’s workshop to 40 kids at a time … We in groups, learners piece together (UNESCO’s) Mobile Learning Week in are also trying to get sponsorship for commands on puzzle pieces to move Paris in March 2019. one mobile phone per kit.” an army tank through a maze, to “UNESCO received around 300 Prof Greyling has trained shoot at obstacles. applications and invited 60 to attend facilitators in every province to When learners have completed and share their stories on education present TANKS workshops at schools the puzzle, they photograph it that works in disadvantaged – and has also trained unemployed with a cell phone, and a mobile communities.” youth to run “coding clubs” in Technology lies at the heart To help prevent youngsters from schools have limited access app translates it into coding. Once The University of Oldenburg townships, to expose even more of the Fourth Industrial being left behind, the Computing to computers, Byron Batteson successful, they can progress to a in Germany is piloting the game learners to TANKS, while generating Revolution and will play a Sciences department at Nelson developed TANKS as his honours more difficult level. in several schools, and it has also a small income for themselves. key role in future careers. Mandela University has launched a project in 2017. “There are 25 000 schools in attracted the interest of several Last year, Johannesburg’s public But what happens if you’re unique game called TANKS, which His lecturer, Professor Jean South Africa and 16 000 of them African countries, who are looking at libraries ran a citywide TANKS a learner in a disadvantaged introduces children to the world of Greyling, who is passionate about don’t have access to computer labs. ways to implement the game in their tournament – and in October, Prof school, with no access to a coding. sharing coding with kids, helped to We want to get to those kids who are education systems. Greyling ran a similar initiative in Port computer? Nicky Willemse Searching for a solution to turn his student’s vision into reality, never exposed to computers … We “There are other coding games Elizabeth.“For me, this is more than address the shortage of software commercialising and rolling out the want to build awareness of coding as that have been developed and just a game. It has the potential to reports. developers in a country where game, which by the end of October a career option,” says Prof Greyling, introduced in Africa by massive change people’s lives.”

38 | Thetha | February 2020 February 2020 | mandela.ac.za | 39 forA all seasonssong

2019 marked the 25th anniversary of South Africa’s first multi- racial university choir – formed at the very start of this country’s democracy – and celebrated a journey of excellence that has taken Nelson Mandela University’s talented singers across the world.

40 | Thetha | February 2020 February 2020 | mandela.ac.za | 41 CELEBRATION CELEBRATION Hitting a high note

1994–2000: On separate occasions in the Bay, the choir performed before Queen Elizabeth II and former president Nelson Mandela, who told them: “I am so proud of you; you truly reflect the spirit of the new South Africa.” In 1996, the choir embarked on its first international tour, participating in the International Festival of University Choirs (FICU) in Valencia, Spain. This exposure led to an invitation in 1998 to perform at the centennial celebrations of the Philippines.

2000–2007: The choir featured in a film on Robben Island, based on the life of Nelson Mandela, and they participated in fully- sponsored international tours to a second FICU event in Spain and the Voices International Choral Festival in Norway.

2007–2010: The choir toured the United States At the request of the University’s arts choreography.” for the world premieres of Windy City Songs and culture department, conductor and Magnificat(composed by Peter Louis van Junita Lamprecht-van Dijk started Destined for greatness Dijk) in the Lyric Theatre, Chicago. They were the choir in 1994. Over the years, many of the choir invited to the famous La Fabricca del Canto “In those early days, we members have gone on to achieve choral festival in Italy and also performed for experienced amazing social and further choral success. the Italian press launch of the 2010 Fifa World musical challenges because we were Perhaps the most successful Cup in Milan. They won their first international choir competition in Spittal an so far removed from one another. among them is Sidumo Nyamezele. 2019 celebrations der Drau, Austria in 2009. But it was a wonderful opportunity to He was the choir’s traditional introduce different music cultures to singing leader from 1996 to 2002 All past and present 2011–2012: The choir enjoyed two successful each other, and to get to know each and studied conducting under members of the choir were tours to Argentina and China (Beijing), other. Lamprecht-van Dijk, before going invited to share in its 25th performing for national radio and TV stations “In a way, our choir has been a on to teach at St John’s College in anniversary celebrations, through the International Federation for Choral successful microcosm of South Africa Johannesburg. held on November 8 and Music’s (IFCM’s) World Choral Symposiums. They … I actually wrote my master’s thesis “When the World Youth 9. The festivities included enjoyed further global acclaim with the success on the choir, exploring this theme.” Choir toured South Africa, he was an awards ceremony of a flash mob in Greenacres Shopping Mall in As society opened up and responsible for teaching them hosted by the University’s Port Elizabeth, shared virally on YouTube, which has notched up many awards became more integrated, the gaps African music, which was a very Alumni Association, and a both nationally and internationally. narrowed. “But in a way, we’ve gone great honour.” Nyamazele conducts sundowner performance full circle and we’re experiencing the acclaimed Mzanzi youth choir in and dinner, which included 2014–2015: IFCM invited the choir back to China similar challenges now (with the Johannesburg. performances by old (Shanghai and Nanjing), and they were the only country and universities facing new The choir’s mix of African members at the South African choir invited to sing in the first Choral challenges), but we are managing traditional, classical, Western Campus Auditorium. At this Expo in China’s Macau Island, the gambling hub them.” European and Latin American songs event, the choir premiered a of the East. Lamprecht-van Dijk said her main have made them a favourite on world new composition, Psalmus, aim with the choir had always been stages. by Peter Louis van Dijk, to empower its members, enabling “I think the success of the choir while choir alumni Siphokazi those who are musically talented to can, in a huge way, be attributed to Molteno, an acclaimed 2016–2019: The choir was invited to the shine. the dedication and enthusiasm of mezzo soprano, and Kwande United States and Canada in 2016, but the trip “We have a young man in the the singers – they perform a diverse Cakate, a saxophonist and coincided with the start of the #FeesMustFall choir at the moment, Sivuyile Mazizi, repertoire that makes an impact on member of the well-known movement in South Africa, and they were unable who is composing and arranging those who hear it,” says Lamprecht- group Just 6, which featured to go. The choir was showcased on television in his own works for the choir … van Dijk. in the new Lion King movie, Varsity Sing’s finals on KykNet. Another very creative choir member performed on their own and Siba Ngewu is responsible for the with the choir.

42 | Thetha | February 2020 February 2020 | mandela.ac.za | 43 OCEAN SCIENCES OCEAN SCIENCES

First year Visual Art student Luke Rudman has won a Stamp Out Marine Plastic Pollution (Stomp) award for his innovative protest art inspired by the University’s Tributaries Project. Rudman’s accolade at the Commonwealth Litter Programme (Clip) conference in Cape Town in December came after he created a dozen plastic rubbish “monsters” which invaded Nelson Mandela University South Campus in August 2019.

Photos: Sharon Rudman

The performance artist designed land pollution. Department of In his words: each piece and body-painted the Philosophy Associate Professor “Plastic everywhere. live models in partnership with Andrea Hurst modelled a wounded Plastic flooding our oceans, Greenpeace Africa to highlight the Earth Angel representing the Consuming our land. danger of plastic pollution. damage man’s pollution causes to We all know about the problem He was invited to recreate the the earth. We have become desensitised to artwork for the opening of Nelson Rudman – who has more than the campaigns encouraging us to Mandela Bay’s summer tourism 10 000 followers on his use less plastic. season. @pseudellusion Instagram profile We justify our massive everyday One of the models, for example, – also did an Instagram takeover pollution student Mmeli Mdala (pictured left), of the @greenpeaceafrica account So long as we stay comfortable ART wore a garment made from plastic for several days to highlight the we will not change. collected from forests and bushes, ecological devastation caused by But without change we are against plastic shaped to form a piece representing plastic pollution. doomed.”

44 | Thetha | February 2020 February 2020 | mandela.ac.za | 45 OCEAN SCIENCES

“Countries are being deprived Fishforce training of taxes, citizens of jobs, food and income, and fisheries and environments are being destroyed. Africa is particularly vulnerable and loses more than $20-billion (R290- million) per year,” says Professor Hennie van As, who presented on South Africa’s first Fisheries Law Enforcement Agency, FishFORCE, at two major international ocean conferences held at Nelson Mandela University in March 2019. An admitted advocate, Prof van As is Director of the Centre for Law in Action, a professor of Public Law at Nelson Mandela University and head of FishFORCE. Established in 2016 by Nelson Mandela University in partnership Short Learning Programmes: Agencies Trained: with the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and South Africa’s Department of Agriculture, Forestry • Law Enforcement by Peace Officers • Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), FishFORCE equips enforcement agencies to • Train the Trainer and Fisheries’ Officials handle the increasingly complex • Prevention of Corruption and Taking • South Africa National Parks’ Officials investigations and prosecutions of of Statements • City of Cape Town fisheries crime throughout Africa and the world. • Species Identification and Fisheries “Our marine living riches are Technology literally being stolen from our waters. We are losing vital natural, economic and food resources through rampant FishFORCE training on Fisheries Crime Law Enforcement in South and East Africa, led by fisheries crimes and yet insufficient Professor Hennie van As and attended by Kenyan and South African officials and universities. attention is given to law enforcement in this environment. Why are they not being protected to the same extent that we protect our gold or work to protect our rhinos?” says Van As. POLICING Buy-in from INTERPOL FishFORCE has buy-in from the 207 133 world’s largest international police organisation, Interpol as well as the African Union and the United Nations OUR SEAS Office on Drugs and Crime. Organised crime linked to the illegal harvesting, Fisheries crimes affecting the fisheries sector range from illegal processing and trading of fish and seafood is fishing to human and drug trafficking, so huge globally that it is effectively a parallel forced labour, fraud, forgery, economic system, undermining sustainable KENYANS corruption, money laundering and TOTAL tax and customs evasion. These economic growth. Heather Dugmore investigates. crimes pose a significant challenge to fisheries law enforcement agencies well as fisheries management and fisheries crime.” across the world. conservation,” says FishFORCE chief “Fisheries law enforcement operating officer Michael de Lange. Increase penalties requires traditional policing methods “The aim is to achieve Cases prosecuted as Illegal, and tools, and expertise in law, intelligence-led investigations and Unreported, Unregulated (IIU) fishing 340 criminology, police science, as prosecutions of criminals engaged in have had very limited success, with

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and a Diploma in Law Enforcement. These were specifically developed in order to professionalise the sector, promoting fisheries law enforcement “The aim is as a career choice. to achieve “We hope that the multi-faceted work conducted by FishFORCE will intelligence-led help to address the issues we face investigations in addressing fisheries crimes, and and prosecutions we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of the fight to strengthen of criminals South Africa’s protection of its engaged in marine living resources,” says Prof fisheries crime” van As.

Professor Hennie van As

FishFORCE training in Tanzania. The FishFORCE Academy is helping to build fisheries law enforcement capacity along the east coast of Africa.

penalties amounting to a rap on the officers have the most updated knuckles and regarded as “the cost information, techniques and tools An analysis of of doing business” by culprits. available. trade routes by the Instead, van As argues, they “FishFORCE is currently training international wildlife should be addressed under the fisheries control officers, police trade monitoring group Prevention of Organised Crime Act, officers and prosecutors in South TRAFFIC, suggests with severe penalties of 25 years to Africa and Kenya, where there is that up to 43% of the life. already a FishFORCE academy. illegally harvested “It is encouraging to see Others are being opened in abalone was traded that three recent major abalone Angola, Namibia, Mozambique, through a number of racketeering cases have done this, Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritius and non-abalone-producing with sentences of 18 to 20 years. Seychelles,” says Prof van As sub-Saharan African “Together with the National “We are also assisting with countries to Hong Kong Prosecuting Authority (NPA), training along the Indian Ocean Rim, between 2000 and 2016; we are getting to the bottom of including countries like Indonesia. 21% originated from why prosecutions for fisheries- Organised fisheries crime knows no Mozambique, 7% from related crimes often fail. The borders, and neither do marine living Zimbabwe and 6% from regulating and policing of fisheries resources.” Zambia. The latter two vessels in the past has been too In 2019 alone, FishFORCE trained countries are landlocked, compartmentalised and full of 181 port security officers and their Top – Triton: a three-person ocean research vessel with a diving depth of 2300m that will be used by researchers on REV I. Bottom – Rendering of REV I, the largest, most advanced marine research platform in the world, currently being built in Norway, and the analysis shows loopholes because of the many supervisors and managers in South will help the world to better understand our oceans and what is happening to our marine resources. Photos: REV Ocean that the commodity different players involved. African ports. Twenty staff members is transported from “We are now collaborating with of the National Ports Authority were South Africa into these the South African Police Service also trained as trainers. FishFORCE is All aboard: As a leading ocean initiative targeting climate change, REV l will be the largest and countries where it is (SAPS), Defence Force, NPA and also currently investigating the use of sciences research facility, Nelson acidification, marine pollution and most advanced marine research “legalised” and exported Home Affairs to develop a combined drone technology to assist agencies Mandela University is among the over-exploitation of marine platform in the world. International to Hong Kong. offensive.” with monitoring and surveillance South African stakeholders and resources, with the aim of focused scientists, research institutes, and operations. organisations invited to submit and innovative ocean research and innovative thinkers will submit For more information visit: Research and training The training developed and proposals and participate in solutions. proposals: if successful, they will fishforce.mandela.ac.za A cornerstone of FishFORCE is to delivered by FishFORCE provides scientific campaigns organised When REV Ocean has have free access to the vessel and facilitate research and innovation formal qualifications, such as a by REV Ocean (revocean.org), a completed its REV I vessel in its state-of-the-art technology for so that fisheries law enforcement Higher Certificate in Criminal Justice new international marine research 2021, the $350-million (R5-billion) at least three years.

48 | Thetha | February 2020 February 2020 | mandela.ac.za | 49 OCEAN SCIENCES OCEAN SCIENCES

Gentoo penguins – these ones pictured at the Falkland Islands some 600km off the coast of Argentina – move onto land during their breeding season from October to February each year. The parents take turns to forage for food each day, swimming about 50 to 70km, and as far as 30km out to sea, during a single foraging trip.

Sea warrior

Across the world, Conducting key research travel to find food, this alerts us to England and France, and on islands impact international journals. many marine predator to monitor and protect marine critical shifts in the sea, like rising sea across the world, among them the His study of the behaviour predators is Nelson Mandela temperatures, or the depletion of Falkland Islands, Prince Edward “Marine top and population ecology of marine populations are University’s Professor Pierre Pistorius, certain species,” he explains. Islands, Seychelles and Reunion, predators like predators is largely fuelled by a in decline, as they named the University’s Researcher of Prof Pistorius heads up the as many of these are important seals, penguins strong curiosity to find out the many compete with fisheries the Year for the second year running. University’s Marine Apex Predator breeding grounds for seabirds and “unknowns” associated with the “Marine top predators like seals, Research Unit (MAPRU), which is seals. and other marine environment. for food and contend penguins and other seabirds are gaining recognition as a national and seabirds are In a recent paper published in with changing sea often called the sentinels of the sea, international hub for marine predator Critical research often called the British journal Royal Society conditions due to as their behaviour provides important research. Prof Pistorius has published well over Open Science, Prof Pistorius insights into the state of our seas. Through MAPRU, he works with 100 peer-reviewed scientific papers the sentinels and post-doctoral candidate Dr climate change, writes “If we find there are changes researchers from universities and and, during 2018 alone, authored of the sea.” Alistair McInnes highlighted some Nicky Willemse. in their diet or the distances they institutions in New Zealand, Australia, 16 scientific papers, mostly in high unexpected discoveries while

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“It’s the first time Local birds under threat we’ve seen how the Much of Prof Pistorius’s research takes place in the Southern Ocean, foraging where he and his team of postgraduate students gain important insights into how marine ecosystems work in areas relatively behaviour undisturbed by human activity, such as the remote sub-Antarctic of African Prince Edward Islands. penguins He uses his research as a platform to better understand the influence and impact of climate change on marine ecosystems and benefits make predictions about future expected changes. other “In 2018, we received significant funds from the National Research Foundation’s (NRF’s) South African National Antarctic species” Programme (SANAP) for a further three years’ research at Marion Island (one of the Prince Edward Islands) and are working very closely with French researchers at the neighbouring Crozet Island, who are conducting similar research and addressing common questions and problems for the Southern Indian Ocean.” On Marion Island, Prof Pistorius is studying the at-sea distribution of 14 different species of seabirds and seals through the deployment of tracking instruments in an attempt to use their distribution and behaviour to identify ecologically-important areas in the Southern Indian Ocean. “We use this information … to provide advice on important areas that should be considered for inclusion in a Southern Ocean marine protected area network, but also in relation to expanding the existing marine-protected areas around the Prince Edward Islands.” A key finding is that some Marion Island species largely rely on frontal systems, like the Antarctic Polar Front, as an important researching African penguins, a foraging zone, as these areas churn up nutrients and attract large threatened species, at Stony Point, amounts of fish. Betty’s Bay near Hermanus. “With the Antarctic Polar Front moving further south because After attaching miniaturised of climate change and warmer sea temperatures, King penguins, video cameras onto the backs of for example, are having to travel much further to find food. We are African penguins, the researchers predicting they will be locally extinct at several of their breeding discovered that through their colonies within the next 100 years. foraging behaviour, these birds “Our work with the more charismatic species of the sea is a drive their prey up to the surface, powerful vehicle to get the message across that climate change enabling other surface-feeding and unsustainable resource use are affecting these species and seabird species, some of them also require urgent attention.” threatened, to acquire food. “After the penguins herded Clockwise from top: A Gentoo penguin launches itself into the sea off the Falkland Islands, sardines and anchovies from great about to start a foraging expedition. Pistorius and his research team have discovered that depths up to the surface, several flying sea birds share the prey of African penguins. In less than 100 years, Marion Island’s flying seabird species, including King penguin population – observed here by Nelson Mandela University zoology senior lecturer Professor Pierre Pistorius, could disappear from the island. Photo: Otto Whitehead sooty shearwaters, Cape cormorants and swift terns, took advantage of this behaviour. “It’s the first time we’ve seen how the foraging behaviour of African The study on African penguins populations in the area. penguins benefits other species. is part of a larger initiative at Betty’s “We are aiming to use real-time “This discovery provided us with Bay to develop a “dynamic resource information to inform fisheries about unexpected insights into the bigger management model”, where data fish populations, in the hopes of role African penguins play in the collected from seabirds reflects the improving the management of fishing marine ecosystem.”. abundance of sardine and anchovy activities.”

52 | Thetha | February 2020 February 2020 | mandela.ac.za | 53 GROWING IN POPULARITY

SPAR Madibaz captain Jeanie Steyn (right) led the team to third place in the 2018 Varsity Netball competition. Photo: Christiaan Kotze/SASPA

The establishment of a high-profile tournament at university level has been the catalyst for netball’s emergence as a marquee* sport in South Africa. Following the impact of Varsity Cup rugby, the Varsity Sports organisation extended its portfolio to include Varsity Netball in 2013 and the sport at Nelson Mandela University – and elsewhere – has been surfing a wave of popularity ever since. As young players became aware of the opportunities embedded SPAR Madibaz captain Jeanie Steyn (left) has played an within the game in SA and abroad, the code began luring more and more influential role for the Nelson Mandela University netball players. team in the last four years. Photo: Michael Sheehan The strides the sport has made in half a dozen years was confirmed when the Proteas reached the World Cup semifinals in England last year. And, with the World Cup taking place domestically in 2023, interest is

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were suddenly fielding calls from all quarters about Madibaz netball. “Instead of us having to scout for players, people were contacting us for the first time. That has helped us retain home-grown talent, while we have also had enquiries from players in Gauteng, which has a huge netball population. “Suddenly they are aware of what we are achieving with Madibaz netball and realise that we are a viable option.” Jeanie Steyn Photo: Carlo Jonkerman Goosen acknowledges that their depth allows them to dominate local leagues, but their impact goes showing no signs of waning. weight. We were third in 2013 and beyond that. Regionally, Madibaz It has sparked a desire last year and fourth twice.” personnel interact with players and among players to be part of the She believes Varsity Netball has officials in various structures. extravaganza and SPAR Madibaz been instrumental in pushing the “For instance, our players are captain Jeanie Steyn is one of those popularity of the sport to what she used by schools to assist with aiming to stick around. terms “unprecedented” levels. It is coaching and we obviously want now acknowledged as the premier them, whether they be past or Punching above their weight feeder platform for the national present, to put something back into Amid the fanfare, the SPAR Madibaz team. the game.” flexed their muscles against their While the wave of popularity that Varsity Netball peers, reaching the Coming of age engulfs the sport shows no signs semi-finals four times in seven years. “The growth of netball is something of breaking, it seems apt that the Last year, under highly-rated which has been even more significant coastal university is making waves of coach Lana Krige, they narrowly in recent years,” says Goosen, having its own. missed out on the play-offs. witnessed its coming of age first- * A marquee player is an Nevertheless, Madibaz Sport netball hand. athlete who is considered manager Melinda Goosen is cock-a- “When we reached the semifinals exceptionally popular, skilled, or hoop about their run of form. in 2013 it didn’t attract that much otherwise outstanding, especially “As one of the smaller universities attention. But the competition in professional sports. (source: we have often punched above our grew and after our 2018 effort we Wikipedia)

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With both having competed internationally, Alaric says their focus is now on improving “the little things that can make you better” in a sport that is as much about technique as brute power. “You still have to put in the hours, but at this stage you look back at each race and evaluate what you have been doing wrong or what you can tweak,” he says. “It’s about fine-tuning your stroke and minimising drag to shave milliseconds off.”

The Pacman plan They received sound advice from their father about the mental challenges associated Alard and Alaric Basso. Photo: Full Stop Communications with being a top-level competitor and today it is paying dividends – in fractions of seconds. Tale of the twins “There were a lot of social “He likened it to the sacrifices that had to be made, computer game Pacman,” In more ways than one, making waves has but we knew what needed to says Alaric, “where you have become a way of life for Nelson Mandela be done.” to concentrate on the first test University’s Basson twins. These are The more they were before progressing to the next some of the achievements that they have exposed to the opportunities left in their wake: Madibaz student-athlete Alaric Basson became the first swimmer from Nelson Mandela University to represent South Africa at the Fina World level. within top-level swimming, Championships in South Korea last year. “Our dad said it wasn’t Alard the more it strengthened their about who could improve the • Eastern Province record-holder in resolve. In a sport where fastest, but who could keep on 100m and 200m butterfly time is their greatest improving. • Represented South Africa at the In the wake of a rivalry adversary, Nelson “As you get older you 2016 Fina World Short Course And naturally, as with many realise the importance of the Championships siblings, there was rivalry early Mandela University Chasing technical side and we have • Best achievement: silver in the 100m on. swimming twins Alaric always gauged ourselves to butterfly at 2019 African Games “It was hectic,” recalls • Twice a finalist for Eastern Cape and Alard Basson are assess what improvements Alard, who has since have been made every year.” Sportsman of the Year transitioned into a superb on a constant quest for • Bronze in best male swimmer category breaststroker. milliseconds. Not love at first sight at 2019 Ussa gala. “Everything was a the CLOCK While swimming is now a way competition. I remember I was Alaric “Practically speaking, I’m about a of life, Alard admits it took nervous to race him and he was • Eastern Province record-holder in body-length behind the guys who time to fully commit. nervous to race me. breaststroke events in all distances are making the finals,” explains “There was a time in junior “In those days we swam • African Games 200m breaststroke Alaric, who specialises in the school when we didn’t want to all the strokes, so every race record-holder butterfly, comparing his efforts to He is under no illusion that the both postgraduate construction swim as we were enjoying all was a battle. As we grew older, • Ussa 100m breaststroke record-holder the top swimmers at last year’s Fina key to the door into the finals – and management students and, as a the other sports,” he recalls, we developed our speciality • Represented South Africa at 2019 Fina World Championships in South perhaps beyond – lies in hard work unit, have been the mainstay of the “but my father saw our potential events and that was probably a World Championships in South Korea Korea. and meticulous analysis under the Madibaz Sport Swimming Club over and suggested we continue and good move to avoid unhealthy • Best achievement: double gold at “I feel I’m not far off and I think direction of coach and SA swimming the past four years. make a decision later. competition.” 2019 African Games in Morocco it is possible to get to that level,” legend Mark Edge. Most recently, they excelled at “We did, but we also Nowadays, having each • Nelson Mandela University Sportsman says the 23-year-old from Uitenhage, the University Sport South Africa gala enjoyed rugby until injuries other as training partners of the Year in 2016 who in June 2019 became the first Managing studies and sport where Alaric was named best male started affecting our time in pushes them along on their • Gold in best male swimmer category student-athlete from Mandela Not uncommon for identical twins, swimmer and Alard, who has also the pool. We decided to focus respective paths to excellence at 2019 Ussa gala. University to represent South Africa where similarities often extend earned national colours, filled third on swimming when we were 16, – one well-earned millisecond at the highest level. beyond the physical, they are spot. but it wasn’t easy at first. *Statistics as at September 30, 2019 at a time.

58 | Thetha | February 2020 February 2020 | mandela.ac.za | 59 GEORGE CAMPUS GEORGE CAMPUS

George is one of the fastest-growing areas in South Africa. Similarly, the University’s George Campus on the Garden Route in the southern Cape is experiencing a mini infrastructure boom of its own.

Arguably the most beautiful university campus in South Africa, Nelson Mandela University’s George Campus is growing in both stature and size. Set at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains and just seven kilometres from the tourist and economic centre of George and an even shorter distance from the coast, the scenic campus has become a magnet for those whose values align with the University’s programmes and ethos. The niche programme offerings from the Faculty of Science – Nature New residence supplement the current reservoir’s Forestry, Game Ranch Management, A R54-million, triple-storey residence capacity for the George Campus Nature Conservation and Agriculture overlooking the forestry pine community is underway. – have become firm favourites plantations en route to the heart of The new one megalitre reservoir with students from throughout the the campus is under construction, is underway and expected to be country, and even further afield. with completion anticipated in April completed by March 2020, offering Likewise, its Business and Economic 2020. The three wings that make additional water capacity of 2400 Sciences programmes and IT STUDY up the new residence were at the litres an hour. qualifications have seen an increase halfway mark in September 2019. In addition, renovation and in student numbers, especially The additional 198 beds modernisation of the central those undertaking postgraduate Alexander believes the campus’s Given its tranquil setting, its ideal are aimed at alleviating the Protection Services control room has enrolments. expertise in business, science proximity to five different botanical growing demand for on-campus been completed. George Campus presently and technology goes a long way biomes and the burgeoning accommodation and will supplement has close to 1500 students and to preparing students to make a economic hub on its doorstep, the present 430 beds. has grown consistently over the significant contribution towards George Campus is set to flourish years. While Game Ranch Diploma society. further. Furntech building numbers, for example, have grown He says staff are always willing to As a result of the increased The old Furntech building, close to from 10 in 2016 to 41 this year, the go the extra mile for all students who numbers and anticipated interest in the main teaching venues, has been number of students completing their enjoy the dedicated care they receive the campus’s sustainability focus, the refurbished and recently completed doctorates in Nature Conservation in smaller classes. University is investing R70-million at a cost of R8-million to offer has leapfrogged from two in 2016 to “We strongly embrace diversity into a number of key infrastructure the campus further lecture space 13 in 2019. and inclusion as key elements that projects. options. This is in line with the University’s enhance excellence in academics, Funding for these projects The former working spaces have strategy of attracting more culture and sport at our campus. includes allocations received from been reworked to offer the University postgraduate students whose We place a very high premium on the Ministry of Higher Education a multi-function venue with its divider research interests align with that individual attention and support and Training from its three-year doors. of the importance of sustainability, for our students as an important Infrastructure and Equipment since it wishes to become the “go- dimension of our approach to grant allocations and from external Fresh water reservoir to” destination for such research. widening access for success in life stakeholders. The construction of an additional Acting campus principal David and work.” R6-million fresh water reservoir to

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The Faculty of Arts is drawing together remarkable. It is a big deal, particularly in language, heritage and scholarship in its terms of the national discourse on mother Amalaphu Obulumko – “cloths of wisdom” tongue education. – project. “Academic Xhosa is quite profound OUR LANGUAGE A cross-disciplinary project with and a PhD of 240 pages is on another a difference, Amalaphu Obulumko level. Most say they had to make up celebrates a decade of isiXhosa academic terms as they went along doctorates at Nelson Mandela University because these did not exist in their by crowning their authors with a headwrap language before.” (doek) created in their honour. OF INCLUSIVITY Crowning African knowledge Ten years ago Dr Nozuko Zukiswa Gxekwa made history at the University “As all the authors are female, the idea when she became the first person to was to crown African knowledge in a regal complete her doctorate in isiXhosa. way through the headwraps,” he says of Since then, six more Xhosa-speaking the collaborative process. academics have earned their PhD for BTech Textile Design student Thandozani Nofingxana designed the prints for the doeks, which helped to give the range a cohesive feel. The 2018 Design Indaba Emerging Creative drew on Amalaphu content from the seven theses to inspire each piece. The team included designer Cwayita Obulumko Swana, who worked with students to design a striking cardboard tube to research conducted and written entirely package the doeks. in their home language and there are Public Relations lecturer Anele an additional six now registered for Mvazana co-ordinated text in isiXhosa and doctorates in isiXhosa. English, telling the story behind each of The first seven have now been crowned the seven doctoral theses and the bright with doeks printed with a unique design prints they inspired. named after them, namely the Gxekwa, “We were brainstorming what to do for Notshe, Jaxa, Mvenyashe, Khumalo, Africa Day on May 25, thinking it would go Hempe and Cutatele doeks. on the Faculty’s Facebook page, and did Faculty of Arts Media and not realise the doeks would become such Communication lecturer Senzo Xulu said a big project,” Mvazana says. the team which worked on the project in Since then, there has been a successful May 2019 were surprised and thrilled by exhibition on campus, where the doeks Fittingly for 2019 as the The institution named after the late are expected to have a functional its popularity. and related photographic and graphic Nelson Mandela was the first in the language policy,” Prof Mdzanga International Year of “We wanted to do something that design elements went on show. Due to country, 10 years ago, to have his explains. Indigenous Languages, would interest the students. How do we demand, they are now on sale and may be home language represented in a “If you look at the demographic ordered. Nelson Mandela PhD written in his mother tongue of profile of students in 2018, we see get the student voice in without watering down the academic integrity?” says Xulu. In addition, Amalaphu Obulumko University is not only isiXhosa. that 68% of them are Africans and has become a travelling tale as Nelson Since then, staff and students 58% of support staff are also African. He explains how Amalaphu Obulumko commemorating a uses a visual language to make academia Mandela University Vice-Chancellor have been working on updating the “This suggests they are bringing Professor Sibongile Muthwa has presented decade of doctoral existing language policy, both on the with them various linguistic accessible to a generation more familiar several as gifts to influential recipients on ground and through the Language repertoires and language resources, with hashtags such as #RespectTheDoek theses written in trips abroad. Policy reference group. which in most cases are treated as and #DoeksOnFleek. Every doek tells a story and, although isiXhosa, but also Professor Nokhanyo Mdzanga, invisible. The scholarship invested in these their mother tongue may be isiXhosa, giving voice to a Deputy Dean in the Faculty of “So, as the language working pioneering PhDs is “incredible”, he says. they now speak a universal language new, more inclusive Education, spearheads this group group of academics, we met to “To have an institution that for 10 with the assistance of Dr Jacqui Lück, discuss how the University could years has been allowing students to weaving its pattern on an international language policy. Gillian Head of the Department of Applied develop a new language policy. write in their own language of isiXhosa is stage. McAinsh reports. Language Studies. “We needed an ‘inclusive’ “All institutions of higher learning approach where the voices of the

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and focus groups to gather insights from staff and students as the University works towards a multilingual environment. The thrust has been to provide a safe space for “courageous conversations” about language experiences, particularly those which participants felt had marginalised or empowered them on campus. “It has taken a lot of courageous conversations presented in various forums. “Much progress has been made and it has been rewarding,” says Dr Lück. At the end of the process, she explains, “we will have a document that speaks to the humanising pedagogy envisioned by the University.” University community could direct and influence the design of this.”

Agents of change Dr Lück says that while previously “English was found to be the sole bearer of knowledge”, this is not in line with the country’s constitution, which gives equal status and value to all 11 national languages. “The government is addressing and redressing language transformation in terms of previously marginalised language groups and we are aligning our policy with that,” says Dr Lück. A Government Gazette from February 2018 specifically criticised higher education institutions (HEIs), saying that they had “failed to establish multilingualism in day-to- day institutional life, especially in core academic activities”. It criticised them for not having were more progressive than those As Prof Mdzanga puts it, “change made more effort to develop and stated in the policy.” cannot be imposed - it requires a encourage the use of indigenous In other words, good work was buy-in from all concerned. When the languages in three key areas: being done on the ground, but past is interrogated and understood, this was not reflected in the official the University will be able to move • Scholarship; policy. towards an inclusive language • Teaching and learning; Language has been, and policy.” • Communication. continues to be, a barrier to access The end goal is to create an and success in higher education, inclusive environment advancing Prof Mdzanga said a ministerial particularly for students who are not tolerance and respect for diversity, advisory committee had rejected the English first-language speakers. where speakers of both indigenous University’s previous language policy and non-indigenous languages are as non-committal and exclusionary. Taking action truly valued. “However, it noted the projects The Language Policy group has The draft Language Policy was and practices implemented by staff thus been conducting presentations shared at Senate in November 2019.

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OBSERVING THE STARS in our cultural economy

SACO’s festival calculator assesses the commercial value of events such as the National Arts Festival in Makhanda, where jazz band Bombshelter Beast performed this year. Photo: Jonathon Rees

Just as an observatory is positioned to give a clear view country’s cultural and creative economy, producing policy- of stars shining in the night sky, the South African Cultural relevant research on the socio-economic impact of the Observatory (SACO) focuses on the human stars blazing a arts, culture and heritage (ACH) sectors, and the cultural creative trail across South Africa’s cultural firmament. and creative industries (CCIs) in South Africa. And, as executive director of the organisation, it is As such, although it focuses on a colourful Unathi Lutshaba’s task to aim the telescope to best explore kaleidoscope which includes dancers, designers, crafters, and measure this richly diverse terrain. choristers and so much more, its tools are not images and The Observatory is the Department of Sport, Arts and sound but rather statistics and science. Culture’s national research arm, a specialised institute “The South African Cultural Observatory is a based in Donkin Street, Port Elizabeth. cultural and creative research project hosted by It maps, measures, values and understands the Nelson Mandela University in partnership with Rhodes

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University, the University of Fort Hare and the University SACO, there had been no scientific of KwaZulu-Natal,” explains Lutshaba, who took over evidence to back this up. the hot seat just over a year ago. Lutshaba replaced “We produce quality relevant Professor Richard Haines, who is consulting for the Festival Economic research, generate insights and Observatory until his retirement. influence policy at national level.” It was first launched as a three-year project in 2015 Impact Calculator In 2011 the department launched to gather and help shape industry and government its Mzansi Golden Economy Strategy strategies. In 2018, the department again awarded the identifying this sector as the new University the project. “gold”, and proposed the formation As part of the South African Cultural Observatory of a cultural observatory to help Cultural and creative industries (SACO) research team, Rhodes University “mine” this rich seam. CCIs are often understood and defined differently by economics professor Jen Snowball developed the various organisations across the world. The Observatory South African Festival Economic Impact Calculator, Mining cultural gold uses the cultural domains as identified by UNESCO: which is already proving an invaluable resource. To do that, however, it is important • Cultural and natural heritage; “We use this to monitor cultural festivals and to know where to look, and • Performance and celebration; events into which the Department of Arts and one of the Observatory’s major • Visual arts and crafts; Culture has put money, such as the National Arts achievements has been to develop • Books and press; Festival, the SA Music Awards, Macufe, Indoni a tool, the Festival Economic Impact • Audio-visual and interactive media; and others,” says Observatory executive director Calculator, to evaluate publicly • Design and creative services. Unathi Lutshaba. funded cultural events. The calculator provides a framework to help With the country facing high “Our mandate is to map, to value and to understand festival organisers see how much revenue their levels of unemployment, the the socio-economic relevance, importance, and GDP event generates, helping them to judge how Observatory also assists government contribution of the creative and cultural industries in South effective their spending is. in understanding the importance of Africa,” Lutshaba says. “The research team learned from interacting the CCI sector as an employer. “The work contributes to the country’s growth and with the organisers and practitioners that some of “I believe government is now employment as a nation, but before the establishment of them do not understand the economic impact of putting its money where its mouth is what they do,” says Lutshaba. but it needs to know how to better “Most of the people working in the creative support it,” says Lutshaba. industry do not have a business background. Some “Because of the nature of work in live hand to mouth and some do not even have the creative sector, a lot of jobs are access to business resources, so we developed seasonal. this to be freely available. “The sector is reasonably “The calculator is available on our website and healthy and it has a lot of potential can be accessed by anyone who wishes to use it for growth. A lot still needs to be to measure any cultural event. The beauty of the done; it just needs the public and tool is that it generates a report at the end of the private sectors to come together process.” and ensure it continues to grow and SACO also offers a manual and training on create employment.” how to use the calculator, which is helpful for users Her role also includes rating when they develop business plans to access future the performance of the sector with funding. a view to analysing and sharing The South African film industry – illustrated by award-winning film Inxeba/The Wound – isa trends. significant part of the cultural economy. As well as national projects, the team has also held discussions with the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber and the Eastern Cape village of Dikidikana. Nelson Mandela Bay municipality. “One just needs to have an understanding of what Lutshaba’s research background, dating back to the research is – the what, why, how and - very important – the start of her academic career, is invaluable. She took a ‘so what’. Once you understand, you can incorporate that youthful decision to join the CSIR in Pretoria on a university into any field. gap year, where she worked in crime prevention. “I love what I do here at the Observatory because I “I wasn’t sure that I was in the right place doing the get to focus on research and to project manage the entire right course. That was my first exposure to the world of process. research and it grew on me.” “Many think it’s about a choir performing a song or a Lutshaba went on to get her MA in Development poet reciting a poem at an event, but there is more that Studies from Nelson Mandela University and is now makes this sector work. working on her PhD, also from Nelson Mandela “Being at the helm helps me to assist government in University. In this she will look at traditional values and strategic planning and decision-making on how to make Unathi Lutshaba at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg Photo: Victor Dlamini the sustainability of current economic systems in the rural the sector grow.”

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Dr Nicole Vorster Port Elizabeth-bred actor and singer Nakhane Toure, second from right, starred in Inxeba/The Wound, one of the award-winning South Beneficiation African films making a contribution to the cultural economy. of waste

Dr Vorster is a lecturer for the BSc Honours degree programme in Formulation Science - a course that applies knowledge of chemistry to formulation science. It combines this with product development, entrepreneurship and business fundamentals. Her research field is the beneficiation of agricultural and food waste for commercial application in the cosmetics, health INNOVATION supplements and fish/pet How Culture feed industries.

Her team of more than a dozen – many are also Nelson Counts Mandela University alumni - in the Donkin Street office, South Africa’s cultural economy makes a plus a few at partner universities, work across the country. significant contribution to the nation’s total “The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture GDP: the most recent SACO mapping study influences the research agenda for any particular year The value of shows it adds R63-billion per year to the and for us to look at mapping the cultural sector across economy, representing 1.7% of total GDP. a country of 56 million people we need an efficient and This sector has also been growing faster knowledgeable big team.” than the rest of the economy, as the creative Together they map a sector which is growing the next and cultural industries had an average growth generation of cultural and creative stars. rate of 4.8% per year between 2011 and 2016 compared to only 1.6% per year for the whole economy over this period. In addition, it drives substantial job ‘waste’“I admire innovators creation as the total number employed in the Science meets sustainable Matchmaking Event in Johannesburg, creative economy is estimated to be just over and entrepreneurs skincare an initiative of the Department of one million (6.94% of total employment in for their contribution Her groundbreaking project involves Science and Technology. 2016). the use of olive pomace – the by- In 2016, with funding from the TIA More than a third (35%) of cultural jobs are to society. Applied product of olive oil processing. Seed Fund Programme, managed by held by those younger than 35, so the cultural research and Dr Vorster has developed an the University’s Innovation Office, Dr economy provides employment for nearly teaching students to optimised antioxidant extract from Vorster and her PhD student, Marthie 380 000 young people. The largest number the substance for use in cosmetic Postma-Botha, developed a unique (43.1%) are found in the visual arts and crafts be innovative have skincare products – a double win for extraction process to produce the domain, followed by nearly one in five (19.6%) inspired me to become both the war on waste and a more optimised olive pomace extracts for in the design and creative services sector. an entrepreneur.” natural, sustainable approach to use in cosmetic skincare products. These are encouraging statistics as the beauty. The extracts contain anti- SACO Mapping Study of 2018 showed that, in Prototype cosmetic products of microbial properties and many terms of financial contribution to GDP, design These are the words of Dr Nicole her project, Optimised trial cosmetic antioxidants promoting moisturising, and creative services contributes the most Vorster, winner of the Emerging formulation from olive waste, were anti-ageing and UV protection. and is also one of the fastest growing areas. Innovation Excellence Award and showcased among the best publicly This year, funding was approved The new mapping study report is due Formulation Science lecturer in the funded technology offerings in to conduct market feasibility studies for release in March 2020. Nelson Mandela University graduate Laduma Ngxokolo, seen here at University’s Chemistry Department. South Africa at the 2017 Innovation for the commercialisation of the New York Fashion Week in September, is one of many putting South Bridge Technology Showcase and extracts. Africa’s creative and cultural industries on the international map. Photo: Corina Lecca

70 | Thetha | February 2020 February 2020 | mandela.ac.za | 71 INNOVATION INNOVATION Fledgling student society set to fly high

“As we live in a complex and dynamic Trailblazing world today, innovation and entrepreneurship are becoming more relevant in economic SPACE RESEARCH Enjoying an Ecosystem event are (from left) Jonathan De Graaff (member), Vuyo Tutu development. In fact, (Ecosystem chairperson), Shamiso Banda (PR officer), Kazimla Mbongwe (deputy chairperson), innovation has become Anelisa Bali (events officer) and Viwe Matutu (member). Benefiting Emerging Markets an essential part of entrepreneurship.” Wise words from Vuyo Tutu, The Space Science and Technology a financial investment, as satellite “By addressing the chairperson and co-founder of the project, under the guidance of lead electronics will be more accessible.” need for low cost recently-established Ecosystem researcher Professor Farouk Smith, The project focuses on space student entrepreneurship has built cutting-edge research applications, remote sensing of satellite electronics, development society and a final-year capability – making the development the environment, mechatronics the research will BCom (Economics) student. of satellites cheaper and more and radiation effects on electronic The new organisation, launched effective in the harsh space radiation technologies in the area of space ultimately benefit at the beginning of 2019, walked environment. science technology. It is linked to emerging markets away with the Best New Society “This research could enable the national strategic priority area especially. award at the Student Governance South African space system of space science and technology, Merit Awards in October. development to stay relevant which provides essential data It was lauded for going beyond by using the newest devices on and services to a wide array of At one of Ecosystem’s events are (from left) Akhona Matolengwe (student entrepreneur), its vision of promoting a culture of Dr Tandiswa Ngxukumeshe (academic and entrepreneur), Anelisa Bali (Ecosystem’s events the market,” says Prof Smith, applications ranging from research entrepreneurship among students officer) and Nombasa Jakeni (founder of Imbasakazi Foundation). associate professor and head of the and development to commercial through capacity building, skills University’s mechatronic engineering services. development and awareness department. This breakthrough research will programmes on campus. Other events included awareness intends growing its reach with more “It could also lessen the also contribute to sustaining local Members have reached out to the programmes, a Fourth Industrial programmes to equip and assist dependency on expensive radiation- universities’ research activities by business community of established Revolution dialogue, a Women’s young students in achieving their hardened devices to meet required providing the critical high-end skills entrepreneurs to build relationships Month workshop and a business business dreams. reliability criteria on future designs. base demanded by the global labour with enterprising students. leaders’ seminar. “Knowing that politicians are not “By addressing the need for low market. The society is managed going to fix South Africa’s economy cost satellite electronics, the research Research focuses on training Initiatives and leadership by an executive committee of and high unemployment rate, we will ultimately benefit emerging space electronics experts among Ecosystem’s flagship event in May six undergraduate students in have realised that students have markets especially. It will enable postgraduate students – an essential this year – a Cash Flow Management various fields – three of whom are to become job creators through South Africa and other emerging group for improving research workshop attended by 50 students – entrepreneurs themselves. entrepreneurship - and not only job countries to enter the space capacity at Nelson Mandela was a roaring success. With a total of 60 members, it seekers,” says Tutu. technology fields without too great University.

72 | Thetha | February 2020 February 2020 | mandela.ac.za | 73 INNOVATION WHAT IF MY TECH IDEA What started as a basic call button has transformed into a ISN’T unique technological is tool set to revolutionise GOOD ENOUGH? the world’s health care business decisions about staffing; • The bell alleviates nursing • Families may request detailed workloads; system. print-outs of how often a patient • Overall positive impact on care, The Qbell button – designed for required hospital staff assistance; monitoring and evaluation of patients with no or limited small • Recorded data helps to improve patients. motor function in hospitals and hospital efficiency, such as This portable, user-friendly It smoulders, waiting to catch fire. private homes – is now just a small a nurse’s response time to a and proudly South African product Your potential is massive, rivalled benefit of the entire Qbell Care Risk patient’s call; is a welcome addition to local only by the size of your ambition. Management System, designed to • Automatic scheduled alarms innovations, as South Africa imports maximise the safety of both patients help patients requiring up to 90% of its medical devices. It’s what brought you here; and it’s and nurses. regular what’s going to take you where It was launched in the spinal unit assistance; you’re going. of Bloemfontein’s Pelonomi Hospital in October 2019. Heinrich Williams, product Our mission is to help you get inventor and Nelson Mandela there. Propella is the “Go To”, University alumnus, says that Qbell High-Tech Incubator and Care aims to minimise common hospital risks through the use of Accelerator for innovators and Internet of Things and SMART ventures delivering Smart City devices. Solutions and Industry 4.0 Williams, a quadriplegic and owner of QSystems SA, was inspired Technologies. to develop the system after being paralysed and hospitalised following Heinrich Williams Your innovative and explosive a bacterial infection. holding his Qbell P r o p e l l a B u s i n e s s I n c u b a t o r Care device. thinking needs two things to take “According to research, 43% of detrimental incidents in hospital are off: belief and backing! We just so preventable,” explains Williams. happen to have both. “The cost related to patients falling in hospital is (high) for the health care system, amounting to millions per year in developed countries around the world. This is also We are the catalyst for your the case with hospital- creativity. The ignition for your ideas. acquired pressure C: +27 (0)83 261 6513 injuries.” And we are waiting to hear from you. The system has myriad benefits, he T: +27 (0)41 502 3700 Apply for one of the programmes at Propella via our website. says: • Hospital E: [email protected] management can make sound www.propellaincubator.co.za Future thinking, today 74 | Thetha | February 2020 February 2020 | mandela.ac.za | 75 @UniversityShopMandelaUni @UniversityShop_MandelaUni shop.mandela.ac.za . [email protected] . 041 504 4371 . Sanlam Student Village (Summerstrand) 76 | Thetha | February 2020