VOLUME 54
. SEPTEMBER 2018
INSIDE: The CGS appoints new
The CGS appoints new Executive Managers I 1 Executive Managers
Three geoscientists receive PhD and The Council for Geoscience is proud working for BHP Billiton (now BHP) MSc degrees I 3 to announce the appointment of doing minerals exploration all over three Executive Managers, Applied Africa. He then took a break and went Nontobeko Scheppers Geoscience: Dr David Khoza, Geological back into academia to study towards a Resources: Refilwe Shelembe and Masters degree which was converted International Air Pollution Corporate Services: Dr Jonty Tshipa. to a PhD. Following his doctorate, Conference in Naples, Italy I 4 Anglo American employed him in Tlou Betty Mashalane the Technical Solutions Department in Johannesburg to support the exploration and mining division with Participation in theth 6 China–Africa geophysical methods. The department Water Conference I 6 was closed down and he joined another Emmanuel Sakala Anglo American company called SPECTREM AIR where he managed Geostatistics training course I 7 the geophysics unit and supervised airborne magnetic and electromagnetic Leahn Pieterse surveys locally and abroad.
CGS staff attended the launch Dr Khoza has joined the CGS because of a 3D X-ray microscope for he believes that the organisation is in advanced research I 7 a good position to effect real change to the way the geosciences are practiced Supi Tlowana in South Africa and on the continent. His vision is to see the CGS performing Junior scientist rolls in another best David Khoza, Executive Manager: Applied Geoscience world-class science using leading student poster award I 8 technologies to contribute positively was born on 25 October to the socio-economic dynamics of Frédéric Doucet David Khoza 1981 and hails from a small township the country and the continent. All CGS outside Brits, called Letlhabile. He staff are key to realising this vision Celebrating Nelson Mandela completed a BSc degree in Physics and he will do his best to ensure that International Day I 9 and Geology, a BSc Honours degree the scientists are well equipped and Mahlako Mathabatha in Geophysics and a PhD degree in trained to undertake good science while Geophysics. He spent almost four ensuring that the support staff have the National Women’s Day years in Ireland where he completed tools to assist them. his PhD research on mapping tectonic Workshop I 10 boundaries and inferring the crustal Dr Khoza is happily married and Rethabile Makwela and mantle lithospheric evolution of he and his wife, Mamotse, are the the Kaapvaal, Zimbabwe and Congo proud parents of a three year old New publicationI 11 cratons, including the mobile belts that daughter, Kabo. Geological and surround them, using deep sounding geophysical mapping is at the top of Thelma Swart magnetotelluric (MT) data. his list of interests. He also enjoys hiking, camping, cricket and reading CGS Annual Conference 2019 I 12 Immediately after completing his about current affairs, history and Thinus Cloete Honours degree, Dr Khoza started technological trends. 2 I GeoClips
He is passionate about the keen interest in the impact of geology geosciences because this field on the health of communities and overlaps with many other interesting the environment. subjects. Moreover, the geosciences are relevant to all physical scales, Ms Shelembe has served as a from the sub-atomic level to the whole committee member and chairperson universe. They touch on every time on the Young Geoscientists Network scale, from fractions of a second to and she has been a member of the billions of years. These scales provide job-grading committee, the technical us with a perspective on our own lives. committee and the library committee Most importantly, geoscientists are of the CGS. She has also served as paid to go on field trips to some really a secretary of the Medical Geology interesting places! Chapter in 2014. Ms Shelembe is passionate about making a contribution to transformation, social development and the talent development of early- Dr Jonty Tshipa, Executive Manager: Corporate Services career scientists and believes that the contributions of these young Engineering, Durban. Dr Tshipa is scientists will impact positively on armed with more than 20 years of work the organisation. experience, having worked in almost all sectors of the economy such as In the twelve years that she has Education, Utility, Mining, ICT, Financial worked for the CGS and risen through Services, Government and Media. He the ranks, Ms Shelembe worked in has occupied roles such as Project the Office of the CEO as a Technical Engineer (at Eskom), Explosives Assistant and she temporarily assumed Engineer (at AEL Mining Services), the duties of Manager for Geoscience Senior Technical Consultant (at Gijima), Mapping. On 1 June 2018, she was Head: Credit Recoveries (at Standard appointed as the Executive Manager Bank) and Executive: Corporate for Geological Resources, a position Services (at Brand South Africa). that affords her the opportunity Refilwe Shelembe, Executive Manager: to co-champion the Integrated Dr Tshipa lectured credit management/ Geological Resources and Multidisciplinary Geoscience finance to B-Tech students at TUT from Mapping Programme of the CGS. 2014 to 2016 on a part time basis. He Refilwe Shelembe grew up in Soweto She received the “Elijah Nkosi” award is currently a sessional supervisor of and moved to Pretoria in 2006 to of excellence in December 2017 for MBA students at Wits Business School work for the CGS as a junior scientist laying the foundation for this ten year as well as an ad hoc external examiner in the then Central Regions, now mapping plan. of MBA students at both the Wits Geoscience Mapping, Unit. With Business School and Nelson Mandela ten years of experience as a field Ms Shelembe strives to be loyal to Graduate School. He has served on geologist and a Master’s degree in the CGS and is looking forward to several boards such as those of the geology from the University of the serving her term with commitment South African Weather Services and Witwatersrand, Ms Shelembe has and excellence. ZADNA, where he also served on the mapped six 1:50 000-scale geological Audit and Risk committee and the HR maps in and outside South Africa. Her Dr Jonty Tshipa was born in 1975 and and Remuneration committee. main focus was on the metamorphism matriculated at Tsogo High School in of the upper Pretoria Group of the 1992. Dr Tshipa holds a PhD degree “It is serendipity that I ended up in Transvaal Supergroup as affected by in Financial Management Science Corporate Services — never in my the far western Bushveld Complex. She from the University of Pretoria, a wildest dreams had I ever imagined has also worked on various research Masters in Finance and Investment dealing with soft issues”, he remarks. and commercial projects including, (cum laude) from the University of His immediate deliverables for the amongst others, 3D geological the Witwatersrand, an MBA from the CGS are: modelling, geological mapping in Tshwane University of Technology high-grade metamorphic provinces (TUT), Global Remuneration • to ensure that the organisation has in the Northern Cape Province, Professional certification from the right people in the right jobs. Thyspunt and Duynefontein nuclear WorldatWork and he completed siting, the investigation of strategic programmes in Project Management in • to ensure that as an organisation nuclear reserves and alluvial diamond IT at UNISA and electrical engineering that strives to inculcate a high gravel mapping. Ms Shelembe has a (heavy current) at the School of performance culture, we build Geoclips - Volume 54 - September 2018 GeoClips I 3
a robust and solid performance emerging and common problem His hobbies include the reading of management system that will areas that need intervention. finance and investment related journal consider competencies as well as articles on capital structure, financial core management criteria. • Foster a good working relationship performance, stockbroking and with staff and labour. corporate governance. His favourite • Flowing from the recently approved sports are tennis and soccer and he organisational structure, develop an • Obtain full accreditation for ISO 9001 is a staunch supporter of Sundowns HR aligned strategy. and 17025 by the end of 2019. and Barcelona. In his spare time, Dr Tshipa enjoys spending time with his • Use tools such as staff engagement • Strive towards the full automation of wife of 15 years and his daughters, surveys and exit interviews to identify HR services. Keamogetswe and Onthatile.
Three geoscientists receive PhD and MSc degrees
Dr Emmanuel Sakala graduated processes to be automated. This will with a PhD in Geohydrology from the facilitate rapid groundwater vulnerability University of the Free State on 28 June assessments solving the complex 2018. His dissertation is entitled problem of AMD assessment at a Development of rapid assessment regional scale specifically for policy and tools for groundwater vulnerability decision making purposes. A graphic mapping using integrated user interface program (GVM_AI) geoscientific datasets and artificial was developed to execute complex intelligent algorithms: case study AI algorithms in the background but from Witbank and Ermelo coalfields, which is simple enough for use by a South Africa. Emmanuel hopes to non-AI expert. This approach to solving make a significant contribution to the complex problems such as groundwater field of geohydrology, multidisciplinary vulnerability can be rolled out and data integration and artificial used in other fields such as geological intelligence (AI). In this research, a new mapping, mineral exploration, pre- approach to groundwater vulnerability warning systems for earthquakes and assessment using AI algorithms, sinkhole studies. Immediate benefits specifically for groundwater vulnerability for the Council for Geoscience and the to acid mine drainage (AMD) at a scientific community at large include regional coalfield scale, was developed. increased efficiency by automating The value of this research lies in the some of the routine processes in fact that the new approach, which is a geoscience data processing, enhanced hybrid of the index overlay, statistical capabilities in multidisciplinary data Gloria Dube graduated and obtained an MSc from North- and process based approaches, allows integration and, ultimately, improving West University in Potchefstroom. many of the vulnerability assessment the quality of geoscience products, in service of humankind. investigated and implemented in many parts of the world for net-acidic mine Gloria Dube received her MSc degree water treatment. Disposal, discharge on 24 May 2018 from North-West and seepage of acid mine water is University. Her research, Laboratory a worldwide problem and of great scale testing of passive systems to concern to South Africa as this water treat acid mine drainage, contributes degrades the quality of streams and towards acid mine water treatment underground water. AMD in coal mining solutions in South Africa. The laboratory environments is characterised by a low scale experimental work evaluated the pH and high acidic conditions which effectiveness of the novel dispersed alkaline substrate (DAS) system in leach or dissolve high concentrations treating acid mine drainage (AMD) of metals such as iron (Fe), aluminium from an abandoned coal mine in (Al), manganese (Mn) and sulfate. eMalahleni, Mpumalanga Province. The These conditions are harmful to DAS system was compared with the humans, plants and aquatic life, Emmanuel Sakala graduated with a PhD from the traditional reducing alkalinity producing making the initiatives to reduce such University of the Free State in Bloemfontein. system (RAPS) which has been pollution critical. 4 I GeoClips
Passive treatment systems are enhancers. Mechanical performance practical to set up on abandoned of the clay-only films compares mines where the removal of some favourably with those featured by acids and metals will benefit the conventional polymers. Statistical receiving environment. Moreover, these projection for the maximum attainable technologies are associated with low values of the functional properties of costs for implementation, operation the clay films indicates that defect- and maintenance. The ability of these free films could offer even higher systems to remove contaminants performance. Rectorite-chitosan from AMD has been recognised nanocomposite films showed enhanced and although these systems have mechanical performance, improved been used to treat acid mine water optical transparency and water efficiently, limitations such as coating resistance at high clay proportions. and clogging as a result of Al3+ and Both starting materials, clay and Fe3+ oxy-hydroxide precipitates have biopolymer, can be obtained as waste been reported. materials. The rectorite occurs as Maria Atanasova received her PhD degree from the a host rock alteration product and In this study, both the DAS and RAPS University of Pretoria. can be recovered from mine tailings. set-ups were shown to improve the Similarly, chitosan is derived from chitin levels of contaminated water to the functional properties of rectorite produced from shellfish waste in the quality standard levels accepted by and rectorite based clay films and seafood industry. South Africa. However, the issue of bionanocomposites. The study longevity as a result of the passivation offers a “green” approach entailing of the alkaline substrate still persists. a simple, energy efficient, economic For more information contact: and environmentally friendly process Nontobeko Scheppers A doctoral degree was awarded optimised to produce self-standing, Human Resources to Dr Maria T. Atanasova by the flexible and mechanically strong +27 (0)12 841 1201 Department of Chemical Engineering, clay-only films and rectorite-chitosan [email protected] University of Pretoria for her nanocomposites of high clay loadings research, Characterisation and without binders or other property
International Air Pollution Conference in Naples, Italy
The 26th International Conference on Georgina Kwata. Two oral papers were of asbestos mining in South Africa in Modelling, Monitoring and Management presented under the conference theme 2002. Asbestos mine dumps, especially of Air Pollution was held in Naples, of monitoring and measuring. This non-rehabilitated dumps, contribute Italy, from 19 to 21 June 2018. The was the second consecutive year that to dust pollution. Airborne asbestos themes were: aerosols and particles, members of the integrated asbestos contaminated dust from these mine emission studies, monitoring and monitoring team participated in this dumps find their way to nearby human measuring, air pollution modelling, air informative international conference. settlements leading to human exposure data quality, indoor air pollution, health mainly through inhalation which causes effects, air pollution management, Highlights of the presentations given respiratory and lung diseases. For the policy and legislation and air pollution by the CGS team members are purpose of environmental remediation, control technologies. The conference discussed below. rehabilitated and non-rehabilitated sites was attended by climatologists, around Kuruman and Prieska in the chemists, environmentalists, A study of trapped dust and dustfall Northern Cape Province were selected lecturers, researchers, consultants, samples from human settlements to measure the baseline levels and geologists and NGO representatives near rehabilitated and non- distribution patterns of asbestos mineral from 18 countries. The presenters rehabilitated abandoned asbestos pollutants. Dustfall rates within a radius addressed challenges related to air mine dumps in the Northern Cape of 5 km from the asbestos mine dump pollution and offered possible remedial Province, South Africa. to the nearest human settlement were solutions. Future collaborations were Tlou Betty Mashalane; tmashalane@ measured using the single open bucket also envisaged. geoscience.org.za method and the mineralogy composition was analysed using X-ray diffraction The CEO, Mr Mosa Mabuza, led the Abandoned asbestos mine dumps (XRD). Mineralogical and morphological CGS delegates comprising Ms Tlou continue to have an effect on human characterisation of dustfall samples Betty Mashalane and Ms Maphuti health, notwithstanding the banning was further validated using scanning Geoclips - Volume 54 - September 2018 GeoClips I 5
CGS staff members with other conference delegates in Naples, Italy.
electron microscopy-energy dispersive serpentine [Mg3SiO5(OH)4] asbestos Africa in 2002, there are still concerns spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Trapped minerals were detected with XRD but regarding possible environmental dust samples were collected indoors could not be confirmed with SEM- exposure to asbestos fibres. The and outdoors from photo and window EDS. However, both XRD and SEM- Council for Geoscience studied dustfall frames, old furniture and roof tops EDS results confirmed the presence rates for a period of six months from using sticky tape and were analysed of the amphibole asbestos mineral. January to June 2017 using the by means of SEM-EDS. The XRD Other silicate minerals detected were American Standard Test Method, ASTM results show significant amounts of the quartz, talc, mica, plagioclase, smectite D1739 of 1970, at five sampling sites amphibole [Ca2(Fe,Mg)5Si8O22(OH)2] and feldspar. Detected non-silicate located in local communities close asbestos mineral. Trace amounts of minerals included calcite and traces to derelict and ownerless asbestos of haematite. The study proved that mine dumps in Mpumalanga Province. non-rehabilitated asbestos mine dumps The dust fall rates were determined are a major source for airborne fibre gravimetrically after filtration. Filter exposure and rehabilitated dumps need papers containing dust fall samples to be monitored and maintained. The were further analysed using the presence of asbestos minerals within scanning electron microscope-energy human settlements remains a major dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) and X-ray health concern. diffraction and fluorescence (XRD and XRF) techniques. The amounts obtained A physico-chemical study of dust for the serpentine asbestos group vs samples from derelict and ownerless amphibole asbestos group were 23 and asbestos mine dumps in the 3 % m/m at site A, 5 and 2 % m/m at Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. site B, 15 and 0 % m/m at site C, 36 Maphuti Georgina Kwata; mkwata@ and 7 % m/m at site D, and 7 and 0 % geoscience.org.za m/m at site E. Other minerals detected, in random order, were feldspar, Asbestos is generally defined as a kaolinite, quartz, mica and talc. The group of naturally occurring silicate detected non-silicate minerals were Maphuti Georgina Kwata (Scientist), Mosa Mabuza (Chief fibrous minerals abundant on the ilmenite, metallic, organic and other Executive Officer) and Tlou Betty Mashalane (Junior surface of the earth. Despite the types of amphibole: actinolite, barosite, Scientist) at the conference venue in Italy. cessation of asbestos mining in South ferrimagnesiotaramitel, grunerite, 6 I GeoClips
tremolite, winchite and feldspar; ratios of the serpentine asbestos group albite, andesine, anorthite, bytownite, fibres ranged from 2:1 to 6:1, while the For more information contact: labradorite, microcline, oligoclase, amphibole ratios were about 3:1 to 5:1. Tlou Betty Mashalane anidine and sanidene. Most dust The continued presence of asbestos Water and Environment particles were granular and sponge-like, group minerals in inhalable fractions of +27 (0)12 841 1301 with spiral, semi-rectangular and semi- airborne dust material is of concern and [email protected] triangular shapes. The length-to-width should be mitigated accordingly.
Participation in the 6th China–Africa Water Conference
The China–Africa water forum was initiated in 2013, coinciding with the international year of cooperation on water, where multi-national active platforms of cooperation and exchange in regard to water and the environment were established. The China–Africa water forum is a platform for all professionals within the fields of water science and technology in Africa and China. The China–Africa Water Association, also referred to as CAWA, is a non-profit organisation that focusses on organising annual conferences. To date, there have been six forums held in China and various African countries. Emmanuel Sakala and Mpumelelo Dube presenting the work done by the CGS in the development of a software package for groundwater potential mapping. The objective of the forum is to work towards a lasting partnership between management in different countries. for the advancement of science the two regions for the sustainable The panel included the Honourable within an organisation and country utilisation of water resources. The Minister of Higher Education and at large. This notion was inspired 2018 conference was held at the Scientific Research of Egypt, Prof. by several presentations on recent Iberotel Palace in Sharm El-Sheik, Khaled Abd El-Ghafar. advancements in the design Egypt, from 23 to 25 July 2018, and and fabrication of solar powered was hosted by the City of Scientific Scientific presentations varied from desalination plants built almost Research and Technological theoretical prototypes to case studies entirely by local scientists and Applications (SRTA-City). The Council in various fields of water resources engineers in Egypt using locally for Geoscience was represented by Dr such as water markets, water available materials. Emmanuel Sakala and Ms Mpumelelo allocation system designs, desalination Dube. The theme for the 2018 series plants, drip irrigation system designs, - A call for scientists to embrace smart was “Sustainable utilisation of water software programming, artificial technology, the Internet of Things resources in developing countries”. intelligence (AI), pumping test (IoT), machine learning, space-borne interpretation, seawater intrusion, technology and nanotechnology to Both China and Africa face significant seawater–groundwater interaction, address some of the water related human development challenges in a smart water resource management challenges such as water losses changing environment and have very systems, hydrogeophysics, karst in pipelines, water demand, water similar water resource management groundwater pollution (AMD), space- purification, climate changes and priorities, particularly from a research, borne imagery interpretation and water groundwater exploration. development and implementation risk assessment advancements. perspective. The conference served as a forerunner for ongoing joint Lessons learnt from the conference For more information contact: research, development, innovation included the following: Emmanuel Sakala and implementation in the area of Geophysics and Remote Sensing water development. The conference - Development of in-house capacity +27 (0)12 841 1432 started with a panel discussion on in terms of scientific knowledge, [email protected] water economy and its relation to water software and systems is important Geoclips - Volume 54 - September 2018 GeoClips I 7
Geostatistics training course
Ten employees from the Economic Geology and Geochemistry Unit: Ms Keabetswe Lehong, Ms Connie Setladi, Mr Rames Chauke, Mr Luzuko Chiya, Ms Nosiseko Bala, Ms Tshilidzi Mudau, Ms Matamba Tsanwani, Ms Unathi Nondula, Ms Mashudu Matshivha and Ms Leahn Pieterse, attended the Geostatistics training course presented by Prof. Richard Minnit from the University of the Witwatersrand. The course took place at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways, Johannesburg, from 10 to 12 July 2018.
The training course equipped the delegates with knowledge on the principles and techniques of Unathi Nondula, Leahn Pieterse, Connie Setladi (front) and Keabetswe Lehong, Mashudu Matshivha and Rames geostatistics, the estimation of Chauke (back) attended the Geostatistics training course. Absent: Tshilidzi Mudau, Matamba Tsanwani, Nosiseko Bala, areas and volumes as well as grade Luzuko Chiya. estimation. Understanding the theory of geostatistics is important in order to sample values within a mineral deposit interpretations and inventory better analyse and predict the values and provide a basis for quantifying estimations. The current study areas associated with spatial correlation as the geological concepts of an inherent are Griqualand West, the Bushveld used in various software packages, characteristic of the deposit type, Complex and the Barberton and Giyani including ArcGIS and Geovia Surpac. a change in the continuity of the Greenstone Belts. Geostatistics covers a wide range of interdependence of sample values applications including mineral potential according to the type of mineralisation mapping, geochemical interpretations and a range of influences of the For more information contact: and resource estimations. The interdependence of the sample values. Leahn Pieterse principles of geostatistics may be Economic Geology and used to predict spatial attributes and The knowledge gained from the training Geochemistry to model uncertainty in unsampled course will be utilised in the ten year +27 (0)12 841 1135 locations. Geostatistical methods utilise mapping programme, specifically in [email protected] an understanding of the interrelations of mineral potential mapping, geochemical
CGS staff attended the launch of a 3D X-ray microscope for advanced research
The Council for Geoscience was invited to attend a combined launch by Mintek and Unisa of the 3D X-ray microscope (XRM) which was held at the Unisa Campus in Florida, Johannesburg, on 24 July 2018. Advanced analytical methods utilising state of the art instruments such as the 3D XRM are becoming increasingly valuable and critical in characterising various geological samples. The CGS delegates who attended this launch were Ms Nosibulelo Zilibokwe and Mrs Nosiseko Bala. The purpose of Nosiseko Bala and Nosibulelo Zilibokwe attended the launch of the 3D X-ray microscope. 8 I GeoClips
this launch was to make academics is used in research. Another benefit of this technique in their work/research and researchers aware of the industry the launch was to put the researchers to improve their research outputs in leading 3D XRM and to demonstrate in contact with experts in the field and addition to enhancing a culture of how this advanced imaging technique to explore the possibilities of applying cooperation, relationship building and participation in collaborative research activities. Collaborative projects not only improve the research objectives but also contribute to capacity building.
The 3D XRM can be used in a range of applications and its advantages include: • Characterisation and quantification of structures, measuring of fluid flow, acquisition of multi-phase particle information and large-volume statistics for mining and other natural resource requirements (e.g. oil and gas) • The 3D XRM is a non-destructive 3D imaging technique involving minimal or no sample preparation • The 3D XRM can program up to 14 samples at a time to run The 3D XRM operates in conjunction with a mounted computer. sequentially with the option of auto loading the samples
X-ray source Objectives and • The technique offers in situ a detector capabilities for flexible sample sizes Sample holder with a core piece (sample) and types • A high resolution can easily be achieved • The technique uses a scout and scan control system for an easy workflow • The technique offers multi-length scale imaging on the same sample across a wide range of magnifications.
Sample stage For more information contact: Supi Tlowana Laboratory Services +27 (0)12 841 1436 The internal of the X-ray chamber. The core piece in this photo is the sample, which is mounted on the sample [email protected] stage. The machine also comes with different shapes of holders such as thin section or stub holders.
Junior scientist rolls in another best student poster award
The Council for Geoscience wishes to developments regarding the conversion metal tailings and synthesis of iron congratulate junior scientist Sameera of biomass and waste into value added based nanomaterials”. This work Mohamed for being presented with materials and energy. The conference forms part of a CGS innovation project the best student poster award at sessions also elaborated on key that aims to develop technological the 7th International Conference on aspects such as the concept of the processes for the synthesis of nano
Engineering for Waste and Biomass circular economy, which recognises the sized materials such as FeCr2O4, MgO/
Valorisation (WasteEng2018), which value of wastes and their potential to MgAl2O4 or Fe-Cr-Al alloy nanopowders was held in Prague, Czech Republic, be reused as alternative resources in a using Bushveld mine tailings as starting from 2 to 5 July 2018. The conference closed loop system. materials. Specific applications that brought leading experts from around are targeted include nanoparticles the world together to deliberate on Sameera presented a poster entitled as plant fertilisers for drought stress new scientific, industrial and legislative “Recovery of iron from platinum group management and nanomaterials for Geoclips - Volume 54 - September 2018 GeoClips I 9
toxic metal removal from water and acid mine drainage.
For more information contact: Frédéric Doucet Water and Environment +27 (0)12 841 1300 [email protected] Sameera Mohamed received the best student poster award at WasteEng2018 in Prague, Czech Republic.
Celebrating Nelson Mandela International Day
Nelson Mandela International Day is celebrated annually on 18 July across the world. This year marks 100 years since the birth of the former President. The day calls upon everyone to take action and inspire change in our communities for the benefit of those who are less fortunate. This year, the Council for Geoscience joined the world in commemorating this day under the theme “Action Against Poverty” and served 67 minutes by participating in various activities planned for the head office and regional offices across the country. The CGS believes in the Spirit of Ubuntu and strives to make a difference in the community.
At the head office in Pretoria, CGS staff honoured the day by visiting Itumeleng Day Centre in Atteridgeville, Pretoria. The centre accommodates 84 children aged three to six years old. The staff assisted in repainting classrooms, establishing a vegetable garden, doing general cleaning and donating educational charts to the children.
At the Port Elizabeth office, CGS staff visited two organisations in the vicinity of Uitenhage to inspire change. Siyahluma Mandela Day activities in Pretoria (top), Port Elizabeth and Polokwane (bottom). 10 I GeoClips
Day Care Centre is an NGO pre-school Staff of the Polokwane CGS office organisation uses resources made located in KwaNobuhle Township in commemorated the day at Mahlatse Ke solely from recycled materials to assist Uitenhage. The day care centre takes Lerato Service Centre that takes care of caregivers and educators in providing care of children between the ages of 18 people with disabilities and Lerato Day fun educational activities that enable months and 5 years. The CGS donated Care Centre that takes care of children young children to learn through play. reading books and educational posters. younger than six years at Ga-Dikgale CGS staff donated stationery packs Zizamele Soup Kitchen, housed in a Village outside Polokwane. The staff that will be used in early childhood container in Walmer Township, offers donated groceries and assisted in educational programmes. soup to the elderly and children in the preparing food. area three days a week. The soup In conclusion, the CGS honoured kitchen welcomed the donation of a In Upington, CGS staff visited Jogébed Mandela Day by participating in various gas burner stove, big pots, spoons and Child and Youth Care Centre for abused initiatives to take action against poverty cleaning material. and abandoned children and Bobanong as well as to increase brand awareness House for abused women and children within communities. The Bellville CGS staff visited the where they donated groceries and Meals on Wheels organisation of the toiletries. In addition, the staff assisted in Tygerberg Branch in Cape Town. Meals preparing food for the children. For more information contact: on Wheels is an NGO initiative that Mahlako Mathabatha operates throughout the country offering Staff of the Pietermaritzburg office Marketing, Communication and meals to needy and vulnerable groups celebrated the day by visiting Stakeholder Relations and individuals. The staff assisted with Singakwenza Education and Health +27 (0)12 841 1220 general cleaning and the preparation Centre, a non-profit organisation [email protected] of food. based in Hilton, Pietermaritzburg. The
National Women’s Day Workshop
The Council for Geoscience celebrated the cornerstones of our society”. The as well as in society. Presentations National Women’s Day by hosting a objective of the workshop was to by various speakers addressed the workshop at the CSIR International honour the women of the CGS and to topics of work life balance, health and Convention Centre on 17 August 2018. acknowledge their contributions and wellness and women abuse. The theme for the day was “Women, significant influence in the organisation The marketing and communication team ran a campaign whereby women from different departments were profiled throughout the month of August on social media platforms.
Women's Day presenters Ms N Qumana, Ms M Mabhena and Ms L Mpeta.
For more information contact: Rethabile Makwela Marketing, Communication and Stakeholder Relations +27 (0)12 841 1023 [email protected] Geoscience women, the cornerstones of our society. Geoclips - Volume 54 - September 2018 GeoClips I 11
New publication
AUTHOR: John Rogers
PUBLISHER: Council for Geoscience
The author, John Rogers, studied geology at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and completed his MSc and PhD degrees focussing on the marine geology off the coast of southern Africa. He then joined the Council for Geoscience where he determined the stratigraphy, sedimentology and geohydrology of Cenozoic sediments from Cape Town to Lambert’s Bay. He returned to UCT to carry out deep- sea research on manganese nodules off southern Africa and to lecture POPULARPOPULARPOPULAR GEOSCIENCE GEOSCIENCE GEOSCIENCE SERIES SERIES SERIES 7 7 7 sedimentology and marine geology to geology students and general geology GEOLOGICALGEOLOGICAL ADVENTURES ADVENTURES IN IN THE THE FAIREST FAIREST CAPE: CAPE: GEOLOGICALUNLOCKING ADVENTURES THE SECRETS IN OF THE ITS FAIRESTSCENERY CAPE: to civil engineering students until his UNLOCKINGUNLOCKING THE THE SECRETS SECRETS OF OF ITS ITS SCENERY SCENERY retirement in 2009. He currently lives JohnJohnJohn Rogers Rogers Rogers in Newlands, Cape Town.
The book, comprising nine chapters, explores the geology of the Cape Peninsula (the Fairest Cape). Chapters 1 to 6 take the reader to Cape Town by air from the northeast; along the N2 from the east; along the N1 from the northeast; from the north along “What a lovely book you have The book is available at the Council for the N7; along the West Coast Road presented us with. After some brief Geoscience and from the author, John (R27); and via the R44 coastal road glances, it is a superbly illustrated Rogers, at [email protected]. from Gansbaai. Chapters 7 to 9 give book on our local geology. Students of the reader insight into the geological geology have here most readable and Council for Geoscience features of Table Bay; the Atlantic self-explanatory geological adventures, Khanyo Ngwenya which should encourage an interest in (Regional Office - Bellville) coastline of the Cape Peninsula geology.” [email protected] and the False Bay coastline of the Dr Anthony Keen, medical doctor. +27 (0)21 943 6700 Cape Peninsula.
“The book is superb! The well- Thelma Swart (Head Office - Pretoria) The book, available at a special annotated photos really do make it the [email protected] discounted price of R350.00, most user-friendly geology textbook I +27 (0)12 841 1017 is a worthwhile addition to any have ever seen. It kept me up till well book collection. past my normal bedtime.” [email protected] Dr John Rourke, retired Director of the Compton http://www.geoscience.org.za |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| Herbarium in Kirstenbosch.
“What a wonderful book! Particularly “A book of this nature has long been for students, as it is so comprehensive overdue and should be an asset to For more information contact: and academic in its scope, but it is anybody interested in the geology of Thelma Swart also for the keen explorer of this the Cape, especially to young people CGS Bookshop beautiful and varied part of our country. as a first introduction to geology.” +27 (0)12 841 1017 Your photographs are superb.” Dr J.N. Theron, retiree of the Council [email protected] Mrs Britha Padkin, teacher and trainer in the for Geoscience. corporate world. ‘Merging maps for an emerging future’
The Council for Geoscience would like to invite you to its annual two day conference at the CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria
The CGS Conference will bring together national and international scientists to discuss aspects of its new “Integrated and multidisciplinary geoscience mapping programme 2018–2021”. Within the CGS’s broad geological mandate, special emphasis will be placed on: geoscience for minerals and energy, geoscience for infrastructure and land use, geoscience for health, groundwater and the environment, geoscience innovation and geoscience diplomacy. Internationally renowned experts will participate as keynote presenters and scientists from the CGS will be presenting research undertaken for this national programme. With this annual conference, the CGS hopes to provide its stakeholders with insight into all the nationally funded research projects it is undertaking. The Organising Committee is already receiving abstracts in the above mentioned subject areas and submissions will close on 15 October 2018. The conference website is available at http://geoscience.org.za/cgs/ and may be perused for information on registration, a programme explanation and details regarding keynote speakers and their topics of discussion.
Kindly respond to this invitation via the mentioned website.
We look forward to confirming your participation and presence at the conference.
If you are not on our mailing list and you would like to receive a copy of GEOclips, please send an e-mail to: Mahlako Mathabatha, Marketing, Communication & Stakeholder Relations [email protected] Private Bag X112, Pretoria 0001, South Africa / 280 Pretoria Street, Silverton, Pretoria 0184, South Africa Tel: +27 (0)12 841 1911 / Fax: +27 (0)12 841 1221 / www.geoscience.org.za