Face Newsletter October Vol3 2010

8/7/2019 Face Newsletter October Vol3 2010

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/face-newsletter-october-vol3-2010 1/12

University of Johannesburg, Faculty of Economic and Financial Sciences 011 559 2492

Finance and Investment Accountancy

Commercial AccountingEconomics and Econometrics

October 2010 Volume 3

CONTENT

FACE Events 2

Out of the FACE 5

The FACE room 7

Below the surFACE 8

FACE to FACE –

Getting involved 9

Fancy FACE 11PUBLIC

LECTURES

VICE-CHANCELLOR’SAWARD FOR TEACHING

EXCELLENCE

“RSG-PRAAT-SAAM”

INBEL AKTUALITEITS-

PROGRAM

EDULOAN

SPONSORS UJ

STUDENT

THE THIRD

BIENNIAL VALUE

CONFERENCE 2010

GET TO KNOW

PROF AMANDA

DEMPSEY

EDITORS: S. CHETTY

J. BENCE

OUTSTANDING

SUCCESS OF THE

DEPARTMENT

OF ACCOUNTANCY’S

ACADEMIC TEACHING

PROGRAMMES


http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/face-newsletter-october-vol3-2010 2/12FACE | October 2010 | Volume 3

2

DIVERSITY OF HERITAGE

It is remarkable how sometimes clearlydistinctive items, when thrown togetherin some situation or the other, becomeso complementary that they produce aunique blend of sensory delight. Think,for example, about food recipes, a gardenlandscape, a musical arrangement, or themingled fragrance of a flower bouquet.

Just looking at food alone, one thinks of the popular South African potjiekos, thetraditional samp or the famous Indianbiryani. They are made from a varietyof food items and a range of spices thatsimply rouse one’s taste buds. Such is thepeople landscape of South Africa, with itsdistinctive cultures, languages and beliefscoming together in an exciting blend that

transcends any process of imagination,plan or design.

South Africa is like a virtual piece of art –a sculpture, a painting, a quilt, embroidery,or a musical arrangement – howeveryou want to see it, composed of shapes

with intriguing contours, colours withoverlapping shades, and sounds thatpulsate from the heart. Even thoughsome may refer to a unique South Africanculture, homogeneity is neither presentnor desirable. Heterogeneity is what makesSouth Africa throb with vibrancy.

Rich in diversity, South Africa overflows inimagination and spirit. South Africa’s truewealth lies in its people. Unfortunately thatvery source of strength, i.e. its diversity, alsoholds the potential for disagreement. Whilstdisagreement is not a problem in itself, itcan lead to undesirable conflict. However,despite diversity having the potential topull a community apart, there lies withineach one of us, values that keep us inharmony, together with an appreciation of diversity. Values of appreciation, respect

and tolerance (ART) are the bindingagents that keep a diverse community inpeace and harmony.

The University of Johannesburg (and itsvarious divisions and levels) is a microcosmof the South African community and should

therefore, in the first place, reflect thediversity that is characteristic of its country.Second, it should embrace such diversitywhich entails the values of ART. Regardlessof the nature of the diversity, be it cultural,language or belief, it remains that harmonywill not be possible without ART.

In an academic environment suchas UJ, diversity extends to academicskills (teaching and research), fieldsof specialisation, general support andacademically-based administrative andmanagement functions, all embedded invarious structures and levels of hierarchy.Here too, the real assets of UJ are itspeople. Hence relationships are important.Relationships in turn flourish when thereis mutual trust and, regardless of how onemay view diversity, mutual trust is built on

ART. Notwithstanding the progress thathas been achieved thus far by a younginstitution, in terms of reflecting andembracing diversity, sustaining it requirescollective effort.

- Prof Sivan Chetty

From the Editor

FACULTY VALUE CONFERENCE 2010:RECOGNISING VALUE IN AFRICA

“Recognising Value in Africa – Discern andDiscover”. This theme reverberated so tospeak at the presentations given at thethird biennial Value Conference presentedby the University of Johannesburg’s Facultyof Economic and Financial Sciences from30 August to 1 September 2010 at theBirchwood Conference Centre.

By way of a blind peer review process,87 presentations from 14 countries were

selected from the initial 108 abstracts andpapers received for possible presentation.

From feedback and comments it is clear thatthe standard of papers were at a much higher

level than in previous years. As presenterscould indicate whether a paper was work-in-progress, a student presentation or a full-on research presentation, the conferencealso gave novice researchers and presentersample opportunity to take a bold step inpresenting research in front of a groupof peers that provided them with qualityfeedback on how to improve their work.

An interesting fact from this conference wasthe way in which papers presented linkedvery much to the various keynote addressesgiven during the three days. The keynote

addresses provided much food for thoughton issues relating to the conference theme. The speakers were as follows:• Prof Mervyn King – Chairman of the King

Committee

• Mr Simpiwe Tshabalala – Chief ExecutiveOfficer, Standard Bank of South AfricaLimited & Deputy Chief Executive

• Prof Wiseman Nkulu – President of theInternational Organisation of Employers

• Mr Raymond Ackerman – Ambassadorof the Pick n Pay Group

• Minister Alan Winde – Minister of Finance, Economic Development & Tourism, Western Cape

• Mr Karugor Gatamah – Chief ExecutiveOfficer, Africa Corporate GovernanceAdvisory Services, Kenya

• Ms Jayne Mammatt – Associate Director

within PricewaterhousecoopersGovernance & Sustainability

Mr Karugor Gatamah Prof Mervyn King Prof Wiseman Nkuhlu

FACE Events



3

FACULTY VALUE CONFERENCE 2010: RECOGNISING VALUE IN AFRICA

Value Conference 2010

Prof Amanda Dempsey & Mrs Jayne Mammatt



Value Conference 2010 Value Conference 2010

Prof Sivan Chetty & Mr Raymond Ackerman



Simpiwe Tshabalala & Prof Gideon Els






4

THE FACULTY HOSTS VALUABLE PUBLIC LECTURES

The first instalment of the 2010 Public Lectures kicked off with a

talk by a well known Economist, Mike Schüssler, on “The skeptical

optimist: Failure in the new SA and the opportunity it brings.” Mike is

an Economist who has 19 years experience and holds a Masters

degree in Economics from the former RAU. He is a director

of Economists.co.za and has been awarded the South Africaneconomist of the year – twice.

The Faculty then had the privilege to organise a series of public

lectures in association with Wits University and Aporde, as part

of an international seminar series that was hosted at UJ and Wits

during the month of May. The first lecture of this international

series was presented at the UJ campus by Dr. Ha-Joon Chang,

of the University of Cambridge, an internationally renowned

development economist. He spoke on the topic ‘Development

in Africa: lessons, myths, and challenges’ . The second lecture, “The

impact of the financial crisis on developing countries” was presented

by Dr. Jomo KS from the United Nations. Dr. Jonathan DiJohn fromthe School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) presented the

third lecture of the series. He spoke on the Oil and Industrialisation

in Venezuela and captured the audience with an exciting

presentation “From Windfall to Curse? Both these lectures were

hosted at the East Campus South Western Engineering Building

at Wits University. The series was concluded by Dr. Gabriel Palma

from the University of Cambridge with his topic: “The current

financial crisis: toxic assets and toxic ideologies.”

The most recent public lecture was presented by the Department

of Accountancy and SAICA on the effects of the global financial

crisis on Chief Financial Officers (CFOs). The 2010 survey confirms

the increasing importance of CFOs in the planning and strategy

area, says Mr. Graham Terry, Senior Executive for Strategy and

Thought Leadership at SAICA. Professor Thea Voogt, from the

Department of Accountancy led the survey of the CFOs of the 40

largest companies listed on the JSE by market capitalization. She

says: “We were very interested to see how things had changed since

the 2008 survey, especially in the light of the global financial crisis.

The CFO function is increasingly focused on leadership, planning

and strategy. But there are worrying signs that operational

pressures arising from corporate governance requirements and

risk management are creating serious challenges for the CFOs.”

HANDOVER TO THE FUNDU UJABULE SCHOOL

The Faculty of Economic and Financial Sciences did its part for the

education of young children at the Fundu UJabule School. It donated

a rug and Lego blocks left over from the Cultural Integration day to

the school. The handover took place on Wednesday 21, April 2010.

The Faculty of Education launched a new Institute on the Soweto

campus at the beginning of 2010 called the Fundu UJabule School.

It is a foundation phase school and a hybrid of a ‘charter school’.

The Faculty of Education contributes to improving school education

by supporting the school. This public school does more than just

educating young children it is an inherent part of the Institute and

combines training, research and service. Handover at the Fundu UJabule School

Mr Graham Terry and Prof Thea Voogt

Dr. Gabriel Palma

Prof Lorrainne Greyling, Mike Schussler,Prof Amanda Dempsey



5

The results of Part 1 of the SAICA QualifyingExamination (QE1) towards the professionalqualification of Chartered Accountants inSouth Africa, released on Friday 28 May

2010, shows the outstanding success of the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ)Department of Accountancy’s academicteaching programmes.

“The most rewarding aspect of ourprogrammes is their capacity to contributeto transformation in the accountancyprofession of South Africa. Our goal is to allowbroad-based access to the programme andsupply quality candidates to the accountancyprofession”, says Professor Alex van der Watt,Head of the Department of Accountancy atthe University of Johannesburg.

UJ candidates performed exceptionallywell in the 2010 QE1 examinations. Of the13 participating universities in South Africa,UJ achieved the best overall performancein terms of transformation, top candidates,number of successful candidates and overall

pass rate. A total of 254 UJ candidates weresuccessful, being the highest number of all residential universities and also thelargest proportion of the total of successfulcandidates – 12,9% of all the residentialuniversities. “We are especially proud of thefact that two UJ candidates were amongstthe top 10 best candidates, with eight cumlaude (distinctions) results out of the totalof 25 cum laude performers in South Africa”,says Prof van der Watt. A total of 87% or 220first timers and 34 repeat candidates weresuccessful in the QE1 in 2010.

“The most rewarding achievement is that,whilst the overall pass rate declined in 2010,the UJ pass rate increased to 87%. At the sametime, UJ contributed the largest number of

successful African candidates in QE1, namely82. This represents a contribution of 25%to the total number of successful Africancandidates.”

“The Department of Accountancy is proudto make the most significant contribution

to transformation in the accountancyprofession. This is not only testimony tothe commitment of the Department to theSAICA Thuthuka Programme, but also of the Department’s own initiatives to supportlearners from disadvantaged backgrounds.”

“Quality will always remain inherent in oureducational model. Excellent, committed andhighly qualified teaching staff, with a broad-base of experience in academia as well aspractice, have contributed to sustainedoutstanding service to the profession andto the country”, says Prof van der Watt. “TheUJ Department of Accountancy approachesthe education of accountancy professionalsholistically by emphasising the academicteaching programme as well as research in

all aspects of the discipline on an ongoingbasis. The new initiative of research inAccounting History is testimony to the factthat UJ Accountancy is leading the field incomprehensive accountancy education.”

WELL DONETO ONE OF OUR OWN!

At a gala dinner held by theFinancial Planning Institute

(FPI) of Southern Africa, theachievements of one of ouralumni were recognised.

Wilhelm Tempelhoff, whocompleted his BCom Honours(Financial Planning) in 2009,received the prize for thebest overall student, as wellas the runner-up prize inthe nationwide Case Studyexamination.

During 2009, the FPI had four

accredited tertiary institutionsthat offered the postgraduatequalification in FinancialPlanning. Successful candidates

(in that qualification) from thoseinstitutions are invited to applyfor the designation of CertifiedFinancial Planner® Professional.

Overall best student The four institutions (due tothe Higher Education QualityControls) competed on an equalfooting for the overall mark,regardless of the fact that thesyllabi differ slightly betweenthe institutions.

Case StudyAll four institutions wrote thesame Case Study examinationand Wilhelm got the secondhighest mark in the country.

We are truly proud of Wilhelm’sachievements and wish tocongratulate him. (Left to Right) Mr Carl Anschutz, Prof Gideon Els,

Mr Wilhelm Tempelhoff and Prof Amanda Dempsey

OUTSTANDING SUCCESS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTANTCY’S ACADEMIC TEACHING PROGRAMMES

2009 VICE-CHANCELLORS DISTINGUISHED

AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AND

LEARNING

Erica du Toit, Deputy Head of the Department of

Accountancy, was awarded this prestigious award

in November 2009.

Erica said that this award was an achievement she

only dreamed of, and she truly feels honoured to

be the recipient of the award. Erica has always had

a passion for teaching and learning related issues.

She will use the prize money to complete three

coaching courses at the UCT Graduate School of

Business. She believes that these courses will

empower her to assist students more effectively.

Currently, Erica takes pleasure in the journey of

motherhood and is on maternity leave with the

birth of her son Fouché.

Erica du Toit

Out of the FACE



6

The academic excellence within the Faculty of Economic and Financial

Sciences at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) was highlighted and

celebrated when Phumla Thado, a second-year National Diploma:

Accounting student was honoured for her outstanding achievements

in 2009.

Eduloan donated a laptop to Phumla in recognition of her outstanding

academic accomplishment. She obtained an average of 90 plus

percent for both the first and second semesters of 2009.

At the handover ceremony, which took place on 11 March 2010 at

the Bunting Road Campus, Prof Marita Pietersen, Department Head:

Commercial Accounting said, “Not only is the Department recognised

by Eduloan by the generous donation to one of our top students but

that this donation is adding to the development of the students? Atpresent we had five students in the top 10 achievers that average

more than 75 percent for first-year semester modules.”

“RSG-PRAAT-SAAM” OGGEND INBEL

AKTUALITEITSPROGRAM: GASSPREKERS

Twee van die departement se dosente, Carl Anschutz – Senior dosent

in Finansiële Beplanning & Niel Oberholzer – dosent in Beleggings,

was bevoorreg om uitgenooi te word as gassprekers vir die “RSG-

Praat-Saam” Inbel Aktualiteitsprogram op Maandag, 13 September

2010, tesame met Chris Busschau van die Vereniging Finansiële

Tussengangers van SA en Standard Bank.

Die regiseur, Ina Strydom, het die departement gekontak en versoek

dat ons twee persone sal identifiseer om deel te neem aan die een-

uur program saam met aanbieder, Lynette Francis.

Die program onderwerp was: Spaar – Suid-Afrikaners se skynbare

traagheid om te spaar; hoe skep mens ‘n spaar-kultuur; wat gebeur

met die land se ekonomie as mense nie spaar nie, hoe beinvloed

rentekoersveranderings die kwessie.

Nadat Lynette die gaste voorgestel het en ‘n paar inleidende vrae gevra het, het die gaste op die vrae gereageer. Daarna het luisteraars

begin inbel en hul bekommernisse beklemtoon en vrae gevra aan die gassprekers – die klem vanuit ‘n luisteraars oogpunt het geval op dieverwatering van hul swaarverdiende beleggings wat in die “ou” dae gemaak is, dat hul belasting moet betaal op hul dividende en dat ouer

burgers van die land, deur die bank, swaartrek omdat hulle tans op ‘n klein oorblywende deel van hul beleggings ‘n bestaan moet maak.

Die departement is baie trots op ons twee dosente wat ons verteenwoordig het en hul kundigheid aan die dag gelê het.

Niel Oberholzer

Our student won a laptop!

Carl Anschutz

Eduloan sponsors UJ student Pr of Marita Pietersen, Phumla Thado,

Ms Selmarie Booyens

EDULOAN SPONSORS UJ STUDENT



7

GET TO KNOW PROF AMANDA DEMPSEY

1. As a child what did you want tobecome?A teacher

2. Why did you choose academics andnot the corporate world?I always knew I wanted to teach and Iknew not at school level. From the firstday I set my foot at the then RAU, I knewthis is where I belong.

3. What is your favourite food?Anything sweet…prawns and calamari

4. Favourite holiday destination?San Lameer and to travel anywhere

5. Do you have any hobbies?Reading and making quilts (machinestitching)

6. What have been the most memorablehighlights during the past years as theExecutive Dean of the Faculty?

My highlight is the Faculty reaching newheights. The increase in the researchoutput was phenomenal. The resultsof the profession, like SAICA, are evenbetter than it was a few years ago. The

difference we make to transformationwhile keeping up the good standardsand the new re-curriculated diplomasthat will be presented in 2011.

7. Describe the valuable lessons as DeanTo listen intensively to staff and studentswho come to see me. The University is abig ship and change in directions is notnecessarily a quick process.

8. How do you see the future of theFaculty?Bright and shiny. The best Faculty at UJ

and in SA.

9. Where would you like to retire?In Joburg. This is where I belong.

10. What is your motto in life?To care and to be fair to everyone.

ANDRE BACK @ UJ

Just to let you know that Andre (Killer) van Wyk has returned asstaff member in our Faculty. Andre worked at the Department of Accountancy from 1999 – 2005. For the last 5 years Andre toured allover the country performing as a singing member of the a capellagroup Navi Redd. The group was formed by former-UJ boys and hasbeen doing up to 180 shows a year…

“Leaving our day jobs and singing full time was a huge decision to takeat the time, but it was the best 5 years of my life and something I willnever regret.” Andre also shares his life motto: “Twenty years from nowyou will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than bythe ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safeharbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”– Mark Twain.

Although he will still be singing on a part-time basis, Andre has joinedus again from July 2010 and we welcome him back!

FAREWELL: PROF HENCO VAN SCHALKWYK

27 August 2010 – The Fairway Hotel, Randpark, Randburg

The Department came together to say goodbye to Prof Henco vanSchalkwyk, Deputy HOD. Prof Sivan Chetty and Prof Marita Pietersenalso attended the event.

Prof van Schalkwyk started at RAU in 1994 in the Department of Business Management. In 2003, he moved to the Department of Accountancy. With the birth of UJ, he became the first Head of the newlyestablished Department of Finance and Investment Management. In2008, he became the Deputy HOD and Director of the BCom Financeprogramme.

Prof van Schalkwyk will be dearly missed by his colleagues at theDepartment.

The FACE Room

Prof Amanda Dempsey

“Killer”

Prof Els sayinggoodbye to Prof van Schalkwyk

Prof van Schalkwyk opening his farewell

gift - onlooking Mr Roets & Thomas

“Bad killer”



8

COLLEAGUES IN COMMERCIAL ACCOUNTING

HAVING FUN AT SOCCER CITY

With the FIFA Soccer World Cup successfully completed in proudly

South African style Soccer City (or FNB stadium if you really want)

was ready to host its next history making event. Keeping up the goodspirit brought about by the soccer the Department of Commercial

Accounting decided to go and watch THE RUGBY in Soccer City.

This was the match between the Springboks and the All Blacks on

the 21st of August 2010. We will become part of history once again

by doing so. Vusi Mkonza and Sipho Thomo were the organisers

(arranging 32 Soweto tickets) and the lecturers were once again

on their way for a team building and a cultural integration event

of a different kind. The experience was unbelievable. From the

buzz in our offices on APB right through to the organising of THAT

green jersey which we just had to wear. A warm feeling swept up

in our hearts as we felt like real proud South Africans amongst 94

000 spectators singing the National Anthum and waving the South

African flag – being one nation and being the one Department of Commercial Accounting.

On 26 February, the truth was revealed about the Department of Economics andEconometrics. Contradicting the common perception that staff of the Department arenerdy intellectuals, they proved themselves to be fun-loving, enthusiastic, energeticand, to top it all, excellent sportsmen and women.

The soccer team (The Reds) consisting of Bonga, Alain, John x2, Peter, Arnold, Robbie,Mashapa, Marinda, Abi, Magda and Talita and their secret weapons, Cheryl and Palesha,

played against the Sports Department, who secretly imported UJ soccer team membersand Prof Habib to give their team real power. With excellent play from Bonga and Johnx2, the Reds almost won 2 to 3. The goals were scored by Magda and Cheryl.

Strong support from the side of the field, led by Prof Dempsey, Prof Chetty, Sarie andstudents, carried the team through the 20 minutes of gruelling play. Eddy coachedfrom the side and Andrew Pampallis took over as photographer. Moses had to man theFaculty stall, while the action was taking place.

Thank you to everybody that made the day so much fun and a great success.

Below the surFACE

The fun side of the Economics Department

THE FUN SIDE OF COLLEAGUES IN THE ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT

Fun at Soccer city

PROFILE: MELANIE MARCHBANK

Senior Lecturer in Financial Accounting 2– Department of Commercial Accounting

Melanie competed in the WKF Seniors AllStyles Karate Championships in Durban,KwaZulu-Natal in the kumite (fighting)division from 22 to 24 July 2010 and wasplaced fifth in the Ladies under 68 kg weightdivision.

On Saturday 31 July 2010, Melanie onceagain competed in the SA JKA Seniors Team events and her team came third in theFemale Open kumite event after winning allher fights.

Melanie has been invited to represent SouthAfrica in September at the Istanbul OpenAll Styles Championships to attend both atraining camp and compete in the LadiesSenior under 68 kg kumite event.

Melanie Marchbank



9

CULTURAL AWARENESS PROJECT

The Department of Accountancy assigned the cultural awarenessportfolio to a member of the management team, who thenestablished a cultural committee. The terms of reference of thecultural committee is to creatively manage a cultural awarenesscampaign and to ultimately steer the Department on an exciting journey in this regard. The campaign was inaugurated with aninteractive presentation by Professor Pikita Ntuli, an internationally

known poet, artist and academic. Whilst being sensitive to differentcultural backgrounds, Professor Ntuli spoke on cultural differencesand provided a valuable platform from which the Departmentwould begin its journey.

The Department secured a sponsorship of “Bafana-Bafana” soccershirts for all members of the Department who wore them todemonstrate their South African pride. The soccer “gees” and thespirit of ubuntu were brought alive during the World Cup withthe flags of the participating 32 nations being honoured in theDepartment’s passages. The spirit continues with the soccer shirtsbeing worn on Fridays.

The journey embarked on, aims to take the Department to

unknown and interesting places, allowing staff to share in colourfulexperiences and enjoy a variety of tastes from across the nation.

Members of the Department continue to enjoy tastes from acrossthe nation with each departmental meeting adopting a differentcatering theme. Tastes from Greece were thoroughly enjoyed andmembers look forward to tastes from Portugal and so-on. Staff

members were recently given an opportunity to discover theirroots on an adventure at the Cradle of Humankind.

FACE 2 FACE – Getting involved

Cultural Awareness Project

Not only does this Department publish research papers at a speed

faster than you can say write, but they are also unbelievable athletes

and team players.

The University of Johannesburg initiated, as part of its Cultural

Integration program, the participation of staff members in the Radio

702 and Discovery WALK the TALK – the biggest charity walk in theworld. There were approximately 50 000 athletes. The Department

of Economics and Econometrics immediately responded with great

enthusiasm to this challenge. Twelve of our members, namely Fiona

(standing in for Marinda), Peter, John, Steven, Andrew, Chantelle

(adopted from the Maths Department), Magda, Talita, Robbie (taking

part on behalf of Ilse), Megan, Scarlet (offspring of the department)

and Nanuk (dog) entered the event. And “no” they did not do the

fun run of 5km; they competed in the 8km race. Steven even did the

grueling 15km route (watch out girls, he is bright and tough). All the

participants were rewarded for their very good performances. They

received Walk the Talk medals, T-shirts and Cheerios (Cereal).Walk the Talk

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS AND ECONOMETRICS DOES NOT STOP SURPRISING.

SAICA 30TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER

The 2010 SAICA Annual Dinner was heldon 27 May at the Sandton ConventionCentre. This was an event above all eventswith a flavoursome menu and exceptionalkeynote speakers including Helen Thrush(Vice Chair of the SAICA Board), MatsobaneMatlwa (SAICA CEO), Jan Labuschagne(Chairman of the SAICA Board) as well as

Sizwe Nxasana (CEO of FirstRand Bank)keeping us all enthralled.

The night had an African Soccer WorldCup theme in celebration of the upcoming

2010 Soccer World Cup, with a spectacularfootball tricks performance by ChrisNjokwana, as well as live entertainmentcarrying on late into the night.

The Thutuka bursary fund students had usall in tears of how the Thutuka programhad changed their lives; and a special wordof thanks was offered to Jelvin Griffioen(Head of UJ’s Thutuka program).

An event definitely not to be missed in2011!

Prof Amanda Dempsey & Jelvin Griffioen



10

ACCOUNTANCY DEPARTMENT

PROVIDES SUPPORT

In March 2010, 2136 Grade 12 learners

wrote the supplementary senior certificate

exam for accountancy, in Gauteng. Only 34

learners passed this examination.

The Accountancy department at the

University of Johannesburg noted this

challenge and started with a project to

provide Grade 12 learners from public

schools in Soweto with extra accounting

workshops every Wednesday. Workshops

are presented at the newly built lecture

venues at the University of Johannesburg’s

campus in Soweto.

This project currently supports 170 learners

from Morris Isaacson secondary school

from Orlando and Fidilitas Comprehensive

secondary school in Diepkloof. Learners

and teachers attend 2 hour workshops

where the matric curriculum is discussed

in an interactive way in order to stimulate

critical thinking in terms of accounting.

The aim of this project is to promote

interest in the accounting profession and

to improve the level of accounting tuition

at public schools. We are eagerly awaiting

improved matric results from this year’s

efforts and we believe that this project will

result in a brighter future for communities

in South Africa.

GEMEENSKAPSPROJEK GEE HOPE HOOP AAN

MINDERBEVOORREGTES

Die jaar het skaars begin toe die eerste gemeenskapsprojek van

die departement van Kommersiële Rekeningkunde (Department

of Commercial Accounting) reeds afgeskop het.

Ronel Rossouw van Witpoortjie is die afgelope twee jaar dieprojekleier by die Universiteit. Die Departement het op 1 April

hulle skenkings aan minderbevoorregte mammas en hulle kinders,

sowel as swanger tienermeisies by The Cradle (house of Restoration)

oorhandig. Die skenkings het uit nie-bederfbare voedsel, melk,

babaklere, tweedehandse klere en skoene bestaan.

Melodie van Brakel, Direkteur van Maatskaplike Dienste by die

Cradle of Hope, en Zac Grobler, Uitvoerende Direkteur, het die

skenkings namens die nie-winsgewende organisasie ontvang.

Ander projekte onder die Cradle of Hope se vaandel is:

• The Cradle House of Restoration vir minderbevoorregte

mammas en hulle kinders;

• Stimuleringsgroepie vir kleuters by die Kroningspark se

tentdorp;

• Naskoolhuiswerksentrum by die Kroningspark se tentdorp;

• Voedingskema vir die kinders van die Kroningspark se

tentdorp;

• Bemagtigingsprogram vir minderbevoorregte vrouens;

• ‘n Welsynswinkel;

• ‘n Pomfret-uitreiking (vir minderbevoorregte oud-soldate).

Om betrokke te raak by een van die bogenoemde projekte, kontak

Melodie van Brakel by 082 459 5747.

Gemeenskapsprojek The Cradle of Hope



11

OLA!

Europe and a mall have a lot

in common. They both contain

an array of items and people

placed into a small area.Europe’s small size, compared

to other continents, helps make

it a convenient area for getting

around and a melting pot of

different cultures.

For three, very short weeks, I

lived, ate, and breathed Spanish

culture. I found myself in a world

unlike my own and having the

most rewarding, liberating, and

enlightening experience of mylife. My time abroad in Barcelona, and other cities throughout Spain,

helped me broaden my horizons in more ways than I can count. To

visit Valencia, Granada, Sevilla, and Salamanca, as well as all of their

major sites was breathtaking. Researching and planning our trip

was fun, but seeing the astounding architecture and remains of

history that no one can find living in South Africa was worth every

penny of the trip; from the La Sagrada Familia (Church of the Holy

Family) in Barcelona, to a real bull fight in Sevilla and an outdoor

flamenco show. Getting lost, buying

overpriced souvenirs from several

different gift shops, and adjusting to

the “Southern Spain” accent were all

stresses of the holiday. However, each

of those aspects was what helped

shape and define our experience.

My overall experience in Spain was

truly life-changing. When we first

arrived in Barcelona on day one I

thought it would be impossible to

make it three weeks in a place I was

so unfamiliar with. The one thing I did

not know was that it would be one of

the most enriching experiences of my

life. Before I left I heard how great it isand how wonderful of an experience

it would be, but it is really hard to put

into words how eye opening it is to

visit Spain.

Spain’s capital, Madrid, is full of

breathtaking architecture, countless

museums, and new sites to be seen

in every corner. In other words,

there is never a dull moment. We

were constantly on the go, and only

occasionally stopped to take a siesta (mid-afternoon nap) if it was

absolutely necessary. Our weekly excursions to historic sites and

towns surrounding Barcelona and Madrid and our week trip to

Portugal were additional plusses to the summer holiday in Spain.

However, a couple days in Barcelona and nights out on the town had

immersed me in the language

and I picked up the important

things. That was the first time

I experienced a culture shock.

The second and final time was

at a pool at one of the hotels inPortugal. I’d never seen so many

women without their tops and

so many gay men in one place

at the same time. It was slightly

uncomfortable at first and then

just utterly entertaining.

The culture as a whole was one

that I fell in love with very quickly.

The night life was so different

than what I know. It was really fun

going out and hearing everyonetalking in Spanish and just listening and watching how they normally

do things. I also thought it was different and neat how late people

went out at and stayed out until early morning. When I first tried the

food I was a little nervous that I would starve for three weeks because

I did not like the meal I had the first night. However, I realised that

it was extremely important to keep an open mind and to try new

things. After that change in mindset, I enjoyed many different and

new things I never would have thought I would like.

The city culture and environment

was very different for me coming

from South Africa where everything

is crowded. I loved all of the open air

cafes and the busy streets. Taking the

metro practically everywhere was a

true blessing since we are used to

walking outside our houses jumping

into our cars and driving everywhere.

Also, in Madrid not many people

spoke English unlike Barcelona.

Therefore I was forced to speak

Spanish with mostly everything I did

from directions, ordering food, and

having a little bit of conversation

with people who only spoke thatlanguage. I grew so comfortable

speaking Spanish that my first days

back in SA I was still responding with

“Si” (yes) and “Gracias” (thank you).

The thing that I really learned was

how important it is to be optimistic

and respectful. As a foreigner in

Spain I found it very important to

me to respect the culture I was not

familiar with and to be willing to

learn and live the way they do. From this experience I also learned

how important it is to look on the bright side and be open to new

things. South Africa is a very materialistic society. However, in

Spain, the people do not place as much emphasis on money and

hard work. They have time set aside for each different activity. For

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example, Madrid completely shuts down on Sundays to integrate

a day of rest.

While my eventual return to daily life would in many ways pull

me back into my customary ways of experiencing life, I would not

forget the powerful lesson that things need not always be taken too

seriously - that the ability to relate to life playfully is an important

aspect of a happy existence. This is certainly a lesson Spaniardshave learned well, and I think their willingness to hold relationships

and the enjoyment of life as almost sacred is at the centre of their

warm, inviting culture. I realised life is less stressful and easier when

you take your time, even if it is only when you walk or have a meal,

so I will try to apply this way of life at home.

Spain taught me a lot more than I had imagined and these things

will remain with me. I learned to love Sangria, and my mom’s

favourite, I learned how to give two kisses on each cheek when I say

“Hola Guapa”. Besides all of those things Spain gave me the taste

of their life style, a lifestyle completely different from the one lived

in South Africa. This experience has not only helped me become

more knowledgeable about the world I was temporarily a part of,

but also of my home country and myself.

Jackie Bence

Documents

Face Newsletter October Vol3 2010