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Walter Sisulu University
Issue 31December 2014
Pulse
www.wsu.ac.za
WSU fashion
show wows audience
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R100 M project to increase beds
New digs to be ready by January
Teaching and learning goes digital
Maths and Science must become natural choice
E-skills can benefit all
An effective tool social media
An Irish connection
MCA gives back
Celebrating the might of the pen
A clear path to healthcare implementation
Gallery
Independent candidacy chaotic
A new academic environment
Healthy breakthroughs for University
Steroids and HIV the correlation
More 2014 highlights
Cancer research student gets top spot
Demograpics of our time
Travel bursary takes student to UK
A voyage for knowledge
Another one on the move
Students launch new range from Da Gama
Gallery fashion show
Exhibition opening animates fans
Portraying our women
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EDITORIALWe have come to the end of another year – a time to reflect, a time to look forward … and a time to enjoy the festive season with family and friends.
For WSU, 2014 has been a stable year with a major focus on the implementation of the divisional governance and management system. We have witnessed the beginning of a new era with the new council taking office and the term of our first chancellor, Dr Brigalia Bam coming to a close. We have installed campus rectors at our four campuses and the eleven new faculties all have appointed deans. The new SRC format has witnessed the former institutional SRC being disbanded in favour of campus-based SRCs. So with all this change we hope to see a stabilised WSU emerging in a management system that provides a model more suited to our dispersed university. There remains much to be done during this time of transformation and the roll-out of many more new approaches will continue in 2015.
Our students and staff have provided many opportunities to build the WSU brand this year and not a week goes by that we do not have something or someone to be proud of.
I have always believed that WSU is a mine of gems – our focus as the marketing and communication department is to mine out those gems, polish them and make them glitter in the public domain!
Thank you to all the newsmakers of 2014. You have made your university proud.
I wish to highlight two major successes our WSU marketing and communication has achieved this year. Our new WSU website is a state-of-the-art result after many months of collaboration between my staff and Mxolisi Magewu and his ICT team. We can really be proud of it and I do hope you visit our site daily. The WSU Facebook page has hit 20,000 fans. This is an incredible achievement and shows the power of online communication. If you have not yet become a fan, please do! It will keep you abreast of all that is good and happening at WSU. Just click on the FB icon on the website home page and sign up.
I hope you have enjoyed the issues of Pulse this year – as much as we have enjoyed putting together this lovely publication. This final version will be electronic only and can be accessed on the website and on our Facebook.
It remains for me to wish each and every one of our WSU staff and students a blessed festive season, safe travels and happy memories.
Angela ChurchEditorSenior Director: Marketing, Communication & Advancement (Acting)
Pulse is an initiative of the Department of Marketing, Communication and Advancement and is available in print and on the WSU website. We bring you fresh news, updates, events, opinion pieces as well as visuals of Walter Sisulu University. If you have any vibrant and newsworthy stories you would like us to cover from your campus, faculty or department, please contact Thando Cezula or Sinawo Hermans on telephone 043 702 9378 or send an email to [email protected]/[email protected]
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A NEW ACADEMIC E N V I R O N M E N T
The aesthetics of WSU’s academic architecture are changing fast in rapid response to an ever-shifting scholastic design brought about by the University’s new divisional management system.
On-going work on the academic enterprise has seen major developments occurring recently with the previous campus director positions being replaced with four rector positions to provide a more strategically academic and administrative leadership foundation.
The campuses will operate independently under the institutional
umbrella of the University as business units with the newly appointed rectors as the academic and administrative heads. They will be responsible for promotion of quality education, research and community engagement, as well as provision of academic and administrative leadership at campus level.
Three of the four rector positions have been filled at the Mthatha, Butterworth, and Queenstown campuses whilst the University is unrelenting in its efforts to fill the Buffalo City campus position, where an experienced academic has been placed in an acting position.
Months of research into national and international higher education best practices in offering winning formulae in terms of academic enterprise saw the University making notable alterations to the make-up of its PQM.
A cleaner, leaner and meaner approach would see the four previous inter-campus faculties being divided into 11 smaller faculties, each allocated to a specific campus.
The faculties at the Mthatha campus are Commerce and Administration; Educational Sciences; Health Sciences; Humanities, Social Sciences and Law; and Natural Sciences. Management Sciences; Education and Engineering and Technology make up the faculties in Butterworth; whilst Buffalo City will house the faculties of Business Sciences, as well as Science, Engineering and Technology. Queenstown campus will be home to the Faculty of Education, Finance and Management.
The four campus rectors are:
Professor Mlungiseleli Jadezweni -
Mthatha Campus
Professor Adriaan Coetser
Queenstown Campus
Professor Carlson Anyangwe
Butterworth Campus
Mr Ferdie Gerber (Acting) Buffalo
City Campus
The new deans for the new faculties are:
Dr S. Rajkaran (Faculty of
Commerce and Administration)
Dr JM Molepo (Educational
Sciences)
Dr WW Chitha (Health Sciences)
Prof PN Makiwane (Humanities, Social Sciences and Law)
Prof ND Jumbam (Natural Sciences)
MTHATHA
BUTTERWORTH BUFFALO CITY QUEENSTOWN
Dr D Gumbi (Faculty of
Education, Finance and Management)
Prof R Sonn (Faculty of Education)
Dr SP Jaca (Faculty of
Engineering and Technology)
Ms B Nguza-Mduba (Faculty of
Management Sciences)
Mr CS Novukela (Faculty of Business
Sciences)
Dr M Siswana (Faculty of Science,
Engineering and Technology)
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An exceptional work ethic by WSU’s health sciences faculty to make a tangible contribution to resolving issues confronting the country’s health system has seen the faculty make some great strides in 2014.
In September, WSU held the Clinical Research Training Initiative aimed at medical registrars and their supervisors to successfully discharge their research obligations as per the Health Professionals Council requirements.
In October, the University signed a five-year long MoU with the Department of Health to establish the Eastern Cape Academic Health Platform which cemented the relationship between the two parties to collectively respond to the
MAN ON A MISSION: WSU health sciences faculty dean Dr Wezile Chitha (nearest to camera) chews on a few facts presented at one of the Global Health Conversations events. Chitha heaped praise upon the work of his faculty.
progressive development of quality health services in the Eastern Cape.
The University then hosted the clinical and oral portions of the College of Paediatric Surgeons Final Examination in East London under the auspices of the Department of Paediatric Surgery of WSU. This was a first for the institution.
Yet again in October the University hosted the Registrar Training Implementation Workshop, a pivotal exercise aimed at taking stock of the province’s current health situation - to identify areas for improvement and explore guiding principles for the future.
The second coming of the Luke
HEALTHY BREAKTHROUGHS FOR
UNIVERSITYInternational delegation rounded off the busy October. The visit saw the delegation presenting their ground-breaking mobile application system, which is set to change the region’s health system by strengthening and integrating the region’s Health Management Information Systems.
In November a delegation from abroad touched down in the Eastern Cape on a fact-finding mission to assess existing capacity and potential to build a collaborative clinical and laboratory research programme between WSU, the US-based National Institute of Health, the SA Medical Research Council and other stakeholders.
By Thando Cezula
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STEROIDS & HIVTHE CORRELAT ION
MORE 2014 HIGHLIGHTS• Accreditation of the Department of
Anatomical Pathology for training of registrars in Anatomical Pathology;
• Accreditation of the Department of Urology for training of registrars in Urology;
• Launch of the Faculty’s Integrated Longitudinal Clinical Clerkship;
• Launch of the Global Health Conversations in collaboration with the Health Systems Trust;
• Provincial approval for the establishment of the Technical Support Unit for Health in the Eastern Cape - a collaborative health systems
More 2014 High-Lights
The WSU health sciences faculty continues to champion and contribute to medical research that changes the face of healthcare.
This is after its latest involvement in ground-breaking research that looks at the use of steroids and the impact thereof on cancer risk in TB-associated HIV cases.
WSU’s Prof Abolade Awotedu, in the faculty’s Department of Internal Medicine, chronicles the role played by the University in an African-led multi-country study which is envisaged to change the clinical management of patients with TB pericarditis, an inflammation of the pericardium (the fibrous sac surrounding the heart), and sets new standard for south-led clinical trial.
“The Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital (NMAH) together with WSU medical staff were pivotal in recruitment and management of patients enrolled in most of the studies on pericarditis. This present study in which a total of 1 400 participants were enrolled saw Mthatha, where WSU does most of its work with NMGH, contributing the highest number of patients – 30%,” says Awotedu.
The study was conducted across Africa in countries such as Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe in 19 hospitals.
The great work carried out by the University in this particular study was also recently acknowledged at an awards ceremony held in Cape Town recently, with the University scooping three awards for the highest contributing site; for extreme diligence in data collection; and for dedication in following up the participants.
“The University’s superlative efforts in pericarditis research in South Africa
over the years have been further recognised by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), which has recently awarded WSU a flagship grant of R8.25 million to carry out further studies on pericarditis over the next three years,” says Awotedu proudly.
The study, led by Groote Schuur Hospital Head of Medicine and the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Prof Bongani Mayosi, has found that the addition of steroids to TB therapy for HIV-positive patients increases the risk of cancer and should be avoided.
By Thando Cezula
strengthening initiative between WSU and the provincial health department;
• Signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the University and Eastern Cape Department of Health;
• Signing of the Bilateral Agreement between the University and the National Health Laboratory Service;
• Hosting the College of Paediatric Surgeons Final Examination;
• Continuing with four-pronged research strategy under the banner of the Albertina Sisulu Centre for Global Health & Research:
* Clinical Research Training
Initiative;* Clinical and Laboratory Research
Programme; * Researching Health Economics,
Policy & Systems Analysis Programme; and
* Research in Health Professionals Education Programme;
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“This award is significant in
that it signals the gains the University
is making in research”
CANCER RESEARCH STUDENT GETS
TOP SPOT
FIGHTING FOR THE CAUSE: Daramola (middle) with fellow students as they do what they do best.
A student’s on-going research endeavour into developing cost effective and environmentally benign medication for the mainstream market has earned him top spot at the annual Postgraduate Symposium held at NMMU.
This is the first time in over a decade and since the merger in 2005 that a WSU student has achieved this feat.
Second-year Masters Chemistry student Olamedi Daramola defied expectations by pipping his competition to the post in the senior category – open only for second-year Masters and PhD chemistry students.
“This award is significant in that it signals the gains the University is making in research that could and should change ordinary people’s lives,” said Daramola.
Top chemistry students from NMMU, Fort Hare, Rhodes, WSU, and for the first time this year, Innoventon (a research unit based at NMMU) jostled for top spot at the symposium – organised by the Eastern Cape branch of the South African Chemistry Institute.
Daramola’s work is entitled “The synthesis of Type II CdTe core shell nanoparticles for
bio-labelling application focusing on cancer cell”.
It looks at targeting the synthesis of Core shell nanoparticles with good stability and emitting properties.
Head of the chemistry department Dr Potlaki Tseki was ecstatic at the
achievement of his student and the department.
“We are constantly amazed by the potential to create such knowledge from our very humble chemistry laboratories compared to the citadel chemistry laboratories of our sister institutions.”
“The University’s staff can no longer be ignored for their potential to effectively contribute to frontier knowledge in chemistry research,” states Tseki proudly.
By Thando Cezula
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OFFERING UP SOLUTIONS: (From left to right) Natasha Williams, Philile Mavimbela, Bukiwe Shumane, Dr Nelly Sharpley, Lindokuhle Noheku, Simbongile Majinga, Bongelihle Dube.
DEMOGRAPHICSO F O U R T I M E
Students from the University’s Department of Sociology and Population Development Studies (DSPDS) gained great recognition for their invaluable role in trying to alleviate social issues through their research into the Eastern Cape’s demographics and population dynamics.
The octet took part at the recently concluded ninth annual Population Association of Southern Africa (PASA) conference themed “The Demographic Dividend and Population Dynamics in a Changing African Society” hosted by WSU in East London.
The conference seeks to advance population scholarship in the region through sharing of population related research and programs, interaction of scholars and practitioners, as well as exposing such proponents to new methods and issues in demographics and related social issues.
The students presented thought provoking research into issues that seek to delve deep into some of the province’s most significant and detrimental social underpinnings.
Population Studies honours student Natasha Williams
(23), whose paper titled “Socio-Economic challenges experienced by black women in family planning in the Eastern Cape” won her an award at the conference, said her research looked particularly into drawing attention to challenges facing black women in relation to their participation on family planning in the province.
“The best recognition for this work would be seeing it used by organs of our society in enhancing our people socio-economic standing. This to me is what research is all about; playing a part in society’s efforts in making a tangible difference in people’s lives,” said Williams.
Sociology Master’s degree student Siphon Hugo’s paper also enjoyed rave reviews as she also won an award for her research carried out during her study towards her honours degree last year.
Titled “The impact of virginity testing on the livelihood of young girls in the Eastern Cape”, the study aimed at investigating the impact of virginity testing on the livelihoods of young girls in the province.
By Thando Cezula
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DUTY-BOUND: Sigodi says she hopes to use her experience gained in the US to be more effective in exposing human interest issues facing
the country.
REARING TO GO: Tshaka enjoys her last days in East London before departing for London.
Before Cradock-born diamond tycoon Sir Abe Bailey drew his last breath in 1940, enshrined in his will was a directive to establish a travel bursary that would see future sparkling young leaders visiting his ancestral home, the UK, to broaden their experience.
WSU Mthatha-born IT student Zikhona Tshaka (23) is amongst the 18 young leaders from 22 universities around the country who made the annual pilgrimage to Britain this year on an educational tour.
“I’m so excited to about the trip – to see all those sights and hear all those unfamiliar sounds. This will without a doubt be the best experience of my life,” said Tshaka before her departure.
The Abe Bailey Travel Bursary was established in 1951 and is open to University students and young academics under the age of 25 for their exceptional leadership qualities and community service.
Tshaka, a BTech student who achieved Cum Laude in her diploma earlier this year, is the first person from her family to graduate from University.
Her passion and drive for academics is only matched by her benevolent ways in the community – traits that made it near impossible for the trust to overlook her.
“Coming from an impoverished background, I know how desperately in need of a helping hand our people are. It’s only natural then that I want to help people – give them hope going into the future,” says Tshaka.
Tshaka tutors fellow students as a peer helper. She also leads efforts to enhance the student experience as a Computer Science Society secretary.
“I also run a number of programmes through my church in trying to organise workshops, awareness campaigns and outreach programmes aimed at improving people’s lives, especially the youth,” she says.
Tshaka departed for London on 28 November after three days of orientation in Cape Town. She is set to return on December 21.
By Thando Cezula
WSU first year journalism student Ongezwa Sigodi (18) was recently selected for a six-week scholarship at the University of Nebraska, USA, sponsored by the Study of the United States Institutes (SSUSI) for student leaders.
The programme by SUSI will focus on democracy, citizenship and civic activism which will also incorporate lectures, discussions and site visits. Ongezwa was identified through her avid involvement with community service at her village in Tsolo during school vacations.
“I am involved in a community service programme in my village focusing on youth development. I wrote an article about sis’ Bongi who runs the centre and her guests from the U.S embassy for the University’s Student News Agency. Later, the opportunity for this scholarship was communicated to sis’ Bongi from Washington and she thought of me and asked me to apply,” said Ongezwa.
SUSI includes a 4 week academic residency and a 1 week study tour to Alabama and Mississippi. The programme is fully funded by the U.S. Department of State.
Ongezwa will be joined by undergraduate students from Angola, Mozambique and Zimbabwe from mid-January to mid-February.
By Sinawo Hermans
TRAVEL BURSARY TAKES
STUDENT TO UK A VOYAGEFOR KNOWLEDGE
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“MOVER” AND SHAKER: “Big George” in all his glory.
The WSU journalism department prides itself with yet another graduate who’s managed to chisel his by-line on the pages of national media.
Malibongwe “Big George” Dayimani, who holds a national diploma in journalism and is currently pursuing his BTech degree has made his way onto the country’s top selling weekly publication, Move! Magazine.
The budding journalist first debuted on the national pages of glorified Move! Magazine when he enthralled editors with a stirring opus, chronicling the struggles of one Bulelani Kobe, a disabled WSU student who pursued his dream against all social and physical odds
ANOTHER ONE ON THE
MOVE!stacked against him.
Dayimani is known for his rhythmic and flamboyant writing he acquired from years as an avid reader of the Move! publication.
“I got the job on the same day I was graduating. I was at my graduation ceremony when, by some odd luck, I found myself sitting next to Move! Magazine’s Lifestyle and Entertainment editor, Zenoyise John. From then on we talked, and the rest, as they say is history,” he said.
Dayimani is an independent contractor, also known as a free-lancer, writing for many publications.
Apart from the work he does for Move!, he also works for South Africa’s oldest independent newspaper - Grocotts Mail in Grahamstown.
“Just do what you love and everything will fall to its place. If you follow your passion, it won’t feel like a job….you will do it effortlessly I tell you,” concluded Dayimani.
Other successful and influential WSU journalism alumni in the media industry include FIFA’s Luxolo September; SABC’s Chriselda Lewis and Daily Dispatch journalist Msindisi Fengu.
By Sinawo Hermans
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Another Butterworth student, Zine Mqethemba, did enough to impress the judges as she scooped first prize for ‘Most Innovative Range’.
Second-year students also were afforded a chance to flex their muscles when they showcased the brand new Da Gama Textiles ‘Banya Banya’ range - to much fanfare.
The winners in this category were Nwabisa Jijana (third), Zandile Bangco
WORTHY WINNER: Lelethu Tyete struts proudly before the audience after being announced the overall winner.
THE TRIPLE THREAT: (From left to right) Faculty of Engineering and Technology dean Dr Prince Jaca (far left) alongside Da Gama director Kelvin Everts, runner-up Zandile Danca, winner Onke Ludidi and Nwabisa Jijana (second from right) who
came in third.
Final-year fashion student Leletu Tyete walked away with top honours at this year’s edition of the annual WSU Fashion Show held in Chintsa outside East London.
For his technical mastery in presenting an aesthetically supreme piece of wearable art, the Buffalo City Campus-based Tyete won multiple prizes after being adjudged to have the ‘Best Overall Range’.
Tyete’s talents saw him walk away with a sewing machine, R1 500 voucher, R 1000 cash voucher from the University as well as a prize from a local bridal store.
Honours for the ‘Best Commercially Adaptable Range’ went to Butterworth Campus student Delphic Fono.
STUDENTS LAUNCH NEW RANGE FROM
DA GAMA(second), and Onke Ludidi, whose skill best captured the message the new range is trying to communicate.
The trio will be jetting off to Johannesburg next year to participate in the annual Mercedes Benz Fashion Week where they’ll pit their wits with some of the country most talented designers.
A trip to Cape Town also beckons after an invitation was extended to the students to attend the Design Indaba as part of their winnings.
Da Gama Textiles will also be opening its doors to the students for a whole month to learn the intimate details of textile manufacturing.
By Thando Cezula
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GALLERYFA S H I O N S H O W
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UNIFORM CREATIVITY: The BTech group that exhibited their works.
CARE TO EXPLAIN: Bathini Phama (right) tries to explain the vision behind her inspired piece.
PORTRAYING OUR
WOMEN
EXHIBITIONOPENING ANIMATES FANS
If the pen is mightier than the sword, then consider art to be the shield that guards heritage against waning with time.
This was beautifully articulated in the works displayed by WSU BTech Fine Art students at the Ann Bryant Gallery recently.
The University’s fine art students impressed once again with their awe inspiring works that wagged the tails of art enthusiast.
The aesthetically appealing spectaculars depict a postmodernist artistic impression of rural-meets-urban South Africa.
They are an artistic genius built upon a legacy of the rich heritage and culture most familiar to the Eastern Cape’s rural setting.
In their academic magna opera, the artists encapsulated present social dynamics of the country that will serve as a narrative historical backdrop of rural Eastern Cape for future generations.
The works hold an African influenced traditions and customs theme that summons nostalgia for rural dwellers and culture enthusiasts.
“I found the art to be very engaging. It spoke to a part of me in a way that depicts my current situation. I could relate to the art works,” said BTech tourism student Ongezwa Molambi.
The works were displayed for viewing at the Ann Bryant Gallery until 19 November.
By Sinawo Hermans
A modest collection of artworks exhibited by WSU fine art students proved a masterful stroke in one student’s effort to bring awareness to issues affecting women.
On the eve of Women’s Day, third-year student Sakhubuzwe Gxidolo’s exhibition, comprising various paintings and drawings from third-year students, served an effective platform to showcase students’ depictions of the significance of the day and its meaning through art.
“This is an opportunity to give rise to the issues affecting our women. Through art I hope to start a dialogue amongst the community centred on the many themes the different works tap into. Art also has a role to play in changing our society,” said Gxidolo.
A small, enthusiastic crowd gathered at the venue were treated to a short film produced by Gxidolo and his counterparts. The film sees the would-be filmmakers hitting the streets of East London in search of public opinion about the day’s significance.
A clearer picture on proceedings was painted by Fine Art programme coordinating officer Dee-Ann Leach preceding the festivities.
“This was an opportunity to give those who didn’t have an opportunity to exhibit at the Grahamstown Arts Festival to have their day in the limelight. More importantly though, it was to equip them with the skills necessary in selling one’s art. I’m proud of the students – they’ve really gone far and beyond what I expected,” said a proud Leach.
By Thando Cezula
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An artistic impression of the planned residence
A bird’s eye view of the planned residence
CUSTOMARY DUTIES: Prince Burns-Ncamashe wets the roof of the new residence as is custom.
NEW DIGS TO BE READY BY
JANUARY
R100 MPROJECT TO INCREASE BEDSWork on a R100 million construction project aimed at furnishing Walter Sisulu University with 380 beds is set to commence at the institution’s Buffalo City Campus (BCC) in early 2015.
WSU’s Potsdam Site outside East London will house the brand new facility, aimed at increasing the bed count at the University’s campus – which currently stands at 250 on-campus beds. (Other off-campus accommodation is provided for students in hired premises in the city.)
The first brick is set to be laid just months after the last is to be placed on the on-going R40 million Mthatha decant residence which will house 240 students at the Nelson Mandela Drive Site, Mthatha Campus.
The Mthatha project, scheduled for completion in January, is funded, together with the Buffalo City Campus Potsdam Site project, through the Infrastructure and Efficiency Funding of the Department of Higher Education and Training.
WSU students will start moving into the institution’s residence currently being built in Mthatha as early as January next year.
The first residence to be built at the university since the merger in 2005, the R40 million project comes at a time when older Mthatha residences are set to undergo much-needed renovations.
Students affected by the renovations are expected to be housed in the new decant residence, so that there is minimal displacement during the renovation process.
“Work is two months ahead of schedule and this means we can start moving students in as early as January. This new residence means the University can carry out these renovations to the existing residences efficiently, speedily and optimally,” says Head in the Infrastructure Projects Management Office Siya Mnyaiza.
An air of compelling excitement abounded as WSU together with contracted leading development and construction company, Stag Africa, unveiled the Nelson Mandela
September 22 proved a watershed moment for WSU as the institution unveiled the first residence to be built at the University since the merger in 2005. WSU spokesperson Angela Church says the University is working extremely hard to fulfil one of its key deliverables highlighted in the institution’s on-going Turnaround Strategy – to increase student accommodation.
“Although WSU does meet the national benchmark of providing 30% student accommodation, clearly we would like to increase this and accommodate more students particularly as many of our students come from rural areas. Our ultimate goal would be to accommodate 50% of our students on campus,” says Church.
Work on the Potsdam Site project is scheduled to take 18 months and is
expected to be completed in mid to late 2016.
By Thando Cezula
Drive Site’s first residence to be built since 1976 during a roof wetting ceremony recently.
This was a quality assurance exercise aimed at gauging progress made in the construction of the new building since work started in February earlier this year.
By Thando Cezula
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TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Students show off their tablets.
TEACHING AND LEARNING
GOES DIGITALAn innovative endeavour to develop and improve core business at WSU has seen over a hundred students exchange their pens and pads for a more modern learning tool – the tablet.
A brains trust consisting of Applied and Environmental Sciences (AES) and Social Sciences and Developmental Studies (SSDS) lecturers took a decision to solicit funds from the University’s coffers to invest over R200 000 into procuring 120 tablets in an effort to elevate the standard of teaching and learning.
It was in 2013 when the schools made a submission for learning material to the Extended Programmes Body in the Centre for Learning and Teaching Development (CLTD) office, which deals specifically with extended programmes matters.
“Our submission was granted and we received the funds. This was a strategic move aimed at easing the burden on a teaching and learning environment struggling to cope with big student numbers and minimal resources,” said lecturer Thabile Loqo.
Loqo says the introduction of the new-age learning tools has helped further optimise the teaching efforts of the lecturers, whilst also ensuring improved reciprocation of information by students.
She says the devices have helped
lecturers broaden the scope of their reading material; create a much more engaging and interactive class setting; perform quick searches in the classroom for points of clarity; give much more engaging multimedia feedback to students; and create a much clearer, concise digital lesson plan.
The students have heaped praise upon their lecturers for thinking outside the box in trying to improve
the learning experience.
“This has truly been a fantastic initiative and will definitely go a long way to improve student performance. The University has shown great initiative, and we clearly see that we really are first priority,” says second-year chemistry student Kamvelihle Tintelo.
By Thando Cezula
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MATHS AND SCIENCE MUST BECOME NATURAL CHOICE
“I had to work extraordinarily hard to get to where I am right now”
THE PEOPLE’S ASTRONAUT: Mandla Maseko (middle) is sandwiched by a horde of pupils who want to share in the limelight.
Department of Science and Technology (DST) minister Naledi Pandor encouraged learners in the Eastern Cape to choose Maths and Science as part of their subject choices.
Pandor was addressing over a thousand high school learners, students and community members at the WSU’s Zamakulungisa Site in Mthatha as the curtain came down on the country’s leg of the World Space Week celebrations which ran from 4-10 October.
“These celebrations are primarily about inspiring you at school about
our space programme and the social and economic benefits it can bring to Africa. This country needs young people to get involved in maths and science so that a foundation can be built upon which these national efforts can one day be sustained,” said Pandor.
Her address was preceded by inspiring words shared by 26-year-old Mandla Maseko, who guaranteed himself one of only 23 seats in the Lynx Mark II Shuttle set to go into orbit next year after he won the South Africa leg of the Axe Apollo Space Academy competition in 2013.
Learners found a sense of comfort in the similarities of the story between themselves and that of Maseko – a story of an underdog who’s come from the dustiest of streets in Gauteng to being on the verge of making aviation history.
“As much as it might have been a competition, I had to work extraordinarily hard to get to where I am right now. This journey has shown me that the most important formula to life is that hard work and dedication does eventually pay off,” said Maseko.
By Thando Cezula
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DYNAMIC DUO: iNeSI communication manager Dumisani Sondlo (left), with WSU’s acting coordinator in ICT for Rural Development Lorna van der Merwe at the summit.
E-SKILLSCAN BENEFIT ALL
WSU’s acting coordinator in ICT for Rural Development Lorna van der Merwe endorsed application development and computer literacy in the Eastern Cape at the 10th annual Eastern Cape Information, Communication Technology Summit in East London recently. The summit brought together stakeholders who can promote development of the ICT sector in South Africa.
The Ikamva National e-Skills Institute (INeSI), represented by Van der Merwe, focuses on mobile application development to create relevant content for broadband ecosystems, develop skills and create solutions to national challenges and to develop the necessary skills and impact on education.
“The purpose of the institute is to be a collaborative enabler for the development of ICT skills,” Van Der Merwe said. INeSI also includes multi-stakeholder collaboration, teaching and learning, aggregation, research and innovation which focus on mobile apps development.
In her presentation, Van Der Merwe said the sector has, in the last decade, transformed the world and has also been proven to reduce social divides and poverty.
However, Van Der Merwe added that ICT infrastructure alone is not going to create improvement to society.
“With infrastructure and services you need to create a demand. This focuses on developing people with e-skills and also the support of using broadband,” she said.
Van der Merwe said one of the ways in which this can be achieved is through e-astuteness, meaning being able to use technology and e-skills in smart ways for strategic personal and collective benefit.
INeSI is a state-owned company and a result of a merger between three institutions: the E-skills institute, the National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa and the Institute for Satellite and Software Applications.
By Sinawo Hermans
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CONCERNED WITH MEDIA MATTERS: WSU Senior Communication Officer Thando Cezula has taken charge of the News24 page.
AN EFFECTIVE TOOL
SOCIAL MEDIAA conscious decision coupled with a concerted effort by the Marketing and Communication department to bolster the University’s communication efforts led to a much sharper focus on the world of social media (Facebook, Twitter, News24) and its seemingly limitless possibilities for advancement of lines of dissemination of information.
This long-overdue whiff of the proverbial coffee jolted the department to take a strategic step towards augmenting its pre-existing communication endeavours by joining News24’s social media page last year.
This fantastic platform has allowed WSU to upload content (pictures, articles, videos) about the University and its community to an audience of thousands on a regular basis.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS: • 14 600 – article views• 77 – number of articles and photos posted• 127 – number of comments received from public• The social media platform has given the University an opportunity to disseminate information to a completely new audience of over 14 600 - a group that otherwise could have been missed without this endeavour.
The 70 articles and photos posted means 60 positive issues highlighted about the University for public consumption. These articles and photos have given the University space to build its reputation by penetrating people’s spaces through topical and relevant content.
The over 120 voices that have shared their opinions about the uploaded content have provided invaluable insight into the gains that the page has made, and the challenges that lie ahead.
An even sharper focus will be placed on this platform owing to its undeniable effectiveness in the University’s marketing and communication endeavours.
A visual assault on the page through uploading of a lot more photos showing the culture and character of the University will also form part of this push to enhance the WSU communication endeavour.
Improving of this page will undoubtedly form a significant part of the department’s various instruments to fulfil its targets to further build the University’s reputation and public image.
By Thando Cezula
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Tourism deputy minister Tokozile Xasa said WSU is taking a central stand to offer opportunities for young people coming from disadvantaged communities to also experience the world.
Xasa, a WSU alumnus, descended upon the institution’s Butterworth campus to witness the signing of a twinning Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between WSU and Ireland’s Athlon Institute of Technology (AIT).
According to the academic registrar of AIT, Dr Joseph Ryan, the partnership will foster a staff and student
A DEPUTIES’ UNDERSTANDING: WSU DVC for Academic Affairs and Research Prof Sandile Songca (left) shakes hands with deputy minister of tourism Thokozile Xasa. In the middle AIT academic registrar Dr Joseph Ryan bears witness to the warm gesture.
AN IRISH
CONNECTIONexchange opportunity with the Irish institution, as stipulated in the terms of reference of the MOU, offering free tuition and accommodation for a year.
The deputy minister said the partnership would also serve a great purpose in benchmarking WSU with the best which will place the institution on an international level.
“We want WSU to be in the spotlight because it serves the most disadvantaged communities in the Eastern Cape which is one of the ways to market a country,” Xasa said.
She also highlighted education as a
leading priority for South Africa to put the country on an international standard.
“We’re opening up this opportunity for students as well as staff of the University to be broadminded in the fields that South Africa is in dire shortage and need of,” she said.
South African ambassador to Ireland, Prince Ahlangene Sigcau, another WSU alumnus, was instrumental in facilitating the partnership which has culminated in the establishment of the partnership.
By Sinawo Hermans
19
Angela Church Thando Cezula Linda Mynhardt Sinawo Hermans
WSU’s Marketing, Communication and Advancement (MCA) department imparted essential brand building expertise to budding entrepreneurs of East London’s Business Women’s Association (BWA) recently.
The Businesswomen’s Association of South Africa (BWASA) is the largest and most prominent association of business and professional women in the country.
The seminar’s branding and reputation building framework was centred on four key areas of corporate communication: • Branding, by Angela Church• Media relations, by Thando Cezula • Graphic design, by Linda Mynhardt • Social media, by Sinawo Hermans.
“Brand image is symbolic and created in the minds of people. Brand is the most valuable element in marketing and communication, but
MCAGIVES BACK
the expectation created must live up to the brand – that is the challenge,” said WSU MCA acting senior director Angela Church.
According to WSU’s online media strategist Sinawo Hermans, Social media is an integral part of any organisations corporate communication and reputation building strategy. Social media weaves various communication platforms into an intertwined and cohesive communication web.
“The thin line that once separated analogue from digital is quickly thickening into a blur of grey. Any business or organisation has an obligation and responsibility to meet it half way if they want to survive the “communication revolution,” said Sinawo.
WSU communication officer Thando Cezula said, media relations is a critical tool in any organisation
aspiring to build, sustain and safeguard its image within the public domain.
“A sound media relations position can be the difference between the triumph and demise of an organisation based on public perception,” he said.
Graphic designer Linda Mynhardt gave a visually stimulating presentation outlining the pitfalls of many businesses when it comes to branding.
Linda says a professional business should look professional. “Business owners often invest a lot of time and money in property and equipment, but do not often match it by investing suitably in their logo” she added.
By Sinawo Hermans
20
A SON OF THE SOIL: A praise singer hails the works of L.L Ngewu during the memorial lecture in Mthatha. His youngest son listens attentively.
CELEBRATING THE MIGHT OF THE PEN
The University honoured one of its most influential sons, a former WSU (then Unitra) lecturer and legend in Xhosa literature at a memorial lecture which took place at the University’s Zamakulungisa Site in Mthatha recently.
Two years after his passing, Reverend Lubabalo Livingstone Ngewu’s contribution to Xhosa heritage was celebrated by WSU in partnership with the Centre for the Book (CFB) (an outreach unit of the National Library of SA) and the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture.
Ngewu, a dynamic author passionate about preserving Xhosa heritage using literature, published over 15 works in essays, short stories, dramas, novels and even religious material – all written in isiXhosa.
Guest of honour Archbishop Emeritus Njongonkulu Ndungane, the former archbishop of Cape Town, delivered the keynote address at WSU’s Zamukulungisa Site. WSU Chancellor Dr Brigalia Bam was in the audience in support of the fallen hero.
“This was an inspiring event aimed at instilling a culture of buying African literature amongst our communities. We want learners and the general public to be motivated to respect, love and take pride in their language and their heritage,” said CFB executive head Mandla Matyumza.
Local talent was on showcase as a number of performers, including poets, musicians, actors and dancers kept the audience entertained. A performance from one of author’s plays, titled “Yeha mfaz’obulal’indoda” gave the masses a small glimpse into the artistic genius that was Ngewu.
Ngewu’s penned on a plethora of issues in his may published works, under titles like Yeha Mfaz’obulala indoda; Amadoda la afunani ezintsaneni; Kode kube nini na?; Igazi lam lobuzwa kuni; Ubomi, izithethe namasiko; Amabali amafutshane kaNgewu; Ooxam bayaphaxulana; Sisengxakini kulo Mzantsi Afrika; Kohlafun’onemihlathi; Mthiyeni igama lo mntwana; and Kungaqhuma kubasiwe.
By Thando Cezula
21
A PLAN OF ACTION: Dr Barron says the government needs to set clear goals in its ambitious NHI implementation plan.
A CLEAR PATH TO HEALTHCARE IMPLEMENTATION
Effectiveness and efficiency in the roll out of the country’s ambitious National Health Insurance scheme could depend on how clearly the country’s political leaders and managers spell out their goals to frontline staff across the nation’s healthcare centres.
These were sentiments shared by Dr Peter Barron at the launch Global Health Conversation launch, an initiative organised by Walter Sisulu University (WSU), together with the Health Systems Trust and the Albertina Sisulu Centre for Global Health and Research.
Medical expert in the health department, Barron was on hand to deliver a keynote address at the Nelson Mandela Health Resource
Centre regarding the strategic path government is taking in order to ensure a successful rollout of the NHI scheme.
“A programme of action must be developed with, and that captures the imagination of those charged with its implementation. A critical mass of skilled and motivated health managers and workers must be created at all levels of the system,” he said.
Offering a multitude of recommendations, Barron said the country needs to harness all resources at its disposal, including the private sector, civil society, non-government organisations as well as the intellectual capacity in academic institutions.
WSU Faculty of Health Sciences acting deputy dean Dr Wezile Chitha also weighed in on proceedings, saying the initiative was a critical component of the University’s endeavours to ensure raised awareness regarding health.
“These gatherings are important in creating a platform for medical experts and the community to start contributing to conversations key in the advancement of progressive healthcare. We must start to confront these issues head on,” said Chitha.
A couple more conversations were hosted by the faculty, and dealt with issues titled “Health Systems Reforms Towards Universal Health Access” and “Is NHI a magic bullet? “
By Thando Cezula
22
GALLERY
GONE TOO SOON: Butterworth SDSS Director Mr Colin Mintoor at his beloved Ibika Site. Sadly Mr Mintoor passed on this December.
A PERFECT FIT: Outgoing WSU Chancellor Dr Brigalia Bam caps WSU Alumnus and SAICA President Terence Nombembe with an honorary doctorate during the September graduation ceremony
23
A panel scrutinises ideas presented by second year journalism students for the documentary screenings next year. Pupils enjoy the Space Week celebrations at Zamukulungisa Site
Participants in the Butterworth Campus Open Day fun run.
WSU emergency services were on hand to ensure all casualties received treatment at the Ibika Site fun run.
An aspiring young writer gets to grips with the writings of LL Ngewu during a memorial lecture in his honour
Mr and Miss WSU Buffalo City Campus 2014
Dedicated staffer trades her suit for a hard hat and construction clothing at the
roof wetting ceremony at NMD Site. MCA interns make an impressive presentation as part of their training
24
Superlative efforts made by staff in developing Nelson Mandela Central Hospital over the last decade were honoured with shining trophies
Dr Bam and Prof Songca enjoy the festivities during the roof wetting ceremony at NMD Site
Former Faculty of Health Sciences Executive Dean Prof Sokhela (second from right) with current FHS dean Dr Chitha (right)
The EC Healthcare fraternity including WSU staff pay respects to the great Mr Nelson Mandela during a ceremony to commemorate his
passing
Daugther and grand daughter of a late WSU stalwart catch sight of their hero’s name who was honoured at the Nelson Mandela commemoration ceremony
Womens issues were the focal point of discussions during the launch of the Zazi campaign at Potsdam Site
A Fine Art BTech students displays his works of art at the Ann Bryant Art Gallery
Department of Science and Technology minister Naledi Pandor at the Space Week
celebrations.
WSU nursing staff at the Butterworth Campus fun run
25
FACING AN UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTH: Buffalo City campus SRC President Misheck Mugabe.
It looks like WSU won’t have to enlist Mission Impossible’s Ethan Hunt and his covert organisation to pull off the seemingly impossible mission of introducing the independent candidacy system in to the WSU political environment.
Buffalo City Campus SRC President Misheck Mugabe denounced the system, labelling it “chaotic” for political organisations following the Student Parliament deliberations that took place in East London recently.
As part of the recommendations, the student stated “if the independent candidate is to be introduced, one must meet certain criteria that include having 70% of signatures of students of a particular campus, having passed their studies with 65% and above
INDEPENDENT CANDIDACY
“CHAOTIC”average, be in their final year of study as matured students.”
Despite strong opposition from the student structures however, WSU management continues to make strides in ensuring that all democratic process are adhered to (including the introduction of the independent candidacy system) before elections in August 2015.
This will mark a watershed moment for the University - this being the first time in the history of WSU that an independent candidate will be running for office.
A plethora of issues have curtailed efforts by management in the past to institute this policy-driven cornerstone of a democratic system.
But this is all about to change.
Road shows to engage the SRC and other student structures on burning student issues have been concluded – recommendations to this effect have come in thick and fast and will be tabled by the student affairs division.
After thorough review, with close consultation with the student structures, a draft document will be drawn up and forwarded to Council for approval. This document will recognise the independent candidacy system – a valid WSU constitution will be born.
By Thando Cezula
