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Year 63 | SEPTEMBER 2020
Adaptable and significant
in times of change
FORWARD TOGETHER | MASIYE PHAMBILI | SAAM VORENTOE
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University of Stellenbosch Business School
holds the Triple Crown accreditation, part of only 1% of 8 000 business schools worldwide to do so.
BEHAVE
BEING
gepubliseer sedert 1957 | published since 1957
TEKEN IN OP MATIELAND SUBSCRIBE TO MATIELAND
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WEET JY VAN DIE ALUMNI-HUBS? DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE
Die Stellenbosch Alumnibetrekkinge-span ALUMNI HUBS?
stel plaaslike en internasionale alumni-nawe The Stellenbosch Alumni Relations team
(oftewel hubs) saam om die skakeling tussen establish alumni hubs both locally and
alumni onderling te verbeter deur gereelde internationally to connect alumni in specific
netwerk- en sosiale geleenthede aan te bied. regions with one another through regular
Vir meer inligting oor hoe om ’n hub in jou networking and social events. For more
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stellenboschuniversity
matieLAND 1
CONTENTS
4
FROM MATIELAND
4 EDITOR’S LETTER
5 MATIES CHAT AND
TWEET
6 FROM THE RECTOR’S
OFFICE
9
YOUR UNIVERSITY
10 NEWS SNIPPETS
17 RESEARCH IN
RESPONSE TO A CRISIS
22 NEW CHANCELLOR: A
VOICE FOR CHANGE
26 SCIENCE IN SERVICE OF
SOCIETY
30 NEW NORMAL 101
37 WORLD, HERE WE
COME!
2 matieLAND
41
OUR ALUMNI
42 A NEW NETWORK FOR
MATIE WOMEN
44 BHAVNA PATEL
46 LEZANNE HUMAN
48 THEMBI XABA
50 ROXSANNE GORDON
69
53 GET INVOLVED
70 THE FREEDOM TO EXCEL
73 HOW TO GIVE
CAMPUS LIFE 74 MAKE A DIFFERENCE
78 SARIETHA ENGELBRECHT
55 EMPTY SPACES
DISCOVERS THE POWER OF
63 GRADUATION IN THE SOCIAL CAPITAL
CYBERSPACE
80 IN MEMORIAM
66 FOR THE BOOKSHELF
matieLAND 3
EDITOR
SONIKA LAMPRECHT
PHOTO EDITOR
STEFAN ELS
CONTRIBUTORS
Design
Roann Louw
FROM THE Layout
AFRICAN SUN MeDIA
www.africansunmedia.co.za
EDITOR
Writers and photographers
Ilse Arendse, Alec Basson, Wim
de Villiers, Sarietha Engelbrecht,
Rozanne Engel, Candes Keating,
Engela Duvenage, Frieda le
Roux, René-Jean van der Berg,
he international struggle against a virus we Henré Hanekom, Andy Boag,
T
Hennie Rudman, Anton Jordaan,
know very little about, has given renewed Francois Lombaard, Kobus Smit,
meaning to the saying ‘knowledge is power’. Haiko Schurz, Henk Oets, Brenda
Researchers and scientists have become Biddulph, Ilze Badenhorst
modern day heroes that society is looking to for answers Translators and text editors
and guidance on how to mitigate this unknown threat. Elsabé Barlow, SU Language
It is precisely this quest for solutions to the world’s Centre, Wayne Muller
greatest challenges that is summarised in Stellenbosch EDITORIAL OFFICE
University’s core strategic goal, ‘research for impact’. And Corporate Communication
as always, our researchers are rising to the occasion. In Stellenbosch University
this issue you can read more about the dozens of research Private Bag XI
projects they have undertaken and the innovative ways in Matieland 7602
Tel: +27 (0)21 808 2927
which they are tackling the pandemic. Email: matieland@sun.ac.za
However, Covid-19 is not only a health crisis, it has
also affected every other facet of our lives – from how CIRCULATION
we learn, work and create to how we socialise and relax. Jill Moses, Junita Segers
Tel: +27 (0)21 808 2709/10
In this edition, our experts explain how they see the
Fax: +27 (0)21 808 4122
pandemic shaping the new normal. Also, look at photos Email: alumni@sun.ac.za
from an almost deserted Stellenbosch campus during
the lockdown, and read about our first virtual conferral of PRINTING
degrees. AFRICAN SUN MeDIA
But even in a crisis, it is reassuring to know that life
Opinions expressed in Matieland
goes on and therefore we have included articles about our are not necessarily those of the
new Chancellor, Justice Edwin Cameron; how one of SU’s editor or Stellenbosch University.
short courses has changed a student’s view of life; as well
as many others news snippets from Matieland. Enjoy the
read.
Sonika
4 matieLAND
CHAT AND TWEET
Social media is not only the place On Facebook
Priscilla Whiteman
where Stellenbosch University shares It was a very special morning. The personnel
news about our achievements and and students went out of their way to make us
feel welcome. l know Jordan will flourish at
the work we are doing; it is also a Stellenbosch University.
platform for our alumni and friends
Virtual Conferral of degrees
of the University to keep in contact
Many graduands and their parents were
with us.
disappointed when SU had to cancel the April
Graduation ceremonies due to the Covid-19
pandemic. To celebrate this important milestone in
the lives of graduands SU held a virtual conferral of
qualifications on 3 April 2020.
Commemorating 30 years of Mandela’s release
and his first visit to SU campus
On Twitter
Michelle Wolfswinkel
I was there... and I remember thinking: THIS! THIS
is what’s wrong with our society, my community,
my family! I had never heard anyone talk about On Facebook
equality and democracy the way this man did. Gillian Fortune
Congratulations to everyone graduating. It’s great
On Twitter to see that you did not let our current reality steal
Stephen Baenziger the joy of this achievement. It says a lot about you.
I had the good fortune to be a guest at Stellenbosch Good luck with the next part of your journey. Go
University for about eight weeks and still have well!
friends there. I remember when they mailed about
the first election after Mandela was released and On Facebook
the joy of universal suffrage. Jill Johannes
So special, just love the initiative. A true reflection
Arrival and welcoming of new Maties of what you gained from your studies. This will
On Facebook never define you - how you have risen above this
and still celebrated with joy, is what will.
Sameera Wehr Kafaar
I would highly recommend Stellenbosch University.
It’s an honour for us as parents that our eldest
has the opportunity to finally be a Matie and also
to complete her tertiary education at the best
University.
matieLAND 5
n the previous issue of this
I magazine, published in December
last year, I wrote about my
reappointment as Rector and Vice-
Chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU).
Little did I know that I would start my second
five-year term in April this year during a state
of lockdown – a drastic measure imposed on
billions of people around the globe to limit the
spread of the deadly coronavirus. How quickly
such a minute organism changed the world!
I am happy to report that the SU community
responded to the crisis just as rapidly. For
example, students volunteered to help
PROF WIM DE VILLIERS healthcare workers fight the pandemic, lecturers
shares how SU researchers, swiftly switched to online teaching to save the
academic year, and colleagues in our Division
staff and students all rose to for Social Impact reached out to the broader
the challenge to tackle the community with food parcels for households in
distress.
Covid-19 pandemic. Our researchers also impressed with their
innovations. SU scientists turned stale bread
into alcohol-based hand sanitiser, technologists
deployed robots in a hospital allowing specialists
to conduct ward rounds remotely, and engineers
printed 3D ventilator parts and protective gear
for healthcare workers.
RESEARCH FOR IMPACT
These examples give practical expression to
one of the University’s core strategic themes,
“research for impact”. It flows from SU’s
Vision 2040, in which we commit ourselves to
“advance knowledge in service of society”. We
aspire to be a proud African knowledge hub
that serves the continent – through learning
and teaching, research and innovation, as well
as social impact. And we strive to have an
all-encompassing impact on our town, region,
6 matieLAND
FROM THE
RECTOR’S OFFICE
country, continent and the rest of the world. SU also continues to lead the field in terms of
We also say that we aim to strengthen the number of Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research patent applications generated in South Africa
to advance, deepen, transfer and implement (127 from 2009 to 2019). A number of these
knowledge; and that we strive to be innovative inventions have made headlines internationally.
and share our innovations with the world.
These words were put into action when 45 RECOGNITION
innovative research projects directly related to In the Times Higher Education World University
Covid-19 unfolded across the University soon Rankings for 2020, SU improved its position
after the disease was declared a pandemic in from the 301–350 bracket to 251–300. This
March. In addition to the examples mentioned places SU in the top 1% of universities globally.
above, these included ways to improve Compared to last year, SU has performed better
sterilisation in the food and beverage industries on the indicators of teaching, research, citations
as well as in medicine, reducing respiratory viral and international outlook. The most significant
infections associated with public transport, and
improvement was in the University’s citation
developing models to understand the spread of
score, which is up 13% over the previous period.
Covid-19 in society.
This is the third consecutive year that SU
improves on this indicator.
EXCELLENCE
These results demonstrate the global impact
“Research for impact” means our focus is on
of SU’s research and the worldwide recognition
interdisciplinary research that benefits society
afforded to our researchers. No less than 76%
on a national, continental and global scale. At
of our third-stream income (from research
the same time, we are committed to basic and
disciplinary research excellence, as it forms the contracts) last year came from international
basis for applied and translational research. sources. This shows that SU enjoys global
In April this year, the number of SU recognition, which will support our sustainability
researchers with a National Research in the long run.
Foundation (NRF) rating reached an all-time high Through continued investment in research, SU
of 485, up from 394 in 2016. And SU now has 51 has been well positioned to respond to events
research chairs – more than double the number like the Covid-19 pandemic. Our researchers
we had in 2014. made it clear that they would contribute their
SU remains one of South Africa’s most knowhow to the fight against the virus with a
research-productive institutions. According can-do attitude. They worked tirelessly to help
to the Department of Higher Education and meet health related needs and to curb the
Training, our academics achieved a record of spread of the virus.
1,64 research publication outputs per capita in That is research for impact – using our
2018 (the last available figures). And they topped research expertise to change society for the
all other universities in South Africa in terms of better and to make a positive difference to
subsidy-qualifying books published. people’s lives.
matieLAND 7
YOUR
UNIVERSITY
matieLAND 9{ NUUSBROKKIES }
PROF MATILDA BURDEN, a cultural historian,
received an Honorary Award for the
Advancement of History for her outstanding
contribution to the advancement of history or
cultural history as disciplines in South Africa.
PROF JAN VAN VUUREN was awarded the
Douw Greeff Prize for a research or review
article of the highest scientific quality published
in the SA Journal of Natural Science and
Technology. Applied mathematician, PROF
ANDRÉ WEIDEMAN, received the Havenga Prize
for Physical Sciences. This prize is an annual
award for original research in the natural
PERSONEEL PRESTEER sciences and can be awarded only once to an
individual. He also received the prestigious 2019
Award for Research Distinction from the South
African Mathematical Society in recognition
of his important contribution to research in
Mathematics in South Africa.
PROF HESTER KLOPPER (photo left),
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Strategy and
Internationalisation, received Sigma Theta
Tau International Honour Society of Nursing’s
Dorothy Ford Buschmann Presidential Award for
her contributions to nursing and global health.
Two academics from the Social Work
Department were awarded top honours from
Photo: ANTON JORDAAN the Association of South African Social Work
Education Institutions (ASASWEI). PROF
LAMBERT ENGELBRECHT, Chair of the Social
STAFF SUCCESSES Work Department, and MS PRISCALIA KHOSA,
a junior lecturer in the same department,
ROF PETER HESSELING, former respectively won the Researcher of the Year and
P professor of Paediatric and Child
Health at the Faculty of Medicine and
Health Sciences, became the first
Emerging Academic of the Year awards.
PROF LESLEY LE GRANGE from the Faculty
of Education received the prestigious South
African to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award African Education Research Association (SAERA)
from the International Society of Paediatric Honours Award. This is the highest award
Oncology. bestowed by SAERA and is given annually to an
PROF DANIEL MALAN, Associate Professor individual or research entity for an outstanding
in Ethics and Governance at the University of contribution to educational research in South
Stellenbosch Business School, was appointed Africa.
as co-chair of the Business Twenty Integrity PROFESSORS CRAIG KINNEAR and NOVEL
and Compliance Task Force for 2020. The B20 CHEGOU from the Division of Molecular Biology
is the official business dialogue with the Group and Human Genetics were honoured with
of Twenty and represents the global business SA Medical Research Council Silver Medal
community across all G20 member states. Achievement Awards for their outstanding
Three researchers were honoured by the lifetime scientific contributions to health
South African Academy for Science and Arts. research.
10 matieLANDRENEWAL IMPROVES
LEARNING EXPERIENCE
he first phase of the CGW Schumann
T Building Renewal Project – the
upgrading of three undergraduate
lecture halls on the ground floor
– has been completed in time for the 2020
academic year.
Two lecture rooms, each with 137 seats, as
well as one with 217 seats, now not only boast
a brand-new look and furnishings, but are also
equipped with WiFi and the latest technology.
Mr Johan van Rooyen, Manager of the Faculty
of Economic and Management Science’s
computer users' areas (Fharga), says: “The
lecture halls are geared for the future, with
facilities that support interactive and hybrid
learning. Provision has also been made for
students to use and charge their own devices
during classes."
The second phase of the renewal project,
scheduled to start in June, but delayed due to
the lockdown, will commence later this year.
It will entail the upgrade of the second storey
of the Schumann Building, which is mainly used
by postgraduate students.
INTERACTIVE CAMPUS MAP
A team from Facilities Management in In April 2019 Facilities Management’s
collaboration with Information Technology, Development, Planning and Design Department
along with industry partners, has developed started with discussions regarding their vision
a customised campus map application, which to develop an interactive campus map where
students and visitors can use to explore any of information is obtained from one central source.
the four Stellenbosch University (SU) campuses. The map is extremely user-friendly and has a
With this map, you can learn about the various search tool that allows users to search or browse
locations, their surroundings and places of for SU facilities such as parking areas, libraries,
interest. faculty buildings and campus destinations on all
The new interactive campus map is a unique four campuses.
tool to help people orientate themselves and To view and find out more about the campus
guide them around campus. map, visit https://campusmap.sun.ac.za/
matieLAND 11Photo: STEFAN ELS
SU FACILITATES CREATION OF LÜCKHOFF LIVING
MUSEUM 50 YEARS AFTER FORCED REMOVAL
n 1969, learners from the In 2007, the late Prof Russel Botman led
I Lückhoff School in Banhoek Road,
Stellenbosch, were forced to vacate
their beloved school under the
efforts to reach out to this community when the
old Lückhoff School building was symbolically
rededicated to its original owners.
provisions of the Group Areas Act of 1950. They This building will now serve as the Lückhoff
relocated to the new Lückhoff School in Idas
Living Museum, a place where the SU and
Valley, some carrying their benches themselves
broader Stellenbosch community can visit to
as they left.
Two of those original school benches were view pictures, films, exhibits and portraits,
returned to the school on 16 November 2019, remember days gone by and have critical
50 years after the forced removal. The handover dialogues.
took place at a special ceremony held by SU Photo above: Mr Whaleed February, a former
as an act of restorative justice and part of the Lückhoff School learner, on one of the benches
process to develop the Lückhoff Living Museum. returned to the school.
12 matieLAND{ NEWS SNIPPETS }
SU RESEARCHERS USE HIP-HOP TO CREATE
TB AWARENESS
B researchers recently decided to foreign and inaccessible," said Ms Dannielle
T use hip-hop and rap to increase
awareness about TB in the
community.
Moore, Communication and Marketing Officer at
the MBHG.
During the four-day programme learners were
The #MBHGHipHop TB intervention, which given information on how the spread of TB can
involved researchers and staff from the Division be prevented, what the signs and symptoms of
of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics the disease are, as well as how it is diagnosed
(MBHG) and learners from Cedar High School of and treated. They also learnt about the myths
the Arts in Mitchells Plain, was aimed at raising about TB.
TB awareness by means of the mediums of rap, Learners worked in groups to write songs
hip-hop and dance, and at inspiring the youth to that create TB awareness. Later they had the
follow careers in science. opportunity to record their songs in a studio,
"The placement of science within a popular rehearse dance moves and short skits, and
culture space provided an opportunity for it to be finally perform it in front of their fellow learners,
owned by young people - rather than remaining teachers and invited guests from the community.
Photo: RAINED UPON MEDIA
matieLAND 13Photo: ANTON JORDAAN
FOSSIL TRACE ROCK’S GLORY RESTORED AFTER
58 YEARS
early 60 years after the “rock with large intertidal plain more than 470 million
N the tortoise tracks” was removed
from a farm in the Sandveld region
to be exhibited in the foyer of the
years ago. In the 1960s these fossil tracks
represented the oldest marine fossil tracks
found in South Africa. The locals of the Sandveld
Chamber of Mines building, Stellenbosch region referred to the tracks as “tortoise tracks”
University has now formally recognised the or “klip met die skilpadspore”.
donation by the family who owns the farm. The owners of the farm Moesdam, Messrs
A memorial plate, commemorating the finding Maans and Gertjan Visser, never received
place of the rock, was officially handed over to
recognition for donating the rock. The University
Ms Lettie Veldsman, daughter of the farm owner,
also did not honour the undertaking to erect a
Mr Maans Visser, during a special ceremony
memorial at the finding place of the rock, Rust
earlier this year.
This is thanks to the efforts of Emeritus explains.
Professor Izak Rust, a retired lecturer in Now, there are three plaques underneath the
Geology at SU, who started in 2005 to research Brandenburg rock exhibit: in Afrikaans, English
the history behind the origin of this ten tonne and isiXhosa, acknowledging the donation to the
rock, cemented into the wall in the foyer of the University. An information panel explains the
Chamber of Mines building in 1963. significance of the finding, and a scale-model of
On the rock are the fossilised tracks of long a trilobite, by the well-known Italian paleo-artist
extinct marine animals who scurried over a Fabio Pastori, brings the exhibit to life.
14 matieLAND{ NEWS SNIPPETS }
SU CHOIR PHYSICALLY APART, BUT STILL
IN HARMONY
mid the state of lockdown, the for the choir and Mr Regardt Visser edited the
A award-winning Stellenbosch
University (SU) Choir has decided
to continue to bring music of hope
119 videos together.
According to Van der Merwe, the virtual music
project has been an interesting medium through
during the Covid-19 pandemic. which the choir can still communicate with their
The choir recently released a new virtual audiences. “The project is not trying to compete
music project, ‘Die Donker’, on its YouTube with organic choral singing and it will never
channel. All 119 choir members participated by replace it either. We still have a voice and we
recording individual home videos along with a want to share it with our fans,” says Van der
metronome soundtrack to ensure synchronized Merwe.
recordings.
SU Choirmaster Mr André van der Merwe says
the music project gave the choir the opportunity
to function as a team again in a time when they
cannot physically be together.
The music for ‘Die Donker’ is an adaptation of
two iconic Afrikaans songs, ‘Die Gang’ (written
by Christopher Torr and performed by Laurika
Watch a video here:
Rauch) and ‘Klein Tambotieboom’ (Die Heuwels https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAUVbUl24eM
Fantasties). Mr Gerhard Roux mixed the sound
Photo: NATALIE GABRIELS
matieLAND 15{ RESEARCH FOR IMPACT }
RESEARCH
IN RESPONSE
TO A CRISIS
Research efforts amid the Covid-19 pandemic is
proof of how Stellenbosch University continues
to be academically excellent, while making a
significant impact in the world.
Words ROZANNE ENGEL
Photo HAIKO SCHURZ
matieLAND 17t Stellenbosch University (SU), Covid-19, mental health, the importance of
A academics, postdoctoral research
fellows and postgraduate students,
through their future-oriented and
achieving socio-economic rights and how rugby
players can keep fit during lockdown, to name a
few.
innovative ideas and work, are breaking new
research ground during the Covid-19 pandemic. COLLABORATION
This cohort is joining thousands of their Researchers at SU also launched the
peers across the globe who are contributing to Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey (CRAM), a
deepening the knowledge base on combating collaborative research project across three
the disease. universities, which will track the social and
To date, SU has embarked on 45 research economic impact of Covid-19 in South Africa.
projects related to Covid-19, which include Since May, a nationally representative sample
making alcohol-based hand sanitiser from stale of 10 000 South Africans has been surveyed
breadcrumbs; technologists deploying robots in every month using telephone surveys, focusing
a hospital, allowing specialists to conduct ward on unemployment, household income, child
rounds remotely; and printing 3D ventilator hunger and access to government grants. The
parts and protective gear for healthcare aim of the project is to inform policy-makers and
workers. help direct relief efforts to where they are most
In addition, SU researchers have also looked needed, and to determine if those relief efforts
at ways to improve sterilisation in the food and are working as intended.
beverage industries as well as in medicine, “Our number one aim is to help policy makers
reducing respiratory viral infections associated make the best decisions in these difficult times,”
with public transport, and developing models to says the principal investigator of the study, Dr
understand the spread of Covid-19 in society. Nic Spaull of the Department of Economics. He
In an effort to support and help with more is joined by eight co-investigators across SU, the
research, SU has also budgeted a total of University of Cape Town and the University of
R300 000 to help fund more Covid-19 related the Witwatersrand. Each co-investigator heads
research projects. up different areas related to sampling, social
According to Prof Eugene Cloete, Vice- welfare, labour and firms, health and Covid-19
Rector: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate and the National Income Dynamics Study
Studies, SU’s response to the pandemic has operations.
demonstrated how “knowledge generated The project has received formal endorsement
through impactful research” can be used for by the National Planning Commission, the
societal impact as is stated in the University’s National Treasury and the National Department
Vision 2040 and Strategic Framework 2019– of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.
2024. Three donors fund it: the Allan and Gill Gray
Philanthropy, the FEM Education Foundation and
EXPERTISE the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation.
“SU has a host of expertise that can be of benefit The results of the surveys is available on the
in fighting the pandemic, ranging from expertise CRAM website: www.cramsurvey.org/.
in the mathematical modelling of the pandemic Ms Maryke Hunter-Hüsselmann, Director:
to developing vaccines. We actively encourage Research Information and Strategy at
research that can help address the Covid-19 SU’s Division for Research Development,
pandemic and will endeavour to provide says collaborative research has always
accelerated administration and approval of such been important to the University but how
research, based on scientific and public health the pandemic has impacted on research
benefit, consistent with other institutions,” says collaborations can only be determined
Cloete. meaningfully at a later stage.
Some of the University’s academics are also “Research at SU is driven by the notion
producing opinion editorials on topics related of simultaneous excellence and relevance,
to the pandemic. These topics include looking informed by a diversity of people and ideas.
at South Africa’s military response during The pandemic is causing numerous challenges
18 matieLANDfor us as a nation. SU has therefore really virus has been growing rapidly, with extensive
embraced the opportunity to contribute to community spread and an increase in hospital
support the global pursuit to overcome the admissions and deaths.
Covid-19 pandemic. This is in line with our Those who are able and willing to assist, as
strategic framework and the focus on Research a volunteer should send an email message to
for Impact.” sucovidvolunteers@sun.ac.za to receive further
SU researchers have also collaborated with information.
the University of the Western Cape to develop SU’s research efforts are not only aimed
the SARS-CoV-2 strain in a laboratory, which at academic success, but also at making a
will allow scientists to understand exactly how significant impact in the world. And as the world
the virus infects humans and how it was able to continues to grapple with understanding the
cause Covid-19. disease, more intensive and innovative research
will be needed to find a vaccine and combat the
VOLUNTEERS COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers have also volunteered for the
CrowdFight Covid-19 initiative in South Africa,
which aims to bring together a global team of
researchers in various fields to help understand
and alleviate the scientific and health demands
More about
of the virus.
One of those SU researchers volunteering
our innovations
for CrowdFight is Ms Caroline Pule (photo on and projects
page 16). She has a background in working with
one of the deadliest communicable diseases, Read more about three of
Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (TB), and says the innovative projects our
that after serving in several health and science researchers launched in
organisations, it just made good sense to do response to the Covid-19
something to help fight the pandemic. pandemic on pages 20 and 21.
“Noticing what this virus is doing, hit me very
hard and I could not stop shedding tears of
sadness. My passion for global health, medical
research and ensuring we have a disease-free
nation, urged me to step forward and contribute
in any way possible to mitigate the effects of
Covid-19,” says Pule.
Many of SU’s Faculty of Medicine and Health
Sciences (FMHS) students have also been
volunteering at Tygerberg Hospital’s Covid-19
screening area. Others have been working at the
Contact Tracing Centre at the Tygerberg Campus
where they help to telephonically trace contacts
of positive cases and to assist at the National
Covid-19 helpline.
Students are also collecting data and running
statistics for the Division of Epidemiology and
Biostatistics at the FHMS, while others are
doing data capturing at the Division of Medical
Virology.
FHMS Dean Prof Jimmy Volmink has appealed
to more staff, students and university alumni
to volunteer in the fight against the disease.
In many parts of the country the spread of the
matieLAND 19TEXTILE SCIENTIST DEVELOPS TEST TO EVALUATE
BARRIER EFFICIENCY OF FACEMASK FABRICS
s Adine Gericke, a textile specialist therefore believed that fabric masks can play
M from the Department of Chemistry
and Polymer Science, has developed
a standardised test for use by the
an important role in reducing the community
transmission of the virus.
Gericke says the effectiveness of fabric
clothing and textile manufacturing industry to facemasks can be greatly improved by the
evaluate the effectiveness of textile fabrics and selection of an optimum combination of fabric
filter materials used in fabric facemasks. layers: “Masks typically consist of two to three
The test method is based on the World Health layers of fabric, which could include a filter
Organisation’s guidelines published in March layer in the middle. Each layer contributes to
2020 and relies on the latest evidence that the performance properties of the end product.
the virus appears to exit largely through the Fabrics can be tested in single layers or in
mouth of an infected individual in micro-droplet combinations according to the design of a
form during talking, coughing or sneezing. It is specific mask.”
SU RESEARCHERS TURN BREAD INTO
HAND SANITISER
If you have the right equipment, some
ingenuity and a few loaves of bread, it seems
that you can do almost anything in times of
crisis. That is what SU food scientists have
proven, having made 18 l of alcohol-based
hand sanitiser from stale bread crumbs in
their in-house fermentation tank. After a week-
long process, they were able to bottle the end
product hours before South Africa went into
lockdown because of Covid-19.
“It smells just a little bit like toast,” says Dr
Stefan Hayward (photo right), a postdoctoral
researcher in the Department of Food
Science. He is part of a research group in the
Department that focuses on ways to reduce
food waste being produced and ways to put
these by-products to use.
The plan to make their own hand sanitiser
came to them during a brainstorming session
that included Hayward, another postdoctoral
researcher, Dr Timo Tait, and MSc food
science student Mr Sebastian Orth. “Bread is
composed of 40% starch, which can be used
as an excellent carbohydrate source during the
production of bio-ethanol via fermentation,”
explains Hayward.
20 matieLANDROBOT HELPS TYGERBERG SPECIALISTS ON WARD
ROUNDS DURING PANDEMIC
ntensive-care specialists at confident that ICU specialists can, indeed, run
I Tygerberg Hospital have a new
infection-resistant ‘colleague’
helping them to do ward rounds
ward rounds remotely using robots as tireless
helpers that cannot get infected.
“Among the specialists, we will share the
on Covid-19 patients. “Quintin” – as ‘he’ is workload of Covid-19 patients who end up in ICU.
affectionately called – is a double robotic robot
The odds of at least one or all of us falling ill are
that has been employed to help specialists do
quite high, so we need to plan realistically for
virtual ward rounds – even from home – if they
what could happen. If any of the specialists gets
are unable to be physically present.
Prof Coenie Koegelenberg, Professor of the virus and is unable to go to work physically,
Pulmonology at the Faculty of Medicine and she or he will be able to function remotely
Health Sciences, started experimenting with using the robot from a phone or a laptop. Using
options to perform virtual ward rounds in the this device will enable us to provide a service
intensive care unit (ICU) of Tygerberg Hospital if our skills sets are in short supply,” says
shortly before South Africa’s lockdown. He is Koegelenberg.
matieLAND 21A VOICE FOR
CHANGE
Justice Edwin Cameron, Stellenbosch
University’s new Chancellor, says he is excited
about the change he sees at his alma mater,
and about what the University is doing for the
community.
Words RENÉ-JEAN VAN DER BERG
Photo ANDY BOAG / VeryMuchSo Productions
22 matieLAND{ CHANCELLOR }am excited about what is happening of his own poverty.
I at Stellenbosch University. About
how much the University has
changed and what it is doing for the
He received a BAHons degree from SU in
1975. He then studied at Oxford University
where he changed his field of study to law. After
community.” his return to South Africa, he obtained an LLB
These are the sentiments of Justice Edwin degree from UNISA.
Cameron, who officially became the new
Chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU) SELF-RECOGNITION
on 1 January this year. His installation, which He describes his student days as a crazy mixed-
would have taken place in Stellenbosch on 8 up time – a time of intense questioning.
April, had to be postponed due to the Covid-19 “I struggled with myself as a gay man in a
pandemic and nationwide lockdown. Cameron time of great homophobia because of ignorance
did, however, perform his first formal duty and also because of the apartheid regime.
as Chancellor on 3 April when he conferred Initially, I wasn’t exactly outspoken. I had to
degrees and qualifications during SU’s first accept myself before I could become more
virtual graduation ceremony. politically outspoken. The two went hand in hand
Cameron highlights two flagship projects at for me. It was a time of self-recognition, insight
SU that makes him particularly proud to be and learning. It was a true treasure.”
associated with the University. These projects In an article that appeared on SU’s Centenary
are the establishment of the Lückhoff Living website Cameron says his experiences as a
Museum and the #Move4Food campaign. student and the choices he made during his
student days led him to become a human rights
CORRECTION advocate in the 1980s. He encourages law
“The forced removal of learners at the Lückhoff students to be inspired, empowered, brave and
School was a disgrace and a tragedy. This is a active – and to use their post-apartheid rights to
tarnish, not only on the University who benefited, create social justice for all.
but also on the entire Stellenbosch community. “Each of us, in a practical and healthy way,
I was a 16-year-old with the hopes and dreams can make a difference in our own lives and in
of studying at Stellenbosch University when this the lives of others and that inspires me. Life
happened. So it was done in my name and I also gives us no excuse to be passive, and there is
benefited from this act … ” no justification for complaining and not doing
Cameron says that although the creation of anything positive.”
the museum to honour the people who were In 2015, he received an honorary doctorate
uprooted, is a small gesture, it left him humbled from SU for his continued professional and
when he became aware that the University had personal advocacy for the recognition of
embarked on this project to symbolically rectify everyone’s human dignity, freedom and equality.
this disgrace.
“One cannot completely correct the injustices CHANCELLORY
of the past, but we can start with a significant Although the role of a Chancellor is considered
gesture.” (Read more about the Lückhoff Living mostly titular, Cameron believes that it is also
Museum on page 12.) important that the Chancellor should have a
The other project Cameron holds in high voice in University and/or student affairs.
regard is the University’s food security “For me, there are two opposite poles – the
campaign, #Move4Food. This campaign aims ceremonial side of being a Chancellor, and
to support students by providing food parcels the other side where the Chancellor can also
and vouchers to students experiencing food contribute to certain issues. Between those are
insecurity. “This project sees to it that no SU a thousand shades and I still don’t know what
student, from whatever background, should go my shade will be. But it will certainly not just be
hungry.” titular.”
Cameron, an alumnus of the University, Cameron feels strongly about the role of
describes his years of education as some of the universities and the academy today.
most important in his life, giving him a way out “Our past was a time of extreme poverty,
24 matieLANDexpropriation and our economy was almost at
a standstill. The role of a university must be
emphasised more and more. We find ourselves
again in a time of many crises – climate change,
pollution, major ethical and practical issues.
The role of a university is to give new thinking
to a national conversation and to launch new
research.
On a lighter note, he remarks that there lies a
steep learning curve ahead of him as Chancellor.
“I have to become familiar with many terms like
blended learning and transformative student
experiences. I am not ashamed to admit that I do
not yet know what these mean, but I will learn. ”
More about
Edwin Cameron
Justice Edwin Cameron was born in Pretoria
and matriculated from Pretoria Boys High
School. In 2009, he was appointed as Judge to
the Constitutional Court - a position he held for
10 years.
As the first South African in a high-profile
public office speaking openly about his HIV
status and experience taking antiretroviral
drugs (ARVs), Cameron has made a credible
and crucial contribution to more accessible
ARV treatment for all HIV-positive South
Africans.
His international impact as a leading jurist with
almost 200 rulings behind his name, award-
winning author and popular speaker is evident
in the numerous honours he has received.
This goes from being acknowledged by the
England and Wales Bar for his contribution
to international justice and human rights
protection, to the prestigious Grand Prix du
Conseil Québécois des Gais et Lesbiennes
award in Montreal.
He currently lives in Johannesburg with his
partner, Dr Nhlanhla Mnisi, a researcher in
water science.
matieLAND 25SCIENCE IN
SERVICE OF
SOCIETY
Through continued investment in research,
Stellenbosch University is using its research
expertise to change society for the better. Here
are three projects doing exactly that.
Words ALEC BASSON
Photos STEFAN ELS
26 matieLAND{ RESEARCH }
matieLAND 27AgriSciences
CARTONS FOR POMEGRANATES
New multi-layer ventilated cartons could soon save energy required to cool and maintain the
help increase pomegranate export volumes per required fruit temperature.
unit container, reduce packaging material needs, “Tests on the performance of the new multi-
lower energy costs for cooling pomegranates layer carton design showed that over 1,8 tonnes
and keep them fresher for longer. more pomegranates could be loaded into a
This is the view of Dr Matia Mukama (photo shipping container compared to the current
on page 27) from the Postharvest Technology single layer carton design,” says Mukama.
Research Laboratory in the Department of He adds that the new multilayer carton will
Horticultural Sciences. For his doctorate in
hold 4 800 more pomegranates (240 cartons)
Food Science, Mukama came up with a new
compared to the current carton used in the
multilayer carton design to help improve the
industry.
overall performance of ventilated packaging in
the pomegranate industry. It would also require fewer refrigerated
The new design uses less cardboard containers than current commercial cartons.
material, allows for a lot more pomegranates Mukama says that with multi-layer cartons
to be packed into a shipping container, cools about 15 152 fewer refrigerated containers
pomegranates more uniformly and faster, and would be required globally to handle fresh
leads to savings in packaging material. Together, pomegranates. This would also help to reduce
these benefits allow for better utilisation of greenhouse gas emissions associated with
both storage and shipping container space, and refrigerated transport and cooling.
Industrial Engineering
HELPING REFUGEES
Humanitarian organisations often struggle organisations to model the actual severity
to offer much-needed support to refugees and extent of the conflict scenario, the
because they do not always have credible or characteristics of the people considered, and,
complete data on the scale and dynamics of a most importantly, the underlying decision-
particular refugee crisis, especially regarding making process of the forcibly displaced
the movement of people. people, refugees, undocumented migrants and
To help address this challenge, Dr Christa internally displaced persons based on their
de Kock from the Department of Industrial personal characteristics.
Engineering proposed a generic framework “The ability to predict the movement of
that could make it easier for humanitarian forcibly displaced people with some measure
organisations to obtain this vital data. of accuracy is critical to aid organisations
De Kock says her framework can be used in facilitating the planning of logistics
to develop a simulation model of the specific and procurement of resources aimed at
group of people being studied in contexts supporting those fleeing violence and
of conflict-induced forced migration to gain persecution,” says De Kock. She adds that the
an understanding not only of the numerous implementation of the proposed framework
factors leading to such migrations, but also may assist humanitarian organisations and
of the behaviour and actions of internally policy-makers in strategic planning which,
displaced people, refugees and undocumented ultimately, may help provide the necessary aid
migrants. This will help humanitarian to those forcibly displaced.
28 matieLANDPhoto: HENRÉ HANEKOM
Education
SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS
When participating in short courses for their discuss and solve academic issues raised during
own professional development, teachers at the course, as well as their own teaching. These
remote rural schools should be supported via teachers were also able to keep in contact,
WhatsApp groups to help them overcome many despite staying hundreds of kilometres apart.
of the challenges they face. This is according
They could plan the sharing of their limited
to Dr Pauline Hanekom (photo above) from the
Centre for Pedagogy (SUNCEP). science resources for practical activities with
“WhatsApp groups, as virtual communities each other. Hanekom says the teachers could
of practice, could support the professional also share their practical skills through photos
development of teachers, provide organisational and videos from their classrooms, adding
support to implement the new knowledge and that subject advisors from the education
skills in the classroom, and ultimately have a departments could easily assist the students
positive impact on the performance of learners,” with policy and school curriculum issues.
she says. As part of her doctorate in Curriculum
According to her, the WhatsApp groups served
Studies, Hanekom created WhatsApp groups
to relay logistical arrangements for practical
consisting of in-service, qualified teachers in
Natural and Life Sciences, education department online sessions, and served as a discussion
officials and course facilitators. platform (during the broadcasts) on which
She says feedback from the participants participants could share their thoughts and
showed that the groups allowed teachers to input.
matieLAND 29NEW
NORMAL 101
Covid-19 started off as a medical crisis
but has since touched all parts of our lives.
Stellenbosch University experts share their
opinions on the mind shifts required to adapt
to the ‘new normal’.
Words ENGELA DUVENAGE
Illustrations ILZE BADENHORST
30 matieLAND{FUTURE FOCUSED}n a crisis we sometimes focus on Crises test systems severely, expose cracks in
I one thing only and plan accordingly,
however, often better systems are
created as a result. Unfortunately,
a big way, and increase uncertainty. That is why
Mostert is concerned about the growing divide
between those who are struggling to access
most people suffer from status quo bias and data versus the emerging digital elite who can
believe the future will be more or less the lead fully online lives thanks to 24-hour access
same as things are now, which impedes futures to high-speed internet.
thinking, says Dr Morné Mostert, Director of the “All indications are that if data is not treated
Institute for Futures Research. as a universal human right, there will be an
“When you are in a highly chaotic environment, increase in inequalities.”
your only option is experimentation,” Mostert He says people value contact with others,
explains. “The innovators will move forward and and being able to look someone in the eye.
leave behind those who have the deluded idea of They intrinsically trust contracts signed before
seeking universal truths or wanting to go ‘back them more than those with a digital signature,
to basics’. If you do not participate in designing for example. He foresees that more rules and
the future, you end up in the one that someone closer scrutiny will be called upon to regulate
else designs for you.” and protect increasing digitalisation, to ensure
Although Mostert believes the Covid-19 people’s continued trust in systems.
pandemic provides an ideal learning opportunity, This will also ensure that studies into the
he realises that most people would rather feed exact value, nature and energy around personal
their existing prejudices and ideas through interaction versus digital communication will
confirmation bias than challenge themselves. flourish.
Anxiety also makes it very difficult to be creative. “We’ve never really needed to understand
On the economic front he foresees the death the power of in-person contact. Digital
of the middleman in many industries, and major communication and our appreciation for it will
changes to the global value chain. He referred to become much more nuanced. It’s very effective
it as the ‘substitution effect’, and that it would be for information sharing, but not really for
strongly digital-driven. creative decision making. The technology for
“Because of the so-called substitution effect, that is not yet available, but it will be.”
people start looking around for other solutions Mostert is concerned that increasing
when there is an obstacle somewhere. If I was telegovernment practices may lead to more
used to ordering my goods from China, maybe dictatorial states that restrict citizens’ privacy
because of the prevailing complexity, I might and movement, and that allow themselves the
now look where I can get them locally.” liberty to spy on their citizens under the cover of
Mostert foresees the substitution effect dealing with health crises.
playing out in the digital world. People are
already increasingly living and working online – ... HOW WE LEAD
from telediagnosis to couriered online shopping In terms of leadership, Prof Piet Naude, Director
and telegovernance are possible. of the US Business School, thinks people will
“Thanks to accelerated digitisation, everything increasingly need three qualities:
that had not been digitised before Covid-19
will now be. Some psychological therapy, for • Quick decision making that takes into
example, was previously happening online, but account a complex set of challenges and
its use has now accelerated.” conflicting claims;
Mostert is interested in how increasing online • Ethical conduct under pressure and clear
learning will affect the so-called covidian communication to maintain employee
generation’s options and perceptions about and stakeholder confidence;
education. “For the first time in 350 000 years, • The imaginative creation of an
young people can anachronistically choose alternative future that inspires and is
for themself when they want to learn, and followed after the crisis is over.
autodidactically what they want to learn,” he
explains.
32 matieLAND“We need to learn to see the potential rather the virus versus the urgency to communicate
than the problem, and to build our decisions on about it is stressful. Scientists do not prefer to
the first,” he challenges. communicate within so much uncertainty, says
Naude for instance foresees an alternative Joubert. However, amid the crises situations
work future with more people working this has become their ‘new normal’. Over the
from home, flexitime, staff not being limited past months, for example, health researchers
geographically to their workplace, and more have had to adapt quickly to sharing treatment
meetings going online. information with each other and concerned
In the alternative future of learning and citizens, without the luxury of having sufficient
teaching, Naude expects that a stronger mixed time to study and weigh up options before
learning approach will open new markets for making them public.
student recruitment and create the chance to Joubert foresees increasing
lower opportunity costs for those who want to internationalisation of research and
study. collaboration across disciplines: “For the first
time in our own lives, we are experiencing a
... HOW WE DO RESEARCH situation that affects the whole world. It provides
A rising confidence and interest in various unique opportunities for comparison between
disciplines in science, along with coverage countries.”
of anything from virology to mathematical
modelling and economics, has been a silver ... WHAT WE EAT
lining around the dark corona cloud for “It’s hard to believe that a next virus-related
Dr Marina Joubert, an expert in science pandemic will again be accompanied by
communication at the Centre for Research on lockdown regulations that are guaranteed to
Evaluation, Science and Technology (CREST). destroy the livelihoods of the most vulnerable in
“Thanks to Covid-19, people have realised that the community,” agricultural economist Prof Nick
research plays a crucial role in our well-being Vink reckons on how future economic decisions
and in our future,” says Joubert. will be made.
She foresees a boom in science and crisis He believes that unexpected events such as
communication expertise, and that a wealth pandemics will increase but will also become
of related research will be published in more predictable as people adapt and learn
coming months and years. In the midst of the from each new one.
pandemic, a lack of proven knowledge about
matieLAND 33The fact that poorer citizens are often stuttering affirmation of life, now and after”.
most affected by such events is bad for the “History shows that, every time after a global
agricultural sector, for example, because of how disaster, or period of civil revolt, the arts thrive,”
it affects people’s ability to afford food. she says.
Technology will be part of agriculture’s future,
much as it has been part of it in the past. ... HOW WE PRACTISE SPORTS
“We have realised how important the virtual Ms Ilhaam Groenewald, Chief Director of Maties
world is, but that available software and Sport, believes the pandemic is forcing the
bandwidth are not up to the task and should be South African sports business ecosystem to
fast-tracked.” adapt more quickly to developments that have
Vink expects that an increased focus on food been happening over the last decade in the
safety will involve more than the handling, global sports world. This includes technology,
preparation and storage of food. media, broadcasting, fan contact, corporate
“We’ve already learned that we must take social responsibility, e-sports and virtual sports.
into account the safety of the whole system, She says a lot will depend on how ready
including those who work in it,” he said. athletes, staff, coaches and support teams
are to handle the ‘new normal’, and to rethink
... HOW WE CREATE competition formats and schedules as well as
It may still be a long time before theatres will coaching and development plans.
again provide a safe haven for artists and the “They will have to adapt exercise programmes
public alike. Unfortunately, the internet will not to accommodate different groups and types of
provide a lifeline for everyone. training,” she explains.
“With the exception of some contemporary Groenewald says in this respect, sports
music, visual art, stand-up comedy and some technology can become a valuable tool. She also
classical music performances, the arts do not hopes enough will be invested in virtual space,
necessarily translate well to the virtual world. medicine and sports science, and research into
This is even more so when there is not a proper it.
budget available to ensure technical excellence,” “This will require constant focus until such
says Ms Saartjie Botha, Director of the Toyota US time that a vaccine is developed that will
Woordfees. allow us to manage the Covid-19 pandemic
Despite the dark picture she paints, Botha much better. We will need to review our health
believes the arts have a definite role to play “in and safety policies, monitor and evaluate
the healing of the world, in the formulation of procedures, and report on them in every part
pain and loss due to illness and death, and in a of the business,” she stresses. “We need to
34 matieLANDkeep the financial impact in mind for at least of education. The government and schools
the next three years, to allow for sustainable will be under pressure to reorganise and fund
business continuity. This will necessitate not just parent and learner communities so that poorer
a monthly focus, but rather a weekly or daily learners also have good access to e-learning.
focus, depending on the size of the organisation.” The issue of whose responsibility education is,
Groenewald adds: “We need to rethink our he predicts, will get more attention. Education
recruitment and retention plans to consider unions, parents and the wider community will
our school sport system because if we do not, increasingly have to play a definitive role along
with the education ministry.
university sport participation will dwindle even
“For too long parents have been shirking their
more. We require policy, leadership, and funding.
role. Poverty is no longer an excuse. Your most
If this is not implemented soon, our country will important contribution is what you can do for the
have to be satisfied with winning fewer medals school in your area,” he says.
in future.” He hopes the need for social distancing will
lead to legislation that prohibits overcrowded
... HOW WE LEARN classes at poorer schools, and that the crisis
Prof Michael le Cordeur of the Department of will give impetus to the recruitment of a younger
Curriculum Studies believes that online learning corps of teachers to support the aging educator
is going to be a lasting, complementary medium pool.
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