Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe is our new chancellor!
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NOVEMBER/
DECEMBER 2009
I N G
E A K
B NEWS Deputy
R President
Kgalema Motlanthe
is our new chancellor!
Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe has in the position. Vice-Chancellor and Principal
been appointed as Univen’s new chancellor. Prof Peter Mbati says it is an honour to have a
He succeeds renowned businessman, Mr Cyril man with the stature of Motlanthe at the helm
Ramaphosa, who has just completed two terms of Univen.
“We look forward to his leadership and guidance
in the years to come. His involvement with the
University will certainly stand us in good stead,”
says Mbati.
Motlanthe was appointed deputy president in
May 2009. Before that he was President of
the Republic since 25 September 2008 when
former President Mbeki was recalled. He has
been deputy president of the African National
Congress since December 2007 and was its
secretary-general from 1997 to 2007.
Motlanthe was involved in establishing the
JB Marks Educational Trust, which provides
Reigning royals at Univen - Miss Univen 2009, Portia Matsimela - a first-year student in the School bursaries to mineworkers and their dependants
of Management Sciences. Standing from left - 2nd Princess Jessicca Ramoshaba, Miss Personality Norah as well as the Trade Union School, the Elijah
Masemola and 3rd Princess Khosi Mathebula. Barayi Memorial Training Centre.
Univen is a quality driven, financially sustainable, rural based, comprehensive university
1
Books
for
Africa
The Univen library recently organised a
book exhibition to give academics an
opportunity to select the latest titles of
books for filling gaps in their subject areas.
Lecturers could interact with exhibitors
on their specific topics of interest. The
selected books will be purchased using the
R2,2 million allocated from the teaching
and research development grant of the
Department of Higher Education and
Training.
The library has also received a book
donation to the value of more than
R84 000 from Van Schaik Bookshop in
Polokwane. The donated books cover
subjects like chemistry, finance and law.
Nzhelele-Makhado not
prone to earthquakes Technology, Prof Omara-Ojungu, 35 community
“There is no potential for earthquakes or research also established that there is enough
volcanic eruptions in the Nzhelele-Makhado groundwater to sustain the community of members of the Nzhelele-Makhado area and
area in the near future.” Nzhelele-Makhado. However, there is a need to principals, teachers and learners from schools
This is according to the Dean of the School of remove fluoride before the water is used. Other in Makhado, Jack Lavhengwa, Nngweni,
Environmental Sciences, Prof Ogola. resolutions of the research day were that the Mushaathama and Mushaathoni.
outcomes of the study should be published and Papers presented at the research day included
Speaking at a research day on campus Ogola
disseminated to the community and to the local topics such as the rationale for Nzhelele-
said the floods of 2000 resulted in the mud
municipalities. The youth should be engaged Makhado research initiatives by Prof Omara-
pools phenomenon and the local chief
in activities that can create employment. New Ojungu, the occurrence and fate of trace
requesting Univen to assist with research.
projects focusing on climate change, waste metals in and around treatment and disposal
“The Siloam community felt that there was a management and planning should be identified facilities in Limpopo by Prof Ogola and the
likelihood of earthquake or volcanic eruption and the research day should be a regular fluoride concentrations in groundwater and the
as they could hear rattling and rumbling of the activity involving a wider community.” human health impact and possible remediation
earth at night. The School compiled a team in the Siloam Village by Prof Odiyo.
Attendees of the research day included
of experts to investigate and with the help
Councillor Mashau, representing the Executive Other papers presented included the evaluation
of the Council for Geoscience, seismometer
Mayor of the Vhembe District, Councillor and remediation of water scarcity in rural
equipment was installed at the Siloam hospital
Mahosi, representing the Mayor of Thulamela villages of South Africa by Prof Odiyo and the
to monitor the earthquakes.
Municipality, Mr Mugwena, the Chief of investigation of the effects of mud pools caused
“Research also found that the mud pools were Siloam, Mr Mugabi, the Chief of Mapakophele, during the 2000 floods by Ms Shilubane.
oozing close to Siloam due to heavy rains. The the Campus Director of the Vaal University of
Univen is a quality driven, financially sustainable, rural based, comprehensive university
2
Univen stands its ground at Moot
Court in Lagos
Univen law students won all four direct rounds in which they litigated The competition, the largest gathering of law lecturers and students in
against other African university teams in the 18th Human Rights Moot Africa, is organised by the University of Pretoria’s Human Rights Centre in
Court competition held in Lagos, Nigeria recently. collaboration with the local host university.
The team, led by Public Law lecturer, Mr Cornelius Hagenmeier, included
final year student Mr Peter Muthevhuli and third-year student Ms
Boitumelo Mohale.
Muthevhuli says the experience was fantastic. “We faced different
approaches from all corners of the continent. I have learned to always be
analytical and to handle legal matters with diligence and care.”
“Because we prepared ourselves thoroughly we managed to reach the
level of professionalism we were aiming for,” says Mohale.
“Most of all, we enjoyed meeting people from north, south, east and
west of Africa - and the food was a bonus!”
They were grateful for the support from the lecturer who they described
as their mentor who motivated and encouraged them.
“Although he was strict and critical on both our oral and written work,
it was all worth it and we were inspired by his attitude and care,” they
said.
The competition is held at different law faculties of an African university
every year. It empowers students from all parts of the continent to
advocate and litigate human rights. The students argue a hypothetical
human rights case in a simulated court that resembles the African Court A great experience - from left Mr Cornelius Hagenmeier, Ms Boitumelo
for Human and Peoples’ Rights. Mohale and Mr Peter Muthevhuli in Lagos.
Two special SRA president
ambassadors for Univen Machabaphala
Univen Chancellor Mr Cyril Ramaphosa and insight, albeit in a different manner,” spells out
and Chairperson of Council Justice Yvonne Mbati said.
Mokgoro, who have both ended their terms
of office recently, have been made special
Judge Mokgoro completed her term as a judge
of the Constitutional Court recently. She
priorities
ambassadors for the University. served the Court since 1994. Before that she
Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Peter Mbati was a specialist researcher for human rights Student Representative Assembly President
says in recognition of their commitment, at the Centre for Constitutional Analysis of Shakira Machabaphala has spelt out five
passion and sustained efforts to enhance the the Human Sciences Research Council. She priorities for 2010.
cause of Univen, the University found it fitting was also a lecturer and associate professor “We will tackle the issue of water shortage and
to confer this status on them. in the Department of Jurisprudence at the make sure that there is no longer a shortage
“All along Mr Ramaphosa and Judge Mokgoro University of the North-West. Mokgoro has on campus. With the assistance of the Deputy
were developmental partners in nurturing been a clerk at the Department of Justice in Vice-Chancellor Operations, Dr Jannie Zaaiman
a quality driven, financially sustainable, Bophuthatswana and a public prosecutor in the we will be getting extra boreholes with enough
rural based comprehensive university. Their Mmbatho magistrate’s court.
water capacity.
contributions to the well-being of Univen have She holds a BIuris and Bachelor of Law from
“The SRA will be assisting with the erection of
and will always stand the University in good the University of the North-West and a Master
student residences for 2 000 students during
stead. By making them special ambassadors, of Law from the University of Pennsylvania in
the first quarter of next year to address the
we are certain to retain their knowledge the USA.
backlog on campus accommodation.
Renowned businessman Ramaphosa is widely
respected as a skilful and formidable negotiator “Another priority is internet access and printing
and strategist. He is best known for his role facilities. We will work towards making the IT
in building the biggest and most powerful Centre accessible to students 24/7 to access
trade union in the country, the National Union study materials.”
of Mineworkers. He played a crucial role in In respect of sports infrastructure, Machaba-
negotiations with the former South African phala says the SRA will assist with the erection
regime to bring about a peaceful end to of a new sports field behind the F4 residence
apartheid and steer the country towards its first and with renovations at the stadium.
democratic elections in April 1994. His role in “The congestion at the cafeteria is a concern
creating the South African Constitution – the for students. We therefore took a decision to
most liberal and advanced in the world – is
find a new contractor to work at the cafeteria,
internationally recognised.
extend the current cafeteria and also build a
Ramaphosa is also championing the University’s new one on the side of the student bar – all
capital campaign with the aim to raise R1 billion a sign of our commitment to fight the lack
for structural and curriculum improvements on of service provision and long queues at the
the Univen campus. cafeteria, “ he says.
Univen is a quality driven, financially sustainable, rural based, comprehensive university
3
Maswanganyi off
to Germany
The Chairperson of the MER Mathivha Centre Negroes says it was tough to be selected.
for African Languages’ Student Body, Mr “I was interviewed with other students
Maswanganyi Khazamula Negroes has been within the Centre and recommended
selected to participate in the 2010 Tubegen/ by lecturers from each of the Tshivenda,
SA programme at the Tubegen University in Northern Sotho and Xitsonga sections. Two
Germany. students represented Univen at the selection
This cultural language programme promotes process at the University of Stellenbosch where
collaboration among tertiary institutions 20 students were chosen to represent South
in Gauteng, Limpopo and North-West. It Africa in Germany.”
encourages debate, best practice and capacity • N
egroes leaves for Germany on 4 January
building through the sharing of knowledge next year. Univen wishes him well and
and commitment to academic excellence in Nendila will report on his experience in
the region. Germany in the February 2010 edition.
Wowing the world to
benefit Univen
The Chairperson of the Univen Council, Justice various institutions to ensure that these between Univen and the two universities
Yvonne Mokgoro and the Vice-Chancellor and collaborative efforts between Univen, the in Ghana to establish staff linkages. It is
Principal, Prof Peter Mbati went on a whistle- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and anticipated that these collaborative initiatives
stop tour to various international countries to Technology and the University of Cape Coast will boost our low research and postgraduate
promote the University of Venda recently. bear fruit,”’ says Mbati. student outputs, particularly at PhD level,”
In Taiwan Mbati signed a memorandum of “Student leaders from the Kwame Nkrumah says Mbati.
understanding with the National Pingtung University will visit Univen early next year Mokgoro and Mbati also visited the School
University of Science and Technology. and following the recent election of our of Physical Sciences, the Faculty of Law, the
“Areas of collaboration with that university Student Representative Assembly, names Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in
include collaborative research, co- of our new student leaders have been Tropical Medicine, the College of Architecture
supervision of students, staff and student forwarded to them. Furthermore, Justice and Planning, the School of Graduate Studies
exchange programmes, particularly for Mokgoro h a s b e e n re q u e s t e d t o s e r v e and Research, the Bureau of Integrated Rural
visiting professorships, and extraordinary as a Professor Emeritus at the Faculty of Law Development and the College of Agriculture
professorships. In the long run we aim to at that university. Contact lists will be shared and Natural Resources.
also establish cooperation with the Limpopo
government to establish a sustainable, rural-
based agricultural science park. This park will
be dedicated to improve the socio-economic
status of emerging farmers in our region
through technology transfer. It will also aim to
showcase excellence in the broad areas of both
animal and crop sciences.
President Guu of the Pingtung University and
some of his senior managers will most probably
visit Univen next year,” says Mbati.
Mbati also visited the National Palace Museum,
the Fisheries Research Institute, the Pingtung
Agriculture Biotechnology Park, the Hsinchu
Science Park and the Industrial Technology
Research Institute.
In Ghana the University of Cape Coast requested
the Chair of the Univen Council, Justice Yvonne
Mokgoro, to assist with the development of a
Faculty of Law. Mbati accompanied Mokgoro
to that university to also explore other areas of
cooperation.
At the same time a memorandum of agreement
was signed with the Kwame Nkrumah University
of Science and Technology in Ghana. A done deal - Prof Mbati (left) signs the memorandum of understanding with the President of the
“Champions will now be identified in the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Prof Guu.
Univen is a quality driven, financially sustainable, rural based, comprehensive university
4
A gift to Univen - Ghana’s Chief Justice, Mrs Georgina Wood (left) presented Univen with a copy of a
book The role of the Supreme Court in the development of Constitutional Law in Ghana. Second
from left, Justice Yvonne Mokgoro and Prof Peter Mbati.
Satma awards the best Tshivenda album -
Mr Solomon Mathase’s new album, Nne na Vhone
is heating up the waves. So cool does the South
African Traditional Music Achievement Awards rate
him that they recently awarded his previous album
- Solomon Mathase - as the best Tshivenda album.
Mathase works in the Department of Physical
Facing the media – during their recent visit to Ghana both the Univen Chair of Council, Justice Yvonne Planning and Infrastructure Management.
Mokgoro and Vice Chancellor and Principal Prof Peter Mbati were interviewed by TV Channel 3.
SA-USA drug delivery training programme – By invitation of the National Research Foundation, Univen Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Peter Mbati
visited the Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia and Scynexis in North Carolina in the USA recently. The programme accelerates the training of PhDs in this scarce
skills area. Doctoral and post doctoral candidates from the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences will now be identified for this training opportunity.
From left Prof Mbati, Dr Bakela Nare and Scynexis’ Dr Jeffrey Clark.
Univen is a quality driven, financially sustainable, rural based, comprehensive university
5
Why is HIV/AIDS escalating
at Univen despite awareness
campaigns?
It was no holds barred at the recent HIV/ counseling and testing for HIV as physical “Those involved might have a stable partner
AIDS open session campaign organised by the appearance does not say anything about HIV. who might be at any other school and may end
School of Education. “Most people who have tested individually up spreading HIV/AIDS further.”
Various answers to the question why HIV/ and found that they are HIV positive, are Participants said that there was a lot of peer
AIDS is escalating at Univen despite awareness not prepared to disclose the status to their pressure, especially among first entering
campaigns, came from participants. partners, or indicate they are HIV negative in students. They suggested that students should
Many participants said ignorance is a major fear of being dumped by a partner,” she said. be enlightened during orientation and more
factor. Students don’t want to go and listen Transactional sex – sex in exchange for open days for discussing HIV/AIDS should be
to peer educators or to attend campaigns. something or some favour - also came under organised.
Suggestions included that peer educators scrutiny. The most common aspects raised Ms Mavhandu-Mudzusi said that the HIV/
should go where people are and organise door- was accommodation issues like squatting, AIDS section is involved in school awareness
to-door campaigns at student residences. money issues around ‘sugar daddies’, ‘sugar campaigns, addressing secondary school
The HIV Coordinator Ms Mavhandu-Mudzusi mummies’ and ‘chicken murder’. learners about the scourge and behavioral
clarified the myth that circumcised males do Transactional sex where people are transacting issues which may put them at risk of infection
not get infected. for marks – called ‘sexually transmitted marks’ - when they arrive at tertiary institutions. She
was discussed thoroughly. Students said though emphasised the value of testing before
“Circumcision may reduce the chance of being engaging in any sexual relationship, as reliance
infected but it does not mean that circumcised it was not practiced in the School of Education,
it is being practiced in some schools where the on condom usage could be unsafe as condoms
males cannot be infected. Taking a shower could burst, resulting in the person being
after unprotected sex also does not protect student is forced to do anything to pass. This is
especially if the student finds herself ‘tripeating infected.
anyone from being infected with HIV.”
a module’ and may only have one module left, The Dean of the School of Education, Prof
Students said that there were many bashes which is not even a major subject. Lecturers Thidziambi Tshivhase-Phendla said that the
around the campus where students drank a lot would indicate that for a student to pass, she/ school would host several similar sessions next
of alcohol and when drunk, they engage in risky he should first have sex with the lecturer. year.
sexual behaviour. The solution was to become
role models and get involved in entertainment Ms Mavhandu-Mudzusi said despite the risk of “Though the impact of the campaign is not yet
that does not involve drinking. being involved in such practices, many have sex fully visible, there is evidence that it has had an
with an infected person, resulting in a number impact as increasingly students are visiting the
Ms Mudzusi emphasised the benefit of couple of people being involved. HIV/AIDS section to be tested,” she said.
Prof Mbhenyane receives
a C rating from the NRF
Univen’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Prof Xikombiso She has also mentored one master’s student to co-author a chapter
Mbhenyane has recently obtained a C3 rating from the National contribution to an academic book and has been invited to externally
Research Foundation. examine dissertations and theses.
Mbhenyane has published 23 papers in accredited journals in the Her research area of interest is indigenous foods, nutrition
past ten years. She presented or contributed and prevention of disease and poverty, nutrition and hunger.
to 41 papers at national and international She has received funding from external institutions such as
conferences – including the international the National Research Foundation, the Medical Research Council
conference on nutrition in China in 2006. She and the South African Sugar Association for various research
has established linkages with national and projects.She has reviewed research proposals for Foundation
international institutions such as the Medical funding and has peer-reviewed applications for rating. She was
Research Council, the Universities of Limpopo, also a panelist for the reviewing of two research units of the
Pretoria, North-West and the Free State, and Medical Research Council.
the Swiss Federal Institute in Zurich. As the dean of the School of Health Sciences she promoted research
Her involvement in research has been at activities by supporting staff to enroll for higher degrees and applying
various levels - supervision of masters and for funding.
doctoral research at Univen and externally Category C researchers are established researchers with a sustained
and nine masters students have successfully recent record of productivity and who are recognised by their
completed their studies in the past five years. peers as having produced quality work and demonstrated the
They have also presented seven oral papers ability to conceptualise problems and apply research methods to
and 15 poster presentations at national and investigating them.
international conferences since 2002. Two
As Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Mbhenyane entrenches the
papers have been published in accredited
culture of research and innovation university-wide. She is also project
journals and 19 in peer reviewed conference
coordinator of the 2010 Higher Education Quality Committee audit.
proceedings.
Univen is a quality driven, financially sustainable, rural based, comprehensive university
6
The University of Virginia
lends a helping hand
As part of the Univen-University of Virginia So touched were the audience about the beds or mattresses.
linkage, Ms Mavhandu-Mudzusi of the Centre situation at the Life Care Centre in Maungani In accepting the donation, Pastor Tshabuse of
of Health and Wellness benchmarked HIV/ that they put together an assistance package. the Centre said that at least the children will
AIDS services at Univen with the University of Donations of clothes, stationery, toys, toiletry, have new clothes for Christmas.
Virginia. grocery and mattresses were made.
His urgent plea is to find funds to refurbish the
In her presentation she informed University of The majority of the children in the Centre are old building, which is in dire need of a new roof
Virginia staff about Univen’s efforts to combat from Zimbabwe, while others are street kids and windows. People can also donate food.
the further spreading of HIV in the local from local areas. The children are staying in
community, including schools and orphanages. tents and sleep on the floor as there are no
Lending assistance – from left, Dr Katherine Schafer of the International Health Department of Medicine at the University of Virginia and Univen’s Ms Mavhandu-
Mudzusi present Pastor Tshabuse with essentials.
Translate research into practice - Lekhuleni
“Health researchers should translate research the health of people in Limpopo and the research will lead to innovative strategies that
into practice so as to benefit communities,” SADC region. Research should also focus sustain health.
says Dr Masamo Lekhuleni of the University on innovations regarding early detection, “We are the nation’s leaders in delivering value
of Limpopo. Speaking at a health sciences prevention and treatment of new infections in health care and we should match our research
research day at the Univen recently, Lekhuleni such as the HIN1 virus. efforts with current and future health needs.
said researchers should optimise strategies to “We have a duty to address national health In doing so we will align ourselves with the
combat the emerging twins - HIV/AIDS and priorities that are informed by research. In millennium development goals like eradicating
tuberculosis. our research efforts we should identify gaps in poverty and hunger, reducing child mortality
“Cholera is, for example, also a threat to health services. Our successful innovations in and improving maternal health,” she said.
Univen is a quality driven, financially sustainable, rural based, comprehensive university
7
Securing
commercial
returns from
research
The World Intellectual Property Organization Patents give companies the right to invest
(Wipo) and the South African Companies in the inventions. The alternative would
Intellectual Property Registration Office be to keep the findings a secret. The
held a workshop at Univen recently to secret option can only apply to companies
provide technical assistance to researchers but not to universities. Patents do not
and academics on intellectual property prevent others to from using one’s findings,
matters. but rather protect against investment
Doing it for women - The Dean of the School
Wipo is a specialised United Nations exploitation. Incentives to inventors are of Education Prof Thidziambi Tshivhase-Phendla
agency responsible for the promotion seen as a motivation for the researchers recently had a unique opportunity to put the
of the protection of intellectual property and the University. University on the political map, acknowledging
throughout the world. It also sees to “The international patent system serves the and validating the critical role women play in
meeting the millennium developmental goals
the administration of various multi- public’s interest - both rights holders and
through their vigilant and insightful leadership.
lateral treaties that deal with the legal society - in terms of credibility, functionality Seen with Prof Tshivhase-Phendla at the African
and administrative aspects of intellec- and acceptability. Universities engage in Conference on Women in Politics was Ms Winnie
tual property, patents, copyright and technology transfer for dynamic interaction Madikizela-Mandela.
trademarks. with industries and for project-based
Cipro is the registration office for com- learning for students.
panies and intellectual property that
gives guidance on how to register a co-
“It creates employment opportunities for
graduates and recognition for university We would like to
operative.
In a global environment where the
research whilst ensuring new products
and processes are available to society, and hear from you!
stimulation of economic growth is of generates money for the University.
critical importance, the two parties “The establishment of institutional Nendila is your communications
combined and offer registration and research management offices can channel.
enforcement of companies and intellectual provide technology transfer in terms of Nendila editorial committee
property rights to the relevant people. collaborations and calls for funding,” Mr Takalani Dzaga – CPRP –
To g e t h e r, t h e y h a v e b e e n r u n n i n g Thomas said. Chief editor
outreach activities at several South African Pii said international patent applications Ms Welheminah Mabogo – CPRP –
universities for the past few years. can be searched with Patentscope. Coordinator
Speakers like Ms Marta Catarino, Mr “The facility allows searching for millions Dr Lesibana Rafapa – Language
Phillip Thomas and Ms Nyalleng Pii of of international patent applications and editor
the Knowledge Transfer Office discussed viewing of the latest information and Ms Bevely Dube – Media expert
issues like the role of patents in knowledge documents available to the international Dr Nanga Lidovho – Resource
t r a n s f e r, h o w c o m m e r c i a l r e t u r n s bureau. Applications, publication number, person
could be obtained from research and publication date, title, abstract, description Ms Mushoni Mulaudzi –
how Patentscope, a tool to access and claim, international classification and Preservation (library)
disseminate international and national other data like the name of inventor, Send your contributions to:
patent documents, operates. applicants, national data and priority, are Welheminah Mabogo
Thomas explained the Patents Cooperation also searchable. Nendila Coordinator
Treaty, an international patent law treaty University of Venda
“The search tool allows viewing inter-
that provides a unified procedure for filing Private Bag X5050
national applications by country of Thohoyandou, 0950
patent applications to protect inventions in origin, applicant, subclass or year. The
each of its contracting states. Tel 015 962 8525
search engine also allows searching Fax 015 962 8494
“Patents are a set of exclusive rights for all emerging fields of technology e-mail
granted by a state to an inventor or his and the latest inventions like possible welheminah.mabogo@univen.ac.za
assignee for a limited period in exchange cooperation opportunities between Office number 24, first floor
for a public disclosure of an invention. research institutions,” she said. Main administration block
Univen is a quality driven, financially sustainable, rural based, comprehensive university
8
NRF rating for
Dr Amidou
Can senior
A lecturer at the Department of Micro-
biology in the School of Mathematical
and Natural Sciences, Dr Amidou, has managers join
a trade union?
received a Y2 rating from the National
Research Foundation.
Researchers who
are rated by the
Foundation may
apply for incentive
I am a senior manager – may I join a trade from joining a trade union or from holding
funding. This funding
union? office in the trade union, the loyalty of that
is not project-related
“In terms of common law a senior employee employee to the employer would be seriously
and may be used
should not be permitted to join a trade union. brought into question.
f o r a n y re s e a rc h -
related costs. The However, in terms of the Constitution and “Senior employees who do not perform the
rating benchmarks Labour Relations Act, every employee has duties for which they were engaged as a
the performance of the right to join and hold office in a union result of trade union membership, could be
researchers, appraises and to participate in its activities,” says the charged with misconduct and face disciplinary
programmes and Head of Univen Employee Relations, Advocate action. Senior employees who are considering
activities, monitors current evaluation Tshisevhe. membership of a trade union must therefore
processes and evaluates the service to In a court case in 1999 - IMATU and others exercise great caution in making this decision,”
Foundation and external stakeholders. versus Rustenburg Transitional Council, the he says.
Amidou graduated with a PhD in Micro- labour court stated that whilst there was no
biology last year. During his PhD programme direct evidence to show that senior managers
he trained both at the Universities of would commit a breach of the duty to the
Venda and Virginia. He researched the employer by accepting a position on the
development of novel molecular techniques executive of a trade union, or by becoming
for the detection of emerging diarrheal a member of a trade union, it was logical
pathogens. He also researched the use of to assume that such a breach of duty to the
these techniques to understand the role of employer would easily occur.
specific organisms and microsporidia in the “It cannot be denied that a conflict between
production of diarrhea in HIV positive and capital and labour always has been there
negative individuals and in young children and will continue to be there. Therefore, by
in the Vhembe district. His research further committing themselves to a trade union,
included the role of medicinal plants - which employees ‘go over to the opposition’ as
constitutes the primary source of basic it were. Employers are entitled to expect a
health for thousands of people living in greater loyalty from senior managers, and a
developing countries - in treating infectious senior employee who took up a leadership role
diarrheal diseases. He identified several in a trade union was automatically placed in a
medicinal plants that could have an effect position of struggle against the employer.”
on the human immune system. Tshisevhe says it would seem obvious that a
In the past five years Amidou has published senior manager who is a member of a trade
about 25 papers in international peer union or an office bearer of a trade union,
reviewed journals. He is a grant holder would bring about a serious conflict of
of the National Research Foundation as interest.
well as the Water Research Commission. “It would therefore seem that whilst an Adv Ndivhuwo Tshisevhe, Head of Employee
He is also participating in other national employer cannot prohibit a senior employee Relations: Department of Human Resources.
and international consortia projects such
as the Mal-Ed and the bioprospection
project, both hosted by the Department
of Microbiology, with Dr Pascal Bessong as
the lead investigator. His research interests
include opportunistic infections in HIV and
AIDS patients, the occurrence and molecular
characterisation of parasitic organisms in
water sources and the immunomodulatory
effect of medicinal plants and their role in
the control of infectious diseases.
The Foundation’s evaluation and rating of
individuals is based on the quality of their
recent research outputs and is undertaken
by national and international peers/reviewers
who are requested to scrutinise the research.
In the Y2 rating category young researchers,
younger than 35 years, are evaluated. They
should have held a doctorate or equivalent
qualification for less than five years and
should be recognised as having the potential
to establish themselves as researchers within
Conserving the assets of the people - the Department of Arts and Culture transferred language
a five-year period after evaluation. research assets for safekeeing to Univen. Univen’s Prof Xikombiso Mbhenyane (third from left) officially
accepted the transfer.
Univen is a quality driven, financially sustainable, rural based, comprehensive university
9
Calls for
research
proposals
to SANPAD
The South African Netherlands
Research Programme on Alternatives
in Development (SANPAD) held a
workshop on the Univen campus
Have vehicle, will do clinical practice – the handing over of new vehicles to the School of Heath
recently to call for research proposals Sciences recently will assist greatly in clinical training which requires students to visit health care facilities
for 2010. and communities. The South African Nursing Council stipulates that nursing students must complete
SANPAD is a joint South African-Nether- 4 000 hours of clinical practice, while Nutrition, Psychology and Biokinetics students do six months
lands venture, supported by a grant internships – the five new 4x4 vehicles and the three mini-buses will thus be on the road fulltime!
from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign
Affairs. It funds research projects that
provide new approaches to economic
and social development and quality of
life. Other funding opportunities are
for research about natural resources
and their governance and poverty
reduction.
The funds go towards quality, colla-
borative research by South African
researchers in association with Dutch
researchers. The programme promotes
quality research and produces research
outputs useful for development
purposes. It also promotes co-operation
between Dutch and South African
researchers, and between institutions
within South Africa. Furthermore,
it develops research capacity and
a c u l t u re c o n d u c i v e t o re s e a rc h
aimed particularly at researchers Training small traders – Univen has been appointed by the Capricorn District Municipality to train
f ro m h i s t o r i c a l l y d i s a d v a n t a g e d small traders in financial management, business development and general management. More than
communities. 300 traders were trained in Polokwane, Mogwadi in Dendron, Lebowakgomo, Tibanefontein and
For information on funding possibilities Senwabarwana in Bochum. They received attendance certificates at a graduation ceremony in Polokwane
visit www.sanpad.org.za recently. Dr Phineas Chauke, Head of Univen’s Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness,
(left) and the Executive Mayor of the Capricorn District, Councillor Motalane Monakedi (right) awards
one of the traders.
All in black and white - Final year LLB students of the School of Law with the Dean, Ms Annette Lansink and Senior Lecturer Mr Maredi Mphahlele, who
introduced the dress code.
Univen is a quality driven, financially sustainable, rural based, comprehensive university
10All systems go for the 2010
Higher Education Quality
Committee audit
The University of Venda is geared to meet the “To ensure total inclusivity, academic and “This is most probably one of the most
demands of the 2010 Higher Education Quality service staff as well as students are represented important projects that Univen has embarked
Committee audit. in the task teams,” says Mbhenyane. on and we have no option but to ensure that
The audit entails the implementation of The task team was out in full force at a we pass – the first time.”
quality assurance strategies at all levels, the workshop in December to report back on The steering committee’s draft report is
improvement of continuous monitoring and operational progress. expected to be completed in January next year
evaluation systems and national and intentional “The university must act on the gaps that and then submitted to schools, senate, the
benchmarking. It also ensures the development are identified in this self-assessment stage. institutional forum and council for inputs. The
and implementation of performance We should not wait for the Higher Education audit will take place in September 2010.
management systems, employment contracts Quality Committee to solve our problems. The “We urge all parties to assist in putting
and the establishment of a system of rewards workshop achieved its objectives and all signs together a report that will do Univen proud,”
and penalties. indicate that we are on course for a successful says Mbhenyane.
The project coordinator is Prof Xikombiso audit in 2010.
Mbhenyane, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic
and a 72-person team is responsible for
operations. In true African style the six task
teams have been named after animals. The
elephant task team is responsible for the
institutional mission, links between planning,
resource allocation and quality management.
Dr Jannie Zaaiman is the convenor. The tiger
task team is responsible for teaching and
learning, research and community engagement,
with Prof Tshivhase-Phendla the convenor.
The lion and rhino task teams are responsible
for quality related arrangements for programme
development, management and review, and
for student assessment and success, with Prof
Bayona and Prof Mbhenyane the convenors.
Research and community engagement is the
responsibility of the buffalo task team and
the convenor is Prof Lukhele Olorunju, while
the leopard task team takes responsibility for
benchmarking, surveys and impact studies,
with Dr Makhafola at the helm. The team that is making the audit happen.
Watch out for
these dates
4 January 2010: University re-opens,
admin staff returns
6 January 2010: Academic staff returns
and selection of first entering students
7 January 2010: Orientation of School
of Health Sciences students
8 January 2010: Honours and BEd
exams commence
11 January 2010: Hostel re-opens
12 January 2010: Academic
programme commences, official
opening of orientation programme
13 – 15 January 2010: Orientation
Saying goodbye - The Department of Psychology at the School of Health Sciences recently bid farewell 18 January 2010: Registration of first
to Prof Tholene Sodi, Ms Mareza Botes and Mr André Fourie. Ms Botes and Mr Fourie retired after entering students
working for the University of Venda for more than 20 years.
Univen is a quality driven, financially sustainable, rural based, comprehensive university
11Univen has progressed
well in 2009 – Principal
“Following a conscious decision in 2007 to be awarded as Business Woman of the Year. The
a serious role player in the higher education National Research Foundation has rated Prof
landscape, we have made a lot of progress Mbhenyane and Dr Amidou Amidou as C and
of which we can all be proud,” says Vice- Y category researchers respectively.”
Chancellor and Principal Prof Peter Mbati. Prof Mbati also officially launched the
Speaking at the University’s year-end function University’s strategic plan for 2009 to 2013.
on 1 December, Mbati said highlights of the “Approved by Council in September, the plan
year included the appointment of Deputy provides targets and deliverables to which
President Kgalema Motlanthe as Univen’s new we have committed ourselves. However, for
chancellor in the place of Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, the plan to be of real value, we must all read
whose term had ended. it carefully and strive very hard to implement
“Both Mr Rampahosa and the chairperson of it within our various work stations. Among
Council, Justice Yvonne Mokgoro, whose others, we are introducing a performance
term has also ended, agreed to management system for various
serve as special ambassadors for layers of management next
Univen. year, and performance will
“A new SRA constitution – driven be aligned to the strategic
by the University Registrar Mr plan.
Nemadzivhanani – has been “As we get to the end of
developed. Policies were 2009, please allow me
revised and developed in to wish all our staff and
Human Resources, Finance, students a blessed festive
Communications and Marketing, season. May 2010 shower
Institutional Planning and you with joy, love and
Quality Assurance and IT, peace, and of course an
spearheaded by the Deputy exhilarating and successful
Vice-Chancellor Operations Dr 2010 World Cup!”
Jannie Zaaiman. Mr Kirsten
Nematandani, a staff member
of Univen, was elected unopposed
as SAFA president. The
new infrastructure
development on
campus, funded by
the Department of
Higher Education and
Training, continued
unabatedly.
“Dr Jannie Zaaiman
and Prof Xikombiso
Mbhenyane were
appointed as deputy
vice-chancellors and
Prof Mbhenyane was
Univen is a quality driven, financially sustainable, rural based, comprehensive university
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