IN THIS ISSUE: Mangosuthu University of Technology
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
ISSUE NUMBER 1 // 2016
A MANGOSUTHU UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY NEWSLETTER
IN THIS ISSUE:
• UK experience changes
student’s life
• MUT student conquers
the Dusi marathon
• DVC brings about R7 million
in less than 10 months
• Phiwo’s journey to unbelieable
success
1
IN THIS ISSUE:
2 MUT unveils its values
3 State of the University Address: Unpacking MUT Values
4 From Effectiveness to Greatness: The 8th habit of highly effective people
Integrity
5 Induction of the student structures
Innovation
6 Construction begins on the new Engineering laboratories and the Student Centre
7 Multilingualism at South African institutions, with particular emphasis on those in KwaZulu-Natal
Being at the Forefront
10 National Library Week at MUT
11 Professor Zodwa Dlamini’s Next Generation Scholarship
12 Enactus MUT Workshop
13 Former VC calls on universities to reclaim their authority and autonomy
14 Student Wellness Week lauded by MEC of Health in KZN
Self-Respect and Respect
15 US network facilitates community-based leadership training
Excellence
15 Kudos to Dr Zethu Qunta, Council member on her PhD!
16 Prof Zodwa Dlamini, leading the MUT research agenda by example
17 Dr Zilungile Kwitshana on living the spirit of Excellence
18 Another feather in DVC: Research, Innovation and Engagement’s cap
19 Dynamite comes in small packages: The tale of Pat Badenhorst
20 GNF (Good News Friday) Celebrates turning 5
21 IRDCE embarks on major projects
Staff Achievement
23 Prof Ngcobo taking MUT places
24 Four MUT academics join the nGap programme
25 MUT staff members recognised
Student Achievement
26 50 students receive scholarships from the Department of Human Settlements
27 How the UK visit changed me – Zinhle Khumalo
28 Accounting student conquers Dusi
28 Mandisa Mkhungo flies the MUT flag high
29 Meet our newly elected Sport Union
29 MUT Soccer scores with new star players
The Alumni Corner
30 Phiwo’s journey to unbelievable success
32 A gruelling but achievable task lies ahead
CREDITS:
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Mbali Mkhize
EDITORS: Mbali Mkhize, Len Mzimela, Bheki Hlophe
COPY-EDITOR: Elaine Young
PROJECT MANAGER: Lisa Mbongwa
WRITERS: Mbali Mkhize, Bheki Hlophe
2 CONTRIBUTORS: Zama Sishi, Len Mzimela, Zwelakhe Shangase, Jade Kunene, Lisa Mbongwa
PHOTOGRAPHERS: Zwelakhe Shangase, Ayanda Bulose, Lisa Mbongwa, Enactus MUT, Bheki Hlophe
FROM THE DESK OF
THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF,
MBALI MKHIZE
MUT has ‘kicked off’ the New Year inspire action for change” (The Center for
with many success stories. Fuelled by Appreciative Inquiry).
the values that the MUT community
espouses, the MUT community has Many stories in this issue illustrate our
pushed itself to become winners in institution’s spirit of accomplishment.
various fields. There is the story about a head of
department, who took it upon herself
As the first quarter of 2016 draws to a to raise awareness among historically
close, the MUT community can exhale, disadvantaged communities about the
breathe in deeply and look forward to national, endemic worm problem. There
new pursuits. is also a story about a deputy vice-
chancellor, who used her publications’
This issue salutes the spirit of income to create a scholarship for needy
Mbali Mkhize accomplishment among MUT staff, and successful MUT students.
students and alumni.
Our readers will also be inspired by the
We honour the spirit of integrity, story about an acting vice-chancellor, who
innovation, being at the forefront, inspired, motivated and gave staff hope,
accountability, self-respect, respect and at a time of great uncertainty, in a State
excellence. These MUT values have of the University address. The story about
steered this institution and enabled the one of our students, who participated in
MUT community to achieve beyond its the Dusi marathon, and our story about
wildest expectations. We say “IIFASE a young student, who traveled to the UK
iMUT.” for the first time, will inspire our readers
to dream big dreams and to set lofty
Our spirit of accomplishment entails a goals.
conscious shift into Appreciative Inquiry
(AI). “AI is both a worldview and a Reawakening MUT Values has ignited a
process for facilitating positive change spirit of accomplishment. It is our fervent
in human systems, e.g., organizations, hope that this publication fuels energy to
groups, and communities. Its assumption accomplish beyond our wildest dreams
is simple: every human system has and to raise MUT to even greater heights.
something that works right–things that Irrespective of the challenges that we
give it life when it is vital, effective, and face as individuals and a country, our
successful. AI begins by identifying this values and positive outlook will always
positive core and connecting to it in ways provide us with a tremendous sense of
that heighten energy, sharpen vision and accomplishment.
1
MUT UNVEILS ITS VALUES “THESE ARE OUR VALUES AND OUR PHILOSOPHY.” – PROF RAMOGALE Some SA higher education The government expects staff to institutions are in trouble, mostly appreciate what it does for the over resources. Financial matters University,” he said. are at the centre of this situation. MUT has been shielded from all Prof Ramogale also said MUT of this, thanks largely to its staff staff needed to set standards for and students who have chosen to themselves, and aspire to reach focus on the core business of the those in their quest for excellence. University – teaching and learning, All of the six values would result and providing support to these in a peaceful MUT, an institution essentials. Both staff and students now used by others as a beacon. have been praised for this. In his “Others now want to clone State of the University address to MUT,” said Prof Ramogale, who staff on 29 February, Acting Vice- regenerated the spirit of unity Chancellor, Prof Marcus Ramogale, among staff when he requested requested staff to continue working them to stand up to the song as a team and adjust to the current “We shall overcome”, a song that situation – six senior management suggests that it is faith that sustains staff have been put on leave. “Be us during the difficult times - times mentally strong. Stay focused and like the present spirit of ‘fallism’ look into the future with a sense of that is engulfing the higher purpose,” he said. education landscape. During the State of the University MarComms is proud to lead the (SOTU) address to staff, and later IIFASE discourse. “We believe on during the SOTU for students, that embracing these values will Prof Ramogale appealed to channel an Appreciative Inquiry members of MUT to embrace six approach on how we relate to core values, otherwise known as one another,” said Mbali Mkhize, “IIFASE” – Integrity, Innovation, Senior Director: MarComms, in Forefront, Accountability, Self- a brief address on MUT’s values respect, Respect and Excellence. to Senate at Prof Ramogale’s “Integrity requires that we be request. The values campaign will honest to ourselves and in our be reinvigorated throughout the dealings with others. We shouldn’t year, with an intensive campaign cast aspersions to those put on for students and MUT graduands leave. Let’s not judge them. We during the graduation week. also need to account for our actions, and protect the University’s resources. Our Values 2
STATE OF THE UNIVERSITY ADDRESS:
UNPACKING MUT VALUES
ACTING VICE-CHANCELLOR, PROF MARCUS RAMOGALE
Various scholarly articles and studies of great men and women show an
interconnection between individual and organisational values. Acting Vice-
Chancellor, Prof Marcus Ramogale, used MUT’s State of the University
(SOTU) address to redefine what MUT finds most important. Like human
beings, MUT has to make decisions, it must do what is right, it has legal
limitations, and it has the potential to advance itself. MUT is a person - it is
all of us who make a living and get an education from MUT. The campaign to
raise awareness of MUT’s values comes at an opportune time for everyone
to undertake self-reflection and introspection in our annual resolutions.
MUT’s key values are: act with Integrity, Innovate, be at the Forefront,
Prof Marcus Ramogale, Acting Vice-Chancellor, middle,
be Accountable, Self-respect and Respect for others, and always strive
responding to questions from staff during the State of for Excellence. The Department of Marketing and Communications
the University address. Flanking him are Prof Khehla (MarComms) requested Prof Ramogale to unpack the meaning of some of
Ndlovu, DVC Resources and Planning; and Gona these values.
Govender, Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences
INTEGRITY: A person with integrity is think before they speak or act, but will education of our students. In whatever
one who comes across as being honest, say and do the most outrageous things you do, ask: “How will MUT students
does what is right and has restraint. As a and only think afterwards. In my 30-year benefit?” We must live within our means
member of MUT, you must constantly ask higher education career, I have met such and never spend needlessly. Gandhi
yourself: “In what way am I honest and individuals in other universities and I have once said: “A gain without work is one
are my actions right for the institution?” seen how they come to grief. of the fundamental causes of violence in
Always remember to be guided by your the world.” This statement is especially
conscience. We are blessed as MUT in that such relevant to those who do the bare
individuals are few and have never minimum and profit from the hard work of
SELF-RESPECT AND RESPECT FOR succeeded in derailing the University’s others. Let us all contribute to the welfare
OTHERS: Over the past six years I have academic project, because the goodwill of and prosperity of MUT.
met MUT staff and students with the the majority has always prevailed. Civility is
utmost self-respect and respect for each not a sign of weakness; nor are arrogance EXCELLENCE: Master yourself before
other. They are a blessing to MUT, and and bravado a sign of strength. you seek to master others. You can never
daily contribute to the reputation of this lead unless you have learnt how to follow.
University. To paraphrase the English As a demonstration of our adherence to the To have inner peace, you must desire
novelist George Eliot, it is such small, principle of respect for others, I urge you nothing out there. The ethic of excellence
unheroic acts that add to the growing not to cast aspersions on colleagues who teaches us how to drain deep the chalice
goodness of the world and MUT of course. are on special leave, for they are innocent of courage. It teaches us how to stand up
In my six years at MUT, I have also met staff until proven otherwise. Do unto others as in the storm and to have compassion on
members and students, luckily in a minority, you would have them do unto you. those who fall. It shows us how to face the
who have neither self-respect nor respect stress of difficulty and challenge and how
for others. These are individuals whose ACCOUNTABILITY: Let us remember to develop an appetite for adventure over
yearning for heroism inevitably gives rise to that MUT is a public institution funded by the love of ease. It instructs how we should,
an insatiable desire for self-advertisement the South African tax payer. We therefore in the face of danger and calamity, disclose
and the phenomenon of the uncontrollable exist for the public good. The first and those qualities the Maker gave humankind
tongue. These are individuals who do not foremost reason for our existence is the when He created us in His own image.
3
FROM EFFECTIVENESS TO GREATNESS:
THE 8TH HABIT OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE
A REVIEW OF MUT’S STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP, 3-5 MARCH 2016
“In today’s challenging and complex world, being highly effective is the price of entry
to the playing field. To thrive, innovate, excel, and lead in this new reality, we must reach
beyond effectiveness toward fulfilment, contribution, and greatness.” - Stephen Covey
Covey’s “seven habits of highly effective
people” as follows:
1. Be proactive.
2. Start with an end in mind.
3. Put first things first.
4. Think win-win.
5. S
eek first to be understood, then to
understand.
6. Synergise.
7. Sharpen the saw.
MUT executive, senior and middle management at a strategic planning workshop ‘From effectiveness to
greatness’ - the core message of
MUT Executive Management successfully an understanding of the need for
convened its fourth breakaway session strategic planning; and
the MUT Management lekgotla
for all levels of leadership. The purpose • L ook at shortcomings and areas of
By understanding our inner selves, and
of the Strategic Management lekgotla is improvement within MUT.
accommodating ourselves to working
to develop a cadre of MUT leaders that
and partnering with others, we could give
understands the MUT Strategic Plan and Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof Marcus
meaning to MUT’s values. Some take-
its goals and objectives. Fifty managers Ramogale, delivered a spirited opening
home nuggets to help managers move
attended, including the executive, senior address in which he compared MUT and
from effectiveness to greatness are:
management, directors and heads of both higher education to an army. Referring to
• Have a clear understanding of what
support and academic departments. Most a statement by General Douglas McArthur,
your KPIs mean.
agreed that they wanted to: the US General during the World War II,
• Work towards improving the KPIs for
• Learn how to contribute to the about the duty of soldiers, and a statement
the 2017 APP since the 2016 APP has
Strategic Plan’s short- and long by Napoleon Bonaparte, the French
already been approved.
term objectives, i.e. the Annual ruler in the 19th Century, regarding the
• Develop indicators that are truly
Performance Plan (APP); critical needs of an army to execute its
indicative of what is to be measured.
• See how practices and processes at duties, Prof Ramogale indicated that the
• Revisit policy development and set
MUT could be improved; core functions of a university - teaching
time-frames.
• Learn how to manage current and learning, research and innovation
challenges at MUT; and community engagement, cannot be
Professors Marcus Ramogale and Khehla
• Appreciate and implement MUT’s successfully performed in the absence of
Ndlovu, expressed appreciation to all
values within each unit; effective support services. Prof Ramogale
that attended and said the team-building
• Ensure that MUT’s Strategic Plan is furthermore referred to a message from
effort was essential in building a cohesive
filtered down to everyone at MUT; the Minister of Higher Education and
management team that are active
• Stimulate team-building and find ways Training, about translating the broader
participants in institutional development
to support each other during daily higher education systems planning into
and growth.
operations; institutional strategic and operational plans.
• Foster an attitude of planning and The lekgotla resonates with Stephen
4
INTEGRITY
INDUCTION OF
STUDENT STRUCTURES
THE 2016 INDUCTION AND CAPACITY TRAINING WORKSHOP FOR STUDENT
STRUCTURES TOOK PLACE ON FRIDAY 11 MARCH 2016.
Forty-four leaders from various student of being confident and overcoming execute an event, they will have to
formations attended. The workshop situations with a positive self-image adhere to stipulated guidelines so
was officially opened by Mthoko Ntuli, and positive body-language. She also as to enhance the reputation of the
the Student Development Officer, who interacted with the student leaders on institution. He then opened the platform
outlined the programme and objectives the importance of time management for an engaging question-and-answer
of the workshop. skills, encouraged them to go beyond session facilitated by Secretary to the
their classroom reading, and urged them Dean of Students, Xoli Mashaba. Much
Dr Lazarus Sentso from the Quality to carry themselves well at all times to the excitement of the facilitators, the
Management Directorate shared since they represent the name of the students jumped at this opportunity and
insights on quality management at MUT, institution. Mthoko gladly addressed their concerns
which includes five-yearly programme and questions.
reviews to ensure that students are well Mxolisi Ngwenya, the Student
prepared for the working environment. Development Assistant, explained the The 2016 Induction Training and Capacity
“The current working environment concept of a “ripple effect” in terms of Building Workshop was labelled a “critical
is dynamic and ever changing and student leaders transferring skills learnt event” by one of the students. The
quality management ensures all student at the workshop to the membership student leaders relished the opportunity
programmes are rigorously evaluated,” of their respective formations, thereby to engage with the different speakers.
he said. He also mentioned that QMD empowering all students. He further
is responsible for graduate surveys stated that student leaders are the There was a successful transfer of skills
which are done to observe the quality of ‘cream of the crop’ because they have from the Student Development Unit
students that the institution produces. been elected to lead students. through to the student leaders, who are
This involves the ethics, professional expected to sustain this programme
behaviour and leadership qualities Mthoko then engaged with student through information-sharing with their
displayed by our students in industry. leaders on the different processes to respective constituencies. Overall, the
be followed when student structures success of the event will be gauged
The Acting Dean of Students, Thembi conduct their activities. For student through increased rate of compliance to
Kweyama, emphasised the importance formations to successfully host or the rules.
5
INNOVATION
CONSTRUCTION BEGINS
ON THE NEW ENGINEERING
LABORATORIES AND THE
STUDENT CENTRE The symbols of progress are already on the site
“In a few years you’ll need a GPS to find The additions to the highly-regarded sector. There will also be a programme
your way at MUT; the MUT landscape Engineering faculty will be a big plus and on renewable energy. Both programmes
is changing,” said Vice-Chancellor, Prof a great output multiplier. The Dean of the are a first in the province, and both will
Mashupye Kgaphola, a few years ago. faculty, Prof Senzo Malinga CEM, said the be offered through the Department of
new labs would increase faculty capacity Electrical Engineering,” said Prof Malinga.
The MUT transformation advanced and help deliver competent graduates,
another step in February 2016 with the while also developing postgraduate The two projects will cost over R303.7
commencement of construction on the offerings and research facilities. “We will million, and are expected to create an
Engineering laboratories and Student soon be able to offer new programmes estimated 535 job opportunities, 85 of
Centre. Senior Director: Operations, Niki like Biomedical Engineering. Students them permanent. The two new buildings
Zungu, said the construction would take will qualify as clinical technicians, a are part of the decade long major MUT
18 months to complete. very important profession in the health infrastructure development project.
6
MULTILINGUALISM AT SOUTH AFRICAN
INSTITUTIONS, WITH PARTICULAR
EMPHASIS ON THOSE IN KWAZULU-NATAL
MUT staff with the honourable guests, seated, from left, Njabulo Prof Hlongwa of UKZN addressing the delegates
Simelane of PanSALB; Prof Hlongwa of UKZN, Dr Manyane Makua;
Senior Director of MUT’s TLDC, Prof Ralarala of CPUT, Prof Sandiso
Ngcobo; a Lecturer at MUT’s Department of Communications
In some cases starting last may not be to implement the teaching of IsiZulu as from students who formed part of
such a bad thing after all! Some higher an academic requirement; all registered the delegates. It has also saved and
education institutions in the country have students would have to pass at least created jobs in the IsiZulu Department,
gone a long way towards transforming one module of IsiZulu, or prove their reflected through the increasing number
themselves into dual language institutions. competence in the language. According to of registering students. Prof Sandiso
Mangosuthu University of Technology Prof Nobuhle Hlongwa, Dean of Teaching Ngcobo of MUT’s Department of
(MUT) has just begun the process, and and Learning in the College of Humanities, Communication said the departments
the project is going to take some time. UKZN, the purpose of this approach is to of Education and Medicine had already
However the task will not be as daunting empower citizens in a province that speaks piloted this idea with great success, even
since MUT has found partners who will mainly IsiZulu. Knowing the language will before the announcement was made that
work with it. These partners have set up make assimilation within the province easy, the whole university would go “dual”.
structures that have turned them into true and will contribute towards efficient service
South African higher education institutions, delivery and easy transfer of culture, thus Another KZN institution that has
and now they have made themselves lessening possibilities of misunderstanding embraced dualism is Durban University of
available to work alongside MUT. and conflict. Prof Hlongwa was speaking Technology’s (DUT) Media, Language and
to delegates on 25 February 2016 during Communication (MLC) Department. MLC’s
In KwaZulu-Natal the University of KwaZulu- a Multilingualism Colloquium in Higher Translation Unit has worked together with
Natal (UKZN) has led the way and has Education hosted by MUT. UKZN on a research project funded by
become the leading institution in the the Norwegian Government toward the
philosophy of multilingualism. Towards the UKZN’s implementation of the plan development of content subjects’ terms
end of 2013 UKZN announced its plans has received resounding support for use in different faculties.
7
Prof Ngcobo said students that are African languages because one of the
taught through their home language (L1) main reasons students fail is due to
The process of implementing
perform much better than those that use misunderstood instructions. Students
a second or first additional language could also be allowed to provide answers
bi-/multilingual education does
(L2). In the Western Cape where the in a language of their choice, as done by not linguistically discriminate,
majority speaks Afrikaans, matriculation the University of Stellenbosch. oppress or exclude because
results are always the best in the country everyone has a choice -
because of the dominant use of Afrikaans For Prof Ngcobo, these concerns and
something that cannot be
in that province’s schools. Moreover, issues point to a strong need for MUT
said when English is the only
universities in the Western Cape, such as to seriously consider implementing the
the University of Stellenbosch, provide Language Policy in Higher Education
language of instruction. It
education in students’ language of of 2002, which seeks to enable African happened in 1976 and it is
choice at all levels of their study. students to be taught in languages which happening 40 years later in 2016
will provide them success in education. as black students are fighting
Prof Ngcobo said the results are equally The urgency here is further intensified by
against language oppression
impressive among English speakers who the Use of Official Language Act No. 12
at the universities of Pretoria
study through their home language. of 2012, through which universities are
In contrast, the failure rate among the expected to provide regular reports on and Stellenbosch. The majority
majority of black students and learners their multilingual development activities. of our citizens are not happy
who use L2 is rather high. For instance, and they are tired of waiting for
a study conducted by Prof Ngcobo at MUT is fortunate to have many bilingual transformation when we have
MUT a few years ago found that in some lecturers who can use both IsiZulu and
long been supposed to be free.
departments at MUT, there wasn’t a English when teaching to facilitate
single student that graduated in record effective teaching and learning. Students
- Prof Ngcobo
time. Prof Ngcobo discovered that many are more likely than not to discuss their
students would either drop out in their studies amongst themselves in ALs than
first year, or end up repeating a number in English, and to converse in ALs with As much as it would seem MUT has a
of subjects. their lecturers within and outside the long way to go, Prof Ngcobo advised that
lecture venues. MUT Management and the University
South Africa is, by and large, an English Council embrace the Constitution and
speaking country. Therefore there is a Resources are available all over many policies emanating from it. This
need to learn this language, but not to the country on how the issue of would require a willingness to appoint
the detriment of the African languages. multilingualism has been handled by key personnel and spending funds
Prof Ngcobo said English could be other universities, and MUT can now appropriately to ensure that the project
learnt in two ways. It can be taught as use the material that other universities is done well. On the issue of costs, Prof
a language, as done all over the world, have created. For instance, teaching Ngcobo said it costs a lot more for
while content subjects are taught in Engineering in IsiZulu needn’t be a parents, universities and the government
students’ African languages. Another mammoth task. “The majority of terms when students fail, or graduate without a
approach could be to use the African used in Sciences and Engineering are clear knowledge of their field.
languages (ALs) as a resource alongside not originally English. English, like many
“For the industry, it means a wastage
English to facilitate effective teaching other languages, borrows from other
of production time as employers have
and learning in English. This could be languages and terms are developed as
to retrain incompetent workers. The
done by providing terminology lists the need arises. For instance, the isiZulu
government has to seek assistance from
in ALs, tutorials in ALs and instruction term for AIDS is Ingculazi. This term was
other countries, such as Cuba, to provide
in two languages, as done in English coined by the SABC’s Thokozani Nene,
us with their skilled citizens that we still
and Afrikaans in other universities in when the need arose,” said Prof Ngcobo.
have to teach our languages. It is well
South Africa. Furthermore, questions
known that we also send our children
during tests and examinations could
to Cuba to develop scarce skills like
be explained in both English and
medicine in the language of that country,
8rather than doing so in our own language. recognised by many countries such as the not made in English but through sheer
As recent reports indicate, the majority of USA which encourages its citizens to learn understanding of how the job should
the students that study in Cuba fail and other languages. Yet it is common to be done.” He cited industries such as
engage in activities that are inappropriate hear people in South Africa arguing that Mercedes Benz (SA) and Toyota (SA)
because of numerous frustrations they South Africans should learn everything in where people use their own languages
experience,” said Prof Ngcobo. English so they can adapt successfully in (it does not have to be formal) and the
foreign countries. Prof Ngcobo pointed production is just as good. Some of the
In conclusion, said Prof Ngcobo, it is out that success is not only based on products of these foreign investors even
clear that the benefits of bi-/multilingual understanding a particular language. give recognition to our languages, such
education far surpass the disadvantages “Sometimes it is not just a language but a as the Toyota Quantum Sesifikile and the
for the majority of the people. Being well-developed skill that ensures success Nissan Impendulo. Talk about adaptability
able to speak more than one language in your field of work. Most technological and respect!
is a great advantage that has been and engineering developments are
FACEBOOK SURVEY REVEALS STUDENT SUPPORT FOR MULTILINGUALISM
During the week of the MUT Multilingualism Colloquium in Higher Education we published an online survey on Facebook to engage
our students on the matter and encourage them to voice their opinions. The survey results show an informed and highly articulate
40
MUT student population which is abreast of contentious issues concerning higher education.
SUMMARY
Do you prefer lectures to be conducted Would you pass a module better if it
in English or your mother tongue? was explained in English, your mother
tongue or both?
RESPONSES
56.4% 17.5%
5%
38.5% 77.5%
5.1%
NUMBER OF DAILY RESPONSES Votes % Votes %
English 15 38.5% Both? 31 77.5%
Mother Tongue 2 5.1% English only? 7 17.5%
28 A bit of both? 22 56.4% Mother tongue only? 2 5%
Do you think learning in your mother What is your view of multilingulism in
tongue could give you the competitive Higher Education?
edge in industry?
30.8%
35.9%
15.4%
33.3%
48.7%
7 35.9%
Votes % Votes %
Yes? 14 35.9% Is it a good thing? 19 48.7%
2 No? 13 33.3% The matter has been delayed for too long? 14 35.9%
1 I don’t know? 12 30.8% I don’t know? 6 15.4%
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4
9BEING AT THE FOREFRONT
NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK AT MUT
“Libraries will give you life-long lessons,” say Zolile Machi
Students attending the MUT National Library Week training session
MUT Library took part in the National lifelong learning through creating formal The programme offered the Library
Library Week activities from 14-18 and informal opportunities for people Services staff a chance to share
March. The primary aim of this week is to learn,” said Zolile Machi, the Library’s their thoughts on how to make
to explore ways to empower students in projects co-ordinator. better use of online resources in
developing multiple ways of acquiring teaching, learning and research.
knowledge and to encourage them to “It is impossible for one medium to The staff ran training sessions for
continue learning beyond graduation. entirely substitute another. In fact, Advanced Diploma students to help
The theme of this year’s event was e-books may rescue some of the them enhance the literature review
#librariesforlifelonglearning. The Library out-of-print books from the archives,” sections of their research projects.
Week’s programme aimed to raise he added. E-resources make it easier Nompumelelo Ndlovu, a third year
awareness about the changing role of an for students to gain access to reliable Nature Conservation student, said she
academic library and to promote better sources of interesting reading and learnt that there were easy ways to
usage of e-resources in facilitating study materials. acquire information without travelling
effective teaching techniques. to campus, and also realised the
“Combined with the declining costs, importance of good referencing.
“Lifelong learning is essential for all our the ubiquitous nature and the ‘cool Library staff also lectured academic
citizens to be able to find jobs and keep factor’ of mobile devices, students can staff on the possibilities of integrating
up with the rapid changes in technology. find greater enjoyment in reading for e-books and multimedia into their
The theme is an acknowledgement of recreational purposes and also improve curriculum.
the key role of libraries in facilitating learning for study purposes,” said Zolile.
10PROFESSOR ZODWA DLAMINI’S NEXT
GENERATION SCHOLARSHIP
Prof Dlamini, third from left, with Cynthia Nkosi of Financial Aid Bureau (FAB), right, and the scholarship recipients
In an unprecedented move, Prof That is how I came to be where I am,” PhD and post-doctoral fellowship and
Dlamini has opted not to personally said Prof Dlamini. throughout my entire academic and
benefit from her research publications research career, followed by the South
income. Instead she sought advice Four students will each receive R12 African Medical Research Council,” she
from the Registrar, Mr Mike Naidoo, 750 based on merit and financial need. said.
on how best she could help needy One of the students has to come from
students. She has thus introduced Mahlabathini. “I was also a recipient The launch of this scholarship comes at
her Next Generation Scholarship. “I of many bursaries and would not have a time when nationally, the awareness
have called it the Next Generation been where I am today had it not been of a lack of funding has seen the rise
Scholarship because I would like to for Prof Otty Nxumalo’s scholarship that of a ‘Fallism Movement’. “I am hoping
create a legacy of giving while at saw me through St Francis College, as this small gesture may grow and be
the same time working harder on well as Prince Mangosuthu’s scholarship replicated both here and across our
my research publications which will that enabled me to undertake my universities. With more publications,
make the scholarship programme undergraduate studies and Honours I should be able to absorb more and
sustainable. Because I benefitted from degree at the University of the Western more students into my Next Generation
scholarships all my life, I would like Cape. Scholarship.”
every generation to create a legacy:
work harder and leave something for The National Research Foundation
the next generation. has funded me through my Masters,
11ENACTUS MUT WORKSHOP
From left, Mxolisi Ngwenya, Enactus former President; Xoli Mashaba, mentor; Thulasizwe Bohlela, Enactus member; Fanyana Ntuli,
Faculty Advisor (Also lecturer); Sduduzo Nhlabathi, Enactus member; Pinky Ngcobo, Core Faculty Advisor; Sanele Cebekhulu,
Enactus PRO; Sthembile Maphumulo, Enactus Project Coordinator
After the 2015 Enactus World Cup hosted to MUT Enactus in identifying some of beings and eradicating poverty across all
in Sandton, Enactus South Africa - in the errors which often hinder project African countries. This year, MUT Enactus
partnership with the Centre for Local progress. They also realised the need to is working on five community-based
Economic Development (CENLED) - plan and consult relevant stakeholders projects which aim to empower the local
decided to empower all South African before tackling an Enactus project. On community, thereby also uplifting the
teams through project management Day Two, participants delved deeper image of MUT.
workshops. Enactus MUT, together with into project planning and the different
Durban University of Technology (DUT), software that can be used to improve
attended a two-day workshop on 11-12 planning and execution. Enactus MUT LESSONS LEARNT - A
March 2016, hosted by DUT and led by decided to implement such methods in STUDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
Herman Groenewald from CENLED. all their projects.
“We learnt the art of efficiently
executing our projects and how to
Day One dealt with the first phase Enactus South Africa resolved to adopt
fine tune the details of a Business
of project management, focusing on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals
conducting feasibility studies and project of the United Nations, which involve Plan for our beneficiaries. We also
planning. This session was of great use the supply of clean water to all human had a briefing session on time
management skills as we are still
students, and balancing between
study requirements and Enactus
responsibilities is crucial towards our
success and ensuring sustainable
progress in our projects. At Enactus
MUT we believe that through the
great relations we have with the
Student Affairs Department, we can
take MUT to even greater heights.”
Enactus MUT organised fashion show as one of their projects
12FORMER VC CALLS ON UNIVERSITIES
TO RECLAIM THEIR AUTHORITY AND
AUTONOMY
In a speech that called for a return to the
basics, Dr Jairam Reddy - a former Vice-
Chancellor of the University of Durban-
Westville and a guest speaker at the
Registrars’ Imbizo, hosted by MUT on 7-8
March - advised university management
teams across the country to reclaim their
position and power. Dr Reddy mentioned
a number of issues that he regards as
detrimental to the future of universities
and said university management should
assert their authority so their autonomy
could be reaffirmed. The campaign by
students to force university management
not to increase fees is already having dire Registrars from the country’s higher education sector at the Registrars’ Imbizo
consequences for universities. The fact
that it was the government that took a Dr Reddy also warned against over- “We also looked at the throughput
decision for all universities not to increase managing and under-leading. He said rate. There is a high rate of dropout,
fees meant that the powers of university there was no evidence that creating particularly at first year level. This is very
management were undermined. This many management posts resulted in costly as so much is invested in each
could be made worse by the Higher improvement in teaching and learning. student, some of whom don’t graduate.”
Education Amendment Bill before Instead, he said, this practice is very Discussions included the need for better
Parliament, which seeks to give the costly. articulation between Technical Vocational
Minister of Higher Education and Training Education and Training (TVET) colleges
the right to determine the transformation “The appointment of Executive Deans and universities of technology.
agenda at universities and pronounce instead of the formerly elected Deans
on the powers of the Administrator. Dr by the Faculty is one manifestation Naidoo added that some of these
Reddy also pointed out that the violence of managerialism. There is a plethora issues spoke directly to MUT’s strategic
that accompanied the campaign against of senior managers unfolding on the objectives of enhancing the quality of
fee increases was very costly, amounting campuses. In one recently merged teaching and learning, and promoting
to over R100 million according to media university there is one Vice-Chancellor, academic excellence. Some of the
reports. three Deputy Vice-Chancellors, 14 Chief key discussions included the National
Executives, 26 Deans and four other Student Financial Aid Scheme’s fee
“...In one recently merged senior managers - making a total of 58 arrangement plans for the 2016/17,
university there is one Vice- senior managers. The salary bill for these and managing risk at higher education
58 managers is a whopping R52 528 000.” institutions. “The Imbizo was also a
Chancellor, three Deputy Vice-
platform to induct new persons in our
Chancellors, 14 Chief Executives,
The Registrars’ Imbizo is an annual field and orientate them on the crucial
26 Deans and four other senior
event hosted on a rotational basis. work that we put in on a daily basis.”
managers - making a total of
MUT’s Registrar, Mike Naidoo, said the Naidoo said the resolutions made will
58 senior managers. The salary discussions at the Imbizo focused on play a crucial role in mitigating some of
bill for these 58 managers is a issues that have had an impact on the the issues facing universities.
whopping R52 528 000.” education sector.
13STUDENT WELLNESS WEEK LAUDED BY
MEC OF HEALTH IN KZN
On 8 February 2016 the Student Affairs
Department rolled out the week-long
Student Wellness Programme whose
highlight was the unveiling of an HIV/
AIDS signpost on the same date by Dr
Sibongiseni Dhlomo, KwaZulu-Natal
Health MEC. The post is a visible sign of
MUT’s commitment to the support and
treatment of those infected and affected
by HIV/AIDS. This is part of the annual
Wellness Programme, called First Things
First, by which the University seeks to
care for the general MUT community.
The First Things First Programme was
launched by Dr Aaron Motsoaledi in
March 2013 and addresses wellness from
various angles - physical, emotional,
academic and so on. The main goal
of the programme is to ensure that
students get all the necessary help so
Dr Dhlomo, right, and Prof Ramogale unveiling the symbol
they can study and graduate. The Head
of Campus Health Services, Sister Nomsa MUT’s holistic view of wellness issues However, MUT’s students are different,
Mkhwanazi, once said: “We would like provides an atmosphere where students thanks to some decisions taken by MUT
our students to be free of diseases excel in both academic and non- Management, together with MUT student
for the duration of their stay with us, academic activities. On the subject leadership. Prof Marcus Ramogale,
and beyond. For those that have been of HIV/AIDS, Dr Dhlomo said: “If you Acting Vice-Chancellor, told the MEC
affected by any disease, one way or the are not infected, abstain from sex, or that landlords prefer MUT students
other, they should know that we are use dual protection” - which protects because these students fully support
available for them. This also goes for against sexually transmitted diseases MUT’s ‘no alcohol’ policy. “It’s a Monday,
staff.” and unwanted pregnancy. He explained but look, our students are sober,” the
that one of the reasons why university Acting VC said. This sobriety has resulted
students are most affected by HIV/AIDS in many accolades like our award-winning
He explained that one of the is their age - 18 to 24 - which makes them choir, the constructive communication
reasons why university students attractive to unscrupulous individuals like between student leadership and MUT
are most affected by HIV/AIDS is ‘sugar daddies’. Management, and improvement in
their age - 18 to 24 - which makes students’ academic performance.
them attractive to unscrupulous “Most of these are married men driving
individuals like ‘sugar daddies’ fancy cars by which they lure the Some of the services which were
students,” said Dr Dhlomo. Dr Dhlomo provided during the Student Wellness
was disappointed by men who take Week were eye testing, HIV counselling
Speaking during the keynote address, advantage of some of the students’ and testing, family planning education,
Dr Dhlomo repeatedly praised MUT’s shaky economic situation, and end up pap smear, health and fitness screening,
Student Services for their constructive interfering with their future. and anti-drug and substance abuse
attitude towards health-related issues. education.
14SELF-RESPECT AND RESPECT
US NETWORK FACILITATES COMMUNITY-BASED
LEADERSHIP TRAINING
A ground-breaking grant has been members of the Talloires network for the objective of this short course is to equip
obtained by Dr Phumelele Kunene- implementation of best practices; and students with leadership skills in order to
Ngubane of the Institute for Rural ultimately to stimulate leadership qualities create a socially responsible citizen/leader.
Development and Community amongst students through community
Engagement (IRDCE) at MUT. This grant, engagement. “As a result, the proposal sent to Talloires
which amounts to $10,000 and is aimed at Network requested financial support for
training MUT students on leadership, was “As the focal person for MUT student the training of 50 MUT student volunteers
received from the Talloires Network which volunteerism, I applied for the funding in in the first semester of 2015. Those trained
is administered by Tuffs University in the September 2015 in order to find ways to will, in turn, be required to train at least one
United States. enhance MUT students’ skills in community other student during the second semester
engagement and etiquette. I then in a training-of-trainees programme which
The theme for this grant is ‘University developed the funding proposal based on will be coordinated through a collaboration
Education for Transformative Leadership information obtained during one of the between MUT and Stellenbosch
in Africa’ and it was awarded to ten African SAHECEF meetings, in which Stellenbosch University,” she said. The 50 students who
universities (four in South Africa). Its aim is University shared that they were offering a will be trained during the first semester will
to support engaged teaching and learning short course entitled ‘Leadership through be required to pay a subsidised fee of R100
and research in institutions of higher Community Interaction’ for students,” said which will go into the IRDCE’s fund raising
learning; to share experiences amongst Dr Kunene-Ngubane. She added that the account.
EXCELLENCE
KUDOS TO DR ZETHU QUNTA,
COUNCIL MEMBER ON HER PHD!
One of our Council members is Dr and streamlining these could go a long
Zethu Qunta, a founder and managing way in saving the state resources and/or
member of ZBQ Consulting. She recently result in significant efficiency gains.
graduated with a PhD in Philosophy from
Wits University and also holds a Master Dr Qunta says the study has relevance for
of Commerce degree from the University higher education as it “will enable higher
of Pretoria and a Master of Business education to understand the constraints
Administration from Oxford Brookes within which the state operates, policy
University. imperatives, skills development and
management resource allocation and
She undertook her PhD research on the management. The importance of
Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) governance arrangement in state entities
operating in KZN. One of her major (of which MUT is a part) was revealed in
findings was that not all DFIs are effective respect of what challenges they face and
in delivering on their mandate/services, how best they can be managed.” Well done! Dr Qunta and a relative
15THE ‘E’ IS FOR ‘EXCELLENCE’ IN IIFASE
PROF ZODWA DLAMINI, LEADING THE
MUT RESEARCH AGENDA BY EXAMPLE
Njabulo Gumede a lecture in the Department of Chemistry, left, and Prof Zodwa Dlamini, DVC: Research, Innovation and
Engagement (RIEP)
Prof Zodwa Dlamini, notwithstanding her Research Council for 2016 for the project Besides this grant, Prof Dlamini has
hectic schedule, has delivered her first “Targeting the abnormal MicroRNA and brought with her over R450 000 in
project as DVC: Research, Innovation and Splicing Signatures in HIV-associated international grants from the National
Engagement (RIEP) at MUT. She recalls cancers”. This is pioneering work which Research Foundation, which assist her in
that she joined MUT in June 2015 when could create great value in delivering being able to engage with international
almost everyone was on vacation. “I had clinically validated oncology targets from partners. She mainly uses her funding
to call the deans for a meeting in order to which new drug discovery programmes for international travel and thus is not
get going. They were on holiday and they could emerge. dependent on the university budget for
obliged. I am indebted to them for having international engagements. She currently
risen to the occasion as that helped me get Prof Dlamini is the lead PI for this project. supervises two PhDs, three post-doctoral
a baseline understanding of our research Within MUT, a collaboration with Mr fellows and two M.Sc students in her own
status per faculty,” said Prof Dlamini. Njabulo Gumede, an academic staff field of Molecular Genetics and Disease,
member in Chemistry, is being crafted especially cancer. Within 10 months
“This fuelled me to develop a concept to jointly work on Cancer Therapeutics/ of arriving at MUT, she has published
document for my first project as MUT’s Drug Discovery with the strategic intent seven journal articles within international
DVC: RIEP, and the proposal was of sharing expertise, attracting national journals with high scientific standing.
subsequently approved,” she continued. and international collaboration, as well as She has also published two conference
The result has been a R6 million grant to sourcing funding. The DVC sees this as proceedings and currently has a few
be staggered over three years she has just also benefitting MUT staff who work and publications under review.
received from the South African Medical wish to work in this area.
16THE ‘E’ IS FOR ‘EXCELLENCE’ IN IIFASE
DR ZILUNGILE KWITSHANA ON LIVING
THE SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE FACTS ABOUT
NEGLECTED TROPICAL
Apart from her day-to-day work as head The national survey spans all 52 districts DISEASES AND SA’S
of the Biomedical Sciences department of SA. It started with KZN and Limpopo DATABASE
in MUT’s Faculty of Natural Sciences, Dr schools, and the other seven provinces
South Africa is the only country that
Kwitshana (Lungi) is involved in various will follow soon. The KZN sample
does not have nationwide data on
public duty portfolios. She is the co- consisted of 160 schools, and a total of the prevalence of parasites. As a
founder of the National Parasite Control 8 000 specimens from the province were result WHO cannot update its global
Task Team, together with the National analysed at MUT. prevalence. Essentially SA has two
Department of Health’s (DoH) director types of these NTD’s: Schistosomiasis
and her deputy, with whom she works on “The project has been of benefit to MUT. (commonly known as Bilharzia or
Neglected Tropical Diseases. Our staff and students were trained by isichenene) and So il-transmitted
WHO personnel in preparation for the Helmiths (commonly known as worms).
Earlier on in her career Dr Kwitshana survey and for analysing the specimens.
worked with worm infections among Our Biomed alumni were involved in These infections are very common
schoolchildren and noticed how the mobilising the schools to participate, and among children. It has been shown that
medical fraternity downplayed these also collected samples from schools. MUT children infected with these parasites
occurrences. “In fact globally, these Biomed microscopists have analysed perform poorly at school as a result of
infections are neglected (hence the samples from the 11 districts of KZN. This poor cognitive development, and also
name Neglected Tropical Diseases). So I is history in the making because it is the experience other physical development
mobilised everyone who was working in very first time that SA has undertaken challenges, malnourishment, etc.
this field in academic institutions, which this national survey, and MUT is the key
at the time was UKZN and the South laboratory that analysed all the samples For this reason we also engaged with
African Medical Research Council, and from KZN,” said Dr Kwitshana. other departments, mainly the National
Department of Basic Education, the
together with the deputy director of
National School Nutrition Programme
Communicable Diseases in the National The staff and students have been trained
(NSNP), the Integrated School Health
DoH, we formed a National Task Team in a specialised method of detecting the
Programme (ISHP) and the Department
in 2010. From then on we have been parasites: the Kato Katz technique which
of Social Development. The Minister of
engaging several stakeholders to get buy- is used for detecting hookworms. “Three
Basic Education launched a National
in for the country’s first National Parasite of our staff members will be doing their
Deworming Programme on 16 Feb 2016.
Survey. It’s been a long five-year journey, Masters degrees using the data from this
but very worthwhile,” Dr Kwitshana says. survey,” she added.
Before the deworming programme was
rolled out, we needed to know how big
the problem is countrywide. This gave
rise to our efforts, together with the
National DoH and the WHO country
office, to analyse the prevalence of
these parasites among school children
across the country. The DoH is very
grateful to MUT Biomed for providing
microscopists (a very rare skill) and
also the labs and the personnel. Ms
Tsakane Furumele, the director for
Communicable Diseases, National
Department of Health, personally came
to say thank you to Dr Kwitshana and
team BioMed MUT!
Dr Kwitshana, HOD, Biomedical Sciences
17THE ‘E’ IS FOR ‘EXCELLENCE’ IN IIFASE
ANOTHER FEATHER IN DVC’S CAP
Good luck comes in threes. The Research competitive basis after vigorous review and Prof Sylvester Lyantagaye from the
Directorate has now received official by national and international scientific Department of Molecular Biology and
notification of Prof Zodwa Dlamini’s experts in the field.” Biotechnology at the University of Dar
three grants, worth a total of R905 000, es Salaam in Tanzania.
to cooperate with China, Tanzania and The grants are as follows:
Italy. “Research requires one to make it a 1. ITALY/South Africa Research These grants support several research
calling. It is just by adding more time to my Cooperation Programme, 2015-2017 postgraduates under the DVC, and have
research programme that I get rewarded - “Exploiting MiRNA and Splicing enabled her to produce seven recent
for my efforts. This is the spirit I would like Signatures in HIV-Related Cancers” international journal articles for MUT,
to inculcate at MUT,” she said with humility. (R325 000). The Italian partner is Prof thus adding to the research output of
Giovanni Blandino of the Regina Elena the university. MUT staff will also benefit
The three international cooperation Cancer Institute in Rome, Italy. from this international cooperation
grants for work on anti-cancer splicing 2. C hina/South Africa Research that Prof Dlamini has established. The
and drug discovery have been transferred Cooperation Programme, 2015-2017 collaboration between Prof Dlamini and
to MUT. These grants are from the - “Signal transduction of medicinal Mr Njabulo Gumede, a lecturer in the
Department of Science and Technology plants with anti-cancer activity” Department of Chemistry, will combine
and governed by the National Research (R400 000). The Chinese partner is Dr the genomics expertise of Prof Dlamini
Foundation. Prof Dlamini said, “The Wu Yingli of the Shanghai Jia Tong with the Chemistry background of Mr
main aim is to internationalise the University School of Medicine in Gumede (whose PhD has recently been
science and technology environment Shanghai, China. submitted for examination). Prof Dlamini
in achieving the national social and 3. T anzania/South Africa Research will make resources available to him
economic development imperatives and Cooperation Programme, 2015-2016 - and connect him with her international
thus positioning internationalisation as a “Targeting disease-specific alternative partners. “I would like to see him spend
crosscutting agenda. This is also to grow splicing ‘signatures’ with natural time developing his scientific career at
and transform the country’s Science, products that may serve as novel drugs international laboratories,” she added.
Technology and Innovation programme. or lead compounds” (R180 000). The
The NRF awards these grants on a very Tanzanian partners are Dr Rose Masalu Prof Dlamini is currently in the process
of seeking out other staff members
who would like to be developed in this
area at MUT, and who could also spend
some time at the international partners’
laboratories to build their research skills.
Prof Dlamini has also been asked to
join the research delegation of the
Department of Science and Technology’s
Multilateral Cooperation Directorate
to visit the EMBL (European Molecular
Biology Laboratories) in Europe and the
United Kingdom in 2016. The objective
of the visit is to strengthen international
research cooperation in life sciences
between South Africa and these countries,
which will happen once the DST has
finalised its memorandum of agreement
Prof Dlamini DVC Research, Innovation and Engagements with the EMBL countries.
18DYNAMITE
COMES IN SMALL
PACKAGES:
THE TALE OF PAT
BADENHORST
Pat Badenhorst, Information Librarian: E-resources
During the Strategic Management We asked her what kind of support them to find literature to support their
lekgotla held from 3 to 5 March 2016, she provides. Pat explained: “Basically research.”
Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ramogale I provide support to both staff and
indicated that “The core functions of students to enable them to access Pat believes that “Success on my part
a university (teaching and learning, information easier and from anywhere. would be when our students and staff are
research and innovation and community
For academics it’s to support them with independent in doing their own searches
engagement) cannot be effectively
teaching material that can be integrated using our e-resources. That would
performed in the absence of effective
within the institution’s e-learning system. increase the usage statistics, thus giving
support services.”
For students it’s to bring the library to us as the library a return on investment
To give a sense of how the library where they are, but giving them access whilst also supporting the institution’s
is achieving this, we chatted to Pat to a vast number of e-resources at strategy of being a hybrid institution”.
Badenhorst, Information Librarian: their own convenience, without them When we asked Mrs Lindiwe Ndaki
E-resources. Pat is like a mobile library, being bound to come to the library about the gem she has in the Library,
carrying with her a laptop to train people building. For researchers, it’s assisting she chuckled, “I have my A-Team in the
and help them succeed. Many a time she them in making the process of research Library”.
has saved the day when some staffers less complicated by training them on
needed to manage their reference reference management tools and helping
sources. them with search techniques to enable
19You can also read
