Ukzntouch - University of KwaZulu-Natal

CONTENTS02 MESSAGES08 NEWS20 PROFILES25 OUT & ABOUT27 CLASS NOTES29 CONVOCATION0833 ON THE BOOKSHELFa univeRsity oF kWaZuLu-nataL aLumni pubLiCationeditorial teamDasarath Chetty, finn Christensen, Deanne Collins,Sandile NgcoboContributorsDeanne Collins, Vicky Crookes, Sejal Desai, thembekaDlungwane, MaryAnn francis, Hazel Langa, Smita Maharaj,Neesha Maharaj, Indu Moodley, Zanele Ndlala, SabeloNyuswa, Corlia Ogle, Normah Zondo, Xoliswa ZuluPhotographsVicky Crookes, Anand Govender, Albert Hirasen, KevinJoseph, Neesha Maharaj, Madoda Mahlangu, ManganaMakhumisane, Zanele Ndlala, Corlia Ogle, Bruno van DykAdministrative Assistance esmé estrice, Desiree Govender, fikisile Mabaso, Zanele NdlalaProduced byCorporate relations, University of KwaZulu-Nataltelephone 031 260 7115/2027emailalumni@ukzn.ac.zaAlumni Affairs office 031 260 2016/2823Alumni Affairs website www. alumniaffairs.ukzn.ac.zaDesign & LayoutArtworks CommunicationsPrintingArt PrintersCover photoUKZN physicists are working with the ethekwini Municipality tomake Durban thw world’s first Quantum City (see article on page 4)UKZNTOUCH/ 01

MESSAGESFrom the desk of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor,Corporate RelationsAfter just five years the Universitythe KwaZulu-Natal region and Southachievement considering that thereUKZN has a strong new identity, thatof KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) hasAfrican society more generally.are more than 20 000 universities inthe wasteful duplication of Faculties,consolidated its position as onethe world. Coupled with our 30 awardsSchools and Disciplines has nowof South Africa’s leading researchTo this end, the work done on HIV andfor communication and marketingbeen overcome, an innovative newinstitutions.AIDS, economic development, waterexcellence and innumerable awardsstructure based on Colleges has beenand waste management, sustainableto academic staff and students sinceimplemented, student governance hasUKZN’s vision to be the Premierrural livelihoods and food security, in2004 one may be reasonably led tobeen merged and is running well, newUniversity of African Scholarshipline with the developmental agendaconclude that the University is infunds have been allowed for campushas acted as a guiding frameworkof the South African state, has allexcellent shape.upgrades and new buildings, therewithin which to generate high-levelcontributed to making UKZN one of thehave been no significant disruptionsknowledge at the local level andtop two academic research producersSuch achievement is only part of theat the University and that therethus enter the global knowledgein the country (as measured by Southreason why the independent Higherhas been a significant increase inproduction system on the basis of thisAfrican Post Secondary EducationEducation Merger Study Group,research output.local legitimacy.New approachesoutputs – reflecting a phenomenalchaired by Professor SJ Saunders,to developing strategic partnershipsincrease in research productivitythe former Vice-Chancellor of theThe future is indeed looking brighthave emerged, substantial resourcessince the 2004 merger).University of Cape Town, whichfor UKZN!for the performance of cutting-edge,was established by the Minister ofquality research have come intoWhen a whole range of indices wereEducation to review the structurethe University through grants andcontracts and a set of appropriateresearch thrusts has been identifiedtaken into account in the recentBeijing world ranking of universities,UKZN, together with only two otherof higher education in South Africa,declared in April 2008 that the UKZNmerger has been a success.Professor Dasarath Chettythat act as the interface betweenSouth African universities, wasProfessor Saunders and his eminentthe activities of the University andplaced in the world’s top 500 and inteam of higher education experts(extract from an article in The Mercury,the challenges of development facingthe top three in Africa – no meanconcluded after a five-year study that27 November 2008)After just five years the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)has consolidated its positionas oneof South Africa’s leading research institutions.02 /UKZNTOUCH

MESSAGESMessage from the Alumni Affairs TeamThe Alumni Affairs Team has had anand Project Management Work-any graduate has recently had aers” are also on the programe.exciting and busy 2008. Interaction,shop on the Westville and Howardchange in contact details, please letAs always, we look forward tothrough social events, workshops,College campuses, the Golden Alumnius know so that the information canideas from graduates on events toemail and posted correspondence,Reunion held in Pietermaritzburg, thebe updated.be held and ways to communicatetelephone calls and publications hasAdvocates for Democracy ReunionIn 2009 we plan to visit Preto-with alumni – the University’s largestresulted in contact with over 100 000in Durban and the 2008 Convoca-ria, Johannesburg, Kokstad, Australiastakeholder.alumni worldwide.tion Annual General Meeting wereand New Zealand as well as someWe thank you for your supportParticular highlights included thealso successes and events worthyof the usual places visited in Southduring 2008, send our best wishes forvisits to East London, Port Elizabeth,of mention.Africa. Workshops, a Cum Laude/2009 and look forward to interactingCape Town, the United Kingdom andEsme Estrice and Desiree Goven-Summa Cum Laude event, a Goldenwith you in the New Year.America, which were extremely wellder have worked tirelessly on improv-Reunion for all those who graduatedsupported by the locally-based gradu-ing the Alumni Database and in updat-in 1959/1960 and prior to these years,With our very best wishes,ates. The Entrepreneurship Workshoping as many records as possible. Ifand a Reunion of “Salisbury Island-The Alumni Affairs TeamFINN CHRISTENSEN CORLIA OGLE ESMÉ ESTRICE ZanelE NdlalaShow that youcare about yourUniversity . . .Here’s how a littlethought can makea big differenceThe UKZN MasterCard credit card (issued and administered on behalf of the University byAbsa Bank Ltd) is an easy way for you to make your own personal contribution to the Universitywithout effort or cost, and on a regular and ongoing basis.Every purchase you make with your card will represent hard cash for your University. Withoutany additional charge to you, Absa Bank Ltd gives UKZN an amount proportionate toyour total spending every month. You get an opportunity to support your University at nocost, yet make a real difference.Your UKZN MasterCard credit card will also be distinctivelybranded with the name of UKZN.When you consider the many graduates who have already pledged their support in this way,plus the many thousands yet to come, it is obvious that the sums involved provide UKZN with awelcome additional source of funding that will enhance the lives of all students.Your Absa MasterCard credit card offers you all the benefits you would expect from a leadingcredit card. But perhaps the greatest benefit is knowing thateach time you sign for an everyday purchase, you have made acontribution towards something that is dear to you.How to apply: You can apply for your UKZN MasterCard credit card by completing a credit card application formand handing it in at any Absa branch or by filling in an electronic application form found on www.absa.co.za.Visit us atwww.absa.co.zaor call(012) 317 3000for more information.UKZNTOUCH/ 03

MESSAGESAcademic freedom at UKZNThe subject of academic freedom has become one of themost debated intellectual ideas in modern times. I willaddress the issue by posing two questions.First, what is academic freedom?There is no common definition ofacademic freedom. In fact, theliterature on academic freedomshows that the concept is subjectto different interpretations and thatit is a contested terrain. Further,there is the tendency, even withinthe academia, to conflate academicfreedom with freedom of speech.Moodie (1996) and de George (1997)aptly note that such confusion“entirely misses the distinctivenature of scholarly freedom” (du Toit2007: 22).Although there is no universallyaccepted definition or understandingof academic freedom, certain basicelements are held to be integral toit. In this context, the views of theCouncil for Higher Education’s TaskTeam on the subject constitute a goodstarting point for us. The Task Teamrefers to the Lima (1988) and Dares Salaam (1990) Declarations whichconceptualise academic freedomas “the freedom of members of theacademic community, individuallyor collectively, in the pursuit,development and transmissionof knowledge, through research,study, discussion, documentation,production, creation, teaching,lecturing and writing.” The TaskTeam also makes reference to thedefinition of academic freedom bythe UNESCO-World Bank Task Forceon Higher Education and Society(TFHES): “the right of scholars topursue their research and teachingand to publish without control orrestraint from the institutions thatemploy them.” The Task Team goesfurther to inform that academicfreedom consists of three key pillars:scholarly freedom, academic rule,and institutional autonomy. Scholarlyfreedom relates to the right of theindividual scholar, including thestudent, to teach, learn, research andpublish their works without externallyimposed restraint. Academic rulepertains to the rights of academics asa collective to assert their authorityover academic affairs in universitygovernance. This right is exercisedtypically within the framework ofthe Senate in a university, FacultyBoards at the Faculty level, andSchool Boards at the School level.Institutional autonomy implies the04/UKZNTOUCH

MESSAGESright of the university to manageare engaged in it require to do theirat UKZN. While the Senate has beenout formal roles has been tamperedits affairs free from politicaljobs”.opened up to broad-based membership,with in any way or form at UKZN.interference by government and hasits rules are transparent and democratic.Claims to the contrary are false.meaning mainly in the relationshipWhat is the state of academicNo efforts are made to prevent fullbetween a university and the politicalauthorities.freedom at UKZN? Since the currentdebate does not involve institutionalautonomy, we can concern ourselvesparticipation in debates as virtuallyeveryone who desires is recognisedand allowed by the Senate leadershipReferencesWriting in a new book due to bewith only scholarly freedom andto make contributions to debates; andDe George, Richard T. (1997).published in 2009 titled, “For theacademic rule.With regard tothere are functional mechanisms inAcademic Freedom and Tenure:Common Good: Principles ofscholarly freedom the fundamentalplace to address any grievances againstEthical Issues. Lanham: Rowman &American Academic Freedom,”question to ask is: are scholars freethe institutional hierarchy.Much theLittlefield.Mathew W. Finkin and Robert C. Postto embark on research and to publishsame could be said for virtually everytake the position that the concept oftheir findings without let or hindrance?level of management within UKZN, fromFish, Stanley (2008).Think Again:academic freedom is grounded ‘in aA secondary question is: does theColleges down to Disciplines.“An Authoritative Word on Academicsubstantive account of the purposesUniversity encourage the exerciseFreedom”. The New York Times http://of higher education and in the specialof scholarly freedom by creatingThe real issue at the heart of thefish.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/23/conditions necessary for facultyconducive conditions for research?current debate at UKZN is not relatedan-authoritative-word-on-academic-[academics] to fulfil those purposes’The answer to both questions is anto academic freedom, but to the visionfreedom/ (accessed 12 December(quoted in Fish, 2008:1).Basically,unequivocal yes. There are no effortsof transformative change that has2008)the idea of academic freedom ismade to stifle open and honest debatesbeen adopted, through a process ofnot anchored on a philosophical orin the classrooms or in the Senate,extensive consultation, by the highestMoodie, Graeme C. (1996). “Onmoral imperative but fundamentallyFaculties, Schools, and the assorteddecision-making bodies at UKZN.Justifying the Different Claims toon the pedagogical factors or driverscommittees that dot the landscapeThis involves a meaningful shift awayAcademic Freedom”, Minerva, 34:that underpin the raison d’être ofof our University. Scholars withfrom the old institutional culture to129-150.educational institutions. Its essenceopposing views are not ostracised,more broad-based participation. It isis less about principles than it issilenced nor prevented from takingpremised on the creation of a Premierdu Toit, André (2007) Autonomy asabout pragmatism. As Stanley Fishleadership positions at the University.University of African Scholarshipa Social Compact: Research Report(2008:1) puts it, academic freedomBasically, as obtains in virtuallythat serves the needs of all South[CHE HEIAAF No. 4]. Pretoria: The“is a piece of policy that makesany respectable universityAfricans and, indeed of Africa andCouncil on Higher Education.practical sense in the context ofenvironment, academics and studentsthe global community.the specific task academics areat UKZN do not have any untoward orcharged to perform. It follows thatirregular formal or informal stricturesthe scope of academic freedom isdetermined first by specifying whaton any aspect of their scholarlyduties.In essence then, academic freedomremains very much intact at UKZN. ItProfessor Ufo Okeke Uzodikethe task is and then by figuring outis not squelched or abridged. No one’sHead, School of Politicswhat degree of latitude those whoLet us now interrogate academic rulefreedom to teach, research or carryUKZNTOUCH/ 05

MESSAGESStatement by the Chair of Council onGood Institutional Governance and‘Academic Freedom‘ at UKZNThe University of KwaZulu-Natal is an autonomous institutiongoverned by the Council.The Council subscribes to the highestcodes of good institutional governanceand acknowledges the pivotalessence of academic freedom (inits Senate and Council-approved 10year Strategy and Council Code) andthe freedom of expression as corevalues in the pursuit of knowledgein research, teaching, learning andcommunity engagement. It is theCouncilís responsibility to ensure thatin terms of the Higher Education Actand the statute of UKZN that theuniversity, a national asset of greatvalue, contributes to quality scholarshipand service to the developmentalproject of South African society.This entails, amongst other things,supporting the academic project in anenvironment that upholds the rules,regulations and procedures necessaryfor orderly functioning of theInstitution.The extent to which there is a healthybalance between these fundamentalvalues of scholarship, of freedom ofexpression and of a regulatory frameworkis really the extent to which wewill be able to foster and enhancethe quality of teaching, research andcommunity engagement at UKZN.These values are not mutually exclusivebut mutually supportive andsynergistic, being essential elementsof any institution.The Vice-Chancellor, ProfessorMW Makgoba, and I, as Chair ofthe University Council, have receivedmany comments from within, nationallyand even internationally withregard to the current debate onacademic freedom. We value theconcerns and interest shown in thisregard. I can confidently assure allconcerned that the University iscommitted to ìupholding the higheststandards of academic freedomî andthat there has been no, nor shallthere be any ìdenialî or ìsuppressionîof academic freedom and freedom ofexpression at UKZN. No academic,student or member of the supportstaff will be denied these rightswhich are enshrined in the SouthAfrican constitution.The rules and regulations thatconstitute a basis for order in anysociety, community or formal organizationsuch as a University mustbe respected by all. Disregard fororganizational rules and regulationsresults in anarchy as does freedom ofexpression without responsibility and06/UKZNTOUCH

MESSAGESaccountability. It is in this context ofof academic freedom and the Coun-uru W Makgoba, the Vice-Chancellor,ment by both academic and supportthe need to value, respect and abidecil has listened carefully to all thewho no doubt has had strong supportstaff, students and alumni who haveby institutional rules conducive fordiverse voices.from the University community.displayed these virtues in their inter-proper and productive functioningUKZN is recognised and rated as oneaction with their colleagues andthat disciplinary procedures areAcademics at UKZN are free to deter-of only three of the leading researchmanagement and who have, throughgiven effect.mine what to teach, who to teachuniversities in the country and on thetheir efforts, advanced the schol-and in what way, what research toAfrican continent. This is no meanarly enterprise of an institution thatOver the past two years the Univer-undertake, where to publish, how tofeat in a continent where higherwill benefit many generations ofsity has had to face a number of highdisseminate the findings of research,education is recognized as the majorstudents.profile cases wherein the conductengage with groups or communitiesdriver for economic and social devel-of staff and students has impactedoutside the University in the process-opment, global competition and in theIn order to provide for all whonegatively on the quality of teachinges of knowledge production and toimprovement of the quality of lives ofexpressed concern on this impor-and learning, research and commu-speak their minds freely in matters ofcitizens. The University has trans-tant matter, the Executive of Councilnity engagement. The commonpublic interest especially where theyformed as follows: the establishmenthas resolved to establish a seventhread in all these well-publicisedhave expert opinions. Such academicof a College model as an organiza-person committee consisting of fourcases has been a breach of Univer-endeavour not only enhances thetional principle; the development of aexternal members of Council andsity rules and procedures. All casesreputation of an institution and isstrong African identity in scholarship;three members of Senate. Its termshave been consistently approachedencouraged at UKZN but also under-significant state-of the-art teachingof reference will include assessingwithin a context that has demon-pins the production of knowledge.and research infrastructure develop-whether UKZNís governance struc-strated transparency, justice andHowever, violating University rulesment; a new representative Senate;tures and processes foster or inhibitfairness and with outcomes thatand procedures of governance inan innovative model of studentacademic freedom and/or freedomhave led to improvements in thethe name of academic freedom willgovernance that is being copied byof expression; an assessment of theUniversityís regulatory frameworknot only undermine the very essenceother institutions and has generatedfairness of the Universityís disputeserving to enhance the quality ofof a university but also compromiseexceptional student leadership; theresolution mechanisms; and anyscholarship at UKZN.the quality of research, teaching andintroduction of modern, objective andother factor/s which may have acommunity engagement. This is nottransparent management and finan-bearing on academic freedom and/orPrincipled and appropriate actionacceptable at UKZN, and I believecial tools; the introduction of studentfreedom of expression at UKZN.was taken in the best interest of thewill not be acceptable at any Higheracademic performance monitoringUniversity and our quest to ensureEducation Institution anywhere in theprocedures to support and improveI take this opportunity to thank UKZNísthe highest codes of institutionalworld.graduate throughput; and an empha-staff, students and alumni and manygovernance. In all these cases,sis on quality assurance processesnational and international partnersgiven the reputational and legalAs Chair of the UKZN Council sinceacross the University’s operations.and funders for their support andimplications, objective and indepen-July 2008, and as Vice-Chair sincededication to the cause of transform-dent legal counsel had to be soughtJanuary 2004, I have watched withAny merger implies change, evening Higher Education in South Africa,in the interests of fairness, justicepride the significant gains thatfundamental change. And changeand in particular UKZN.and good governance. Such actionhas at times been portrayed by somehave been made by the Universityof KwaZulu-Natal since the mergerdemands tolerance, understandingand compassion. I am aware of,Mr Mac Miaand in the media as a suppressionunder the leadership of Prof Malegap-and deeply appreciate, the commit-Chair of CouncilUKZNTOUCH/ 07

NEWSUKZN physicistsmake quantum historyPhysicists at UKZN’s Centre for Quantum Technology(CQT) are set to install a quantum communicationsecurity solution over the eThekwini Municipalityfibre-optic network infrastructure, making the City ofDurban the world’s first Quantum City. The quantumnetwork concept was presented to the public for the firsttime at the SmartCity Conference and Expo at the InkosiAlbert Luthuli International Convention Centre from1-2 October.Durban’s complete fibre-optic networkis capable of sharing its broadbandaccess to vital services, businesses,schools, hospitals and tertiaryinstitutions. The QuantumCity projectallows the city to communicatesecurely. The network paves the wayfor a roll-out of quantum securitysolutions to government agencies,finance houses and large corporateclients.The QuantumCity project is ledby the CQT and UKZN’s InnovationCompany in partnership withidQuantique and Senetas Corporation,leading companies in quantum andclassical encryption. The project isfunded by the eThekwini Municipalityand the Innovation Fund (an instrumentof the National Research Foundation).City Manager, Dr Michael Sutcliffe,believes that quantum informationand communication technology willnot only boost the transformationof the Municipality into a high-techinformation-driven organisation, butalso make Durban an incubator forfuture technologies.The quantum network consistsof four nodes in a Municipal AreaNetwork star configuration linkingmunicipal buildings in Pinetown,Westville and Cato Manor. Thesecurity of quantum cryptography isbased on the physical principles ofquantum mechanics, rather than onthe algorithmic procedures of classicalcryptography.Quantum cryptography providesa means of Quantum Key Distribution(QKD). Professor FrancescoPetruccione, head of the CQT said: “Thisshifts the security of cryptographicprotocols from mathematicalcomplexities to the intrinsic physicalbehaviour of quantum particles. Thusthe security is upheld through the lawsof quantum mechanics”.Quantum cryptographyimplements the One-Time-Padencryption scheme. The key to the Padis used only once and is completelyrandom. This means that it cannot bepredicted beforehand by the sender,receiver or an eavesdropper.Mr Abdul Mirza, a physicist atCQT said: “A quantum network …combines the power of fibre-opticProfessor Francesco Petruccione (right) and Mr Abdul Mirza operate thequantum encryption equipment to be installed as part of the QuantumCityProject.technology with ultra-high quantumsecurity, providing an unsurpassedcommunication solution”.The CQT, which is hosted by UKZN’sSchool of Physics, was established in2005 under the leadership of ProfessorPetruccione. The Centre was recentlyidentified as the National QuantumInformation Science Research NicheArea by the National ResearchFoundation within the InstitutionalResearch Development Programme.Quantum Information Processing andCommunications (QIPC) has also beenidentified as an emerging technologyin the National Photonics Initiative(PISA).Professor Petruccione saidSmartCity has been a big opportunityfor the Centre and especially for thestudents as it allowed the team theopportunity to take their technologyproduced in the lab and test it inreality.“We need to go more technological.The only chance we have to attractmore students to Quantum Physicsis to show them that there are jobsavailable. We must put the theoryinto practice. The University cannotabsorb all of the students; there haveto be more opportunities for quantumphysics in industry.”08 /UKZNTOUCH

NEWSGandhi-Luthuli Chair of Peace StudiesUKZN is positioned to takethe lead in the promotionof Peace Studies followingthe launch of the Gandhi-Luthuli Chair of Peace Studieswithin the College ofHumanities.Vice-Chancellor and Principal, ProfessorMalegapuru Makgoba, officiallyinaugurated the Chair on 18 Septembertogether with the High Commissioner ofIndia in South Africa, Mr Rajiv KumarBhatia; ANC President, Mr Jacob Zuma;the Minister of State for External Affairsin the Government of India, Mr AnandSharma Bhatia, and the Consul Generalof India, Mr Harsh Vardhan Shringla.The first Chair incumbent isProfessor John Moolakkattu whosetask over the next year is to design aMaster’s Programme in Peace Studiesfor the disciplines of InternationalRelations, Law, Social Work, DevelopmentStudies and Education.Through the philosophies ofMahatma Gandhi and Chief AlbertLuthuli, the Chair seeks to engageon issues of human rights, conflictresolution, history and morality in civilsociety.Welcoming the 1 500 guests present,Professor Makgoba explained thatthe Chair’s inception was the resultof a Memorandum of Understandingsigned between UKZN and the IndianCouncil of Cultural Relations (ICCR)in September 2007. He said the Chairwould foster non-violence and peacethrough teaching.“This (launch) is a definingmoment in the history of KwaZulu-Nataland South Africa. Mahatma Gandhiand Chief Albert Luthuli were twoIndia’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr Anand Sharma Bhatia (left) and ANC President Mr Jacob Zuma (right)officially launch the Gandhi-Luthuli Chair of Peace Studies.great men who changed the face ofSouth Africa and the world.” ProfessorMakgoba added that he believed thatthe Humanities, through programmesintroduced by the Gandhi-LuthuliChair of Peace Studies, would play acrucial role in nation building whichremained a major challenge in postapartheid South Africa.Mr Zuma congratulated UKZNfor the taking the lead in promotingPeace Studies through the establishmentof the Chair. He said what wasimportant for him was the Chair’s rolein researching South Africa’s freedomstruggle and undertaking researchaimed at achieving peace on thecontinent.EU grantA R2,2 million European Union (EU) grant has enableda UKZN virologist to pursue research that couldultimately lead to the production of innovative newdrugs in fighting HIV and Aids.Professor Thumbi Ndung’u of the Doris Duke Medical Research Institute atthe Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine was awarded the grant through aconsortium known as Targeting HIV Integration Co-Factors (THINC) of which heis a member. The group of eight researchers, whose goal is to create new HIVtreatment strategies by “targeting cellular proteins required for HIV trafficking,nuclear import and integration”, received a grant of about R29 million, a portionof which went to Professor Ndung’u’s team. The grant awarded by the EUFramework 7 will be made available over a period of three years.Professor Ndung’u described receipt of this grant as “great news.” hesaid “We are now in a position to contribute significantly in understandinghow HIV-1 hijacks the host cellular machinery for its replication. This mayultimately lead to the development of novel drugs. We also get an opportunityto place UKZN firmly as a significant global player in the fields ofmolecular virology and HIV/AIDS host genetic factors.”UKZNTOUCH/ 09

NEWSWords on WaterUKZN and the Consul-General of India co-hosteda delegation of visiting and resident authors for theliterary festival: Words on Water – India and South Africain Conversation.The festival, featuring Indian andSouth African writers, formed partof this year’s “Shared Histories: TheIndian Experience in South Africa,”which showcased recent trends anddevelopments in Indian literature.The event profiled Indian writersin conversation with their SouthAfrican counterparts. NayantaraSahgal, Professor Michael Green,William Dalrymple, Aziz Hassim, KunalBasu, Gcina Mhlophe, Urvashi Butalia,Pitika Ntuli, Pavan K Swarup andVikas Swarup were all participants inthe Durban programme.In his welcome address,Professor Johan Jacobs, ActingDeputy Vice-Chancellor: Research,Knowledge Production andPartnerships, said the conference orconversation of writers from Indiaand South Africa was taking place inthe most appropriate city – Durban.“The literature of your regionand nation is fully engaged with theculture of your region. Durban is amost appropriate place to host thisconversation because it is a city ofcultural formation and reformation.This has been witnessed through themovement of people within Africa,Europeans and migrations from India.The city is diasporic in its culturalUrvashi Butalia and Professor Michael Cawood Green greeting each other atthe literary festival.nature.”Mr Harsh Vardhan Shringla,Consul-General of India, paid tribute toSouth African writers and welcomedIndian authors, remarking that it wasthe first time South African and Indianauthors had celebrated by gatheringtogether for a literature symposium.This exemplified shared histories inIndia and South Africa.Silence, Pavan K Varma’s The GreatIndian Middle Class and Kanul Basu’sThe Japanese Wife.Nayantara Sahgal said: “India hasalways been a key character in mynovels. I’m in a strange way boundto India. Staying put where you arelocated on the map gives you a visiona lot of historical work on SouthAfrica before writing his books. “Eightyears of research went into the bookFor the Sake of Silence – the silencecoming through the struggle periodand repositioning. The act of fictiontells the deepest truth. My books areclosely attached to the region andPromotion of new books, and access that I will not have had South Africa. The truth has to comeexhibitions and signings provideda great opportunity for both SouthAfrican and Indian writers to interactwith guests who came to support theevent. Some of the new books thatwere promoted include NayantaraSahgal’s book Rich like Us, ProfessorMichael Green’s For the Sake ofif I were settled in another country.Globalisation is making the world sostandardised and distinct identity isvanishing. For me staying put gives anIndian sensibility and some identitiesshould be kept. It is important to holdon to what makes us exceptional”.Professor Green said that he didout from what I know, see and feel”.Indian Diplomat and AuthorVikas Swarup said: “What unites usis the quality of being human. The aimof literature is to spread that qualityof empathy.”Jazz maestroUKZN guitarist and Direc-International Jazz Festivalacross the region. Luminaries whotor of the Centre for Jazzin Xalapa, Mexico.have taught and performed thereand Popular Music, Mrinclude musicians Eddie Gomez,Mageshen Naidoo joinedThe festival, which has the promi-James Newton and Antonio Sanchez,the ranks of high-flyingnence of the North Sea Jazz festi-based at institutions like the famousinternationally acclaimedval, and, like South Africa’s Stan-Berklee College of Music, the NewMr Mageshen Naidoo.artists and pedagoguesdard Bank Jazz Festival, includesEngland Conservatory in Boston, andwhen he performed anda major jazz education component,the University of Southern Califor-taught at the Veracruzattracted talented jazz students fromnia, where Mr Naidoo is presently10/UKZNTOUCH

NEWSExcellence Awards for UKZN publicationsUKZN picked up five Excellence Awards at the Institutefor Marketing, Advancement and Communicationin Education (MACE) Congress in Stellenbosch from15-17 October. MACE, formerly known as Unitech, is theassociation of marketing, communication and publicrelations practitioners at public institutions of HigherEducation. The Congress attracted 150 delegates from18 Universities and six Further Education Training (FET)Colleges across the country.ukzndaba (Internal Publication), andFatima Meer: A Pictorial Tribute(External Publication/Brochure) wonfirst place. Sizabantwana, an outreachproject located in the School ofPsychology that develops educatorcapacity to deal with psycho-socialissues in their school communitiestook first place in the CommunityDevelopment Project category. Themagazine for the donor community,Development Brief, and the Collegeof Agriculture, Engineering andScience Marketing Brochure wererunners-up in the External Newsletterand External Magazine categoriesrespectively. UKZN’s five awards werethe highest number of awards made toan institution, continuing a trajectoryof marketing and communicationexcellence begun in 2004. TheExcellence Awards are adjudicated byan independent panel of judges fromthe marketing and media sectors.With the need for structuralchange in the former Unitech, theCongress theme ‘A New Leaf’ waschosen to reflect the organisation’scommitment to becoming streamlined,cost-effective and relevant. Delegatesattended thought-provoking sessionsfocused on efficient marketing andcommunication strategies. Addressingsocial ills that currently plague SouthAfrica, the issues of Xenophobiaand Racism were also incorporatedinto the programme in a session on‘Managing Diversity on Campus’ led byUKZN Pro-Vice-Chancellor, ProfessorDasarath Chetty.Mr Japie Swanepoel, Adjudicator, MACE Excellence Awards presents an awardto Professor Dasarath Chetty, Pro-Vice- Chancellor, Corporate Relations.completing a doctor of musical artsjazz harmony and improvisation, Mrin the unique blends of chutney andMusic. This, says Mr. Naidoo, woulddegree.Naidoo introduced the Mexican andchkalaka that often flavour Durbanexpand our students’ concept andAt the Festival, Mr Naidoo foundLatin American students to the musicjazz.experience of jazz and expose themhimself filling in for Berklee profes-of South African jazz maestros BhekiMr. Naidoo said that studentsto fellow artists elsewhere. This hassor Matt Marvuglio (who took ill) andMseleku, Winston Mankunku, andshowed an interest in coming toalready started with the exchangeplaying a televised gig with legend-Hugh Masakela. Naidoo is skilled atUKZN. Other musicians would alsoprogramme with Gotheborg inary Latin saxophonist Marco Pignata-slipping in and out of American, Afri-like a linkage arrangement that wouldSweden, and crossing the Atlantic toro. In addition to teaching advancedcan and Indian music idioms and theenable them to come and work brieflySouth America will add a new dimen-techniques in (North American)students were especially interestedat the Centre for Jazz and Popularsion to the programme.UKZNTOUCH/ 11

NEWSScience and Technology Centre OpensThe Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Mosibudi Mangena, officially openedthe Science and Technology Education Centre (STEC) on UKZN’s Westville campus on10 October.The R5.5 million Centre, which fallswithin the Faculty of Science andAgriculture, was created when theFaculty consolidated its Durbanactivities on the Westville campus.It provided the ideal opportunity tocombine the areas and facilitiesused by individual Schools’ outreachactivities one physical space.The main purpose of STEC isto stimulate an awareness of andinterest in science and technologyand to foster close links with learners,educators and the public. It will alsooffer a glimpse of some of the currentresearch at UKZN and its possibleapplications.Key features of the Centre includethe Geology Education Museumwhich is the only Geology Museumin KwaZulu-Natal; a computer gallerywith interactive software; an openplan display area featuring interactiveexhibits; a multipurpose seminar/workshop room and a lecturetheatre.Deputy Vice-Chancellor andHead of the College of Agriculture,Engineering and Science, ProfessorPete Zacharias welcomed DrMangena to the Westville campuswhich “we are now able to say,without fear of any contradiction,has the best facilities for teachingthe broad sciences at any site oruniversity in private or public handson our continent”.Dr Mangena was treatedto a small sample of the College’srefurbished facilities by visiting someMinister of Science and Technology, Dr Mosibudi Mangena (right) shakes hands with Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Headof the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Sceince Professor Pete Zacharias after unveiling the plaque at the officialopening of the Science and Technology Education Centre.of the centres housed within the University on this “important milestone Centre combines the sciencebasedScience and Technology Education in the history of the institution, whichoutreach initiatives of variousPark, as well as the state-of-the-art is making a significant contribution academic Schools make it an effectiveChemistry and Physics teaching and to science education in South platform for scientists, engineers,research laboratories.Africa”. He highlighted the need to academics and researchers on allIn his address to staff, students increase public understanding of the UKZN campuses to interact withand industry partners, Dr Mangena science and said, “the fact that this the general public”.praised the leadership of the Science and Technology Education12/UKZNTOUCH

NEWSResearch CommonsPostgraduate students and academics have a new facilityto aid their research work following the official openingof the UKZN Libraries Research Commons on 1 October.Located at the EG Malherbe Libraryon the Howard College campus, theCommons Room was set up afterUKZN Libraries received a grant ofR600 000 from the Carnegie Corporationthrough the Research LibraryConsortium Project.Whilst the Howard CollegeResearch Commons will be open toacademics and other researchers,the focus will be on developing theresearch skills of students new toresearch.Ms Catherine Dubbeld, theHoward College campus Librarian,said six research librarians receivedadvanced training to assist thoseusing the new facilities. The glasspartitioned room will offer access to18 state-of-the-art computers, wirelessconnectivity for laptop computersand one-on-one consultationswith skilled research librarians.“Initially the six staff memberswill run operations at the CommonsRoom. Eventually all subject librarianswill receive training. This is a marvelousopportunity for us and we’rehoping the Howard College ResearchCommons will help us enableresearch capacity amongst youngresearchers,” said Ms Dubbeld.Professor Johan Jacobs, ActingDeputy Vice-Chancellor, Research,(l-r) Ms Catherine Dubbeld, Librarian; Professor Johan Jacobs, Acting DeputyVice-Chancellor, Research, Knowledge Production and Partnerships; and MsNora Buchanan, Director, UKZN Library Services, at the opening of the ResearchCommons.Knowledge Production and Partnerships,“The Carnegie Corporationcut the ribbon to officiallylaunch the Commons. He said UKZN isprivileged to be part of the Researchsupport to UKZN is important andappreciated … We are fortunateindeed,” he said.Library Consortium Project.Farewell to Professor MaphaiMac Mia said he was privilegedwill cherish for the rest of one’s life.take. A leader can only be success-to have worked with someone ofTo be honest, leading UKZN in aful if they have the blessings of thoseProfessor Maphai’s calibre.difficult time like that of merger wasthat they lead. I am happy to say that“Faced with the huge task ofan eye-opener for me. It gave methe Council members of UKZN weremanaging transformation in aan opportunity to understand howwonderful to work with. Not to saynewly-merged institution, Profes-important it is to manage change. …we were always in agreement onsor Maphai showed true leadershipOverall I enjoyed every moment of myissues. We differed on many issuesqualities. Today UKZN is one of thetime at UKZN.”but we maintained unity as a team,”leading universities when it comesHe highlighted planning andsaid Professor Maphai.Professor Vincent Maphai.to research. We would like to sayteam work as two very importantVice-Chancellor,Professorthanks, as the current Council of theattributes of any institution thatMelegapuru Makgoba said thatFormer Chair of the UKZN CouncilUniversity, for the contribution he hasstrives for success.Professor Maphai was “… one ofProfessor Vincent Maphai was hailedmade,” said Mr Mia.“The reason why institutions fail isthe great leaders of our institution.as a true leader at a farewell dinnerProfessor Maphai said it hadas a result of poor planning and failureHe was instrumental in shapingheld on the Westville campus on 17been wonderful to have been givento work as team. You can be a goodthe way forward for UKZN … weOctober. Professor Maphia steppedthe opportunity to lead an institutionleader but you are definitely going tosalute his dedication, passion anddown as Council Chair in June.like UKZN.fail if you don’t plan carefully and …commitment during his term ofThe new Chair of Council Mr“It was an opportunity that one(are not) inclusive in decisions that youoffice.”UKZNTOUCH/ 13

NEWSState-of-the-art technologyOn 13 October scientists from UKZN converged on the Westville campus to celebratethe purchasing of state-of-the-art research equipment. The Schools of Chemistry andPharmacy & Pharmacology together with the National Research Foundation andBruker launched the purchase of the Electrospray Ionisation Quadrupole time of flightmass spectrometer (ESI-QTOF MS), Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption time of flight massspectrometer (MALDI-TOF MS), X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD) and a CEM MicrowavePeptide Synthesizer.Dr Romilla Maharaj from the NationalResearch Foundation (NRF) said,“The new equipment made possibleby UKZN, Bruker, the NRF and theDepartment of Science and Technologywill add value to the researchgroup. In celebrating the success ofbeing awarded the equipment, let uscongratulate the research team onsubmitting a research proposal thatstood up to peer review.”Dr Ralf Schaefer from Bruker,Germany gave the audience adetailed description of the MALDI-TOF. The MALDI-TOF makes use of aSmartbeam laser technology whichhas a long lifetime, an excellent beamprofile, Gaussian energy distributionand gold standard for MALDI.The Smartbeam laser technologycombines the advantages of boththe Nitrogen laser performance andthe highest reliability of all solid statelasers. It is also able to do proteinidentification with “fingerprints”.Dr Thavi Govender from theSchool of Pharmacy and Pharmacologywho is one of the members of theresearch group, GGKM, presentedon the Microwave Peptide Synthesisand Applications of Mass Spectrometryin the research group. TheGovender, Govender, Kruger andMaguire (GGKM) Research group isonly one of two research groups(l-r) Mr Pari Antallis, Director, Bruker SA; Ms Ntombi Ditlopo, NRF; Dr Thavi Govender, Pharmacy; Professor WilliamDaniels, Physiology; Professor Gert Kruger, Chemistry; Professor Cheryl Potgieter, Dean of Research; Ms RakeshnieRamoutar, Manager NRIP NRF; Dr Romilla Maharaj, Director NRIP NRF; and Dr Ralf Schaefer, Bruker Germany.in South Africa involved in peptide tertiary structures on gold as a way of staff and students were trainedsynthesis.of synthesising artificial enzyme thereafter.Current peptide projects includes pockets.The GGKM Research Group cansynthesis and testing of HIV proteaseinhibitors, AntiXDR-TB peptides, anticancerpeptides which is a novel wayof specific delivery to cancer cellswith gold nanoparticles, inhibition ofprogression of Type II diabetes andAlzheimers and the study of peptideThe equipment with a combinedvalue totalling R12 million can beupgraded on a regular basis throughits direct link with Bruker-Germany.Thus far, three students have beentrained at Bruker-Germany on theuse of the machines and 22 membersbe accessed at http://ggkm.ukzn.ac.za/HomePage16563.aspxUKZNTOUCH/ 15

NEWSQuantity Surveyor students shineSeven Honours students and their supervisors from UKZN’sProperty Development Programmes in the School of CivilEngineering, Surveying and Construction presentedacademic peer-reviewed papers at the Quantity SurveyingConference held at Midrand from 9-10 October.Dr Ayman Othman co-authored his students (M Govender, N Sirbadhoo,S D’Aubrey, and S Conrads), and Mrs Nishani Harinarain co-authored herstudents (K Ramiah, L Sarabjiet and S Gabriel).The papers focused on important topics in construction including client satisfaction,partnerships, sustainability, industrialised building systems, virtual reality,and technology transfer and delay in construction.Professor Rob Pearl, Director of the Property Development Programme wasthe keynote speaker at the conference and Dr Adebayo Oladapo also attendedthe conference. The Chair of the Conference and delegates praised the highstandard of the UKZN’s students’ presentations. L Sarabjiet received a prize forthe best paper in the discussion session.The staff and students acknowledged Professor N Ijumba, Dean of theFaculty of Engineering for his encouragement and the financial support thatenabled them to attend the Conference.(front) Dr A Oladapo, L Sarabjiet, S Gabriel and N Sirbadhoo.(back) S D’Aubrey, Dr A Othman, S Conrads, M Govender and K Ramiah.Magnetometer ProjectAt the beginning of September, Kyushu University’sSpace Environment Research Centre (SERC) in Japaninstalled a state-of-the-art Magnetic Data AcquisitionSystem (MAGDAS) at the Science and TechnologyInnovation Park located at UKZN’s Westville campus.Mr George Maeda from Kyushu University’s Space Environment ResearchCentre presents Professor Makgoba with a token of appreciation at theinstallation of the MAGDAS unit.The MAGDAS Project, which start-netic variations over a ten year period.The Project is Japan’s mostspace. The project is led by theed in 2005, has 40 units deployedThis will provide scientists with aimportant contribution to the Inter-Director of SERC, Professor Karound the world, concentratedbetter understanding of the sun, earthnational Heliophysical Year (IHY), aYumoto.along three chains.The UKZNand interplanetary space.scientific campaign and celebrationMr George Maeda, a MAGDASMAGDAS is an addition to theThe University will have accessunder the auspices of the UnitedEngineer said, “Professor Kumotonorth-south portion of the Africato the real time geomagnetic dataNations. Its goal is “to become theand his SERC staff and KU studentsChain.produced by the unit and envisagesmost comprehensive ground-basedgratefully acknowledge the tremen-The system is highly sensitive tohaving a postgraduate Electricalmonitoring system of the earth’sdously generous support of UKZNchanges in the earth’s magnetic fieldEngineering student studying thismagnetic field”, and will serve tofor executing and maintaining thisand will monitor important geomag-area in 2009.complement observations fromMAGDAS installation”.16/UKZNTOUCH

NEWSPhillip Tobias LectureVice-Chancellor Professor Malegapuru Makgoba has been honoured with the 2008 Phillip Tobias Lecture Award. Hewas nominated by Minister of Science and Technology, Mr Mosibudi Mangena. Professor Makgoba delivered theLecture at INSITE 2008, the International Science, Innovation and Technology Exhibition at the Sandton ConventionCentre on 17 September.“We have nominated ProfessorMakgoba in acknowledgement ofthe contribution he has made as anintellectual and scientist. His ongoingcontributions to the country’sscience systems are truly valued,”said Mr Mangena.Professor Makgoba said he wasinspired and humbled by the honour“particularly because it was PhillipTobias who has been a great inspirationand unifier for science and societyin South Africa for many years.To be asked to give a lecture namedafter him is special to me.”The Phillip Tobias Award wasdeveloped from the establishmentof the Phillip Tobias Lecture, whichhonours Professor Tobias’ contributionto the sciences of palaeoanthropologyand genetics throughanatomical studies. It is presentedbiannually by the Department ofScience and Technology.During his Lecture, ProfessorMakgoba released groundbreakingfindings by UKZN scientists. “Wedid a study in which we tried tounderstand when we could beginAntiretroviral Therapy (ART) in TBtreatment. We did this clinical trialbecause there was no real evidencefor when and how to care for TB-HIVinfection and as you know it is avery big problem in Southern Africaand not in the developed countries.We found that in a very short timethe introduction of anti-retrovirals inearly TB treatment reduced mortal-Professor Phillip Tobias, Professor Malegapuru Makgoba and Minister of Science and Technology, Mr MosibudiMangena.ity by 55%. The implications for this the problem in the long term. At the in designing either antibodies or Tstudy in South Africa are that we will moment there are enormous challengescells: “There has been a view thatbe able to prevent 10 000 deaths ifin terms of development of the because most vaccines have eitherwe implement immediately. This is vaccine and there is pressure from been based on T cells or antibodybecause we will be treating roughly society. I urge those that are here mediated information, we should look150 000 new patients,” he said. that when the markets are down, this for this, I have tried to challenge theProfessor Makgoba said many is the time to invest. When the challengeworld that actually HIV may be slight-people were putting pressure on theis so great invest in the future ly different, that it may be neither ofscientific community to come up with of young scientists in the country so these two. Let’s try to explore thata vaccine. “There is effective drug they can become the torch bearers.” and find out what are the alternativestherapy. What the world is looking for He concluded with a suggestionin the immune system that may benow is a vaccine that is part of treatmentthat researchers should look at generated.”and prevention to eradicate the new proteo-genomic approachesUKZNTOUCH/ 17

NEWSKarate starUKZN student Mr Riyaz Vawda believes that goodpreparation and focus will stand him a good chanceof bringing back medals when he takes part in theKyokoshin Kai World tournament scheduled in Japanin December. A junior instructor, Mr Vawda has justobtained his second black belt.“In any major karate tournament likethis one you need to prepare verywell in order to bring back the medals.Without good preparation you arebound to fail,” said Mr Vawda.A second-year Sport Sciencestudent at the Westville campus,he will represent South Africaamongst the 52 countries who will beparticipating in the event.“It’s a good feeling to know thatthere are people out there who valueyour talent. I will make sure that Irepresent UKZN and South Africawith pride. I am looking forwardto the tournament and it’s a goodopportunity for me to learn from othertop athletes who will be there,” saidMr Vawda.He also visited Japan in 2003when he took part in the Kyokoshinamateur tournament.“The standard is different.When I was there five years ago Iwas still an amateur and had littleexperience, but now it’s a differentgame altogether,” he said.In his spare time Mr Vawdaenjoys assisting other young athleteswho are still at junior level. “It’s goodto help the youngsters who are alsoambitious about the sport of karate.I enjoy every moment with the kids,’’he said.Mr Riyaz Vawda.Tennis prosMr Lee De Waal.After doing exceptionallywell at the Federationof African Sport Union(FASU) games in Ugandathe UKZN tennis team isexpected to do well in theSouth African Sport Union(SASSU) games in NorthWest Province December.The UKZN team will be led by Mr LeeDe Waal who won a gold medal inUganda. Mr De Waal was recentlyvoted Sportsman of the Year on theWestville campus.“We learned so much in Ugandaduring the FASU games and I’m surethat experience will assist us to dowell in North West. Our aim is tobring as many medals as we can forour institution,” he said.Mr De Waal is a third year SportScience student at Westville Campuswho doubles up as tennis coach. Hesaid the trip to Uganda was an eyeopener for him.“It was a wonderful experiencefor me personally and the team. Ithink there are a lot of things that wecan learn from these countries in ourcontinent. For many of us it was forthe first time that we participated in atournament outside our borders. “The 28-year old also said gettinga gold medal for the first time inUganda has motivated him to do evenbetter in different competitions.“It was a good feeling standingthere in the podium to receive a goldmedal for my country. It meant a lotfor me. It’s a memory that will alwaysin my mind. The good thing about it isthat it has motivated me even more todo better,” Mr De Waal said.He is committed to improvingtennis skills among young playersin the community: “It’s good to beworking with the youngsters but Imust say it’s challenging at timesbecause you need to be patient withthem. There are not enough coachesout there for tennis so it’s better to dosomething for the kids.”18 /UKZNTOUCH

ALUMNIWhere are they now?Ablort-Morgan, Jonathan Denis (Mr)Akbar, Ebrahim Mohamed (Mr)Amaidas, Nalini Utham (Miss)Andrews, John Hilton (Mr)Apollos, Lynette Elspeth (Ms)Bagge, Harro Rainer (Mr)Bagirathi, Ranjit (Dr)Bagwanth, Twinkle (Miss)Baker, Anthony Kenneth (Mr)Baloi, Vivian Nkateko (Miss)Bhengu, Mthunzi Brian (Mr)Cahi, Adelein (Miss)Carr, Amanda Jane (Miss)Carrim, Omar (Dr)Cebekhulu, Msawenkosi Cyprian (Mr)Chellan, Munsami (Mr)Chetty, Daksha (Miss)Chetty, Kamalasen (Mr)Cook, Robert Ewing (Mr)Cowper, Allison Jane (Miss)Daniel, Natasha (Miss)Davies, Ceredig Stephen (Mr)Dludla, Derrick Vusi (Mr)Docrat, Zaiboon Nisha (Miss)Du Preez, Leza Bronwyn (Miss)Du Preez, Roan (Mr)Edington, Brian Ross (Dr)Fazzini, Marco (Dr)Gina, Nellie Ntombizodwa (Miss)Goge, Primrose Steziah (Miss)Goussard, Leon (Mr)Govender, Komalan (Dr)Govender, Rirendhree (Miss)If you can provide the updated contact details of the?following alumni, please contact the Alumni Affairs OfficeBSc Eng(Civil)’73 Govetto, Fulvia Graziella (Miss)BSc Eng(Electronic)’81Llb’77 Hadebe, Bheki Lancelot (Mr)MBA’02BOptom’85 Hallam, Michael George (Mr)BSc(Agric)’80, B Agric Mgt’81BSc Eng(Chemical)’72 Henshall, Duncan Scott (Mr)BSc’89, HDE-PG’90BSc(Qty Surv)’98 Henwood, Tarryn Louise (Miss)BCom’97BEco’67 Hlengwa, Smanga (Dr)MBChB’95MBChB’74 Ingle, Raymond Peter (Mr)BSc(Qty Surv)’89BPharm’97 Jagersar, Renisha (Miss)BProc’98BSc Eng(Civil)’80 James, Naomi (Miss)BProc’99BA’99 Jarvis, Andrew Nigel (Mr)BMusic’90BCom(Hon)’03 Khayyam, Shahriar (Mr)BSc Eng(Electrical)’91BArch’03 Khenisa, Silindile (Miss)BAgric’02BSocSc’82 Khoza, Moses Mzweni (Mr)Llb’87MBChB’66 Kibi, Cynthia (Miss)BEd’96BMusic’97 Kozonguizi, Job (Mr)BAdmin’90, Llb’93BA’72 Love, Colette Jacynth (Miss)BPhysio’89BCom’98, PG Dip(Acc)’99 Lutchman, Ranesh (Mr)BPharm’88BSc’81 Maharaj, Aleena (Miss)BA(Law)’96BCom’99 Marie, Krishnaveni (Miss)BPhysio’89BSc Eng(Civil)’91 Matsietsa, Godisaone Edwin (Mr)BOptom’99BSocSc’96 Naidoo, Vathsala (Miss)BOptom’85BSc Eng(Chemical)’71 Ngcobo, Fortunate Phumelele (Miss)BNurs’02HDE-PG’89 Orbach, Yael (Dr)PhD(Arts)’86BAdmin’91 Park, Dugald Vincent (Mr)BSc Eng(Chemical)’86BCom’99 Poirier, Trevor Patrick (Mr)BProc’99BProc’01 Taute, Catherine Joy (Miss)BSc’69PhD(Agric)’95 Thambiran, Arunasalam Dayalen (Mr)BPharm’79MArts’92 Thandroyen, Francis Trevor (Dr)MBChB’74BEd(Hon)’02 Van Rooyen, Leanne (Miss)BPhysio’87BNurs’01 Vickers, Robyn Ann (Miss)BCom’94PG Dip(IR)’90 Wichmann, Brunhilde Ruth (Miss)BSc Eng(Chemical)’85BSc’99, MBChB’04 Zweegman, Ingrid (Miss)BSocSc’85BAdmin’96 Zylstra, Michael David (Mr)BCom’90UKZNTOUCH/ 19

PROFILESCommitted JudgeLeading GeophysicistJudge of Appeal in the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa,Judge Kenneth Mthiyane is on the panel appointed by the Ministerof Provincial and Local Government to select members of theMunicipal Demarcation Board who will serve the country from2009-2014.Born in Ndwedwe in KwaZulu-Natal, Mthiyane obtained hismatric through private study whilst employed as a clerk at theDurban General Post Office. He earned his B. Iuris degree throughUNISA, a Bachelor of Law in 1984 and Master of Laws in 1994 onthe Howard College campus.“Success is not only defined by our personal success, but also bywhat we have achieved in making a difference in the world welive in.”This is the inspirational force behind Ms Nomthandazo AgnesJikelo, a woman who is making a difference in the field of Geophysicsat Anglo American in Johannesburg.Armed with a Bachelor of Science from UKZN and an MBAfrom the University of Cape Town, Jikelo, is the only woman to leada team of Geophysicists responsible for the Geophysical analysisof Borehole Data.KennethMthiyaneNomthandazoAgnes JikeloHe is the Head and Chairperson of the Electoral Court of SouthAfrica and Vice-Chairperson of the Rules Board for Courts of Law.Mthiyane says that the best part of studying at Howard Collegewas being in a multiracial institution with a welcoming environmentfree of prejudice.He believes that Convocation has a critical role to play inbuilding bridges between the University and society. “Convocationneeds to broaden the University community’s understandingof the needs of the society it is meant to serve.” He feels thatthe transformation of Higher Education should be “pursued withvigour on an ongoing basis”. He advises budding law students toretain an awareness of what is going on around them as they arefuture leaders.Mthiyane has paved the way for his daughters, Jabu Luthuli,Zama Nkosi, Ayanda Mthiyane and Zanele Mthiyane, to pursueacademic studies. All four are proud UKZN graduates.Her ascent to a leadership role in what’s considered to bea male-dominated industry had come with certain challenges.“The major challenge that women faced in the mining industrywas sheer access to the industry as it was perceived as a maleindustry. What women face today are behavioural attitudes whichare still underpinned by the past tendencies of not only the miningindustry but of many male-dominated industries.” To meet thesechallenges, she suggests that women “constantly and consistently”make a mark in the areas where they work.She favours an inclusive management style, which takesinto consideration team members’ contributions, and leading byexample.Jikelo served as the Chairperson of the Africa CongressProgramme Committee for the World Petroleum Congress held inSouth Africa in 2005. She has published a number of articles in theJournal of African Earth Sciences and the Oil and Gas Journal.20 /UKZNTOUCH

PROFILESDedicated DiplomatRobust businesspersonAs a student, Ms Chantelle Naidoo dreamt of working for theDepartment of Foreign Affairs. Now, as she says, she is “livinga dream.”Naidoo is first Secretary for the South African HighCommission to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. Bornin Pietermaritzburg, she obtained her Bachelor of Arts Honoursdegree in 2001.As a diplomat, Naidoo must keep abreast of what is happeningin South Africa. She must also be prepared to field sometimestricky questions on government policy. “You need to defend theMr Guy Brazier has spent his entire working career with Deloitte,having completed 25 years of unbroken service with thecompany.Brazier is the Regional Leader of Deloitte in KwaZulu-Natal,Chief Executive Officer, Deloitte Tip-offs Anonymous and a BoardMember of Deloitte Southern Africa.He matriculated at Michaelhouse and obtained a Bachelor ofCommerce degree and a Postgraduate Diploma in Accountancyon the Howard College campus. He feels that the knowledge andskills he obtained at the University have made him a robust andChantelleNaidooGuy Brazierposition of the country at all costs without getting emotional,”she says.Naidoo co-ordinates events for the High Commission anddeals with issues like art and culture and human rights. The HighCommission supports the Phelophepha project, a train whichtravels through South Africa’s rural areas providing health care tothose who do not have access to it. Naidoo is involved in co-ordinatingthis support. UKZN staff and students service this project.What she enjoys most about her job is traveling, livingin different countries and experiencing diverse cultures whilepromoting the South African brand. She is honoured to have metsenior government leaders and business people, and singles outmeeting former South African President, Nelson Mandela, as aspecial day in her life. She serves as an Executive Member ofYoung Diplomats of London.confident professional. Challenges he encounters in his currentportfolio include finding and retaining the best talent.On the transformation of Higher Education he says: “Thisis a business imperative and a necessary requirement to remainrelevant …” He believes that the Alumni body is a strategicallysignificant stakeholder of the University. “It has a role to play inallowing the University to achieve its goal of being the PremierUniversity of African Scholarship,” he says. He adds that meetingnew friends and like-minded individuals were some of the bestthings he experienced at University and encourages students torelish every moment of their time at UKZN.Brazier is also involved in driving the Deloitte KwaZulu-NatalCSI initiatives. The company has launched a feeding scheme initiativefor schools. He feels that it is very important to “give to thosecommunities less fortunate than mine”.UKZNTOUCH/ 21

PROFILESCommunity CrusaderActivist LeaderHead of the Department of Community Safety and Liaison inKwaZulu-Natal Ms Yasmin Essop Bacus is passionate aboutthe protection of women and children. She is also committed toefficient and effective policing.Bacus matriculated in 1984 at Windsor Secondary in Ladysmith.Armed with a degree in Criminology and an MBA fromthe former University of Durban-Westville, she establishedthe Advice Desk for Abused Women on the Westville campus.She also served as a Provincial Co-ordinator for the NationalNetwork on Violence against Women.“The primary duty of a student, even if they are an activist, is tostudy hard. The University offered us the opportunity to exerciseour critical minds and expand our lateral thinking. We learned todebate and to solve problems,” says South Africa’s Deputy Ministerof Home Affairs, Mr Malusi Gigaba.Born in Eshowe, Gigaba obtained a Bachelor of Pedagogicsin 1992, and a Masters degree in Social Policy: Urban Affairs andPolicy in 1994 both on the Westville campus.In both his Parliamentary Constituency as well as in his homevillage, Gigaba is involved in youth empowerment projects, withinYasmin EssopBacusMalusiGigabaShe has traveled extensively, and represented South Africain an African non-governmental organisation programme forWomen and Human Rights in Zimbabwe, Namibia and Uganda.Bacus sees her role in the Public Service as creating a saferenvironment for communities, especially for vulnerable groups.She has written a handbook on community policing which hasbeen translated into isiZulu. She introduced the Provincial CrimeBrief and a Management Information System to deal with crimereports and complaints against the police. She has also set up aCommission of Inquiry into policing in KwaZulu-Natal.Her Department is hosting HIV/AIDS Campaigns and ChildProtection Road Shows throughout KwaZulu-Natal as well asCapacity Building Programmes for Community Policing Forums.In recognition of her efforts, Bacus received the 2008 BarathGaurav Pravasi Award from the Indian government. In her sparetime, she enjoys reading, swimming and writing articles.education and sports. He is Patron of the Nompumelelo Institutefor Leadership, a youth leadership and life-skills developmentproject and a Patron of the Oasis for Life Hospice for people livingwith HIV and AIDS.Gigaba served as President of the ANC Youth League from1996-2004. In his current portfolio, he is actively involved intransforming the Department of Home Affairs with the intention ofdelivering world class services both to South Africans and foreignnationals.The Deputy Minister believes that in order to address thechallenges facing South Africa, a persistent focus on the global,regional and domestic balance of forces is crucial. “Ours is not atechnical process of merely governing and delivering services, buta profoundly political process to address the most basic interestsof the poorest of the poor, of the hitherto disadvantaged blackmasses and yet of all South Africans,” he says.22 /UKZNTOUCH

PROFILESRock EngineerResponsible DirectorA combination of her love for physical science and mathematicstogether with the influences of her geologist dad prompted DrLindsay Linzer’s choice of a career in Geophysics.Linzer was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree majoringin Geology and Physical Science summa cum laude at theformer University of Natal in 1992. Sixteen years later, she is theowner of a geophysics consultancy firm consulting to platinumand uranium mines. And she shares her expertise in miningseismology with postgraduate geophysics students at theUniversity of the Witwatersrand’s School of Geosciences whereExecutive Director for Government Affairs and PolicyImplementation at Johnson and Johnson, Mr Roger Crawford,believes that the private sector should engage continuously withgovernment. This, he says, will ensure that “we don’t operate ina vacuum.”A graduate of the former University of Natal in the 1960sCrawford has occupied a number of leadership positions. He isVice-Chair of the South African Medical Devices Association,and serves as a Board Member of the South African Institute ofRace Relations and the National Business Initiative. He is also anLindsayLinzerRogerCrawfordshe lectures part-time.Prior to setting up her consultancy she worked for theCouncil for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) where sheresearched mining seismology aimed at improving undergroundmine safety.Linzer obtained her Bachelor of Science Honours degree(1994) and a PhD in Geophysics (2002), through the University ofthe Witwatersrand. She has received several awards, includingthe Salamon Award by the South African Institute of RockEngineering for authoring the best rock engineering papertitled: `A hybrid relative moment tensor methodology’, the RochaMedal in 2003 recognising her doctoral thesis as “outstanding”and a research grant by the Schlumberger Foundation in 2005enabling her participation in a two year research programme atthe University of Pennsylvania.Advisory Board Member of the Graduate School of Business atthe University of Cape Town.“Being in a leadership position equips a person to be moreresponsible in whatever (they are) doing. That is why I alwaysencourage students to participate in leadership structures,”he says.Crawford also earned an Honours degree from the Universityof the Free State. He received the Dr EG Malherbe award forOutstanding Contribution to Education and Science from theformer University of Natal and has Honorary Life Membership ofthe American Chamber of Commerce.His message to the youth of today is: “Live your vision andnever give up. It is better to try and fail than fail to try.”UKZNTOUCH/ 23

OUT&ABOUTAdvocates for DemocracyMore than 250 UKZN alumni, staff and guests attendedthe Advocates for Democracy reunion for staff andstudents who were at the University from the 1970s tothe 1990s.The event, co-ordinated by the Alumni Affairs Office, included a three-coursedinner, musical entertainment and an impressive line-up of speakers.Professor Dasarath Chetty, Pro-Vice-Chancellor: Corporate Relations,welcomed everyone before putting into perspective the reasons and importancefor having such a reunion.The Regional Leader of Deloitte:KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Guy Brazier, highlightedDeloitte’s vision/mission and commitment to democracy. This was followed byan address from the President and Chair of Convocation, Mr André Young, andthen by the personal reminiscences of student life during the 1980s and 1990s byfellow-graduates: Mr Vasu Gounden and Mr Comfort Ngidi.The Guest of Honour and main speaker was the Deputy Minister of HomeAffairs, Mr Malusi Gigaba, a UKZN alumnus, who was introduced by the Speakerof the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, Mr Willis Mchunu.Both Mr Mchunu and Mr Gigaba provided interesting and insightfulaccounts of the historical and current political situation in South Africa.Mrs Rose Yende, Mr Sandile Ngcobo, Mr Malusi Gigaba, Dr Urmilla Bob and MrsAnitha Ramiah at the Reunion.Mr Malusi Gigaba, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Prof D Chetty, Mr WillisMchunuAdvocates for Democracy catch up at the Reunion.24 /UKZNTOUCH/UKZNTOUCH

Alumnus eventsOUT&ABOUTLondonThe Alumni Affairs Office held a number of successful events in the second half of2008. Some of these activities included:A UKZN event for UK-based alumniand “friends”/donors of the Universitytook the form of a cocktail receptionat South Africa House: London on 17September. the event – attended by 55graduates – was jointly co-ordinatedby the Alumni Affairs Office, theUKZN foundation and the AlumnusAssociation in europe.Mr Mike Miller, Deputy Chair ofthe Alumnus Association in europeco-ordinated activities on the nightand also provided the welcome onbehalf of the Association, a representativefor the South Africa HighCommissioner provided an officialwelcome to the guests and Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Corporate relationsProfessor Dasarath Chetty provideda comprehensive overview ondevelopments at the University. theGuest Speaker, Mr John Battersby,UK Country Manager of the InternationalMarketing Council of SouthAfrica and former editor of the SundayIndependent in South Africa,addressed the topic “South Africa:Where does it fit in the new worldorder?”Prior to and after the formalitiesguests were able to network and chatwith one another as well as withthe Alumni Association in europeCommittee Members and UKZNrepresentatives.the main objectives of theevent were to continue establishingand maintaining relationships withUniversity stakeholders based in theUK; and to provide a timeous follow-(l-r) Professor Dasarath Chetty, Mr John Battersby, Mr Burt Browne and guest.up on the 2007 friend and fund-raising many travel long distances to meetinitiatives of the University.fellow alumni and to be updated onSuch a reception has become an developments at their alma mater.annual event for UK-based alumni andDates to diarise: 2009FEBRUARY9 February : Durban Alumni Association Annual General MeetingMARCH27 March : Cape town Alumnus eventMAY5 May : Cum Laude/Summa Cum Laude and PhD Celebratory event inDurban15 May : Pretoria Alumnus Dinner16 May : Johannesburg Alumnus DinnerJULY3 July : Golden Alumni reunion (1959 – 1960) on Howard College Campus13-14 July : Project Management Workshop on Howard College Campus16-17 July : entrepreneurship Workshop in Senate Chamber onWestville CampusReunion of Salisbury IslandersA reunion of everyone who was part of the family at Salisbury Island fromits inception in 1961 until its closure in 1971 is planned for 2009.It is intended to include all Salisbury Island graduates and membersof staff as well as those students who registered there and did notcomplete their degrees or diplomas.If the idea of a reunion appeals to you, please provide your updatedcontact details (form on the next page) toZanele Ndlala or esme estrice of the Alumni Affairs Office:Corporate relations of the University of KwaZulu-Natal(email: magwaza4@ukzn.ac.za or estrice@ukzn.ac.za,telephone: 031-260 2947/2016 and fax: 031-260 3265).We look forward to receiving your information!UKZNTOUCH/ 25

OUT&ABOUTSALISBURY ISLAND REUNIONIt WOULD Be MUCH APPreCIAteD If ALL “SALISBUrY ISLANDerS” WOULD PLeASe COMPLete tHe BeLOW INfOrMAtION ANDretUrN tHe COMPLeteD fOrM tO ZANeLe NDLALA Of tHe ALUMNI AffAIrS OffICe.Identity Number: .................................................................................................................... Student Number: ..............................................................Surname: ................................................................................................................................. first Names: .......................................................................Maiden Name: .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................Degree(s)/Diploma (s): .................................................................................................................................... Year of completion: .................................Name of Spouse (if also a graduate): ................................................................................ (maiden name:) ..................................................................Degree(s)/Diploma (s): .................................................................................................................................... Year of completion: .................................Postal Address: .......................................................................................................................Post Code: ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Province: .............................................................................residential Address: ............................................................................................................. Post Code: .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Province: ............................................................................Home telephone Number: ( ___ )...................................................................... Mobile Number: ................................................................................fax Number: ( ______ ) ...................................................................................... Preferred email address: .................................................................employer: ................................................................................................................. Position Held: .....................................................................................Work Address: ........................................................................................................................ Post Code: .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Province: ............................................................................Work telephone Number: (________ )..............................................................fax Number: ( ________ ) ............................................................Direct Line: .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................Suggestions regarding reunion programme: ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................PLeASe retUrN tO:Zanele NdlalaAlumni Affairs, Corporate relationsUNIVerSItY Of KWAZULU-NAtAL, Durban 4000tel: (031) 260 2947, fax: (031) 260 2236 / 3265email: magwaza4@ukzn.ac.zaUPDAte YOUr DetAILS ONLINe:http://alumniaffairs.ukzn.ac.za26 /UKZNTOUCH

Keeping in touch!CLASS NOTES NEWSClass Notes is a collection of short biographies sent to us byalumni from all over the world, highlighting their personal andprofessional achievements. Through these notes, alumni keep intouch and find old friends.1950s1960sTIM TANSER – BA’66 spent severalyears in the Rhodesian Ministry ofillustrated history of her city whichwas published in 1986. Janet wouldRICHARD CLARK – BSc’56, MSc’60,ELEANOR PRESTON-WHYTE – BSoc-Foreign Affairs. He studied Law bylike to hear from any of her formerPhD’62 retired 12 years ago, butSc’60, BSocSc (Hon)’61, PhD’70 wentcorrespondence and joined the firmfellow students.he still does ad hoc editing forinto full time research in Durbanof Scanlen and Holderness in HarareEmail: jankem@rogers.comscientific journals and reports, andafter graduating. This led to her PhD,in 1969. He is currently Managingconstructs/repairs science exhibitsfor the TUKS science explorationcentre. He has been an avid moto-and a career in Social Anthropology.She was appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research in 1994.Partner and has lived through thechallenging years that Zimbabwe haspresented to the world.1970srhomer-tourer of southern AfricaAfter retiring in 2002 she teamedHe married a UCT graduate, DianaMICHAELSUTCLIFFE – BSc’76,for the past 24 years and has aup with Professor Jerry Coovadia(nee Osterberg), they have three chil-BSc (Hon)’77, MSc’8 is the Citypassion for the British Waterways,to establish HIVAN, the Centre fordren and five grandchildren. His sonManager of eThekwini (www.having “done” about 1 000 miles ofHIV/AIDS Networking and Research,Frank obtained his PhD through UKZN.durban.gov.za).He serves as athe available routes by narrowboatwhich is still running on campusHe and his wife Leonie and their threemember of the Municipal Demar-over the years.with Eleanor as the director of socialchildren live in Mtunzini on the Northcation Board (www.demarcation.Email: ricclark@telkomsa.netscience research. Concurrently sheCoast, and Frank works for the Medi-org.za) which he previously servedreturned to Anthropology joiningcal Research Council at the Africain the capacity of Chairperson. Hethe School of Development Stud-Centre in Mtubatuba. Tim’s daughterwas a Member of the Provincialies as an Emeritus Research Fellow.Vanessa is a medical doctor.Legislature (KwaZulu-Natal) (1994-Here she mainly supervises gradu-Email: timtanser@zol.co.zw1999), Director of Public Affairs:Please sendcontributions to:ate dissertations and gives the oddlecture or short course in researchmethodology - concentrating mainlyJANET KEMPSTER (nee KIRKWOOD)–BA’67, BA(Hon)’68 has lived in Brant-University of Durban-Westville(1991-1994) and Associate Professor:Town and Regional Planning:Corlia OgleEmail: ogle@ukzn.ac.za• Fax: 031 260 2236/3265on Ethnography, the major researchtool used by Social Anthropologists,but one that is becoming popular inother disciplines. She continues herford, Ontario, Canada for the past33 years and recently retired fromteaching high school Visual Arts.Janet teaches photography part-timeUniversity of Natal (1982-1991).Over the past 30 years, hehas acted as a consultant to awide range of local and interna-Post: Alumni Affairs,own research and publication andat a regional community college andtional organisations and continuesCorporate Relations,University of KwaZulu-Natal,Westville Campusworks with local and internationalresearchers on a number of studies,many of which are associated withHIV and AIDS.enjoys travel and grandparenthood.Her past volunteer activities includebeing president of the local artgallery, and present activities includeto serve as a board member of anumber of developmental organisations.He has written more than 500articles and reports on a wide rangePrivate Bag X 54001,Durban 4000, South AfricaEmail: prestonw@ukzn.ac.zasitting on the City’s Advisory Boardfor Arts and Culture. She wrote anof issues, from demarcation anddelimitation issues to urbanisation,UKZNTOUCH/ 27

CLASS NOTESeconomic analysis and analysingSchool of Computing & Mathematicsarea for the university. She is a Proj-sionals (run in partnership withpolitical trends. He has received aat the University of Western Sydneyect Officer responsible for the HIV/english Heritage). following almostnumber of awards, most recently(Campbelltown campus), returningAIDS Peer education Programme atthree years at UCL, she has recentlyreceiving a prestigious profession-to the academic world after servingthe university campus. the work atjoined the england’s Past for every-al award from the Association ofas research Director for the CSIrOthe office encompasses policy updat-one (ePe) project team for VictoriaAmerican Geographers.e-Health research Laboratory sinceing, curriculum and co-curriculumCounty History, Institute of HistoricalHe has been invited to present2004. In his new role he will beprogrammes and courses, short cours-research, University of London. Inpapers at conferences in Canada,responsible for building up the healthes and HIV/AIDS awareness eventsher new position as education andMexico, the UK, Sweden, turkey,informatics curriculum and research,on the campus. Lucina got married inSkills Manager for the ePe project,france, Norway, Australia, USA,in co-operation with the new SchoolJanuary 2008.she oversees the school, outreachtanzania, Lesotho, Zimbabwe,of Medicine at the university.email: lucina.reddy@uct.ac.zaand volunteer projects of the 10Namibia, Uganda, Nigeria, Mozam-email: a.maeder@uws.edu.auparticipating english counties (www.bique, India, Kenya, Brazil, ZambiaSKYE DILLON – BSocSc (Hon)’02,englandspastforeveryone.org.uk).and Spain. He has also attended andpresented papers at more than 200conferences in southern Africa and2000sPGCe’03 travelled to the UK to workas a supply teacher after graduation.After two years of teaching in London,Since 2004, she has volunteered asa hands-on collections interpreterat the British Museum, London. ItSouth Africa.LUCINA REDDY (nee AUGUStINe) –she took up a position as Short Courseis here that she met her partner,email: sutcliffem@durban.gov.zaBA’00, BA (Hon)’01 is employed atCo-ordinator for the Centre for Sustain-Neil Stevenson, and they now liveHAICU (HIV/AIDS Co-ordination,able Heritage, University Collegein Hornchurch, essex (just outsideANTHONY MAEDER – BSc’79,University of Cape town). this depart-London (UCL).In this position, sheLondon).MSc’83 has been appointed Profes-ment is based in the Office of the Vice-marketed and project-managed a suiteemail: skyedillon@yahoo.co.uksor in Health Informatics in theChancellor and is a key programmeof short courses for heritage profes-GOLDEN ALUMNI REUNIONgraduates of 1959 and 1960Please join us as we celebrate thegOLDEN ALUMNI REUNIONfor the Graduates of 1959 and 1960All graduates who graduated in 1960 and before are welcome to attendthe Campus tour and Luncheon onFriday, 3 July 2009 on the Howard College campus.We request all alumni to encourage fellow graduates (1960 and prior) to attend. If any graduate has changedcontact details, please send updated details to the Alumni Affairs Office. More detailed information will follow.Contacts:Corlia Ogle 031 260 1238 or ogle@ukzn.ac.zaZanele Ndlala 031 260 2947 or magwaza4@ukzn.ac.zaFax: 031 260 3265 or 031 260 223628 /UKZNTOUCH

CONVOCATIONConvocation Annual General MeetingNewly-elected Convex members with the incoming Convocation President: (back l-r) Mr Reshwant Brijraj, Dr Bandile Hadebe, and Mr James Trinder.(front l-r) Mr Sibusiso Mncwabe, Mr Mafika Ngubane, Mr Sandile Ngcobo, Dr Sue Higgins-Opitz, and Dr Pravin Thakur.The Governor of the South African Reserve Bank,Mr Tito Mboweni delivered the keynote address atthe Convocation Annual General Meeting (AGM) atOne-on-One, Gateway, Durban on 27 October.The meeting was well attended bythat a budget surplus or a small budgetthe University alumni and guests.deficit are preferable options.Mr Mboweni addressed theMr Mboweni urged restraint notingtopic of global economic crisis. Hethat “if people make irresponsible publicThe AGM was well-attended.assured his audience that South Afri-statements there are consequences.cans were relatively protected duringIt causes problems for the country. Ifthese turbulent times:investments are threatened, the inves-Mr Reshwant Brijraj, Dr Bandileand Dr Sue Higgins-Opitz.“South African banks are insulatedtors pack up and go.”Hadebe, Mr Sibusiso Mncwabe, MrNewly elected Convex Secre-to the bigger economic problem thanksThe focus of the Annual GeneralMafika Ngubane, Dr Pravin Thakur,tary, Mr Mncwabe said: “It is my firmto the number of policies put in place.Meeting was the election of the newand Mr James Trinder were electeddesire to see Convocation reachingSouth African banks are safe, youConvocation Executive Committee andas Convocation Executive (Convex)the goals it has set for itself. I stronglycan rest assured,” said Mr. Mboweni.Convocation’s approval of the draftmembers.believe that Convocation should playHowever, he did warn his audienceConvocation Constitution.Re-elected Convex membersa very crucial role in making sure thatthat it was time to ‘tighten belts’.Outgoing President Mr Andréwere Ms Raylene J L Captain-Hasthi-the University emerges victorious inThe Reserve Bank Governor alsoYoung, who has served in this portfoliobeer, Dr Beki Hlatshwayo, Mr Sifisothis era of political and economichighlighted workable economic strat-since 2004, handed over the reins toMncube, Dr Thavan Padayachi andchallenges facing our country. … Aegies during the crisis. He warnedMr Sandile Ngcobo.Mr Thami Patrick Zondi.successful University means a pros-that high budget deficits do not workDr Reshma Badal and Mr YoungSenate Representatives onperous KwaZulu-Natal communityas they lead to high inflation. He saidwere elected as Council representatives.Convex are Professor John A Cookeand a prosperous South Africa.”UKZNTOUCH/ 29

CONVOCATIONReport by the Convocation PresidentMr André Young to the 2008 AGMIt gives me great pleasure to report to you that UKZN is shedding the pains that arereminiscent of mergers. Your institution is in good hands, both from a senior managementperspective as well as from a governance perspective via its Council. I wish tothank all for the tireless role that they have played during these past four years insolidifying the merger.It is now time to focus on teachingto serve on. In this regard I expressover 21 graduation sessions this year,via personal VIP alumni visits, regu-and learning, and research with themy thanks to Comfort Ngidi, Sandilerobing over 7 000 graduates.lar contact (corporate gifts/letters)aim of becoming that Premier Univer-Ngcobo and Reshma Badal. I needDuring the 2004-2008 periodand invitations to all events. Thesesity of African Scholarship that we allto also thank our other committeeexcellent relationships between theevents, together with the joint Alumniaspire to. We are not there yet, wemembers namely Raylene Captain-University of KwaZulu-Natal and itsAffairs/UKZN Foundation events,are surely on the road to success. IHasthibeer, Thavan Padayachi,135 000 plus – alumni (the Universi-significantly contribute to providingam not comfortable with being oneThami Zondi, Beki Hlatshwayo, Sifisoty’s largest stake-holder group) havea sound platform for the fund-raisingof three African universities withinMncube, Themba Khumalo andbeen established and maintained.endeavours of the UKZN Founda-the top five hundred universities innewcomer Ezra Masenya.The variety of events co-ordi-tion (for example, the Alumni Bursa-the world. Our success must not beI wish to also say thank you tonated both locally and internation-ry Fund and the 50th Anniversarymeasured by other African univer-those alumni who regularly partici-ally have been attended by aroundEndowment Fund).sities’ failure to achieve. We mustpate in our events throughout the10 500 alumni. Relationships haveSuch success would not havemeasure ourselves with the best inyear. This year, to mention but a few,been built with graduates with whombeen possible without the united, well-order to become the best. We mustthese included the Durban Alumnithe University previously had mini-functioning/skilled and demographi-now focus on what our position isAssociation AGM, the East London,mal contact. Another positive is thatcally representative Alumni Affairsamong the top five hundred.Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Pieterma-through the building of good relation-team as well as the comprehensive,Some may recall that Convoca-ritzburg, UK and USA alumnus events,ships with graduates and the orga-updated and technically improvedtion’s objective from our first year inthe reunions and the Leadership andnising of contemporary and popularAlumni Database which contains theoffice was to place Convocation with-Project Management Workshops. Inevents, the demographic profile ofrecords of University of Durban West-in its rightful place within UKZN. I amaddition to these events we havethe graduate attendees at eventsville, University of Natal and Universityhappy to report that this objective isdeveloped a state-of-the-art Alumnihas dramatically changed and nowof KwaZulu-Natal graduates. This ison track and the new incoming Convexpublication called UKZNTOUCHrepresents the current demographicprobably one of the largest databasesmust continue to assert Convocation’swhich is circulated to around 100profile of the University.of alumni in the country. Valid emailimportant role and function going000 graduates across South AfricaThe attendance and support ofaddresses of alumni on the databaseforward. Do not let Convocation’s flagand the world. Alumni are encour-young graduates through the Work-increased from around 2 500 in 2004 todown for one minute.aged to forward submissions to us forshop Programme aimed at assistingalmost 20 000 in 2008.A special thank you to the outgo-possible publication. We have devel-recent graduates with essential life/For the purposes of this AGM Iing founding Convocation Executiveoped a Constitution which we will becareer-skills required for their careerhereby list the following functionsof UKZN for their time and excellentasking you to approve this evening.development is encouraging andand activities that were hosted bywork over the past four years. ManyLots of time and effort has been putcreates the foundation for a long-Convocation and the Alumni Affairsthanks go to our Council representa-into the drafting of this document andterm bond between these alumni andteam. These events took place duringtives who at times are required toI want to personally thank Raylenetheir alma mater. Considerable good-the period: 29 October 2007 to 27carry an extra load because of theand Thavan for their assistance inwill and support has been securedOctober 2008:sub-committees they are expectedthis regard. Convex also officiated atfor the university from VIP alumni30 /UKZNTOUCH

CONVOCATION29 October 2007 2007 Convocation AGM and Awards25 February Durban Alumni Association AGM.25 March Time of the Writer Opening Evening26 March East London Alumnus Dinner27 March Port Elizabeth Alumnus Dinner29 March Cape Town Alumnus Dinner11 April Golden Alumnus Reunion (1957-59) on PietermaritzburgCampus14-15 April Pietermaritzburg Graduations16- 24 April Durban Graduations30 April USA Alumnus Event24-25 June Entrepreneurship Workshop in Senate Chamber:Westville Campus6 June Indwe Risk Short Story Competition Prize-Giving12 June Launch of the GSB Alumni Association24 June Jomba Contemporary Dance Festival Opening Evening24-25 June Entrepreneurship Workshop on Westville Campus27 June Health Sciences Alumni Reunion at ICC2-3 July Project Management Workshop on Howard College Campus23 July 29th Durban International Film Festival Opening Evening17 September UK Alumnus Event at SA House: London29 September Poetry Africa Opening Evening18 October Advocates for Democracy Reunion at Suncoast CasinoComplexNote: a Salisbury Island Reunion for graduates and staff is planned for late2009. Discussions are currently taking place about format, timings, venue etc.In addition to the above – other achievements/successes include:Online Registration of AlumniThe alumni online registration facility available via the alumni affairs websitehas continued to be very popular – with 1 450 registrations during the period.Graduation PackagesDistribution of graduation packages for the April 2008 graduates. These packages(a joint “congratulatory” letter from André Young and Finn Christensen,a “particulars update form”, notification of the workshops and a copy of thealumnus publication: UKZNTouch) were given out to each graduate at thegraduation ceremonies.Convocation Constitution(updated and amended for presentation to – and for the approval of – Convocation.)Convocation Executive MeetingsDuring the October 2007 – October 2008 period the Convocation executive hadfour scheduled meetings in February, May, August and October as well as anumber of sub-committee meetings to discuss both the constitution and the2008 annual general meeting.I wish the incoming executive all the best.Speech by theincoming Presidentof Convocation,Mr Sandile NgcoboI would like to take this opportunity to congratulatethe outgoing Convocation Executive, especiallyMr Andre Young, former President for theprogress and work done on the newly-foundedinstitution the University of KwaZulu-Natal.Having been part of the outgoing ConvocationExecutive it is an honour for me to have thisopportunity to lead Convocation. My initial thoughtson my objectives for my term of office centre ontwo areas. Firstly, I am concerned about the lackof awareness of Convocation, both among students and graduates. Manystudents and graduates with whom I have spoken do not know about the roleof Convocation, who are members of Convocation, what role the ConvocationExecutive plays and in fact, how as alumni, they are part of Convocation. Thisneeds to be addressed if we are to achieve greater participation of alumni inthe affairs of Convocation and ultimately, the University.Secondly, I would like to promote a culture among alumni of identifying withthe University and more importantly wanting to identify with and be associatedwith UKZN. An obvious starting point here is the young alumni who have qualifiedin the merged institution; but there is also an entire cohort of alumni whograduated 10, 20, 30 and 40 years ago who all have had different experiences.We need to embrace all alumni and appeal to all of them. Simply because of ourbackgrounds: the University of KwaZulu-Natal was formed through a mergerbetween the Universities of Durban-Westville and Natal. These two institutionsrepresented different backgrounds and culture in relation to Convocationmatters. We need to recognise that and embrace it into the new institutionalvision of becoming the ‘Premier University of African Scholarship.’In essence, we need to actively foster a spirit of belong among alumni.Most of the successful alumni programmes around the world are builtaround participation of alumni in their alma mater. Participation is only likelyto happen if alumni know what Convocation is about and have a desire to bepart of that heritage and alma mater in particular.I look forward to sharing and implementing this vision with my incomingConvocation Executive and the University Community. I would like tocongratulate the newly elected executive members and look forward to ourroad and journey ahead…until then…”friends for life”.UKZNTOUCH/ 31

CONVOCATIONNew Convex MembersIn this issue, we publish profiles of four of the new Convex members. The remaining threenew members will be profiled in the next issue of UKZNTOUCH.Dr Bandile Hadebe Dr Pravin Thakur Mr Mafika Ngubane Mr Sibusiso MncwabeA graduate of the Nelson R MandelaDr Thakur graduated in 1979 with aMr Ngubane holds a BA, Postgradu-Mr Mncwabe graduated with a Bach-School of Medicine, now in hisBPedagogics (Arts) degree and thenate Diploma in Business Manage-elor of Law on the Westville campus.second year of internship at McCordsstarted teaching on the Westvillement and Marketing and a BComHe served in different student forma-Hospital, Dr Hadebe has served incampus.Honours in Business Managementtions including the Law Studentsa wide range of structures withinHe continued studying andand Marketing. He has served theCouncil, Black Lawyers’ AssociationUKZN, and the former University ofobtained a BA Honours degree inUniversity in a number of structures,Student Chapter, and the Street LawNatal, including Senate and Council.History in1982 and a B. Education inincluding the Joint House Committeeproject.As President of the Medical1985 through UNISA.as Chairperson; Choir ChairpersonFrom 2001 to 2002 he served asStudents Representative CouncilDr Thakur enrolled for an MAand the first President of the UKZNthe Media and Publicity Officer of the(MSRC), he was amongst the studentin History on the Howard CollegeChorale.Student Representative Council.leaders who were actively involvedcampus in 1991 and graduated inMr Ngubane worked as a studentHe also served as a member ofin merger committees.1992. He achieved a PhD in Educationassistant until his appointment as athe Provincial Executive Committee ofHis passion for curriculumthrough the University of the Witwa-Records Officer in Student Records.the South African Student Congressdevelopment saw the MSRC under histersrand in 1997.He worked in Technical Services(SASCO) in KwaZulu-Natal. In 2003leadership launching the CurriculumHe left the teaching professionas an Administrative Officer for twohe was nominated by the SouthernReview Conference.and entered business as a Financialyears at the Westville campus andAfrican Student Volunteers to repre-Dr Hadebe has served inAdvisor with Liberty Life.moved to Student Housing at thesent South Africa in a World Youthprovincial and national youth andHe is also involved in SMMEHoward College campus in 2006. HeExchange Programme in the Unitedstudent structures and currently sitsdevelopment through the Durbanis currently working as a ForensicKingdom (Wales).on the National Council of the SouthChamber of Commerce and Indus-Investigator at the Special Investigat-As a law graduate he servedAfrican Medical Association as thetry, where he serves as a Boarding Unit.articles with Ngidi-Gcolotela PeterSecretary General of Junior Doctors’Member.Mr Ngubane believes his lead-Incorporated. He is currently work-Association.Dr Thakur’s two daughters,ership skills and experience at theing for the Road Accident Fund in“The purpose of any organisationElisha and Chersee are students inUniversity will add value to Convo-Durban.whether academic, religious, orthe College of Law and Managementcation. He sees himself as a “trueHe brings to Convocation thepolitical is to give hope, real hope, toStudies at UKZN.University ambassador”.leadership skills he acquired from theits people,” he says.structures he has served.32 /UKZNTOUCH

ON THE BOOKSHELFNEW COUNTRYby Mxolisi Nyezwa“Poetry is a simple way to remind us of our humanity. It guards against placingblind faith in the sciences which are constricting to the human spirit. In poetrywe discover our basic selves.”for days i looked for my poems in the streets,and since i could not find them,light fell like a flower on the lonely square.the light sounded the drum of a thud.beauty came grovelling forward begging,and children went for dayswithout food.Intensely lyrical and deeply expressionist, the poems of New Country registerthe intuitiveness of Nyezwa’s vision of his land and his life. Nyezwa has carvedfor himself a voice and a style that is entirely his own and unlike any SouthAfrican poet before him.MXOLISI NYEZWA was born in 1967 in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth,where he still lives. He works in community projects where he facilitateswriting and community publishing workshops for rural and townshipcommunities. He also assists small writers’ groups locally to grow areading and writing culture in their communities.Mxolisi is the founder and editor of the cultural magazine, Kotaz. In2000 his debut collection, Song Trials, was published by Gecko Poetry.New Country is his second poetry collection, after Song Trials (2000).MAGENTAby Denis BeckettBart Dunn is your average SouthAfrican white guy, distraught atcrime and cock-up. But he alsoholds a rogue view: he seesup-sides to Africa, not just thesunshine and fynbos but thehuman factor. As he rollercoastersthrough the highs and lowsof everyday life, South Africanstyle, he is convinced there isa way, somewhere, to grow thehighs and shrink the lows. thetrail propels him past:the wrong end of various gunbarrelsthe clutches of a right-wing rebel armyreluctant godfatherhood to a mixed-up teenager with an honour-grudgethe alluring ankles of the woman he’d never dreamed he could dream ofIt’s when he meets a shantytown visionary that the leads he has been lookingfor take shape. Bart remains sceptical. everyone knows Africa needs a miracle.Who is this squatter-shack savant to claim that the morass is just an error, fromwhich the next-phase of human advance will emerge? He must be wrong; butwhere, exactly, is the flaw in his startlingly simple recipe?Magenta is a utopian thriller the likes of which you are guaranteed never tohave encountered before. Beckett’s formidable intelligence, deep love for hiscontinent and impeccable ear for ‘Seffricanese’ will have you laughing, gaspingand wincing in equal measure.DENIS BECKETT is widely recognised as ‘that guy who was on television’.He was the editor of the prestigious Frontline magazine for many yearsand has been a columnist and commentator in print, on radio and TV. Hislong-running actuality TV series, ‘Beckett’s Trek’, was a South Africanfavourite. Magenta is his first novel.www.ukznpress.co.zaContact the University ofKwaZulu-Natal Press atPost Private Bag X01,Scottsville 3209Tel 033 260 5226Fax 033 260 5801Email books@ukzn.ac.za34 /UKZNTOUCH

ON THE BOOKSHELFWOMEN’S ACTIVISMin South Africa: Working across Dividesedited by Hannah Britton, Jennifer Fish and Sheila MeintjesWomen’s Activism in South Africa provides the most comprehensive collectionof women’s experiences within civil society since the 1994 transition. this bookcaptures South African women’s stories of collective activism and social changeat a crucial point for the future of democracy in the country, if not the continent.Pulling together the voices of activists and scholars, South Africa’s path to democracyand the assurance of gender rights emerge as a complex journey of bothsuccesses and challenges.the collection elucidates a new form of pragmatic feminism, building uponthe elasticity between the state and civil society. What the cases demonstrate isthat while the state itself may not be a panacea, it still represents a key source ofpower and the primary locus of vital resources, including the rights of citizenship,access to basic needs, and the promise of protection from gender-based violence– all central to women’s particular needs in South Africa.HANNAH E BRITTON is anAssociate Professor of PoliticalScience and Women, Genderand Sexuality Studies at theUniversity of Kansas, USA.Jennifer N Fish is an AssociateProfessor in the Departmentof Women’s Studies and anaffiliated faculty member in theGraduate Program in International Studies at Old Dominion University,USA. Sheila Meintjes is Head of the Political Studies Department at theUniversity of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.Other publishersHEAR THE RINGDOVE CALLby Peter CourtPeter Court’s great uncle’s diary of the Siege of Ladysmith was the inspirationfor Hear the ringdove Call. two friendly Natal farming families find themselveson opposite sides at the start of the Anglo-Boer War. Lumley Gray is a volunteertrooper with the Border Mounted rifles. Mainly through his eyes and senseswe experience a trooper’s life during the siege - the dangers, the increasinghunger, the ways in which the men kept up their spirits - and his participation inthe battle of elandslaagte and his capture during the battle for Caesar’s Camp.His nursing sister, Isabel, struggles to look after the wounded, the sick andthe dying in the appalling conditions of the Intombi tent hospital. Her loved one,Gerald Goodman, a half-english, half-Dutch lad brought up on a Boer farm, isamong the Boers surrounding Ladysmith. the inner conflict of his love for Isabeland his duty to Die Vaderland reaches its zenith in the battle of Spion Kop.the war polarises people but a beacon of hope is found in Old Pretorius,a pacifist Boer who gives sanctuary to fugitives from both sides on his farm.However, a dark threat looms in the form of renegades from both sides.Manfred Schroen, a former Inspector of english and of education withthe Natal education Department and now an education consultant, says “Hearthe ringdove Call is a remarkable and unique South African novel. I believemuch in emotional intelligence.… Novels like (this)can so enhance insight intoand empathy for (the) deeperhumane meanings of ourSouth African history andpupils’ study of SA history;and their project work especiallywould benefit greatly through such vicarious, authentic experience of thehuman conflicts and predicaments that comprise the human texture of war that(the) plot and character-inter-connexions explore so poignantly. “Peter Court was a BA, english Honours and UeD student at both theDurban and the Pietermaritzburg campuses from 1959 -1966. He played rugbyand cricket for the University and was selected in 1962 for the South AfricanUniversities B Cricket team.Hear the ringdove Call can be ordered at r80 per copy from richard Courtat richardc@cybertek.co.za or 031 266 0126, or through PSD Promotions atorders@psdprom.co.za, tel 011 392 6065.UKZNTOUCH/ 35

Vision, Mission, Goals and Core Values for theUniversity of KwaZulu-NatalVISIONthat will expand educational andwider community.responsible, ethical and sustainableto be the Premier University ofemployment opportunities for the● Provide holistic educationuse of natural resources.African scholarship.historically disadvantaged, andwhich promotes an awareness● Increase opportunities forMISSIONA truly South African university thatsupport social transformation andredress.● Create and develop an enablingof social responsibility and soundethical practice in a diversesociety.lifelong learning in response tothe educational, social, political,scientific and economic challengesis academically excellent, innovativeenvironment for all learners and● Promote and foster toleranceof our time.in research, critically engaged withscholars to pursue their studies inand respect for multilingualism,● equip graduates to serve associety and demographically repre-accordance with the principles ofdiverse cultures and social values.future leaders of the nation.sentative, redressing the disadvan-academic freedom.● Promote excellence in teaching● ensure effective governancetages, inequities and imbalances of● Advance knowledge andand learning through creative andthrough democratic representa-the past.culture through globally competi-innovative curriculum design andtion, accountability and transpar-pRINCIpLES ANd COREVALuESthe University commits itself to thetive teaching, learning, scholarshipand research, innovation andscientific investigation.● foster a capacity for indepen-development, pedagogical strat-egies and assessment practicesin accordance with sound qualityassurance principles.ency.● Promote the social and personalwellbeing of staff and studentsand foster the realisation of theirprinciples and values enshrined indent critical thinking, free engage-● Strengthen the institutionfull human potential.the constitution of the republic ofment in fundamental discoverythrough local and internationalSouth Africa and articulated in theand a reappraisal and extensioncollaboration, exchanges and part-the University views this visionpreamble to the Higher educationof traditional views of the worldnerships with the private sectorand mission statement as aAct of 1997 (as amended).amongst students and staff.and higher education institutionsreflection of its core values andGOALSThe goals of the University are to:● Support and contribute, acrossthe academic enterprise, to nationaland regional development, andin teaching, research and developmententerprises.● Conserve the physicalcommitments. In carrying out itsvarious activities, the Universityseeks to contribute to the building● Promote access to learningthe welfare and upliftment of theenvironment and foster a culture ofof a just South African society.