| Long journey from BSc ECP student to PhD in Chemistry | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10375 | | Long journey from BSc ECP student to PhD in Chemistry | Wiida Basson (Media: Faculty of Science) | <p></p><p style="text-align:justify;">It must have been his late mother's incredibly tasty cheese sauce that made him fall in love with chemistry. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">“I always wanted to know how she made it, with which ingredients, and in what order! I think that is where my interest in chemistry first started," recalls Emile Maggott. This former learner from <a href="https://bishoplavishigh.co.za/">Bishop Lavis High School</a> in Cape Town will be walking over the stage at Stellenbosch University's December graduation ceremony to be capped with a PhD in Chemistry.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">His journey, however, has been rougher than most.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Growing up in a neighbourhood that is mostly known to the outside world for unemployment, poverty, and gangsterism, he had to make a deliberate choice to maintain a positive mind set – a belief that one day he would be able to rise out of the historically-imposed circumstances.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“My brother and I got this mind set from my mother. She was a factory worker, and she was very strict. And even though my mother could not spoil me with money and other fancy things, I had a good upbringing. There was lots of love in our household and always a plate of food waiting in the oven when I returned from the lab, sometimes close to midnight," he recounts.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Emile's journey started when he realised that his marks were not good enough to study medicine. “Even though I was strong in mathematics and physical sciences, I was lacking in other subjects. I thought of engineering, but then the Science Faculty's academic coordinator, Wilma Wagener, convinced me to enter a BSc <a href="/english/welcome/Pages/Extended-degree-programmes.aspx">Extended Curriculum Programme</a> (ECP) in the Faculty of Science," he explains.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“In hindsight, that was one of the best decisions I could have made," he adds.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“There is a huge gap between matric and first year at university. At school we were spoon fed, but already in the first two weeks of class at university I realised that I would either have to swim or sink! I very quickly had to learn how to figure things out for myself. I believe that, even though it took me one year longer to complete the BSc-degree, the EDP provided me with a solid foundation to manage and succeed in my studies."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">This propensity to “figure things out for himself" has continued into his approach to his doctoral research: “I am motivated by sitting down and really figuring things out. Some people simply jump to the next topic when they are struggling, which is probably easy to do. I would rather make mistakes and learn from it than give up."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">However, sometimes even someone with a positive mind set had to learn the hard way, especially from an old-school supervisor such as <a href="https://www0.sun.ac.za/chemistry/applications-of-organometallic-complexes/">Prof. Selwyn Mapolie</a> from the <a href="https://www0.sun.ac.za/chemistry/">Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science</a>. Emile recounts one incident from his MSc studies when Prof. Mapolie very sternly sent him back to the lab bench to go and figure things out, because that is what researchers do.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“During one of our progress meetings, I made the mistake of saying 'I don't know'. He replied and said that a researcher cannot not know what he is doing. 'You should be asking yourself why all the time and go and figure it out', he said!"</p><p style="text-align:justify;">A stained and very dirty blue lab coat bears testimony to this attitude. The dark blue stains, for example, come from the very first experiment which involved a Schiff-base reaction and resulted in the spattering of the reactants which was due to a concentration effect. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Life threw another curve ball at him when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Overnight, postgraduate students' access to laboratories was first restricted and later strictly regulated. He often worked through the night, sometimes even catching a quick nap in between, to perform all the experiments required for his research. There was no time to waste, as funding was only available for four years.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">But the biggest setback came late in 2022 on his birthday when his mother, the late Mrs Ursula Maggott, died of diabetes-related complications. He then had to learn how to deal with bouts of depression, sometimes by just going into the lab and doing one task for the day, other times by exercising and regularly walking his two German Shepard dogs.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Fortunately, though, he did learn the name of the secret ingredient that made his mother's cheese sauce stand out from all others, as well as how to prepare the best sweet and sour lentil curry in the Western Cape.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">As far as his research is concerned, he is in the process of finalising a second research article to be published from his doctoral dissertation and has applied for a Consolidoc position in the department to finalise another two research articles. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">In his research, Dr Maggott succeeded in identifying a range of recyclable catalysts (from a potential group of 35 candidates). These materials were used as catalyst precursors in oxidative transformations in which the reaction can be fine-tuned by converting biomass substrates (waste materials) into value-added products. The high value oxygenates is particularly useful in the pharmaceutical, perfume, flavourant, cosmetic and biofuel industry. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">“The research is novel, firstly, because it is the first time that these type of catalyst systems have been used in the proposed applications. Secondly, during the synthetic process we incorporate cheap and earth-abundant metals which ultimately contributes to a greener society. And thirdly, the overall process is fine-tuned, which means that we can selectively produce the desired compound (the more valuable product). This in essence makes the process greener and more sustainable since it reduces downstream separation processes," he explains.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Having presented papers at international conferences in Spain, Italy, and Germany, he is eager to spread his wings again: “There is still a lot of things to figure out!", he concludes.<br></p><p><br></p> |
| DSAf merges two centres to form new Centre for Student Life and Learning | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10285 | | DSAf merges two centres to form new Centre for Student Life and Learning | Lynne Rippenaar-Moses | <p style="text-align:justify;">A transformative shift has taken place within the Division Student Affairs (DSAf) with the merger of two of its three centres, the Centre for Student Leadership, Experiential Education and Citizenship (CSLEEC) and the Centre for Student Communities (CSC), to form one centre that is now known as the Centre for Student Life and Learning (CSLL). The Centre name was unveiled yesterday (01 November 2023).<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Dr Choice Makhetha, Senior Director of DSAf, said that concluding remarks contained in the Khampepe Commission Report and pertaining to the efficacy of key role players, underlined the need for staff from CSLEEC and the CSC to work closer together. The report cited the disconnect between the two centres as a wasted opportunity to further enhance the training and development of student leaders. The Commission was chaired by the former Justice of the Constitutional Court of South Africa, Emeritus Justice Sisi Khampepe. <br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Student leaders and the broader student body will benefit more from a wealth of expertise and experience available among colleagues within the new Centre. These colleagues have an opportunity to provide an integrated, seamless, transformational experience for all, collaborating with like-minded colleagues across the university and working with students as co-creators," explained Makhetha, who led the merger process.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Leading this process was a rare privilege for me and a tough journey to navigate. What motivated me, was understanding the bigger picture and how it would help us to address the observations, analysis, findings and recommendations made by the Khampepe Commission Report," said Makhetha. <br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Following the departure of CSLEEC's Director, Makhetha initiated informal conversations amongst staff in both centres in March this year to deliberate the possible merger of CSLEEC and CSC. These discussions were supported by the Deputy Vice Chancellor: Learning and Teaching, Prof Deresh Ramjugernath.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Colleagues were encouraged to make more of an effort to interact with one another and work together more in order to better understand the work done by their peers across the two Centres," said Makhetha. <br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">In March, CSC and CSLEEC held its first joint team meeting followed by smaller group sessions involving the two centres' administrative and management teams, colleagues responsible for leadership development and training, as well as individuals within units, including Residential Education Coordinators. <br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">On 2 June, staff from both centres attended a meeting to announce the decision to formally explore the possibility of merging CSLEEC and CSC. Makhetha explained that her gradual approach to deliberating a merger, stemmed from the recognition that while change holds promise, its successful implementation hinges on careful management, ensuring inclusivity, and addressing any apprehensions that may arise.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“That period of open and honest conversations was highly valuable because it brought our attention to all the issues we needed to take into account, whether we chose to merge or keep the centres separated."<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Between 05 June and 14 July, various one-on-one meetings and submissions of concerns were received, that Makhetha responded to in writing, and on 27 June, a full Visioning Day was held to get a better picture of the scope of the work within the two centres and areas where that work aligned. Before the final proposal was submitted to Ramjugernath for the centres to merge, final submissions regarding concerns and uncertainty were also addressed.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Some of the other key benefits of the merger, said Makhetha, include the change of name of the new Centre, which “truly encompasses the gist of the work done by the two centres and the units". <br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“There will now be increased growth and personal development opportunities and pathways, as well as areas of specialisation in one centre, and equitable access to more functional spaces. Additionally, there would be more opportunities to unite students and provide a sense of belonging within this integrated space, and for increased effectiveness and efficiency with the limited resources available."<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">The merger, she said, “was an opportunity to reflect deeply on the work we do and the quality we needed to provide, consistently, and with greater efficiency".<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">The new Centre is headed by Pieter Kloppers, who served as CSC's Director and now the Director of CSLL, with Gareth Cornelissen as Deputy Director: Operations, and Dr Heidi October, the former Acting Director of CSLEEC, who is now the Deputy Director: Leadership. There are five Units within the Centre: the Unit for Residence Student Communities, with Benita van Zyl as Manager; the Unit for Commuter Student Communities, with Jethro Georgiades as Manager; the Unit for Student Governance, with Anele Mdepa as Manager; the Unit for Experiential Learning, with Dr Ruth Andrews as Manager; and the Unit for Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion, with Yeki Mosomothane as Manager.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Colleagues from CSLEEC and CSC understood extremely well why we needed to change and the process we followed allowed staff ample opportunity to raise concerns, provide their input and to feel part of the change happening. Every staff member is on board and no one is negatively affected in this process!"<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Both Kloppers and Cornelissen said that they were excited about all the possibilities that the new CSLL will bring. Pointing to a painting in the waiting area near the reception of the new Centre, Kloppers explained that the different figures in the painting, linked to each other through their participation in different activities, structures and engagements, aptly capture the impact that a bigger and more diverse team such as that at the CSLL can do. <br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“I think the name of our new Centre is very descriptive and am excited that we are now able to put all the different parts of a student's life and learning together in one environment. When you are working in silos, it can make it harder to support students holistically and when we pool our expertise, we can offer our students so much more," said Kloppers. <br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“It is definitely also an exciting time for staff as we can further amplify what students gain from student life and through the co-curricular learning and training we provide to them. And when you work with students, who are at the start of their [adult] life journey and full of life and energy, you can't help but be inspired and energised through the various engagements you have with them."<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">That energy, along with the expertise and knowledge that is now contained within the CSLL, he said, can “only lead to more innovation and possibilities as well as ideas". <br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“We also enrich our working environment and our student offering when we bring a group of diverse staff members and students together to think about how we further improve leadership training and development and remain relevant based on the skills needs of our students."<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">For Cornelissen, the “merger of our two centres will offer students a better-quality leadership training experience, and now, when there are crises that we need to handle in the student environment, we can think about those challenges together and offer varied insights to reach better solutions by applying our collective knowledge and expertise to assist our students".<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Cornelissen is responsible for Operations within the CSLL, and suspects that there has not only been duplication of training offered to students in the past due to the teams working in separate environments, but also with regards to expenditure on the same students. This means that one student could possibly have received training in similar skills from both CSLEEC and CSC. <br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“It's not only about the Rand and cents value, but also the amount of labour hours staff on both sides put in with regards to training of students," he explained.<br><br>“The other thing that I am very excited about is the expansion and strengthening of the management team and the collective expertise we'll have in the CSLL now," he added.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Mosomothane will continue to focus on leadership, diversity, and inclusion in his new role as manager of the Unit for Leadership, Diversity, and Inclusion. Through this unit, he and his team will collaborate with other CSLL units, with stakeholders on SU's other campuses and with faculties as their work impacts on all these environments. <br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“By working with other units in the CSLL, we will not only extend our reach, but also work with students interacting with the CSLL through the various units. It means we can work with students to design programmes that equip them with the right skills to serve as leaders and drive diversity and inclusion on campus."<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Referring to the upcoming DSAf Strategic Planning meeting, Mosomothane said that further details regarding exact programme offerings will be explored at this meeting in early November, with more information to follow at a later stage.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“We are being provided with an opportunity to work towards actively engaging our students and understanding what type of end product they want and involving them in the process of creating that product. I am a believer in co-creation, so everything we create will be with our students and with our staff's input," he added.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“It is our intention as a unit that our work is cross-cutting and that we are embedded in the work of all units, but also intentional about implementing diversity and inclusion, and that we go back to basics to co-create with students again."<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Andrews, who will manage experiential learning in CSLL, has been the driving force along with her team in expanding the reach of DSAf's flagship programme, Shared Humanity: Lessons in Critical Thinking. This programme, she says, will continue within the unit along with other activities. <br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">"The Shared Humanity offering extends across divisions and faculties and plays a pivotal role in providing every student at Stellenbosch University with the chance to acquire essential competencies in social justice and democracy, as emphasised in the Khampepe Report. Additionally, we remain committed to cultivating institutional collaborations and closely collaborating with the Division for Learning and Teaching Enhancement, as we strive to fulfill our mandate and ensure the quality assurance of non-credit bearing programmes within the university," Andrews explained.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">"In the past, collaboration among different centres and units has been limited, leading to a lack of awareness of the activities of colleagues. With this merger, we have a unique opportunity to foster greater collaboration, identify and eliminate redundancies, and effectively operate within the upcoming budget constraints. The integration will facilitate the exchange of crucial information among us, enhancing our services to students. It is poised to deepen our intellectual comprehension of our work and, ideally, foster a culture of research orientation, ensuring that all our endeavours are grounded in research-driven insights. This is really important to me."<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Commenting on the role of the Unit for Student Governance, Mdepa said that the integration of all student structures within the unit will exponentially benefit the student community at large and ensure that all leaders within student governance structures get the same specialised training that will be offered through other units in the CSLL.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“The university's strategic goal of creating a transformative student experience for all our students will also be enhanced within CSLL and this unit as we start speaking with one voice and operating as a collective with one mandate to support the institution in delivering on this specific goal."<br></p> |
| Message from the Rector - assessment wishes and important information about SU support services | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10275 | | Message from the Rector - assessment wishes and important information about SU support services | Prof Wim de Villiers | <p><br>Dear students<br></p><p> At the start of the November assessment period at Stellenbosch University (SU), I would like to wish you all the best with your exam preparation, final studies for the year, writing of papers and submission of year-end assignments and proposals. May you truly be awarded for all your hard work and commitment during a challenging year. Now is the time to focus and put in some extra energy for the final stretch, but it is also important to sleep enough and look after yourself.<br> <br> Therefore, I would also like to use this opportunity to remind you of the important and valuable support services that SU offers to students during the assessment period. Please see below for information about security and shuttle services, psychological support, academic support, arrangements during loadshedding, venues with Wi-Fi and access to open dining halls and catering services for PSO and commuter students.<br> <br> Please make use of these various support services and ask for help should you need it.<br> <br> Best of luck! We are thinking of you and we wish you well.<br> <br> <strong><em>Forward together.</em></strong><br> <br> <strong>Prof Wim de Villiers</strong><br><strong> </strong><strong>Rector and Vice-chancellor</strong> </p><p><br><span style="color:#61223b;"><span style="color:#61223b;"><strong>SU SUPPORT SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE FOR STUDENTS</strong></span></span><br> <br> <strong>Walk-with service – Stellenbosch campus</strong><br> We advise students to use the walk-with service that is available every evening from 18:00 onwards. Students can request to be accompanied by a security officer at night, when walking between buildings or parking areas on campus. This service is available throughout the year. Students can send a request via WhatsApp to 082 808 2333 or phone Campus Security at 021 808 4891.<br> <br> <strong>Night shuttle service – Stellenbosch campus</strong><br> Students are encouraged to make use of the night shuttle service. This is a <strong>booked</strong> service for students studying late at night from the pick-up point at the Neelsie Student Centre to private housing in the broader town. The shuttle departs every hour on the hour from the Neelsie Student Centre, and transports students within a 7 km radius from the campus. Please make a booking via the MySun platform: MySun > Services > Reservations: Shuttle Services.<br> <br> <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://www0.sun.ac.za/sustainability/pages/services/transport/campus-shuttle-service.php%23Stellenbosch&data=05%7c01%7c%7cc44d7cc0847c42e0ccf208dbdaae02ec%7ca6fa3b030a3c42588433a120dffcd348%7c0%7c0%7c638344213128886450%7cUnknown%7cTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7c3000%7c%7c%7c&sdata=VfoDqLnV3t2mywwnM22xBLNjrSclVfnuBn6Oqdzpxeo%3D&reserved=0"><strong>More information</strong></a> about the shuttle service on the Stellenbosch campus.<br> <br> <strong>Shuttle services – Tygerberg campus</strong><br> <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://www0.sun.ac.za/sustainability/pages/services/transport/campus-shuttle-service.php%23Tygerberg&data=05%7c01%7c%7cc44d7cc0847c42e0ccf208dbdaae02ec%7ca6fa3b030a3c42588433a120dffcd348%7c0%7c0%7c638344213128886450%7cUnknown%7cTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7c3000%7c%7c%7c&sdata=cKfFB3ADPdAfWk8zc1cC5R%2BHKYdKGnG5rCtqRmR0OYg%3D&reserved=0"><strong>More information</strong></a> about the shuttle service on the Tygerberg campus.<br> <br> <strong>Campus Security</strong><br> Please report any security-related incident to Campus Security. They are available 24/7.</p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>0800 02 5827 (tollfree)</li><li>021 808 2333 (Stellenbosch campus)</li><li>021 938 9507 (Tygerberg campus) </li></ul><p><strong>Therapeutic and academic support services</strong><br> The Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD) offers professional support and counselling to students who are experiencing personal, professional or academic challenges, emotional or mental trauma or mental health challenges.<br> <br> The CSCD will continue to provide support and therapy to students during the assessment period. The services are free and confidential.<br> <br> To reach out for therapeutic support during office hours (08:00–16:00), please contact the CSCD at <a href="mailto:supportus@sun.ac.za"><strong>supportus@sun.ac.za</strong></a> or 021 808 4994 (Stellenbosch campus) or 021 927 7020 (Tygerberg campus).<br> <br> In case of a crisis after hours, please phone the ER24 crisis line on 010 205 3032.<br> <br> Students in need of academic counselling can contact the CSCD on 021 808 4707 or send an email to <a href="mailto:studysuccess@sun.ac.za"><strong>studysuccess@sun.ac.za</strong></a><br> <br> More information on services provided by CSCD: <a href="/cscd"><strong>www.sun.ac.za/cscd</strong></a><br> <br> <strong>ER24 emergency number</strong><br> 010 205 3032<br> <br> <strong>Loadshedding – venues with power and Wi-Fi</strong><br> Students are reminded of the availability of workspaces with continued power supply and Wi-Fi access. These are indicated on the interactive campus map, which can be accessed <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://campusmap.sun.ac.za/&data=05%7c01%7c%7cc44d7cc0847c42e0ccf208dbdaae02ec%7ca6fa3b030a3c42588433a120dffcd348%7c0%7c0%7c638344213129042745%7cUnknown%7cTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7c3000%7c%7c%7c&sdata=fNixOS5a5F31/QRWrMCoFXN0qaZHYlN2OemsLuYGkno%3D&reserved=0"><strong>here</strong></a>. Click on Layers and then on Campus Loadshedding. Please contact us at <a href="mailto:communication@sun.ac.za"><strong>communication@sun.ac.za</strong></a> should you have any difficulty in locating these spaces.<br> <br> <strong>Loadshedding during assessments</strong><br> During the year-end assessment period, SU will ensure that adequate contingency arrangements are in place in the event of loadshedding disruptions. Please see the <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://stellenbosch.evlink2.net/public/messages/view-online/14ApqSSo15jB5Dbg/xbpj9uarSLfF4VAW/ZtrXOTN4zsdNMSiv&data=05%7c01%7c%7cc44d7cc0847c42e0ccf208dbdaae02ec%7ca6fa3b030a3c42588433a120dffcd348%7c0%7c0%7c638344213129042745%7cUnknown%7cTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7c3000%7c%7c%7c&sdata=9lP1H%2BgnupUzLZE7ZJF3Iy3GY0SIDUDQchwR4%2BJclWA%3D&reserved=0"><strong>update from the Electricity Crisis Contingency Committee</strong></a> dated 17 October 2023 for more information.<br> <br> Click <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http://stellenbosch.evlink2.net/public/messages/view-online/14ApqSSo15jB5Dbg/xbpj9uarSLfF4VAW/8c076d7f32b476af&data=05%7c01%7c%7cc44d7cc0847c42e0ccf208dbdaae02ec%7ca6fa3b030a3c42588433a120dffcd348%7c0%7c0%7c638344213129042745%7cUnknown%7cTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7c3000%7c%7c%7c&sdata=K9OPEneE4/IC9pE3DPFDN7ogUPkGEEZbOPTpDgc9D9c%3D&reserved=0"><strong>here</strong></a> for contingency arrangements with regards to loadshedding during exam.<br> <br> <strong>Writing Lab</strong><br> The Writing Lab offers free writing consultations until early December. Students may book consultation sessions to discuss any writing issues, including assessment questions and responses to it; bursary applications; CVs; theses; proposals; etc. The Writing Lab will help students to identify whether they interpreted the assessment questions correctly and how they can improve their responses to make it clearer and more focussed.<br> <br> Sessions last 50 minutes. Online sessions (via MS Teams) and in-person sessions (at 44 Banghoek Road, Stellenbosch) are available. Click <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://apex.sun.ac.za/apex/apex5/f?p%3D210&data=05%7c01%7c%7cc44d7cc0847c42e0ccf208dbdaae02ec%7ca6fa3b030a3c42588433a120dffcd348%7c0%7c0%7c638344213129042745%7cUnknown%7cTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7c3000%7c%7c%7c&sdata=zV6Iq8ygfuPiMQdfi%2B/q11yFhd21ycNcjn3Bo3SPVKY%3D&reserved=0"><strong>here</strong></a> for the Writing Lab's electronic booking system.<br> <br> For more information or assistance, please email Anne-Mari Lackay at <a href="mailto:amlackay@sun.ac.za"><strong>amlackay@sun.ac.za</strong></a> or Vinelene Hartley at <a href="mailto:vhartley@sun.ac.za"><strong>vhartley@sun.ac.za</strong></a><strong>.</strong><br> <br> <strong>Meal of the day – open dining halls – PSO students</strong><br> PSO and commuter students have access to catering services in residences. During their first-year registration, each PSO/commuter student is placed within a cluster. They have access to open dining halls within each cluster. Check here to see your cluster: MySun > Accommodation > Accommodation Status.<br> <br> Before any meal can be booked, students need to make sure that they are registered to use COB and to book meals. PSO/commuter students need to activate their meal account. Please see <a href="/english/Documents/2023/Registration-PSO-student-cards-for-meals-open-dining-halls-at-SU.pdf"><strong>this document</strong></a> for information about activating these services, payments and where the open dining halls are.<br> <br> To book meals on the Facilities Management System (FMS), students should register on the MySun portal. Click on <em>“</em>meal booking<em>".</em> After students have registered, they are welcome to book meals on the FMS at the allocated open dining halls. The FMS is available on MySun and <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://fmsweb.sun.ac.za/&data=05%7c01%7c%7cc44d7cc0847c42e0ccf208dbdaae02ec%7ca6fa3b030a3c42588433a120dffcd348%7c0%7c0%7c638344213129042745%7cUnknown%7cTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7c3000%7c%7c%7c&sdata=sV7ZqUQif6lKBtwOU5lkiIpG10VRSLje1qzcaf1QaSU%3D&reserved=0"><strong>here</strong></a>.<br><br> Menus and costs are available on the FMS. If students have any enquiries regarding meals, they are welcome to email Lynique Bergstedt at <a href="mailto:lab@sun.ac.za"><strong>lab@sun.ac.za</strong></a><strong>.</strong><br> <br> <a href="/english/learning-teaching/student-affairs/csc/private-student-organisations-(psos)"><strong>More information</strong></a> about Private Student Organisations (PSOs).<br> <br> <a href="/english/learning-teaching/student-affairs/csc/clusters"><strong>More information</strong></a> about clusters.<br> <br> <strong>Opening hours of SU libraries</strong><br> Please click <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://libguides.sun.ac.za/hours&data=05%7c01%7c%7cc44d7cc0847c42e0ccf208dbdaae02ec%7ca6fa3b030a3c42588433a120dffcd348%7c0%7c0%7c638344213129042745%7cUnknown%7cTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7c3000%7c%7c%7c&sdata=ja668dCfqDEg//9YOcdpxK7%2BjrtZgIubhlgyJgSDcx0%3D&reserved=0"><strong>here</strong></a> to access the various library opening hours.<br> <br></p> |
| Huis Visser uses ping pong to spread awareness of breast cancer | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10259 | | Huis Visser uses ping pong to spread awareness of breast cancer | Yasmin Cloete | <p>Huis Visser recently organised an event on the Rooiplein to raise awareness about Breast Cancer and used a fun version of ping pong to spread the word about this important issue that can affect both women and men.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">The residence decorated their stall with bras to draw the attention of students passing by so that volunteers from Huis Visser could take this opportunity to share some important facts about the disease with students on campus.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Everyone passing by was invited to join the ping pong game, and winners were awarded a prize that included some sweets and a note detailing the risk factors that can contribute to the development of breast cancer.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">According to the facts shared with students, “breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer of all cancer types in South Africa", however, “early detection can lead to effective treatment, extending the lifespan of 90% of patients after early treatment".</p><p>Breast Cancer Awareness Month, famously known as 'Pink October,' takes place every year in October. People all over the world participate by wearing a pink ribbon to spread awareness. The pink ribbon represents the fight against breast cancer and serves as a symbol to educate individuals about this disease through various awareness initiatives.</p><p>The inaugural Breast Cancer Awareness event was held in 1985 with a weeklong campaign organised by the American Cancer Society and the Pharmaceutical Division of Imperial Chemical Industries. Over time, it evolved into a month-long event, with people worldwide embracing the pink ribbon as a powerful symbol for spreading awareness.</p><p>The primary goal of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to increase knowledge about this illness and equip individuals with information on detecting early signs. Additionally, the month serves as a platform to raise funds for advancing research in the field of breast cancer. Given that it is the most frequently diagnosed cancer, regular mammograms and screenings, particularly starting from the age of 40, play a vital role in early detection.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Eben Baasden, House Committee member responsible for the portfolios of Sustainability and Social Impact, and Derby Week at Huis Vissser, was responsible for arranging the event.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“The Social Impact Committee always plans an activity for breast cancer awareness month. This year, we decided to do something small on the Rooiplein. It was a successful event, and we are glad that we could have contributed to raising awareness of an illness that has an impact on many women, but men too, and which female students on campus are also impacted by."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Many students as well as residents from Huis Visser grabbed pink ribbons at the stall to wear on the day and show their support. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">“I believe that even the smallest efforts to help spread awareness can have an impact and make a difference."<br></p> |
| Listen, Live and Learn discussion during Woordfees explores the complexities of Coloured culture | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10263 | | Listen, Live and Learn discussion during Woordfees explores the complexities of Coloured culture | Tendani Tshauambea | <p style="text-align:justify;">Since the Toyota SU Woordfees (Wordfest), an annual arts festival held in Stellenbosch, concluded, the productions, live television and radio broadcasts, book discussions, and music have left students and staff alike with much to reflect on going forward. One of those events that sparked in-depth discussions was a student engagement organised by the Listen, Live, and Learn Programme (LLL Programme) with Tessa Dooms and Lynsey Ebony Chutel on their book, <em>Coloured: How Classification became Culture</em>. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">The two authors were in Stellenbosch for the <em>Woordfees Skrywerseries</em> and visited students living at 53 Victoria Street – a LLL Program House – on campus. Dooms, a sociologist, political analyst and development practitioner, and Chutel, a multimedia journalist and a writer, both grew up in Eldorado Park in Johannesburg.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“<em>Coloured</em> is a book for Coloured people, by Coloured people, a book of Coloured and colourful stories from varied corners of the South African vista, past, present and future," explained the authors.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Ethan Conradie, a member of the LLL Programme opened the conversation with a personal reflection on his journey of understanding his identity as a young queer, Coloured man.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“I am very happy that we are having this discussion today seeing that there is not a lot of conversation regarding Colouredness. Coloured as a race, identity, and culture has been marginalised for decades now. The questions we frequently ask are, WHO ARE WE? WHAT ARE WE? DO WE MATTER?," he said.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Coloured people in South Africa have always been on the sideline, but through 'culture' we unite and we are aware of who we are. But then what can be defined as Coloured culture?" </p><p style="text-align:justify;">The authors delved into a range of topics related to the formation of Coloured identity and culture, including hair and the politics of straight versus curly hair, the <a href="https://www.news24.com/sport/rugby/ashwin-willemse-saga-case-closed-by-human-rights-commission-20230605">Ashwin Willemse</a> incident and the enduring stereotypes of Coloured men, the distinction between identifying as ethnically Coloured and politically Black, and the continued marginality of Coloured identity in post-apartheid South Africa.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Speaking to the range of Coloured lived experiences, the conversation focused on how the “book aims to move beyond a narrow view of Coloured identity as being a phenotype" but “towards a more detailed narrative which speaks to the complexity and diversity of Coloured identity, which differs greatly depending on the community, region and familial histories of Coloured people from Bonteheuwel, Cloetesville or Eldorado Park," said the authors.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“This book dives deeper into challenging the notion that Coloured people do not have a distinct heritage or culture. It produces necessary topics of who we are as Coloured people while also diving into the history of Coloured ancestry," Conradie explained.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Due to the difficulty of the history, which the book explores, the conversation between the authors and the diverse group of students in attendance created a space where all the participants could engage honestly about their own understanding – or lack thereof – of Coloured identity. Students also shared honestly about their own experiences with stereotypical attitudes towards Coloured identity directed at them and the beliefs they grew up with without much awareness of the fuller story explored in the book.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">According to one of the students, Brittney Brand, the discussion was “very affirming for me because while I knew there was no one way of being Coloured, I still felt like I wasn't Coloured enough and the authors really made me feel as if I belong, no matter how I show up".</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“My existence, my life experience was Coloured enough and being Coloured is what we decide to make it." </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Speaking about his experiences as a Coloured man, Conradie added: “The fact that I am Coloured and a man, means society has already defined who I am as a Coloured man and placed constrictions on what masculinity can be defined as. MA OMDAT EK SOE PRAAT, IS EK ONMIDDELIK GEKLASSIFISEER as 'n iemand wat moontlik 'n GANGSTER kan wies. En dit is scary." [In English: BUT BECAUSE I SPEAK LIKE THIS, I AM IMMEDIATELY CLASSIFIED as someone who could possibly be a GANGSTER. And that is scary.] </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Due to a history of stereotyping and marginalisation, Coloured identity in South Africa has often been misunderstood, especially in the post-apartheid context of the country. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Dooms and Chutel's book is valuable as a conversation starter that people can use to begin the work of unlearning harmful stereotypes and walking the journey towards a more nuanced understanding of Coloured identity beyond phenotypes, hair and one-dimensional stories.</p><p>Student Adon Rhode said that "the discussion emphasised that there is still a significant need for me to educate myself about my own culture". </p><p>"My main takeaway was that individuals and the collective identity of Coloureds are sufficient, and they can stand tall regardless of what the masses may be saying."<br></p> |
| “Cultivating a culture that promotes student success through meaningful co-curricular experiences” | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10222 | | “Cultivating a culture that promotes student success through meaningful co-curricular experiences” | Tendani Tshauambea | <p style="text-align:justify;">For the last few months, aspiring and existing student leaders have been undergoing leadership development training in preparation for student leadership elections across various student governance structures. The aim with all the training? To “cultivate students for a future of success".<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“The goal is to provide students with practical skills through specialised training, focusing on interactive, student-centred sessions that address emotional intelligence and project management," says Dr Liezl Dick, Res-Ed Curriculum Coordinator at the Centre for Student Communities (CSC) within the Division Student Affairs (DSAf), of the recent training that house committee leaders from the residence and commuter student spaces underwent. Dick is tasked with developing student leaders at Stellenbosch University (SU) along with staff in the Centre for the Student Leadership, Experiential Education and Citizenship (CSLEEC).</p><p style="text-align:justify;">In July, the Leadership Summit for Aspiring Leaders (LSAL) was held at the Jan Mouton Learning Centre on Stellenbosch campus. LSAL is a leadership student engagement platform for aspiring and existing student leaders to develop their leadership skills. This year, students were able to engage and learn from well-known, respected leadership experts, discuss leadership challenges on campus with their peers, understand the role of student leaders in solving challenges faced by students today, particularly at SU, and start a conversation about innovative ways to tackle those challenges.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“The LSAL Programme is a leadership platform that was created for any students who wants to get involved in the student leadership space, whether positional or non-positional, and forms part of the FVZS and CSLEEC strategy to populate the leadership pipeline from the moment that students steps into the Higher Education space", says Spurgeon Wilson , Programme Manager at CSLEEC.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">LSAL was organised around the theme of “Cultivating the leader within US" and introduced the participants to the concept of institutional culture and “its role in the operation and achievement of the goals of institutions of higher learning, specifically relating to inclusivity and diversity", Wilson added.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">A total of 813 students applied to participate in LSAL 2023, 526 students participated in person while 287 joined online on the summit day. The introductory keynote address was given by Prof Heblon Vilakazi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, University of the Witwatersrand. Prof Vilakazi set the tone for the summit by unpacking the different layers that impact institutional culture.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"> The summit program consisted of panel discussions which delved deeper into “institutional culture, leadership and the student voice", and were moderated by SU staff and students. These helped students to make sense of institutional culture through their own values and how to deal with discomfort where values conflict. Ms Rukshana Parker, Private Law Lecturer at the SU Law Faculty delivered the closing keynote, discussing the mindset needed to address social and cultural change through leadership.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">After the appointment of student leaders was concluded towards the end of August, student leadership training in student communities kicked off with the “Preparing for Constitutional Training" session held at Academia Hall.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Further leadership training included Mentor Training, Prim Camp, Newly Elected Leaders Conference (NELC), CSO StratCon, and Specialist HC Training.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“The aim of the various training opportunities is to ensure that student leaders are prepared for their leadership terms, are able to network with their peers and build on their existing experience," explained Dick.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">While most of the training was held in Stellenbosch across different venues on campus, some of the training took place in Grabouw and Piekernierskloof over multiple days. These included the Prim Camp and the Commuter Student Organisation (CSO) Strategic Conference (CSO StratCon) from 12 to 14 September.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Sharing her experience of the HC Specialist Training, Hellen Mmile said: “I think listening to other people talk about how comprehensive and informative the specialist training was, and how much they enjoyed it made me envy the incoming HCs because I wish I had that opportunity to go in 'not so blind' into my leadership term." </p><p>Leadership training forms a key part of the CSC's mission of cultivating a culture which promotes student success through meaningful co-curricular experiences. Further, they ensure that student leaders remain adaptable in an ever-changing social context that they must lead in.<br></p><p> “The leadership training was an interesting event. I appreciate the time and effort put in to make it happen, and I believe we did benefit from it. Personally, because I'm part of the senior cluster, some sessions or talking points seemed irrelevant (such as the singing)", said by Siphiwe Phetla, an HC from Huis McDonald, in his feedback.<br></p><p>The ultimate goal according to Dick is the creation of leadership academy. </p><p><span style="text-align:justify;">“</span><span style="text-align:justify;">We need to work towards a leadership academy, so that when students leave Stellenbosch University as leaders, people will know they were part of the Stellenbosch Leadership Academy, and that they have a certain kind of skill working with diverse students, and display accountable, effective and responsive leadership, which is not something that's really present in our country at the moment."</span><br></p> |
| Students engage with legendary cricketer Dr Ali Bacher | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10221 | | Students engage with legendary cricketer Dr Ali Bacher | Rayyaan Rhode | <p>I<span style="text-align:justify;">f cricket </span><span style="text-align:justify;">was</span><span style="text-align:justify;"> a kingdom, Dr Ali Bacher would be considered royalty in that land in both South Africa and the rest of the global sporting world. </span><span style="text-align:justify;">Recently students from the sports environment and others were given the opportunity </span><span style="text-align:justify;">to engage with Dr </span><span style="text-align:justify;">B</span><span style="text-align:justify;">acher as part of </span><span style="text-align:justify;">an event organised by Stellenbosch University's Students' Representative Council (SRC) and Maties Sport.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;">According to Kimara Singh, Manager: Media and Communications at Maties Sport, Maties Sport wants to create an inclusive space where conversations like the one with Bacher can be had, and where students can have impactful engagement and learn from those opportunities.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“It is important to take these lessons from a seasoned professional and apply them – for students, student-athletes, and staff," she explained.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Maties Sport also invests in the holistic development of our student-athletes and staff through our PACER programme initiatives like the Captains Corner and Coaches Forum, which aim to enrich our coaches and captains by having engagements with various successful people in the sporting industry."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Bacher was welcomed by the Head of Maties cricket and former professional cricketer, Mr Ryan Bailey, who “introduced Bacher as the father of South African cricket."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Dr Bacher started the discussion by telling the audience about his various life experiences as a cricketer, administrator, and businessperson.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Bacher is a South African right-hand batter and test captain who led both the South African and Transvaal (now The DP World Lions) teams. He also served as administrator for the then United Cricket Board South Africa (now Cricket South Africa).</p><p style="text-align:justify;">But Bacher also built a name for himself as a cricket administrator with the golden touch in his later years. While soft-spoken, Bacher was not one to back away from controversy and during the 1980s led several 'rebel' cricket tours overseas when South Africa's apartheid policies made it a sporting no-go area. His decision was met with hostility from those involved in the struggle against apartheid who felt that the tours would only “lend credibility to the National Party."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">In between the controversy, Bacher, who graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand with a medical degree, worked actively to develop cricketers in non-white communities by hosting cricket clinics and development programmes in townships.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">By the time the late President Nelson Mandela was released, Bacher had reinvented himself as South Africa's cricket mastermind and all-rounder. Through Frederik van Zyl Slabbert, Bacher was introduced to Mr Steve Tshwete, who would later become the Minster of Sport in South Africa. Thanks to meetings facilitated between the South African Cricket Union (SACU) and the SA Cricket Board, the United Cricket Board (UCB) was established in 1991. Bacher would serve as the Board's Administrator.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Tshwete would later become the go-to man for former President Thabo Mbeki, when the country had to enlist support for South Africa to get admission to the International Cricket Council (ICC). Together, Tshwete and Bacher travelled overseas and obtained the country's admission.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Bacher remained at the helm at UCB for the best part of a decade, before stepping aside to mastermind the organisation of the 2003 World Cup. Along with his cricket credentials as a player and a cricket administrator.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Drawing on his diverse career, Bacher shared two of the most important characteristics that he believes people need to be successful, which are passion and commitment. These characteristics, he said “is what helped me during my cricket career, as an administrator as well as a student."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Bacher also shared some of memories from his interactions with politicians such as South Africa's current President Cyril Ramaphosa, who he said gave him sage advice.<br>“His advice was never to meet anyone one on one, and to always have a witness that can vouch for you. This is a lesson that I feel is important for young people to embrace once they enter the professional world."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The reason for this, said Bacher is “if someone says you said or did one thing and you did not, the witness can vouch for what is the truth."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">During the Q and A session, Chief Director of Maties Sport, Ms Ilhaam Groenewald, asked Bacher why it had taken so long to take women's cricket in South Africa seriously.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“The main reason for this was the lack of money," said Bacher. “People were not willing to invest into women's cricket compared to investments now."<br></p> |
| Meet our newly elected SRC members for 2024! | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10215 | | Meet our newly elected SRC members for 2024! | Yasmin Cloete | <p></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Our newly-elected Students' Representative Council has been elected, with Phiwokuhle Qabaka, former SRC Secretary General, voted in as Chair.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The new SRC Executive was officially welcomed into office on Thursday (27 September 2023) at a ceremony held at the SU Museum. During the ceremony the outgoing SRC members were also honoured for their contribution to the student community at Stellenbosch University (SU). The students were addressed by Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Learning and Teaching, and Dr Choice Makhetha, Senior Director of Division Student Affairs, as well as outgoing SRC Chair, Masilo Silokazi.</p><p>In 2022/2023 Qabaka served as SRC Secretary General, a position in which she learnt many lessons.<br></p><p>“The biggest challenge of being the SG is the workload you have to do as a single person and everyone's expectations of you to do it right. My academics suffered quite a bit and I often felt overwhelmed, so it was a joy and also a challenge," she says.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Before serving as Secretary General, Qabaka was class rep for students completing the Extended Degree Programme as well as for the BCom degree, Financial Accounting, Intro to Logistics and Supply Chain classes in the Economics and Management Sciences Faculty.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“I was also a non-positional leader of the EFF student command," she says.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">She was inspired to run for SRC when she identified “a gap between the SRC and students".<br><br>“I wanted to fill that gap and show the students that we are genuinely there for them. I didn't just wake up and decide I'm going to run for SRC. I actually made sure that I am in touch with how the institution functions and what our students actually need."<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">When asked what she thinks makes a good leader, she pauses and shares her insights: “Compassion. One's willingness to listen to others and patience are important. Also, when you occupy a position like Chair, you should also be able to take critique and not lose your cool."<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Qabaka is stepping into her role as Chair at a time when the higher education sector faces a number of challenges that are severely impacting students, such as financial exclusion due to student debt and the shortfalls in study funding caused by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme's (NSFAS) cap on funding for South African students.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Financial exclusion is definitely a big concern. There is also a lack of accommodation with not enough space for students, so they often end up living in horrible conditions. I think student governance structures and students are also divided on campus, so I think that one thing I would like to accomplish is to eliminate the unfortunate divide between the Prim Comm and the SRC. I am deeply committed to a non-racial society because ultimately we are all human - and it is something I will die trying to achieve."<br></p><p>Like all leaders, Qabaka also has to deal with fear.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“I think I'm used to the SRC space but I have a fear of failure which often drives me to work harder and succeed in all that I do."<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">The position of SRC Vice Chair is held by Abongile Quthu, with Mzwakhe Bolotina as Secretary General. Ongezwa Tshazi was selected as Treasurer. The following students are General members of the SRC: Reagan Johnson; Risuna Risimati; Bradley Grovers; Daisy Ndebele and Solomzi Mphambo.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">The Ex-officio members are: Qiniso Sithole, Senior Prim Committee Chairperson; Andri Malan, Prim Committee Chairperson; Courtney de Klerk, Prim Committee Vice Chairperson; Thandile Ngxikwe, Societies Council Chairperson; Theo Plaatjie, Military Academy Student Captain.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">As the manager of a team, so to speak, Qabaka says she wants to foster “patience amongst my team" and that “we are a team during the good and bad times."<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">The night ended with the SRC taking an oath of office to obey and uphold the Student Constitution and the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“In the presence of all assembled, I hereby solemnly affirm that I, as member of the Student Representative Council, shall be faithful to Stellenbosch University and all its students. I shall obey, observe, uphold and maintain the Student Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and all other laws of the Republic," repeated the new office holders.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“I solemnly and sincerely promise to do the following to the best of my abilities: to promote all that will advance the University, and oppose all that may harm it; to protect and promote the rights of all staff and students; to discharge all my duties withal my strengths and talents, to the best of my knowledge and ability, and true to the dictates of my conscience; to do justice to all; to devote myself to the well-being and service of the University and all its students; and to endeavour to embody and instill the values of excellence, empathy and accountability, while fostering human dignity, equality for all and non-racialism.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“I take this oath willingly and regard it as binding on my conscience."<br></p> |
| A love for numbers opens door to the world for SU lecturer | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10147 | | A love for numbers opens door to the world for SU lecturer | Corporate Communication & Marketing / Korporatiewe Kommunikasie & Bemarking [Anél Lewis] | <p>A fascination with numbers and a penchant for problem-solving helped a quiet boy from a poor village in northern Namibia become a world-respected financial mathematician who has visited and lectured at some of the world's leading universities. <br></p><p>Dr Mesias Alfeus, a senior lecturer in Financial Risk Management at Stellenbosch University (SU), was recently appointed as a local node leader for a global platform for responsible science – InSPiR2eS Centre for Responsible Science (IC4RS). He has travelled extensively and is a member of the <a href="https://nithecs.ac.za/"><span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-5-0"><strong>National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences'</strong></span> </a>(NITheCS) Quantitative Finance Research Programme Steering Committee. Alfeus recently attended the Symposium in Quantitative Finance and Risk Analysis (QFRA) held in Crete, Greece. </p><p>His flourishing academic career had its humble roots in Okadila village, Namibia, where he was raised by his great-grandmother. “She taught me about God, and I gave my life to Him at an early age." A quiet child, he enjoyed playing the traditional game “Owela womanghete", which involves mathematic thinking, with his great-grandmother. Maths was not the most popular subject at the local school, but Alfeus excelled at it and by Grade 5 he was doing Grade 7 maths problems. By Grade 10, he was the top-performing maths student in the country.</p><p>“Unfortunately, I was spending too much time on my maths and performing poorly in language," he admits. His mathematics skills eclipsed any language shortcomings, fortunately, securing him a scholarship for an engineering degree after school at the Namibia University of Science and Technology. While doing engineering, Alfeus felt “mathematically starved" and decided to pursue a degree in BCom Mathematical Sciences at SU. Sadly, it was here that his lack of language proficiency proved to be a stumbling block and Alfeus deregistered from this course. </p><p>But Alfeus is not one to easily be deterred by a challenge and he returned to the University of Namibia. During his time there, he attended a conference in Spain – travelling for the first time on an international flight. A few years after leaving SU, he was invited to return to do a joint honours degree in financial mathematics with SU, the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences and the University of Cape Town. “Coming back was a joy," reveals Alfeus. He adds that this honours programme proved challenging, with only two of the eight students making it to graduation. Alfeus, however, completed the programme to graduate cum laude. He also received a merit award for his thesis.</p><p>He then accepted a sponsorship from the Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (NAMFISA) to enrol at SU for a master's degree in financial mathematics. Again, his thesis earned him a merit award. After a brief stint at NAMFISA, Alfeus applied for a PhD in quantitative finance at University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in Australia. He chose UTS because of its multidisciplinary Quantitative Finance Research Centre, he explains. And it offered the exciting opportunity to live in a new country. </p><p>Alfeus settled well in a Christian community close to the university, and he completed his PhD in less than three years. “This was an opportunity for me to grow as an academic." During his PhD, Alfeus won the Young Investigator Training Programme (YITP) international award to attend the XIX Workshop on Quantitative Finance, held at the Roma Tre University in Italy. He also spent a month doing research at the <a href="https://www.math.unipd.it/en/"><strong>Dipartimento di Matematica</strong></a> at the University of Padua in Italy</p><p>He was then offered a full academic position at the University of Wollongong in Australia. While he enjoyed his time overseas, it was a matter of the heart that brought him back to local shores. He married his wife, a specialist urologist at Groote Schuur, in 2019 and returned to SU the following year as a lecturer in the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science. </p><p>Now a senior lecturer at SU, Alfeus is also head of the NITheCS Quantitative Finance Research Programme. “I coordinate research in SA, provide students with funding and foster collaboration with other universities and industry partners." The objective is to provide practical solutions for industry-related challenges. Maths models can be developed to deal with the energy crisis and environmental, social and governance (ESG) challenges as an example. Alfeus also supervises master's and PhD students. </p><p>Already widely acclaimed in his field and NRF rated, Alfeus says his next career goal is to host the first Bachelier Finance Society – an organisation in mathematical finance where academia and practitioners can meet and exchange ideas – World Congress in Africa at Stellenbosch. “I want to make sure that quantitative finance is known throughout SA."<br></p><p>Photographer: Stefan Els<br></p> |
| Good governance is the foundation of a successful nation, says Auditor General | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10152 | | Good governance is the foundation of a successful nation, says Auditor General | Tendani Tshauambea | <p><span style="text-align:justify;">“Good governance is the foundation upon which a successful nation is built. It is not merely a buzzword."</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;">These were the words of the Auditor General (AG) of South Africa, Ms Tsakani Maluleke, the guest speaker at the 11<sup>th</sup> Annual Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert (FVZS) Honorary Lecture, which was held at STIAS and online via YouTube. Maluleke is a registered chartered accountant (CA) with over 20 years of experience in auditing, consulting, and development finance and the first black woman to occupy the position of AG in the institutions 109-year history.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The FVZS lecture is hosted annually by the Centre for Student Leadership, Experiential Education and Citizenship (CSLEEC), and celebrates the work and life of the late Dr Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert, who was a political analyst, businessman, politician, and anti-apartheid activist.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Attendees included friends and family of Dr Van Zyl Slabbert, students, professional, administrative and support staff, and academics from Stellenbosch University (SU).</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The theme of the lecture was '<em>Good governance, good citizenship? What do South Africans require for engaged citizenship?</em>'. Providing contextual background to the annual lecture, Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, SU Deputy Vice-Chancellor, highlighted the continued relevance of Dr Van Zyl Slabbert's legacy in South Africa's mission of democratisation through his commitment to ethical leadership, inclusive and democratic values.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“In a young democracy like South Africa's where the challenges of building a stable and equitable political system still persist, his [Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert's] commitment to democratic values serves as a guiding light for leaders and citizens," said Ramjugernath.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Honouring the contribution made by Dr Van Zyl Slabbert as an engaged citizen to society, the AG shared how the office of the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) contributes to good governance through their mandate of “enabling oversight, accountability and governance in public institutions through auditing".</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Part of the AGSA mandate includes striving to ensure that the experience of democracy is a reality for all South Africans in their daily lives. Strong leadership and ethical governance, said Maluleke, can have a positive impact on citizens experience of democracy. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Far too many resources and funds do not go towards intended purposes, which exposes citizens to tremendous hardship. Roads and other infrastructure are not maintained properly, and citizens are harmed by inadequate access to quality health care. They are harmed by unpredictable access to clean water, as well as increasingly polluted environments," she added.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Auditing and accounting as professionals for us is not just about proffering an opinion [because] that's the easy part, our constitutional mandate goes beyond mere number crunching," she said.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">As a Chapter 9 institution, the AGSA is subject only to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, ensuring that it fulfils its function as a supreme audit institution (SAI) independently and effectively in pursuit of its mandate. Using the independence, respectability, and success of AGSA as a public sector institution, she emphasised the value that strong public institutions can have in the lives of citizens in South Africa.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Good governance," said Maluleke, “is a commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible leadership in all seasons, good or bad."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">According to Maluleke it also demands accountability from public servants, institutions and the powers granted to them, and greater involvement from citizens in the work of building South Africa.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Highlighting the need for greater citizen involvement, Maluleke quoted Dr Van Zyl Slabbert's observation in his biography that “in South Africa, we have problems to solve for which the rest of the world has found no solutions. That in itself is a great challenge, far more disturbing are the expectations that people have of what a democracy can deliver, and which research shows it is incapable of doing. This in the South African context is the real burden of democracy."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">With the financial support of the Konrad-Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), a foundation committed to achieving and maintaining peace, freedom, and justice through political education, CSLEEC aimed to use the lecture as a platform for critical engagement with current South African political and governance issues.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The programme for the evening also included a spoken word piece by <em>MfundiThePoet, </em>who used imagery to address issues of leadership, a lack of accountability and hopelessness amongst the youth.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Maluleke reminded the attendees that despite the challenges faced by the public sector, it remains populated with many public servants who are trying to work for the common good of society.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Protecting institutions is the only way we are going to sustain improvements and to ultimately deliver a better life for all.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“The road to a stronger South Africa lies in the nexus of good governance and good citizenship. Together we can forge a path that ensures we uphold the values of transparency, accountability and respect for the rule of law and all whilst realising our noble ambitions of building a democracy that delivers a better and more dignified life for all," Maluleke concluded. </p> |
