| Casual Day 2024 theme “I See You” shines light on invisible disabilities | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10846 | | Casual Day 2024 theme “I See You” shines light on invisible disabilities | Disability Unit | <p style="text-align:justify;">With still too many instances where people with disabilities are not seen, heard, and included in day-to-day planning, this year's Casual Day 2024 theme, “I See You", aims to shine a light on individuals with visible, and particularly invisible disabilities.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Casual Day is celebrated annually on the first Friday in September – this year on Friday, 6 September 2024.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">According to Luigia Nicholas, Coordinator: Marketing and Training at the Disability Unit, “being seen, being heard and being included involves, amongst others, having accessible transportation, inclusive education, and accessible physical spaces" in society and particularly at Stellenbosch University's (SU) campuses.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Although it is a time to dress up and be seen, the theme also invites us to ponder more deeply about its meaning," she says.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Many disabilities are not 'visible', such as debilitating mental health conditions, specific learning disabilities, some chronic medical conditions, and some visual and hearing disabilities."<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Because of this, individuals with invisible disabilities can easily be excluded. Another obstacle facing individuals with these disabilities is that people tend to not believe, or doubt and question that the person has a disability, as they cannot see it.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“In the same breath, even when disabilities are visible, persons with disabilities may still not be seen, heard or included, whether wittingly or unwittingly."<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">While legislation such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has gone a long way to broaden participation, closer to home, the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 seeks redress for legislated discrimination based on race, gender, and disability, amongst others.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Maintaining dignity and seeking social justice and transformation for people with disabilities in South Africa is of paramount importance," adds Nicholas.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Casual Day serves as a reminder that “we must all work together to create an inclusive and equitable society in which people with disabilities can reach their full potential".<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“We have made remarkable progress with the integration of people with disabilities into society, whereas before societal exclusion was widespread, particularly prior to the introduction of human rights legislation globally and locally."<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">On Tuesday, 03 September 2024, the Disability Unit hosted an online panel discussion delving into the Casual Day theme with staff and students. The session was hosted and run by students with less visible disabilities, which provided interesting insights. Christopher Chase facilitated a panel discussion that involved students from the university Daniel Terblanche, Bianca van der Walt, and Keagan Brown, as well as Victor Snyder (an external participant), and Dr Marcia Lyner-Cleophas, Head of the Disability Unit.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Some of the take-home points were centred around the need for ongoing staff training to conscientise them about the less visible disabilities and being sensitive and understanding instead of second-guessing or forgetting about students' needs. Flexibility and individualisation in teaching, learning, and assessment practices were also emphasised, as well as the importance of check-ins by educators with students," explained Lyner-Cleophas.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">During the discussion, student panelists highlighted their concerns regarding how Casual Day is celebrated at school level, where discussions and awareness creation about physical and mental disabilities are not common or may not happen at all.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“The students felt that there was a need for more conscientisation and awareness campaigns at schools."<br><br>Lyner-Cleophas said that the Disability Unit has also seen an increase in requests for quiet spaces, as some shared campus spaces become very noisy when you have large crowds of students present. For some neurodiverse individuals, this can lead to sensory stimuli overload, which can lead to anxiety, feeling distressed, or uncomfortable in such a space.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Students are encouraged to use spaces such as the SU Botanical Gardens, which they can enter free of charge with their student card, find quieter spaces in academic buildings where there is seating, spend time in the computer-user areas, such as HUMARGA or FHARGA, or utilise the hub spaces within some of the clusters that are open to students from that cluster. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">She also recommends networking with other students to find out where they go to get centered.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Added Nicholas: “We really need society to be more cognisant of inclusion, with specific reference to people with disabilities on campus."<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">By participating in Casual Day, Stellenbosch University supports the Stellenbosch Work Centre (SWC) through sticker sales, of which a certain percentage goes to the SWC. A percentage of ticket sales also go to the national body that arranges the annual Casual Day event, the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD).</p><p style="text-align:justify;">More information on the Stellenbosch Work Centre can be found at <a href="http://www.stellenboschworkcentre.org.za/">www.stellenboschworkcentre.org.za</a>. They can be contacted via e-mail at <a href="mailto:info@stellenboschworkcentre.org.za">info@stellenboschworkcentre.org.za</a>.<br></p> |
| Centre for Student Life and Learning equips students with skills for an inclusive welcoming | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10816 | | Centre for Student Life and Learning equips students with skills for an inclusive welcoming | Tendani Tshauambea | <p style="text-align:justify;">The Centre for Student Life and Learning (CSLL) kicked off its annual training sessions for newly elected leaders by focusing on creating a Constitutional Welcoming and equipping students with the knowledge and skills to prepare an inclusive welcoming for all newcomers in 2025. The training has been influenced by key moments in the institution's history, including the Unwelcoming Practices Report of 2014 and the <em>#FeesMustFall</em> movement in 2016.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“The Welcoming programme influences the standard of the campus' welcoming culture, not only for the newcomers who need to be integrated into the space, but also for all the other leaders who will contribute to the welcoming environment," explains Benita van Zyl, Unit Manager: Unit for Residence Student Communities at CSLL.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Therefore, the purpose of the training is to equip leaders who will play a pivotal role in planning the welcoming of newcomers with a thorough understanding of the ethos that Stellenbosch University (SU) wishes to embody during the welcoming period.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">"It is vital to recognise that student leaders welcome students on behalf of the University, not just their individual communities."<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">This year's training, which was held at Academia Hall, brought together a diverse group of leaders from residence and commuter student communities. The students engaged in discussions on their role in helping newcomers integrate into both the academic and social dimensions of university life.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The programme included various sessions, including a breakdown and discussion of the results of the Newcomers' Feedback survey and Cluster Welcoming planning. A former student leader also presented a session on how to use a values-based approach for welcoming. The latter session centred around the SU values as a guide in promoting a community structure without hierarchies between newcomers and their leaders.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Throughout the day, cluster convenors, senior students and student assistants from CSLL facilitated interactive activities at each table, encouraging leaders to collaborate and share ideas. Ishmael Mabena, along with his Co-Executive Cluster Convenor, Shannon Goodchild, served as the MCs for the day, adding a fun twist with a TikTok dance challenge that kept spirits high.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Reflecting on the day's success, Mabena remarked: "Their passion, motivation, and high interest were evident. If this isn't an indication of their commitment, I don't know what is."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">He praised the leaders' positive attitudes and their willingness to engage with the programme content, noting that “the dance routine change was definitely a highlight".</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“I am confident that we have great people leading our student communities."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The Welcoming period at SU is a time of significant change for both newcomers and postgraduate students who are new to the university, contributing to their sense of belonging on campus. The Welcoming period is considered a time of significant change for newcomers university demonstrates its commitment to providing a “transformative welcoming experience" that is values-driven, inclusive, enjoyable, and fosters social cohesion among students. This training ensures that leaders are well-prepared to achieve this goal, building a network and support structure they can rely on as they step into their roles.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Mabena emphasised the importance of early training in helping leaders avoid feelings of isolation and in fostering connections among them before Welcoming starts.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">"When we step into new roles as leaders, the last thing we hope to feel is alone and isolated," he said.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">"This training ensures that leaders get to know one another, which is essential for networking, forming new relationships and finding support systems."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">According to Van Zyl, this year's Constitutional Welcoming was a success thanks to the dedication of the team who worked with her before, and on the day of the training.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">"The positive attitudes of our student leaders, the logistical organisation behind the scenes, and the awesome facilitators – cluster conveners, student assistants, and senior student leaders – made this training a success."<br></p> |
| SU Facilities Management receives international GIS award | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10798 | | SU Facilities Management receives international GIS award | Petro Mostert | <p><br><br></p><p>Stellenbosch University's Facilities Management Division (SUFM) received global recognition for its outstanding and effective use of Geographic Information Management Systems (GIS) technology in its campus operations. The Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) awarded the division its esteemed Special Achievement Award, a testament to its commitment to innovation and excellence.<br></p><p>SUFM's Development Planning and Design division was one of only 217 GIS users selected out of 680 000 organisations globally to receive this prestigious award."</p><p>"This award serves as a testament to the SU's unwavering commitment to leveraging cutting-edge GIS technology to revolutionise our operational processes across its campuses and employing technology to do more with less," says SUFM's Director Development Planning and Design, Francois Swart</p><p>Swart and his colleagues, Warren Jacobs (Building Information Management Specialist) and Jermaine Hendriks (Manager: Facilities Information) received the award from Jack Dangermond, president and founder of the ESRI, during the Plenary Session at the International ESRI user conference in San Diego, US on Monday, 15 July 2024. "This recognition not only celebrates SU's remarkable achievements but also underscores its pivotal role in setting new standards within the global GIS community," says Swart, for whom this award marks another milestone for SU 'in its legacy of excellence and innovation, reaffirming its position as a beacon of progress within the technology landscape'.</p><p>According to Swart, SU's journey into digitising its building management systems on the University's campuses started in 2001. "It was a steady step-by-step process to gradually improve the management of our structural and spatial buildings, incorporating valuable data to make more informed decisions and simplify our processes to do 'more with less'. "We now can leverage SU's comprehensive GIS platform to determine future planning scenarios and cost-saving measures. With limitless possibilities, this technology empowers SUFM to harness spatial information, make informed decisions and enhance communication across environments."<br></p><p>Swart said that by embracing GIS technology, SU has overcome challenges associated with facility management, providing a solid foundation for future facilities data integration and sustainable campus development.</p><p>The GIS team would like to thank SUFM's senior management for all the support over all the years and the provision of resources to achieve this award.</p><p><br></p> |
| Prospective and current student leaders embrace #ChangeAsACatalystForGrowth at Summit | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10783 | | Prospective and current student leaders embrace #ChangeAsACatalystForGrowth at Summit | Tendani Tshauambea | <p style="text-align:justify;">While most would have been happy to stay home and keep warm on a cold and rainy Saturday, several hundred students braved the rain and wind to attend the Leadership Summit for Aspiring Leaders (LSAL). <br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">On 27 July the Centre for Student Life and Learning (CSLL) hosted the LSAL for 450 attending in-person, and 150 online. The Summit was organised around the broad theme of #ChangeAsACatalystForGrowth. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Universities have a unique opportunity to cultivate spaces and learning that value critical thinking and pave the way for the kind of transformative change that each of us wants to see on our campuses, in our respective communities and in society," explained Yeki Mosomothane, Unit Manager: Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion at the CSLL, in his theme introduction. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">According to Dr Liezl Dick, Leadership Development Coordinator at the CSLL, the Summit aims to inspire students to avail themselves for leadership positions. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Our extensive research and engagement with student leaders indicated that leadership teams are struggling with the basics of collaboration: how to communicate, how to differ respectfully from each other, and how to allow for different ways of being and thinking in each other's company. These basic collaborative struggles become heightened in a highly politicised higher education landscape, characterised by rapid societal changes and the need for transformation," Dr Dick said. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Despite the chilly weather, the warm and inviting atmosphere inside the Jan Mouton Learning Centre provided a space for students to engage earnestly with the purposefully designed programme. The day was divided into a morning and an afternoon session, with the morning session featuring a collective keynote facilitated by Rabia Abba Omar, Coordinator: Citizen Engagement at CSLL, and Ashley Walters, a visual artist who serves as the Coordinator: Fine Arts and a Lecturer in Photography and New Media at SU's Visual Arts Department, and simultaneous panel discussions in the two venues. The interactive collective keynote practically demonstrated communication and collaboration, as students had to work in groups to complete a body map actualising how leaders can work in separate environments towards a common goal. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Panel members comprised of experienced student leaders and SU staff and the topic was “Collective Sense-Making: Change as a catalyst for growth". They were joined by Dr Debra Shepherd, a senior lecturer and researcher in the Economics Department, as well as Phila Msimang, a senior lecturer in Philosophy. The discussion included the future of leadership, dealing with disagreement, and “how to understand the role of student leadership within the global context". </p><p style="text-align:justify;">The afternoon session was based on the Nancy Kline book <em>Time to Think: Ten components of a Thinking Environment</em>, and facilitated by student mentors. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">“The student mentors wonderfully facilitated the <em>Time to think</em> sessions and equipped our outgoing student leaders and incoming leadership with valuable facilitation skills to navigate complex conversation on our campus," Dr Dick continued. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">The mentors were intentionally chosen to represent the diversity of leadership experiences found at SU, and their willingness to engage in peer-to-peer mentoring with the summit participants. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">The summit was supported by Student Affairs' senior management, including Dr Choice Makhetha, Senior Director of the Division Student Affairs, Dr Heidi October, Deputy Director: Leadership at CSLL, and Pieter Kloppers, Director of the CSLL. Rectorate members in attendance included Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC): Learning and Teaching, Prof Hester Klopper, DVC: Strategy and Internationalisation, Prof Nico Koopman, DVC: Social Impact, Transformation and Personnel, and the Registrar, Dr Ronel Retief.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">In his welcoming address, Prof Ramjugernath reminded students that leadership is about “self-lessness, the greater good and making a positive impact on one's wider community and society". </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Ishmael Mabena, Executive Cluster Convenor, and one of the participants described the Summit as “an incredible unofficial welcome for aspiring leaders into the election season and leadership term". <br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Working in groups during the summit to define what they deem and feel, the LSAL was an impeccable way of understanding the core value of leadership, teamwork, communication, and diversity."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Cole de Villers, Assistant Resident Head at Academia and a member of the LSAL organising team, said that the Summit did not only introduce “students to a thinking framework which would allow them to harness higher quality thinking for their decision-making" but also with an “opportunity to network and engage with staff from the CSLL". <br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“It also provided an opportunity for them to become even more cognisant of the larger Stellenbosch University context, as they journey onward with their leadership." <br></p> |
| Societies Council registration period has started | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10784 | | Societies Council registration period has started | Nkateko Masinga | <p style="text-align:justify;">As part of their final administrative tasks for the 2023/2024 term, the Societies Council is currently processing registrations for student societies. The registration period for both new and existing societies will remain open until 30 August 2024<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">There will be two rounds of registration. The deadline for the first round of registration, or re-registration applications, is <strong>30 August 2024, at 23:59</strong>. No late or email submissions will be accepted. Applications must be submitted via the prescribed form: <a href="https://forms.office.com/r/GrTtrhrwC4">https://forms.office.com/r/GrTtrhrwC4</a> </p><p style="text-align:justify;">When completing registration or re-registration, societies are required to upload the required documents in one PDF file: </p><ul><li>Their society's latest Constitution</li><li>Their society's 2024 Annual Report, where applicable (relevant for re-registering)</li><li>Their society's 2024 Annual Financial Report, where applicable (relevant for re-registering)</li><li>A receipt as proof of payment of their affiliation fee (only applicable to new societies)</li><li>A list of 20 members – SU students who have expressed interest in joining the society (for the new societies)</li></ul><p style="text-align:justify;">To make the required payments, societies have several options (societies can use the option which is most applicable to and feasible for them), including journal transfer, cash payment, reimbursement, or an electronic payment.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"> These options are explained below. </p><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li><strong>Journal Transfer</strong>: For the re-registration amount (<strong>R1000</strong>), enter it twice in the white blocks. On the debit side, indicate your <strong>cost centre number</strong> and <strong>account number 2063</strong> (leave the project number blank). On the credit side, write <strong>SV001</strong> account number <strong>5227</strong> (leave the project number blank). In the description for both DT and CT, write your society's name. This must be completed by <strong>18 August 2024</strong>. The journal can be accessed on SharePoint by clicking on this link <a href="https://stellenbosch-my.sharepoint.com/:x:/r/personal/thulani_sun_ac_za/Documents/Journal%20for%20Transfers_22July_18Aug2024.xls?d=wf37250ade346457391f46c8d6f2700cc&csf=1&web=1&e=E2PM6i">Journal for Transfers_22July_18Aug2024.xls</a></li><li><strong>Physical Cash Payment</strong>: For new societies without cost centres, pay <strong>R1150</strong> (inclusive of VAT) at the Stellenbosch University cashiers in Admin A. Direct the payment to cost centre <strong>SV001/2063</strong> OR <strong>SV001/6112</strong> (Societies Council) and share the proof of payment with the Societies Council.</li><li><strong>Reimbursement</strong>: For societies re-registering, pay <strong>R1150</strong> (inclusive of VAT) at the Stellenbosch University cashiers in Admin A. Direct the payment to cost centre <strong>SV001/2063</strong> OR <strong>SV001/6112</strong> (Societies Council). Upload the proof of payment as part of your supporting documents on the MS Form.</li><li><strong>Electronic Payment</strong>: Use the following banking details: <a href="/english/maties/fees/banking-details">https://www.sun.ac.za/english/maties/fees/banking-details</a>. Direct the payment to cost centre <strong>SV001/Acc 2063</strong> OF <strong>SV001/Acc 6112</strong>. The total amount, inclusive of VAT, is <strong>R1150</strong>. Upload the proof of payment as part of the supporting documents on the MS Form.</li></ol><p style="text-align:justify;">Where societies are unable to register within this time, they will be able to register in the second round of registrations. This second round will be opened by the new Societies Council during the fourth term. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">For any enquiries, students may contact the Societies Council Registrar via email at <a href="mailto:23671637@sun.ac.za">23671637@sun.ac.za</a>.<br></p> |
| SU student runs online learning platform to help bridge digital divide | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10752 | | SU student runs online learning platform to help bridge digital divide | Corporate Communication and Marketing/Korporatiewe Kommunikasie en Bemarking [Anel Lewis] | <p>Student by day, and CEO, and startup founder on the side – Alexandra Lutz, who is currently in her first year of a data science degree at Stellenbosch University (SU), started the online learning platform <a href="https://milanieducation.com/"><span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-5-0"><strong>Milani Education</strong></span></a> while she was still in high school.</p><p>Now comprising three directors and a content manager, Milani Education has been named as one of seven startups from SU that will compete in the regional round of the EDHE (Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education) Entrepreneurship Intervarsity 2024 competition taking place from 26 August. This competition highlights top student entrepreneurs from 26 public universities around the country.</p><p>Milani Education also recently partnered with the <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://www.pebblesproject.org/&data=05%257C02%257C%257C25de938c7fe646f5e95608dc95025b8e%257Ca6fa3b030a3c42588433a120dffcd348%257C0%257C0%257C638549084604711811%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0=%257C0%257C%257C%257C&sdata=I5S2ZS+nYmuUJEdfVpnqVydTWZV4xayajdjXOm0i6Gw=&reserved=0"><span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-5-0"><strong>Pebbles Project</strong></span></a> in Stellenbosch to help children from surrounding farming communities access educational resources. They will be able to access the Milani platform from devices at Pebbles' learning centres so that they can use the free online material for homework and revision. </p><p>The nonprofit organisation was launched in 2020 during the pandemic when Lutz was a Grade 9 learner at St. John's Diocesan School for Girls (D.S.G.) in Pietermaritzburg. She realised that while most of her peers were able to transition seamlessly to digital learning when schools were forced to close, there were many students who did not have the same access to online materials. With the permission of her headmaster, Lutz started sharing digital materials such as worksheets and videos with a few learners from the <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.imbeleko.org%252F&data=05%257C02%257C%257C25de938c7fe646f5e95608dc95025b8e%257Ca6fa3b030a3c42588433a120dffcd348%257C0%257C0%257C638549084604705218%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C&sdata=CDuCbGTU%252Fj3zJ1gxUCfkUEYzGLi3vL9zZ%252B9Qi2saVpw%253D&reserved=0"><span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-5-0"><strong>Imbeleko</strong></span></a> Foundation, based in the rural KwaZulu-Natal community of KwaNyuswa.</p><p>Initially, Lutz worked with three learners – twins who were also in Grade 9 and a Grade 8. “These three learners were extremely eager to learn and had lost nearly a month of learning time when I first made contact." Lutz says her team sent out surveys every week to assess their online learning experience and the feedback was encouragingly positive. “This inspired us to continue with the initiative and work towards creating the platform." The company's name, which means 'to grow' in isiZulu, was suggested by the assistant chaplain at St John's D.S.G. Lutz thought it fitting as “education leads to exponential growth for a person both mentally as well as professionally". </p><p>After three years of “pilot project" work, Lutz secured seed funding to develop a prototype for an online platform and in 2023 Milani Education was launched with content sourced the year before while Lutz was still in Grade 11. In preparation, Lutz connected with schools such as Maritzburg College, St John's D.S.G. and SIMI Math, to secure online maths content and in the December holidays, a group of Grade 11 learners from St John's DSG formed the “Milani army" to have it edited and uploaded in time for the launch. </p><p>Former classmate Sienna Porrill, who was part of the genesis of Milani Education when with Lutz in high school, is still involved in the project. She was part of the team of volunteers also from SU helping learners set up their profiles on the Milani platform this weekend. “Alex has always been an inspiration. While we were passing time (in high school) during lockdown doing puzzles, she was finding ways to start an online learning platform." </p><p>Milani Education is a free online learning platform that provides educational content from the current curriculum for learners in grades 8 to 12 across South Africa. The content is donated to the startup from reputable schools, at no cost. Currently, it serves about 800 learners who have access to more than 1 000 videos that they can use as a supplementary education tool. The easy-to-use Milani Education website offers Mathematics, English Home Language and English First Additional Language (FAL). Lutz adds that they are moderating content for Mathematical Literacy which should be launched soon.<br></p><p></p><div class="ms-rtestate-read ms-rte-embedcode ms-rte-embedil ms-rtestate-notify"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o3U3q_A5oQs?si=dSjBkxQAApkY6dFk" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0"></iframe> </div><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Expansion plans</strong></p><p>Once the team expands, and secures further funding, Milani Education will offer more of the main school subjects, says Lutz. Milani plans to broaden its network of partner schools to make more teachers available online to students. The team also wants to translate the content to Afrikaans, isiZulu and isiXhosa, and to optimise the platform for data efficiency. </p><p>Lutz also has her sights set on starting a learning centre for the Embo community in KwaZulu-Natal. “We want to bridge the educational divide in our country by providing a safe place for students to learn regardless of the geographic setting or social status. Our vision is to democratise education so that all students have access to a world-class education right in the palm of their hands," notes Alexandra. <br></p><p><strong>Balancing act</strong><br></p><p>Lutz admits that staying motivated has been a challenge for herself and the team. “As a young entrepreneur in the non-profit space, I have been faced with many rejections and had lots of moments where it feels as if we are not making any progress." But Lutz describes herself as someone who is “stubbornly determined" and she refuses to accept 'no' for an answer. </p><p>Balancing work with her studies means that Lutz must manage her time wisely. She says she “compartmentalises" her day to be available for both. She says the team, which now comprises a board of three directors and a content manager, is solution-driven and not afraid to navigate hurdles. </p><p>Milani Education's selection for the regionals of the EDHE competition will give the team an opportunity to network with fellow young entrepreneurs, says Lutz. “Being able to pitch our initiatives in the regional round allows us to share our vision and initiative with a diverse pool of people and hopefully make some great connections."</p><p>Lutz has no intention of easing up on her entrepreneurial pursuits once she graduates. She hopes to be able to hand over the daily running of Milani Education to a team so that she can pursue other ventures in the startup space. “But Milani will always be my baby."</p><p> </p><p><strong>Caption:</strong></p><p>Learners from Stellenbosch logging onto the Milani Education platform so that they can access free supplementary learning materials</p><p><strong>Caption:</strong></p><p>Learners from Khabazela High School are getting to grips with online learning at the City Hill Embo Milani learning centre in KwaZulu-Natal.</p><p><strong>Video:</strong></p><p>Milani CEO Alexandra Lutz shares more information about the new partnership with the Pebbles Project in Stellenbosch</p><p> <br></p><p><br></p> |
| SU encourages students to apply for financial support | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10722 | | SU encourages students to apply for financial support | Centre for Undergraduate Bursaries | <p>Stellenbosch University (SU) is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the 2025 SU funding opportunities for undergraduates.</p><p><strong>Application dates</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Current students: Applications are open 1 July 2024 – 30 September 2024</strong></li><li><strong>Prospective students: Applications are open 1 – 31 October 2024 only</strong></li></ul><p>SU encourages all current and prospective students to apply for bursaries for 2025. Funding allocations are based on financial need and/or academic merit.</p><p>All applicants are advised to first review the <a href="https://finaid.sun.ac.za/application-process"><strong class="ms-rteForeColor-1" style="">Application Process</strong></a> tab on the website of SU's Centre for Undergraduate Bursaries (CUBL) for detailed information on the support documents that applicants need to complete. A student's unique, eight-digit SU student number will allow access to the online application portal. The application process is accessible and user-friendly and – once you have prepared your support documents to upload – the form will take about 15 minutes to complete. </p><p>According to Bianca Andrews, Head: Institutional and Corporate Funds, they received just over 9 000 applications for funding last year. “Our streamlined process eliminated barriers and ensured that every student had an equal chance to apply."</p><p>Andrews said CUBL also manages and administers bursaries for external donors according to specific criteria, including financial need, academic performance, and leadership. To be considered for one of these bursaries, applicants will need to complete an additional unique application form and upload it when prompted during the online application process. There are also several SU family bursaries available to eligible students. </p><p>“We look forward to receiving the 2025 funding applications and will continue our pursuit to support students on their academic journeys," Andrews concluded.</p><p>Please note that SU funding is limited, and applying does not guarantee funding. For more information, visit the SU Bursaries and Loans <a href="https://finaid.sun.ac.za/"><strong class="ms-rteForeColor-1" style="">website</strong></a>.</p><p>For funding queries, contact SU Client Services on 021 808 9111 or email <a href="mailto:info@sun.ac.za"><strong>info@sun.ac.za</strong></a>. Include the applicant's SU student number (#) in this subject line, #/ SUFO-25, for efficient assistance. </p><p>Click <a href="https://landbot.pro/v3/H-1602692-DEQVQHKFOAF4C48D/index.html"><strong class="ms-rteForeColor-1" style="">here</strong></a><strong class="ms-rteForeColor-1" style=""> </strong>to apply now.<br><br></p> |
| SU’s manifesto analysis helps parties find common ground during coalition talks | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10685 | | SU’s manifesto analysis helps parties find common ground during coalition talks | Corporate Communication & Marketing / Korporatiewe Kommunikasie & Bemarking [Anél Lewis] | <p></p><p>With coalition talks in full swing, Stellenbosch University's (SU) <a href="https://policyinnovationlab.sun.ac.za/">Policy Innovation Lab</a> has analysed the manifestos of the four largest parties to find out whether there is common ground on some of the larger issues of national interest. These include the implementation of national health insurance, land reform policies and the basic income grant. </p><p>This “cheat sheet" is now available to parties and the public to better understand where the ANC, DA, EFF and the uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Party agree and disagree, explains Prof Willem Fourie, head of the Policy Innovation Lab. </p><p>While there is agreement on several issues, notably the need for policies to improve early childhood development and numeracy and literacy at schools, and the importance of better training for SAPS staff to deal with gender-based violence, the parties differ on many others. </p><p>Fourie highlighted the methodological challenges faced during the analysis. “Each manifesto had a unique structure and internal logic, making direct comparisons challenging. We had to develop a system to cluster topics thematically without relying on the individual logic of any manifesto," he explains.</p><p>To overcome these challenges, the team employed the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework for clustering topics. This international development agenda, which South Africa subscribes to, provided a consistent basis for comparison. </p><p>Another critical aspect of the analysis was determining the levels of convergence among the manifesto topics. “We needed to strike a balance between simplicity and ensuring the qualitative analysis was reliable," Fourie notes. The team devised a tagging system categorising topics into 'strong congruence,' 'moderate congruence,' and 'low congruence'. Entries with insufficient information were marked accordingly.</p><p>Dr Itai Makone, who contributed to the analysis, emphasises its purpose: “The tool is also meant to assist political parties in understanding the topics and themes they agree on with other parties, show areas that lack information, and help develop ways to build consensus where disagreement exits."</p><ul><li>To read more about the manifesto comparison, click <a href="https://policyinnovationlab.sun.ac.za/policy-innovation-lab-releases-detailed-comparison-of-anc-da-eff-and-mk-party-manifestos/"><strong>here</strong></a>. <br></li></ul><p><br></p> |
| World IP Day sparks energy solutions dialogue at Stellenbosch University | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10630 | | World IP Day sparks energy solutions dialogue at Stellenbosch University | Jeraldine Menon, Innovus | <p>World Intellectual Property Day is an occasion that highlights the importance of Intellectual Property (IP) in recognising creativity and innovation. The event takes place on 26 April annually and is marked by discussions and networking between researchers, academics, industry, and policymakers. The Innovus Technology Transfer Office (TTO) held two events during the week of World IP Day, one to educate and interact with undergraduates and the other, to connect researchers and academic through dialogue around Sustainable Development Goal 7<a href="/english/Lists/dualnews/CustomNew.aspx?Source=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Esun%2Eac%2Eza%2Fenglish%2FLists%2Fdualnews%2FMy%2520Items%2520View%2Easpx&RootFolder=#_msocom_1">[AN1]</a> (SDG7), affordable and clean energy.<br></p><p>At Stellenbosch University (SU), Innovus TTO champions the protection and utilisation of IP from the excellent research pipeline in our various faculties. The events held during the week of World IP Day explored the symbiotic relationship between IP and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), demonstrating how IP can be used as a critical tool in addressing global challenges.<a href="/english/Lists/dualnews/CustomNew.aspx?Source=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Esun%2Eac%2Eza%2Fenglish%2FLists%2Fdualnews%2FMy%2520Items%2520View%2Easpx&RootFolder=#_msocom_2">[PM2]</a> One of the highlights of these events was seeing the eagerness of students to participate in the Q&A around what IP is and identifying its various forms.</p><p>The theme for 2024 World IP Day as set out by the World Intellectual Property <a href="/english/Lists/dualnews/CustomNew.aspx?Source=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Esun%2Eac%2Eza%2Fenglish%2FLists%2Fdualnews%2FMy%2520Items%2520View%2Easpx&RootFolder=#_msocom_3">[PM3]</a> Organisation (WIPO) was: “IP and the SDGs: Building our common future with innovation and creativity". According to the WIPO's official statement, the aim of this year's theme was to encourage out-of-the-box thinking in “how we live, work and play. World IP Day 2024 is an opportunity to explore how intellectual property (IP) encourages and can amplify the innovative and creative solutions that are so crucial to building our common future."</p><p>Educating students on the complexity of IP is one of Innovus TTO's core priorities. Through their extensive interactions with students, both undergraduates and postgraduates, there is enthusiasm around topics of IP and entrepreneurship. Therefore, in celebrating World IP Day 2024, Innovus TTO collaborated with IP attorneys, Spoor and Fisher, to host a student event which took place at the Neelsie Cinema on 24 April. Providing a comprehensive overview of IP, patent attorney Dirk Hanekom explained what it is, what it can look like and its real-world relevance. He also highlighted the alignment of IP with the SDGs, emphasising the need for more innovation, creativity, and collaboration, particularly focusing on SDG 6, 'Clean Water and Sanitation.</p><p>Expanding on the role of IP, Dirk clarified how it incentivises innovation, promotes market competition, enhances public welfare and drives economic growth. Drawing from practical examples in research, he demonstrated how IP empowers individuals and institutions, such as universities, to assess the commercial viability of their ventures. By safeguarding their IP, it not only protects their innovations but enables industry-wide efforts to avoid duplication and promote adoption of best-in-class technologies. This depth of understanding is crucial for students as it equips them with the knowledge to identify research gaps early in their academic journeys and to recognise newly created IP that may have commercial value. This will enable them to either expand existing research or introduce fresh perspectives, products, or methodologies to enrich existing knowledge.</p><p>Echoing Dirk's sentiments, Jason Samuels, co-founder and CEO of GreenX Engineering, an SU and Innovus spinout company, recounted their experience with IP in their startup phases. GreenX Engineering was birthed from the energy crisis and specifically its effect on schools in South Africa. They identified a gap in the market for a tool that can accurately assess energy consumption and its source. Their research revealed significant energy saving opportunities in schools. In his talk at the student event Jason recounted how protecting their IP assets enabled them to make a tangible impact on schools, further demonstrating the value of IP in fostering innovation, specifically with SDG 7 'Affordable and Clean Energy.' The event was hosted by Ian van Zyl, Technology Transfer Specialist at Innovus TTO, who kept the student audience engaged with a visual representation of what every day IP looks like using a Maties Coffee Hub disposable cup. The students were amused to find that the IP in that cup was a lot more than just the logo. Ending off the hour-long event, the students answered quiz questions and won fantastic prizes. They concluded the event with a good chat and a lunch goodie bag.</p><p>Conversations around IP and SDG7 intensified at the researcher's event, held on the evening of 24 April<sup> </sup>2024. GeoSun founder Riaan Meyer, set the scene with a captivating overview of trends in the solar power industry, showcasing fascinating images of inventions such as sprawling utility solar farms in China, floating solar panels and inverters - although he reckoned that South Africa (SA) isn't likely to adopt this trend due to the unoccupied land still available in the country. He further revealed images of solar-panel-clad buildings, which is already a trend in SA. Interestingly, he briefly touched on agrivoltaics, using regular Photovoltaic (PV) modules with crops growing in the shade of the panels. These crops could not previously be produced in those environments.</p><p>As a parting sentiment on solar trends, Riaan touched on how PV modules and batteries are increasing in size. The biggest battery on record in SA is 540watts in size, although this is an Eskom project that is still currently underway.</p><p>The momentum of the discussion carried into a candid panel discussion featuring Andrew Taylor, Head of Legal and Trading at NOA Group, Ralph Van Niekerk, Patent Attorney and Partner at Von Seidels, Prof. Thinus Booysen, Professor in Engineering at SU and Riaan Meyer. Facilitator Ian van Zyl from the Innovus TTO, dove straight into the commercialisation of IP. Taylor responded by stating that technology is often (not) the hardest aspect of a solution for industry because apart from it needing to be technically viable for the SA landscape, there needs to be a return on investment (RoI) and most importantly, there needs to be a Just Energy Transition. All of this will determine whether a technology can be deployed.</p><p>In response to this and referencing the electric taxi retrofit project, Prof. Booysen highlighted the value of know-how over patents, especially in the context of a developing country like SA.</p><p>Sharing Prof. Booysen's sentiments, van Niekerk discussed United States companies and how they value know-how and trademarks above patents. He also noted that SU's high energy patenting activity suggests the high level of progress being made in a variety of novel technologies.</p><p>The panel's bottom line was the urgency for liberalisation of the energy industry to ensure growth of the SA economy. One potential solution was a suggestion to reopen the Independent Power Procurement Office. Van Niekerk also encouraged IP licensing for innovative solutions, citing National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO) incentives. While Riaan Meyer suggested more solar power and PV module recycling to reduce energy costs. As a long-term solution to the energy crisis, Prof. Booysen iterated that South Africans need increased awareness of energy, noting that this is where innovation should be prioritised.</p><p>Commenting on the planning and outcome of the two World IP Day events Nolene Singh, Deputy Director of Innovus TTO shared that “these events were more than just a dialogue; they created a space for insightful discussions that have a high potential to influence renewable energy research and industry trends."</p><p>Whilst the World IP Day events provided valuable insights it also brought to the fore the sobering reality of our energy crisis, underscoring the need for more research and innovation to save our planet.</p><p><br><br></p><p><br></p> |
| Stellenbosch University first African institution to drive food sustainability with carbon-tracking software | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10587 | | Stellenbosch University first African institution to drive food sustainability with carbon-tracking software | Innovus | <p>Stellenbosch University's (SU) Compliance and Catering Office has partnered with the Swedish-based startup Klimato to promote a more conscious approach to meal preparation and selection among staff and students. SU is the first African institution to pilot Klimato's carbon footprint software. The project is one of many initiatives that <a href="https://www.suncom.co.za/">SUNCOM</a>, SU's Business Office, is implementing as part of its long-term strategy to lower carbon emissions and encourage sustainable practices within its operations. </p><p>Food production is responsible for a quarter of the world's Greenhouse Gas (GHG) total emissions1 because of various farming practices, food processing, fisheries, and crop production. As a result, our food consumption directly impacts climate change because of the carbon emissions induced by the production of different ingredients. </p><p>Klimato's software calculates the carbon footprint of meals and ingredients via a country-specific database. Therefore, using this tool, SU can help mitigate climate change by educating students and catering service providers to rethink the environmental impact of the combination of ingredients in the meals served on our campus. As the first institution to pilot the software in Africa, SU's Compliance and Catering Office hopes to supply valuable contributions to the food and ingredients database that will encourage the adoption of climate-conscious meal preparation and selections within the campus community.</p><p>"To showcase our commitment to sustainability, we prioritise initiatives to preserve the environment, promote social responsibility, and ensure economic viability for future generations. Through our combined efforts within the SUNCOM division we strive to reduce our carbon footprint, implement renewable energy solutions, and minimise waste generation," says Bennie Malan, Head of SUNCOM's Compliance and Catering Office.</p><p>Earlier this year, SUNCOM reported that 806 693 meals were booked online from January 2023 to December 2023. Such a high number of meals being prepared reaffirms the need for a more sustainable approach to food preparation and selection, with the goal of lowering the environmental impact. </p><p>According to Malan, the Klimato tool is currently in its testing phase on campus in three residence preparation kitchens. Once implemented across campus, it aims to:</p><ul><li>demonstrate to students the environmental impact of various menu options and empower them to make more sustainable choices;</li><li>improve meal recipes to produce lower Carbon emissions; </li><li>localise data to add to the Klimato South African database; </li><li>encourage the widespread adoption of this or similar software; and </li><li>enable a reduction in the carbon emissions produced by the catering service providers appointed by the Compliance and Catering Office.</li></ul><p>Malan and his team are working closely with SU's appointed catering service providers during the test phase to utilise this tool and consciously adapt the ingredients in their meal options.</p><p>Through impactful collaborations like these SU continues to demonstrate the impact of innovation in society. Leading by example, the University strives to achieve a net zero campus environment by 2050.</p><p> <br></p><p>About SUNCOM</p><p>SUNCOM is a division of Innovus (Innovation and Commercialisation) responsible for the University's fifth revenue stream. This includes technology, intellectual property-related income, and pure commercial income. While SUNCOM feeds back into the University, all our divisions are financially independent.</p><p>For more information on SUNCOM, click <a href="https://www.suncom.co.za/">here</a></p><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aaq0216">https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aaq0216</a> <br></li></ol><p><br></p> |
