Herfspromosieplegtighede 2014 - Reflections on 20 years of democracy UP awards honorary doctorates - University of Pretoria
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Tukkie Alumni tydskrif van die Universiteit van Pretoria Alumni magazine of the University of Pretoria Winter 2014 Volume 20 Number 1 Herfspromosieplegtighede 2014 Reflections on 20 years of democracy UP awards honorary doctorates www.up.ac.za
Inhoud
Humanities generates solutions for the social,
political, environmental and economic problems Contents
of a rapidly changing and globalising world Rektor se boodskap/Principal’s message 4
Babas van ons demokrasie nou Tuks-
5
studente
UP awards honorary doctorates 7
UP Council Chair receives honorary
8
doctorate
Autumn Graduation Ceremonies
9-11
Herfspromosieplegtighede
Voorbladfoto/Cover photo
The University awarded 127 PhD degrees during the 2014 UP erken uitsonderlike presteerders 12
Autumn Graduation Ceremonies.
Die Universiteit het 127 PhD-grade toegeken tydens die 2014 Reflections on 20 years of democracy 16
Herfspromosieplegtighede.
Thumbs UP from SRC for the Tuks
19
Menings in Tukkie is dié van die betrokke persoon en nie Scholarship Fund
noodwendig die standpunt van die Universiteit van Pretoria
nie. Tukkie word uitgegee deur die Universiteit van Pretoria se Nondumiso Mzizana: Never stop persuing
Departement Universiteitsbetrekkinge. 20
your dream
Opinions expressed in Tukkie are that of the individual
concerned and not necessarily the view of the University of When interest in environmental science
Pretoria. Tukkie is published by the University of Pretoria’s 22
escalates
Department of University Relations.
Nederige skoonmakers werk vir ‘n gesonde
AD
Enige redaksionele navrae of inligting kan gestuur word aan: 24
Any editorial queries or information can be sent to: omgewing
Marissa Greeff Combating a silent disability 28
E-pos/Email: marissa.greeff@up.ac.za
Tel: 012 420 5193 SARChI Chair in Sustainable Malaria Control
30
Adresveranderings/Change of address
launched at UP
Founded on a tradition of academic excellence of more than a The Capital Cities Project, a Faculty-initiated IRT, together with Gee asseblief kennis van adresveranderings of kansellasies Handle with care: Fascinated by bats 32
century and with 18 academic departments and eight research the FRTs, have enabled the Faculty to expand and consolidate deur na: Please send notification of change of address or
entities, the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Pretoria is its international collaborative research initiatives significantly. cancellations to: New divide evident in classrooms 33
one of the most comprehensive humanities faculties in South- These initiatives ensure a regular flow of visiting scholars and E-pos/Email: alumni@up.ac.za
ern Africa. The breadth and diversity of the Faculty’s offerings researchers from all over the world to the University of Pretoria. Tel: 012 420 3533 Presidential award for outstanding research for
33
provide prospective postgraduate students with a wide range of Faks/Fax: 012 362 5088 Prof Lall
The Faculty is committed to interdisciplinary research, as it
study and research opportunities from which to choose. Oppor- Meld die kode wat op u adresetiket verskyn in alle Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma praat by UP 34
believes that it is through interactive collaboration that the
tunities are available for postgraduate study and research in: korrespondensie. Quote the code that appears on the address
quantity of successful research outputs, as well as the quality label in all correspondence. Minister launches Centre of Excellence in
• Fine Arts and Performing Arts and social value of research, will be increased. 35
Food Security
• Languages Redakteur/Editor:
• Core Social Sciences UP hosts panel of experts 35
Marissa Greeff
• Applied Social Sciences For more information about postgraduate studies: Skrywers/Writers: UP kundige medeskrywer van boek oor
www.up.ac.za/humanities
36
A premium is placed on study and research that involves critical Manie Bosman Nicolize Mulder Forensiese Antropologie
inquiry in all of these categories and on producing graduates Marissa Greeff Sanku Tsunke
Janine White Shakira Hoosain
Eerste gesamentlike graad toegeken 37
who can readily be employed.
+27 12 420 2206 Foto’s/Photos: Veterinary open educational resource goes
The Faculty’s capacity is significantly enhanced through a range janine.white@up.ac.za EYEscape Studios, tensy anders vermeld 38
live
of multidisciplinary research projects, an Institutional Research or EYEscape Studios, unless otherwise indicated
Theme (IRT) and Faculty Research Themes (FRTs). It currently Tracey Andrew Taalredigering/Subediting: TuksAthletics - where champions are made 39
manages the following successful FRTs: Enhancing the Wellbeing +27 12 420 4850 UP Taaleenheid/UP Language Unit
of Vulnerable Children, Peace and Conflict, Southern Modernities, tracey.andrew@up.ac.za Goue jaar vir Assupol TuksKrieket 40
Visual Technologies – Critical Encounters, and the Human Economy
Irish Young Researchers Award for Carel 42
Programme. Additional FRTs are currently under consideration. For more information on the Institutional and Faculty
More information is available at www.up.ac.za/humanities.frt. The
New brand roll-out for UP
Research Themes: Tuks alumnus shines at SAFTA 43
current FRTs are funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. www.up.ac.za/humanities.frt The University of Pretoria has revamped its brand in line with the
UP 2025 strategy. Elements of the brand, introduced on the front Corobrick’s Architectural Student of the Year
cover, reflect the University’s identity and is aimed at making UP 43
distinct from other institutions and instantly recognisable as a award
brand.
Klas van 1963 hou reünie 44
Medical pioneer to receive international
Nuwe visuele identiteit vir UP 44
teaching award
Die Universiteit van Pretoria het sy korporatiewe identiteit
aangepas in ooreenstemming met die UP 2025-strategie. Africa loses distinguised conservationist 45
3
Universiteit van Pretoria • University of Pretoria • Yunibesithi ya Pretoria Elemente van dié identiteit, soos gebruik op die voorblad, is
daarop gemik om UP te onderskei en dadelik herkenbaar te Afsterwe van prof Koos Stadler 46
Privaatsak/Private Bag /Mokotla wa Poso X20 • Hatfield • 0028 • Suid-Afrika/South Africa/Afrika-Borwa maak as 'n handelsmerk.
www.up.ac.za
Tel: +27 12 420 4111 • Faks/Fax: +27 12 420 4555 Prof Pieter van der Merwe (1944-2014) 46
TUKKIE
Rektor se Principal’s
Boodskap Message
Beste Tukkie-leser Dear Tukkie reader
Ek is verheug dat die Universiteit ʼn positiewe I am pleased that the University has had a very
eerste semester in 2014 beleef het. positive first semester of 2014. Welcome Day was
Verwelkomingsdag was ʼn spesiale gebeurtenis a special event as our intake of first-year students
omdat ons inname van eerstejaarstudente were born in the years after 1994 when South
Babas van ons
na 1994 gebore is, dus nadat Suid-Afrika ʼn Africa became a full democracy. Bearing in mind
demokrasie geword het. Toe was ons steeds that we were still mourning the passing away of
in rou oor die heengaan van ons geliefde our beloved former President Nelson Mandela,
voormalige President Nelson Mandela en my my welcome address was based on one of his
demokrasie nou
verwelkomingsboodskap was gegrond op een van most inspirational messages that ‘There is no
sy besielendste boodskappe, naamlik dat daar passion to be found in playing small – in settling
geen passie is in berusting by ʼn lewe wat minder for a life that is less than the one you are capable
is as die een wat jy in staat is om te lewe nie. Ek of living.’ Investing in young talent, encouraging
Tuks-studente
glo dat deur in talentvolle jongmense te belê, them to live to their fullest potential and providing
hulle aan te moedig om hul volle potensiaal te them with a world class education is, I believe, one
verwesenlik en aan hulle ʼn wêreldklas-opvoeding of the best ways that we can honour the legacy
te bied, een van die beste maniere is om hulde te of our great leader. In this spirit I wish to call on
bring aan die nalatenskap van ons grootse leier. you to support the Tuks Scholarship Fund. This
In dié gees versoek ek u om die Tuksbeursfonds campaign to raise funds to support academically
te ondersteun. Dié fondsinsamelingsveldtog meritorious students who do not have sufficient Deur Nicolize Mulder
ondersteun akademies verdienstelike studente funds to cover the costs of university study was
wat finansieël sukkel om hul universiteitstudie launched with a staff payroll giving scheme and Hulle is gebore in die tyd toe ‘Lei ’n lewe propvol prestasie deur ’n produktiewe,
te dek en is as ʼn personeelskenkingsinisiatief I am pleased that the UP staff have responded professionele persoon te word, ’n leier en ’n
geloods. UP-personeel en die Verteenwoordigende very generously and so too has the Student
Nelson Mandela reeds die landsburger wat ’n verskil maak,’ het prof De la
Studenteraad ondersteun die fonds mildelik. Representative Council. verkose president van ’n vry en Rey die nuwe studente aangeraai.
Promosieplegtighede is altyd ʼn wonderlike Graduation is always a wonderful celebration demokratiese Suid-Afrika was. Volgens die Rektor sal dít ’n voortsetting wees
viering en die hoogtepunt van die akademiese marking the culmination of the academic year. As van die sukses wat die nuwe eerstejaars reeds
jaar. Soos u weet, het die Universiteit jaarliks you may know, the University has two graduation op skool bereik het. ’Ons weet julle kán presteer
Dit was daarom heel gepas dat die – die blote feit dat julle vandag hier sit bewys dit,’
twee promosieplegtighede, in die herfs en in die series each year; in autumn and spring. In this
universiteitsloopbaan van meer as tienduisend
lente. In hierdie Tukkie is daar artikels oor die edition of Tukkie there is a feature on our Autumn het sy gesê. Sy het verwys na die meer as 43 000
nuwe eerstejaars aan die Universiteit van
Herfsplegtighede. Tydens die 28 plegtighede is Graduation Ceremonies. We conferred close to aansoeke wat UP ontvang het vir die sowat 10 500
Pretoria (UP) vanjaar met wyse woorde deur dié
bykans 12 000 kwalifikasies vanuit nege fakulteite 12 000 qualifications across nine faculties and eerstejaarsplekke wat beskikbaar was.
voormalige staatshoof afgeskop het: ‘Geen passie
en GIBS, ons sakeskool, toegeken. Ons is trots our business school, GIBS, over the 28 graduation
is te vinde deur klein te dink nie, [deur] tevrede Honderde akademiese presteerders wat tot
daarop dat UP jaarliks sowat 16,6% van alle ceremonies. We are very proud that annually
te wees met ’n lewe wat minder is as die een so veel as tien onderskeidings in die 2013
graduandi in Suid-Afrika lewer. UP produces about 16,6% of all South African
waartoe jy in staat is.’ matriekeksamen behaal het, was ook onder die
graduates.
Die Akademiese Presteerderstoekenningseremonie nuwelinge. Baie van dié akademiese reuse het die
Prof Cheryl de la Rey, Visekanselier en
ter viering van personeel se akademiese A recent annual event is the Academic Achievers 300 plekke vir die graad MBChB in die Fakulteit
Rektor, het in haar verwelkomingsboodskap
prestasies het onlangs plaasgevind. Dit is ons Awards where we celebrate the achievements of Gesondheidswetenskappe opgeneem. Ander
op Verwelkomingsdag hulde gebring aan
akademiese personeel wat die pas aangee in ons our academic staff who are setting the pace in slimkoppe was onder die heelwat groter groep
oudpresident Mandela – wat aan die einde van
strewe om ʼn toonaangewende universiteit te our quest to enhance our position as a leading ingenieurstudente wat vanjaar aan UP se grootste
2013 oorlede is – deur die nuwe, spesiale geslag
wees wat internasionale erkenning geniet vir ons university recognised internationally for our fakulteit, Ingenieurswese, Bou-omgewing en
Tukkies daarop attent te maak dat hulle nie net
kwaliteit, relevansie en impak. quality, relevance and impact. Inligtingtegnologie, gaan studeer.
vry gebore is nie, maar dat elkeen van hulle ’n
Ek vertrou dat u dit geniet om oor u alma mater I trust that you enjoy reading about your alma voortreflike lewe kan lei. Die meeste van vanjaar Prof De la Rey het verwys na navorsingsresultate
en mede-alumni te lees en dat dit u inspireer om mater and fellow alumni and that you are inspired se eerstejaars aan UP is in 1995 en 1996 gebore, waarvolgens ’n universiteitskwalifikasie een
as Tuks-graduandi te skitter waar u ook al mag wees. to shine as Tuks graduates wherever you are. binne die tydperk van 20 Jaar van demokrasie van die belangrikste faktore is wat toekomstige
wat vanjaar by die Universiteit en regoor die land professionele sukses bepaal. ’Julle het gekies
Vriendelike Tukkie-groete Warmest Tukkie greetings
gevier word. om universiteit toe te kom. Maar die tweede
Prof Cheryl de la Rey Prof Cheryl de la Rey
4 5
Universiteit van Pretoria • University of Pretoria • Yunibesithi ya Pretoria TUKKIE
AUTUMN GRADUATION CEREMONIES 2014
belangrike besluit wat julle geneem het, was om ’Jaaa, Boet,’ het ek ’n pa tydens die verdaging vir
na die régte universiteit toe te kom. ’n Kwalifikasie sy seun hoor sê, ‘ons het jou tot by die beste
van UP tél: dit word wyd erken as ’n graad van universiteit gebring, nou is dit jou beurt om jou
topkwaliteit. Ons is trots op ons alumni wat deel te doen.’ ¾
UP awards
invloedryke posisies regoor die wêreld beklee,’ het
sy gesê.
honorary
Voorts het sy verwys na die netwerk waarvan die
nuwe eerstejaars deel sal word en wat dit in hul
latere professionele lewe vir hulle kan beteken.
doctorates
’UP is ’n uitnemende gemeenskap – ons lok die
mees talentvolle jongmense in die land en ons
is ’n baie diverse gemeenskap waar studente
diepgaande vriendskappe kan smee.’ Prof De
la Rey het ook met trots verwys na die steeds
groeiende getal lande en kulture wat op UP
se kampusse verteenwoordig word en tot die An honorary doctorate, which is the highest
diversiteit van die studentebevolking bydra. distinction awarded by the University of Pretoria,
Ten slotte het prof De la Rey bygevoeg dat sy is reserved exclusively for persons who have
daarna uitsien om die groep eerstejaars wat sy by a exceptional academic background and have
Tukkies verwelkom het oor drie of vier jaar in hul
togas op die verhoog te sien. made a significant contribution to scholarship,
said the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Cheryl
de la Rey.
Ben Okri on stage during the graduation ceremony.
Four honorary doctorates were greatest sons. Okri, who is widely regarded as one
awarded during the 2014 Autumn Graduation of the best writers of the twentieth and twenty-
Ceremonies. The recipients were Ben Okri, an first centuries, was born in Nigeria and spent his
acclaimed international author; Prof JW Creswell, early childhood in London before returning to his
a Fulbright Scholar and leading educational native country. His works are heavily influenced
research methodology expert; Prof T Plomp, an by Nigerian mythology and culture, as well as by
emeritus professor whose most outstanding the devastating effects of the Biafran War. In his
and lasting contribution to the University is the lecture Dr Okri said he felt deeply honoured to
Faculty of Education’s Centre for Evaluation and have received recognition from the University of
Assessment; and Prof RL Baskerville, one of Pretoria.
the world’s pioneers in the field of information Prof JW Creswell is professor of Educational
systems design and security. Psychology at the University of Nebraska-
Ben Okri is one of the world’s foremost literary Lincoln. His research output includes 22 books
authors. He has written nine novels, the third and many articles on mixed-method research,
of which, The famished road, was awarded the qualitative methodology and general research
Booker Prize in 1991. In addition to these design. The books, which focus mainly on types
novels, Dr Okri has published nine volumes and of research design, compare different qualitative
collections of essays, poetry and short stories. methodologies and the context and use of
mixed-method research. As a Senior Fulbright
The Faculty of Humanities nominated Ben Okri for Scholar he spent 2008 in South Africa and 2012
the degree DLitt (honoris causa). The University in Thailand. Professor Creswell received the
Council confirmed the nomination on the grounds degree DEd (honoris causa) in recognition of
of his being a widely recognised international the exceptional impact of his work on global
writer and scholar whose outstanding research in education, as well as his expertise in
contribution to contemporary world literature research methodology and its wide applications in
should not go unnoticed. It is the first time that education.
an African university has honoured one of its Continue on p 8
Prof André Boraine, Dekaan van die Regsfakulteit, stel die Fakulteit bekend aan voornemende
6 7
studente en hul ouers.
Universiteit van Pretoria • University of Pretoria • Yunibesithi ya Pretoria TUKKIE
AUTUMN GRADUATION CEREMONIES 2014 AUTUMN GRADUATION CEREMONIES 2014
Two PhDs for
From p 7 Prof Tjeerd Plomp is emeritus professor at Richard Lee Baskerville serves on the Board
Never too
the University of Twente, Enschede in the of Advisors for Information Systems in the
the Craffords
Netherlands. He holds an MSc in Mathematics Department of Computer Information Systems,
old to learn
(1964) and a PhD in Education (1974), both from Robinson College of Business at Georgia State
the Free University of Amsterdam. In addition to University in Atlanta, USA. He is one of the world’s
his many academic and research achievements, foremost research specialists whose body of
Prof Plomp made a direct and lasting contribution work focuses on security of information systems, During the 2014 Autumn
to the University of Pretoria through his methods of information systems design and
Graduation Ceremonies, two
involvement with the University’s Centre for development, and the interaction of information
Evaluation and Assessment since it was founded systems and organisations. He has published Tuks alumni who graduated in
in 2002. From 2003 to 2005 he was extraordinary more than 200 articles in scholarly magazines and 1966, Bets and Willem Crafford,
professor of Education in the Faculty of Education journals, and has also acted as editor of several witnessed their children, also Tuks
at UP. books. In his inspiring and motivational speech,
Prof Baskerville explained to the undergraduates alumni, graduate with PhDs on
that receiving a first degree ‘is like opening up a the same day!
bag of crisps – once you taste one, you want the
whole bag’. ¾
Dr Jannie Crafford received his PhD from
UP Council Chair receives the Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases
in the Faculty of Veterinary Science for his thesis
honorary doctorate entitled ’Immune responses to modified-live
and recombinant African horse sickness virus
Ms Futhi Mtoba, vaccines’. The findings of his study are relevant
Chairperson of the to the design of a more effective African horse
Council of the University sickness virus vaccine and seek to identify
Prof Tjeerd Plomp listens to the introduction by Prof of Pretoria received an protective immunity to this virus in horses.
Irma Eloff, Dean of the Faculty of Education. honorary doctorate from
Dr Crafford’s sister, Dr Lizette Weilbach, a lecturer
the University of Limpopo Dr Solomzi Ferguson Sotobe receives his doctorate. in the Department of Informatics, received her
in May.
PhD in IT from the Faculty of Engineering, the
Ms Mtoba is a qualified Built Environment and Information Technology.
Chartered Accountant The 85-year-old Dr Solomzi In her thesis she focused on institutional
CA (SA) and holds a Higher Ferguson Sotobe, who has been theory to gain a better understanding of the
Diploma in Banking Law change management that took place during the
from the former Rand
the oldest person ever to receive implementation of an Open-source Content
Afrikaans University, a a doctorate from the Faculty of Management System (ECM) in the public
B.Com (Hons) and BA Theology, proved that one is never sector. Dr Weilbach also has a strong interest in
(Econ) (Hons), both from education and the educational uses of IT. ¾
too old to learn.
Richard Lee Baskerville, middle, with Prof Roelf the University of South
Sandenberg, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, the Built Africa, and a BA (Econ)
Environment and Information Technology and Vice-
Principal, Prof Themba Mosia.
from the University of Rev Sotobe was born on 17 September
Botswana and Swaziland. 1929 in the Qeqe administrative area of
She has steered several international bodies, Butterworth (Eastern Cape) and is an ordained
including the United Nations Global Compact, the pastor of the Assemblies of God. He obtained a
world’s largest voluntary corporate citizenship Diploma in Biblical Studies from the Union Bible
initiative. Institute in Pietermaritzburg in 1963.
She joined Deloitte Southern Africa in 1988, rising This was followed by a BA(Hons) degree in Public
up the ranks to become not only the first African Administration from the University of Transkei,
woman to be appointed as a partner by one of and later, in 2009, a BA(Hons) degree from the
the top four accounting firms in South Africa, University of Pretoria. In 2010 he was awarded an
but subsequently, in 2004, also the first woman MA(Theology), specialising in Practical Theology.
chairperson of Deloitte Southern Africa. He earned his doctorate with a thesis that dealt
Prof J W Creswell, Prof Irma Eloff and the Chancellor of with the trauma faced by ministers in their
Ms Mathoba has been the chairperson of the
the University of Pretoria, Prof Wiseman Nkuhlu. pastoral duties and the challenges this poses for
University Council since 2008. ¾ Dr Weilbach (second from left) and Dr Crafford (second
their lives. ¾ from right) with their parents on graduation day.
8 9
Universiteit van Pretoria • University of Pretoria • Yunibesithi ya Pretoria TUKKIE
HERFSPROMOSIEPLEGTIGHEDE 2014 HERFSPROMOSIEPLEGTIGHEDE 2014
VIER DMUS-
GRADE
TOEGEKEN
Die Universiteit het 127
doktorsgrade tydens die
Herfspromosieplegtighede
toegeken. Getrou aan die
Universiteit se strewe om ’n
navorsingsintensiewe instelling te VIER GESLAGTE KOLBES
wees, het die Departement Musiek
GRADUEER AAN TUKS
vier doktorale kandidate gehad
wat elk ’n DMus-graad ontvang LJ van Zyl Frederik Fortunatus Kolbe (staande, heel links op dié
het. steek ook dié Toe Isobel Kolbe op
Dinsdagmiddag 23 April net na
UP rugbyfoto uit 1910) se agterkleindogter, Isobel, was
vanjaar die vierde geslag Kolbe om ʼn UP-gegradueerde
hekkie oor
te word.
drie-uur oor die verhoog van en is in 1963 Holland toe om sy doktorsgraad
Dit was inderdaad ’n groot prestasie die Rembrandtsaal tydens UP se daar te doen. Prof Kolbe het by UP klas gegee
vir ’n klein department. Drie doktorale studente
het ingeskryf vir navorsingsgrade en die vierde Herfspromosieplegtighede gestap in Landbou (Agrariese Voorligting) tot ongeveer
1967. Hy het die professoraatskap en pos
vir die uitvoerende graad. Twee van dié vier was het, was sy die vierde geslag van departementshoof gekry voordat hy sy
buitelandse studente. Tuks-gegradueerde uit die Kolbe- doktorsgraad voltooi het. Hy is in 1969 oorlede.
Een van die internasionale studente, dr Pek Lin familie.
Ching, ‘n dosent aan ‘n instituut vir die opleiding
van onderwysers in Batu Lintang, Maleisië en dr
Truida Olivier, ’n klavierdosent van die Universiteit Haar oupagrootjie, Frederik
van Noordwes, het hul grade onder leiding van Suid-Afrikaanse Olimpiese Fortunatus Kolbe, was in 1910 ʼn ingeskrewe
prof Caroline van Niekerk verwerf. Dr Ching het
hekkiesatleet LJ van Zyl het student nadat hy sy skoolloopbaan aan die Paarl
navorsing gedoen oor die musiekkultuur van die Gimnasium voltooi het. Sy kleinseun, Fred Kolbe,
Kenyah, ‘n inheemse groep van Borneo. Dr Olivier die afgelope jaar uitgevind dat sê hy is nie seker waarvoor sy oupa ingeskryf
het ondersoek ingestel na die verband tussen internasionale atletiek vir hom het nie, maar hy het ʼn sertifikaat gekry dat
tegniek en interpretasie in Johannes Brahms se makliker is as om vir ’n graad te “he attended a full intermediate course at the
Sonata opus 34 en het as deel van die nakoming Transvaal University College in 1910” waarmee hy
van die graadvereistes drie openbare konserte werk. op Krugersdorp gaan skoolhou het.
gehou.
Sy seun, Frederik Fortunatus Hofmeyr Kolbe, het
Prof Meki Nzewi van UP se Departement Musiek ‘Ja, dit was baie moeiliker as BSc(Agric) aan Tuks gestudeer
het opgetree as die studieleier vir dr Bridget Isobel Kolbe en haar ouers, Fred en Marguerita, is
hekkies hardloop,’ het hy erken nadat hy tydens
almal Tuks alumni.
Chinouriri, ‘n dosent in Etnomusikologie aan die die Uiversiteit se Herfspromosieplegtighede ’n
Universiteit van Zimbabwe. Dr Chinouriri het honneursgraad in Onderwysbestuur, -reg en
ondersoek ingestel na die gebruik van musiek as -beleid ontvang het. LJ vertel dat die nagraadse Fred Kolbe, uit die derde geslag Kolbes, het BCom
’n ideologiese krag tydens die politieke mobilisasie studie net soveel toewyding as sy oefenroetine LLB gestudeer en sy vrou, Marguerita Coetzee,
van Zimbabwe se grondhervormingsprogram. Dr geverg het. ‘Veral die klasse op Vrydagmiddae was het BA LLB gestudeer. Hulle het op universiteit
Elise Lemmer, deeltydse klavierdosent aan UP, harde werk.’ gekys geraak en altwee in 1982 graad gekry.
se proefskrif is onder toesig van prof Heinrich
’n Bykomende hindernis was die feit dat hy drie Isobel Kolbe het hierdie trotse tradisie voortgesit
van der Mescht voltooi en handel oor die belang
maande van die jaar oorsee woon. ‘Gelukkig toe sy die BSc-graad ontvang het. Sy is nou besig
van en individuele bydraes deur J N Hummel as
het ek ’n baie goeie verstandhouding met die met honneursstudies. ¾
‘n oorgangskomponis tussen die Klassieke en die
professore by Tuks gehad. Hulle het altyd geweet
Romantiese tydperke. ¾
10 11
waar ek was,’ het hy gesê. ¾
Die sertifikaat wat Frederik Kolbe in
November 1910 verwerf het.
Universiteit van Pretoria • University of Pretoria • Yunibesithi ya Pretoria TUKKIE
UP erken uitsonderlike
interaksies tussen lede van dieselfde familie en genetiese regulering van biopolimeersintese in
die evolusie van voortplantingstrategieë. houtweefselselle.
presteerders
Prof Jolanda Roux is verbonde aan die Instituut
vir Bosbou- en Landboubiotegnologie (FABI) en
die Departement Mikrobiologie en Plantpatologie.
Haar navorsing is op boomgesondheid
toegespits, veral op swampatogene en die
insekte wat daarmee geassosieer word.
Sleutelnavorsingsgebiede sluit mikologie,
plantpatologie en ondersoeke na die ekologie van
die interaksies tussen swamme, insekte en bome
in.
Fakulteit Ingenieurswese, Bou-
omgewing en Inligtingtegnologie
Prof Johan Joubert van die Departement
Elektriese, Elektroniese en Rekenaar-
Ingenieurswese is hoof van die
Elektromagnetisme-navorsingsgroep. Hy doen
navorsing oor mikrogolfantennes, onder meer
oor die vermindering in die grootte van antennes
namate kommunikasietoestelle as gevolg van die
Van links na regs staan prof Lise Korsten, prof Fanus integrasie van elektronika al kleiner word.
Venter, prof Wanda Markotter en prof Jolanda Roux,
Van links na regs verskyn dr Albert van Jaarsveld, Hoof Uitvoerende Beampte van die almal van die Fakulteit Natuur- en Landbouwetenskappe. Prof Wimpie Odendaal van die Departement
Nasionale Navorsing Stigting, prof Brenda Wingfield, A-gegradeerde navorser, dr Phil Elektriese, Elektroniese en Rekenaar-
Mjwara, Direkteur-generaal van die Departement van Wetenskap en Tegnologie, prof Don
Ingenieurswese is direkteur van die Sentrum vir
Cowan, A-gegradeerde navorser en die Rektor, prof Cheryl de la Rey. Prof Lise Korsten van die Departement Elektromagnetisme. Sy navorsing is toegespits
Mikrobiologie en Plantpatologie in die Fakulteit op die gebied van elektromagnetiese tegnologie,
Natuur- en Landbouwetenskappe is hoof van veral ten opsigte van die ontwerp, ontwikkeling
As ‘n voorste navorsings- Uitnemende Akademiese die sleutelnavorsingstema Voedselveiligheid, en evaluering van mikrogolfantennes,
universiteit, slaan die Universiteit Presteerders Biosekerheid, Openbare Gesondheid en radarverstrooiing en antenne-afmetings.
Regulatoriese Beheer in die Instituut vir Voedsel,
van Pretoria uitsonderlike Fakulteit vir Landbou- en
Voeding en Gesondheid (IFNuW). Sy het Suid-
Natuurwetenskappe
akademiese prestasie hoog aan. Afrika se eerste biologiese beheeragent vir vrugte Fakulteit Regsgeleerdheid
Prof Roumen Anguelov is hoof van die ontwikkel en het ʼn navorsingsgroep tot stand
Departement Wiskunde en Toegepaste gebring wat sanitêre en fitosanitêre aspekte Prof André Boraine is die Dekaan van
“Die Universiteit se jaarlikse Wiskunde. Sy belangrikste navorsingsgebied is van die internasionale handel ondersoek. Sy het die Fakulteit en medeouteur van die
Toekennings vir Akademiese Presteerders huldig differensiaalvergelykings en hul numeriese analise, haar navorsingsportefeulje uitgebrei om aspekte toonaangewende Suid-Afrikaanse handboek oor
die volgehoue pogings van ons akademiese met die hoofklem op betroubare numeriese verwant aan ná-oespatologie en voedselveiligheid insolvensie, getitel Insolvency law. Hy is ʼn erelid
personeel wat individueel en gesamentlik die berekenings. in die varsproduktevoorsieningsketting in te sluit. van die Suid-Afrikaanse Vereniging vir Reddings-
dryfkrag is vir die Universiteit se strategie om ‘n en Insolvensiepraktisyns (South African Rescue
Prof Marthan Bester van die Departement Prof Zander Myburg van die Departement and Insolvency Practitioners Association). Hy is lid
toonaangewende navorsingintensiewe universiteit
Dierkunde en Entomologie is by die Genetika beklee die Leerstoel vir van die forum vir akademici van die International
in Afrika te wees,” sê prof Cheryl de la Rey,
Soogdiernavorsingsinstituut geaffilieer. Sy Bosbougenomika en Biotegnologie en is Association of Restructuring, Insolvency &
Visekanselier en Rektor.
navorsing binne die Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale direkteur van die Molekulêre Genetiese Bankruptcy Professionals (INSOL) en dien ook
Die volgende senior navorsers uit verskillende Antarktiese Program is op die studie van die Program vir Bosbou, wat deel uitmaak van die op dié liggaam se Global Fellowship Programme
fakulteite is as volg vir uitnemende prestasies in bevolkingsbiologie en -ekologie van seesoogdiere navorsingsportefeulje van UP se Instituut vir Committee.
voor- en nagraadse onderrig en leer, navorsing, in die Suidelike Oseaan toegespits en veral Bosbou- en Landbou-biotegnologie (FABI) en
gemeenskapsdiens en administrasie vereer. op bevolkingsparameters wat veranderings in die Genomika-navorsingsinstituut. Prof Myburg Prof Erika de Wet is ’n mededirekteur van die
die omgewing van diskrete robbevolkings sal se navorsing is toegespits op die genomika Instituut vir Internasionale en Vergelykende Reg
Die toekennings is tydens 'n glansryke geleentheid in Afrika en professor in Internasionale Reg.
aan die akademici oorhandig. weerspieël. en molekulêre genetika van houtontwikkeling
in snelgroeiende woudbome, en veral die Navorsingsgebiede waarin sy internasionale
Prof Jaco Greeff is professor in die Departement erkenning geniet is onder andere internasionale
Genetika en sy navorsingsfokus is die evolusie van
12 13
Universiteit van Pretoria • University of Pretoria • Yunibesithi ya Pretoria TUKKIE
organisasiereg, met ’n spesifieke fokus Fakulteit Natuur- en en die gevolge van dieet op fiksheid.
op die magte van die Veiligheidsraad Landbouwetenskappe Sy navorsingsresultate kan in ʼn groot
van die Verenigde Nasies, die mate op die beheer van ernstige
Prof Wanda Markotter staan aan die
verhouding tussen internasionale en insekpeste, insluitend vrugtevlieë van
hoof van navorsing oor soönotiese
binnelandse reg, en aangeleenthede die familie Tephritidae, toegepas word.
virusse wat deur vlermuise oorgedra
rondom die normatiewe hiërargie
word. Dié navorsing word deur die
in internasionale reg (internasionale
Navorsingsgroep oor Virale Soönoses
konstitusionalisme). Fakulteit Ekonomiese en
in die Departement Mikrobiologie
Bestuurswetenskappe
en Plantpatologie onderneem. Haar
navorsingsfokus is die siekte-ekologie, Dr Roula Inglesi-Lotz is ’n senior
Fakulteit
patogenisiteit en diagnostiek van lektor in die Departement Ekonomie
Gesondheidswetenskappe
hondsdolheid, asook ander soönotiese en haar navorsingsbelangstellings is
Prof Riana Bornman is die hoof- Prof Riana Bornman
patogene wat met Afrika-vlermuise toegespits op energie, ekonomiese
mediese beampte en buitengewone geassosieer word. groei en ontwikkeling, asook die
professor in die Departement Urologie. Sy toepassings van tydreekse en
is hoof van die Afdeling Andrologie (manlike Prof Ferdie Meyer is die direkteur van die
paneeldata-ekonometrie. Die
voortplantings-gesondheid) by die Steve Biko Buro vir Voedsel- en Landboubeleid (BFAP) en
Departement Ekonomie het haar in
Akademiese Hospitaal. Haar navorsing fokus medeprofessor in die Departement Landbou-
2011 en 2013 as Junior Navorser van
op die blootstelling van mense en wildlewe aan ekonomie, Voorligting en Landelike Ontwikkeling.
die Jaar aangewys.
endokrieneversteuringschemikalieë (EDC’s) wat in Hy het ’n sterk belangstelling in strategiese
besluitneming en scenariobeplanning ontwikkel Prof Elmar Venter van die
die omgewing voorkom en die uitwerking daarvan
terwyl hy besig was met sy PhD aan die Departement Belasting is ʼn
op voorplantingsgesondheid. Die Dekaan van die Fakulteit Natuur- en
Universiteit van Missouri. gekwalifiseerde geoktrooieerde rekenmeester. Landbouwetenskappe, prof Anton Stroh (links), prof
Sy huidige navorsing fokus op die regulatoriese Roumen Anguelov, uitnemende akademiese presteerder
Dr Chris Weldon is ‘n lektor in die Departement
Fakulteit Opvoedkunde en kapitaalmarkeffekte van die inkomstesyfers en prof Daya Reddy, president van die Suid-Afrikaanse
Dierkunde en Entomologie en hy beskik oor Akademie vir Wetenskap (ASSAf), die gasspreker by die
van firmas wat nie aan die Algemeen Aanvaarde
Prof Kobus Maree van die Departement uiteenlopende vaardighede en ervaring in geleentheid.
Rekeningkundige Praktyk (AARP) voldoen nie.
Opvoedkundige Sielkunde se navorsing is veral entomologie. Sy navorsingsagtergrond sluit
toegespits op loopbaankonstruksievoorligting insekgedrag, -ekologie en -fisiologie in, veral met
en lewensontwerp en betrekking tot weerstand teen omgewingstres Fakulteit
konstruksie. Hy verbind Veeartsenykunde
navorsingsresultate met Prof Celia Abolnik beklee
gepaste loopbaankeuses die Suider-Afrikaanse
en -konstruksie, asook Pluimveevereniging se Leerstoel
met lewensontwerp en vir Pluimveenavorsing in die
konstruksie. Fakulteit en is medeprofessor
in die Departement
Produksiedierstudies. Sy word
Uitnemende Jong
as die vooraanstaande Suider-
Navorsers
Afrikaanse kundige op die
Hierdie toekennings gebied van voëlgriep beskou.
word gemaak vir
uitnemende prestasie op • Profs Brenda Wingfield en
Don Cowan is finaliste in die
die gebied van navorsing
NSTF-BHP Billiton-toekennings.
teen die agtergrond
Met die ter perse gaan van
van die Universiteit se
Tukkie was die wenners nog nie
strategiese doelwitte
bekend nie. ¾
van akademiese
uitnemendheid,
internasionale
mededingendheid Theresa van Oordt, heel links, het een van twee laureaattoekennings vir Uitnemendheid
in Onderrig en Innovasie ontvang. Die groep bestaande uit Kgadi Mathabathi, Prof Nithaya Chetty ontvang die NNS C2-gradering van dr Albert van Jaarsveld.
en plaaslike relevansie. links voor, dr Lynne Pilcher, regs voor en dr Darren Riley, regs agter, het die ander Prof Chetty is tans gedeeltelik gesekondeer na die NNS as groepshoof vir
laureaattoekenning gekry. In die middel staan prof Tyrone Pretorius, Vise-rektor. astronomie waar hy omsien na die land se nasionale belange in astronomie.
14 15
Universiteit van Pretoria • University of Pretoria • Yunibesithi ya Pretoria TUKKIE
According to Prof Schoeman, the choice of broad times, violent, with a loss of faith in the ideas and
economic policy followed since the late 1990s policies of the elites,” said Prof Schoeman.
has resulted in a highly skewed distribution of
“Cadre deployment within the ruling party
resources.
has turned into factional deployment that is
“The ‘who’ that gets the ‘what’ of politics is a small largely self-serving and at most loyal to a faction
elite – with the large majority having to settle for battling for control over the state because of its
much less.” accumulation value, and not because of its value
as the core transformative agent within society.
Prof Schoeman said that a second aspect of the
Reflections
What we see in our country is a failure to create
unresolved class struggle was the ever-growing
an environment that speaks to the needs of the
numbers of unemployed youth
‘
majority of our citizens,” she
in South Africa.
said.
on 20 years
“The levels of frustration and
“Lest we also think that the
hopelessness in this sector of
society are dangerously high, ‘
The ‘who’ that gets the ‘what’
of politics is a small elite – with
current hegemony of what
I call hypercapitalism is too
of democracy
and these expectations and
the large majority having to big and too entrenched to
demands will grow. It is not
settle for much less. be challenged, that there
only about the provision of
is no room for new and
basic needs such as housing,
alternative ideas and that a
electricity, sanitation and water.
few academics at a university
Hopes of a better life, respect
cannot make much of a difference, it is possible
Prof Maxi Schoeman delivering her lecture and dignity are also basic needs and are fulfilled,
to think differently and to think ‘for’ change and
in part, through gainful employment and the
transformation,” said Prof Schoeman.
ability to participate in the economy.
“At a deeper level [as universities] we need to
Delivering a lecture on “A crisis of leadership? Reflections on 20 years of “The youth wage bill aims at addressing this
generate and debate ideas about the nature
democracy” as part of the UP Expert Lecture Series, Prof Maxi Schoeman, situation through tax breaks to encourage youth
and direction of our transformation: how can
head of the Department of Political Sciences at the University of Pretoria, job growth in the private sector. The question is
we build a more inclusive society? What exactly
whether more direct state intervention is required
acknowledged South Africa’s great achievements over the past 20 years. is necessary to ‘de-racialise’ our economy? What
– and this is a debate that we as academics
exactly would a transformed university be, beyond
“Though I am going to present a rather critical reading, I do so in full should perhaps re-open,” said Prof Schoeman.
‘only’ demographics?
recognition of these achievements, the most relevant of which, for this event, Referring to the issue of political leadership,
is surely the mere fact that we have the freedom of expression that allows Questioning the role of universities at a time
she quoted Professor Adam Habib’s view that
in which inequality, still largely racially defined,
us to analyse and critique our current political situation and to do so in an the ruling party had degenerated into “a grubby
was increasing, Prof Schoeman suggested one
environment that allows everyone access – regardless of race or creed,” said instrument of enrichment that speaks the
possible response was to extend the so-called
Prof Schoeman. Here follows an edited version of her address, the 14th in language of empowerment and democracy, while
“Zuma year” to all graduates on the basis of
its leadership and cadres plunder the nation’s
the Expert Lecture Series. resources”.
internships. In Nigeria, for example, all graduates
are required to spend one year upon completion
While cautioning against overgeneralising of their studies in the service of the state, usually
South Africa is currently confronted Schoeman. She attributed the protest and
the extent of corruption within the state, and as teachers. ¾
with a social order that will increasingly be resistance that manifested in service delivery
recognising that there were many dedicated,
characterised by violent struggles over the protests and wide-spread labour unrest to an
honest and highly competent civil servants, Prof
distribution of power and wealth. While there unresolved class struggle and to a failure of
Schoeman said the perception that the ANC had
have been many significant achievements over the leadership in the country.
degenerated into an “instrument of enrichment”
past two decades of democracy in South Africa, “In combination, these two aspects have serious was the direct result of the choice to create
there is an underlying level of anger, frustration, implications for the South African political a black capitalist class through government
violence and resistance in the country that went landscape as we enter the third decade of procurement practices and regulatory
well beyond the elections and that is poorly democracy,” said Prof Schoeman. “The struggle interventions.
understood and difficult to address. that we see now is for the heart of the state – for
“The state itself has become a vehicle for personal
We – government, the elites, the middle class the ideas that will determine how the state will
accumulation and wealth creation. The response
– are finding ourselves in the midst of our Arab intervene in the economy and not whether it
by the masses is increasingly strident and even, at
Spring, or our ‘winter of discontent’,” said Prof intervenes in the economy.”
16 17
Universiteit van Pretoria • University of Pretoria • Yunibesithi ya Pretoria TUKKIE
Leading the way to
research excellence
Thumbs UP from SRC for the
Tuks Scholarship Fund
The SRC members in this photo are (from left to right): Front row: Kia Kasure, Enwee Human, Arno Burger, Gabriel Nel.
Second row: Nthabiseng Nooe, Amy Ashworth, Taymoon Altamash, Monique du Randt, Johanna Nashitati, Matshepo
Tladi. Third row: Kim Ngobeni, Marna de Jager, Belinda Kelly, Landri Cloete. Back row: James Lotter, Marco Koch,
Wilbri Vorster, Khutso Ntuli, Xabiso Sicwebu
In a bold move of solidarity, the UP staff to make regular contributions as well.
Alumni of the University – especially those who
Student Representative Council have themselves received financial support – are
(SRC) donated R50 000 to the Tuks requested to commit to becoming regular donors
Scholarship Fund.This gesture of the Fund.
of support is a response to an “We have an individual and a collective
appeal from the Vice-Chancellor responsibility to ensure that we invest in a positive
At the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Pretoria Five elements play a role in the Department of Chemical Engineering’s
future,” says Professor De La Rey. “Contributions
we believe that high quality research outputs can only be achieved through success
• Lecturers who are well-qualified and exceptional leaders in their fields of
and Principal, Professor Cheryl de towards the Tuks Scholarship Fund help ensure
staff of stature that pave the way to cutting-edge results. In order to achieve
this, our Department is supported by state of the art equipment and study la Rey – urging alumni and staff to that the University continues to be a driving
• Graduates that can stand their own internationally in terms of outstanding
laboratories.
education and obtained qualifications pledge their support to the Fund. force in redefining what is possible in a country
that requires skilled, flexible and creative young
This is why we have been successful in attracting funds to complement • Hands-on specialists
internal resources for more than 50 years. During this period, four endowed • Sought after products minds.”
Chairs have added value to our activities. • Internationally accredited programmes “As a society, we cannot afford to Your regular contribution will make a
lose talented students because they are unable to significant impact
We pride ourselves on our high quality graduates, taught by hands-on In short, our mission is to employ efficient teaching and relevant industry-
pay fees, buy essential textbooks or afford basic When you give to the Tuks Scholarship Fund,
specialists in their respective research fields. supported research to produce world-class chemical engineering graduates
whose ability to think independently and innovatively lead to new knowledge accommodation, food and other essentials,” said you will have a direct and immediate impact on
The Department collaborates with several international universities and for the benefit of South Africa and globally. SRC President, Enwee Luyt Human. the life of a deserving student and contribute to
institutions, as well as industry giants in the petrochemical, paper and pulp, supporting a level of excellence that cannot be
The financial stress experienced by a significant
mining and minerals processing and nuclear industries. We are committed
Visit www.up.ac.za/chemeng for more information on percentage of Tuks students affects their ability sustained through government assistance alone.
to offering postgraduate study leadership to inspired students in the field of
chemical engineering. postgraduate programmes. to focus on their studies. The SRC is committed Whatever the level of your giving – from a few
mediachef5156
to creating vehicles of student aid, such as the hundred rand per year to a hundred thousand or
proposed Work for Study Programme. The purpose more – your support is valued by the University
of this programme is to find part-time university and the deserving beneficiaries of your generosity.
jobs for students who are academically strong,
but struggling to pay their fees If you would like more information about how
you can help students thrive at your alma
Professor Cheryl de la Rey was the first to donate mater, please contact: Cheryl Benadie, Senior
to the Tuks Scholarship Fund. A payroll giving Development Officer, e-mail: cheryl.benadie@
campaign, launched earlier this year, enables up.ac.za, tel: +27 (0) 12 420 5026 ¾
18 19
Universiteit van Pretoria • University of Pretoria • Yunibesithi ya Pretoria
Privaatsak • Private Bag • Mokotla wa Poso X20 Hatfield 0028 • Suid-Afrika • South Africa • Afrika Borwa
Tel: +27 (0) 12 420 4111 • Fax • Fekse: +27 (0) 12 420 4555
www.up.ac.za/chemeng
Universiteit van Pretoria • University of Pretoria • Yunibesithi ya Pretoria TUKKIENondumiso Mzizana “I was working in the rural areas of the Eastern
Cape and noticed that the clinics there hardly had
entrepreneurs don’t share – they keep their
experience and knowledge to themselves instead
Never stop
any medical equipment. Some didn’t even have of sharing it to also benefit others. I don’t like
the most basic equipment and I started dreaming that.”
of starting a company to provide them with
pursuing
To “give back” Nondumiso launched a Success
[equipment].”
Summit in 2012 to provide an opportunity for
In 2002 Nondumiso founded Sikelela Medical entrepreneurs to meet some of the country’s best
your dream
and Dental Suppliers with two family members as business thinkers and to network with their peers.
sales reps, a R30 000 bank overdraft and a The summit, partially funded by Sikelela and a
R100 000 package she received when leaving government grant, has since grown in stature
Medunsa where she was lecturing at the time. and has become a yearly event held in all nine
Today Sikelela – which means “blessing” – employs provinces.
30 people and is South Africa’s largest supplier of
Her philantropic passion is evident when
equipment to the medical profession with clients
she explains that the summits empower
all over the continent.
entrepreneurs at all levels to grow and learn. “The
“At times we couldn’t even draw salaries and we whole country will benefit when entrepreneurs
had to work really hard for a couple of years just accept that to be really successful you also need
to break even. I could never have done it without to be an educator. By selflessly sharing our skills
my team. I was blessed to have and knowledge we give back
‘
people I could trust and who to the society that helped us
were just as dedicated as I was; get where we are.”
By Manie Bosman that makes all the difference,”
With the same aim in mind
she explains.
The whole country will she has recently finished a
While managing all the benefit when entrepreneurs book – provisionally titled “An
First black woman to graduate encouraged his three daughters and his son to challenges of running a new accept that to be really autobiography of a successful
educate ourselves in order to become whatever
with an MSc degree in business, Nondumiso also successful you also need to entrepreneur” – in which she
we wanted to. found the time to enrol for her shares her success story. The
orthodontics from the University be an educator. By selflessly
“However, it was my mother, who then had to master’s degree in dentistry at book is due to be published
of Pretoria, founder of a very
successful medical supplies
company, wife, mother of three
raise the four of us while pursuing her own career
as a teacher, who was my greatest role model.
She was forever buying and selling things in the
UP and became the first black
woman to receive this degree.
She laughs when asked why
sharing our skills and
knowledge we give back to
‘
the society that helped us get
where we are
later this year.
Nondumiso’s husband – a
former corporate executive
townships for an extra income. At the age of ten I she chose UP. “I needed a
sons, author, self-confessed was selling oranges and by the time I got to high new challenge and wondered
- is also a successful
businessman and the couple
fitness fanatic, winner of the school I was making good money by employing if I would be able to thrive in
have three “beautiful sons”
Businesswoman of the Year other kids to sell sweets on my behalf. With my that environment which was
aged 16, 14 and five.
mother’s guidance I had turned into a serial very white dominated at the time. It turned out
Award in the Entrepreneur to be an excellent choice and I’m proud to be If there is one thing that she still dreams of
entrepreneur at a very young age and I loved
category, passionate every moment.” associated with UP.” achieving, what would it be? She hesitates for a
philanthropist … In spite of her love of and knack for business, Being a pioneer for black women and a successful
moment and then gives an answer I never saw
coming. “My greatest dream was to meet Nelson
Nondumiso decided to equip herself with a entrepreneur – for which she received the
Mandela but unfortunately that never happened.
“proper education” and in 1997 became one of Businesswomen’s Association Businesswoman of
Dr Nondumiso Mzizana, an I am a fitness fanatic and now I dream to climb
the first black women to graduate with an MBChD the Year Award for 2011 – must certainly be her
attractive and well-groomed woman exuding Mount Everest. I have already hired a personal
degree in dentistry from Medunsa. “Dentistry greatest achievements and the things she wants
contagious energy, laughs. coach to take me through the preparation
appealed to me because it was a challenge and people to remember her for?
process, mentally and physically. My target is to
“Well, it all started for me in the townships of it combines medical science with practical skill – I She considers this for a moment. “I am very be ready in three years from now.”
Umtata [now Mthatha] where I grew up with like to work with my hands,” she explains. grateful for what I could achieve so far and for
parents who, in spite of not having much in terms The world’s highest mountain had better be
Her entrepreneurial spirit, however, was never the recognition I’ve received. However, what I
of worldly wealth, inspired us to work hard and to ready, because if this amazing woman sets her
dampened and while doing her internship she would like people to remember me for is that
never stop pursuing our dreams. My father, who mind on something, it seems there is no obstacle
identified an opportunity that would later see her I never forgot where I came from and that I’ve
lectured in economics at the University of Fort too high … ¾
become one of South Africa’s most successful given back to the people of South Africa. Some
Hare but passed away when I was still very young,
female entrepreneurs.
20 21
Universiteit van Pretoria • University of Pretoria • Yunibesithi ya Pretoria TUKKIEWhen interest in
Environmental Science
When asked about this, Coleen chuckles: “Yes, I of a Nobel Peace Prize, but she has published
guess I contributed a very small part towards that numerous articles in her field and was awarded
Nobel Peace Prize. I was honoured but there were the prestigious international Burtoni Award for
escalates
many of us working on that project, so it really is a contributions to climate change adaptation and
very small part.” science in 2010. Another chuckle before she
explains: “I had a Geography teacher who really
The IPCC’s Fifth Assessment Report, to which Coleen
got me interested in environmental sciences
By Manie Bosman also contributed, was published the day before
and I guess it just escalated from there. After
our interview. “The purpose of this report is not to
completing matric in the mid-1970s I spent a
be prescriptive or alarmist. Rather, we aim to help
year as an exchange student in the US and that
governments understand the possible impact of
was quite a life-changing experience, teaching
climate control and suggest measures that can be
me to think critically and opening my mind to
taken to deal with the impact on different sectors
consider more possibilities than
such as agriculture and health. We
Interview with Prof Coleen Vogel about climate change I had before. When I came back I
also try to help governments adapt
went to university and eventually
‘
to [climate change] by developing
obtained a PhD in Climate Sciences
policies and to take the necessary
and Geography at Wits, joined as a
measures to cope with what is
junior lecturer and stayed there for
coming,” she explains.
Climate change is happening. “The biggest challenge is to help
more than 30 years!”
Over the years her interest in the
If we start to act now, we can
still influence some of the
‘ create and share the science and
make it practicable. In order to
do this we need to help people
interplay between social sciences
and natural sciences grew steadily,
hence her passion for a trans-
outcomes for the planet. understand that although science –
disciplinary approach to climate
and our understanding of how we
change.
will be impacted by climate change
Prof Coleen Vogel
– is not perfect, [climate change] “My greatest passion right now is to
is happening and we have to do help the younger generation – my
Prof Coleen Vogel, who joined the up with workable solutions together with more
science in key and relevant disciplines,” she something to cope with it.” postgraduate students in particular – to develop
University of Pretoria’s Department of Geography,
explains. more flexibility and more holistic thinking when
Geoinformatics and Meteorology in March 2013, For instance, and close to home, indications are
practising science and looking for solutions to
sounds surprisingly calm and clear headed when This approach lies beyond the focus of some that inland areas in Africa are warming up at twice
what has been called ‘wicked challenges’ – the
she makes this statement. Not the doom-and- scientists. However, Coleen has first-hand the rate of the global average. “This could see an
challenges of our time. At a very practical level I’ve
gloom “the world about to end” approach some experience of what can be achieved when increase in heat waves and higher evaporation
been thinking of setting up some sort of academy
climate change campaigners take when trying to scientists from different disciplines and which would place an even larger burden on
… at UP … to equip students with the skills and
encourage and convince governments, corporates backgrounds collaborate towards a common goal. areas where water resources are already under
abilities to do just that. [This will require, first and
and citizens to take action. This probably explains She was one of several hundred scientists from stress. How should governments, city councils,
foremost, hard thinking about curricula offerings.]
why she is a world-renowned expert in her field across the world who participated in the Inter- banks and insurance companies prepare for this?”
For instance, it is great to be a good scientist, but
and known to take a pragmatic and realistic Governmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC). Even closer to home, some areas, such as eastern even great scientists need to be able to promote
approach to curbing the effects of climate change.
The IPCC’s role is to assess the available South Africa, could expect higher rainfall while their ideas, negotiate with stakeholders and
A former holder of the BMW Chair of Sustainability scientific, technical and socio-economic the south-western parts could get drier. So while lead or manage people. Those skills could be
at the University of the Witwatersrand and former information relevant to the understanding of the general patterns may remain the same the taught in addition to what is taught in the current
chair of the International Scientific Committee of climate change, its impacts and future risks, and frequency and intensity of rainfall could change. curriculum.”
the International Human Dimensions Programme options for adaptation and mitigation. In 2007 “What we don’t know with certainty is if it will rain
• Coleen is married to a former nuclear physicist
(IHDP), she believes the time has come to build the IPCC published its Fourth Assessment Report, more for longer periods or if we’ll see even more
who now runs his own company. They have two
adaptive capacity instead of – forgive the pun – a comprehensive document that provided a intense rains and heavier storms over shorter
children – a son who has just completed a degree
merely trying to stop the tide. framework for governments and organisations periods. Whatever the case, knowing that change
in business administration in the USA but dreams
to discuss and address climate change issues. is coming can help us prepare proactively.
“We now need to learn how to live with climate of becoming a pro golfer and a daughter training
change and how to adapt to what is happening. Subsequently they, as part of IPCC, were awarded So how does a woman who grew up in Boksburg to be a chef. ¾
The key to doing this is to take a trans-disciplinary the Nobel Peace Prize for their work on climate and attended a Catholic school become an
approach where we pool knowledge and change, together with former US Vice-President Al international authority on climate change? After
resources from different fields in order to come Gore. all, not only does she own a “very small part”
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