University of the western cape official newsletter t issUe 5, 2010
convocation aGM 2010
struggle
against
poverty
Dvc for Mrc –
page 3
van Der ross book launch
– page 7
the state and the economy
– page 10
n Brian williams, president of convocation and chairperson of the Uwc counci
UWC, more than any other university, them. This is one element of the context there be to celebrate if the University
has established itself as the university of UWC. did not have any graduates, scientists or
that led the struggles against oppression Universities do not exist outside of academics?
and today it remains completely united a context and UWC has a disturbing, The very reason for the existence of a
to serving the aspirations of building a dramatic and contradictory birthing. Like university is to produce graduates. Once
new genuinely democratic society in or- all universities in apartheid South Africa, you graduate you become a member of
der to contribute to serving the greater a segregated approach was used to de- the Convocation. It follows that a univer-
family of humanity. cide on where students could study. sity has no relevance if it does not have
These were the remarks made by Brian UWC was therefore designed by the Convocation members. Convocation
Williams, President of Convocation and apartheid planners to be a university members are therefore at the nucleus
Chairperson of Council, to the AGM of that would serve so called ‘Coloured’
Convocation – 50 years after the Univer- persons. Continue on page 2
sity opened its doors. The University of the Western Cape
The following is an extract from Wil- ‘UWC’ celebrates its 50th Anniversary
liams’ presidential report at the AGM: this year.
“During the apartheid period, the rac- Convocation members are at the epi-
ist laws demanded that all universities centre of these celebrations. What would
should be organised along so called
racial lines. Africans, Indians, ‘Coloureds’
and whites had universities set aside for
convocation aGM 2010
new activists must lead the
struggle against poverty
convocation
From page 1 versity (the highest decision-making in science and research should flow to
body) to the Rector, Vice-Rectors, Deans the rest of humanity as well as to the
of a university’s life and can potentially and all the leadership and management very base of our society, which remains
influence the quality of the university’s structures of UWC, the direction of the the most unequal in the word in terms
future. University is clearly directed at build- of the latest gini co-efficient data.
This simple but remarkable fact ing a powerful scientific and academic UWC has the biggest Life Sciences
should have strategic and profound base, centre, as well as the largest Dental Fac-
significance for UWC – the role that Under conditions of democracy, we ulty (with all its the associated medical
Convocation members should play are committed to reconstructive activ- technologies) in Africa.
within the University and the direction ism. According to a global survey of uni-
of where the institution should be po- This simply means that we must ad- versities, UWC is rated as the seventh
sitioned, given the historical realities of vance the highest levels of scientific in- best university in Africa.
our country. novation, genuine academic and schol- The World Health Organisation (WHO)
The original idea was that UWC would arly excellence, the constant pursuit of chose UWC to host three research sites
be under the control of apartheid engi- and the creation of new knowledge. and the University has a number of col-
neers, academics and institutional lead- This form of activism requires a re- laboration agreements with other uni-
ers who would ensure that the gover- building construct and the creation of versities across the world.
nance structures kept all the different a new generation of thinkers and activ- There are many areas of profound ad-
parts of the system in place. ists. New champions are needed to lead vancement of the academic project that
The attendance at UWC from the be- the new struggle against poverty, des-
has occurred under the inspired leader-
ginning of its existence created dilem- titution and to fight corruption in soci-
ship of Professor Brian O’ Connell and
mas for students. Yet within the repres- ety: the cancer that acts as the counter
his executive and academic team.
sive walls of the academic citadel of an revolutionary corrosive that destroys
The Convocation has been actively
apartheid design for UWC, the seeds to and limits the social capital value that
engaged in seeking to bring graduates
destroy its strategy existed. the communities should receive from
Student rebellions, open defiance and the government. and former students back to UWC so
protest action took different forms dur- In addition, the University must dem- that they can also become part of the
ing the periods of the sixties, seventies onstrate its relevance by finding con- new narrative and success story of the
and eighties. sistent methods to use its intellectual University.
UWC was a complex war zone and resources in a way that contributes to The story of UWC, is the story of how
yet under those traumatic conditions dealing with real community based we have, under the most oppressive
many students still managed to obtain problems. conditions emerged to become world
their degrees despite the psychological The connection to the community via leaders in science and academia.
stresses and oppressive circumstances. the academic development of students Yet we remain rooted to effectively
Eventually the apartheid regime ap- in terms of assignments and research dealing with community based social
pointed Dr Richard van der Ross in the should extend directly to analytical and problems.
early seventies as the first black Rector practical value to communities who re- We at UWC represent the real hope
and via his leadership and the struggles main in disadvantaged circumstances. for the future of our country by build-
of students and the broader commu- The University and the Convocation ing excellence and matching this with
nity, a platform was created that would members must increase its intellectual a contextual recognition of the need to
allow UWC to move towards becoming capital support to communities to the implement substantive equality.”
the first non racial university in South point where that connection between
Africa in the eighties when Professor the University and the community is in- • The full report by Brian Williams
Jakes Gerwel become the Rector. ternalised and institutionalised. can be found on the UWC website –
[Today] From the Council of the Uni- The great strides that UWC has made www.uwc.ac.za/alumni
Share your news with us remo andrews
Media office, luthando tyhalibongo
administration Building Zareena shabodien
email address: oncampus@uwc.ac.za Meggan williams
the editorial team of On Campus wants to fax: 021 959 3115 Mphumzi Zilindile
tel: 021 959 2627 fagan Muller
hear your views on issues relating to Uwc
to enable news of your events to reach a puseletso swartz
and news from your departments.
wider audience, contact luthando and trisha Bam
contact us and we will help you to spread
tyhalibongo by email: xtyhalibongo@uwc.ac.za Dtp: fatima Khan
the word.
send contributions to: contributors printing: twotone
awaatief Daniels photography: Danie nel
2 on caMpUs issUe 5 2010
MeDical research coUncil appointMent
uwc’s dvc to serve on research
& development Board
recoGnition
UWC Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), At another level, scientists are presently
Prof Ramesh Bharuthram, has been invited researching an alternate form of nuclear
to serve on the Research & Development energy, the much safer process through fu-
Board of the Medical Research Council. sion reactors in comparison to the existing
Bharuthram has been active on several nuclear reactors (eg Koeberg).
external fronts. Recently, he chaired the The plasma is the medium required for
Academic Reference Group that oversaw successful fusion reactions.
the review process of the NRF’s peer review In his long history in academics Bharuth-
system. ram has worked at six universities, namely
He is presently on the working group for the University of Durban-Westville, Dur-
the establishment of the South African Na- ban, M L Sultan Technikon, Durban, South
tional Space Agency (SANSA). Africa, University of Natal, University of
On an international level, Bharuthram KwaZulu-Natal, the University of Witwa-
has been recently appointed as an Associate tersrand and currently the University of the
Member of the Commission C16: Plasma Western Cape.
Physics of the International Union of Pure Among his other achievements Bharuth-
and Applied Physics (IUPAP). ram has been a NRF B-rated researcher for
The task of C16 is to promote the de- the past 15 years, by definition assessed by
velopment of plasma physics education on international peers as consistently produc-
a global level, especially in developing na- ing research output of high quality and im-
tions. n prof ramesh Bharuthram pact.
Why plasma physics? Firstly, 99 percent the dynamics of the Earth’s magnetosphere In 1998 he was elected as a member of
of the Universe is in a plasma state, including is important for improving telecommunica- the Academy of Science of South Africa and
the planetary magnetospheres. A study of tions and understanding space weather. in 2007 as member of the Royal Society of
South Africa.
His credentials include:
vice chancellor’s annUal BooK awarD • An Anglo-American and CSIR grant
authors and editors to undertake post-doctoral research in
Computer Simulations of Plasmas at the
University of California, Los Angeles,
are recognised
USA (September 1980 – August 1981);
• A CSIR (South Africa) and Alexander
von Humboldt-Stiftung, West Germany,
grant to undertake post-doctoral re-
THE University of the Western Cape Vice ulty of Arts), for her book “The Animal search at Ruhr-Universitat, Bochum,
Chancellor’s Annual Book Award was Gaze”. Germany, January (December 1986);
first awarded in 2009 for the recognition Professor Ben Cousins (PLAAS, Facul- • An appointment as Visiting Professor
of scholarly publications by staff in the ty Economic Management Sciences), who
in the School of Mathematics and Com-
form of books, both as authors and as edi- was co-editor of the book “Land, Power
puter/Information Studies, University
tors. and Custom: Controversies Generated by
of Hyderbad, India, (December 1988 –
There are three categories in which a South Africa’s Communal Land Rights
January 1989);
number of scholarly works by UWC staff Act” received the Category 2 award –
• An extended fellowship by the Alexan-
members are selected and the overall win- which is editor(s) of a book published by a
der von Humboldt-Stiftung, Germany
ners chosen. recognised publishing house, and based
to undertake further post-doctoral re-
Category 1 is an author of a book pub- purely on research undertaken by
search at Ruhr-Universitat, Bochum,
lished by a recognised publishing house, the authors.
Germany, (May 1991-February 1992);
and the book is based purely on research Category 3 is UWC Author of a general
undertaken by the author during his/her book, including works of fiction, and this and
academic career. award went to Professor Julia Martin (De- • A short-term visiting fellowship to the
This award went to Professor Wendy partment of English, Faculty of Arts), for University of California, San Diego,
Woodward (Department of English, Fac- her book “A Millimetre of Dust”. – MZ USA, December 1996.
on caMpUs issUe 5, 2010 3
Dr trUnette Joseph
an agent for change from a
university engaged with change
convocation
UWC alumnus, Dr Trunette Joseph’s criti-
cal mind was moulded in Stellenbosch just
14km from her workplace in Koelenhof
where the winelands stretch like a land of
dreams.
A still tireless fighter to build our democ-
racy, to drive gender justice and develop-
ment and to ensure that transformation is
here to stay, Joseph is currently the Deputy
Director: Curriculum Development, Re-
search, and Quality Assurance, Chief Di-
rectorate Human Resources Development
(HRD), in the Department of the Premier in
the Western Cape Provincial government.
One of her main jobs is to assist with plan-
ning processes as well as to manage curricu-
lum development and quality assurance at
the Provincial Training Institute.
She has more than 10 years of experience
in teaching at high school, a nursing col-
lege, technikon and is firmly anchored in
curriculum development and training at the
Provincial Training Institute of the Provin-
cial Government Western Cape.
Joseph started off with good role models
- her parents who encouraged their children n Dr trunette Joseph and her husband lazarus “Giempie” Joseph
to educate themselves. Seven of her nine
to-door to raise awareness, and doing time tion must be removed.”
siblings became teachers, and her eldest
in advice offices like the Cape Area Housing Whether it has been in 1994 on the Penin-
sister, Wilhelmina, was her Grade 2 school
Action Committee (CAHAC). sula Technikon’s Human Resources Equity
teacher.
Today Giepie is in the business of trans- Office driving the Gender Task Group to
Her mind-set was further nurtured by
ferring land to previously disadvantaged the Gender and Language in the Provin-
her high school English teacher, Otto van
communities and work for the Department cial Administration of the Western Cape in
Noie at Luckhoff High School in Idas Valley
of Rural Development and Land Reform 2000 or designing a Gender Mainstreaming
during the school protests in 1976.
and does the monitoring and evaluation in training package for the Gender Advocacy
“It was a defining moment for me,” she
the metro and west coast region. Programme (GAP), gender was her heart.
said. “I was worried that the NG Send-
Her close friend for more than 20 years “I was greatly concerned how girls are
ing Kerk was not ready to support their
Marcia Lyner-Cleophas, also a UWC alum- disadvantaged in mathematics because of
members who were involved in the protest
nus and an educational psychologist at Stel- our patriarchal society,” she said.
against Apartheid. But we had to fight.”
lenbosch University said that Joseph has “Most Maths teachers were men and their
So to arm herself with knowledge, she
her finger on the pulse of the socio-political bias was towards the boys in the classroom
found the way to UWC, completed a BA
Degree, a Secondary Teachers Diploma and issues. at the expense of the girls who would often
a B.Ed qualification and then went on to “Trunette always had a global sense of drop Maths for another subject. This is one
do an M.Ed at Harvard University, Cam- how human rights are intricately related to of many areas we need to address if we hope
bridge, Massachusetts, USA. the issues at hand,” said Lyner-Cleophas. to achieve gender equality.”
Lazarus “Giepie” Joseph – also a UWC “She is confident and now at the point of Joseph’s gender activism led her to com-
alumnus - is the love of her life and father government level to help better society. plete a PhD at Stellenbosch University en-
of her two children Ernesto, 25, a senior She’s not easily intimidated and refuses to titled Mainstreaming women in Develop-
graphic designer and Silke, 23, a Trainee subject herself to group think and is very ment? A Gender Analysis of the United
Merchandise Planner at Truworths. confident about stating her view points.” Nations Development Programme in South
Both were language teachers at Kassels- One of her passions is to establish gender Africa.
vlei High School in Bellville South in the justice and non-racialism. “I believe in the notion of a holistic trans-
‘80s. She taught English and he Afrikaans. “I believe in being a change agent,” said formation that focuses on access, equity and
Both worked in the anti-apartheid trenches Joseph. “The discrimination against women quality for the poor, the unskilled and job-
at political meetings and rallies, going door- is still all too real. That lurking discrimina- less people,” she said. – AD.
4 on caMpUs issUe 5 2010
rpl roUte for clinton aBrahaMs
hunger for knowledge
UWC alumnus and clinical psychologist Clin- Abrahams was now in his element. Abrahams.
convocation
ton Abrahams did not make Grade 11. More help came through his maternal aunt “My research showed that the experiences
A combination of a fragmented family life Charmaine and her husband who gave him a and perceptions of parents of adolescents ad-
and low self-esteem not only put paid to his home during his studies. dicted to methamphetamine in Manenberg
school days but also resulted in him leaving In 2007 he passed his BA degree with a showed when the influence of parents over
home and having to go it alone. Summa Cum Laude, obtaining an average of their children is low then peer influence takes
He found his way to the Proteaville Techni- 75% across all modules. over.”
cal College to complete the N1, N2 and N3 He then went on to a BA (Honours) in Psy- Armed with this knowledge, Abrahams
Commerce certificates so that he could get a chology and finally completed his Masters De- ploughs his efforts into workshops to help par-
decent job with decent pay. gree in Clinical Psychology. ents and caregivers with parenting skills which
Not wanting to trouble his mother who had Currently, Abrahams is an Intern Clinical focuses on among others, age-appropriate de-
always covered for him when things got rough Psychologist at the Lentegeur Psychiatric Hos- velopmental expectations for their children.
at home with his father, Abrahams stoically pital where he is facilitating psycho-education Work offers from other provinces came but
pushed ahead without her knowing that he was to individuals in the adolescent ward who Abrahams has a thing about home. “I feel at
homeless. pateints recovering from psychosis due to sub- home here in Lentegeur,” he said. “The West-
“Sometimes I slept at bus stops, or anywhere stance abused, especially, tik. ern Cape is my home. There is so much hap-
in the open or even on the stoeps of general “I have a particular understanding and ex- pening in our communities and I want to be
dealer shops and even on farm in Wynberg,” perience of the debilitating implications that involved and help as much as I can. I want to
he recalls. can come out of single parent families,” said stay at home.” – AD.
“I was often exhausted, hungry, cold and
frightened.”
Some odd jobs here and there helped to beat
the constant hunger pangs.
But food could not ease the deeper, inner
hunger for knowledge.
“I felt deep inside of me that God had some-
thing greater in store for me.”
Abrahams got a job as an assistant store-
man in the warehouse at Heritage Collection
owned by Readers Digest and after nine years
a manager showed interest in his learning po-
tential and sent him to Damelin College to do
an Operations Manager’s course.
Only too ready to give of himself he made
time to volunteer at the Annie Starcke Chil-
dren’s Home and at the Victim Support Pro-
gramme at the Athlone Police station.
All seemed to be going well until his re-
lationship failed at the same that he was re-
trenched.
He then learned about the Recognition for
Prior Learning (RPL) programme at UWC’s
Division of Lifelong Learning that provides a
way for the University to recognise a person’s
knowledge and skills gained through experi-
ence, informal and non-formal education.
This prior experience can count towards
admission to or for credit towards a qualifica-
tion.
Abrahams was now given a chance to live
that experience to the full.
“ “When I started my BA degree I fully rea-
lised what it meant for me to keep my faith in
God and how he revealed to me through my
life experiences and voluntary work what I
needed to do.” n clinton abrahams
on caMpUs issUe 5, 2010 5
Dr KaGiso Moloi
uwc takes hold in namiBia
NAMIBIA’S wide open space with the old-
est desert in the world, a stable economy,
convocation
a peaceful political situation and warm cli-
mate for most of the year makes alumnus
Dr Kagiso Moloi and his family flourish.
As much as he holds a UWC Dentistry
qualification and runs a full-time dental
practice in Windhoek, he is also an ardent
amateur photographer – and inbetween
family, work and hobbies, he has found
time to establish a UWC Alumni Chapter
in Windhoek.
“UWC was the bastion of our struggle,”
said Moloi. “It came together for me at
UWC where I came to know what my di-
rection should be. I want to give back. I am
seriously considering taking up the offer to n Dr Kagiso Moloi and his wife, Bawinile
come and lecture at UWC.”
my years at UWC for a degree in Dentist- He received the Junior Chamber Inter-
Born in Chaterston, Ekhurhuleni in
ry,” said Moloi. national Social Responsibility Award in
1971, Moloi’s community was forceably re-
His equally well-qualified wife, also a 2007.
located to the dusty township of Duduza.
UWC alumnus, Bawinile, is an ex- Lieuten- Moloi has his own show on the Namib-
“But there was no time to sit down and
complain,” said Moloi. “It was adapt or ant Colonel in the South African Air Force ian Broadcasting Corporation National
die. I did not want to die so I adapted.” (SAAF). Radio where he presents a jazz show call
He was part of the student organisation, Apart from his special interests in Im- Jazz Matazz that he presents every Sunday
COSAS and was always on the run with his plantology, Oral Surgery and Orthodon- afternoon.
cousin Lucky Mogodi who was murdered tics, he is the President of the Namibian His peers call him “KG”.
by the apartheid forces led by “Prime Dental Association, is active in community KG’s show can be caught on DSTV Au-
Evil”, Eugene de Kock. charity projects like feeding schemes, col- dio Bouquet channel 183.
Moloi struggled to get a job as a Medical lection of books and clothing for the needy He is also on Facebook with a group
Technologist and ended up in a business as and he is a volunteer and Healthy Athletes bearing the same name where the origins
a taxi and salon owner in Duduza, Nigel. coordinator with Healthy Athletes Special of jazz, biographies of jazz artists and dif-
“I accumulated enough money to pay for Olympics, Namibia. ferent types of jazz are posted. - AD
n the University of the western cape’ alumni office is now officially an “international” body aimed at keeping all past students connected to
their alma mater. earlier this year alumni staff traveled to namibia for the launch of our first chapter to be established outside south africa.
Uwc alumni relations officer thembakazi ntungwa and Manager amanda hietala-philander with Uwc-namibian chapter working Group.
6 on caMpUs issUe 5 2010
BooK laUnch
richard van der ross – a leader
who knows how to serve
convocation
PROF Richard van der Ross is deeply
troubled by the ways in which the struggle
through education lost its thoughtfulness
and moved to radicalism. Teachers surren-
dered their power to the young and educa-
tion in our country lost its way. Our nation
is deeply at risk.
This Prof Brian O’Connell said in his key-
note address at the book launch of former
UWC Rector Prof Richard van der Ross’s
book entitled A Blow to the Hoop – and A
Blow to the Barrell: The Life and Times of R
E van der Ross.
“Van Der Ross is not writing a history,”
said O’Connell. “This is a personal journey
and reflection, yet he reasons philosophically
with the understanding that philosophy de-
mands a searching of open minds, ready to
be bent by better thinking.”
These reflections on Van Der Ross held the
attention of dignitaries such as Executive
Mayor of Cape Town, Alderman Dan Plato,
his old pal, Unionist and former City Coun-
cilor, Norman Daniels, his former secretary
of dozens of years, Cathy Kenned.
In her foreword to his autobiography,
the Mayor of Cape Town, Helen Zille
acknowledges Van Der Ross’s role and con-
tribution and “one of the city’s most long-
standing leaders who understands that lead- n former Uwc rectors professors richard van der ross and Jakes Gerwel and executive
ership means service.” – AD Mayor of the city of cape town, alderman Dan plato
lectUre series
soccer and violence prevention
SPORT has long been used as a vehicle The General Consul of Germany,
for change. With the 2010 FIFA World Hans – Werner Bussmann opened the
Cup drawing ever closer it is important to lecture. The two keynote speakers were
look at how it can be used to effect positive Prof Gunter Pilz of the University of Han-
change in South Africa. nover and Prof Cora Burnett of University
The German Academic Exchange Ser- of Johannesburg.
vice (DAAD) organised a German – South
The lecture highlighted the project
African research lecture series at universi-
Youth Development through Football that
ties in the host cities of the World Cup.
is coordinated by DAAD’s partner organi-
The lecture series looks at football and
sports from various angles but particu- sation GTZ.
larly highlights development and cultural The newly - founded UWC Interdis-
issues surrounding the game. ciplinary Centre for Sports Science and
The seven lectures taking place all over Development also outlined curricular
the country kicked off at UWC on March and research plans pertaining to the mat-
n hans - werner Bussmann, consul-General 25 with the topic ‘Soccer and Violence ter of education and violence prevention
of Germany Prevention’. through sport.
on caMpUs issUe 5, 2010 7
DoMestic worKers conference
sharinG yoUr research
exploited and undervalued
opening
doors for
puBlic
enGaGinG
participation
THE new Centre for Research in HIV/
AIDS and the School of Public Health
hosted the second annual HIV in Con-
text Research Symposium titled Public
n one of slp’s principal founders, prof D’arcy du toit; slp co-ordinator, andiswa Makasi;
Health in the Age of HIV.
saDsawU General secretary, Myrtle witbooi; human rights commissioner, preggs Goven-
The symposium offered an opportu-
der and acting labour court Judge, prof halton cheadle.
nity to exchange ideas as educators, re-
searchers, citizens and members of the DESPITE the fact that South Africa is among ising in labour and social security law.
university and public health commu- the few states that have enacted special legisla- One of the aims of the research is to pro-
nity gathered to discuss topics around tion to protect domestic workers (DM) many vide options for protecting domestic workers
HIV/AIDS in research, teaching, policy are still trapped in the informal economy and by working towards recognition of their role
and practice over the coming years. unable to exercise their rights. in the economy and particularly empowering
The symposium was well attended To this end, UWC’s Social Law Project this vulnerable sector.
and some of the speakers included local (SLP) held a conference on the plight of do- “We need also to make inputs to the legisla-
government officials, researchers from mestic workers entitled Exploited, Underval- tive process in South Africa and share the find-
other universities, Andrew Mpesi from ued – and Essential: The Plight of Domestic ings with key role-players, especially domestic
the Malawian National Commission of Workers. workers,” said Coordinator and Researcher
Science and Technology; Richard Mas- The conference attracted legal experts, do- Social Law Project, Andiswa Makasi.
sé, a health practitioner from Canada, mestic workers, union members, activists, aca- SLP is funded by the Dutch trade union
Dr. Steven Callens from Belgium and a
demics and NGOs. federation FNV with a view to contributing to
health researcher from Zimbabwe.
Based in the Law Faculty, the Social Law an International Labour Organisation (ILO)
It was mentioned that staff shortages
Project is a research and training unit special- Convention on the topic. - AD
are an important barrier and the qual-
ity of routinely collected data, and the
use of information for management at
‘hierarchical and BarBaric’
the local level is poor.
“Addition of new clinical interven-
tions in under-resourced and poorly
functioning health systems is not ef-
fective,” said Anna Voce of Kwa-Zulu
Natal.
The underlying message from the
speakers clearly indicates that the way
forward involves more government n from left acting labour law Judge prof halton cheadle, plenary chair, (name) and Uct’s
funding. – MZ Dr Jonathan Grossman
DeSPITe legislation like the Sectoral Determi- profit and greed,” said Govender. “It pits poor
nation 7: Domestic Workers of 2002 aims to workers against other poor workers, poor people
we are GolDen eliminate abuse in the sector, Domestic Workers against other poor people and migrants from other
still suffer injustices that prevents them from ex- countries against each other.”
ercises their rights. Another speaker, Dr Jonathan Grossman from
Conference keynote speakers addressed these UCT said that there is something “deeply wrong”.
injustices that focus around the four themes of “The global system is so deeply hierarchical,”
Advancing Domestic Workers’ Rights, Organis- said Grossman. “The system is barbaric. If there
ing for empowerment, Migration and Domestic can be massive resourced state intervention why
Work and enforcing the Unenforceable. not the same for domestic workers? What about a
Keynote speaker, Human Rights Commis- living wage rather than social minimum wages?”
sioner, Preggs Govender said that most women Among other aims of the conference is to
are domestic workers whose work is not counted stimulate research that would explore strategies
as contributing to the GDP of our country. for promoting legal compliance and to investigate
“The privatisation of domestic work is com- ways of effectively organising and empowering
pounded in the current context that is driven by domestic workers. -– AD
8 on caMpUs issUe 5 2010
centre of hUManities research
systematically recording our oral
history completes the picture
ANTI-APARTHEID liberation fighter, Ahmed prison correspondence, study materials from not solely be placed on documents.
enGaGinG
Kathrada said in a Public Lecture entitled jail, documents from Kathrada’s prison years, “It is indispensible to use the written sources
Building the Archives of the Liberation Strug- a biography of Kathrada and a chart of family together with oral interviews.
gle, that our children must know of the struggle members in catalogue. More can be gained by systematically re-
and our job is to preserve the material as best However, Kathrada reminded that re- cording oral history. The importance of this is
we can. searching and recording liberaton history can- increasingly being acknowledged.” – AD
The Public Lecture was jointly hosted by the
Robben Island Museum-Mayibuye Archives
and UWC’s Centre for Humanities Research.
“It is indispensible for the ANC and other
former liberation organisations, and indivsu-
als to utilise all available avenues and means to
conscientise the young people about liberation
history,” said Kathrada to a packed Library
Auditorium.
“Persuade young people to actively partici-
pate in search for, recording and propagating
the knowledge.”
The Mayibuye Archives is playing a mean-
ingful role towards this end.
Independent contractor Helen Joannides
gave a detailed overview of what the Ahmed
Kathrada Collection consist of and covers the
period from 1954-2002 in 116 boxes. n anti-apartheid liberation fighter, ahmed Kathrada( centre) enjoying a moment with helen
Included in the collection are 62 boxes of Joannides, academics and post-doctoral research fellows in the history Department
DepartMent of social DevelopMent
Bid to retain essential social workers
SOCIAL work is becoming a rare skill.
A study conducted by Barberton in 2006
showed that for every one social worker there
will be 2 200 children to help.
To help remedy this challenge UWC’s Depart-
ment of Social Work, in collaboration with the
provincial Department of Social Development
and PricewaterhouseCoopers met in a seminar
with their counterparts from the US and UK to
discuss the Continuing Professional Develop-
ment Its Relevance for Social Workers,Their
employers and the Profession.
The seminar was arranged around with Inter-
national Social Worker’s Day on 16 March.
The Continuing Professional Development
(CPD) of social workers is part of the Reten-
tion Strategy that was developed and approved
by the national and provincial departments of
Social Development (SD).
One of the pillars of the Retention Strategy
is to provide ongoing opportunities for CPD for
social workers.
The seminar decided on collaborative work,
looking at a research focus on CPD training of
n Department of social work, Uwc and the provincial Department of social Development social workers and strengthening social practi-
met with their counterparts in the Us and UK at pricewaterhousecoopers tioners for social practitioners. – AD
on caMpUs issUe 5, 2010 9
eMs DiscUssion series
contemporary challenges discussion series
THE University of the Western Cape launched
a discussion series hosted by Honorary Profes-
sor Alec Erwin in the Faculty of Economic and
enGaGinG
Management Science. The programme was
entitled: “The State and Economy: Contem-
porary Challenges”. The programme aims to
forge working relationships with other univer-
sities in South Africa and the United Kingdom.
The discussion series commenced April
22 at the School of Public Health. The title of
the discussion was: “The Political Economy
of Development.”
A great deal of reflection was placed on the
political forces that can actually achieve devel-
opment and the relationship with democracy.
The discussion aimed to explore questions such
as: Is a developmental State a realisable objec-
tive? What is its theoretical basis?
The speakers at the discussion included Prof
Alec Erwin, Prof Jakes Gerwel, Deputy Min-
ister of Transport Jeremy Cronin, Joel Net-
shitenzhe, a member for the National Planning
Commission and former Minister of Agricul-
ture and Land Affairs Thoko Didza. – LT n prof alec erwin
Uwc coMMUnity rehaBilitation proJect in Mitchell’s plain
opportunity to help in critical community issues
BASED in the Faculty of Community and cise Science students presented their projects Gerard Filies.
Health Sciences, the Interdisciplinary to community members as part of the UWC Students had different projects ranging
Teaching and Learning Unit wants to create Rehabilitation Project. from the home-based care to the teenage
awareness around the UWC Community Re- “This is an opportunity to invite more pregnancy projects in Mitchell’s Plain to the
habilitation Project in Mitchells Plain. departments to get involved and help bring School of Natural Medicine and Occupa-
The Schools of Nursing and Natural Medi- relief to critical areas in the community,” tional Therapy Departments going as far as
cine and the Sports and Recreation & Exer- said Service Learning Sites Co-ordinator, Grabouw and Genadendal. – AD
n Uwc’s interdisciplinary teaching and learning Unit active in Mitchell’s plain
10 on caMpUs issUe 5 2010
Un convention
resolution finding mission
UWC hosted a seminar discussing the reso- (CDLP) attributed change to the integra- many) says, “The IDC spoke with one voice
lutions to the United Nations convention on tion and transformational enactment in and it became very authoritive hence the
the rights of persons with disabilities. South African law.
enGaGinG
rapid progress in the country.
The UN has established that there are Speaking with one voice was the driving
“There is need for consensus in every
650 million disabled people worldwide force behind Germany’s struggle of dis-
making it the largest minority in the world, single country in the IDC treaty and South
abled people.
yet until recently disability was not getting Prof Theresia Degener (Protestant Uni- Africa would benefit greatly if it could fol-
the recognition it deserved. versity of Applied Sciences, Bochum, Ger- low this,” said Degener. – MZ
The seminar addressed the legal status
within SA law of people with disabilities.
The International Disability Caucus (IDC)
is a board for disabled people and its man-
date is to look for resolutions to overcome
the barriers in implementation.
The South African government has been
mandated to submit a report on the rights
of people with disabilities to the UN by May
2010 but the report is still being prepared
and the government will ask for a later sub-
mission in September.
It was mentioned that some of the prob-
lems faced by the disabled community are
financial constraints. The budget allocation
by the national government is not enough
to fully implement the much needed trans-
formation.
Professor Tobias van Reenen of UWC’s n helene combrinck (Uwc cDlp), theresia Degener (Bochum, Germany) and prof tobias
Centre for Disability Law and Policy van reenen (Uwc cDlp)
natUral sciences
nasa teams with uwc in fieldtrip
DR Chris McKay, NASA AMeS, Spaceward detailed educator and learner manuals with
Bound Program and Professor Don Cowan, the related evaluation tools. This can be
Director of the UWC’s Institute for Microbial used to introduce the scientific content into
Biotechnology and Metagenomics (IMBM) the classroom in both South African and
went on an exciting spaceward bound field Namibian contexts.
expedition to Namibia. Once these resources have been devel-
A group of educators and science commu- oped, the South African Agency for Science
nication practitioners accompaned the South and Technology Advancement (SAASTA)
African and American research scientists for will identify methods of accessing educators
a 10-day field expedition to the Gobabeb to assist in the classroom introduction pro-
Desert Research Station in Namibia. The cess.
field expedition was undertaken under the The following are projected development
auspices of the NASA AMeS Spaceward outcomes of the expedition skills and knowl-
Bound Program in collaboration with UWC’s edge development for South African and Na-
IMBM and the South African Astronomical mibian educators, establishment of research
Observatory (SAAO). linkages between SA and US NASA research
The expedition is designed with specific scientists and development of research
benefit for South African research scientists, objectives, leading to discovery of new
and South African and Namibian educators knowledge.
and general public. As part of UWC’s 50th anniversary cel-
The selected educators are to use their ebration McKay conducted a public lecture
familiarity of their respective curriculum titled “Where next in the search for life on
standards and education expertise to develop Mars?” – LT n Dr chris McKay
on caMpUs issUe 5, 2010 11
Better to prevent than repair
enGaGinG
n Bringing the community to Uwc is what it is all about. the chairperson of council, Brian williams, and the rector prof Brian o’connell
had a lively interaction with Kensington and windermere high schools and presented a slide show to teachers, the two principals, parents and
learners. o’connell passionately pleaded with the Grade 11 and 12s to commit themselves to high academic achievements. “accept to study
incredibly hard for noble ends,” said the rector. “the challenges facing us as a species are threatening. we can overcome the challenges if you
are committed to educating yourselves.”
intern to worlD BanK
international visit
exchanging information
THE exchange of information on a global Physical Sciences & Engineering. NUS
scale has become of vital importance in and NTU are the two main universities in
the past few decades. Singapore, each having over 20 000 under-
With this in mind Singapore’s Agen- graduates and 9 000 graduate students.
cy for Science, Technology & Research Both are recognised globally for their ex-
(A*STAR), the National University of cellence in education and research.
Singapore (NUS) and the Nanyang Tech- The purpose of the visit was to establish
nological University (NTU) visited UWC links with top universities and research
on May 4. organisations in South Africa, to increase
Singapore’s Agency for Science, Tech- awareness of research and education pro-
nology & Research A*STAR is the lead- grammes in Singapore at A*STAR, NUS
ing research agency in Singapore with and NTU and to introduce South African
14 research institutes and nine research students to student exchange programmes
consortia and centres focused on research and graduate study opportunities in Sin-
in the Biomedical Sciences as well as the gapore. – RA
we are GolDen
n political studies student, Khaya Manyile
will be jetting off to George washington
University for a two-month internship at the
world Bank.
Manyile’s outstanding academic achievements
will come into play when he has look and
analyse trends in the market and then write
and compile a weekly magazine. “i’m grate-
ful to almighty God who guides me all the
time,” said Manyile. “i shall do my best and
hold Uwc up high in the Us.”
12 on caMpUs issUe 5 2010
Uwc tB anD hiv/aiDs proJect
resource for schools to comBat pandemic
URGeNT action is needed to address the high educator, Mr Klopper of elsies River Primary. Ibuyambo HIV and AIDS Forum.
TB prevalence in the Western Cape. TB is the “The CD Rom is something new and useful “The material promotes for improved mor-
main killer of individuals who have contracted and will help with the assessment of tasks and als. even the parents can communicate with
AIDS in southern Africa. the load of work. even the child can use it in- children about such a big topic like this.”
enGaGinG
To this end the UWC TB and HIV/AIDS dependently.” A further project goal is to implement this
Grade 8 Resource First Draft Review Work- “The material and language is clear and web-based educational programme nationally
shop presented a first draft resource for review simple,” said Xoliswa Bentswane Director of in 11 official South African languages. – AD
which aims at countering the spread of TB and
HIV through a web-based educational pro-
gramme.
The main target is the high risk group be-
tween the ages of 14 and 24; hence the target-
ing of primary and high schools.
“We must move fast,” said SANBI head,
Prof Alan Christoffels. “The programme will
focus on educating learners regarding the
causes of HIV and TB which is the main killer
of individuals who have contracted AIDS in
Southern Africa,” said Christoffels.
“We are also looking at prevention, risk-
factors, testing and treatment.”
The Western Cape education Department
(WCeD) is also on board.
“WCeD is keen to be involved,” said
WCeD’s Deputy education Specialist, Joseph
Sitzer. “This resource is for teachers to use and
it links closely with the curriculum and can
easily be incorporated into the compulsory
subject of Life Orientation.”
The teachers were impressed. “It’s fresh, n from left: educators and hiv/aiDs organisation with Dr edna rooth, wceD’s Deputy
creative, short, factual and to the point,” said education specialist, Joseph sitzer, professors patricia struthers and alan christoffels (Uwc)
oUtreach
Building on a need to serve
IT is easy to sit back and lament the world’s The cost of building one house is
many injustices. R100 000.
It takes a rare courage though to get up and At the moment volunteers from various
make it your personal duty to make things bet- churches primarily assist with the building.
ter in your own little way. “We need to make sure that there are about
UWC, BAdmin student Nikki Rasool has 10 to 15 volunteers per day per house,” said
done just that. Victor Kroon, project leader.
Inspired by the words of UWC Chancel- Said Rasool: “We are looking for anyone
lor Desmond Tutu, Rasool saw a perfect op- who would be willing to volunteer.
portunity to help when she saw a notice on “One does not necessarily have to belong to
her church’s bulletin board for volunteers a particular church to join.”
for the Desmond Tutu Building on Faith The building of the houses will happen from
2010 project. the Monday to the Friday.
The project involves churches in the West- Individuals can make a tax-free donation
ern Cape coming together to build houses for and deduct the donation from their taxable in-
those less fortunate in a community identified come.
by Habitat for Humanity. This year building To do this they will need to submit certain
will be done in Mfuleni during the second forms to Habitat for humanity.
week of September. Donations can also be made online at www.
The churches responsibilities are to raise habitat.org.za.
funds to cover the cost of building the houses Those who want to donate will need to spec-
and provide volunteers to assist with building ify that they are donating towards the Desmond
the structures. Tutu Building on Faith 2010 project. – RA n nikki rasool – volunteer
on caMpUs issUe 5, 2010 13
MeDicinal plants
norway and uwc experts to co-author
PROFESSOR Norum is a Medical and Sci- on nutrition during this time.
ence expert who has worked for more than Recently, he became interested in medi-
50 years in the nutritional field. cal plant history.
enGaGinG
He was Dean of Medical Sciences (1985 Norum is especially interested in South
– 1990) and a Rector (1999 – 2003) at the African medicinal plants that were used
University of Oslo. more than a hundred years ago for histori-
Norum started medical school in 1953 cal reasons.
and finished in 1959. He had to practice “I recorded the plants and their termi-
and work in military hospitals before op- nology and gave them to my supervisor and
erating as a fully-fledged doctor as this was that was the development of the collaborat-
the law in Norway back then. ing research with UWC’s Prof Quinton
After finishing his training he went into Johnson,” explained Norum.
medical biochemistry, liquid and choles- Norum and Johnson are writing a book
terol studies which led to nutritional im- about these plants which will possibly be
balance studies – a big problem in Norway published in 2011.The research will test if
at the time. South African people know about the me-
He dedicated his laboratory work to help dicinal plants they are using.
communities and then became an instant “The project has already gathered steam
celebrity when he presented his education- as 95 of those 100 plants have already been
al nutritional shows on television. identified. The top ten plants used by tra-
“I had more than 75 programmes on TV ditional healers today are in the hundred
that spanned a couple of years advising year record book,” said Johnson.
people on how to eat,” said Norum. Norum said, “The critical point of this
He spent a brief period in the USA and research is to find the use of each plant in n professor Quinton Johnson (Uwc’s Bio-
worked for the National Institute of Health. the book. The plan is to publish a coffee – medical sciences Dept) and professor Kaare
He wrote books, newsletters and journals table book for scientists.” – MZ r. norum from University of oslo
hUMan ecoloGy
photo award ceremony
THe department of human ecology recently Priscilla Daniels, who explained that the even though you might have a tertiary quali-
held its academic awards ceremony, as well awards were not the most important issue at fication. Schreuder encapsulated his speech
as a prize giving for their inaugural photo hand. and life as community developer saying: “It
competition. She said: “We should be the change that, is all about being able to make the right de-
The competition allowed human ecology you want to see in others.” cisions under difficult conditions over a long
students to express what they felt the course The main speaker was Claude Schreuder, period of time.”
encompassed and what they understood about an alumnus who is now a prominent commu- He attributed this as a major factor that
their studies. nity developer in Cape Town. helped him and his family survive through
The department also unveiled its new wall In his speech Schreuder gave insight life and in his career.
of honour. about how important the correct attitude is The top academics in human ecology were
The ceremony was opened by Professor to achieve financial and career success in life dominated once again by Cecilia Thomas who
has received top honours for the past three
years since her first year. The other achievers
were Motlhakeng Lethapa, Thuleka Taboshe
and Huldah Petersen who all achieved a pass
mark of above 75%.
The inaugural photo competition received
a large amount of entries and the feedback
through the competition was excellent.
Dr Charlene erasmus handed over a token
of appreciation to all who had entered.
The eventual winner was Ramone Comali
who produced an album depicting the chang-
es of the townships in Cape Town and also
the areas where nothing has change at all post
n Motlhakeng lethapa , cecilia thomas , thuleka taboshe and huldah petersen apartheid.
14 on caMpUs issUe 5 2010
econoMic anD ManaGeMent sciences
volunteer tutors rewarded
THe sharing of one’s knowledge is a key com-
ponent in the betterment of any society. To do
so without need of remuneration or praise is a
enGaGinG
noble act that all should aspire to. It is for this
selfless support to first year students in the four
year BCom programme that volunteer tutors in
the eMS Student Support and Research Unit
(eSSRU), a division of the Academic Develop-
ment Department in the eMS faculty, received
awards on April 21.
These senior students of which five are en-
rolled for the honours programme assist stu-
dents with the five quantitative modules of-
fered in this programme.
Lucinda van Wyk, Project Administrator
said: “The eSSRU would also like to share
their gratitude towards William Gaseranye,
who was part of this amazing tutoring team for
two years.
William is now doing his honours degree at n elethu Delo, sandiswa Kodwa, luvo lucky ndabeni, Zonazihle Grace sityata, nolubabalo Ka-
the University of Witwatersrand”- RA lipa, paballo rejoice Khoanyane, abongile ndamane, siphosethu ndyebi and siyasanga Mlozana.
eMs acaDeMic awarDs
passionate
top awards for carmen aBout Being
“I SIMPLy strived to do my best with the time Christians admits that the sacrifices that she an economist
and resources I had. For me, learning some- had to make was that she could not spend as “I feel very great, honoured and in-
thing new is rewarding in itself so these awards much time with her friends and family as she spired to improve my performance, see-
are really a bonus,” said Carmen Christians. would have liked to. ing that hard work rewards,” said Robert
Adding to her list of academic achievements, She, however, encourages students to con-
Dzivakwi.
Christians took home the following awards in tinue their studies and she had the following to
Upon attending his first Top Achievers
the eMS faculty: UWC Outstanding Academ- say: “Make sure that you are passionate about
Award Ceremony, Dzivakwi received the
ic Performance, eRSA (economic Research the field you will be entering. The road will no
South Africa) Award for Outstanding Academic doubt get rough and your love of the subject Best Masters Student 2009-Economics
performance, Top Achievers Award for the fol- will be the only thing that will motivate you to Southern Africa (ERSA) award. Among
lowing modules: Microeconomics and Interna- get through the difficult times.” his other achievements, Dizivakwi re-
tional economics. In the immediate future she would like to fo- ceived a Presidential scholarship from
Christians said that she felt honoured, happy cus on applying and integrating what she has Zimbabwe.
and confident that she was on the right track. learnt during the past year into her career. “I feel proud,” said Dzivakwi.
Christians’ research focused on National Her ultimate goal is to work and specialise Dzivakwi’s Masters thesis contrib-
Health Insurance in the South African context. in the field of Health Economics, whether in utes to a bigger project entitled: “Rural
She pursued her postgraduate studies on the the private or public sector. “At some point Growth, Globalisation and the Rural
grounds that she believed that her academic this will require me to do my Masters in eco- Poor”. His research is about the deter-
background in Health Science would be per- nomics, and eventually even my PhD,” said
minants of price formation in local sheep
fectly complemented by a postgraduate degree Christians. –ZS
markets: a case study of small-scale sheep
in economics. farmers in Ukhahlamba and Amathole
She is currently a qualified physiotherapist
muncipalities, Eastern Cape.
and working in the pharmaceutical indus-
Dzivakwi decided to do a postgraduate
try. Christians said: “By empowering myself
degree because with a postgraduate de-
with a degree in economics, I would be better
equipped to eventually position myself as a key gree, one is able to get a broader perspec-
decision-maker, or a consultant to key-decision tive about the area of study.
makers in the health sector.” He said that the best part of doing his
The best part of Christians’ postgraduate postgraduate degree was that he had been
degree entailed being exposed to new ideas, exposed to challenging elements which
concepts and interacting with fascinating and consisted of a mix of lecturer-based insti-
knowledgeable individuals. n carmen christians tutions. – ZS
on caMpUs issUe 5, 2010 15
open Day
ceres secondary explores uwc
OVeR the past few years UWC has established nity got an opportunity to take a tour of the The school also sent their learners to attend
strong ties with Ceres Secondary School. residences for first year students. “The parents the Afrikaans Poetry Workshop facilitated
During the Open Day this year a group of found this very comforting to know that their by Prof Antjie Krog of the Faculty of Arts at
caMoUs life
Grade 11 and 12 learners, teachers and par- young will be in the hands of caring and nur- UWC.
ents were the guests of the Student enrolment turing adults at a home away from home,” said Poems of Breyten Breytenbach and Adam
Management Unit (SeMU). Hanson. Small were performed by well-known artist,
The request of the school to involve parents A large number of ex-pupils from the Randall Wicomb.
also to attend the Open Day was taken further school who are now students or staff at UWC Balie, an alumnus of UWC, said: “The mis-
by SeMU. A programme was drawn up for the expressed their gratitude for the initiative sion of all South Africans should be to invest
school community of Ceres Secondary School of SeMU to host the school community at in our youth.”
to visit UWC. UWC. He and members of his staff as alumni of
The entire group was welcomed in the Li- Prof Julie Phillips, Head of Department for UWC believe that this is the institution to
brary Auditorium by Cheryl Pearce, director of the Physiotherapy Department in particular entrust this mammoth task with to equip the
SeMU after which Chris Hanson did a presen- expressed her gratitude for the University’s youth with the knowledge, skills, values and
tation on the admission requirements for stud- initiative to host her alma mater. attitudes. – RA
ies at UWC as well as the support structures
on campus for students to be successful at their
studies.
The presentation was followed by a finger
lunch in the Rector’s dining room for the par-
ents and staff. At this occasion Larry Pokpas,
Institutional Planner and executive Assistant
to the Rector and Vice-Chancellor, welcomed
the group on behalf of the executive of UWC.
Pokpas expressed his gratitude with the
management of the school and school commu-
nity for their continual support of UWC.
Then colleagues from the Residence and
Catering Services, Gwendoline Ross and Zim-
khita Njokwana took time out of their hectic
schedule to ensure that the school commu- n the ceres group
coMMUnity & health sciences
uwc faimer fellows do uwc proud
The Foundation for Advancement of professions educators from Africa. They have now graduated from the pro-
International Medical education and Re- Sixteen Fellows are accepted each year. gramme having successfully completed an
search (FAIMeR) Institute is a two-year Two of our colleagues were part of the innovative education project as well as pre-
fellowship programme designed for inter- first African group namely Prof J Frantz and senting the findings in the form of a poster
national health professions educators who MS Waggie from the Faculty of Community at the 2009 South African Association of
have the potential to play a key role in im- and Health Sciences. Health educationalist (SAAHe) conference
proving health profession education at their The Dean of the CHS, Prof Ratie Mpofu, held in Cape Town.
schools. supported the application of these academ- In addition, Prof Frantz has been invited
The programme is designed to teach ics and has encouraged them during the to join the international educators in Phila-
education methods and leadership skills, 2-year programme. delphia in October 2010.
as well as to develop strong professional
bonds with other health professions educa-
tors around the world.
To date there are five Regional Institutes -
three in India, one in Brazil, and the South-
ern Africa Regional Institute, which began
in February 2008.
In 2008, the first session of the Southern
Africa-FAIMeR Regional Institute (SAF-
RI) took place in Cape Town, South Africa,
marking the launch of FAIMER’s first re-
gional initiative on the continent of Africa.
The program is open to interested health n from left: Ms waggie, prof Mpofu (Dean of chs) and prof frantz (physiotherapy)
16 on caMpUs issUe 5 2010
stUDents in action
rememBering and giving
THe Remember and Give, RAG, student de- This provided ABSA with a platform to were hung on the sides and back of the truck.
velopmental project was started in 2005 by promote their brand and services to students. The 2010 FIFA float had a large soccer ball
caMpUs life
Prof Lullu Tshiwula. ABSA also provided freebies for the day in- on the truck with flags of the 32 participating
The goals of RAG are to provide students cluding caps, water bottles, cooler bags and countries strung around the top of the truck.
with a constructive collaborative development drawstring bags, a climbing wall, sound The recycling float, sponsored by Desleen
opportunity and to raise funds for identified system, dancers, popcorn and slush puppy Saffier from Operation Services was designed
community projects. drinks. by Students in Free enterprise (SIFe).
The identified deliverables are the RAG Carlo Sickle of Ice-cloud sponsored instant They built the float using recyclable ma-
magazine consisting of articles written and ed- airtime prizes to the winners of the lucky terials which also helped them promote their
ited by students, and the float parade. draw. “Greening the Bush” project. Saffier also pro-
The theme for the magazine was “50 years Three themes for the floats were identified: vided green jumper suits for these volunteers
of Giving” coinciding with UWC’s 50th anni- 50th UWC Anniversary, FIFA 2010 World to wear at the float parade.
versary. Cup and recycling. The student volunteers started assembling
The articles focused on UWC, its students, The first float coincided with UWC celebrat- the floats from 1pm on April 16 at the cricket
and the joys of volunteering and giving back ing its 50th anniversary. 50 Volunteers were al- clubhouse.
to one’s community. The RAG magazine was located to a specific float each of which had a The float procession included the Pennsyl-
produced within a month. captain.
vanian Minstrels and was accompanied by
RAG and ABSA (Mr Ricardo Rangasamy) A huge birthday cake was placed on the
collaborated on the launch of the magazine on two of our Campus Protection Services(CPS)
truck and large boards with the UWC- and
March 11. vehicles, four City of Cape Town(CCT) traf-
50th anniversary logos and a picture of UWC
fic cars, the South African Police Services
(SAPS), eight UWC traffic marshals, UWC
paramedic team and two employees from
Namqwa gardening service. The volunteers
sold the RAG magazines and collected money
from the public along the way.
“Overall the students had much fun, a great
team spirit prevailed and they are enthusiastic
to join in the next RAG. The Float Parade was
a success and this was echoed by several staff-
ers and students who participated or merely
popped in to give their moral support,” said
n 50th anniversary float n fifa world cup float Brigitte de Hart, RAG co –coordinator. - RA
exchanGe proGraMMe
academic Bite of the Big apple
AFTER being selected, Christian Manzi jet- An outstanding part of his trip was that
ted off to New York City as an exchange stu- he attended the inauguration of President
dent at Baard College. Barack Obama in Washington DC.
The selection requirements, apart from When thinking about the trip, he recalled
being a top academic student, entailed that that it was enriching.
the students write three essays. Manzi is currently doing his Honours in
These essays were to give information Political Science and is also a tutor.
about themselves, why they should be select- He intends to further his studies and one
ed and how they were going to apply what
day complete his PhD.
they have learnt when they return.
He encourages students to apply for these
Excitement filled Manzi upon hearing
exchange programmes as it is a wonderful
that he was selected.
Manzi was sent to continue his academic experience for young students who have not
undergraduate studies and the credits ac- been abroad.
quired there would be transferred to UWC He advises undergraduates to take things
upon his return. seriously from day one. Manzi said: “Do not
His majors are Political Science and Pub- go for consultation only when you realise
lic Administration. that you are failing, follow your lecturer’s
He enjoyed the study environment and instructions and hand things in on time.”
meeting people from all over the world. – ZS n christian Manzi
on caMpUs issUe 5, 2010 17
we are uduBs and no one can be
prouder!
AS an aspiring sportsman
it’s like this …
one dreams of walking onto
coMMent
the pitch with the crowd
screaming in anticipation
of the skill that you are
about to unleash on the by remo andrews
opposing team.
At UWC, however,
most sportsmen and
women walk onto the
pitch to the sound of
crickets chirping.
Indeed, the deaf-
ening silence cre-
ated by the lack of support for
UWC sports by its students has to be
addressed.
How? you ask. The answer lies in aggres-
sive marketing by all the sports codes to drum
up the much needed support.
Look at American college sports for exam-
ple. There is a history of support, a tradition
that surrounds the team and supporters and
players buy into that idea.
It is sad that most UWC students know very
little about what is going on with regard to var- n fans in full voice – let’s hear it for Uwc!
sity sports unless they actually play the said so well with regard to support. man. The legendary world heavyweight boxing
sport. The creation of heroes, drama and rivalries match called Rumble in the Jungle pitted the
Legendary sports journalist Howard Co- suave, smooth talking Ali against the beastly
is the key to drumming up support. It is human
sell once said: “Sport is human life in micro- Foreman and the people loved it. Win or lose
cosm.” nature that where there’s a hero there has to be
both men were immortalised.
When we unpack this statement we are able an arch enemy.
UWC sportsmen and women of the year
to see exactly why American college sports do Think Muhammad Ali versus George Fore- should be heralded more as shining beacons of
the University’s sporting excellence.
We have so many prolific sports stars at
UWC that have no profile on campus. Sports
stars like Francios Plaaitjies (Cobra’s fast
bowler), Gurshwin Rabie (USSA cricket na-
tional team member) and Fagan Muller (USSA
football national team member) walk around
the campus in relative anonymity.
They should, instead, be used to create the
excitement needed to drum up a good crowd.
In this age of information where social me-
dia like Facebook, twitter and youTube al-
low someone to post videos of their cat doing
tricks, surely it can be used to showcase the
blistering pace of Plaaitjies or the silky foot-
ball skills of Muller.
Things like a mascot, creation of widespread
publicity for upcoming matches, the creation
of pep squads and cheerleaders can go a long
way to making UWC sports an active and
lively part of every student’s university experi-
ence.
UWC sports must first connect with its stu-
n ali knocks out foreman dents before it can turn them into fans.
18 on caMpUs issUe 5 2010
soccer
futsal creates a world cup legacy
THE greatest sporting showpiece in the Maties.
world is mere days away and football fever Each university were given 4-6 teams to
has hit South Africa in a big way. enter, the idea was not to have their first
UWC sports, never far from the sporting team football playing squads but rather the
action, hosted the first futsal tournament or- recreation/residence league teams to partici-
sport
ganised by the Cape Higher Education Con- pate.
sortium (CHEC). Hayward Barends, UWC Sports Admin-
The CHEC was approached by the City
istration said: “When you speak to alumni
of Cape Town for various collaborations to-
of any varsity campus, the lasting memo-
wards the World Cup as a host city, in terms
ries are those intervarsity tournaments. We
of base camp support and research.
should continue to build on inter-varsity
The futsal tournament forms part of the
collaboration and legacy of the World Cup, disciplines.”
being the official 5-a-side game of FIFA. The final was contested between UCT -
UWC Sports Administration sent out in- Team America and Maties - Team England
vitations to all institutions for the tourna- with UCT coming out as the eventual win-
ment held on April 23. ners by a 2 -1 scoreline.
16 teams registered on the day, two of Maties ladies won the women’s section in
n player in action which were ladies teams from CPUT and a tight 3 – 2 final. –RA
volUnteerinG
team uwc assists in cape epic
n Uwc sports recreation and exercise science students assisted at the fourth largest mountain bike race in the world, the cape epic. 1200 rid-
ers competed this year. riders completed a race distance of 722 kilometers and climbed 14 000 meters of mountainous terrain
on caMpUs issUe 5, 2010 19
last worD
20 on caMpUs issUe 5 2010