Maritime qualifications on the cards and rebuild an engine that is typically found in common day vessels of all kinds,” said Wärtsilä’s Greg Davids. “Our contribution includes knowledge sharing; provision of additional maritime modules and equipment that is supported by 3D technology, innovating and delivering a dynamic course.” At December’s African Maritime Domain Conference, maritime specialists, government and educational institutions came together to discuss and strategise the development of ocean governance ASPIRE ACHIEVE POSTGRAD STUDIES Future dreams and ambitions are inherent in every one of us, but our future dreams are inspired by an initial individual aspiration, a starting point where you look at yourself and say ‘yes I can, and I will achieve’. www.nmmu.ac.za Contact us today Andrew Kock • 041 504 2162 [email protected] 8563 2 CELEBRATIONS: 10 years facilities and technologies, superb libraries, WiFi on all campuses, a student-friendly transport system, new residences and sports facilities,” says Vice-Chancellor Prof Derrick Swartz. NMMU’s vision is to be a dynamic African university, recognised for its leadership in generating cutting edge knowledge for a sustainable future. As a result, over the next few years and in line with the university’s Vision 2020 plan, NMMU will be embarking on a number of groundbreaking initiatives: Establishing a suite of maritime and marine sciences programmes Laying the foundations for a new medical school Investing in interactive, “smart How we g campus” technologies and raduate Total = 62 Building new student 38 residences on campus Science Arts Law “Nelson Mandela Metropolitan 2. 12.53% 6 1% University is destined to 13.6% 12.27% become one of the finest universities in South Africa and 15.21% beyond. It continues to look 33.47% to future planning and shaping today’s 12.03% decision for tomorrow,” says Prof Swartz. 4 ACHIEVEMENT: Against the odds 5 S With more than 320 postgraduate programmes across a vast selection of disciplines and over 200 short courses available, NMMU offers what you need to take a step closer to realising your ambitions. THIS year Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) celebrates its first decade as a merged institution with a significant increase in our graduate numbers. Over 6000 diplomas and degrees will be awarded at 13 graduation ceremonies in Port Elizabeth and George from 10 to 20 April this year, 15 percent more qualifications than that of 2005. And more will be awarded in December when the university hosts its second summer graduation as part of an ongoing bid to better serve the needs of its students. The Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and IT has the most significant increase in graduates, with their total more than doubling in the last ten years. Leading the way with the most postgraduate degrees this year is the Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences with 508 graduates, including 215 master’s degrees. The faculty also boasts over 2000 graduates – the most of NMMU’s seven faculties and translates to a 74 percent increase since 2005. For the sixth consecutive year the Faculty of Science has produced the most doctoral degrees – 19. “Since 2005 we have attempted to create an environment that encourages creative and innovative scholarships: modern teaching iness & Econom ic HANDS-ON LEARNING … Vice-Chancellor Prof Derrick Swartz (from left), Wärtsilä’s Greg Davids and School of Engineering Director Prof Dalenca Pottas, at the handover of a ship’s engine to be used for teaching within the School of Engineering. and contribute to the blue economy as outlined as part of the first phase of Operation Phakisa. NMMU’s business strategy in the next decade and beyond is to develop a whole new range of maritime and marine education and training, research and engagement programmes with the view to significantly upscale its strategic support for this crucial sector. This strategy includes systematically introducing a host of new programmes over the next few years. Ten years – we are growing Bu s THE donation of a R6.2-m state-of-the-art engine by international Wärtsilä Ship Power group has further positioned NMMU as an ideal institution for offering much-needed maritime qualifications. The donation forms part of a long-term sponsoringpartnership with the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) and NMMU. The engine will be used to facilitate teaching within the School of Engineering. The donation of the 11-ton engine follows two maritime conferences and the launch of the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) last year - all important stepping stones in developing policies and building capacity towards unlocking the huge economic potential of both the continent’s and the country’s oceans. The University also has the Research Chair in the Law of Sea and Development in Africa. The engine will give NMMU’s engineering students the opportunity to learn the latest in ship engine design and technology. “Practical and theoretical knowledge can be gained as students are taught to physically manage, dismantle Along with the key partnership which broadly aims to improve national competitiveness in the global economy through improved science and technology solutions, NMMU will receive state-of-the-art research equipment valued at about R50m from Cisco. NMMU researchers and students will also collaborate closely with Cisco scientists on key research topics. Cisco is recognised as a worldwide leader in IT, committed to “connecting the previously unconnected”. In essence, this is what NMMU is aiming to achieve through their research into new generation optical fibre communication as a faster, cheaper, more suitable alternative to the present ADSL broadband connectivity. The seriousness with which Government views the importance of the broadband roll-out to all South Africans by 2020 was highlighted in the recent Budget where R1.1bn is being invested. “Access to the internet should be like your access to water and air – something that you don’t even have to think about. If we want to be globally competitive we need to ensure that our telecommunications network is on par,” says NMMU head of the new Centre, Prof Tim Gibbon. NMMU plays an integral role in South Africa’s Big Data science project, the SKA, as it is reliant on nextgeneration optical fibre communication systems to transmitting terabits of data over thousands of kilometres. “The partnership with the DST and CISCO is a tremendous coup for NMMU and the Eastern Cape, and an exciting opportunity to produce South Africa’s newest optical communication scientists,” says Prof Gibbon. April 2015 | Issue 21 A s pe ci al graduat i o n e di t i o n He alt h NMMU adds value to blue economy through research & teaching Access to the internet should be like your access to water and air ouch g eerin ALUMNI EXCELLENCE … The NMMU Alumni Awards annually recognise alumni who have gone the distance and beyond in their various fields, to the benefit of society at local, provincial, national and international level. At the end of last year, the Alumni Association Executive Committee recognised (from left) Dr Amber Anderson (from left), Dr Hanningtone Gaya, Nomkhita Mona, Baxolil Mabinya, Nicholas Hafner, Deon Schoeman, Tracy Cheetham and Garret Barnwell. the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), SKA and Cisco when the Centre was officially launched at NMMU on 26 March. gin Kilometre Array (SKA), as optical fibre forms “the backbone” for aggregating tremendous amounts of data gathered from what will be the world’s largest radio telescope. Department of Science and Technology (DST) Minister, Naledi Pandor, formalised the key partnership with NMMU, the National Research Foundation (NRF), En THE optical fibre research expertise of NMMU has been recognised with the establishment of the new Centre for Broadband Communication – a key vehicle in shaping South Africa’s Internet connectivity going forward. Nowhere will NMMU’s role be more noticeable than at the world’s largest science project, the Square s TESTING THE LIMITS … Mechanical Engineering’s Prof Russell Phillips and Karl du Preez took engineering students to Verneukpan in the Northern Cape to push a purposely-built solar vehicle’s speed to its maximum. Gonzo, meaning bizarre or crazy, was built to test a standard solardriven platform without any battery storage. Testing the vehicle on the barren planes of Verneukpan was to take full advantage of the high solar radiation of the Northern Cape. With temperatures in the mid-thirties, the vehicle reached speeds in excess of 40km/h. Valuable design information was gathered and various improvements will be introduced. The Gonzo team is challenging other universities to take up similar projects and perhaps compete against each other on an annual basis. nce cie Key partnerships towards connecting SA An award-winning publication SUCCESSFUL … Marshall Marsh is not only a top South African wheelchair tennis player; he is also NMMU’s first disabled (double amputee) Human Movement Science graduate. Read story on page 4. DEVELOPMENTS: Maritime education Reason to celebrate FEEL it … we have hit the 10-year mark! Our staff and students at NMMU are in celebration mode as we commemorate the 10th graduation since the formation of our new generation university. It’s been a decade since we were so aptly renamed Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University - a name we proudly carry; a name that speaks of stature and like our graduates demands excellence. We acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our graduates and encourage them to continue striving towards success. In the words of our namesake shared in 2003: “There is no doubt in my mind that the single most important factor for the future of our country is education. We cannot be a competitive and winning nation in the modern world without education and training of the highest quality. Congratulations to all graduates who will proudly cross the stage this April; continue to uphold the name of your University by living the values we hold dear. Respect for diversity Integrity Excellence Respect for the natural environment Ubuntu Taking responsibility Editor: Lyndall Sa Joe-Derrocks Lyndall. Sa [email protected] NMMU – tel: 041 504 1111 George Campus – tel: 044 801 5111 E-mail: [email protected] • www.nmmu.ac.za CELEBRATING … NMMU staff show a united front by wearing their 10-year celebration T-shirts on T-shirt Tuesday, one of several events held and still to be hosted in making 2015 an exceptional year. Among the staff enjoying the “gees” are (from left) Arts and Culture’s Lubabalo Matiwane, Kelly Felix, Michael Barry, Siyamthanda Spaji, Michelle du Preez and Nicki-Ann Rayepen. 10-year celebrations provide opportunity to reflect & look forward A decade of success A NEW type of university and brand in higher education; about 50 000 new graduates; knowledge and research that has positively impacted on society and a R2-billion investment in new infrastructure … These are just some of the many reasons for celebrating the University’s 10th birthday. In this time we’ve reached into the hearts and minds of tens of thousands of individuals with a life-changing education experience Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) was established in 2005 from the merger of the Port Elizabeth Technikon, the University of Port Elizabeth and the Port Elizabeth campus of Vista University – giving NMMU a foundation of more than a century of higher education. “In this time we’ve reached into the hearts and minds of tens of thousands of individuals with a life-changing education experience,” says NMMU Vice-Chancellor Prof Derrick Swartz. Among the highlights of the past decade are: The opening of the High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy Centre in 2011 – the only facility in Africa where scientists can view atoms to complete high-end research The success of eNtsa, NMMU’s go-getting engin eering institute that has won national competitions and oversees the national u-Yilo programme focused on electro mobility technology research South Africa’s first Green Business School South Africa’s first Chair in Law of the Seas and Governance Earth Observation Network (EON) and the new Earth Stewardship Science The transformation of Bird Street Campus into a postgraduate Arts hub Groundbreaking work by the Centre for the Advancement of Non-Racialism and Democracy (CANRAD) Research work by the Centre for Integrated Post-School Education and Training (CIPSET) The launch of the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) The success of so many students Wheeling into success Briefs First master’s NMMU Audit and Risk Practitioner Mario Labuschagne (right) is the first student at NMMU to complete a master’s degree in Accounting since the formation of the new institution in 2005. Prof Houdini Fourie and Prof Miemie Struwig were the promoter and co-promoter for his study titled “The role of the internal auditor with specific reference to fraud investigation”. Swiss collaboration NMMU welcomed a high-profile Swiss delegation recently in a meeting that may lead to international collaborative projects. The delegation included Swiss federal councillor Doris Leuthard who heads up the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications and several representatives of Swiss business organisations. The visit follows the implementation of a two-year health research project with the University of Basel starting this year, involving certain physical fitness interventions at schools in the metro. AIMING HIGH ... Bongeka Mbonisweni, who is graduating with her BCom degree cum laude, gets a lift from her classmates and fellow graduates (from left) Lyn van Rooyen, Nikky de Ridder, Hilton Sansom, Kirsty-Lee Fouche, Danie Strydom, Andrea Ward and Andrea van Rooyen. They form part of the biggest contingent of Vice-Chancellor’s Scholars yet to graduate from NMMU. Achiever aims to help others GROWING up in the impoverished Ibisi township, Umzimkhulu, in rural KwaZulu-Natal, Bongeka Mbonisweni, 21, could quite easily have fallen through this country’s education cracks. However, her grandfather, a retired school teacher, insisted she attend the better pre- and primary schools in nearby Harding, even though it required an hour’s round trip by local transport every day. “My grandfather wanted to invest in my education.” For high school, she worked hard as a boarder at Kokstad College. This solid foundation would stand her in good stead: her top school results saw her sailing into university – a rare achievement in Ibisi – with the vast financial needs SCHOOL of ICT’s Prof Paula Kotzé of her BCom (Chartered Accounting) degree covered by (left) is the 2014 winner of the several bursaries. IFIP TC13 Pioneers in HumanBesides being a recipient of the university’s Computer Interaction Award as prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship, Mbonisweni one of the greatest contributors to was accepted for the Thuthuka programme, and the development and is also sponsored by Investec. In April, she will growth of obtain her BCom degree cum laude. the field of human- Now completing her Honours degree, she is computer interaction. on the verge of stepping out into the world Seventeen nominations were of work, with a vision to ultimately plough d considered by the committee. back into her community, and ensure that e t c e conn Prof Kotze is also the only person other children in rural areas get the same NMMU is outside the US and Europe ever opportunities she did. elected to serve on the Executive Mbonisweni is one of 15 Vice-Chancellor’s Committee of ACM SIGCHI. Scholars graduating this year – the largest International acclaim cohort yet to graduate – with nine coming from the School of Accounting. She said her undergrad years were filled with opportunities for growth, including having to cope with the pressure of meeting the high academic standards needed to retain her various scholarships. “However, that being said, the unwavering support that I have received from all three programmes – particularly the VC’s Scholarship Mentoring and Leadership Development Programme – has propelled me to achieve academic excellence and develop myself beyond the classroom. “The leadership programmes were as vital to my development as the academic support I received.” JOINT CELEBRATION … Brothers Stefan (left) and Liaan Buys are looking forward to celebrating their graduation this year. Stefan 30, a project engineer at S4 Integration, completed his MBA, his third qualification at NMMU, while Liaan, 23, receives his first qualification, NDip Civil Engineering. Liaan is currently working in the Northern Cape on a wind turbine project for Murray & Roberts, while working towards his BTech. Both brothers credit their father Prof Fanie Buys, lecturer in the Department of Quantity Surveying at NMMU, as a positive role model for education. WHEN Marshall Marsh, 26, crosses the stage at Graduation he will do so as NMMU’s first disabled (double amputee) student to receive a degree in Human Movement Science. As a two-month old baby, Marshall not only lost his mother in a tragic house fire but his legs were so badly burnt, they were amputated. He spent a year recovering in the Red Cross Children’s Hospital, in Cape Town.. However, what could be seen as pure tragedy, opened up a world of opportunity for Marshall. His grandmother, Margaret, who was a domestic worker at the time, quit her job to raise Marshall and his older brother, Marvin, who were left orphaned by the fire. “I am the first graduate in my family and am grateful that God has spared my grandmother to see this day. She can see how all her sacrifice has paid off,” says Marshall. Marshall had a full bursary to study Human Movement Science at NMMU and praises the institution, particularly the Disability Unit, for the help he received throughout his studies. In 2006, Marshall attended Northern Lights School in Cotswold where he participated in numerous sports like powerlifting, wheelchair basketball and swimming. Teacher and tennis coach Eugene Stallenberg saw his potential and encouraged him to try wheelchair tennis. “I fell in love with tennis because of the opportunities it gave me. I’ve travelled to Korea, Sri Lanka, Russia, England and the Netherlands – countries I would never have visited otherwise,” says the Uitenhage resident. Marshall is currently ranked at number three in South Africa in wheelchair tennis among more than 400 players. “I am very competitive and now with more time on my hands I will be able to work towards my goal of being number one.” Marshall is currently training for at least two-anda-half hours, six-days-a-week to compete in the 2016 Paralympics in Rio. “It’s been a great experience training Marshall, I appreciate his compassion for others, his outlook on life is inspiring. It is not easy being a disabled person in South Africa but Marshall is something special, NMMU can be proud,” says his coach for the last five years, Hennie de Klerk. Hennie accredited Marshall’s tennis success to NMMU’s tennis court upgrade which is now completely wheelchair friendly. “From the toilets to the entrance gates we have had a R1m upgrade,” says Hennie. Marshall and Hennie also run two to four wheelchair tennis clinics annually, coaching between 30 and 40 high school pupils. Marshall even met his wife Janine “on the court”. Janine’s cousin, who also plays wheelchair tennis, introduced them. They have two children - four-year old Jamie-Lee and five-month-old Janay. Marshall is currently unemployed but recently obtained his driver’s licence to make himself more employable. “I want to train disabled people to become physically fit. I’d like to teach them how to play wheelchair tennis too. I want to show them it can be done,” says Marshall. TOP OF THE TOPS … The NMMU Madibaz cheerleading squad won the first national cheerleading championships in Potchefstroom, run in conjunction with the inaugural tournament of Varsity Cricket. The NMMU Samsung cheerleaders are made up of 24 talented young men and women who perform funk, contemporary modern and hip-hop dance styles, and, in addition, have added gymnastics to their routine. They are choreographed by Arts and Culture’s Nicki-Ann Rayepen. The squad includes Tazminne Jansen (from left), Kelly Murphy, Lwando Joko and Zoleka Ngebetsha pictured with the trophy. Briefs International voice NMMU Choir Conductor Junita van Dijk (left) has been selected to serve on the International Federation for Choral Music (IFCM) Artistic Committee for the World Choral Symposium in Barcelona, 2017. This committee consists of six people, three from the Barcelona region and three from around the world, who decide which choirs and lecturers to invite to the Symposium. 40 years 40 nurses THIS year NMMU’s Nursing Science Department turns 40 and is celebrating the occasion with an exhibition which tells the life stories of 40 devoted nursing graduates, many of whom still have strong links with the university. The “40 years, 40 nurses” exhibition pays homage to the nurses, outlining where they came from, why they chose nursing, where their careers have taken them, and how they have made an impact, locally, nationally and internationally. First female FOURTH-YEAR Law student Hlomela Bucwa (right) was recently inaugurated as NMMU’s first female Student Representative Council (SRC) President since NMMU began in 2005. “It is symbolic that in 2015, a woman is chosen to lead. We are still far from being an equal society. If we look at Africa as a continent, women in general are not positioned to lead, so this is a good sign,” said Deputy ViceChancellor Institutional Support Dr Sibongile Muthwa at the inauguration.
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