conduit march 2010

8/6/2019 Conduit March 2010

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Inside thisISSUE...

TheVOLUME 10 NO. 1 March 2010

con UiTThe CONDUIT - a channel for conveying information within the DUT community

THE UNIVERSITY NEWSPAPER

D U R B A NUNIVERSITY ofTECHNOLOGY

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2DUT's Rapid ResponseTeam returns from quake

hit Haiti

The Durban University ofTechnology (DUT) is proud toannounce that it is celebrating a100 years of history together withthe architectural significance ofour City Campus to Durban's builtenvironment. The building, whichis currently used to house DUT'sFaculty of Arts and Design, wasinitially built for students and staffof the Durban Technical Institute.The building's foundation stone waslaid by the Duke of Connaught on

03 December 1910.Over the last century, the City Campushas been recognised as one of Durban'soldest heritage sites displaying as itdoes, the original architectural design.The building is also listed as a historicalmonument by eThekwini Municipalityand has attracted local and internationaltourists, struggle heroes and ex-SouthAfrican citizens.

In celebrating the centenary DUT hasembarked on a building restorationproject. The first phase of the projectwill involve the replacement of theentire roof with all ancillary componentsof the ceilings, electrical and airconditioning installations. During therefurbishment of City Campus, theoriginal architectural significance will bemaintained. The project forms part ofDUT's progressive academic and socialdevelopment goals which are committedto the creation of a learningenvironment through the provision of

DUT celebrates 100 years of City Campus in 2010Bhekani Dlamini

safe, modern and technologicallyadvanced facilities for its academiccommunity.

In a recent address to Faculty of Artsand Design, Vice-Chancellor Prof Roy duPr said the massive revamp andrenovation project is reflective of DUT'scommitment to academic excellence,

scholarship and the promotion of aconducive learning and teachingenvironment.

He said the decision to close the campusduring the removal and reconstructionphase was motivated by safety concerns

and aims to minimise disruptions to theacademic programme. The buildingrestoration project will run from Mayuntil August 2010. However, theacademic curriculum for 2010 has beendesigned to accommodate the fourmonth semester break which will alsocoincide with the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Prof du Pr said the temporary closureof the faculty is necessary for theurgent replacement of the roof. TheCity Campus building is valued at aroundR100 million and is a heritagemonument that we want to preserve

and showcase to locals and theinternational community. Therenovation will also allow for thereplacement of support structures thathave never been replaced since thebuilding was first built.

He assured staff that this will not affectthe academic programme ofneighbouring DUT campuses. Theuniversity's academic activity will not beaffected by the project as we haveengaged in extensive consultation withlecturers who have restructured theirsyllabuses to ensure all studentscomplete their 2010 academicprogramme.

The academic calendar for allprogrammes offered at City Campus willinclude two semesters, the firstsemester will commence in January, amonth earlier than the University wideprogramme, ending in April and thesecond will begin in September endingin December. To ensure minimum

City Campus building, which is aheritage site

Continued on pg 3...

International students warmly

received at DUT

Workspace, providing

innovative approach to WorkIntegrated Learning

Drama students perform at the

FNB Dance Umbrella

Festival

Identity through exileI am compelled to confess myinadequate disposition, as eachattempt at reaching a serene statefor contemplating 'place' and'painting' has failed. Inevitably, whenI think of art, my thoughts turn toanarchic revolt. I become submergedwithin the combat zone ofaesthetics, representations, ideology,sex, murderous plots and evenstrategies of world domination.

These are the words of revolutionary artistSimmi Dullay, whose work titledExploration Exile as Personal and SocialTransformation through Critical Reflectionand Creative and Artistic Expression, iscurrently on exhibition at the DUT ArtGallery. The exhibition was launchedMonday and will run until 18 March 2010.

The artist is the daughter of apartheidactivist Pritz Dullay. She was born in PortShepstone in 1973; however her familywas forced into exile in 1978. Shereceived her basic education in Denmarkand at the Solomon Mahlangu FreedomCollege (SOMAFCO), an ANC school forexiles in Mazimbu, Tanzania. She iscurrently in the midst of completing herMaster Degree in Fine Art at the DurbanUniversity of Technology.

Dullay holds firm beliefs in the visualpresentation of ideas, thoughts and

undertones and uses mixed media as aplatform for expression through visualrepresentation. She said society shouldnot be fooled by the glossy veneer andluminous colour, the world of art is adangerous one. Let's not forget that artistsacross the disciplines are often to becensored and persecuted in undemocraticregimes.

Dullay's work encapsulates South Africa'sdark history in the beautiful embrace ofmixed media. The canvas tells a tale ofthe lives of struggle heroes and revoltagainst social injustices and the differentstages of her growth and development.Her work is largely influenced by politicalactivist Steve Biko and the BlackConsciousness Movement, perceptions ofglobal colonialism, apartheid, herchildhood and self exploration. Herchildhood abroad has moulded her identitywhich is also firmly rooted to South Africathrough the black liberation struggle. Hermixed media collection includes the use ofmetal, oil paintings, a collection of oldbrown school book cases, photographs,black and white home videos, herthoughts on paper and an eclecticassortment of oil paintings.

Amongst the art collection on exhibitionare select pieces under the theme tilted'Love in Exile'. The pieces which are a playon the projection of images over bodies,holds hidden meaning and deep

significance. Dullay uses maps, piecesfrom personal diaries and letters, with asepia ink stained effect used to reflect apast era. She also holds a deep love forwords which is interwoven throughout thecollection on exhibition. What haspropelled me in this direction is my lovefor words, words that have kept usconnected, words and images that beginto reveal connections and intersectionsbetween seemingly disparate things shesaid.

Artist Simmi Dullay and son Akira


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Editors Column

The Durban University ofTechnology's (DUT) interim RapidResponse Emergency Medical Careand Rescue (EMCR) team have beenhailed as local heroes upon theirreturn from quake hit Haiti, lastmonth.

The six member special operations teamwas led by Sageshin Naguran and RaveenNaidoo and concentrated onhumanitarian efforts at Haiti's capital,Port Au Prince. Naguran, who headed themedical support, said the team was gladto be home and were grateful for the

Gift of The Givers sponsorship whichfunded the NGO's second humanitarianteam.

Gift of the Givers founder, ImtiazSooliman said: The cost of the reliefmission with three teams, medicalsupplies, food and equipment came to R3million. Funds were raised from theprivate and corporate sector.Additionally, the organisation's financialreserves were also used to fund themission. We also sent to Haiti, 400 tonsof cargo consisting of tents, water,food, medical supplies and nonconsumable goods worth R8 million tohelp sustain survivors of the quake.

Raveen Naidoo said the team's primary

mission was to locate victims buriedunder rubble and concrete usingspecialised equipment. The team arrivednine days after the quake and at thattime the estimated death toll was 170000 people. We embarked on a searchand rescue operation and located four

bodies through a collaborativeeffort with a Mexican rescueteam. The state of destruction tosome of the buildings made it verydifficult and unsafe for the rescue

team to attempt extrication. Thestench of decomposing bodieshung heavily in the air and

survivors were in desperate need offood, water and medical attention.

He said search and rescue missions werecalled off by the United Nations on day10 after the earthquake. The EMCR teamthen split up, allowing team members,Charlie McClung, Shannon Du Randt,

Yugan Naidoo and Yugan Pillay to providefurther medical assistance at fieldhospitals in Port Au Prince and on theoutskirts of the capital city. The teamattended to close on 400 patients overthree days. The majority of the patientswere amputees with many of themreceiving treatment without optimalanaesthesia, analgesia and follow uptreatment.

Naidoo said: As a result of the lack ofmedical supplies and inadequate medicalcare, many survivors faced secondary

insult to the initial trauma sustainedduring the earthquake. We assisted withcleaning and debriding of wounds, re-stitching and applying new dressings.Fortunately, many patients respondedwell despite the delay in treatment.However, those who suffered fromsevere sepsis and gangrene had toundergo further amputations.

Naguran said the team's medical skills and

knowledge in wound management andholistic care were largely put to use. Themission exposed the team to some of theworst possible scenarios in disastermanagement. One of the greatestchallenges humanitarian teams facedduring the mission was that medicalneeds exceeded the supply of surgicalsupplies and medical equipment.

I am proud of the team; they workedtirelessly to assist in all aspects of therelief mission. Conditions were difficult.We ate out of cans, slept in sleeping

bags with no shelter and the lack ofproper ablution facilities was achallenge. The extent of the need forour services in these circumstances wasa real eye opener. Our efforts havebeen recognised in global search andrescue and if the need arose bothnationally and internationally, we wouldoffer assistance without hesitation, hesaid.

DUT's rapid response team returns from quake hit HaitiKarishma Ganpath

Left: EMCR HOD, SageshinNaguran and team member,Yugan Naidoo together with theMexican Team's sniffer dogwhich was used to help locatesurvivors trapped under rubblein Haiti

Welcome

The Conduit Editorial Team welcomes the DUTCommunity. This is our first edition of the year.We will be publishing Conduit every secondmonth and the next edition will be in May. Theyear 2010 has been hailed an important year inthe history of South Africa in that we areprivileged to host the major sporting event inthe world, the Soccer World Cup Tournament.

Let's all be united in supporting our nationalsoccer team, Bafana Bafana during thistournament. We wish them good luck.

We are reliably informed that registration wassuccessfully concluded at DUT and we thankstaff who worked tirelessly to ensure that it wasa success. Thereafter, lectures commenceduninterrupted and are progressing smoothly. Weapplaud our Emergency Medical Care and RescueTeam who responded to the call for help byoffering their professional skills and expertise toassist the earthquake victims in Haiti duringJanuary 2010. We thank you for flying our DUTflag abroad during a time of need.

DUT is celebrating the centennial of our CityCampus. The building, which is currently used to

house DUT's Faculty of Arts and Design, wasinitially built for students and staff of the DurbanTechnical Institute. The building's foundationstone was laid on 03 December 1910. Over thelast century, the City Campus has beenrecognised as one of Durban's oldest heritagesites displaying, as it does, the originalarchitectural design. The building is also listed asa historical monument by eThekwini Municipality

and has attracted local and internationaltourists, struggle heroes and ex-South Africancitizens. In celebrating the centenary, DUT hasembarked on a building restoration project. Thefirst phase of the project will involve thereplacement of the entire roof with all ancillarycomponents of the ceilings, electrical and airconditioning installations. During therefurbishment of City Campus, the originalarchitectural significance will be maintained.

This year brings with it many excitingopportunities, so here's to 2010 and better,brighter future for all.

I salute you.

Bhekani DlaminiCommunications Manager (Acting)

DUT Motivation

DUT- Motivation was recently launched in CaneGrowers Hall, ML Sultan campus. The objective of thisproject is to motivate, inspire and work towardsdeveloping the community.

Guest speakers werePastor Vusi Dube ofEThekwini CommunityChurch, Alex Mthiyaneof Gagasi 99.5 FM,

Mfanafuthi Ngwabe, DUTSRC President and ThamiShezi, former DUT SRCPresident.

Delivering meaningfulwords of motivation,Thami Shezi advisedstudents that workinghard towards their goalsequals success and hefurther stated, If you write five goals before bed time and acton them on the next day, your life is guaranteed to change forthe better.

Radio personality, Alex Mthiyane took the floor and shared thehardships he experienced as a student at DUT. He emphasisedthat with determination he was able to achieve his ambition to

By Thandeka Mchunu

Alex Mthiyane, Sipho Jaca andPastor Vusi Dube


Pict

ure:Supplied


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I met Mandla Thabethe at the end of1989 when he successfullyauditioned for the then Drama andTheatre Crafts Department atTechnikon Natal (now DurbanUniversity of Technology).

Mandla's impish grin and twinkling eyeswere a constant reminder that here wassomeone mischievous and full of

surprises. His face was a combination ofdisarming charm, quizzical curiosity, andunabashed comic warmth with just atouch of sass thrown in for goodmeasure. A lethal combination whichlater made him a favorite with his manyfemale viewers! As a student Mandlaquickly perfected Scarpin typecharacters. His quick witted commentaryand intuitive sense of comedic timing onstage cast a lasting spell, allowing him toinitiate a small following in Durban. Thiswas to grow with each new endeavor.Additionally, Mandla used his strongstage presence to excel in mime addingdepth to his original physical choices andquick smile. This is evident in the signlanguage used in later work on the

learning channel on TV. In his third yearof study Mandla directed his own play, aone act comedy entitled The Bosses. Thistwo-hander ran for a week to fullhouses. Mandla had a knack ofcommunicating with his audiencesbecause he understood what was soughtand because he knew he needed tosurprise. This sense of honesty andhumanity, or 'ubuntu' characterize hislater work as Bongo on SABC 1's FamilyBonds (Ezomndeni in isiZulu). This deepcomprehension of identity was alwaystreated with a sense of cultural irony byMandla who continued to uncover theshifts in social veneer that he discoveredthroughout his life. It was as if each newartistic revelation conjured more

flabbergasting elements Mandla neededto share.

For me as a teacher, Mandla was alwaysa frontiers man: interesting andunexpected. On my way from the USimagine my astonishment at switching onthe BBC channel in Britain to see Mandla

in a small part on the TV series CecilJohn Rhodes. Mandla would take thewind out of your sails by popping inimpromptu style to see a show at theCourtyard Theatre or rock up at arehearsal and chat about the industry tostudents. This is, in fact, how XolileZondi was mentored by Mandla. Mandlacontinued to surprise by noting the lackof opportunities around him in Durban

and his response was to initiate a TVSitcom with Durban talent by a Companyon a Durban location. A feat few havemanaged to achieve.

Not only did 39 year old graduateMandla Thabethe engage the industrywearing many caps, producing, writingand acting in Family Bonds, a showgarnering five SAFTA 2010 nominationsincluding a nomination for Bongo forBest Comedy Actor, his boundless energyextended to other fields and hobbies.True to the form of an excellentperformer, Mandla Thabethe left uswanting more. On one hand it was therush and exhilaration of a new HarleyDavidson adventure that led to his tragicaccident in the early hours of Sundaymorning 31 January 2010, on the otherit was this impulsiveness, this suddenexuberance that was also the driver ofhis artistic charisma.

Mandla was a frontrunner because hetook the bull by the horns and twisted ina new direction. He will be rememberedas a pioneer in his industry, as producerof the first essentially Durban basedSitcom, as mentor to young Durbantelevision 'wannabees', as writer/creatorof a popular sitcom in isiZulu and as anartist whose heart belonged to thegreen hills of KwaZulu Natal. MandlaThabethe was finally laid to rest in thePinetown cemetery. He will be sorelymissed by his remaining Lecturer, his

alma mater and his Technikon Natalclass of '92.

Mandla's company won an award at the2010 South African Film and TelevisionAwards (SAFTAs). The Best Overall GenreAward for Comedy, Family Bonds underSosiba Entertainment.

The University of East London(UEL) in the United Kingdom, hasawarded Professor Roy du Pr,Vice Chancellor at DurbanUniversity of Technology (DUT),with an honorary VisitingProfessorship. Professor du Pr is aleading figure in African HigherEducation with over 25 years ofservice in the educational sector.

In the last 17 years he has served in the

higher education sector as an academic,academic manager and a policy maker.In recent years, close ties have beenestablished through collaborativeagreements with UEL's Continuum teamand Professor John Storan. Thisstrategic partnership has resulted in agrowing list of mutual benefits andoutcomes for both UEL and DUT. Thisincludes staff study visits andexchanges, joint conferencepresentations and publications, specificpolicy and practice exchanges, jointresearch activity and national andinternational Higher Education (HE)policy links.

The DUT/UEL partnership has alsoresulted in significant funding success

and two British Council researchawards. The quality and significance ofthe project was recognised by theBritish Council at an internationalconference that celebrated andencouraged England/Africa HEpartnerships. The British Council hasalso recognised Professor du Pr'soutstanding contribution through hisleadership in national and internationalHE.

Commenting on the award, ProfessorStoran said the team have built anexcellent relationship with Professor duPr and his Durban team. His work isan inspiration for further HEdevelopments in Africa. Personally andprofessionally, I have learned so much

through the collaboration. It has had aprofound effect on the work we do hereat Continuum. Knowledge and practiceexchange continues to develop and hasto date included HE access, studentsuccess, partnership working,

employability, entrepreneurship andbuilding a research capacity in theseand related areas. This has been animportant aspect of our collaboration".

Tribute to Mandla Thabethe

Drama GraduateDebbie Lutge

UEL awards Visiting Chair toDUT Vice Chancellor

Professor Roy du Pr, former ViceChancellor of DUT

disruption to the academic programmefor 2010 only contact academic workwill be done during the beginning of theyear. Students will be given projects todo and communication will bemaintained between staff and studentsvia e-mail. Should a need arise forlecturers to meet with their students;support venues at other campuses willbe made available.

Academic support will be madeavailable at Steve Biko Campus toensure off campus management ismaintained by the Faculty of Art andDesign. Administration and recruitmentprocedures will also not be disrupted asthe office of the Executive Dean of theFaculty of Arts and Design and theFaculty office will be temporarilyrelocated to Steve Biko Campus.

Continued from pg 1...

Professor Gwele appointed as

Deputy Vice Chancellor: Academic

Professor Nomthandazo Gwele hasbeen appointed Deputy ViceChancellor: Academic at theDurban University of Technology(DUT). She is responsible for theacademic affairs of the University.

She assumed her responsibility thisyear.

Professor Gwele joined DurbanUniversity of Technology in July 2004as Executive Dean of the Faculty ofHealth Sciences. She has been a fullProfessor for 11 years and holds adoctoral degree in Nursing Educationfrom the University of Natal, nowknown as the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her experience in the highereducation environment dates back to1985, when she worked as a researchassistant at the School of Nursing atthe University of Missouri inColumbia (USA). Her teaching

experience, however, began in 1989

at the University of Natal. She hasten years of academic leadershipand management experience, thelast five of which have been atsenior management level in herposition as Executive Dean of the

Faculty of Health Sciences at DUT.As a leader in her profession,Professor Gwele has chaired anumber of national nursingeducation associations andstructures such as the StandardsGenerating Body for Nursing, theForum of University NursingDepartments in South Africa (nowknown as the Forum of UniversityNursing Deans in South Africa), andthe Nursing Education Association.On the global front she representsAfrica on the International Council

Professor Nomthandazo Gwele, DVC:

Academic

of Nurses Education Network(ICNEN); launched at the ICNconference, in Durban in July 2009.

In higher education, ProfessorGwele was part of the currentsituation task team of the National

Commission on Higher Education.She has served as an executivemember of the South AfricanCommittee of Health SciencesDeans. Currently, she is a fellow ofthe American Council on Education(ACE) and participated in the ACEfellowship program on academicleadership in 2007; hosted by BoiseState University in Idaho. She is alsomember of the Chair Academywhich provides training for post-secondary leadership andmanagement.


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E-Learning pioneers

Durban University of Technologyrecently welcomed this year'sinternational students with asociable orientation held at the ArtGallery, Steve Biko campus. Theevent was organised by theDirectorate of InternationalEducation and Partnerships.

The event, which was attended byrepresentatives from variousdepartments, gave students a chance tomingle with each other and gather

information they might need during theirperiod of study.

DUT's Head of Investigation of Crime(Security & Safety), John Pillay, toldstudents about the success they've had incatching the perpetrators and advised thestudents to immediately contact theSecurity and Safety control roomssituated in all DUT campuses, should theybecome the victims of crime. He alsoassured the students of a saferenvironment that is conducive to teachingand learning. In a couple of months wehave successfully prosecuted a number ofpeople. Our mission is to make DUT ahome away from home, he said.

Students also shared their expectations

about the institution and views on SouthAfrica. Miguel Dias, a first yearMechanical Engineering student fromAngola said although he knew there weregood and bad things happening in SouthAfrica, he was not afraid and expected toget the best education at DUT as he seesit as the best institution. I hope to finishmy course successfully without anyoutstanding subjects, said Dias.

Vusumuzi Moyo, studying Retail BusinessManagement, hails from Zimbabwe. Hesaid he finds South Africa very friendly

and warm. It's not my first time beinghere in South Africa, I even have a homein Verulam, said Moyo. He said he'slooking forward to getting his permanentcitizenship.

Andreas Mohr from Germany, who is athird year Business Administrationstudent, said he can't wait for the WorldCup and he is not intimidated by thecrime statistics. I've been here for twomonths now and since my arrival I'vevisited a lot of interesting places like theUmfolozi Game Reserve, said Mohr.

Ingwe Health Plan representative,Antonette Nell told students about theimportance of having Medical Aid Coverwhile studying in a foreign country. She

Before you use the body, you mustlearn to respect the life it oncecontained, these were the wordsof Greg Bass, Dean of the Faculty ofHealth Sciences at DurbanUniversity of Technology's (DUT)Annual Dedication Ceremony.

The prayer service to honour the lives ofindividuals who donated their bodies formedical research and training purposeswas held on Wednesday 10 February, at

the anatomy lecture theatre,Department of Basic Medical Sciences onRitson Campus.

In an interview Senior Lab Technician andAnatomy Laboratory Curator, GanasMathura, explained the processesinvolved in human tissue donation and in

preparing and preserving a cadaver forresearch purposes.

Mathura said the Department of BasicMedical Science was opened in 1989 andsince then 300 bodies were received. Onaverage over a year the departmentreceives between 10 to 15 bodies fromhospitals and old age homes which areprepared for undergraduate andpostgraduate research and training. Hesaid on receipt the body is cleansed andembalmed to prevent decomposition.

The body is then kept in the mortuaryfor six months to a year, allowing for theexcess body fluid to drain out. Thecadavers are stored at 18? C and areready for dissection a year later. Theyare then wrapped in white calico andplastic to prevent dehydration.

A cadaver may be kept for up to 20years; as long as it is kept moist toprevent dehydration. Cadavers are alsoplastinated; this refers to the coating ofdissected specimen in a plasticsubstance which enables preservation.

Mathura said: Donating one's body tofurther the development of science andhealth research is wonderful. Instead ofthe body being lost to cremation orburial it can be used by students andresearchers. Prior to cremation an

Inspector of Anatomy from theDepartment of Health oversees andensures that the entire procedure hasbeen carried out in keeping with theSection 2 (1) of the Human Tissues ActNo 65 of 1989 and that all records aremeticulously kept.

The advisory committee of India'slargest software tradeshow, Indiasofthas selected five South Africans toattend its 10th Annual PremierBusiness Conference. The exclusiveevent will be held from 10 -12March, at the B M Birla Auditorium inJaipur, Rajasthan and is expected todraw more than 5000 people.

The Information and CommunicationTechnology (ICT) trade show, Indiasoft2010, is expected to earn more than R1million in revenue and will showcaseproducts, innovations and services fromleading international brands. The event willbe attended by India's Ministry ofCommerce and Industry and 151international delegates from 40 countries.

Collin Thakur, Chairman of the KZNComputer Society of South Africa and HODof Enterprise Development Unit (EDU) atthe Durban University of Technology (DUT)is one of the select few who will berepresenting South Africa at theconference. Together with the Red Cap

Foundation, Thakur runsSouth Africa's largest ICTdigital divide projectfunded by retail giant MrPrice, worth R3 millionper annum. The project,which is in its third year,has also been supportedby the Department ofEducation, whowelcomed the annualdonation of 20 computersto 10 different schools.He said: A positivefeature of this project isthat no person is paid,remunerated or fundedfor their time or service.This keeps the accountingsimple and allows forhonest labour.

Thakur said he washonoured to have been given theopportunity to represent South Africa.This is a networking opportunity that's notto be missed; the crme de la crme of

the IT industry will beattending the event,with the potential ofsocial developmentpartnerships andlucrative business deals.As a DUT ambassador,my intention is tosource moredevelopmental

partnerships andresearch opportunitieswith software andrelated institutions,organisations andbusinesses.

He said global speakersand sourcing providers,panellists, topenterprise executives;industry and businessanalysts will be

available to shed more light on areas suchas production, supply and demand,organic and inorganic growth patterns inthe global IT industry. The conference

India to host its 10th Annual Premier Business ConferenceKarishma Ganpath

promises to take ICT to new heights whilstcreating niche markets, and enablinggrowth of the rapidly growing sector inthe international market.

EDU is hopeful, that with the recentsuccess of the joint R31 millionpartnership between DUT, five KwaZulu-Natal FET's, India's National Institute ofInformation Technology (NIIT) and KZN

government to produce 1000 ICTprofessionals per year, will help pave theway to further strategic partnerships withmore international companies andinstitutions. DUT will benefit from thisrelationship with the installation of a freefully equipped 50-seater laboratory.

Indiasoft 2010 will be visited by IT buyersfrom Latin America, Africa, CIS,Association of Southeast Asians Nations(Asean), North America, Europe, Japanand the Middle East region. This year'sexhibition will host 120 buyers from LatinAmerica, Africa, ComputationalIntelligence Society, the ASEAN region and45 buyers from France, Spain andGermany.

Collin Thakur, Chairman of theKZN Computer Society of SouthAfrica and HOD of EnterpriseDevelopment Unit (EDU) at DUT

International students warmly received at DUTDaisy Mthethwa & Dumile Mbatha

said it is now compulsory for allinternational students to have joined amedical aid scheme before beingaccepted into the institution.Representing the Department of Home

Affairs was Nonhlanhla Maphumulo whotold students about the importance ofstudy permits. The event ended with abrilliant performance from the DramaSociety.

From left: First year International students, Vusumuzi Moyo(Zimbabwe), Andreas Mohr (Germany) and International StudentsOrganisation President, Sibusiso Nyawo (Swaziland) at the InternationalStudents Orientation.

Body donors honoured at Annual Dedication CeremonyDaisy Mthethwa & Dumile Mbatha

PicturebyDumileMbatha

Above: Ganas Mathura, Senior LabTechnician and Anatomy Laboratory

Curator, at DUT's Department of BasicMedical Science together with modelsof the male and female body whichare used in practicals. Thedepartment also uses the skeletalsystem and plastinated specimens ofthe human body.


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The Durban University ofTechnology (DUT) officiallylaunched Workspace- a graphic

design Work Integrated Learning(WIL) project in partnership withthe British Council and Continuumat the England's University of EastLondon (UEL) last year.

The project which forms part of aninternational research is the brainchildof the Graphic Design Programme, withinthe Department of Visual CommunicationDesign and is geared to provide anindustry formulated work experience.Workspace encourages innovative andcreative thinking whilst providing aunique opportunity to develop and honegraphic design skills using the latesttechnology and diversified approach toexperiential learning.

Addressing DUT's academic community atthe launch, UEL Director of Continuum,Prof John Storan who is currently

working on increasing British Councilsupport for Workspace said: Theproject is based on a firm foundation ofgood educational principles and focused

on providing support and preparingstudent for entry into the world of work.It provides creative solutions and a goodstart for students to benefit in ameasurable way. I am inspired to be partof an innovative facility whichdemonstrates a new way of thinkingabout the employability of students.

HOD Piers Carey said the project iscommitted to continually improveindustry readiness of graduates, ensuringaccess to employment. Workspace isbased at DUT's City Campus as part ofthe Graphic Design's BTech Programme.The visual identity of the studio wasgenerated by third year Graphic Designstudents under the direction of RowanGatfield, Workspace Studio Manager andGraphic Design Lecturer. This conceptaimed to define the 'feel' of the studioand to characterise the decorative

scheme of the studio space.

He said: Workspace will provide a fullgraphic design service to internal andexternal clients, this will allowparticipating students to experience allaspects of a working graphic designbusiness, whilst completing theirstudies. The studio intends to provide

both print and electronic design forclients, and welcomes enquiriesregarding all aspects of graphic design.

Carey said the project will provide vitalexperience to students in the productionand financial aspects of the profession.Students will be responsible for graphicdesign projects from the initial briefsand liaison with clients, through theconceptualization and design stages, toproduction, invoicing and record-keeping.

For more information, e-mail KailashMaharaj: [email protected]

Workspace, providing

innovative approach to Work

Integrated LearningBhekani Dlamini

PicturebyBh

ekaniDlamini

From left: UEL Project Co-ordinator, Tony Hudson, Continuum UEL Director,Prof John Storan, Executive Dean: Faculty of Arts and Design, Dr KennethNetshiombo and Visual Communication Design HOD, Piers Carey

Faculty of

Health

Sciences

Annual

Research Day

The Faculty of Health Sciences atthe Durban University ofTechnology (DUT) held its AnnualResearch Day at Mansfield Hall,Ritson campus, in February. Theprogramme showcased acombination of qualitative andquantitative research across allprogrammes with 16 oral and 10poster presentations.

The day's programme commenced with awarm welcome message from DeputyVice Chancellor: Academic, ProfessorNomthandazo Gwele who addressedacademics on the significance of the day.Acting Dean of the Faculty, Greg Bass

said exploring different research avenuescreates more student opportunities. Thenumber of postgraduate students hadrapidly increased over recent years witha total of 88 registered Masters' studentsin 2010.

We should encourage the Faculty totake more postgraduate student in orderto improve our academic standards,said Professor Sibusiso Moyo, who isActing Director of Research Managementand Development.

The programme for the day included anaward ceremony and three scientificsessions, each session included betweenfour to seven presentations by lecturersfrom their respective programmes.

Presentations were informative andcovered scientific and medical issues.Topics presented included research onthe effects of therapeutic ultrasound onradial artery blood flow and lumendiameter, Protea cynaroides, and areview of dental services in Zambia.

Dumile Mbatha


DUT boasts of new F1 partnership with

Sangari S.A.Mausley Oliphant

Sangari SA,one of South Africa'sleading engineering manufacturingand education solution companies,hosted an institutional F1 inSchools Challenge together withthe Durban University of

Technology's (DUT) Department ofIndustrial Engineering as part oftheir educational partnership.

Sangari SA and DUT took the opportunityto sign a memorandum of understandingthat secured DUT as the host of theregional F1 In Schools Challenge. Theevent was held at the Fred Crooke'sSport Centre, Steve Biko Campus on

Monday and was adjudicated by a panelof judges from industry and industrialengineering lecturers. Six teams offourth semester industrial engineeringstudents participated in the challengewhich was won by Team Radical.

Sangari SA CEO, Bez Sangari said the F1in Schools Challenge has the full backingof Formula One and is currently the onlyrace for scholars at provincial, nationaland international level with the BernieEcclestone Trophy as the ultimate prize.The hope is to make scholars moreconscious of science and technology, seescience as fun. What better way to dothat than with F1 racing. We are

currently trying to introduce thiscompetition on a tertiary level andhave approached a few institutionswhich are eager to join, including DUT.Hopefully we will have it up andrunning on a tertiary level by next

year, he said. Industrial Engineerlecturer, Ranil Singh said allparticipating students were required tocreate model F1 racing cars accordingto design and manufacturespecifications, the end product wasthen assessed and points were thencontributed to the students year endmark.


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DUT's Printing Department recently launched their upgradedprinting room, installed with new technology to provide theuniversity community with more options for binding and achieve afaster turnaround time.

The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by the Vice- Chancellor, Prof Roydu Pr, the DVC: Institutional Support, Prof Nqabomzi Gawe and formerExecutive Director: Corporate Affairs, Nomonde Mbadi and other DUTstakeholders. The Nashua delegation was led by the MD of Nashua and the MD

of Nashua eThekwini.Two of the machines have booklet makers with saddle stitching and the thirdmachine has a perfect binder. We have a combined machine capacity of 405copies per minute. All three machines are networked.

A renowned scientist, Professor JimMcKenzie, recently delivered alecture on Solar SystemAtmospheres at Durban Universityof Technology, Steve Biko campus.The lecture was jointly hosted by

the Research Management andDevelopment Division & theDepartment of Mathematics,Statistics and Physics.

Professor McKenzie is affiliated to theAstrophysics and Cosmology ResearchUnit, School of Mathematical Sciences,University of KwaZulu Natal andDepartment of Physics, CSPAR, Universityof Alabama, USA. He is also a SeniorMember of Kings College, CambridgeUniversity in the UK. In addition, ProfMcKenzie is a specialist in Space PlasmaPhysics and Atmospheric and OceanicSciences.

Drama students from theDepartment of Television, Dramaand Production Studies at DurbanUniversity of Technology performedat the annual FNB Dance Umbrellaearlier this month.

The cast, which consisted of 16 thirdyear Dance Specialists headed forJohannesburg to perform A Bird withouta song, a dance production

choreographed by Mdu Mtshali, a DanceLecturer at DUT.

A bird without a song runs for 25 minutesand was presented at Wits Theatre Thisdance performance was taken from thestoryline of Rejected Angels, directed by

Mdu Mtshali, which was performed atthe DUT annual dance production, aseason of contemporary dance held inAugust last year.

The aim behind the production, A birdwithout a song, was to spread socialawareness about discrimination againstpeople with Albinism living in Africa.This work is inspired by albinism andaddresses rumours and strange beliefsconjured by witch doctors. Thelanguage of this piece has beenborrowed from the Zombies andCannibalism with whole bodies paintedwhite and red with clay, said Mtshali.

Previous research shows that in Tanzaniathere is a superstition that albinos bring

luck to those who come in contact withthem. As a result, there have been anumber of people with albinismmurdered and mutilated. Witch doctorsmarket their skins, hair and bones, usingthem as an ingredient in supposedlymedical or magical potions to makepeople rich.

The contemporary dance productionserved to address these myths andbeliefs that are often performed bywitch doctors for their personal gain. I

want people to question the actionsagainst Albinos. I also want to stop theseactions from reaching our shores.Through this dance I hope to educateand enlighten people, said Mtshali.

Mtshali participated in the FNB DanceUmbrella Residency in 2004. He hasdirected and choreographed danceproductions such as Dance Unlimited(2005), Umgcagco (2006),choreographed for Lost in the Starsdirected by Debbie Lutge (2006), Bodiesin Space (2007), Light of Hope (2008)and Rejected Angels (2009).

He has worked with a number ofnational and internationalchoreographers such as Andile Sotiya

and Musa Hlatshwayo. He has alsoworked with dance companies such asSiwela Sonke Dance Theatre (Home,Zero), Fantastic Flying Fish DanceCompany (Off Axis, Grass Gardens,Coppelia), Inzalo Theatre DanceCompany (point of view).

Launch of the new Print Room

Science and Technology goes hand in handBy Daisy Mthethwa

Presenting a lecture in an entertainingway, Professor McKenzie explained theproperties of the planets and theiratmospheres and oceans. He suggestedthe interesting idea that there are sevendays in a week because the ancientGreeks observed five planets (wandering

stars namely Mecury, Venus, Mars,Jupiter and Saturn) as well as the Sunand the Moon. He said that Uranus wasdiscovered in 1781 by Herschel andNeptune in 1846 by D'Arrest (predictedby the mathematicians, Adams andVerrier). According to ProfessorMcKenzie, Pluto, discovered in 1930, isthe only planet not to have been visitedby a spacecraft. It since has beendemoted from its planet status as beingtoo small and cold.

Professor McKenzie commented thatfluids and gases are characterized bytheir average properties of velocity,

density, pressure andtemperature, allwhich are functions ofspace and timedescribed by the fluidequations. 'Wavescommunicate

information over largedistances withoutmatter beingtransported, headded.

He concluded bysaying: It is importantfor everyone, not onlymathematicians andphysicists to know about solar systematmospheres because they are part of ouruniverse and represent an interactionbetween Science and Technology throughtelescopes and the building and launchingof spacecrafts.

PicturetakenbyDumil

eMbatha.

From left: Guest Speaker, ProfessorJim McKenzie with Professor SibusisoMoyo, who is Acting Director ofResearch Management andDevelopment and Professor KevinDuffy, Director of the Institute ofSystems Science.

Drama students perform at theFNB Dance Umbrella

By Daisy Mthethwa

Picturetakenan

dsuppliedbyValAdamson

be on radio and he never, under anycircumstances, gave up.

Pastor Vusi Dube told students thatyoung ladies need to focus on theirstudies since the intentions of othersare not always diamonds and pearls.

Entertainment included poetry, singingand drama performance whichrejuvenated the crowd. DUT certainlyshowcased a great deal of students'talent at this event.

The event was successfully organised bySipho Jaca, who is also the founder ofthis project. In conclusion, Jacathanked all who contributed in makingthe launch a success.

All students are urged to become part of

the DUT MOTIVATION family onfacebook.



From left: Musa Zulu, MD of NashuaThekwini, Former DUT VC, ProfessorRoy du Pr, Lynette Van Zuylen andMark du Bois, MD Nashua Durban.Above: Professor Roy du Pr and the

Printing Department team.

This was a great learning curve for thestudents in terms of team dynamics andcommunication, as students had tocreate the whole experience fromresourcing the materials, acquiringfunds and marketing the cars, saidSingh. He was also excited that theywere working with aerodynamics whichwas outside of their curriculum. Ranilsaid, This is a way to make learningexciting.

Team Radical Manager, ThapeloMohajane said the team wanted to

prove they were the best and decidedto meet once a week to focus on theirproject. The work was divided intogroups and individual strengths wereidentified, from this each member wastasked accordingly.


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The Steve Biko Campus Librarycelebrated Valentine's Day 2010. Acompetition was held and studentshad the opportunity to expresstheir feelings of love.

Many enthusiastic entrants participatedin this competition. Judging from the

number of entries, it appeared thatstudents take love seriously, and thereare still prospective and budding Romeosand Juliets in our midst. The winner ofthe competition, Mandiphiwe Levani,cited four beautiful poems of love. She isan Electronic Engineering student andreceived a PA system as her prize.

From left to right: Mrs. LucilleWebster (Library Manager), MissMandiphiwe Levani (Winner), Mrs.Nomonde Mgqalelo (Circulation co-ordinator), Mrs. Molly Madho(Circulation Assistant).

The Students in Free Enterprise(SIFE) at Durban University ofTechnology held its annual cocktailevening at the Hotel School, RitsonRoad Campus. The aim of the eventwas to introduce business peoplefrom various professions to SIFE.SIFE is an international network

aimed at enhancing students'leadership skills; they also play arole in developing communities.

SIFE is visible in 26 universitiesnationwide and SIFE (DUT) was voted asthe rookie team of the year attheirawards last year. Lana Brady, SIFE'scurrent Faculty Adviser, was voted as theFaculty Adviser of the year at the awards.Letitia de Wet, SIFE South Africa CEO,told business people about theirimportance in SIFE's success. She alsothanked students for the hard workthey've shown to the organisation. IfSIFE (DUT) is successful today ortomorrow it is because of your hard workand determination, said de Wet.

Melusi Ndima SIFE, (DUT) President,presented all SIFE (DUT) Projects whichconsisted of Sizanani Vegi Gallore, Eco

Friendly Recycling, Furniture EnterpriseDevelopment Project (FEDP) and Save10% Project, which is aimed at saving thepower of electricity consumed byresidence students. The Sizanani VegiGallore, situated in Nongoma, is about500 hectares of land and is funded by

Development Bank of Southern Africa(DBSA).

Peter Burke, Business Strategist atGrahan Consultants, pledged businesspeople to take part in supporting all SIFE(DUT) projects; Burke is also an advisoryboard member at SIFE (DUT). Present atthe cocktail evening wererepresentatives from eThekwiniMunicipality, National Youth DevelopmentAgency and DUT management.

SIFE is a section 21 registered companyand SIFE SA was recognized by SIFEinternational as the best SIFEprogramme. Its projects have createdmany job opportunities in developingcommunities. SIFE is present in 42

countries across the globe and aims atbringing together the top leaders oftoday and tomorrow.

Library encourages love among students

SIFE Cocktail EveningBy Dumile Mbatha

PicturebyDumileMbatha

Above: SIFE DUT Executive Team

Are you tired of unnecessary paperlying around your office? Well youcan finally turn your clutter intosomething worthwhile. The Facultyof Health Sciences has embarked ona Waste Paper Recycling project toraise funds that will go towardsacademic bursaries. The projectcollects all types of paper andcardboard. If you have a once off

load, drop an e-mail [email protected] and it will becollected at no cost. However, serialpaper collectors will be suppliedwith a recycling bin which will beemptied on a routine basis. Largeamounts of unwanted paper canalso be delivered to the Faculty ofHealth Sciences, Faculty Office.

So let us not waste, where we cansave. Recycling has never been soeasy. Recycle, educate andempower!

Be eco-friendly andeducate with the waste

paper recycling project

Setting, layout and design by Design Studio 07/10/09. ConDUiT March 2010.cdr

Editorial TeamBhekani DlaminiSithembile ShabanguKarishma GanpathDisclaimer

The Communications Department strives to deliver accurate reporting and interesting stories, but cannot takeresponsibility for inaccurate information supplied. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the

Layout and designFiona PillayMrs Ilona PoveyImagesAudio Visual, Photography Departmentand DUT staff

Maritime

first yearorientation

Left: Maritime Studies first yearstudents attending orientation.

Above: Abe Botha, Fire FightingInstructor at Unicorn Shipping andMthobisi Khwela (student)demonstrates how to use a SelfContained Breathing Apparatus.

Photos by Daisy Mthethwa


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Siyazama group

conduit march 2010

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