VOLUME 54 . SEPTEMBER 2018

The CGS appoints new Executive Managers

David Khoza, Executive Manager: Applied Geoscience

David Khoza was born on 25 October 1981 and hails from a small township outside Brits, called Letlhabile. He completed a BSc degree in Physics and Geology, a BSc Honours degree in Geophysics and a PhD degree in Geophysics. He spent almost four years in Ireland where he completed his PhD research on mapping tectonic boundaries and inferring the crustal and mantle lithospheric evolution of the Kaapvaal, Zimbabwe and Congo cratons, including the mobile belts that surround them, using deep sounding magnetotelluric (MT) data.

Immediately after completing his Honours degree, Dr Khoza started

working for BHP Billiton (now BHP) doing minerals exploration all over Africa. He then took a break and went back into academia to study towards a Masters degree which was converted to a PhD. Following his doctorate, Anglo American employed him in the Technical Solutions Department in Johannesburg to support the exploration and mining division with geophysical methods. The department was closed down and he joined another Anglo American company called SPECTREM AIR where he managed the geophysics unit and supervised airborne magnetic and electromagnetic surveys locally and abroad.

Dr Khoza has joined the CGS because he believes that the organisation is in a good position to effect real change to the way the geosciences are practiced in South Africa and on the continent. His vision is to see the CGS performing world-class science using leading technologies to contribute positively to the socio-economic dynamics of the country and the continent. All CGS staff are key to realising this vision and he will do his best to ensure that the scientists are well equipped and trained to undertake good science while ensuring that the support staff have the tools to assist them.

Dr Khoza is happily married and he and his wife, Mamotse, are the proud parents of a three year old daughter, Kabo. Geological and geophysical mapping is at the top of his list of interests. He also enjoys hiking, camping, cricket and reading about current affairs, history and technological trends.

The Council for Geoscience is proud to announce the appointment of three Executive Managers, Applied Geoscience: Dr David Khoza, Geological Resources: Refilwe Shelembe and Corporate Services: Dr Jonty Tshipa.

INSIDE:The CGS appoints new Executive

Managers I 1

Three geoscientists receive PhD and

MSc degrees I 3Nontobeko Scheppers

International Air Pollution

Conference in Naples, Italy I 4Tlou Betty Mashalane

Participation in the 6th China–Africa

Water Conference I 6Emmanuel Sakala

Geostatistics training course I 7Leahn Pieterse

CGS staff attended the launch

of a 3D X-ray microscope for

advanced research I 7Supi Tlowana

Junior scientist rolls in another best

student poster award I 8Frédéric Doucet

Celebrating Nelson Mandela

International Day I 9Mahlako Mathabatha

National Women’s Day

Workshop I 10Rethabile Makwela

New publication I 11Thelma Swart

CGS Annual Conference 2019 I 12Thinus Cloete

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He is passionate about the geosciences because this field overlaps with many other interesting subjects. Moreover, the geosciences are relevant to all physical scales, from the sub-atomic level to the whole universe. They touch on every time scale, from fractions of a second to billions of years. These scales provide us with a perspective on our own lives. Most importantly, geoscientists are paid to go on field trips to some really interesting places!

Dr Jonty Tshipa, Executive Manager: Corporate Services

Refilwe Shelembe, Executive Manager:

Geological Resources

Refilwe Shelembe grew up in Soweto and moved to Pretoria in 2006 to work for the CGS as a junior scientist in the then Central Regions, now Geoscience Mapping, Unit. With ten years of experience as a field geologist and a Master’s degree in geology from the University of the Witwatersrand, Ms Shelembe has mapped six 1:50 000-scale geological maps in and outside South Africa. Her main focus was on the metamorphism of the upper Pretoria Group of the Transvaal Supergroup as affected by the far western Bushveld Complex. She has also worked on various research and commercial projects including, amongst others, 3D geological modelling, geological mapping in high-grade metamorphic provinces in the Northern Cape Province, Thyspunt and Duynefontein nuclear siting, the investigation of strategic nuclear reserves and alluvial diamond gravel mapping. Ms Shelembe has a

keen interest in the impact of geology on the health of communities and the environment.

Ms Shelembe has served as a committee member and chairperson on the Young Geoscientists Network and she has been a member of the job-grading committee, the technical committee and the library committee of the CGS. She has also served as a secretary of the Medical Geology Chapter in 2014. Ms Shelembe is passionate about making a contribution to transformation, social development and the talent development of early-career scientists and believes that the contributions of these young scientists will impact positively on the organisation.

In the twelve years that she has worked for the CGS and risen through the ranks, Ms Shelembe worked in the Office of the CEO as a Technical Assistant and she temporarily assumed the duties of Manager for Geoscience Mapping. On 1 June 2018, she was appointed as the Executive Manager for Geological Resources, a position that affords her the opportunity to co-champion the Integrated and Multidisciplinary Geoscience Mapping Programme of the CGS. She received the “Elijah Nkosi” award of excellence in December 2017 for laying the foundation for this ten year mapping plan.

Ms Shelembe strives to be loyal to the CGS and is looking forward to serving her term with commitment and excellence.

Dr Jonty Tshipa was born in 1975 and matriculated at Tsogo High School in 1992. Dr Tshipa holds a PhD degree in Financial Management Science from the University of Pretoria, a Masters in Finance and Investment (cum laude) from the University of the Witwatersrand, an MBA from the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), Global Remuneration Professional certification from WorldatWork and he completed programmes in Project Management in IT at UNISA and electrical engineering (heavy current) at the School of

Engineering, Durban. Dr Tshipa is armed with more than 20 years of work experience, having worked in almost all sectors of the economy such as Education, Utility, Mining, ICT, Financial Services, Government and Media. He has occupied roles such as Project Engineer (at Eskom), Explosives Engineer (at AEL Mining Services), Senior Technical Consultant (at Gijima), Head: Credit Recoveries (at Standard Bank) and Executive: Corporate Services (at Brand South Africa).

Dr Tshipa lectured credit management/finance to B-Tech students at TUT from 2014 to 2016 on a part time basis. He is currently a sessional supervisor of MBA students at Wits Business School as well as an ad hoc external examiner of MBA students at both the Wits Business School and Nelson Mandela Graduate School. He has served on several boards such as those of the South African Weather Services and ZADNA, where he also served on the Audit and Risk committee and the HR and Remuneration committee.

“It is serendipity that I ended up in Corporate Services — never in my wildest dreams had I ever imagined dealing with soft issues”, he remarks. His immediate deliverables for the CGS are:

• to ensure that the organisation has the right people in the right jobs.

• to ensure that as an organisation that strives to inculcate a high performance culture, we build

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Three geoscientists receive PhD and MSc degrees

Emmanuel Sakala graduated with a PhD from the

University of the Free State in Bloemfontein.

Dr Emmanuel Sakala graduated with a PhD in Geohydrology from the University of the Free State on 28 June 2018. His dissertation is entitled Development of rapid assessment tools for groundwater vulnerability mapping using integrated geoscientific datasets and artificial intelligent algorithms: case study from Witbank and Ermelo coalfields, South Africa. Emmanuel hopes to make a significant contribution to the field of geohydrology, multidisciplinary data integration and artificial intelligence (AI). In this research, a new approach to groundwater vulnerability assessment using AI algorithms, specifically for groundwater vulnerability to acid mine drainage (AMD) at a regional coalfield scale, was developed. The value of this research lies in the fact that the new approach, which is a hybrid of the index overlay, statistical and process based approaches, allows many of the vulnerability assessment

processes to be automated. This will facilitate rapid groundwater vulnerability assessments solving the complex problem of AMD assessment at a regional scale specifically for policy and decision making purposes. A graphic user interface program (GVM_AI) was developed to execute complex AI algorithms in the background but which is simple enough for use by a non-AI expert. This approach to solving complex problems such as groundwater vulnerability can be rolled out and used in other fields such as geological mapping, mineral exploration, pre-warning systems for earthquakes and sinkhole studies. Immediate benefits for the Council for Geoscience and the scientific community at large include increased efficiency by automating some of the routine processes in geoscience data processing, enhanced capabilities in multidisciplinary data integration and, ultimately, improving the quality of geoscience products, in service of humankind.

Gloria Dube received her MSc degree on 24 May 2018 from North-West University. Her research, Laboratory scale testing of passive systems to treat acid mine drainage, contributes towards acid mine water treatment solutions in South Africa. The laboratory scale experimental work evaluated the effectiveness of the novel dispersed alkaline substrate (DAS) system in treating acid mine drainage (AMD) from an abandoned coal mine in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga Province. The DAS system was compared with the traditional reducing alkalinity producing system (RAPS) which has been

investigated and implemented in many parts of the world for net-acidic mine water treatment. Disposal, discharge and seepage of acid mine water is a worldwide problem and of great concern to South Africa as this water degrades the quality of streams and underground water. AMD in coal mining environments is characterised by a low pH and high acidic conditions which leach or dissolve high concentrations of metals such as iron (Fe), aluminium (Al), manganese (Mn) and sulfate. These conditions are harmful to humans, plants and aquatic life, making the initiatives to reduce such pollution critical.

Gloria Dube graduated and obtained an MSc from North-

West University in Potchefstroom.

a robust and solid performance management system that will consider competencies as well as core management criteria.

• Flowing from the recently approved organisational structure, develop an HR aligned strategy.

• Use tools such as staff engagement surveys and exit interviews to identify

emerging and common problem areas that need intervention.

• Foster a good working relationship with staff and labour.

• Obtain full accreditation for ISO 9001 and 17025 by the end of 2019.

• Strive towards the full automation of HR services.

His hobbies include the reading of finance and investment related journal articles on capital structure, financial performance, stockbroking and corporate governance. His favourite sports are tennis and soccer and he is a staunch supporter of Sundowns and Barcelona. In his spare time, Dr Tshipa enjoys spending time with his wife of 15 years and his daughters, Keamogetswe and Onthatile.

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Passive treatment systems are practical to set up on abandoned mines where the removal of some acids and metals will benefit the receiving environment. Moreover, these technologies are associated with low costs for implementation, operation and maintenance. The ability of these systems to remove contaminants from AMD has been recognised and although these systems have been used to treat acid mine water efficiently, limitations such as coating and clogging as a result of Al3+ and Fe3+ oxy-hydroxide precipitates have been reported.

In this study, both the DAS and RAPS set-ups were shown to improve the levels of contaminated water to the quality standard levels accepted by South Africa. However, the issue of longevity as a result of the passivation of the alkaline substrate still persists.

A doctoral degree was awarded to Dr Maria T. Atanasova by the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria for her research, Characterisation and

functional properties of rectorite and rectorite based clay films and bionanocomposites. The study offers a “green” approach entailing a simple, energy efficient, economic and environmentally friendly process optimised to produce self-standing, flexible and mechanically strong clay-only films and rectorite-chitosan nanocomposites of high clay loadings without binders or other property

Maria Atanasova received her PhD degree from the

University of Pretoria.

enhancers. Mechanical performance of the clay-only films compares favourably with those featured by conventional polymers. Statistical projection for the maximum attainable values of the functional properties of the clay films indicates that defect-free films could offer even higher performance. Rectorite-chitosan nanocomposite films showed enhanced mechanical performance, improved optical transparency and water resistance at high clay proportions. Both starting materials, clay and biopolymer, can be obtained as waste materials. The rectorite occurs as a host rock alteration product and can be recovered from mine tailings. Similarly, chitosan is derived from chitin produced from shellfish waste in the seafood industry.

For more information contact:

Nontobeko ScheppersHuman Resources+27 (0)12 841 1201nscheppers@geoscience.org.za

The 26th International Conference on Modelling, Monitoring and Management of Air Pollution was held in Naples, Italy, from 19 to 21 June 2018. The themes were: aerosols and particles, emission studies, monitoring and measuring, air pollution modelling, air data quality, indoor air pollution, health effects, air pollution management, policy and legislation and air pollution control technologies. The conference was attended by climatologists, chemists, environmentalists, lecturers, researchers, consultants, geologists and NGO representatives from 18 countries. The presenters addressed challenges related to air pollution and offered possible remedial solutions. Future collaborations were also envisaged.

The CEO, Mr Mosa Mabuza, led the CGS delegates comprising Ms Tlou Betty Mashalane and Ms Maphuti

Georgina Kwata. Two oral papers were presented under the conference theme of monitoring and measuring. This was the second consecutive year that members of the integrated asbestos monitoring team participated in this informative international conference.

Highlights of the presentations given by the CGS team members are discussed below.

A study of trapped dust and dustfall samples from human settlements near rehabilitated and non-rehabilitated abandoned asbestos mine dumps in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa. Tlou Betty Mashalane; tmashalane@geoscience.org.za

Abandoned asbestos mine dumps continue to have an effect on human health, notwithstanding the banning

of asbestos mining in South Africa in 2002. Asbestos mine dumps, especially non-rehabilitated dumps, contribute to dust pollution. Airborne asbestos contaminated dust from these mine dumps find their way to nearby human settlements leading to human exposure mainly through inhalation which causes respiratory and lung diseases. For the purpose of environmental remediation, rehabilitated and non-rehabilitated sites around Kuruman and Prieska in the Northern Cape Province were selected to measure the baseline levels and distribution patterns of asbestos mineral pollutants. Dustfall rates within a radius of 5 km from the asbestos mine dump to the nearest human settlement were measured using the single open bucket method and the mineralogy composition was analysed using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Mineralogical and morphological characterisation of dustfall samples was further validated using scanning

International Air Pollution Conference in Naples, Italy

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CGS staff members with other conference delegates in Naples, Italy.

Maphuti Georgina Kwata (Scientist), Mosa Mabuza (Chief

Executive Officer) and Tlou Betty Mashalane (Junior

Scientist) at the conference venue in Italy.

electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Trapped dust samples were collected indoors and outdoors from photo and window frames, old furniture and roof tops using sticky tape and were analysed by means of SEM-EDS. The XRD results show significant amounts of the amphibole [Ca2(Fe,Mg)5Si8O22(OH)2] asbestos mineral. Trace amounts of

serpentine [Mg3SiO5(OH)4] asbestos minerals were detected with XRD but could not be confirmed with SEM-EDS. However, both XRD and SEM-EDS results confirmed the presence of the amphibole asbestos mineral. Other silicate minerals detected were quartz, talc, mica, plagioclase, smectite and feldspar. Detected non-silicate minerals included calcite and traces of haematite. The study proved that non-rehabilitated asbestos mine dumps are a major source for airborne fibre exposure and rehabilitated dumps need to be monitored and maintained. The presence of asbestos minerals within human settlements remains a major health concern.

A physico-chemical study of dust samples from derelict and ownerless asbestos mine dumps in the Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Maphuti Georgina Kwata; mkwata@geoscience.org.za

Asbestos is generally defined as a group of naturally occurring silicate fibrous minerals abundant on the surface of the earth. Despite the cessation of asbestos mining in South

Africa in 2002, there are still concerns regarding possible environmental exposure to asbestos fibres. The Council for Geoscience studied dustfall rates for a period of six months from January to June 2017 using the American Standard Test Method, ASTM D1739 of 1970, at five sampling sites located in local communities close to derelict and ownerless asbestos mine dumps in Mpumalanga Province. The dust fall rates were determined gravimetrically after filtration. Filter papers containing dust fall samples were further analysed using the scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) and X-ray diffraction and fluorescence (XRD and XRF) techniques. The amounts obtained for the serpentine asbestos group vs amphibole asbestos group were 23 and 3 % m/m at site A, 5 and 2 % m/m at site B, 15 and 0 % m/m at site C, 36 and 7 % m/m at site D, and 7 and 0 % m/m at site E. Other minerals detected, in random order, were feldspar, kaolinite, quartz, mica and talc. The detected non-silicate minerals were ilmenite, metallic, organic and other types of amphibole: actinolite, barosite, ferrimagnesiotaramitel, grunerite,

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Participation in the 6th China–Africa Water Conference

The China–Africa water forum was initiated in 2013, coinciding with the international year of cooperation on water, where multi-national active platforms of cooperation and exchange in regard to water and the environment were established. The China–Africa water forum is a platform for all professionals within the fields of water science and technology in Africa and China. The China–Africa Water Association, also referred to as CAWA, is a non-profit organisation that focusses on organising annual conferences. To date, there have been six forums held in China and various African countries.

The objective of the forum is to work towards a lasting partnership between the two regions for the sustainable utilisation of water resources. The 2018 conference was held at the Iberotel Palace in Sharm El-Sheik, Egypt, from 23 to 25 July 2018, and was hosted by the City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City). The Council for Geoscience was represented by Dr Emmanuel Sakala and Ms Mpumelelo Dube. The theme for the 2018 series was “Sustainable utilisation of water resources in developing countries”.

Both China and Africa face significant human development challenges in a changing environment and have very similar water resource management priorities, particularly from a research, development and implementation perspective. The conference served as a forerunner for ongoing joint research, development, innovation and implementation in the area of water development. The conference started with a panel discussion on water economy and its relation to water

management in different countries. The panel included the Honourable Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Egypt, Prof. Khaled Abd El-Ghafar.

Scientific presentations varied from theoretical prototypes to case studies in various fields of water resources such as water markets, water allocation system designs, desalination plants, drip irrigation system designs, software programming, artificial intelligence (AI), pumping test interpretation, seawater intrusion, seawater–groundwater interaction, smart water resource management systems, hydrogeophysics, karst groundwater pollution (AMD), space-borne imagery interpretation and water risk assessment advancements.

Lessons learnt from the conference included the following:

- Development of in-house capacity in terms of scientific knowledge, software and systems is important

for the advancement of science within an organisation and country at large. This notion was inspired by several presentations on recent advancements in the design and fabrication of solar powered desalination plants built almost entirely by local scientists and engineers in Egypt using locally available materials.

- A call for scientists to embrace smart technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, space-borne technology and nanotechnology to address some of the water related challenges such as water losses in pipelines, water demand, water purification, climate changes and groundwater exploration.

Emmanuel Sakala and Mpumelelo Dube presenting the work done by the CGS in the development of a software

package for groundwater potential mapping.

For more information contact:Tlou Betty MashalaneWater and Environment+27 (0)12 841 1301tmashalane@geoscience.org.za

tremolite, winchite and feldspar; albite, andesine, anorthite, bytownite, labradorite, microcline, oligoclase, anidine and sanidene. Most dust particles were granular and sponge-like, with spiral, semi-rectangular and semi-triangular shapes. The length-to-width

ratios of the serpentine asbestos group fibres ranged from 2:1 to 6:1, while the amphibole ratios were about 3:1 to 5:1. The continued presence of asbestos group minerals in inhalable fractions of airborne dust material is of concern and should be mitigated accordingly.

For more information contact:Emmanuel SakalaGeophysics and Remote Sensing+27 (0)12 841 1432esakala@geoscience.org.za

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For more information contact:Leahn PieterseEconomic Geology and Geochemistry+27 (0)12 841 1135lpieterse@geoscience.org.za

Ten employees from the Economic Geology and Geochemistry Unit: Ms Keabetswe Lehong, Ms Connie Setladi, Mr Rames Chauke, Mr Luzuko Chiya, Ms Nosiseko Bala, Ms Tshilidzi Mudau, Ms Matamba Tsanwani, Ms Unathi Nondula, Ms Mashudu Matshivha and Ms Leahn Pieterse, attended the Geostatistics training course presented by Prof. Richard Minnit from the University of the Witwatersrand. The course took place at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways, Johannesburg, from 10 to 12 July 2018.

The training course equipped the delegates with knowledge on the principles and techniques of geostatistics, the estimation of areas and volumes as well as grade estimation. Understanding the theory of geostatistics is important in order to better analyse and predict the values associated with spatial correlation as used in various software packages, including ArcGIS and Geovia Surpac. Geostatistics covers a wide range of applications including mineral potential mapping, geochemical interpretations and resource estimations. The principles of geostatistics may be used to predict spatial attributes and to model uncertainty in unsampled locations. Geostatistical methods utilise an understanding of the interrelations of

Geostatistics training course

Unathi Nondula, Leahn Pieterse, Connie Setladi (front) and Keabetswe Lehong, Mashudu Matshivha and Rames

Chauke (back) attended the Geostatistics training course. Absent: Tshilidzi Mudau, Matamba Tsanwani, Nosiseko Bala,

Luzuko Chiya.

sample values within a mineral deposit and provide a basis for quantifying the geological concepts of an inherent characteristic of the deposit type, a change in the continuity of the interdependence of sample values according to the type of mineralisation and a range of influences of the interdependence of the sample values.

The knowledge gained from the training course will be utilised in the ten year mapping programme, specifically in mineral potential mapping, geochemical

interpretations and inventory estimations. The current study areas are Griqualand West, the Bushveld Complex and the Barberton and Giyani Greenstone Belts.

CGS staff attended the launch of a 3D X-ray microscope for advanced research

The Council for Geoscience was invited to attend a combined launch by Mintek and Unisa of the 3D X-ray microscope (XRM) which was held at the Unisa Campus in Florida, Johannesburg, on 24 July 2018. Advanced analytical methods utilising state of the art instruments such as the 3D XRM are becoming increasingly valuable and critical in characterising various geological samples. The CGS delegates who attended this launch were Ms Nosibulelo Zilibokwe and Mrs Nosiseko Bala. The purpose of Nosiseko Bala and Nosibulelo Zilibokwe attended the launch of the 3D X-ray microscope.

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The 3D XRM operates in conjunction with a mounted computer.

For more information contact:Supi Tlowana Laboratory Services+27 (0)12 841 1436 stlowana@geoscience.org.za The internal of the X-ray chamber. The core piece in this photo is the sample, which is mounted on the sample

stage. The machine also comes with different shapes of holders such as thin section or stub holders.

X-ray source

Sample holder with a core piece (sample)

Objectives and a detector

Sample stage

this launch was to make academics and researchers aware of the industry leading 3D XRM and to demonstrate how this advanced imaging technique

is used in research. Another benefit of the launch was to put the researchers in contact with experts in the field and to explore the possibilities of applying

this technique in their work/research to improve their research outputs in addition to enhancing a culture of cooperation, relationship building and participation in collaborative research activities. Collaborative projects not only improve the research objectives but also contribute to capacity building.

The 3D XRM can be used in a range of applications and its advantages include: • Characterisation and quantification

of structures, measuring of fluid flow, acquisition of multi-phase particle information and large-volume statistics for mining and other natural resource requirements (e.g. oil and gas)

• The 3D XRM is a non-destructive 3D imaging technique involving minimal or no sample preparation

• The 3D XRM can program up to 14 samples at a time to run sequentially with the option of auto loading the samples

• The technique offers in situ capabilities for flexible sample sizes and types

• A high resolution can easily be achieved

• The technique uses a scout and scan control system for an easy workflow

• The technique offers multi-length scale imaging on the same sample across a wide range of magnifications.

Junior scientist rolls in another best student poster award

The Council for Geoscience wishes to congratulate junior scientist Sameera Mohamed for being presented with the best student poster award at the 7th International Conference on Engineering for Waste and Biomass Valorisation (WasteEng2018), which was held in Prague, Czech Republic, from 2 to 5 July 2018. The conference brought leading experts from around the world together to deliberate on new scientific, industrial and legislative

developments regarding the conversion of biomass and waste into value added materials and energy. The conference sessions also elaborated on key aspects such as the concept of the circular economy, which recognises the value of wastes and their potential to be reused as alternative resources in a closed loop system.

Sameera presented a poster entitled “Recovery of iron from platinum group

metal tailings and synthesis of iron based nanomaterials”. This work forms part of a CGS innovation project that aims to develop technological processes for the synthesis of nano sized materials such as FeCr2O4, MgO/MgAl2O4 or Fe-Cr-Al alloy nanopowders using Bushveld mine tailings as starting materials. Specific applications that are targeted include nanoparticles as plant fertilisers for drought stress management and nanomaterials for

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Sameera Mohamed received the best student poster award at WasteEng2018 in Prague, Czech Republic.

For more information contact:Frédéric DoucetWater and Environment +27 (0)12 841 1300fdoucet@geoscience.org.za

toxic metal removal from water and acid mine drainage.

Celebrating Nelson Mandela International Day

Nelson Mandela International Day is celebrated annually on 18 July across the world. This year marks 100 years since the birth of the former President. The day calls upon everyone to take action and inspire change in our communities for the benefit of those who are less fortunate. This year, the Council for Geoscience joined the world in commemorating this day under the theme “Action Against Poverty” and served 67 minutes by participating in various activities planned for the head office and regional offices across the country. The CGS believes in the Spirit of Ubuntu and strives to make a difference in the community.

At the head office in Pretoria, CGS staff honoured the day by visiting Itumeleng Day Centre in Atteridgeville, Pretoria. The centre accommodates 84 children aged three to six years old. The staff assisted in repainting classrooms, establishing a vegetable garden, doing general cleaning and donating educational charts to the children.

At the Port Elizabeth office, CGS staff visited two organisations in the vicinity of Uitenhage to inspire change. Siyahluma Mandela Day activities in Pretoria (top), Port Elizabeth and Polokwane (bottom).

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For more information contact:Mahlako MathabathaMarketing, Communication and Stakeholder Relations+27 (0)12 841 1220mmathabatha@geoscience.org.za

Day Care Centre is an NGO pre-school located in KwaNobuhle Township in Uitenhage. The day care centre takes care of children between the ages of 18 months and 5 years. The CGS donated reading books and educational posters. Zizamele Soup Kitchen, housed in a container in Walmer Township, offers soup to the elderly and children in the area three days a week. The soup kitchen welcomed the donation of a gas burner stove, big pots, spoons and cleaning material.

The Bellville CGS staff visited the Meals on Wheels organisation of the Tygerberg Branch in Cape Town. Meals on Wheels is an NGO initiative that operates throughout the country offering meals to needy and vulnerable groups and individuals. The staff assisted with general cleaning and the preparation of food.

Staff of the Polokwane CGS office commemorated the day at Mahlatse Ke Lerato Service Centre that takes care of people with disabilities and Lerato Day Care Centre that takes care of children younger than six years at Ga-Dikgale Village outside Polokwane. The staff donated groceries and assisted in preparing food.

In Upington, CGS staff visited Jogébed Child and Youth Care Centre for abused and abandoned children and Bobanong House for abused women and children where they donated groceries and toiletries. In addition, the staff assisted in preparing food for the children.

Staff of the Pietermaritzburg office celebrated the day by visiting Singakwenza Education and Health Centre, a non-profit organisation based in Hilton, Pietermaritzburg. The

organisation uses resources made solely from recycled materials to assist caregivers and educators in providing fun educational activities that enable young children to learn through play. CGS staff donated stationery packs that will be used in early childhood educational programmes.

In conclusion, the CGS honoured Mandela Day by participating in various initiatives to take action against poverty as well as to increase brand awareness within communities.

National Women’s Day Workshop

The Council for Geoscience celebrated National Women’s Day by hosting a workshop at the CSIR International Convention Centre on 17 August 2018. The theme for the day was “Women,

For more information contact:Rethabile MakwelaMarketing, Communication and Stakeholder Relations+27 (0)12 841 1023rmakwela@geoscience.org.za

Geoscience women, the cornerstones of our society.

the cornerstones of our society”. The objective of the workshop was to honour the women of the CGS and to acknowledge their contributions and significant influence in the organisation

as well as in society. Presentations by various speakers addressed the topics of work life balance, health and wellness and women abuse.

The marketing and communication team ran a campaign whereby women from different departments were profiled throughout the month of August on social media platforms.

Women's Day presenters Ms N Qumana,

Ms M Mabhena and Ms L Mpeta.

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POPULAR GEOSCIENCE SERIES 7

GEOLOGICAL ADVENTURES IN THE FAIREST CAPE: UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF ITS SCENERY

John Rogers

POPULAR GEOSCIENCE SERIES 7

GEOLOGICAL ADVENTURES IN THE FAIREST CAPE:

UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF ITS SCENERY

John Rogers

POPULAR GEOSCIENCE SERIES 7

GEOLOGICAL ADVENTURES IN THE FAIREST CAPE:

UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF ITS SCENERY

John Rogers

New publication

For more information contact:Thelma SwartCGS Bookshop+27 (0)12 841 1017thelmas@geoscience.org.za

AUTHOR: John Rogers

PUBLISHER: Council for Geoscience

The author, John Rogers, studied geology at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and completed his MSc and PhD degrees focussing on the marine geology off the coast of southern Africa. He then joined the Council for Geoscience where he determined the stratigraphy, sedimentology and geohydrology of Cenozoic sediments from Cape Town to Lambert’s Bay. He returned to UCT to carry out deep-sea research on manganese nodules off southern Africa and to lecture sedimentology and marine geology to geology students and general geology to civil engineering students until his retirement in 2009. He currently lives in Newlands, Cape Town.

The book, comprising nine chapters, explores the geology of the Cape Peninsula (the Fairest Cape). Chapters 1 to 6 take the reader to Cape Town by air from the northeast; along the N2 from the east; along the N1 from the northeast; from the north along the N7; along the West Coast Road (R27); and via the R44 coastal road from Gansbaai. Chapters 7 to 9 give the reader insight into the geological features of Table Bay; the Atlantic coastline of the Cape Peninsula and the False Bay coastline of the Cape Peninsula.

The book, available at a special discounted price of R350.00, is a worthwhile addition to any book collection.

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“What a wonderful book! Particularly for students, as it is so comprehensive and academic in its scope, but it is also for the keen explorer of this beautiful and varied part of our country. Your photographs are superb.” Mrs Britha Padkin, teacher and trainer in the

corporate world.

“What a lovely book you have presented us with. After some brief glances, it is a superbly illustrated book on our local geology. Students of geology have here most readable and self-explanatory geological adventures, which should encourage an interest in geology.” Dr Anthony Keen, medical doctor.

“The book is superb! The well-annotated photos really do make it the most user-friendly geology textbook I have ever seen. It kept me up till well past my normal bedtime.” Dr John Rourke, retired Director of the Compton

Herbarium in Kirstenbosch.

“A book of this nature has long been overdue and should be an asset to anybody interested in the geology of the Cape, especially to young people as a first introduction to geology.” Dr J.N. Theron, retiree of the Council

for Geoscience.

The book is available at the Council for Geoscience and from the author, John Rogers, at johnrogers1944@gmail.com.

Council for GeoscienceKhanyo Ngwenya (Regional Office - Bellville)kngwenya@geoscience.org.za+27 (0)21 943 6700

Thelma Swart (Head Office - Pretoria)thelmas@geoscience.org.za+27 (0)12 841 1017

info@geoscience.org.za http://www.geoscience.org.za

If you are not on our mailing list and you would like to receive a copy of GEOclips, please send an e-mail to:

Mahlako Mathabatha, Marketing, Communication & Stakeholder Relations mmathabatha@geoscience.org.za

Private Bag X112, Pretoria 0001, South Africa / 280 Pretoria Street, Silverton, Pretoria 0184, South Africa

Tel: +27 (0)12 841 1911 / Fax: +27 (0)12 841 1221 / www.geoscience.org.za

‘Merging maps for an emerging future’

The CGS Conference will bring together national and international scientists to discuss aspects of its new “Integrated and multidisciplinary geoscience mapping programme 2018–2021”. Within the CGS’s broad geological mandate, special emphasis will be placed on: geoscience for minerals and energy, geoscience for infrastructure and land use, geoscience for health, groundwater and the environment, geoscience innovation and geoscience diplomacy. Internationally renowned experts will participate as keynote presenters and scientists from the CGS will be presenting research undertaken for this national programme. With this annual conference, the CGS hopes to provide its stakeholders with insight into all the nationally funded research projects it is undertaking. The Organising Committee is already receiving abstracts in the above mentioned subject areas and submissions will close on 15 October 2018. The conference website is available at http://geoscience.org.za/cgs/ and may be perused for information on registration, a programme explanation and details regarding keynote speakers and their topics of discussion.

Kindly respond to this invitation via the mentioned website.

We look forward to confirming your participation and presence at the conference.

The Council for Geoscience would like to invite you to its annual two day conference at the CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria