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Two visiting Profs for DUT Journalism Awards for DUT Drama Students#DUTDigiFest2016 After Earth Fashion Show

National and International Speakers at Faculty Research Seminars

Issue Three 2016Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine

www.facebook.com/dutartsanddesign2

Credits

Editor: Andile Dube

031 373 6455/ [email protected]

Contributors: Noxolo Memela, Sinegugu Ndlovu, Waheeda Peters and Nqobile Msomi

Layout and Design: Nic Human

Images: Khumalo Hlobisile, Sbonelo Mthethwa, DUT Photography Department, Morgen

Kisten, Michelle Reynolds, Nic Human, Waheeda Peters and Colourise Photography Studio.

Cover Art: Wesley van Eeden (Resoborg)

Publisher: Faculty of Arts and Design

Editor-in-Chief: FoAD Executive Dean, Dr René Smith

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Three 2016 3

Awards and Honours

‘Our Story’ bags two awards at Kopanong Student Arts Festival 6

ACT Scholarship for Drama Student 7

Kate Wells - a Living Legend 8

Exhibition

ECP students return to Sustainable Living Exhibition 9

Once More for Karla Nixon 10

Madiba as our Moral Compass 11

News

Hat tricks at Musgrave Flower Show 12

After Earth Fashion Show 13

A busy six weeks for Fulbright Specialist Prof Kumar 14

DUT Drama department launches Project Phemba 15

Drama department hosts two international acts 16

The media, democracy and development 17

E-Learning the future of teaching 18

Graduation

Distinction for cultural enthusiast Tiema Muindi 19

#DUTDigiFest Special

Vibrant vibes at bigger and better DUTDigiFest2016 20

Seminars

Free Speech, hate speech and hashtags 24

Kate Skinner talks SABC and its survival 25

Support systems for marginalised males 26

Our Alumni

Ngubane receives Chevening Scholarship 27

Journalism alumna wins KZN Youth Achievers Award 28

Nostalgic moments for former Video Tech students 29

Former Drama student leads local movie scene 30

New Faces in FoAD 31

Contents


It is hard to believe but we are left with weeks before the year is over. I am always amazed

at how much time flies without one noticing. On this, our third issue, we continue with

celebrating the work that is done by staff and students in the Faculty of Arts and Design.

Not just students who are still studying with us but students

who have gone on to industry and are doing amazing things

out there. In this edition our alumni section is bursting with

stories of achievement by previous students of the faculty. You

can read about former journalism student, Sphelele Ngubane

who has been awarded the Chevening Scholarship and is

studying at Cardiff University in the United Kingdom.

You can also read about Drama and Production Studies’

graduate, Charmaine Mandlazi who has landed a leading role

in a movie called, Imperfection.

In the awards and honours section you can read about Second

Year Drama and Production Studies student, Yonela Ngoni has

been selected as one of the top 3 national finalists for the Arts

and Culture Trust (ACT) Scholarship 2017.

Our special feature is the third annual DUTDigiFest which was

on everyone’s slips recently. Some of my favourite things about

DigiFest is the spirit of togetherness that it brings to the campus and the proud feeling it

gives the students having their work exhibited.

I came across this beautiful Facebook post by accomplished author and inspirational

speaker, Iyanla Vanzant the other day and I thought I share it with you.

“Life is going to be a challenge. There will be rough times, difficult situations, things to

fall into, major obstacles, mysteries to solve, wonders to unfold and promises to keep to

yourself. Now that you know what to expect, prepare yourself. The only way to get to

where you want to be is to do what needs to be done to get there.” Iyanla Vanzant

You can share your thoughts on this magazine by emailing me on [email protected]. You

can also like our facebook page, www.facebook.com/dutartsanddesign.

See you soon!

Andile

Editor’s Note


This issue of Softcopy focuses not only on the achievements of our students, staff and alumni,

but also profiles the role of partnerships and collaboration in pursuit of our goals.

Our Drama students continue to shine, receiving awards for local interpretations and

adaptations of the classics and contemporary work. In this issue, the spotlights falls on Nellie

Ngcongo and the cast of ‘Our Story’. We also profile exhibitions by Karla Nixon and Mhlonishwa

Chiliza, practising artists and Mentees on our Faculty Mentor programme, which seeks to

harness talent and nurture the next generation of academics in the Arts.

Journalism alumnus, Sphelele Ngubane, who was recently awarded the prestigious Chevening

Scholarship to study in the UK, is another future academic making us proud. I remember S’phe

because of his hard work and commitment to excellence, evidence in his sterling set of results

and a thunderous applause at graduation. Our principle mission is to educate and inspire a new

generation - this generation.

The Faculty is fortunate to have hosted several international performers, speakers and visiting

professors this term. This forms part of our plans and commitments to research, engagement

and internationalisation. Through our partnership with Alliance Française de Durban and the

Institut Français d’Afrique du Sud, our Drama students enjoyed dedicated workshops by acclaimed performers from Reunion Island.

These include the Island’s oldest dance crew, ‘Soul City’, as well as award-winning ‘Cirquons Flex’; who received a standing ovation

for their collaborative work, La Pli i Donn, performed first at the Courtyard Theatre, ahead of their tour to other cities.

Media, democracy and development was the theme of the final seminar by Fulbright Scholar, Prof Aashish Kumar from Hofstra

University in the United States and Prof Alicia Gil Torres from Universidad de Valladolid, Spain. It also emerged as a theme during our

well-attended and engaging seminars on ‘Free Speech, Hate Speech and Hashtags’ and on the SABC in a digital age. Discussions on

digital media carried through to the 2016 Digifest where local digital start-ups and entrepreneurs engaged with festival organisers

and guests.

Aligned to our objectives, this year we focused on: promoting digital integration across activities and exhibitions; partnering with

the DUT Centre for Social Entrepreneurship in supporting student businesses; worked with Marí Pete (Celt) on profiling e-learning,

and collaborated across disciplines through the ‘Rise of the OXX’ and the DigiTalkfest. Speakers at this years’ DigiTalkfest included

Standard Bank Incubator Head, Jayshree Naidoo and Dave Pons, winner of the 2014 Durban Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur

of the Year Award. Special mention goes to Greg Streak’s work with departments and the Fine Art Student exhibition, ‘From No Tech

to Low Tech’, as well as Nirma Madhoo-Chipps’ digital exhibition.

A big thank you to all who contributed to this year’s Digifest. Special thanks to Steve Jones, our 2016 Festival Manager, who was able

to pull together a Festival (in limited time), which placed students at the centre. Going forward, we seek to raise the bar in pursuit

of more electronic and digital work as well as increased partnerships across disciplines. The 2017 Digifest takes place from 06 – 11

November, and the theme is: g l i t c h.

René

Dean’s Corner


Awards&Honours

DUT Drama and Production Studies Department’s Our Story won

two major awards at this year’s 16th annual Krêkvars-Kopanong

Student Arts Festival.

Our Story won Best Production and a prize from Kyknet, and

Sfundo Maphumulo who played one of the leading roles, won the

prize for Best Male Performer.

Drama’s Nellie Ngcongo who conceptualised and directed the

production said: “From what I gather all the participants had

three performances, all our performances were sold out and

received standing ovations for all

performances. We were the first

out of province applicants and

the first from Durban.”

Ngcongo said it felt good that

the Drama Department is getting

recognition for the quality of

work they produce.

“As a Director/Lecturer it’s nice

to know that I can inspire and

guide my students to produce

relevant and quality new work.

This for me speaks to how the

curriculum needs to change to

represent the current students’ lived experiences. Furthermore, it

solidifies the notion that we have our own stories to tell and that

we should empower our students to do so,” she said.

23-year-old Maphumulo who was named Best Male Performer said

winning the award means a lot to him because he was competing

with other universities for it.

“I really feel like I’m well trained and ready to perform and compete

in this competitive entertainment industry. I really feel honoured

and grateful to be awarded Best Male Performer,” he said.

‘Our Story’ bags two awards at Kopanong Student Arts Festival

ANDILE DUBE

Our Story cast.


Awards&Honours

I’ve always perceived myself as an eloquent communicator and I believe in sharing my knowledge through the arts.

Second year Drama and Production Studies student, Yonela Ngoni

has been selected as one of the top 3 national finalists for the Arts

and Culture Trust (ACT) Scholarship 2017.

Ngoni, who hails from Qumbu (a small town 61km north of

Mthatha in Eastern Cape province), always wanted to be an actress.

“I’ve always perceived myself as an eloquent communicator and I

believe in sharing my knowledge through the arts. I then decided

to nurture and mould the talent into a legit career path,” she said.

The 20-year-old saw a poster about the ACT Scholarship and

decided to apply, little did she know that she would make is as far

as being in the top 3.

“I feel honoured. It’s such an overwhelming feeling knowing that

I made it this far. I really can’t put it in words, all I can say is I’m

honoured and grateful.”

Later this month Ngoni will be flying to Cape Town where she will

perform two monologues of her choice and if she impresses the

judges she will walk away with funding worth over R35 000.

The Arts and Culture Trust (ACT) is the oldest funding agency for

the arts in democratic South Africa. It was established to secure

financial and other resources for arts, culture and heritage; and to

project the needs and role of the sector into the public domain.

Over the past 20 years the Trust disbursed more than R20 million

rand to arts and culture projects across South Africa. This excludes

ACT Awards prize money and other developmental efforts such as

the ACT Building Blocks master classes.

ACT Scholarship for Drama Student

ANDILE DUBE

Drama student, Yonela Ngoni.


Awards&Honours

Former Graphic Design lecturer, Prof Kate Wells was

honoured as an eThekwini Living Legend in a glitzy

ceremony held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International

Convention Centre recently.

Wells was honoured alongside Tu Nokwe, Naledi Pandor,

Mac Maharaj, Dawn “Maduma” Leppan and a host of others.

“Being a Living Legend means the world to me! I am

thrilled, honoured and delighted not only for myself, but

also for all the wonderful craftswomen of Siyazama, as

well as so grateful for the full support from my University

colleagues, and of course, my family. It was inspirational

to be with the other amazing Living Legend nominees

and it’s an experience I will remember for ever,” Wells said.

For over 18 years Wells has worked in the fields of

rural crafts and HIV/ Aids education, both as a researcher and in

community development.

She was also instrumental in the launch of the Siyazama Project,

an initiative that enables rural traditional craftswomen from

KwaZulu-Natal to express their concerns about AIDS and all of its

complexities through their beautiful beaded cloth dolls.

This project has featured in many

exhibitions, both locally and

internationally. Currently, together

with a Swedish all-female designer

group called FRONT, crafters

create work which is intended for

international high level outlets.

She has contributed in many

publications and has co-authored

Siyazama: Art, Aids and Education in

South Africa and Zulu Bead work.

Among many other awards and nominations, she has received the

top researcher award from DUT and the top community project in

My Africa.

EThekwini Mayor, Zandile Gumede congratulated all the recipients

for 2016 saying, “Since our first event in 2008 we have conferred our

deepest thanks and appreciation on over 150 South Africans, all of

whom have a proud connection to our great city,”.

Kate Wells – a Living LegendANDILE DUBE

Prof Kate Wells receiving her award.

Prof Kate Wells with other eThekwini Living Legends Award recipients.


An increased number of Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP)

students participated in the 2016 Sustainable Living Exhibition

held at the Durban Exhibition Centre recently.

This year, 21 students showcased their creative designs made from

recycled material to hundreds of people who visited the exhibition.

Ahead of the exhibition, the students hosted an impromptu

fashion show at DUT’s City Campus leaving onlookers amazed at

their creativity.

ECP coordinator, Julie Anderson said one of the students’ year

project for 3 Dimensional Design is Sculptural Fashion Design

using recycled and reclaimed materials of any kind. The fashion

piece has to reflect the students’ culture in a contemporary way.

“Although they follow the theme above, they are encouraged to

express themselves freely and use absolutely any recycled material

they find,” Anderson said.

She continued: “As we commit to the exhibition prior to the fashion

project completion I am usually slightly nervous of the end result

but the students never let me down and produce some exciting

designs.”

She said the purpose of the project is for students to understand

that design inspiration is everywhere.

“They are often inspired by the random recycled objects they find

and this leads in developing their concept. Also, that great ideas

can cost nothing.”

Anderson noted that the students enjoy modelling their creations

at the mini fashion show even though they are not models.

“I think they are extremely apprehensive about getting up and

modelling in front of a crowd but I do explain to the audience

that the Designers are modelling their items and that they are not

models. The crowds amazing response to their creation usually

settles and completely surprised them. It’s a great opportunity to

share their talent.”

ECP students return to Sustainable Living Exhibition

ANDILE DUBE

ECP students during their showcase at the Sustainable

Living Exhibition.

Exhibition


DUT Fine Art part time lecturer and Masters student, Karla Nixon

recently held a week long exhibition at the ArtSPACE Gallery in

Durban.

Titled Once More, Nixon’s showcase marked the end of the practical

component of her Master’s Degree in Fine Art.

The exhibition featured a compilation of sculptural, video and

2-dimensional work, all of which use paper as a dominant medium.

“My work explores transience within urban spaces. It attempts to

interrogate dichotomies such as construction and destruction,

life and death, manmade and nature,

development and deterioration and the

tensions created by these dichotomies. My

exploration is an endeavour to understand

my reality, my existence. To do this, I found

refuge through examining transience and

these contradictions,” she explained.

Nixon says paper is central to her practice

because of its fragility, “its everyday usage,

its recyclability, and because it is one of the

most consumable commodities of our time.”

“I make use of it as my primary medium

whether it is cut, embossed or sculpted.

This choice of medium refers to the fragility

of the transient state of our lives and our

environment. The more the paper is cut into

the more fragile it becomes.”

The imagery she uses is drawn from her surroundings, mostly

referencing construction sites, often in conjunction with natural

forms.

“I have focused on construction because of its brutality and beauty.

For me, construction and the processes around it are an apt subject

matter to use as metaphor for the complexities of life’s transience.

The process (of building) is often far more interesting than the goal

or completed work itself, which in this context works as a truism to

life” she concluded.

Once More for Karla NixonANDILE DUBE

Karla Nixon’s work at the ArtSPACE Gallery in Durban recently.

Exhibition

My work explores transience within urban spaces. It attempts to interrogate dichotomies such as construction and destruction, life and death, manmade and nature, development and deterioration and the tensions created by these dichotomies.


Exhibition

Artist and part-time Fine Art lecturer, Mhlonishwa Chiliza was part

of the MASTERS: The Marriage of Craft & Art exhibition alongside

other renowned KwaZulu-Natal artists such as Sakhile Mhlongo,

Marlene Wasserman and Khonzephi Ximba to mention a few.

The exhibition took place at the KZNSA Gallery and aimed to blur

distinctions between craft and fine art and present the public with

a viewing that critically levels the field, with crafters and artists

recognized equally as the masters they are.

Chiliza’s showcase was an admirable sculpture made from cold cast

bronze, steel rods, sandblasted mirror, weighing a heavy 10 kilograms.

The sculpture which formed part of Chiliza’s 3 dimensional portfolio

features two pieces, the bronze piece with Nelson Mandela’s face,

the Union Buildings and is placed on top of a sandblasted mirror

with a South African map.

Explaining his piece Chiliza said: “I have seen a number of Mandela’s

statues, documentaries and that inspired and taught me to see

Mandela just being beyond a world icon. I thought of a different

way that would best represent his character for the role he played.

As an individual artist who is very creative, strategic and a critical

thinker… to do just a traditional normal drawing of a painting on

Mandela wouldn’t best define the unique picture or an idea I have

about him (Mandela).”

He has decided to name his creation Compass because to him

Nelson Mandela was a moral.

“The work you see is a form of deconstructing the way in which he

(Mandela) is normally presented to the public and my intervention

was to reconstruct a new image that will help the view to see

beyond. Metaphorically if you give the work a distance view it

resembles a compass,” he said.

Madiba as our Moral CompassANDILE DUBE

Mhlonishwa Chiliza’s Nelson Mandela inspired artwork titled, Compass.


Ahead of the Fashion and Textiles Department’s spectacular annual

Fashion Show, first year fashion students participated in the 5th

annual Musgrave Centre Flower Show recently.

Under the theme, Hat for the Horse Races, the students created

dazzling artefacts made from recycled material but fit for horse

races such as the Royal Ascot.

The show was open to all flower arrangers, both amateur and

professional, across 10 classes. It boasted over 100 exhibits from

approximately 50 talented exhibitors that ranged from international

award-winning artists to the inspired talents of the Maris Stella and

many others.

This year, organisers of the show introduced a design category

inspired by The Sunflower Fund under the directive ‘Hope begins

with you’. These robust creations constructed on a rigid frame

were donated by various artists to either be auctioned or sold to

corporate organisations to raise funds in support of The Sunflower

Fund.

The Sunflower Fund creates awareness and educates and recruits

stem cell donors to increase the number of people registered on

the South African Bone Marrow Registry.

Hat tricks at Musgrave Flower Show

ANDILE DUBE

Hats by first year fashion students at the Musgrave Flower Show.

News

Under the theme, Hat for the Horse Races, the students created dazzling artefacts made from recycled material but fit for horse races such as the Royal Ascot.


Fashion Icon and former editor of Elle magazine South Africa, Jackie

Burger couldn’t contain her excitement as she handed awards and

posed for pictures with students who showcased at the annual

DUT Fashion Show.

Renowned for her chic style, Burger was one of the five judges

which included other established personalities in the fashion

industry such as George Vorster, Billie Zangewa, Jodie Ennik and

East Coast Radio’s Jane Linley-Thomas.

Fashion lovers flocked to the Fred Crookes Sports Centre at Steve

Biko Campus to witness the three-day fashion show extravaganza

which culminated in the announcement of winners in the categories

of Most Innovative Range, Best Range on Show, Most Commercial

Range, Best Menswear Range and Best Technical Range.

Themed After Earth, this year’s show challenged 35 Fashion and

Textiles students to explore their own vision of our next world.

With this broad theme, students had to look at what their beliefs in

fashion were and what they wished to portray to the outside world.

Nivadni Sewnath’s amaXhosa inspired collection, ‘Abakwetha’,

won Best Range on Show. According to the artist statement her

After Earth Fashion ShowANDILE DUBE and SINEGUGU DLOVU

Winner of Most Commercial Range

on Show, Leandi Mulder with models.

News

Models strutting their stuff on the runway at the DUT Fashion Show.

Wanda Majubana, winner of the Best Menswear Range

flocked by models.

collection, “is an After Earth journey informed by the Abakhwetha

blanket signifying a return to our roots After Earth”.

Wanda Majubana’s Animé Samurai range earned him the Best

Menswear Range. Majubana’s range was inspired by Samurais and

tells a story about how a Samurai adapts to the ways of After Earth.

“I find Animé so intriguing. I love to draw so the whole concept

fascinates me. I’m also inspired by the Samurai era and my range

sought to explore how they (Samurais) would adapt to new ways

of life as per the theme,” he said.

Majubana said while the process of designing his winning range

“was forever”, he thoroughly enjoyed it.

Janine Turner scooped the Special Recognition Award for her

Chimera range which, according to her artist statement, was

inspired by Icelandic Folklore: whispers of mythical little people

existing in the depths of moss-covered, misty tundra…the After

Earth strange, whimsical.

Most Commercial Range on Show winner Leandi Mulder impressed

judges in this category through her Restore range which explored

“the use of Kintsugi art in repairing our dressed bodies after earth”.


International academic and documentary filmmaker, Professor

Aashish Kumar had a busy six weeks during his time with the

Journalism Programme last term.

Kumar, an Associate Professor in the L. Herbert School of

Communication, Hofstra University, New York which hosted the

first Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton USA Presidential Debate

recently.

He took part in various activities such as delivering the keynote

address at the 8th annual Mahatma Gandhi Media Lecture hosted

by DUT Journalism and the Gandhi Development Trust (GDT).

He also addressed journalism students where

he expressed his jubilation upon being given

the opportunity to visit the university through

the Fulbright Specialist programme.

“I feel privileged to have a job that allows me

to avail myself of international educational

and collaborative opportunities such as the

Fulbright. While it is no doubt a heady feeling

to have two of them, it quickly gives way to

a sense of awe at being in a city like Durban,

and it certainly opens doors to meeting

people from all walks of life during my visit,”

said the second time Fulbright academic

specialist.

Kumar said the Journalism Programme is

lucky to have academics that are invested in

students to the degree that he had witnessed.

Imparting his advice to students, Prof Kumar said students needed

to be prepared to do many things, but stay centered in what

interests them and what they are passionate about.

Prof Kumar is an award-winning filmmaker who has done numerous

documentaries such as the 2009 film The Community I Serve which

called for the humane treatment of those with mental health

illnesses by law enforcement. His other film, Software from Hard

Rocks, is a documentary that follows the life of “reverse migrants”-

Indian high-technology workers whose jobs were moved to India

from the United States. The documentary was an official selection

of the 2015 Ethnografilm Festival in Paris.

A busy six weeks for Prof Kumar during his stint with journalism

WAHEEDA PETERS and ANDILE DUBE

FoAD’s Executive Dean, Dr René Smith with Hofstra University’s Prof Aashish Kumar.

News


The Drama department together with Ukukhanya Development

Trust, DIPRENTE Productions, Eduvation Solutions and English

Language & Environmental Trust (ELET) have joined forces to

launch Project Phemba.

Funded by The National Lotto, Project Phemba is life skills and

leadership for women in film production.

20 female students from the Drama department have been

selected to be part of the project and will be skilled with the

abilities to develop career paths for themselves in the film and TV

production industry.

Drama and Production Studies’ lecturer Nellie Ngcongo said this

will be achieved through a combination of an enabling life skills

and leadership training.

“Unlike conventional skills development which only focuses on

technical training, Phemba’s emphasis is on developing a diverse

set of skills which incorporates self-

leadership, business acumen and project

management with film making. The

project recognizes that at the heart of

success, is the ability to manage oneself,

efficiently, and with purpose,” she said.

Explaining how Project Phemba came

about, Ngcongo said it was based on

the South African Film and Television

Industry Report highlighting the dearth

of women in film production.

“John Volmink the visionary of ‘Phemba’

a board member of Ukukhanya

Development Trust and Director of

DIPRENTE Productions was inspired

to address the issues within the industry. Hence he created this

opportunity for Women in Film.”

The students attend a series of workshops at DUT every Saturday

with the aim of achieving success on many factors; a diverse set

of skills, positive attitude, a broad understanding of the world,

discipline and the ability to manage one’s emotions.

Ngcongo said these are all integrated, but at the heart of success,

lies the ability to manage oneself, efficiently, and with purpose.

“Harnessing all ones ‘assets’ – intellect, skills and values, requires

self-awareness and commitment towards achieving a goal, the

value proposition of the Life skills and Leadership component of

Project Phemba is the introduction and teaching of essential life

and leadership skills which can improve personal and professional

practice. Thereafter a practical introduction into video production

which will conclude with a professional briefing and an internship,

culminating in a professionally produced video for a client.”

DUT Drama department launches Project Phemba

ANDILE DUBE

Prof. Sibusiso Meyiwa and Nellie Ngcongo with Drama students at the launch of Project Phemba.

News


DUT’s Courtyard Theatre played host to two international acts

recently, Soul City and Cirquons Flex which performed to a

standing ovation.

Reunion Island’s oldest dance crew, Soul City held a series of

special workshops with DUT dance students during the 18th

JOMBA! Festival. After the workshops, Soul City and the students

collaborated on a spectacular dance show, which took place at the

Courtyard Theatre.

Renowned for its shows and battles, the crew became an official

dance company in 2008. They have been described as bringing to

light a proper identity from Reunion Island.

This wasn’t their first time in South Africa, since 2009, Mzansi has

become their regular destination and again in 2014 they took

“Infecting the City Festival” by storm in Cape Town.

At the JOMBA! Festival they performed their new creation “Priyèr’ Sï

Priyèr”, choreographed by Didier Boutiana.

Also in the third term, the Drama department in collaboration with

the Alliance Française de Durban and the Institut Français d’Afrique

du Sud hosted Cirquons Flex; which received a standing ovation

when they performed their newest creation, La Pli I Donn.

The show uses various mediums, mixing circus performance,

music, sound and visual recordings, multilingual texts, traditional

and fusional dances. It is built on the experience and encounters

of Cirquons Flex’s travels and residencies in India, Madagascar and

South Africa, during these past two years.

Drama department hosts two international acts

ANDILE DUBE

News

Cirquons Flex during their performance at DUT’s Courtyard Theatre.


The Journalism Programme hosted two visiting professors in a

panel discussion about the media’s role in the advancement of

democracy and development.

Professor Alicia Torres from Spain, Professor Aashish Kumar from

the United States of America (USA) and Tiema Muindi, a Master’s

degree graduate in Journalism and lecturer were part of the

speakers.

Muindi kicked off the discussion stating that democracy,

development and the media are partners.

“If media is not there, democracy cannot survive. If democracy is

not there, then development cannot be,” he said.

Professor Torres, explained the complex situation in her home

country Spain, where they have not had a president since 2015

“partly because the public cannot decide on who they want to

vote for”.

“In several countries, they don’t have what we have, a democracy

and the media is not as strong as other countries,” said Torres.

Professor Kumar spoke about the issues affecting the American

press and warned against the dangers of media conglomerates

who own media companies, advertising companies, and movie

studios.

“Ownership in media presents the best opportunity for obtaining

synergy for media companies. If you have thousands of radio

stations, thousands of print outlets, and scores and scores of

billboards and other magazines but if they happened to be owned

by five media companies, is there a real plurality and choice for the

audience if the same companies’ programming across the board

own all these outlets?” questioned Kumar.

The media, democracy and development

NQOBILE MSOMI

News

Prof Aashish Kumar, Dr John Volmink, Dr René Smith, Maud Blose, Prof Gwele, Prof Alicia Torres, Ayesha Mall and Deseni Deseni Soobben.


In a bid to developing electronic technologies to access education

outside of a traditional classroom, the Faculty of Arts and Design

(FoAD) hosted an E-learning workshop attended by Hod’s,

programme co-ordinators and e-learning reps in all departments.

The workshop focused on global trends in ELearning, including

Prof Stewart presenting on the Universities progress in e-Learning.

The workshop included indications of the success of online classes

being reliant on two main factors, course design and student

interaction and collaboration.

FoAD’s Quality Promotion’s Officer, Nirvana Ramsaroop said

E-Learning is part of the universities strategic objective and is

therefore a critical component of the FoAD’s plans and goals.

“This being our objective we have embarked on a campaign

of making the various Departments within our faculty aware of

ELearning, to make them understand why it is important and how

we can incorporate it into our teachings and embrace e-learning.”

Ramsaroop said e-learning brings a clear paradigm shift from

traditional classroom based learning and technology changes have

demanded that learning technologies change.

“The Faculty of Arts and Design will continue to develop on this

learning curve and growth of e-learning within the faculty and

hopes to encourage new academics to take on the challenge,” she

said.

The Department of Fashion and Textiles’ e-learning representative

Michaella Goss provided an excellent benchmark for the rest of the

faculty and the university as a whole.

E-Learning the future of teachingANDILE DUBE

News

FoAD’s Quality Promotion Officer, Nirvana Ramsaroop.


Journalism and Media Studies lecturer, Tiema Muindi, graduated

cum laude during the DUT Spring Graduation after completing

research which investigated the effect of television soap operas on

Zulu traditional marriages.

Muindi’s Master’s research employed the Cultivation Theory

which states that high frequency viewers of television are more

susceptible to media messages and the belief that they are real

and valid.

“Media has a strong influence on African culture. In South Africa,

we have popular soapies such as Generations, Scandal and Rhythm

City. These programmes enjoy a following of millions, the majority

being Africans. Most of these soapies tend to portray a universal

culture and in doing that, tend to portray ideas, standards and

values that may offend some but

appeal to others. For example,

many (soapies) portray cohabiting

as though there’s nothing wrong

with it, something I lamented (in

my research) as such helps erode

our African values.”

Muindi urged South African

film producers to create soapie

programmes that portray African

values such as Isibaya, while also

sounding a warning that if Africans

fail to document their cultural

heritage, it will get lost.

He is looking towards the future

in terms of his academic studies,

saying that he has already started

working on his PhD proposal.

Distinction for cultural enthusiast Tiema Muindi

SINEGUGU NDLOVU

Graduation

A total of 1010 students graduated at the Durban University of Technology’s Spring Graduation Ceremonies which took place on Thursday, 1 September 2016.

An Honorary Doctorate in Management Sciences was awarded to women empowerment luminary, Gloria Serobe, in recognition of her contribution towards creating social and economic change and for the empowerment and development of women, particularly those in rural areas.

639 students received their National Diplomas, 296 students received their Batchelor of Technology degrees, 58 students their Master’s degrees, 14 students their Doctorate degrees, 1 student their Batchelor of Education degree and 2 students their Batchelor of Technology degrees (four year).

In terms of race, 795 Black, 169 Indian, 37 White and 9 Coloured students graduated. In terms of gender, 425 female students graduated and 585 male students graduated.

Source: www.dut.ac.za

Tiema Mindi, DUT Master of Journalism cum laude graduand.


The colourful fashion and buzz at this year’s third annual Arts and Design

Digital Festival added a beautiful ambience to the over a centenary old City

Campus which came alive during DUTDigiFest.

Students and festival attendees donned their best outfits that showcased

creativity adding a vibrant mood to the two-day festival; which presented

live art activations, exhibitions, panel discussions, workshops, music, theatre,

poetry, comedy, dance, food stalls, and more.

The launch featured a DUT alumni fundraising event for the Missing Middle

campaign- a funding support initiative for students.

The event also featured a live performance by a cappella trio The Soil who blew

the crowd away with their smash hits like Celebrate Humanity, Joy, Lizzy and

many others. Friday night also saw the introduction of the 24th International

Symposium on Electronic Art (ISEA2018), which will take place in Durban in

2018- for the first time on African soil.

Several DUT academic programmes participated in this year’s DUTDigiFest,

alongside external partners and organisations working with digital technologies.

Interior design students exhibited flat-pack, lazer-cut chair prototypes,

designed and manufactured in conjunction with the Durban Art Deco Society

and Makerspace Durban.

Via Skype Dr Natasa Brouwer-Zupancic - Project leader ICT & education

innovation in the Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam led the

Bending Blackboard and an eLearning collection which included other

practitioners interfacing with art, science and technology.

First year journalism students presented photo essays that spoke on this year’s

these, the famous Shakespeare quote,” We are such stuff as dreams are made

on” which was in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the playwright’s

death. The students interpreted this quote and produced photo essays that

give meaning in a visual manner to it.

Digital artist and DUT Fashion Lecturer Nirma Madoo-Chipps showcased her

latest work, Labtayt Sulci. This series shot partially in Iceland is inspired by the

NASA exploration of Enceladus.

Another highlight this year was the interdepartmental collaborative project

including the fashion and textiles, jewellery design, graphic design and

interior design departments in an innovative exhibition and fashion show.

Musicians who performed during the event included Felix Lamband,

Raheem Kemet, Easy Freak, DJ Lag and may others.

Talkfest returned again this year with two sessions on Friday and Saturday. The

first featured Dave Pons, Social Entrepreneur at the Mangosuthu University of

Technology who specialises in building up businesses and then selling them,

as well as Jayshree Naidoo, Head of the Standard Bank Incubator.

Dr Poppet Pillay, Centre for Social Entrepreneurship Director at DUT, as

well as Dr Rejoice Shumba, Social Entrepreneurship Researcher spoke at

the second session. Talkfest is aimed at providing a platform for the DUT

community and the public to deliberate on the concept of social innovation

and entrepreneurship.


Vibrant vibes at bigger and better DUTDigiFest2016

ANDILE DUBE


Seminars

Sunday Times journalist and DUT Journalism lecturer, Matthew

Savides; Freedom of Expression Institute’s Nomagugu Nyathi and

ICT lawyer, Thato Mahapa were panellists at the Faculty of Arts and

Design’s seminar where they critically discussed free speech, hate

speech and social media.

Opening the seminar, facilitator, Dr Kira Erwin said the seminar

is important because it asks difficult questions of how we relate

to thinking about ourselves as individuals, how we think about

ourselves as belonging to different social groups, and importantly

what it means to live in a democracy.

Thato Mahapa said the issue is that people do not understand

what free speech is and what actually constitutes hate speech.

Mahapa explained that Section 16 of the Constitution guarantees

citizens a right to free speech, saying it gives people the right to

express themselves freely but what they must understand is that

there are limitations to that right.

“It doesn’t mean that one can go and say anything at any point in

time. So you have to look at what is the purpose of the limitation

to free speech. From a lawyer’s perspective or a legal perspective,

it serves a very important limitation. One based on the context of

the country that we find ourselves in and the political dispensation

that we have and where we come from”, Mahapa said.

Freedom of Expression Institute’s Nomagugu Nyathi spoke about the

constitution said in it there are specific freedom of expression rights.

“The media is mentioned in the constitution as a special group

that should enjoy the freedom to express themselves, artists must

express themselves- artistic freedom and South Africa recognises

academic freedom.”

She also noted that freedom of expression is associated with other

rights such as the right to protest, freedom of association, the

ability for anyone to gather and to organise around a certain issue.

It is also associated with the right to vote and many other rights.

Nyathi said limitations of freedom of expression

are that you cannot propagate for war, it does not

entail inciting violence, it is also not advocating

for hatred based on race, ethnicity, gender,

religion or any kind of expression that incites

harm against people.

Matthew Savides spoke about hashtags- when

hashtags go wrong and when hashtags go

good, the implications around social media and

free speech.

Free Speech, hate speech and hashtags

ANDILE DUBE

Dr Kira Erwin, Nomagugu Nyathi, Matthew Savides and Thato Mahapa.


Seminars

Media and community activist, Kate Skinner held a presentation

with journalism students looking at the South African Broadcasting

Corporation (SABC) in the new competitive,

multi-channel, digital environment.

Skinner spoke about the possibilities

for SABC surviving and thriving in this

environment. She said over the years

there have been major shifts for public

broadcasters all over the world, citing

technological, ideological and financing

developments.

“The SABC is also impacted by these

international trends but it also has other

challenges such as vision mandate

confusion, lack of proper oversight

and accountability, a problematic legal

structure and a very problematic financial

structure.”

She said the problem is that the SABC has

many different structures that hold it to

account like parliament, the SABC board, ICASA, the Minister of

Communications and the general public.

“There are a lot of structures so you end up not knowing which

structure is dealing with what. There needs to be clarity on what

each structure does, so whenever there is a crisis we know which

structure should be intervening.”

Concluding her presentation, Skinner

said for the SABC to overcome its many

problems the public should campaign

against the Broadcasting Amendment Act

which seeks to take away the National

Assembly’s power of selecting, interviewing

and recommending board members.

“We also need to campaign for editorial

policies so that we have a say in what

we watch. And we need new legislation

in place to make sure that there is better

financing model,” Skinner said.

Skinner is an active member of the Support

Public Broadcasting (SOS) Coalition. She

has also worked on media for trade unions

in South Africa and for rural development

environments. She served for many years

as the Chairperson of the Freedom of

Expression Institute (FXI). Skinner is also a member of the R2K

Campaign (involved in civil society campaigning for freedom

of expression and access to information rights). She is currently

completing a PhD in Media Studies at Wits University.

Kate Skinner talks SABC and its survival

ANDILE DUBE

...for the SABC to overcome its many problems the public should campaign against the Broadcasting Amendment Act which seeks to take away the National Assembly’s power of selecting, interviewing and recommending board members.

Media and community activist, Kate Skinner.


Support systems for marginalised males

ANDILE DUBE

Brothers on the Rise’s (BOTR) Senior Director of

Programming and Systems Change, John Gilgoff led

a discussion titled, Empowering marginalised males

and creating systems to support them.

The interactive discussion was aimed at exploring

ways to identify marginalised males and how one

can assist them. Gilgoff spoke about some of the

models they use to help and groom young men

in Oakland, United States of America, where his

organisation is based.

Gilgoff said the challenge was getting men to open

about issues they encounter so that they can get

help.

Student, Nomvula Sikakane said it was important to

create a safe space for men so that they feel safe to speak out and

share their problems.

“When I was doing my research, I went to the community and

spoke with men from different walks of life. I had to make them feel

safe and tell them that I am not an expert so whatever they say to

me is valuable,” she said.

Brothers on the Rise is a dual direct service-systems change

organization which responsibly empowers male youth to achieve

individual success, develop healthy relationships and contribute to

a more just and equitable society. They accomplish this through

comprehensive gender-responsive, culturally appropriate,

preventive, pipeline programs that directly serve boys and young

men of colour.

They also provide capacity building for schools, non-profits

and public agencies through training, coaching, curriculum

development, consulting, convening, research and writing – all

empowering the community towards more effective and equitable

practice.

Through these programs, BOTR and its partners help to raise,

educate and develop boys into responsible, peaceful, caring and

productive young men. Brothers on the Rise is based in Oakland

with programs impacting youth, families, teachers and providers

throughout the Bay Area and beyond.

Seminars

Brothers on the Rise’s John Gilgoff with FoAD staff and students after his seminar.

...BOTR and its partners help to raise, educate and develop boys into responsible, peaceful, caring and productive young men.


Ngubane receives Chevening Scholarship

ANDILE DUBE AND NOXOLO MEMELA

DUT Journalism alumnus, Sphelele Ngubane, has left for the United

Kingdom where he will study towards a Master’s degree through

the Chevening Scholarship at the Cardiff University in Wales.

Until recently, Ngubane, a cum laude graduate and Dean’s Merit

Award recipient worked as a journalist for The Mercury; one of

South Africa’s leading daily newspapers.

Ngubane obtained his National Diploma and Bachelor of

Technology in Journalism at the Durban University of Technology.

Born in Newcastle, northern KwaZulu-Natal, Ngubane is fascinated

by nation building, unity, justice, peace, human rights, social justice

as well as education.

“I have issues of the community at heart which is why I felt that

Journalism was the best platform for me to independently raise

those issues through my writing,” he said.

“I have always wanted a career that will provide me with a voice and

opportunity to confront issues of the people and the community

surrounding me. That is why I decided to study journalism and it

has been the best place for me to be in,” Ngubane said.

His Master’s course is research orientated and is required to

produce a research thesis at the end of his studies. His areas of

interest include digitisation and new media, strategies to keep the

newspaper industry alive, education and development.

He said furthering his education has always been one of his

priorities, which is why he applied to do an advanced degree in

journalism, media and communication that would also prepare

him for his doctoral studies. “The opportunity offered by both

Cardiff University and the Chevening Scholarship is also the best

highlight of my professional and academic career,” he said.

Chevening is the UK government’s

international awards scheme aimed at

developing global leaders. Funded by the

Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)

and partner organisations, Chevening

offers the Chevening Scholarships and

Chevening Fellowships, the recipients

of which are personally selected by

British Embassies and High Commissions

throughout the world.

Our Alumni

UK high commissioner in SA Dame Judith Macgregor handing over a scholarship certificate to Chevening scholar Sphelele Ngubane.


Journalism alumna wins KZN Youth Achievers Award

ANDILE DUBE

Pietermaritzburg born and DUT Journalism alumnae Zamathenjwa

Nene recently won an award at the KZN Youth Achievers Awards

under the Community Development category for her sanitary

towel drive.

After reading an article online highlighting the plight of women

living in the streets during their monthly menstrual cycle; she

decided to start a project called Sanitaries For The

Streets where she collects sanitary towels for these

women.

“That time of the month for me is an uncomfortable

experience. I can’t imagine not being able to buy

pads and not having painkillers. There are thousands

of women living on the streets who are unable to

access proper sanitary care,” Nene said.

Nene works as a Communications Officer for the

National Department of Human Settlements and has

recently launched an events company, Intwenhle

(Something beautiful) Events which is fast gaining

popularity.

Nene attributes her success to her journalism

qualification saying despite being in government

her love for news and current affairs has never died.

“Part of my job is to be in the know about news pertaining to the

department e.g. housing developments, new projects, evictions

etc. so I have to be informed via newspapers, social media, radio

and television. We’re also required to write articles and press

statements on events by the department,” she said.

Our Alumni

Journalist and event organiser, Zamathenjwa Nene preparing for an event.


Nostalgic moments for formerVideo Tech students

ANDILE DUBE

Two former DUT Video Technology students Dheshnie Naidoo and

Marcus Hebbelman recently paid visits to the department where

they reminisced about their days as students and shared what they

have achieved since graduating.

Speaking to Softcopy’s Andile Dube, Naidoo who has made

a name for herself in the broadcasting industry as an actress,

television presenter and currently head of SuperSport’s Production

Services talked about the first day she came to the department for

her selection interview.

“For the entire month I just checked the mailbox for the letter if I

was accepted or not. I am very passionate about this place because

for me if it wasn’t through this video department and the people

here, I wouldn’t be where I am and I owe it all to the foundation

that I got here,” said Naidoo with a smile on her face.

Her visit to the department after so many years was to discuss

future plans for the Video Technology department to be the

preferred feeder to MultiChoice in terms of students when they

qualify.

She has been in the industry for over 20 years having started off

as an intern at M-Net where she was soon promoted to audio

assistant and finally landing at SuperSport.

Naidoo’s resume has grown extensively in the 20 years having

worked on shows like Idols, Survivor South Africa, Big Brother, the

Kora Awards and Miss South Africa.

Hebbelman spoke to the students about his travels abroad and

doing work for international shows like Survivor and Naked and

Afraid.

“My advice to you is if someone calls you and says we need a

camera assistant or someone to make tea - if it is a recognised show

say yes. Because you can always work your way up the ladder.”

My advice to you is if someone calls you and says we need a camera assistant or someone to make tea - if it is a recognised show say yes.Marcus Hebbelman

Our Alumni

Former Video Technology student, Dheshnie Naidoo.


Former Drama student leads local movie scene

ANDILE DUBE

The future looks bright for Drama & Production Studies’ graduate,

Charmaine Mandlazi who has landed a leading role in a movie

called, Imperfection.

Mandlazi will play the role of 23-year-old Nobuhle Mchunu- a post

grad student, a dedicated, intelligent young woman, who thrives

with ambition.

Speaking to Softcopy about her new role she said: “Nobuhle is a

very lovable, sensitive person who’s vulnerable after a devastating

loss that may lead to her downfall.”

This isn’t Mandlazi’s first major role. At the beginning of the year she

played a leading role in a feature film titled, Umemulo alongside

former Generations actress, Slindile Nodangala.

Umemulo has already been aired on a primetime slot on DStv’s

Mzansi Magic which has over a million viewers.

The movie is about a woman who is married to a very powerful

man in the community and is very dependent on him and

ends up compromising her relationship with her one and only

daughter, Thenjiwe.

“I was blessed with an opportunity to play co-lead role with mam

Slindile Nodangala (Simephi Ngcobo), who played my mom, Abdul

Khoza (Lunga) Thenjiwe’s fiancé and Sfiso Simamane (Mzwakhe

Ngcobo) who played my step-father.”

She continued: “Thenjiwe was molested by her step father

Mzwakhe when she was 13 years old, she told her mother but

did nothing about it because she didn’t want any trouble in her

marriage. Thenjiwe wanted umemulo ceremony so that the truth

about her step father will come out, the only problem for her was

that her fiancé Lunga would find out she is no longer a virgin. She

had tried so many times to tell Lunga but couldn’t because her

emotions got the better of her.”

Umemulo has already been aired on a primetime slot on DStv’s Mzansi Magic which has over a million viewers.

Our Alumni

Front Row: Slindile Nodangala and Charmaine Mandlazi with other Umemulo cast members.


Prof Maria Albuquerque joins the faculty as Portuguese

Lecturer. She has a B.A. in Portuguese Culture and Literature from

New University of Lisbon, M.A. in Art, History Heritage Sciences

and Theory of Restoration, and Ph.D. Certificate in Art History

from University of Lisbon. Being selected by Camões Institute for

Cooperation and Language, IP, she has taught Portuguese foreign

language and Lusophones culture and literature at University

of Namibia (1999-2002), at University de Rennes, France (2002-

2003); at Charles IV University in Prague, Palaheko University,

Olomouc and Masarych University, Brno, in Czech Republic (2003

– 2006); at State University, Pedagogical of St. Petersburg, Russian

Federation (2010-2013), at University of Lisbon Summer Courses

(2013 – 2014); at I.E. Repin Institute Academy of Fine Arts of St.

Petersburg / she has taught Portuguese and Lusophones’ countries

painting, sculpture, decorative arts and history of architecture and

history of art (2010-2013). She has been founder and responsible

for the Portuguese Language Centres in Windhoek and Prague.

She has been the co-curator of the Baroque Cycle for the Virtual

Museum With No Frontiers (2005-2009) and the technical reviser

from English into Portuguese of the New Janson’s History of Art,

Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, (2006-2010). She has published

in the fields of modern and contemporary literature, intellectual

history, art and architecture and foreign Language.

New Faces in FoAD

Ntombezinhle Laura Cele has been at DUT for the

past 10 years both as a student and employee. She has recently

joined the Media Language and Communications Department as a

lecturer in the Translation & Interpreting Practice Programme.

She will be lecturing Translation Theory & Practice, Interpreting

Theory & Practice, Text Analysis and Proof Reading.

POSTGRATUAteN ESS

two visiting profs for dut journalism awards for dut drama ... · to low tech’, as well as nirma...

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