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aUVOLUME 4 NR 1 • 2014ni s alumNWU celebrates Prof Dan10 years of now leadsEXCELLENCE the NWUDoes education NWU & U 1in SA makethe grade?

11 10 24 YEARS It all starts here™ FRONT PAGE: Prof Dan Kgwadi has been vice-chancellor of the NWU since 1 April 2014. Read more about him on p 9.2 NWU & U

Content8 Editorial 4 Message from the vice-chancellor EDITORIAL TEAM: 5 Change brings challenges and possibilities Staff from Institutional Advance­ment NWU experts know their stuff and communication officers on the 6 Messages from afar campuses. News LANGUAGE EDITING: Clairwyn van der Merwe. 7 International panel praises and cautions NWU 8 New leaders take the helm LAYOUT: 9 From small beginnings comes greatness Studio Chatnoir: Mercia Venter. for Dan Kgwadi 10 Mafikeng Campus boasts dynamic new rector PRINTING: 11 First years welcomed with NWU hospitality Ivyline Technologies. 12 Alumni celebrate in 2014 14 Campus news PHOTOGRAPHY: 16 We celebrate 10 years of growth NWU colleagues and service providers. 17 How effective is education in South Africa? FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES/ Profiles CORRESPONDENCE: Nelia Engelbrecht - Tel 018 299 4937, 20 Education is his passion fax 086 614 3222. 21 Anca seizes her opportunities 22 Change can be good for you The NWU & U is produced and published 24 For her it’s not business as usual in English and Afrikaans by the Institu- 26 Sandra spreads her wings Down Under tional Advancement Department of the 28 Sandile is captain of the HR ship NWU. It is distributed mainly in elec- tronic format, except where we do not Articles have valid email addresses for alumni. 29 Alumni reunite in Molen Kórus NWU & U 3 30 Hard work and progress go hand in hand here 32 The NWU gift that keeps on giving 34 Industry crowns NWU graphic design talent 37 Following in Fossey’s footsteps

EDITORIAL Message from the vice-chancellorIIt is a pleasure to write to you in my Significant challenges face the univer- in the development of a new strategic capacity as vice-chancellor. Alumni of sity and I wish to share some of these agenda for the university. the North-West University represent with you. an important stakeholder group and It should be emphasised that Coun- we value your support. A challenge which emerged at the cil and management have taken no Dr Theuns Eloff stepped down as beginning of this year was the issue firm views on the report and that vice-chancellor at the end of March of initiation practices during the ori- important stakeholder groups such this year. We thank him warmly for entation of students. It was alleged as alumni will be consulted when a his significant contribution to the that abuses of human rights occurred strategic agenda for the university is university and in particular his leader- during the welcoming and introduc- developed. ship during the merger which created tion programme on the Potchef­ the NWU some 10 years ago. We wish stroom Campus. Comment and input from alumni on him well in his future endeavours. this or any other issues will be most Disciplinary action was instituted welcome. The report may be accessed4 NWU & U where appropriate. In late February, on the NWU website under Press images of alleged Nazi-style salutes Releases. Any comments can be sent were published in the media and the to Mr Louis Jacobs, institutional direc- Minister of Higher Education and tor for corporate communication and Training requested a report from the stakeholder relations at: NWU Council on the matter. Council [email protected]. appointed a task team to investigate this issue. By the time you read this, One area in which the university has we probably would have received a made significant progress is in the report, with the expectation of clear area of research. advice on how to take this matter Research output, particularly the forward. number of publications in accredited journals, has increased on all cam- My views are on record that I will puses and especially on the Mafikeng have zero tolerance for any practices Campus, whose achievements are that infringe the human rights of our highlighted in this issue. students and any initiation practices Innovation has always been empha- that cause trauma to students sised at the NWU and our technology will not be tolerated. transfer and patent applications and grants place us amongst the top four Last year, under the leader- South African universities. ship of Dr Theuns Eloff, the institutional management We continue, in difficult economic commissioned an interna- times, to be stable financially and the tional panel to evaluate NWU will continue to ensure financial sustainability in the challenging times the first 10 years of the ahead. merger, to establish to I look forward to engaging with you what extent the vision in the years ahead and hope that to- and mission of the gether we can take the NWU to new university had been heights. achieved. Kind regards, The report was released recently and has been noted by Council and management. It is currently under con- sideration and will form an element

EDITORIALChange brings NWU experts challenges know their stuffIIt can be very tempting to stay in your At the time of going to press the task The NWU’s experts are often comfort zone and watch life go by; the team’s investigation had been com- quoted in the media, which en- reassuring sameness makes you feel pleted but the results had not yet been hances the public image of the safe somehow. published. Time will tell whether there university as an institution that are practices or traditions that need to pursues knowledge and innova- However, according to alumni Sonja make way for growth and change. tion in order to enable others to Veiga (article on p 22) and Matlakala improve their quality of life. In Matthews (p 24), growth requires This report – and the report of the this article we share some of our change. Doing business as usual may international panel evaluated by the experts’ comments that were not be the way to tackle fresh chal- NWU at the beginning of the year published in the media. lenges. (article on p 7) – will help to determine the NWU’s future strategy. “Mining companies At the NWU, 2014 has brought many changes. Apart from the fact that Prof Meanwhile we trust that the year to should be held Dan Kgwadi has succeeded Dr Theuns date has been successful for you, our responsible and Eloff as vice-chancellor, the NWU also alumni, wherever you are. May the do more to support has a new vice-principal and institution- second half of 2014 be without major social and economic development al registrar, and the Mafikeng Campus stumbling blocks and may the potential of communities living near mining has a new rector (article on p 8). changes lead to unprecedented success operations. They must uphold human for all. rights, community needs and social Such changes require adaptability and responsibility. Many communities are a willingness to leave your comfort Happy reading, living in pain because of their (mining zone. On p 9, in the article on Prof Dan, he says that he understands people’s ”companies’) lack of accountability. fear of change. He also says that there is a lot at the NWU that must be pre- Prof Victor Okakorotu, served and also other, new things that School of Human Sciences, should be ventured. Mafikeng Campus The things that remain unchanged “Unemployment, poverty and inequality often serve as the starting point for serious concern: Premier”, The New Age, reaching new heights. Lessons learnt 31 March 2014. from the past should not be forgotten on the road to change. “The decision On the letters page (p 6) Ms Miriam during the Oscar Coetzee tells us about her family’s 109- Pistorius trial that the year history with the Potchefstroom media could basically Campus, previously the Potchefstroom broadcast an entire murder University for Christian Higher Educa- trial is a breakthrough. The conditions tion – a precious legacy indeed. and limitations that were set, for instance that witnesses can choose not However, sometimes things that to appear on camera, that radio may seemed to work in the past become use continuous feed and that picture obsolete. This was the case with the taking may not interfere with the trial, alleged initiation or hazing practices at are very reasonable. These concessions the NWU reported in the media earlier can mean a lot for future media this year. At the request of the Minister of Higher Education and Training, an ”coverage. independent task team was appointed to investigate these allegations. Prof Johannes Froneman, School of Communication Studies, Potchefstroom Campus “Mediadekking van Oscar Pistorius-moord- saak ’n eerste vir Suid-Afrika”, Klank Koerant – Radio Pretoria, 28 February 2014. NWU & U 5

EDITORIALMessages from afarMs Miriam Coetzee’s family boasts a close, 109-year-longassociation with the Potchefstroom Campus and itspredecessor, the former Potchefstroom University forChristian Higher Education (PU for CHE). Here is her story: By five o’clock, when the students Please write and tell us where you were also on their way home, it was are in the world and how your Dear readers, often difficult to navigate your way careers are progressing, or just I am a through-and-through Potchef- past all the cows in Tom Street. stromer – I have lived here for 83 write about anything that is close years. But stretching back even further than to your heart. Email letters to When I was a child, Noordbrug – my own association with Potchef­ [email protected], the university area where I now live stroom is my family’s association fax them to 086 614 3222 or – was actually quite far from the with the Potchefstroom Campus and centre of town. In those days many the former PU for CHE, or PUK, as it mail them to Nelia Engelbrecht, people had cows that grazed at the was known. Institutional Office, North-West Potchefstroom Dam during the day University, Private Bag X1290, and were taken back home in the My grandfather was Prof Jan Lion- afternoons. Cachet. During his career, he was Potchefstroom, 2520. rector of the old Theological SchoolMs Miriam Coetzee's family have made in Burgersdorp and later rector of the WE LOOK FORWARD TOtheir mark on the Potchefstroom Campus. Theological School of the PU for CHE HEARING FROM YOU!The portrait behind her is of her father, (1904 to 1912).Prof Joon van Rooy. The edition of Die pus and later became the director forKerkbode Miriam is holding, features her My father was Prof Joon van Rooy, finance – first at the PU for CHE, andgrandfather, Prof Jan Lion-Cachet, on the who started his studies in theology in then at the Vaal Triangle Campus,front cover. (This is a magazine published 1909. He served as registrar, lecturer, which was a satellite campus of theby the Reformed Church.) professor, dean, rector and chancel- PU for CHE at the time. He worked lor before his death in 1954. The with Prof Tom van Dyk, the first rec- 6 NWU & U administration building on campus tor of the Vaal Triangle Campus. was named after him. Two of my daughters, Lettie and By the way, the original Cachet was Ester Coetzee, also studied here – a Dutch Jew whose family converted town and regional planning from to Christianity when he was still a 1978 to 1981 (Lettie), and personnel child, and the original Van Rooy was management from 1989 to 1992 a Belgian Roman-Catholic who was (Ester). run out of the country by his family when he became a Protestant. My grandson, Dries Coetzee, ob- tained a BComHons degree in 2005, My sister, Martha van Rooy, studied and another grandson, Armand library science from 1946 to 1948. Aucamp, is currently a third-year She worked at the Ferdinand Postma graphic design student on the Library and later at the Conserva- Potchefstroom Campus. tory’s library, for a total of 44 years. Few of my contemporaries remain – My husband Hendrik and I both when we had our 50-year reunion in arrived on campus as first years in 1999, there were only 11 of us. 1949 – the year the library burnt down. I obtained an honours degree But I enjoy reading the news about in psychology in 1952 and my hus- the NWU in the alumni magazine... band obtained his MCom in 1953. Hendrik was an accountant on cam- Kind regards, Miriam Coetzee, Potchefstroom

NEWS Internationalpanel praises AND cautions NWUTThe NWU should pay attention to student ac- ADDRESS THESE MATTERS Some of the recommendations in the reportcess and social integration, the equity profiles are that the university should develop poli-of academic and senior administrative staff cies for recruiting and retaining staff in areasand the language policy. where significant racial and gender imbal- ances exist, and should develop incentivesThese are some of the main findings of a to encourage greater staff mobility acrossreport that the NWU Council received during campuses.their workshop on 15 April.The report is the result of the evaluation of The NWU also needs to ensure that teaching-the NWU by an international panel at the learning activities are given the same promi-beginning of 2014. The seven-member panel nence as research. This applies to both staffundertook the evaluation at the invitation of rewards and workload allocations. Existingthe NWU and presented their report in April. efforts to align academic programmes across the three campuses should be reinforced.The panel was commissioned to evaluate twomatters of importance to the NWU. The first Furthermore, the NWU should review its pres-was the extent to which the university has ac- ent model of governance and managementcomplished the initial merger objectives, and to enable it to develop an integrated NWUthe second the extent to which the NWU’s culture and identity, and to strengthen steer-mission elements has been achieved. ing capacity across the institution.THE FOCUS OF THE REPORT IMPORTANT MILESTONEThe report focuses mainly on teaching-learn- “The commissioning of this internationaling, research, implementation of expertise, evaluation and the receipt of its findings andhuman capital, transformation, finance and recommendations represent a significantinfrastructure. milestone for the NWU,” says Prof Dan Kgwadi, vice-chancellor.The NWU was praised for its research capacityand expertise in technology transfer, and for “The institutional management is committedpromoting local and regional development to embracing the challenges identified in theand community engagement. The executive report, and will develop a strategic actionmanagement was also praised for the finan- plan for approval by Council.”cial management of the institution and for itsresulting financial stability. The panel’s report was made available to the public and the NWU community after the  Council meeting on 15 April. Staff members will be invited to make inputs through exist- ing structures.  The full report is available here. NWU & U 7

NEWStNhewelehadeelrms takePDuring the past Prof Dan Kgwadi, former rector of the tain both candidates’ expertise by appointingfew months, the Mafikeng Campus, assumed his duties on Prof Dan as vice-chancellor and Prof Herman NWU Council 1 April 2014, for a term of six years. as vice-principal. made four He succeeds Dr Theuns Eloff, who served two The other two high-level appointments made five-year terms as vice-chancellor following by Council are those of Prof Marlene Verhoefhigh-level the establishment of the NWU in 2004. as institutional registrar and Prof Mashudu Davhana-Maselesele as rector of the Mafikeng appointments Prof Dan’s appointment comes after the NWU Campus.at the university. Council had to choose between two outstand- ing candidates at the end of 2013: Prof Dan The positions and Prof Herman van Schalkwyk, the current that were filled rector of the Potchefstroom Campus. were those of In light of their excellent campus achieve- vice-chancellor, ments over the years, Council decided to re- vice-principal,institutional reg-istrar and rectorof the MafikengCampus. STRATEGIST BECOMES FORWARD TOGETHER REGISTRAR In accordance with the University Stat- Apart from appointing the vice-chancel- ute, Prof Herman van Schalkwyk, the lor and the vice-principal, Council also new vice-principal, will act as vice-chan- appointed Prof Marlene Verhoef as the cellor whenever Prof Dan is out of town. new institutional registrar. The Statute also stipulates that the Prof Marlene’s six-year term started on vice-principal is responsible for certain 1 January 2014. managerial, administrative and supervi- sory duties that may be assigned to him Before this appointment she was the by the vice-chancellor. executive advisor for strategies and proj- ects in the office of the vice-chancellor. Prof Herman will remain rector of the Prof Marlene is a well-known language Potchefstroom Campus. The Council specialist and serves on the PanSALB decided to extend his term as rector Language Tribunal. for a term matching that of the vice- chancellor. She succeeds Prof Themba Mosia who accepted a position at the University of He is a well-known academic and promi- Pretoria.  nent agricultural economist who has distinguished himself in several fields. His involvement in provincial and na- tional institutions is highly acclaimed. He was a member of the National Agricul- tural Marketing Council and was deputy chairperson of the Board of the Land Bank. 8 NWU & U

NEWSFrom small beginnings comesgreatness for Dan KgwadiPProf Dan Kgwadi likes to try out new things and is After receiving his PhD in physics from the PU for never biased. CHE, he obtained his second master’s degree, this time in environmental law and management, from These were the words of Ofentse, the 16-year-old the University of the North (Turfloop). daughter of Prof Dan and his wife Mabel, when, the day before his interview for the position of vice- At the time of his appointment as campus rector, he chancellor, Prof Dan asked her advice on what she was registered with the NWU for his MBA. However, thought his positive qualities are. he put these studies on hold to avoid a conflict of interest in having to sign his own certificate. These qualities stand him in good stead as vice- chancellor of the North-West University from In 2010, Prof Dan received an honorary doctorate 1 April 2014. from Hanseo University in Korea.NEW THINGS WELCOME A PLACE IN THE SUN FOR EVERYONEFirstly, it is good that he likes new things, because The second characteristic that impressed Ofentse –there are plenty of those. For instance, prior to his that her father is not biased – is definitely also a bigappointment, he was the rector and “father” of plus.only one campus, Mafikeng, but now that he hasbeen appointed as vice-chancellor, he is the father “We may have different religions, cultures andof many. races, but we are all South Africans,” says Prof Dan.The role of father comes naturally to him – after all, Unity in diversity is very important to him. “The uni-his second name is Ntate, which means “father”. versity makes provision for other belief systems for diversity. However, I am a Christian in my heart – itHe and his younger siblings had to cope without a is my religious home.”father in the house, and he became the “man of the DON’T FEAR CHANGE house” when he himself was still just a boy. Prof Dan is sensitive to people’s fear of change, espe­ cially surrounding the university’s language policy EDUCATION IS THE which states that Afrikaans is the primary language BEST DEFENCE of instruction on the Potchefstroom Campus. First, in his place of birth, Kraaipan, and later in Taung, both in the North “Afrikaans is the only indigenous language in this West Province, his late mother, Meisie, country that functions on an academic level; this can serve as an example for other indigenous encouraged him from a young age languages. I plan to learn the language myself. By to study. the end of my term I will be able to speak it much better than now.” Meisie’s bright child did not disappoint. He was head His position about Afrikaans is also balanced by his boy of his school and conviction for access and diversity of our campuses. Transformation is important to him and he is com- received bursaries for mitted to its acceleration. He acknowledges the further study. progress made over the past 10 years. At the former Univer- “There is a lot that needs to be preserved at the sity of Bophuthatswa- NWU and also other, new things to try out to take na he could pursue the institution to another level.” his love for physics It remains Prof Dan’s passion to empower young and before long he people, particularly those from less privileged obtained the first of circumstances. This is so because Prof Dan has expe- four degrees. rienced the steep road from Kraaipan, past Taung to university studies, an honorary doctorate and now... After his under- vice-chancellor of the NWU.  graduate studies, he obtained his master’s Acknowledgement: Rapport, Beeld, New Age degree in physics from Ball State University in NWU & U 9 the United States.

NEWSMafikeng Campus boastsdynamic new rectorPProf Mashudu Davhana-Maselesele, new rector of CLIMBING THE LADDER the NWU’s Mafikeng Campus, believes that given TO SUCCES half a chance, we are all capable of doing so much more than we realise. Prof Mashudu’s academic record includes a BACur (Nursing), Hons (BACur), MA in nursing education “Being rural and poor does not mean that one is and a doctorate in psycho-educational programme mentally challenged. It only means that one needs development. to work 10 times harder to achieve, as a result of resources that are very limited and highly contested. Several of her publications have appeared in various I believe that your destiny is not defined by who you national and international scientific journals and are or where you come from but by commitment, numerous research and project reports have come hard work and passion in whatever you do.” from her pen. It is with this message of determination to succeed She was awarded a scholarship through Fogarty that Prof Mashudu took over the reins from Prof Dan Funding to pursue her postdoctoral studies at the Kgwadi on 1 April 2014 and became the first female University of California in Los Angeles in the USA in rector of the Mafikeng Campus since the merger in collaboration with the University of Limpopo. She 2004. focused on trauma research with special emphasis on gender-based violence. Prof Mashudu is no stranger to the campus. Prior to her appointment as vice-rector in 2012, she was She also did a postgraduate diploma at the the dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Science and International Research Ethics Network for Southern Technology. Africa at the University of Cape Town. STRIVING FOR RESEARCH EXCELLENCE Prof Mashudu’s research is about sexual and During her term as vice-rector and dean she played reproductive health issues, focusing on trauma a pivotal role in taking research to an all-time related to sexual and gender-based violence. high. Under her leadership the publication output increased from 36,15 in 2009 to 302,66 units in She serves on numerous professional bodies 2013. including the South African Nursing Council. Among many accolades, she has received the Hall of Fame Prof Mashudu’s career reveals a deep commitment award for research excellence in nursing from the to academic excellence, community service and Forum of University Deans of South Africa. partnerships with the public sector and industry. Prof Mashudu is also the editor in chief of Curationis, Holding office as rector for a term of six years, Prof the official journal of the Democratic Nursing Mashudu plans to take the Mafikeng Campus to Organisation of South Africa.  new heights. “The Mafikeng Campus has so much potential for growth. My role will only be to support the campus to grow and achieve its maximum potential. Our rural context cannot be seen as a disadvantage but as an opportunity to contribute towards growth and development of the province and the country at large.” The Mafikeng Campus has indeed grown and excelled against all odds and with Prof Mashudu at the helm, there is surely much more to come.  10 NWU & U

NEWSFirst years welcomedwith NWU hospitality OOf the 9 463 students who made the NWU2 363 1 717 1 390 1 339 1 146 1 253 2 131 2 158 2 343 2 381 2 628 their home in 2014, some 2 638 embarked on A bright future this new chapter of their lives at the Mafikeng started at the 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Campus, 5 369 at the Potchefstroom Campus NWU for 9 463mafikeng campus and 1 466 at the Vaal Triangle Campus. young people when they 5 005 5 369 When the NWU was established in 2004, registered as3 791 3 299 4 072 4 051 3 300 3 770 3 886 4 008 3 733 there were a total of 6 864 first-year students. first years at This number has grown by about 38% in the the beginning 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 past decade. (See graph below.) of 2014.potchefstroom campus 8 860 9 463 710 670 665 657 672 929 1 216 1 384 1 788 1 474 1 466 6 864 7 233 7 550 7 864 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 5 686 6 127 6 047 5 118 5 952vaal triangle campus 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014This is how the number of first years increasedon the campuses. * The figures for 2013 and 2014 are not final.Hello, At the reception of the first years and their parents onfirst years! 9 January (Vaal Triangle Campus), 11 January (Potchefstroom Campus) and 1 February (Mafikeng Campus), the campus rectors welcomed the newcomers.PROF DAN KGWADI PROF HERMAN VAN SCHALKWYK PROF THANYANI MARIBAFORMER RECTOR OF THE MAFIKENG CAMPUS RECTOR OF THE POTCHEFSTROOM CAMPUS RECTOR OF THE VAAL TRIANGLE CAMPUS“The campus has zero “You represent a mile­- “You are the ‘cream of tolerance when it comes to stone in the history of the the crop.’ You must makeviolence, and the safety of every country and the campus. You the most of this post-school are a new generation, the opportunity by studying single student on campus is a so-called ‘born free’ students diligently and obtaining priority to us. born after 1994. your qualifications in due course so that you can Our campus accepts all You should embark on this make way for the cultures, races and religions. new chapter of your life with ”next generation. Furthermore, to us, being ‘less ”enthusiasm. NWU & U 11 abled’ doesn’t mean you ”are disabled.

NEWS Alumni celebrate in 2014 In 2014 the Swaziland alumni Ms Susan vanNWU celebrates brave bad weather Rooyen, alumni coordinator, its tenth anni- Swaziland is prone to extreme weather and Mr Sefiso versary. During conditions and in February 2014 alumni of Simelane share the first half of the Mafikeng Campus were met with flooded a pleasantthe year, alumni roads while on their way to a reunion in this moment during gathered from small kingdom. the reunion in near and far to Swaziland.toast the univer- Despite the bad weather and closed roads, a small group of alumni met with staff from One of the alumni, Mr Sefiso Nimrod sity and enjoy the Mafikeng Campus’s alumni office at the Simelane, a member of the Campus Student each other’s Lugogo Sun in the Izulweni valley on 25 Council in 2008, shared his memories about February. his student years on the Mafikeng Campus. company. We gladly share “The alumni were very excited when shown a As an international student on campus, he these festive video and all agreed that the progress made first stayed in the James Moroko residence by the campus is impressive,” says Ms Susan and later in the Lost City residence whileevents with our van Rooyen, alumni coordinator on that studying for a degree in conservation, tourism readers. campus. and sustainable development. During the meeting, they discussed the fact “Although alumni such as Sefiso are not yet that not many NWU alumni were employed in permanently employed, they are still very posi- Swaziland and that very little is known about tive about the NWU and are encouraging their the university in that country. family members to study at the Mafikeng Campus,” says Susan.  Alumni suggested that information about the NWU’s achievements should be shared with the media in Swaziland.Vaal’s business breakfast focuses on change Mr Theo Vorster was the guest speak- er at a business breakfast for alumni of the Vaal Triangle Campus.12 NWU & U

NEWS Alumni wind down among the vine- yards. At the back are Jacobus Kriel, Gerda Kriel, Pieter Bingle, Prof Herman van Schalkwyk (rec- tor of the Potchef­ stroom Campus), Adele Croucamp, Anton Janse van Rensburg, Reinder Kingma and Juanli Theron. In front are Reynold Fourie, Egbert Meyer and Retief Scheepers.Jollification in the BolandThe Potchefstroom alumni office has been great excitement when 25 former members of celebrating 2014 with activities to suit Alabama (between 1977 and 1979) visited theevery palate – from beer tasting to golf and a Potchefstroom Campus.visit to the vineyards. REST OF THE YEAROn 25 January, about 80 alumni took up their Wag-‘n-Bietjie, Wanda, Hombré, Excelsior,clubs for the annual alumni golf club champi- Karlien and Bellatrix residences are all holdingonships at the Potchefstroom country club. reunions this year. Alumni will also assemble in Windhoek, the Eastern Free State, PortNot long afterwards, on 12 February, the Elizabeth and Upington.wine guild exchanged their wine glasses forbeer mugs when they held a beer tasting in Former students who registered at thePotchefstroom. then Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education and the PotchefstroomAPRIL FUN College of Education in 1964 are holdingIn April, it was the turn of Cape alumni and their reunion on 24 November 2014 on thethose who had formed part of the Alabama Potchefstroom Campus.Student Musical Company. Those who are interested can contactOn 9 April, approximately 180 alumni came the alumni office at 018 299 2768 ortogether at the Webersburg Wine Estate, not [email protected]. far from Stellenbosch. On 25 April, there wasChange is inevitable, yet in the midst of those of business giants such as Koos Bekker, business hustle and bustle too many lead- former chief executive officer of Naspers, anders still try to shy away from it. Herman Mashaba, founder of the company Black Like Me.This is according to Mr Theo Vorster, chiefexecutive officer of Galileo Capital and the According to Ms Alwine Naudé, alumni coor-keynote speaker during the Vaal Triangle dinator at the campus, the breakfast forumsCampus’s first alumni breakfast forum for the are a valuable platform for industry leaders,year. academics and business professionals to debate issues that affect them and build new“The best kind of change comes when you networks.envision, initiate and control it,” says Theo.During the course of the morning, he shared Alwine says the gala event for alumni will takeseveral home-grown business success stories place on 30 October, with the NWU’s 10-yearwith the audience. Some of these stories were celebrations as the theme.  NWU & U 13

CAMPUS NEWS Student wins national FameLab Competition Mr Raven Motsewabangwe, a student from the Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology on the Mafikeng Campus, was recently crowned the overall winner in the na- tional FameLab Competition. This competition was held during the National Science Festival (Scifest) in Grahamstown on 14 March 2014. Raven, studying for an honours degree in Microbiology, competed against 18 other students from seven regions in South Africa.Prof Ché Weldon and Ms Esté Matthew with Jessie, FameLab is an international competition. It nurtures engage-the young sheep dog who sniffs out bullfrogs that ment between science and society by creating spaces forlive underground. young people to talk about science, technology, engineering and mathematics. During the competition, the contestants had three minutes to engage the judges and a live audience. Raven, together with Ms Kgomotso Mohatalle, represented the campus at the Scifest after winning the regional FameLab Competition held at the Science Centre on campus on 13 Fe­bruary 2014.  His topic for the FameLab competition was: “Viral infection and its causes and how to prevent them”.  Sheep dog sniffs Master’s degree in risk out bullfrogs management launchedAyoung sheep dog is being trained to sniff out The UARM Centre for Applied Risk Management on the the Giant Bullfrog as part of the research of a Vaal Triangle Campus has launched their new master’smaster’s student at the Potchefstroom Campus. degree in banking and financial risk management.Six-month-old Jessie recently started her training to This new master’s programme, one of only a few known tosniff out these frogs under the ground. be offered worldwide, has an applied qualitative risk focus, whereas most other postgraduate risk programmes focusJessie’s owner, Ms Esté Matthew, came up with the on the quantitative aspects of risk.idea and after a conversation with her supervisor, ProfChé Weldon, they developed a programme in which A group of 12 students attended the first contact sessionJessie could help with Esté’s study in zoology. for the programme from 6 to 8 March 2014 at the UARM venue located at the Quest ConferenceThe Giant Bullfrog is currently a protected species in Estate in Vanderbijlpark.Gauteng because its habitat is gradually shrinkingdue to urbanisation. The African Bullfrog hibernates This master’s degree is a part-timeunderground for up to 11 months of the year and is programme running over two yearsabove ground for only about a month to breed, if it with regular contact sessions.has rained sufficiently. This makes it very difficult tofind them during the rest of the year. To be considered for the pro- Prof Hermien gramme, applicants must have an Zaaiman fromJessie comes from two working parents on a sheep honours degree with at least two the School offarm near Bloemfontein. During her training, Jessie years of work experience, and cur- Economic Sciencesfirst learnt to sniff out biltong, then a tea mixture that rently hold a risk-related position. leads the teamwas gradually diluted, and then frog skin. Applications for enrolment in 2015 that launched will open in June. the new mastersEsté says Jessie can already sniff out one to 100 000th degree.of the smell in a box under the ground.  For more information, send an email to Mr Henry Cockeran at:14 NWU & U [email protected]. 

KCAMPUSNNUEUWSS Science Centre manager attends world summitMr David Habana from Absa talks to first-year students about financial The Science Centre manager, Ms Leratoplanning. Molebatsi, attended the Science Centre World Summit 2014 held at the TechnopolisFirst-year students Science Centre in Mechelen, Belgium from 17become money-savvy to 19 March 2014.The Vaal Triangle Campus has Dr Elrie Botha, director of the At the summit, delegates discussed issues joined hands with South School of Behavioural Sciences, based on three main themes, namely researchAfrica’s largest consumer bank, says first-year students expe- and communication, engaging learners in allAbsa, to teach its first-year rience new-found freedom, settings and new technologies for learningstudents how to handle their including with their finances. engagement.finances. This was part of a proj- “This initiative assists studentsect called the “Absa Empower to manage that freedom respon- “The 2014 summit brought together CEOs,Hour”. sibly and understand the bigger managers, decision makers and experts from picture pertaining to their long- within and beyond the science centre field toThis initiative, coordinated term financial well-being.” explore the global challenges and to focus onjointly by the campus’s School long-term strategic issues,” says Lerato.of Behavioural Sciences and the Talks are currently underway toCentre for Continuous Profes- see how the training could be At this summit, 443 leaders of science centressional Development, was run rolled out to the campus’s senior and museums from 58 countries put forwardduring the reception programme students, as well as to the other the Mechelen Declaration. This is a commit­for first years. campuses of the NWU.  ment to take action to enhance public en- gagement for a better world. The summit was also attended by His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium who was the first to sign the declaration.  Legal rhino horn The Science Centrehold great benefits manager, Ms Lerato Molebatsi, joins experts Communities in South Africa can from across the world in benefit from the implementation of the field of communica- legalised trade in rhino horn. tion and science educa- tion at the Science Centre World Summit 2014. This is the opinion of Mr Michael or have land at their disposal, should be Murphree, a researcher at the African given the opportunity to participate in a Centre for Disaster Studies on the rhino farming project. Potchefstroom Campus. Currently the market value of rhino horn He believes that the South African is between R200 000 and R300 000 per government’s viewpoint of establishing kilogram. Considering that these ani- limited trade in white rhino horn is a mals’ life expectancy is between 35 and huge economic opportunity. 50 years, one rhino can generate millions of Rands in income over its lifespan. “Legalised trade in rhino horn will not only significantly improve these com- “When a rhino is dehorned in a respon- munities’ quality of life, but will also sible manner, the horn grows back to lessen the pressure on the government its original length within two years,” he to combat illegal poaching,” he says.  says.  His suggestion is that communities that have instituted successful land claims, NWU & U 15

ARTICLE WE YEARSCELEBRATE It all starts here™ OF GROWTHThis year the NWU celebrates its tenth anniversary with a special campaign, “To the power of 10”, which involves stakeholder groups such as alumni, donors, staff and Tstudents. today, 10 years later, the NWU is still develop- ing. Progress requires continuous growth, because the pursuit of greatness is an ongo- ing process. “On the threshold of the second decade we’re Some of the events take place on the cam- still saying: It all starts here.”  puses, while others will harness the national media to reach stakeholders outside the EDUCATION SCIENCES university. Number of distance students who completed their studies “The ten-year celebrations offer an ideal 2004 2013 opportunity to boast about the university’s achievements,” says Mr Louis Jacobs, director 2 012 5 611 for corporate communication and stakeholder relations in the Institutional Office. = 178,8% GROWTH Prof Dan Kgwadi, the vice-chancellor, agrees: “Everything started on 1 January 2004, butThis is how the NWU grows and excells 2004 to 2013 CONTRIBUTION TO SA LABOUR FORCE 66,6% 153 286 792 abc 292INCREASE in 2004 2013 5 968 2004 2013 RSA-patented NURSES 3 163 inventions ACCOUNTANTS 2004 2013798 1 830= 129,3% GROWTH in total 74 252 144 200 2004 2013research output 2004 2013 2004 2013 FURTHER TRAINING ATTORNEYS ENGINEERS FOR TEACHERS The figures for 2013 are not final.16 NWU & U

ARTICLEE NWU & U 17

ARTICLE What is your opinion about education in Do you think the matriculants are South Africa in light of the recent matric results? ready to enter the labour market or (those with university exemption)I am not convinced that the matric results are a true reflection ofthe state of education in South Africa. start university studies?Although the minister of Basic Education announced that 78,2% Considering the large numbers of learners whoof the 2013 learners passed matric, no mention is made of the drop out, the percentage of learners who neverreal problem, namely large numbers of learners who drop out take the matric exam and the learners who doalong the way and never take the matric exam. not meet the universities’ admission require- ments, I do not think their knowledge and skillsA total of 1,2 million learners enrolled for grade one in 2001. are adequate for entering the labour market.Only 44% of these learners registered for the National SeniorCertificate exam in 2012 and only 12% qualified for admission Despite continual efforts to admit more stu-to a university. dents to universities, universities take on an increasing responsibility in terms of throughputTo pass matric, learners only need to achieve 30% in three sub- of these students.jects and 40% in another three. Pass requirements therefore needan overhaul. Poor academic preparation in schools leads to poor performance of university students. As aA large portion of the national budget is spent on education, but large percentage of students drop out or fail toSouth Africa does very poorly compared to most other countries. complete their qualifications in the designated minimum time, universities need to developThe index of 2012-2013 indicates that South Africa’s education bridging programmes or extended programmessystem ranks 140th out of 144 countries on the list. This is a clear to support these students. It is thus clear thatindication that funds are allocated ineffectively and thus do not many learners are not ready for universitysupport and advance effective teaching and learning. studies.While it can be claimed that student throughput rates and pass The debates about changing the pass marksrates have improved year on year, the real issue is the credibility belie two critical factors.of the education curriculum. The first has to do with the level of knowledgeIt is clear that university readiness is a huge and under-recognised required of learners and the development ofproblem with the schooling curriculum in South Africa. synthesis and analytical skills.The data to support this can be seen in the weak throughput and There is no certainty about the adequacy of theretention rates in universities. More students have in the past 10 existing curriculum either in terms of preparingyears qualified to access higher education, but fewer students learners for the world of work, or for the world(%) are getting through on time. This implies that the schooling of higher education studies.system does not yield graduate-ready students. The second factor has to do with the quality ofThis has nothing to do with the pass rates, and everything to teachers in the system.do with the quality of teaching and the knowledge-readiness oflearners. Simply put, learners know too little and the curriculum It is clear that the knowledge upgrade anticipat-does not extend the learners enough. ed by the Advanced Certificate in Education and the National Professional Diploma in EducationThe problem is made more complex in the context of teacher ed- for unqualified and under-qualified teachersucation programmes. We need certainty that these programmes in the system did not fulfil its promise. This isdevelop suitable intellectual confidence and flexibility in relation because the Department of Basic Educationto teachers’ subject-content knowledge. previously did not insist that teachers focus on enriching their subject-content knowledge.It is still too soon, given the relative newness of teacher qualifica-tions since 1994, to know whether a new generation of teachersis making a substantive difference in the system.18 NWU & U

ARTICLE What do you consider tobe the two most important solutions for the currenteducation situation in SA?School management and support Dr Itumeleng Molale, alumnus of the Mafikeng Campus (ar-by district offices require urgent ticle on p 20), and head of department at the Department ofattention. Many district offices Education in the North West Province, gives his opinion.have staff shortages and in somecases the staff members lack the What do you think about secondary education in Southnecessary knowledge and skills to Africa in the light of last year’s matric results?offer support. Secondary education in South Africa still has to go a long way. And this opinion is informed by a very weak primaryThe quality of teaching and learn- education system.ing in classrooms needs to im-prove. Knowledge and technology, Do you think matriculants who pass their grade 12among others, develop incredibly exams are ready to face the world of work, and do youfast. Teachers should continually think that those with university exemption are ready forattend in-service training in order tertiary studies?to keep up to date with these No. In South Africa, matric is about completingdevelopments. the schooling phase. This has nothing to do with readiness for work or universityIt is also essential that learners’ education.thinking skills and attitudes be im-proved by skilled teachers, as this What, in your opinion, may be the twowill lead to better quality teaching most important challenges faced by theand learning in the classroom. Department of Basic Education (in particular with reference to secondaryAs mentioned earlier, the Depart- education and matriculants)?ment of Basic Education is now Two challenges are uppermost in my mind,requiring teachers to specialise in namely poor school leadership and poorthe knowledge areas associated teacher competency.with their disciplines. The Department of Basic Educa- According toThe other issue – the extent to tion uses a series of tests, known the 2013 resultswhich we have really ascertained as the Annual National Assess- that the departmentwhether we are challenging ments, to assess the knowledge of published earlier this year, thestudents enough in the course of all learners from grade one to six, average percentage for gradetheir learning – remains under- as well as learners in grade nine. nine learners was 43% for theexplored. first language, 33% for the first The subjects in which their knowl- additional language and 14%In relation to this last issue, the edge is measured are their home for mathematics. Approximatelylink between schooling and language, first additional language 2% of learners received 50% andhigher education expectations and and mathematics. more for mathematics. requirements needs to be morecarefully explored between basicand higher education, and thenbetween higher education and theprivate sector. NWU & U 19

PROFILEFor Dr Itumeleng TThere is a saying that a new broom sweeps and chairperson of the quality of learning and Molale, alumnus teaching campaign to mobilise communities of the Mafikeng clean and in the case of the newly appointed to support schools. head of department at the North West Depart- Campus, it is ment of Education, it might just be true. “As chairperson of the task team between very important government and the NWU, the main goal is to to stand boldly After 18 months as acting head of depart- ensure that both sectors contribute jointly in for something ment, Dr Itumeleng Molale’s position was making government programmes and policies you believe in made permanent in December 2013. realise the desired impact. These desired out- comes can be achieved if sufficient intellectual and for him, According to him, the curriculum is funda- scrutiny is shared by the NWU and if govern-quality education mentally sound but there should be more fo- ment heeds the advice,” he says. is definitely such cus on teacher training and the appointment of competent school leaders. The quality of the learning and teaching cam- a matter. paign is close to his heart and he has been The North West Education Department has acknowledged for driving the programme Dr Itumeleng Molale been in the news for all the wrong reasons in with passion and commitment. is the head of depart- recent years. While conceding that there has been discontinuity at leadership level in recent “Empirical evidence suggests that despite the ment at the North times, he believes this has changed for the massive financial injection in the education West Education better. “I foresee a future where I become part system over the last 20 years, the achievement Department. of a team which makes a humble and honest of quality education has been very elusive. My contribution to sustained quality service deliv- role is to make provision of quality education ery in education,” says Itumeleng. a societal matter,” he says, indicating that education is something that affects every HIGHLY ACCLAIMED citizen in one way or another. Itumeleng is described as a person with an iron will to achieve his objectives. So says GIFT TO MANKIND Prof Jonathan Jansen, who supervised him In his private capacity, Itumeleng was a man- during his PhD studies. He goes on to say that ager of Mosipidi Management Publishing and Itumeleng is a “natural leader, visionary and has written a book, titled The Politics of Policy strategist”. Implementation. He is currently writing The Privilege to Serve the Public: An Exposé. “There are only a few leaders with this deep commitment to the service of education,” says “This book is primarily informed by the cur- Prof Jansen, vice-chancellor of the University rent leadership context in the public sector. of the Free State. Some appointed leaders tend to behave as if they are a gift to mankind. In many instances, Itumeleng did his higher education studies such leaders fail to appreciate that their posi- part time, obtaining BAED, Bed and MEd de- tion is one of privilege,” he says. grees at the NWU’s Mafikeng Campus. A scholarship by the National Research Foun- Itumeleng’s motto in life is that if you don’t dation plus a bursary saw him through his stand for something in life, you will fall for doctoral degree in 2004. everything, thus compromising personal integrity. TASK ORIENTATED Itumeleng currently serves as the deputy With his willingness to stand up for what he chairperson of the North West Research Coor- believes in, combined with excellent academic dinating Committee appointed by the premier credentials and leadership skills, Itumeleng of the province. has no intention of compromising on the quality of education in the province. Learners He is also chairperson of the premier’s task and educators can only be the better for his team between government and the NWU, appointment to the top post. 20 NWU & U

PROFILE Anca seizes her opportunitiesMs Anca Swart loves young people and enjoys Her late parents were both teachers and the Prize-winninglistening to their opinions. reason why she is “genetically programmed to teacher and teach”. alumna of theTThe passion she has for her job, an aptitude Potchefstroom On the home front, she has nothing but Campus of thefor teaching and a life motto that urges her to praise for her colleagues. “I am part of a team NWU, Ms Ancaseize every opportunity. and my principal, Mr Dries de Beer, gives me Swart, believes wings.” that the childThese are some of the ingredients of the win- should alwaysning recipe of Ms Anca Swart, deputy head of She describes her relationship with Dries, an- come first. SheHoërskool Schoonspruit in Klerksdorp. other alumnus of the Potchefstroom Campus, also has con- as a perfect complement of strengths, and she fidence in theEarlier this year she ended third in the Depart- appreciates his open-door policy. standard ofment of Basic Education’s National Teaching matric and inAwards, having made a clean sweep in the The other significant man in her life is Mr Nico Umalusi, theNorth West in the category Excellence in Swart, who has been by her side for more council thatSecondary School Leadership. than 24 years. It was love at first sight, and plays watchdog the wedding was preceded by a whirlwind to the qualityAlthough she shies away from the spotlight, romance of three months. Nico is her pillar of of teaching andshe talks easily about teaching and her alma strength and her best friend. training in Southmater, the former Potchefstroom University Africa.for Christian Higher Education (PU for CHE). BEYOND THE SCHOOL GATES Anca believes that every child is entitled toIT ALL STARTED HERE trust and honesty and she never discusses chil-As primaria of Karlien in 1986 and BCom dren with their parents without their knowl-student, Anca remained true to her motto edge. In her books, gossip is a big taboo.and seized every opportunity that crossed herpath. She is also a firm believer in empowering chil- dren for life beyond the school gates.“It was at the PU for CHE that I was firstintroduced to leadership and realised that life “As custodian of the Learners’ Council I try tois filled with opportunities. Everything I have prepare them now for leadership challengesin life started there. However, if I were to go they might face later in life. I teach themback today I would do things differently as about the procedures of a meeting, takingprimaria and as chairperson of the council of minutes, organising projects and compilingresidences; I would have liked to empower a statement of income and expenditure afterwomen more.” concluding a project. “I believe in participatory management and like to listen to the opinions of different generations. I am incredibly excited about our youth and positive about education. We have come a long way. “I mark matric papers and am also involved with memorandum discussions, and can as- sure you that very good quality measures are applied. I believe in the standard of matric and have confidence in Umalusi.” Anca believes that each day brings opportu- nities to add to your CV, and her goal is to empower everyone who crosses her path to achieve his or her goals as well.  NWU & U 21

PROFILE CHANGE can beLMs Sonia Veiga, an alumna Life is what happens when you make other Her road to further academic excellence waswho graduated plans. This is something you will hear often assured and continuing her studies wouldtop of her class from Ms Sonia Veiga. have been the obvious next step. Then life happened, as Sonia would say, and instead As a professional, a wife and mother (“not she decided to gain practical experience in necessarily in that order”) she learned to tack- the field of industrial psychology. Much toat the Vaal le life by the horns. All of this is a balancing her lecturers’ dismay, she started working as a recruitment consultant for an internationalTriangle Campus, act that takes careful planning but in the end, recruitment firm. knows that life she says smiling, it is dodging the rush hour bullet that seems to be the biggest challenge She continued her studies part time (through Unisa) while working full time and 10 yearsdoes not always of the day. later received her MCom in industrial and organisational psychology. She admits it was go strictly Sonia, who studied on the Vaal Triangle Cam- not easy “but definitely worth it as it allowedaccording to pus and is an industrial psychologist regis- me the best of both worlds”. tered with the Health Professions Council of plan. She South Africa, is considered an expert in the “I am glad I entered the world of work at the believes the field of human resources management. time I did. Our discipline is very dynamic and always evolving, so you need to balance aca- more open THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS demic knowledge with practical experience all you are to As a BCom graduate in industrial psychology the time. It was great to have the theory thatchange, the in 1999 (top of her class), she was shortlisted I had acquired at university to support megreater your to pursue an honours degree through the uni- when applying it practically at work. People chances of versity. She excelled in the degree, developed tend to respect your opinion at work knowing an interest in labour relations and added a that you have the academic background to success. certificate in labour relations to her academic support it,” she says. credentials – again finishing at the top of her class. HEADING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION Her memories of her university career remain a highlight, as does the excellent career guid- ance she received there, inspiring her to choose a career she loves. Initially, Sonia had planned to study chartered accountancy; then Prof Christo van Wyk, who still is a lecturer at the campus, advised her to consider studying industrial psychology. “It was a new and up-and-coming discipline. I liked what I had read about it and registered for the BCom degree, given my aptitude for accountancy and more commercial disci- plines,” she says. Her career choice has taken her into the boardrooms of big companies such as Vodacom, Deloitte & Touche and PepsiCo. Ms Sonia Veiga is a As change lead in the human resources de- career woman and partment at Simba Pty Ltd (part of PepsiCo) mother to Gabriella. since October last year, Sonia feels she has found her forte. “I was very privileged to move into an organi- sational effectiveness and change role at my22 NWU & U

PROFILEGOOD for youprevious employer, Vodacom. Working with Weekends are family time and they also enjoythe entire organisation, across levels, titles going away on holiday at least twice a year.and roles to engage on transformationalchanges, was a life-changing experience and NEW BEGINNINGSgave me the opportunity to find my niche,” When her contract at Vodacom expired in Julyshe says. last year, Sonia took a two-month break to spend time with her daughter.Interacting with people has its challenges butSonia says she enjoys being part of transfor- “It is not easy to leave an organisation aftermational change in her workplace. “It is an six years but the timing was right for me. Theold cliché but very true in our field of work. universe had aligned for me. Every organisa-Working with people is always a challenge tion I have been with has prepared me for theas you need to be mindful that people are next role and challenge,” she says. She usedunique individuals and what may work for the time to take stock of her life and this ledsome may not necessarily work for others.” to her joining Simba/PepsiCo.LIFE HAPPENS “I had never worked in the fast movingHer life thus far might sound all work and no consumer goods industry before and I mustplay, but in the midst of her MCom studies, admit that I am thoroughly enjoying the ex-Sonia tied the knot with the love of her life. perience. Every day has its new challenges, but for now I believe that I am where I amAfter completing her studies five years ago meant to be,” she says.she fell pregnant. Yes, life happened... Soniaadores her four-year-old “busybody’’ Gabrielle In order to grow, you need to change – thisand says she is the centre of their world. is yet another wisdom with compliments from Sonia Veiga. Being a busy working mom during the weekwith early mornings and late nights takes its Sonia and Daniel Veiga recently celebratedtoll, but Sonia has it all figured out. their seventh wedding anniversary. Daniel is a foreign exchange trader and little Gabriella isShe exercises regularly at the local gym and the love of their life.participates in fun runs to stay healthy and fit.Mastering the balancing actAs a working mother with a high-powered between studying and being sociable. Itjob, nobody knows better than Sonia helped me grow in terms of my confi-Veiga how important it is to maintain a dence and the exposure was great,” shehealthy sense of balance. says.She has been aware of the need for bal- Work-life balance remained a subject closeance since her student days at the Vaal to her heart. In 2010, Sonia was invited toTriangle Campus when she was a member present her research on work-life balanceof Soenie Day Hostel and held one of the in a call centre environment, particularlyleadership portfolios. for black men and women, at a world con- ference on psychological health at Utrecht“Participating in activities on campus is University, Amsterdam. In the same yearsomething I would highly recommend to she published an article on her findings inany student. You need a healthy balance the SA Journal of Industrial Psychology.  NWU & U 23

PROFILEFor her it’s notbusiness as usual As a transfor- AA transformational leader is a person who tor-level positions had been vacant for almostmational leader, three years. She moved decisively to fill the strives to change things for the better. gaps. Before the year was out, all six vacancies NWU alumna had been filled and the district was ready toof the Mafikeng This is the role that Ms Matlakala Matthews tackle the challenges. plays at the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Mu- Campus and nicipality in the North West Province. CULTURE OF WORK one of only a “In provincial government, where I was for “A transformational leader does not say, ‘I’ve the first two terms of the democratic govern- handful of been here for 20 years and this is how we ment, you work, work, work,” she says. female have always done things’. No, such a leader will say, ‘We are not going to do the same “In local government, the attitude is some- municipal things we have always done without seeing times laissez-faire (relaxed and hands-off). managers in better results’. It must not be business as People say they are only paid for eight hours South Africa, usual,” Matlakala says. – although it seems to me that many local Ms Matlakala government officials don’t work a full eightMatthews does In the short time since her appointment as hours. not do things municipal manager in May 2013, Matlakala the usual way. has been ringing in the changes – not in “At the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipal- dramatic, headline-grabbing ways but quietly ity, I have been putting systems in place to and systematically. ensure that a culture of work is enhanced.” “Mostly, I have been putting people, processes Matlakala herself has been called a worka- and systems in place,” she says. “One of the holic. “I don’t know what that means; I just major challenges facing municipalities is that want to work and contribute to transforming a lot of government functions have been our society and earn my salary. devolved to district level. We have a hundred and one different functions! However, when “I have also been given other names, such as you recruit human capital for these functions, ‘Margaret Thatcher,’” she says, laughing at municipalities are given strict staff cost limita- the idea of being compared to the first female tions by the National Treasury.” prime minister of the United Kingdom. As a result, municipalities often have many “I want to do things correctly. I know that vacant positions in top management, which a man who does this would not be given obviously affects productivity, and in turn names. I don’t mind because I have the skills service delivery. and knowledge to manage gender stereotypes and I am a scholar of the gender discourse.” This was exactly the situation Matlakala encountered on arriving at the Dr Kenneth Indeed she is. What’s more, as you will soon Kaunda District Municipality, where six direc- see, the NWU has played a part in helping to equip her for this. From 2006 to 2010, she studied part time for her master’s degree in international relations, focusing on the gender machinery in govern- ment. TOWARDS GENDER EQUALITY “My studies and practical experience have given me an intimate knowledge of the chal- lenges women experience,” Matlakala says.24 NWU & U

PROFILEMs Matlakala Matthews is excited about change, but she be- Her road leadslieves that change should not be dramatised or sensationalised; to municipalinstead, it should be dealt with quietly and systematically. managementShe believes that gender equality is at last becoming a Initially, Matlakala’s career ambition was to becomereality in South Africa. “Gender stereotypes have definitely a medical professional. “Two of my siblings had TB,subsided. These days, men are taking care of children and which was cured, and as the eldest child I took careeven changing nappies.” of them. That experience propelled me into a caring profession.”In the municipal management profession, however, thereis still room for improvement. “It is cold up here,” she She enrolled for a three-year paramedical diplomasays, referring to the few women municipal managers at (occupational therapy) at the Medical University ofSouth Africa’s 226 municipalities. “Why are women not South Africa and completed the first two years. Then,in these positions? The instruments are there and have in 1980, she was expelled for political activism.created an enabling environment so why are we not pro-gressing as we should be?” “The only school where I could finish my diploma was in Namibia and I could not leave South Africa becauseAsked what it takes to succeed in this environment where of my family situation.”women are still heavily outnumbered, she says: “Theoreti-cal and practical knowledge of local government, and Instead, she registered for a BCom degree at Turfloopemotional intelligence. University in Limpopo, but soon changed to a BA Ad- ministration degree, majoring in political science. After“It is important to stick to the facts and not personalise completing her honours in international politics, also atissues, to follow processes and procedures, and to try to Turfloop, she became a trainer with the Urban Trainingremain objective and rational. A person must also unleash Project (UTP).the skills and knowledge to manage the interface betweenpolitical leadership and administration leadership.” Three years later, she joined the trade union SACCAWU.It’s a tall order but one that Matlakala is determined to “As a trade union educator and official, I taught work-deliver on as she continues with business unusual at Dr ers about conflict resolution, human rights and nego-Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality.  tiation skills,” says Matlakala. She also co-authored a handbook on women’s rights, Filling the Gap, used by SACCAWU and COSATU to train union officials. In 1995, Matlakala joined the Office of the Premier of North West in Mafikeng. There, she established the Provincial Gender Commission, which later became the Office on the Status of Women. “I was dealing with a totally new concept, gender equality, and at the same time gaining a lot of experi- ence of government work, processes and legislative imperatives.” After eight years with the Premier’s Office, head-hunt- ers convinced her to move to local government. She spent four years at the Tlokwe City Council in Potchef­ stroom and then moved to the Matlosana Municipality. Finally, her road led to the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, where she is still the municipal manager.  NWU & U 25

PROFILESandra spreads herwings Down Under Ms Sandra TTo Ms Sandra Joubert, seasoned traveller you are responsible for your own future and Joubert, that you get out what you put in. and senior project metallurgist at AngloGold metallurgist Ashanti’s Tropicana Mine in Australia, her stu- She enrolled at the Potchefstroom Campus and alumna of dent years on the Potchefstroom Campus will in 2004 and obtained her BEng degree with always be a store of precious memories. distinction in 2007. Her main subject was the Potchef­ chemical engineering, with specialisation instroom Campus, It is here on campus and in Huis Republiek mineral processing. where she forged many lifelong friendships has spread her – friends who still support her through thick She started to do vacation work at AngloGold wings. Not only and thin. Ashanti during her student years and in 2008does she work in was appointed full time at the Kopanang Australia where The Tropicana Mine where she works is a plant near Orkney in the North West Province. she has to fly to joint venture between AngloGold Ashanti (70%) and the Independence Group NL After a six-month stint at AngloGold work, she also (30%). The construction was completed last Ashanti’s west plant in North West, she vacations in the year and the first gold was produced in Sep- moved to Australia in February 2012. Far East when- tember 2013. “I’ve come to realise that workplace success ever the travel “It was a big milestone for AngloGold Ashanti largely depends on your ability to get along bug bites. and for every person who contributed to with various types of people and to know make it possible. During the first three years when to listen and when to speak. of production the plant is expected to pro- duce between 470 000 and 490 000 ounces “The NWU exposed me to situations where I of gold per year,” explains Sandra. could gain some knowledge of humanity.” NWU TAUGHT HER TEAMWORK NOT ALL MOONLIGHT AND ROSES Teamwork comes naturally to Sandra; after all, She readily admits that she thought her relo- the foundation for this was laid when she was cation to Australia would be a breeze and that a student. she could not wait for the new challenge. “As a first-year student I learnt what it means “Little did I know that it is no small feat to to be part of a team and how people with dif- move to a foreign country on your own. I ferent backgrounds and personalities can stand quickly learnt that I can’t pick up the phone and work together for a common purpose. and call mom and dad whenever I need to figure out something and that it takes much “I was fresh out of my parents’ house and it more willpower to do things on your own. was also during this time that I learnt, under the guidance of the senior students, how to “But it taught me a lot about myself and my look after myself.” abilities. Now I enjoy every moment; even when I’m forced out of my comfort zone to Sandra matriculated in 2003 from the Hoër- do something new.” skool Vaalharts in the Northern Cape; she was her school’s dux student. TRAVELLING, AND MORE TRAVELLING Sandra uses every opportunity to travel and GEARED FOR THE FUTURE has already visited several Asian countries. She The balance maintained by her parents be- only recently returned from her second vaca- tween discipline and love and her childhood tion in Singapore. years on the farm in the Vaalharts area are some of the other ingredients that prepared “I’ve tried quite a few hobbies, but most were her for her future. Sandra attaches great value short-lived. The only one that seems to keep to ambitious people. She ascribes her success my interest and that will definitely continue to to wonderful role models who taught her that26 NWU & U

PROFILE anSdIin(Sgbaaeolslpuoootwrhev).iKs(tiotoerpde)a This is the mine where work. Iplay a major role in my life is to explore other still close enough to the city, and there’s an Ms Sandra Joubert iscountries. excellent public transport system. a globetrotter. If she’s not flying the 900 km“The travel bug has bitten me and I enjoy The mine where she works is located in the between her homeevery moment. I enjoy the planning, the expo- semi-desert region of Western Australia – ap- in Perth and her job,sure to new places, people, cultures, food and proximately 300 km north-east of Kalgoorlie, the gold mine nearthen of course talking about it and comparing which in turn is almost 600 km from Perth. Kalgoorlie, she’s offit with other countries afterwards. to the Far East. On “I have a FIFO job: fly in, fly out. I fly to the her pin board there is“It is a wonderful experience and I appreciate mine, work for eight days and fly back to a picture of the goldevery opportunity that I get to do it.” Perth for my six days off. mine where she works and one of Perth,NO PLACE LIKE HOME “I’ve been in Australia for two years. During where she lives. TheAccording to Sandra, the homesickness never my first year I was a senior production metal- others are vacationreally goes away – but you learn to live with it. lurgist at Sunrise Dam gold mine. Last year photos taken in South I was transferred to Tropicana as a senior Korea, Vietnam and“It’s always the small things that you took for project metallurgist. Singapore.granted that you miss: South African humour,music, rugby and decent biltong. “The amazing thing about working for a large NWU & U 27 company – there are always opportunities to“Fortunately there are so many South Africans relocate and take on new challenges.”these days that there are several places whereyou can get real South African food and However, hard work, gallivanting and spread-sweets and every once in a while we get an ing wings are not her only dreams.opportunity to listen to a South African singerright here in Perth.” “I hope to one day be blessed with a family of my own,” she says.HER TOWN DOWN UNDERShe lives in Currambine in Perth, 4 km from Because wings are not just for flying – theythe beach. Her neighbourhood is quiet, but also protect. 

PROFILESandile is captainof the HR shipHHard work Hard work, commitment and determination where he learned the importance of inter-doesn’t kill, but are key words describing Mr Sandile Khwela’s cultural interaction. laziness does. journey to success. These words “I had the opportunity to mingle with He never does anything in half measures. As a students from various places and cultures. student, for instance, he attended both part- This played a major role in my career andinspired Mr time and full-time classes for his BA degree in personal development,” he says.Sandile Khwela, industrial psychology. Sandile fondly remembers his term as vice-captain of the soccer team, playingalumnus of the As the best BA student on campus in his intervarsity matches. Today, he still loves Vaal Triangle second and third year he went on to complete soccer and his favourite team is Kaizer Chiefs. his BAHons and MA in industrial psychology.Campus, to set Today he is a registered industrial psychologist It was also on the Vaal Triangle Campus thatsail for success. and recently joined the Board of Afrisam he encountered the two biggest loves in his Cement as human resources (HR) director. life. Here he met his wife, also an industrial psychologist, and today they are happily WORK HARD, PLAY HARD married and have a little girl. Sandile’s motto in life comes as no surprise – “hard work doesn’t kill, but laziness does”. The other love in his life is music – something he nurtured during his years as a member of He attributes these wise words to his late the campus choir, Watuni. father who also inspired him to follow a career in industrial psychology. Today, when he is not in the boardroom, he is music producer and manager for Madlala “My father was a supervisor at a steel Brothers, a well-known traditional band. company and was dealing with a lot of people issues. I believe I then developed Sandile is also an accomplished artist who has an interest in knowing more about human also recorded a number of his own albums. behaviour and people dynamics.” Besides his family, he treasures his two guitars: one an electrical guitar and the other As a young student from Shongweni Dam a 12 string acoustics guitar. close to Pinetown in KwaZulu-Natal, he came to the far-off Vaal Triangle Campus (then GOING FORWARD a satellite campus of the Potchefstroom Sandile describes his new position at Afrisam University for Higher Christian Education). as being “captain of the ship”, providing him an opportunity to implement his human “The campus provides both academic and resources philosophy and to lead and guide personal growth. You can identify your his team of executives to add value to the weaknesses and strengths easier here, business. because you are not just a number. The campus has a reputation for delivering high- He is using every iota of the knowledge and experience gained first as a supervisor at calibre students, and I do believe, was it ArcelorMittal, then as general manager for not for this campus, I would not be human resources at BMW and next as group where I am today,” says Sandile. executive for talent management at Vodacom Group. LOVE AND LIFE Sandile stayed in the campus It is clear that good human resources will residence, Vergelegen, until add value to any business and with captain he completed his studies. Sandile at the helm, the HR ship is heading For him, this was the in the right direction.  heartbeat of the campus, a place Mr Sandile Khwela believes that human resources is a critical success factor in positioning Africa in the global business market.28 NWU & U

ARTICLEAlumni reunite in Molen KórusAAny choir member would tell you: once song The choir expresses their adoration of music Molen Kórus is a top- becomes your passion, it will always be your by performing at various events and occa- notch chamber choir passion. sions. These include Christmas services, wed- from Potchefstroom dings and choir festivals. Every year Molen consisting mainly The penchant for choir music of a group of Kórus organises a spring concert. of NWU alumni. alumni and postgraduate students led to the Here Lorette du Toit, start of a top-notch chamber choir for adults “We sing everything from well-known choirmaster (centre), in Potchefstroom. classical choral compositions by Bach and accompanies some Mendelssohn to modern pieces by Eric of the choir members. Molen Kórus was founded in 2011 by sea- Whitacre, Knut Nystedt and Morten On her right is Mr soned choristers who wanted to keep singing Lauridsen,” says Izak de Kock, chairperson. Kobus Venter, the after completing their studies at the NWU. other choirmaster. Their repertoire also includes creations by The choir, consisting mainly of Potchefstroom local composers. Compositions by Awie residents, is led by Lorette du Toit and Kobus van Wyk, Martin Watt and Chris Lamprecht Venter, both very competent choirmasters. regularly feature in performances by the choir. Sometimes they even sing songs by more Molen Kórus presently consists of 35 mem- commercial artists, like Koos du Plessis. bers, more or less the maximum number of members for a choir of its kind. Although Izak says that they plan to record a CD in the most of the members are NWU alumni, future. “But it’s a bit soon to say anything anyone who is interested can audition at the about that. We also hope to undertake a beginning of each year. “The only prerequisite European tour within the next couple of years. is a love of singing and some previous choir Once we are there, we would like to partici- experience,” says Adriaan Jacobs, spokesper- pate in a chamber choir festival in Spain.” son for the choir. Molen Kórus is available for performances. For “The name of the choir was derived from a familiar street in the heart of Potchefstroom, more information call Izak at 082 447 0693 molen Molen Street, home of Potchefstroom Gim- or send an email to [email protected]. KÓRUS nasium’s cultural centre, where the choir re- Those who are interested can stay abreast of hearses every Monday evening. ’Kórus’ is the Hungarian word for choir,” explains Adriaan. performances, news and auditions by “liking” the choir on their Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/MolenKorus.  NWU & U 29

ARTICLEHard work and progressgo hand in hand here TThe Mafikeng Campus, situated in Mafikeng, Over the plains research and building capacity for the nuclear of the North the capital of the province, has shown steady industry in South Africa. growth during the past few years. West Province, BUILD THE FUTURE just before the This progress is not only evident in their Of course, all this teaching should take place teaching-learning and research, but also in in well-equipped buildings, which is why the Botswana their infrastructure and healthy student life. NWU has invested significantly in new build- border, lie the ings and the refurbishment of existing ones modern build- The campus attracts students and lecturers over the past 10 years. from elsewhere, mostly other African coun- ings of the tries. In 2013, there were 561 international Between 2005 and 2012, new and upgraded Mafikeng Cam- students from 25 different countries. residences saw more than 1 000 extra beds being made available to students. The NWU is pus. Join Eish! Today, the campus boasts 10 580 students of currently building another two new residences,on a visit to this whom 2 660 are first years and 1 641 post- which will provide 486 more beds. graduate students. campus where RESEARCH FLOURISHES hard work and UNIQUE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES Research is one of the arenas in which the The Mafikeng Campus offers a number of aca- campus has shown excellent growth in recent enthusiasm demic programmes rarely encountered on any years. combine to other South African university campus.ensure progress. At the NWU, research is done according to One of these is the degree in transport eco- a particular model. Based on this model, the nomics and logistics management. Another is following research entities have found a home the only BScAgric (Animal Health) programme on the campus: in South Africa recognised for registration by the South African Veterinary Council. Focus area: - Material Science Innovation and Modelling In 2013, the campus launched the first multi- disciplinary teaching programme on indig- (MaSIM) enous knowledge systems accredited by the Niche areas: South African Qualifications Authority. - Population and Health - Food Security and Safety in the North West Indigenous knowledge refers to local knowl- edge and practices that develop naturally Province within a particular cultural group or society, and are therefore unique. Research at the campus has come a long way since 2008, when there were no researchers Another unique unit on campus is the Centre rated by the National Research Foundation for Applied Radiation Science and Technology. (NRF); by 2009, the campus had three rated researchers and this leapt to 18 in 2013. As a trailblazer in applied radiation science, this centre offers honours and master’s Similarly, the number of postdoctoral fellows programmes and has the mandate of doing – researchers with a PhD engaged in follow- up research – increased from one in 2007 to 35 in 2013.30 NWU & U

ARTICLEBetween 2006 and 2012, the research outputs in Higher Education Award for exceptionalper faculty increased as follows: teaching-learning in South Africa. Many academics have also shared their exper- tise nationally and internationally.  Prof Rodney Modupe, also from the Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, is one of two NWU staff members to be elected as members of the NRF’s Astronomy Council at the end of 2013.Law In addition, Prof Mervin Mbao, dean of theHuman and Social Sciences Faculty of Law, has been one of the expertsEducation and Training on a committee tasked with developing a newCommerce and Administration constitution for Zambia since 2012.Agriculture, Science and Technology STUDENT FUN Mafikeng students sensibly maintain a healthy balance between studying and their cultural and sporting activities.STAFF EXCEL The campus choir have been the regionalCampus staff members excel in various champions of the Telkom/Old Mutual choirdomains. At the end of 2013, Prof Abayomi championships for four years in a row. TheyOyekale from the Faculty of Agriculture, came second in the Sedibeng choral com-Science and Technology was announced the petition and represented the region at themost productive NWU researcher of 2012. National Choir Festival.During the previous year, Prof Eno Ebenso, The sportsmen and women of the Mafikengcurrently the dean of this faculty, received the Campus literally shone at the University SportsNWU’s award for leadership in research for South Africa Championships last year.2011. The body building team won a gold medal,Prof Nicolene Barkhuizen, an academic from the aerobics team won five silver and twothe Faculty of Commerce and Administra- bronze medals, and the boxing team won onetion, was named one of South Africa’s most gold and two silver medals.talented young leaders after progressing tothe final round of the DHL Rising Star Awards When looking back at the footprints so manycompetition in 2013. students and lecturers have left on the cam- pus in the past decade, it is clear that theirTwo academics from the Faculty of Agricul- determination and hard work have turnedture, Science and Technology received national hopes and dreams into reality since 2004.awards: Today the Mafikeng Campus takes its right-• Dr Lebo Seru was named South Africa’s ful place – within the NWU as an institution Most Influential Woman in Science; and and within the bigger teaching-learning and research community of South Africa. • Dr Hunadi Rakhudu received the South * The figures had not been audited at the time of African Society for Teaching and Learning going to press. NWU & U 31

ARTICLE The NWU gift that keeps on giving TThe NWU firmly believes in the old proverbCharity helps for SUSTAINABILITY MADE BY MOSAIC a day or two, that when you teach a man to fish, you feed The NWU’s flagship community engagement but empow- him (and his family) for a lifetime. project is Mosaic Community Developments, erment lasts a project in Ikageng outside Potchefstroom. forever. In line with this old adage the NWU’s numer- The main aim of this non-profit organisation Ms Beatrix ous community engagement projects focus is to create jobs for the foster parents taking more on sustainability than mere charity. part in its programme for orphans affected by Bouwman tells HIV/Aids. us how the Ms Beatrix Bouwman, the institutional direc- NWU brings tor for community engagement, says their Mosaic has dramatically changed the lives hope to primary concern is to make a difference by of many foster families. Twenty families who uplifting, developing and supporting the only had shacks for homes have received communities. broader community. houses. “We reach out in ways that build trust and In its five-year existence, the project, man- give people and organisations the confidence aged by Mr Meyer Conradie and his wife, to approach us for assistance. “To us, making Louise, has achieved great success. a difference is not just about becoming in- In addition to building houses, beneficiaries volved with good causes; it is about imple- of the project make everything from gourmet menting our expertise in an innovative cupcakes, rusks and cookies to scarves, hats, manner to achieve sustainable improve- baby products, handbags, wallets, pillows and ment for our society.” corporate gifts. Some of these products are for the local market and some are exported Although the university sometimes overseas. conducts fundraising campaigns to help pay for these activities, The project also provides pre-school and or charges nominal fees for direct after-school recreation facilities for orphans. project costs, the NWU does not seek Furthermore it sustains families by providing to make a profit from community employment for foster parents thus ensuring engagement and sees it as a way to better living conditions for those affected by contribute to the well-being of society. HIV/Aids. To the NWU’s community involve- TAKING MATRICULANTS ment team, partners and INTO THE FUTURE donors, it is more than Another flagship community engagement ini- just a labour of love. “As tiative, the Ikateleng programme, has assisted part of the fulfilment thousands of grade 12 learners to pass matric of our human calling, with full university exemption. we all have a need to grow spiritually The project invests in the future of young and this growth can South Africans by providing Saturday supple- only happen when we mentary classes to learners, ensuring that contribute beyond our- they master subjects and study content. selves,” says Beatrix. The programme, now in its 26th year, has had considerable success. The pass rate among Ikateleng-enrolled learners is substantially higher than the national average. It consis- tently ranges between 85% and 90%. Ms Sannah Soul of the Made by Mosaic project makes leather products such as these.32 NWU & U

An important reason for the success of Ikateleng is ARTICLEthe close relationships with programme partners,including the education authorities, participating Projects and programmesschools and corporate donors. better livesPROVIDING FRESH WATER Other community involvement projects of the NWU are alsoFOR MADIBOGO bettering the lives of thousands of people.The NWU knows that water is one of the mostneeded basic resources. Through the Madibogo • The Laboratory for Inborn Errors of Metabolism (PLIEM) hasproject, a water purification system based onnanotechnology produces up to 10 000 litres of been a lifeline for hundreds of children born with inborn errorspurified water a day. of metabolism. It provides the initial diagnostic service at a market-related priceThis makes a significant difference to the lives of but, once a child is diagnosed with a metabolic defect, it con-1 000 learners and teachers at Batlhaping Primary ducts all subsequent tests at no cost for the rest of the patient’sSchool who previously only had access to untreat- life.ed, contaminated ground water in the village ofMadibogo in the North West Province. • The Law Clinic provides free legal assistance to poor and in-The project also teaches the importance of safe digent people caught up in eviction matters, divorce actions,drinking water and the use of water in general. maintenance orders, the Children’s Court, land claims and civil cases, among others.SOWING AND SEWING TOWARDSSUSTAINABILITY • The community engagement activities of the Soccer InstituteThe Africa Unit for Transdiciplinary Health Research(AUTHeR) on the Potchefstroom Campus has help to make the dreams of future soccer stars come true.established the Farm Labour and General Healthprogramme (FLAGH) and the highly succesful Hold- • The Siyakhulisa Early Childhood Education community engage-ing Hands community engagement project. ment project assists early childhood education practitioners inThese programmes respectively teach farm women some Vaal Triangle townships to run their centres more effec-good eating habits and how to generate income tively. The project has reached about 300 township practitionersby sewing and making glass objects. The original and more than 16 000 pre-schoolers.group of seven seamstresses earn between R1 200and R6 000 each a month through orders for their • The Musikhane community project made its debut in 1994,products from customers across the country andhas recently started exporting to Belgium. teaching talented young musicians to play music instruments, to take music examinations, and join youth orchestras.The project that started out in the Rysmierbultdistrict has reached the point where its existing • The NWU’s multilingual reading project and the Languageprojects are self-sustaining. Directorate’s interpreting projects make multilingual learningTHE MESSAGE IS HOPE possible by enabling young people to learn in their motherMr Johan Zerwick of the NWU is bringing home the tongue.message that there is hope in the battle againstHIV/Aids. • The Engineering Faculty runs four community engagementBy translating “God’s answer to Aids” into Afri- projects designed to help increase the number and readinesskaans and Setswana, he has reached more than of students enrolling for science, engineering and technology40 000 people in South Africa and Botswana with studies at universities. this message of hope since 2002.  NWU & U 33

ARTICLE Alumni who TTalent. Loads and loads of talent. This is some- earned quite a collection of awards. In 2012,studied graphic Natasha was the overall winner of the Pendo­ thing abundantly generated by the subject ring student competition, an illustrious event design have group Graphic Design in the NWU’s School of that annually honours the best of the best inalways excelled Communication Studies on the Potchefstroom advertising. Campus. in various She also received a gold award at this event national Testimony to this is the impressive success for an integrated campaign with Michelle rate of former students who are now in the Bruwer, Nadia Jansen van Vuuren and Ilse competitions industry. Viljoen, namely “Blink Stefanus Zef motor and last year accessories”. “We are very proud of our former students. they once They have proven that with hard work, deter- Her work was also crowned at the Loerie again did mination and talent, the world is your oyster,” Awards, which recognises creativity in the exceptionally says Richardt Strydom, lecturer in graphic South African advertising industry. She design. received a silver award at the 2013 Loeries well. for her work, “Alice in short supply”, and a Alumni from the Graphic Design Departm­ ent bronze award for her design, “The Waitress”. have been raking in awards. They boast a Pendoring win, a silver award at the Loeries, an “I started working as an art director at Ogilvy extraordinary exhibition at the Design Indaba & Mather in Johannesburg right after univer- and a merit award from the International sity. It was exciting to be part of a creative Society of Typographic Designers (ISTD). team,” she says. In February this year, Natasha completed her projects at this company. She STANDING OUT AT THE is currently on the lookout for new opportu- PENDORINGS AND THE LOERIES nities, and hopes to find a position that will Natasha Prinsloo is a star. Since starting her earn her more experience in the industry. degree in graphic design at the NWU, she has34 NWU & U

ARTICLE Natasha Prinsloo’s integrated campaign with Michelle Bruwer, Nadia Jansen van Vuuren and Ilse Viljoen, namely “Blink Stefanus Zef motor accessories” earned them a gold award at the Pendorings.UP-AND-COMING DESIGNER EXHIBITS Simone now works as a freelance artistWORK AT DESIGN INDABA and illustrator. She plans to enrol for aSimone le Roux is one of only 40 of the best master’s degree in visual art and illustra-young designers in South Africa who were tion art.chosen to exhibit at the Design Indaba inCape Town. Her collection of soft figures and “The Graphic Design Department of theillustrations was shown as part of the Emerg- NWU offers an excellent programme,ing Creatives Programme at this prestigious with lecturers who help to shape andevent. encourage students but also challenge them to achieve their full potential. I likeHer work could also be viewed last year at their willingness to explore new ideas,”Aardklop as part of the exhibition entitled says Simone.“Collateral”. This exhibition included worksby local lecturers and designers, Ian Marley, Simone le Roux’s work, “Spirit Guide”,Wessie van der Westhuizen, Gordon Fraud was part of the “Collateral” exhibitionand Stefan Pretorius. at the Aardklop National Arts Festival. TO PAGE 36 NWU & U 35

ARTICLE Colani Johnson is a typographic designer of note.36 NWU & U Her work earned her a merit award from the Inter- national Society of Typographic Designers. FROM PAGE 35 A TYPOGRAPHIC DESIGNER OF NOTE Colani Johnson received a merit award from the International Society of Typographic Designers (ISTD). The ISTD is a professional body consisting of international members who are tasked with promoting an interest in all forms of typographic communication. An international competition is held annually. Students can enter for a specific ISTD assignment, which entails the development of a concept built around typographic design elements. “It was a great privilege and an honour to receive the merit award. Although it is not a competition where prizes are won, it is an honour to be able to add such a title to your CV. “The NWU taught me that a privilege like this does not happen by chance. It requires hard work. If you want to dream big you must have a sense of purpose,” says Colani, art director at Owenkessel Leo Burnett in Fourways, Johannesburg. Alumni of the Graphic Design Department of the NWU have also shone in other competitions. Simone le Roux, Karla Mülder, Daniéla Dique,  Marli Mckellar, Illana Swanepoel and Llewellyn van Eeden won a second place at the ATKV Film Fundi Awards in 2013, and an artwork by JW Longland was chosen for a 2014 series of stamps featuring South African lighthouses. 

ARTICLEFollowingin Fossey’sfootstepsIIt was the shortest, most indescribable and amazing hour of my entire life. top of Kilimanjaro and the depths of the coral “When I saw the reefs of the Great Barrier Reef. gorillas – so im- This is how Prof Minrie Greeff describes her pressive and yet visit to Rwanda, where she had the oppor- “I’ve always wanted to visit the gorillas. I so vulnerable – I tunity to observe mountain gorillas in their wanted to see them from up close,” she says. realised that God natural habitat. is protecting this However, this dream was out of reach for delicate balance Minrie is a senior researcher at the Africa Unit many years because of wars and other conflict just as He keeps for Transdisciplinary Health Research (AUTHeR) in Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC. These three me safe on my on the NWU’s Potchefstroom Campus. countries are the only ones where you can journey through see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. life.”She also recently received the Stals Prize for OVERWHELMING SCENTSNursing from the South African Academy for AND MAJESTYScience and Arts. Minrie’s dream came true in January. She visited the Virunga National Park as part ofIn addition, her contribution to research in a tour group. It is the same park where Diannursing has earned her a place in the Interna- Fossey, the famous zoologist, undertook hertional Nurse Researchers’ Hall of Fame of the extensive study of mountain gorillas. She wasSigma Theta Tau International Honour Society murdered in Rwanda in 1985.for Nurses. “Humans and their wars have decreased theMinrie is not only a world-class researcher, number of mountain gorillas to a mere 257.but also a globe-trotter who has been to the TO PAGE 38 NWU & U 37

ARTICLEHumanity triumphsPeople overcome even the most devastating FROM PAGE 37circumstances. It is here that Rwanda is a shiningexample for other countries. Fortunately, successful intervention has brought back their num- bers to 840.”The Rwandan people rose up from the devastat-ing pain of genocide in 1994 where more than a Minrie says they reached the bamboo forest after an hour’s walk.million people lost their lives. “The smells of the forest, wet grass and vegetation were over- whelming.”Minrie says a visit to a museum and a massgrave of 250 000 in Kigale brought to mind the Her experience of the intensity of the forest went hand in handcruel history for a moment. “It was awful to with great expectations that were later fulfilled by one of therealise that many of the people were murdered most beautiful scenes she has ever seen in her life.in churches, where they believed they wouldbe safe. What is even worse is that many of the MEET THE SABYINYO FAMILYchurches intentionally ambushed people. Entire “A mountain gorilla was lying curled up on his stomach in frontfamilies were massacred in places of worship. of the tour group. His hands and feet were folded in underneath him. The rest of his family were close by.“There is a longing for progress and a determi-nation to rebuild the country notwithstanding “The tour guide told us ahead of time that these particular moun-poverty.” tain gorillas were part of the Sabyinyo family,” she says.Minrie says that one of the most precious things The guides taught the group to make a “hahoom” sound whenshe saw in Rwanda was the Rwandan people’s they were with the gorillas. According to Minrie, this “hahoom”determination to keep their land clean. sound puts the gorillas at ease. The “ha” is made with an open mouth and the “hoom” is a deep sound made with a closed“Under President Paul Kagame’s leadership all mouth.people living in Rwanda are obliged to do ageneral cleanup every last Saturday of the month “When the gorillas hear this greeting, they know that the visitorsbetween 7:00 and 11:00. Everything comes to a come in peace and friendship.”standstill and everybody joins in to pick up litterto ensure that Rwanda is one of the cleanest Apparently even a slight deviation from this sound can conveycountries in Africa. another message to the gorillas and jeopardise the visit.“Rwanda is a country where there is a clear The gorilla they saw first was second in the strict hierarchy main-contrast between the gorillas’ way of life in tained by the mountain gorillas. “When he got up I gasped. Heuntouched nature and the people’s poverty in was so strong, proud and self-confident as he walked past us.”the cities and the cruel history. The people ofRwanda are building a new harmony. A harmony According to Minrie, one of the most breathtaking moments wasbetween man and nature and also between the when the first gorilla’s father, a 42 year-old 200 kg giant, thecitizens, which is an inspiration to visitors like mighty leader and father of all the little ones in the troop, arrived.me.” 38 NWU & U

ARTICLE“He calmly crossed the path and lay down “He sat down in front of me with his back TOP LEFT: Minrie atin front of me. He was so close that I would turned to me. I could see that he was still the entrance of thehave been able to stretch out my hand and watching me from the corner of his eye. park shortly beforetouch him.” encountering the “He waited for the mother and baby to walk gorillas (top right).FAMILY SCENES UNFOLDING past me. Almost as a parting gift, the babyThe big patriarch calmly posed for the tour swung on one last branch right in front ofgroup. “It felt so unreal. I positively bubbled me. He jumped onto his mother’s back andwith delight, how could I be so lucky? He she calmly walked on with him on her back.”started to munch on a portion of his dailyquota of 35 kg of plant material.” It was while Minrie felt an overwhelming sense of grati-he was eating that Minrie had the opportunity tude at that very moment. “I called out in myto look into his soft brown eyes. heart. Thank you, Lord, for granting me this remarkable experience.”While he was eating, a mother and babyjoined him. The small one started to climb The visit came to a sudden end when an olderover his father’s back. “The father tolerated member of the tour group wanted to have ait like any patient father would. His caring picture taken with him in the foreground anddisposition was clearly visible in the careful the females in the background. He neededmanner in which he took hold of the baby’s help to get up and the females found all thearm.” movement upsetting.According to Minrie what made the moment “She charged with her mouth wide open,even more special was the fact that they were showing her razor-sharp teeth. It was like sheseeing the oldest and the youngest gorillas in was trying to say that we had been welcomethe park together. until then, but that they wanted their privacy back.”TODDLERS AND MONKEY TRICKSTwo three-year-olds started playing around A UNIQUE EXPERIENCEnear the tour group. The toddlers were exu- “When I think back to the hour that I got toberant – spinning, somersaulting and swing- spend with the gorillas, it fills me with a deeping on branches. sense of peace. I know that just like the small ones are under the protection of their father, IThey even touched some of the people’s am also safe with a heavenly Father who carestrouser legs. This was a potential risk because for me.”the older members of the family are extremelyprotective of the little ones and the slightest “I realise that He looks after me – just like Hemisstep could have catastrophic consequences. also looks after the gorillas in nature.”“But their joy was contagious and I couldn’t Minrie describes her visit to Rwanda’s moun-help but laugh. We had to keep making the tain gorillas as an intense spiritual experience.‘hahoom’ sound so as to continually reassurethe gorillas of our friendly intentions.” “There was also a group of exceptional people with me on the tour. I had the privilege toTIME TO SAY GOODBYE hear snippets of their individual life journeys,The big one decided that it was time to go. stories of hurt, but also stories of victory.”  NWU & U 39

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