The international lifesaving competition kicks off in a month, starting with the 2023 RLSS Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships from 13-17 September in Windsor, Canada.
Rebecca Fury competes in the surf swim, run swim run and pool events, which includes the obstacle race, super lifesaver and 100m manikin carry. She has represented Clifton Lifesaving Club and Western Province in several Club and Interprovincial championships, and this is her first foray into international competition in the green and gold of South Africa.
Over the past six years, Rebecca has gone from strength to strength in her budding lifesaving career, where she was encouraged to join as a nipper due to her strong swimming skills and her deep love for the ocean.
The 15-year-old Capetonian showed her talents in the U13 Nipper division at the 2022 DHL LSA National Championships in Gqeberha and made her intentions clear by claiming the Victrix Ludorum. Previously, in 2021, she broke the South African Stillwater records, but the real highlight for this talented teenager is being selected to represent her country.
Dr Mandisa Mulaudzi is a University of Pretoria medical school graduate. She’s also an American Heart Association certified resuscitation provider for newborns, children and adults at hospital emergency departments.
Mulaudzi is a certified aesthetics provider, thoroughly trained in administration of drip therapies, skin biochemical facials, derma-planning, fat loss injections, facial threading, amongst other procedures. She works in collaboration with trusted suppliers of grade dermaceutical skin products and pharmacies.
— Dr Mandisa Mulaudzi (@mandisamulaudzi) July 19, 2023
In 2021, Dr Mandisa established Nxalati Health Centre, a general medical practice based in Thohoyandou, where she treats all diseases and performs small surgical procedures. The practice is also a first step to specialist referrals.
“We seek to model excellence in all that we do. We strive for our patients to be wholly in health and live life to the fullest without diseases holding them back. Our slogan is BODY. MIND. SOUL HEALTH. We strive to not only treat the body but to include the mind and the soul in the health process. Our mission is to have our patients healthy in all aspects of their lives,” she says.
Bongeziwe Mabandla showcases his versatility as a musician and actor with “Umntwana Ongaphakathi”
In “Umntwana Ongaphakathi” (The Child Inside), we immerse ourselves in a tale of self-discovery and healing, chronicling the poignant journey of the lead character, Khumbula (played by Bongeziwe himself). Set within the raw confines of a derelict home and a murky tavern, our narrative unearths the tumultuous relationship between Khumbula and the tangible representation of his inner child.
Echoing a psychotherapeutic exercise that promotes healing through dialogue with one’s inner child, this narrative emerged in the wake of Bongeziwe’s haunting track “Soze” off of his latest album “amaXesha”. Here, love transcends time, and invites an introspective exploration of self-love.
In this cinematic landscape, Khumbula grapples with his relentless past, spiralling into a whirlpool of self-destruction, his inner child a constant apparition.Their bond, conveyed through the raw embodiment of pain, showcases an emotional mirroring between Khumbula and his younger self. Their dance of conflict and reconciliation takes us through their shared darkest recesses, ultimately leading to a cathartic confrontation that serves as a painful reckoning.
This culmination ushers in a transformative phase of acceptance and forgiveness, setting Khumbula and his inner child on the rocky path to healing, all under the melodic serenade of maternal love. This narrative, while specific in its portrayal, resonates universally, speaking to the struggle of reconciling with our past and seeking redemption.
This collaboration was a journey spanning several months, a commitment by Bongeziwe, the writer and director Zee Ntuli, and their team to realise this emotionally resonant narrative.The process required a personal introspection from everyone involved, culminating in a film that is emotively raw and brimming with intricate technicality.This depth of feeling is enhanced by the technical facets of filmmaking, emphasising symbolism and emotional impact.
Bongeziwe Mabandla, the creative force behind “Soze”, steps into Khumbula’s shoes, showcasing his versatility as a musician and actor. His album, “amaXesha”, a meditation on memory, finds its echoes in our film as we delve into the relationship with our past.
“Umntwana Ongaphakathi” is an artistic manifestation of Zee Ntuli’s core belief: the pursuit of beauty within the abyss of darkness, a poetic excavation of our pains and fears to find the dormant beauty within. It’s an invitation to an introspective journey, one that we hope will resonate with audiences on a deeply personal level.
Nelson Mandela University postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Chemistry, Dr Mapokolo Phiri, has been selected to represent South Africa and participate at the 52nd IUPAC General Assembly, as an IUPAC Young Observer at The Hague, Netherlands.
The IUPAC General Assembly will take place from 18 to 25 August, in parallel to the IUPAC World Congress IUPAC|CHAINS2023.
Meetings of the statutory bodies of the Union, specifically of the Council, Bureau, Division and Standing Committees, will take place followed by the World Chemistry Leadership Meeting on “Catalyzing Innovation for Sustainable Development”.
The Royal Chemistry Society called on African emerging researchers to apply for the opportunity to be young observers at the 52nd IUPAC General Assembly, to which Dr Phiri responded, and she was selected to represent South Africa.
“I am a polymer chemist, and my research interests are generally in the vaporisation of waste; my current project investigates the use of avocado seed extract as antimicrobial agent in sustainable polymer scaffolds for potential applications in wound and bone healing, says Dr Phiri.
She obtained her PhD from Stellenbosch University, and her research was on high solids coatings based on molecular brushes.
Drummer, singer and songwriter KekeLingo has collaborated with musician and music producer Mpho.Wav, and Grammy award winner Zakes Bantwini to bring a groundbreaking Afro House/Afro Tech treasure just in time for the weekend.
The composition titled “Jeteme” finds its creative roots in Salif Keita’s “N B’l Fe,” weaving together the talents of KekeLingo, producer Mpho.Wav, and the esteemed Grammy Award-winning artist, Zakes Bantwini. This dance-centric masterpiece harmoniously merges KekeLingo’s unique linguistic expression with elements drawn from Afro House and Afro Tech genres.
As soon as the initial note resonates, listeners will embark on a journey to a dimension where boundless groove reigns supreme. The elaborate rhythmic layers and the irresistible pull of the track’s infectious beats are certain to set dancefloors ablaze worldwide.
Jeteme is the second single released off KekeLingo’s debut EP Pula, which is set to drop August 25th.
“Jeteme stands as my homage to the stunning African continent – a melodic tribute that resonates with affection and unity among the people of Africa. This composition articulates the essence of love and the formidable strength that emerges when individuals from Africa unite. It’s an amorous melody expressed through the rhythmic language of Afro Tech dance, dedicated to the heart and soul of Africa.” Says KekeLingo
“I’ve always been big on collaboration,” says Zakes Bantwini. “There are few things I love more than working with talented African artists and creating something special out of nothing. And that’s exactly what we did here – we made a great African song with a global outlook. Working with Keke and Mpho on this was an absolute pleasure and I hope the song resonates with the people on a deep level.”
“For me this record Jeteme is a fusion of Soul and Dance embodied by a variety of African sounds. It is an expression of love and groove through sonics. From the thumping beats to the heartfelt synth sounds and lastly the sincere sounding vocals are all set to represent the true beat of Africa.” says Mpho.Wav
“Universities need to have succession plans that allow for women to also be given the opportunities, training and support that they need to take up leadership positions,” says Dintle Nkosi, University of Pretoria (UP) alumna and senior finance business partner at the London headquarters of Chanel. “Unlike men, women are not viewed as equal by society; as a result, they have different personal and family pressures.”
Nkosi graduated from UP in 2011 with a BCom in Internal Auditing and lives in London with her family. She is also a founder of Thuto Thusa, an NGO that makes information more accessible, “whether it is about getting into the right university or onto the appropriate career path”.
Nkosi says that globally speaking, the luxury fashion industry is not yet diverse and she aims to make a change in that regard. “Since my move to the UK, I have tried to forge a path for those coming behind me, especially black women; I believe in the power of representation,” Nkosi says. “I want to become an example and show that it’s possible to get a seat at the table in spaces that were not built to accommodate us, and to be part of the influence that pushes organisations to be diverse and inclusive.”
The fashion executive says that to this day, women in the academic space are still facing many hurdles, adding that there is not enough consideration for the personal challenges and pressures that most women face. These include menstrual issues, which result in girls missing school and female employees missing work.
Nkosi notes that the same problem persists in the professional space.
“Another issue is that of pregnancy and maternity/paternity leave. During maternity leave, due to the length of time off, most women miss promotional cycles and have their bonuses apportioned while their husbands and partners get their baby, promotion and full bonus.”
She says pregnancy should not be a reason to miss opportunities in one’s career or in academia, and yet it is often used to “count women out”. Recounting her story of being discriminated against when she was six months pregnant, Nkosi says that even though she was qualified and capable, many potential employers hesitated to hire her once they realised that she was pregnant. Fortunately, she eventually landed a job.
Nkosi believes that universities can help create a more inclusive and supportive environment through women-centred programmes. This would serve as an opportunity for alumni and other senior women at the institutions such as professors to share their career journeys, life hacks and words of wisdom.
Her advice to young women is to work hard to make their dreams come true and not to let failure discourage them to the point of giving up.
“Education is a tool that can be used to change your life and other people’s lives, especially in disadvantaged areas in South Africa and the world at large. It has the power to eradicate poverty and transform communities.
Terry-Anne Fredericks, a University of Johannesburg (UJ) 3rd year BEng Tech in Electrical Engineering student, was part of a team which was awarded 1st place prize in the Huawei ICT Competition 2022-2023 which was held in Shenzhen, China in May 2023. As a result of her outstanding performance, she has been selected to join the Huawei Graduate Programme.
The competition serves as a platform to nurture and recognise top ICT talents globally, offering participants the chance to demonstrate their expertise in the field of information and communications technology.
How did your journey in the Huawei ICT Competition begin?
It all began during my third year at University when a small group of students, including myself, was approached by our lecturers, Mr. Vikash Rameshar, and Professor Kingsley Ogudo. They presented us with an internship opportunity at Huawei. I felt immensely excited and grateful for being chosen among the few, so I decided to go ahead and pursue the internship. I completed all the necessary requirements and, after a while, received a call from Huawei for an interview regarding the internship.
Could you tell us about the interview process for the internship?
The interview proved to be quite challenging as it focused mainly on network engineering. While I had some understanding of network engineering from a module I took in my second year, the questions asked during the interview exceeded my knowledge level. Interestingly, one of my fellow interviewees, who also participated in the group interview, confidently answered most of those questions correctly.
I believed he would be the one chosen for the opportunity. However, to my surprise, it was I who received the call from Huawei, informing me that I was one of the three selected for this opportunity. I was thrilled to become part of such a dynamic and innovative company and eager to contribute to their success.
How has your experience been since joining Huawei?
Since joining the team, I have had the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in Datacom, Security, and WLAN, which are the main focus areas within network engineering. I also obtained certifications for HCIA (Associate level) Datacom and HCIP (Professional Level) Datacom. Currently, I am in the process of getting certified for HCIP Security.
HUAWEI ICT competition 2023-2023 global final practice competition – network track
When did you learn about the Huawei ICT competition, and what challenges did you face during it?
Participating in the Huawei ICT competition was challenging for me due to my limited knowledge of network engineering. I had to start from scratch and juggle the competition with my university coursework. Initially, managing both was manageable, but it became more hectic after the first two months. The pressure increased as we had to study Datacom, Security, and WLAN within short periods while attending to our university studies and assignments.
At one point, the workload became overwhelming, and I considered giving up. However, my mother’s encouragement and belief that internships are meant to test one’s strengths and weaknesses persuaded me to persevere. With the support from home, I decided to stick with it and see where the journey would lead.
Looking back, I believe I made the right decision. The pressure and workload I faced made me stronger and improved my time management skills. It taught me how to balance work, school, and my personal life. Overall, the experience provided an opportunity for personal and professional growth.
How did you prepare for the ICT competition exams?
As the ICT competition exams approached, including the preliminary and national exams, I ensured that I was fully prepared. I successfully passed both exams, and in the national exam, I achieved the second-highest position in South Africa, as we were competing against participants from across the country. The regional exam posed a greater challenge as it involved practical aspects, in addition to theory and with regionals we were competing with the whole of the Southern Africa region. Despite the difficulty and the draining nature of the exam, our team leader, Lutho, never gave up. He pushed us all the way to the end, and I believe it was his dedication, along with the team’s hard work, that propelled us to the global stage and with the globals we were going to compete with countries all across the world so the expectation was high once again.
Could you share your experience at the global stage of the Huawei ICT competition?
The global stage was the toughest phase of the competition. Not only was it challenging, but it was also mentally exhausting due to the extensive content we had to cover. Despite our team’s inability to complete all the required work, we managed to secure first prize in the Huawei Global Competition Exam, which came as a surprise to me.
What lessons did you learn from your journey in the Huawei ICT Competition?
This journey taught me the importance of perseverance and not giving up on oneself or the team. Hard work, dedication, and the ability to balance various aspects of life are crucial. It also reinforced the notion that anything is possible when you give your all and that hard work pays off. I feel incredibly proud and grateful to have won first place in the Huawei ICT Competition. It is a testament to the efforts and dedication of my team and myself. This experience has been a valuable opportunity for personal and professional growth, and I am truly thankful for it.
DLO Energy Resources Group, a 100% Black female-owned renewable energy company, has announced a significant milestone in increasing female ownership and promoting gender equality within the energy sector.
The company recently acquired an additional 30% equity stake in the BBBEE Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) of the Longyuan Mulilo wind projects in the Northern Cape.
This strategic move positions DLO Energy Resources Group as the largest black female-owned shareholder in one of South Africa’s largest operational wind farms, solidifying its commitment to renewable energy and empowering women in leadership roles. DLO Energy Resources Group operates as an independent power producer, driving the transition to clean and sustainable energy solutions in South Africa and other parts of the African continent.
With a track record of successful operational and financial involvement in the sector, DLO Energy Resources Group has established itself as a leading force in the renewable energy industry. The Longyuan Mulilo wind projects, a collaboration between DLO Energy Resources Group, China Longyuan Power Group Corporation, a consortium of South African entities, and a local community trust, boast a combined capacity of 244MW.
These state-of-the-art wind farms, consisting of 163 turbines, have been actively feeding clean electricity into the national grid since 2017, significantly contributing to South Africa’s energy needs and mitigating the impact of load shedding. The wind farms have reduced carbon emissions by an estimated 619,900 tons of carbon dioxide per annum, furthering South Africa’s commitment to combat climate change.
DLO Energy Resources Group CEO Linda Mabhena-Olagunju is spearheading the company’s DLO African Women in Leadership Summit, taking place on the 15th of August in Sandton, coinciding with Women’s Month. The summit aims to empower women and facilitate their entry into the energy sector by exploring opportunities within the energy value chain.
The event will provide a platform to expose women-owned entities to the vast potential that exists in the energy sector, specifically.
‘’The renewable energy sector still has a long way to go in respect to transformation and female representation especially when it comes to ownership and operational involvement. One of the initiatives we have undertaken as a company is to leverage our knowledge and experience gathered over the years. We aim to use our platform to empower and support female entrepreneurs by providing them with guidance in identifying opportunities within the renewable energy market. The Summit will offer a workshop on understanding the renewable energy value chain. We encourage suppliers to attend as there are many opportunities in the sector,’’ says Mabhena-Olagunju.
DLO Energy Resources Group remains committed to driving the renewable energy transition, fostering diversity and inclusion within the energy sector, and empowering women to contribute meaningfully to a sustainable energy future.
Motswedi Modiba, aka Moe, has made history by becoming the first ever African to participate in one of China’s biggest singing competitions. Her performance marks the first time a black African has graced SING! China’s stage and the R&B singer-songwriter says the reception since the show aired has been overwhelming.
The brilliant South African singer-songwriter Motswedi Modiba, aka Moe, has become the first African to participate in one of China’s biggest singing competition – SING! CHINA – and she NAILED IT! She is fluent in Mandarin and is an exceptional artist. Wow!!! pic.twitter.com/rQBvDSRw4k
‘This is a historic moment, for me, for China, for South Africa, for the world. And it’s one I’m so honoured to be a part of. I took a huge leap of faith and joined one of China’s biggest singing competitions, SING! China. It is a competition that is loved and watched around Asia…by hundreds of millions of people.
‘Thank you to my team here in China of over 20 people who work so hard to make sure I succeed. Thank you for helping me iron out my Mandarin chops and giving me so much courage! I love you all so much. Thank you to my team in SA for holding me down and supporting me. To my team in the USA for actively making sure my interests are taken care of while I’m away… thank you! Biggest Thank you to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I have absolutely no words.’
She shared the clip of her first performance, noting that she sang a song which she has loved for years, translated to ‘love’. ‘Honestly, I was very nervous. But I kept thinking about what a blessing it is for me to be in this moment… and I’m so glad it worked out absolutely perfectly.’
An initiative of Wits University’s MRC/Wits Agincourt Research Unit, the Traditional Healers Project convened two ‘open houses’ at local primary healthcare facilities – Rolle Clinic and Thulamahashe Community Health Centre in rural Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga – in March 2023.
An ‘open house’ is a community and stakeholder gathering hosted at a public health facility in partnership with the Department of Health.
The aim of these sessions is to build on the relationship that the MRC/Wits Agincourt Research Unit has established between local traditional healers, community members, and healthcare facility staff to support the end of HIV through regular HIV counselling and testing.
The sessions supplement research that began almost a decade ago, focusing on traditional healers’ role in healthcare access and delivery.
Specifically, this research aims to determine:
whether traditional healers can conduct HIV counselling and testing (HCT)
whether the patients of traditional healers are willing to undergo HCT that is administered by a traditional healer
whether traditional healers and biomedical healthcare workers can work together to help link patients to HIV/AIDS diagnosis and care.
The open house sessions form part of this research and provide a platform where traditional healers and biomedical healthcare workers can come together and build mutual understanding and trust, with a view to linking those who test positive for HIV with healthcare providers who can then administer lifesaving antiretroviral treatment (ART) and care.
Dr Ryan Wagner, Senior Research Fellow at the MRC/Wits Agincourt Research Unit, leads the traditional healers programme known collectively as Ntirhisano (Shangaan for ‘working together’).
He emphasises the importance of the Ntirhisano team, traditional healers, community healthcare workers, and the Department of Health collaborating to strengthen the referral system.
“In order to expand coverage and increase uptake of HIV testing – and thereby contribute to ending new HIV cases – we need to embrace innovative approaches, such as traditional healer-initiated HIV counselling and testing,” says Wagner.
“We have recruited and trained 15 traditional healers in the Thulamahashe/Rolle area who, for the past six months, have been successfully testing their patients for HIV/AIDS. Those who tested positive have been referred to a local clinic or community healthcare worker.”
The Department of Health’s Primary Healthcare Supervisor, Sister Mariah Mkhari, says: “The Department of Health alone cannot do it, but with such collaborations between MRC/Wits and other stakeholders we will be able to conquer HIV. We welcome the initiative, and we hope Wits can expand to other areas in Bushbuckridge and train all traditional healers to test for HIV.”
