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BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Clueless Moms has teamed up with renowned Dermatological brand Bioderma for their upcoming event, “Learn and Play,” designed to inform and empower parents in managing the common skin condition, Eczema while their children play. The event will be held on 20 August 2023 at “Ground The Venue” in Gauteng.

Clueless Moms, founded by Dr Katlego Lekalakala, is a leading initiative empowering woman with accessible and relatable information on maternal health and childcare. The initiative hosts events, offers educational resources, and facilitates connections to help moms thrive in their motherhood journey.

Bioderma, the lead sponsor, will provide attendees with specially curated Eczema kits featuring their innovative Atoderm range. This range is formulated to effectively manage and nourish dry to atopic skin, offering parents the necessary tools to address their child’s Eczema concerns.

Meagan Olevano, Bioderma’s Head of Brand and Medical Marketing, will be a featured speaker at the event. Meagan’s expertise alongside Specialist Dermatologist, Dr Bonolo Mushiana will guide attendees through the proper use and benefits of Bioderma’s Atoderm range, equipping parents with practical tips and advice on caring for atopic skin.

“We are excited to partner with Bioderma for our ‘Learn and Play’ event, focusing on Eczema management,” said Dr Katlego Lekalakala, Founder of Clueless Moms. “Bioderma’s commitment to developing gentle and effective skincare solutions aligns perfectly with our mission of empowering parents. Together, we aim to provide attendees with the support they need in navigating the challenges of Eczema.”

The “Learn and Play” event offers a bespoke 3 course lunch for adults, picnic lunch and interactive activities for their toddlers, educational sessions, and networking opportunities for parents. The event will be styled by their Event partner and renowned event planner agency. Maverick Events.

Image: Supplied

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

The Mahogany Sessions are sharing a stunning new session, filmed with Bongeziwe Mabandla in an ice cave high in the Swiss Alps.
 
In what Mahogany describes as “one of our most insane locations so far” Mabandla and the crew were flown in a mountain rescue helicopter to the cave. There, surrounded by ice, he performed a starkly beautiful version of “noba bangathini” that you can watch here.

Mabandla’s Mahogany session was part of a series of live sessions that were filmed in stunning alpine landscapes during the Zermatt Unplugged festival in Switzerland in June. Mahogany is a leading online channel for live performances and music discovery.
 
“I have never been so cold in my life,” says Mabandla. “It was minus 15 degrees when the helicopter put us in the deep snow on the mountain and I had to perform super-fast as the weather was turning and the pilot was coming back to fetch us. But playing in that ice cave was an unforgettable experience and I think it added a really unique dimension to ‘noba bangathini’.”

Image: Supplied

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Congratulations are in order for actor Zenzo Ngqobe who has won the esteemed ‘Best Actor’ award at the recently held International Black and Diversity Film Festival in Canada. Expressing deep humility and gratitude to God, Ngqobe shared that he never anticipates awards when taking on acting roles, as his passion for the craft goes far beyond accolades.

For Ngqobe, acting is a lifelong dedication that he would pursue even without financial gain. He expressed his sincere appreciation for his fellow actors in the film Partly, Cloudy, and Hot, acknowledging their talent for creating an environment that allowed him to shine. Ngqobe specifically congratulated his onscreen wife, Kaone Kairo, for her remarkable performance.

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The actor further extended his gratitude to Donal Molos, the Executive producer of Partly Cloudy and Hot, the film Director, Moreetsi Gabang, and the ‘wonderful’ crew and team at Cattle Pot Films for the opportunity to be part of this great production. “It was a marvel to work with you all,” he said, dedicating the win to the rest of the African continent. 

In closing, Ngqobe thanked his family, friends, and the management of the Zenzo Ngqope Foundation for their continued support. “To all my fans and dear viewers, I’m nothing without you, may you all be blessed,” he expressed gratitude.

Image: Instagram

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

The School of Health Systems and Public Health (SHSPH) at the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria hosted its first SHSPH Research Day on 29 June 2023 to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

It was held under the theme ‘Strengthening Health Systems through Research’ – underpinned by the school’s efforts since its establishment to address pressing challenges in health systems and public health through research, education, and community engagement, particularly with the strategic focus on Africa.

Professor Lekan Ayo-Yusuf, Chairperson of the School of Health Systems and Public Health, opened proceedings on Research Day by highlighting the school’s collective achievements over the past twenty-five years.

“Some of our collaborative work has been published in high-impact international journals, including the Nature, the Lancet, and the New England Journal of Medicine. The research emanating from our school has not only advanced scientific knowledge, but also influenced policy, improved healthcare practices, and saved countless lives.

“We have also hosted large USAID grants, gave birth to the UP Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control and started the first ever fully online postgraduate diploma programme at the University of Pretoria,” said Prof Ayo-Yusuf.

The research day aimed to highlight the SHSPH’s contribution to strengthening health systems and improving population health through high-quality research. Additionally, it sought to promote engagement in transformative panel discussions and networking opportunities.

Prof Ayo-Yusuf urged the attendees to celebrate the achievements of the past and present and look forward with optimism and determination as set out in the school’s five-year strategic plan.

“Together, we can redefine the future of health systems and public health and shape the world where health is not merely the absence of disease, but the foundation of prosperity and well-being by implication, the pathway to sustainable human development.”

In his welcoming address, the Faculty of Health Sciences Dean, Professor Tiaan de Jager, expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the success of the School of Health Systems and Public Health and its research over the past 25 years, highlighting significant milestones.

“As we reflect on the past 25 years, It is essential to acknowledge the visionary leadership that shaped the School of Health Systems and Public Health into what it is today. I had the honour of serving as the chairperson of the school from 2010 to 2012, and it fills me with immense pride to witness the growth and accomplishments of your school over the years.”

Collaboration and partnerships

During this period, Prof De Jager said the school had witnessed the establishment of the UP Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control and developed other entities, and research groups.

“We’ve established the environmental, chemical pollution and health research unit, which is a collaboration with the Department of Urology. I also think one of the first where we created an entity where there’s a strong collaboration and partnership between different schools in the Faculty, and the significance of that, you should never underestimate going forward.”

In addition, Prof de Jager said there were several other focus areas, air pollution and its impact on human health, for example. “But I think we are now mature enough to step up, in various domains of public health across Africa, the social determinants of health, equity in health, mental health, tobacco control, global health, leadership, prostate cancer, and the list continues.”

He added that the first official School of Health Systems and Public Health Research Day and the 25th anniversary of the school are testimony to the dedication and hard work of all those who have been part of the school’s journey.

He urged attendees to embrace their roles as leaders in the public health domain.

“Let us continue to build capacity, conduct ground-breaking research, transform and foster collaborations, and address pressing health challenges facing our continent.”

Human centeredness: a key strength

In a recorded message, Vice-Principal for Research, Postgraduate Studies and Innovation Support Professor Sunil Maharaj said the school has become the embodiment of the University’s commitment to achieving research through impact and multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration. “This is evident from the range of expertise brought together in the school from different departments and faculties within the University, and the many external partners that support the school in its mission,” he added.

“Today we recognise another key strength of the school; namely, its human centeredness through the postgraduate diplomas, honours and master’s programmes offered by the school and the doctoral research in specialties such as environmental health, epidemiology, health systems, and public health. The school pursues its vision and approach to enrich lives and inspire public health excellence in Africa.”

Keynote speaker Professor Mosa Moshabela, Professor of Public Health and Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, spoke to guests about the National Health Insurance during the event.

“The problems with the public sector versus the private sector, which we are acknowledging that we need to deal with, especially the fact that many healthcare workers are drawn out of the public sector into the private sector and the inequities between the two, and the people who use them,” he said.

“In a well-functioning unified health system, you want a balance between cost, access and quality, right, all of them together,” he concluded.

Image and source: UP

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

In 2022, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants named Nolwazi Mdunge, 29, the top 35 under 35 chartered accountant in the country and she was also awarded the NPC Executive of the Year by Abasa.

As a finance business partner at Mondi, she offers financial consultation to decision-makers and assesses the feasibility of new revenue streams, managing a R250 million budget. At the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, Nolwazi founded the Little Miss Sunshine Foundation, which is a non-profit company aiming to promote early childhood development, and women empowerment, and address some of the social ills faced in South Africa.

Its first project was donating food vouchers and parcels to over 500 families. Together with Rise Against Hunger, an international organisation that co-ordinates the distribution of food, it delivered 500 meals to families. Among the Little Miss Sunshine Foundation’s other projects are donating shoes to primary schools, giving a year’s supply of sanitary pads to two high schools and assisting university students.

Nolwazi is driven by the need to “make an impact in society and address the social ills faced in communities. Leaving people in a better condition than I found them is rewarding and motivates me to keep assisting where I can.” Her advice to her younger self would be: “Take time to enjoy life (responsibly) because it passes by so quickly. Don’t stress about the future, you’re on the right track. Everything works out in the end.”

Image: LinkedIn

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

“I want to play a part in opening avenues for young Africans to rise and take their place on the world stage” says Jackson Tshabalala, 30, from the Leva Foundation, who was named in the Civil Society category of the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans for 2023.

“I imagine how the little I do can influence the lives of those who come after me, and that drives me”, Jackson says.

He holds a BA in industrial and organisational psychology and English language studies from Nelson Mandela University and a post graduate diploma in management practices from Henley Business School:

As the operations manager for Leva Foundation, Jackson is a future-oriented thinker who believes that young South Africans have a crucial role to play in the world and that education and access to resources are key.

He has exceptional leadership skills. Heading up HQ staff members and regional coordinators across the country with more than 200 coding ambassadors on the ground, he has helped the Tangible Africa project engage with 100,000 learners and trains 20,000 teachers across South Africa, as well as in other African and European countries.

Tangible Africa introduces coding concepts without the use of computers. Jackson pitched the Tangible Africa project at the Africa Union Commission and Partners Innovating Education in Africa (2022) flagship programme in Tunis, Tunisia, winning second place.

He also hosted the national Coding4Mandela tournament on Mandela Day where over 6,000 learners engaged with the Tangible Africa project.

Jackson is heading to Ireland this year to lead a training programme for teachers and learners in that country. His wish for South Africa is to see a drastically reduced youth unemployment rate and higher investment in entrepreneurship.

He wants the country to be one that produces global leaders who contribute positively to the development of the continent and the world. South Africa should develop technology hubs where young people can create innovative education, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities that solve global energy and environmental issues.

“My brother bought me a “cops and robbers” handheld game set for my sixth birthday. The joy I felt that day is the joy I want people to feel. Because of this, I foster environments where people care about the joy others get through the work they do. This has allowed me to enjoy the work I do and therefore achieve more”, Jackson says.

As great as the wealth of our natural resources is, it is the young people of Africa who will unlock its potential, he says.

Image and source: NMU

BY Vanessa Mpatlanyane and Nkosazana Ngwadla

Vanessa is a sociologist who started Ubusha Bami, a registered Mbombela-based NPO with the purpose of effectively catering to adolescent health needs especially those focusing on sexual and reproductive health matters.

“I am proud of the work we do at and through Ubusha Bami. Seeing effort = impact is absolutely unmatched. Yesterday UB got to be part of @Seymore du Toit & Basson’s initiative to encourage matric students from Mbombela schools to be their absolute best. The session focused on the power young people have to be change-makers . As UB we emphasized the impact of sexual and reproductive choices on one’s life course, and how mentorship allows one a glimpse into the future which may prove effective in making wise choice in the present moment. Young and old, novice and master …these collaborations are crucial.

In true UB style, we emphasized this point by doing what we do best … design original educational-entertainment!

For this session we designed and facilitated an activity that required team work, collaboration and support. Of the many things I have learned in my journey as an Andrew W. Mellon Foundation-funded PhD student and member of the HUMA – Institute for Humanities in Africa family, collaboration has to be one of the most significant.

Quality team work really does make the dream work! I carry this lesson (turned skill & ethic) with me in other spaces too, my community engagement and public speaking appointments included!

The temptation to go at things alone will always taunt you. Fear of embarrassment for not knowing, imposter syndrome and even your ego may stop you from accepting help and walking confidently into opportunities set up for your growth. As if that weren’t enough threat, a voice inside you may remind you of all the reasons you are undeserving of the seats you occupy. Truth be told… challenges inside and outside of us are never in lack. So what do we do?

We accept that a teachable willing spirit and temporary novice status are the price we pay for growth, learning and mastery. We accept that we must learn from others and supplement our strengths with theirs. We activate our collaboration bone!

Do it! Be a novice! Be teachable! Traverse boundaries on the back on collaboration! Pay the price! Why? Because your greatness is what you get in return.

Image: LinkedIn

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Season 3 begins with the Zwides facing the most powerful enemy they’ve ever encountered. Nandipha is wealthier, smarter and more connected than they are. And it all leads up to the point where Funani and Faith must set aside their differences and work together to bring her down.

The season opens with Senzo’s funeral, a moment of intense emotion and heartbreak. The Zwides are shattered by his death and the Molapos are there for them. You can only imagine the pain Faith goes through as a mother. She is convinced it was Nandipha who killed her son -and the audience is certain it was. But in a surprising twist, Senzo’s autopsy determines he died of natural causes, not foul play.

We later reveal Nandipha actually has compromising photos of the doctor who did the autopsy, and she blackmailed him. This is who Nandipha is, always a step ahead, and always willing to cross any line.  But a mother’s instinct runs deep, and Faith can’t shake the feeling Nandipha was behind all of this.

Get ready for an epic season 3!

Image: Supplied

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

According to a Cambridge University study, financial habits are formed by the age of seven, with most young people forming the core behaviours that will affect financial decisions they make during the rest of their lives,

As a result, Mashile has written a book to educate children from a young age.

“I absolutely adore kids and teaching them about money concepts is something I’m really passionate about,” she wrote.

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Professor Janet Wesson from the Department of Computing Sciences at Nelson Mandela University recently received a prestigious international award.

Prof Wesson, along with four other world-renowned academics, were awarded the prestigious IFIP TC13 Pioneer in Human-Computer Interaction title by the International Federation for Information Processing Technical Committee on Human–Computer Interaction (IFIP TC13).

“I am delighted to receive this prestigious award as recognition of my contribution to TC13 and the field of HCI globally,” said Prof Wesson.

Prof Wesson is the only 2023 awardee from Africa to receive this award, bestowed upon global pioneers considered as “the greatest contributors to the development and growth of the field of human-computer interaction (HCI)” according to a statement by IFIP TC13.

The last time someone from Africa received this award was almost a decade ago in 2014.

IFIP is an international organisation for ICT professionals and researchers, representing IT societies in 38 countries or regions, covering all five continents with a total membership of over half a million.

Prof Wesson has been one of the pioneers of HCI in South Africa, with most of her personal research focused on HCI, including Interaction Design, Information Visualization, Smart Homes, and Usability Engineering.

She explains her field of research specialisation, in layman’s terms, to always consider the user and the user experience (UX) first as technology advances. “My research has been rewarding, and it has been exciting to meet with international experts from across the world through organisations such as IFIP,” said Prof Wesson.

She has been South Africa’s national representative on TC13 since 2000 and served multiple roles on this international committee, including vice-chair and treasurer from 2004-2010, and secretary from 2022-present. TC13 organises the IFIP INTERACT Conference, which is held bi-annually. She also co-chaired INTERACT 2013, which was held in Cape Town.

Prof Wesson, who will be retiring at the end of the 2023, has enjoyed a long and exciting teaching and research career in the Department of Computing Sciences at Nelson Mandela University, spanning more than 40 years.

Department of Computing Sciences Head of Department, Prof Jean Greyling, said the department was very proud of the latest accolade Prof Wesson has received. “This is well deserved, since Janet has applied her expertise in Human-Computer Interaction over many years in teaching and research supervision, equipping literally hundreds of graduates who are now making an impact across the world.”

She has taught virtually every course in the department – from first year to Honours – including programming, data structures, database systems, software engineering, mobile computing, HCI, and usability engineering, inter alia.

Some of her career highlights include serving as Head of the Department of Computing Sciences (2005 – 2009), and Director of the School of Computing Sciences, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics from 2017 – 2021.

She is the Centre Head of the Nelson Mandela University/Telkom Centre of Excellence and Unit Head of the Smart Applications Unit. She has successfully supervised 10 PhD students and 34 Master’s degree students on the topic of HCI.

Prof Wesson obtained her Bachelors, Honours and Master’s degrees in Computing Sciences from Nelson Mandela University (formerly the University of Port Elizabeth), all cum laude. The title of her PhD thesis, obtained in 1997, was: “An Investigation into Design Methodologies for Usability: A Case Study Approach”.

Image and source: NMU