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BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Lecturer in the School of Religion, Philosophy and Classics at University of KwaZulu-Natal, Ms Helen Lenahan was invited to present a paper at the Classical Association Conference 2023 hosted at the University of Cambridge.

The annual event is held by the Classical Association (the British Society of Classicists) that marked its 120th anniversary this year.

Lenahan said that the call for papers was open to topics from a broad range of classical interests,but encouraged the submission of papers on the decolonisation of Classics.

Her paper titled, The Minotaur in the Cave: San Rock Art in a Classics Curriculum considered ‘the unique challenges facing young Classics academics in South Africa with regard to the decolonisation and Africanisation of Classics curricula.’

She argued that South African Classics could benefit from increased collaboration with South African archaeology in fields of study like San rock art, as Classics offers core skills such as the translation of dead languages and the analysis of ancient religions.

Lenahan added that the conference offered panels and papers by international and innovative academics on topics spanning a breath-taking range of research. She attended several sessions by leading researchers on topics ranging from Ancient Greek lexicography to depictions of the “other” in Greek sculpture.

Speaking of the challenges regarding her presentation, she remarked: ‘It was important for me to provide clear, concise definitions of these terms for an international audience, as well as sufficient context about what they mean in South Africa. This involved extensive, time-consuming engagement with state-wide and university-specific policies.’

She said that she is thankful for the experience that allowed her to express her belief in classical studies in a South African context which is not always obvious to academics and students.

‘It was an honour to represent the UKZN Classics Department at an international gathering of academics and researchers. This paper allowed me to combine this personal interest with my academic work in Classics,’ said Lenahan.

Image and source: UKZN

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

“Together, we can harness the power of innovation and ensure that the future of work is brimming with young potential and talent,” writes Dr Sean Kruger, a senior lecturer at the University of Pretoria’s Centre for the Future of Work, who offers his thoughts on confronting South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis.

Unemployment, labour vulnerability and deteriorating working conditions present significant challenges across not only South Africa, but the entire African continent. These obstacles not only hinder economic growth but also affect the well-being of individuals in the workforce and those seeking employment, particularly young South Africans who are confronted with the harsh reality of staggering youth unemployment rates of late.

A myriad of factors is at play here: economic turbulence, cascading effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, limited employment opportunities and a lack of relevant skills to equip young people for the future world of work.

Amid these complexities, is the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), which has been associated with disruptive forces that are automating functions and eliminating certain job areas. Consequently, it has been cited as one of the contributing factors to the youth unemployment crisis. Despite the existence of these challenges, the 4IR offers an opportunity to tackle the unemployment crisis due to its power and potential to steer transformative change. By embracing the 4IR and fostering a culture of innovation, we can empower our youth to create a brighter future.

Youth Month, which is commemorated annually in June, celebrates outstanding young people and shines the spotlight on “young accomplished excellence”. Meanwhile, for scores of young unemployed South Africans, the month is agonising as they are reminded of their unemployment status. In a world where innovation is driving change, how can these young people be empowered to seize the opportunities presented by the future of work?

Firstly, we need to inculcate a culture of innovation, and equip them with the requisite skills and mindset to thrive in the dynamic, evolving world of work. Several have argued that by embracing the 4IR and its abundant technologies, we can ensure that our youth have a brighter future.

A key avenue to embracing the 4IR is to nurture skills that will empower them to navigate its emerging opportunities and challenges. By equipping young minds with the right skill set, we can ensure their readiness to contribute to the evolving workforce and carve a prosperous future for them. As technology continues to shape the future of work, digital literacy and technological savviness have become fundamental.

Today’s youth must develop a solid understanding of digital tools, platforms and emerging technologies. This includes proficiency in data analysis, coding, artificial intelligence and automation. By harnessing these digital skills, young individuals can seize the opportunities presented by the 4IR. Moreover, they need to know how to innovate, as it is the driving force behind progress and success in the future of work. The ability to think creatively, generate original ideas and apply them in practical settings will be highly valued.

Nurturing a mindset of curiosity and encouraging young individuals to explore new possibilities will unlock their creative potential, which will enable them to contribute to innovative solutions and drive positive change.

In order for South Africa’s youth to seize opportunities in the future of work, collective action from multiple stakeholders is needed to cultivate essential proficiencies and skills that will enable youth to flourish in a rapidly changing business landscape. Educational institutions have to play a pivotal role in equipping young people with these skills to curb unemployment and promote the Sustainable Development Goals. For South Africa’s economy, exploring mechanisms that facilitate co-learning and innovation development and technology transfer are key.

By empowering our youth with the necessary skills and fostering a culture of innovation, we can curb youth unemployment and illuminate a brighter future. It is crucial that we prioritise these areas of focus to foster economic growth, social well-being and to create a more inclusive society that embraces the potential of the 4IR. Together, we can harness the power of innovation and ensure that the future of work is brimming with young potential and talent.

Image and source: UP

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

A petrol attendant working at Engen in Nelspruit has become a local celebrity after his community shared just how much he makes people’s days that much better thanks to his ‘positive energy only’ mindset. And with the price of fuel skyrocketing in recent years, a friendly smile and brilliant service are enough to make anyone’s day a little better.

Pillay Mnisi was named and famed in a recent post on the public group Nelspruiters after Facebook user, Natasja Grobler De Kock shared how friendly and enthusiastic her experience at the petrol station was, thanks to Pillay.

“Nelspruiters, I just filled my car at prime corner Engen garage. (opposite Food Lovers Market/Abeega) Pillay, just made my day! What a friendly, enthusiastic man!!! If you just need a good dose of energy, I would strongly recommend you go fill your car there and get your dose of positivity!! Wow, in the negative times we live in, I just had to share these positive vibes!” Natasja wrote.

Even on his Facebook profile, Pillay’s posts are often uplifting and filled with positivity:

“It is so amazing what positivity can do it can make you forget about life problems for a while, but it can also help you live your life to the fullest,” he wrote.

Images: Facebook

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

The University of Johannesburg’s Arts & Culture division is thrilled to announce its participation in the highly anticipated Vrystaat Arts Festival, taking place in Bloemfontein this July. 

The Vrystaat Arts Festival is a celebration of creativity and cultural expression, offering a diverse range of artistic experiences across various disciplines, including theatre, music, dance, literature, and visual arts. 

Building on the festival’s growing reputation, this year’s edition promises to be exceptional, with UJ showcasing two captivating artistic experiences that will leave audiences inspired and enthralled. 

The Vrystaat Arts Festival programme will feature Echoes of Heritage, an innovative contemporary music performance composed by the talented Mbuso Ndlovu and performed by the world-renowned University of Johannesburg Choir.   

This extraordinary body of work comprises eight original compositions and six arrangements, aiming to beautifully illustrate the significance of cattle ownership and its integral role in indigenous African societies. With an enchanting blend of harmonies, captivating choreography, and evocative storytelling, UJ Choir will breathe life into the vibrant tapestry of practices, ceremonies, and traditions underpinned by the importance of ownership in African cultures. Drawing from the lyrical beauty of seven distinct South African languages, this performance celebrates a myriad of traditional South African choral music styles, creating a truly enriching experience. 

Ndlovu, currently participating in the UJ Artists in Residence Programme (AIR), shares his anticipation, “Being part of the AIR programme has provided me with unparalleled freedom to explore and expand my creativity. The collaboration with Renette Bouwer, Senior Choir Master of UJ Choir, and the talented choristers have been nothing short of inspiring, allowing me to witness the realisation of my compositional explorations. Echoes of Heritage serves as a remarkable testament to my artistic expression.” 

With only two performances at the Vrystaat Arts Festival, Echoes of Heritage will be presented at the Odeion Auditorium on 13 July at 16:00 and 15 July at 17:00. Tickets are available for R160 at the door and R140 for early birds. 

UJ Arts & Culture proudly presents Black Boi meets Boogeyman produced by Siziintsomi Creations and Different Immersive in collaboration with World Poetry Slam Champion, Xabiso Vili and The Brother Moves On. This visionary XR 360° visual album is an immersive experience with multi-endings where the viewers ‘choose their own adventure’. The album aims to serve as a transformative portal, utilizing XR (Extended Reality) artistry to foster communal healing and ignite the imagination of both artists and communities.  

This work of speculative fiction follows the protagonist, Black Boi, on a heroic quest through a South Africa in need of rediscovering its light to confront the Boogeyman and transform toxic masculinity into compassionate masculinity.  

As a forward-thinking institution, the University of Johannesburg has long been committed to blending technology and the arts to create extraordinary experiences that push the boundaries of reality. Black Boi meets Boogeyman aligns perfectly with this vision, highlighting UJ Arts & Culture’s dedication to cultivating partnerships with emerging artists and propelling their work to new heights of innovation. 

Pieter Jacobs, Head of UJ Arts & Culture, expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with new artists and exploring the possibilities presented by innovative technology and extended reality within the arts.  

“By embracing cutting-edge technology and pushing the boundaries of creative expression, we continuously expand our understanding of the endless possibilities within the arts,” Jacobs shared. 

Immerse yourself in the transformative journey of Black Boi meets Boogeyman, available for free throughout the Vrystaat Arts Festival in the KykNet Scaena Foyer. 

Image and source: UJ

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

We first met his wife, now we get to see them share a scene together Bheki Mkhwane joins the Nikiwe ensemble cast as Mhlaba – MaDlamini’s father.

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Based in rural KZN, this is also where we find Mhlaba together with his wife MamKhulu (Duduzile Ngcobo) Mhlaba is a hardworking man that operates in the taxi industry. He’s estranged relationship with his two kids forces him to travel to Joburg.

But one question still remains, we know of MaDlamini as their child, who could their second child be?

Image: Supplied

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Mampho returns to House of Zwide with her mom, causing more havoc and drama for the Zwides.

Maria was born and raised in the Vaal in a super traditional family who didn’t invest much in her education. She was just supposed to find a husband who would take care of her, and she did exactly that. Maria got married and had two children, Mampho and a younger son, Kevin. But Mampho was always a troublemaker- since childhood.

She was always too intelligent for her own good and Maria’s husband used that as the perfect excuse to abscond from his family and leave them high and dry. Maria had to raise her two children alone, constantly clashing with the free-spirited Mampho. Back then, Maria ran a small sewing business and one day, Mampho stole money from her own mother.

The young rebel then ran away to Joburg to start a new life in fashion. Maria stopped talking to her daughter, cutting her off completely. That is, until she gets into financial trouble and needs a bail-out.

If you think Mampho is dramatic, wait until you meet her mom, Maria.

Image: Supplied

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

The A-Team from the Technopreneurship Centre within the School of Consumer Intelligence and Information Systems at the University of Johannesburg emerged victorious in the NEMISA 2022 provincial datascience hackathon, and the national hackathon held in Durban earlier this year.

Their ground-breaking innovation, Falsify, a WhatsApp chatbot that fact-checks information in real-time, outshone competitors, and secured the prestigious top spot. The University expressed pride in the team, “Congratulations to the A-Team for their exceptional work and for showcasing the University of Johannesburg’s commitment to fostering student #4IR, innovation, and academic excellence!”

One of the team members, Kenan Kasongo wrote, “I’m thrilled to share that my team and I recently won the overall prize at the Nemisa data science hackathon in Durban! Our solution, Falsify is a fake news detection bot on WhatsApp that uses data science algorithms and machine learning to identify and flag potentially misleading or false information.

It was an incredible experience working alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry, and I’m so proud of what we were able to achieve in such a short amount of time. Winning the overall prize is a true honor, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to apply my skills and knowledge to address real-world challenges like fake news.

I’m excited to see how we can take Falsify to the next level and make a real impact in the fight against misinformation. Thank you to Nemisa for hosting such an amazing event, and to my team for their hard work and dedication.”

Image: LinkedIn

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Senior lecturer in biokinetics at Nelson Mandela University’s Human Movement Science Department Dr Aayesha Kholvadia recently received the Healthcare Leadership Award from The Alliance of South Africa Independent Practitioners Associations (ASAIPA).

Dr Kholvadia received the award together with Dr Takalani Muluvhu, biokinetics lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology, at ASAIPA’S National Medical Awards for their advancement of biokinetic services in the public health sector.

“Receiving the National Medical Award and Healthcare Leadership Award means the world to me, as it acknowledges my unwavering dedication to promoting health and wellbeing in society through physical activity initiatives.

“It fills me with immense happiness to be recognized for my service and reinforces my commitment to making a positive impact on individuals’ lives,” said Dr Kholvadia. ASAIPA is a national network organisation, representing 13 independent practitioners’ associations throughout South Africa.

Drs Kholvadia and Muluvhu’s collaborative efforts focused on the importance of addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity, and managing these with exercise and movement.

They further worked on extending biokinetic services to the public, particularly in South Africa, where NCDs pose a significant burden. In this way health and quality of life will improve if the impact of NCDs decrease, ultimately contributing to a healthier society.

These diseases are associated with various risk factors, including sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and limited access to healthcare services.

Biokinetics, which focuses on exercise and movement as therapy, has proven to be effective in preventing and managing NCDs. However, the availability of Biokinetic services has been limited in the public health sector, leading to a significant gap in addressing these health issues.

Drs Kholvadia and Muluvhu worked towards integrating Biokinetics into the public health sector, bridging the gap in preventive and therapeutic interventions for NCDs and enhancing healthcare delivery.

They also developed tailored programmes for individuals affected by NCDs to engage in physical activity and adopt healthier lifestyles.

Through advocacy and strategic partnerships with government entities, healthcare institutions, and community organisations, the collaboration successfully established biokinetic services within the public health sector as well as personalised interventions. considering age and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Workshops, seminars, and educational initiatives were organised to ensure that healthcare providers were equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to deliver high-quality biokinetic services.

Research showed that therapy led to a reduction in cardiovascular risks, improved glycaemic control among diabetes patients, and enhanced weight management outcomes, among other positive health indicators.

Image and source: NMU

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Meet Dr Thakgalo Thibela, South Africa’s youngest female Medical Doctor. At age 21, she obtained a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the University of the Witwatersrand.

She was born and raised in Violet Bank, a village in the small town of Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga province, South Africa.

She attended Farel Primary School, skipped Grade 7, and enrolled straight to Lehlasedi High School, where shedid not do Grade 9. The Circuit Manager managing the circuit where her Primary School and High School fell under made a decision that learners who perform exceptionally well academically get to skip grades, so she was not the first one nor was she the last to skip some grades.

Dr Thibela feels she was just fortunate enough to have skipped two grades because of her academic excellence. She was promoted from Grade 6 to 8 and from Grade 8 to 10. The change in schools and the age gap it brought about did not have a negative impact on her.

At age 16, she received a bursary from Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and got admitted to the University of Witwatersrand, where she successfully enrolled for a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree.

Dr Thibela continued to work hard in a cutthroat field of study and her efforts earned her a Golden Key International Honorary membership.

“I’ve always wanted to do medicine since my days in pre-school. This dream almost got shattered when my Grade 11 results came back, and they were nowhere satisfactory, and this pushed me to do my best in matric in order to get accepted to study medicine. I attended all the extra classes and studied throughout the night with my friends. This paid–off though as I ended up with 7 out of 8 distinctions in matric,” she said.

Dr Thakgalo Thibela is currently a Community Service Doctor at Mapulaneng Hospital and intends on becoming a Neurosurgeon in the nearest future.

Image: LinkedIn

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

The Future Africa Institute at the University of Pretoria is pleased to announce and extend its congratulations to Dire Tladi, Professor of International Law and Future Africa’s Research Chair of Global Equity in Africa, on his nomination as South Africa’s candidate to serve as a judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), commonly known as the World Court.

Prof Tladi’s nomination was officially endorsed by the cabinet of South Africa in May 2023, marking a significant recognition of his exceptional expertise and outstanding contributions to the field of international law. The election for the International Court of Justice judges is scheduled to take place in November 2023.

The International Court of Justice, comprised of 15 judges elected by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council for nine-year terms, holds an important role in settling legal disputes between nations in accordance with international law. Additionally, it provides authoritative advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorised United Nations organs and specialised agencies.

Beyond his nomination, Prof Tladi has demonstrated exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to the field of international law. He currently serves as President of the South African Branch of the International Law Association and is an Executive Member of the International Law Association.

“I am deeply honoured to be nominated as South Africa’s candidate for the International Court of Justice. If elected, I will diligently fulfil my responsibilities and contribute to the Court’s mission of upholding international law and promoting global equity,” said Prof Tladi.

Among his notable achievements, Prof Tladi leads the Future Africa Research Chair in Global Equity established in March 2023. The Chair’s primary objective is to pursue multi-perspective strategies for global equity, with a particular focus on addressing equity issues in Africa. It aims to identify the challenges hindering progress on the continent and chart innovative pathways to overcome them.

Prof Tladi has also held several key positions within the field of international law, including serving as the Chair of the International Law Commission, an organ of the United Nations renowned for its contributions to the International Court of Justice. He has provided his invaluable expertise as the legal adviser of the South African mission in New York and as a Special Adviser to the South African Foreign Minister.

The Future Africa Institute and the University of Pretoria proudly support Prof Tladi’s candidature for the International Court of Justice. His appointment would significantly contribute to the advancement of international law and the pursuit of global justice.

Image and source: LinkedIn