Johnathan Paoli

A historic one-year learnership programme has been launched under the theme of the Umcebo Ngemfundo (“Wealth through Education”) to assist in bridging the gap between people living with disabilities and accessing skills, specifically within the finance and accounting sector.

The Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET), together with Blind SA, launched a collaborative learnership programme, Umcebo Ngemfundo, on Thursday at the Protea OR Tambo Hotel and Conference Centre.

Blind SA President Christo de Klerk welcomed the event attendees and thanked everyone for their support and work in facilitating this transformative initiative.

“Thank you to those who have partnered with us in one of Blind SA’s most ambitious projects. This is new to us, but we commend you for joining us in this plunge into the dark,” de Klerk said.

Organisers for the launch said with 98% of visually impaired people unemployed in the country due to labour market factors; this programme aims to provide visually impaired people with the skills they need to close the skills gap between education and the workforce.

The programme is expected to illustrate how independence and wealth will be achieved in the lives of the students after they complete the course, especially since they will be employable and earn decent salaries.

Blind SA CEO Jace Nair said the launch marked a historic day in transformation.

He said that just over 10% of the visually impaired have primary education and that it was thus essential to acquire skills and qualifications to reduce unemployment and dependency on social grants within the blind community.

Nair said only 40% of Blind SA’s members had grade 11 or higher and that none of the treasurers operating in the organisation’s 49 branches across the country had any financial or accounting training.

“We also have the challenge that there are just over 24 schools for the blind and that learners at the schools are not exposed to accounting, maths or stem subjects, effectively limiting their access to tertiary institutions,” he said.

The CEO confirmed that 114 applicants applied for the programme over the last month, but as only 50 places were available, further interviews were required.

Nair said 41 out of the 50 places were among the youth, and 31 were women, highlighting the need for transformation within the blind community.

The programme comprises six months of classroom instruction and another six months of hands-on training at organisations like Work Integrated Training Solutions, facilitated by the South African Chambers of Commerce.

The CEO confirmed that face-to-face training would be conducted in the applicants’ home provinces and said that 19 were from Gauteng, with the remainder from the rest of the country.

Nair highlighted the crucial role of placement through private sector partners, which ensures that learners spend at least six months acquiring the experience, ethics, and skills of the working environment.

In addition, the CEO said for these learners to succeed, they require reasonable accommodation and the provision of laptops with screen reading software.

“We have to provide training to our learners so they can use Zoom and other platforms because training is blended online and face-to-face, and we are grateful to receive financial and other forms of support,” Nair said.

Interim Chair of the FASSAT Board Bongani Mathibela praised the launch of what he called the first of its kind for all organisations involved.

“Our vision is to create valuable learning experiences that make a meaningful impact in the lives of the beneficiaries,” Mathibela said.

He thanked the hard work of the FASSET staff in empowering members of the country who were prevented from accessing employment opportunities and contributing to the economy.

Programme beneficiary Wendy Hill from Pretoria thanked the organisations involved. It said she would not have gotten where she did without the help and support of such programmes.

“To be partially sighted is very challenging and very difficult. This is a blessing, from being told you can’t be accommodated to being told there are no facilities for you. I don’t just speak for myself, I speak for 18 others, we are blessed,” she said.
The launch concluded with anticipation of a positive outcome for the program.
“We are certain that it will transform lives and contribute positively towards the country’s economy through harvesting financial stability, accessibility, equal opportunities and inclusion,” Mathibela said.
Induction is expected to start next week, with the programme beneficiaries meeting and organising with the technical team.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Edwin Naidu

Professor Francis Petersen, the Vice-Chancellor designate of the University of Pretoria, has expressed his unwavering commitment to aligning with Tuks’ vision.

He envisions the university to be a leading research-intensive institution in Africa, renowned globally for its quality, relevance, and impact, and for its role in developing people, creating knowledge, and making a difference locally and globally.

“Rest assured, my strategy for UP fully aligns with the vision,” he assured Inside Education.

Prof Petersen said that he would be taking over a respected, stable university, one of the largest residential universities in the country. His unwavering focus would be on consolidating, recalibrating, and examining what works and what does not, with a firm commitment to addressing the challenges rather than adding to them.

With a leadership style rooted in listening, Prof Petersen is acutely aware of UP’s status and standing, acknowledging that no institution is immune from the challenges facing all learning institutions. However, he is confident in leveraging his extensive experience in education and the corporate sector to propel UP towards its vision of becoming the best in Africa, instilling a sense of assurance in his capability to lead.

On Friday, UP said in a statement that Professor Petersen’s appointment is a testament to his distinguished academic leadership record and wealth of experience in higher education.

“His unique blend of engineering, finance, and academic management expertise positions him to lead the University of Pretoria into a new era of innovation and excellence. Professor Petersen’s educational journey is a testament to his academic prowess.”

He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) and a Master of Engineering (Metallurgical Engineering) from the University of Stellenbosch, and a Ph.D. in Engineering. A Financial Skills for Executive Management course from IIR Training further enhanced his academic achievements.

Throughout his illustrious career, Professor Petersen has held various academic positions at the University of Stellenbosch, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, University of Cape Town, and University of the Free State. His leadership roles have ranged from Head of Department to Dean and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, showcasing his extensive and proven experience in academic management at departmental, faculty, and institutional levels.

In a statement to staff on Friday, Free State University confirmed that Prof Petersen who has been Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the Free State (UFS) since 1 April 2017 and has been reappointed by the Council for a second five-year term as of 31 March 2022 would take up the role at UP.

“Prof Petersen’s tenure at the UFS was characterised by remarkable leadership, and the Council greatly appreciates his work and the university’s achievements under his leadership. Excellence, inclusivity, innovation, academic freedom, a particular focus and emphasis on critical enquiry, social responsiveness, and integrity were the value characteristics through which Prof Petersen led as Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UFS. He led the university through challenging and complex times – not only for the institution but also for the higher education sector – with a primary focus on and commitment to stakeholder engagement. He brought stability to the university and emphasised the institution’s visibility and its impact on society.”

“On behalf of the Council and the entire university community, I thank and commend Prof Petersen for his dedicated leadership and wish him all the best in his new role as Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria,” said Mr David Noko, Chairperson of the UFS Council.

“Serving as Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the Free State has been one of the greatest honours of my career, and I am immensely proud of everything we have achieved together over the past seven years. During my tenure, I have been blessed to work with and meet exceptional staff, students, and other stakeholders from one of the greatest universities in the country to advance the UFS further nationally and internationally. As I step down, I am grateful for the support and collaboration from our university community. I am confident that the university is well positioned for continued growth and success,” said Prof Petersen.

The UFS Council will appoint an acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal to serve in this position from 1 October 2024 until a new incumbent is appointed.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Staff Reporter

Voter education is crucial, but only 52% of respondents in a survey labelled the education campaign run by the Electoral Commission of South Africa as “beneficial” and “somewhat useful.”

In a boost for democracy, a Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) survey found that voters’ trust in the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) was high.

More than 16 million citizens cast their votes in the National and Provincial Elections (NPE) on Wednesday, 29 May, translating into a voter turnout of 58.61%

The HSRC’s preliminary findings on the survey conducted on Election Day, as South Africans voted, marking 30 years since the historic first democratic elections in 1994.

The HSRC released its preliminary findings on Friday at the IEC National Results Operations Centre (ROC) in Midrand. 

Regarding the level of information, roughly 13% stated that they had far too little information, and 10% said they had too little information about the voting procedures.

Meanwhile, 42% said that the IEC website was “very useful” in providing information and education, and 23% said it was “somewhat useful.”

With more than 40 million citizens eligible to vote and 28 million registered to participate, turnout was low.

In the Election Satisfaction Survey (ESS), voters were asked questions about the election process, including whether the 2024 NPE were free and fair. 

The survey aimed to establish the opinions and perceptions of voters and their electoral experience. The research sampled 300 voting stations selected countrywide, proportional to race, geographic type and the number of voting stations in each province.

“Trust in the Electoral Commission was high, and almost all voters felt that they were safe to cast their ballot in secrecy,” the survey found.

According to the HSRC’s Dr Benjamin Roberts, trust in the country’s election management body is at an all-time high of 80%. 

“The trust in the commission remains dominant… Amongst the general public, trust in the commission has been declining, as it has in all core political institutions over the last decade and a half, although the IEC remains among the trusted institutions in the country.

“But obviously, the voting public trust is much higher.” 

Roberts believes this is predominantly because those who had a positive experience left the

aspect of the queuing time, which translates to the institution’s validation. 

“The other reason is that for many South Africans, the predominant response to unhappiness with the function of the political system is the abstention and not electoral turnout. We’re finding increasing polarisation of happier voters and discontent and abstinence. That’s what’s probably driving the positive evaluations,” said Roberts.

Meanwhile, results indicated that voters overwhelmingly believed the 2024 NPE were free and fair and positively rated the conduct of officials at voting stations.

“Almost all voters felt safe to cast their ballot in secrecy,” said Roberts.

The majority of voters also felt that the IEC adequately considered the needs of vulnerable groups, including older people and people with disabilities. 

However, the finding showed that queuing times at voting stations increased relative to more recent elections, which affected electoral evaluations. 

In addition, most voters were pleased with the ballot papers, with 58% indicating they were “delighted” and 35% told researchers they were “satisfied”.

However, 38% wanted to improve the ballot paper for future elections.

In addition, fewer people believe their vote counts than those who think they must vote. 

Shifting the focus to coercion, 12% reported experiencing someone trying to force them to vote for a particular political party or candidate, while nine % said it happened before Election Day. 

Four percent said they were forced by party agents, and four per cent by friends and family. 

“Of those reporting coercion, 73% reported that it had no bearing on electoral choice, 25% said it did, and two were uncertain. This translates into three per cent of all voters who changed their vote,” Roberts said.

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Staff Reporter

THE Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) and the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) have agreed to collaborate on the rollout of CHIETA’s SMART Skills Centres in rural areas nationwide.

CHIETA confirmed that it has agreed to formalise its collaboration with the NLC and the areas it wishes to work on.

The NLC regulates the National Lottery Operator, Society lotteries, Private Lotteries, and Lotteries Incidental to exempt entertainment.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOA) between CHIETA and the NLC provides a framework for cooperation that leverages joint research from the two entities and CHIETA’s Smart Skills Centres to support NLC grant applicants in different provinces.

The parties aim to support initiatives supporting the CHIETA and the NLC strategic objectives through different projects. The collaboration will foster closer cooperation between the NLC and CHIETA, promoting information sharing, mutual accountability, and transparency in their respective entity roles.

“This is a major boost for our efforts as CHIETA to ensure that nobody in rural South Africa is left behind on the digital revolution,” says Yershen Pillay, the CHIETA chief executive.

The opening of the Brits SMART Skills Centre in the North-West last month brings the number of centres to four since the first centre was launched in 2022 in Saldanha Bay.

The centre aims to bridge the digital skills divide and accelerate the development of basic digital skills for a future-fit workplace as part of the CHIETA strategy to innovate for impact in societies nationwide.

Since October 2022, CHIETA has established smart skills centres in Saldana Bay in the Western Cape, the Mthashana Skills Centre in Babanango, a small rural town near Melmoth in Kwazulu-Natal, and the Iqhayiya campus of the Port Elizabeth TVET College in Gqeberha.

It follows a call from the Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, who articulated a vision for SMART Skills Centres to be established in all parts of the country by 2020.

The Brits SMART Skills Centre will provide comprehensive digital skills programs tailored for enterprises, individuals, schools, and TVET colleges. With a particular focus on rural learners, the centre aims to bridge the digital divide by offering access to data and a wide range of training courses.

CHIETA will open the Emalahleni Smart Skills Centre in Witbank at the Highveld Industrial Park, Elandsfontein, Emalahleni, next week.

The Emalahleni Smart Skills Centre is equipped with 3 VR pods, 12 workstations, a smart boardroom, and meeting rooms. The centre will be linked to various technology-based programmes, including robotics and virtual welding, as well as skills programmes and e-learning initiatives.

The centre will focus on enterprises, individuals, and schools, with a specific emphasis on rural youth.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Staff Reporter

For the first time since its inception, the FISU (Fédération Internationale du sport universitaire) will host the FISU World University Championship Rugby Sevens will be hosted in South Africa.

Stellenbosch University will be honoured to become only the second African university – the 2018 edition took place at the University of Namibia – to host the biannual international university rugby showpiece in 2026.

Incidentally, it was also the year that the South African men’s team won the gold medal, while the women finished in fourth place after narrowly losing to Belgium in the bronze medal match.

This year’s tournament will be hosted in Aix-Marseille-Provence, France, and will take place over two days, 10-12 June. Drikus Hancke, head of Rugby at Maties Sport, believes the 2026 edition of the FISU World University Championship Rugby Sevens will show the world what Maties Sport has to offer. Stellenbosch University is well-known for producing top-quality athletes in individual and team sporting events.

However, it is the logistics, potential tourist influx, and event management of this magnitude that a very proud Hancke hopes the public will get to experience and view what the beautiful town of Stellenbosch offers. A tournament of this magnitude has certain standards that have to be adhered to even before the event is awarded to a university.

Maties’ facilities and the people who manage them across all sporting codes have the necessary experience hosting large groups of international travelling teams. This keen sense of detail has set the Maties organising committee on a path to setting a new bar for hosting world-class university competitions.

“We are very proud to have been awarded the bid,” Hancke said.

“The significance of it lies in the fact that it is an international competition showcasing the best Universities 7’s talent of participating countries. We are very proud to host such a big event, allowing us to showcase our facilities and capabilities. It will give us international exposure and bring a high-quality international event to Stellenbosch. The large influx of teams and supporters will benefit the town of Stellenbosch and its surrounds.”
Events of this size have a lasting impact on the community within the institution and the broader communities, districts, towns, and neighbourhoods in which it is situated. Tourists flock to the Cape Winelands town to experience its vineyards, wine farms, and beautiful summer events. The Maties Sports leadership hopes to leave a legacy that will forever be etched in the annals of Stellenbosch.

“The exposure we receive from the tournament will be wide and might attract talent we do not normally reach. Our facility and event management will hopefully attract more potential tournaments to be held here. An event of this size creates a lot of awareness and hopefully attracts more people to rugby in our area.”

INSIDE EDUCATION

Sports Reporter

THE experienced former Banyana Banyana players Amanda Sister and Chantelle Esau have brought to the Baby Wolves since signing with the university club a few weeks ago have proved invaluable.

With dozens of international caps between them, the pair have been able to impart years of footballing wisdom to their younger University of Fort Hare teammates.

The side are currently enjoying a good run in the Hollywoodbets Super League, winning their last two matches to place them a respectable ninth on the log in their first season of elite women’s football.

Sister, 34, boasts a hugely impressive resumé. Aside from making more than 40 appearances for her country, the Gqeberha-born defender has played for Hungarian club Győri ETO as well as Italian Serie A side San Zaccaria.

Striker Esau, 33, arrived in Alice after a stint with Hollywoodbets Super League champions Mamelodi Sundowns and has played more than 25 matches for Banyana Banyana.
Fort Hare interim head coach Sibonelo Doyisa said the experienced duo were brought on board to help the younger players adapt to the challenges of big-time football while learning to show no fear for well-known players.

“We thought, ‘Let’s add a few players who can motivate them, who can add that factor in the camp, clubhouse and change room’. And now it’s working wonders for the team,” he said.

“With Amanda, we told her what her role would be; not just to be a player on the field but off it as well. She accepted the challenge to explain to the other players how to approach games, how to act as individuals and teammates.”

The arrival of Sister and Esau at Fort Hare was largely thanks to the efforts of sports officer Sibabalo Feni, described by Doyisa as the “man behind the magic”.

Passionate about the team’s success, he visited their respective homes to recruit them.
Esau was not getting as much game time at Sundowns as she once did and embraced the opportunity to play for a smaller team where she could add more value.

Though Sister was on the books of Super League team Copperbelt FC, she had been sidelined for some time after a series of injuries.

Feni’s timing in securing their talents could not have been more perfect and they have duly given UFH a huge boost 12 games into the season.
Though the ladies might be older than their teammates, Doyisa emphasised that age was not really a factor in women’s football.

“What matters most is how you communicate with your teammates, telling them when to run and not to run. If you have experience, age is just a number.”

As much as the coach was thankful for the addition of the two stars, he also did not want to diminish the hard work all his players were putting into the campaign.

They always gave more than what was expected of them and put his advice into practice “with ease”, he said.

“It’s not just the experience we now have but the willingness of all our players.”

Fort Hare’s next fixture is against UWC on June 8.

With students writing exams, they have suspended training for the time being but “will be back at the office” on Monday.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Staff Reporter

For the second year, SPARK Schools was again named one of Africa’s Fastest Growing Companies in the 2024 Financial Times (FT) and Statista annual ranking.

This comes shortly after the school group was named one of Time Magazine’s top 250 EdTech companies worldwide in May 2024.

The FT ranking, now in its third year, identifies companies with the strongest revenue growth between 2019 and 2022. SPARK Schools is one of 41 of South Africa’s fastest-growing companies for 2024, ranking in the 118th spot of Africa’s 125 overall. In the Education and Social Services sector, SPARK Schools is one of only five companies that made the ranking.

“In the last six months, we have had fantastic international acknowledgement of our work. Besides the FT and Time accolades, SPARK Schools has been recognised as a 2023 T4 Education World’s Best School winner and named by Global Brands Magazine as the most innovative education provider in South Africa,” says Stacey Brewer, co-founder and CEO of SPARK Schools.

“The FT ranking is a testament to the work we have put into developing a sustainable, low-cost private school model offering world-class education outcomes,” she says.

Brewer says the recent global accolades prove that the education sector remains critically important and noteworthy. “We are so incredibly proud to be recognised in South Africa.

“This award particularly also underscores the appetite for quality education in Africa. Our continued growth means that the model we have developed to challenge the education status quo is working,” Brewer says.

Brewer says the foundations of SPARK Schools’ successful education model are blended learning, the importance of the teaching and support staff, and the core values central to the school’s culture.

“We implemented Africa’s first blended learning model for primary school scholars. Way before the COVID-19 pandemic introduced scholars to online learning, we were already getting scholars to split time between digital content (that adapts in difficulty to their learning pace) and classroom interaction based on best practice tuition.

“We know that our success lies with our team. We work hard to recruit young teachers and invest seriously in their professional development. All teachers at SPARK Schools undergo 200 hours of professional training every year. This means that our teachers are constantly upskilling themselves about education innovations. We have also created our internal pipeline for promotions and leadership,” she says.

Brewer says the concept of values helps scholars become responsible global citizens who are aware of their opportunities and responsibilities. The five core values are Service, Persistence, Achievement, Responsibility, and Kindness. Each school has its unique sixth value.

“The work we do at SPARK Schools is a great example of what is possible in the education sector. Our vision is to make South Africa a global leader in education. The whole journey of SPARK Schools has been about not giving up; we believe we have a bigger role in pushing society into a different way of managing education – so that it lasts generations,” Brewer says.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Sports Reporter

Madibaz Sport manager Mthunzi Hewu of Nelson Mandela University and rugby club physiotherapist Yale Jameson are part of the management team for the University Sports South Africa national sevens squad that will compete at the World University Championship in France from June 10 to 12.

The tournament takes place in Aix-en-Provence in southern France from June 10 to 12.

Hewu will handle the logistical aspect, while Jameson will oversee the squad’s physical and mental well-being.

The Madibaz Sport manager said it was an honour to be considered for the role after making his mark as a student-athlete two decades ago. “It’s amazing how the wheel has turned since I was a student.”

Hewu joined the USSA team in 2005 after being named the best backline player at the 15s tournament hosted by TUT.

“To be asked to be manager of the national sevens team at such a prestigious international event is a real privilege.”

Hewu, who serves on the USSA rugby executive committee and was the logistics coordinator at the CUCSA Games in 2018, has been busy making arrangements prior to the event.

A camp in Potchefstroom earlier this month will be followed by another two-day training session in Johannesburg on June 3 and 4 before the squad departs for France the following day.

Jameson, meanwhile, has plenty of experience in his role. He previously worked with the EP Currie Cup and Southern Kings teams and Gqeberha’s professional soccer club, Chippa United.

Jameson, who has a Master’s in sport and exercise therapy, linked up with Madibaz in 2022 and has worked with both the sevens and 15s teams.

“It is something I have particularly enjoyed,” Jameson, who also runs a physiotherapy practice in the city, said.

Although he didn’t “really expect to be appointed”, he said it was a “great honour to represent your country in this way”.

The fast-paced sevens format and multiple games in a day place a lot of emphasis on the recovery aspect.

“That is a big focus, and then I also guide the players in the physical preparation needed for a tournament like this.”

As the players are already-fit and ready, his focus has been on screening their physical history and setting up preventative programmes to ensure they stay free of niggles.

He also interacts with the players to give the coaches regular feedback on their physical and mental wellness.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Staff Reporter

Twelve University of Pretoria (UP) individuals have been announced as finalists in the 2023/2024 NSTF-South32 Awards, popularly known as the “Science Oscars” of South Africa. Twenty UP staff members and one team were nominated for these prestigious awards.

The National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) Awards honour and celebrate outstanding contributions to science, engineering, technology (SET), and innovation. The 2023/2024 NSTF-South32 Award finalists were recently announced, and UP is proud to congratulate the following UP staff members and groups who have been selected as finalists, as well as those who were nominated in different categories:

Lifetime Award

Finalists

Prof Nigel C Bennett – Chair: Austin Roberts of Mammalogy; Full Professor: Zoology, Department (Dept) of Zoology and Entomology, Mammal Research Institute (Inst), University of Pretoria (UP).

Prof Andre Ganswindt – Professor and Director: Mammal Research Inst, Dept of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, UP.

Prof Marietjie Venter – Distinguished Professor and Research Chair: Emerging Viral Threats, One Health Vaccines & Surveillance; Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute, Wits University. (Prof Venter is an Extraordinary Professor and director of the Centre for Emerging and Re-emerging Arbo and Respiratory Virus Research, Dept of Medical Virology, UP, having served an 18-year full-time tenure with UP until April 2024).

Nominated

Prof Anita Michel – Professor: Bacteriology, Dept of Veterinary Tropical Diseases; Head: World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Collaboration, Centre for Training in Integrated Livestock and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Veterinary Science, UP. 

Prof Vanessa Steenkamp – Deputy Dean: Teaching and Learning; Full Professor: Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UP.

TW Kambule-NSTF Award: Researcher

Finalist

Prof Irene Barnes – Professor of Genetics: Dept of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology; Research Leader: Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, UP. 

Nominated

Dr Mankgopo Kgatle – Extraordinary Lecturer and Head: Basic and Translational Research (Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure), UP.

TW Kambule-NSTF Award: Emerging Researcher

Finalist

Prof Cobus M Visagie – Associate Professor: Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, UP.

Nominated

Dr Sean Kruger – Senior Lecturer: Centre for the Future of Work, Business Management Dept, UP.

Dr Rian Pierneef is a biochemistry, genetics, and microbiology lecturer at the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, UP.

Management Award

Finalist
Prof Bernard Slippers – Professor: Dept of Biochemistry, Genetics & Microbiology; Director: Tree Protection Co-operative Programme; Director: Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, UP; Director: Innovation Africa @UP.

NSTF-Water Research Commission (WRC) Award

Finalists

Prof John G Annandale – Group Leader: Mine Water Irrigation Research Group, Dept of Plant and Soil Sciences, UP.

Dr Marco van Dijk – Senior Lecturer: Dept of Civil Engineering, UP.

NSTF-SAMRC Clinician-Scientist Award

Nominated
Prof Kgomotso Mokoala – Head of Clinical Unit, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, UP.

Prof Veronica Ueckermann – Head: Infectious Diseases, Steve Biko Academic Hospital; Associate Professor: Dept of Internal Medicine, UP. 

Green Economy Award

Finalist
Dr Schalk Grobbelaar – Senior Lecturer and Chairperson: York Timbers Chair in Wood Structural Engineering for a Sustainable Built Environment and African Bio-economy, Dept of Engineering and Technology Management, UP. 

Nominated
Dr Christina Breed – Associate Professor: Dept of Architecture, UP; Principal Investigator: UP Externally funded projects ‘Integrative Green Infrastructure’ (GRIP) and ‘Collaboration on Nature-based Solutions’ (CONSUD).

Science Diplomacy for Africa Award

Nominated
Prof Mmantsae Diale – Chair: Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)/National Research Foundation (NRF) South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) in Clean and Green Energy, Department of Physics, UP.

Innovation Award: Corporate Organisation

Finalist

Prof Mike Sathekge – Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure NPC – Chief Executive Officer and President, UP.

Communication Award

Finalists
Prof Ryan Blumenthal – Senior Specialist Forensic Pathologist and Associate Professor: Dept of Forensic Medicine, UP.

Ms Shakira Hoosain – Campaign Strategist and Senior Copywriter, UP.

Nominated

Prof Tiaan de Jager, Faculty Dean and Team Representative: Faculty of Health Sciences, UP

Special Annual Theme Award: Fourth Industrial Revolution in South Africa

Nominated

Dr Sean Kruger – Senior Lecturer: Centre for the Future of Work, Business Management Dept, University of Pretoria (also nominated in the Emerging Researcher category).

An adjudication panel of independent judges, assembled annually by the NSTF executive committee from member nominations, together with a panel of experts appointed by the NSTF executive committee, is responsible for shortlisting the finalists and selecting winners for these distinguished awards.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Staff reporter

THE University of Cape Town (UCT) has announced that Professor Mosa Moshabela has accepted an offer to become the university’s 11th vice-chancellor.

This concludes a thorough and consultative six-month recruitment and selection process and Professor Moshabela  will formally take up the UCT vice-chancellor position on 1 October 2024.

UCT Chair of Council Norman Arendse (SC) said: “Throughout the recruitment and selection process, he demonstrated deep knowledge and an appreciation of the challenges the UCT vice-chancellor may encounter. He showed a sincere commitment to agile, transformative, and values-based leadership.

“The selection committee believes that Professor Moshabela is the best candidate for such a time as this in UCT’s history and will work with conviction and vision to ensure UCT’s sustainability into and beyond 2030.”

Professor Moshabela has been the deputy vice-chancellor for research and innovation at the University of KwaZulu-Natal since 2021.

An esteemed academic and clinician scientist, he is a member of the Academy of Science of South Africa. He has a decorated career and multiple awards. Among these, the Public Health Association of South Africa awarded him the PHILA Annual Award in 2022 for his contribution to Public Health in South Africa and a Ministerial Special COVID-19 Award in 2020–2021 for COVID-19 Science Communication and Public Engagement.

Professor Moshabela is the Chairperson of the Governing Board at the National Research Foundation and Health Commissioner to the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, one of the seven multi-sector commissioners on the premier’s Provincial Planning Commission.

He is a former member of the South African Medical Research Council board and former chairperson of the Standing Committee on Health in the Academy of Science of South Africa.

A medical doctor by profession, his research is focused on the implementation science of health innovations. This multidisciplinary practice seeks to improve healthcare access, quality, equity, and impact, especially in resource-constrained sub-Saharan African countries.

Professor Moshabela’s contribution to health research has primarily been improving access and quality in healthcare to combat infectious diseases, particularly HIV and TB, and in the areas of health systems, services, and policy research.

Globally, he is a member of the international advisory board for the Lancet Healthy Longevity, the Lancet commission on synergies between Health Promotion, Universal Healthcare Access, and Global Health Security, and the commission of the US National Academies for Science, Engineering, and Medicine on the Global Roadmap to Healthy Longevity.

Arendse concluded: “We are excitedly looking forward to having Professor Moshabela join UCT, and we have no doubt that he will be an excellent appointment to take the university a notch higher.”

Professor Moshabela will take over from Emeritus Professor Daya Reddy, who has been serving as vice-chancellor on an interim basis since March 2023. Professor Reddy has committed to working with Professor Moshabela over three months to hand over the vice-chancellor baton.

INSIDE EDUCATION