A-Z Index

NMMU Racing has reached a key milestone in their “Green Technology” project by securing an entry into the prestigious 2013 “Formula Student Electric” competition.

The German Formula Student competition, held each year in the first week in August at the Hockenheim Formula One circuit, caters for both combustion and electric racing cars, and after the phenomenal success of their first car combustion car “DibaOne” in 2011, NMMU Racing has returned with an all-new Green Technology electric racing car, dubbed “DibaTwo GT”.

To successfully enter the competition, teams from around the world undergo a rigorous online registration process consisting of a quiz that challenges both the team’s technical knowledge, and understanding of competition rules. Over 100 teams competed for only 40 positions, and NMMU Racing made history once again, by being to first South African team to gain entry into this alternative-energy racing formula.

DibaTwo GT, is a giant leap forward from DibaOne, and includes brand new technologies such as 100KW, 450Nm Brushless-DC electric motor powered by Lithium Polymer batteries, targeting a 0-100Km/h acceleration of under 4.7seconds! Another new development is a unique aerodynamic package incorporating front and rear wings, and a Formula One style under-body diffuser to increase cornering down-force.

The highly-motivated NMMU Racing team, consisting of mechanical and electrical engineering students, along with business and marketing students, plans to begin testing of DibaTwo GT within the next two months

 Dr Dirk Roux's article written for the quarterly newspaper SANPark Times

 Download article here...

The Arts and Culture Department and the Alumni Association joined forces in launching the ArtShop at Missionvale Campus on Monday 15th April 2013.

This was an intimate closed event that was joined by the newly Campus Principal Dr Phakama Ntshongwana and the former Campus Principal Mr Khaya Matiso.

The aim of the ArtShop is to be the ideal and unique gift shop for the institution producing African gifts

Creating heritage resources to contribute to nation building and cohesion in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro.

The two day Annual Heritage Conference, commenced on the 19th of March at the Missionvale Campus. The aim was aim to provide a platform for stakeholders to engage, with Healing through Heritage and Memorialisation. The aim was also to stimulate social cohesion and nation building on a community level and to give guidance in the development of content towards the creation of a living memorial/healing and Heritage Centre in the Northern Area.

Bright and early the attendees were treated with a City Tour around the Metro. This tour visited heritage sites such as Emlotheni in Mendi, the City Art Walk, the Red Location Museum etc. After the tour, guests had an overview presentation of the heritage of the metro by Mrs Nonceba Shoba, Acting Director Arts, Culture and Libraries.

Session two of day one stated with Prof Ciraj Rasool from the University of Western Cape, who presented a talk on Democracy and Memorialisation. Later, delegates were treated to supper and entertainment at the South End Museum.

Day two of the conference commenced with reflections of day one led by Prof Ciraj Rassool, followed by Dr. Noeleen Murray who discussed the Architecture of museums post 1994. Session one of day two was closed by Prof Denise Zinn who delivered a talk about Youth, Heritage and Education.

Session two proved rather intense with presentations and talks from Y. Obenewa Amponsah, Director of Fundraising & International Partnerships for the Steve Biko Foundation, Mr Yusuf Agherdien, Founder & Curator of the South End Museum and Prof Leslie Witz Centre for Humanities Research, UWC.

The conference ended with plenary sessions and focused on the following questions:

1. How does Heritage and Memorialisation contribute to Healing on a community level and what  are the alternatives?

2. How could one integrate a project like the proposed Heritage and Healing Centre into the Metro and or region?

3. What are possible challenges in terms of governance and sustainability for the purpose of this project?

The conference was very successful and a publication will be made available to interested people.

The School of Management Sciences won all 3 awards this year (for period 2012). We also have one runner-up from our School.

Congratulations to the following Researchers:

Faculty Researcher of the Year (2012):

• Prof Shelley Farrington

Faculty Emerging Researcher of the Year (2012):

• Dr Janine Kruger

Faculty Sustainability (Green) Researcher of the Year (2012):

• Prof Elroy Smith

Faculty Sustainability (Green) Researcher of the Year (2012) Runner- up:

• Prof Sandra Perks

WELL DONE, we are proud of you!

The Zoology Honours Conservation Biology class spent a week on Samara Private Game Reserve with Prof Graham Kerley, where they participated in lectures and field activities, the latter using the game viewing vehicle kindly provided by Samara. Field activities included viewing of vulnerable species such as cheetah, which breed successfully on Samara, as shown by the presence of two (wild) cheetah cubs in the photograph of part of the class. Other real examples of conservation issues they encountered included the successful conservation of rhinos, the poaching of rhinos and the reality of invasive species as a threat to biodiversity. These sorts of opportunities are invaluable as they allow the students to better integrate the theory and reality of conservation biology.

talk@nmmu is our internal newsletter which contains interesting and current stories about our university.

The School of Accounting has hosted 3 successful career evenings – in Uitenhage, East London and an career day in Queenstown – each attended by about 190 top achieving grade 11 and 12 learners along with their parents and teachers.

The aim of the career evenings are to promote accountancy as a career and study option at NMMU and to inform learners of the path towards becoming a Chartered Accountant (SA) as well as post-study work.

At each career evening, Prof Frans Prinsloo explained the different programmes that the School has to offer while Mr Alan Barr (Managing Director of KPMG in the Eastern Cape) provided a business prospective of being a CA. Trainee Accountants, from PwC and Deloitte, highlighted their time at NMMU and what it is like completing their articles in the corporate world.

Prof Jean Greyling also accompanied the School to explain the combination of computers and accounting and how this will make for a new and very successful career choice. Vice-Chancellor Scholarship student, Andrea Christoffels addressed the learners explaining the importance of hard work, good marks and determination.

Later in the year the School with host career evenings in Port Elizabeth as well as George. 

The School of Accounting has hosted 3 successful career evenings – in Uitenhage, East London and an career day in Queenstown – each attended by about 190 top achieving grade 11 and 12 learners along with their parents and teachers. 

The aim of the career evenings are to promote accountancy as a career and study option at NMMU and to inform learners of the path towards becoming a Chartered Accountant (SA) as well as post-study work.

Thuthuka students have been a busy bunch this year and actively participating in events arranged by the Thuthuka Management Team.

The first being the 1^st year welcoming that took place in January, where Shareen van der Watt (Programme Coordinator) and Prof Frans Prinsloo (Director: School of Accounting) set first year parents’ minds at ease by pointing out the well-balanced Thuthuka Bursary Programme run at NMMU and the success stories of Thuthuka graduates. Team-building activities took place afterwards where first year students got to know each other and explore the campus.

In February, the Thuthuka Umbala Leadership Function took place on campus where guest speaker, Mary Brennan addressed students on Leadership in the Chartered Accountancy profession. Mary Brennan is a Chartered Accountant with over 16 years of international and local experience in leading and managing finance, strategy, change, and people. She is the founder of Mary B Inc. and is currently consulting on a range of projects including the Red Location Cultural Precinct, an innovative project based in the heart of the Red Location, Africa’s Largest Cultural Precinct, based in Port Elizabeth’s largest township. First year students had the chance to mingle with other students that are further in their studies towards becoming a Chartered Accountant.

There are various events and mentoring activities still to come that will contribute to the success and overall development of top accounting students at NMMU and especially in the Thuthuka Bursary Programme. 

Thuthuka students have been a busy bunch this year and actively participating in events arranged by the Thuthuka Management Team.

The first being the 1^st year welcoming that took place in January, where Shareen van der Watt (Programme Coordinator) and Prof Frans Prinsloo (Director: School of Accounting) set first year parents’ minds at ease by pointing out the well-balanced Thuthuka Bursary Programme run at NMMU and the success stories of Thuthuka graduates. Team-building activities took place afterwards where first year students got to know each other and explore the campus.

In February, the Thuthuka Umbala Leadership Function took place on campus where guest speaker, Mary Brennan addressed students on Leadership in the Chartered Accountancy profession. Mary Brennan is a Chartered Accountant with over 16 years of international and local experience in leading and managing finance, strategy, change, and people. She is the founder of Mary B Inc. and is currently consulting on a range of projects including the Red Location Cultural Precinct, an innovative project based in the heart of the Red Location, Africa’s Largest Cultural Precinct, based in Port Elizabeth’s largest township. First year students had the chance to mingle with other students that are further in their studies towards becoming a Chartered Accountant.

There are various events and mentoring activities still to come that will contribute to the success and overall development of top accounting students at NMMU and especially in the Thuthuka Bursary Programme. 

The School of Accounting career evening in Port Elizabeth took place on Thursday, 25 April at the South Campus Auditorium.  The response was overwhelming with 550 learners, parents and teachers attending from the metro.

The aim of the career evening was to promote accountancy as a career and study option at NMMU, and to inform learners on the path to become a registered chartered accountant as well as work opportunities after studies.

Campus tours were arranged before the career evening and about 200 learners and parents were shown the campus hotspots which included the library, lecture venues, the Kraal, Madibaz Café and computer labs by Michael Henebrey, the academic trainee at the School of Accounting and three 1^st year Vice-Chancellor Scholarship Accounting students.

At the career evening, Prof Frans Prinsloo talked about what a career in accountancy is with a focus on the sought after chartered accounting programme at the university and Mr Alan Barr, Managing Director of KPMG (Eastern Cape) brought a business perspective of what being a CA entails. Lizelle Steunenberg, a trainee accountant at PwC spoke about her experience of studying at NMMU and a day-in-the-life of a trainee accountant. 

Caitlin Allen, 4^th year BCom Rationum and VC Scholarship student also had the chance to address the learners about life as a student, how the Vice-Chancellor Scholarship mentoring programme assisted her in her studies and the excellent facilities and programmes the university offers.  Lee-Anne Reid, a Thuthuka Bursary graduate, talked about her experience at NMMU and how the Thuthuka Bursary created opportunities for her, while Nathan Hofart, a BCom Honours (Accounting) student, explained the excellent teaching and learning model of the School of Accounting that has been commended by many professional bodies including the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).

The evening was closed with a question and answer session as well as refreshments and a networking opportunity.  This event was a great success and is definitely the flagship career evening of the School of Accounting. 

The School of Accounting career evening in Port Elizabeth took place on Thursday, 25 April at the South Campus Auditorium.  The response was overwhelming with 550 learners, parents and teachers attending from the metro.

The aim of the career evening was to promote accountancy as a career and study option at NMMU, and to inform learners on the path to become a registered chartered accountant as well as work opportunities after studies.

Campus tours were arranged before the career evening and about 200 learners and parents were shown the campus hotspots which included the library, lecture venues, the Kraal, Madibaz Café and computer labs by Michael Henebrey, the academic trainee at the School of Accounting and three 1^st year Vice-Chancellor Scholarship Accounting students.

At the career evening, Prof Frans Prinsloo talked about what a career in accountancy is with a focus on the sought after chartered accounting programme at the university and Mr Alan Barr, Managing Director of KPMG (Eastern Cape) brought a business perspective of what being a CA entails. Lizelle Steunenberg, a trainee accountant at PwC spoke about her experience of studying at NMMU and a day-in-the-life of a trainee accountant. 

Caitlin Allen, 4^th year BCom Rationum and VC Scholarship student also had the chance to address the learners about life as a student, how the Vice-Chancellor Scholarship mentoring programme assisted her in her studies and the excellent facilities and programmes the university offers.  Lee-Anne Reid, a Thuthuka Bursary graduate, talked about her experience at NMMU and how the Thuthuka Bursary created opportunities for her, while Nathan Hofart, a BCom Honours (Accounting) student, explained the excellent teaching and learning model of the School of Accounting that has been commended by many professional bodies including the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).

The evening was closed with a question and answer session as well as refreshments and a networking opportunity.  This event was a great success and is definitely the flagship career evening of the School of Accounting. 

Against the background of growing concern among internet banking clients that their money may not be safe due to the spate of SIM-swap fraud, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University has developed a solution to curb fraudulent internet banking transactions.

Banks continually refuse to compensate victims for money fraudulently transferred from their accounts. Banks usually claim that there is no evidence of any breach from their side and that the account holder must have disclosed their account login details to the online robber. On the other hand, illegal SIM-swops have become very common to illegally intercept One-Time-Pin codes sent by banks to online clients to finalise a transaction. Banks and cell phone providers continue to claim innocence, but meanwhile clients are losing thousands of rands. Apparently more than a thousand cases of online banking fraud have been reported over the last six months.

Researchers in the School of Information and Communication Technology at NMMU have done extensive work on improving internet banking security. Last year, NMMU patented a technology to isolate and protect the internet connection between the bank and the client to perform secure online transactions.

The technology is based on a tailor-made operating system that boots-up the client computer from a USB stick. This operating system can only be utilised for online banking transactions and cannot be compromised or infiltrated in any manner. Furthermore, a secure communications link is created between the client and the bank and cannot be compromised. NMMU Innovation Manager Ms Mary-Ann Chetty says “The technology was demonstrated and offered to two of the major banks, but neither of the banks was interested. One bank acknowledged that the technology has the potential to cover most, if not all, current and future cyber-related threats. The bank however, was not interested in the technology and according to them, ‘one more click’ is not acceptable to their online clients.”

According to Prof Rossouw von Solms, the leader of the research group that developed the technology, the solution really has the potential to successfully address most, if not all, current online banking risks. “All that we need is a bank that is willing to work with us to implement and fine-tune this technology. Then I will do my online banking in any internet café in any place at any time of the day and not be worried for a minute,” says Von Solms.

A kaleidoscope of careers awaits visitors at the annual Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) Open Day at the George Campus at Saasveld on Friday, 17- and Saturday, 18 May.

The purpose of the annual Open Day is to create awareness of and to share information on the various academic programmes and services offered at NMMU in George and Port Elizabeth – all ‘under one roof’.

With more than 140 different career paths on offer at NMMU this is the perfect opportunity for learners to discover their dreams.

Prospective students, parents and teachers are encouraged to visit the Open Day to find out more about the various academic programmes and to get career and study advice through face-to-face interaction with lecturers, advisors and career guidance councillors.

Representatives from academic programmes within the Faculties of Arts; Business and Economic Sciences; Education; Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology; Health Science and Science will be on hand to provide more detailed information about the various programmes, career opportunities and minimum admission requirements.

Support services, such as Admissions; Student Housing; Financial Aid; Sport; the Disability Unit; as well as the Student Counselling, Career and Development Centre will also be available to ensure prospective students are prepared for the transition from high school to university.

NMMU’s very popular Z-card with information on all the academic programmes, including admission requirements; as well as application forms for studies and on-campus accommodation for the 2014 academic year will also be available to prospective students at the Open Day.

Prospective students are reminded that the first closing date for academic admission for NMMU’s 2014 academic year is scheduled for 1 August 2013; therefore the annual Open Day at Saasveld on Friday, 17- and Saturday, 18 May is the ideal opportunity to get all the information you may need to ‘Discover your Dreams!’

Dr Nicole Vorster, BSc Hon Formulation Science’s course coordinator and lecturer, attended the In-Cosmetics Expo in Paris, France, from 16 to 18 April 2013.

In-Cosmetics Expo is the biggest annual exhibition of cosmetic raw materials manufacturers and formulators as well as equipment manufacturers in Europe.

Dr Nicole Vorster, BSc Hon Formulation Science’s course coordinator and lecturer, attended the In-Cosmetics Expo in Paris, France, from 16 to 18 April 2013.

In-Cosmetics Expo is the biggest annual exhibition of cosmetic raw materials manufacturers and formulators as well as equipment manufacturers in Europe.

Some stats: 9,419 unique visitors came through the show doors, 61% were international from 113 countries and 39% were French. 652 exhibitors, including more than 100 first-time exhibitors covered 13,219m². 72% of exhibitors were international and 18% French.

Nicole went there on a fact-finding mission to get an idea of the cosmetics industry, the trends in raw materials, new innovations in active ingredients and general market trends. Many big, well-known companies were represented, for example, BASF, Lonza, Croda, Solabia, Sederma, Symrise, Solvay, Sasol, Kolb, Ashland, DSM, Seppic, Mibelle, Evonik, and hundreds of smaller companies from all over Europe and Asia.

There were demonstrations and launches of new products and ingredients, technical talks, talks on marketing trends and an innovation zone where companies exhibited their latest, innovative raw materials and ingredients.

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and the Dutch Reformed Church Summerstrand will celebrate 25 years of the acquisition of the organ that was urgently needed for the training of organ students with a 25^th anniversary organ festival on 16 May 2013.

The acquisition of the organ in 1988 was an important milestone for both the DR Church Summerstrand and the University – then still known as UPE. As a result of wonderful co-operation between church and university in which each partner paid half of the organ purchase sum of R 360 000, the church obtained a lovely large organ and the university got the first-class instrument it urgently needed for the training of organ students.

This win-win situation has proved highly successful during the past 25 years. Through these years a great number of excellent organ students were trained here and were afforded the opportunity to play their examinations and recitals on a properly equipped instrument. Through careful planning, e.g. the installation of high wooden ceilings and a hard tiled floor, excellent acoustical surroundings for both organ and choral music were created.

On 4 December 1986 a contract was signed with Pretoria organ builder Jan Zielman, by the then Rector, Prof. Hein Redelinghuys and the Church Minister, Rev. Dave Marais. The installation of the organ during which local organ builder, Jan Pekelharing, also assisted, took 3½ months. A French organ builder, Jean-Pascal Villard, expertly voiced all of the 3591 pipes. The organ was inaugurated on 23 October 1988 by Gerdi Troskie (UPE Organ Student) who performed Poulenc’s Organ Concerto with the East Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Chris Dowdeswell.

The organ has three manuals (Great, Swell and Positive) and Pedal. The organ case, made of Iroko, stands 8m high and 6½m wide, and the façade pipes are made from polished tin and zinc. The longest pedal pipes are nearly 6m long. Noteworthy are the horizontal copper Spanish Trumpets, the interesting woodcarvings and the elegant letters, Soli Deo Gloria – To God all the Glory!

On the console woods such as iroko, tamboti, yellow-wood, olive-wood, leadwood and granadilla were used. This is the largest tracker action church organ and the second-largest tracker action concert organ in South Africa.

A pipe organ is of precious cultural value and can give service for hundreds of years. It continually increases in value and is of great educational importance, since it is used not only for the training of NMMU organ students, but also for organ recitals, choir festivals and CD recordings.

The event – at the DR Church in Louis Botha Drive, Summerstrand - will include an academic procession and a festival of organ, choir and classical music.

More information is available from Evert Knoesen on 0746104496

A mobile application created by Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University that puts a career future into the palm of prospective students, launches at the university’s annual Open Day today (Friday, 10 May 2013).

Creating a unique user-friendly experience, the NMMU App – one of the first such apps by a university in South Africa, sets the path on the prospective student’s career journey.

Designed specifically with the future professional in mind, the App is intended to take prospective students on a guided tour taking into account personal interests and goals to deliver all the information needed to make informed higher education decisions.

Leading innovation in South Africa, the App incorporates the latest technology enabling students to view content on any mobile device from anywhere in the world putting NMMU and your future right in the palm of your hand.

The link to the app is http://myjourney.nmmu.ac.za/

By Nicky Willemse

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s transformation-embracing Thuthuka programme – which last month celebrated its first cum laude graduate – is well on its way to producing top quality black Chartered Accountants in South Africa.

The programme, run by NMMU’s School of Accounting, is recruiting next year’s batch of first year students – and is hoping the success of BCom (Accounting) cum laude graduate Khanya Ndzululeka will inspire Grade 11 and 12 learners to put in the effort required to qualify for this life-changing bursary programme.

Ndzululeka, 20, said she owed her success to a balanced approach to her studies, excellent time management skills, strong family support and her faith.

“In first year, I took the Thuthuka time management skills seriously, and have applied them ever since. What I did in third year was what I did in first year,” said Ndzululeka, who is now completing her BCom (Accounting) honours studies.

Her Thuthuka bursary covered all the study and residence costs of her degree – and provided a number of resources, including daily study sessions, mentors and extra-curricular skill-building programmes. “What Thuthuka gave me was way more than academic support. The study sessions in particular – where we had access to our lecturers every night – worked well for me. If I had a question, I could ask the lecturer what to do.

“My relationship with God is also what kept me grounded and encouraged,” said Ndzululeka, whose faith helped her to take a balanced approach to her studies. “I worked hard but I was never defined by my studies. For so many students, getting their BCom (Accounting) degree becomes the ‘one thing’ in their lives. The pressure to perform and the fear of failure can press one down so much that you can't move.... I kept reminding myself that this [degree] wasn’t me – I’m a child of God, I’m not defined by this – and the pressure would melt away.”

The Mthatha-born student came from a humble home which was “rich in terms of good values and good principles”. Her father died when she was young and her mother was left to raise her daughter and three sons. “My mother was very strong and taught each of us to be content with what we had been given. My uncle was also a big support when my father died. He taught me a love for reading and encouraged me to study accounting.”

He had a big influence on Ndzululeka – having himself become a Chartered Accountant after a long and difficult journey – along with an accounting teacher in Grade 11 at Khanyisa High School, who managed to channel her rebellious streak in early high school into more productive activity. “He pushed us to think on our feet, to stop always absorbing information... I got good marks in matric.”

 Ndzululeka has no doubt she will one day become a Chartered Accountant – and is aiming to use her skills to help others. “I don’t want my life to be about just being a CA, and getting a fancy car and house. I want it to be about helping people. I have a vision to develop young people.”

Thuthuka co-ordinator Shareen van der Watt said: “It’s possible for all our students to achieve Khanya’s success. It’s all about what the students do with what we supply – Khanya took it to a higher level and others are capable of following her.”

·         Learners in Grade 12 with good maths marks (level 5) who are interested in applying for the Thuthuka programme can contact Shareen van der Watt for more information on thuthuka@nmmu.ac.za or (041) 504 2014/2. 

 By Nicky Willemse

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s transformation-embracing Thuthuka programme – which last month celebrated its first cum laude graduate – is well on its way to producing top quality black Chartered Accountants in South Africa.

The programme, run by NMMU’s School of Accounting, is recruiting next year’s batch of first year students – and is hoping the success of BCom (Accounting) cum laude graduate Khanya Ndzululeka will inspire Grade 11 and 12 learners to put in the effort required to qualify for this life-changing bursary programme.

Ndzululeka, 20, said she owed her success to a balanced approach to her studies, excellent time management skills, strong family support and her faith.

“In first year, I took the Thuthuka time management skills seriously, and have applied them ever since. What I did in third year was what I did in first year,” said Ndzululeka, who is now completing her BCom (Accounting) honours studies.

Her Thuthuka bursary covered all the study and residence costs of her degree – and provided a number of resources, including daily study sessions, mentors and extra-curricular skill-building programmes. “What Thuthuka gave me was way more than academic support. The study sessions in particular – where we had access to our lecturers every night – worked well for me. If I had a question, I could ask the lecturer what to do.

“My relationship with God is also what kept me grounded and encouraged,” said Ndzululeka, whose faith helped her to take a balanced approach to her studies. “I worked hard but I was never defined by my studies. For so many students, getting their BCom (Accounting) degree becomes the ‘one thing’ in their lives. The pressure to perform and the fear of failure can press one down so much that you can't move.... I kept reminding myself that this [degree] wasn’t me – I’m a child of God, I’m not defined by this – and the pressure would melt away.”

The Mthatha-born student came from a humble home which was “rich in terms of good values and good principles”. Her father died when she was young and her mother was left to raise her daughter and three sons. “My mother was very strong and taught each of us to be content with what we had been given. My uncle was also a big support when my father died. He taught me a love for reading and encouraged me to study accounting.”

He had a big influence on Ndzululeka – having himself become a Chartered Accountant after a long and difficult journey – along with an accounting teacher in Grade 11 at Khanyisa High School, who managed to channel her rebellious streak in early high school into more productive activity. “He pushed us to think on our feet, to stop always absorbing information... I got good marks in matric.”

 Ndzululeka has no doubt she will one day become a Chartered Accountant – and is aiming to use her skills to help others. “I don’t want my life to be about just being a CA, and getting a fancy car and house. I want it to be about helping people. I have a vision to develop young people.”

Thuthuka co-ordinator Shareen van der Watt said: “It’s possible for all our students to achieve Khanya’s success. It’s all about what the students do with what we supply – Khanya took it to a higher level and others are capable of following her.”

·         Learners in Grade 12 with good maths marks (level 5) who are interested in applying for the Thuthuka programme can contact Shareen van der Watt for more information on thuthuka@nmmu.ac.za or (041) 504 2014/2. 

Janelle Labuschagne’s marks for accounting in matric last year shot up from 30 per cent in the first term to 72% in the finals while Joshua Jacobs’s marks rose from 43% to 68% – results they attribute to attending an accounting winter school at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.

They are now first year BCom (Accounting) students at NMMU – and encourage Grade 12s to attend this year’s winter school, taking place from July 8 to 12. Registration for the school, which is sponsored by Deloitte, closes at the end of this month (May).

NMMU Accounting 1 lecturer and winter school coordinator Ansulene Prinsloo said the winter school’s purpose, in addition to promoting an understanding of Grade 12 Accounting, was to give matrics a taste of university life and help them realise it was within everybody’s reach, provided they work hard and produce good marks.

“Some learners last year didn’t even realise the possibility of going to varsity.” Of the 350 that attended last year, 35 enrolled for BCom (Accounting) degrees at NMMU, with several others pursuing other degrees. This year, 500 learners can attend the school.

“We are trying to improve their accounting marks to increase their APS [admission points score] and improve their chances of getting into university.” The outstanding matric results of one of the BCom first years, Chelsea Tompkins, saw her receiving a Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship – covering the entire costs of her degree, provided she attains good marks year on year. Five other top achievers received a bursary from the Thuthuka Programme, which is growing the number of black Chartered Accountants in South Africa.

“The winter school is as much for top learners as it is for those who are struggling with accounting,” said Prinsloo.

The week-long school, which runs from 8am to 2.30pm each day, covers the main components of the matric syllabus, including inventory and VAT, companies (financial statements and notes), cash flow statement and asset disposal, analysis and interpretation of financial statements and manufacturing (production cost statement and costing). It is taught using the School of Accounting’s teaching model – which includes lectures, homework and tutorials.

“Real learning happens in the tutorials, where the learners have to work through exercises,” said Prinsloo. The 20 tutors at the school include the School of Accounting’s existing tutors and top students as well as staff from Deloitte.

All schools throughout Nelson Mandela Bay have been invited to attend. Those attending will receive full notes as well as old exam papers.

“When I got back to class, I knew what other people didn’t know,” said Labuschagne,19, who initially intended studying tourism management.

“It’s impressive that the whole of the matric syllabus is fitted into a week,” said Maureen Pennels, 19, another BCom (Accounting) first year student. “The lectures filled in the gaps that teachers miss.”

“The school made it easier for us to adapt to the university system [in first year],” said Jacobs, 19.

Lonwabo Ngcetane, 19, said the school enabled her to provide peer support at her own school. “I had to help my friends who didn’t attend the winter school.”

Prinsloo said the positive feedback from learners and teachers last year was “overwhelming”, resulting in the decision to make it an annual event. “One girl’s mark went up to 87%.”

In September, the School of Accounting is also launching a three-day school for Grade 11 pupils, while next year’s winter school will be expanded to include maths as well.

·         The cost of NMMU’s accounting winter school is R50 per person. Those wanting to attend must register by May 31. Contact Suzanne Vermeulen on 041 504 4690 or suzanne.vermeulen2@nmmu.ac.za

Janelle Labuschagne’s marks for accounting in matric last year shot up from 30 per cent in the first term to 72% in the finals while Joshua Jacobs’s marks rose from 43% to 68% – results they attribute to attending an accounting winter school at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.

They are now first year BCom (Accounting) students at NMMU – and encourage Grade 12s to attend this year’s winter school, taking place from July 8 to 12. Registration for the school, which is sponsored by Deloitte, closes at the end of this month (May).

NMMU Accounting 1 lecturer and winter school coordinator Ansulene Prinsloo said the winter school’s purpose, in addition to promoting an understanding of Grade 12 Accounting, was to give matrics a taste of university life and help them realise it was within everybody’s reach, provided they work hard and produce good marks.

“Some learners last year didn’t even realise the possibility of going to varsity.” Of the 350 that attended last year, 35 enrolled for BCom (Accounting) degrees at NMMU, with several others pursuing other degrees. This year, 500 learners can attend the school.

“We are trying to improve their accounting marks to increase their APS [admission points score] and improve their chances of getting into university.” The outstanding matric results of one of the BCom first years, Chelsea Tompkins, saw her receiving a Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship – covering the entire costs of her degree, provided she attains good marks year on year. Five other top achievers received a bursary from the Thuthuka Programme, which is growing the number of black Chartered Accountants in South Africa.

“The winter school is as much for top learners as it is for those who are struggling with accounting,” said Prinsloo.

The week-long school, which runs from 8am to 2.30pm each day, covers the main components of the matric syllabus, including inventory and VAT, companies (financial statements and notes), cash flow statement and asset disposal, analysis and interpretation of financial statements and manufacturing (production cost statement and costing). It is taught using the School of Accounting’s teaching model – which includes lectures, homework and tutorials.

“Real learning happens in the tutorials, where the learners have to work through exercises,” said Prinsloo. The 20 tutors at the school include the School of Accounting’s existing tutors and top students as well as staff from Deloitte.

All schools throughout Nelson Mandela Bay have been invited to attend. Those attending will receive full notes as well as old exam papers.

“When I got back to class, I knew what other people didn’t know,” said Labuschagne,19, who initially intended studying tourism management.

“It’s impressive that the whole of the matric syllabus is fitted into a week,” said Maureen Pennels, 19, another BCom (Accounting) first year student. “The lectures filled in the gaps that teachers miss.”

“The school made it easier for us to adapt to the university system [in first year],” said Jacobs, 19.

Lonwabo Ngcetane, 19, said the school enabled her to provide peer support at her own school. “I had to help my friends who didn’t attend the winter school.”

Prinsloo said the positive feedback from learners and teachers last year was “overwhelming”, resulting in the decision to make it an annual event. “One girl’s mark went up to 87%.”

In September, the School of Accounting is also launching a three-day school for Grade 11 pupils, while next year’s winter school will be expanded to include maths as well.

·         The cost of NMMU’s accounting winter school is R50 per person. Those wanting to attend must register by May 31. Contact Suzanne Vermeulen on 041 504 4690 or suzanne.vermeulen2@nmmu.ac.za

Ms Jackie Palframan from the Business Management Department has been re-elected as Chair of the Financial Planning Institute Eastern Cape Region.

The FPI is the professional body for Financial Planning in Southern Africa.

Well done on this achievement, the School of Management Sciences is proud of you.

           Above: Ms Jackie Palframan

Ms Jackie Palframan from the Business Management Department is one of three finalists in the BWA Regional Business Achievers Awards for the Government category.

The winner from each category will be announced at the Business Womens’ Association Gala dinner on the 11^th June 2013 at the new Boardwalk Hotel.

Rhodes University, University of Fort Hare, Walter Sisulu University and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s academics, staff members, members of the community and students are expected to come out in numbers to march against gender violence against women in the country on Tuesday, 21 May 2013.

The Vice-Chancellors of these three universities are united in the view that communities need to reject gender-based interpersonal violence and that the academy is tasked with leading by example and encouraging the communities in which they exist to take a stand against violence against women.

The recent gang rape and disembowelment of the 17 year old, Anene Booysen and other women who have suffered violence and abuse have brought to public awareness the disconcertingly high incidence of rape and gender-based violence, specifically against women, in South Africa. Booysen’s murder reflects not only the ubiquity of rape in general, but also the growing trend of perpetrators using rape as a prelude to murder. In January, for example, Thandiswa Qubuza, a young woman from Fingo Village in Grahamstown was gang-raped and assaulted by eight men. Thandiswa died after lying in a coma for six weeks. No suspect was arrested for this crime, and there is still no sign that any of the perpetrators will face the hand of justice. More recently, a 68-year-old woman from Mfakathini and a 73-year-old from Gawu, both in the Eastern Cape town of Mqanduli, were both raped after perpetrators broke into their respective houses. All of these incidents serve to highlight ruthless and tragic effects of gender-based violence. It should also be noted that most rape occurs in presumably safe spaces where women and children are defiled by their fathers, uncles, brothers, uncles and friends. Indeed, the statistic for rape in a woman’s lifetime stands at a grim 1 in 3 ratio.

It is in light of such incidents that the Eastern Cape Universities (Rhodes, Fort Hare, WSU and NMMU) are adding their voices in this display of solidarity against gender violence in the Eastern Cape and in the country as whole. This co-ordinated march follows the highly successful Silent Protests held by Rhodes, the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal and the University of the Witwatersrand and attended by 3300 people in April and other in initiatives of its kind hosted by the University of Cape Town and the Gender Forum established by the University of Fort Hare. As such, the march forms part of a national community dedicated to the cause of bringing awareness to and publicly rejecting violence against women.

Contact:

The NMMU march will start at 12:00 at the Port Elizabeth campus. Contact Ms Roslyn Baatjies (Roslyn.baatjies@nmmu.ac.za) for further information.

The UFH event will take place from 12:30 at the Alice campus. Contact Dr Lily-Rose Mlisa (LMlisa@ufh.ac.za) for further information.

The WSU march will take place at 12:00 at the Umthatha campus. Contact Pumzile Mfazwe (vc@wsu.ac.za) for further information.

The Rhodes march will start at 14:00 at the Cathedral. Contact Ms Thando Njovane (t.njovane@ru.ac.za) for further information.

TOP MARITIME officials visited Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) recently for the official launch of the National Maritime Year as well as the announcement of a cooperation agreement between South Africa and the World Maritime University (WMU) regarding building maritime capacity through capacitating local tertiary institutions to provide maritime education at postgraduate level.

The event comes in the wake of news that the University has been awarded the national research chairs in Earth Systems Science, the Law of the Sea and Development in Africa and Shallow Water Ecosystems.

According to marine law expert and NMMU law professor Patrick Vrancken, a study commissioned by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) in 2011 highlighted the critical need for capacity building regarding maritime skills and research. It is in that context that high level discussions will also take place tomorrow around the role that NMMU as a comprehensive institution can play in addressing the wide range of training and research required for South Africa and the rest of SADC to take their rightful place in the maritime domain.

“As one of the leading South African universities, NMMU is committed to continue engaging in innovative ways with the maritime sector to address the developmental needs of Nelson Mandela Bay, the Eastern Cape Province and the rest of the region”, says Prof Vrancken who will head the new research chair in the Law of the Sea and Development in Africa.

NMMU law expert Professor Patrick Vrancken (from left), SA Maritime Safety Authority CEO Commander Tsietsi Mokhele, keynote speaker Deputy Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga and NMMU Vice-Chancellor Prof Derrick Swartz at the launch.

More information: Prof Patrick Vrancken – Patrick.vranken@nmmu.ac.za or 041 5042200.

#AcademicExcellence

Academic Excellence is one of the 2013 SRC's main Strategic objective as, the main objective and core purpose of an Institution of Higher Learning is to produce quality graduates that are of the highest calibre and are knowledgeable in their field of study.

As the the SRC we will be running our first AcademicExcellence Campaign with the aim of helping and encouraging fellow students to attain academic success in the upcoming exams.

NMMU’s annual Open Day at the university’s George Campus this year exceeded all expectations, capturing the interest of learners, parents, educators and other guests from far and near. 

With six of the university’s seven faculties having a presence at NMMU’s Open Day in George, more than a thousand visitors and around 135 000 listeners on EDEN FM were able to learn about the kaleidoscope of careers that await those who choose to enrol for any of the large variety of qualifications – from certificate to diploma and degree level, including masters and doctoral studies – at this comprehensive university.  Programme offerings at NMMU cover more than a 140 different career paths.

Learners from schools in George, Oudtshoorn, Mossel Bay, Knysna and surrounding towns, but also from further afield such as from Cape Town, Klerksdorp, Caledon, Somerset East, Bredasdorp, Kareedouw, Humansdorp, Piet Retief, Aliwal North, Brits in North West Province and Middelburg in Mpumalanga attended the Open Day on 17 and 18 May to familiarise themselves with the university’s programme offerings, or in many instances, to confirm the study choices they had already made. 

Visitors made use of the opportunity to interact in person with lecturing staff, student leaders and senior students, as well as professional support staff in the units for Student Housing, Financial Aid, Admissions, Sport; Student Counselling, Career and Development Centre and more, to get all the information they require to make important decisions that relate to their studies and future careers.

A number of complementing and value-adding events were scheduled during the Open Day. This includes a dedicated session targeting educators in the Tourism sector; and another which brought together Life Orientation educators from the Southern Cape region to the NMMU George Campus for an information-sharing session with the theme – “Preparing your students for studies after school”. 

An Education Sector event combined with the recognition of NMMU’s top partner schools was another highlight on the Open Day programme. The programme was opened by Campus Principal, Prof. Quinton Johnson, and included an overview of the education landscape in South Africa, with specific reference to the role and strategies of NMMU’s Education Faculty, as presented by the Executive Dean, Prof Denise Zinn. 

NMMU George partner schools acknowledged during the Education Sector event included Hoërskool Outeniqua and Oudtshoorn,  Point High School, as well as York High School; Imizamo Yethu, George and Bridgton Secondary Schools; Oakdale Agricultural School, Langenhoven Gymnasium and Brandwag Hoërskool. 

Hoërskool Outeniqua was also acknowledged for contributing significant numbers of students for Port Elizabeth-based programmes of NMMU.

A long-standing tradition whereby all Open Day stalls are adjudicated by a panel of experts in terms of a set of criteria during the Open Day, again confirmed the high standard of the various career stands. 

The winning participant in the Most Interactive category was the stall of Agricultural Management in NMMU’s School of Natural Resource Management based at George Campus; while the prize for the Most Visually Appealing stand went to the Department of Architectural Technology & Interior Design within NMMU’s Faculty of Arts.

The first closing date for academic admission for NMMU’s 2014 academic year is scheduled for 1 August 2013. 

Photographs:

Delegates representing a cross-section of stakeholders, including the education sector, local government and organised business attended NMMU’s Education Sector breakfast event during the university’s annual Open Day in George.

Partners in education… Prof Quinton Johnson, NMMU George Campus Principal (left) with Prof Denise Zinn, NMMU’s Executive Dean for Education, who delivered the keynote address at a stakeholder event during the university’s recent Open Day in George, with some of the attendees – Dr Rajesh Maharaj, Deputy CEO at South Cape College, Mr Christo Vorster, Principal of Hoërskool Outeniqua, Mr Francois Moll, Principal of York High School, and Mrs Pumla Cona, Deputy Principal of Imizamo Yethu Secondary School.  NMMU George also acknowledged its top partner schools, based on enrolments from these schools at George Campus in 2013, at this occasion.

NMMU George Student Council members pictured with Campus Principal, Prof Quinton Johnson and Prof Denise Zinn, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education.

Creative Flair… Interior Design Lecturer, Lené Smit and Charista Killian pulled out all the stops to ensure that NMMU’s Department of Architectural Technology and Interior Design scoops the prize for the Most Visually Appealing stall at the Open Day hosted at NMMU’s George Campus.

NMMU George Campus principal, Prof Quinton Johnson (left) with Prof Raymond Auerbach and NMMU George Marketing & Communications Practitioner, Pieter Botha. Prof Auerbach accepted the prize for the Most Interactive stall at the Open Day on behalf of the Agricultural Management programme at NMMU George.

A live broadcast by Eden FM from George Campus added to the vibrant atmosphere at Open Day and also extended NMMU’s message to listeners throughout the region. Dr Shawn Gouws from one of NMMU’s Centres of excellence, called InnoVenton, explained how InnoVenton creates focus areas for the development of new products and processes in a science technology environment. He also touched on the career opportunities this creates for students in this field.

If you’ve noticed the variety and number of strange contraptions on the roof increasing then your eyesight is not deceiving you. The EBEIT Wind Energy Research Group (WERG) is hard at work with a number of experiments to do with harvesting of various renewable energies. The WERG group now has 4 interns working fulltime on the projects and big things are planned for 2013. Some of the main projects for 2013 are:

Heating of air using parabolic collectors and transferring this heat to a bed of rocks insulated within a vacuum (It is hoped to be able to store heat for a few days and use as required. Great for those rainy days!)

Refining our Solar Tracker (By tracking the sun with your solar panels you can gain up to 40% more energy per day)

Developing a cost effective, rugged solar cooker (We hope to offer you a solar cooked boerewors roll before the end of the year and/or a solar heated cup of coffee!)

Refining and commercializing our “green street light”. eNTsa is hard at work on this.

Developing the NMMU patented variable geometry wind turbine blade which hopefully will show improved daily energy yields over current designs. Hold thumbs!

Installation of wind turbine / solar panel power at a number of local schools.

Most of the projects are made possible by funding sourced through the Merseta / AIDC initiatives run by Karl du Preez and his dynamic team.

So if you’re at all interested in saving the planet (and your pocket) and have an interest in one or more of these exciting new green technologies pop in and pay us a visit at the Renewable Energy Lab in the E Block

A graduate of the Department of Building and Human Settlement Development (BHSD), Asithandile Rangile was recently appointed with Investec Bank Limited, based at the Head Office in Sandton as a Property Graduate in Industrial Development. His appointment involves undertaking feasibility studies, and the development of multi million rand forthcoming projects in South Africa.

Asithandile completed a B Tech Quantity Surveying (QS) in 2011 and a B Tech Construction Management (CM) in 2012 respectively. Asi as he is known, had to undergo strenuous panel interviews with the Managing Director of the group, and the final interview with the global CEO of Investec Property.

According to Asi, both the qualifications obtained at the NMMU have given him the edge over graduates traditionally employed in the past from renowned universities such as Wits and UCT.

Asi is full of praise of the NMMU, the BHSD department and the lecturers involved in the programme presented, further stating that the knowledge he obtained was essential to understand what really happens in the corporate world.

He encourages current B Tech students to make the most of their studies and emphasises that the B Tech CM / QS offers them more than they realise. Students need to develop, promote themselves and apply for top positions without fear. 

Congratulations Asithandile – we are proud of you!

The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) in collaboration with Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) launched the Uyilo E-Mobility Programme, on the 13^th of March 2013. This programme seeks to speed up the development of new technologies to create a sustainable infrastructure for the use of the electric vehicles through South Africa.

Awareness was created for the public with the programme launch that took place the 12^th of March 2013. The pre-launch consisted of experiential stops at the Greenacres shopping mall, Govan Mbeki taxi rank, Sasol filling station in Summerstrand and at NMMU North Campus cafeteria. The public had the opportunity to view the cars and give their input regarding the new exciting programme. At the NMMU North campus, the student hype was incredible. As the university promotes an environment of technology transfer and innovation the programme was well received by the students, academics and researchers of the institution. 

The Uyilo E-Mobility Programme hosted by NMMU and supported by several vehicle manufacturers, such as BMW and Nissan. Furthermore, NMMU provides a live testing facility which enables research activities to be undertaken, while private sector partners would provide market experience and TIA would provide funding.

Various power services are involved in this programme to encourage research and development of the technology and infrastructures to support both electric and hybrid vehicles. The electric vehicles will be powered by electricity whereas the hybrid vehicles will be powered by the use of two or more distinct power sources.

It is part of TIA’s mandate to promote research and technological innovation within the country and Higher Education Institutions. For this reason the NMMU technology station, eNtsa, was selected to host this project due to their ability to deliver projects on time, for their skills and expertise within the group reflected by past projects.  

It is foreseen that the electric vehicle inevitable influence the face of the automotive industry and positively influence the investment within the South African economy and in turn challenge the perception of transportation.

During the month of March, Human Set­tlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale has launched the country’s first Chair for Education in Human Settlements Devel­opment and Management at NMMU in March.

The launch of the four-year Bachelor’s Degree in Human Settlements is ex­pected to contribute an important body of knowledge towards finding solutions to tackle the challenges facing the sector.

The degree will ensure that graduates who enter the profession understand the key issues and debates in the sector and are competent to implement policies and solutions.

“This degree will create academic oppor­tunities, beyond debates and discussions for serious formal scholarly discourse, research, specialist knowledge skills and development for sustainable Human Settlements in South Africa said Minister Sexwale.

“The structure of the Human Settlements Development Degree course is designed in a way that is organic and evolutionary, bearing in mind that in our fast changing world of high technologies, particularly in­formatics, the course offered may have to adapt to new demands from time to time,” he said.

Matriculants and those interested in spe­cialising in Human Settlements will be able to study for this degree at NMMU from 2014.

Speaking at the launch, Professor Kobus van Wyk, the head of the degree pro­gramme at the university described the initiative as a dream coming true. “Have you ever dreamt a dream for 20 years and it comes true. This has one ma­jor aim that is to improve people’s lives”.

Prof. Van Wyk added that the decision to initiate the degree came after a careful consideration and realisation that South Africa needed a focused intervention if the country was to effectively deal with the is­sues of poverty and homelessness.

He said international research had indi­cated that about 8-million of the 1.2-billion people living in informal settlements or slums in the world were in South Africa. “I hope that this degree, with the body of knowledge that we will share, will some­how make a huge contribution,” he said.

Rayne Reid, an IT Masters student, recently took part in "Kaspersky’s CyberSecurity for the Next Generation" Asia-Pacific & Middle East African (AP&MEA) Cup 2013 held in Singapore.

Her paper entitled "Back to basics: Information security education for the youth via gameplay" was one of the very few accepted for presentation in Singapore as an AP&MEA regional finalist.

The paper introduced the suggestion of providing information security education to primary school kids via board games.

It presented an information security snakes and ladders game which was created to be brain-compatible to the target audience.

She won 3rd place as well as the award for the "Paper with the most practical application". This includes a trip to London in June 2013 for the International finals and some prize money.

When asked about the experience, Reid said: "I feel very privileged and grateful for the opportunity to have had my efforts heard and acknowledged.

This opportunity is a happy result of hard work which was done by our NMMU Information security research group, my supervisor ,Prof Johan Van Niekerk, and myself.

I am very thankful for such a fantastic result and I hope it leads to even greater opportunities in the future."

Subsequent to her achievements, her paper is in process of collaboration with the "Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA)" with regards to youth cyber security education in Singapore. Prof Steve Furnell from University of Plymouth presenting Ms Reid with her prize

Dr Mgangira holds a BSc degree in Civil Engineering, MSc in En­gineering and earned his Doctor­ate at Ruhr-Universitat Bochum in Germany in 1992, with a focus in Geotechnical Engineering.

Dr Mgangira’s career has mostly been with academic and re­search institutions. For more than 11 years he lectured at the University of Malawi. During this time he held the positions of HOD Civil Engineering, Dean of Faculty of Engineering and Vice Principal at the Polytechnic, a constituent college of the Univer­sity of Malawi.

In 1997 he took up a senior lec­turer position at the then PE Tecknikon in the Civil Engineer­ing department and later got pro­moted to Principal Lecturer.

Since 2005 he has been working for the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). He is currently a Principal researcher within the Pavement Design and Construction research group of the Built Environment Unit. His areas of interest are Transport Geotechnics with a focus on geo-material characterisation and En­gineering Education.

He has published over 25 re­search papers including journal articles. As adjunct Professor he will collaborate in the delivery of NMMU civil engineering academ­ic programmes and strengthen research activities within the De­partment

Students from School of ICT won three of the six categories at the annual prestigious South African leg of Microsoft’s Imagine Cup.

Microsoft’s annual Imagine Cup is an international competition where students develop software solutions and compete in various categories. Of the three main categories, NMMU won two. The winner of the Best World Citizen Solution was team Su­perstiens with their solution: eTute Mathematics Tutoring System, a tab­let based mathematical tutor system.

The winner of the Best Game Proj­ect was team Sumo Develop­ment with their game called: Pil­lar – Revenge of the Mad Scientist.

Of the three individual Microsoft App categories, Mr Linda Nyoka won the Best Windows Phone App category.

Either of the School of ICT teams will stand a chance to travel to the final in Russia if their online en­try is selected by the organisers.

Noteworthy is the fact that, except for 2011, students from the School of ICT have won the Games category every year since the inception of that category.

In general, the School of ICT is by far the most successful unit from all universities over the eleven years of Imagine Cup competitions. Well done School of

InnoVenton proudly participated during Open Day 2013 at NMMU Summerstrand Campus where the NEW diploma in Chemical Process Technology (CPT) and the UNIQUE BSc Hon Formulation Science programme were promoted. Lecturers Dr Nicole Vorster and Dr Shawn Gouws were assisted by two of our Masters students: Kirstin Burger and Luphumlo Ncanywa. 

Luphumlo was great as our “nutty” professor Einstein and drew in the crowds! Kirstin worked hard demonstrating the handcream formulation and helping scholars prepare their own. At one stage she could hardly keep up with the demand!

Four of our CPT students, Ramsey Lewis, Lindokuhle Nzelani, Saabier Matthews and Lungisa Makinana helped out at the stall on either Friday or Saturday and did a great job interacting with the scholars.

Back row: Dr Shawn Gouws, Dr Nicole Vorster, Lindokuhle Nzelani, Ramsey Lewis
Front row: Kirstin Burger, and Luphumlo Ncanywa

Left to right: Kirstin Burger, Dr Nicole Vorster, Dr Shawn Gouws, Saabier Matthews and Luphumlo Ncanywa
Front : Lungisa Makinana

The Open Day weekend started on the 9^th May with an address from the DVC: Research and Engagement Prof Thoko Mayekiso, followed by an award ceremony honouring 40 partner schools for their participation in assisting their scholars to enroll for their studies at the NMMU.

The next two days were a hive of activity as the career awareness expo kicked off at NMMU Port Elizabeth. Over 2500 scholars, parents and teachers attended the Open Day where they could collect information regarding a range of possible career choices.

As the pictures show, InnoVenton prepared a colourful interactive stall. Dr Nicole Vorster, coordinator of the BSc: Honours (Formulation Science) programme, together with MSc students Kirstin Burger and Luphumlo Ncanywa spent time with students telling them about the course and assisting scholars to make hand creams in different colours of their choice and with beautiful fragrances like “rose water” and “vanilla”.

Dr Shawn Gouws, programme coordinator Diploma in Chemical Process Technology (CPT), with CPT students Ramsey Lewis, Lindokuhle Nzelani, Saabier Matthews and Lungisa Makinana, chatted to students about the requirements for the CPT course.

On the 16^th May Dr Shawn Gouws, Kirstin Burger and Luphumlo Ncanywa drove to NMMU George Campus to setup the InnoVenton stall. Prof Quinton Johnson, Campus Principal, welcomed the exhibitors. Dr Shawn Gouws was interviewed by Jason Stanley, a DJ from EDEN FM radio, and answered a few questions to promote InnoVenton and the Diploma in Chemical Process Technology. EDENfm™ is a Community Radio Station broadcasting in the Southern Cape and Klein Karoo Region of the Western Cape Province of South Africa and has approximately 134000 listeners.

Over a 1000 learners, parents and teachers visited the Open Day at George Campus (an increase of more than 43% compared to 2012) whereby more than 30 schools visited this year’s Open day at the George Campus.

InnoVenton would like to thank all students who assisted the course coordinators during NMMU Open Day in Port Elizabeth and George!

InnoVenton MSc students Kirstin Burger and Luphumlo Ncanywa ready to answer questions from prospective Chemical Process Technology and BSc Hon Formulation Science students.

Eager scholars making their own handcream under the guidance of Dr Nicole Vorster.	Scholars answering a chemistry quiz whilst CPT student Saabier Matthews (right) looks on. Who will win the prize?
InnoVenton stall at Saasveld, NMMU George, with Dr Shawn Gouws, Kirstin Burger and Luphumlo Ncanywa	Kirstin Burger having a lot of fun with learners making bath salts or hand creams
Dr Shawn Gouws gave a radio interview to Eden FM stereo Radio

Following last year’s successful hosting of the Green Student Conference in spreading the green message among young people, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University has again been asked to host this year’s conference.

The Green Student Conference from 2 to 6 July 2013 at NMMU’s South Campus is aimed at empowering young green champions with skills and knowledge which they, in turn, will use to educate others as to the benefits of sustainability.

“It’s about sharing experiences, best practice and networking with knowledgeable people so that the next generation is better equipped to care for our natural resources,” says Mendy Zintwana, head of the local Green Campus Initiative student body.

NMMU was one of the first universities to respond to the green call by the Minister of Higher Education Blade Nzimande and has already implemented a number of student-run initiatives at the institution’s Port Elizabeth and George campuses.

Apart from recycling, power-saving projects and green talks with all the student residences, George Campus’ Sustainability Unit has implemented many more initiatives to save scarce natural resources and reduce NMMU’s carbon footprint. This includes a grey water project for the residences in which rain water is recycled.

A vast mix of opportunities awaits the expected 150-plus delegates from most of South Africa’s 23 institutions of higher education during the second national conference Green Campus Initiative including talks from renewable energy experts, hands-on workshops, creative theatre skits and opportunities to showcase successful green projects.

The student delegates will also be rolling up their sleeves to assist with the cleaning of penguins at the South African Marine Rehabilitation and Education Centre (SAMREC) located in the Cape Recife Nature Reserve, a sanctuary for sea birds, like the African Penguin or Jackass Penguin.

“We want to lead by example,” says Mendy, whose team has grown in numbers since the Green Campus Initiative was formed in 2010.

NMMU’s Centre for Energy Research is at the forefront of research in the renewable energy sector and has put its research into practice by harnessing wind and solar power which is fed into the university’s electricity grid. Ten staff members, for example, have also swopped their fuel-hungry vehicles for solar-powered scooters and bicycles in order to get about between campuses in Port Elizabeth, while departments are encouraged to adhere to the university’s value of “respect for the natural environment” by initiating various “green” projects.

Inquiries: Mendy Zintwana

Green Campus Initiative at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

Cell: 0734773321

Congratulations to Siegmund Human a Sport Management student and Hando Brophy a Human Movement Science student at NMMU on making the South African Golf student team.

The South African Challenge Interprovincial tournament took place at Maccauvlei Golf Club in Vereniging from the 12^th to the 17^th May 2013.

The team came fourth with Siegmund Human scoring a possible 6.5 points out of 10 and was the most valued player of the team.

From left to right: Hando Brophy and Siegmund Human

Student Financial Aid

At the NMMU, 7957 students applied for NSFAS to study this year, 4716 being senior students, 2517 being first year students and 724 being late first year applicants. Of this number, 4588 were successful (57.66%), this comprising of 1176 first years, 3371 seniors, 28 disabled students and 13 Teacher Training students.

The NSFAS criteria is a simple one, in order for students to qualify for the funding, they must firstly be excelling academically and secondly, they must be financially needy, with the total family income not exceeding R150 000 per annum.

For first year applicants, in order to be considered as being academically excelling, one is required to obtain a minimum of 28 Admission Point Scores (APS) in their final matric results. Previously, those who were between 28 & 29 were considered for the NMMU loan, and if they perform well during their first semester, the funding be converted to a full NSFAS loan. This year, those falling within this group were given the full NSFAS funding straight away, as it has proven that, the majority of them perform well during their first semester of study.

For senior students, a new criteria was introduced this year as advocated for by the 2012 SRC (please see annexure B). This saw the NSFAS threshold being reduced for the first, second and third year of study for students to be easily eligible for funding, meaning more students could qualify and those who did not qualify could have an opportunity to appeal.

This was a great initiative but there were some unforeseen and uncalculated circumstances.

One of which being, more students qualified for the funding and that meant that more funding would be needed as the requirement is now low. Unfortunately, NSFAS allocated the normal funding to our institution as per normal years, with a 6.5% increase only. This then meant some students would not get funding immediately and that applications for second semester would not open as there is no surplus, unless the NSFAS head office allocates more money to NMMU.

305 late first year applicants have met the NSFAS criteria and have not yet been awarded funding. Some have been given allowances for books only and no accommodation or meals, some meal allowances and nothing else and others only their tuition has been paid and no allowances or accommodation.

As the SRC we are extremely concerned about this issue, as a result, have written to the NSFAS CEO, Mr. Msulwa Daca to top up the allocation of funds, but it has reached our attention that, NSFAS has depleted its funds for the year, which has resulted in us seeing Walter Sisulu University go on a full blown strike and some Fort Hare University students only receiving their allocations two weeks ago.

The Vice-Chancellor has promised to assist with some of our financial aid requests and a report concerning this funding will be at our disposal no later than mid-May as to what extent the University Management is willing to go in assisting these financially needy and academically excelling students of NMMU.

We have requested for R25 million which is the amount required to assist all these students, knowing that it will also assist with some second semester applications.

In the meanwhile, Campus Health Services is running a Nutritional Programme that is sponsored by the SRC, giving food parcels to those who do not have meal allowances yet.

Student Debts from 2012

In 2012 and previous years to that, students who come from financially needy backgrounds would apply for funding late, as a result, find that funds have been depleted by our Financial Aid department. They would be requested to source funding from elsewhere so that they are able to register, and thereafter apply for second semester funding from NSFAS when applications open.

Unfortunately, funds were not always available from NSFAS in the second semester and that meant students will have a debt at the beginning of the following year.

At NMMU, when you have a debt from a previous year, you cannot register and continue with your studies, regardless of whether or not you have obtained financial assistance for the current year. This always meant that students would be excluded and their dreams of obtaining a decent education killed.

This year, a total of 391 students had a debt from 2012 tuition fees, this amount amounting to R2 300 233.22. Of these students, 319 were zero EFC students, who could not get funding from NSFAS in 2012 due to insufficient funds in the department, loss of a bursary or family situations changing in the course of the year, which meant that, their parents could no longer afford to pay their fees.

The total amount of debts for these Zero EFC students was R1 619 993.79, and the SRC successfully negotiated with University Management to settle off the full debt of these students and today, they are still within our ranks.

A major concern was those who had EFC’s. The SRC contributed 10% of its budget, R320 000, to try and assist these students. The total debt of these students was R666 662.63, which meant that, we could not assist all of them. We further had to draft a strict criteria as to who we fund and the criteria was, academic excellence and once again, financial neediness, considering first, those who had low EFC’s.

Out of the 391 students, only 39 were not covered by the fund and those are those whose marks were either very poor or their EFC was extremely high. In total, the SRC was able to advocate for R1 980 000.00 with of student debts settlement, which is a job well done.

Another component of students that was assisted was the International students. These students according to South African Policy do not qualify for loans as they are not citizens of South Africa.

10% of the Bailout Fund was thus allocated in the form of a bursary to those International students that required assistance with this current years fees, as they have been dropped by their bursaries for this year and have only one or two modules to complete their studies.

Moving forward, we need to draft a swift way forward for future cases that are of similar nature. As students, we cannot still be negotiating with management about such issues in January and well into the academic year in February. We must be proactive and not reactive in nature.

Fraud Cases

It is disturbing that, in 2013, the SRC still has to report about students that are involved in fraudulent cases of applying and obtaining NSFAS, even though they are not financially needy.

Pertaining to the 2013 applications, 4 students in P.E were found guilty and 6 in George. More cases are still under investigation and hope that they will be finalised soon.

We would like to urge students and the student leadership to please play an active role in identifying those who apply for funding they don’t deserve, in so doing, taking away from those that are in dire need of the fund.

Appeals Process

The NSFAS appeals process for those students whose academic performance fell within 15% of the normal new NSFAS criteria and who presented proof of extenuating circumstances which resulted in their lower-than-normal academic results were considered by the Appeals committee.

This appeals process commenced in mid-January and ended on the 20^th of February. This year, a success ratio of 68.09% was achieved. This ratio would have been higher, but there was a huge number of students whom appealed EFC’s, and according to NSFAS policy, EFC cannot be appealed as the system puts everything into consideration.

If there were any extenuating circumstances, the SRC negotiated for certain students to be awarded the NMMU loan which also assisted with student debts. This loan was used purely for those who did not qualify for funding but were only left with a few modules to complete their studies or those who had debts as mentioned earlier.

Generally, the SRC’s relationship with the Financial Aid department has been harmonious. Our observation is that, the department is currently seriously under staffed and need more human resource, be it students or full time employees.

Besides human resource, technology must be adopted by the department in order to speed up its processes and to foster efficient service delivery to students.

Shuttle Service

Shuttle Service

For a number of years, students of NMMU have been in need of an efficient and effective shuttle service to transport them from campus to campus. As from last year, when the service was re-looked and implemented, it made a huge difference in the lives and pockets of those residing in Summerstrand and those studying in Missionvale.

This service was implemented by the assistance of a student levy of R65 for the whole year. This levy was not enough and in last year’s fee negotiations, the SRC negotiated for a R146 Student levy for the whole year (R14.60 per month), on condition that, management comes with a 2:1 ratio.

This funding model would assist with the expansion of the service in order for it to also reach outskirts such as Uitenhage. Disappointingly, Management did not reach its end of the deal and we have now requested the additional funding from them.

More students are now aware of the service and as a result, it is oversubscribed.

This additional fund coming from the Management Committee will be utilised to expand the capacity of the Uitenhage bus as well as a capacity of the 8pm service going to town. All stations require a station manager, and this fund will also assist with the employment of those station managers. All the above is to happen by no later than June, prior to the examinations.

A mandate from the Student Body pertaining to the shuttle service was clear during the SRC Indabaz and we shall honour those requests. The Site reps are currently following up on all the requests made by the students and shall give a full report in due time.

The vision is much broader than what is currently happening. The SRC and University management envision a system similar to that of UCT. The Integrated Public Transport System needs to come on board and once the Metro has that up and running properly, the university can look into integrating its service into that. That is a true solution to the problems of capacity we are facing currently.

Another problem that we have been faced with this year is the University taking over the shuttle service of the accredited residences. This was a decision that was taken last year, when students staying in those residences were complaining that their transport is not enough and that SRC and Management must look into it.

Currently, the University has indeed taken over and the capacity for them is sufficient, the only problem is that, it is not monitored properly, more specifically, in the afternoon and evenings, when students are going home.

Also, when this service was implemented, something which was not considered was the transportation of sport players during the weekends to the various playing fields. We have brought the issue to the attention of Student Housing and we are convinced that something will be done as students were promised the same and even better service when NMMU took over their transportation.

These are part of the things that were not forecasted and we are currently crafting a way forward as mentioned earlier to have a proper system in place.

Part of what will be done is to have signs at all shuttle stops, indicated which bus goes where and where students going to that specific destination must queue. Also, the matter of station operators is something which we are taking very seriously so that there is someone to monitor the lines as some members of the student body have demonstrated that they cannot conduct themselves in a proper manner when there are no “prefects” at the lines.

In addition, the issue of student behaviour on shuttle services in general must be condemned. As the SRC, we would like to urge students to work hand-in-hand with us making sure that the service is run smoothly.

It is important that we understand everything that we do, will cost money and both, the University and the students are not willing to fund this project properly meaning we have to work with what we have in most instances.

NMMU Infrastructure

At NMMU, a number of activities are taking place to improve the quality of operations and infrastructure in general. The Vice Chancellor has been very instrumental in the improvement of the 2^nd avenue campus in general and the SRC, as led by the 2^nd Avenue Site Rep submitted its requests which it would like prioritised in the Campus.

These include;

• 2^nd Avenue Library upgrade; There are venues that are currently being reviewed as an alternative for the 2^nd avenue students to use whilst their library is being upgraded.
• 2^nd Avenue Lecture Hall;

Practical completion of the new 200-seater lecture hall will be met in October this year. This was a priority for the SRC as it opens up opportunities for the Auditorium to be utilised for other purposes either than academic in seeing to the vibrancy of the 2^nd Avenue campus that is lacking currently.

• 2^nd Avenue Cafeteria;

Students have been asking for the cafeteria to be revamped and that is exactly what the SRC sent as priority to the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and the whole MANCO.

This project will commence in June for completion in July. It will see to the campus having ATM’s which they have been asking for years, flat screen TV’s and sound systems.

• 2nd Avenue 80-seater computer labs;

More labs are being planned for the campus as students have for years been complaining to the SRC as to lack of capacity when it comes to the labs. These labs will most definitely minimise the current congestion and assist with the high demand of computers. We are convinced that, once this construction begins, and the tablet devices implemented, no student at NMMU will have a problem with access to technology that it enhances academic performance.2^nd Avenue campus has been in isolation for many years and it inherits the poor conditions from the college that was situated there prior to the merger. As the SRC, we want it to be up to standard as any of our other campuses and the Vice Chancellor is in full support of that.

Other infrastructure that is of interest to students and the SRC is the new residences at Sanlam Student Village and George Campus.

Besides those issues of high priority to us, there are currently plans to build a new taxi rank at the corner of Gomery and the University way. It has been brought to our attention that plans for this are underway and negotiations with the Municipality are underway.

The new HMS building is planned for completion in July and shall be occupied in the second semester. Equipment is currently being moved to the new building already with a number of new equipment purchased.

The 2^nd Avenue Business Schools construction work is currently underway and due for practical completion in December. It is said to be the first green Business School in Africa.

Finally, the extension of the gym that is also underway.

We are generally disturbed by the noise that had been generated by the contractors in the South Campus Residences during their first phase of deferred maintenance, and we hope that, in the future, such construction will take place during recess periods such as June and December. The South Campus Site Rep has been tasked to look into that as we believe it is something which is possible instead of the University Management renting out the venues to external people during the vacation period. 

24 Hour Library Service

24 Hour Library Service

As proposed last year, as the SRC, we envision a 24 hour library service during the examination period. This would commence at a small scale moving into the library being open 24 hours throughout the year.

We have submitted our final proposal to MANCO to approve the budget of firstly extending the hours by 2 hours in every library at NMMU. Meaning, South Campus will open until Mid-night, North Campus, Missionvale and George campus until 22:00 every night during the week.

This is something that will be piloted for the June Examinations pending approval of our final budget request. Should this piloting period be successful, we will look into extending the hours even further, eventually having a 24 hour library service during the exam period more importantly, throughout the year.

As the SRC, we would like to urge the Student Body to use this service when it is being piloted and that you help us monitored areas that are being used the most by students so that it can continue even for future purposes.

Tablet Devices

As proposed almost a year ago by the SRC to MANCO, we are currently looking into providing each and every student of NMMU a tablet device upon registration. This is a project that will cost over R40 Million to implement in its first year of operation, not including software developments or facilities that need to be upgraded.

The Chancellor, Ms. Santie Botha has shown support for this project and has undertaken to raise funds for it but will also require a minimum levy being paid by the students, and this being currently under negotiations.

The idea around the project is that it assists students in academics excellence, that they are able to access emails and the student portable from home, especially those coming from financially needy backgrounds.

It will also assist with typing projects and submitting them electronically, as the University Vision is to go paperless.

The ultimate vision is that, this device be the one and only thing you need on campus.

 A pilot project is currently being planned for he second semester and the numbers and who will get this pilot are still being negotiated.

Radio Station

In line with its vision of becoming a world class university, the NMMU has been in need of further platforms for student engagement, in particular a campus radio station. The original proposal for the radio station was submitted to MANCO by the SRC of 2012 and led by the then Secretary General, Ms. S. Beynon, with approval having been passed last year.

Support was and has been shown by the Vice-Chancellor as well, who founded a radio station during his time at the University of Fort Hare. The responsibility, in terms of further progress, has been given to DVC Institutional Support, Dr. S. Muthwa; the Dean of Students, Mr. K. Matiso; Director of Student Governance & Development, Mr. M. Ncapayi and the SRC 2013.

We are pleased to announce that based on official approval by MANCO and the allocation of funding for the radio station, we, as the SRC, now look into the implementation of this innovative initiative. Currently, all relevant stakeholders are looking at an implementation plan with relevant departments looking to head up the various components of the project, or to bring in external stakeholders with the relevant expertise, so as for the project’s implementation not to be delayed.

The costing of the radio station as predicted by an external stakeholder has been approved by MANCO, however it is expected to generate an income and become self-funding so as to sustain itself in the long-run (a five year plan was thus developed for this condition). We are pleased to announce that this station is expected to be student based and run, something fought for by the SRC, with only two positions being availed to external stakeholders and those being the Radio Station Manager and a General Administrator, of which both posts are yet to be filled.

The station will be located on South Campus in the current Arts and Culture and EduLoan offices, and will initially broadcast through the internet, streamlining to all campuses, including George. The station is expected to eventually broadcast into the Metropolitan area. Our aim, together with all other stakeholders, is thus strictly to ensure implementation moving forward and we hope to see that no later than July.

Women in Leadership

Women participation in NMMU events and the University at large is seriously concerning.

The SRC Deputy President together with the Transformation and Gender Officer have undertaken to run a project that will look to provide our women in leadership at NMMU, those females in the SRC , RSAs, House Committees and identified SRC Affiliates with a platform to discuss issues and concepts around women empowerment, including: women in leadership, women in beauty pageants (perceptions, roles), the role of women in the 21st century.

It has been limited to female student leadership so as to establish a progressive relationship for the mobilization of female students in general and later, male counterparts at our next proposed initiative in the year, of which would be a public lecture\forum.

Parliamentarians and fellow students, the ultimate vision is to make our University a truly great and prosperous institution that caters for all who form part of it, inevitably, turning Eastern Cape and South Africa into a great place to be in.

Wi-Fi

In line with the SRC’s objective for all residence students to have access to fast, reliable Wi-Fi in common areas and rooms, the SRC has been readily engaging with relevant stakeholders of management, including NMMU’s ICT Services and Student Housing around the implementation of Wi-Fi which is something that we had been promised for years as students.

With this initiative not being an entirely new one, the SRC felt the need to urgently request negotiation for and confirmation of the latest developments on the roll-out of Wi-Fi into our residences, given the commitments made by management for this academic year.

We have been informed that the relevant funding for this project has now been approved and allocated by MANCO, for implementation of Wi-Fi into all the NMMU Residences. Currently, the ICT Services Department is working on the final project implementation plan as well as the finalisation of the tender documents, of which management is directly responsible for.

Moving forward, the SRC aims from here onwards to realize its objective of final implementation in the second semester of this year, against management’s original three-year long roll-out plan, through continuing its efforts of vigorous engagement and negotiation with all relevant stakeholders.

Safety & Security

As student leadership, we are concerned about the high levels of crime that we have been experiencing on all our campuses as well as off campus. As a result, a proposal has been submitted to University Management as to negotiate with the SAPS in order for them to patrol on a 5 km radius from all campuses.

This comes after a number of students have been robbed along the way to Gomery as well as outside the Missionvale Gates. The safety of our students comes first and we understand that, the security guards cannot guard outside the premises, hence Protection Services and SAPS must be proactive.

We also take note of the unfortunate incident of Masakhane security guards not been paid for a duration of almost two months. We condemn this action and hope that it does not happen again as the workers cannot perform their duties well, resulting in the safety of our students being compromised.

We also take note of their absenteeism in stations on irregular bases and have forwarded such complaints to Protection Services. From the students’ perspective, Masakhane as an NMMU Service provider is not fit for purpose and as the SRC; we will oppose their contract being renewed.

We are generally concerned about the functionality of the on campus cameras. We are were promised that, new cameras would be installed in residences but that seems to not have been done.

More students are losing their property and every time they go and consult with Protection Services, they are told to identify the exact time something happen which of course means they will not be able to do that meaning they are not given an opportunity to view the cameras.

As the SRC, we feel that more cameras are to be installed on campus and the S.H.E officer must head that up as crime on campus has seriously gone up. It is now at a level which has never been seen before.

Catering

During the fee negotiations last year for residence fees, the SRC successfully negotiated to have a separate account that would be used to subsidise food at the Dining halls for students. This amount was formulated by taking portions of the reserves and using it to subsidise the food.

This has not yet been implemented by residence management and we are currently following up on it. When it is implemented, we will see food prices go down and this means students, especially those on NSFAS and have only R55 per day to spend on basic food will be able to afford at least three meals a day and not two as it currently is.

As the SRC, we are concerned about the quality of food that is being served at the dining halls in residences currently and the service the students get from the staff members, more specifically, the kitchen managers.

The SRC, in the course of this week conducted random and unannounced visits to the dining halls. This visit was led by the SRC PRO, Academics Officer, whom are both Environmental Health Students as well as The SRC Accommodation and Catering Officer. As they arrived in North Campus dining hall, they arrived just in time as they were attempting to clean because they were tipped off by someone that SRC is on their way.

At the South Campus, they observed that, general cleanliness is a problem and is not up to standard. There is no proper ventilation as a result, during hot days, the workers sweat and that can be a serious hygiene problem.

A way forward is still to be crafted but would also appreciate the assistance of Parliament.

As we understand, catering issues are not limited to residences. Currently, some students coming from the Muslim Student Association have submitted that the quality of food that is being served at the Flavaz on campus is not up to standard and have required that the contract be reviewed. We are pleased to report that the procurement of a 3 year service provider for Halaal food is under way and recommendations coming from students will be most welcome so that the SRC can forward them.

We are also concerned about the food prices that are being used by the Service providers on campus and we are currently looking on how we can help in reducing those prices in order for all students to be able to benefit from the high quality food served on campus and not just an elite few.

The reduction of those prices would result in students having an option as to where they want to eat as there would be minimal cost restrictions. 

Student Housing

Student Housing

It is with pleasure to announce that, the 75 Bed residence in George Campus has finally been opened and students will be accommodated in it within a short space of time. Students from the old hostel will be relocated to these facilities whilst the deferred maintenance of those residences is being attended to in 2013.

In the Port Elizabeth Campus, the construction of the 312 beds residence in Sanlam Student Village is currently underway and will be completed in December this year. These residences will not ease the current problem we have at least for the next four years as students staying in the older buildings will be relocated to these new residences until the maintenance of them is complete.

Once that is done, 75 beds will be strictly allocated to Missionvale students.

This therefore means, more residences must be constructed, but the problem once again, being finances. After proposals made by the SRC last year, the University is now looking into having an alternative, that which is private partnership-based.

This kind of partnership has proven to work in other Universities but has also been a big fail at others, this then means we must be extremely careful when conducting such partnerships and that clear clauses are formulated to protect the students from greedy and selfish business people.

In the meanwhile, the University is pursuing the accreditation of the off campus residences. More residences this year have been included, such as Digs Traduna, Havelock, New Haven, 3 0n Mill and Premier Lodge, with Protea Lodge giving us problems in the sense of not living up to its promises and that resulted in their contract being cancelled and those students staying there being moved to South Point, one of our long time accredited partners.Generally, students are happy at these accredited residences with one of two not being up to standard, safety wise. We have addressed these issues with the owners and they have attended to them with immediate effect.

It is with pleasure that, through the guidance of the SRC Accommodation and Catering officer, for the first time at NMMU, we have seen student housing organise accommodation for family of those financially needy graduates that were graduating this year.

These families were accommodated in Jabula Lodge, Smart Accommodation and The Palace under subsidy and paid only R150, R250 and R300 respectively per night per room as compared to +\-R500 per night that they were going to pay.

For the families staying in these buildings, there was free transport for them from the building to the Vodacom Indoor Sport Centre and back.

This is a deal that was negotiated, signed and sealed within a short space of one week and we are sure that, should the negotiations start earlier next year, the rate can be even less.