About the cover The Durban University of Technology’s research ethos is symbolised by an outstretched hand, a helping hand, a guiding hand, that extends firmly into the heart of the community, eagerly grasping it, lifting it and offering to share skills, knowledge and resources for the empowerment and upliftment of all. Nature’s elements are captured in the brown of the earth, the deep orange of the sun and the blue of the sky. The silver foilwrapped and embossed title provides a shining light against the earth’s colours which illuminates the way forward. A montage of photographs captures the four thematic research areas of this bulletin which contribute to society. Research and community engagement is a synergistic relationship, one in which both partners are able to influence a desirable outcome, which neither could achieve alone. The relationship is in line with the DUT’s mission of conducting relevant, applied research and the CRMD’s vision of strengthening institutional research for the benefit of Africa.
A REVIEW OF
RESEARCH & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Contents Foreword The Director: Research Management and Development
4
Messages The MEC for Education, KwaZulu-Natal
5
The President: National Research Foundation
6
The Council (Administrator)
7
The Vice Chancellor and Principal
8
The Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic)
9
Defining Research and Community Engagement
10
Health and Society - Addressing the Social and Health Implications of the HIV/AIDS Pandemic
A review of reseArch And community engAgement
The Siyazama Project
12
Art for Humanity
14
The Materials Development Project
16
Orphanages for Children Affected by and Infected with HIV/AIDS
16
Ukuba Nesibindi Centre
17
Immune Boosters: What Effect do these have on Viral Loads and Lymphocyte Counts?
18
Skills Development - Contributing to the National Skills Development Strategy Community Research Projects: Centre for Skills Development
20
Amasondo Esibindi - Wheels of Courage
21
Siyaya Project
21
ISETT SETA Learnerships
22
Early Childhood Development Learnerships
22
ICT Development for Rural KZN Entrepreneurs
23
Taking Science-to-Laboratory Teacher Development
24
Tholulwazi User Interface Localisation Project
25
Contents (contd.) Sustainable Resource Management - Renewable Energy Resources and the Environment The Inanda-Ntuzuma-KwaMashu (INK) Agricultural Project
27
Sustainable Water Pumping in Fredville (Inchanga - KZN)
28
Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Maize Meal to Improve its Nutritional Value
29
Commercialisation Potential of Local Traditional Vegetables
30
KwaMajomela Water Project
31
Myeka High School Energy Project
32
Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs) in Agriculture: A Demonstration Site
33
Water and Membrane Technology
33
Chromium Contamination of Groundwater
34
Testing the Quality of Water Stored in Shipping Containers
34
Innovative Processes using Membrane Technology and Solar Energy
35
Community Research Projects: Centre for Systems Research
36
Optimising Game Farm Management using Computational Intelligence
37
The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) Project
38
Language, Design and Visual Identity - Protecting Indigenous Design and Craft Heritage 40
A Cultural Tourism Research Development Project: The French Presence in KwaZulu-Natal
41
Baumann House, Tennyson House and the Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) Community Research Projects
42
Can Community Television Encourage Social Change?
43
The Albert Park Renewable Project
44
The Salt March
44
The Impact of Tourist Perceptions of Safety and Security on Tourism Marketing in Mpumalanga
45
Journeys of Healing, Identity and Empowerment
46
The Georgetown Project
48
A review of reseArch And community engAgement
Craft Collaborations: Shembe Beadwork
Foreword by the Director: Research Management and Development
DUT: investing in the people of KwaZulu-Natal
T
The core functions of universities in
Research which impacts on the communities
South Africa are three-fold, viz., teaching
served by DUT staff are broadly separated
and learning, research, and community
into four areas in this bulletin, viz.:
engagement (or community service). The
•
tackling
Technology to its core business is captured
implications
within its mission, viz., “To serve the needs
pandemic; •
of developing societies within a dynamic
social of
and
the
health HIV/AIDS
Contributing to the National Skills Development Strategy through skills
teaching, learning, research and community
transfer and enabling development
engagement by (inter alia) promoting
that helps to uplift communities; •
alleviation, renewable energy, and the
the critical imperatives that define DUT’s
environment; and
research ethos are carried out hand-in-
•
hand with the communities in and around
belief systems.
investigating crucial health issues.
Information in this bulletin on research
DUT is investing in the people of KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa through skills development, especially in rural harnessing
and
communities, developing
and
strategic
and comparative advantages for social, industrial and technological development, including bridging the Information and Communication Technology ‘digital divide’. Throughout, it works diligently to protect the heritage that is unique to the region. The DUT’s Centre for Research Management and Development (CRMD) is vested with the responsibility of meeting the critical imperatives. This review seeks to provide an overview of the research projects that have, indeed, reached to the very core of our communities. It also provides an audit
“
impacting on communities is based on feedback provided by researchers from the
DUT’s imperatives are
DUT. We are aware that a number of new
rooted in its commitment
initiatives are in the pipeline, or may have
to contributing to food
a forthcoming update. Research is a full-time activity that
security, eradicating
shapes an institution of higher learning.
poverty and investigating crucial health issues.
already begun. These would be covered in
”
It informs teaching and adds to the currency of the curriculum. I take this opportunity of expressing my appreciation to all researchers at the DUT for their commitment, dedication and passion in ensuring the relevance, excellence and delivery of our research programmes to the communities we serve. I am also grateful to the leadership of the University for their continued support of research at the DUT.
of existing activities for review within the Academic Strategic Plan of the DUT and informs resource allocation.
protecting
traditional knowledge, and spiritual
to food security, eradicating poverty and
peri-urban
incorporates
indigenous design and craft, oral Professor D (Gansen) Pillay
institution’s commitment to contributing
and
Language, design and visual identity, which
its campuses, in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. These imperatives are rooted in the
Sustainable resource management, embracing food security and poverty
It is therefore of paramount importance that
A review of reseArch And community engAgement
the
global context and to enable quality
excellence in applied and relevant research”.
Health and society, which includes
commitment of the Durban University of
Professor D (Gansen) Pillay
Message from the MEC for Education, KwaZulu-Natal
Developing an intellectual foundation for engaging with communities
T
The mission statement of the Durban
Engaging in community partnerships
University of Technology is a beacon that
enables institutions of higher education to
guides the institution: to serve the needs
provide more than theoretical opportunities
of developing societies within a dynamic
to engage members of communities who
global context and to enable quality
confront very different life challenges.
teaching, learning, research and community
These opportunities support research,
engagement.
which is a key activity of a higher education
This mission heeds the call for institutions of
institution. They add to the sum of human
higher education to promote and develop
knowledge and understanding; inform and
social responsibility and awareness among
enhance teaching; generate useful insights
students of the role of higher education in
and inventions in support of development
social and economic development, through
creation and an improved quality of life; and
community service programmes.
create an environment in which research relevant to a particular society flourishes.
Prior to 1994 such programmes were mainly initiated by concerned academic staff in
By using the DUT’s expertise in the areas
response to the needs of communities at
of teaching and research, students benefit
the time. Today
directly from community involvement
Ms Ina Cronje
higher
education
through service learning, volunteerism and
institutions
community-based programmes.
throughout the world are faced with the
Educating students from the context of
foundation for engaging more closely
applied learning and problem solving
with surrounding communities, which will enable such institutions to integrate their key activities of teaching and research with service.
“
By using the DUT’s expertise in the areas of teaching and research, students benefit directly from community involvement.
”
prepares them to face some of the complex challenges and opportunities of our world. We wish you success in pursuing your mission.
Ms Ina Cronjé
A review of reseArch And community engAgement
challenge of developing an intellectual
Message from the President: National Research Foundation
Robust research programmes justify investment in DUT
I
I am delighted to be able to provide a
the “innovation chain” as of paramount
message for the Review of Research and
importance. It must be realised that wealth-
The National
producing innovation does not occur in
Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa
a vacuum. It is intimately linked to the
promotes and supports research through
whole of society becoming more creative,
funding, human resource development
more interconnected and exhibiting more
and by providing the necessary research
solidarity. Technological breakthroughs
facilities to facilitate the creation of
do not automatically lead to increased
knowledge, innovation and development
wealth; institutional adjustments and
in all fields of science and technology,
innovations are also needed. More wealth
including indigenous knowledge, and
does not lead to a better society; for this to
thereby to contribute to the improvement
happen social innovation is also required.
of the quality of life of all the people of the
Innovation, therefore, cannot be reduced
Republic. Our vision is for a prosperous
to technological breakthroughs and the
South Africa and African continent steeped
need to bring them to market. Social
Community Engagement.
in a knowledge culture, free of widespread and
poverty,
and
proud
Sciences, Humanities and Law research and Professor Mzamo Mangaliso
innovation are also central to development
contributors to the well-being of humanity.
and prosperity.
The NRF is responsible for promoting the
The range of research activities covered in
full range of activities in the research and
this bulletin justifies the investment made
innovation chain. The mandate requires
by the NRF at the DUT. Robust research
A review of reseArch And community engAgement
diseases
science outreach activities, high-level human resource development and the
“ The knowledge base is
projects which positively impact on the communities fall within the following NRF-
not built in isolation,
funded research niche areas and open
but through the
•
Dynamical systems research;
concomitant development
•
Appropriate design education for
commercialisation.
of high-quality human
•
ICT and development; and
resources, the provision
•
Indigenous knowledge systems.
The NRF therefore supports the range from
expansion of the strategic knowledge base in all fields of science through developing disciplinary, trans-disciplinary, basic and applied research thereby providing the platform for technology development, innovation and eventual
traditional academic areas to high-risk, high pay-off ideas and novel collaborations. The knowledge base is not built in isolation, but through the concomitant development of high-quality human resources, the provision of state-of-the-art research equipment and unique national research facilities.
of state-of-the-art
programmes:
sustainable development;
It is also worth noting that the DUT has successfully secured funding in four research
research equipment and
niche areas over the next five years. I take
unique national research
on its research initiatives, which contribute
facilities.
further assists South Africa in meeting the
”
this opportunity of congratulating the DUT to the creation of a better society and challenges of Agenda 21, and beyond.
The NRF regards the promotion of the role of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law in
Professor Mzamo Mangaliso
Message from Council
On the brink of a major research breakthrough
I
I can think of few institutions better placed
(at least a Masters degree) for all academic
to play a leading role in development
staff – which implies that research
research in southern Africa than the
output will be built into the performance
Durban University of Technology. Consider
management plan for every academic and
the following: here is an institution with
that the achievement thereof will be part
a small but powerful group of NRF-rated
of the performance assessment of every
researchers, a growing number of academics
academic line manager. This is what great
leading funded research programmes, a
universities do.
large group of young academics registered
What I find particularly striking about
for advanced degrees, and an energetic
the research at DUT is its career-oriented
research leadership that brings together the
character, its sensitivity to the needs of
talents and interests of all research staff in
communities, its alertness to the changing
an impressive array of annual publications.
demands of the business environment
Led well, these are the ingredients for
and, therefore, its thoroughly practical and
building a stellar research institution. True,
yet scholarly qualities. And so research at
the base of productivity is low at the moment
Professor Jonathan D Jansen
DUT covers everything from indigenous
and the proportion of active researchers
knowledge to poverty relief to HIV/AIDS to
still relatively small – but it is exactly this
food security to renewable energy.
developmental challenge, matched by the
I stand in awe and admiration of what has
enthusiasm of young academics, that gives confidence that DUT stands on the brink will this happen? The research leadership team is about to be bolstered by the recent appointment of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Lionel Slammert, who is himself a nationally recognised researcher in the field of mathematics and one who is passionate about advancing institutional scholarship. In addition, the Management is seriously considering raising the profile and status of the research office so that inquiry and publication are not seen as residual activities of academics once they have attended to their pressing teaching loads, but as activities central to the essence of what defines a 21st century university. And the Management has also developed a plan that insists on minimal qualifications
“ I stand in awe and
admiration of what has been achieved, and of
achieved, in the years ahead. This review of research and community engagement provides the baseline for measuring future achievements, and is a crucial document not only for marketing the research contribution of DUT but also to inform
what is going to be
the strategic allocation of resources by the
achieved, in the years
Technology.
ahead.
”
leadership of this promising University of
It is my privilege to congratulate the Vice Chancellor, Professor Goba, and his team for this research drive and, in particular, the Director of Research, Professor G. Pillay, for the wonderful idea of a Research Bulletin for the DUT. I will not only observe, but participate in your success, with much excitement. Professor Jonathan D Jansen Administrator, DUT
A review of reseArch And community engAgement
of a major research breakthrough. But how
been achieved, and of what is going to be
Message from the Vice Chancellor and Principal
Maintaining and sustaining excellence with relevance
L
Let me begin by congratulating the
communities through greater knowledge
Centre for Research Management and
generation and knowledge sharing.
Development for its foresight and vision
It is vital that academics and learners
in compiling this bulletin to document
engage in research of relevance. It is critical
the various research activities that have
that research is seen not as an esoteric
positively impacted on the lives of people in
activity but as an integral component of the
our communities and continues to attempt
academic life of the institution. Without a
to create a better life for all in South Africa.
rich, dynamic culture of research at DUT, no
Community engagement, or community
active teaching and learning can take place.
service, is one of the three core functions
To rise above mediocrity, it is incumbent
of our University. It is inextricably woven
upon us to create a climate in which
with research, and teaching and learning.
research – and in particular, research that
Of late, higher education institutions in
deals with real-life issues – thrives.
South Africa have begun to deliberate and
We need to respond to the critical issues
discuss various models for community
that confront us daily. Alternative medicines,
engagement. Similarly, the DUT has also
HIV/AIDS, traditional authorities, maritime
explored this and is currently crafting a policy that speaks directly to community
Professor Bonganjalo C Goba
engagement. This would be circulated for
A review of reseArch And community engAgement
record of community engagement which can be largely attributed to the applied nature of their research programmes. Within DUT’s strategic and operational plans there is a strong emphasis on applied and relevant research which is linked to the communities we serve.
While the
boundaries between basic and applied research continue to become blurred within higher education institutions in South
indigenous
knowledge systems and poverty-reduction as academics, need to be grappling with. So
adoption and implementation.
Universities of Technology, have a track
entrepreneurship,
– these are real-life issues and topics that we,
stakeholder comment before formalisation,
The former technikons, now known as
studies,
“ It is critical that research is seen not as an esoteric activity but as an integral component of the academic life of the institution.
”
it is heartening to note that our researchers are concerning themselves with these and other issues, which have such a bearing on the lives of the communities we serve. By making sure our research is responsive to such problems, we are adding true value to our communities. This Review of Research and Community Engagement provides a synopsis of current activities of some of our research programmes. It is an incremental step that documents evidence in our long walk to
Africa, the informed choice and strategic
realising our Vision of becoming a leading
positioning of research programmes at
University of Technology in Africa.
the DUT allow our researchers to maintain and sustain excellence with relevance. Coupled with this is a strong emphasis on human capital development. The research conducted by our academics and researchers could also contribute towards
Congratulations to all our researchers for their tireless efforts and I hope that many more will be encouraged through this to make a lasting contribution to create a better life for all.
their own formal research qualifications thereby enabling them to better serve our
Professor Bonganjalo C Goba
Message from the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic)
The way forward, through academic humility and service
I
I am pleased to be given the opportunity
engagement means spending time doing
to share a few ideas on this initiative as I
serious work in townships and in rural
believe strongly in the need for DUT to
areas characterized by poverty in its many
place increased emphasis on community
forms. It also helps the staff of DUT, most
engagement. This can take various forms
of whom are from privileged backgrounds,
such as service learning, but one of the most
to understand rather better, the kinds of
important of these is through research. In
environments from which the majority of
this field we are already doing a great deal
our students come. Surely this can only
as this report demonstrates. In all faculties,
assist in the promotion of better teaching?
and in several departments, relevant and
The present initiative is part of a wider
developmental work at community level
effort, which may ultimately be in the form
takes place in both urban and rural areas.
of a funded programme, to make it possible
Not all of this work is as well known as it
for our DUT community to play a more
should be, which is why the communication
significant role in community engagement.
of what we are doing in this field to make
This must be done in a spirit of service
our work more visible is all the more vital
and partnership, and most emphatically
and why this particular effort of the CRMD is so valuable.
should totally avoid the arrogance of those academics who assume that because they
Professor Malcolm Wallis
have letters behind their names reading
a tertiary institution we have three pillars
PhD and the like, they are superior to those
of responsibility: teaching, research, and
whose formal education may be more
community service. What is perhaps less well
modest.
understood is that these pillars are related to one another. Research and community work are therefore not completely separate areas of activity. Much good research can be done by working in communities and, perhaps more importantly, with them in order to better understand and respond to
“ Much good research can
It is very mistaken to equate education with
be done by working in
knowledge because what a disadvantaged
communities and, perhaps
well be superior in all sorts of ways to
more importantly, with
argument is that the key to moving forward
community in a remote area knows may what the academic can offer. Part of this is academic humility and service.
them, in order to better
local developmental needs. But such research also aids good teaching as it should ensure greater relevance and a deeper awareness of the conditions in which the people of this country live. So instead of viewing the world outside the
understand and respond to
It is my hope that the ideas presented here will help us to progress in the field of
”
local developmental needs.
community engagement and, by so doing, create a more relevant and developmental institution.
institution from the perspective of privilege and
domestic
comfort,
community
Professor Malcolm Wallis
A review of reseArch And community engAgement
The DUT fully embraces the idea that as
Defining Research and Community Engagement Definition of research: According to the National Research Foundation (NRF) of
Acknowledgements The following people are acknowledged for their contributions to this bulletin: Researchers who provided written summaries and photographs of their research; Photographs provided by other sources, as indicated; Persons who provided messages of goodwill and support; Ms Lettie Paulo from the Department of Journalism for actively interfacing with all the researchers, tirelessly gathering and authenticating data and collating the information;
A review of reseArch And community engAgement
10
South Africa, research is original investigation undertaken to gain knowledge and/or enhance understanding. Research specifically includes: •
the creation and development of the intellectual infrastructure of subjects and disciplines (e.g., through dictionaries, scholarly editions, catalogues and contributions to major research databases);
•
the invention or generation of ideas, images, performances and artifacts where these manifestly embody new or substantially developed insights;
•
building on existing knowledge to produce new or substantially improved materials, devices, products, policies or processes.
Definition of community: Community refers to those local, collective interest groups
Ms Charmaine Naidoo for initial co-ordination of this initiative;
that participate in the community engagement activities of the university. In the
Professor Gansen Pillay for conceptualisation, compilation and final editing of the bulletin;
inhabitants of under-serviced urban, peri-urban or rural areas. These communities
Mrs Kathy Waddington, Mr Phindile Mantantana and Ms Shakila Chetty of Artworks Communications for design, typesetting and production;
departments, as well as non-governmental, community-based or faith-based
The Council and Management of the DUT for their continued support and encouragement of research.
South African context, members of such communities are generally disadvantaged may usually be accessed through service-sector organisations such as government organisations. The community partner has an active role in the identification of service needs, development challenges, and the review and evaluation of community engagements. Definition of community engagement (also referred to as community service): Negotiated, mutually beneficial partnerships and collaborations between the university and the communities it serves for the purposes of enhancing and exchanging knowledge, skills and expertise thus ultimately contributing to the improved development of societies. The White Paper on Education calls on institutions to “demonstrate social responsibility ... and their commitment to the common good by making available expertise and infrastructure for community service programmes”. It states that one of the goals of higher education is “to promote and develop social responsibility and awareness among students of the role of higher education in social and economic development through community service programmes”. Promoting community-oriented research: The Centre for Research Management and Development (CRMD) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) has a leading role to play in the promotion and facilitation of community-oriented research at the DUT. The CRMD will identify, develop and support research which is relevant to the communities it serves and which contributes to poverty eradication and a better life for all.
Researchers from all faculties at the DUT are either directly or indirectly engaged in research extending into the social, technological, medical, scientific and biological implications of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The province in which the University is located, KwaZulu-Natal, is recognised as being at the epicentre of the disease and it is recognised that the impacts and effects on those infected and affected permeate all strata of society. The institution’s multi-disciplinary research aims to reach into, and make a meaningful difference in, the lives of the members of communities through a number of interventions.
The Siyazama Project A traditional beadwork and AIDS intervention programme
R
Rural KwaZulu-Natal’s indigenous design
The craftswomen express their concerns
and craft heritage is vulnerable, especially in
about HIV and AIDS and all of its complexities
the face of HIV/AIDS. Siyazama, the flagship
through their work. HIV/AIDS awareness is
project in the Department of Graphic Design
spread through creative workshops, local
in the Faculty of Arts, addresses important
and international exhibitions, museum
health issues with particular reference to
collections and research activities.
HIV/AIDS awareness. The National Research
The Ackerman Foundation of South Africa
Foundation (NRF)-funded Research Niche
responded favourably to a request for
Area, Appropriate Education for Sustainable
funding for the Siyazama Project in May
Development, which is located in this
2005. There is a joint contract in place to
Department, recognises the important role
enable the project to achieve a sustainable
that design plays in creating a balanced,
business model and raise funds on behalf
healthy, community life.
of the rural craftswomen. The timeframe for completion is February 2007.
Design is an integral tool in encouraging an awareness of rights and other issues that
In her research project, Manipulating
threaten the stability of communities. Directed by Senior Lecturer Kate Wells,
A review of reseArch And community engAgement
12
(Above and below) Using beadwork to communicate through visual metaphor.
Metaphors, Ms Wells investigated how rural craft is used for communicating on HIV/AIDS
Siyazama works with a small group of rural
issues and confronting culture in KwaZulu-
traditional craftswomen who make beaded
Natal. Her aim was to better understand
cloth dolls, tableaux, beaded jewellery
the effect and effectiveness of beadwork
and imbenges (decorative beaded bowls).
as a visual metaphor and to analyse how it
Expert rural craftswomen from the Valley
circumvents cultural taboos on discussions
of a Thousand Hills, Inanda Valley, Msinga
of sexuality and other matters of personal
region and Ndwedwe informal settlements,
intimacy.
along with undergraduate and postgraduate design students, health workers, doctors, traditional healers, People Living with HIV/AIDS,
medical
anthropologists,
performers, musicians and marketing outlets, all work together on a multiplicity of levels in addressing AIDS awareness, while engendering a ‘breaking of the silence’ and ‘straight talk’ approach.
The study describes beliefs and attitudes prevalent at the time of the project, six years ago. It assesses the value of the Siyazama Project itself to the medium of beadwork, as a contemporary cultural archive that speaks to the complexities of HIV/AIDS in southern Africa. Within the niche area Appropriate Design Education for Sustainable Development (led by Professor Ian Sutherland), resides the Design, Health and Community research focus, where much community interaction takes place. In 2005, five B.Tech Graphic Design students were awarded NRF Student
Assistantships for their work in different areas of this growing research area. Four are working directly in AIDS-related scenarios. m Sibu Sosibo has spent a great deal of the past year sitting in on voluntary counselling
and
testing
(VCT)
consultations and has proposed a “TESTA” programme, which attempts to encourage youth to “get tested” for HIV. m Brett Montanari began his research project intending to produce an AIDS awareness campaign that was
Rural women involved in the Siyazama Project.
“quirky and hard-hitting”. He changed
“
his direction and is instead making a documentary on the Dream Centre in Pinetown, where homeless AIDS patients are welcomed and cared for. m Victoria Robertson is carrying out a photographic examination into how and where AIDS orphans are looked after in Durban. She is producing a book on this subject. m Cindy Mothilal is redesigning and promoting a new brand identity for the Siyazama Project. Her photographic with
A large collection of beaded crafts made
rural craft is used for
by the Michigan State University Museum,
communicating on
museum in February 2006. It is on show for
by the Siyazama Project was commissioned and an extensive exhibition opened in this 12 months.
HIV/AIDS issues ...
The women involved in the Siyazama
understanding beadwork
Project were photographed in June 2006
as a visual metaphor ...
photographer John Hone, who is producing
at their rural homesteads by professional
”
a new book on the Zulu nation. Ms Wells was asked to produce a short text describing the project for this book which would be published by Art Publishers in 2006.
traditional
craftswomen added valuable insights.
In other projects during the past three years, several B.Tech students in the Department
m Shirley Berko, who is examining the
of Graphic Design have researched a range
nuances of running one’s own graphic
of community issues, such as the plight of
design enterprise and the implications
street children, hospices in Durban and the
of being self-employed, is also assisting
range of services which they provide, and
with the design management of the
documented the places of residence of
Siyazama website.
homeless people. Homelessness is an on-
Ms Wells has presented at several
going challenge to the city of Durban.
conferences nationally and internationally, where some of her project artefacts have been on display. In March 2005, she delivered a paper, conducted onsite ‘walkabouts’ and gave illustrated presentations on the Siyazama Project at the New Museum of World Culture in Gothenburg in Sweden. Her project was one of three South African projects invited at the year-long No Name Fever: AIDS in the Age of Globalisation exhibition at this prestigious museum.
(Above and below) Professional photographer John Hone captures images for a book on the Zulu nation, which is informed by Kate Wells’ research.
Research outputs Sutherland, I. (2004). Paradigm shift: The challenge to graphic design education and professional practice in postapartheid South Africa. Design Issues 20: 51-60. Wells, K., Seinaert, E. and Conolly, J. (2004). The Siyazama Project. A traditional beadwork and AIDS intervention programme. Design Issues 20: 73-89.
13 A review of reseArch And community engAgement
interactions
Investigating how
Art for Humanity Art as advocacy on HIV/AIDS projects
T
The Arts have a history of inspiring
This aimed to demonstrate how art can
society to take action, to recognise and to
be a vital catalyst to promote interaction
internalise values including issues around
and dialogue about political, economic
identity, culture, land, objects and gender.
and social issues. The research project
The research initiative confirms, to a large degree, the potential of art as an advocacy
Osiah Masekoanmeng’s ‘Phamokate’ billboard, displayed at Diepkloof, Soweto, Gauteng.
A review of reseArch And community engAgement
specific artwork on advocating emergency
medium to contribute to the social and
contraception awareness in the DUT student
cultural environmental context. Within
community. Billboards were flighted in Cape
this, direct interventions can be employed
Town, Johannesburg and in Lamontville,
to effect positive change regarding issues,
KwaZulu-Natal. AFH brought the campaign
in this case HIV/AIDS, which affect society
to DUT by flighting three banners featuring
negatively.
this image on the Steve Biko and ML Sultan campuses.
The Department of Fine Art is home
14
is on Measuring the effectiveness of a
to Art for Humanity (AFH), a non-profit
The campaign was part of a collaborative
organisation
cultural
research project between Jan Jordaan,
production, particularly in the visual arts, to
and Ms Joy Kistnasamy (Department of
promote regional and global human rights
Environmental Health). It assesses how art
awareness. Lecturer and AFH Director Jan
as advocacy impacts on the knowledge,
Jordaan supervises student interns who run
attitude and practices of students at
the project. AFH has been involved in art
DUT regarding the use of emergency
and advocacy projects since 1988.
contraception. Through the use of various
Promoting
that
human
engages
rights
awareness
through art and advocacy projects has manifested in projects such as the Kara Walker campaign, a joint Department of Environmental Health and Fine Art initiative,
(Above) The late Trevor Makhoba’s ‘God wants his people’ linocut and (below) Mduduzi Xakaza’s silkscreen, ‘Yehoshua Comforting an AIDS victim’, both used in the Break the Silence campaign.
visual media and detailed questionnaires, three centres were targeted: the Isolempilo Wellness clinic at Steve Biko, and the ML Sultan and Steve Biko libraries. The project runs from January to December 2006.
involving dramatic billboards, educational
Accompanying the visual impact of the
pamphlets and other media.
banner, educational pamphlets were
In an effort to promote awareness of women’s reproductive health issues AFH, in partnership with the Denver Museum of Contemporary Art, initiated a billboard campaign featuring an image created by acclaimed American artist, Kara Walker.
supplied by the Reproductive Health Research Unit at Wits University. The campaign is motivated by the fact that infrastructure development, which provides services across all sectors but especially health, is happening at a rate that cannot meet the needs of all people affected. The NGO and NPO sectors are the fastest growing sectors in South Africa at present. Ms Kistnasamy also collaborated with Mr Jordaan on the Break the Silence HIV/AIDS posters study, which assessed the effect of
HIV/AIDS posters on the Durban University of Technology community. Public response and the commitment of the organisation have established it as an important public engagement programme. Break the Silence was designed as a public education programme using artistic images on billboards to change people’s HIV/AIDSrelated behaviour and instil a sense of moral ownership of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in society through art. The campaign included: m exhibitions
campaign
targeting
(Above) Gabisile Nkosi’s linocut, (below) Chris Diedericks’s linocut and (bottom) Yusuf Vahed’s ‘Survival’ woodcut, all used in the Break the Silence campaign.
decision-makers and those influencing policy
B.Tech (Journalism) student, is carrying
m billboards and posters targeting the
out a comparative study between Artsbased HIV/AIDS advocacy programmes
general public
and advertising-based HIV/AIDS advocacy m a catalogue targeting the reading
programmes.
public Based on the growing problems regarding m educational booklets targeting learners. The campaign produced more than 70 billboards and 50 exhibitions of the original artworks, countrywide.
the rights and welfare of children in our society, particularly as a result of the ongoing HIV/AIDS pandemic, poverty, neglect and social moral decay, AFH initiated the 2006 Women Artists and Poets advocate Children’s Rights public campaign, based
secured from the South African Vice
on the models described.
Chancellors’ Association (SAUVCA), for the production of 1 200 high quality posters. This allowed for the reinstatement of the research project, which was completed during 2003. Further funding was secured
Research outputs
from the DUT research committee. One
Jordaan, J. Art as a social development - the AFH Model.
objective was that the posters should reflect
A Conversation on the Dynamic between Arts & Culture &
a definitive HIV/AIDS awareness message,
Human Rights, in the context of Limpopo’s complex diversity,
made accessible to the public nationally.
3 - 5 March 2006, Polokwane City, Limpopo, South Africa.
Using the demographically representative
Jordaan, J. Break the Silence HIV/AIDS portfolio – Art
DUT community, posters were strategically
and Advocacy. 1 December 2003, Denver Museum of
flighted on four campuses of the Institute,
Contemporary Art, USA.
viz., the Ritson / Mansfield Road, Steve Biko,
Jordaan, J. Break the Silence HIV/AIDS portfolio – Art and
ML Sultan and City campuses.
Advocacy. 4 December 2003, Johns Hopkins Center for Health
As public interaction was critical to
and Communications Studies, Baltimore, USA.
the success of the programme, AFH
Jordaan, J. Break the Silence – Printmaking and Advocacy.
endeavoured to gauge the effectiveness
3rd Impact International Printmaking Conference, 27-30
of the programme. Interviews with
August 2003, Michaelis School of Fine Art, University of Cape
community
Town. Co-hosted with Rhodes University School of Fine Art,
members
are
ongoing.
Student intern Bianca Bothma, a 4th year
South Africa.
A review of reseArch And community engAgement
During 2002 funding for posters was
15
The Materials Development Project
A
A Materials Development Project, a
These include:
collaboration between the Departments
m In Epidemiology, Health Education
of Environmental Health and Graphic
Programmes via the production of
Design and the Osindisweni Hospital, is a
videos dramatising the prevention and
pilot for future collaboration and research
control of violence, and communicable
endeavours. Various projects are under
and
way to assist patients and staff in adding
including cholera, tuberculosis, HIV/
value to Batho Pele principles as advocated
AIDS, diabetes, hypertension and heart
by Government. Additionally, it serves to
attacks. Booklets, CDs and posters on
assist students to develop new ideas and
these topics are being produced in
concepts as well as materials development. Students
from
the
Department
of
Environmental Health collaborated with
Health publications in English and isiZulu have been developed in a collaborative project that brings together the Departments of Environmental Health and Graphic Design.
English and isiZulu for distribution to patients. m In Food Hygiene: audits, training videos nutrition are being developed.
Design. Ms Kistnasamy and Mr Graham
the Department of Graphic Design, have
Barratt, both from the Department of
designed a programme that will produce
Development of materials was based on
Environmental
material, including videos, booklets and
ongoing research findings within the areas
CDs.
of human health being investigated.
Health,
together
with
Professor Ian Sutherland and Ms Wells from
A review of reseArch And community engAgement
diseases,
and health posters and pamphlets on
students from the Department of Graphic
16
non-communicable
Orphanages for Children Affected by and Infected with HIV/AIDS
I
It is estimated that South Africa will have
AIDS pandemic – to design and construct
three million AIDS orphans by 2010.
two models of children’s villages for both
Although local communities are currently
rural and urban environments.
able to absorb most, this will soon reach
Based on research conducted by Ms
saturation point and the need to provide
Donaldson-Selby, the following models
caring and nurturing environments is of
were designed for the Trust.
paramount importance. Susan Donaldson-Selby, a Lecturer in the Department of Entertainment Technology,
The first
model illustrates the proposed layout for (Above) A model of a children’s home and (below) an aerial view of the interior.
a large rural orphanage, with the design based on a traditional Zulu kraal layout.
was requested by the Manyakabana
Caregiver
Women’s Development Trust – established
development centres will be established
accommodation
and
skills
to provide support for women and children
to provide education and training for the
through the provision of counselling,
local communities. A second model, 1:10
economic upliftment, care facilities and
scale, is of a proposed three-bedroom
education for children affected by the HIV/
rondavel, which would accommodate the caregiver and five children (10, if bunk beds were used). The Manyakabana Women’s Development
Trust
and
eThekwini
Municipality have formed a partnership and funding is being raised to develop the first site.
Ukuba Nesibindi Centre
B
Based on their investigative research findings Dr Frida Rundell and Ms Jackie Winfield from the Department of Child and Youth Development, within the Faculty of Health Sciences, successfully embarked on a variety of community engagement and development activities and programmes. Most of this was undertaken within the context of learners’ practical placements, or experiential learning. There were 50 1st year students, all of whom were based at preschools in the greater Durban area. Thus, much of their work was centred on the care and development of young children. Ukuba Nesibindi is a community-based centre, started in 2002 as a partnership between Life Line and the Department of Child and Youth Development. The facility is in the heart of the Warwick Junction
Children, students and researchers at the Ukuba Nesibindi Centre, in Warwick Avenue, Durban.
Triangle in the inner city, and serves as a critical resource to street vendors whose
17 Research
The Centre provides other vital services to
and life skills development for sex workers. At 2nd year level, the focus for students is on residential child and youth care facilities, which provide services to young people from birth to 18 years of age who have been placed in care under the Child Care Act. The 40 students, who each completed 400 hours in such placements, were involved in building relationships with young people at risk, providing holistic care and
experiences
and
therapeutic effects of school programmes
the community, including HIV/AIDS preand post-test counselling, rape counselling
explored
and residential child and youth care
“ The Centre serves as a
critical resource to street
facilities; and the use of the creative arts and the wilderness as specific treatment tools with at-risk children and youth. Students involved in the Ukuba Nesibindi Drop-in
vendors whose children
Centre worked collaboratively with the
receive an educare
to young sex workers referred from the
programme.
”
Life Line team to provide life skills training Community Court in Point Road. Some
of
the
findings
from
these
engagements have provided new insights
implementing a range of developmental
in informing the direction of future research
and therapeutic programmes.
within these communities. The intellectual
Students in 3rd year in the Department of Child and Youth Development were placed at residential child and youth care facilities.
shaping of such research programmes is critical to optimising positive impacts which may accrue to the community as a result of the research.
A review of reseArch And community engAgement
children receive an educare programme.
Immune Boosters: What Effect do these have on Viral Loads and Lymphocyte Counts?
M
Mrs Brenda Thabisile Mkhize, Head of the Department of Biomedical Technology is registered for the M.Tech. (Biomedical Technology) degree. She is involved with obtaining and testing blood samples to measure the rate of change of
CD4 and CD8 lymphocyte
counts and viral loads in HIV-infected patients, from baseline (0 months) to six months after they have been subjected to immune booster therapy. Blood samples are compared with published data for antiretroviral drugs where the rate of change is known. Patients from Inanda, Durban, Impendle
A model of the HIV protease, a target for AIDS therapy (courtesy of Scripps Institute).
and Pietermaritzburg were recruited and will be followed up, after six months, for
18
While this is not a clinical trial but a “before
A review of reseArch And community engAgement
further testing to measure any changes.
and after” study, it is aimed at helping patients who are reluctant to be on antiretroviral (ARV) drugs or who do not yet
“ ... a “before and after”
study, it is aimed at helping patients who are reluctant
qualify to be in an ARV programme.
to be on ARVs, or who do
This study is part of a greater research
not yet qualify to be in an
initiative within this area.
ARV programme.
”
HIV structure (courtesy of Journal of Chemical Education).
DUT is committed to investing in the people of KwaZulu-Natal through contributing to South Africa’s National Skills Development Strategy and ensuring previously disadvantaged communities in rural, peri-urban and urban areas are provided opportunities, through research, to receive entrepreneurial and technological skills opportunities. It does this through skills transfer and enabling development, which helps to uplift those citizens who need it most. Staff and students of the DUT are working within surrounding communities to develop the skills required to address the challenges of the new millennium, through entrepreneurship skills development. Research projects emphasise Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) development and bridging the digital divide with Information Communication Technology (ICT) skills.
Community Research Projects: Centre for Skills Development
D
DUT’s Centre for Skills Development (CSD)
representation and qualification levels. A
prides itself on being a world-class Centre
needs analysis of SMME training was carried
of Excellence in Skills Development that
out. A survey of SMME support agencies
makes a meaningful contribution to the National Skills Development Strategy. Projects provide information on Skills Development nationally and regionally, while the community focus is on enabling skills development in order to improve the quality of life of the people in surrounding communities. Research has informed the development of a unique SMME model aimed at encouraging
business
start-ups
and
supporting the growth of SMMEs. As part of its commitment to the National Skills
“ Research has informed the development of a
unique SMME model that is aimed at encouraging business start-ups and that supports the growth of SMMEs.
”
Development Strategy, the CSD has set up
A review of reseArch And community engAgement
20 The Centre interfaces with corporates, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA),
municipalities,
local
and
international donors, emerging providers and skills agencies as a lead service provider. It assists each to fulfil their objectives through the successful implementation of skills development initiatives. The CSD has expanded its support of skills development
terms of business success.
Skills demand in the services sector This project was aimed at linking training programmes available to employees and the unemployed, and examined whether this resulted in more appropriate training in skills required by industry. Research on economic trends in services sub-sectors linked the supply of skills to types of
Labour recruitment
mapping in technology transfer (including
A study provided data from respondents
the SMME sector), in skills development
on the extent of temporary employment
and “best practice” case studies, and in new
practices in the country (in the service
institutionalism. The domain mapping of
industry) in an effort to establish why
South African research interventions in the
temporary employment was increasing
disability sector provided background on
and permanent employment decreasing.
national initiatives on various SMME topics,
Interestingly, the reasons were closely
the disability sectors and countrywide
linked to the cost to employees relevant to
training provision. It has also served to
permanent employment, as well as to a lack
initiate an electronic link to information
of appropriately skilled individuals
sources.
Natal and is engaged with research projects
Demographic study of SMMEs in the services sector
and Western Cape.
and non-governmental organisations), in
Research projects include knowledge
initiatives beyond the borders of KwaZuluin the provinces of Gauteng, Eastern Cape
support offered by agencies (governmental
nationally.
and resources to assist those individuals ideas into successful business concepts.
owners’ perceptions of training and financial
economic activities, both regionally and
SMME support services. It provides links who are motivated to transform innovative
provided information on small business
Determination of scarce skills This study reports on industry trends. Two projects -– process identification in
A survey was carried out to establish
sales, marketing and customer care, and
the types of people and skills involved
a business process outsourcing study
in South Africa’s Services SMMEs. This
– focused on what opportunities were
provided a breakdown of racial and gender
available to local and national communities to become involved in the growing international outsourcing trend.
Amasondo Esibindi - Wheels of Courage
T
This research project is a collaboration between three key organisations – the Services SETA, Quadriplegic Association of South Africa (QASA) and the Centre for Skills Development. The focus of the Amasondo Esibindi team is on empowering people with mobility impairment to create, develop and successfully manage their own businesses. Learners embarking on a “New Venture Creation” (NVC) learnership had an opportunity to establish and sustain their own businesses.
(Above and left) Jubilant learners on their last day of training.
Apart from the obvious advantages of
(Pictures courtesy of QASA)
becoming independent, the project makes a vital contribution to the economy of South Africa through new job creation.
the 54 learners, 46 have completed the
The programme has recruited 54 mobility
learnership, including a final summative
impaired people for the NVC learnerships,
assessment.
during which they are encouraged to
Many have been declared competent
strengths and their weaknesses before
and, more importantly, a large percentage
beginning to master the skills needed to
have established successful, sustainable
become successful business people. Of
businesses.
Siyaya Project This is a collaboration between the eThekwini Municipality, the LGSETA, the Department of Labour and the CSD (DUT), from which more than 500 people have already benefited. Midway through the project learners were displaying increased self-confidence and refined personal and professional skills, improving their opportunities for employment. The chosen learnerships played a key role in supporting other projects such as the Early Childhood Grants-in-Aid Scheme and the Inanda-Ntuzuma-KwaMashu (INK) Agricultural Research Project.
“
Through this project, the eThekwini
... the first to
Municipality was the first to successfully
successfully implement
implement a skills development initiative
a skills development
the custodian and project management
initiative for the benefit
the project has achieved its medium-
of its local community
enhancement of skills and qualifications
... The Siyaya Model can provide a benchmark ...
for the benefit of its local community. As company, the DUT is confident that term objectives and contributed to the of learners. The Siyaya Model can provide
”
benchmarks for best practice replications.
21 A review of reseArch And community engAgement
explore their own personalities, their
ISETT SETA Learnerships
T
The international shortage of Information Technology skills is mirrored in South Africa, despite the large number of “paper” professionals in the industry. South Africa has an additional challenge in that the ICT industry has created its own barriers to entry for historically disadvantaged individuals. The ICT sector’s education training authority, ISETT SETA, established under the Skills Development Act, aims to increase the pool of IT professionals through approved
“ A holistic model ensured
theoretical
and
workplace learning. Volunteer workplace mentors provided exceptional guidance and
and workplace learning,
the success of the learnership.
while volunteer workplace
The
mentors were key to the
pool of programming specialists and, as a
success of the learnership.
support, which was the key contributor to
Solutions
Development
Pilot
Learnership served as a vehicle to create a
”
result of exposure to high calibre projects, new ideas and software is being generated. Historically disadvantaged individuals of varying IT backgrounds were supported to
industry support to learners, the industry
meet the demands for specific information
contributes to addressing the objectives of
technology competencies in South Africa,
the ICT Charter. The CSD has championed
by producing well-rounded IT professionals
The Desktop Support Learnership is aimed
the following initiatives:
who have a sound technical foundation as
at individuals who have no prior knowledge
well as business skills. A Systems Support
or experience in Information Technology.
Engineer Learnership at the Durban
In 2005 Business Connexion adopted 170
University of Technology was piloted with
unemployed learners as part of their social
Siemens Business Services and Business
responsibility programme. This programme is
Systems Support Engineer, Solutions Development and Desktop Support Learnerships – a DUT partnership programme
A review of reseArch And community engAgement
appropriate
learners gained theoretical
learnerships. By providing educational and
22
gained
pursue a career in software programming.
Connexion. Both employed and unemployed
a partnership between Business Connexion,
Based on previous research, learnerships
learners benefited from training. A holistic
the ICT sector’s education training authority,
at NQF 5 levels have been developed to
implementation model ensured learners
ISETT SETA and DUT.
Early Childhood Development Learnerships
T
Through this programme the CSD provides
This comprehensive training programme,
an opportunity for crèche owners to gain the
facilitated in both isiZulu and English,
skills to become self-supporting, alleviating
provides childcare and business skills.
dependence on grants, improving the
Learners acquire the skills to care for
quality of childcare and enabling owners
infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers, as well
to grow their businesses in rural areas. In
as the basic business skills required to
the programme there are 25 unemployed
manage their crèches. Childcare experts are
learners and 20 employed learners, who are
contracted as external mentors to provide
the beneficiaries of the eThekwini Grant-inAid Scheme. Because of varying levels of
Childcare experts are contracted as external mentors to provide guidance to learners.
support and guidance. The possibility exists for individuals to establish municipal
childcare learning and experience, both NQF
crèches to service the large number of
2 and NQF 4 learnerships are under way.
municipal employees who leave their children at day-care centres.
ICT Development for Rural KZN Entrepreneurs
R
Rural small businesses in the Sobonakhona Makhanya traditional area in KwaZuluNatal are showing an increase in economic activity. Research projects, designed to contribute to economic development through teaching small enterprise owners computer and business skills, were developed at the Durban University of Technology within the NRF-funded research niche area, Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Development headed by Professor Nips Nepal. The team of researchers was led by Dr Marie de Beer, a Research Fellow in the Faculty of Commerce, and the Dean of Commerce, Professor Malcolm Wallis. The key objective of the research project was to make a tangible contribution to bridging the digital divide within the context of rural and/or under-served (with respect to ICT) communities in KwaZulu-Natal. The primary intention was to contribute towards
A
group
of
40
participants
potential to motivate them to carry out
established in their own computerised
their own research.
applications and to communicate on the
For the next phase, two reasonably large clusters of RSEs have been identified in this rural area. The larger of the two is a
Internet. It is anticipated that the clusters will form a core of action research for economic expansion in the region.
self-formed agricultural co-operative of 39
The DUT held a mini-graduation ceremony
members; the other is a combination of
to award certificates to a group of 34 small
10 seamstresses, hairdressers, construction
business entrepreneurs at a ceremony at
workers, builders and mechanics. Small
Adams College in December 2005. The
shipping containers will house computers,
main researchers on this project were
termed“Interactive Kiosks”, to be linked to the
Delene Heukelman, Tanya Jacobs and
Internet. The aim is for the RSEs to become
Marie de Beer.
from
Umbumbulu, south of Durban, was selected to undergo training in computer literacy and business skills, which included using
Research outputs
an isiZulu user interface for the accounting
De Beer, M., Heukelman, D., Jacobs, T. and Wallis, M.A.H.
International Research Conference for Accounting Educators,
package. Demand for the training was
ICT -linked development in rural KZN - Sobonakhona
29-30 September 2005, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux,
so high that researchers were obliged to
Makhanya taditional area. Proceedings of Community
France.
continue offering the modules and, in total,
Informatics for Developing Countries Conference.
more than 100 small enterprise owners
31 August - 2 September 2006, Cape Town, South Africa.
have now received the computer literacy and business skills training. In the past three years, eight students have received bursaries from the National Research Foundation (NRF). They were actively involved in the administration of the project, including helping to prepare the isiZulu interface. Through this
Heukelman, D. Can a user-centred approach to designing a user interface for rural communities be successful? ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction. 2006.
Heukelman, D. Computer user interface design issues for rural communities. August 2005, CIRN Conference. De Beer, M. and Jacobs, T. Poor financial management systems and a lack of economic development threaten survival of rural businesses in developing countries.
Jacobs, T. and De Beer, M. Increasing economic activity of
Presentation at SAAA Conference, July 2005, Pietermaritzburg,
small enterprises in rural KZN. Conference proceedings of
South Africa.
CIMA-Management Accounting Research Conference, September 2005, Cape Technikon, Cape Town, South Africa.
involvement they have been exposed
Jacobs, T., De Beer, M. and Kharwa, S. Poor financial systems
to research methodology which has the
threaten survival of rural business in developing countries.
De Beer, M., Heukelman, D. and Njobe, P. Corporate computer systems: sharing facilities and skills. ITIRA Conference, 2003, Australia.
23 A review of reseArch And community engAgement
sustainable socio-economic development.
Small business entrepreneurs from Sobonakhona Makhanya traditional area, at their graduation ceremony.
Taking Science-to-Laboratory Teacher Development
R
Research has shown that in order to address the quality of graduates at HEIs, the quality of education received at schools must be excellent. Implemented by the Department of Chemistry in 2000, the key purpose of this project is to empower rural high school science teachers in previously disadvantaged KwaZulu-Natal. The research project set out to ensure that Grades 10, 11 and 12 teachers had the essential skills to deal with the challenges facing the education system in the new millennium. The project coordinator is Mr Zakes Mabaso, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry. The research is of a non-formal nature, with science teachers from rural
Physical Science learners carry out an experiment during a Saturday class.
by the Department of Chemistry during
during school holidays and on Saturdays.
weekends and holidays. Teachers are trained
Mr J T Msukwini, a facilitator for the project,
in chemistry, with a focus on laboratory
provides background information and
organisation and practice, areas in which
the theory of chemistry experiments
24
most rural high school teachers are under-
in a pre-laboratory talk, assists in the
A review of reseArch And community engAgement
areas taking part in workshops facilitated
skilled and ill-equipped.
training of science teachers, demonstrates experiments and revises Grade 11 and 12
Mr Mabaso has secured funding for the
chemistry theory with learners.
training of science teachers and learners
Data is now being gathered to assess the
and a large number of high school physical science teachers have been trained in the use of laboratory equipment and conducting Grade 11 and Grade 12 practicals. In addition, approximately 300 matriculants studying physical science were able to carry out chemistry experiments described in their text books in sessions conducted
(Above and below) A DUT facilitator demonstrates chemistry experiments to students who, otherwise, merely read about these in their text books.
impact of this initiative on high-school learners so that the project can be replicated throughout South Africa.
Tholulwazi User Interface Localisation Project
D
Developments in the field of Information
Language and Translation in the Faculty of
Technology have paved the way for reforms
Arts.
in education. However, two key issues
The User Interface Localisation Project set
continue to challenge many South Africans:
out to understand the human-computer
inadequate levels of computer literacy, and
interaction in a learning situation and,
the almost exclusive use of English in the
in this case, studied second language
user interface. The unique Tholulwazi research project involves translating free, English-based Open Source Software into isiZulu to make Computer Studies in rural schools more accessible to learners whose mothertongue is isiZulu. Tholulwazi, which translates as “get informed”, was established by Miss Mandy Njobe, a Lecturer in the Department of Information Technology. She translates Open Source Software (OSS) user interfaces into isiZulu. OSS is written by OpenOffice. org.za from free programmes produced by UNIX. Translating the software into isiZulu was a joint project between Tholulwazi and
learners in KwaZulu-Natal, thus examining Ms Njobe assists adult learners using isiZulu interface software.
“
a different angle of user interface: language. During the course of her research, Ms Njobe has carried out many visits to schools and she continues to be involved in “translate-
The ethos behind Ms
athons”. In addition to her translation work,
Njobe’s work is that
– and notably, easy-to-use – software to
Ms Njobe has introduced the free-to-use
previously disadvantaged
KwaZulu-Natal, as well as to many students from the DUT.
students, specifically,
Tholulwazi, funded by the National
must be given better, easier ways to learn.
technologically disadvantaged schools in
Research Foundation (NRF) and DUT, has
”
awarded four bursaries in three years to Information Technology students. The ethos behind Ms Njobe’s work is that previously disadvantaged students, specifically, must
established by Dwayne Bailey. All translation
be given better, easier ways to learn new
programmes are headed by Bailey, with
things.
the help of funds from the Department, the Shuttleworth Foundation, Obsidian Systems, St James Software and Hewlett-
Research presentations
Packard (South Africa). Another partner
Njobe, P. Introducing localised Open Office Software to
in the project is the DUT’s Department of
KwaZulu-Natal disadvantaged schools. SAARDHE 2005, 27-29 June 2005, UKZN, Howard College Campus, Durban, (Above and below) successful Tholulwazi learners.
South Africa. Njobe, P. IsiZulu Open Source Software: a Bill-free Gate to literacy. DUT Conference Paper, 21 September 2005, DUT. Njobe, P. Localisation of the human computer interaction, DUT Conference Paper, 2004, DUT. De Beer, M., Heukelman, D. and Njobe, P. Corporate computer systems: sharing facilities and skills. ITIRA Conference, 2003, Australia.
A review of reseArch And community engAgement
Translate.org.za, a non-profit organisation
25
Researchers from the DUT are working with communities in and around the city of Durban in eThekwini to promote, develop and manage sustainable resources. Community research projects in rural and urban settings focus on food security and poverty alleviation, renewable energy and the environment. Methods span technologies: one project brings water to a community garden on which an orphanage for AIDS children is reliant, through the use of ram-pump technology. This has attracted the attention of international research and development bodies involved in recovering lost technology. Another brings cutting edge mathematical cognitive modelling and computational intelligence to the fore in an effort to understand and resolve complex, dynamical systems, such as sustainable wildlife management.
The Inanda-Ntuzuma-KwaMashu (INK) Agricultural Project
R
Inanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu, including Amaoti,
were,
historically,
so-called
“townships” of the apartheid era in South Africa. They sprawl across large areas northwest of Durban, and adult communities today comprise a mix of labourers, bluecollar and white-collar workers, as well as increasing numbers of business owners and upwardly mobile corporate employees. However, there remains a disproportionate number of unemployed people and, for a great many people, it is a daily challenge simply to put food on the table. The INK Agricultural Project is a sub-project of a larger organic farming scheme expressly designed to address poverty alleviation. The aim of the Agricultural Project is to
Learners are successfully cultivating plots of land, in Amaoti, Inanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu.
contribute towards increasing food security and commercial farming through training and development. Researchers from the Centre for Skills
27
Development (CSD) of the DUT are driving
Some 50 hectares of land in the INK area has been set aside for five years for agricultural farming. Each learner has been allocated a plot of land to farm. The project has developed from a learnership-driven perspective, to one involving more sectoral representation in order to ensure its sustainability after the learnership phase. A
A practical assessment is carried out , in the field, with a learner
Emerging farmers are able to put food on the table, grown in their own sustainable gardens.
steering committee, comprising volunteers
Skills learned include permaculture, soil
from relevant sectors, has been established
fertilisation and planting. Most learners are
and meets regularly. While 100 learners were originally selected for training in organic farming, the interest shown by informal farming communities in the area resulted in this number being exceeded. In addition, 30 people older than 60 (a requirement for learnerships was that students be under 60 years of age) were
“ For a great many people
enthusiastic and participatory. The learning takes place at Newlands and KwaMashu at
it is a daily challenge
a simulated farming site where the land
simply to put food on the
provides hands-on experience.
table.
”
has been cleared and seeds planted, which
Since there is no workplace or employer, 25 people – mostly community leaders – have been selected for, and are undergoing,
enrolled in a short course to ensure they were
mentorship training to support and guide
not excluded from the learning process.
learners.
A review of reseArch And community engAgement
this initiative.
Sustainable Water Pumping in Fredville (Inchanga – KZN)
T
This ongoing project began in November
an average of one litre/minute in winter
2004 at Fredville, a rural township at
and up to five litres/minute in summer.
Inchanga, some 50 kilometres west of
Three THR students have participated in
Durban. In this new venture, a ram-pump
basic research in this field of Applications
is used to provide water from a perennial
Technology.
stream for a community garden to feed
Mr Maarten van der Wiel [THR] returned
children orphaned as a result of AIDS.
from the Netherlands and conducted in-
The project was identified by the Treetops
depth research for his Honours degree
Mission and developed in conjunction with
(November 2005 - January 2006) under the
THR funding. The rural orphanage is run by
field guidance of Mr D Alcock, both on-
the Fredville community and the garden is
site and at the Mr Alcock’s test-bed at his
managed by women in the community to
residence in Kloof.
provide vegetables, or funds derived from
This project and its application in the
such, to maintain the orphanage.
recovery of lost technology (through its use
Henri Pierre Bonnet, a Lecturer in the Department
of
Power
of a ram-pump), has drawn interest from,
Engineering,
advised and participates in the scoping,
among others, the international research The ram-pump installation at Fredville.
and development body, Engineers without
implementation and roll-out exercises, in conjunction with THR and the local community, and with research and
A review of reseArch And community engAgement
28
development in ram-pump design and
Borders. In addition, the site was visited by
“ (The) recovery of
two members of Johns Hopkins University (JHU), Baltimore, USA, during an exploratory tour of potential projects in South Africa.
prototyping.
lost technology has
A constant flow of pumped water fills a
drawn interest from
social links with the JHU group during their
international research
result, the project is being extended and
500-litre water reservoir from which crops can be watered, with minimal effort, by the women. The system, which has been in continuous operation since 2004, provides
Mr Bonnet fostered academic, cultural and stay with Mr Alcock in January 2006. As a will involve students and engineers from
and development bodies,
JHU.
including Engineers without Borders and Johns Hopkins University.
”
Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Maize Meal to Improve its Nutritional Value
I
In South Africa malnutrition is the focal
Poor digestion of starch may have other
point for a number of social and health
negative effects, for example on the
problems, with the most prevalent diseases
utilisation of proteins and minerals and the
responsible for high juvenile mortality
availability of certain vitamins. The objective
being HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis.
of the research is to develop novel enzymes
Moreover, throughout Africa cereal gruels
and tailored bio-processing technologies
and sourdoughs – low energy and nutrient-
for cereal (maize) food raw materials in order
dense foodstuffs – are frequently used as
to obtain higher-quality food products.
complementary foods for children. However, the digestibility of starchcontaining foods in young children is limited due to an inadequate secretion of pancreatic α-amylase. The efficient digestion of starch is also important to specific groups of people, such as infants under six months of age, immuno-compromised people and geriatric patients. Improving starch digestion in children and adults is therefore a major challenge in developing countries, where starch constitutes a major ingredient of the staple diet. Dr Thiriloshani Padayachee, a Senior Lecturer and Food Technology, is investigating Nutrigenomics, the interface between the nutritional environment and cellular/genetic processes: in this case, the enzymatic hydrolysis of maize, to increase its nutritional value and efficiency of digestion.
A severely malnourished child, one of thousands starving in Africa (courtesy markdroberts.com).
enzymatic hydrolysis of maize starch, which has the potential to play a significant role in improving the nutritional value of maize meal. Research results showed that the
“ In South Africa
possibility and potential for augmenting food quality and developing functional foods improved nutritional and health
malnutrition is the
status.
focal point for a number of social and health
These foods will assist in improving the quality of life of people within communities who consume these foods daily.
problems ... [with] diseases responsible for high juvenile mortality being HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis.
”
Nutrigenomics seeks to provide a molecular genetic understanding of how common dietary chemicals, affect health by altering the expression and/or structure of an individual’s genetic make-up. The fundamental concepts of the field are that the progression from a healthy phenotype to a chronic disease phenotype must occur through changes in gene expression, or by differences in activities of protein and enzymes; and that dietary chemicals, directly or indirectly, regulate the expression of genomic information.
Improving the nutritional value of maize, a staple food in Africa and other developing countries, is key in fighting malnutrition.
29 A review of reseArch And community engAgement
in the Department of Biotechnology
This was achieved by optimising the
Commercialisation Potential of Local Traditional Vegetables
D
Despite South Africa’s enormous richness
of traditional leafy vegetables. This is done
in plant species, relatively few of these
through:
plants are economically utilised. Business
•
ventures usually developed from the
regarding utilisation and nutritional
use of indigenous plants include trade
value •
in medicinal and cultural plants, food
consumers and government agencies
considers her indigenous plants a valuable
to promote commercialisation of
natural resource and accepts responsibility
traditional leafy vegetables within food
Traditional
Food security is a crucial research area in Africa.
vegetables
are
security, nutritional and agricultural programmes
extremely
•
important for nutrition and farm income
research
production,
African culture has been specifically
for
increasing
processing
and
preservation
influenced by contact with European
•
culture. This has led to changes in the dietary
Improving leafy vegetable production through genetic and chemical studies.
habits of traditional African communities, with people moving away from indigenous
Current activities
foods to more highly refined (Western) Traditional African potatoes, or madumbis.
diets.
Developing appropriate technologies through
throughout Africa. However, traditional
The group has investigated plants with high nutritional value and is manipulating
The Plant Biotechnology Research Group
A review of reseArch And community engAgement
Obtaining support from farmers,
crops and ornamental plants. South Africa
to conserve unique flora.
30
The development of baseline data
these for increasing yield using molecular
is leading this exciting research area. This
techniques. There is great potential, for
team is comprised of members from the
instance, in the development of novel
Departments of Biotechnology and Food
commodities such as soaps, shampoos,
Technology, and Medical Technology and
disinfectants and phytomedicines from
is headed by Professor Bharti Odhav. The
plant compounds.
main aim is to harness the knowledge
The Department of
Biotechnology and Food Technology has
around traditional leafy vegetables and to
compiled information pertaining to the
exploit this knowledge to develop novel
nutritional composition and uses of local
compounds, which will provide nutritional,
traditional plants used in KwaZulu-Natal,
agricultural and medicinal benefits.
which is to be published in brochure form of
and distributed to local communities.
Biotechnology and Food Technology aims
Candidate plants and plant products have
to contribute to food security through
been identified for commercialisation.
improving the nutritional status of the
The project therefore holds cultivation
Research
in
the
Department
potential for local communities, creates
urban and rural poor, and to support scientific data for the commercialisation
Cultivating traditinal vegetables.
entrepreneurial opportunities and has the potential to empower local agronomists.
Research outputs Okole, B. and Odhav, B. (2004). Commercialisation of plants in Africa. South African Journal of Botany 70: 109-115.
The KwaMajomela Water Project
I
In July 2005, the KwaMajomela community in northern KwaZulu-Natal was jubilant when clean, running water was delivered to them for the first time, thanks to a research project conceived and carried out by the Department of Power Engineering. The community has since taken over the equipment, which will ensure a reliable supply of potable water for the future. The project began at two sites in 2000 when the DUT, in conjunction with Mr Mike Witherden from the Department of Power Engineering at the DUT, sourced funding from Savannah State University (United State), ProCon GmBH (Germany), USAID and others. As no grid electric power was available at the time, a hybrid renewable energy source was designed to supply power to water pumps. Site 1 was designed to comprise two hybrid energy pyramids with solar voltaic cells, a wind generator and a liquid petroleum gas bank. This supplied power to a borehole pump that pumped water to two 2 000-litre tanks. Site 2 comprised one hybrid pyramid,
“ Clean drinking water
pyramids replaced and, by mid-July 2005,
was delivered to the
Clean drinking water, via a tap, was
community for the
time, amid great excitement and jubilation.
first time, amid great
commissioned and water was delivered, via
excitement and jubilation.
the completion of Site 1.
delivered to the community for the first While delays occurred at Site 2, it was
”
the tank to the tap, as designed, to the great joy of the local community.
as per Site1, but was to pump water from a spring about 500-metres from the site. This project was halted when funding stopped, and the sites were subsequently vandalised by the local populace. The project could not, however, be wound up since the equipment belonged to the community via the funding from international partners. DUT’s Centre for Research Management and Development (CRMD) then requested that Mr Frederick D’Almaine, from the Department
of
Power
Engineering,
complete the project. Funds were later obtained from the CRMD, which provided for the three pyramids being brought to Durban from Nongoma for rebuilding, all existing equipment being cleaned, tested and repaired, missing equipment in the
King Zwelithini turns on the tap at a ceremony to mark the completion of the project that saw clean drinking water brought to the community of KwaMajomela, in rural KwaZulu-Natal.
31 A review of reseArch And community engAgement
(LPG)-powered generator feeding a battery
Jubilant children celebrate the arrival of potable water in their community.
Myeka High School Energy Project
M
Myeka High School, in the Ndwedwe district, was one of more than 16 400 schools in South Africa without electricity. A unique energy-efficient project was carried out which, with sufficient community support, has the potential to be implemented countrywide. The community surrounding the school was conscious of the need for development and welcomed the opportunities of having the school electrified, as well as the partial electrification of the courthouse and the proposed electrification of the clinic.
A review of reseArch And community engAgement
32
The project began in 2000 to offer academic assistance in developing an energy-efficient structure to provide electrical energy using Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs). It involved the development, set-up and integration of a photo-voltaic hybrid 220V power system, comprising photo-voltaic modules, batteries, inverters and a LPGpowered back-up generator. The power was used to provide electricity to two computer laboratories, a staff-room and two science laboratories. As electricity demand grew, a biogas unit that aided and improved ablution facilities with biogas and humus by-products was developed and commissioned. Classrooms were wired for basic lighting as a further enhancement. The combined use of solar, cellular and satellite technology represented a first in southern African schools and, as a result, Myeka High School was able to open a computer laboratory equipped with the latest in personal computer technology.
A system comprising photo-voltaic cells and a generator was installed at Myeka High School.
The functional bio-gas/humus by-products system installed at Myeka High School.
“
Henri Pierre Bonnet, a Lecturer in the Department of Power Engineering who led the project, has long been associated with, and involved in, community outreach projects. For the purposes of research, his academic assistance is directed at extending interest and collaboration in, and/or applications of, RETs. His current involvement is of an informal nature based on bi-lateral interest, trust and the sharing of appropriate knowledge.
(With the) combined
Mr Bonnet advises and participates
use of solar, cellular
out exercises in conjunction with Solar
and satellite technology
International, the Department of Mineral
... Myeka High School
Computers and Valley Trust, among other
opened a computer laboratory.
”
in scoping, implementation and rollEngineering
Services
(SES),
Winrock
and Energy Affairs (DME) and DELL non-governmental organisations.
Research outputs Bonnet, P., and Andrew, T. Challenges in providing sustainable renewable energy to rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal: a case study of the Maphephethe community. International Conference on Domestic Use of Electrical Energy, April 2003, Cape Town, South Africa.
Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs) in Agriculture: A Demonstration Site
T
This is a combined project to demonstrate
among the local farming community (tribal,
the use of Renewable Energy Technologies
subsistence and commercial).
(RETs), in agricultural application. Henri
incorporates a small-scale dairy providing
Pierre Bonnet, a Lecturer in the Department
bio-material feedstock to a digester. The
of
and
humus is used as fertiliser and feedstock
participates in scoping, implementation
(via reed-bed) to an aquaculture project.
and roll-out exercises in conjunction with
Future association with and expansions of
the Dundee Research Centre. The project
technology at the Dundee site in KwaZulu-
Power
Engineering,
advises
aims to create interest in applications of RETs
An aerial view of a proposed site for RETs in rural KZN.
The site
Natal will be maintained.
Water and Membrane Technology
T
The ‘flagship’ membrane project over the
continues to gain recognition as a leading
past three years has been the development
practitioner
engineering
of a capillary ultrafiltration (CUF) system for
teaching and research. It remains engaged
drinking water production, in partnership
in several industrial- and community-
with the Institute of Polymer Science,
based
is
University of Stellenbosch. This system
recognised specifically for its expertise in
is aimed at rural and peri-urban areas in
membrane technology, cleaner production
developing economies. The project received
technologies, curriculum development and
a major boost in 2003 when Amatola Water,
design nationally.
in the Eastern Cape agreed to evaluate the
of
chemical
consulting
projects
and
system with a view to commercialisation.
The research focus of the Water Technology Group
(WTG),
in
the
Department
A CUF unit installed on a farm near George, in the Cape.
The Floating Media Separator (FMS) was
of Chemical Engineering, is in the
developed in South Africa and patented
development of innovative processes for
by Wren Technologies (Pty) Ltd. This
the production of drinking water and the
process has great potential in the pre-water
treatment of industrial wastewater, with
treatment of high turbidity raw waters, but
special emphasis to the application of
has not been previously evaluated in this
membrane technology in these fields.
application. The Department of Chemical Engineering and its partners have entered
Professor VL Pillay is the leader of this
into an agreement with the inventors to
research group.
develop this process for portable water treatment applications. A single-module CUF unit, installed on a farm near Pietermaritzburg, in KwaZulu-Natal.
33 A review of reseArch And community engAgement
The Department of Chemical Engineering
Chromium Contamination of Groundwater
T
The Centre for Water and Wastewater
Alliance (SDCEA). He assists the SDCEA
Technology, within the Department of
and the Merebank Ratepayers’ Association
Chemical Engineering, was established
(MRA) with representation on a task team
in 1996 to research the treatment and
set up to identify, expose and advise on
purification of water and wastewater. Its main functions are to develop suitable technology for remediation of domestic and industrial streams, and to develop inexpensive
technology
to
provide
safe water to rural areas and informal settlements. A key project is investigating Chromium (6) contamination of groundwater in the Durban South Basin area, in order to inform and assist the community in an effort to
A review of reseArch And community engAgement
34
“
A key project is investigating Chromium (6) contamination of
contamination by hexavalent chromium of groundwater in the Durban South Basin. Professor Bux is responsible for the analysis of borehole water, soil and sediments in the plume area and advises on the scientific
groundwater in the
aspects of the problem. Task team meetings
Durban South Basin
include the eThekwini Municipality, the
area.
”
are held regularly on site and members Department of Water Affairs, MRA and the Bayer company. Analysis of the contaminated water is
resolve this major problem in the area.
continuing and the task team is reviewing
Professor Faizal Bux from the Department
proposed remedial strategies to treat the
of Biotechnology and Food Technology
groundwater. Professor Bux and his team
serves as scientific advisor for the South
ensure that the rights of the community are
Durban
not infringed during this process.
Community
Environmental
Testing the Quality of Water Stored in Shipping Containers
T
The Centre for Water and Wastewater Technology is involved in a project to test the chemical and microbiological quality of water stored in shipping containers, lined for potable purposes, and used by peri-urban community members in the Umbumbulu area. The communities are being advised on water quality and treatment of water to prevent outbreaks of disease following an approach to DUT by a non-governmental organisation, which provided and stored water in such containers.
Innovative use is being made of shipping containers, to store water for peri-urban communities.
Innovative Processes using Membrane Technology and Solar Energy
T
Research outputs
The Water Technology Group (WTG) is using
In the past two years, the Centre for
membrane technology in an innovative
Water and Wastewater has assisted NGOs,
process to supply potable water and to treat
including World Vision, with analysis of
industrial wastewater. These involve water
borehole samples and river water, on
flowing through a series of high surface area
request and free of charge. The Centre hosts
membranes and chlorination, achieving high
Water Week each year, in conjunction with
purification levels. Solar energy is being used
the South African Navy, at Salisbury Island in
in water pasteurisation to take advantage
Durban. It takes the opportunity to use the
of the abundance of sunlight in South
forum to educate communities on the value
South African Journal of Science. In press.
Africa. A project is under way to develop a
of water and processes associated with the
Ramothokang, T.R., Naidoo, D. and Bux, F. 2006
valve-release system that will release water
treatment of water and wastewater.
‘Morphological shifts’ in filamentous bacteria isolated from
Ismail, A., Wentzel M. and Bux, F. 2006. Using respirometric techniques and fluorescent in situ hybridisation to evaluate the heterotrophic active biomass in activated sludge. Biotechnology and Bioengineering. In press. Ramdhani, N. and Bux , F. 2006. Functional characterisation of heterotrophic denitrifying bacteria in activated sludge.
automatically when it reaches effective
activated sludge processes. World Journal of Microbiology and
pasteurisation levels (65°C). This would
Biotechnology. Published online & In press.
replace the existing method that uses wax, packaged in a small container and attached
“ A project is under way to
Simelane, S.C., Ramothokang, T.R. and Bux, F. Biological
develop a valve-release
nitrogen and phosphorus removal by filamentous bacteria in
to cisterns, which melts at 65°C. Water recipients in rural areas depend
system to release water
ICC, 21-25 May 2006.
on manual readings, which are not dependable. However, there continues to be high morbidity and mortality from contaminated water use in rural areas.
when it reaches effective pasteurisation levels (65°C).
Currently the Centre is assisting the Institute
”
microbial community structure within a laboratory scale activated sludge process using a combination of molecular techniques. WISA Biennial Conference and Exhibition, Durban ICC, 21-25 May 2006.
optimised isolation techniques. WISA Biennial Conference and
projects. These include the composting of
Exhibition, Durban ICC, 21-25 May 2006.
waste sludges on-site at wastewater works,
Ramdhani, N. and Bux, F. Denitrifying bacteria isolated from
where community members have taken
activated sludge. IWA World Congress and Exhibition,
responsibility for the process and use the
10-14 September 2006, Beijing, China.
compost for local vegetable gardens. This is
Ramothokang, T.R., Naidoo, D. and Bux, F. Biochemical (Above and below) The WTG is developing innovative processes for the treatment of industrial wastewater.
patterns of two H. hydrosis isolates. IWA World Congress and Exhibition, 10-14 September 2006, Beijing, China. Surujlal, S., Mavundla, N. and Bux, F. Isolation of microorganisms that have the potential to degrade endocrine disrupting chemicals in wastewater. 14th Biennial Congress of the South African Society for Microbiology, CSIR International Conference Centre, 9-12 April 2006, Pretoria, South Africa. Ramothokang, T.R., Mthembu, N.N. and Bux, F. Physiological and biochemical evaluation of pure cultures of filamentous bacteria isolated from activated sludge. WISA Biennial Conference and Exhibition, Durban ICC, 21-25 May 2006. Surujlal, S. and Bux, F. Detecting hormone endocrine disrupting chemicals. IWA World Congress and Exhibition, 10-14 September 2006, Beijing, China.
35 A review of reseArch And community engAgement
of growth characteristics of filamentous bacteria using
empower local communities through various
researchers from the DUT.
Padayachee, P., Ismail, A.A.H. and Bux, F. Elucidation of the
Mthembu, N.N., Ramothokang, T.R. and Bux, F. Evaluation
for Zero Waste (IZWA) in its efforts to
a free service to the community provided by
pure culture. WISA Biennial Conference and Exhibition, Durban
Community Research Projects: Centre for Systems Research
T
The Centre for
Systems Research (CSR)
The
CSR,
headed by Professor Kevin Duffy, within
has
developed
the Department of Industrial Engineering,
understanding a variety of complex systems.
has
In particular, the following methodologies
developed
a
dynamic
systems
simulation approach. It uses sophisticated
have been used:
modern technologies, mathematical and
•
computational techniques and intelligence for understanding complex systems for application in physics, biology, computer
Wildlife and ecology are non-linear systems that benefit from a computational approach to management.
and education.
A review of reseArch And community engAgement
exhibit this. Part of complex systems research is determining whether any simple rules
to study various research questions, most
exist which may be used to describe the low
recently the CSR has invested effort, expertise
dimensional behaviour of the system and to
and experience in using simulations for
look for emergent properties of the system.
reserves.
•
new energy to many areas of science and engineering where older methods of
parts with connections that usually include
reduction have not worked. To understand
non-linear elements. Because they are non-
complex systems they are often modelled
linear, complex systems are more than the
using mathematical and computational
sum of their parts. When many components
techniques of dynamical systems, which
in a system are non-linear, the differing
include differential equations, difference
behaviours within that system require
equations,
sophisticated theories and technologies in
methods and agent-based methods.
computational
intelligence
order to create models to predict outcomes. behaviours. Variables in complex systems often display complicated behaviours, which are difficult to predict. They can have relatively simple behaviours but, unlike linear systems, complex non-linear systems often present different behaviours at different times. In dynamical systems terminology, such a change in state is known as a bifurcation and non-linearity is required for a system to
methodologies
equations:
for
Professor
Computational
intelligence:
Dr
P Govender, Mr R Singh, Mr A Naicker •
“
Simulation modelling and agentbased methods: Professor K Duffy and Ms Jackson
•
Geographic
systems
modelling:
Mr A Hansen and Professor K Duffy •
Mathematical cognitive modelling: Dr R Naidoo and Mr Reddy
The study of complex systems is bringing
A complex system is a system of many
Complex systems research studies such
researchers,
and Ms E Dean
While its simulation approach can be used
understanding the complexity of wildlife
Differential
its
S Moyo, Dr R Naidoo and Ms Mkhize
science, meteorology, economics, ecology
36
through
•
Computational
mathematics:
Dr
R Naidoo. The common thread is that these different computational approaches are sophisticated modern technologies for understanding complex systems. The aim of the NRF-funded Research Niche Area, “Dynamical Systems Research”, will expand on this approach by finding applications for important issues in a developing South
The common thread is
Africa.
In particular, the CSR is in the
process of initiating methods to analyse
that these different
the following systems (an explanation of
computational
given):
approaches are sophisticated modern technologies for understanding complex systems.
”
importance to South Africa as a whole is •
Natural systems: Wildlife ecosystems and biological systems. It is important to successfully manage ecosystems because of their crucial role in our country’s welfare and economy, through tourism.
•
Socio-economic systems: •
People movement demographics.
Dai, X., Shannon, G., Slotow, R., Page, B.R. and Duffy, K.J.
high-resolution numerical schemes and boundary conditions
(2006). Short duration daytime movements of a cow herd of
to model soliton propagation in a plasma fluid. Mathematics
African elephants. J. Mammalogy. In press.
and Computers in Simulations 69: 457-466.
Mackey, R.L., Page, B.R., Duffy, K.J. and Slotow, R. (2006).
Naidoo R. and Baboolal, S. (2005). A semi-discrete numerical
Modelling elephant population growth in small, fenced,
solution of the plasma fluid equations and solutions. Review
South African reserves. South African Journal of Wildlife
Bull. Cal. Math. Soc. 2: 77-82.
Research 36: 33-43.
Naidoo, R. 2005. A computational model of a brain tumour
Industrial and engineering systems:
Dai, X., Page, B.R. and Duffy, K.J. (2006). Indicator value
for smooth and shock wave solutions. Review Bull. Cal. Math.
power distribution systems, electronic
analysis as a group prediction technique in community
Soc.
systems and manufacturing / logistics
classification. South African Journal of Botany. In press.
Moyo, S. and Leach, P.G.L. (2005). On some properties of
systems.
Shannon, G., Page, B.R. and Duffy, K.J. and Slotow, R. (2006).
ordinary differential equations invariant under translation
Educational systems: Mathematics and
African elephant home range and habitat selection in Pongola
in the independent variable and rescaling: the Lagrangian
physics students. Education is one of the
Game Reserve, South Africa. African Zoology. In press.
formulation. Journal of Mathematical Analysis and
greatest challenges facing South Africa.
Naidoo R. and Baboolal, S. (2005). Adapting two recent
Applications 306: 35 – 54.
The influx of people from rural to urban centres impacts on planning and development. •
HIV demographics. HIV is having a severe impact on all facets of life in South Africa.
•
•
Research outputs
Optimising Game Farm Management using Computational Intelligence
T
Mr Cornelius Janse Lourens, from the
in South Africa. Like any other business, a
Department of Industrial Engineering,
game reserve has to be efficiently managed
and Mr Poobie Govender, from the Centre
to ensure its sustainability. Techniques
for Systems Research, have proposed
of industrial engineering can be applied
techniques
to
intelligence to overcome these drawbacks.
optimise
the
management
and
sustainability of a game park
use of neuro-computing techniques will be used to identify different animals within
game park lies in the efficient management
a herd. When implemented in real time,
of its vegetation. Since grazers, such as
images from strategically located cameras
elephants, consume high quantities of
process data to identify animals and
vegetation on a daily basis, the park’s
determine migration patterns. This system
management must determine migration
provides a feasible method for planning
and feeding patterns. From this information
the efficient use of a park’s resources to
a sustainability strategy can be developed.
a system of identification and techniques
computational
An image identification system that makes
One factor affecting the sustainability of a
Determining migratory patterns requires
using
Research into managing game farms is an area under investigation, with particular reference to elephant management.
guarantee sustainability of its ecosystems.
such as animal tagging and satellite
Research outputs
tracking collars have been developed.
Lourens, C.J. and Govender, P. An elephant identification
Some identification systems use a scanner
system using computational intelligence. Conference of the
to pick up a signal from a microchip that
South African Institute of Industrial Engineers, 21-24 August
is embedded within an animal’s anatomy.
2005, Gauteng, South Africa.
However, this technique is, in the case of wild animals such as elephants, dangerous. Tracking systems that use collars and data analysis are expensive and require interpretation by a skilled statistician.
Lourens, C.J. Optimising the management of a game farm by utilising techniques of computational intelligence. 19th SAAIE & 35th ORSSA Annual Conference 2005, Emerald Casino Resort, 28-31 August 2005, Vandebijlpark, South Africa.
37 A review of reseArch And community engAgement
Game reserves are a major tourism attraction
The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) Project
T
The Department of Chemical Engineering provides technical support to the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) on environmental issues relating to developments and expansions to the chemical and allied industries in the south Durban region. It functions as the independent technical consultant and advisor to SDCEA in the Environmental Impact Assessment processes of all developments and expansions in the South Durban Basin. The scope of work varies depending on the complexity of the development and expansion, ranging from the assessment
The cover of a publication from the Department of Chemical Engineering.
of EIA scoping reports, on-site assessments, identification of specialist studies (air quality and modelling and risk assessments, among others), and provides a peer review mechanism for all specialist reports. The Department is involved in the eThekwini A review of reseArch And community engAgement
38
Municipality Trade Permitting process and undertakes peer reviews of environmental performance reports and data relating to chemical plants receiving permits.
“ The scope ... ranges from the assessment
It has been integral to two Danish-funded community projects in the South Durban Basin that have resulted in the publications of two books.
of EIA scoping reports, on-site assessments, identification of specialist studies (air quality and modelling
Research outputs DN/SDCEA publication (2005): Flaring at oil refineries in south
and risk assessments,
Durban and Denmark. ISBN 0-620-34209-9.
among others) ...
between south Durban and Denmark. ISBN 0-620-34210-2.
”
DN/SDCEA publication (2005): Permitting - A comparison
Researchers from the DUT have, over the years, developed a rich and formidable body of research in the areas of language, design and visual identity. In all its research interactions with surrounding communities, DUT seeks to protect the indigenous design and craft, oral traditional knowledge and spiritual belief systems that reside in KwaZulu-Natal. One of the Research Niche Areas at the DUT funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF), viz., Appropriate Design Education for Sustainable Development, is providing valuable material to communities. Through DUT’s French Connection, a rural community enjoys a monument on a tourist route that has been erected and paid for by an English queen, for a French prince killed by Zulu warriors. Other research includes investigations into whether community TV can encourage social change, and the impact of safety and security on tourists’ perceptions of holiday destinations.
Craft Collaborations: Shembe Beadwork
T
The art of beading has, largely, been lost to
KwaZulu-Natal. These include the use of
young people. However, members of the
rubber in making Zulu sandals, known as
Shembe religion, an independent African
ezimbadada; beadwork as practiced by
church, support the use of African beadwork
Shembe bead workers; and weaving as
during religious ceremonies. Their beadwork
employed by Ilala basket weavers.
makes use of both traditional techniques
Mr de Beer has, additionally, been involved
and non-traditional objects, such as wrist
in documenting the performances of
bands. These are produced in traditional colours, often because traditional beads have become virtually unobtainable.
Shembe dancers who meet in a park across (Above) Documenting the performances of Shembe dancers.
An exhibition in September 2004, Craft
Mr Chris de Beer, Head of the Department
Collaborations, displayed Mr de Beer’s
of Jewellery Design, is researching Shembe
research activities so far. Held at the DUT
beadwork with the objective of using
Art Gallery, it played an important role in
traditional Zulu craft skills to develop a
exposing his work to the wider design
uniquely South African body of jewellery.
community.
This research is part of the NRF-funded
tyre to a patterned strip, ready for making
Education for Sustainable Development.
sandals, and this process was explained in
The project seeks to investigate how
a research report undertaken by Bonginkosi
indigenous craft and design knowledge of
Tshabalala, for a B.Tech. degree project.
local craft producers can be developed to A review of reseArch And community engAgement
A rubber cutting display
showed the process of reducing a white-wall
Research Niche Area, Appropriate Design
40
the road from DUT’s City Campus.
create innovative products that may lead to
The beadwork on display was the result of
sustainable income generation.
interactions between Ms Marlene de Beer from the Department of Jewellery Design
The research has also created an opportunity for the community to value what they might consider commonplace, and to
and two Shembe women. The objective Rubber cuttings for making sandals.
the beadwork in terms of technical issues,
derive financial benefits from their skills.
such as the colours used, the stitches used,
The more he interacts with the Shembe
and the way in which the beadwork fits into
bead workers, the more convinced Mr de
the lives of these women. An Ilala weaver,
Beer becomes of the value of pursuing
working in silver and gold, produced a
these skills to be cultivated within the
range of rings, using traditional weaving
department. With every passing year the
stitches.
emphasis on beadwork has become more focused.
was to understand the process of producing
Beaded jewellery and rings in gold and silver.
The research focus in the Department
Research outputs
of Jewellery design currently hinges on
De Beer, C. Drawing on the Shembe: The search for a South
exploring types of craftwork produced in
African Jewellery. The Association for Qualitative Research Biennial Conference 2005, 13-16 July 2005, Melbourne, Australia. De Beer, C. Drawing on the Shembe: The search for a South African Jewellery. Design Indaba, February 2006. Cape Town, South Africa.
A Cultural Tourism Research Development Project: The French Presence in KwaZulu-Natal
G
Glen Flanagan, a Senior Lecturer in French in the Department of English and Communication at the Pietermaritzburg Campus of the Durban University of Technology, initiated the project titled French Presence in KZN: La Route du Prince Impérial, Louis Napoléon. The
Department
of
English
and
Communication has developed a relationship with the Uqweqwe people, whose settlement is next to the Prince Imperial monument in rural Nqutu. This community was brought into the project in 1995 and La Route was
Firm links have been established between the Uqweqwe community and, specifically, its learners, and DUT.
launched on 1 June 1996.
Switzerland, Germany, Reunion, Mauritius, Australia, St Helena), exchange exhibitions
The Uqweqwe community is comprised
(with France and Switzerland), VIP attendance
of about 6 000 inhabitants. Its rural school
at ceremonies and research exchanges.
has received classrooms, rainwater tanks, fencing, gates, books and bursaries from
For her efforts, Ms Flanagan was knighted by
the project. These efforts have extended
the French government in 1999 (Chevalier
from Jojosi Primary School to the Uqweqwe
Department and community representatives at a new memorial to the Prince Imperial.
Through the French association the community enjoys a monument on a
Every year on the anniversary of the
tourist route that has been erected and
death of the Prince Imperial, there is a
paid for by an English queen, for a French
commemorative ceremony next to the
prince who was killed by Zulu warriors. The
Prince Imperial monument, which forms
school has had the services of a French
part of a French week focus in the province.
teacher, many French visitors including
After 11 years, the project has the official
the French Ambassador, the French Consul
support of the Department of Arts, Culture
General, Embassy staff, Foreign Legion and
and Tourism for its community endeavours.
other VIPs from France and South Africa. French scouts and an international youth exchange group from Reunion Island worked in the community, where they spent R 25 000 under-pinning classrooms in
de l’Ordre National du Mérite). She has been awarded the medal of the Institute of Higher Learning of the French National Defence Force (Institut des Hautes Études de la Défence National) and she received the Colin Webb Award for Individual Merit for the Promotion of Heritage Awareness. She is a Fellow of the International Napoleonic Society, an honorary member of Le Souvenir Napoléon, of the Association des Amis du Musée municipal napoléonien et d’Art et d’Histoires militaires, Fontainebleau, and of the Alliance Française.
The project brings benefits, through its
She was voted KwaZulu-Natal Best Tourist
unique cultural tourism connection, to all the
Guide 2003-2004 for her work in initiating a
communities touched by the progress of the
new cultural tourism product.
project. Through the research component, the project has created multi-cultural links that have emerged. It has received
Research outputs
A 3rd year DUT French, Tourism Management
local, provincial, national and international
Flanagan, G. Exile, identity and the origins of cultural tourism:
student, Samkelesiwe Msane, taught French
recognition through visits to national
The case of the Prince Impérial, Louis Napoléon. 8th French
in the school and is studying in France for
and
Presence in KZN Symposium, Msunduzi Museum, 26 May
nine months after receiving a bursary.
associations
the junior school.
international
museums,
(England,
France,
historical Corsica,
2006, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
41 A review of reseArch And community engAgement
community at large.
Baumann House, Tennyson House and the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) Community Research Projects
C
Community engagement is part of DUT’s mission and one of the greatest challenges facing higher education practitioners. The objective is not only to incorporate the community into the curriculum, but to create authentic assessment of the students’ experiences. The Department of Interior Design has completed one project each year since 2003 and their industry partner is the South African Guild of Interior Designers (SAGID).
SAGID identified communities
in need through their own initiatives and approached DUT to use students’ design skills to assist needy communities. Materials and installation skills needed to physically
The completed CROW Education Centre.
Ms du Toit. Thereafter, students are
implement projects have been sponsored
introduced to the community and the site
by trade and industry. Media partner Garden
before completing interior design concepts
& Home magazine has featured each
and solutions to meet the needs of the
project, giving credit to the contributing A review of reseArch And community engAgement
42
community. A winning scheme is selected
sponsors, SAGID and the DUT.
by SAGID and the community. All students physically implement the winning scheme,
Cally du Toit, a Lecturer in the Department
using sponsored materials.
of Interior Design, has been the project leader on the three projects carried out to
Ms du Toit is completing a Masters in
date: Baumann House, a crèche for visually
Education degree. She intends researching
impaired children from the ages of three
the implications of the benefits to students
months to six years; Tennyson House, a
learning through community engagement
young women’s street shelter in Umgeni
within the Department of Interior Design.
Road and the refurbishment of the Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW)
Research outputs
educational centre. Mr Keith Pellew has championed the CROW project. A community project is selected by SAGID
Du Toit, C. Integrating service-learning into the curriculum A student on site at the CROW Education Centre.
using CROW as a case study. SAADA Conference, DUT, 27-30
and the community brief and requirements
November 2005, Durban, South Africa.
for interior upgrades are prepared by
Pellew, K. Formalising service-learning as an integrated educational experience in the Department of Interior Design at the Durban University of Technology. First International Symposium on Service-Learning: Service -Learning – Models for the 21st Century: Intercommunity, Interdisciplinary, International”, 21 November 2005, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Can Community Television Encourage Social Change?
D
Dr Mikhail Peppas, a Lecturer in the Department of Journalism, is the station manager of Greater Durban Television (GDTV). He sits on the board of the Durban Film School. The focus of his resarch project was visual anthropology linked to development support communication. Dr Peppas defined visual anthropology as a discipline associated with the use of photographs and moving images to reveal aspects of culture and social change. The main objective of this research project asks the question: Can community television
On set with GDTV, Africa’s first community television station.
encourage social change? The research was conducted through GDTV, Africa’s first community television station that went live in 1995. One of the strengths of GDTV was the opportunity it provided to amateur and indigenous filmmakers to have their productions broadcast into the homes of the local community. The productions were documentaries created by ordinary people that focused on their cultural milieu. verify his hypothesis that moving images, generated by communities themselves, and taking into account the cultural dimension,
“ GDTV verified ... moving
production houses, while working at GDTV. The station emphasises skilling girls and it encourages young film makers to tell stories
images, generated by
about KwaZulu-Natal.
communities themselves,
The station uses volunteers from the
and taking into account
Entertainment Technology and Journalism
the cultural dimension, can be used to encourage social change.
can be used to encourage social change.
”
Drama, Video Technology, Engineering, departments, providing a platform for students to acquire hands-on experience. GDTV was used as a model for the recently launched Soweto Community Television Station (SCTV) in Dobsonville, Johannesburg, which focuses on HIVrelated programmes. GDTV has recently
GDTV went on air in June 1995 with a short-
relocated from the BAT Centre to Albert
term licence and, so far, it has been on air
Park, in a bid to support the Albert Park
four times. GDTV is preparing to apply for a
Renewable Project.
permanent licence once the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa
Reports
(ICASA) announces invitations. The station
Mthembu, B. (2004). DIT students behind new Durban TV
is mainly run by young people in KwaZulu-
station. DITonline, June 18, http://www.dit.ac.za/ditonline
Natal, mainly in the greater Durban area, and
[Accessed 11 May 2006].
experienced professionals. The television
Moodley, F. (2004) Filmmaker in bid to relaunch TV station.
signals reach as far as Richards Bay on the
Sunday Times, [online] May 23, Available: http://www.
north coast, inland as far as Pietermaritzburg
suntimes.co.za [Accessed 11 May 2006].
and south to Umkomaas.
Filming for GDTV.
Ntshingila, F. (2004). Durban poised to get own TV station.
Grades 11 and 12 learners requiring media
Sunday Times, [online] Jan 18, Available: http://www.
skills are trained, at no charge, in production
suntimes.co.za [Accessed 11 May 2006].
technology such as floor managing, mixing
Greater Durban Television Station launched (2004). SABC
and interviewing. In the process, some are
News. 19 June, 15h45.
43 A review of reseArch And community engAgement
Dr Peppas used GDTV as a laboratory to
“noticed” and approached by established
The Albert Park Renewable Project
D
Dr Mikhail Peppas, a Lecturer in the
are being attracted for the development
Department of Journalism, is working
centres.
together with Mama Jabu, who runs the
Dr Peppas is investigating whether soccer
Tropical Tourist and Information Centre
and music can be combined to uplift a
at Albert Park in Durban’s inner city.
community. Together with the residents of
Together, they have initiated “Rising Stars”
Albert Park, they are trying to establish why
development centres, where youth in the
the area is degraded and, together with the
area are encouraged to play soccer and music. The park is currently being upgraded and the terrace has been renamed the “2010 Jazz and Hip Hop Terrace”. Sponsorships
Children living in the inner city are encouraged to play soccer in Albert Park as part of the revitalisation programme for the area.
residents, are seeking solutions. The aim is to revitalise Albert Park, currently known as a no-go zone for most people.
The Salt March
T A review of reseArch And community engAgement
44
The Salt March is an annual celebration
the last 30 years. He believes the Salt March
of Mahatma Gandhi’s Satyagraha, or
in particular has spiritual connotations and
philosophy of non-violent resistance,
brings awareness to many other issues,
linked to the Freedom Charter and the
including promoting global peace and
philosophies of Chief Albert Luthuli. The
ubuntu. Dr Peppas serves on the Satyagraha
community in and around Durban march
Committee. He and 3rd year students took
from the Gandhi settlement in Phoenix to
part in the Satyagraha 100 years: 1906-2006
the Natal Fort on the beachfront during
Conference at DUT in September 2006.
this event.
Additionally, he attended a conference in September 2006 in London, organised
Dr Mikhail Peppas initiated the Salt March
by the Gandhi Foundation, of which Lord
to draw attention to the fact that Mahatma
Attenborough is president. Dr Peppas
Gandhi lived in Durban for more than 20
presented a paper, titled Empire at Ladysmith:
years, during which time he developed
The Anglo-Boer War, Dickson, Gandhi and
his Satyagraha concept. Dr Peppas is
the Moving Image. The conference, The Film
researching how his philosophy evolved,
and History League, is scheduled to be held
with particular regard to protest marches.
in Dallas, Texas in November 2006.
He is also developing a script for a film, titled Empire at Ladysmith. Together with Ela Gandhi, the Mahatma’s
Reports
grand-daughter, Dr Peppas has been
Kuppan, I. (2006). South Africa joins the Salt March. Daily
involved in Gandhi awareness campaigns for
News [online] March 31, Available: http://www.dailynews. co.za [Accessed 5 May 2006]. Remembering Mahatma Gandhi and his philosophy of non-violence, during the annual Salt March in Durban.
Newman, L. (2005). Durban walk commemorates Gandhi’s salt march. The Mercury [online] April 11, p.1. Available: http://www.themercury.co.za Centenary celebrations for the Satyagraha movement (2006). SABC News. 2 April 2006, 16h45.
The Impact of Tourist Perceptions of Safety and Security on Tourism Marketing in Mpumalanga
T
There are many factors which influence where tourists choose to go on holiday. One is the safety, or perceived safety, of a destination. Tourists do not want to be concerned about the possibility of violence when on holiday. To be successful, tourism must assure the safety and security of tourists and safety and security needs to be addressed as a strategic priority by local communities, private and public sectors as well as tourist organisations. A Department of Marketing research project found that tourists are more likely to choose a destination where risks to safety are perceived to be minimal and, if tourists are not – or do not – feel safe, they will not visit that destination again. Given the high level of competition to attract visitors in order to establish and maintain sustainable tourism, a country must be able to ensure the safety and
The study found that more than any other economic activity, safety and security are essential in providing quality tourism. The success or failure of a tourism destination depends on it being able to provide a safe and secure environment for both tourists
“ ... tourists are more likely
they felt unsafe while staying and touring
to choose a destination
Mpumalanga and how they perceived
where risks to safety are
is quantitative in nature. The data was
perceived to be minimal
in Mpumalanga. Respondents were
and, if tourists are not or
locations and were randomly selected to
and the host population.
do not feel safe, they will
The purpose of this study was to evaluate
not visit that destination
tourists’ perceptions of safety and security
after visiting Mpumalanga, to determine if
again.
”
safety in Mpumalanga. The research gathered from approximately 400 tourists extracted from popular tourist transport complete the questionnaire at the time of their departure. This research was led by Dr J P Govender, from the Department of Marketing.
45 A review of reseArch And community engAgement
security of visitors.
The success or failure of tourist destinations, such as the Blyderiver Canyon in Mpumalanga, are dependent on their providing a safe and secure environment (courtesy of South African Tourism).
Journeys of Healing, Identity and Empowerment
F
Funded variously by the National Research Foundation and the DUT, 15 researchers are actively engaged in research which impacts on issues of healing, identity and empowerment in their own communities, or communities with which they have a particular affinity. The numbers of people being affected, to a greater or lesser degree in a cascading process, is close to two thousand. All research is conducted from the “insider-implicated” (Stoller 1997) perspective to ensure the greatest degree of
Members of the award-winning and internationally recognised Family Literacy Project from the Ndodeni area celebrate their learning. This project is led by Snoeks Desmond.
development of ubuntu education within a formal educational institution.
authenticity and to avoid, as far as possible, the distortion of “outsider” perspectives.
To date some of the researchers have
A review of reseArch And community engAgement
46
The healing process, broadly-speaking,
brought representatives of the communities
takes the form of expression – of storytelling
with which they are engaged to the DUT
and personal histories, a variety of modes of
for report back sessions: Azidle Ekhaya on
song and dance, performance of traditional
22 February 2005, and Ibuya Wethu on 1
skills and expertise, the exploration of
December 2005. On each occasion, more
spiritual belief systems and practices, the
than 100 people travelled to Durban from
mores and modes of social development
far-flung areas in KwaZulu-Natal, ranging
and service to the community. The
from Nkandla in the north to KwaCele on
researchers are individually collecting data for their personal projects which will inform their formal postgraduate studies. However, the effect of the investigations and activities on the communities is of significance. It is becoming increasingly evident that this kind of engagement is raising self-esteem and morale: people are heartened by the interest of researchers in their concerns, and particularly the ‘old knowledge’ of the oral tradition, where this is relevant. This interest is not confined to the elderly: increasingly the youth are engaging and challenging conventions within the traditions in ways that are both reinforcing and changing
the Eastern Cape border, many of them Mxolisi Khawula, an imbongi from the Mthusi community on the Lower South Coast in KZN, performs an izibongo on the effects of HIV/AIDS. This project is led by Christina Ngaloshe.
the old traditions, while healing and empowering themselves in the process. The subject matter of such expression ranges across the effect of HIV/AIDS; grief, loss and bereavement; land- and homeloss; Zulu (male) identity; traditional Zulu modes of raising children, with particular reference to the mores surrounding sex and sexuality; traditional Zulu modes of slaughtering, skinning and butchering; traditional Zulu modes of healing and divining; becoming literate and its effects on families and communities; traditional Hindu spiritual belief systems; post-democratic Afrikaner identity; and the promotion and
for the first time. The visitors participated enthusiastically and it is reported by the researchers that communities are energised and enthused by the interest and investment in their knowledge and ways of being. Such interest translates into renewed community interest in, and appreciation of, the oral tradition of knowledge, and an increased sense of significance in the world. These include not only social mores, wisdoms and clan histories, but also healing and divining practices, modes and manners of building construction, animal husbandry, the sewing, tending and reaping of crops, engineering and mathematics, and how to track and hunt animals. Tracking and hunting animals provides a significant example of the relationship between oral traditional knowledge and modern knowledge. How to track and hunt animals in the wild is argued by some to be
as much as 150 000 years old. It is identified by Louis Liebenberg (2002) as the “origin of science” since tracking requires, like scientific endeavours in a laboratory, simple, systematic and speculative thinking, all of which form the basis of the capacity to read scribal writing. It is as well to remember that the San people of the southern regions of Africa are renowned for their ancient mastery of this disappearing human capacity, so frequently dismissed as “culture”. Such
an
understanding
challenges
our understanding of (il)literacy. The oral tradition anywhere in the world is notoriously difficult to record because of its
isiBhaca dancers from the Mthusi High School on the Lower South Coast, KZN, express their understanding of HIV/AIDS in oral traditional mode. This project is led by Christina Ngaloshe.
holistic and dynamic nature, hence so little
understanding of personality among
restrictions: individual, group and
is recorded with any acceptable degree
Zulu people with specific reference
national empowerment through land
or sense of reliability, authenticity and
to induku as an anthropological,
reform.”
comprehensiveness.
social interactional, and ceremonial performance from the cradle to the
Oral traditions are recorded in memory performances. The recording of such
• Marlene de Beer: “Journey of awareness:
grave and beyond.”
and transmitted in three-dimensional •
Snoeks Desmond: “Family literacy: A
knowledge in any archive other than
study of a holistic approach to adult
memory requires the use of tools that cannot
education and its broader impact in
replicate the holistic and dynamic nature of
South Africa.” •
Exploring identity through design.”
M. Tech (Education): • Bongani Jama: “An investigation into elements of traditional healing with
Christina Ngaloshe: “Breaking the
special reference to Isangoma.”
a holographic record, falls short of the real
silence, addressing the confusion and
• Martin Nxumalo: “Healing through
and the ideal. Essentially, the oral tradition is
challenging the denial surrounding
expression: Addressing grief, loss and
conveyed by the energy of the performance
HIV/AIDS by engaging tradition: a
bereavement in a rural school and its
and the effect of that energy on our human
study of the mnemonic oral style, with
wider community.”
sensory and intuitive capacities.
special reference to Marcel Jousse.”
The research, the reflection and reporting
•
Optimising our African indigenous
on the research is raising personal and
knowledge to address the modern
group awareness, and so contributing to the
pandemic – HIV/AIDS.”
realisation of the dream of a South African nation of healed, whole and empowered
•
people with a clear sense of identity. The researchers in the group are registered for higher degree studies at the DUT. The working titles of their projects are:
Postdoctoral studies:
Theo Nyawose: “Living in two worlds:
•
M.Tech (Catering Studies): • Erasmus Mnguni: “A study of Zulu traditional
ritual
and
commercial
slaughtering, skinning and butchering.”
Robert Sikhosana: “The role of zesiZulu
Associated with the research teams is
(clan praises) as inqolobane yamagugu
Ms Charl Fregona, who is registered with
kaZulu (an indigenous oral socio-
UKZN for a PhD, the working title of which
cultural archive) among Zulu clans in
is: “Barriers to effective educational delivery
Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal in a modern
in Web-based teaching and learning:
educational curriculum.”
quality, access and delivery in technology
Delysia Timm: “Holistic education,
enhanced education.”
Dr Sarres Padayachee: “The sixness of Muruga,
community engagement and the
and the phenomenon of trance among
The projects are led by Associate Professor
biochemical
Muruga worshippers in KwaZulu-Natal.”
Joan Conolly of the Centre for Higher
Explorations and interfaces.”
Education Development and mentored by
Clementine Yeni: “The role of education
Professor Edgard Sienaert of the University
in land restitution, redistribution and
of Cape Town.
D.Tech (Education): •
Jerome
Gumede:
• “Towards
an
nature
of
learning:
47 A review of reseArch And community engAgement
the original form so that any record, even
M.Tech (Fashion):
The Georgetown Project
T
The Georgetown Project is an Architectural
10 years time?” The adjudicated winner, Mr
Technology initiative carried out to preserve
Sbusiso Gwala, was awarded an accredited
Victorian mud-brick buildings and the
tour guiding course, through which he has
shale “Potolozi” building, now part of the
qualified to guide tours in the area.
provincial archive of vernacular buildings.
In 2003, Ms Whelan received additional
It has also led to a city-wide historical and
funding
political tours route, which is available
training
community participation in tourism-driven
Pietermaritzburg-
students
from
the
DUT’s
Department of Architectural Technology
heritage preservation.
to measure up and document the mud
Ms Debbie Whelan, a Lecturer in the
buildings. The buildings have now become
Department of Architectural Technology,
part of a provincial archive of vernacular
worked with members of the Edendale community to repair the fabric of Victorian
A review of reseArch And community engAgement
the
Msunduzi Municipality to pay in-service
in both isiZulu and English to ensure
48
from
Preservation of old structures is a priority of the Department of Architectural Technology.
buildings, and copies are lodged both at the Provincial Archives Repository
period mud-brick structures. Its contribution
in Pietermaritzburg and at the Barrie
to the discourse of living in and working
Biermann School of Architecture Library at
on adobe type structures, and the effects
In 2000, teachers from Edendale Higher
this can have on lives, perceptions and
Primary School in Georgetown approached
aspirations, were part of Ms Whelan’s
Amafa aKwazulu-Natali, the provincial
greater study.
heritage body, for assistance with repairing
Working from the premise that a project of this nature can begin to inform approaches by the West towards dealing with other peoples’ cultures, the aim was that the levels of prescription should be rewritten to be more accommodating of different economic and perceptual places. Preservation of such structures would then become part of an economic norm, rather than being seen as an imposed set of preservation rules.
a shale-constructed building, attributed to Andries Pretorius, and known colloquially as Potolozi. With funding from Sanlam, the building was repaired and, in terms of the corporate funding conditions, registered contractors were hired. At this time, Ms Whelan secured funding from the Pietermaritzburg-Msunduzi
Municipality
for an intern (Ms Genna Nashem) from the United States, who worked with her as part of the US/ICOMOS exchange summer programme. Ms Genna Nashem worked well with community members. Together with the Provincial Museum Services and the Natal Museum, she
the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban. Ms
Whelan
employed
a
graduate
architectural technician to translate into isiZulu the guided tour that Ms Nashem had compiled, and to design plaques to attract sponsorships to be placed on houses in the precinct. The decision was taken by the Georgetown Project Committee to have the isiZulu interpretation completed first, as the need to cater for local people was seen as paramount in the education process. This was done, together with Mr Peter Croeser from the Natal Museum and with assistance from provincial museum services. The Georgetown Project continues to seek funding to repair the properties and connect them to a city-wide historical and political tourism route.
organised a wickerwork workshop and exhibition to garner support for recreating a furniture industry in Georgetown. An essay competition was run concurrently, titled ‘Where do you see Georgetown in
Research outputs Whelan, D. (2005) Decorated architecture as a material culture. Southern Humanities, 15: 129-141. Whelan, D. Community participation as an essential part of tourism-driven heritage preservation in Georgetown, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa: 5th Annual US/ICOMOS International Symposium, 2005, Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Vision A leading University of Technology in Africa, that nurtures holistic education and the advancement of knowledge.
Mission To serve the needs of developing societies within a dynamic global context and to enable quality teaching, learning, research and community engagement by:
Providing •
Quality, career-focused education, and
Promoting •
A values-driven ethos
•
Sustainable partnerships with industry, community and society
•
Excellence in applied and relevant research, and
Empowering •
Staff and students to succeed, and
•
Ensuring university sustainability.
University Goals These university goals chart the course that enables the university to realize its Vision for the future and to fulfil its Mission. The goals encompass all facets of the university’s values and advances DUT’s vision to be a leading dynamic university. •
To promote learning through high quality programmes, research and support services that will produce competent graduates.
•
To ensure that the institution is strategically positioned within a global context.
•
To ensure institutional sustainability.
•
To enhance quality of student life.
•
To increase and enhance community engagement and partnerships.
•
To attract and retain quality staff and promote staff advancement.
•
To continuously provide improved quality services and infrastructure.
