Two Wits students were ranked top in the Falling Walls Lab competition that also saw Nelson Mandela University feature in the top three.
The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), in partnership with Wits University, supported by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in South Africa, hosted solutions-orientated students on 2 June 2023. This was part of the Falling Walls Lab Johannesburg, a world-class pitch competition where students present innovative ideas in three minutes. Open to all disciplines and students across the country, the winner of the regional competition proceeds to the international competition in Germany.
First place was awarded to Wits PhD student Alisha Badal who wants to make inroads in the treatment of Triple-negative breast cancer, the most difficult type to treat compared to other types of breast cancers. Using a 3-step novel method, Badal proposed using advanced gene editing technology to manipulate an essential tumor suppressor gene. This is based on her research at the School of Molecular and Cell Biology.
Kate Da Silva, a PhD student from the Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, scooped second place for her concept on how to assist the body to regenerate tissue after traumatic incidents. This involves the utilisation of the native tissue secretome as a biotherapeutic agent for tissue trauma.
Yolanda Mngcongo, a Master's student in Environmental Health from Nelson Mandela University, broke Wits’ dominance and walked away with third place. Mngcongo is advancing the use of nanotechnology to curb nosocomial infections. These are infections acquired in healthcare settings which were not present during the time of admission. These may occur in different areas of healthcare delivery, such as in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and ambulance settings, and may also appear after discharge.
Mngcongo proposed using a NanoRobot that will vacuum the pollutants from the air and clean the pollutants off the surfaces.
The jury, comprising experts from academia, industry, government and DAAD, evaluated the presentations based on three main factors. The breakthrough factor accounted for 50%, relevance and impact 40%, and structure and performance at 10%. Judges use a standard rubic which prioritises originality, innovation and the ability to trigger other innovative processes.
The 2023 event attracted participants from the Universities of Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Central University of Technology and Mangosuthu University of Technology.
Badal, who is from the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at Wits is the second Witsie in recent years to represent at the international Falling Walls Lab. In 2022, Witsie Tamlyn Naidu was crowned the global winner of the competition. Her entry titled Breaking the Wall of Acid Mine Drainage tackles mining related water pollution and land loss. Her research successfully piloted the use of waste products from the refining and agricultural sectors to treat mining wastewater, resulting in a nutrient rich sludge which can be used for hydroponic farming.
Each year, two Labs take place in South Africa. The DAAD Information Centre in Johannesburg hosts one of the two (Lab Johannesburg/Lab Pretoria) in collaboration with a partner university in Gauteng, while the Friedrich Naumann Foundation and the University of Cape Town host the Falling Walls Lab Cape Town.
Wits School of Arts partners with leading art school in Brazil
- Wits University
The Wits School of Arts (WSOA) partnered with a leading media art school at the Federal University of Santa Maria in Brazil (UFSM).
A memorandum of understanding solidified the partnership between WSOA and UFSM's Interactive Interdisciplinary Laboratory known as LabInter.
LabInter’s transdisciplinary investigation involves Art, Science and Technology. LabInter’s research groups are made up of artists, scientists, engineers, developers, graduates and undergrad students, and research fellows, all working on media art projects towards carrying out advanced studies on the current conception of interactivity concerning digital technologies in Media Art.
The relationship with LabInter will extend WSOA's engagement with the exciting work that is taking place in Brazil, a leading centre in the Global South.
The partnership was facilitated by Media Art Professor and Arts Researcher, Andréia Machado Oliveira, alongside Wits University's Dean of Humanities Professor Mucha Musemwa.
"Our universities and researchers need this kind of support. This agreement allows us to develop a joint project we've been working on with Wits' Head of School, Professor Rene Smith, since 2017. Media art must have the right kind of visibility in both Brazil and South Africa," said Oliveira.
Oliveira, director of LabInter and recently appointed Research Associate at Wits, hopes that this partnership will also allow students from both countries to learn from each other through academic exchange programmes.
The WSOA has since secured a postdoctoral candidate for September 2023 who will help build on their Arts-Science research projects currently underway.
"We appreciate that there will be stronger synergies between us. We are a living example of how the regional economies of BRICS do not just apply to Presidents and Prime Ministers but also within academic spaces," said Musemwa.
Start-ups prepare for intervarsity competition
- Wits University
Student entrepreneurs are set to conquer the regional rounds with groundbreaking ideas and unwavering ambition.
However, before the nationals, 10 Wits students will need to prove their mettle at the regional rounds to be held in August. These students were selected following the EDHE internal rounds on 2 June, open to all business minded Wits students.
All levels of the competition are divided into different categories including new business ideas, existing business (tech, social impact, and general), and research-based business.
Leaders at the Student Entrepreneurship Education and Development (SEED) programme at Wits, are confident that the selected Witsies will hold their own against rivals.
The following winners will represent Wits University in the upcoming regional rounds of the competition, and hopefully advance to the nationals:
Associate Professor Claudia Polese has been awarded the prestigious Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy.
The Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy is bestowed upon Italians and citizens in recognition of their contributions to promoting Italy abroad or fostering friendly relations and cooperation between Italy and their country of residence.
During the celebrations of the Italian National Day and Republic Day on June 3, 2023, Polese, an Associate Professor in the School of Mechanical, Industrial & Aeronautical Engineering at Wits University, was honoured with this award by the Consul General of Italy in Johannesburg, Emanuela Curnis.
This prestigious honour is granted annually on this day to commemorate the institutional referendum of 1946 (June 2), when Italians voted to determine the form of their government after World War II.
While presenting the Order of the Star of Italy, Curnis expressed that Polese brings great pride to Italy and is truly deserving of this recognition.
Quoting from the Motivation for the Order of the Star of Italy, Curnis remarked, "Professor Polese is an esteemed academic and researcher. Throughout her professional career, she has held distinguished positions in leading Italian and South African universities, and has established numerous contacts and collaborations with research centres and institutions both in Italy and internationally. She maintains strong ties with Italy and takes great pride in her 'Italianita'."
Born in Cecina, Tuscany, Polese completed her Master's degree in Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Pisa. She went on to pursue her PhD in Conventional and Innovative Aerospace Joining Technologies at the Department of Aerospace Engineering in Pisa, as well as at the German Aerospace Center in Cologne.
In 2009, she joined Wits as an Associate Professor in Aerospace Manufacturing and Design, and she currently serves as the Advisory Aerospace Research Director of the National Aerospace Centre.
Polese also holds the position of Head of the Aeronautical Engineering Stream within the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at Wits, and she chairs the Faculty Transformation Committee.
Since 2011, she has led several collaborative projects and serves as the Deputy Director of the ARUA Centre of Excellence in Materials, Energy, and Nanotechnology. Additionally, she coordinates the DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in the Strong Materials-Strong Metallic Alloys Focus Area. Her scientific contributions exceed 180 publications.
During her acceptance speech, Polese reflected on her initial journey from Pisa to Johannesburg, which took place 14 years ago, and shared the mix of sadness and excitement she experienced as she embarked on her new adventure at Wits.
Through her deep love for both her homeland and her adopted country, she has fostered strong relationships and remains actively engaged in promoting research projects, as well as industrial and scientific cooperation between Italy and South Africa.
Polese expressed her gratitude to the Consulate General and acknowledged “supervisors at the University of Pisa for giving me the wings and to Wits that provided me with this incredible blue sky to fly in”.
In conclusion, Polese extended her appreciation to her colleagues at Wits, expressing gratitude to those who have supported her in re-establishing her aeronautical research career in South Africa.
University Corner renamed after illustrious writer Es'kia Mphahlele
- Wits University
Wits University has officially renamed University Corner after renowned writer and activist Es'kia Mphahlele as part of its continuing transformation plan.
The University Corner, located on the corner of Jorissen and Bertha street, was officially renamed on 01 June 2023.
The renaming of the popular building which houses the Wits Centre for Journalism, the Wits Centre for Diversity Studies and the Wits Art Museum to name a few, is a fitting tribute to Mphahlele, the first black Full Professor at Wits. He spent nearly 70 years of his life in a career spanning education, journalism, creative writing, and the leadership of institutions for the promotion of literature and the arts.
He was an icon who contributed enormously to the Wits community. Through his body of creative work, his far-reaching education work, and cultural activism, Mphahlele was a major force in shaping modern African Literature.
Before unveiling the golden plaque to guests and members of Mphahele's family, Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, said that renaming the building serves as a vital physical connection between the Wits Campus and Braamfontein.
"The university recognizes the importance of community engagement in forging new knowledge. Es’kia Mphahlele’s work was instrumental in breaking the bounds of traditional knowledge creation and fostering a more inclusive approach to scholarship," said Vilakazi.
"Let us not forget that Professor Es’kia Mphahlele was not only a visionary in education but also a leading African writer, whose talents were dedicated to the development of African writing on this continent and its diaspora. His contributions to literature were so remarkable that he was nominated for the Nobel Prize for Literature not once but twice," said Vilakazi.
"Today, as we confer his name upon this building, we pay homage to Professor Es’kia Mphahlele’s massive contribution to African letters. This small gesture of recognition is a testament to his enduring legacy and a reminder to future generations of scholars that his work continues to inspire and guide us."
The Mphahlele family representative, Gontse Moropa, thanked the institution for renaming the building after her uncle.
"As a family, we are very happy that you are honouring my granduncle. It shows that his legacy still continues."
The Students' Representative Council’s acting President, Kabelo Phungwayo, said that Es’kia Mphahlele’s struggle for his educational career is an inspiration to most students.
Phungwayo said it is an inspiration to honour someone who fought for his own education and thereafter fought for the education of others.
"We consider Es'kia as a revolutionary scholar, who inspires our African epistemology of humanism and who is the Dean of African letters. Such a figure, being recognised in this institution, means a lot to the SRC," said Phungwayo.
President of Portugal gives brief history lecture to Wits students
- Wits University
Wits University hosted the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, during his state visit to South Africa on 07 June 2023.
Rebelo de Sousa, alongside his Prime Minister António Costa and several members of his delegation, met with Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Zeblon Vilakazi and other senior members of the university to discuss a shared vision of preserving Portuguese knowledge and heritage among both Portuguese students and the broader Wits community.
"As an institution of higher learning, we are strengthening the educational ties between our two nations. Our young people will be the ones to set the tone for the future," said Vilakazi as he welcomed the President and his delegation.
Apart from his political engagements, Rebelo de Sousa is known for his work as a Professor of Law at the University of Lisbon, where he taught for several decades. He used the occasion to briefly lecture students from the Portuguese Language Centre of Camões on the history of Portugal and the Portuguese language.
He spoke of the Carnation Revolution of 1974 which saw a military coup decolonise Portugal and ultimately resulted in the birth of their democracy. The country will celebrate 50 years of the revolution in 2024. He also noted the important relationship Portugal has with South Africa.
"South Africa is home to the third largest community of Portuguese nationals outside of Portugal. Portuguese is also the second most spoken language in the southern hemisphere," said Rebelo de Sousa.
"This shows you how important the community and language are, both in international and non-governmental institutions."
Several students also engaged with Rebel de Sousa on the importance of leadership and politics in the European state and its relationship with South Africa.
He told students that both countries came from a similar history where democracy ultimately overthrew tyranny and that the fight for a peaceful democracy must continue.
Portuguese history and heritage are well-preserved at Wits in the form of books and artefacts. The Diaz Cross located in the foyer of the William Cullen Library is notably an important artefact of Portuguese history preserved on campus. The cross serves as a historical reminder of Portugal's voyages around the southern African coast in the 15th century.
About the Portuguese Language Centre
Wits University and the Camões, Institute of Cooperation and Language collaborated to create the ‘Portuguese Language Centre of Camões’ within the ‘School of Literature, Language and Media’ (‘SLLM’) in the Faculty of Humanities.
The centre is dedicated to students' multimedia, study, research, and library space. It facilitates students’ tertiary education in the Portuguese language, lusophone literature and cultures. The centre was inaugurated on 5 March 2002 within the SLLM and is one such institution to promote the Portuguese language and lusophone cultures on the African continent.
The centre aims to disseminate the Portuguese language as a language of international and continental communication; endorse the diverse cultures and literature associated with the Portuguese language; and strengthen the academic, intellectual and cultural relations within the multi-cultural context of Wits University.
International expert panel revises management of concussion in sport for optimal care of athletes
- Wits University
Sport and Exercise Medicine physician Jon Patricios co-chaired the latest consensus statement that updates existing recommendations to optimising athlete care.
The latest Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport includes:
New and updated age-appropriate tools to aid identification and management of the condition
New versions of return to active sport and education strategies
Stronger evidence for benefits of light intensity exercise within first 48 hours to aid recovery
New targeted approach to rehabilitation
Call for interdisciplinary working group to guide research into potential long-term effects.
A group of more than 100 expert researchers and clinicians from around the world, co-chaired by Sport and Exercise Medicine physician Professor Jon Patricios of Wits Sport and Health (WiSH), University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University), distilled and synthesised new scientific evidence and updated existing recommendations, with the aim of optimising the care of athletes at all levels of participation who have, or who are at risk of, concussion.
Based on the outcomes of the International Conference on Concussion in Sport, held in Amsterdam in October 2022 and published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (BJSM), the Statement is informed by 10 systematic reviews and methodologies outlining the new consensus process, which took more than four years to complete.
In a bid to be more transparent and inclusive than in previous years, the process featured anonymous voting, alternative viewpoints, and open declarations of potential conflicts of interest. Furthermore, the process included the views of athletes, a focus on para-athletes, and ethical perspectives.
The Statement includes a series of new (SCOAT6, Child SCOAT6) and updated (CRT6, SCAT6, Child SCAT6) age-appropriate tools for clinicians and sports organisations to help them better identify and manage sports-related concussion in the short and longer term.
It features new evidence-based strategies for returning to active sport and education after concussion; early exercise and treatment recommendations; approaches to prevention; targeted rehabilitation; and a call for a working group to be set up to guide further research on the potential long-term effects of concussion on health.
Among the key recommendations:
Prevention
Policy or rule changes to minimise collisions, such as disallowing body checking in ice hockey - a defensive move in which the player tries to separate the puck from his/her opponent
Neuromuscular training - aerobic, balance, strength, agility exercises and neck-specific components in warmups
Mouthguard use in ice hockey (all ages)
Implementing laws and protocols, such as mandatory removal from play after actual or suspected concussion; healthcare professional clearance to return to play; and education of coaches, parents, and athletes on the signs and symptoms of concussion.
Early interventions
Strict rest is not recommended. There is now stronger evidence that light intensity physical activity, such as routine daily activities and aerobic exercise, such as walking and stationary cycling, can aid recovery, as can limiting screen time during the first 48 hours.
Rehabilitation
For those experiencing dizziness, neck pain and/or headaches for more than 10 days, the Statement recommends cervico-vestibular rehabilitation - physiotherapy exercises to reduce symptoms and improve function.
Rehabilitation should be targeted to the needs of the individual.
Persisting symptoms
Multidisciplinary team assessment to identify the types, pattern, and severity of symptoms and any other contributory factors is advised for those with symptoms lasting longer than four weeks.
Recovery
Advanced neuroimaging, biomarkers (chemical signals from nerves or blood vessels), genetic tests, and other emerging technologies to assess recovery are useful for research into the diagnosis, outlook, and recovery from sports-related concussion. But, as yet, they are some way off from being used in clinical practice, says the Statement.
Return to education and sport
Academic support may be needed for some athletes, in the form of a return to learn strategy - this can include modified school attendance, limiting screen time, avoiding any contact sports or game play, and extra time to complete assignments/homework or tests.
Light intensity activity in the early phases of the return to sport is now recommended, with full sports participation usually occurring within one month of injury.
However, it is best to manage athletes on an individual basis, accounting for specific factors that may affect their recovery, such as a history of migraine, anxiety, and social factors.
Potential long-term effects
The Statement notes the “increasing societal concern about possible problems with later in life brain health in former athletes, such as mental health problems, cognitive impairment and neurological diseases.”
Studies tracking the mental health of people over time (cohort studies) have found that former amateur and professional athletes do not seem to be at heightened risk of depression or suicidality later in life.
Similarly, no heightened risk of neurological disease has been reported in former amateur athletes in these types of studies. However, some studies of former professional athletes have reported an association between playing professional American football and professional soccer, and neurological disease in later life.
But the studies to date on the links between early sports participation and later life dementia and neurological disease are limited, because they have not been able to adjust for a range of potentially highly influential factors, says the Statement.
It recommends setting up an interdisciplinary working group to guide appropriate research into the potential long-term effects of concussion on health.
Evidence gaps still to be filled
There is limited evidence on the management of sports-related concussion in 5-12-year-olds and in para sport athletes, who are known to be at heightened risk of sports-related concussion.
Little research on concussion exists for certain regions of the world, diverse cultural contexts, sex, and genders.
Commenting on the Statement, Consensus Statement co-chair, Dr Kathryn Schneider of the University of Calgary, Canada, says: “This Statement sets out a range of new evidence-based recommendations, including those for concussion prevention as well as new versions of the concussion assessment tools and return to sport and school/learning strategies.”
“We encourage clinicians and sports organisations around the globe to adapt these recommendations to their own geographic and cultural environments to optimise the care of athletes who have sustained, or who are at risk of, concussion,” she adds.
"The differentiating aspects of this latest Concussion Consensus are the rigorous methodological process we adopted, the new generation of tools available to clinicians, and the emphasis on the positive impact of exercise and targeted rehabilitation as effective interventions," explains Consensus Statement co-chair, Professor Jon Patricios of Wits University, Johannesburg, South Africa.
“These have the potential to positively change the management of sport-related concussion."
#ConcussionInSport
Notes for editors
Consensus statement: Consensus statement on concussion in sport: the Sixth International Conference on Concussion in Sport - Amsterdam October 2022 doi 10.1136/bjsports-2023-106898 Journal: British Journal of Sports Medicine
Funding: (Logistics and admin only) Organising Committee for the Sixth International Consensus on Concussion in Sport Members: International Olympic Committee (IOC); Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA); International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF); World Rugby; International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI); Fédération Internationale d’Automobile (FIA), the governing body for world motor sport
Wits School of Accountancy renamed after former Head, Margo Steele
- Wits University
Former student pledges US$10 million to rename the school after first woman head of school.
Wits University has received a donation of US$10 million to rename the Wits School of Accountancy after celebrated Professor Margo Steele, who served as Head of School from 1987 to 1995.
The donation was announced at Steele’s 90th birthday celebration that Wits hosted in her honour on Wednesday, 3 May.
Steele, who joined Wits University as a part-time tutor at the Wits School of Accountancy in 1957, was appointed as a senior lecturer in 1969, and became the first woman Head of School of Accountancy at the University in 1987. She served in her position for eight years before she retired in 1995.
Wits University celebrated Steele’s 90th birthday in a small, exclusive event at the Wits Club on Wednesday. The celebration was hosted by outgoing Head of the School of Accountancy, Professor Nirupa Padia, the third female Head of School (after Professor Jackie Arendse - the second Head of School), and attended by guests, including Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi and business leaders such as Alan Pullinger (First Rand), Peter Wharton-Hood (Life Healthcare),Steve Binnie (Sappi) and Jacob Modise (Batsomi), all former students of Steele.
In thanking Steele for her contribution to Wits University, Vilakazi said “she brought unparalleled expertise, experience to the sector”.
“Her dedication to excellence and her unwavering and unremitting commitment to excellence in education and development of her students has made her widely respected within the Wits community and across the world,” said Vilakazi, adding that her work led to the Wits School of Accountancy being the leading faculty of accountancy in Africa and globally.
Naming a number of global leaders of industry, such as Stanley Bergman (Henry Schein), Steve Collis (AmerisourceBergen), Stephen Koseff (Investec) and Ivan Glasenberg (Glencore) who all sent personal well-wishes to Steele, Vilakazi announced that one of her former students pledged US$10 million towards renaming the Wits School of Accountancy after her.
“He said that through this contribution, in honouring Steele, he would like to ensure that the school, in its diverse form, rise to a next level and perform even better and reach even a more diverse cohort of students, and to assist students in need to receive world class education like he received,” said Vilakazi.
Upon receiving an invitation to attend Steele’s 90th celebration in mid-April, the alumnus immediately suggested the generous gift. The University has moved rapidly to ensure approval from the appropriate governance structures.
“This approval has been achieved in record time and with wholehearted endorsement,” said Peter Bezuidenhoudt, Director of Development and Fundraising at Wits University.
The renaming of the school to the Wits Margo Steele School of Accountancy was approved by the Wits Council in the first week of June. The funding will come in tranches of US$1 million per year.
Steele, who recounted various personal stories of her and her families time at Wits at her birthday celebration, said the one thing that surprised her during her time as Head of School was that she was told to develop an academic course in ethics.
“I actually presumed that I learned all my ethics by having discussions with my peers and with my family, about the day’s happenings and activities, and those little discussions. The young people were either corrected or they were commended for the steps that they had taken. That was ethics to me,” she said.
But as the world changed, so her ideas needed to change.
“I had to re-assess my whole theory on this. And in this reassessment, I was fortunate also to be right at the coalface of this reassessment. Because I was involved with the changes in the economic environment, in the social environment and so I changed. I had to change.
“I wanted to change and with that change, I found that I became a different person. Having learnt all of this, I was lucky to meet so many different, wonderful people. I met academics, students, colleagues, they were all wonderful, decent people, and I loved them all. And here I felt it was such a pleasure to work with them.”
In closing, Steele shared that she had recently met an old lady, whose daughter was a chartered accountant, who had studied at Wits.
“That old lady told me very hushed tones, that her daughter had said that everybody was terrified of me,” said Steele.
“I was stimulated by this [the University] environment. I was so encouraged by the things we were achieving. But here I learn that everybody was terrified of me. Well, that was ridiculous. I didn’t believe a word of it. So, I want to leave you all with a good piece of advice today. Never believe a thing that an old lady tells you!”
Food standards save lives
- Wits University
Fun and practical lessons help University community to learn more about food safety.
Examining common practices such as food storage methods, washing of hands left many students re-examining their own wisdom. Take for example, Nthabiseng Moloi, a second-year student, who walked into the dining hall to collect her meal. Although confident that her hands were clean, this belief was turned on its head when she placed her hands under the bacteria scanner during Food Safety Week.
"I was under the impression that my hands were clean after washing them before entering the dining hall, but the bacteria scanner revealed otherwise. It was surprising,” said Nthabiseng Moloi, who is a resident at David Webster Residence and eats at Convocation Dining Hall.
The conditions under which food is managed and consumed is a critical aspect of ensuring the well-being and health of individuals, communities, and nations. The Wits Services Department which runs six dining halls and manages 41 retailers on campus, hosted awareness events primarily targeting students and staff, to promote food safety and manage foodborne risks. The awareness events held at various dining halls from 5 to 9 June, coincided with World Food Safety Day observed annually on 7 June. The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of food safety and remind members of the Wits community about hygiene practices in order to maintain optimal health.
Addressing food safety challenges and enhancing standards
Apart from speaking to the end consumers of food prepared on campus, the week-long activities also included a day of dialogue through a conference held on 9 June. The conference was attended by staff,leaders from the food industry and allied services. Among the speakers were representatives from the Food Control section in the National Department of Health, Office of Consumer Affairs from Gauteng Department of Economic Development, South African Bureau of Standards, Department of Health City of Johannesburg, South African Institute of Environmental Health and hosts – Wits University Services Department. Discussions ranged from best practices to trends threatening food safety and legal requirements.
Wits’ Environmental Health Specialist Basil Minyuku said:“ The conference sought to promote a deeper understanding of the topics and advocate for policies that enhance food safety standards. Furthermore, the event aligned with global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals related to food security, nutrition, and health..”
Veronica Lephalala the Dining Hall Operations Manager highlighted the importance of ongoing training adding that “catering staff undergoes training during academic breaks, and our food undergoes regular testing." This commitment to continuous training and testing reinforces the Department's dedication to providing safe and nutritious meals to the University community.
The Director of Services Department, Israel Mogomotsi explained that the main objective of Wits World Food Safety Day activities is to draw attention and inspire action to help prevent, detect and manage foodborne illness, which is almost entirely preventable. He concluded by stating that the Department is committed to build a food safety culture through continuous awareness on food safety and monitoring compliance across dining halls and food retailers.
Recognition of exemplary dining halls and food retailers
The event concluded on a high note with the presentation of Food Safety Awards in two categories: Dining Halls and Food Retailers. These awards recognise and celebrate the efforts of establishments that prioritise and excel in food safety practices. In the Dining Halls’ category, Jubilee Dining Hall took the first place while the Main Dining Hall and Executive Kitchen both secured second place. In the Food Retailers’ category, Zesti Lemon claimed first place for their exceptional food safety practices. Tubatsi Grill House and Student Corner both achieved the second place.
Unsafe food can lead to severe health risks and increase economic burdens as this may result in the loss of productive hours and hours seeking care. The latest World Health Organization (WHO) reports states that unsafe food causes 600 million cases of foodborne diseases and 420 000 deaths, worldwide. About 30% of foodborne deaths occur among children under 5-years of age. WHO estimates that 33 million years of healthy lives are lost due to eating unsafe food globally each year, and this number is likely to be an underestimation of the real figures.
A valedictory event was held at the end of the 18-month course to celebrate academic staff who successfully completed their transition programme.
Mid-career academics go through multiple and complex transitions. While these transitions are acknowledged as common markers of academic life, they journeyed in isolation with competing priorities on time. EMCAT facilitates developing one’s own style of leadership in teaching, research and academic citizenship.
The programme also helps each academic write and refine their academic portfolio supported by a writing retreat specifically dedicated to it. The dialogue, conversation and networking opportunities through Communities of Practice and small group mentorship sessions further enhance critical agency.
"It is really fantastic that we've had this kind of uptake and that you're all still with us at the end of it," said Professor Garth Stevens, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for People Development and Culture at Wits.
"One of the key things about learning institutions is that you don't only facilitate the capacity for staff to be resilient in the face of adversity, you have to facilitate the opportunity for staff to thrive in an enabling environment."
Professor Stevens reiterated the importance of supporting staff in their personal academic journey and congratulated the successful EMCAT candidates on completing their transition.
The valedictory event also saw all the participants take to the podium in groups to reflect on their 18-month journey. Each group was asked to creatively present their reflections. Some made use of visual aids, whilst others used haikus and poetry.
"These haikus really represent what we've been through from the moment this programme started right to its end. We were challenged to be more forthcoming and intentional about our transition," said Shalini Dukhan, senior lecturer at the School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Studies.
Another group dubbed ‘the three musketeers’, sporting mouse ears at the tops of their heads, explained that they were like blind mice at the beginning of their programme.
"We later became agile, resourceful and fluid, enabling us to do more with our new talents acquired from the programme," said Jenika Gobind, senior lecturer at Wits Business School.
Dr Bernadette Johnson, Director of the Transformation and Employment Equity Office, thanked all those who successfully completed the pilot programme.
"We intentionally called the programme a transition. Academics don’t need to be ‘developed’ all the time as if something is missing. And as the programme developed, we knew we could institutionalise this. So going forward, there is an intention to build on that transition into leadership," she said.
The next round of EMCAT will also be supported by the Carnegie Corporation New York, and is likely to start in early 2024.
Witsies in Top 200. For Good
- Wits University
Almost a quarter of the 200 young South Africans nominated by the nation are from Wits.
Witsies consistently feature in the prestigious Mail & Guardian's 200 Young South Africans, an annual list of 'visionary young South Africans’. The 2023 list released by the national publication features trailblazers from different fields and industries.
Building on the success of previous years, Wits Universitystands out once again with close to 50 Witsies on the list. These esteemed Witsies represent a diverse range of sectors including Civil Society, Education, Entrepreneurship, Justice, Mining and Manufacturing, Technology and Innovation, Health, Politics, Environment, Film and Media, Sports, Arts and Entertainment, and Rural Development Projects.
Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, congratulates the young leaders and pays a special tribute to individuals associated with Wits.
"This recognition reflects the unwavering dedication and commitment of our staff, alumni, and current students in making a difference in society.
It is particularly noteworthy that eight of our leaders come from the health category, underscoring the significant role Wits plays in advancing healthcare and well-being. This highlights the pivotal role our researchers, clinicians, and healthcare professionals play in driving meaningful change and addressing critical challenges in this domain," he said.
"These accolades not only celebrate individual achievements but also demonstrate the collective strength and transformative power of Wits as a leading academic institution. We remain committed to fostering an environment that nurtures innovation, encourages excellence, and enables positive societal impact."
Grade 11 learners investigate asteroid impact at Wits experience
- Wits University
The Wits Integrated Experience kicked off its sixth short course this year designed to expose grade 11 to university life.
Over 200 learners from 55 schools in Gauteng visited Wits University for part one of the experience. Learners took part in an annual integrated real-world problem-solving exercise using a multidisciplinary approach.
This year they have been asked to investigate a predicted imminent impact of an asteroid close to Johannesburg. Learners were introduced to meteorites and impact craters before being briefed on the specific parameters of the impact event.
They then had the opportunity to interact with various staff across geosciences, health sciences, economic and management sciences, humanities and engineering on the different aspects of the problem, including the immediate threats that the impact will pose to people and infrastructure, the longer-term environmental and economic consequences, emergency medical and evacuation protocols, and heritage preservation.
"The Wits Integrated Experience is a project setup for grade 11 learners to come here before they enter their matric year. We want them to experience all the faculties and degrees at Wits,” said Zodwa Ndebele from the Schools Liason Office.
"We want to prepare them for their application process and give them insight into what they could study here at Wits based on their interests."
Learners interacted with different types of meteorite rocks and learnt about the psychology of dealing with such a disaster. Health sciences also explored the need for medical care in the event of an asteroid impact.
"I enjoyed the engineering faculty because I love aeronautical engineering. I loved the presentation and I had the opportunity to see the fighter jet," said Lola Cardoso from De La Salle Holy Cross College.
Cardoso’s teacher Fran Harrison said she was impressed with the programme and how complex the tasks were that learners had to complete.
"I'm impressed by all the learners and the tasks they have to do. I think it's challenging and I love the integration of all the different departments. It's been wonderful to see Wits because I am a Witsies myself. To come back and see what they've achieved here is amazing."
Grade 11 learner Bahle Mabaso from the John Orr Engineering School of Specialisation said that he enjoyed the teaching methods of Wits academics.
"When I came here I thought the lecturers would be uptight but the way they shared information with us made us feel very comfortable. Law has been nice because the content there was interesting."
St. Barnabas College science teacher Sibusiso Gama said the experience was eye-opening as it allowed students to foresee what may happen when they go into their tertiary studies.
"This programme is important because it exposes learners to content they probably won't cover at school. Secondly, they get exposure to people they could work with within the higher education learning space," said Gama.
The learners have seven weeks to prepare a Response Plan to mitigate threats posed by the asteroid impact, which they will present to a panel of "experts" at Wits in August. This will culminate in an awards ceremony on the same day, where certificates and prizes will be handed out.
