WOMEN'S MONTH - Jeanie Steyn - versatile achiever, excelling in both sports and the arts
As captain of the SA Fast 5 team, Renskie “Jeanie” Steyn led her team to a Silver Medal at the World Championship and represented her country again in 2023. Transitioning from player to assistant administrator and coach at Madibaz Netball, Jeanie has displayed commitment in her sporting career.
Alongside this success, Jeanie has pursued a Master’s degree in Fine Art, graduating in 2023 with distinction, and showcased her work in various exhibitions. These include "Spinning The Golden Thread" at the GFI Art Gallery and "MA.X.23 MA Student Graduation Exhibition" at the Bird Street Gallery.
Committed to community involvement, she has conducted netball coaching clinics and supported initiatives like the Hope4Kids Foundation.
The University recognised Jeanie with an Alumni Rising Star Award this year, and the following is an extract from her address at the awards celebration in June:
"As I stand before you tonight, I am reminded of an artist that I came across during my studies — Benja Harney, an artist who can make anything imaginable out of paper.
One of his projects was to raise awareness of the critically endangered Golden Sun Moth at the Little National Hotel in Sydney Australia. The installation of the artworks was not what intrigued me but rather the life story of this minuscule creature.
For up to three years, this tiny insect lives underground as a caterpillar, diligently working and preparing for the day it will emerge. Its efforts are hidden away from the world, unseen but steadfast.
When the time comes, the caterpillar undergoes a miraculous transformation, emerging from the ground as a radiant golden sun moth.
They have vibrant yellow segments in their wings and are often mistaken as butterflies. This moth lives for only three to four days, yet in those brief moments, it experiences the world in all its glory.
It can only fly about 100 metres at a time. If that was not enough to disadvantage these little creatures, when they develop from caterpillars to moths, they have no mouths to eat.
Lessons from the Golden Sun moth
There are so many lessons that we can learn from the cycle of the Golden Sun moth's life.
Like how they persevere consistently underground, away from the eyes of world to have a brief moment in the sun. The unseen hard work that we sometimes desperately feel needs to be acknowledged.
How many times don't we wait for the perfect moment. "It will get better, I when I have a steady income. It will be better if I have a bigger house. It will get better if I have another job."
What about this, here, right now?
Be present and make the best out of this moment. If the caterpillar only cared about the day it becomes a moth, it will stop crawling and gnawing and wither away.
The golden sun moth's fleeting life is a powerful metaphor of how nothing lasts forever. The Japanese have a term for this "mono no aware", meaning the awareness of the impermanence of things. However good or terrible, our moment in the sun or our grind in the darkness – all of it is temporary.
Then, lastly, these moths live in highly dense populations to ensure they can breed and continue their cycle of life, since they can only fly a few metres at a time.
In a world where there are 7.9 billion people, it is safe to say that we are not made to experience our journey alone. We need people, we need friends, we need support – no man is an island. If it was it would be rocky, dry and have constantly miserable weather. Open your heart, let those around you fill you with sunshine so you can do the same.
Receiving this Alumni Rising Star award is a reminder that while the path may be long and often hidden from view, the rewards come when we least expect them. This recognition is not just for me, but for everyone who has supported and believed in me along the way. Thank you!"
Bay golfers calm before world university champs storm
Top Gqeberha golfer JP van der Watt is set to have a calming influence on his teammates when he tees off for a second time in three years at the FISU World University Championship in Finland this month.
Madibaz' golf ace JP van der Watt will make his second appearance in three years at the FISU World University Championship in Finland. Madibaz golf star Tiaan Tibshraeny is part of the three-man men's outfit who will represent South Africa at the FISU World University Championship in Finland next week.
The 23-year-old Mandela University graduate competed in the tournament in Turin, Italy, in 2022 and felt that experience would stand him in good stead at the event in Kuortane and Seinajoki from August 26 to 30.
Fellow Madibaz player Tiaan Tibshraeny and University of Pretoria’s Wiehan van der Walt are the other members of the three-man men’s outfit while the women's team consist of Maties Crystal Beukes and Anita Chen.
Both are managed by Madibaz Golf Club president Karl du Preez.
Van der Watt said his Turin experience against the top players in the world had been an eye-opener.
Honorary Fellowship for Mandela University’s Dr Thobekani Lose
Dr Thobekani Lose, head and researcher for the Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CfERI) at Nelson Mandela University
has received an Honorary Fellowship at the Centre for Business & Economic Research (CBER) in London.
Dr Lose is one of three selected from 31 applicants based on their outstanding contribution in the field of entrepreneurship education and business research.
In addition, Dr Lose also presented a paper, co-authored by Luthando Jack DVC of People and Operations and Dr Bernard Sebake, acting Dean of Students on “The utility of small business incubators in mitigating intergenerational poverty in the Eastern Cape” at the 13th International Conference on Restructuring of the Global Economy (ROGE 2024) – Promoting Sustainability, at the University of Oxford.
Luthando Jack and Dr Bernard Sebake
The study investigated how inherited small family enterprises might address intergenerational poverty, with the premise that these businesses can break the poverty cycle if they remain viable and profitable.
It highlighted that challenges faced by successors often threaten the potential for improved livelihoods across generations.
Gqeberha’s Prof Zingela wins national Women in STEM award
The South African Women in Science Awards announced Nelson Mandela University’s Professor Zukiswa Zingela, as its 2024 Distinguished Woman Researcher in a glittering awards ceremony held in Mpumalanga on Thursday, 15 August.
The Executive Dean of Health Sciences at the University in Gqeberha was one of 14 national finalists in the SAWISA awards ceremony in White River, Mbombela.
Prof Zingela’s special award of Distinguished Woman Researcher brings with it a prize of R105,000.
“This is one of the flagship projects of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, and honours some of the country’s best women researchers and scientists,” said DSTI Minister Dr Blade Nzimande in his welcoming address.
The SAWISA theme this year was “transitioning towards an innovation economy: the role of women leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)”.
Professor Zingela, has been recognised for her work across a range of projects, reflecting her innovations in science and achievements in psychiatry.
“Winning this award is acknowledgement for the intellectual property contribution from myself, Dr Pumeza Kota-Nyati and Professor Zoleka Soji,” she said, referring to their work on the Enhanced Preparedness Training (EPT) project at Nelson Mandela University.
“My first love is Medicine while mental health and empowering others through education and sharing of knowledge are my passion.
“This is what drives the work I do. When the accolades and awards follow, I see them as a cloak of honour one has to wear, if only to inspire others.
“How else is a little girl growing up in Zwide to believe it is possible to reach for the stars in whatever field you set your heart on?”
Earlier this year, Prof Zingela released her book, EPT to Bloom, stemming from the EPT programme she developed over the COVID-19 pandemic.
This programme is now also a short learning course offered at Nelson Mandela University, with the support of Prof Soji and Dr Kota-Nyati. It focuses on enhancing coping skills, mental wellness and resilience.
WOMEN'S MONTH - Itumeleng Zosela: A Beacon of Inspiration
Born and raised in Alice, Eastern Cape, Itumeleng Zosela exemplifies the spirit of Women's Month. Through her groundbreaking work, Itumeleng aspires to contribute to advancements in cancer treatment and inspire young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields.
Her current research investigates the use of plant-based gold nanoparticles for colon cancer treatment, aiming to develop a safe and cost-effective alternative to the expensive and side-effect-laden treatments available today.
Holding a BSc in Microbiology from the University of Pretoria, a BSc (Hons) in Medical Biosciences from the University of the Western Cape, and an MSc in Nanoscience (Cum Laude) from Nelson Mandela University, she is now pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Physiology at Nelson Mandela University, focusing on Nanomedicine.
As a mentor for the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, Itumeleng equips young learners with problem-solving and science communication skills.
Her accolades include winning first place in the Young Science Communicators competition (audio category) in 2023, an initiative by SACNASP and SAASTA, and securing first place in the 3-Minute FameLab Science Communication competition at Nelson Mandela University in 2024.
WOMEN'S MONTH - Support women around you in research
“I am very lucky that I am surrounded by incredible women that inspire me every day, and I would advise women to identify potential role models that they can connect with for mentorship and guidance”, says Dr Mia Strand, an Ocean Nexus Postdoctoral Research Fellow based at the Institute for Coastal and Marine Research at Nelson Mandela University.
Dr Mia Strand from the Institute for Coastal and Marine Research at Nelson Mandela University has been selected as the South African, and one of 23 worldwide finalists, in line for the US$1.1 million Frontiers Planet Prize, in April this year.
“Support women around you, and actively cite women from the Global South, should you advance a career in research. I am continuously motivated by the brilliant, caring and passionate women in my life, and the next generation of researchers from universities all over the country.”
Mia was born in Oslo, Norway, but has lived most of her adult life in South Africa, originally moving here for her master’s degree in African studies at the University of Cape Town, almost nine years ago.
Mia’s PhD focused on inequality and inequity in ocean governance, and she explored the value of arts-based participatory research with Indigenous and local community members as co-researchers for more equitable and inclusive approaches to marine spatial planning and marine protected areas in South Africa.
Master’s student emphasises importance of support programmes at national conference
Master’s student in Forestry and Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leader at George Campus Lelonathemba Ndaleni recently co-presented together with Supplemental Instruction manager Liesl Smith at the annual national Siyaphumelela Conference.
Lelonathemba Ndaleni presenting at the conference (image supplied by SAIDE)
Mandela University is part of the national Siyaphumelela (“We Succeed”) initiative, funded by the Kresge Foundation, based in Detroit, USA, and overseen by the South African Institute for Distance Education (SAIDE). This initiative supports student success in tertiary education, focusing on data analytics and evidence-based practices to address equity gaps.
Delegates and several Deputy Vice-Chancellors and senior staff from all 20 participating South African Higher Education institutions, SAIDE, and the managing director for The Kresge Foundation’s Education Program, William (Bill) F. L. Moses, attended the conference.
Funding is allocated in three-year cycles, and Mandela University has been part of this initiative since its inception, starting with five partners to the current 20, that will run from 2024 to 2026.
WOMEN'S MONTH - In and out of the classroom, Algene Koeberg is a creative entrepreneur
Department of Applied Accounting lecturer Algene Koeberg is a creative entrepreneur who runs a fashion design studio and is involved in initiatives to empower and develop women.
Algene Koeberg lectures Cost and Management Accounting to third and fourth students, and also facilitates finance modules for the Nelson Mandela Business School, in the Faculty of Business and Economic Science.
“I really enjoy teaching accounting and business as a form of empowering the youth and encouraging entrepreneurship,” she says. “It is also such an enjoyable experience interacting with my students daily as I learn so much from them as well.”
Outside the classroom, Algene is perhaps better known as the designer behind CultureCut, a vibrant Gqeberha design and fashion label.
“CultureCut was founded out of my love for fashion design and our beautiful continent,” says Algene.
“CultureCut always references the African continent, whether in design, pattern or print as I believe that there are so many beautiful things that comes out of its corners and that the rest of the world is watching.”
Art and making things have been a passion for Algene since she was a young girl.
“The entire creative process is always so fascinating to me and I am so happy to be able to turn my own visions into pieces that people can be proud to wear.”
Mandela University fifth with 33 students in GradStar Top 500 Awards
A total of 33 Mandela University students have been announced as being among the GradStar Top 500 most employable students of 2024, and the University is in fifth position among the 19 participating institutions.
The University’s Career Services department has been instrumental in introducing the programme to students.
More than 6000 entries have been received from students and institutions across the country.
The GradStar Awards have for the past eight years celebrated most employable full-time students and graduates vying for recognition from employers nationwide.
The Top 500 students are now advancing to the next stage, through a three-phase assessment process to compete for a place in the GradStar Top 100, who will be announced during an online webinar in September.
At a live event, in December, they will also meet recruiters from the country’s top employers and face interactive assessments.
Forestry Master’s student Avelile Cishe awarded Abe Bailey travel bursary
Master’s student in Forestry on George Campus, Avelile Cishe is Nelson Mandela University’s Abe Bailey travel bursary winner and representative for 2024. Avelile hails from the small village of Mhlohlozi, Willowvale, in the Eastern Cape, where he was raised by his grandmother, Ndlangi.
The annual Abe Bailey Travel Bursary runs for three weeks, starting in England and ending in Scotland.
The bursary is awarded to selected South African university students to enhance understanding of different viewpoints, languages and cultures - to encourage leadership and open debate, to experience British Culture and promote South African unity.
Avelile believes he has been selected for this bursary because of his academic achievements, leadership skills and experience, “my keen interest in multidisciplinary issues, and my drive to uplift and develop communities around me are one of the qualities that I think awarded me this opportunity”.
Avelile graduated cum laude for both his Diploma in Forestry and his BSc Honours in Natural Resource Management and achieved an average of 81.5% for his Advanced Diploma in Forestry.