National award for advancing biokinetic services in the public health sector
Senior lecturer in biokinetics at Nelson Mandela University’s Human Movement Science department Dr Aayesha Kholvadia recently received the Healthcare Leadership Award from The Alliance of South Africa Independent Practitioners Associations (ASAIPA).
Dr Kholvadia received the award together with Dr Takalani Muluvhu, biokinetics lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology, at ASAIPA’S National Medical Awards for their advancement of biokinetic services in the public health sector.
“Receiving the National Medical Award and Healthcare Leadership Award means the world to me, as it acknowledges my unwavering dedication to promoting health and wellbeing in society through physical activity initiatives.
Madibaz water polo goalkeeper Meghan Maartens will represent South Africa at the World Aquatics Cham
Decorated Madibaz water polo goalkeeper Meghan Maartens will be in a defensive mood when she leaves for her next international assignment early next month.
The 24-year-old Tokyo Olympian has a second date with the land of the rising sun when she represents South Africa at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka from July 14 to 30.
Meghan, who was an integral member of the national squad who competed in a World Cup qualifying tournament in Berlin last month, said one could never be complacent about selection.
Environmental Health master’s student wins third prize at national science competition
Master’s student in Environmental Health at Mandela University, Yolanda Mngcongo, has won third prize at the recent South African Falling Walls Lab Science competition with her research on using nanotechnology to curb nosocomial (healthcare-associated) infections.
From left, third prize winner Yolanda Mngcongo, Mandela University master’s student in Environmental Health, the winner PhD student Alisha Badal from Wits University, who will represent South Africa in Germany, and second prize winner Kate Da Silva, also a PhD student from Wits University. (Photograph Wits University)
Both first and second prizes went to PhD students at Wits University.
Hosted by DAAD Johannesburg, along with Wits University, Falling Walls Lab is a world-class pitch competition showcasing African excellence and promoting international research innovation cooperation.
Architecture PhD student to participate in Biennale College Architettura in Venice
Nelson Mandela University PhD in Architecture student Kawthar Jeewa has been selected as one of 50 participants at the first Biennale College Architettura (BCA) 2023 in Venice, Italy.
Organised by the renowned La Biennale di Venezia, the Biennale College with the theme “The Laboratory of the Future” will run from 25 June to 22 July 2023 and will complement and enrich the 18th International Architecture Exhibition curated by Prof Lesley Lokko.
It will explore how to place the exhibition’s central themes, decolonisation and decarbonisation, at the heart of architectural education. The process will culminate in a documentary by Ángel Borrego Cubero, which will be screened as part of the exhibition.
Teaching models making a difference at Swartkops school
From left, Education’s Dr Ayanda Simayi, Principal Cikizwa Kona-Mbilana, Swartkops Primary School learners and SGB chairperson Andile Gege.
The project focuses on culturally avoided sexual concepts and the menstrual cycle, using Xhosa indigenous knowledge, such as ‘engceni’ (menstruation) or ‘ukutsib’i ziko’ (sexual intercourse) and is planned to continue till 2025.
The Indigenous Knowledge and ICT sexual concepts' community engagement project entails two models showing the female uterus, along with charts depicting male and female organs, fertilisation and embryo development inside the uterus to be used as teaching aids.
Dr Simayi initiated the project during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2022 to model School-Based-Learning (SBL) for her remote-learning third-year BEd science students, who were linked synchronously to her face-to-face presentations to Grade 7 learners.
Labour law doctoral student elected as Vice-President of the African Surfing Confederation
Former Surfing South Africa President and Mandela University Labour Law doctoral student and attorney Johnny Bakker from Gqeberha, has recently been elected as Vice-President of the African Surfing Confederation at the AGM, which was held in Dakar, Senegal. His term runs until 2027.
Backed by the surfing federations of Senegal, Nigeria and Morocco, Johnny hopes to grow the membership to about 30 African countries, as this is his main goal.
In addition, he will assist with legal expertise and multilateral relations between the African surfing nations.
Mandela University PhD student in Physiology selected to attend Swiss programme
PhD Physiology student at Mandela University Itumeleng Zosela is one of four South African students that have been accepted to join the Novartis and University of Basel Next Generation Scientist Internship Program in Switzerland over three months from June to August 2023.
Itumeleng’s PhD research is focused on using plant material to synthesize gold nanoparticles for colon cancer treatment.
The intensive training program for talented and motivated research scientists from low- and middle-income countries from all over the world, aims to equip students with new skills that will help them in their careers and for them to share these skills with their fellow students when they return home.
Itumeleng was one of the candidates that were selected to attend the Novartis next generation scientist eight-week virtual program in 2022.