Music lecturer honoured with prestigious HSS award
David Bester, Senior Lecturer in Mandela University’s Department of Music and Performing Arts recently earned top honours at the Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) Awards — a flagship initiative of the National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS).
The awards recognise outstanding scholars in the Humanities and Social Sciences for their contributions to telling authentic South African stories that shape new ways of knowing. Now in its 10th anniversary year, these awards emphasise the value of scholarly contributions to public discourse, highlighting their essential role in fostering social cohesion.
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Hubs of Convergence and Music Department to assist Umphanda Foundation for Autism
Mandela University’s Hubs of Convergence (HoC) and the Music Department will be assisting the Umpanda Foundation for Autism with a music learning programme for its learners.
Dr George Foster (Music), Oyama Soga (Enggaement Office), Dr Bower Rudi (Music) and Nomakhosazana Netnou (Umpanda Foundation for Autism)
Mandela University’s Hubs of Convergence (HoC) and the Music Department will be assisting the Umpanda Foundation for Autism with a music learning programme for its learners.
The school received a donation of musical instruments from Deputy President Paul Mashatile and the Hlumile Foundation.
The Hubs of Convergence (HoC) and the Music Department recently visited the Foundation in North End in Gqeberha.
It was founded by Nomakhosazana Netnou as an intervention that accommodates learners with autism.
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The Hugest Happiness Blanket unveiled to joyful applause in Gqeberha
On 20 March 2025, Nelson Mandela University’s Second Avenue Campus was transformed into a breathtaking display of warmth and unity as the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day movement unveiled the world’s Hugest Happiness Blanket.
Hundreds gathered to celebrate this historic moment on the United Nations International Day of Happiness, as a sea of vibrant, handcrafted blankets – meticulously stitched together by South African KnitWits created an unforgettable display of kindness in action.
The centrepiece, a massive yellow smiley emoji, radiated joy, embodying the spirit of giving that has defined this movement since its inception in 2013. More than just a spectacular installation, the event served as a tangible act of compassion, with every single blanket destined to provide warmth to individuals and families in need.
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Mandela University academics revolutionise radio astronomy in support of space science
Nelson Mandela University’s Centre for Broadband Communication (CBC) is making waves in global astronomy with its cutting-edge optical fibre technology, deployed in the Hydrogen Epoch of Reionisation Array (HERA) Radio Telescope Project at the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) site in Klerefontein.
GLOBAL COLLABORATION: Testing their cutting-edge optical fibre technology are (from left) University of California, Berkeley astronomer Dr David DeBoer with Mandela University academics Drs Victor Agbakoba, David Waswa and James Jena
The collaboration was led by CBC director Dr David Waswa, with the CBC team successfully developing and installing custom-designed optical fibre delay lines (OFDLs) in six HERA radio telescopes, ensuring precise signal synchronization - an essential requirement for capturing data from deep space.
The Karoo desert presented a formidable challenge on the HERA’s initial fibre optic setups, with extreme environmental conditions impacting durability and performance, said Dr Waswa.
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Strengthening global academic partnerships through epistemic humility
Nelson Mandela University continues to strengthen its global academic partnerships through thought leadership and collaborative research.
Dr Noluvo Rangana speaking to President Dr Larry Dietz and Dr Mumbi Mwangi Professor of St Cloud State University in the United States.
As part of her work within the Engagement Office and in relation to the multilateral National Research Foundation (NRF) Grant and the Canadian collaboration, Dr Noluvo Rangana recently had the opportunity to present at St Cloud State University in the United States.
Her presentation, Exploring Partnerships in the Global North, Global South, and Global Peripheries through Epistemic Humility, was a key feature of the University’s 25th-anniversary celebrations of its partnership with St. Cloud State University.
Dr Rangana engaged with colleagues on the importance of epistemic humility in fostering equitable and transformative academic collaborations between institutions in the Global North and Global South.
Read more: Nelson Mandela University News