01/04/2012
MEDIA STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, 12 APRIL 2012
UKZN TO HONOUR LEADING SOUTH AFRICANS AND WOMEN GRADUATES EXCEL
The University of KwaZulu-Natal will award approximately 8 832 degrees at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels at the University’s graduation ceremonies which will be held over seven days commencing on Monday, April 16, and will end on Tuesday, April 23. An impressive 5 439 (62 percent) of the graduands are women and 520 are international students. A total of 153 doctoral degrees will be conferred. Women constitute 58 percent of the 371 graduands who will graduate cum laude and summa cum laude respectively. The degrees will be conferred at the 20 ceremonies that will be held on the Pietermaritzburg and Westville campuses. Seventy two graduands with disabilities will receive their degrees. Approximately 1 492 degrees will be conferred in the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science; 776 in the College of Health Sciences; 4 578 in the College of Humanities; 1 986 in the College of Law and Management.
In addition, the University will confer honorary degrees and will honour six leading South Africans for their outstanding contributions in the scientific, arts, human rights, social sciences, political, and academic sectors and through their innovation, resilience, altruism and intellect in their respective fields, have changed the lives of people both in South Africa and globally. Honorary degrees will be conferred on Yvonne Chaka Chaka Mhinga, the late Lawrence Anthony, Virginia Gcabashe, Hugh Chittenden, Mahmood Mamdani and Zuleikha Mayat. The late Lawrence Anthony, a highly respected international conservationist, will be honoured posthumously with a Doctor of Science degree honoris causa. His son Mr Dylan Anthony will accept the award and deliver an address at the ceremony on Tuesday, 17 April that will commence at 19h00 at the Westville campus.
Eminent guest speakers include Public Protector, Advocate Thulisile Madonsela and leading researcher and academic Professor Tinyiko Maluleke who will address graduates on Friday, 20 April at 10h00 and Tuesday, 24 April at 14h30 respectively.
Two leading academics will receive the University’s Distinguished Teachers’ Award for teaching excellence. The awards will be to Professor Bice Martincigh and Dr Nyna Amin. These prestigious awards recognize innovative and outstanding teaching commitment.
Dr Amin from the College of Humanities is recognised for her innovations with respect to design and development of curricula in educational and research modules and her outstanding contribution to research supervision. She is widely recognized as an exceptional university teacher and pioneer in concepts in the critical areas of education.
Professor Martincigh is an associate Professor in the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science is recognized for her exceptional ability to tailor and differentiate her teaching to meet the different levels of study of her undergraduate and postgraduate students. She draws on her experiences of a variety of approaches and methodologies to achieve an interactive pedagogy which includes collaborative inter-group peer work and providing online feedback to students.
The prestigious University Fellowships will be awarded to three highly respected academics in the College of Agriculture, Science and Engineering. Professors Sreekanth Jonnalagadda, Peter Dankelman and Gerald Ortmann will receive the Fellowship award for their extraordinary and meritorious contributions in their respective disciplines.
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FACT FILE:
HONORARY DEGREES WILL BE CONFERRED ON:
Mr Hugh Nicolson Chittenden – DSc (honoris causa)
Monday, 23 April at 19h00 - PMB
Mr Hugh Nicolson Chittenden has made a major and distinguished contribution in KwaZulu-Natal and southern Africa to the public understanding of science in the field of ornithology.
He has spent a major part of his life observing, recording, photographing and writing about birds in relation to the geography, fauna and flora of many southern African regions. Chittenden has analysed bird behaviour throughout the sub-continent and in doing so has observed and recorded environmental and climatic threats to all of life which have come about through a detailed knowledge of birds.
His knowledge of the taxonomy of many hundreds of trees and plants of the southern African region is encyclopaedic. Profound observational understanding of the world of birds has taken public form in a multiplicity of books, articles, presentations, speeches and work with civil society organisations. His personal notes, field notes, travel journals, and an accumulation of records constitute an immensely valuable source of primary information for present and future scholars, not only of ornithology but also of climatic and environmental change.
Over the years, Chittenden has also become an acclaimed photographer of birds with considerable technical expertise.
Chittenden is currently Chairman of the John Voelcker Bird Book Fund, an organisation formed in 1935, whose principal accomplishment has been the publishing of the many editions of the highly respected Roberts Birds of South Africa.
Mrs Virginia Thudiso Gcabashe – DSocSc (honoris causa)
Thursday, 19 April at 19h00 – Westville Campus
Mrs Virginia Thudiso Gcabashehas distinguished herself through her contributions to youth development and the development of society at large in the fields of religion, poverty alleviation and community health. Gcabashe’s mention in the Oxford University Press and World Council of Churches archives provides a source of inspiration for the role played by a woman of humble beginnings. Her appointment as a Commissioner in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was befitting awoman of her experience and compassion.
As President of the Youth Wing of the YWCA - known as Y-Teens - she was extensively involved with the holistic development of young women aimed at helping them develop into responsible citizens.
She took a stand against the government of the day using the Bible, especially passages where the courage of women was highlighted, to fight apartheid. Gcabashe was a council member of the Diakonia Council of Churches from its inception and vice-president of the South African Council of Churches leading a delegation to the Vatican to discuss the injustices of apartheid.
She was also a member of the World Council of Churches from 1983 to 1997, serving two terms because of the immense contribution she made. She was a member of the Executive Committee and became chair of the Secretarial Committee. Gcabashe’s steely determination in the face of adversity to youth development and human rights during the apartheid era is an inspiration that has earned her national and global recognition and respect.
Ms Yvonne Chaka Chaka Mhinga– DMus (honoris causa)
Thursday, 19 April – 10h00 – Westville Campus
Known as the ‘Princess of Africa’, Ms Yvonne Chaka Chaka Mhinga is an icon in the South African and African music and show business industry. Her voice transcends cultural, language and racial divides being instantly recognisable to so many who are always ready to jump up and jiveto her distinctive sound. Mhinga’s popularity and level of accomplishment have already ensured her legacy as one of the greatest stars to illuminate the African continent.
More importantly, she is recognised for her outstanding humanitarian work in Africa and other parts of the world - helping to raise awareness of issues affecting women including malaria, maternal and child health, HIV,empowerment, education and poverty. During 2009, Mhinga travelled on humanitarian missions to Namibia, Zambia, Vietnam, USA, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Liberia, Rwanda, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, France, UK, Kenya, showing her Motherland Tour documentary. Her Motherland Tour: A Journey of African Women which then premiered all over the world in 2010, raises awareness of how women are addressing their most pressing daily issues.
On 29 November 2010,Mhingawas honoured with a special award from Roll Back Malaria and the United Nation’s Goodwill Ambassador for her significant contribution and long standing commitment to empowering women and children in their fight to free Africa of diseases such as HIV and malaria.
Professor Mahmood Mamdani – DLitt (honoris causa)
Tuesday, 24 April at 19h00 - PMB
Professor Mahmood Mamdani is a world renowned scholar in politics, history and culture as well as an accomplished author and political commentator. His intellectual work and scholarship focuses on the African continent and he has greatly influenced thinking and writing about Africa, generating knowledge and understanding in the study of African and international politics, colonialism and post-colonialism, and the politics of knowledge production.
He has received numerous awards and recognitions, including being listed as one of the “Top 20 Public Intellectuals” by Foreign Policy (United States) and Prospect (United Kingdom) magazine in 2008. He received his PhD from Harvard University in 1974 and specialises in the study of African history and politics. His works explore the intersection between politics and culture, a comparative study of colonialism since 1452, the history of civil war and genocide in Africa, the Cold War and the War on Terror, and the history and theory of human rights.
Mamdani’s most distinguished contribution is in reclaiming Africa’s contribution to the global knowledge project and in knowledge generation in and of Africa. His accomplishments are evidenced in his considerable scholarly works and his enormous commitment and dedication to this task.
Mr Lawrence Anthony – DSc (honoris causa) – Posthumous
Tuesday, 17 April at 19h00 – Westville Campus
Highly respected and renowned international conservationist, environmentalist, explorer and best-selling author, Mr Lawrence Anthony’s distinguished contributions to conservation and the environment are recognised at the highest levels globally. Anthony is probably best known for his bold conservation initiatives which include the rescue of the Baghdad Zoo in Iraq at the height of the United States invasion in 2003 and expeditions into the jungle in Southern Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in an attempt to save the Northern White Rhino from extinction.
In the midst of sandstorms, gunfire and warfare, Anthony flew into Iraq in April of 2003 and drove alone through 500 miles of desert to Baghdad to rescue animals at the zoo. By the time he arrived, there were only 35 left out of an original 650 to 700.
Eventually with international aid the zoo reopened and Anthony formed the first SPCA in Iraq. His initiative was recognised by both the US and Iraqi governments and he received the US 3rd Infantry Division Regimental Medal for bravery in his work.
Anthony founded the Earth Organisation, an independent international conservation and environmental organisation which aims to protect the environment and enhance the survival potential of all life forms. His principle conservation and environmental focus has been the meaningful involvement of remote rural African communities in the benefits of conservation.
Mrs Zuleikha Mayat – DSocSc (honoris causa)
Thursday, 19 April at 14h30 – Westville Campus
Journalist, author, culinary expert, philanthropist, cultural and religious leader and poet Mrs Zuleikha Mayat is a remarkable role model who has made a rich and varied contribution to South African society. Her pioneering and bold contributions in addressing gender issues and raising highly sensitive cultural and religious practices regarding the role of women in religion was debated through the multi-racial Women’s Cultural Group she established.
For the past six decades Mayat has been a courageous and pioneering woman playing a role in the transformation of South African society politically and in the field of education, and in challenging social, religious and economic boundaries restricting women. Mayat is well known in many parts of the world and is a respected figure in the local community. She has been a courageous and pioneering woman who has played a part in the transformation of South African society politically and in the field of education, and in challenging social, religious and economic boundaries which have restricted women.
DISTINGUISHED TEACHERS’ AWARD OF THE UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL
The recipients are:
Professor Bice Martincigh
Bice Martincighis an Associate Professor of Chemistry in the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science. She is being recognised for her exceptional ability to tailor and differentiate her teaching to meet the different levels of study of her undergraduate and postgraduate students in what is usually regarded as a “difficult” subject.
The reviewers commended her teaching methods which take into account the module content and level; the needs of students; the class size and availability of resources. By pragmatically taking “what works” she draws on her experiences of a variety of approaches and methodologies to achieve an interactive pedagogy, which includes collaborative inter-group peer work, co-operative learning, quizzes, problem solving, and providing online feedback to students. She manages large classes through extensive support while maintaining quality amongst the many tutors she supervises.
She is deeply analytical in her teaching and demonstrates empathy with students and their varied learning abilities in ways that build their confidence. The Committee was impressed by both her arguments for and the varied and comprehensive range of methods of assessments she employs. She has revised the process of conducting practical work to encourage independent learning. She has designed a rubric for assessing first year practicals to ensure consistency, using a range of assessments guided by different cognitive demands and providing excellent feedback on assessments. She has received positive independent student evaluations and integrates feedback into curriculum development.
Prof Martincigh is innovative not only in pedagogy in the classroom, but also in terms of planning and designing her teaching with her colleagues. She is also recognised for her mentorship and induction of new and young staff members.
The University of KwaZulu-Natal is honoured to recognise Prof Martincigh’s alternate pedagogies, excellent management and diversity of teaching, learning, and assessments with a Distinguished Teachers’ Award.
Dr Nyna Amin
Nyna Amin, a senior lecturer in the School of Education, is widely recognised as an exceptional university teacher and a pioneer in innovative concepts in the critical areas of education that include research and management.
The award recognizes Nyna Amin’s innovations with respect to design and development of curricula in educational and research modules; outstanding contribution to research supervision; education research and management; and the generous sharing of her expertise with others.
Most of her teaching is with large cohorts of 70 to 100 students. Her lectures are organised with well articulated outcomes. She is well-known for the use of a wide variety of teaching methods with a strong focus to challenge students to think independently, and apply their minds in relevant problem solving settings. She is rigorous in monitoring her students’ performance and her detailed feedback is aimed at enhancing and developing students to rise to greater heights. Indeed, this has earned her commendable student and peer evaluations.
Nyna Amin has a remarkable ability to motivate and attract postgraduate students. In particular reviewers have commended her exemplary postgraduate supervision of PhD and masters students. She is an excellent and devoted university teacher, known for her intensive one-on-one teaching and unflinching support of her students. She continues to publish in education and teaching and is recognized for the leading role she plays in research capacity development.
Nyna Amin is a highly skilled and dedicated university teacher and supervisor, embodying all qualities of a distinguished teacher; and as such, the University of KwaZulu-Natal is honoured to recognise her with a Distinguished Teachers’ Award.
FELLOWS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL
The recipients are:
Professor Peter Alois Dankelmann
Born and educated in Germany where he attained his PhD, Professor Dankelmann joined the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 1993 as a post-doctoral researcher.
In 2007 Professor Dankelmann was elected a member of the prestigious Academy of Science of South Africa. The academy advises the South African Government, and membership is by election only.
He has a B2 rating from the National Research Foundation having being rated by the organisation since 1996.
In 2005 the University of KwaZulu-Natal nominated him for the national NSTF Science and technology award in Category B which is for the Best Contribution of an Individual over Five Years.
Since 1996 he has been a member of the editorial board of the international ISI-rated journal: Utilitas Mathematica, and has accepted an invitation to be a member of the editorial board of another international journal: Electronic Journal of Graph Theory and Its Applications, to be launched shortly.
Professor Dankelmann, who has supervised a number of PhD students and continues to do so, has been a reviewer for the leading international reference journal Mathematics Reviews (MathSci) and frequently referees research papers for major journals in his field.
He has authored or co-authored scores of articles in peer reviewed journals. He was also invited to contribute papers to a special volume of the international journal: Discrete Applied Mathematics on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the average distance by Wiener, as well as to a special volume on metric graph theory in the respected European Journal of Combinatorics.
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to science and research, the University is honoured to award Peter Dankelmann with the award of Fellow of the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
PROFESSOR SREEKANTH JONNALAGADDA
Professor Sreekanth Jonnalagadda joined the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 1995 as a Professor of Chemistry. In January 2010 he was appointed Head of the School of Chemistry at the University, continuing in that position until December last year. He is currently a Senior Professor of Chemistry at UKZN.
Professor Jonnalagadda’s research interests include: chemical kinetics-elucidation of reaction mechanisms;catalysis – homogeneous & heterogeneous;computer modelling and simulations, andenvironmental analytical chemistry.
Since 2008 he has co-authored about 150 articles in refereed journals the latest being inIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Researchand titled:Ozone initiated Ni/metal oxide catalyzed conversion of 1,2-dichlorobenzene to muchochloric acid in aqueous solutions.