Call for papers for the consultation

"DEMOCRACY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE IN GLOCAL CONTEXTS"

24-26 October 2016

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

​

Dear Colleagues

The local organising committee is pleased to announce the fourth triennial consultation on Democracy and social justice in glocal contexts which will be held in Stellenbosch, South Africa from Monday 24 to Wednesday 26 October 2016.

Proposals regarding this theme, as well as themes highlighted below, are welcomed.

One way to describe Public Theology is to argue that Public Theology addresses three sets of interdependent themes, namely the inherent public contents of faith, the inherent public rationality and reasonability of faith and the inherent public meaning, significance, implications, impact of faith.

Various public theologians emphasise some of these sets of questions more than others. Others attempt to attend to all three questions simultaneously. It is also possible that we emphasise one theme at a point and another one in a different context. For some it is even not possible to distinguish among these sets of themes, let alone separating it.

The distinction above might guide our discussion about a public challenge like justice. The question of justice could be discussed in terms of the public contents, the public rationality and the public impact of Christian faith.

Broad themes like the following might surface when we focus upon the public contents of Christian faith:

• Old Testamentic perspectives on justice;
• New Testamentic perspectives on justice;
• Justice in a church historical perspective;
• Justice in a comprehensive Trinitarian (theological, Christological, pneumatological) perspective; 
• Justice in a missiological perspective;
• Justice and ecclesial practices like leitourgia, diakonia, marturia and koinonia.  

The question can also be addressed in terms of the rationality, reasonability and intellectual accessibility of the Christian faith.  With an emphasis on intra-disciplinarity amongst theological disciplines, interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity various justice theories, systems and models might be freshly explored.

The theme could also be unpacked in terms of the meaning of the Christian faith for specific justice challenges in the world, amongst others ecocide, poverty, unemployment, inequality, oppression, violence, racism, classism, sexism, homophobia, ageism, handicappism, afropessimism, and xenophobia.

The notion of glocal in the theme of the conference refers to the impact of global developments on local life, as well as the importance of local initiatives for the transformation of global perspectives. The focus upon justice will hopefully enable members of the Global Network for Public Theology to learn from each other's contextual discussions, and to rediscover the indispensable wealth of the Christian tradition as we face the threatening forces of injustice and dehumanization in various forms in different parts of the world.

These discussions will take place within the framework of democracy in societies. The guiding question will be whether democracies succeed in delivering the promise of the democratic vision, namely a life of dignity and justice, freedom and peace for all. With regard to democracy's role in justice, themes like the following deserve special attention:

• The issue of minorities (religious, racial, linguistic or ethnic) and the problem of 'majoritarianism' in a democratic state. How can Public Theology support minority groups and challenge government policies?
• At a global level, responses to climate change, terrorism, refugees, and (religious) 'militantism' are challenges to all the citizens in general and religious communities in particular.
• In what way does Public Theology enhance the democratic values of equality, freedom, and rule of law and at the same time critique government policies when they are not compatible with democratic values and scriptural teachings?
• How does Public Theology support the democratic state from various threats, amongst others from the market? What could be the contours for a state theology as part of Public Theology?
• How can Public Theology advance the task of democracy to bring forth justice for all?

We hereby invite all scholars interested in the study of Public Theology to submit proposals of no more than 300 words by June 2016. These can be submitted electronically to maritasnyman@sun.ac.za.

Please remember to add a title (or provisional title) to your abstract.  The presentation language will be English – please inform us should you require any translation services.

Registration for attendance will open on 1 February 2016 and can be found on the following website: www.sun.ac.za/bnc. Please feel free to distribute this call for papers to other interested parties.

For further enquiries kindly contact Marita Snyman at maritasnyman@sun.ac.za.

Sincerely, in verbondenheid

Prof Nico Koopman

Chair: GNPT Executive Committee

Beyers Naudé Centre for Public Theology

Faculty of Theology

Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch 7600

South Africa

Call for papers for the consultation

"DEMOCRACY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE IN GLOCAL CONTEXTS"

24-26 October 2016

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

​

Dear Colleagues

The local organising committee is pleased to announce the fourth triennial consultation on Democracy and social justice in glocal contexts which will be held in Stellenbosch, South Africa from Monday 24 to Wednesday 26 October 2016.

Proposals regarding this theme, as well as themes highlighted below, are welcomed.

One way to describe Public Theology is to argue that Public Theology addresses three sets of interdependent themes, namely the inherent public contents of faith, the inherent public rationality and reasonability of faith and the inherent public meaning, significance, implications, impact of faith.

Various public theologians emphasise some of these sets of questions more than others. Others attempt to attend to all three questions simultaneously. It is also possible that we emphasise one theme at a point and another one in a different context. For some it is even not possible to distinguish among these sets of themes, let alone separating it.

The distinction above might guide our discussion about a public challenge like justice. The question of justice could be discussed in terms of the public contents, the public rationality and the public impact of Christian faith.

Broad themes like the following might surface when we focus upon the public contents of Christian faith:

• Old Testamentic perspectives on justice;
• New Testamentic perspectives on justice;
• Justice in a church historical perspective;
• Justice in a comprehensive Trinitarian (theological, Christological, pneumatological) perspective; 
• Justice in a missiological perspective;
• Justice and ecclesial practices like leitourgia, diakonia, marturia and koinonia.  

The question can also be addressed in terms of the rationality, reasonability and intellectual accessibility of the Christian faith.  With an emphasis on intra-disciplinarity amongst theological disciplines, interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity various justice theories, systems and models might be freshly explored.

The theme could also be unpacked in terms of the meaning of the Christian faith for specific justice challenges in the world, amongst others ecocide, poverty, unemployment, inequality, oppression, violence, racism, classism, sexism, homophobia, ageism, handicappism, afropessimism, and xenophobia.

The notion of glocal in the theme of the conference refers to the impact of global developments on local life, as well as the importance of local initiatives for the transformation of global perspectives. The focus upon justice will hopefully enable members of the Global Network for Public Theology to learn from each other's contextual discussions, and to rediscover the indispensable wealth of the Christian tradition as we face the threatening forces of injustice and dehumanization in various forms in different parts of the world.

These discussions will take place within the framework of democracy in societies. The guiding question will be whether democracies succeed in delivering the promise of the democratic vision, namely a life of dignity and justice, freedom and peace for all. With regard to democracy's role in justice, themes like the following deserve special attention:

• The issue of minorities (religious, racial, linguistic or ethnic) and the problem of 'majoritarianism' in a democratic state. How can Public Theology support minority groups and challenge government policies?
• At a global level, responses to climate change, terrorism, refugees, and (religious) 'militantism' are challenges to all the citizens in general and religious communities in particular.
• In what way does Public Theology enhance the democratic values of equality, freedom, and rule of law and at the same time critique government policies when they are not compatible with democratic values and scriptural teachings?
• How does Public Theology support the democratic state from various threats, amongst others from the market? What could be the contours for a state theology as part of Public Theology?
• How can Public Theology advance the task of democracy to bring forth justice for all?

We hereby invite all scholars interested in the study of Public Theology to submit proposals of no more than 300 words by June 2016. These can be submitted electronically to maritasnyman@sun.ac.za.

Please remember to add a title (or provisional title) to your abstract.  The presentation language will be English – please inform us should you require any translation services.

Registration for attendance will open on 1 February 2016 and can be found on the following website: www.sun.ac.za/bnc. Please feel free to distribute this call for papers to other interested parties.

For further enquiries kindly contact Marita Snyman at maritasnyman@sun.ac.za.

Sincerely, in verbondenheid

Prof Nico Koopman

Chair: GNPT Executive Committee

Beyers Naudé Centre for Public Theology

Faculty of Theology

Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch 7600

South Africa

Two senior researchers from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) of Stellenbosch University (SU) were recently recognised with prestigious South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Scientific Merit Awards.

Profs Nulda Beyers, Director of the Desmond Tutu TB Centre, and Rob Warren of the Division of Microbiology and Human Genetics each received a Gold Award from the SAMRC.

"These awards are presented to scientists whose work has had a monumental impact on health science in South Africa," the SAMRC said in a statement.

Gold Awards are presented to researchers that have had major scientific breakthroughs in health research.

SAMRC President Prof Glenda Gray said: "It is imperative that we recognise research focused on advancing the state of health in our country and that contributes to the global knowledge economy."

"I hope the people with TB and HIV benefit from the research that we do," said Prof Beyers, whose work has been instrumental in creating awareness of childhood TB globally. She has been actively involved in the creation of knowledge on the transmission of TB to improve the health of vulnerable groups.

"Receiving this award is a great honour which reflects not on only my achievements but also the scientific excellence of my students, colleagues and collaborators," said Prof Warren. "It is a privilege to be a member of the SAMRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research at the FMHS and I thank Prof Paul van Helden for giving me the opportunity to do cutting edge research that has had an impact on knowledge, policy and patient care."

Warren's research focuses on understanding the dynamics of both drug susceptible and drug-resistant TB in South Africa. Highlights in his career include research demonstrating that there are thousands of different strains of TB in circulation within the South African epidemic and that patients can harbour multiple strains.

In the photo Dr. Murray Coetzee, responsible for the archive, can be seen looking at the progress. The new space will house the various collections of the Centre (including the Ilse Naudé, Russel Botman, Christian Institute, Pro Veritate Collections) and will also have 10 workstations for visiting researchers.

In the photo Dr. Murray Coetzee, responsible for the archive, can be seen looking at the progress. The new space will house the various collections of the Centre (including the Ilse Naudé, Russel Botman, Christian Institute, Pro Veritate Collections) and will also have 10 workstations for visiting researchers.

​Last week the World Health Organisation's cancer arm, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), announced that the consumption of processed and red meat is associated with an increased risk for colorectal cancer.

Professor Vikash Sewram, the Director of the African Cancer Institute at Stellenbosch University's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, who also chairs the South African Ministerial Advisory Committee on the Prevention and Control of Cancer, answers some tough questions about this important announcement.

Who made the evaluation?

The assessment was part of the IARC's Monographs Program that has been involved since 1971 in evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans – whether it be exposure to chemicals, complex mixtures, biological agents, occupational exposures or lifestyle factors.

Close to 1000 agents have been evaluated in order to identify the potential risks to human health that exist in the environment. The evaluation of a risk factor takes place over a period of time and entails interdisciplinary working groups of expert scientists, selected from all over the world, reviewing published studies and evaluating the weight of the evidence that an agent can increase the risk of cancer. A meeting is convened to deliberate the results of the evaluation based on the evidence at hand.

The process is extremely rigorous and representatives from national agencies as well as industry observers sit in discussions to ensure that the evaluation process is robust, fair and without any conflicts of interest.

Once the evidence has been evaluated and a consensus reached, the agent is classified into one of five categories: Group 1: carcinogenic to humans; Group 2A: probably carcinogenic; Group 2B: possibly carcinogenic; Group 3: not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity; and Group 4: probably not carcinogenic to humans.

To date 481 agents have been identified as either carcinogenic, probably carcinogenic, or possibly carcinogenic. This information and authoritative review of the evidence is important, as it allows national health agencies in countries to use this information as scientific support for their actions to prevent exposure to potential carcinogens.

Meat and cancer risk: what does the evidence show?

The IARC evaluated two types of meat: processed meat (e.g. meat that has been transformed through salting, curing, fermentation, smoking or adding of preservatives) and red meat (beef, lamb, pork, veal, mutton, horse and goat).

A working group of 22 experts from 10 countries evaluated the evidence from 800 studies and found that processed meat is carcinogenic to humans (Group 1), as there is sufficient evidence from epidemiological and mechanistic studies from around the world that show processed meat consumption causes colorectal cancer.

Red meat consumption was classified as probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A) based on limited epidemiological evidence in humans, although there was strong evidence to support mechanistic events leading to cancer.

A statistically significant dose–response relationship was found where for each 50 gram portion of processed meat eaten per day, the risk of developing cancer increased by 18%. However the risk following a 100 gram portion intake of red meat per day increased by 17%.

The classification of processed meat falls into the same category as alcohol, tobacco smoke, asbestos, HIV, etc. However, it is important to note that all of these agents, whilst in the same group, do not all share the same level of hazard. For example, the risk of developing cancer as a result of smoking or being exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke is many orders of magnitude higher than that associated with eating red meat. And an HIV-positive person has a greater risk of developing an AIDS-related cancer, than the risk of developing cancer from consuming meat.

Why is there a link between meat intake and cancer?

The risk of developing cancer arises from chemicals that are produced by processing the meats and from cooking. For example, cooking at high temperatures or placing meat in direct contact with a flame can produce certain types of chemicals that can damage the DNA. These chemicals are known as carcinogens. A few possible explanations for the link with processed foods are as follows:

1. Preservatives contain chemicals, known as nitrates, that are added to some processed meats and have been shown in some studies to produce N-nitrosamines during cooking - molecules that cause cancer.
2. The smoking process leads to the meat being contaminated with carcinogenic chemicals from the smoke itself, known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
3. When meat is cooked at high heat, PAHs and other carcinogenic chemicals known as heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAA), are formed and these chemicals damage DNA. Pan-frying, grilling or barbecuing produces the highest amounts of these chemicals.

Do I stop eating meat?

The decision to stop eating meat is a personal choice. Meat is a good source for protein, contains all the essential amino acids, is rich in iron, zinc, and selenium and contains vitamins A, B and D. Conversely, processed and red meat is relatively high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which are linked to increased risk of heart disease.

Consumers are advised to moderate their meat intake. Regularly eating large portions of red and processed meat over a long period of time is not advisable. A balanced diet combined with fruits, vegetables and fibre and regular exercising is the goal for a healthy life.

The top priorities for the prevention of cancer and other non-communicable diseases remain smoking cessation, reduction of alcohol intake, maintenance of normal body weight and balanced nutrition.

Colorectal and prostate cancer in South Africa: What the statistics tell us?

The latest data from the National Cancer Registry reveals that prostate cancer remains high on the list of cancers, with an incidence rate of 29.90 per 100 000. One in 27 males will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime.

Colorectal cancer features much lower with an incidence rate of 7.55 and 4.77 per 100 000 in males and females respectively. This translates to one in 114 males and one in 182 females developing colorectal cancer in their lifetime.

Prostate cancer is most common in the Caucasian population, whilst colorectal cancer is high among the Caucasian and Asian populations.

Reducing meat intake is just one way of minimising risk. Whilst primary prevention continues to be advocated, early detection remains the mainstay for successful treatment and outcomes.

Media enquiries

Mandi Barnard
Marketing Coordinator
+27 (0)21 938 9505
mandi@sun.ac.za
Division of Marketing and Communications
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences      
Stellenbosch University

Website:          www.sun.ac.za/health
Facebook:       www.facebook.com/SUhealthsci
Twitter:            @SUhealthsci

​Once the scanning process is completed, the collection of Oom Bey's sermons and lectures will be available on the Stellenbosch University's hosting platform, SunDigital. This collection was kindly donated to the Beyers Naudé ​Centre by Naudé's late wife, Ilse. What makes this collection so unique, is that these documents are all handwritten!

​

LAUNCH OF THE STELLENBOSCH GOOD GOVERNANCE FORUM (SGGF) 

10 November 2015​

On Tuesday, 10 November 2015 we celebrate the launch of the Stellenbosch Good Governance Forum (SGGF).  The SGGF is anchored in the School of Public Leadership (SPL).  The SGGF Launch will be held at the prestigious wine farm Nitida situated on the Durbanville wine route.

The SGGF is an initiative to create, validate and disseminate knowledge on social and governance innovation by the Stellenbosch University through the School of Public Leadership. 

Professor Johan Burger will be the host at the launch where 90 other esteemed guests will mingle with the Ambassador and Consulate-General of Switzerland in South Africa, the German Consulate-General, as well as the Vice-Rector of Basel University, Prof Edwin Constable. Stellenbosch University's own Rector and Vice- Chancellor as well as the two Vice- Rectors as well as Minister Anton Bredell.

​

LAUNCH OF THE STELLENBOSCH GOOD GOVERNANCE FORUM (SGGF) 

10 November 2015​

On Tuesday, 10 November 2015 we celebrate the launch of the Stellenbosch Good Governance Forum (SGGF).  The SGGF is anchored in the School of Public Leadership (SPL).  The SGGF Launch will be held at the prestigious wine farm Nitida situated on the Durbanville wine route.

The SGGF is an initiative to create, validate and disseminate knowledge on social and governance innovation by the Stellenbosch University through the School of Public Leadership. 

Professor Johan Burger will be the host at the launch where 90 other esteemed guests will mingle with the Ambassador and Consulate-General of Switzerland in South Africa, the German Consulate-General, as well as the Vice-Rector of Basel University, Prof Edwin Constable. Stellenbosch University's own Rector and Vice- Chancellor as well as the two Vice- Rectors as well as Minister Anton Bredell.

​​​Health Innovation Services for Africa Summit 11 & 12 November 2015 ​

Role players at the Health Services Innovation for Africa Summit on 11 and 12 November are international establishments like PharmAccess and national role players like COHSASA and the Dean of Free State University's Faculty of Health Sciences.

The objectives of this co-creative collaboratory are to:

• facilitate innovative ideas and implementation strategies for African Health Service challenges ;
• create partnerships, programmes and projects to take innovative Health Service delivery for Africa from ideas through institutionalisation to implementation; 
• consider and mandate the possible establishment of the International Partnership for Co-Creating Health Innovation in Africa during this  Innovation Collaboratory.

​​​Health Innovation Services for Africa Summit 11 & 12 November 2015 ​

Role players at the Health Services Innovation for Africa Summit on 11 and 12 November are international establishments like PharmAccess and national role players like COHSASA and the Dean of Free State University's Faculty of Health Sciences.

The objectives of this co-creative collaboratory are to:

• facilitate innovative ideas and implementation strategies for African Health Service challenges ;
• create partnerships, programmes and projects to take innovative Health Service delivery for Africa from ideas through institutionalisation to implementation; 
• consider and mandate the possible establishment of the International Partnership for Co-Creating Health Innovation in Africa during this  Innovation Collaboratory.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has released its 2015 Global TB Report, revealing a million cases of TB among children worldwide, with 140 000 children dying from tuberculosis in 2014.  

While this is double the estimate of childhood TB deaths compared to last year's WHO report, the Desmond Tutu TB Centre (DTTC) at Stellenbosch University's (SU) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) says it's positive in that at least more cases are being reflected. Many childhood tuberculosis cases simply went unreported before.

"In the past cases have been widely under-estimated.  To see these kind of numbers is a huge advance. Although it sounds negative, you need to know something to do something about it," says Prof Anneke Hesseling, the director of the Paediatric TB Research programme at the DTTC in the FMHS's Department of Paediatrics and Child Health.

"The higher number means hopefully there will be more action while children who have TB will be prioritized and given the attention they deserve," said Hesseling.

In South Africa children make up ten percent of all TB cases. Almost 40,000 cases of childhood TB were reported in South Africa in 2013, says Hesseling, although she estimates that there are probably many more.

"There's a huge burden of tuberculosis among children in South Africa. The cases that aren't reported are often babies or children who may have died or tend to have severe forms of TB, such as TB meningitis."

Despite the high statistics, particularly in South Africa, Hesseling believes there is hope for the better diagnosis and treatment of childhood TB.

"Tools to better diagnose and treat TB are being developed, and children are now able to access treatment that they were unable to before," Hesseling earlier told a special seminar series on tuberculosis in children hosted by the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health.

South Africa is also one of a few countries at the forefront of crucial studies to develop safer, child-friendly TB medication, and to shorten the duration of treatment from its current six months to four months.

Multidrug Resistant (MDR) TB is also being tackled, but Prof Simon Schaaf, childhood MDR TB specialist at the DTTC, says MDR TB remains a crisis.

"We need new and faster diagnosis and shorter courses of drugs without injectables, which can lead to hearing loss in children," he said.

Prevention is also essential. TB frequently spills over into children from adults. Hesseling says there's a great need to spread the awareness of prevention therapy in the form of the drug, isoniazid, which can prevent TB in children at risk of being infected by family or household members.   

The 'Day of Academic Excellence' set of seminars focused on children with TB in honour of the work of Prof Nulda Beyers, distinguished professor and the Director of DTTC and Prof Robert Gie, distinguished professor and senior specialist in the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health. They are retiring from their current positions after championing the cause of the prevention and treatment of TB, particularly in children, over several decades.

"Together with SU colleagues such as Profs Simon Schaaf and Peter Donald, they worked tirelessly at establishing childhood TB as an agenda item internationally at a time when there was a complete disregard for TB in children," says Hesseling.

Beyers has been internationally recognized for her exceptional work in TB and has been ranked by Thomson Reuters as one of the top 10 most influential TB researchers in the world. She achieved a golden Scientific Merit Award from the South African Medical Research Council last Thursday. The award is given to scientists 'who have had a monumental impact on health science in South Africa.'  Beyers was also a National Runner-Up in the Department of Science and Technology's 2015 Women in Science Awards.

Under her guidance as director of the DTTC, the centre has grown from small beginnings into having a staff complement of over 400.

Gie was key in establishing WHO international health guidelines for the treatment of childhood TB.

Photo: Profs Mariana Kruger (left), Nulda Beyers, Don Enarson, Dr Penny Enarson, Prof Robert Gie, Dr Solly Amadhila and Mrs Justina Amadhila

​Three world champions and a total of 12 medal winners returned to South Africa on Sunday after a successful IPC Athletics World Champs in Doha.

South Africa ended the championships in 13th place on the medal table with 17 medals. Fifteen of these medals were won by athletes from the Western Cape: 13 by current members of the Maties Parasport Club and two by former members of the club.

For athlete Ilse Hayes it was a huge privilege to stand on the winners' podium and sing the national anthem twice. She won the 100m and 200m events in class T13.

"I feel very blessed and unbelievably grateful, especially given the fact that I picked up an injury two months ago." She had to withdraw from the Africa Games in September as a result of this injury.

Anruné Liebenberg, Ilse's roommate in Doha, was overwhelmed when she won her first gold medal at a world championship with a victory in the 400m (T47). She followed this performance with a bronze medal in the 200m and fourth place in the 100m.

On the field Maties Parasport's Reinhardt Hamman held South Africa's name high with gold in the javelin event (T38) and silver in shot put.

Five other Maties also came away with medals.

Arnu Fourie achieved second place and set an African record in one of the showcase events of the competition: the 100m in class T44. This race was won by the American Richard Browne in a world record time of 10.61.

Dyan Buis ended his season with two silver medals in the long jump and 200m (T38) respectively while Fanie van der Merwe had to wait until the last day of the competition to win his silver medal in the 100m (T37). He also won a bronze medal in the 200m.

Other medal winners were Charl du Toit (silver in the 400m (T37)) and Zanele Situ (bronze in the javelin (F54)).

Dr Suzanne Ferreira, coach of the track athletes, said she is very proud of how the athletes adjusted to conditions (it was very hot), their professional approach and the character they exhibited.

"They are unbelievable ambassadors. Their frame of mind was positive and they supported and motivated each other. It was a privilege to be part of this team spirit.

"Personally I am very positive about Rio 2016 after Doha. However, we cannot rest on our laurels and will have think about what worked and what still needs to be worked on."

Field coach Karin le Roux also commented on the positive team spirit.

"We can be proud of every athlete that took part. They gave their all.

"We are going to try and hold on to the positive energy and use it as a foundation for our preparation for Rio 2016."​

Photos: ​Doha2015 / Getty Images​​

The academic, poet and playwright, Prof Adam Small, and the space scientist, Dr Japie van Zyl, who played a leadership role in the successful Curiosity mission to Mars in 2012, are among the latest group of recipients of honorary degrees from Stellenbosch University (SU).

The other recipients are the award-winning psychologist and Nobel prize recipient, Prof Daniel Kahneman; the statistician-general, Mr Pali Lehohla; the veteran political economist and legendary academic, Prof Sampie Terreblanche; the academic,  jurist, campaigner for human rights and judge of the Constitutional Court, Judge Edwin Cameron; and the internationally renowned jurist, campaigner for women's rights and gender equality and also judge of the Constitutional Court, Judge Kate O'Regan.

Every year, SU awards honorary degrees to recognise and reward excellence in a variety of fields and to identify these individuals as role models for the University community.

Amongst others, Judge Edwin Cameron is honoured for his unstinting professional and personal advocacy for the recognition of every person's dignity, freedom and equality and for his role in securing the inclusion of sexual orientation as a prohibited ground of discrimination in the Bill of Rights and for being key in the struggle for a rational public HIV/Aids treatment plan.

The award-winning psychologist Prof Daniel Kahneman is well-known for his research in the areas of decision-making and behavioural economy. Along with his long-standing collaborator Amos Tversky, he developed the behavioural economic prospect theory for which he received the Nobel Prize.

Through his enhancement of Statistics SA's internal capacity as well as statistics policy and utilisation in Africa, Mr Pale Lehohla's name has become synonymous with unlocking data along with the human talent behind it while his concern about the state of official statistics extends beyond South Africa. Mr Lehohla is honoured for among others his innovative leadership in the field of statistics, and special focus on the concomitant development of human capital.

Judge Kate O'Regan, who is amongst others honoured for her fine and progressive mind, gained prominence when she was appointed as a judge of the then newly established Constitutional Court at the age of 37. In addition, she was one of only two female judges for the first 13 years of the court's existence. Here, she made an enormous contribution to justice for South Africans in general, and for women and other vulnerable groups in particular.  

As academic, poet and playwright, Prof Adam Small feelingly yet fearlessly addressed the burning issues of a segregated South Africa, proving himself both a thinking revolutionary and revolutionary thinker. Through his work, Prof Small has shifted the boundaries of South African literature, enhanced the Afrikaans language, sensitively though strongly spoke out about issues others hesitated to address, and became a voice for the voiceless.

Prof Sampie Terreblanche enjoys legendary status at Stellenbosch University. With the very same flaming passion with which he has influenced local and international thought on the social-economic system, he unlocked his discipline for his students. He has made outstanding contributions as profound observer and analyst of Western socio-economic systems, as inspiring lecturer and as a leading author. Not only do many prominent economists ascribe their success to this innovative thinker, but many alumni in careers outside economics owe their critical thinking skills to him.

Dr Japie van Zyl has established himself as one of the world's leading space scientists. Through his internationally acclaimed contributions to space research and programmes, this son of Africa has improved man's knowledge of outer space, and has inspired many young scientists on his home continent in the process. He is an excellent ambassador for Africa in what is probably the most advanced technological environment globally. As leader and driving force behind many successful space projects, this humble scientist is living proof of what the world can still expect from Africa and Stellenbosch University as African institution. 

Judge Edwin Cameron receives the Degree Doctor in Doctor of Laws, (LLD), honoris causa; Prof Daniel Kahneman the Degree Doctor of Philosophy, (DPhil), honoris causa; Mr Pali Lehohla the Degree Doctor of Commerce, (DCom), honoris causa, Judge Kate O'Regan the Degree Doctor of Laws, (LLD), honoris causa; Prof Adam Small the Degree Doctor of Arts, (DLitt), honoris causa; Prof Sampie Terreblanche the Degree Doctor of Commerce, (DCom), honoris causa; and Dr Japie van Zyl the Degree Doctor of Engineering, (DIng), honoris causa.

Apart from Prof Kahneman who will receive the degree in March 2016, all the recipients will receive their degrees at the December 2015 Graduation Ceremony.

​BERIG JAARAFSLUITING 2015 ENG.docx

The University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB) has appointed a new Career Services manager, Leigh Zwaan, who took up this position on 2 November.

Leigh holds a master's degree in Industrial Psychology and was group manager: Learning, Organisation Development and Talent at Pioneer Foods before she joined USB.

With 15 years of experience, her areas of expertise include performance management, organisation effectiveness and development, talent management, leadership development, and employee engagement. She previously held various positions in the corporate world, including that of human resource development manager and leadership development manager.

Her work at USB will, among others, entail:

• Building and enhancing relationships with business and human resources managers;
• Identifying career opportunities and connecting students with companies;
• Managing the on-campus recruitment processes when companies come to USB to recruit students;
• Doing one-on-one career counselling sessions with students;
• Giving feedback on assessments as part of students' career planning and development;
• Initiating and facilitating career interventions such as workshops for students and alumni;
• Liaising with USB's academic staff to integrate Career Services with the various study programmes; and
• Creating networks between students, business employers and alumni
• Writing career-related articles for the media and the USB student portal.

The University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB) has appointed a new research manager, Dr Lara Skelly, formerly from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), who will take a leading role in several important areas of research work done at USB.

Her new role includes:

• Taking the lead in the execution and management of USB's research strategy;

• Monitoring and coordinating all research publications;
  
• Integrating all research-related administrative functions, including the preparation and control of research budgets and other research funds, record-keeping and reporting, as well as the collection and distribution of appropriate information;
  
• Acting as liaison with Stellenbosch University's Research Division;
  
• Supporting lecturers, students and centres in applying for research funding;
  
• Managing the research web page and portal;
  
• Assist with the research division of USB's accreditation processes; and
  
• Arranging research workshops, seminars and conferences.

According to Prof Mias de Klerk, head of Research at USB, the appointment of Dr Skelly is in line with the business school's strategic goal of increasing the quality, quantity and impact of research outputs.

The University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB) has appointed a new research manager, Dr Lara Skelly, formerly from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), who will take a leading role in several important areas of research work done at USB.

Her new role includes:

• Taking the lead in the execution and management of USB's research strategy;

• Monitoring and coordinating all research publications;
  
• Integrating all research-related administrative functions, including the preparation and control of research budgets and other research funds, record-keeping and reporting, as well as the collection and distribution of appropriate information;
  
• Acting as liaison with Stellenbosch University's Research Division;
  
• Supporting lecturers, students and centres in applying for research funding;
  
• Managing the research web page and portal;
  
• Assist with the research division of USB's accreditation processes; and
  
• Arranging research workshops, seminars and conferences.

According to Prof Mias de Klerk, head of Research at USB, the appointment of Dr Skelly is in line with the business school's strategic goal of increasing the quality, quantity and impact of research outputs.

A Project of the School of Public Leadership Public Leadership Forum (SPLPLF) situated in the School of Public Leadership (SPL) at Stellenbosch University (SU).

LI draws on the knowledge of experienced leaders who want to make a contribution and support large scale change to make the world a better place. LI brings the LI fellows together four times a year for a day of thinking and discourse on leadership. It expects one publication per year of each fellowship. Fellowships are initially for one year with further extensions being possible. Successful candidates, who prefer this, will be awarded an accredited Stellenbosch University professional certificate.

Role players at the Health Services Innovation for Africa Summit on 11 and 12 November are international establishments like PharmAccess and national role players like COHSASA and the Dean of Free State University's Faculty of Health Sciences.

The objectives of this co-creative collaboratory are to:

• facilitate innovative ideas and implementation strategies for African Health Service challenges ;
• create partnerships, programmes and projects to take innovative Health Service delivery for Africa from ideas through institutionalisation to implementation;
• consider and mandate the possible establishment of the International Partnership for Co-Creating Health Innovation in Africa during this Innovation Collaboratory.