​Stellenbosch University's Campus Health Services (CHS) recently formed international network associations with the FIMS (International Federation of Sports Medicine) and EIM (Exercise is Medicine). These new network associations were unveiled last week.

CHS is now a Collaborative Centre for Sport Medicine of the FIMS, one of only three in Southern Africa. Furthermore, CHS is currently a Network Member of the EIM, with SU being the first university in South Africa to officially sign on.

According to Dr Pierre Viviers, Senior Director of CHS, their application was not only based on the services offered to sporting community and exercise related care, but also to the broader campus and community – through academically grounded community interaction.

He touched on the importance of EIM network association in promoting exercise as a solution to the burden that a sedentary lifestyle poses to public health. "We are facing a double burden of disease – not only infectious diseases but also lifestyle illnesses that are associated with inactivity."

He thanked Prof Julian Smith, Vice Rector Community Interaction and Personnel, for his continuous support over the last 11 years. "Since 2002 we have been putting processes in place to streamline and improve our services. He has been instrumental in our growth the past couple of years."

Prof Smith in turn praised everybody at CHS for their commitment and hard work, and congratulated them on this recognition as one of the highly acclaimed units in the country. "Now our challenge is to ensure that we leave a legacy that is not in our interest, but to the benefit of society."

He referred to the University's Vision for 2030 as the roadmap for the years to come. "I would like to compliment you on how you have embodied the SU's vision of being innovative, inclusive and future focused. The university is a national asset and we must play our parts within this national asset."

Prof Smith added that a unit for psychological wellbeing is something that should be considered in future and "that we should try and anticipate the future and prepare ourselves accordingly".

Caption: Prof Julian Smith, Vice-Rector: Community Interaction and Personnel and Dr Pierre Viviers, Senior Director: Campus Health Services.​

The Words Open Worlds (WOW) project run by Stellenbosch University's Woordfees can look back on a busy and productive decade judging by the many successes that were celebrated at a gala event on Tuesday evening. Since 2003, the WOW project has made a tangible difference in the lives of over half a million learners and teachers, increased its initiatives from 2 to 27 and established a bursary fund for underpriviliged students.

The WOW Project, based within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, promotes in particular word skills, reading, literacy and the arts through a wide range of project actions, with Afrikaans as the focus language. Project actions during the Wordfest include a WOW day for Grade 12 learners and teachers; a writers' festival for primary and secondary schools and also the popular WOW carnival. Project actions presented during the course of the year include a spelling festival and school newspaper workshops. Learners who participate in the school newspaper project also stand a chance to receive SU bursaries.

Prof Russel Botman, Rector and Vice-chancellor of SU, could not attend the event, but congratulated the WOW team in a videotaped message. "Look, one can't help but be impressed with this language empowerment initiative. You've reached so many people, especially young people, in so many places and with so many different actions - it's fantastic!" Prof Botman said.

​"And you do exactly what you say, you open new worlds with words. I always say, talent is equally distributed in society, but not opportunities. The WOW programme is giving more children the opportunity to put their talents to good use. whether you have an aptitude for languages​​, mathematics or music or cars - if you want to get somewhere in life, you will have to think clearly and be able to properly express yourself. For that you need words and you will have to use them well."

According to Prof Botman, SU stands for excellence and relevance, and WOW is definitely helping to fulfill these goals. "The University's Vision 2030 is to train thought leaders for the future. And thanks to Words Open Worlds, the task is already halfway done. Thank you to everyone at the University who supports WOW on an institutional level, particularly the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the Department of Afrikaans and Dutch, and of course the SU Word Festival."

During Tuesday evening's event, Son bursaries were also awarded to Shannon Siebritz (Weltevreden Secondary in Wellington), Michelle Mentoor (New Orleans Secondary in Paarl), Charne Maker (Atlantis Secondary) and Beulin Sampson (Schoonspruit Secondary in Malmesbury). Die Tekkie, the school newspaper of Proteus Secondary in Atlantis walked away with the  prize for the best school newspaper in 2013. Son and WOW have been working together on the school newspaper project for the past three years. Learners’ skills in writing, photography and interviewing were developed during a series of workshops.

"We know how difficult it is for our children to get opportunities to develop  skills and how difficult it is for them to get a tertiary educationt," said Andrew Koopman, Son's Editor-in-Chief. "'Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world'- these are the words of the great Nelson Mandela. We believe this is the truth and this is why Son supports this initiative 110%. It also fits in perfectly with our motto of Son cares," he said.

"To our new bursary holders, congratulations. Remember you have a responsibility not only to your parents but also your school, WOW and Son to make us proud. There are thousands of other students out there who would love to be in your shoes, so please use the opportunities you're given," Koopman added.

Ms Fiona van Kerwel, project manager of the WOW project, thanked everyone who contributed to the project's success over the past 10 years. "It is so rewarding to see how people develop and how they are enriched and absolutely transformed by their involvement with WOW. We believe that each person has the ability to make a change or improve their lives and sometimes with just a little support, people can exceed their wildest expectations. For us the endgoal of our project is to make everyone's life a WOW experience."

The first group of staff members to complete studies in financial management as part of Stellenbosch University's (SU) PLUS Programme (Professional Learnership University of Stellenbosch) received their certificates on Wednesday, 27 November.

The PLUS Programme is an SU initiative whereby staff members without formal qualifications obtain training in administration as part of their career development. The programme has been presented since 2006.

This year, staff members could for the first time enrol for a financial course of the international Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) through the PLUS Programme.

Since 2006, about 150 staff members completed the PLUS Programme. This year, a further 25 staff members received their qualification in administration, while 24 obtained their AAT qualification in finance.

According to Jan Knight of Human Resources, staff members in the PLUS Programme have classes two days per month, they receive mentorship, write an open-book examination, after which they get their qualification in administration from SU. It is aimed at assistants who do administrative work in their divisions or departments.

Staff members who do financial administration in their division qualified to enrol for the AAT course. This qualification, which is recognised worldwide, enables them to further their studies in accounting.

At the awards ceremony in the Fismer Hall, Prof Julian Smith, SU Vice-Rector (Community Interaction and Personnel), said that the PLUS Programme is meaningful because it confirms the importance of knowledge.

"These colleagues of ours are now better equipped for their respective roles – and they have proof thereof. It shows the importance of lifelong learning and is a continuation of a good tradition. These staff members have a vision. Now they can accept greater responsibilities and show leadership."

Smith said it also shows that SU is serious about investing in their staff and about expanding the knowledge base within the university. "It shows that we strive to identify and develop talent."

• Staff who would like to follow the PLUS Programme should contact Jan Knight at jkn@sun.ac.za.

Captions

BANNER PHOTO: The first group of staff members who received their AAT qualification through the PLUS Programme.

ABOVE: These staff members completed the PLUS Programme in administration. Photos: ANTON JORDAAN

Postgraduate students at the partner universities of the Centre for Invasion Biology (C•I•B) will benefit from an R8.8 million investment in research funding to further our understanding of the impact of invasive alien species on ecosystems and water resources.

Worldwide, biological invasions are causing the irretrievable loss of native species and ecosystems. According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the impacts of invasive alien species are "immense, insidious, and usually irreversible".

In South Africa, aggressive invaders such as Australian acacia have already contributed to the extinction of at least 58 plant species in the Cape Floral Kingdom and have caused the declines of many others. One of the most aggressive invaders, the notorious black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) which grows close to rivers and other water resources, alone accounts for an estimated cost of US$1.4 billion due to reduction in stream flow.

This major investment in building capacity and specialised knowledge in the field of invasion biology has been made possible through a collaborative agreement between the Department of Environmental Affairs' Working for Water (WfW) programme and the Centre for Invasion Biology (C•I•B). The C•I•B, a DST-NRF Centre of Excellence hosted by Stellenbosch University, will contribute another R5.5 million in terms of research infrastructure and student supervision.

Working for Water (WfW) was established in 1995, and is regarded as one of the most successful clearing projects in the world. It combines the clearing of water catchments and other areas with employment creation, often in rural areas.

During the signing of the contract on Thursday 28 November 2013, WfW national programme leader Dr Guy Preston said the C•I•B has been at the forefront of research on invasive alien species since its inception about a decade ago: "We've received so much added value from the C•I•B's research in terms of guidance, legislation, policies and best practice, as well as the training and empowerment of our own staff."

Referring to the C•I•B's annual research meeting taking place on the Stellenbosch University campus this week, he said he comes every year to get new ideas and different perspectives: "These are youngsters with good supervision delivering excellent work," he added.

Prof Eugene Cloete, Vice-rector: Research and Innovation at SU, said this kind of collaborative partnership enables world-class institutions like the C•I•B to provide science-based evidence for sound policymaking: "It is essential that we are able to do this kind of research as we need to protect our biodiversity, which is already beyond tipping point, as well as our scarce water resources to ensure sufficient water for human use and to provide an ecological reserve."

Significant history of collaboration

This will not be the first time that the two institutions work together. As part of a previous agreement, the C•I•B trained 39 students with WfW funding to the value of R9.1 million. Several of these students are now working for major institutions such as the South African National Biodiversity Institute's Invasive Cactus Management team (Haylee Kaplan), SANParks (Nolubabalo Tantsi), the City of Cape Town's Environmental Research Management Department (Dr Mirijam Gaertner), the CSIR's water ecosystems and human health research group (Dr Tsungai Zengeya), and the Agricultural Research Council's Weeds Research Division (Dr Alana den Breeyen).

According to C•I•B director Prof Dave Richardson, the C•I•B's research focusses on the rates and societal and biodiversity impacts of biological invasions, how these might be reduced and remediated through appropriate policy interventions. Another important research focus is on the synergy between biological invasions and climate change.

"The overarching goal is to undertake world-class research in biology that draws on South Africa's unique biodiversity heritage and environmental problems, with a strong focus on providing practical solutions to these problems that affect many aspects of our livelihoods," he said.

Details on how to apply for bursaries to study through this scheme are available on the C•I•B's website (http://www.sun.ac.za/cib/bursaries.asp). Applications close at the end of October each year.

Interesting facts and figures

• Plant invaders have already caused the extinction of at least 58 plant species in the Cape Floral Kingdom and threaten thousands more.
  
• The potential economic impact on the Cape Floral Kingdom due to further plant and animal invasions could amount to over US$11.75 billion if left unmanaged.
  
• Plant invasions have a significant impact on South Africa's water resources. Currently an estimated 7% of mean annual runoff is taken up by invasive plants, with a single species (the black wattle or Acacia mearnsii) accounting for an estimated loss of US$1.4 billion in stream-flow.
  
• The cost of clearing invasive plant species across the country was estimated at approximately US$80 million per year.
  
• An estimated 42% of South Africa's insect pests in agriculture are alien species, resulting in crop losses of approximately US$1 billion per year.​
  

Source: South Africa's Second National Communication under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, 2011, Department of Environmental Affairs, Republic of South Africa. Pp 143-154​

​The Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology (CREST) of Stellenbosch University conducted a comprehensive research programme on science granting councils in sub-Saharan Africa. 

This project was commissioned by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) in Nairobi. CREST, in partnership with the French Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), envisioned a study that will constitute the first comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the roles and functioning of science granting councils (or equivalent bodies) of 17 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. These countries include: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Burkina Faso and Senegal.

The study, which commenced in February 2013, culminated in an interactive workshop hosted by CREST at the Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West on 26 and 27 November 2013. The workshop was attended by delegates from across sub-Saharan Africa. The purpose of the workshop was to consolidate and finalise the results and recommendations that will be made to the IDRC. The workshop was very successful in identifying the primary opportunities and subsequent challenges for science funding bodies across sub-Saharan Africa. The workshop concluded with delegates' vision for the way forward in addition to strategies and plans to strengthen collaboration on the continent as well as the creation of platforms to share knowledge and experiences.

The workshop welcomed the Vice-President of the Programme and Partnership Branch of the IDRC Dr Stephan McGurk as well as his colleagues, Dr Ellie Osir and Mr Naser Faruqui. The workshop was also attended by senior persons within the Science, Technology and Innovation landscapes of the 17 selected countries. The study will be completed in February 2014 after which CREST will present the challenges as well as good practices of funding for research, science and technology in sub-Saharan Africa.

"The doors of learning have been opened to all in South Africa, yet barriers still exist: in our minds, in our physical spaces and in the way we plan our curricula and assessments. Most times this is unwittingly so. South Africa's human rights agenda and the global village invite us to think inclusively about diversity in our society. This includes thinking about how those with special learning needs are often further disabled by society through the lack of ramps, lifts, inaccessible transportation and not being able to hear and see information. At Stellenbosch University (SU), we endeavour to be inclusive in a range of ways."

These are the words of Ms Marcia Lyner-Cleophas, Head: Office for Students with Special Learning Needs (Disabilities) (OSSLN) at SU, as she reflects on the significance of the United Nations' (UN) International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is being celebrated today (3 December 2013).

According to the UN, more than "one billion people, approximately 15 per cent of the world's population, live with some form of disability".  The theme for 2013 is Break Barriers, Open Doors: for an inclusive society and development for all.

The Day was instituted by the UN General Assembly in 1992 and "aims to promote increased awareness and understanding of disability issues and trends and to mobilise support for practical action at all levels by, with and for persons with disabilities to improve their well-being and livelihoods on the basis of equality".

The Stellenbosch Office, explains Lyner-Cleophas, currently serves about 370 students with disabilities. Some examples of the support these students receive are extra writing time and the use of computers and scribes when writing exams.  "We assist students with physical, sensory, neurological, learning and psychological disabilities. Students often need specific academic support or adjustments in the area of teaching and learning to optimise their learning and success," she says.

The modus operandi of the Office, says Lyner-Cleophas, is based on the social model of disability, which maintains that environments need to be inclusive to make accessibility possible. "This model espouses that we focus on how our learning and teaching environments and materials are developed and planned, in order to ensure they are responsive to the diversity of students that come to SU, including students with disabilities."

While Lyner-Cleophas believes that raising awareness on days like these is important, the OSSLN focuses on a range of activities throughout the year to keep disability issues on the map at the University.

"During the Welcoming Week for first-year students for instance, the Office provides an information session aimed at students with special needs and inform them of all the services and support on campus.  At the same time, the session also informs mentors in residences and private student organisations (PSO's) and others without disabilities on how they can facilitate inclusion," she says.

Other initiatives offered throughout the year include workshops and awareness raising activities such as two six-weekly Sign Language courses for staff and students at beginner level, and courses on HIV, Gender and Disabilities presented for staff in conjunction with the Employee Wellness Office and the Centre for Inclusivity.

A year ago, Lyner-Cleophas was also appointed as the Chairperson of the Higher Education Disability Services Association (HEDSA), a non-profit national association responsible for furthering advocacy and awareness around disability issues in higher education. It was launched in 2010 and represents all 23 higher education institutions in South Africa. It is in the process of expanding its membership to include Further Education and Training institutions as well. HEDSA is the only association of its kind in this country, with an executive committee that includes representatives from SU, the University of Cape Town, University of Johannesburg, University of the Witwatersrand and University of KwaZulu-Natal.

​"HEDSA liaises with Higher Education South Africa (HESA) to address matters like teacher education in higher education. Another goal is to develop accurate and reliable statistics regarding students with disabilities in higher education institutions. In order to do this, we need to look at our current disability coding systems across institutions," explains Lyner-Cleophas.

Another important matter that HEDSA intends to address with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is the provision of a special subsidy to institutions who enrol students with disabilities. This, says Lyner-Cleophas, will assist in expanding the range of support needed at universities (including expanded staffing at disability units) given the increasing amount of students with disabilities who enrol at universities.  

"I therefore believe that serving on this national body while heading up an Office focused on disability at SU, will improve the student support on all campuses where there are students with disabilities," she says.

"In addition, HEDSA will inform the DHET and associated bodies of the realities faced by higher education institutions. The DHET has already shown great support in the form of expanded NSFAS funding as well as provided infrastructural funding for the establishing of disability units and improving infrastructure on campuses nationwide. They remain committed to supporting an inclusive higher education environment."

Photo: Staff and students participate in a six-week Sign Language course offered by the Office for Students with Special Learning Needs (Disabilities) this year. ​

​"Disciplines have to work together in future to inform lawmakers and policymakers to craft laws that will lead to more safety, security and peace and more co-operation around the world."

These were the words of Prof Oliver Ruppel, Professor of Law at the Faculty of Law at Stellenbosch University (SU) and co-editor of the two-volume publication Climate Change: International Law and Global Governance – at the launch of both the book and the Development of the Rule of Law Programme (DROP) – a newly established research unit at SU, which was held on 28 November 2013.

Ruppel, who is also Director of DROP, said: "The reason DROP was initiated was because the world has become extremely complex, uncertain and volatile. Issues such as the financial crisis, climate change and food insecurity are issues we will not be able to address sufficiently if we do not involve the law, because the law is a guiding hand and we will live in uncertainty if we do not use the law properly to regulate our lives.

"Drop is about shaping the law for the future and to do that we cannot continue to work in isolation.  In order to craft the law for the future we must create interdisciplinary platforms that create synergies on the basis of which disciplines can cross fertilize each other."

In her address Prof Sonia Human, Dean of the Faculty of Law, said that as a champion of children's rights she is very excited about the launch of DROP, "because I am sure it will affect and improve the lives of future generations, especially those of children".

Prof Eugene Cloete, SU Vice-Rector: Research and Innovation and Chairperson of the Water Institute, said: "After having a look at the content of these two volumes, I have no doubt that this will provide a solid base from which we can address climate change and other governance issues, also with regard to sustainability – not only in South Africa, but worldwide."

Climate Change: International Law and Global Governance by Ruppel, Christian Roschmann and Katharina Ruppel-Schlichting, is one of the first academic attempts to systematically address both international climate change law and global climate change governance.

"International climate change law is not only a new and emerging legal discipline. In fact, climate change permeates public and private law, national and international law in many ways creating intersections of law in its diverse procedural and substantive fields," explains Ruppel.

"The publication deals with international law and the multiple regulatory regimes dealing with climate change. International climate change law, global climate governance and diplomacy are interrelated and extremely complex. The publication explores these areas from a variety of doctrinal, trans-disciplinary and thematic perspectives."

DROP is aimed at researching "sustainable development law and policy" focusing on reconciling the tension between environmental sustainability, economic development, and human welfare with a holistic view of current legal, political, economic, social and cultural developments. While focusing on issues of distributive justice it integrates public international law (i.e. international economic, social, and environmental law), regional and national law and policy with the goal of enhancing the rule of law around the world and reducing poverty in developing nations. Flagship areas are expected to tackle aquatic, oceanic, atmospheric and energy related justice questions.

The launch event was preceded by the first annual Climate Change and Water Trans-disciplinary Forum held at Stellenbosch University aimed at strengthening the exchange of multidisciplinary approaches in the water and climate change sector. Seven students from the Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Law, all based at Stellenbosch University, presented their research.

For more information on DROP or visit http://drop.sun.ac.za.

​Caption: Dr Katharina Ruppel-Schlichting, Proff. Eugene Cloete, Sonia Human, Christian Roschman and Oliver Ruppel at the launch of both the Climate Change: International Law and Global Governance book and the Development of the Rule of Law Programme (DROP). Photo: Adrian Baillie-Stewart.

​At 11:45 on Friday 29 November, MFM 92.6 announced live on air that a donation of R6550 would be made to the Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch as part of the conclusion of an eleven week campaign entitled TRADING UP on the AM2PM show.

Initiated by show hosts Ella van Heerden and Eduard de Kock, the campaign started with a branded coffee mug, with the presenters seeking to trade it up to members of the public for an item of higher value every Friday on the show. The ultimate goal was to end up with a product of sufficient value to put up for auction, with all proceeds from the final sale going to the Animal Welfare Society of Stellenbosch.

Between 13 September and 8 November seven trades took place on air, with the show ending up with a Bladez Jet 125cc scooter valued at R9000, courtesy of the Marlee du Preez and the team at Mad Mac’s Motorcycles in Somerset West. 

At 13:00 on 22 November the online auction for the scooter concluded, with Danel Rossouw as the highest bidder (R6550). “May the money bring as much joy to all the animals as this scooter will bring to me!” she commented on the show's Facebook page following the announcement. “Thank you to the AM2PM team for this great venture over the last few weeks.” 

Michael Bossenger, Programme Manager of MFM, added: “This has been a really exciting campaign for us, and one the presenters were very passionate about. We are looking to tailor other similar campaigns to this in 2014, in an attempt to always continue to give back to the community.”

MFM 92.6 would like to extend a thank you to Mad Mac’s Motorcycles, Danel Rossouw and the AM2PM team for their involvement in the overall success of the campaign. The station would also like to extend a thank you the community of Stellenbosch for their participation in the trades across the duration of the campaign, ensuring that a sizeable donation is able to be allocated back into the community.

About the AWSS

The Animal Welfare Society of Stellenbosch recognises animals as living beings with the right to a good quality of life. The organisation dedicates itself to serving the community and their pets, to preventing cruelty and the ill treatment of animals, to encouraging kindness and consideration to animals and to educating the community with regards to the humane treatment of animals through promotion of compassion.

About MFM 92.6

Broadcasting to a potential audience of 35 000 in the greater Stellenbosch community for the past nineteen years, MFM 92.6 is a youth radio station broadcasting 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Audio streaming is available on www.mfm.co.za. The AM2PM show will be hosted by Ella van Heerden and Eduard De Kock again in 2014 and airs weekdays between 09:00 and 12:00.

Contact:

Conrad Schwellnus – Station Manager of MFM 92.6 | 021 808 3098

Cliff Tager – General Manager of Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch | 021 886 4901

Photo: Eduard de Kock, Ella van Heerden and Marlee Du Preez from Mad Mac’s Motorcycles.​

​​​​The conclusion of the first course of a joint international MA programme in Diaconic Management was celebrated and assessed at a symposium coinciding with the final exams and graduation at the Institute for Diaconic Science and Diaconic Management, Protestant University in Wuppertal/Bethel in April this year. 

Prof Karlie August of the Faculty of Theology represented Stellenbosch University at the symposium in Bieleveld from 14 – 24 April.  

The second course of the two year programme Diaconic Management – International, Contextual Studies in Normative Governance – will start in May.

The programme is organised jointly by the Institute for Diaconic Management and Diaconic Science of the Protestant University Wuppertal/Bethel (IDM) in Germany and the United Evangelical Mission (UEM) with Stellenbosch University. The first group of nine students from Ghana, Congo (DRC), Tanzania, Indonesia, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Hong Kong studied at the IDM/Germany, Stellenbosch University/South Africa, Silliman University/Philippines and Sebastian Kolowa Memorial University/Tanzania, concluding with a thesis and the final exams in Bethel on 18 April 2013.

Representatives of the participating institutions contributed to the symposium, highlighting the specific features of the programme, including its inter-disciplinarity, inter-continental contextuality, the combination of theory and praxis, the high degree of field research and the educational structure of a "diverse learning community". The purpose is to present the concept of the programme and the experiences of colleagues, and to subject it to international evaluation. External commenters are from the Free University of Berlin, the World Council of Churches, the All Africa Conference of Churches, the German Academic Exchange Service and the involved churches in Germany.

The course is a response to a request expressed by church leaders in Africa and Asia who repeatedly stated their need of a new kind of academic training for leaders in diaconic and social work, training combining theological knowledge with management and administration competences. The programme's interdisciplinary approach allows for the study of contemporary diaconia, the intercultural reflection on theology, business and economics, and the study of applied ethical issues as well as the development of management skills with particular application to non-governmental and faith-based organisations. It integrates perspectives of theology and ethics, economics and management. Lecturers from the Faculties of Theology and Economics at Stellenbosch University and the School for Public Leadership and the Business School in Cape Town also participated in the programme.

The course consists of five modules, each of which includes four to five weeks of lectures and individual field research, including scientifically structured internships. Between modules students conduct field research in institutions of social work and advocacy whilst pursuing their professions in their home countries. Their different professional backgrounds and their experiences in their home churches instigated intensive discussions of the contents learned. In this way the course aims to develop academically reflected practitioners who can apply the acquired knowledge in their work environment.

"Excellence can only be achieved through diversity," said Prof Nico Koopman, Dean of the Faculty of Theology, when he welcomed the group to Stellenbosch for a module, while the Rector of Stellenbosch University, Prof Russel Botman, expressed the hope that this concept might inspire his university to integrate interdisciplinary teaching into main curricula.

​​​​​"Beyers Naudé sought an end to racism and inequality," said Mr Horst Kleinschmidt, former anti-Apartheid activist and close friend of the late Dr Beyers Naudé, at the Faculty of Theology at Stellenbosch University (SU) on Friday (10 May).

He was one of the speakers at the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Faculty's Beyers Naudé Centre for Public Theology. The day also marked Naudé's birth 98 years ago.

Kleinschmidt said today Beyers would have asked why the poor are being shunted. "The society he wanted is still not here today," he added.

"Beyers Naudé life was a life of ethics. He lived in solidarity with defenceless and displaced people," said Reverend Anlene Taljaard of the Faculty of Theology at the University of the Free State and also former manager of the Beyers Naudé Centre for Public Theology.

"To us Naudé was a prophet and the voice of reason during the dark days of Apartheid," said Di Oliver of the human rights organisation Black Sash.

Johan Naudé, the eldest son of Beyers Naudé, said his father taught them to respect people regardless of their race, gender or colour.

"An honest Afrikaner and a source of encouragement," was how Reverend Moses Nthla, general-secretary of the Evangelical Alliance of South Africa, described Naudé. The witness of Beyers is as true and relevant today as it ever was, he said. Nthla urged South Africans to stay true to Naudé's legacy.

In his welcoming address, Prof Nico Koopman, Dean of the Faculty of Theology at SU and also Director of the Beyers Naudé Centre for Public Theology, said "we are inspired by remembering Beyers Naudé and also by the stories about him. Our thinking should also be transformed when we remember him."

Speaking at a dinner at Wilgenhof Residence, held in honour of Naudé, Prof Russel Botman, SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor, said our celebration of Naudé's life must remind us to be the change that we want to see in society. He highlighted Naude's fight against injustice. The Beyers Naudé Centre for Public Theology was the brainchild of Botman who also served as its first director.

As part of the day's celebrations, a new book titled Vreesloos gehoorsaam: ʼn Keur uit Beyers Naudé se preke van 1939 tot 1997, was also launched.

Visit www.sun-e-shop.co.za or call 021 201 0071 for more information.

Photographer: Hennie Rudman

​​​On Friday May 10, the Beyers Naudé Centre for Public Theology celebrates the 98th anniversary of the birth of Dr Beyers Naudé and the tenth anniversary of the Centre.

A celebratory program with invited speakers will take place from 15:00 to 18:00 in the Attie van Wijk Auditorium, Faculty of Theology, 171 Dorp Street, Stellenbosch. All are welcome. The latest publication in the Beyers Naudé Centre Series on Public Theology will also be launched during this event: Vreesloos gehoorsaam. 'n Keur uit Beyers Naudé se preke 1939 – 1997, with Murray Coetzee, Len Hansen and Robert Vosloo as editors.

The Beyers Naudé Archive is housed at the Faculty of Theology and can be viewed from 14:00 on May 10. Contact Helette at hvdwest@sun.ac.za or 021 808 3255 for more information.

PROGRAMME

15:00

Welcome

Nico Koopman

15:10

Beyers Naudé - critique on the Apartheid government

Douglas Bax

15:30

Beyers Naudé - confronting the system

Horst Kleinschmidt

15:50

Beyers Naudé - spiritual witness

Moses Ntlha

16:10

Beyers Naudé – relationship with the Black Sash

Di Oliver

16:30

Tea

16:50

Beyers Naudé - my father

Johan Naudé

17:10

Beyers Naudé - for the future

Anlené Taljaard

17:30

Beyers Naudé – archiving the past

Murray Coetzee

17:45

Book launch

Vreesloos gehoorsaam: 'n Keur uit Beyers Naudé se preke van 1939 tot 1997

Murray Coetzee, Len Hansen and Robert Vosloo (editors)

The Dean's Fund of the Faculty of AgriSciences at Stellenbosch University received a boost of nearly R150 000 due to the big hearts of the sponsors and the 34 teams of players who were involved in the faculty's fourth annual golf day.

The event was launched four years ago to strengthen the faculty's bursary fund through which the studies of future and current undergraduate and postgraduate agricultural students are supported. This ensures that sufficient experts are produced for South Africa's important agriculture and food industries.

This year's event was jointly sponsored by Standard Bank and Suiderland Farms. The funds which were collected included more than R53 000 received thanks to participants' support of among others the auction and the purchase of lottery tickets.

"The positive attitude with which our sponsors and players supported this initiative is so encouraging, and helps us to make the financial burden of our students a bit lighter," said organiser Carin Bruce of the Faculty of AgriSciences.

It was the third time that Standard Bank co-sponsored the event. According to Mr Nico Loock, Standard Bank's provincial agriculture manager in the Western Cape, this emphasises the bank's focus on capacity development in the agricultural sector. "This goes hand-in-hand with the development of a passion for agriculture among the youth and students," he added. "Agriculture is not always seen as a very exciting career choice, but we are experiencing structural changes among young people regarding their appreciation of and interest in this strategic sector."

Said Dr André Neethling, managing director of Suiderland Farms, "Suiderland believes in helping people through training, and especially those who do not have the opportunity or financial means to do so themselves. We believe in the future of the agricultural industry, and more specifically in the fruit industry in South Africa, and do our share to help train future agriculturists."

Suiderland Farms will again sponsor next year's golf day.

The winners of the golf day were the team of SA Lime and Gypsum consisting of Johan Bosman, Renso Nel, Hendrik Heyl and Johan Langenhoven – the second time they have managed this feat in four years. The runners-up were the team from Suiderland Farms, of which Dr Neethling was a member. The other team members were Pieter Rabe, Johan Carinus and Steyn Neethling.

Anyone interested in contributing to the Faculty of AgriSciences' Dean's Fund can contact Carin Bruce on cbruce@sun.ac.za or 021 808 9047.

Photo:
SA Lime and Gypsum's Johan Bosman, Renso Nel, Hendrik Heyl and Johan Langenhoven won the Faculty of Agrisciences' golf day. Here they are with Nico Loock (right) of Standard Bank and Prof. Mohammad Karaan, dean of the Faculty of AgriSciences at Stellenbosch University.​

The AC21 Special Project Fund is designed to promote the development of Research and Educational exchange between all AC21 members. The SPF was created in order to bring together members of AC21 universities, encouraging and introducing a wider circle of research opportunities and networking for academics, as well as raising the profile of AC21.

AC21 SPF will be awarded to projects that include as many participants as possible. Researchers involved in the organization of events will attempt to include large numbers of researchers, postdoctoral students and graduate students from all three countries involved in the project.  Events can include mini-symposia, mini-workshops, schooling projects, start-up funds for long term research projects, small international forums, as well as traditional research proposals that attempt to include as wide a circle of contacts and participants as possible.

The application period is now open until 31 January 2014 and SU staff are invited to apply.

For more information, download the AC21 Guidelines and application: AC21_SPF2014_Guidelines_Application_revised_2013.10.17.doc or visit the AC21 website: http://www.ac21.org/english/activities/special

​A collaborative partnership between Stellenbosch University (SU), the community and the local municipality is key to the successful promotion and advancement of soccer in the Stellenbosch region.

This was the message from both Prof Julian Smith, Vice-Rector: Community Interaction and Personnel from SU, and Mr Joseph Jacobs, chairperson of the Local Football Association (LFA), at the announcement of a long-term partnership between the University and the LFA on Friday 22 November.

The book Sokker op Stellenbosch, compiled by Mr Hilton Biscombe and supported by Prof Albert Grundlingh of the SU Department of History, was also launched at this event.

The LFA-SU partnership is the culmination of various football initiatives that took place in the Stellenbosch region during the past year, managed by Innovus, the university-industry interaction and innovation company, in cooperation with Maties Sport.

The new relationship will provide LFA administrative and coaching staff, as well as LFA members, with guidelines in terms of the best practices to equip their coaches and administrators and to develop their organisation as a whole.

To this end, SU through Innovus, will host a football administrator's course early in 2014. This follows a training course for Stellenbosch community coaches held at Idas Valley Sport Complex in July this year, facilitated by the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB), as part of their WorldCoaches programme. The partnership will also focus on stimulating youth football via healthy inter-club competition and the hosting of opening and closing competitions, as well as youth football festivals.

"We have a dedicated team focused on sport management at the University with experience in sport administration and coaching. We are not involved in football development for the football playing communities, but with them," said Prof Smith. He said it is the vision of the University to share its resources and its expertise and that the sustainability of the University also depends on how it manages partnerships with communities.

"Let us all roll up our sleeves and work together towards an inclusive, innovative, future oriented and transformational partnership."

According to Mr Jacobs, Stellenbosch has a rich football history. "Our partnership with SU is about the game of football and the holistic development of our players and administrators. But it is also about the development of our communities – and not only in Stellenbosch, but also the bigger Winelands region. It is our dream that through the vehicle of football, we can enrich people's lives. I believe this partnership will allow for growth in the LFA and its associated clubs."

In keeping with the role football plays in the Stellenbosch community, the book Sokker op Stellenbosch was compiled by Mr Biscombe, to tell the stories of the impact football has had on the people of Stellenbosch. "The memory of football will never die. We need to know who we are, where we come from and where we're going. This book tells the stories of the talent and achievements of football players, administrators and their supporters since 1904," Mr Biscombe explained.

"A total of 49 people either talked to me about, or supplied me with written accounts of, football in Stellenbosch and I consulted 15 official sources. This project was made possible by the involvement of, among others, the local municipality and Stellenbosch University."

• Sokker op Stellenbosch is available from SUN MeDIA at www.sun-e-shop.co.za or call Liezel Meintjes at 021 808-2611.

Caption

Mr Joseph Jacobs, chairperson of the Local Football Association (LFA) (left), and Mr Hilton Biscombe, compiler of Sokker op Stellenbosch, proudly displays the book that was launched as part of the announcement of the partnership between the LFA en SU through its university-industry interaction and innovation company Innovus.

The Maties sevens rugby team defended their Varsity Sevens title in Camps Bay this past weekend when they defeated Kovsies in 'n nail-biting final. The encounter was a repeat of the 2012 final​.​

The Maties Sevens side lost just one game all weekend, but they by no means had everything their own way in a highly competitive tournament that challenged all of the teams to adapt to the extremely windy conditions.

They looked in control of their final against last years’ runners-up Kovsies, but a try in the final seconds of normal time by the Bloemfontein team sent the game into sudden death extra time.

There was a further twist as two yellow cards saw Kovsies reduced to just five players, and Maties took advantage by barging their way over the line for the decisive try to make the final score 22-17.

In the third place play-off UP-Tuks steamrolled their trans-Jukskei rivals UJ, and NWU-Pukke claimed the Plate title by beating local favourites UWC 20-10 in another exciting final.

UWC’s Freddie Muller was named FNB Player of the Tournament which earned him R1000, and Maties’ Josh Bassingthwaighte was the Steers Most Valuable Player.​

Ms Jackie Wiese, Director: Sport at Stellenbosch University, congratulated the team on successfully defending their title and wished them luck for the University Sport South Africa (USSA) rugby sevens tournament being hosted by Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (George Campus)​ on 4-5 December.

Source: Varsity Sports, Gustav Venter

​​Two Stellenbosch University postgraduate students in the Department of Earth Sciences – Natasha van Horsten and Raimund Rentel – left this week on the SA Agulhas II for a three-month return voyage to Antarctica. The SA Agulhas II is South Africa's state-of-the-art polar research vessel, and is managed by the Department of Environmental Affairs.

They will be working with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research's (CSIR) Dr Thato Mtshali to sample iron from the Southern Ocean in order to study its role in the photosynthesis of phytoplankton. This will shed light on how the Southern Ocean is taking up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

According to Prof Alakendra Roychoudhury, their study leader and head of the Department of Earth Sciences, this is one of the single most important opportunities for South African scientists to study the geochemistry of an ocean as vast as the Southern Ocean.

"Because the Southern hemisphere is dominated by the Southern Ocean, it plays a crucial role in how large-scale climate systems are going to respond to changes in the geochemistry of the ocean. The SA Agulhas II is our only opportunity to sample along one trajectory of the Southern Ocean," he explains.

This will be Natasha's first trip to Antarctica and she is excited about being one of the privileged few to visit Antarctica: "The set-up for this trip is extensive and can be stressful. But it is definitely a great experience."

Natasha's research for her Master's degree is on the photosynthetic response of phytoplankton under different conditions, with light and iron as the main variables.

For Raimund, this trip is especially important as he will be collecting data in order to complete his MSc thesis. But there is much more to the process than just taking water samples from the ocean. He carries the solemn responsibility for ensuring the cleanliness of the GO-FLO bottles used for sampling iron. He furthermore faces a challenge for the on-board analyses of iron to infinitesimal levels.

"On the trip down there we will have time off, but as soon as the ship reaches the sampling location, we will do sampling more or less once every day for about 10 days straight. We will be using a Rosette, which has GO-FLO bottles mounted on it, plus a CTD (measuring conductivity, temperature and density). This rosette will be lowered to the seafloor or a depth of 4000 metres, whichever comes first," he explains.

Once the bottles are back on board, they are covered immediately and then transported to a clean container lab. From there the researchers can take samples for analysis on board or for use later on shore.

According to Raimund the best thing about the trip is sitting on the monkey deck, enjoying the sunset: "Spotting the first iceberg is also a great experience, even if you have seen it before."

If all goes well, the ship will be back in the Cape Town harbour on 13 February 2014.

On the photo, from the left, Dr Thato Mtshali, Natasha van Horsten, Prof Alakendra Roychoudhury and Raimund Rentel. 

Issued by Wiida Fourie-Basson, media: Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, 021 808-2684, science@sun.ac.za

Be on the lookout for a new BBC documentary about Zambia's Luangwa River, which features Stellenbosch University crocodile expert Dr Alison Leslie.

The series "Africa 2013: Countdown to the Rains" was shot in the South Luangwa National Park in Eastern Zambia. It follows the animals living along the river, from the last days of the longest dry season in memory to the arrival of the long awaited rains. The first episode of the fast turnaround three-part series, shot as the long dry season ends, was already broadcast on BBC2 in Britain on 3 November.

Wildlife specialist teams, of which Dr Leslie was part, added expert analysis to the footage.

Among the presenters she worked with is Kate Humble, who specialises in wildlife and science programmes, and freelance presenter Simon King, well-known for his "Big Cat Diary" series.

Dr Leslie, of the SU Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, was impressed – and also a little jealous – of the technology available to the film crew. Over 75 remote controlled cameras, rigged at strategic points, were for instance used to capture spectacular interactions between the animals. Thermal and infrared cameras were also used as well as Go-Pro cameras attached to a remote controlled boat.

Dr Leslie says it was a fascinating experience, but also in many ways incredibly sad to see what wild animals have to endure in the light of a particularly challenging dry season.

"I certainly learnt the true definition of patience and although lots of fun, I am glad that I chose the scientist route in life – film making is hard work!" she adds.

Photo caption: Dr Alison Leslie of Stellenbosch University, in the company of "Africa 2013: Countdown to the Rains" presenter Kate Humble, during one of the shoots. Photo: BBC

Media enquiries:
Dr Alison Leslie​
Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology
Stellenbosch University
aleslie@sun.ac.za or (021) 808 2487

Be on the lookout for a new BBC documentary about Zambia's Luangwa River, which features Stellenbosch University crocodile expert Dr Alison Leslie.

The series "Africa 2013: Countdown to the Rains" was shot in the South Luangwa National Park in Eastern Zambia. It follows the animals living along the river, from the last days of the longest dry season in memory to the arrival of the long awaited rains. The first episode of the fast turnaround three-part series, shot as the long dry season ends, was already broadcast on BBC2 in Britain on 3 November.

Wildlife specialist teams, of which Dr Leslie was part, added expert analysis to the footage.

Among the presenters she worked with is Kate Humble, who specialises in wildlife and science programmes, and freelance presenter Simon King, well-known for his "Big Cat Diary" series.

Dr Leslie, of the SU Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, was impressed – and also a little jealous – of the technology available to the film crew. Over 75 remote controlled cameras, rigged at strategic points, were for instance used to capture spectacular interactions between the animals. Thermal and infrared cameras were also used as well as Go-Pro cameras attached to a remote controlled boat.

Dr Leslie says it was a fascinating experience, but also in many ways incredibly sad to see what wild animals have to endure in the light of a particularly challenging dry season.

"I certainly learnt the true definition of patience and although lots of fun, I am glad that I chose the scientist route in life – film making is hard work!" she adds.

Photo caption: Dr Alison Leslie of Stellenbosch University, in the company of "Africa 2013: Countdown to the Rains" presenter Kate Humble, during one of the shoots. Photo: BBC

Media enquiries:
Dr Alison Leslie​
Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology
Stellenbosch University
aleslie@sun.ac.za or (021) 808 2487

​​Friends and colleagues of Stellenbosch University's Departments of Mathematical Sciences and Industrial Psychology recently celebrated the reopening of one of the oldest academic buildings on the campus, after it was recently renovated and modernised.

The former 'Opvoedkunde Building' was one of the last academic buildings to be erected in 1913 by the then Victoria Kollege. On 2 April 1918 the Victoria Ko​llege became the University of Stellenbosch after the government of the day passed the University Act and a donation of £100 000 from a local benefactor, Jannie Marais.

"I am sure a hundred years ago someone also stood behind this podium feeling very proud of their achievement. Tonight I feel just as proud about what we were able to achieve with this restoration project," the architect, Mr Jaco Niemann from Dennis Moss Partnership, said during the opening function.

He gave a short overview of the main design elements of the building, and mentioned how they went out of their way to maintain the building's historical character, as well as incorporating several unique features on the inside of the building.

Official opening

Prof Russel Botman, rector, referred in his official opening speech to the special symbolism associated with the restoration of such an old building: "With the University's centenary celebrations in 2018 around the corner, the inauguration of this building tonight is in itself symbolic and probably represents the beginning of the festivities!

"Tonight's ceremony is also symbolic of where we have come from and where we should be going. It helps us to understand that we are building a future on the very strong foundations of the past. In this regard we are working hard to position the university and its people to be ready for the 21^st century," he said.

The renovation is in line with SU's Campus Masterplan for facilities and the new special and physical norms. This includes making better use of space through smaller offices; the use of glass walls and glass doors so that personnel in their office remain part of activities in the building and become more approachable; the latest technologies to support teaching and learning; as well as dedicated study areas and work stations for students, he added.

Then and now

The two academic departments, which are now housed in the renovated building, then each gave a short historical overview.

From the Department of Mathematical Sciences, Prof Dirk Laurie shared a few tales from his student days in the sixties, of how a certain lecturer would always organise test papers from the highest to the lowest mark and then handed it out during class time in that order, and the many plans they made to get more time on the University's only computer, an IBM 1620. Prof Florian Breuer, divisional head of Mathematics, referred to the significant growth in postgraduate student numbers. Thanks to collaboration with institutions like the African Institute for the Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in Muizenberg over the past two decades, the department now has a lively group of 29 MSc and 18 PhD students.

Prof Johan Malan​, head of the Department of Industrial Psychology, shared the fact that they are one of the oldest industrial psychology departments in the country, and referred to a number of leading heads of departments over the years.

Prof Ingrid Rewitzky, head of the Department of Mathematical Sciences, then thanked the many people who, since 2005, worked very hard to make this project a reality.

Festival of music

The highlight of the evening was the performance by the well-known Stellenbosch Libertas Choir, conducted by Johan de Villiers, who is currently a professor extraordinaire at the Department of Mathematical Sciences.

After the performance on the impressive staircase in the foyer of the building, guests enjoyed refreshments and went on a tour of the building.

Stellenbosch circa 1963

By Prof Dirk Laurie, extraordinary researcher in Mathematics, SU

In the 1960s the Mathematics Department was a teaching department. There were two full professors. Professor Siegfried Göldner taught Calculus and Prof Gawie Cillié taught Algebra, and they both did it to first-, second- and third-year BSc students. Each of them also presented an Honours course. Neither of them ever published anything reported by Mathematical Reviews.

Prof Göldner was Departementshoof, maar hy het agter 'n toe deur gebly wat net sou oopgaan as hy die klop herken en lus was om met daardie persoon te praat. Hy het 'n enorme geheue gehad. Het het nooit enige notas gebruik nie, selfs nie in 'n twee uur-lange nagraadse lesing nie. Hy het binne die eerste twee weke die eerstejaarstudente, al honderd van hulle, op die naam geken. As iemand 'n klas verpas het, het hy uitgevra. Die studente was almal doodseker dat dit hulle 'n halwe predikaatspunt sal kos om so uitgevang te word. Een periode is altyd bestee aan die uitdeel van toetsskrifte, van die beste na die laagste punte. As jy jou skrif terugkry, kon jy loop. Eenkeer kry ek myne toe die helfte van die klas al weg was, met die opmerking: "Ja, Laurie, dis gevaarlik om meer selfvertroue as kennis te hê."

Prof Cillié het 'n doktorsgraad in Sterrekunde van Cambridge Universiteit gehad. Elke slag as die een of ander sterrekundige verskynsel die koerante gehaal het, kon 'n mens aan die begin van 'n lesing 'n onskuldige ou vragie daaroor inkry. Dit was genoeg om hom aan die gang te kry met 'n briljante onvoorbereide praatjie oor die onderwerp, en die studente kon terugsit en dit geniet in die wete dat dit nie eksamineerbaar was nie. Prof Gawie se ware liefde was egter kerkmusiek, veral koormusiek. Vroeër in sy loopbaan was hy vyftien jaar lank dirigent van die Universiteitskoor. Sondagaande was sy huis oop vir studente. Mev Cillié het tee en koekies uitgedeel, en prof Gawie het hulle hond Snippie toertjies laat uithaal.

Die BSc-studente het die ander dosente eers leer ken as hulle honneursvlak kon haal. Almal bo Junior Lektor het 'n honneurskursus gegee, en honneursstudente moes al die kursusse loop. Die jaar toe ek en Ekkehard Kopp die hele honneursklas uitgemaak het, was daar vyf tweesemester- en drie eensemesterkursusse.

'n MSc in Wiskunde het bestaan uit 'n groot verhandeling en twee kursusse op honneursvlak wat nie voorheen geneem is nie. Die opsies vir daardie twee kursusse was nie talryk nie. Baie dosente het net die een kursus gehad en dis wat hulle gegee het. Prof Cillié se notas oor Tensoranalise was so broos dat hy met albei hande moes omblaai om te keer dat die papier verkrummel.

The Department had a computer, an IBM 1620, which occupied all of a large room. It could do integer arithmetic on numbers of any length (limited by its memory, though). A portable radio placed above the CPU would pick up noise caused by the computations being made. I calculated how long the addends needed to be in order to have loop duration in the audio range, and wrote a little compiler that would take primitive text-based musical notation and punch out a deck of cards that could be fed to the computer to play a tune on the radio.

One had to book the computer in units of one hour. A certain Frikkie Botha, who was working on a PhD in psychology and had vast amounts of correlation coefficients to calculate, booked the computed for solid five-hour blocks every evening for several weeks. This was frustrating to Ekkehard and myself, who needed lots of computer time for our own research, such as implementing algorithms for our numerical analysis projects and debugging the program that would play Schubert's Marche Militaire.

The computer would occasionally just halt suddenly causing a bright red sign marked "Check Stop" to be lit. Once this happened, switching the computer off and on would not bring it back to life. In principle a check stop necessitated the summoning of an IBM engineer, who would spend just a couple of minutes in the room and emerge with the news that the computer was in working order again. To save time, though, Gideon de Kock (the lecturer responsible for the computer) and Reg Dodds (the MSc student who acted as "demmie" for the Fortran course) also knew how to effect this miracle.

The Van der Sterr building in those days had a panel of circuit breakers in an easily accessible place. Ekkehard and I discovered (by trial and error) which switch controlled the power supply to the computer room. If you just flicked that switch off-and-on, there would be no visible sign of power failure, but a check stop would occur. Ekkehard, who was the more convincing liar among the two of us, told Reg that the machine just stopped on him, and hung around in the computer room in a bored, unobservant way while Reg performed the recovery. Ekkehard duly disclosed the details of the procedure to me. It involved opening a certain panel and pushing a matchstick through a hole drilled for the purpose by the IBM engineer, thereby closing a relay.

From then on, Frikkie would sometimes, at 8:30 pm or so on an evening when he had booked the machine till midnight, encounter a check stop. He would then pack up, go home, and the next morning report the check stop to Gideon. If he had more information, he would have been able to calculate that these occasions were strongly correlated with the presence of Ekkehard or myself near the panel of circuit breakers.

Daardie dae is nou oor. Deesdae se professore is nie so outokraties nie, en hierdie nuwe gebou met sy rekenaarnetwerk is sekerlik teen enige duiwelstreke bestand. Boonop is vandag se studente veel meer verantwoordelik. Hulle is mos, nê?

To maths, music and good memories

These four Maths proffies go back many years! From the left is Prof Pieter Maritz (lecturer, 1975-2004), Prof Johan de Villiers (student, 1966-1970; lecturer from 1974), Prof Dirk Laurie (student 1963-1967; lecturer 2001-2007) and Dr Carl Rohwer (student 1966-1972; lecturer since 1990). They are still involved with the Department of Mathematical Sciences as extraordinary professors and researchers, and share this office in the renovated building. Photo: Jean du Plessis

​Mr Rudie Nel, a tax lecturer in the Department of Accounting at Stellenbosch (SU), was again adjudicated the Top Lecturer in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. He was also the most popular lecturer last year – as indicated by third-year students in the faculty that vote online for their most inspiring undergraduate lecturers.

Twelve finalists are chosen and the winners were announced at a gala function at the Klein Zalze Estate on Friday night (25 October). Ms Sophia Brink, also from the Department of Accounting, was the runner-up. Nel and Brink received R100 000 and R30 000 in prize money respectively.

A total of 43% of the final-years participated, and indicated which traits they wanted to see in their lecturers. Excellent teaching capabilities and accessibility came out tops.

Prof Johann de Villiers, Dean of the Faculty, said at the function that it is extremely difficult to manage the quality of teaching, because it was impossible to know what happens in every classroom. "There's no better prize than hearing a student say you're the best."

The ten top lecturers received prize money of R10 000 each, sponsored by Die Burger.

"It is a special privilege to win the prize two years in a row. This is also the last year that I'll be eligible for it – from next year I'll be teaching postgraduate students only," said Nel.

Of the students who participated in the voting process, 11 students won R1 000 each with Shani Joubert also winning an iPad.

• Liaise with Ronel Beukes, at tel 021 808 3404, 084 580 5517, e-mail rbeukes@sun.ac.za  for more information.

Caption: Mr Bun Booyens, Editor of Die Burger; Prof Russel Botman, SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor; Mr Rudie Nel, the 2013 Top Lecturer and Prof Arnold Schoonwinkel, Vice-Rector: Learning and Teaching (Photo: Hennie Rudman).