World Health Day is marked annually on 7 April and the theme for this year's celebration is "Beat Diabetes". Stellenbosch University's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is doing important research to elucidate the diabetes epidemic in local communities also affected by tuberculosis.

Globally more TB patients simultaneously have diabetes than TB patients co-infected with HIV – and the number is steadily rising.

This is according to Dr Katharina Ronacher, a medical biologist at Stellenbosch University (SU), who is leading a research group studying the TB-diabetes co-epidemic.

"In the South African population about 12% of TB patients also have type 2 diabetes," says Ronacher. She notes that this number is expected to rise, as the prevalence of diabetes is increasing dramatically in developing countries like South Africa as more people are adopting a Western lifestyle.

People with diabetes have a three times higher risk of developing TB than those without the disease.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) - commonly referred to as "diabetes" - is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar levels, and is increasingly common among South Africans.

A recent study found that in South African Coloured population in the Western Cape Province, up to 25% of people have diabetes. "This is very high," says Ronacher, who is part of the SU Immunology Research Group at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Research has shown that one fifth of people (19%) with diabetes are not aware that they have the disease. In South Africa the lack of early diagnosis of diabetes is exacerbated by poor screening services, and most people are diagnosed only once they develop complications from the disease.

"The dual burden of TB and diabetes is greater in certain regions than in others," Ronacher explains. "In India, for example, up to 50% of TB patients also have diabetes."

"Not only are people with diabetes more likely to get TB, they are also less likely to respond to treatment, which can lead to relapse or even death," explains Ronacher.

One reason for this could be that the levels of TB medication are generally lower in diabetes patients than patients without diabetes comorbidity. The cause for this is unknown and it is unclear whether it is due to interaction between the two diseases, or because people with diabetes generally have a higher body mass index and medication doses are not adjusted correctly.

Ronacher's research group also investigates whether patients with poorly-controlled diabetes (mostly due to not taking medication regularly), have reduced immune responses to the germs that cause TB than patients whose diabetes are controlled.

Ronacher has recently been awarded a grant of R25 million by the American National Institutes of Health to explore the risk of developing TB from household contacts with diabetes, compared to household contact without diabetes.

The Immunology Research Group is also involved in a project to screen TB patients for diabetes, and vice versa, to gain a better understanding of how these two diseases interact.

Photo: www.freeimages.com

Stellenbosch University's (SU) Woordfees 2016 was a festival of highlights and successes. Saartjie Botha, festival director, said the record amount of tickets sold is proof that the festival serves a community who engages with the arts.

Ticket sales are up by 27,8%, 20% in rand value, owing to the one Friday on which tickets were sold at R30 each, and the cash free system grew by 200%. "We can feel proud of a successful festival in these difficult times. People are price sensitive and we want to make it accessible to as many people as possible," Botha said.

The inclusion of Coetzenburg as a venue for the carnival and pop festivals was a new extension to the festival, which was well attended and appreciated. In spite of a howling southeaster, as many as 6 000 fans pitched up for rock star Karen Zoid's concert (photo above by Stefan Els).

The Woordfees' use of venues in neighbourhoods beyond the town centre was also an attempt to make the festival more inclusive. Apart from the Breughel Theatre in Cloetesville already used for Woordfees shows in 2015, Amazink in Kayamandi, where, among others, very successful Poetry Slams were held, and Lückhoff High School, with its hall being a great venue for serious theatre productions, were new additions to the festival this year.

At the Stellenbosch 360 discourse, Botha said that about 12% of the tickets sold in 2015 went to non-white festival-goers, this year it had increased to 20% - the target that the Woordfees management had set for 2016.

According Prof Andreas van Wyk, chairperson of Stellenbosch 360, the festival in 2015 generated more than R120 million, and it is expected that it will generate even more this year. The turnover at the Book Tent was R841 000 this year, evidence that people still read books and especially Afrikaans books.

Many SU academics, students and alumni actively participated in in this year's Woordfees in discourse sessions such as those of Beste Professor and the Frederik van Zyl Slabbert Foundation series, as well as in drama and music productions and art exhibitions. 

According to Botha, the integration of Woorde Open Wêrelde (WOW) projects into the Woordfees was a great success and a "pleasant experience" for the teachers and learners.

Shireen Crotz, coordinator of the Sanlam WOW Spelling Fest, and Fiona van Kerwel, manager of the WOW projects, agreed that their projects were very successful. About 2 400 children from approximately 190 schools participated in this year's Woordfees.

"We are very tired, but very satisfied," Crotz said. "The sponsors are very satisfied and we have only received positive feedback. The sponsors see the real difference that their support is making and that is what they want. Our big dream is to give every child in Stellenbosch a Woordfees experience."

Dr Gillian Arends of SU's Centre for Student Recruitment's spoke at the WOW Day for Grade 12s and made the learners realise that they can make their dreams come true by enrolling and studying at SU.

After the annual debate competition, the teachers said they hoped that a generation of learners could be created again that converses with each other, listens to each other and respects each other's opinions even if they are very diverse.

Stellenbosch University's (SU) Woordfees 2016 was a festival of highlights and successes. Saartjie Botha, festival director, said the record amount of tickets sold is proof that the festival serves a community who engages with the arts.

Ticket sales are up by 27,8%, 20% in rand value, owing to the one Friday on which tickets were sold at R30 each, and the cash free system grew by 200%. "We can feel proud of a successful festival in these difficult times. People are price sensitive and we want to make it accessible to as many people as possible," Botha said.

The inclusion of Coetzenburg as a venue for the carnival and pop festivals was a new extension to the festival, which was well attended and appreciated. In spite of a howling southeaster, as many as 6 000 fans pitched up for rock star Karen Zoid's concert (photo above by Stefan Els).

The Woordfees' use of venues in neighbourhoods beyond the town centre was also an attempt to make the festival more inclusive. Apart from the Breughel Theatre in Cloetesville already used for Woordfees shows in 2015, Amazink in Kayamandi, where, among others, very successful Poetry Slams were held, and Lückhoff High School, with its hall being a great venue for serious theatre productions, were new additions to the festival this year.

At the Stellenbosch 360 discourse, Botha said that about 12% of the tickets sold in 2015 went to non-white festival-goers, this year it had increased to 20% - the target that the Woordfees management had set for 2016.

According Prof Andreas van Wyk, chairperson of Stellenbosch 360, the festival in 2015 generated more than R120 million, and it is expected that it will generate even more this year. The turnover at the Book Tent was R841 000 this year, evidence that people still read books and especially Afrikaans books.

Many SU academics, students and alumni actively participated in in this year's Woordfees in discourse sessions such as those of Beste Professor and the Frederik van Zyl Slabbert Foundation series, as well as in drama and music productions and art exhibitions. 

According to Botha, the integration of Woorde Open Wêrelde (WOW) projects into the Woordfees was a great success and a "pleasant experience" for the teachers and learners.

Shireen Crotz, coordinator of the Sanlam WOW Spelling Fest, and Fiona van Kerwel, manager of the WOW projects, agreed that their projects were very successful. About 2 400 children from approximately 190 schools participated in this year's Woordfees.

"We are very tired, but very satisfied," Crotz said. "The sponsors are very satisfied and we have only received positive feedback. The sponsors see the real difference that their support is making and that is what they want. Our big dream is to give every child in Stellenbosch a Woordfees experience."

Dr Gillian Arends of SU's Centre for Student Recruitment's spoke at the WOW Day for Grade 12s and made the learners realise that they can make their dreams come true by enrolling and studying at SU.

After the annual debate competition, the teachers said they hoped that a generation of learners could be created again that converses with each other, listens to each other and respects each other's opinions even if they are very diverse.

Nurturing and caring are two qualities that students on the Tygerberg campus embrace – not only as part of their studies, but also in their daily human interaction.

A project which entails the establishment of communal pantry where needy students can get food and other basic necessities has received dedicated support from students and staff, but more help is needed to ensure the sustainability of the project.

The first pantry was established at the Tygerberg Student Council (TSC) office when the administrative head, Adri Brits, realised that there were needy students at the Tygerberg Campus but that it wasn't always possible to get assistance from main campus straight away. "So we started keeping some non-perishable food items in the office to give to students," says Brits.

The idea caught on and soon another pantry started at one of the residences on the Tygerberg Campus, home of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

"The Kerkenberg pantry started in my room," says Emeka Okeke, a final-year MB,ChB student and Kerkenberg resident who himself went without food during difficult times in his third and fourth years. "I didn't know who to ask for help, but my friends noticed that I was distancing myself and losing weight, so I told them what was going on and they pulled together to help me.

"I realised that there were other students like me and since then my room has become a collection and distribution point for food and other items," says Okeke.

The project has grown and in addition to the two collection and distribution points (the TSR office in the Tygerberg Student Centre (TSC) and the Kerkenberg residence), 'drop boxes' have also been placed around campus where staff and students can make donations, and 'in-house' pantries are being planned for other residences at the campus.

"Tygerberg students need a place on their own campus where they can get immediate help, and that's what we are trying to do," says Brits.

Initially only non-perishable food items such as canned and dried foods were collected, but recently toiletries, including sanitary products, have also been included. The project leaders are also calling for donations of used text books, scrubs and white coats that can be passed on to students who can't afford to buy these items. Financial donations have also been channelled to needy students.

"You don't expect this level of poverty among university students because you think that either their parents are looking after them or they have bursaries," says Okeke. "But some students with bursaries are actually the breadwinners in their homes."

Many students have never been taught how to work with money and struggle to make their allowances last the whole month. "We are looking at ways to help students manage their money better and are planning to provide students with financial advice to help them plan their budgets," says Okeke.

Access to the pantry at Kerkenberg is largely based on trust and during the three years it has been running there has only been one incident where someone took food unnecessarily. "The point is not to police it, otherwise the people who really need it won't have access to it," says Okeke. In fact, people who contribute to the pantry at Kerkenberg are also encouraged to take from it so that the needy students don't get singled out or treated differently.

"So I sometimes go to the pantry and take things and other times I go and add items, and I encourage others to do the same. That way, apart from me, nobody knows who is needy," says Okeke.

In order to keep the project going after he graduates at the end of the year, Okeke is handing the reigns of the Kerkenberg pantry over to younger students. The Department of Paediatrics and Child Health have launched a project through which Kerkenberg residents can earn grocery vouchers from Pick 'n Pay by reading to patients in the Tygerberg Children's Hospital. "We are very grateful to Paediatrics for the support they have given to students, and we challenging other departments to do the same," says Okeke.

He also gave special thanks to everyone that supports the project, in particular Adri Brits, Dr Karin Baatjes (Department of Surgical Sciences), Dr Marli Smit and Prof Andrew Levin (Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care).

"This is a symptom of the bigger issue of poverty, but the problem we are faced with is that students need to study, but they are hungry and they need food. A packet of two-minute noodles is so much more than that for a hungry students – it is a meal that keeps them going for the whole day. And we are very grateful for every donation we receive, however big or small," says Okeke.

This year the theme of "giving" is part of the FMHS's 60^th celebrations. "This is a wonderful example of Ubuntu on our campus where students and staff are pulling together to help each other," says Ms Ronel Bester, Strategic Relations Manager of the FMHS. "As part of the faculty's 60^th celebrations this year we hope to further nurture a culture of caring and giving between everyone on the Tygerberg campus. We encourage staff members to bring whatever items they can manage on a monthly basis to help our students who are sometimes in dire need."

Donations of non-perishable food and toiletries can be dropped off at the TSC office in room 2005 in the Tygerberg Student Centre (TSS), or placed in the collection boxes in the Clinical Building (in front of room 1038) or the TSS (in front of Fedics). Used textbooks and clothes can also be dropped off at the TSC office. Call Adri Brits at 021 931 1921 for more information.

Photo: Mr Emeka Okeke

Watch the video:

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The African Union (AU) has bestowed one of its highest scientific honours upon agricultural engineer and postharvest technology expert Prof Umezuruike Linus Opara of Stellenbosch University in South Africa. He received the AU Kwame Nkrumah Continental Scientific Award for senior researchers at the annual African Union Summit in Ethiopia, which concluded last week. Chemist Prof Nyokong Tebello of Rhodes University in South Africa was honoured in the category for women in science.

Prof Opara, who hails from Nigeria, is holder of the DST-NRF South African Research Chair in Postharvest Technology, and distinguished professor in the Department of Horticultural Science at Stellenbosch University. He has been a SU staff member since 2009 and is a member of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf).

His multi-disciplinary research team is the leading group worldwide working on postharvest practices that improve the postharvest handling, packaging and marketing of pomegranate fruit. Prof Opara is recognised globally as the leading individual researcher on postharvest technology of pomegranates.

His research group also tests and develops packaging and quality control methods relevant to the handling and storage of fruits and vegetables such as table grapes, citrus and apples. These efforts are focused on alleviating unnecessary food loss and waste in the fruit and vegetable sector. His team also recently investigated the preservation and quality of fish, and the use of cassava flour to make bread with.

"It is an honour to have one's work recognised on such a continent-wide scale, but credit should also go to my research team and industry for supporting my ideas and research interests," says Prof Opara, who graduated in agricultural engineering from the University of Nigeria Nsukka. He holds a PhD from Massey University in New Zealand.

"Scientific research can play a crucial role in enhancing the profitability and sustainability of agribusiness," notes Prof Opara. "This award is particularly special because it also recognises the impact of our research on building human capacity in South Africa and Africa as a whole."

Since joining Stellenbosch University in 2009, Prof Opara has mentored the studies of 18 PhD and 21 MSc students from 15 African countries. In 2015 he also received an IMPRESSA award.

He is the honorary vice president of the International Commission of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (CIGR) and honorary chair of the CIGR Section VI: Postharvest Technology and Agro-Processing. He also chairs the International Society for Horticultural Science's Vegetables Section (Roots, Tuber, Edible Bulbs, Brassica & Asparagus) and previously served on the advisory board of international organisations such as the Horticulture Innovation Lab of the Feed the Future Programme in the USA.

Prof Opara is the founding editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Postharvest Technology, and has published over 200 articles in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters and industry journals. He has given over 150 oral presentations at international conferences, including several invited keynotes addresses and served in expert panels related to food security, value addition and agricultural transformation.

More about the African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards

The AU awards programme has since 2008 honoured the scientific achievements, valuable discoveries and findings of top African scientists. Previous South African winners include HIV researcher Prof Abdool Karim of the University of KwaZulu-Nata   and Prof Mike Wingfield of the University of Pretoria.

For more information, see http://www.au.int/en/sites/default/files/pr_24_-_african_union_kwame_nkrumah_continental_scientific_awards_2015_edition.pdf

Photograph caption

Prof Linus Opara (middle) of Stellenbosch University received the African Union (AU) Kwame Nkrumah Continental Scientific Award at the AU Summit in Ethiopia. With him are the newly elected AU Chairperson, Mr Idriss Deby Itno of the Republic of Chad, and Dr Nkosazana Dhlamini-Zuma, Chair of the AU Commission. Photo: Supplied

​

​​An excellent agricultural engineering researcher who is also helping to build Africa's human resource capacity – that's Prof Umezuruike Linus Opara, holder of the DST-NRF South African Research Chair in Postharvest Technology, and distinguished professor in the Department of Horticultural Science at Stellenbosch University. He was recognised as such on Saturday with an IMPRESSA 2015/2016 Award by the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM). 

The award was presented to him in Windhoek in Namibia during the RUFORUM annual general meeting of RUFORUM, a continent-widel network of 46 African universities in Eastern, Southern, Central and Western Africa. The IMPRESSA Award recognises impact research and science in Africa, and honours outstanding university scientists who have made a significant contribution in the field of agricultural research and science for development in Africa, including human and institutional development.

"While I am delighted that my work has been recognised on a continent-wide scale, the award equally recognises Stellenbosch University and the small team of dedicated and productive students and staff I have worked with over the years," he acknowledges humbly.

Since joining Stellenbosch University in 2009, Prof Opara has set up a state-of-the-art research laboratory that develops and tests various postharvest technologies and advancements.

He works on a wide range of products - from the postharvest handling and storage of fruit and vegetables such as table grapes and apples and pomegranates to fish preservation and the use of cassava flour as an alternative bread making option.

In particular, Prof Opara is recognised as the world's leading researcher of matters relating to postharvest technology suitable for pomegranate fruit. The National Research Foundation recently estimated that the efforts that his team has put into develop handling technologies for this anti-oxidant rich fruit work has provided R65 million of direct and indirect benefits to South Africa's fledgling pomegranate industry.

Forty graduate students (19 PhDs and 21 MSc students) and four postdoctoral fellows from over 15 African countries have since benefitted from the training and mentorship in agricultural science and engineering research he has provided at Stellenbosch University.

Prof Opara's interest in making research work for farmers and agribusinesses has over the years taken him to several countries in Africa, Asia, the South Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. Thanks to support from many development agencies he has been able to implement in-country training programmes in among others the Kingdom of Tonga, China, Mali, Tanzania, Nigeria, Sultanate of Oman and Cambodia. 

Prof Opara serves on the advisory board of international organisations such as the Horticulture Innovation Lab of the Feed the Future Programme in the USA. He is the honorary vice president of the International Commission of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (CIGR) and honorary chair of the CIGR Section VI: Postharvest Technology and Agro-Processing. He also chairs the

International Society for Horticultural Science's Vegetables Section (Roots, Tuber, Edible Bulbs, Brassica & Asparagus).

He is the founding editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Postharvest Technology, and has published over 200 articles in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters and industry journals. He has given over 150 oral presentations at international conferences, including several invited keynotes addresses and served in expert panels related to food security, value addition and agricultural transformation.

This member of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) graduated in agricultural engineering from the University of Nigeria Nsukka, and holds a PhD from Massey University in New Zealand.

Photograph caption

Prof Linus Opara (right) received the IMPRESSA Award from Prof Levy Nyagura, outgoing Chairman of the Board of Trustees of RUFORUM and Vice Chancellor of the University of Zimbabwe. Photo: Supplied.

Media enquiries:

Prof Linus Opara

South African Chair in Postharvest Technology

Department of Horticultural Science, Stellenbosch University

opara@sun.ac.za

+27 21 808 4064

​​​Food manufacturing technologies, including packaging and storage options to reduce food loss, will be discussed when Southern Hemisphere experts gather at Stellenbosch University on 27 and 28 July 2015. The closed workshop is organised in conjunction with the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) Division of Rural Infrastructure and Agro-industries (AGS), the South-South Cooperation Team (TCSS) and the FAO Representation team in South Africa.

"It provides a platform to exchange perspectives and to make recommendations about the development, transfer, acquisition and use of innovative technologies that add value during the processing stages, enhance food quality and reduce postharvest losses," explains workshop organiser Prof Umezuruike Linus Opara, Distinguished Professor of Postharvest Technology and holder of the South African Research Chair in Postharvest Technologies at Stellenbosch University.

Participants will share experiences and discuss the latest value addition techniques used in various Southern Hemisphere countries for the small to medium scale processing of agricultural produce such as cereals, roots, tubers, fruits and vegetables. Innovations in packaging and cold chain management that address food safety and help reduce food losses will also be put on the table.

"Action areas and concrete steps will be identified through which the FAO and other partners can facilitate appropriate processes in developing countries," says Dr Tobias Takavarasha, FAO representative in South Africa.

Among the workshop participants are Mr Joseph Mpagalile (FAO Rural Infrastructure and Agro-Industries Division), Dr Amauri Rosenthal (Brazilian Corporation for Agricultural Research), Prof Noureddine Benkeblia (University of the West Indies, Jamaica), Prof Steven Underhill (University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia), Dr Lusike Wasilwa (Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation), Prof Xin-An Zeng (South China University of Technology) and HE Dr Rashid Al-Yahyai (Sultan Qaboos University, Oman). At the end of the workshop, follow-up actions will be developed to promote collaboration, networking and transfer of technologies between South-South countries.

​​​​​Stellenbosch University (SU) joined higher education institutions on the continent celebrating African University Day on 12 November.

Commemorated by the Association of African Universities (AAU), the day has been celebrated by higher education institutions since 2006. This year's theme was "Internationalization of Higher Education" with the AAU inviting higher education institutions to create platforms for intellectual discussions and debates on the key issues African universities should focus on.

"Internationalisation is now an integral part of higher education in all parts of the world and in many instances, a major driving force for change in universities. African universities, should therefore adopt new internationalisation strategies," the Association said in a media release.

"We need to contextualise and prioritise our activities by giving preference to national, regional as well as global activities. In a world that is inevitably globalised, working and collaborating with institutions in all parts of the world, on clear, agreed terms, can only be enriching for universities and students in Africa," it stated.

At its headquarters in Ghana, tertiary education institutions and other higher-education stakeholders discuss the topic. The Ghana event was be hosted by the Ashesi University, Berekuso.

Celebrating the day, staff and students at SU reflected on successes and challenges at universities in Africa in video clips posted on social media and other communication channels.

"Stellenbosch University has an active and multi-layered international engagement, not only in Africa, but also around the world," Christopher Muller, Coordinator: Africa Academic Networks at the Postgraduate and International Office (PGIO), said in one of the clips.

In another clip Dr Cindy-Lee Steenkamp, Director of the Graduate School of Arts and Social Sciences, spoke about the Partnership for Africa's Next Generation of Academics (PANGeA) doctoral scholarship programme which has success throughput rate of more than 97% enrolled candidates.

PANGeA, is a collaborative network of leading African universities developing research capacity in the arts, humanities and social sciences. It also believes in bringing African expertise to Africa's challenges through the development of collaborative doctoral programmes. The partnership includes the universities of Stellenbosch, Makerere, Botswana, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Ghana and Malawi and is expanding into francophone Africa with the potential inclusion of the universities of Yaoundé I and Cheikh Anta Diop.

​Prof Linus Opara, distinguished professor in Postharvest Technology at the SU, spoke about outcomes of international engagements, while student leaders Tino Muzofa and Joshua Yeatman talk about the challenges for graduates on the continent today.

​Watch these and other video clips here: 

​​​​Where studies and research in agriculture and forestry are concerned, Stellenbosch University (SU) ranks as the most sought after and influential institution in South Africa. It is also ranked among the top 100 institutions worldwide in these fields, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject for 2015.

SU is considered one of the world's elite institutions in 10 of the 36 subjects featured on the list. This authoritative annual ranking serves as a useful guide for prospective international students. It indicates which universities are the most sought after and influential in specific fields of study. Institutions are measured based on their academic reputation, how highly regarded they are by employers, and their research impact.

According to Prof Danie Brink, acting dean for the Faculty of AgriSciences at Stellenbosch University, the results indicate the quality and applicability of the research undertaken in the faculty.

He thanked staff, co-workers, industry partners and postgraduate students for their contributions towards making Stellenbosch University a leader in agricultural research.

"We want to be increasingly involved in agricultural endeavours both in South Africa and Africa as a whole. Through our research and training we wish to contribute to the development of applicable technology, human resources and policy, in order to unlock the available potential in a sustainable manner for the benefit of society," explains Prof Brink.

Most studies and research in agriculture at SU are conducted within the eleven departments of the Faculty of AgriSciences. These include the Departments of Agronomy, Forest and Wood Science, Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Genetics, Soil Science, Horticultural Sciences, Agricultural Economics, Plant Pathology, Animal Sciences, Food Science, and Viticulture and Oenology. The faculty is furthermore also home to the Institute for Wine Biotechnology and the Institute for Plant Biotechnology, as well as four SARChl Chairs – in meat science, wine biotechnology, plant biotechnology and postharvest technology.

The Department of Forest and Wood Science in the Faculty of AgriSciences is the only tertiary institution in South Africa to offer both graduate and postgraduate courses in wood product sciences, forestry and natural resource management. It attracts many postgraduate students from other African countries.

According to Dr Pierre Ackermann, chairperson of Forest and Wood Sciences, the Department's success is due to the fact that activities are focused on the full value chain within forest and wood sciences, and not merely parts thereof.

"The Department is also in the unique position to effectively service forestry and processing industries locally and in the rest of Africa. This is done through capacity development programmes and research conducted by a small but talented team of lecturers and researchers," he says. "Our continued cooperation with European and North American institutions further underlines the Department's credibility."

Seven South African institutions (UCT, Wits, UP, UKZN, Rhodes, SU and UJ) took part in the latest QS ranking. The SU consistently appears in the top five positions nationally. It scored top honours in Agriculture and Forestry; second in Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Mathematics, third in Medicine, Environmental Sciences, Development Studies and Geography and fourth in English Language & Literature as well as Law.

On an overall international level, SU is ranked in the following positions, performing best in Development Studies at #46; followed by Agriculture & Forestry - #51-100; English Language & Literature - #151-200; Geography - #151-200; Law - #151-200; Biological Sciences - #251-300; Medicine - #251-300; Environmental Sciences - #251-300; Chemistry - #301-350; and Mathematics - #301-350.

"Rankings can be problematic in certain respects, but they are the global academic currency of our time. The achievement is however a clear indication that Stellenbosch University is indeed a world-class institution that can compete with the best in the international arena. I would go as far as saying that the SU brand is still undervalued. The achievement is also an endorsement of the academic and research excellence of an institution that has distinguished itself as an active and relevant role player in a global context," SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Wim de Villiers said.

Extra information:

• Click here for an overview of SU's scores.
• For more information on the QS World University Rankings visit: www.topuniversities.com
  
  Media enquiries:
  
  Prof Danie Brink
  
  Acting dean: Faculty of AgriSciences, Stellenbosch University
  
  db@sun.ac.za or jer@sun.ac.za
  
  +27 21 808 4792

​A group of 33 professors at Stellenbosch University (SU) has been appointed as Distinguished Professors at a function held on Friday (8 August) at STIAS.

This was an initiative by SU's late Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Russel Botman, who announced the names of the recipients of this title at a Senate meeting in June.

The criteria for eligibility included: Having been appointed as a professor at SU for at least five years; continuous excellent performance over the last three years; international stature; proven exceptional performance and leadership in higher education in research and publications, postgraduate study leadership, learning and teaching, and community interaction.

The appointment is valid for five years and re-appointments can be considered. 

At the event on Friday, Prof Arnold Schoonwinkel, Vice-Rector (Teaching and Learning), said it is the first time that SU has created a formal position for recognition for the University's best academics. He said he would like to challenge the Distinguished Professors to prepare the next generation of academics for excellence.

"You are at the pinnacle of academic achievement. Who better to nurture the next generation? You have excelled at supervising at the Master's and Doctoral level. Why not pay back and also work more with undergraduate (even first-year) students, research interns and junior lecturers? Invest right at the broad base of future scholars. Inspire them, mentor them, and help cultivate the next generation of distinguished professors. That way we will have a sustained crop of academic superstars to guide this institution in the future," Prof Schoonwinkel said. (Click here for his full speech​.)

The names of appointees are:

Faculty of AgriSciences

Prof Jens Kossmann, Institute for Plant Biotechnology

Prof Louw Hoffman, Animal Sciences

Prof Michael Samways, Conservation Ecology and Entomology

Prof Linus Opara, Horticultural Science

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Prof Johann Mouton, Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology

Prof Bill Nasson, History

Prof Anton van Niekerk, Philosophy

Prof Ashraf Kagee, Psychology

Prof Keith Dietrich, Visual Arts

Prof Louise Viljoen, Afrikaans and Dutch

Prof Leslie Swartz, Psychology

Prof Nina Schumann, Music

Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences

Prof Christo Boshoff, Business Management

Prof Mark Swilling, School for Public Leadership

Prof Servaas van der Berg, Economics

Faculty of Education

Prof Yusef Waghid, Education Policy Studies

Prof Lesley Le Grange, Curriculum Studies

Fakulty of Engineering

Prof Willem Perold, Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Prof David Davidson, Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Faculty of Law

Prof Jacques du Plessis, Private Law

Prof André van der Walt, Public Law

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

Prof Nulda Beyers, Paediatrics and Child Heath

Prof Simon Schaaf, Paediatrics and Child Heath

Prof Paul van Helden, Biomedical Sciences

Prof Robert Gie, Paediatrics and Child Heath

Faculty of Science

Prof Dave Richardson, Botany and Zoology

Prof Kathy Myburgh, Physiological Sciences

Prof Jannie Hofmeyr, Biochemistry

Prof Harald Pasch, Chemistry and Polymer Science

Prof Bert Klumperman, Chemistry and Polymer Science

Prof Leon Dicks, Microbiology

Prof Emile van Zyl, Microbiology

Faculty of Theology

Prof Dirkie Smit, Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology

Photo: The group of distinguished professors who attended the function on Friday. Photo: ANTON JORDAAN

The African Doctoral Academy (ADA) in partnership with RUFORUM, the NRF and the Carnegie Corporation of New York, hosted a workshop on Escalating PhD production in Agriculture and Life Sciences during July 2014 in Maputo.

The workshop was attended by 60 invited participants representing 32 universities in Sub-Saharan Africa. The recommendations from this workshop will inform a continental higher education summit which will be co-hosted by the NRF and the Carnegie Corporation of New York during March 2015 in Dakar, Senegal.

On the photo above from left to right: Dr Aldo Stroebel (NRF), Prof Adipala Ekwamu (RUFORUM), Prof Linus Opara (SU), Prof Masefumi Nagao (University of Tokyo), Prof Martin Kropff (Wageningen University and Research Centre), Dr Beatrice Njenga (Head of Education Division at the African Union Commission), Dr Martial De-Paul Ikounga (Commissioner for Human Resources Science and Technology of the African Union), Ms Andrea Johnson (Carnegie Corporation of New York), Prof Frans Swanepoel (ADA) and Prof Alice Pell (Cornell University).

Three lecturers from the Department of Mathematical Sciences were lauded for their inspirational lectures by six top performing first-year students during the Vice-Rector: Teaching and Learning's First-Year Prestige Dinner on 13 April 2016.

Prof. Florian Breuer, from the Division: Mathematics in the Department of Mathematical Sciences, were nominated by three students, while Dr Dimbinaina Ralaivaosaona and Dr Paul Grobler, both from the Division: Applied Mathematics in the same department, were nominated by another three top-performing first year students.

Dr Marietjie Lutz and Dr Gareth Arnott from the Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science were also nominated, as well as Dr Johannes Kriel from the Department of Physics.

The First-Year Prestige Dinner rewards the hard work of the 2015 first-year students and at the same time highlight the role of the lecture in the achievement of this success.

The students had the following to say about their lecturers:

About Prof. Breuer

"Your lecturing style is fantastic. Instead of just showing students how to do new work, you first tried to get us to come up with our own ideas and discover new concepts ourselves. You would always encourage discussion and involvement in your lectures. A deeper understanding of Mathematics was encouraged in lectures and you often gave us extra information, which sparked interest in the subject matter."

Sarah Selkirk (Faculty of Science)

" 'n Mens het die gevoel gekry dat u dit geniet om klas te gee en dat u graag wil hê elke student moet die vak deurkom.  Meer as dit selfs: u wou hê elke student moes met 'n beter begrip van Wiskunde uitstap ná elke lesing en ek dink u het dit reggekry."

– Jacob Hugo (Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences)

"U was toegewyd om studente te help om sukses te behaal en hulle te inspireer om harder te werk.  U het geluister na elke student, ons uitgedaag met probleme, laat streef na beter dinge, en ook aangemoedig om elke dag tot die beste van ons vermoë te prestreer. Dankie vir u toewyding aan elke student en dat u my so geïnspireer het.

Julie-Anne Gerber (Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences)

About Dr Ralaivaosaona

"You surpassed my wildest hope in what I wanted in a Maths teacher. You were brilliant, funny, highly intellectually stimulating, and witty. You were not loud or demanded respect, but you definitely earned it. When you walked in the class became quite. I am convinced that the other students in my class would agree, you earned our respect, and kept it until the end."

Ruan Viljoen (Faculty of Engineering)

"I would like to thank you for a wonderful year of Engineering Mathematics. Your energy and your enthusiasm for the subject made the lectures a joy. You motivated me to excel in this module, and with some hard work, I achieved beyond what I could have hoped for."

René Spoerer (Faculty of Engineering)

About Dr Paul Grobler

"Another enjoyable part of the lectures was the friendly informality you portrayed which made the subject much more relatable. Many other lecturers did not come close to the level of enthusiasm that was present in your lectures either – it was always inspiring to see how exciting the work was made to appear."

Lodevicus van Niekerk (Faculty of Science)

About Dr Johannes Kriel

"What I found most enjoyable about your teaching was the absolute lack of any noticeable favouritism towards the students. You were willing to put effort into helping all students as long as they provided you with answerable questions or at least showed that they wanted to learn about this strange beast called Physics."

Matthew Greenwood (Faculty of Science)

About Dr Marietjie Lutz

 "Doktor se sin vir humor het dit ook makliker gemaak om vroeg op 'n Donderdagoggend agtuur klas by te woon. Dit, tesame met dokter se produktiewe lesings, was 'n groot motiveerder. Laastens het jy ons aangemoedig om nooit op te gee nie en om ingestel te wees om altyd iets te probeer leer."

Nina Truter (Faculty of Science)

About Dr Gareth Arnott

"Your passion for what you do is so inspiring and motivating and there is never a dull moment in your classes. You are a marvelous lecturer, although the term 'teacher' is more accurate. I have never been intimidated to ask a question due to your approachable and friendly nature and your ability to sympathize with your students is remarkable." – Emma

Emma van der Merwe (Faculty of AgriSciences)

​​Stellenbosch University Rector and Vice-Chancellor has made a video appeal to students and staff to take a stand against social injustice. This comes in the wake of a case of rape reported over the weekend. He called for honest discussions among men about what it means to be a man .How do we frame masculinity in a way that is consistent with social justice? How do we ensure there is a common understanding that men and women are entitled to the same human rights? Click here for the video or read the text below. ​

------------------------------

Text of video by prof Wim de Villiers, released on 5 April 2016:

As you probably know by now, there was a case of rape reported on our Stellenbosch campus this weekend, following a similar incident earlier this year, of which we know. This is unacceptable and we need to do something about it.

The question is what? How do we as University community respond to this? Is it a security issue? That's certainly part of the picture. Stellenbosch University has done a huge amount the past few years to improve campus safety. But it is not the only dimension.

What about reporting procedures, disciplinary steps and legal processes? Again, we have very good systems in place – not flawless, certainly, but I don't think this is where the main problem is.

There seems to be a misunderstanding that security measures and criminal prosecutions can prevent rape. They can't … ultimately. They are deterrents – and it is important to cover these bases very well – but they will not fundamentally shift gender violence. 

The problem is a much broader one. It is about a prevailing attitude in society of disrespect towards of women, which is accepted as the norm. Our society as a whole has a problem in this regard, not just Stellenbosch. Our campus has the same people as we see in our schools, in our political and leadership spaces, in our shops, streets and churches. We are not isolated. We are impacted by wider society and we can impact society – this is our job. We need to shape South Africa to be a better place for everyone. 

We share the problem with our wider community, and we have a specific responsibility to address it. So, how do we do it? There is a lots happening already, in terms of information sessions to raise awareness and change mind-sets. And we have also recently appointed a high-level task team to look into gender violence and make the necessary recommendations.

But again, workshops and task teams – as important as they are – are not enough.

All of us need to take a seriously look at ourselves. We need to develop an understanding that respect for women excludes verbal abuse, sexual harassment, inappropriate jokes, catcalling and wolf-whistling.

This is a conversation that men need to have. What does it mean to be a man? How do we frame masculinity in a way that is consistent with social justice? How do we ensure there is a common understanding that men and women are entitled to the same human rights? That everyone's voice matters.

When men make sexist slurs or tolerate them, laugh at locker-room jokes or are silent in the company of offenders, they perpetuate gender violence. This is what needs to stop.

We also need men – and women – to take a stance against the objectification of women.

Our job as a University is to develop graduates that recognise and act on social injustice, people who speak back to it. We say we are committed as a university to building inclusivity, equality and social justice, and to develop graduates who can do that in society. Let's put this into practice.

Let's work together to create communities where everyone – men and women – feel safe and are not exposed to disrespect and violent crimes. We can do it if we show solidarity on this issue.

So, that's my appeal to students and staff, to the University as a whole. Let's take a stand against rape and gender violence. Let's take a stand against sexism and the objectification of women. Let's take a stand for social justice.

Three lecturers from the Department of Mathematical Sciences were lauded for their inspirational lectures by six top performing first-year students during the Vice-Rector: Teaching and Learning's First-Year Prestige Dinner on 13 April 2016.

Prof. Florian Breuer, from the Division: Mathematics in the Department of Mathematical Sciences, were nominated by three students, while Dr Dimbinaina Ralaivaosaona and Dr Paul Grobler, both from the Division: Applied Mathematics in the same department, were nominated by another three top-performing first year students.

Dr Marietjie Lutz and Dr Gareth Arnott from the Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science were also nominated, as well as Dr Johannes Kriel from the Department of Physics.

The First-Year Prestige Dinner rewards the hard work of the 2015 first-year students and at the same time highlight the role of the lecture in the achievement of this success.

The students had the following to say about their lecturers:

About Prof. Breuer

"Your lecturing style is fantastic. Instead of just showing students how to do new work, you first tried to get us to come up with our own ideas and discover new concepts ourselves. You would always encourage discussion and involvement in your lectures. A deeper understanding of Mathematics was encouraged in lectures and you often gave us extra information, which sparked interest in the subject matter."

Sarah Selkirk (Faculty of Science)

" 'n Mens het die gevoel gekry dat u dit geniet om klas te gee en dat u graag wil hê elke student moet die vak deurkom.  Meer as dit selfs: u wou hê elke student moes met 'n beter begrip van Wiskunde uitstap ná elke lesing en ek dink u het dit reggekry."

– Jacob Hugo (Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences)

"U was toegewyd om studente te help om sukses te behaal en hulle te inspireer om harder te werk.  U het geluister na elke student, ons uitgedaag met probleme, laat streef na beter dinge, en ook aangemoedig om elke dag tot die beste van ons vermoë te prestreer. Dankie vir u toewyding aan elke student en dat u my so geïnspireer het.

Julie-Anne Gerber (Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences)

About Dr Ralaivaosaona

"You surpassed my wildest hope in what I wanted in a Maths teacher. You were brilliant, funny, highly intellectually stimulating, and witty. You were not loud or demanded respect, but you definitely earned it. When you walked in the class became quite. I am convinced that the other students in my class would agree, you earned our respect, and kept it until the end."

Ruan Viljoen (Faculty of Engineering)

"I would like to thank you for a wonderful year of Engineering Mathematics. Your energy and your enthusiasm for the subject made the lectures a joy. You motivated me to excel in this module, and with some hard work, I achieved beyond what I could have hoped for."

René Spoerer (Faculty of Engineering)

About Dr Paul Grobler

"Another enjoyable part of the lectures was the friendly informality you portrayed which made the subject much more relatable. Many other lecturers did not come close to the level of enthusiasm that was present in your lectures either – it was always inspiring to see how exciting the work was made to appear."

Lodevicus van Niekerk (Faculty of Science)

About Dr Johannes Kriel

"What I found most enjoyable about your teaching was the absolute lack of any noticeable favouritism towards the students. You were willing to put effort into helping all students as long as they provided you with answerable questions or at least showed that they wanted to learn about this strange beast called Physics."

Matthew Greenwood (Faculty of Science)

About Dr Marietjie Lutz

 "Doktor se sin vir humor het dit ook makliker gemaak om vroeg op 'n Donderdagoggend agtuur klas by te woon. Dit, tesame met dokter se produktiewe lesings, was 'n groot motiveerder. Laastens het jy ons aangemoedig om nooit op te gee nie en om ingestel te wees om altyd iets te probeer leer."

Nina Truter (Faculty of Science)

About Dr Gareth Arnott

"Your passion for what you do is so inspiring and motivating and there is never a dull moment in your classes. You are a marvelous lecturer, although the term 'teacher' is more accurate. I have never been intimidated to ask a question due to your approachable and friendly nature and your ability to sympathize with your students is remarkable." – Emma

Emma van der Merwe (Faculty of AgriSciences)

​​Representatives of the asset management industry in South Africa gathered in Stellenbosch this week for the inaugural investment seminar hosted by global asset management firm Schroders in collaboration with the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science at Stellenbosch University (SU).

Covering topics such as "Recent trends and what the future holds", "Portfolio construction and return drivers – a good kick in the assets", "Is smart beta really smart? A better way of managing beta exposures" and "The challenges facing defined benefit schemes", representatives of Schroders Investment Management shared their presentations with industry representatives on Tuesday 5 April and postgraduate students on Wednesday 6 April.

Prof Willie Conradie, chair of the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, said that it had been a privilege and immensely valuable to listen to the different speakers and benefit from their knowledge and experience.

"Asset managers at Schroders base their investment decisions on advanced theoretical research that isn't common practice yet in South Africa. This type of interaction with international asset managers has the potential to greatly influence the asset management practice in South Africa in a very positive way."

This seminar is one of the initiatives flowing from an agreement between SU and Schroders' Multi-asset Investments and Portfolio Solutions (MAPS) division. The agreement also comprises postgraduate bursaries and research collaboration.

MAPS's head Stellenbosch alumnus Dr Nico Marais played a pivotal part in this agreement. He met with university representatives last year and was immediately receptive to the idea of collaborating with his alma mater, also drawing in his company and other connections. He was also one of the speakers at this week's event.

The inaugural seminar was opened by Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-chancellor of SU. He welcomed everyone and said that the level of interest in this initiative indicates that there is a definite need for collaborations of this nature, bringing academia and the private sector together in the public interest.

Prof De Villiers explained that universities worldwide are being faced with financial challenges.

"A major reason for this is the on-going fiscal restraints that are applied to higher education by national governments. Coupled with this, corporate and donor contributions started shrinking in the wake of the global financial crisis of 2007/8.

"The unfortunate consequence is that at exactly the moment when extreme pressure is experienced to broaden access to higher education, the funds to achieve exactly that seem to be lacking."

That is why he particularly welcomed the financial assistance in the form of 40 postgraduate bursaries for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

"This initiative will also contribute enormously to the expansion of the research capacity in and the research output of our Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, which is the only university department in the country combining the three major disciplines in this field – Statistics, Actuarial Science and Financial Risk Management – in a single department. This creates unique opportunities for multidisciplinary research with real-world applications."

He went further to say that the challenge of funding offers opportunities in that it pushes the institution towards partnerships with parties whose missions coincide with that of the University.

"Our partnership with Schroders is a case in point. It brings together industry and academic experts to collaborate on research that both expands academic knowledge and enhances the delivery of investment outcomes by investment professionals. It is amazing to be part of such a forward-thinking initiative. We are excited about the potential and trust that this is merely the beginning of a long term partnership with Schroders."

Schroders has been in business for more than 200 years, manages assets of approximately $461.1 billion, employs over 3700 people and has offices in 28 different companies. Gavin Ralston, Head of Official Institutions at Schroders, explained that they regard this type of partnership as being very important to them as representatives of a successful business in the private sector.

"We want to support the education of the next generation of South African students and we're very proud of this partnership," he added.

What the agreement between Schroders and SU entails:

Schroders, Lombard Insurance Company (a UK-based gobal insurance company and one of Schroder's strategic partners) as well as individual contributors will:

• Provide 40 full postgraduate bursaries over a two year period in the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science as well as in the wider Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, with preference being given to students coming from disadvantaged backgrounds;
• Offer twenty R20 000 awards for the best research proposals in finance;
• Support joint research projects on new topics as well as further research on existing MAPS papers;
• Establish an investment forum for students aimed at debating trends in investment management and;
• Fund a yearly high-profile investment seminar featuring international experts.

More about Schroders:

Schroders has developed under stable ownership for over 200 years and long-term thinking governs their approach to investing, building client relationships and growing our business. They manage £313.5 billion (US$462.1 billion) on behalf of institutional and retail investors, financial institutions and high net worth clients from around the world. They employ over 3,700 people worldwide operating from 38 offices in 28 different countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. They also have a relatively recent presence in South Africa and manages assets to the value of R8 billion for South African clients.

Photo:

Mr David King (Schroders), Dr John McLauglin (Schroders), Prof Wim De Villiers (SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor), Dr Nico Marais (Schroders; Head of MAPS), Prof Niel Krige (Chairperson of the SU Development Office), Mr Matthias Schreiber (Schroders), Prof Willie Conradie (Head: Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science) and Dr Kevin Kneafsey (Schroders). Fotograaf: Anton Jordaan

Today (7 April 2016) is World Health Day with a special focus on diabetes. In an opinion piece published in Cape Times, Prof Faadiel Essop of the Department of Physiological Sciences at Stellenbosch University offers some advice on how to curb the disease.

• Read the complete article below or click here to read it as published.
  

Lifestyle changes key in curbing diabetes

Faadiel Essop

The prevalence of diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate in especially low- and middle-income countries. Type 2 diabetes, typically mediated by, among others, genetics and family history, excess body weight and sedentary lifestyles, makes up the great majority of such cases. There is also a strong link between increased body weight and the onset of Type 2 diabetes. A recent study even projected that obesity prevalence will continue to rise globally over the next decade. The rise in Type 2 diabetes cases requires urgent attention as people with this condition are at greater risk for heart attacks, strokes and blindness.         

Although this may seem all doom-and-gloom, diabetes can be treated. It should be regularly monitored and can be managed by various drug regimens prescribed by physicians. Significant lifestyle changes as well as a balanced diet can also help in this regard. It is also important to reduce the daily calorie intake by roughly eating 20% less per meal.  Alternatively, regular fasting – one or two days per week – may also be an option although this may be much harder to consistently maintain over a prolonged period. Individuals with diabetes should consult with their physicians before adopting such initiatives.

In the battle against diabetes there has been an increased focus on the high intake of added sugars in our diets typically found in processed foods such as sugar-sweetened beverages (soft drinks, fruit juices, energy drinks).

The Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan, earlier this year indicated the introduction of a "sugar tax'' that will come into effect during 2017. The details of this tax still remain unclear but it is likely South Africa will follow the example of countries such as Mexico that introduced a similar initiative in 2014. This step was taken as around 70% of Mexicans are overweight or obese together with a high prevalence of Type 2 diabetes and a relatively high intake of added sugars derived from soft drinks.

Early data show that one year after the introduction of the "sugar tax'' in Mexico, sales of sugary beverages declined by 12% with a concomitant increase in the selling of bottled water. The counter-argument is sometimes made that such a tax represents the behaviour of a nanny-state and that one cannot lay the blame for increased obesity prevalence at the doorstep of a single nutrient such as higher sugar intake.  The issue is indeed more complex and excess, overall caloric intake is a vital component of the problem.

However, mounting research findings demonstrate that the consumption of relatively high amounts of added sugar can damage the body. In Britain a different approach is followed and the tax is instead levied on the manufacturer thus not directly raising the costs of sugary drinks.  In addition, such a tax is related to the degree of sugar content found within sugary drinks and thus the onus shifts to the manufacturer to lower sugar content in order to pay fewer taxes. 

The key to healthy living is therefore one of moderation and as discussed a good start would be to eat a little less (try and establish this as a new habit), adopt a balanced eating plan such as the well-proven Mediterranean diet, lower added sugar intake (especially sugary drinks) and aim to do around 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per day for most of the week.  This mantra should also be rolled out to persons without diabetes (young and old) as the early adoption of suitable lifestyle choices in terms of diet and activity levels is likely to pay ''health dividends'' later-on in life.    

 *Prof Faadiel Essop lectures in the Department of Physiological Sciences at Stellenbosch University where his research team is investigating the link between diabetes and the onset of heart diseases.

Photo: CareWorld

Prof Sandra Liebenberg, HF Oppenheimer Chair in Human Rights Law and Distinguished Professor at Stellenbosch University's (SU) Faculty of Law, has been elected to serve on the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights on Wednesday 6 April 2016.

In a single round of secret balloting, the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) elected Prof Liebenberg and the Egyptian candidate Mohamed Ezzeldin Abdel-Moneim as candidates representing the African States on the Committee. The other candidates were Marc France Eddy Balancy of Mauritius and Mohamed Ould Lagdaf Ould Boya of Mauritania.

Prof Liebenberg was nominated by the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in recognition of her "extensive experience in human rights law, particularly in the area of economic, social and cultural rights". Professor Liebenberg will commence her term on the 1^st of January 2017.

The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is an organ of ECOSOC. It is composed of 18 independent experts, persons of high moral character with recognised competence in the field of human rights and more particularly in the field of economic, social and cultural rights. Members are elected for a term of four years by ECOSOC member states. Committee members serve in their personal capacity and may be re-elected, if nominated, for an additional 4-year term. In accordance with ECOSOC Resolution 1985/17, in regard to the composition of the Committee, due consideration must be given to equitable geographical distribution and to the representation of different forms of social and legal systems.

More about Prof Liebenberg.

Prof Liebenberg is academic co-director of the Faculty's post-graduate Socio-economic Rights and Administrative Justice Research Project (SERAJ). She is one of a handful of recipients of the degree of Doctor of Laws from the University of the Witwatersrand conferred on 18 July 2011. Prof Liebenberg was promoted to Distinguished Professor in 2015.

She previously served as a member of the Technical Committee advising the Constitutional Assembly on the Bill of Rights in the 1996 Constitution of South Africa.  

In 1997, she founded and directed the Socio-Economic Rights Project based at the Community Law Centre (University of the Western Cape) where she was involved in research, advocacy and supporting litigation in the area of socio-economic rights. In this capacity she was involved in the Centre's amicus curiae interventions in the groundbreaking cases of Government of South Africa v Grootboom and Minister of Health and Others v Treatment Action Campaign and Others. 

Since taking up her current position at Stellenbosch University, she has acted as expert advisor and assisted in drafting heads of argument and amici submissions for various NGOs involved in a range of significant socio-economic rights cases.  

She serves on the editorial board of the South African Journal on Human Rights, the African Human Rights Law Journal, the Human Rights Law Journal and Speculum Juris. She is also Chairperson of the Board of the NGO, SERI (Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa) and a member of the Advisory Board of the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (CASAC).   

Professor Liebenberg has published widely in the field of socio-economic rights, and is the author of the book entitled Socio-Economic Rights: Adjudication under a Transformative Constitution (2010, Juta & Co). 

Thursday's Varsity Athletics final in Stellenbosch served as the perfect curtain-raiser for the SA Senior Track and Field Championships as athletes gave the crowd a taste of what they can expect next week.

The country's top athletes will be targeting national titles and Olympic qualifying marks at the national championships to be held at Coetzenburg on 15 and 16 April.

If ever there was any doubt that the men's long jump competition is one of the strongest events in South Africa, then Ruswahl Samaai of UJ settled the matter with his 8.20m jump at the Varsity Athletics meet in Stellenbosch on 7 April. Samaai led a UJ clean sweep in the long jump, with Dylan Cotter second (7.76m) and Peter Makgato third (7.48m), and showed that there will be a fierce battle for the available Olympic spots.

Another big draw card on the night was Pukke athlete Caster Semenya, who powered to a 53.16s win in the 400m. Semenya is looking for fast times at the national championships where she will be doing the 400m/800m double.

Maties' Justine Palframan, who won the 200m at the UJ leg of Varsity Athletics, had to withdraw from the 400m on Thursday due to an injury scare. However, Maties' Shaun de Jager withstood strong competition to win the 400m for men, completing the race in 46.35s.

The "grudge" match-up between Gezelle Magerman (Tuks) and Jean-Maré Senekal (Maties) in the 400m hurdles lived up to its billing as not even half a second separated the two. At the UJ leg on 18 March, a stumble before the final hurdle cost Magerman the win but this time round she left nothing to chance, winning the race in 58.52s to Senekal's 58.86s.

Other podium highlights for Maties include Karla Bronn (silver – high jump), Cameron Donkin (silver – discus), Janke van Wyk (silver – 100m hurdles), Kwezi Mtoba (silver – triple jump), Marcel Maree (bronze – high jump), Nienka du Toit (bronze – shotput) and Samantha Pretorius (bronze – long jump).

The women's relay team of Senekal, Van Wyk, Shannon Arendse and Pretorius took silver in the 4x100m relay event.

Since the inception of Varsity Athletics, the University of Pretoria has won the overall competition. In 2015 they had to share the spoils with Pukke. This time, though, UJ came up trumps with a total of 15 510 points to the 15 298 points of the defending champions. Pukke had to settle for third (15 173 points). 

​

​Prof Sandra Liebenberg, HF Oppenheimer Chair in Human Rights Law and Distinguished Professor at Stellenbosch University's (SU) Faculty of Law, has been elected to serve on the prestigious United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights on Wednesday 6 April 2016.

The Committee is an important international mechanism for defending and promoting economic, social, and cultural rights with a mandate to specifically monitor state parties' fulfillment of their obligations under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).

In a single round of secret balloting, the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) elected Liebenberg and the Egyptian candidate Mohamed Ezzeldin Abdel-Moneim as candidates representing the African States on the Committee. The other candidates were Marc France Eddy Balancy of Mauritius and Mohamed Ould Lagdaf Ould Boya of Mauritania.

Liebenberg was nominated by the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in recognition of her "extensive experience in human rights law, particularly in the area of economic, social and cultural rights". Liebenberg's term will commence on the 1^st of January 2017.

The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is an organ of ECOSOC. It is composed of 18 independent experts, persons of high moral character with recognised competence in the field of human rights and more particularly in the field of economic, social and cultural rights. Members are elected for a term of four years by ECOSOC member states. Committee members serve in their personal capacity and may be re-elected, if nominated, for an additional 4-year term. In accordance with ECOSOC Resolution 1985/17, in regard to the composition of the Committee, due consideration must be given to equitable geographical distribution and to the representation of different forms of social and legal systems.

MORE ON THE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS

Since the ratification of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, several United Nations mechanisms for enforcing and protecting economic, social, and cultural rights have emerged. One of the most important international mechanisms for defending and promoting economic, social, and cultural rights is the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights whose mandate is to specifically monitor state parties' fulfillment of their obligations under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). Articles 16 and 17 of the ICESCR require states to prepare reports every five years on the situation of economic, social, and cultural rights in their country, which are reviewed by the Committee. It examines the extent to which economic, social, and cultural rights are being achieved by state parties, serves as a base for formulating policies that promote economic, social, and cultural rights via General Comments, and allows the public to learn about the work of their government concerning the achievement of these rights. The Committee reviews five or six reports every year. If a country fails to report, the Committee may review the situation in that country using alternative sources. After examining a country's report and other sources, it releases concluding observations which highlight the progress made in fulfilling the relevant rights, difficulties in achieving these rights, areas of concern, and recommendations. The Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights furthermore reviews complaints by or on behalf of individuals or groups of individuals with regard to state parties that have ratified the Optional Protocol to the ICESCR. Currently 164 states have ratified the ICESCR and 21 states have ratified the Optional Protocol. South African signed the ICESCR in 1994 and acceded to the treaty in 2015. South Africa has not yet ratified the Optional Protocol.

MORE ABOUT PROF SANDY LIEBENBERG.

Prof Liebenberg is academic co-director of the Faculty's post-graduate Socio-economic Rights and Administrative Justice Research Project (SERAJ). She is one of a handful of recipients of the degree of Doctor of Laws from the University of the Witwatersrand conferred on 18 July 2011. Prof Liebenberg was promoted to Distinguished Professor in 2015.

She previously served as a member of the Technical Committee advising the Constitutional Assembly on the Bill of Rights in the 1996 Constitution of South Africa.  

In 1997, she founded and directed the Socio-Economic Rights Project based at the Community Law Centre (University of the Western Cape) where she was involved in research, advocacy and supporting litigation in the area of socio-economic rights. In this capacity she was involved in the Centre's amicus curiae interventions in the groundbreaking cases of Government of South Africa v Grootboom and Minister of Health and Others v Treatment Action Campaign and Others. 

Since taking up her current position at Stellenbosch University, she has acted as expert advisor and assisted in drafting heads of argument and amici submissions for various NGOs involved in a range of significant socio-economic rights cases.  

She serves on the editorial board of the South African Journal on Human Rights, the African Human Rights Law Journal, the Human Rights Law Journal and Speculum Juris. She is also Chairperson of the Board of the NGO, SERI (Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa) and a member of the Advisory Board of the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (CASAC).   

Professor Liebenberg has published widely in the field of socio-economic rights, and is the author of the book entitled Socio-Economic Rights: Adjudication under a Transformative Constitution (2010, Juta & Co). 

​