The Centre for Learning Technologies (CLT) took Siyanqoba crèche in Kayamandi under its wing in 2016. The friendship started with the Centre staff painting the building and providing learning supplies during an outreach in December 2016. Then, with the big storm in June 2017, the building sustained wind damage and, with the help of Stellenbosch University, a Wendy house was constructed where the previous building had been – under the watchful eye of Zainab Suliman, Operations Manager at the CLT.  Mandela Day, this past July was a day when the team at CLT was able to get to know one other better, as well as the teachers and children at Siyanqoba, by making memories and giving back to the community while keeping the spirit of Nelson Mandela alive. This friendship was strenghted with the Christmas party held there by the staff of CLT for Siyanqoba and the most recent Valentine's Day visit. 

​The following article by Prof Mark Swilling, Distinguished Professor of Sustainable Development at Stellenbosch University, was published by The Conversation on 19 February 2018:

The state of the nation speech delivered by South Africa's new president Cyril Ramaphosa was designed to project an image of hope and change. The new head of state emphasised the fight against corruption, improved governance of state owned enterprises, expropriation of land without compensation and the rebuilding of the manufacturing sector.

But Ramaphosa and his incoming team are probably well aware that they face the challenge of rebuilding the institutions that were destroyed during the Jacob Zuma area. This is confirmed by references to the appointment of a new board for the power utility Eskom and a commission of inquiry into the South African Revenue Services.

The challenge that will face Ramaphosa's administration is how to rebuild the institutions as the centrepiece of a new economic policy. The problem is that institution building and economic policy making in South Africa have, until now, been kept separate. Institution building is about rule making and governance. Economic policy is about maintaining macroeconomic stability. The groups of experts who cluster around these two focus areas find it hard to understand each other. This will have to change if Ramaphosa's promises are to be realised.

Going forward it will be necessary to address institutional reform as an economic strategy.

• Read the entire article here​. 
  
  

The Telematics Project was initiated in 2009 as an intervention that sought to improve the Grade 12 year-end results of the participating schools. This has expanded to include Grades 10 and 11 with a total of 821 schools around South Africa are benefitting from the interactive afternoon satellite broadcasts of additional lessons, which focus on difficult concepts in nine key subjects. They are broadcast from a studio on the Stellenbosch University (SU) campus as part of the telematics service offered by the Centre for Learning Technologies.  The WCED schools have also been able to sign-up to stream these broadcasts via YouTube if they have sufficient broadband.

The extra classes are all arranged and scheduled by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) in line with the country-wide curriculum. The presenters explain core concepts and address problem areas in which learners had experienced difficulties in previous examinations. The whole curriculum is thus not dealt with during the broadcasts.

Learners are able to respond to or ask questions of the presenter in the studio via an interactive webpage, by SMS or on WhatsApp. Through the Telematic Schools website, teachers can also download all the presentations and other resources, the subject workbooks, which can be used during the broadcasts, as well as the broadcast schedule.

A monitoring and evaluation plan is part of this project. The survey has been conducted seven times in the three Cape provinces, although not all concurrently, and over the course of the eleven surveys feedback was received from 39 303 learners.

​​

The ultimate goal of the invention is to increase the year-end results of the Grade 12 learners, and the improvement in the pass rate of the telematics-supported schools as a group is demonstrated by the decrease in the number of underperforming schools.

From the evaluation process it is clear that the positive impact increases over time, with a better average improvement the longer a school is part of the project. Although the good 2017 results of these schools cannot be attributed only to the telematics intervention, it can be assumed that the Telematic Support Project did play a significant role, particularly when considered against the positive feedback received from both the learners and the teachers.

​The Telematics Schools Project is an intervention that seeks to improve the Grades 10 through 12 year-end results of participating schools via the interactive satellite platform of the Stellenbosch University Telematics Division. The project is a partnership between the Centre for Learning Technologies at Stellenbosch University and the Western Cape Education Department, which is making the service available to the learners at no cost. A total of 821 schools are now taking part in this project, of which 43 are sponsored.

The project has grown since the pilot project in 2009 to 100 broadcast hours per year, covering nine key subjects. The presenters explain core concepts and address problem areas in which learners had experienced difficulty in previous examinations. All the broadcast are available on DVD or as part of the online video library, which is a powerful tool the teachers can use for exam revision.

Technology is used to create an online community for the learners and teachers. The Telematic Schools website, www.sun.ac.za/school , is the core of the project. Each school is issued a unique username and password, which gives it access to the subject workbooks, the presenters' PowerPoint presentations and the broadcast schedule. A major factor in the success of the project is the dynamic interaction that can take place between the presenters, working from the broadcast studio at Stellenbosch University, and the learners watching via satellite or live Internet streaming all over South Africa. The learners can ask questions via an interactive web page (ite.sun.ac.za/school ), SMS (31498) or WhatsApp (083 792 1239). The Telematic Schools Project Facebook page is used to keep the schools informed of updates and alerts. 

In addition, a low-data communication tool provided by D6-technologies will roll out in March 2018.  Principals and the Telematic champions in each school with receive news and alerts directly on their mobile phones or desktops with this technology.

That start of 2018 also saw the launch of the first Telematic Schools newsletter, which hopes to build a closer Telematic Schools community. 

​​​

​Mr George Steyn and Mr Huber Brody will serve as members of the Stellenbosch University (SU) Council for the term 2 April 2018 to 1 April 2022. 

In accordance with paragraph 15 of the Stellenbosch University (SU)  Statute, the donors of the University had been informed on 9 January 2018 that the terms of Mr GM (George) Steyn and Prof PW van der Walt, who had been elected on the Council by the donors, would end on 1 April 2018 and that nominations for these two vacant positions needed to be submitted to the Registrar by 24 January 2018.

As only two nominations were received, that of Mr GM (George) Steyn and Mr HR (Hubert) Brody, they are now regarded as elected by the donors of SU for the term 2 April 2018 to 1 April 2022.

• ​Photos: Hubert Brody (photo supplied) and George Steyn (photographer: Anton Jordaan).
  

SA swimmers Erin Gallagher, Rebecca Meder and Ayrton Sweeney produced thrilling action at the SA Swimming Grand Prix held at Coetzenburg over the weekend, while Maties Swimming's Emma Chelius and Inge Weidemann won three medals each at this prestigious event.

Maties student Chelius – who is preparing for the Commonwealth Games – won silver in the 50m freestyle as well as the 50m butterfly and bronze in the 100m freestyle, while Rhenish High learner Inge – who is preparing for the Youth Olympic trials – won silver in in the 100m freestyle and bronze in the 200m freestyle as well as the 50m butterfly.

Other Maties who achieved podium places were Naudé Opperman (bronze; 100m freestyle), Reece Whitaker (bronze; 50m breaststroke), Stephano Roodt (bronze; 400m freestyle), Kiara Noades (silver; 200m backstroke), Max Kieser (bronze; 50m butterfly) and Bryce Pendock (bronze; 50m freestyle).

Twelve members of the team selected to represent South Africa at the Commonwealth Games in Australia in April participated in the annual event.

Cameron van der Burgh, Michael Houlie and Sweeney – who set three meet records – produced some of the best performances in the men's races, while Gallagher, Chelius, Kaylene Corbett and Emily Visagie performed well in the women's races.

With the Commonwealth Games coming up, the swimmers used this opportunity to fine tune their performances in a race and to gauge where they stand with their training.

The swimmers will compete in an outdoor pool at the Commonwealth Games, so this was good preparation in that regard, said Pierre de Roubaix, swimming head coach and sport manager at Stellenbosch University.​

It is that exciting time of the year again. Stellenbosch University's Maties Homecoming Weekend for alumni is taking place from 1 to 5 March 2018 on our picturesque Stellenbosch Campus, and this year promises to be extra special as SU commemorates its Centenary year. We have planned various events especially for Maties. So here's your chance to reconnect with old friends, to relive those wonderful student days and to participate in a range of fun and exciting activities taking place at your alma mater.

Here is a snapshot of what to look forward to:

On 1 March you can join fellow alumni for an art walk through scenic Stellenbosch to celebrate community and art, and partake in an evening of delightful sights and sounds. Last stop on the walk will be the SU Museum in Ryneveld Street for cocktails, canapés and light entertainment, so do not miss out.

On 2 March, you will be treated to an evening of outstanding entertainment filled with music and wonderful surprises at the special Homecoming Centenary Concert. Artists include the SU Jazz Band, Laurika Rauch, Gloria Bosman, Tim Moloi, Coenie de Villiers, Valiant Swart, the world-renowned Stellenbosch University Choir, Arno Carstens, Brandon October, as well as J'Something and Micasa. There is certainly something for everyone to enjoy.

The festivities continue on 3 March at the Homecoming Fun Run Veldtrap met Woorde at Coetzenburg. Bring your family, your friends and your pets. Come fill your lungs with fresh air and stretch your legs. Run, jog or walk along some of Stellenbosch's most scenic mountain trails.

Also on 3 March, you can enjoy some extra family time at the Family Day from 10:00 onwards. Expect a festive day of live music, delicious food and first-class entertainment spread over two stages. Bring your own chairs and blankets and settle in before the start of the open-air concerts. Come and join in for a joyful and safe family day with stalls, a carnival for the little ones, and a beer and wine tent for adults.

On Monday, 5 March, sport enthusiasts can look forward to a riveting game of rugby when SU's Maties Rugby team and UCT's Ikeys go head to head at the Danie Craven Stadium. You are most welcome to visit the special alumni tent at Die Stal before and after the game for drinks. All proceeds will go to the Maties4Maties Bursary Fund. Tickets for the match are available at www.varsitycup.co.za.

Monday, 5 March, will also see a lively series of discussions facilitated by Tim du Plessis in partnership with the Frederick Van Zyl Slabbert Institute for Student Leadership. Some of the topics to be discussed include the ethics of heart transplants; euthanasia and the right to choose; gender, religion and the arts; youth and youth unemployment; the fourth industrial revolution; and a host of current topical issues. Remember to reserve your seat for these discussions as space is limited.

For those of you who would like to enjoy Stellenbosch beyond 5 March, there is much more to do. Stay for more Woordfees shows (with special alumni discounts on a wide selection of shows), see the action at the Dagbreek Street Mile Festival on 6 March, or attend Sonop Residence's reunion on 10 March. Please support SU's Rector, Prof Wim de Villiers, and a team of 100 alumni and friends on 11 March at the Cape Town Cycle Tour as they cycle 109 km to raise money for Maties bursaries as part of the SU's Centenary activities.

Please visit www.matiesalumni.com for more information on how to book for all these events. Follow SU on the various social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, for regular updates on more exciting events and the latest information on all our activities throughout this special Centenary year.

A welcoming area for alumni will be set up at the SU Museum, 52 Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch, during Homecoming Weekend. Please visit us there and collect your special complimentary commemorative Centenary alumni pin.

In addition, you as an SU alumnus will receive a special discount on selected Woordfees shows in 2018 as part of SU's centenary activities. Simply input your SU number when making your booking via Computicket.

• Photo: Karen Bruns, Senior Director: Development & Alumni Relations and Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector & Vice-Chancellor. (Phtoographer: Stefan Els)
  

“Anyone can get a degree. But not everyone can get to the top."

Addressing postgraduate students and staff at Stellenbosch University's (SU) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (Tygerberg Campus), Prof Jonathan Jansen, who holds the position of distinguished professor in the SU's Faculty of Education and also serves as a mentor to postgraduate students, posed a pertinent question: 'Why do so few postgraduate students rise to the top?'

The talk meandered between a lecture and a conversation, giving rise to some food for thought about what constitutes proper and persistent critical thinking in a time when South Africa's decolonisation project had gained what some would say constitutes 'considerable' momentum.

Jansen ventured that often, postgraduate students don't rise to the top of their fields because they haven't learned how to employ the tools necessary to engage critically with literature or thought leadership of the day. “Take for example, the notion of decolonisation. People seem to be going along with this – recognising that its origins go way back to the anti-colonial movement – but trying to bring it over into the context of a democratic state."

While his talk did not specifically address aspects of existing pedagogical limitations around teaching strategies, Jansen did argue that many a postgraduate student tends to engage in 'tribal thinking' because they are 'so dependent on and respectful of authority'. This, he said, leads to an inability to develop own (critical) thoughts.

Jansen further emphasised that successful postgraduate students are those who can project their thinking beyond their native country: “I hope you're ambitious. In my books, you have to leave a place in order to really achieve things and be at the top of your game."  He said that studying abroad allows one to stretch your imagination beyond where you are at any given moment, as it involves getting used to a different way of being taught and studying.

He further emphasised the importance of developing the capacity to doubt. “Don't just go with the flow.

Jansen said critical thinking and empathy is often hampered by the fear of engaging in difficult discourse, especially in the medical arena. “Graduate students who have the capacity to think empathetically … especially in the medical and health sciences fields, will be especially successful because they recognise a type of commitment to a patient that does not care whether that person is rich or poor or from their 'tribe' or not," he said.

He challenged postgraduate medical and health sciences students to think past set perimeters. “South Africa is a country of 'now'. We are obsessed with learning the rules of the assessment game … that distorts the purpose of what a university is about. Instead we should be thinking: How do I break through it? How will what I do now, make a big difference in a few years' time?"

Magda Fourie-Malherbe is professor of Higher Education Studies. She holds qualifications from the University of the Free State and Stellenbosch University, and has worked for 30 years at various public higher education institutions in South Africa as a researcher, lecturer, supervisor and higher education manager. Her research includes work on higher education governance, leadership and management, teaching and learning, and transformation.

​Teaching and Learning Seminar: Prof Magda Fourie-Malherbe

The Vice-Rector (Learning and Teaching) cordially invites you to a seminar entitled: Rethinking academic leadership in a managerialist context: the importance of the collegium, the collective, and an ethic of care, on 14 March 2018.  The seminar will be presented by prof Magda Fourie-Malherbe of the Centre for Higher and Adult Education in the Faculty of Education.

Magda Fourie-Malherbe is professor of Higher Education Studies. She holds qualifications from the University of the Free State and Stellenbosch University, and has worked for 30 years at various public higher education institutions in South Africa as a researcher, lecturer, supervisor and higher education manager. Her research includes work on higher education governance, leadership and management, teaching and learning, and transformation.

The seminar will explore how changing international and national contexts are affecting institutional policies and practices, and argue that, as a result, academic leaders have to give more consideration to protecting the integrity of academic work, involving the collective and adopting an ethic of care.  This line of thought was initially introduced at a 2016 Auxin presentation on academic leadership, and subsequently further developed through, amongst others, the deliberations of the Academic Leadership Focused Interest Group (AL FIG). Potential research projects identified by the AL FIG at the end of 2017 will be suggested for consideration and discussion by the seminar participants.

Date: Wednesday 14 March 2018

Time: 12:45-13:45

Venue: Room 3008, Education Building, Ryneveld Street

Refreshments will be served from 12:30. Please indicate any special dietary requirements.

RSVP by 9 March 2018
Patsy van de Rheede
Tel: 021 808 3563
E-mail: pvrheede@sun.ac.za

Teaching and Learning Seminar: Prof Magda Fourie-Malherbe

The Vice-Rector (Learning and Teaching) cordially invites you to a seminar entitled: Rethinking academic leadership in a managerialist context: the importance of the collegium, the collective, and an ethic of care, on 14 March 2018.  The seminar will be presented by prof Magda Fourie-Malherbe of the Centre for Higher and Adult Education in the Faculty of Education.

Magda Fourie-Malherbe is professor of Higher Education Studies. She holds qualifications from the University of the Free State and Stellenbosch University, and has worked for 30 years at various public higher education institutions in South Africa as a researcher, lecturer, supervisor and higher education manager. Her research includes work on higher education governance, leadership and management, teaching and learning, and transformation.

The seminar will explore how changing international and national contexts are affecting institutional policies and practices, and argue that, as a result, academic leaders have to give more consideration to protecting the integrity of academic work, involving the collective and adopting an ethic of care.  This line of thought was initially introduced at a 2016 Auxin presentation on academic leadership, and subsequently further developed through, amongst others, the deliberations of the Academic Leadership Focused Interest Group (AL FIG). Potential research projects identified by the AL FIG at the end of 2017 will be suggested for consideration and discussion by the seminar participants.

Date: Wednesday 14 March 2018

Time: 12:45-13:45

Venue: Room 3008, Education Building, Ryneveld Street

Refreshments will be served from 12:30. Please indicate any special dietary requirements.

RSVP by 9 March 2018
Patsy van de Rheede
Tel: 021 808 3563
E-mail: pvrheede@sun.ac.za

“The voice of the student should never be underestimated." This is what Anthony Andrews, Speaker of the Student Parliament and chairperson, emphasised on Wednesday 21 February at the #FirstImpressions event held at the Stellenbosch University Museum.

The discussion was organised by the Academic Affairs Council – whose primary responsibility is to represent and protect the academic affairs of students at Stellenbosch University (SU) – and saw students and a panel of representatives from various University divisions engaging with one another. The aim of #FirstImpressions was to foster dialogue about students' impressions of SU and the issues affecting them, with key themes being inclusivity, representation and student support.

One of the panellists, Ms Christelle Feyt, Senior Director: Prospective Students, reiterated the importance of SU's strategic message, which calls for the creation of a more inclusive and diverse campus: “One of the challenges the University faces is creating enough space for more vulnerable students who are faced with dire financial circumstances and who come from backgrounds where they had very little to no access to educational resources before they came to SU."

Another concern voiced by students related to the lack of affordable accommodation and financial assistance for those who could not afford student housing on campus. Dr Celeste Nel, Head: Admissions and Residence Placement, assured students that strategic measures were being put in place to alleviate this problem. “The intent is there to make sure that more students can be accommodated on campus, however the reality is that there is not enough affordable accommodation or even logistical space for all students in Stellenbosch. We are working on prioritizing the needs of particularly those students who live very far from campus, but there are still challenges, which we hope to resolve over time," explained Dr Nel.

The discussions made it clear that there was a definite need to foster an inclusive environment at SU and to continually create opportunities for dialogue such as #FirstImpressions.

The discussion also marked the last day of the #FirstImpressions exhibition – a collaborative project with the University Museum, inspired by the idea of a wishing well. The hands-on, evolving art installation served not only as an introduction to the Museum for newcomer first-years, but also the entire SU community, alumni and the general public.

During the preceding month, everyone visiting the exhibition received a tag. They were asked to write their first impression of Stellenbosch on one side and their hopes and dreams for Stellenbosch for the next 100 years on the reverse. These wishes could then be thrown into the 'well' on the first floor of the Museum. 

​"During my childhood, my father told me interesting things, such as how clouds are formed. He always explained the most ordinary things from a scientific point of view and I found that so interesting!" says Madelein Louw. With an average of 89.92% she was the recipient of the Engineering Council of South Africa's (ECSA)  medal of merit awarded annually to the Matie Engineering student with the best average over four years of study.

"Even during my early years at school, I had a great love for mathematics and science. Later, I discovered that engineering offers the best and most exciting profession in that field," she explains.

"I chose industrial engineering, because I like to lead a team. I also like optimising everything or doing it as quickly and efficiently as possible. I am really annoying in that regard! I realised that my natural driving force is actually something which makes industrial engineers invaluable."

To what does she attribute her success that she was awarded this prestigious medal? She replies: "I am a bit of an over-achiever and battle to do something only half measure. This has helped me a lot. I also learned through my study career to maintain good time management. I have always tried to make time for friends, family, sports and relaxation. I realised early: the more you have to do, the more you get done. It was also good to have something nice to do now and then, such as mountain climbing or cycling, as this made my studying so much more productive. During the four years at Stellenbosch I did the Argus as well as the 947 cycling races and climbed as many mountains in the Western Cape as possible. The fact that I had good support from family and friends and was happy, also helped a lot. You cannot work or learn if you are unhappy!"

Madelein's advice to first-year students is: "Invest enough time in your relationships, health and relaxation. Balance is the answer. Any bad thing or time is always temporary. Do not ever compare yourself with others. There will always be someone better or smarter than you are. Just give your best, and if you happen to come first or second, it is a bonus."

Madelein is currently working at Sasol in Secunda. She is really enjoying her new job. "It is really nice here, not as bad as some predicted! I am fortunate that I received a bursary from Sasol and am now included in Sasol's Graduate Development Program." She says that the skills she needs, and is learning along the way, are interpersonal relationships, effective acquisition of relevant information and good basic logic. "I am really being challenged and I am learning a lot," she concludes.

Photo: Madelein Louw, ECSA Medal winner.

When planning the 2018 Woordfees two issues became immediately clear:

i) Stellenbosch cannot host a festival that exacerbates the district's water crisis and

ii) the town cannot afford to cancel the festival – the economic impact would be  extensive. 

The Woordfees provides work for more than 600 people during the festival – this number excludes the performing musicians and artists. The loss to the local hospitality industry if the festival were not held, would be tremendous.

In order to alleviate the pressure on the water supply, the Woordfees in partnership with Stellenbosch University has instituted the following water saving measures:

• Waterless chemical toilets will be supplied at all venues.
• Municipal toilets will only be available in case of emergencies.

• Water to taps in public bathrooms will be shut off and waterless hand sanitizers will be made available.
• The few available emergency taps will be fitted with eco nozzles which regulate the water pressure and decreases the water flow seven times.
• As far as possible, no ice will be used to cool liquor.
• No water ballasts will be used to anchor festival tents.
• The janitorial staff will collect all half used bottles of water left behind at the festival site and ensure that this water is used in the festival grey water systems.
• Buckets will be available in the venues where showers are available.

Stellenbosch University supports the festival water saving plan and has provided financial backing for the switch to chemical toilets. The University is also providing borehole water that will be filtered and bottled. These bottles will be sold to festival goers and can be filled at no extra cost at selected water points in the central festival area. In addition to these measures, the University has undertaken to supplement the municipal water supply with borehole water.

The SU Woordfees has asked all guest houses and hotels providing festival accommodation to:

• remove plugs from and cut the water supply to baths.
• provide waterless sanitizers for guests.
• provide buckets for use in showers.

Festival goers are requested to:

• bring along enough clothing for their entire stay, so that laundry needs are minimised. 
• bring their own towels with them and to return home with them without laundering them at the festival.
• make use of the waterless chemical toilets.
• use the waterless hand sanitizers sold on the festival grounds.
• be aware of their water consumption at all times and to report any leakages to to Catherine Channing: 084 220 4006.

Festival goers who come by car from outside of the drought-stricken area, are kindly requested to:

• bring two 5l water bottles with them for washing their faces and brushing their teeth.
• if at all possible, bring water in a container or two from their own less dry areas to be absorbed into the festival's grey-water system. There will be a collection point at the Plataan, behind the SU Museum in Van Ryneveld Street.

All stallholders are urged to provide their own water during the festival and to prepare food that requires little or no water for cooking.

​Every year on 21 February, International Mother Language Day is celebrated to highlight, among others, the importance of linguistic diversity and multilingualism to help build sustainable societies.  As a multilingual institution, Stellenbosch University (SU) joins the rest of the world in these celebrations by leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that students from diverse language backgrounds are successful in their studies. Multilingualism also helps to broaden access to the US.

One of the ways in which multilingualism at SU is promoted is through the multilingual web-based subject dictionary MobiLex which helps students understand concepts used in their respective subjects. MobiLex explains subject terminology to students in Afrikaans, English and isiXhosa.

“With the MobiLex Project, emphasis is placed on multilingualism but at the same time on developing and expanding isiXhosa's vocabulary for use in schools and universities," says Dr Michele van der Merwe of SU's Department of Curriculum Studies and manager of the project.

MobiLex is currently being used in the Faculties of Education and Theology and will later be expanded to Economic and Management Sciences, Arts and Social Sciences and Natural Sciences. In 2017, the Department of Arts and Culture donated R1,52 million over three years to promote MobiLex in the Faculties of Education and Theology.

In the Faculty of Theology, current processes involve the development of concepts and definitions in Afrikaans, English and isiXhosa for all undergraduate theology modules, says Rev Nina Müller van Velden, co-ordinator of the MobiLex Project.

Dr Van der Merwe mentions that in the Faculty of Education, terminology for Intermediate and Senior Phase Mathematics Education has been added and concepts for Curriculum Studies have been included and updated. She adds that a new subject, Language Education, was drafted in Afrikaans, translated into English and has to be translated to isiXhosa.

“Students and lecturers in the Faculty are very excited about using MobiLex because it helps promote multilingualism in lectures."

Müller van Velden says they are delighted with the University Capacity Development Grant of the Department of Higher Education and Training that will enable the expansion of MobiLex to other faculties. This process started on 1 February 2018.

“The ultimate goal is for MobiLex to be used in all faculties."

Müller van Velden says a MobiLex App will be launched soon.

“Users will be able to easily navigate the subject dictionaries with ease on their smartphones and tablets without having to use any data after the initial download and installation."

The app will be updated from time to time, as further data is being developed, she adds.

In addition to the MobiLex Project, SU's Language Centre makes a valuable contribution to multilingualism by helping students to improve their language skills in isiXhosa, Engels and Afrikaans.

• In September, SU will host a Language Day. More detail on this event will be made available later.
  

A big consumer of electricity and water, the tourism accommodation industry realises it must use these scares resources more sustainably. Unfortunately, limited finances and the comfort of guests are among the factors preventing it from doing so.

This is one of the major findings of a recent study at Stellenbosch University (SU).

“The tourism accommodation industry is keen to adopt practices for the sustainable management of water and electricity but the high initial capital outlay and running cost of most sustainability initiatives, limited financial capacity to provide the resources (funds, manpower, and time) required to implement initiatives, and the comfort of guests stand in its way," says Dr Love Idahosa a postdoctoral researcher at the School of Tourism and Hospitality at the University of Johannesburg. She recently obtained her doctorate in Business Management and Administration at SU. 

Idahosa explored the understanding, perceptions, and preferences of key decision makers in the tourism accommodation industry regarding the management of water and electricity resources and environmental sustainability. Here she focused mainly on establishments in Cape Town and Stellenbosch. Idahosa also looked at the drivers of electricity consumption by using data on the daily energy consumption of 22 hotels across the country. This data was sourced from the Energy utility company Power-Star in Durbanville. In addition, she set out to identify the key challenges in terms of the adoption of sustainable practices in the accommodation industry.

According to Idahosa, there's a dearth of studies on the management of energy and water demand in the industry.

She says interviews with owners, managers and operators in the tourism accommodation industry revealed that they are quite aware of the sustainable management of water and electricity, the impact of their activities on the environment, and the role they need to play in this regard.

“They understand the meaning and applicability of environmental sustainability to their industry."

“They were, however, constrained by the financial implications of such sustainable practices (environmentally sustainable practices can be quite expensive); and most especially by the concern for not negatively interfering with the comfort experience of their guests.

“The service nature of the industry, which prioritises guests' comfort over environmental concerns, was the most debilitating challenge to implementing environmental sustainability in the establishments."

“In this industry success depends on the satisfaction of the clients."

Idahosa says it shouldn't come as a surprise that the adoption of initiatives for the sustainable management of water and electricity were low and basic at best.

She points out that the range of activities establishments have direct control over in terms of water consumption is limited.

“It's much trickier to regulate the water usage of guests, especially tourists from other countries."

According to Idahosa, global studies show that tourists use a lot more electricity and water than the local population, particularly in developing countries. This usage is set to increase in the next 25 years.

Regarding electricity usage, she says her findings suggest that certain characteristics (e.g. size of establishments) and facilities offered (e.g. restaurant) drive energy consumption up in the industry.

“Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning is most likely the largest direct driver of energy consumption in accommodation establishments."

Idahosa notes that establishments in Cape Town and Stellenbosch area are trying to reduce water and energy consumption by using water efficient showerheads, taps, toilets and urinals, as well as energy efficient lighting and notices to reuse guest linen.

“Water usage in kitchens, gardens, and laundry, and pools can be reduced. In these areas, standard household water saving recommendations will be effective."

Idahosa says accommodation establishments should use targeted messages to change the behaviour of guests in terms of water and electricity usage.

She adds that solutions to improve the adoption of sustainable consumption of water and electricity should be focused on funding and finding alternative ways to influence consumption without negatively affecting guests' comfort levels.

“Policy makers must create a more conducive environment by enacting new regulations and policies and/or amending previous ones so that it can be much easier for willing establishments to readily adopt environmental sustainability initiatives.

Idahosa says the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Grading Council should jointly promote sustainability incentives to encourage operators in the industry through subsidies for renewable energy and water saving devices, low cost pricing for efficient energy (and water), adjusting the current star grading system to award extra grades for sustainability initiatives, or assisting the industry with staff training in sustainable hospitality.

“This is crucial because the tourism accommodation industry is a vital component of the overall tourism sector and overall tourism experience and the sustainability of the positive socio-economic benefits of tourism depends – in the long run – on managing its environmental footprint and improving resource efficiency."

• Main photo: Accommodation establishment
  
• Photo 1: Dr Love Idahosa
  

FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES ONLY

Dr Love Idahosa

College of Business and Economics

School of Tourism and Hospitality

University of Johannesburg

Tel: 011 559 1042

E-mail: loveidahosa@gmail.com /  

loveoi@uj.ac.za 

        ISSUED BY

Martin Viljoen

Manager: Media

Corporate Communication

Stellenbosch University

Tel: 021 808 4921

E-mail: viljoenm@sun.ac.za

Hundreds of prospective students visited the Faculty of Education on Saturday, 24 February, as part of Stellenbosch University's annual Open Day.

They had the chance to receive information about the degrees and opportunities available to them.

“You are on the verge of making one of the most important decisions of your life," said Prof Ronelle Carolissen, Vice-dean: Learning and Teaching at one of the information sessions.

“There are many opportunities available to young people who become teachers. It opens up the world to you, both locally and abroad.

“Becoming a teacher is one of the most important things you could do. Any other profession starts with a committed teacher," she concluded.

Visit the Faculty's website for more information: www.sun.ac.za/english/faculty/education 

Six months after setting their sights on the Dusi title, sisters Jordan and Cana Peek achieved their goal.

• Photo credit: Anthony Grote
  

Earlier in February the Peeks, both members of the Maties Canoe Club, were crowned winners of the Dusi Canoe Marathon’s women’s category. They covered the distance of roughly 120 km between Pietermaritzburg and Durban in a combined time of 9 hours 45 minutes 23 seconds, 8 minutes ahead of the team in second place.

“Winning the Dusi was a surreal feeling. It only hit me two days after the event that we had achieved the goal we worked so hard for,” says Cana.

After crossing the finish line, Jordan felt overwhelmed with joy and gratitude that she could share the experience with her sister.

“We decided in July 2017 that we were going to give the Dusi a good shot. While in Stellenbosch we made time for gym to work on our strength and running as Dusi is a physically demanding race with quite a bit of portaging (carrying the canoe across land). When we got back home (Pietermaritzburg) in December we ran and paddled almost every day.”

According to the sisters, the Dusi is a great test of strength and character.

“You could be the fittest and strongest paddler on paper but when it comes to the Dusi there are so many other variables that come into play which makes the race unique in its own right. You could fall out your boat, break your boat/paddle or be affected by the dreaded Dusi guts. It’s all about making the least amount of mistakes and staying consistent throughout the three days,” adds Jordan.

Cana, who is studying towards a Sport Science degree at Stellenbosch University (SU), now has to return to the books.

“I need to catch up with my academics as the preparation for the Dusi was so intense. It was extremely difficult to juggle our training, studies and social life.”

Jordan graduated with a BA honours degree in Geography and Environmental Studies from SU in 2017.

They both love canoeing and being members of the local club.

For Cana, the best part of the Maties Canoe Club is the six-pack dam dice on Tuesdays and the friendships she’s made.

Jordan has always loved water sports and nature.

“Paddling is a way I can be outdoors and see places from a different perspective. I love how being involved in this sport allows you to make friends with similar interests. Canoeing also constantly challenges you especially when racing against such a strong and talented field of paddlers around the country.”

Other Maties Canoe Club members who participated in the Dusi were Mike Jamieson, Guy Musto, Brandon Macleod, Evan Knight, Holly Edmonds, Sarah Harries and Kerry-Ann Lyne. The Houston brothers had to withdraw due to illness.

For more information, follow the Maties Canoe Club on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, or contact club chairperson Evan Knight at evanericknight@gmail.com

​Prof Lydia-Marie Joubert, manager of the Electron Microscopy unit at the Central Analytical Facilities, received the first prize for her photo 'Microscopic Escher' in a competition of the NRF South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement in the category 'Science as Art 2017'.

 'Microscopic Escher'

The photo shows the cellular patterns of rose petals. Floral petals were imaged live, and treated with Ionic Liquid to make them conductive for electron microscopic imaging. The photograph was taken with a scanning electron microscope. Closer inspection reveals an abundance of microscopic life on the rose petal.

Stellenbosch University (SU), the Faculty of Education and the Department of Curriculum Studies mourn the passing of an outstanding mathematics lecturer, Dr Helena Wessels - a senior lecturer in mathematics education for the Foundation Phase in the B.Ed programme.

Complete translation to follow.

Sy was verantwoordelike vir modules in die B.Ed-Grondslagfase-Honneurs-program en die die B.Ed-vierdejaars. Sy was passievol oor musiek en het twee modules in musiek binne die B.Ed-program aangebied.

Dr Wessels het veral haar merk gemaak met die integrasie van tegnologie en e-leer in haar klasse en onderrigprogram terwyl sy ook van verskeie publikasies insluitende 'n boek  International Perpectives on the Teaching and Learning of Mathematical Modelling and Sense making  (2017) (Springer, New York) outeur was. Sy het ook goeie navorsingskollaborasies opgebou met kollegas in Washington, New York en Duitsland en het in  2017 aan die hoof gestaan het van die reëlingskomitee van die International Conference on the Teaching  and Modelling of Mathematics and Applications (ICTMA-2018) wat hier plaaslik gehou is.

Sy het talle toekennings ontvang en is verlede jaar deur die Universiteit gekies om die US in 2018 te verteenwoordig in die TAU Nasionale Onderriggnootskap (South African Teaching Advancement at University (TAU). Sy is verskeie kere gevra om namens die DBO werkswinkels aan te bied vir onderwysers landwyd.

Dr Wessels se dienslewering aan haar gemeenskap is breedvoerig en sy het 'n verskil gemaak op verskeie vlakke. Sy dien op die uitvoerende raad van ICTMA, die raad van die  Centre for Creative Education (CEE)  in Kaapstad,  die HRDC ( Human Resources Development Council) se staande komitee vir Wiskunde en Wetenskapsonderrig en was ook 'n lid van verskeie komitees binne die departement, die Fakulteit en die Universiteit.

Die departement Kurrikulumstudie en Fakulteit Opvoedkunde eer dr Wessels as 'n besondere mens en haar heengaan is 'n groot verlies vir die departement en die Universiteit. Haar eggenote, prof Dirk Wessels, is ook 'n buitengewone professor in Wiskunde in dieselfde departement by Stellenbosch Universiteit.

Opgestel deur prof Michael Le Cordeur, Voorsitter van die Departement Kurrikulumstudie