To get 100% in a mathematics examination and being crowned the world’s best mathematics student: now that is a remarkable feat by anyone’s standards. And this is exactly what Kurt Coetzer, a first-year Engineering student at Stellenbosch University (SU) has accomplished. 

Coetzer recently received the results of two mathematics papers he wrote towards the end of 2012 as a learner at Bay College, a small Cambridge International School in Plettenberg Bay. The school makes use of the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) curriculum as well as the Cambridge Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level curriculum. 

He explains: "All Cambridge exams are set overseas, sent all over the world to be written, and then sent back to Cambridge for marking. IGCSE exams are usually taken at the same age as a normal grade 10 pupil, and AS exams are taken at the same age as a normal matric pupil. In 2010 I wrote my IGCSE exams and got the highest mark in the country for Maths (99%) and Geography (100%). In 2011, I got the highest mark in the country for Information Technology (90%). After seeing a Cambridge matric pupil in Knysna get the highest mark in Africa for Maths (he got 97%), I decided that was something that I would like to aim for.

"Getting 100% meant accomplishing what I set out to do, to reach my goal of being so comfortable with the Cambridge AS maths syllabus that I would know how to tackle any problem, and not stress or make silly mistakes. Getting the award for having the top mark in the world was just mindblowing! It was totally unexpected."

He says he has always loved situations where you use maths to solve real life problems. "I love inventing things, and trying to customise current designs to better suit different applications. I enjoy working with things where there is a definite answer."

Coetzer says he's really enjoying his Engineering studies here at SU. "The first semester went really well, and I'm looking forward to what I'm going to be learning in this semester. I'm not here to try and break any records, I'm just here to do my best and make the most out of the awesome opportunity that I have to study at Stellenbosch University."

His advice to learners who are struggling with Maths is to not see it as a huge, impossible challenge. "If you're finding Maths a bit overwhelming, don't stress. Split up everything that you don't understand into small sets of skills. Work on mastering one new skill at a time, and don't try to do too much. Keep at this until you feel comfortable with all of the work. 

So what does this whizz kid do to relax? "I do enjoy using the spare time that I have to go mountain biking, or longboarding."

As far as the future is concerned, he says he would like to pursue a career in Engineering, either in autonomous vehicles or robotics. "There has always been something about those fields that has caught my attention."

​South Africa is one of the best places in the world for solar energy. 

This statement was reiterated a number of times during the first annual symposium presented by the Solar Thermal Energy Research Group (STERG) at Stellenbosch University (SU) on Thursday 18 July.

The symposium offered researchers in the field of solar-thermal energy the opportunity to present research that showed how concentrating solar power (CSP) technology can strengthen the electricity supply in South Africa. In particular it was demonstrated how dispatch-able electricity from a CSP plant can replace expensive peaking gas turbines to supply electricity in the peak evening hours at half the cost. Other students discussed new proposals on solar thermal energy storage and receiver systems. The event was attended by STERG members, students, funders and industry representatives.

STERG is funded by Sasol, Eskom and the Department Science and Technology. It undertakes research in cooperation with the Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies (CRSES) with a focus on developing technologies and mathematical models for concentrating solar power (CSP) systems.

Prof Detlev Kröger, Senior Researcher and Emeritus Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering at SU, delivered the keynote address.

The title of his presentation was: An introduction to the SUNSPOT cycle. The Stellenbosch University Solar Power Thermodynamic (SUNSPOT) cycle uses solar power to generate electricity during the day and stores hot air in a thermal storage facility for power generation at night.

During his presentation Kröger emphasised that South Africa experiences high solar radiation (of the highest in the world) and that an area such as the Northern Cape has "a fantastic collection of rocks" that could be used in a rock bed (as part of the cycle) to store energy. 

"These rocks are talking to me: 'Use us!' they say. It's not rocket science, it's rock science," he quipped. "The sun and rock types are waiting for us…" he added.

Prof Kröger referred to the energy problem in South Africa and the struggle to generate enough electricity during peak hours. He believes there is niche for SUNSPOT because of its ability to generate power during the night but he added that a mix of power supply technologies might be the best option.

We need an independent organisation that can look at the situation holistically and do an assessment about which systems are suitable to address the energy issues in South Africa, he said.

Mr Saliem Fakir, Head of the WWF's Living Planet Unit, presented a WWF view on CSP and other alternatives.

"Many people are fairly ignorant about what is happening in the renewables sector," he said.

He put forward a vision: "We must think of a third-generation system that relies on distributive power generation rather than on one utility company. We need systems that are flexible and create the opportunity for greater participation and allow for individuals to adapt supply and demand."

Mr Paul Gauché, director of STERG, told the audience a bit more about STERG. The group's activities can be traced back to the 1980's when research was started on dry-cooling systems and solar energy research. In the past three years the group's size (including full-time staff, supervising professors, masters and doctoral students and affiliates) have grown from 7 people in 2010, to 30 in 2011, 45 in 2012 and 75 in 2013.

Prof Frank Dinter, Eskom Chair in CSP, gave a short overview of STERG's strategic objectives.

"We're moving forward by improving methods and understanding CSP technologies more deeply, reducing the costs and increasing the efficiency, and making CSP reliable. We do this to support the national Research and Development plan on renewable energy as well as the 3 CSP plants under construction in South Africa."

​​The ladies were clad in their best outfits and the gentlemen were equally presentable when the Military Academy held its first ever combined Guest Evening at the Military Academy Combined Club in Saldanha on 16 May.   

The Military Academy hosts Stellenbosch University's Faculty of Military Science.

The event was attended by 160 members and guests from the unit and it was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. The master of ceremonies Dr Raymond van Diemel entertained the guests with his sharp wit and kept the programme flowing. Some of the Personnel Service Act members mentioned that they have been in the unit for more than 20 years and this was the first time that they were invited to attend a formal function at the unit. 

It was a prestigious event where officers, non-commissioned officers and civilian members mingled and got to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere.

The Commandant Brigadier General Lawrence Mbatha welcomed the unit members and guests and reminded everyone about the 50th anniversary of the organisation of the African Unity (AU). As Africans we should be proud of ourselves, he said. In his speech, the Commandant mentioned that the Military Academy as a strategic role player within the DOD and Military Veterans is best positioned to give sound intellectual advice to the department when it comes to military policies and strategies. 

“As entailed within our Vision and Mission our 'wise warriors', armed with the best intellectual knowledge, will have the ability to read, understand and formulate best strategies in ensuring that our influence within the continent will be appreciated by all. This can only be done if these warriors are equipped with the best knowledge to understand the African battle space and the complex nature of the African theatre. Furthermore, when the department effectively employ our members for social upliftment and development within our local communities.”

Lieutenant Colonel (Professor) Francois Vreÿ, a lecturer in Military Strategy at the Faculty of Military Science, was the guest speaker with his interesting speech on Africa, the hopeful continent. He explained the change in the global perception of Africa as a country full of opportunities. 

“A decade ago the economists portrayed Africa as a hopeless continent only to recognise the continent's rising potential by 2013. They then dubbed it the hopeful continent. This turn to hope resides alongside theatres or clusters of violent conflict scattered across the African strategic landscape. It appears that the optimism about Africa grows in spite of the negative impact of conflict. This coexistence of conflict and developmental potential offers another opportunity to African leadership to harness the goodwill and window of opportunity to leverage a better future for the people of Africa. This raises the question whether the African leadership is willing and able to exploit the growing opportunities for the sake of their people.”

The Military Academy will continue with events like these to strive to bring members of all levels together in order to enjoy each others company, as well as to create a better understanding of others.

​​The President of the World Aquaculture Society, Dr Kevan Main from the USA, will be among the keynote speakers at the 11th Conference of the Aquaculture Association of Southern Africa. Aquaculture 2013 will be held from 9 to 12 September at Stellenbosch University (SU).

The theme of the three-day conference is ‘Fish farm to plate’. The conference is hosted by the Division of Aquaculture in the Department of Genetics at Stellenbosch University.

“Hatchery and grow-out techniques, aquaponics systems, and aspects related to breeding, genetics, genomics, nutrition, economics, diseases and new species are among the topics to be covered,” says the chairman of the local organising committee Mr Henk Stander of the SU Division of Aquaculture.

According to Mr Stander, the conference is honoured to have Dr Kevin Main, president of the World Aquaculture Society, and other international guests as keynote speakers, as their input will provide local participants with valuable insights into worldwide trends and technologies.

Dr Main has been managing the Marine & Freshwater Aquaculture Research Programme of the Mote Marine Laboratory in the USA since 2001. Her research interests are in developing sustainable aquaculture methods to produce marine fish, sturgeon, shrimp, abalone, and corals through aquaculture. Others speakers also include renowned aquaculturist and author Prof Abdel-Fattah M. El-Sayed of Egypt, while an address via Skype will be given by Prof Dennis Hedgecock from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles.

Various field trips to aquaculture farms in Hermanus, on the West Coast and in Franschhoek are on the cards for 12 September. Three workshops will be held after the conference. The workshops on water ecology and aquaculture genetics, to be presented by Prof Claude Boyd of Auburn University in the USA and Prof Brendan McAndrew of the University of Sterling in Scotland respectively, take place on 13 September. Dr Páll Jensson of the Reykjavik University in Iceland will present a two-day workshop on 13 and 14 September on aspects of economics and financing in aquaculture He has thorough experience in the operational research and mathematical modelling of various economical and technical applications, including profitability assessment.

The conference is supported by the South African Department of Forestry and Fisheries, the Eastern Cape Development Cooperation, the National Research Foundation and the South African Department of Science and Technology.

Registration closes at the end of August. For more information, visit www.aasa-aqua.co.za/site/conferences or contact deidre@iafrica.com.

​The annual ABSA Matie Week organised by the Student Representative Council (SRC) of Stellenbosch University kicked off on Monday (29 July) with a PitchIN event, the start of the Enduro Challenge and a launch function for SU representatives, student leaders and sponsors.

ABSA is sponsoring the ABSA Matie Week for the eighth time.

"We hope that ABSA Matie Week 2013 will be as much of a fun-filled and exciting event as the previous Matie Weeks," said Mr Robert de Mink from ABSA.

"Diversity and inclusion are key in any organisation's success and I think Matie Week really emphasises the diversity of the student community and also the inclusion of all students in that community. We consider ourselves to be more than sponsors because through initiatives such as these we are able to add something a lot more meaningful," he added.

At the launch Annette Raath, SRC member for Matie Identity, highlighted the activities of the organisation D4D (Distance for Distance). They are raising funds for Patch, a centre assisting abused children in the Helderberg area.

The week kicked off with the start of the Enduro Challenge in the Neelsie at 17:00 on 29 July. The different residence pairs will each have two slots of two hours each over the course of 48 hours to accumulate as many kilometres as they can on spinning bikes and rowing machines. Prizes can be won. The aim of the event is to raise funds for the SRC Bursary Fund. It will conclude at 17:00 on Wednesday 31 July.

Further awareness around the SRC Bursary Fund will be created by the Maties4Maties campaign (M4M campaign) in the Neelsie on Tuesday 30 July.

During PitchIN, a student initiative with a mandate to foster creative and entrepreneurial thinking, students had the opportunity to pitch their ideas to investors.

Various "Cluster Kleinsêr concerts" will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday evening. These serve as pre-concerts for the final inter-residence competition in August.

'Wyn oppi Rooiplein' is the ideal way to celebrate the heritage of the Stellenbosch environment in an interactive way that students love. This student wine-tasting event takes place from 11:00 to 15:00 on the Rooiplein on Wednesday 31 July. Tickets are R20 per person at the SRC office or R30/person at the event.

The grand finale of the annual Maties' Talent Competition takes place at 18:30 in the Endler Hall on Thursday 1 August. Matie's Talent provides a platform for students to showcase their talents. Tickets are R40/person.

Also on the calendar for the week is the Liza Bixa Soccer Tournament. Liza, a Matie student, approached the SRC with the idea of Street Soccer some years ago. A street soccer event was held which was a huge success. Liza unfortunately died in a car accident in 2010 but his legacy lives on in the Liza Bixa Soccer Tournament to be held on Friday 9 August at the Lentelus sport grounds in Hammanshand Road. It kicks off at 17:00. Soccer teams from the various houses and residences, social teams, as well as teams from the community will compete for the Liza Bixa Soccer Cup. 

The joint annual conference of the South African Association for Language Teaching (SAALT), the Southern African Applied Linguistics Association (SAALA) and the Linguistics Society of Southern Africa (LSSA) was held in Stellenbosch from 1 to 4 July. This conference, an annual event for linguists from all over South Africa and the rest of the world, provides a valuable platform for exchanging ideas, presenting new research and interacting with colleagues from various areas of expertise in linguistics.

At this year's conference, which had the theme "Language: policy, planning, practice and principles", 127 papers were read in parallel sessions over four days. Of particular interest is the large number of papers read on language practice – the first time in the history of the conference that this field formed such a significant part of the programme. To publish these papers, as well as other relevant contributions, the academic journal Stellenbosch Papers in Linguistics (SPIL) Plus is planning a special edition with a focus on language-practice research. More information can be found on the website of the journal (http://spilplus.journals.ac.za/pub/announcement/view/1).

Research in the broad fields of translation, interpreting and editing formed part of the language-practice component of the conference, and presentations from various subfields, such as educational interpreting, media translation, academic editing and audio-visual translation, contributed to the lively interdisciplinary nature of this part of the conference. The diverse nature of the subjects of the presentations furthermore points to the considerable need and potential for research in these fields. The invaluable contribution that research can make to language practice(s) was particularly evident in presentations focusing on the interaction between theory and practice. For example, in her plenary session, Prof Christina Schäffner emphasised the link between theory and practice by illustrating how analyses of various language practices can influence the images and depictions of politicians, governments and countries.

The issue of multilingualism was frequently addressed during the conference, and from various perspectives. In the language-practice component, participants in the special workshop on educational interpreting, for instance, discussed the role of interpreters in multilingual classroom situations. Multilingualism and interpreting were also very visible at the conference on a practical level, as the 17 papers read in Afrikaans were interpreted into English. The interpreters were sponsored by the Language Centre of Stellenbosch University, one of the co-organisers of the conference along with the Department of Afrikaans and Dutch and the Department of General Linguistics at Stellenbosch University.

At the core of all the insightful papers and lively debates, and conversations on issues such as multilingualism and language policy, everyone agreed: Linguistics and linguistic research in South Africa is a dynamic field in which language practice – translation, interpreting and editing – has an important role to play.

Photo caption: Prof Ilse Feinauer (left​) from the Department of Afrikaans and Dutch, with Prof Christina Schäffner from Aston University, Birmingham.​

​The Division for Research Development (DRD) views science communication and the distribution of reliable research-related information as part of its core functions. It has definite benefits - not only for Stellenbosch University (SU) at institutional level in terms of increased visibility, but also for researchers, especially when it comes to funding opportunities, research collaboration and networking. It is also a tool for showcasing relevance and applicability of SU's research in society and its contribution to improving societal conditions.

With so much research being done at Stellenbosch University, it can be hard for interested parties to keep track of the latest developments. However, a publication which highlights the ground-breaking work being done, is set to change that. The Research at Stellenbosch University showcases the University's research excellence, and serves as a platform to share research results with a wide audience. The idea for this magazine-type look and design came from a need to market the research activities of the university in such a way that it is accessible not only to research visitors, future collaborators/research partners and funding agencies, amongst others, but also to the media and general public. The aim of the R@SU publication, therefore, is to provide the national and international research community, as well as other interested parties, with a comprehensive, yet accessible overview of research activities at SU.

The annual SU Research Report with the complete list of the University's research publications in a particular year is still available on the DRD website at www0.sun.ac.za/research.

The general theme for the 2012 publication is SU transforms the world and shifts boundaries through innovation. It shows instances where SU researchers were able to influence decision-making processes, where direct contributions were made to improve the lives of people, where innovative ideas have led to technological developments, and where new concepts have led to more sustainable practices. SU researchers hereby contributes to national international research priority areas.

"This annual publication aims to illustrate how vast the impact of our research is. Researchers at SU produce excellent academic outputs in the form of research publications and postgraduate students, and also they apply their passion for generating new knowledge to make a real difference in the world", says Dr Therina Theron (Senior Director: Research and Innovation).

Since it has become more and more important for researchers to communicate their research activities to the media and broader public, this publication also serves as a communication tool to the media. An online, virtual copy is available on the DRD website and accessible as an e-copy to attach to emails in order to reach a larger target audience. http://www.myvirtualpaper.com/doc/stellenbosch-University/research-report-2012/2013052001/#0

If you would like to obtain a hard copy of the publication, please contact Maryke Hunter-Husselmann (mh3@sun.ac.za; 021 808 4623).

*The Research at Stellenbosch 2010 and 2011 won the national Marketing, Advancement and Communication in Education Award (MACE) for the best annual report.

This is the twentieth in a series of articles about sustainability and specifically sustainability within the University. What are our staff members contributing in their fields of expertise; in which sustainable projects and initiatives are they involved and what contribution do they make to this important issue in the rest of South Africa? 

Professor Kennedy Dzama from the Department of Animal Sciences and Ms Rhoda Malgas, lecturer in Conservation Ecology and Entomology, both in the Faculty of AgriSciences, discuss a new degree, an MSc in Sustainable Agriculture, of which the first students are expected to enrol in 2014, pending ratification at the highest level of external quality control.

"We are responding to the call from stakeholders in the agricultural sector regarding their need to know more about sustainable agriculture. To do this, we have a three-pronged approach to promote and establish sustainable agricultural processes in the industry using the key performance areas of the university i.e. teaching, research and community involvement," they say.

"South Africa is lagging behind other countries regarding sustainable agriculture. We need to ensure that our agricultural industry is still viable for a number of years to come and that each generation leaves something for the next one. To do this, we have to be pre-emptive and protect our resource base i.e. the soil, crops, animals and our land for future generations. Sustainable agriculture means, for instance, that we now already have to ensure we do not maximise productivity in the short term but rather optimise and sustain productivity in the long run," according to Prof Dzama.

In support of this, the Faculty of AgriSciences is now developing an MSc in Sustainable Agriculture, of which the first students are expected to enrol in 2014, pending ratification at the highest level of external quality control. 

"Through this, we will train not only students, but also our farmers, land owners, extension workers and other stakeholders on scientific principles by which to manage the land in a sustainable way," says Ms Malgas, who is bisy with her PhD focusing on sustainable agriculture.

This Masters degree, one of two in South Africa – with the other course offered at Free State University – is based on a systems approach. This derives from the fact that the farming landscape is a system which is a sum total of its components like land, water, soil, crops, animals, the environment and the capital investment and that these components should not be viewed in isolation. Importantly, human capacity, labour, gender and other social entities are also part of that holistic system.

"The MSc acts as an opportunity to share research outcomes with the industry. We are working in collaboration with a local NGO Conservation South Africa and our Dutch partner Wageningen University Research (WUR) who both have substantial industry networks through whom we can educate and liaise. Thanks to the partnership with Wageningen University, the opportunity exists for SU researchers and staff to travel to Wageningen University for further research and education in sustainable agriculture. The project is funded by the Netherlands organisation for internationalisation of higher education (NUFFIC) through The Netherlands Initiative for Capacity Development in Higher Education (NICHE) funding mechanism. There is thus a strong focus on the enhanced capacity of SU staff and students in advancing sustainable agriculture in South Africa," says Ms Malgas.

"The Sustainable Agriculture in South Africa (SASA) project was also one of only three projects funded by NUFFIC at Stellenbosch University at the time of its inception at the end of 2011. The project is the first of its kind within this funding programme where the Southern partner holds responsibility for the budget – a feather in the cap for an African university."

"We need to do the research and the changed practices will follow. There are already enclaves of land users who are doing the right things – we now want to test and expand the ideas and methods that work. Large-scale famers and small-scale land owners can all contribute to a more sustainable industry," adds Prof Dzama.

Prof Dzama and Ms Malgas stress that the changes will only be effectively implemented if they are managed across various disciplines. They credit the team of academics – each with their own experience and networks – who have committed themselves to the development of the MSc which will be offered with contributions from members of academic staff from across the Faculty of AgriSciences, as well as other faculties and units on campus.

"WUR and SU, together with other stakeholders, will present a series of talks and seminars on sustainable agriculture in September this year," says Ms Malgas.

• For more information about the MSc in Sustainable Agriculture, please contact Ms Malgas at rmalgas@sun.ac.za and Prof K Dzama at kdzama@sun.ac.za

​The ruling party has betrayed what many leaders of the struggle fought and died for by allowing a culture of corruption to spread with impunity.

On Wednesday (31 July) Dr Mamphela Ramphele, leader of the country's youngest political party, Agang, lashed out at South Africa's leaders when she spoke to students on the campus of Stellenbosch University. She was invited by the Stellenbosch Political Science Students' Association (SPOSSA) to speak about the role of students.

Ramphele said she started Agang as a political party because she believes that the time for change is now.

"The situation is urgent," Ramphele said, explaining that despite 20 years of democracy millions are still living like a forgotten people. One in four people are unemployed and more than half of the young people of South Africa are out of work. The poorest are the hardest hit.

"We have created a lost generation. People are leaving school without essential skills, thousands of mothers are dying while giving birth. Corruption is rife. This is a scandal. The government is destroying the country. We have arrived at a crossroads and we need to change course now or else those who are guilty of rampant corruption will rob us of a future. This is not the legacy our struggle leaders had in mind. It is not the country Biko, Luthuli and Ruth First dreamt of. The leaders set an appalling example and others follow. They abuse the trust of those who voted them into power."

She said the "arrogance of those who steal with impunity", for themselves, their families and friends is breath taking. She mentioned the Gupta airport scandal and Nkandla as examples of corruption.

"And then they threaten to take away social grants and RDP housing as if it is their gifts and not possible because of taxes."

She added that it is possible that 90% of those writing matric can pass with an average mark of 60% thus "consigning the scandal of a 30% pass to the dust bins". She said it was possible for every school to be equipped with appropriate classrooms, toilets and even laboratories and that it is possible to achieve economic growth of 5% per year thus creating thousands of jobs for young people

"This is what freedom should be. And it is in our range. This is the future we can have if we expect more of our government, our future and our country."

She encouraged her audience of students to become active citizens to bring about change. They could help bring about change by voting in 2014 and not allowing the status quo to continue.

"It is up to you, who are our most important resource, to ensure that we can make this a great country," she told the Stellenbosch University students.

She added that former President Nelson Mandela should be honoured for being a transformative force.

"We can turn to him for inspiration. But we need to take things further on our own. Madiba has done his duty."

​​Twelve athletes and two coaches from the Maties-Helderberg Sports Club for Persons with Disabilities​ recently returned with 15 individual medals from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athlethics World Championships, held from 19-28 July in Lyon, France.

According to Mr Wentzel Barnard, Manager of the Maties-Helderberg Club, this group consisted of several 2012 London Paralympic heroes as well as newcomers such as Reinhardt Hamman and Kerwin Noemdo.

The SA team brought home 18 medals: three gold, nine silver and ses bronze.

South Africa's gold medals were won by newcomer Reinhardt Hamman (javelin F38) and Paralympic veterans Ilse Hayes (long jump T13) and Hilton Langenhoven (long jump T12), all members of the Maties-Helderberg Club. Another member, Dyan Buis, won four silver medals.

The Matie-Helderberg medal winners are:

Ilse Hayes (gold – long jump T13; silver – 100m T13); Hilton Langenhoven (gold – long jump T12); Reinhardt Hamman (gold – javelin F38); Dyan Buys (3 x silver – 100m T38; 200m T38; 400m T38); Anruné Liebenberg (2 x silver – 200m T46; 400m T46); Jonathan Ntutu (silver – 100m T13; bronze – 200m T13); Charl du Toit (2 x bronze – 400m T38; 800m T38); Fanie van der Merwe (silver – 200m T37); Zanele Situ (bronze – javelin F54). Fanie, Charl and Dyan were also members of the 4x100m T35-38 relay team that won silver.

Situ won her bronze medal with a personal best of 17,16m in the javelin F54.

"The results are evidence of the power and talent of SA's Paralympic athletes," said Barnard. "Together with this we also have coaches of high quality to develop the athletes'​ potential."

Photo: The 4x100m T35-T38 relay team: Dyan Buis, Fanie van der Merwe, Union Sekailwe and Charl du Toit.

The oldest sports club in Stellenbosch and four of the town's residents were honoured for their selfless services to the town at the launch on Tuesday (30 July) of the Stellenbosch Heritage Project 2013.

The recipients of the Stellenbosch Heritage Project's honorary certificates are Dr Benoni (Ben) Jean Dehaeck, Ms Alicia Mgijimi, Mr Brian Charles Pool, Dr Gerald Rosendorff and the Excelsior Rugby Club.

The mayor of Stellenbosch, Mr Conrad Sidego, awarded the certificates to them at the Heritage Project event, which was held at Stellenbosch University's Sasol Art Museum. SU Rector, Prof Russel Botman, was one of the guest speakers.

"Like the rest of the country, we come from a past in which we were divided along racial lines. We still largely live apart in separate communities, which is why it is so important to create a community in which everyone 'knows and appreciates and respects one another', to quote from the Declaration of Intent of this Heritage Project," said Botman.

Pool (76) matriculated from the Lückhoff High School and later became a teacher at the school. As a schools inspector and director he made a huge contribution to education in the Western Cape. He was also a good sportsman.

Mgijima (68) was born in the Eastern Cape, but has been living in Kayamandi since 1963. In the 1990s, she became involved in community development projects and later focused on youth development and the empowering of young people in Kayamandi. She was also a councillor for the Stellenbosch Municipality.

Dehaeck (90) hails from Belgium and came to South Africa in 1976 to teach drama at SU. In 1983, he started a drama group at Cloetesville High School, and thereafter founded the Breughel theatre group. He was also a playwright, and the group performed some of his work in Stellenbosch and in Belgium.

Rosendorff (84) is a medical doctor who came to work in Stellenbosch in 1956. He opened a practice in Pniël and rendered selfless service, for which the Pniël community honoured him with a plaque after his retirement. He also devoted his time to the small Jewish community in Stellenbosch.

The Excelsior Rugby Club was founded in 1881 in Die Vlakte in Stellenbosch and still competes in tournaments. In the 1970s, the club moved to Cloetesville. In later years a cricket and soccer club was started. Mr Isgaak Ras, Chairman of Excelsior, received the certificate on behalf of the club.

A full programme for the Heritage Festival was launched at the event. It includes a public lecture, a poster competition, a concert by a mass choir of up to 1 000 pupils, a half marathon, several sports events, the "stoepkonsert" which gives festivalgoers a three hour trip through the town and surrounding areas, a canoe race, as well as the River Festival in Die Laan on Heritage Day, 24 September.

At the event guests were asked to sign the Declaration of Intent of the Heritage Project. With this declaration the town commits itself to creating a collective future for all its residents where everyone is respected, appreciated and feels safe.

On the photo (from left to right) is Dr Ben Dehaeck, Dr Sias Mostert, Mr Brian Pool, Prof Russel Botman, Ms Alicia Mgijimi, Mr Conrad Sidego, Mr Igsaak Ras, Mr Johann Murray en Dr Gerald Rosendorff. Foto: HENNIE RUDMAN

​​​​"Universities are no longer only places where lectures are given. We must focus on how technology influences our activities and accommodate it in our planning for a future-oriented institution, where the buildings represent our character. But above all, we should think of ourselves as facilitators of change. To Stellenbosch University, the rebuilt RW Wilcocks building is a symbol of renewal and reconciliation, a bridge between the University's history and the town's unspoken history. It is a metaphor for the University itself: a place that celebrates academic excellence, acknowledges historical injustices, and shares an optimism about Africa's future." 

So says Prof Russel Botman, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU) on the eve of the reopening of the RW Wilcocks building. The roof and third floor of the building was destroyed by a fire in December 2010. Thanks to the brave actions of SU personnel who rushed to the aid of colleagues, no one was seriously injured. However, the blaze consumed valuable books, handmade maps that were almost 300 years old, and many personal documents and possessions. (Read a report here.)

The RW Wilcocks building was completed in 1965 and named after Prof RW Wilcocks, a former Psychology professor and rector of the University from 1935 to 1954. He had also been the chairman of the Wilcocks Commission that warned in 1937 that strict classification of white and coloured people was impossible and could cause great harm. The Wilcocks building was regarded as an important and impressive addition to the buildings of Stellenbosch University.

During the reconstruction of the Wilcocks building it was expanded to add another floor and the existing areas were refurbished to meet the ever-changing needs of a 21st-century university. There are 32% more space, 35% more teaching space and 72% more offices in the building. Recreational spaces for students and facilities for persons with disabilities have also been added.

The building, which was repaired at a cost of R58 million, is home to the Departments of History and Psychology, the Division for Research Development, the Postgraduate and International Office, the African Doctoral Academy and the University Archives.

The Wilcocks building is situated close to Die Vlakte, which was declared a white group area on 25 September 1964 in terms of the Group Areas Act of 1950. Besides the 3 700 coloured residents, six schools, four churches, a mosque, a cinema and ten business enterprises were affected by the forced removals that followed.

The reopening takes place on Wednesday, 31 July at 17:30.

Memory Room

The reopening the Wilcocks building is preceded by the launch of a Memory Room, which is a gesture of reconciliation between Stellenbosch University (SU) and the town's coloured community.

The Room is a contemporary exhibition space depicting the suppressed history of people of Die Vlakte  ̶  as the area in the Stellenbosch town center demarcated by Muller Street, Ryneveld Street, Banghoek Road, Smuts Street, Merriman Avenue and Bird Street was known in the 20th century  ̶  and the Battle of Andringa Street.

The Battle of Andringa Street took place over the weekend of 27 and 28 July 1940 when SU students were involved in skirmishes with coloured residents of Die Vlakte.

The launch of the Memory Room takes place at 17:00 in the Archive of SU's RW Wilcocks building in Victoria Street.

The brainchild of Prof Botman, the Memory Room originated from the apology in 2012 of student leaders in Dagbreek men's residence about the Battle of Andringa Street, and the subsequent meeting between students and former residents of Andringa Street at Botman's house.

"It's a place where we can reflect on the past, and hopefully learn to reconcile with one another. Reconciliation is born of memory and cannot happen if there is denial and amnesia," says Prof Botman about the Memory Room.

For decades, the removals from the Die Vlakte, and the Battle of Andringa Street were not part of the official history of Stellenbosch and were only placed on record with the publication of In ons Bloed (2006) and Nog altyd hier gewees: Die storie van ʼn Stellenbosse gemeenskap (2007).

• For more information on the opening of the Memory Room and the Wilcocks building, contact Ms Martie van der Linde at tel 021 808 4896 or mvdl@sun.ac.za.
• The exhibition in the Archive can be viewed from August 1, Mondays to Fridays during office hours. For more information, call Ms Karlien Breed at 021 808 2314 or email breedtk@sun.ac.za.

READ MORE:

Battle of Andringa Street

Forced removals from Die Vlakte

Reconciliation of Andringa Street

Additional information

​​The exhibition tells a story of disruption, reconciliation and a new future, said Prof Russel Botman, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU), at the launch of a Memory Room in SU's Archive on the ground floor of the Wilcocks Building on Wednesday (31 July).

The launch of the Memory Room - a gesture of reconciliation between Stellenbosch University and the town's coloured community - preceded the official reopening of the Wilcocks building. A fire destroyed the roof and third floor of the Wilcocks building on December 10, 2010.

The brainchild of Prof Russel Botman, the Memory Room is a contemporary exhibition space depicting the suppressed history of the people of Die Vlakte and the Battle of Andringa Street.

The Battle of Andringa Street took place over the weekend of 27 and 28 July 1940 when SU students were involved in skirmishes with coloured inhabitants of Die Vlakte, as the area demarcated by Muller Street, Van Ryneveld Street, Banghoek Road, Smuts Street, Merriman Avenue and Bird Street was known in the 20th century. The Wilcocks Building is geographically linked with Die Vlakte. 

More than 20 years later, on 25 September 1964, Die Vlakte was declared a white group area in terms of the Group Areas Act of 1950. In addition to the 3700 coloured inhabitants, six schools, four churches, a mosque, a cinema and ten businesses were affected by the forced removals.

Botman said the idea of a symbolic space of memory began with the apology of student leaders in Dagbreek men's residence for the Battle of Andringa Street, and the subsequent meeting between students and former residents of Andringa Street at his home.

Botman emphasised the importance of a Memory Room and said we cannot move forward without taking the past seriously. 

He described it as a "symbol of something new", which can contribute to the process of healing between SU and the community. 

For 96-year-old Mr Aaron Cupido who lived across the old Lückhoff School, it was a proud moment to see that a piece of suppressed history is being acknowledged in this way.

"What happened here today is very important because for long the University and the community lived apart from each other," said Mr Willie Ortell, former mayor of Stellenbosch, and a previous resident of Die Vlakte. He added that the Memory Room could have a positive effect on the coloured community. 

The recognition of a piece of suppressed history "should demonstrate to community members that SU wants to embark on a new journey of reconciliation and inclusiveness," said Dr Jerome Slamat, Senior Director of Community Interaction at SU.

For decades, the removals from Die Vlakte, and the Battle of Andringa Street were not part of the official history of Stellenbosch. Only with the publishing of In ons Bloed (2006) and Nog altyd hier gewees: Die storie van 'n Stellenbosse gemeenskap (2007) were these events put on record.  

Photo by Anton Jordaan

• The exhibition in the Archive can be viewed from August 1 on weekdays during office hours. For more information, please contact Karlien Breedt at 021 808 2314 or e-mail breedtk@sun.ac.za.
• Click here for a video

READ MORE:

Battle of Andringa Street

Forced Removals from Die Vlakte

Reconciliation of Andringa Street

​​​Renewal and reconciliation took centre-stage at the official reopening of the RW Wilcocks building on Wednesday (31 July). The event (video), attended by Stellenbosch University (SU) staff, community members as well as business partners, was preceded by the launch of a Memory Room, which is a gesture of reconciliation between SU and the town's coloured community.

The Room is a contemporary exhibition space depicting the suppressed history of people of Die Vlakte – as the area in the Stellenbosch town centre demarcated by Muller Street, Ryneveld Street, Banghoek Road, Smuts Street, Merriman Avenue and Bird Street was known in the 20th century – and the Battle of Andringa Street.

"The new Wilcocks building has become a symbol of what this University stands for today: Thought leaders that grow through inclusivity, innovation and a future orientation – people in touch with the knowledge economy of the 21st century," said Prof Russel Botman, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of SU (read his speech).

The roof and third floor of the building was destroyed by a fire in December 2010. Thanks to the brave actions of SU personnel who rushed to the aid of colleagues, no one was seriously injured. And on Wednesday these brave staff members, Grant Leukes and Eric Saal, received special recognition for their part in helping fellow staff member Bradley Rink and Theresa van Rooyen, a Masters' student in Psychology, to safety during the blaze.

"The fire caused serious damage and many of you lost valuable items. The blaze consumed books, handmade maps that were almost 300 years old, and many personal documents and possessions. I am sorry for your loss and nothing can undo that. However, adversity often leads to new opportunities and this is exactly what happened here. Instead of just repairing the building, we thought about what a University of the 21st century should look like, and what type of facilities it should have. This historic University is constantly working to confront the challenges of the future and we took the opportunity to utilise new technology, new facilities and new ways of thinking and doing," Prof Botman said.

"For instance, our facilities are coming under pressure as the demand for higher education grows. In this case, good design resulted in a whole new floor that was not there before. Because we could not build higher, this was done by utilising space inside the roof. The result was that the available floor space in this building was increased by 32%. The utilisation of that space has also changed – with more purpose-made working and learning areas throughout the building. Now this building accommodates more departments and staff and students than before – and in innovative, social ways. The Wilcocks building has indeed been given not just a face lift but a whole new lease of life – a step into the future."

Lecture halls have been equipped with advanced technology and in line with SU’s aim of promoting a sustainable environment, the building was fitted with an air-conditioning system and lights that use less energy than its previous systems did and facilities for persons with disabilities have also been added. The building, which was repaired at a cost of R58 million, is home to the Departments of History and Psychology, the Division for Research Development, the Postgraduate and International Office, the African Doctoral Academy and the University Archives (where the Memory Room is located).

The RW Wilcocks building was erected in 1965 and named after Prof RW Wilcocks, a former Psychology professor and rector of the University from 1935 to 1954. He had also been the chairman of the Wilcocks Commission that warned in 1937 that strict classification of white and coloured people was impossible and could cause great harm. The building was regarded as an important and impressive addition to the buildings of Stellenbosch University.​

Photo by Anton Jordaan

​Helene-Marí van der Westhuizen, a fourth-year MBChB student at Stellenbosch University, has been awarded the prestigious Abe Bailey Travel Bursary for 2013. The Abe Bailey Travel Bursary is awarded on an annual basis to only one student per university or university of technology in South Africa.

To be considered for the bursary, candidates need to demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities and service both in student affairs and within a wider social context. Helene-Marí's exceptional record dates back to her high school years as a learner representative and continues through to an active life on campus where she has been involved in and initiated various student and community projects. However, it is her ability to constantly achieve high grades as a full-time student while contributing to wider society with her passion for education and service which make her the ideal Abe Bailey candidate.

In 2012 Helene-Marí became the programme developer and coordinator of the Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert Leadership Institute's Innovation in Medicine programme. In the same year, along with a few other students, she initiated a research project into Tuberculosis infection risk and prevention strategies among health science students. Dr Arne von Delft, co-founder of TB Proof, has praised her for her contribution to creating a culture of risk awareness among students.

Proving her all-rounder character, Helene-Marí initiated a isiXhosa-language course to facilitate better communication between health care students and patients. She is also a founding member of the Stellenbosch University Medical Orchestra in which she plays the oboe.

Helene-Marí will make use of the opportunity presented by the Abe Bailey Travel Bursary to further broaden her views with a 3-week educational tour of the United Kingdom and its prestigious academic institutions. "I hope that the unfamiliar environment and activities in the UK will compel our 2013 group towards stimulating dialogue on our contributions to South Africa," she said.

When she starts the tour on 20 November, Helene-Marí will be following in the footsteps of her father, Dr Le Roux van der Westhuizen, former Head of Therapy and Personal Development at the Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSDC) who was awarded the bursary in 1985.

​

MILITARY ACADEMY DONATES 67 MINUTES

The staff and students of the Military Academy again this year donated 67 minutes of their time towards making a change in the Saldanha Bay community.  The Military Academy  Event Co-ordinator, Lt Col Zithulele Eric Mpusula commented:  ”The call was out for people everywhere to celebrate Dr Nelson Mandela’s birthday by acting on the idea that each person has power to change the world.  The United Nations officially declared 18 July as Nelson Mandela International Day in November 2009, recognising Mandela’s value and his dedication to the service of humanity and the Military Academy members responded positively to the call”.  

On 18 July 2013, students and staff members took up spades and forks and cleaned the grounds and refuge from the play area at White City Crèche.  This is a newly built crèche and a lot had to be done to clean the play area and make it safe for the children.  The members removed the weeds, stones and debris lying around, as well as cutting the grass and filling up holes.  Some members helped inside the crèche, by feeding the children and putting them to sleep.  The children looked on with big eyes as the soldiers of the Military Academy finished up and met with their management.

A second group visited Albertina Sisulu Day Care Centre in Middelpos.  This is also a new day care centre and the members prepared the soil for the lawn that will be planted.  The Military Academy also donated several trees, which were planted around the Centre by the Academy learners.

A third group assisted the St Helenabaai Sandveld Hospice by attending to one of the patient’s houses in Vredenburg and cleaning the whole outside garden area.  The family really appreciated the effort, since they do not have the capacity to do it themselves.

Inside the Military Base, another group cleaned the play park of the children of the military members.  The lawn was mowed and the fence and some of the play equipment were fixed.  Members also cleaned the historical graveyard of the Sadie family inside the base and white-washed all the headstones.

The day was closed with a visit by the Mayor of Saldanha Municipality, Mr Francois Schippers, who addressed the Military Academy members and thanked them for their efforts.  His message was highly appreciated and it reflected that the Military Academy’s 67 minutes were spent doing something that showed a level of commitment worthy of the aim of the day.

Article and photos: Maj Engela Meintjes (Military Academy Communication Officer)

​​Thousands of Grade 11 and Grade 12 learners who are starting to plan for the future and looking into options for further study, got a taste of what Stellenbosch University (SU) has to offer at the annual SU-Maties Open Day held on Friday, 2 August on the Stellenbosch campus. 

Open Day visitors had the opportunity to visit more than 100 stalls where they could get useful information about careers, study choices, bursaries and accommodation.  These included the 10 academic faculties, the respective departments, the various SU support services, e.g Bursaries and Loans, Student Fees, Maties Sport and Academic Support, as well as Maties student bodies, e.g. the Student Representative Council (SRC), residences and societies.

Some of the other stalls included: facilities available for handicapped students, the JS Gericke Library, Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD) and the Language Centre. Apart from the information stalls, all the faculties and the Centre for Prospective Students (CPS) presented information sessions during the course of the day. Learners also had the option to go on a campus tour with representatives from the SRC. 

Accommodation is a crucial part of any prospective student’s planning and, for this reason, there was a stall for enquiries about University residences, as well as private accommodation options. The different residences were also open for viewing.

Vuyo Thembani, a Grade 11 learner from Aloe High in Mitchells Plain, said he was very excited to be on the Stellenbosch campus. "I want to come and study Mechanical Engineering here at Stellenbosch University. I'm also looking forward to get away from home, live in a residence and get a chance to become independent." 

Several other educational institutions were also be present, e.g. Boland College and the Isa Carstens Academy.

Magdel Pretorius, organiser of the SU-Maties Open Day, said the event exceeded all of their expectations. “We distributed more than 5 000 programmes, so it is safe to say that the attendance was very good. Learners and parents came prepared and so far the feedback from the faculties and departments are really positive. We could not have asked for better weather.”

Pretorius added that judging by the schools and learners that came to the Open Day, the SU is starting to establish its brand in non-traditional markets. “We had a very good mixture of learners from traditional feeder schools as well as from schools in new markets.”

The invasive pantropical blue tick, a parasite that is linked to cattle fever or babesios, is now also found in Namibia, after it probably came into this Southern African country via livestock imported from South Africa.

This is the finding of research conducted by PhD student Nkululeko Nyangiwe of the Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology at Stellenbosch University (SU), which was published in the international science journal Experimental and Applied Acarology.

His supervisor, Dr Sonja Matthee, also of the SU Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Prof Conrad Matthee of the SU Department of Botany and Zoology, and Prof Ivan Horak of the University of Pretoria participated in the study. It forms part of Mr Nyangiwe's more extensive doctoral research project on the distribution of the invasive pantropical blue tick (Rhipicephalus microplus) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.

The tick was found earlier this year on several breeds of cattle on four of the 18 privately owned farms sampled across the central region of Namibia.

The pantropical blue tick, which is related to the African blue tick (Rhipicephalus decoloratus), is one of the most important ticks found on livestock around the world. It is a parasite of cattle, but also occurs on sheep, goats and some wild animals in regions where cattle are farmed. Heavy tick burdens on animals can decrease production and damage hides. This hard tick can transmit the organisms causing babesiosis (also called 'cattle fever') and anaplasmosis (known in South Africa as gall sickness) to cattle.

The pantropical blue tick originates from Asia and has become a successful invasive species in amongst others Latin America, Mexico, Australia and Madagascar. It is now common along the eastern coastal belt of Africa, the northern and eastern parts of South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Zambia, and has recently invaded the Ivory Coast and Benin in West Africa. It has until now not been recorded in Namibia, Angola, Lesotho or Botswana.

Previous studies suggest that the distribution of this tick in Africa is related to warm summers and high annual rainfall, and its ability to survive during cold or dry winters. "These broad climatic requirements, together with the trade in live cattle and goats may facilitate its introduction and establishment in previously uninfested countries," says Dr Matthee.

The small numbers of the invasive tick collected in Namibia, compared to those of the endemic African blue tick found on the same animals, may imply that the introduction events were recent. Based on records kept by the farmers, it was probably introduced into Namibia prior to November 2010 when a ban on the importation of cloven-hoofed animals from South Africa came into place due to an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.

"The four farmers from whose cattle it was collected had previously brought in cattle from the Eastern Cape and North West provinces of South Africa where the pantropic blue tick is present," explains Mr Nyangiwe. "One farmer had also bought cattle in Namibia that had a South African history."

It is still unclear whether the pantropical blue tick will become invasive, as previous studies in Southern Africa have shown that it sometimes co-occur quite readily with the endemic African blue tick. "Acaricide resistance can also hamper control efforts by farmers," warns Dr Matthee.

It is recommended that farmers treat all newly acquired animals on arrival, followed by a quarantine period of 3 to 4 weeks and a second treatment prior to release on the farm. Restricting movement of animals to the dry months can also help reduce tick transmission.

Photo caption:
Nkululeko Nyangiwe, a doctoral student in the Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology at Stellenbosch University, busy with surveys for his research on the pantropical blue tick. (Photo: Sonja Matthee)

​​​​Two top students walked away with this year's Merck Awards for the best final-year students in chemistry and biotechnology and/or molecular biology in the Faculty of Science at Stellenbosch University (SU).

Mr Adli Peck, who lives close to Manenberg on the Cape Flats and failed six subjects in his first two years as a BSc student, managed to turn his life around and obtained nine distinctions in his final year. This earned him the Merck Award for the best final-year student in Chemistry, as well as the Element Six (Pty) Ltd DST/NRF Centre of Excellence Award.

Mr Peck, now an honours student and chairperson of the Islamic Society at SU, credits a deepening of his faith as the single most important influence on helping him to succeed despite so many obstacles, and to improve from a mere 50% average to an impressive 75%. Mr Peck plans to continue with a master's in chemistry.

A farm girl from Napier and former Bredasdorp High School learner Ms Tarryn Haikney received the Merck Award for the best final-year student in biochemistry and/or molecular biology in the Faculty of Science. She managed to maintain an average of 82% during her undergraduate studies and obtained her BSc degree with distinction. She is now pursuing postgraduate studies in genetics at SU.

According to Ms Haikney she always aims to do her absolute best. But a fascination with the "genetic lottery" also played a role: "Ever since I did basic genetics in biology at school, I have been fascinated by it and how the 'genetic lottery' influences each person's life. I see myself either as a genetic counsellor or somewhere in the pharmacogenetics field as I am interested in using genetics to treat diseases more effectively," she said.

During the awards function on 19 April 2013 the Faculty of Science awarded several of its young and upcoming academic stars. Ms Nicola Steyn received the SMM Award for the best honours student in chemistry (cum laude) in absentia from Dr Ferdi de Lange from SMM Instruments, and Mr Reinhardt Venter received a book prize as best second-year student in chemistry. From the textile and polymer sciences group, Ms Adine Gericke presented the Mattie Jooste Award to Ms Chantelle Human (best undergraduate student) and Mr Abraham Willemse (best postgraduate student). Ms Anna-Marie Lombard received both the Truida Louw Book Prize and the Bernina Prize for the best achievement in the second and third year modules in textile sciences. 

Prof Klaus Koch, head of the Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science at SU, congratulated the department's young achievers for their hard work, enthusiasm and dedication: "We are proud of you and greatly appreciate your efforts and positive attitude. It all starts with a tiny seed, which planted in the right place and with care, dedication and nurture, grows into a strong and successful tree," he said.

On the photo, from the left, Prof Klaus Koch (SU), Mr Adli Peck (SU), Ms Tarryn Haickney (SU), Prof Leslie Cornish (University of the Witwatersrand), Ms Tamara Fedderke (Merck), Mr Reinhardt Venter (SU), Dr Ferdi de Lange (SMM Instruments), Prof Doug Rawlings (SU) and Ms Anna-Marie Lombard (SU). Ms Nicola Steyn, Mr Abraham Willemse and Ms Chantelle Human received their awards in absentia.​

A major DNA analysis of the evolutionary origin and history of the one of the world's most remarkable vertebrates – the chameleon – has shown that it originated in Africa, and not Madagascar as was previously thought.

Today most chameleon species are found in Africa and Madagascar, both of which are fragments of the ancient super-continent Gondwana. But the origin of the family dates back 90 million years, post-dating the Gondwana break-up which happened 120 million years ago.

This means they could have originated in Madagascar, from where they were dispersed on ocean currents to Africa. Until now, the Madagascar-to-Africa theory dominated the debate. Or they could have originated in Africa, and was then dispersed to Madagascar, the Africa-to-Madagascar theory.

But now Dr Krystal Tolley, head of the Molecular Ecology Program at the South African National Botanical Institute and a specialist on chameleon evolution, has turned the tables on the Madagascar-to-Africa theory.

In an article published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society, Tolley and colleagues write that "…an African origin for chameleons is not only plausible, but is also consistent with the fossil record, present day distributions and oceanographic processes".

Using modern biogeographic methods they determined the evolutionary development and history of 174 different chameleons, representing more than 90% of described species. In scientific terms this is called a 'dated phylogeny'.

This major genetic analysis involved the use of several genetic markers, tens of thousands of DNA base pairs and took more than three years to complete. The results show "an unequivocal African origin for Chamaeleonidae". The study further suggests three separate dispersals out of Africa: 65 million years ago to Madagascar (the genus Brookesia), followed by another dispersal 47 million years ago also to Madagascar (the genera Calumma and Furcifer) and finally a dispersal 34 million years ago to the Seychelles (the genus Archaius).

When looking at the direction of ocean currents during those same time periods, it confirmed the results. According to the article, during the late Cretaceous and the Oligocene currents actually flowed from Africa toward Madagascar, the opposite of today's flow.

Dr Tolley, who is also a research fellow at the Department of Botany and Zoology at Stellenbosch University, collected most of the different species of chameleons herself during many field trips over the years, and the rest were loaned from museums. The laboratory work alone took two years, and the analysis of the results another year: "We used a free supercomputer in the Unites States called CIPRES to do the analysis. The individual runs that we did each took about a week," she adds.

And the response from the scientific community so far?

"Nobody has complained! I received some e-mails saying it was very interesting and that nobody believed they were really from Madagascar," she laughs.

For more information, contact Dr Krystal Tolley, 021 799-8658, k.tolley@sanbi.org.za

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