Helen Marais is the recipient of the HORTGRO Science/Prof Daan Strydom Award as the best student in horticultural science at Stellenbosch University (SU). This former student of Charlie Hofmeyr High School is the second student in a mere three years from the Ceres area to receive this award. The honour was also bestowed upon Gerrit van der Merwe in 2013. He grew up in the Koue Bokkeveld.

The prestigious award recognises the efforts of the best final year student of the previous year (2014). It is supported by HORTGRO Science, the research arm of South Africa's deciduous fruit industry.

Dr Lynn Hoffman, chairperson of the SU Department of Horticultural Science, describes Marais as a "meticulous student".

"She has excellent technical insights that will stand her in good stead one day," said Dr Hoffman at the award ceremony that took place during HORTGRO Science's annual technical symposium in Simondium.

Marais is humble about her success. "All that is needed is a passion for and an interest in your field of study," she describes the reasons behind her successful academic career.

She has since childhood showed an interest in biology, and especially plants. An inspiring conversation with an alumnus of the SU Department of Horticultural Sciences who also hails from Ceres made her decide to focus her interests and knowledge, and to apply it in a practical way in for instance the fruit industry. Marais subsequently majored in Horticulture and Soil Science.

Marais is currently finding her feet in her first year of MSc Agric studies in Horticultural Sciences. She will research nutritional aspects related to mandarins and other citrus fruits. She will in particular study how nitrogen fertilisation and minerals contribute to the growing of the best possible quality fruit. Her studies, under the guidance of Dr Paul Cronje and Dr Lynn Hoffman of the SU Department of Horticultural Science, are funded by the Citrus Academy.

A career as a technical advisor is a possibility for the future, but Marais is keeping her options open.

"Things can change tremendously in two years, so I prefer to focus on finishing my masters' first. Everything depends on the opportunities that present themselves," she adds.

Photo caption:
Helen Marais is the recipient of the 2014 HORTGRO Science/Prof Daan Strydom Award as the best student in horticultural science at Stellenbosch University. It was presented to her by Stephen Rabe, chair of the HORTGRO Science Advisory Council. Photo: Engela Duvenage

Media enquiries:
Dr. Lynn Hoffman
Department of Horticultural Science, Stellenbosch University
ewh@sun.ac.za
+27 (21) 808 2383

The removal of the Verwoerd commemorative plaque from the Accounting and Statistics Building (formerly known as the HF Verwoerd Building) illustrates the commitment of Stellenbosch University to create a welcoming campus for all and to remove obstacles in the path of unity and progress (video of the event).

This is the contents of a declaration read by Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU) today (Wednesday 27 May 2015). Members of the Stellenbosch community and SU staff and students attended the historic occasion.

Dr Wilhelm Verwoerd, grandson of HF Verwoerd, a former South African Prime Minister, spoke at the event: "My sincere hope is that this ceremonial full stop behind the public honouring of painful apartheid symbols at the University will indeed convey a much-needed message of acknowledgement, and that the removal of this Verwoerd plaque will thus play a small, but significant healing role within the wider South African society."

He shared with the audience the turmoil he experienced over years of his grandfather as a symbol of a hated political system on the one hand, but also of him as a loved granddad. 

In referring to the wounds that apartheid caused, he said: "What I can do is today again to make a choice – in public, as a Verwoerd – for salve instead of salt. Deep listening gave my gut a glimpse of the wounding that those on the receiving end of apartheid associate with the name Verwoerd; the urgent heartbeat behind those clenched fists brought home to me their profound hunger for sincere acknowledgement by those who share responsibility for their woundedness."

Two student leaders, Ms Farai Mubaiwa and Mr Stefan Laing, also spoke at the event. 

Ms Mubaiwa said, "Today is a good day, maybe late, but still a good day. This is a day that Stellenbosch University chooses humanity. We cannot preach inclusivity, and yet have non-inclusive remnants on our campus."

She referred to myths on campus of which one is 'If it is not broken, don't fix it', but the sad reality is that "it is not fine – simply using catch phrases such as 'inclusivity' and 'diversity' does not automatically transform an institution."

Mr Laing said that the removal or changing of certain elements on campus engender a welcoming atmosphere for all and this should be celebrated. 

"The removal of the plaque will mean nothing if we don't remove the plaques of apartheid from our hearts as well. We cannot hope for bright future if we cling to a dark past."

Prof Nico Koopman, Dean of the Faculty of Theology, acted programme director for the night and said that the removal of the plaque "takes place in the context of SU's exciting journey of being focused on the future, renewal and transformation, from exclusion to inclusion, towards excellence through inclusivity and diversity".

With the reading of the declaration, Prof De Villiers emphasised that SU is serious about transformation which is integral to education. "We are removing something form the past today; now let us work together to put in place building blocks for the future we want for our University."

The plaque will temporarily be stored in the University Archives. At the event the plaque was removed by removed by Prof De Villiers and Mr Willie Ortell, former Mayor of Stellenbosch. It as replaced – by Mubaiwa and Laing – with a poster of the South African flag, as a symbol of unity, as well as the declaration. All attendees also had the opportunity to add their names to a large canvas of the South African flag and the declaration.

Click below for:

• Video of the event
• Declaration
• Prof De Villiers' speech
• Dr Wilhelm Verwoerd's speech
• Ms Mubaiwa's speech
• Prof Nico Koopman's speech
• Mr Laing's speech
• Previous article with further background

Photographs by Anton Jordaan

​A bursary fund for descendants of people who were forcibly removed from Die Vlakte, an area close to the town centre of Stellenbosch, in the 1960s, was established this week.

Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University, announced the bursary at his inauguration last week (29 April 2015) while the University's management met this week to determine the initial criteria.

"The bursary is in direct response to students calling for the creation of such a bursary. It also serves as a further sign of redress the University committed itself to at the turn of the century," Prof De Villiers said. "Last year, Stellenbosch University paid out R588 million in bursaries and loans to the 37% of our students in need of financial assistance. Of this amount, 55% went to black, coloured and Indian students based on merit and financial need."

Among others, academic faculties at the University, already earmarked nearly R350 000 for the bursary.

Criteria for the bursary fund are currently being finalised, but bursaries will be made available to undergraduate students for the normal duration of a degree programme up to the maximum of four years. Applicants who are no longer living in the Stellenbosch area but who can give proof of their parents or grandparents being affected by the evictions, will also be considered. Community leaders will also be requested to form part of the panel that will consider applications.

The bursary creates, apart from the existing recruitment bursaries available to coloured, black and Indian students, new opportunities to local residents to further their studies at the University.

• The public can also contribute to the bursary. Liaise with Lorenza George at tel 021 808 3090 or via e-mail at lcg29@sun.ac.za for more information.

MORE INFORMATION ON DIE VLAKTE, THE UNIVERSITY'S MEMORY ROOM AND THE OLD LÜCKHOFF SCHOOL

Die Vlakte 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 10 business enterprises were affected by the forced removals that followed. As an institution, the University did not protest against the evictions at the time and in general the university authorities went along with the government policy.

For decades, the removals from the Die Vlakte, and the Battle of Andringa Street (info below) 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) – publications on the history of the area and supported by the University.

In 2013, the University opened a Memory Room in the Wilcocks Building as a gesture of reconciliation between Stellenbosch University and the town's coloured community (video here and article). The Room is a permanent 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 brainchild of the late Prof Russel Botman, the then Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University, the Memory Room originated from the apology (available here) in 2012 offered by student leaders in Dagbreek men's residence for the role they played in the Battle of Andringa Street (when white students attacked Coloured residents of the adjacent Vlakte and damaged their residences in 1940) 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," Prof Botman said at the time of the opening.

Forced removals from Die Vlakte under the Group Areas Act also resulted in the Lückhoff School in Banghoek Road being given to the University. The Lückhoff School has since been rededicated to the local community (in 2007) and houses various community organisations in addition to the University's Community Interaction division.  In 2008 and 2009 a permanent photo exhibition was installed in the building to give recognition to old boys and girls of the school who had become prominent role players in South African society.

Photo: The late Prof Russel Botman, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University, with Mr John Abels and Mrs Sybil Kannemeyer, residents of Idas Valley, at the opening of the Memory Room in 2013. Photographer: Anton Jordaan.

Family and friends of the late Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU), Prof Hayman Russel Botman, gathered  at Huis Russel Botman House on Human Rights Day – 21 March – to officially open this new senior residence on the Stellenbosch campus and to honour Prof Botman's legacy of reconciliation, human dignity and social justice.

His wife, Dr Beryl Botman and Prof Leopold van Huyssteen, Chief Operating Officer and Acting Rector, unveiled the plaque during a special ceremony at the residence on Saturday.

Dr Botman said it was difficult to express in words what this tribute means to them. She described it as evidence of Prof Botman's influence and the difference he made.

"We are proud of him and proud to be associated with him. We are grateful that he used his talents to aspire to a better life and human dignity for all."

In 2007, Prof Botman became the first black Rector and Vice-Chancellor of SU. The title of his inaugural address was "A multicultural university with a pedagogy of hope in Africa".

During his tenure at the helm of SU, he sought to realise the University's stated commitment to redress and development.

Student leaders of the residence, who was consulted in the naming the residence, motivated their suggestion in honouring Prof Botman in this way: "Prof Russel Botman played an invaluable role in the recent transformations of Stellenbosch University, which definitely had numerous indirect impacts on Stellenbosch as a whole. Since the residence was built during the time that Professor Botman was Rector and Vice-Chancellor, and still did not have a name at the time of his untimely passing, we think naming the residence Huis Russel Botman House would be the perfect way to honour Prof Botman and celebrate his legacy."

To express this sentiment the plaque reads as follows: "May those who reside in this building call it home. May they be inspired by his legacy and the pedagogy of hope to further the causes of reconciliation, human dignity and social justice."

The residence, completed in 2014 and housing 252 senior male and female students in single rooms, is situated in Marais Street in Stellenbosch.

Prof Van Huyssteen said student communities was of the utmost importance to Prof Botman: "On numerous occasions, Prof Botman said we have to build like crazy. In this he referred to the improvement of physical facilities at SU – student housing included. He also often referred to the important role that student housing plays in the attributes of students who graduate from SU, and he wished for many more students to share in this privilege."

This specific residence and the surrounding development meant a lot to Prof Botman. Shortly before his death, he described as a "fantastic place to be".

"For this reason it is appropriate that the residence is named after him. In this house his ideas are with us and are we in agreement with his ideas of inclusivity, excellence and being future-focused."

Photo captions:

Prof Leopoldt van Huyssteen, acting Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University, and Dr Beryl Botman, wife of the late Prof Russel Botman, unveil the plaque. Photo credit: Adrian Baillie-Stewart

Dr Beryl Botman, wife of the late Prof Russel Botman, and members of the Huis Russel Botman House forum in front of the senior residence with its new name. Photo credit: Melissa da Costa

The new senior residence at the Tygerberg campus was recently named Huis Ubuntu House.

"Ubuntu means humanity and humanness, and refers to how we are interwoven and how our actions influences others – so we have to ensure that the influence we have on others and the environment is positive and constructive," said FHMS dean, Prof Jimmy Volmink, at the official naming.

According to him there is evidence that a name can influence behaviour and he hopes that Huis Ubuntu House will cultivate a sense of community and goodwill among its residents.

"We consider Huis Ubuntu House to be a very suitable name for our senior residence – a res on a campus rich in diversity on all levels, where we put people first and where we create an environment where every student and staff member feels comfortable in every part of their being," said Prof Volmink.

"The name is also inclusive in that it contains all three the official languages in the Western Cape Province, Afrikaans, Xhosa and English," said Prof Volmink.

The naming process was approached via a competition where students could submit proposals through an online survey. A total of 49 proposals, with their accompanying motivations, were submitted, and Huis Ubuntu House was put forward twice.

Building of the new residence started in 2012 and students have been living there for the past 18 months. The residence consists of 150 single rooms and also has a recreational area that can accommodate around 200 students.

View more photos of the event on the FMHS Facebook page. Click here.

Photo: Mr Eben Mouton (FMHS Director: Business Management), mr Pieter Kloppers (Director: Centre for Student Structures and Communities) and FMHS dean, prof Jimmy Volmink unveil the new name.

​Some of the top performing computer science students at Stellenbosch University were told they are "at the right place at the right time in South Africa" at the annual awards ceremony of the Computer Science Division.

Mr Andrew Baker, a technologist from Barclays and one of the sponsors of the awards, said that, with a technology fund of R6 billion, Barclays used to be a big importer of technology. "We are now sourcing in South Africa.  You are at the right place at the right time," he told the students.

Barclays, one of five industry partners at the awards function on 19 March 2015, sponsored the awards for the Best First Year Student (Willem Wilken), the Best Second Year Student (Elrich Groenewald) and the Van der Walt medal for the Best Final Year Student (Pierre le Roux and Chris Coetzee). Mrs Nettie van der Walt, widow of the late Prof APJ van der Walt, presented the medals.

The other industry partners were IBM, Vastech, Praelexis and 4iMobile.

Prof Lynette van Zijl, head of the Computer Science Division in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at SU, said they are excited about having so many industry partners on board, as their involvement provides much-needed practical experience for the students.

One of the oldest industry partners is IBM. Mr Harry Lewis, a software engineer from IBM, said their relationship with SU goes back to the early 1960s when the first mainframe computer was installed at the university. In 2012 IBM established a Software Centre of Excellence at SU to help postgraduate students hone their technical skills.

IBM sponsored the award for the Best Honours Project. This was won by Kanil Patel for the development of Sketchit, a software programme that allows non-programming game players to modify a game like Super Mario. Kanil provided proof-of-concept that a user can design a game level on paper, which Sketchit then converts to an actual game.

Mr Gavin Gray, general manager for research and technology development at Vastech, said they are deeply indebted to the Computer Science Division: "Of our 115 staff members, over a hundred are graduates and postgraduate students from SU," he said. Vastech sponsored the prize for the Best Honours Student, which also went to Kanil Patel.

Mr Herman van Dyk from 4iMobile said they started walking a path with SU in 2015 with the introduction of short courses and internships: "We need more students to go into app development. The moment you think you're on top, you are already six months behind. It is a new and exciting field," he said. The prize for the Best Mobile Systems Development Project, sponsored by 4iMobile, went to Percy Groenewald and Ryno Claassen.

Lastly, Dr McEleroy Hoffman, founder of Praelexis, said it is important for industry and academic departments to take hands in the development of students: "Ultimately we benefit the most from these partnerships," he said. Praelexis sponsored the prize for the Best Machine Learning Project (Jason Scott).

Alex Wright, Gerard Louw, Jacques Marais and Liam Baker received certificates as the best team from Stellenbosch University to have participated in the ACM Collegiate Programming Contest at the University of Cape Town last year. The contest is an annual multi-tiered programming competition among the world's universities, hosted by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and sponsored by IBM.

On the photo, from left to right, Prof Louise Warnich (Dean: Faculty of Science), Chris Coetzee, Mr Andrew Baker (Barclays), Mrs Nettie van der Walt and Pierre le Roux. Photo: Hennie de Villiers

"The foundation laid for us in Stellenbosch opened doors for us as individuals, but it also delivered valuable human capital for society, contributing to wealth creation and development," said Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU) at a recent gathering of 110 alumni, donors and friends of SU in Johannesburg.

The dinner, held on June 11 and sponsored by life insurance and asset management company Liberty, gave the Rector the opportunity to meet alumni of the university and potential donors; answer questions, address concerns; and build relationships.

Mr Jacko Maree, former Matie and Chairperson of Liberty, said that the dinner formed part of the Alumni Golf Club's golf day to raise funds for bursaries for disadvantaged students - a golf day that the company has been supporting since 2010.

He said it is important for Liberty to be a good corporate citizen. "I think it is relevant for any business really - any big business can only flourish if its clients and stakeholders like government and communities see it as relevant and that applies to universities as well."

Prof De Villiers in turn said that one of SU's strategic objectives is to increase its impact on society. "And our alumni prove that the delivery of well-qualified graduates is a very effective way to make a difference," he added.

Prof De Villiers looked at key factors driving change in higher education; updated guests on developments at Stellenbosch; and discussed the future that SU is trying to build, and their role in it.

He highlighted three trends, namely massification, technology and funding. He said the trend of massification can certainly be seen at Stellenbosch University. "Many of you will be surprised to learn that our student numbers have risen from + 10 000 in 1975, to 20 000 at the start of the Millennium, to now 30 000."

According to De Villiers, SU's student body has become much more diverse – from just 762 black, coloured and Indian (BCI) students in 1990, to more than 11 300, or nearly 40%. "The nature of our student population has also changed. So now almost 40% of our students are postgraduates and that is in keeping with what a research intensive university should be. And of those 40% of the postgraduate students, 50% of those are black, coloured and Indian and the predominant language of instruction at postgraduate level is English."

He added that the University's goal in terms of diversity is to be "at least 50% by 2018, when we celebrate our Centenary".

As far as information and communication technology for teaching and learning is concerned, Prof De Villiers told guests that Stellenbosch has committed more than R220 million and embarked on a five-year project in 2014 to integrate Information and Communication Technology comprehensively into learning and teaching at the University.

Prof De Villiers also said it is a reality that Universities must go about being much more efficient and clever, deliver services and products that are in demand and must prove that an investment in education still delivers unique value.

After the financial crisis of 2008, universities are under pressure in all four income streams. State funding has been reduced to balance budgets; families and individuals are struggling to pay tuition fees and accommodation; companies are cutting their spending on research; and benefactors think twice before they make donations.

The Rector thanked alumni, donors and friends of the University for their continued support. "Many of you donate money to your alma mater, or in other ways are involved in our projects and initiatives. You are helping the next generation to have the same opportunities as we had, and more!"

He also gave the assurance that SU is committed to the future and the role that alumni, donors and friends of the University can play in it. ​

• Click here to see a photo gallery of the event.

​​This year marks 20 years since South Africa hosted the Rugby World Cup (RWC) tournament in 1995. To critically review this event, the University Museum, in cooperation with the Department of Sport Science, will screen Injury Time – a documentary directed by Mark Fredericks.

Injury Time explores the question: Who benefitted most in South Africa from the 1995 RWC tournament? In this documentary, Mark Fredericks relates "a damning tale of betrayal and deceit as an entire history of non-racial sport is written out of history".

The screening of the film will be followed by a conversation facilitated by Dr Francois Cleophas of the Department of Sport Science at Stellenbosch University.

Please join us for a stimulating evening!

Date:   24 June 2015

Time:   18:00

Place:   University Museum (Sasol Art Museum), 52 Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch

RSVP:   Elvandre Galant, e-mail: elvandre@sun.ac.za

​USB director Prof Piet Naudé has signed the USB up as a new academic member of The Academy of Business in Society (ABIS) network.

On the importance of this step, Prof Naudé says: "Through its successful application to join ABIS, USB intends to extend its international network with like-minded institutions that realise that an appreciation for business' role in society is critical".

​The Division for Research Development would like to again remind you about a new platform that will increase the visibility of our research expertise: the SU Knowledge Directory. This tool was collaboratively developed by the Division for Research Development, Postgraduate and International Office and Information Technology. The aim is to make information about the expertise of our researchers more accessible by means of a web console which will feature on the SU website.
 
The value of this directory lies therein that: prospective postgraduate students will be able to identify possible supervisors; it will assist media liaison; potential national and international research collaborators and industry partners will be able to search the directory for SU experts; it has the potential to promote interdisciplinary networking amongst SU researchers; and in general, it has the potential to enhance the visibility of SU research strengths and individual research expertise.
 
At the moment, only basic information on individual researchers is available, but the potential exists for each individual researcher to profile his/her key areas of expertise via this platform. We would like to encourage you to have a look at what is currently available for you. Information has been sourced on areas of expertise from SU departmental websites, funding applications, NRF rating applications, etc. but please take ownership of your profile and make sure that it accurately reflects your expertise. Staff information is drawn from the SU Human Resources system.
 
This new initiative is a work in progress, so if you have any questions or if you would like to comment on functionalities or make suggestions for improvements, please contact Nicole Walker (nwalker@sun.ac.za). Nicole can also be contacted if your profile is currently not available on the directory.
 
Please use the following link to access the SU Knowledge Directory: http://www0.sun.ac.za/knowledge_directory/

A vasectomy is a reliable form of contraception and is popular among South Africans. But there is a small group of men – approximately five percent of those who undergo a vasectomy – who return to the doctor to have the operation reversed so that they can become a dad again.

"In principal a vasectomy is a permanent form of contraception, but there are ways to try and reverse it," says Dr Amir Zarrabi, a urologist with Stellenbosch University's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

A vasectomy is a surgical procedure whereby the tube that leads sperm cells from a man's testis (vasa deferentia) is severed and tied to prevent conception.

"It is a very good form of contraception for married couples. It's reliable, it's a minor operation without many risks, it doesn't have any hormonal influence on the body, and is a once-off expense," explains Zarrabi.

In most cases, men in their second or third marriages request vasectomy reversals when they want to start families with their new partners. "An increase in divorce is driving the demand for vasectomy reversal – men get vasectomies when they are in stable relationships and they think they won't have any more children, but then it doesn't work out," says Zarrabi.

According to him the average patient requesting a vasectomy reversal is in his mid- to late thirties.

"Patients should not have the perception that they can have vasectomies now and just reverse it later when they change their minds. Vasectomies are not done to be reversed, but there are methods of doing it which makes it easier to reverse at a later stage," he says.

The success rate of a regular vasectomy reversal (vasovasostomy) is only 15 to 20 percent, but with a special microsurgery technique Zarrabi learnt in the USA (vaso-epididymostomy) he achieves up to 80 percent success rate with vasectomy reversal.

In contrast with the regular procedure which just attaches the two ends of the vasa deferentia where it was severed with the vasectomy, Zarrabi does a bypass that directly attaches the vasa deferentia to the epididymis (a tube running just above the testicle) which circumnavigates any blockages which may have formed due to pressure in the testicles. The epididymis tube is as thin as a human hair and therefore has to be attached with microsurgical techniques and specialised microsurgical instruments.

There are also certain techniques that can be used with the initial vasectomy that may increase the chance of a successful reversal in future, without influencing the integrity or efficacy of the vasectomy.

With a standard vasectomy the vasa deferentia is severed and both ends are tied with a stitch or a metal clip. This practice, which is very common in South Africa, causes pressure to build up in the epididymis which can lead to blockages in the structure.

The technique Zarrabi follows, which is similar to vasectomy practice in the USA and Europe, leaves one end of the vasa deferentia open which prevents pressure from building up in the testicles, and closing the other end by burning it. A piece of tissue is also placed between the two ends to ensure that sperm cells don't land up in the seminal stream.

"This technique is just as safe as the standard vasectomy, but it also makes provision in case things change and the man wants to do a reversal," says Zarrabi.

Interesting facts about vasectomies

• Among certain cultural groups there is a perception that a vasectomy affects your manhood and libido, but this isn't true at all.
• Although a vasectomy is a very reliable method of contraception, about one in every 5 000 cases is unsuccessful.
• Although there are not many risks associated with a vasectomy, a small group of men (three out of every 100) develop post vasectomy pain syndrome.
  

Media enquiries:
Mandi Barnard
Marketing Coordinator
+27 (0)21 938 9505
mandi@sun.ac.za
Marketing and Communication Office
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences 
Stellenbosch University                         

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

​“In South Africa, 1 600 women die every year during pregnancy and childbirth, and 10 times more patients suffers severe complications that may lead to brain damage, renal failure and other complications,” says Dr Eduard Langenegger, head of Obstetric Critical Care and Maternal Foetal Medicine at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. “Death could have been avoided in 20% of these women if there wasn’t a shortage of critical care beds in South Africa.”

The newly-established obstetric critical care unit (OCCU) at Tygerberg Hospital is one of only a few units in the world that specialises in the prevention and treatment of pregnancy complications.

The work done in the unit is aligned with the Millennium Development Goal of reducing maternal mortality, which is one of South Africa’s most pressing health issues.

Pregnancy complications are caused by pre-eclampsia (very high blood pressure), bleeding before, during or after labour, infections and underlying disorders such as heart disease.

The maternal mortality rate of public health care facilities in the Western Cape is the lowest of all provinces in the country and comparable to that of private hospitals. The outcome of very ill mothers and babies treated in the OCCU is as good as, and in some cases even better than, outcomes obtained in countries like the USA, Brazil and the United Kingdom.

The establishment of this emergency care unit in the labour ward of Tygerberg Hospital has already led to a significant decrease in maternal deaths due to pregnancy and non-pregnancy related life-threatening emergencies. Effective emergency management has also decreased long-term complications such as renal failure or cerebral palsy.

“Severe complications increase a patient’s risk of dying by 25%, but if she can get early access to critical care, her risk of dying and complication is reduced,” says Langenegger.

Langenegger and colleagues also developed an OCCU blueprint that can be replicated in other district and tertiary hospitals, and currently are working on creating emergency care beds in Worcester Hospital’s labour ward.

Photo: Drs Langenegger, Moodley and Mr Seconds prepare to transfer a patient that just delivered her baby. She developed pre-eclampsia (very high blood pressure) and then pulmonary oedema (water on the lungs) and had difficulty in breathing. The OCCU team stabilised her and are preparing to transfer her to the OCCU.

Learners being called names by teachers. Peer pressure. Low self-esteem. Bullying.  Disinterested teachers and parents.

These were some of the reasons for the high dropout rate in certain schools identified on Tuesday (23 June 2015) by young volunteers on the Western Cape's Year Beyond Programme. Their presentations at Stellenbosch University's (SU) AmaMaties Hub were part of the first leg of the Year Beyond Innovation Challenge through which they had to identify causes for dropouts and formulate possible solutions.

The Year Beyond Programme – launched last year by Premier Zille –  recruits and trains bright and motivated young people who spend a year tutoring and mentoring learners in underperforming schools. This is a joint initiative of the Department of the Premier, the Western Cape Education Department and Department of Cultural Affairs and Sports in partnership with a number of NGOs including Action Volunteers Africa, the Shine Centre and Ikamva Youth.

The young volunteers are trained in leadership skills by SU's Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert Institute for Student Leadership Development (FVZS) through a number of short courses. Dr Leslie van Rooi, the head of FVZS, is one of the adjudicators of the Innovation Challenge.

In a media release the WC government states: "This innovation challenge is a unique opportunity for trailblazers to share their ideas with decision-makers and for the Western Cape Government to understand the challenges through a young person's eyes.

"Going forward the mentors will be guided through the process of intervention design. They will be supported to develop a programme that achieves the outcomes of their proposed solution during the course of this year. This is an exciting way of using the experiential learning and innovative thinking of our youth mentors to inform educational and developmental initiatives."

Some of the volunteers were clearly emotional as they listed problems identified at the schools they are working with. One volunteer said that there are no positive role models at school while another said that teachers are often absent and because there is no back up, learners are left to their own devices while they should be busy with school work. Another argued that teenage pregnancy – which is a major cause of learners dropping out – is partly the result of low self-esteem and negative peer pressure.

One of the groups spoke at length about a lack of encouragement and support by teachers who often ignore bullying. Volunteer Noxolo Ntshangase said that 37% of girls and 57% of boys are involved in bullying tactics at school. However, while this is clearly a problem that needs to be addressed, many schools do not have a policy dealing with bullies and bullying.

Commenting on the presentations, Van Rooi said: "The presentations this morning clearly show that young people in South Africa want to make a difference and actively participate in processes that positively impact on our country and people. It is important to understand that volunteers do not only want to make an impact, but want to be involved in decision making in the long term which will lead to change.

"It was clear that the 8 groups really wrestled with what they see as big challenges and to present it as clear and tactile problems that will be tackled in the next round. Like the other adjudicators, I was truly impressed with the amount of thinking and doing that went into the presentations.

"It was especially clear that the groups do not believe that someone else has to make/be a difference. The focus was not on the role of government or a lack of resources. On the contrary, the focus was on the 'self', the development of the individual. We were left with the distinct impression that there will be definite and feasible solutions in the next round."

Post your picture or video of a beautiful light phenomenon on social media and you stand a chance of winning a digital camera, binoculars or a selfie stick – provided you tag @SU_LSC and use the hashtag #IYLSU.

The Laser Student Chapter at Stellenbosch University (SU LSC) has launched a photographic competition as part of their activities during the International Year of Light 2014 (IYL).

All you have to do is snap away at anything that has something to do with light – from artificial light to the beauty of sunbeams breaking through the clouds. Post it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram – remember to always tag @SU_LSC and add the hashtag #IYLSU and your age. You may enter as many times as you want.

The prizes include an ultrazoom digital camera, an instant printing photo camera, a unique lomography analog camera (this is a four-lensed camera that dissects a second into four parts and then reassembles them to create something entirely new), a pair of binoculars and a selfie stick.

Entries close 10 September 2015 and winners will be notified by 15 September 2015. More details are available at http://slsc85.wix.com/slsc#!iyl-photo-competition/csp1.

Like the SU Laser Student Chapter on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LaserChapter

Follow them on twitter at @SU_SLC

​​​​​​​​​​Family and friends of the late Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU), Prof Hayman Russel Botman, gathered  at Huis Russel Botman House on Human Rights Day – 21 March – to officially open this new senior residence on the Stellenbosch campus and to honour Prof Botman's legacy of reconciliation, human dignity and social justice.

His wife, Dr Beryl Botman and Prof Leopoldt van Huyssteen, Chief Operating Officer and Acting Rector, unveiled the plaque during a special ceremony at the residence on Saturday.

Dr Botman said it was difficult to express in words what this tribute means to them. She described it as evidence of Prof Botman's influence and the difference he made.

"We are proud of him and proud to be associated with him. We are grateful that he used his talents to aspire to a better life and human dignity for all."

In 2007, Prof Botman became the first black Rector and Vice-Chancellor of SU. The title of his inaugural address was "A multicultural university with a pedagogy of hope in Africa".

During his tenure at the helm of SU, he sought to realise the University's stated commitment to redress and development.

Student leaders of the residence, who was consulted in the naming the residence, motivated their suggestion in honouring Prof Botman in this way: "Prof Russel Botman played an invaluable role in the recent transformations of Stellenbosch University, which definitely had numerous indirect impacts on Stellenbosch as a whole. Since the residence was built during the time that Professor Botman was Rector and Vice-Chancellor, and still did not have a name at the time of his untimely passing, we think naming the residence Huis Russel Botman House would be the perfect way to honour Prof Botman and celebrate his legacy."

To express this sentiment the plaque reads as follows: "May those who reside in this building call it home. May they be inspired by his legacy and the pedagogy of hope to further the causes of reconciliation, human dignity and social justice."

The residence, completed in 2014 and housing 252 senior male and female students in single rooms, is situated in Marais Street in Stellenbosch.

Prof Van Huyssteen said student communities was of the utmost importance to Prof Botman: "On numerous occasions, Prof Botman said we have to build like crazy. In this he referred to the improvement of physical facilities at SU – student housing included. He also often referred to the important role that student housing plays in the attributes of students who graduate from SU, and he wished for many more students to share in this privilege."

This specific residence and the surrounding development meant a lot to Prof Botman. Shortly before his death, he described as a "fantastic place to be".

"For this reason it is appropriate that the residence is named after him. In this house his ideas are with us and are we in agreement with his ideas of inclusivity, excellence and being future-focused."

Photo captions:

Prof Leopoldt van Huyssteen, acting Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University, and Dr Beryl Botman, wife of the late Prof Russel Botman, unveil the plaque. Photo credit: Adrian Baillie-Stewart

Dr Beryl Botman, wife of the late Prof Russel Botman, and members of the Huis Russel Botman House forum in front of the senior residence with its new name. Photo credit: Melissa da Costa

The  African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), of which Stellenbosch University (SU) is a partner,  conferred Master's Degrees in Mathematical Sciences on 43 students (including 19 women)  from 18 different African countries on Tuesday (23 June 2015).

The graduation ceremony took place at the Muizenberg Pavilion.

Other partners are the universities of Cambridge, Cape Town, Oxford, Paris Sud XI and the Western Cape.  

Founded in 2003, AIMS-South Africa has already produced 579 graduates.  As part of a pan-African network of centres of excellence for postgraduate education, research and public engagement in the mathematical sciences, AIMS-South Africa has helped boost the number of degrees to over 900 across the network.

The ceremony was officiated by Dr Max Price, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town, Prof Vivienne Lawack, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Western Cape and Prof Eugene Cloete, Vice-Rector: Research and Innovation at SU.

The guest speaker was Prof Brian O'Connell, an AIMS-South Africa Trustee and former Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Western Cape.

In his congratulatory message, O'Connell said AIMS graduates are a wonderful example of people who are strong and brave enough to deal with the unprecedented environmental challenges facing humanity.

 "Our students will play a big role in contributing to the renewal and growth of the African continent," said Prof Barry Green, Director of AIMS-South Africa.

Graduates expressed their appreciation for the quality education and support they received during their studies.

Ms Ephifania Geza from Zimbabwe said "we have been transformed for the betterment of Africa."  Echoing her sentiment, Ms Reine Marquise Yemata Mekondjou from Cameroon added: "what we are doing will change Africa tomorrow." Mr Adebayo Abayomi Adeleke, from Nigeria said they must use what AIMS has provided them to benefit those who do not get this chance.

At the graduation ceremony, a number of AIMS Endowed Scholarships were also awarded to those students who had performed exceptionally during their year of study. The recipients were: Mr Arnaud Andrianavalomahefa who received the Stephen Hawking Scholarship; Ms Vahatra Fenosoa Rabonandrianandraina who was awarded the Martin Rees Scholarship; Mr Felicien Jordan Masakuna who received the Paul G. Allen Scholarship, and Ms Cecilia Muthoni Ndirangu and Mr Emmanuel Oluwatobiloba Neye, who both received Victor Rothschild Scholarships.

• For more about AIMS-South Africa, visit www.aims.ac.za. 

Four Stellenbosch University experts were honoured by the South African Academy for Science and Arts for their contributions to their respective fields at a rewards ceremony in Stellenbosch last night. These awards signify excellence, commitment and hard work – characteristics that are highly prized at SU.

The recipients are Prof. Johan de Villiers and the Libertas Choir, Prof Leon Dicks, extra-ordinary professor at the Department of Microbiology, Prof Lizette Rabe from the Department of Journalism, and Prof Leslie Swartz, from the Department of Psychology.

Prof Johan de Villiers, emeritus professor in Mathematics at Stellenbosch University, and the Libertas Choir, received a special medal of honour. Prof De Villiers found the choir and has been its conductor since 1989. The Libertas Choir was the first multi-cultural choir in South Africa and is still representative of the diverse South African community.

Prof De Villiers was recognised for his "inspiring leadership, unique characteristics and exceptional ability in the field of choir instruction and performance of choir music".

Prof De Villiers had the following to say about the award after it was announced earlier this year: "I dedicate it to every choir member over the years, and specifically to my wife, Louwina, without whose enormous contribution as choir manager there wouldn't have been a Libertas Choir. I am also greatly indebted to Stellenbosch University for promoting my parallel career in music, since my time as conductor of the University Choir."

Prof Leon Dicks has been awarded the Havenga prize for life sciences. This is a prestigious prize awarded annually for original research in the natural sciences and/or technology and can be awarded only once to the same individual.

Prof Dicks said, as a scientist, the award serves as a wake-up call to tackle even more challenging issues: "It is always nice to receive recognition for one's work. I am deeply grateful towards the Academy for the award and that I have received so many blessings, but I also realise that there is still a lot to be done!"

He received the award for his research on antimicrobial peptides and the probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria.

Prof Lizette Rabe receives the Stals-prize for Communication and Journalism. In a media release the Academy says Rabe distinguished herself as a respected academic in a field of study where hands on experience, together with in depth knowledge, are prerequisites. Her career  getuig van 'n benadering om alle geleenthede te benut om joernalistiek as vakgebied te bevorder en uit te bou."

She was praised for her insight into the fast changing environment of electronic communication tools and how it enables her to study the application of these tools in journalism, and to train student accordingly.

Prof Rabe said the award is an honour "which I accept with great humility".

This year the Stals-prize for Psychology was awarded to Prof Leslie Swartz for the key role he played in the formation of the Centre for Public Mental Health, in cooperation with the University of Cape Town. "Prof Swartz serves as in inspirational example of a psychologist and academic who lives out his passion for renewal on the field of psychology as well as the acquisition of knowledge," said the release.

Read more about Prof Johan de Villiers and Prof Leon Dicks.

Photo: From left is Proff Proff Johan de Villiers, Lizette Rabe, Leslie Swartz and Leon Dicks.

​

​​Tuberculosis (TB) is a global threat to wildlife and has significant socioeconomic, ecological and conservation consequences for endangered species, as well as humans.

This was one of the viewpoints of Prof Michele Miller of the Department of Biomedical Sciences in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Stellenbosch University (SU) on Tuesday (23 June 2015). She delivered her inaugural lecture in the Clinical Building on SU's Tygerberg Campus.

Miller said TB in wildlife and cattle, also known as bovine TB, affects the health and productivity of animals, may lead to high mortality in some species, and could also be transmitted to other animals and humans.

"Consumption of unpasteurised dairy products or infected animal products, exposure to contaminated environments (including pasture and water) or close prolonged contact can result in transmission to other animals as well as humans."

"Disease risks may alter public perception of wildlife based on threat of transmission to livestock, impact on livelihoods, including utilisation of wildlife, and potential to infect humans."

"In Southern Africa, since people and livestock may share land and water resources and people utilise wildlife for economic purposes, potential disease transmission could result in decreased tolerance in already limited habitats."

Miller said the emergence of TB in wildlife has created concern among conservationists, private game and cattle farmers, agriculture regulatory agencies and the public health sector in developed and developing countries.

"Losses associated with restriction in trade, restricted animal movement, decreased tourism and production, increased biosecurity costs, expenses associated with testing and restocking, and infection from hunting and butchering game have been identified as major burdens for farmers, and the wider agricultural industry."

"In many developing countries, livestock are associated with social status and reflect personal wealth.  The presence of TB can have serious implications for the livelihood and community standing of the family that owns infected animals."

Miller argued that we don't know the long-term consequences of TB among species such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, spotted hyenas, honey badgers, impalas, warthogs, hartebeest and blue wildebeest, giraffes and black rhinoceros.

She said the lack of resources and funding to conduct studies, a paucity of validated tests and constraints on accessing animals are some of the limitations for advancing comprehension of wildlife TB.

"Increased awareness of TB in wildlife is the first step in addressing the ecological, conservation, socioeconomic and public health issues associated with this disease."

Miller highlighted the importance of research to help us understand the disease better.

She said one of the key areas being investigated is the exploration of the different hosts' immune responses and the development of diagnostic tests, especially for wildlife species.

Miller added that collaboration between different stakeholders could contribute to greater knowledge that will inform strategies for the prevention and management of animal TB.

• Photo: Prof Michele Miller (middle) with Proff Jimmy Volmink, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Eugene Cloete, Vice-Rector: Research and Innovation, at the inaugural lecture.
  
• Photographer: Wilma Stassen
  

The Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science at Stellenbosch University is leading the African pack when it comes to high quality scientific papers published in the top 1% of the world's leading scientific journals during 2014.

This is according to global survey data released by Nature Index 2014 – a unique database that can be used to track down which institutions made the biggest absolute contribution to high-quality scientific research in a field, region or globally.

The Nature Index was compiled by selecting over 57 000 primary research papers from the top 68 scientific journals in the world. These papers were then weighed in terms of how many authors on a paper came from the same institution or country (the article count or AC) and how many from outside. The more authors there are from the same institution or country, the higher the score (the so-called weighed fractional count or WFC), and vice versa.

Seven primary research papers from SU's Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science were included in the Nature Index, with a combined weight count of 6.27. This constitutes 60% of the total contribution from Stellenbosch University and 40% of the total contribution from Africa. Four of those papers originated from only one research group in the department.

"Our contribution is by far the highest by a chemistry department in South Africa and Africa. This is a clear indication of the quality of the researchers in our department," says Prof Peter Mallon, Head of the Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science.

"If you consider that the Web of Science lists 8 500 of the world's leading scientific and technical journals, and that there are thousands more that are not listed, then you start to appreciate the significance of this achievement," he adds.

Prof Len Barbour's research group, which focuses on the principles of crystal engineering to design new functional materials, produced four of the scientific papers. The papers were published in Chemical Communications, Analytical Chemistry, Angewandte Chemie International Edition and Inorganic Chemistry.

The research leaders on these papers are Prof Len Barbour, Prof Harald Pasch, Prof Bert Klumperman, Prof Klaus Koch and Prof Leon Dicks (from the Department of Microbiology). All of them hold A or B ratings from the National Research Foundation and are recognised internationally as leaders in their fields.

The other authors and co-authors are established researchers, recent PhD graduates or candidates and postdoctoral fellows at SU: they are Prof Catharine Esterhuysen, Dr Prem Lama, Dr Vincent Smith (RCA Fellow), Elrika Harmzen, Himanshu Aggarwal, Dr Simon Herbert,  Guillaume Greyling, Dr Pieter Murray, Leon Engelbrecht Charl Bezuidenhout, Dr Prashant M Bhatt and  Tiaan Heunis (Department of Microbiology).

According to Nature Index's overview of scientific publications from Africa, South Africa and Egypt contributed 75% of the region's articles in the index. Africa trails far behind the rest of the world when it comes to scientific publishing, but the continent leads in terms of international collaborations. During 2014 more than 70% of Africa's output came from work done with scientists from other countries.

To view all the contributions from Stellenbosch University, go to http://www.natureindex.com/institution-outputs/South%20Africa/Stellenbosch%20University%20%28SU%29

On the photo, at the back from left to right, Prof. Klaus Koch, Leon Engelbrecht (PhD student), Guillaume van Eeden (PhD student), Prof. Harald Pasch, Prof. Len Barbour and Dr Vincent Smith. In the front sits Prof. Catharine Esterhuysen and Prof. Leon Dicks. Photo: TC Kieck

The possession and use of cannabis is illegal in South Africa, but despite this the country is ranked as one of the top cannabis producers globally and it is the commonest illicit drug abused in South Africa.

"Although this drug is viewed as an innocent herb by many, there is increasing concern about adverse health consequences," says Dr Lize Weich, senior psychiatrist and lecturer at Stellenbosch University (SU).

Many users become dependent on cannabis, it is estimated that about one in nine cannabis users will become dependent, while those who start using it in their teens have a one in six chance to become dependent. It is also linked to other medical complications, including heart attacks (one study found a nearly five-fold increased risk for this in the hour after use), as well as arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) and strokes.

Smoking is the most common route of delivery of cannabis, so it is not surprising that lung problems, like chest infections, chronic bronchitis and emphysema are common among cannabis users.

Cannabis smoke also contains carcinogens (cancer causing agents) similar to that found in tobacco smoke and that may predispose an individual to lung cancer.

Cannabis use impairs driving ability and users are at a higher risk of car accidents.

Its use in pregnancy has been linked with neuro-behavioural problems in children.

"Furthermore, cannabis intoxication can lead to multiple psychiatric complications, like panic, anxiety, depression or psychotic symptoms," Weich explains. Heavy cannabis use has been linked to reduced pro-social goal-directed behaviour (when individuals select actions based on their predicted consequences), apathy and diminished drive, referred to by some as the "amotivational syndrome".

Long-term cannabis use can also affect memory and the ability to process information.

The developing adolescent brain is particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of cannabis use. "It is the most common illicit drug used by this group and has been linked with poor educational attainment, dropping out of school, later unemployment and lower life satisfaction and even with a decline in IQ," says Weich. Adolescent onset cannabis use has also been linked to various psychiatric problems in this age group, including an increased risk of developing schizophrenia – a brain disorder which affects the way a person behaves, thinks and sees the world.

Although the cannabis plant contains in excess of 400 compounds, the most potent agent is delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC acts by activating the endocannabinoid receptor system, a delicate system that modulates the balance in other neurotransmitter systems, thereby ensuring optimal functioning of multiple biological functions including learning, memory, stress, appetite, movement and pain perception.

Weich emphasises that although there are some early studies that suggest potential medicinal benefit from cannabis use, including relief of neuropathic pain, increasing appetite and treating glaucoma, there is not yet sufficient evidence to support its efficacy and rule out harms and human trials in this regard is still largely lacking.

She says there is concern about the popular belief that cannabis is "medicinal" and thus "harmless and safe", especially among children and adolescents. Studies have shown that this vulnerable population's risk of use is influenced by how safely they perceive a drug to be.

"It is clear that legalising cannabis for medicinal use is an important topic that needs careful consideration. Much more research is required to establish efficacy along with a clear public message highlighting risks, especially among the youth," says Weich. 

For more information or enquiries, contact the Mental Health Information Centre of Southern Africa on 021 938 9229 or send an e-mail to mhic@sun.ac.za or visit their website at www.mentalhealthsa.org.za

Historical facts about cannabis

The cannabis plant is indigenous to Central and South Asia and has been used for millennia for its fiber (hemp), for medicinal purposes and for its ability to produce relaxation and well-being in religious ceremonies and as a recreational drug.

It is thought that Arab traders introduced the cannabis plant to southern Africa before the region was colonised. Possession of cannabis was classified as illegal in many countries early in the twentieth century and it was also banned in South Africa in 1928.

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