Softcopy Issue Three 2016

Two visiting Profs for DUT Journalism #DUTDigiFest2016

Awards for DUT Drama Students

After Earth Fashion Show

National and International Speakers at Faculty Research Seminars Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine

Issue Three 2016

Credits Editor: Andile Dube 031 373 6455/ andiled@dut.ac.za Contributors: Noxolo Memela, Sinegugu Ndlovu, Waheeda Peters and Nqobile Msomi Layout and Design: Nic Human Images: Khumalo Hlobisile, Sbonelo Mthethwa, DUT Photography Department, Morgen Kisten, Michelle Reynolds, Nic Human, Waheeda Peters and Colourise Photography Studio.

Cover Art: Wesley van Eeden (Resoborg) Publisher: Faculty of Arts and Design Editor-in-Chief: FoAD Executive Dean, Dr RenĂŠ Smith

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Contents Awards and Honours ‘Our Story’ bags two awards at Kopanong Student Arts Festival

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ACT Scholarship for Drama Student

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Kate Wells - a Living Legend

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Exhibition ECP students return to Sustainable Living Exhibition

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Once More for Karla Nixon

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Madiba as our Moral Compass

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News Hat tricks at Musgrave Flower Show

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After Earth Fashion Show

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A busy six weeks for Fulbright Specialist Prof Kumar

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DUT Drama department launches Project Phemba

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Drama department hosts two international acts

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The media, democracy and development

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E-Learning the future of teaching

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Graduation Distinction for cultural enthusiast Tiema Muindi

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#DUTDigiFest Special Vibrant vibes at bigger and better DUTDigiFest2016

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Seminars Free Speech, hate speech and hashtags

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Kate Skinner talks SABC and its survival

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Support systems for marginalised males

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Our Alumni Ngubane receives Chevening Scholarship

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Journalism alumna wins KZN Youth Achievers Award

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Nostalgic moments for former Video Tech students

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Former Drama student leads local movie scene

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New Faces in FoAD

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Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Three 2016

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Editor’s Note It is hard to believe but we are left with weeks before the year is over. I am always amazed at how much time flies without one noticing. On this, our third issue, we continue with celebrating the work that is done by staff and students in the Faculty of Arts and Design.

Not just students who are still studying with us but students who have gone on to industry and are doing amazing things out there. In this edition our alumni section is bursting with stories of achievement by previous students of the faculty. You can read about former journalism student, Sphelele Ngubane who has been awarded the Chevening Scholarship and is studying at Cardiff University in the United Kingdom.

You can also read about Drama and Production Studies’ graduate, Charmaine Mandlazi who has landed a leading role in a movie called, Imperfection.

In the awards and honours section you can read about Second Year Drama and Production Studies student, Yonela Ngoni has been selected as one of the top 3 national finalists for the Arts and Culture Trust (ACT) Scholarship 2017.

Our special feature is the third annual DUTDigiFest which was on everyone’s slips recently. Some of my favourite things about DigiFest is the spirit of togetherness that it brings to the campus and the proud feeling it gives the students having their work exhibited.

I came across this beautiful Facebook post by accomplished author and inspirational speaker, Iyanla Vanzant the other day and I thought I share it with you.

“Life is going to be a challenge. There will be rough times, difficult situations, things to fall into, major obstacles, mysteries to solve, wonders to unfold and promises to keep to yourself. Now that you know what to expect, prepare yourself. The only way to get to where you want to be is to do what needs to be done to get there.” Iyanla Vanzant You can share your thoughts on this magazine by emailing me on andiled@dut.ac.za. You can also like our facebook page, www.facebook.com/dutartsanddesign.

See you soon!

Andile

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Dean’s Corner This issue of Softcopy focuses not only on the achievements of our students, staff and alumni, but also profiles the role of partnerships and collaboration in pursuit of our goals.

Our Drama students continue to shine, receiving awards for local interpretations and adaptations of the classics and contemporary work. In this issue, the spotlights falls on Nellie Ngcongo and the cast of ‘Our Story’. We also profile exhibitions by Karla Nixon and Mhlonishwa Chiliza, practising artists and Mentees on our Faculty Mentor programme, which seeks to harness talent and nurture the next generation of academics in the Arts.

Journalism alumnus, Sphelele Ngubane, who was recently awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarship to study in the UK, is another future academic making us proud. I remember S’phe because of his hard work and commitment to excellence, evidence in his sterling set of results and a thunderous applause at graduation. Our principle mission is to educate and inspire a new generation - this generation.

The Faculty is fortunate to have hosted several international performers, speakers and visiting professors this term. This forms part of our plans and commitments to research, engagement and internationalisation. Through our partnership with Alliance Française de Durban and the Institut Français d’Afrique du Sud, our Drama students enjoyed dedicated workshops by acclaimed performers from Reunion Island.

These include the Island’s oldest dance crew, ‘Soul City’, as well as award-winning ‘Cirquons Flex’; who received a standing ovation for their collaborative work, La Pli i Donn, performed first at the Courtyard Theatre, ahead of their tour to other cities.

Media, democracy and development was the theme of the final seminar by Fulbright Scholar, Prof Aashish Kumar from Hofstra University in the United States and Prof Alicia Gil Torres from Universidad de Valladolid, Spain. It also emerged as a theme during our well-attended and engaging seminars on ‘Free Speech, Hate Speech and Hashtags’ and on the SABC in a digital age. Discussions on digital media carried through to the 2016 Digifest where local digital start-ups and entrepreneurs engaged with festival organisers and guests.

Aligned to our objectives, this year we focused on: promoting digital integration across activities and exhibitions; partnering with the DUT Centre for Social Entrepreneurship in supporting student businesses; worked with Marí Pete (Celt) on profiling e-learning, and collaborated across disciplines through the ‘Rise of the OXX’ and the DigiTalkfest. Speakers at this years’ DigiTalkfest included Standard Bank Incubator Head, Jayshree Naidoo and Dave Pons, winner of the 2014 Durban Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Special mention goes to Greg Streak’s work with departments and the Fine Art Student exhibition, ‘From No Tech to Low Tech’, as well as Nirma Madhoo-Chipps’ digital exhibition.

A big thank you to all who contributed to this year’s Digifest. Special thanks to Steve Jones, our 2016 Festival Manager, who was able to pull together a Festival (in limited time), which placed students at the centre. Going forward, we seek to raise the bar in pursuit of more electronic and digital work as well as increased partnerships across disciplines. The 2017 Digifest takes place from 06 – 11 November, and the theme is: g l i t c h.

René Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Three 2016

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Awards Honours

‘Our Story’ bags two awards at Kopanong Student Arts Festival ANDILE DUBE

DUT Drama and Production Studies Department’s Our Story won two major awards at this year’s 16th annual Krêkvars-Kopanong Student Arts Festival.

represent the current students’ lived experiences. Furthermore, it solidifies the notion that we have our own stories to tell and that we should empower our students to do so,” she said.

Our Story won Best Production and a prize from Kyknet, and Sfundo Maphumulo who played one of the leading roles, won the prize for Best Male Performer.

23-year-old Maphumulo who was named Best Male Performer said winning the award means a lot to him because he was competing with other universities for it.

Drama’s Nellie Ngcongo who conceptualised and directed the production said: “From what I gather all the participants had three performances, all our performances were sold out and received standing ovations for all performances. We were the first out of province applicants and the first from Durban.”

“I really feel like I’m well trained and ready to perform and compete in this competitive entertainment industry. I really feel honoured and grateful to be awarded Best Male Performer,” he said.

Ngcongo said it felt good that the Drama Department is getting recognition for the quality of work they produce.

“As a Director/Lecturer it’s nice to know that I can inspire and guide my students to produce relevant and quality new work.

This for me speaks to how the curriculum needs to change to

Our Story cast.

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Awards Honours

ACT Scholarship for Drama Student ANDILE DUBE

Second year Drama and Production Studies student, Yonela Ngoni has been selected as one of the top 3 national finalists for the Arts and Culture Trust (ACT) Scholarship 2017.

Over the past 20 years the Trust disbursed more than R20 million rand to arts and culture projects across South Africa. This excludes ACT Awards prize money and other developmental efforts such as the ACT Building Blocks master classes.

Ngoni, who hails from Qumbu (a small town 61km north of Mthatha in Eastern Cape province), always wanted to be an actress.

“I’ve always perceived myself as an eloquent communicator and I believe in sharing my knowledge through the arts. I then decided to nurture and mould the talent into a legit career path,” she said.

The 20-year-old saw a poster about the ACT Scholarship and decided to apply, little did she know that she would make is as far as being in the top 3.

“I feel honoured. It’s such an overwhelming feeling knowing that I made it this far. I really can’t put it in words, all I can say is I’m honoured and grateful.”

Later this month Ngoni will be flying to Cape Town where she will perform two monologues of her choice and if she impresses the judges she will walk away with funding worth over R35 000.

The Arts and Culture Trust (ACT) is the oldest funding agency for the arts in democratic South Africa. It was established to secure financial and other resources for arts, culture and heritage; and to project the needs and role of the sector into the public domain.

Drama student, Yonela Ngoni.

I’ve always perceived myself as an eloquent communicator and I believe in sharing my knowledge through the arts.

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Awards Honours

Kate Wells – a Living Legend ANDILE DUBE

Former Graphic Design lecturer, Prof Kate Wells was honoured as an eThekwini Living Legend in a glitzy ceremony held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre recently.

Wells was honoured alongside Tu Nokwe, Naledi Pandor, Mac Maharaj, Dawn “Maduma” Leppan and a host of others.

“Being a Living Legend means the world to me! I am thrilled, honoured and delighted not only for myself, but also for all the wonderful craftswomen of Siyazama, as well as so grateful for the full support from my University colleagues, and of course, my family. It was inspirational to be with the other amazing Living Legend nominees and it’s an experience I will remember for ever,” Wells said.

Prof Kate Wells receiving her award.

For over 18 years Wells has worked in the fields of rural crafts and HIV/ Aids education, both as a researcher and in community development.

Among many other awards and nominations, she has received the top researcher award from DUT and the top community project in My Africa.

She was also instrumental in the launch of the Siyazama Project, an initiative that enables rural traditional craftswomen from KwaZulu-Natal to express their concerns about AIDS and all of its complexities through their beautiful beaded cloth dolls.

EThekwini Mayor, Zandile Gumede congratulated all the recipients for 2016 saying, “Since our first event in 2008 we have conferred our deepest thanks and appreciation on over 150 South Africans, all of whom have a proud connection to our great city,”.

This project has featured in many exhibitions, both locally and internationally. Currently, together with a Swedish all-female designer group called FRONT, crafters create work which is intended for international high level outlets.

She has contributed in many publications and has co-authored Siyazama: Art, Aids and Education in South Africa and Zulu Bead work.

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Prof Kate Wells with other eThekwini Living Legends Award recipients.

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Exhibition

ECP students return to Sustainable Living Exhibition ANDILE DUBE

An increased number of Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP) students participated in the 2016 Sustainable Living Exhibition held at the Durban Exhibition Centre recently.

This year, 21 students showcased their creative designs made from recycled material to hundreds of people who visited the exhibition.

Ahead of the exhibition, the students hosted an impromptu fashion show at DUT’s City Campus leaving onlookers amazed at their creativity.

ECP coordinator, Julie Anderson said one of the students’ year project for 3 Dimensional Design is Sculptural Fashion Design using recycled and reclaimed materials of any kind. The fashion piece has to reflect the students’ culture in a contemporary way.

“Although they follow the theme above, they are encouraged to express themselves freely and use absolutely any recycled material they find,” Anderson said.

She continued: “As we commit to the exhibition prior to the fashion project completion I am usually slightly nervous of the end result but the students never let me down and produce some exciting designs.”

She said the purpose of the project is for students to understand that design inspiration is everywhere.

“They are often inspired by the random recycled objects they find and this leads in developing their concept. Also, that great ideas can cost nothing.”

Anderson noted that the students enjoy modelling their creations at the mini fashion show even though they are not models.

“I think they are extremely apprehensive about getting up and modelling in front of a crowd but I do explain to the audience that the Designers are modelling their items and that they are not models. The crowds amazing response to their creation usually settles and completely surprised them. It’s a great opportunity to share their talent.”

ECP students during their showcase at the Sustainable Living Exhibition.

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Exhibition

Once More for Karla Nixon ANDILE DUBE

DUT Fine Art part time lecturer and Masters student, Karla Nixon recently held a week long exhibition at the ArtSPACE Gallery in Durban.

The imagery she uses is drawn from her surroundings, mostly referencing construction sites, often in conjunction with natural forms.

Titled Once More, Nixon’s showcase marked the end of the practical component of her Master’s Degree in Fine Art.

“I have focused on construction because of its brutality and beauty.

For me, construction and the processes around it are an apt subject matter to use as metaphor for the complexities of life’s transience.

The exhibition featured a compilation of sculptural, video and 2-dimensional work, all of which use paper as a dominant medium.

“My work explores transience within urban spaces. It attempts to interrogate dichotomies such as construction and destruction, life and death, manmade and nature, development and deterioration and the tensions created by these dichotomies. My exploration is an endeavour to understand my reality, my existence. To do this, I found refuge through examining transience and these contradictions,” she explained.

The process (of building) is often far more interesting than the goal or completed work itself, which in this context works as a truism to life” she concluded.

Nixon says paper is central to her practice because of its fragility, “its everyday usage, its recyclability, and because it is one of the most consumable commodities of our time.”

“I make use of it as my primary medium whether it is cut, embossed or sculpted.

This choice of medium refers to the fragility of the transient state of our lives and our environment. The more the paper is cut into the more fragile it becomes.”

Karla Nixon’s work at the ArtSPACE Gallery in Durban recently.

My work explores transience within urban spaces. It attempts to interrogate dichotomies such as construction and destruction, life and death, manmade and nature, development and deterioration and the tensions created by these dichotomies.

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Exhibition

Madiba as our Moral Compass ANDILE DUBE

Artist and part-time Fine Art lecturer, Mhlonishwa Chiliza was part of the MASTERS: The Marriage of Craft & Art exhibition alongside other renowned KwaZulu-Natal artists such as Sakhile Mhlongo, Marlene Wasserman and Khonzephi Ximba to mention a few.

“The work you see is a form of deconstructing the way in which he (Mandela) is normally presented to the public and my intervention was to reconstruct a new image that will help the view to see beyond. Metaphorically if you give the work a distance view it resembles a compass,” he said.

The exhibition took place at the KZNSA Gallery and aimed to blur distinctions between craft and fine art and present the public with a viewing that critically levels the field, with crafters and artists recognized equally as the masters they are.

Chiliza’s showcase was an admirable sculpture made from cold cast bronze, steel rods, sandblasted mirror, weighing a heavy 10 kilograms.

The sculpture which formed part of Chiliza’s 3 dimensional portfolio features two pieces, the bronze piece with Nelson Mandela’s face, the Union Buildings and is placed on top of a sandblasted mirror with a South African map.

Explaining his piece Chiliza said: “I have seen a number of Mandela’s statues, documentaries and that inspired and taught me to see Mandela just being beyond a world icon. I thought of a different way that would best represent his character for the role he played.

As an individual artist who is very creative, strategic and a critical thinker… to do just a traditional normal drawing of a painting on Mandela wouldn’t best define the unique picture or an idea I have about him (Mandela).”

Mhlonishwa Chiliza’s Nelson Mandela inspired artwork titled, Compass.

He has decided to name his creation Compass because to him Nelson Mandela was a moral.

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Three 2016

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News

Hat tricks at Musgrave Flower Show ANDILE DUBE

Ahead of the Fashion and Textiles Department’s spectacular annual Fashion Show, first year fashion students participated in the 5th annual Musgrave Centre Flower Show recently.

Under the theme, Hat for the Horse Races, the students created dazzling artefacts made from recycled material but fit for horse races such as the Royal Ascot.

The show was open to all flower arrangers, both amateur and professional, across 10 classes. It boasted over 100 exhibits from approximately 50 talented exhibitors that ranged from international award-winning artists to the inspired talents of the Maris Stella and many others.

This year, organisers of the show introduced a design category inspired by The Sunflower Fund under the directive ‘Hope begins with you’. These robust creations constructed on a rigid frame were donated by various artists to either be auctioned or sold to corporate organisations to raise funds in support of The Sunflower Fund.

The Sunflower Fund creates awareness and educates and recruits stem cell donors to increase the number of people registered on the South African Bone Marrow Registry.

Hats by first year fashion students at the Musgrave Flower Show.

Under the theme, Hat for the Horse Races, the students created dazzling artefacts made from recycled material but fit for horse races such as the Royal Ascot.

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News

After Earth Fashion Show ANDILE DUBE and SINEGUGU DLOVU

Fashion Icon and former editor of Elle magazine South Africa, Jackie Burger couldn’t contain her excitement as she handed awards and posed for pictures with students who showcased at the annual DUT Fashion Show.

Renowned for her chic style, Burger was one of the five judges which included other established personalities in the fashion industry such as George Vorster, Billie Zangewa, Jodie Ennik and East Coast Radio’s Jane Linley-Thomas.

Fashion lovers flocked to the Fred Crookes Sports Centre at Steve Biko Campus to witness the three-day fashion show extravaganza which culminated in the announcement of winners in the categories of Most Innovative Range, Best Range on Show, Most Commercial Range, Best Menswear Range and Best Technical Range.

Themed After Earth, this year’s show challenged 35 Fashion and Textiles students to explore their own vision of our next world.

With this broad theme, students had to look at what their beliefs in fashion were and what they wished to portray to the outside world.

Nivadni Sewnath’s amaXhosa inspired collection, ‘Abakwetha’, won Best Range on Show. According to the artist statement her

collection, “is an After Earth journey informed by the Abakhwetha blanket signifying a return to our roots After Earth”.

Wanda Majubana’s Animé Samurai range earned him the Best Menswear Range. Majubana’s range was inspired by Samurais and tells a story about how a Samurai adapts to the ways of After Earth.

“I find Animé so intriguing. I love to draw so the whole concept fascinates me. I’m also inspired by the Samurai era and my range sought to explore how they (Samurais) would adapt to new ways of life as per the theme,” he said.

Majubana said while the process of designing his winning range “was forever”, he thoroughly enjoyed it.

Janine Turner scooped the Special Recognition Award for her Chimera range which, according to her artist statement, was inspired by Icelandic Folklore: whispers of mythical little people existing in the depths of moss-covered, misty tundra…the After Earth strange, whimsical.

Most Commercial Range on Show winner Leandi Mulder impressed judges in this category through her Restore range which explored “the use of Kintsugi art in repairing our dressed bodies after earth”.

Wanda Majubana, winner of the Best Menswear Range flocked by models.

Winner of Most Commercial Range on Show, Leandi Mulder with models.

Models strutting their stuff on the runway at the DUT Fashion Show.

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Three 2016

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News

A busy six weeks for Prof Kumar during his stint with journalism WAHEEDA PETERS and ANDILE DUBE

International academic and documentary filmmaker, Professor Aashish Kumar had a busy six weeks during his time with the Journalism Programme last term.

Imparting his advice to students, Prof Kumar said students needed to be prepared to do many things, but stay centered in what interests them and what they are passionate about.

Kumar, an Associate Professor in the L. Herbert School of Communication, Hofstra University, New York which hosted the first Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton USA Presidential Debate recently.

Prof Kumar is an award-winning filmmaker who has done numerous documentaries such as the 2009 film The Community I Serve which called for the humane treatment of those with mental health illnesses by law enforcement. His other film, Software from Hard Rocks, is a documentary that follows the life of “reverse migrants”Indian high-technology workers whose jobs were moved to India from the United States. The documentary was an official selection of the 2015 Ethnografilm Festival in Paris.

He took part in various activities such as delivering the keynote address at the 8th annual Mahatma Gandhi Media Lecture hosted

by DUT Journalism and the Gandhi Development Trust (GDT).

He also addressed journalism students where he expressed his jubilation upon being given the opportunity to visit the university through the Fulbright Specialist programme.

“I feel privileged to have a job that allows me to avail myself of international educational and collaborative opportunities such as the Fulbright. While it is no doubt a heady feeling to have two of them, it quickly gives way to a sense of awe at being in a city like Durban, and it certainly opens doors to meeting people from all walks of life during my visit,” said the second time Fulbright academic specialist.

Kumar said the Journalism Programme is lucky to have academics that are invested in students to the degree that he had witnessed.

FoAD’s Executive Dean, Dr René Smith with Hofstra University’s Prof Aashish Kumar.

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News

DUT Drama department launches Project Phemba ANDILE DUBE

The Drama department together with Ukukhanya Development Trust, DIPRENTE Productions, Eduvation Solutions and English Language & Environmental Trust (ELET) have joined forces to launch Project Phemba.

Funded by The National Lotto, Project Phemba is life skills and leadership for women in film production.

20 female students from the Drama department have been selected to be part of the project and will be skilled with the abilities to develop career paths for themselves in the film and TV production industry.

Drama and Production Studies’ lecturer Nellie Ngcongo said this will be achieved through a combination of an enabling life skills and leadership training.

“Unlike conventional skills development which only focuses on technical training, Phemba’s emphasis is on developing a diverse set of skills which incorporates selfleadership, business acumen and project management with film making. The project recognizes that at the heart of success, is the ability to manage oneself, efficiently, and with purpose,” she said.

to address the issues within the industry. Hence he created this opportunity for Women in Film.”

The students attend a series of workshops at DUT every Saturday with the aim of achieving success on many factors; a diverse set of skills, positive attitude, a broad understanding of the world, discipline and the ability to manage one’s emotions.

Ngcongo said these are all integrated, but at the heart of success, lies the ability to manage oneself, efficiently, and with purpose.

“Harnessing all ones ‘assets’ – intellect, skills and values, requires self-awareness and commitment towards achieving a goal, the value proposition of the Life skills and Leadership component of Project Phemba is the introduction and teaching of essential life and leadership skills which can improve personal and professional practice. Thereafter a practical introduction into video production which will conclude with a professional briefing and an internship, culminating in a professionally produced video for a client.”

Explaining how Project Phemba came about, Ngcongo said it was based on the South African Film and Television Industry Report highlighting the dearth of women in film production.

“John Volmink the visionary of ‘Phemba’ a board member of Ukukhanya Development Trust and Director of DIPRENTE Productions was inspired

Prof. Sibusiso Meyiwa and Nellie Ngcongo with Drama students at the launch of Project Phemba.

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Three 2016

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News

Drama department hosts two international acts ANDILE DUBE

DUT’s Courtyard Theatre played host to two international acts recently, Soul City and Cirquons Flex which performed to a standing ovation.

Reunion Island’s oldest dance crew, Soul City held a series of special workshops with DUT dance students during the 18th JOMBA! Festival. After the workshops, Soul City and the students collaborated on a spectacular dance show, which took place at the Courtyard Theatre.

Renowned for its shows and battles, the crew became an official dance company in 2008. They have been described as bringing to light a proper identity from Reunion Island.

This wasn’t their first time in South Africa, since 2009, Mzansi has become their regular destination and again in 2014 they took

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“Infecting the City Festival” by storm in Cape Town.

At the JOMBA! Festival they performed their new creation “Priyèr’ Sï Priyèr”, choreographed by Didier Boutiana.

Also in the third term, the Drama department in collaboration with the Alliance Française de Durban and the Institut Français d’Afrique du Sud hosted Cirquons Flex; which received a standing ovation when they performed their newest creation, La Pli I Donn.

The show uses various mediums, mixing circus performance, music, sound and visual recordings, multilingual texts, traditional and fusional dances. It is built on the experience and encounters of Cirquons Flex’s travels and residencies in India, Madagascar and South Africa, during these past two years.

Cirquons Flex during their performance at DUT’s Courtyard Theatre.

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News

The media, democracy and development NQOBILE MSOMI

The Journalism Programme hosted two visiting professors in a panel discussion about the media’s role in the advancement of democracy and development.

Professor Alicia Torres from Spain, Professor Aashish Kumar from the United States of America (USA) and Tiema Muindi, a Master’s degree graduate in Journalism and lecturer were part of the speakers.

Muindi kicked off the discussion stating that democracy, development and the media are partners.

“If media is not there, democracy cannot survive. If democracy is not there, then development cannot be,” he said.

“In several countries, they don’t have what we have, a democracy and the media is not as strong as other countries,” said Torres.

Professor Kumar spoke about the issues affecting the American press and warned against the dangers of media conglomerates who own media companies, advertising companies, and movie studios.

“Ownership in media presents the best opportunity for obtaining synergy for media companies. If you have thousands of radio stations, thousands of print outlets, and scores and scores of billboards and other magazines but if they happened to be owned by five media companies, is there a real plurality and choice for the audience if the same companies’ programming across the board own all these outlets?” questioned Kumar.

Professor Torres, explained the complex situation in her home country Spain, where they have not had a president since 2015 “partly because the public cannot decide on who they want to vote for”.

Prof Aashish Kumar, Dr John Volmink, Dr René Smith, Maud Blose, Prof Gwele, Prof Alicia Torres, Ayesha Mall and Deseni Deseni Soobben.

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News

E-Learning the future of teaching ANDILE DUBE

In a bid to developing electronic technologies to access education outside of a traditional classroom, the Faculty of Arts and Design (FoAD) hosted an E-learning workshop attended by Hod’s, programme co-ordinators and e-learning reps in all departments.

The workshop focused on global trends in ELearning, including Prof Stewart presenting on the Universities progress in e-Learning.

The workshop included indications of the success of online classes being reliant on two main factors, course design and student interaction and collaboration.

FoAD’s Quality Promotion’s Officer, Nirvana Ramsaroop said E-Learning is part of the universities strategic objective and is therefore a critical component of the FoAD’s plans and goals.

ELearning, to make them understand why it is important and how we can incorporate it into our teachings and embrace e-learning.”

Ramsaroop said e-learning brings a clear paradigm shift from traditional classroom based learning and technology changes have demanded that learning technologies change.

“The Faculty of Arts and Design will continue to develop on this learning curve and growth of e-learning within the faculty and hopes to encourage new academics to take on the challenge,” she said.

The Department of Fashion and Textiles’ e-learning representative Michaella Goss provided an excellent benchmark for the rest of the faculty and the university as a whole.

“This being our objective we have embarked on a campaign of making the various Departments within our faculty aware of

FoAD’s Quality Promotion Officer, Nirvana Ramsaroop.

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Graduation

Distinction for cultural enthusiast Tiema Muindi SINEGUGU NDLOVU

Journalism and Media Studies lecturer, Tiema Muindi, graduated cum laude during the DUT Spring Graduation after completing research which investigated the effect of television soap operas on Zulu traditional marriages.

Muindi’s Master’s research employed the Cultivation Theory which states that high frequency viewers of television are more susceptible to media messages and the belief that they are real and valid.

“Media has a strong influence on African culture. In South Africa, we have popular soapies such as Generations, Scandal and Rhythm City. These programmes enjoy a following of millions, the majority being Africans. Most of these soapies tend to portray a universal Tiema Mindi, DUT Master of Journalism cum laude graduand. culture and in doing that, tend to portray ideas, standards and values that may offend some but appeal to others. For example, A total of 1010 students graduated at the Durban University of Technology’s Spring many (soapies) portray cohabiting Graduation Ceremonies which took place on Thursday, 1 September 2016. as though there’s nothing wrong with it, something I lamented (in An Honorary Doctorate in Management Sciences was awarded to women empowerment my research) as such helps erode luminary, Gloria Serobe, in recognition of her contribution towards creating social and our African values.” economic change and for the empowerment and development of women, particularly those in rural areas.

Muindi urged South African film producers to create soapie programmes that portray African values such as Isibaya, while also sounding a warning that if Africans fail to document their cultural heritage, it will get lost.

639 students received their National Diplomas, 296 students received their Batchelor of Technology degrees, 58 students their Master’s degrees, 14 students their Doctorate degrees, 1 student their Batchelor of Education degree and 2 students their Batchelor of Technology degrees (four year).

He is looking towards the future in terms of his academic studies, saying that he has already started working on his PhD proposal.

Source: www.dut.ac.za

In terms of race, 795 Black, 169 Indian, 37 White and 9 Coloured students graduated. In terms of gender, 425 female students graduated and 585 male students graduated.

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#DUTDigiFest Special

Vibrant vibes at bigger and better DUTDigiFest2016 ANDILE DUBE

The colourful fashion and buzz at this year’s third annual Arts and Design Digital Festival added a beautiful ambience to the over a centenary old City Campus which came alive during DUTDigiFest.

Digital artist and DUT Fashion Lecturer Nirma Madoo-Chipps showcased her latest work, Labtayt Sulci. This series shot partially in Iceland is inspired by the NASA exploration of Enceladus.

Students and festival attendees donned their best outfits that showcased creativity adding a vibrant mood to the two-day festival; which presented live art activations, exhibitions, panel discussions, workshops, music, theatre, poetry, comedy, dance, food stalls, and more.

Another highlight this year was the interdepartmental collaborative project including the fashion and textiles, jewellery design, graphic design and interior design departments in an innovative exhibition and fashion show.

The launch featured a DUT alumni fundraising event for the Missing Middle campaign- a funding support initiative for students.

The event also featured a live performance by a cappella trio The Soil who blew the crowd away with their smash hits like Celebrate Humanity, Joy, Lizzy and many others. Friday night also saw the introduction of the 24th International Symposium on Electronic Art (ISEA2018), which will take place in Durban in 2018- for the first time on African soil.

Several DUT academic programmes participated in this year’s DUTDigiFest, alongside external partners and organisations working with digital technologies.

Musicians who performed during the event included Felix Lamband, Raheem Kemet, Easy Freak, DJ Lag and may others.

Talkfest returned again this year with two sessions on Friday and Saturday. The first featured Dave Pons, Social Entrepreneur at the Mangosuthu University of Technology who specialises in building up businesses and then selling them, as well as Jayshree Naidoo, Head of the Standard Bank Incubator.

Dr Poppet Pillay, Centre for Social Entrepreneurship Director at DUT, as well as Dr Rejoice Shumba, Social Entrepreneurship Researcher spoke at the second session. Talkfest is aimed at providing a platform for the DUT community and the public to deliberate on the concept of social innovation and entrepreneurship.

Interior design students exhibited flat-pack, lazer-cut chair prototypes, designed and manufactured in conjunction with the Durban Art Deco Society and Makerspace Durban.

Via Skype Dr Natasa Brouwer-Zupancic - Project leader ICT & education innovation in the Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam led the Bending Blackboard and an eLearning collection which included other practitioners interfacing with art, science and technology.

First year journalism students presented photo essays that spoke on this year’s these, the famous Shakespeare quote,” We are such stuff as dreams are made on” which was in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the playwright’s death. The students interpreted this quote and produced photo essays that give meaning in a visual manner to it.

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#DUTDigiFest Special

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Three 2016

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#DUTDigiFest Special

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#DUTDigiFest Special

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Three 2016

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Seminars

Free Speech, hate speech and hashtags ANDILE DUBE

Sunday Times journalist and DUT Journalism lecturer, Matthew Savides; Freedom of Expression Institute’s Nomagugu Nyathi and ICT lawyer, Thato Mahapa were panellists at the Faculty of Arts and Design’s seminar where they critically discussed free speech, hate speech and social media.

Opening the seminar, facilitator, Dr Kira Erwin said the seminar is important because it asks difficult questions of how we relate to thinking about ourselves as individuals, how we think about ourselves as belonging to different social groups, and importantly what it means to live in a democracy.

“It doesn’t mean that one can go and say anything at any point in time. So you have to look at what is the purpose of the limitation to free speech. From a lawyer’s perspective or a legal perspective, it serves a very important limitation. One based on the context of the country that we find ourselves in and the political dispensation that we have and where we come from”, Mahapa said.

Freedom of Expression Institute’s Nomagugu Nyathi spoke about the constitution said in it there are specific freedom of expression rights.

Thato Mahapa said the issue is that people do not understand what free speech is and what actually constitutes hate speech.

“The media is mentioned in the constitution as a special group that should enjoy the freedom to express themselves, artists must express themselves- artistic freedom and South Africa recognises academic freedom.”

Mahapa explained that Section 16 of the Constitution guarantees citizens a right to free speech, saying it gives people the right to express themselves freely but what they must understand is that there are limitations to that right.

She also noted that freedom of expression is associated with other rights such as the right to protest, freedom of association, the ability for anyone to gather and to organise around a certain issue.

It is also associated with the right to vote and many other rights.

Nyathi said limitations of freedom of expression are that you cannot propagate for war, it does not entail inciting violence, it is also not advocating for hatred based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion or any kind of expression that incites harm against people.

Matthew Savides spoke about hashtags- when hashtags go wrong and when hashtags go good, the implications around social media and free speech.

Dr Kira Erwin, Nomagugu Nyathi, Matthew Savides and Thato Mahapa.

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Seminars

Kate Skinner talks SABC and its survival ANDILE DUBE

Media and community activist, Kate Skinner held a presentation with journalism students looking at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) in the new competitive, multi-channel, digital environment.

each structure does, so whenever there is a crisis we know which structure should be intervening.”

Skinner spoke about the possibilities for SABC surviving and thriving in this environment. She said over the years there have been major shifts for public broadcasters all over the world, citing technological, ideological and financing developments.

“The SABC is also impacted by these international trends but it also has other challenges such as vision mandate confusion, lack of proper oversight and accountability, a problematic legal structure and a very problematic financial structure.”

Concluding her presentation, Skinner said for the SABC to overcome its many problems the public should campaign against the Broadcasting Amendment Act which seeks to take away the National Assembly’s power of selecting, interviewing and recommending board members.

“We also need to campaign for editorial policies so that we have a say in what we watch. And we need new legislation in place to make sure that there is better financing model,” Skinner said.

Skinner is an active member of the Support Public Broadcasting (SOS) Coalition. She has also worked on media for trade unions in South Africa and for rural development She said the problem is that the SABC has environments. She served for many years Media and community activist, Kate Skinner. many different structures that hold it to as the Chairperson of the Freedom of account like parliament, the SABC board, ICASA, the Minister of Expression Institute (FXI). Skinner is also a member of the R2K Communications and the general public.

Campaign (involved in civil society campaigning for freedom of expression and access to information rights). She is currently “There are a lot of structures so you end up not knowing which completing a PhD in Media Studies at Wits University. structure is dealing with what. There needs to be clarity on what

...for the SABC to overcome its many problems the public should campaign against the Broadcasting Amendment Act which seeks to take away the National Assembly’s power of selecting, interviewing and recommending board members.

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Three 2016

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Seminars

Support systems for marginalised males ANDILE DUBE

Brothers on the Rise’s (BOTR) Senior Director of Programming and Systems Change, John Gilgoff led a discussion titled, Empowering marginalised males and creating systems to support them.

The interactive discussion was aimed at exploring ways to identify marginalised males and how one can assist them. Gilgoff spoke about some of the models they use to help and groom young men in Oakland, United States of America, where his organisation is based.

Gilgoff said the challenge was getting men to open about issues they encounter so that they can get help.

Brothers on the Rise’s John Gilgoff with FoAD staff and students after his seminar.

Student, Nomvula Sikakane said it was important to create a safe space for men so that they feel safe to speak out and share their problems.

“When I was doing my research, I went to the community and spoke with men from different walks of life. I had to make them feel safe and tell them that I am not an expert so whatever they say to me is valuable,” she said.

Brothers on the Rise is a dual direct service-systems change organization which responsibly empowers male youth to achieve individual success, develop healthy relationships and contribute to a more just and equitable society. They accomplish this through comprehensive gender-responsive, culturally appropriate, preventive, pipeline programs that directly serve boys and young men of colour.

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They also provide capacity building for schools, non-profits and public agencies through training, coaching, curriculum development, consulting, convening, research and writing – all empowering the community towards more effective and equitable practice.

Through these programs, BOTR and its partners help to raise, educate and develop boys into responsible, peaceful, caring and productive young men. Brothers on the Rise is based in Oakland with programs impacting youth, families, teachers and providers throughout the Bay Area and beyond.

...BOTR and its partners help to raise, educate and develop boys into responsible, peaceful, caring and productive young men. www.facebook.com/dutartsanddesign

Our Alumni

Ngubane receives Chevening Scholarship ANDILE DUBE AND NOXOLO MEMELA

DUT Journalism alumnus, Sphelele Ngubane, has left for the United Kingdom where he will study towards a Master’s degree through the Chevening Scholarship at the Cardiff University in Wales.

Until recently, Ngubane, a cum laude graduate and Dean’s Merit Award recipient worked as a journalist for The Mercury; one of South Africa’s leading daily newspapers.

Ngubane obtained his National Diploma and Bachelor of Technology in Journalism at the Durban University of Technology.

Born in Newcastle, northern KwaZulu-Natal, Ngubane is fascinated by nation building, unity, justice, peace, human rights, social justice as well as education.

“I have issues of the community at heart which is why I felt that Journalism was the best platform for me to independently raise those issues through my writing,” he said.

“I have always wanted a career that will provide me with a voice and opportunity to confront issues of the people and the community surrounding me. That is why I decided to study journalism and it has been the best place for me to be in,” Ngubane said.

His Master’s course is research orientated and is required to produce a research thesis at the end of his studies. His areas of interest include digitisation and new media, strategies to keep the newspaper industry alive, education and development.

He said furthering his education has always been one of his priorities, which is why he applied to do an advanced degree in journalism, media and communication that would also prepare him for his doctoral studies. “The opportunity offered by both Cardiff University and the Chevening Scholarship is also the best highlight of my professional and academic career,” he said.

Chevening is the UK government’s international awards scheme aimed at developing global leaders. Funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations, Chevening offers the Chevening Scholarships and Chevening Fellowships, the recipients of which are personally selected by British Embassies and High Commissions throughout the world.

UK high commissioner in SA Dame Judith Macgregor handing over a scholarship certificate to Chevening scholar Sphelele Ngubane.

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Three 2016

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Our Alumni

Journalism alumna wins KZN Youth Achievers Award ANDILE DUBE

Pietermaritzburg born and DUT Journalism alumnae Zamathenjwa Nene recently won an award at the KZN Youth Achievers Awards under the Community Development category for her sanitary towel drive.

“Part of my job is to be in the know about news pertaining to the department e.g. housing developments, new projects, evictions etc. so I have to be informed via newspapers, social media, radio and television. We’re also required to write articles and press statements on events by the department,” she said.

After reading an article online highlighting the plight of women living in the streets during their monthly menstrual cycle; she decided to start a project called Sanitaries For The Streets where she collects sanitary towels for these women.

“That time of the month for me is an uncomfortable experience. I can’t imagine not being able to buy pads and not having painkillers. There are thousands of women living on the streets who are unable to access proper sanitary care,” Nene said.

Nene works as a Communications Officer for the National Department of Human Settlements and has recently launched an events company, Intwenhle (Something beautiful) Events which is fast gaining popularity.

Nene attributes her success to her journalism qualification saying despite being in government her love for news and current affairs has never died.

Journalist and event organiser, Zamathenjwa Nene preparing for an event.

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Our Alumni

Nostalgic moments for former Video Tech students ANDILE DUBE

Two former DUT Video Technology students Dheshnie Naidoo and Marcus Hebbelman recently paid visits to the department where they reminisced about their days as students and shared what they have achieved since graduating.

Speaking to Softcopy’s Andile Dube, Naidoo who has made a name for herself in the broadcasting industry as an actress, television presenter and currently head of SuperSport’s Production Services talked about the first day she came to the department for her selection interview.

Hebbelman spoke to the students about his travels abroad and doing work for international shows like Survivor and Naked and Afraid.

“My advice to you is if someone calls you and says we need a camera assistant or someone to make tea - if it is a recognised show say yes. Because you can always work your way up the ladder.”

“For the entire month I just checked the mailbox for the letter if I was accepted or not. I am very passionate about this place because for me if it wasn’t through this video department and the people here, I wouldn’t be where I am and I owe it all to the foundation that I got here,” said Naidoo with a smile on her face.

Her visit to the department after so many years was to discuss future plans for the Video Technology department to be the preferred feeder to MultiChoice in terms of students when they qualify.

She has been in the industry for over 20 years having started off as an intern at M-Net where she was soon promoted to audio assistant and finally landing at SuperSport.

Naidoo’s resume has grown extensively in the 20 years having worked on shows like Idols, Survivor South Africa, Big Brother, the Kora Awards and Miss South Africa.

Former Video Technology student, Dheshnie Naidoo.

My advice to you is if someone calls you and says we need a camera assistant or someone to make tea - if it is a recognised show say yes.

Marcus Hebbelman

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Three 2016

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Our Alumni

Former Drama student leads local movie scene ANDILE DUBE

The future looks bright for Drama & Production Studies’ graduate, Charmaine Mandlazi who has landed a leading role in a movie called, Imperfection.

This isn’t Mandlazi’s first major role. At the beginning of the year she played a leading role in a feature film titled, Umemulo alongside former Generations actress, Slindile Nodangala.

Mandlazi will play the role of 23-year-old Nobuhle Mchunu- a post grad student, a dedicated, intelligent young woman, who thrives with ambition.

Umemulo has already been aired on a primetime slot on DStv’s Mzansi Magic which has over a million viewers.

The movie is about a woman who is married to a very powerful man in the community and is very dependent on him and ends up compromising her relationship with her one and only daughter, Thenjiwe.

“I was blessed with an opportunity to play co-lead role with mam Slindile Nodangala (Simephi Ngcobo), who played my mom, Abdul Khoza (Lunga) Thenjiwe’s fiancé and Sfiso Simamane (Mzwakhe Ngcobo) who played my step-father.”

Front Row: Slindile Nodangala and Charmaine Mandlazi with other Umemulo cast members.

Speaking to Softcopy about her new role she said: “Nobuhle is a very lovable, sensitive person who’s vulnerable after a devastating loss that may lead to her downfall.”

She continued: “Thenjiwe was molested by her step father Mzwakhe when she was 13 years old, she told her mother but did nothing about it because she didn’t want any trouble in her marriage. Thenjiwe wanted umemulo ceremony so that the truth about her step father will come out, the only problem for her was that her fiancé Lunga would find out she is no longer a virgin. She had tried so many times to tell Lunga but couldn’t because her emotions got the better of her.”

Umemulo has already been aired on a primetime slot on DStv’s Mzansi Magic which has over a million viewers.

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New Faces in FoAD Prof Maria Albuquerque joins the faculty as Portuguese Lecturer. She has a B.A. in Portuguese Culture and Literature from New University of Lisbon, M.A. in Art, History Heritage Sciences and Theory of Restoration, and Ph.D. Certificate in Art History from University of Lisbon. Being selected by Camões Institute for Cooperation and Language, IP, she has taught Portuguese foreign language and Lusophones culture and literature at University of Namibia (1999-2002), at University de Rennes, France (20022003); at Charles IV University in Prague, Palaheko University, Olomouc and Masarych University, Brno, in Czech Republic (2003 – 2006); at State University, Pedagogical of St. Petersburg, Russian Federation (2010-2013), at University of Lisbon Summer Courses (2013 – 2014); at I.E. Repin Institute Academy of Fine Arts of St. Petersburg / she has taught Portuguese and Lusophones’ countries painting, sculpture, decorative arts and history of architecture and history of art (2010-2013). She has been founder and responsible for the Portuguese Language Centres in Windhoek and Prague.

She has been the co-curator of the Baroque Cycle for the Virtual Museum With No Frontiers (2005-2009) and the technical reviser from English into Portuguese of the New Janson’s History of Art, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, (2006-2010). She has published in the fields of modern and contemporary literature, intellectual history, art and architecture and foreign Language.

Ntombezinhle Laura Cele has been at DUT for the past 10 years both as a student and employee. She has recently joined the Media Language and Communications Department as a lecturer in the Translation & Interpreting Practice Programme.

She will be lecturing Translation Theory & Practice, Interpreting Theory & Practice, Text Analysis and Proof Reading.

Durban University of Technology | Faculty of Arts & Design Magazine | Issue Three 2016

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