CANSA & Cancer: Know the facts Vol 4 No 1
12 Feb 2014
Your vote counts!
#FYP_VTC Will you be there? FB: NWU Vaal Student 24/7 studentenews@gmail.com eFundi: Student 24/7 Web: www.nwu.ac.za
Congrats Winners of the First Year Carnival: Faranani!
EDITOR’S LETTER
Well hello there...
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Kinga Siejek
If you are reading this, then it means that you have stumbled upon a little bit of awesomeness on Campus... Not to sound vain, or blow my own horn, but I am quite proud of our little magazine. Now if you are a regular avid reader; you might be a bit confused as to why I am saying magazine... There has always been a bit of confusion of what we are. Well, to make it easier, I used the December recess to think about the question (yes, I don’t have much of a social life, hehe). After having a good long chat with Vuvu (who constantly tried to make the whole conversation about himself, and tried to steal my sandwiches) we finally agreed that our look, our feel, our stories, our everything is more magazine than newspaper. So, with all hands in (and some wings) we concluded on what we are. Now, we are not 100% fully where we want to be, but boy are we getting there! So use this as a warning, make sure you take all necessary medication before paging through and having a heart attack at seeing things differently. BUT keep those smiles on your faces, and the mouse turning, as you go from page-to-page and have a look at the new us! I couldn’t stop myself from smiling thinking of all the amazing things that Student 24/7 will be doing this year, and all the years to come! But I defintely could not have done it without the AMAZING Student 24/7 members this year! We have such a huge bunch of talentd students for us, that I feel like a proud mamma! No edition could ever be great without the dedication from its members, and from what I have seen just for this month, there will be new things and greater improvements to come! While writing this letter, I can’t help but notice all the amazing things that have happened on Campus, and to myself so far this year (especially this month!). On my first morning back at work, I told myself that no matter what, I will walk into the office with a smile, and leave with a smile. Always easier said than done, BUT it is possible. Just a smile (even if it feels fake at first) can change your emotions and those around you so quickly that in meer minutes that smile is wide, with shiny teeth showing and laughter filling the air. So try it! Look in the mirror every morning, pull a funny face, or just a smiple smile, and keep it plastered on for the whole day! Speaking of smiles... I can’t wait for the busy next few days! (Not to be over but to begin!) W What does this all mean? Well if you must know: • It means we party like crazy on Thursday (FYP BABY!)... • Wear RED, the colour of love on Friday (Valentine’s
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Day)... Buy TONS of cupcakes that will probably be pink and red (that you can either give to the one you love, or enjoy it yourself) on Friday AS WELL AND THEN join in on the fun and special moments and memories of those who we lost and who fight cancer everyday, throughout Saturday night until Sunday morning (CANSA Relay)...
Looking at it now, I will need to find time in-between all of this to catchs a few cat naps... Anyone have a spare bed for me? Anyway, back to the issue at hand (literally, hehe) read on and enjoy!
VUVU’S SOAPBOX
Vuvu’s Soapbox... “Happy birthday - to us! Happy birthday - to us! Happy birthday dear NWU Vaal.... happy birthday - to us!” You’ve guessed it! It is party time... Quack! Our University and beautiful campus is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2014 and the year promises to be jam packed with fun and celebrations. In fact, I think we should declare 2014 the year of Celebrations. It is as if 2014 is literally the best year ever to be alive – although being alive at any time is preferable to the alternative! However, I think 2014 is going to be one for the books... Whilst on the subject of books. What do you think about the new Learning and Research Commons? I am so excited, I find myself losing tail feathers...’Quack’! Everything is so new and spacious! I can just see myself spending a lot of time at Building 13 – especially near the new coffee shop, Books & Beans.
ger, smarter and cooler than me (but what do you expect, I was covered in fluff), all whilst I had to navigate my way around campus. It wasn’t easy – especially taking into account that I was the size of a can of Coke and resembled a tattered tennis ball. And now? Now I am The Goose, the cheese supreme, the bees’ knees, and the beak to beat... so to speak! So, my advice to all the juniors is simple: breathe (whilst looking down, of course) and remember that this is absolutely the best time of your life. Have fun!
There is a Chinese blessing that says, “May you live in interesting times”. Quack! This is so true... at least from this goose’s perspective; we live in the best of times!
VUVU! Don’t forget! The best way to make sure this year is not too hectic, is to buy the fantabulous Campus Diary! Get yours now! Pay R45 @ the Cashier in Building 24, then pop by Building 25 G20 (say hello to Annette) and grab yours!
I want to welcome the new flock of first year students to the campus with a sincere ‘Quack!’ and assure you that you are in for the ride of your life! As you make your way around our campus, be on the lookout for me and my feathered friends and remember: a goose that does not like toasted sandwiches does not exist – so don’t be fooled. The monkeys are always up to...well, monkey business, so don’t let them con you into sharing your lunch with them. Oh, and before I forget: don’t mind the hooved herd (Springbuck, Oryx and Black Wildebeest), they spend their days grazing away on the open fields. Shame, when the newbies first arrived on the campus they looked so timid and scared – ready to burst into tears at any moment. I remember when I was still a gosling – everything seemed so unfamiliar and there were days that I seriously doubted my own survival skills! Everyone looked big-
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RECTOR’S OFFICE
Dear Student The Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University is well placed to contribute towards the quest for long-term sustainability. Through worldclass education, pioneering research and pertinent community engagement we are led to ask critical questions about the ever changing world we find ourselves in. Our commitment towards serving the socio-economic needs of our diverse region guides us to look at challenges in a scientific manner and to use science to make a profound impact. In 2014 we once again take up the baton of excellence to ensure sustainable regeneration and growth by focusing on not only knowledge-transfer, but also on the implementation of expertise and by vigorously engaging in local conversations about the future. It is through this ongoing local conversation that the campus can contribute towards the search for knowledge and shared social resources. In short: innovative-enabled change. As we welcome the new intake of students to our campus, I am confident that these students have the potential to achieve unlimited success. As community leaders; artists; educators; critical thinkers; business executives and technologists they will act as agents of prosperity and transformation – locally, nationally and internationally. I am pleased to say that the Reception and Introduction programme for new first year students was successfully concluded. This official and approved programme of the University is based on educational principles, whilst incorporating the do-values of the University, so that new students can be optimally introduced and acclimatised to the campus community. More than 70% of the programme entails academic and administrative tasks and issues aimed at orienting students academically as expeditiously as possible. This includes academic curriculum control, TAG testing, psychometric testing, library information sessions, administrative processes such as the registration process, receiving student cards, etc. Students are also given the opportunity to participate in sports and cultural activities and they are introduced to the organized student life on campus.
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May 2014 be a memorable year for each and every one of you. After all, the Vaal Triangle Campus is a place where voices are amplified, aspirations are visualised and future success is incubated.
CAMPUS NEWS
Higher education a right, not a privilege Annette Willemse “Higher education is not a right, but a privilege. This argument may not be politically correct or even the mainstream way of thinking, but it’s the truth”. This was the message by Dr. Theuns Eloff, Vice Chancellor of the North-West University (NWU) during the official welcoming of the new intake of first year students on the Vaal Triangle Campus. The event, which saw more than a thousand first year students and their parents in attendance, signified the highlight of the campus’s Welcoming and Orientation Programme for first year students and highlighted the various support structures available to ensure not only academic success, but also the seamless transition from high school to university. In his address the Campus Rector, Prof. Thanyani Mariba, further elaborated on the Vice Chancellor’s statement by indicating that the campus received more than 5 000 applications for the 2014 academic year. Though so many applications were received, the reality is that only about 1 900 students could be accommodated and according to Prof. Mariba, those who were accepted represent the “cream of the crop”. He urged the first year students to make the most of their post-school opportunity by studying diligently and obtain their qualifications in due course so that they can give way to the next generation of students. Professor Mariba alluded to parents that the NWU Vaal offers students a truly unique study environment, since the campus is situated within a proclaimed nature reserve. Apart from the unmatched environmental setting, the campus ascribes to the highest levels of academic excellence and a staff component that is passionate about service delivery – be it within the realm of the campus community or the region as a whole. “Like all things in life, the proof of the pudding lies in the eating,” Prof. Mariba jokingly said and added that the campus boasts an overall pass rate of 84%, which is considerably higher than the national average of 70%. Challenges facing higher education in South Africa With achievements, also come trials, as Dr. Eloff describes the challenges faced by higher education institutions in South Africa. One such challenge is matriculants who are not ready for higher education. To address such a challenge, the North-West University has put in place a variety of support systems to aid first year students to cope with the pressures and workload that comes with tertiary education. The support systems have been essential in keeping the first year drop-out rate at the North-West University to a minimum of 12%; whereas the national rate is between 20-30%. Another challenge is that of student
funding. “As a University, we are very thankful to the government for the funding it has provided to us through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)”, said Dr. Eloff and added that the demand for funding far exceeds what the government can provide. Mr. James Ncedani, the Chairperson of the Campus Student Representative Council (CSRC) also took to the stage during the event and introduced the student leadership to the audience. He (Mr. Ncedani), assured parents that the student leadership will work tirelessly with the different structures of the University to represent the best interests of the students. “What we will not do, is burn this beautiful campus of ours. We need these facilities to study and better our future”, concluded Mr Ncedani.
Above: NWU Vaal Campus Rector, Prof Thanyani Mariba addresses parenst and students. Below right: Current Vice Chancellor of the NWU, Dr Theuns Eloff explains the challenges that not only a University goes through but also a students Below left: James Ncedani, the SRC Chairperson of the NWU Vaal introduces the House Committee members.
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CAMPUS NEWS
Registration Blues Bandi Mthembu
After being on holiday for almost three months, most senior students agree that being back on campus is a great thing. For some, it’s seeing friends again whilst others agree that Wi-Fi spots around campus are an added perk. Whatever the reason, NWU Vaal senior students enjoy being back on campus. Unfortunately, coming back to campus is only the beginning. Before one can enjoy all that they loved and missed, they need to go through registration. Speaking to a few students we find out how they found the registration process this year. Nokuthula Radebe, a 3rd year student studying Bcom Management Accounting stated that she was very happy with how fast the registration process went for her. “ I felt that the registration process was great because everything went by quick, I only waited 30 minutes in Line to get to step 1”, stated the 21 year old from Heidelberg.
tral location where all the steps should be, allowing students to move from table to table, and not building to building”, he stated. He also said that the online registration process needs to be simplified, so that those who have the resources to use it are able to, without any problems. After speaking to some students, it became very apparent that registration process for this year was a smooth one and showed a great improve from the previous year. A lot of mixed feelings emerged as far as registration is concerned, but one thing everyone agreed on is that the process for this year was very efficient, and we can definitely expect bigger and better things to come in future. e&
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Ashley Van Rensburg, 19, is a 2nd va hka year student studying Bcom CA. “ olus burg. E : s c Last year’s process was a bit hectic First pi van Ren n& arri y e l re C but this year was very organised and Ash u o Lem went much faster than last year”, she pic: ond d n m Seco il Ham yi commented. She also added that she a v Balo u s e R l r would like to have a bit more fun this Cha pic: fficer d year and participate in more varsity r i Th dent o u events. Eolushke Carrin, doing the A st otsame course and friends with Ashley, TP M : m o Bott & MM also shared that her plans for 2014 i m u s are to be more active around campus. When asked how she felt about the registration process as compared to last years, all she said was “Registration was better than last year”. We also spoke to Charles Baloyi, a 3rd year student who was an official, helping make the process run more smoothly. As a student, who was now on the other side of the fence, he had a difference of opinion on the registration process, stating that he still feels that the registration process is a very tedious one and needs much improvement. “Moving between Building 24 and 25 is also an issue. There needs to be a cen-
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CAMPUS NEWS
Campus welcomes lucky number 13 Annette Willemse
Albert Einstein once said that the only thing a person needs to know to succeed in life is where the library is situated. For the Vaal Triangle campus community, the answer to this question is Building 13! In the weeks leading up to the completion of the R60 million facility, the library manager – Hendra Pretorius, is of the opinion that the new facility - to be referred to as the Information Commons, represents much more than just another infrastructure expansion on the campus. “The new facility serves as a symbol of the campus’s commitment to lifelong learning and future readiness,” says Hendra.
Computers; 178 (previously 38) Building 13 also boasts the following new add-ons: • Honours Room • Masters and PhD Commons • Group discussion rooms • Individual study cubicles • Training rooms • Lecture rooms In terms of the number of books housed in the new facility, a total of 84 377 titles will be available, as well as 6 475 e-books. In addition to this the library subscribes to 1 104 emagazines.
The Information Commons will host several units such as Academic Development and Support (ADS), Student Counselling and Development (SCD), the writing laboratory, as well as the South African Water History Archival Repository (SAWHAR). Other additions include a 24 hour study and computer laboratory, a copy shop and a coffee shop. Compared to the former library infrastructure, the new facility represents not only a state-of-the-art facility, but also a modern hub suitable for knowledge sharing and creation. In relation to the previous library facility (Building 3), the new facility compares as follows: Seats: 687 (previously 246)
Campus bridges mathematical gap Annette Willemse
The Faculty of Economic Sciences and Information Technology on the Vaal Triangle Campus of the NorthWest University (NWU Vaal) has successfully introduced an initiative to not only better school learners’ understanding of mathematics - and improve their overall performance in the subject, but also increase access into fields of study such as commerce and information technology. The Bridging the Mathematical Gap programme (BTMG) aims to assist grade 12 learners to improve their maths
performance and by doing so allow them access to degree programmes that requires a sound mathematical basis, such as BCom and BSc IT. The syllabus of the programme covers not only basic mathematical concepts – which are taught from Grade 8 onwards, but also the application of these concepts in accordance with the outcomes specified in the Grade 12 curriculum. In short: an intensified foci on the entire mathematical spectrum that will serve as pre-knowledge for the mathematics modules in the BCom and BSc IT curriculums respectively. According to Ms Daleen Gerber, subject head of mathematics, business mathematics and informatics on the campus, more than 50 learners enrolled for the BTMG programme in January and busied themselves with the curriculum for six hours a day for a two-week period. During this time they received intensive coaching – both
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CAMPUS NEWS in group settings and on an individual base, and wrote various class tests as well as two exam papers to ascertain their level of knowledge. “The programme sets a minimum required pass rate of 50% for all participants, and I am pleased to say that the programme enjoyed a pass rate of 82.6% “, says Gerber. The biggest success of the programme is that it builds a bridge between the abstract nature of mathematics and the practical application thereof. In the instance of a degree programme such as BSc IT, mathematics represents the basis upon which all natural sciences subjects are founded, whereas in BCom programmes mathematics is used, for example, to calculate logarithms and exponential functions. The Executive Dean of the Faculty of Economic Sciences and Information Technology on the campus, Prof Herman van der Merwe, emphasises the importance of an initiative such as the BTMG and says that by empowering learners to be mathematically competent and efficient, the campus is pro-actively addressing the dire skills need of the country. “Mathematics is one of those subjects – along with science, that is very important to the economy and the further development of our country,” says Prof Van der Merwe and adds that school learners who want to further their studies or want to
work in sectors like engineering, natural sciences, information technology and medicine have to pass mathematics, science or both if they are to qualify for further studies in these fields. “Our economy needs doctors, engineers, architects, actuaries and information technology specialists, and I believe that as a University and as a campus, we are heeding the call to address this skills deficit”. * The BTMG programme is offered in conjunction with the Centre for Continuing Professional Development (CCPD) on the campus.
Grandmaster of Memory unlocks the mysteries of the mind Annette Willemse A page filled with random numbers and twenty seconds of absolute silence. This is all that Kevin Horsley, professional speaker and international Grandmaster of Memory, needed to captivate an audience of more than a thousand first year students – and their parents. During the Official Welcoming of the First Year Students, Kevin demonstrated his unique ability of effective learning and information retention by asking members of the audience to provide him with a list of random numbers between the value of 1 and 9. He then studied the sequence of numbers and successfully recalled it by memory. According to Kevin, in all his years of research into the possibilities of the human mind, and working with different companies, he has found that there is a massive gap between understanding information and using information. The aim of his demonstration was to introduce the audience to key thinking tools and accelerated learning methods to close this gap. “By training your mind and revisiting the ways in which you process information, you will be able to make your study material more memorable,” said Kevin and urged the audience – and students in particular, to rethink their mental limits.
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Top: Grandmaster, Kevin Horseley teaches everyone that it is possible to memorize everything you learn; you just need to know how to remember it and recite it back when needed. Next page: Kevin Horsely recites number from memory (after meorizing them for only 20 seconds) from top to bottom, as well as bottom to top.
CAMPUS NEWS * Kevin enjoys a longstanding relationship with the Vaal Triangle Campus and on 14 March 2013 he set up a new Pi Matrix World Memory Record when he successfully attempted to not only memorise the first 10 000 digits of Pi (the number which expresses the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter), but also to recall the digits in the correct order from anywhere in the sequence. Pi has been calculated to over one trillion
digits beyond its decimal point and represents an infinite sequence of numbers. To date Kevin is one of only four people in the world that has ever been able to perform such a feat and he did so by setting up a new world record of 16 minutes, 38 seconds. This record is recognised by the International Federation of Memory Sports and by the Book of Mental World Records.
Human Rights - priority on NWU Campuses Annette Willemse The Human Rights Committee is not just a complaints committee. With these words, Chairperson of the NorthWest University’s Human Rights Committee, Advocate Rehana Rawat, greeted student leaders of the NWU Vaal Triangle Campus on 18 January. As part of the on-going training for student leaders initiated by the Campus Student Affairs Office, Director of Student Affairs, Mr Jacob Simango, invited Advocate Rawat to engage student leaders in discussion on the topic of human rights and the role played by the NWU Human Rights Committee. According to advocate Rawat, the North-West University is currently the only university in South Africa to have a human rights committee. After a historical meeting between advocate Rawat as chairperson, the NWU vice-chancellor, Dr Theuns Eloff, and the three campus rectors, Profs Mariba, Kgwadi and Van Schalkwyk during October 2013, it was decided that the committee must pursue a more active role on the university’s three campuses.
The more active role human rights committee is taking translates into greater visibility on the three university campuses and initiating various workshops, programmes, road shows and forums to promote knowledge, understanding and discussion regarding human rights issues among students and staff. The ambition of the committee is to transform the role it has to not only in promoting human rights at the NWU, but to expand its involvement in human rights matters on the national and international stage. Advocate Rawat encouraged the student leaders to think of themselves as servants and to serve their fellow students by learning from the great example set by human rights leaders throughout history and to share their knowledge with others. * The NWU Human Rights Committee was originally established in 2004 with the official university human rights policy passed in 2006.The committee consists of 12 members from the three campuses and includes both staff and students. The chairperson is an independent individual who is an authority on human rights.
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CAMPUS NEWS
Love is in the air... Joseph Fikile Bukula “As love is full of unbefitting strains, all wanton as a child, skipping and vain, formed by the eye and therefore, like the eye, full of strange shapes, of habits and of forms, varying in subjects as the eye doth roll to every varied object in his glance” Shakespeare (Love’s Labour’s Lost, 5.2). Let’s get to know the management of North-west University on the affectionate side and find how spontaneous they are towards their loved ones. “Valentine’s to me is a special day where you should make an effort to the one you love. I do celebrate it, so this upcoming Valentine’s Day I will be celebrating it at the Three Rivers Lodge that I personally booked for just a night for us (my husband and I). As a couple sometimes you have to make each other feel special.” Let’s hear what she has to say to the youth on the love side, “respect each other and really listen; spoil each other. It doesn’t have to be expensive, even just a walk to the river; put cell phones away for just even an hour, communication is very important.” That is from Mrs Sally Van Heerden – Information Assistant Librarian, a happily married woman for 31 years. Prof Natashade Klerk from the School of Economic Sciences has a different perspective towards this day, a day that is proclaimed to be a day of lover’s. “Valentine’s Day is a marketing strategy to make money, I don’t cel-
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ebrate it because I see it from a marketing perspective.” But she has a message to the youth she says, “be selfish, meaning you are wealth. Don’t just give your heart to anybody, make sure who you give it to. Think with your head, not with your heart.” “Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean a lot to me, it’s a day to treat woman special. No I don’t celebrate Valentines; it’s not a big deal for me.” That is Dr Johan Steytler a Social Work lecturer; but he has something for the youth, “love is not cheap, it’s not only emotional it’s something that you need to practice, it’s a “DO” word.” “It suggests to me that there is a life in a society, it’s a personalised love or gesture symbolised by others to the loved ones. Love is a serious thing that means so much because you can hurt somebody. If we want to give meaning we must understand what love is first. Usually I send my wife some flowers and tell her I love her especially on Valentine’s Day because when you are married for a while you forget. Last year I composed a song for my wife, very early in the morning, I called the song Valentine’s Day 2013 it’s full of irony, because when I was busy telling her I love her, the story of Oscar Pistorius was everywhere. Love is very gentle but can also be very harsh and brutal. So to the youth I would say love is serious, think sincerely and convene the message of love to the person. Love is not a very easy thing, we must be very careful when it has to do with our emotions” Prof Johann WN Tempelhoff from Faculty of Humanities, School of Basic Sciences.
SA NEWS
The 2014 elections...
Zanele Mtetwa
The 2014 election marks the fifth democratic election of South Africa, and 2014 marks 20 years of democracy. We are finally living the dream; the dream of former President, the late Nelson Mandela. We are living the dream of democracy, where there are equal rights for all. Yet a lot of South Africans are not happy. With millions of youth not registered to vote in the national general elections, it’s worrying withg what is happening in South Africa. The leading political party the African National Congress (ANC) have been in power for the past 19 years, but the popular political party is losing support. Poor service delivery, the secrecy bill, corruption rumours, Nkandla and the much despised Etoll system might be to blame. With many feeling as if the Government is failing us. Even though there are other political parties, citizens of this democracy feel no party can satisfy their needs, there is some sort of gap there.
vote. This is evident by the poor figures of registered voters. We vote for a reason, we vote for change. If we don’t vote how do we expect things to change? If we don’t vote, then we have no right to complain, right? I asked a few students to share what they thought about the situation and this is what they had to say. Kgotso Ratlhogo, 2nd year, financial mathematics student said: “I’m going to vote because I feel as if the country needs a better political party. A party that will be more effective, that will care more about it’s people than their economic benefits. The current political situation is not where it’s supposed to be because poverty
still dominates the country. I think there might be havoc as the ANC might lose most of it’s members and I would be happy about that.” Lebogang Masemule, 2nd year, Chartered Accountant student said: “I’m definitely going to vote during the 2014 election, but I haven’t registered yet. I plan to register during the period of the 8-9 February 2014. Well It’s going be my first time voting. I’m really excited about it and I hope my vote will make a huge difference. I don’t know who I’ll vote for yet. I am not happy about Nkandla and the Etoll system. On the other hand I’m happy about the improvements ANC has brought to us though.” No matter how you feel about voting, it’s the right thing to do. Make your mark and help better your country.
With no party to vote for and all the broken promises by the political parties, many don’t see the need to
Campus scoops up another Diamond Arrow Award Annette Willemse The Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University (NWU Vaal) began the New Year on a high note by winning the Professional Management Review’s (PMR) Diamond Arrow Award for a third consecutive year. The award was handed over at a PMR business breakfast and the event saw top decision makers, businessmen, members of government, professionals and educators of the Sedibeng region gather for recognition. The Campus Rector, Prof Thanyani Mariba, was the keynote speaker at the event. The campus regularly features in the
PMR survey and has taken home an award on several occasions. The Sedibeng region includes the municipalities of Emfuleni, Lesedi and Midvaal. This region has been identified as a growth point and potential investment area for international and local developers and investors. PMR provides ratings, strengths and weaknesses whilst producing benchmarks for business, government, professionals, educators and the labour sector. This unique strategic intelligence – which is of great value to analysts, investors, financiers and prospective customers is offered to top rated companies within different Right: NWU Vaal Campus Rector, Prof Thanyani Mariba accepts the Diamond Arrow Award
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS regions in South Africa. Awards are made in the following categories: Diamond (which represents the highest rating), Gold, Silver and Bronze Arrow Awards. The NWU Vaal was awarded a Diamond Arrow Award in the category: Higher Education Institutions.
against the following criteria: enhancement of economic growth, levels of management expertise, implementation of corporate governance, brand awareness and the levels of perceived innovation.
* The Quest Conference Estate, a business unit of the NWU Vaal, received a Bronze Arrow in the category for convention centres.
The purpose of the annual PMR survey is to benchmark levels of management expertise, enance the implementation of responsible corporate governance and heighten levels of innovation. More than 2 000 nominations were sourced and companies and institutions were rated
NWU opens up for international evaluation Annette Willemse
The internationally-led panel that the university has invited to evaluate the NWU has started their formal evaluation of the NWU. The panel arrived on Friday, 17 January, and had their first evaluation session at the Institutional Office on Monday, followed by visits to the Potchefstroom Campus and Vaal Triangle Campus on Tuesday and Mafikeng Campus on Wednesday. The group of seven members is tasked to evaluate the NWU on two major issues: (i) the extent to which the initial merger objectives had been accomplished, and (ii) the extent to which the NWU’s mission statement had been realised. The panel will hold seventeen panel sessions with various stakeholders which include amongst others institutional management, management of the various campuses, academics, student leaders, regional political and community leaders. They will focus especially on teaching-learning, research, implementation of expertise, human capital, transformation, finances and infrastructure. The final report will also be made public. It will coincide with the festivities for the 10-year anniversary of the merger. Dr Theuns Eloff, vice-chancellor says it is definitely
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not a general practice for a university to do this kind of evaluation. “I do not know of other universities that have conducted similar evaluation projects. “In our case, it is an excellent opportunity to give Prof Dan Kgwadi and his team an overview of the challenges that lies ahead for the NWU” he said. * The panel consist of international and South African members. They are at the back Mr Ian Bunting, Centre for Higher Education Transformation, Dr Barney Pityana, former vice-chancellor of Unisa, Dr Tobern Rasmussen, Denmark and Dr Nico Cloete, Centre for Higher Education Transformation. In front are Prof Lynn Meek, Australia, Prof Frans van Vught, Netherlands (chairperson), and Prof Mala Singh, former member of the Higher Education Quality Committee and Council for Higher Education.
ALUMNI NEWS
Alumni Awards 2014 - who will it be... Annette Willemse
The NWU is very proud of its alumni and has decided to publicly recognise them for their personal and career accomplishments and for exemplary contributions to society with the Alumni Awards. Therefore, the NWU Convocation invites all office-bearers of the NWU, alumni, permanent staff members and members of the NWU Council and Board of Donors to submit nominations for the Alumni Awards. Exception: Current members of the NWU ‘s Council , the executive committee of the Convocation, as well as members of the Institutional Management, may not be nominated for the awards. From the nominations received for the Alumni Award, the Convocation might choose to award the Lifetime Achievement Award to an exceptional nominee. This award will only be made on rare occasions where the candidate(s) have truly demonstrated exceptional and meritorious service to society. Criteria To qualify for the Alumni Award, alumni must meet the following criteria:
- They must have obtained a degree or a diploma from the NWU or its predecessors - They must have achieved distinguished personal and career accomplishments - They must have made exemplary contributions to society - They must have shown significant leadershing in the above-mentioned areas - They must demonstrate ongoing commitment to the NWU
Enquiries Enquiries about the nomination process can be directed to Ms Therina du Pisani in the office of the Director: Development and Alumni Relations at tel 018 285 2595 ortherina. dupisani@nwu.ac.za.
To nominate Click here to complete the electronic nomination form. Remember to complete all fields of the form, keeping the criteria in mind and supply proper motivation where requested. Follow the instructions to send and remember to attach all supporting documentation in the email. Completed nomination forms and supporting documents can also be sent to Ms Therina du Pisani, Internal box 213, Institutional Office, NorthWest University, Private Bag x1290, Potchefstroom, 2520 or e-mailed to therina.dupisani@nwu.ac.za Closing date for nominations The closing date for nominations is on or before 31 March 2014.
The 201 NWU’ s 3 Eric . They top te a n B Tyo ukasa re (at th alumn beka Ntu e mba back) i of Dr , M T , Mnr Zyl heuns r Maan Dr Bis mar Elof and s Pret k fron f, D Mr or t D r Prof are Ju e la R Johan ius, s e Mok TT Clo tice Be y Vente van ete a ss N r. In gor nd J k udg abinde e Yv , onn e
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STUDENT 911
KICK-starting the semester Vukosi Nwaila
So it’s back to books, coping with exam stress, submitting assignments and getting good predicates. For first years this is the beginning of your successful journey. What could be more overwhelming than seeing your hard work pay off at the end of the semester? Below are things to get you started 1. KNOW YOUR PURPOSE Varsity as we know it is a platform for all kinds of things, from parties to bad friends and a whole lot more which can be fun and simultaneously be your down fall. Get your priorities straight; at the end of the day everyone’s ultimate aim or goal is to get a qualification, yet only few are determined and ready to carry that studying burden. Go out as much as you want to but don’t forget why you are here. If peer pressure was not a reality back then, it is one now . 2. BOOKS, BOOKS AND MORE BOOKS Not everyone was born a genius and not everyone is a book junkie but try to be one this semester. It is worth giving it a try. Study time tables are said to be an idea of absurdity but once you get used to the idea you are ready to make it. Study time tables get you organised and committed but while you are at it, leave some room for disappointment. Not everyone aces their first few tests but if you put your mind to it you are sure going to survive the semester. Do not wait for your lecturer to announce test dates before you get started, prepare for tests weeks before and you will not regret your effort. 3. SET GOALS Setting short and long term goals motivates one to work towards achieving outstanding results and gives you a sense of direction. Write down everything you want to have achieved by the end of February, even better the semester. A short term goal could be “to obtain 75% in all tests” and a long term goal could be to have an average of 65%. Goals should be specific and realistic. Here is a check list to ensure your set goals are on point using the SMART method: Goals should be: • Specific • Measurable • Attainable • Realistic • Timed
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4. HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE A positive attitude sees light in darkness, it is that one most significant requirement you need to survive the semester. See an opportunity in every challenge and keep your head up. Now is the time to unleash you potential. Do not underestimate your capabilities, be optimistic, think positively and be of good courage. A negative attitude indirectly positions you mind for failure. Be the type of student that says “I can still get a distinction in this module” when you have failed to get one in a test. Be willing to try, attend SI sessions and be confident and believe anything is possible. 5. STICK TO THE BUDGET It is that time of the year again where you ought to make decisions about how to spend your pocket. For year student s it a new thing and for seniors we have learnt from our mistakes. Not everybody is a “gates” at campus, some are from humble backgrounds. So how you spend your pocket money is all up to you. Do not exhaust your budget on unnecessary items like clothing and going out more often than you should, overspending only has a stress after effect. Draw up a budget, which basically is a spending plan that you decide upon based on your income. Know what you can afford and what you cannot afford. You are different, embrace your uniqueness and do not live to impress, if you like an outfit you saw at Edgars then save up. 6. STAY FIT AND HEALTHY What is a semester without a challenge? Here are some
STUDENT 911 things you can try out to stay healthy this semester: • Drink eight glasses of water everyday • Eat at least two fruits and include vegetables in your meals • Do 15 minute jogs everyday • Minimize your intake of junk food • Sign up with the campus gym According to Nicole Meadow a dietician, breakfast is important and will help you jump start your day, so make sure you have breakfast everyday. Not only will these tips help you stay healthy, they are crucial for concentration in class. Drinking water reduces dehydration and chances of getting headaches. 7. HAVE FUN Go out with friends, spoil yourself a bit. Everyone de-
serves a break from all the studying. Do not over-do t though .try these out at campus for fun: Try the bucket list • Go for a boat ride • Go for a campus adventure with your friends at campus by the river but do not swim • Do not miss out on all the parties especially RAG • With all the animals at campus one can have the best laughs, get used to Vuvu and create beautiful memories INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other” –Abraham Lincoln
Brain Teasers Staring at your work but REALLY not in the mood to start on it yet? FEAR NO MORE! Here a are few little brain busters to get the hamster rollin! Vukosi Nwaila
Question 1:There is a room with no doors, no windows, nothing and a man hung from the ceiling and a puddle of water is on the floor ,how did he die? Question 2: Which word if pronounced right is wrong but if pronounced wrong is right? Question 3: I am an odd number, take away one letter and I become even. What number am I? Question 4: Sally is 54 years old and her mother is 80.how many years ago was Sally’s mother three times her age Question 5: What English word retains the same punctuation after you take away four of its five letters? Question 6: If it is information you seek, come and see me .if it is pairs of letters you need I have consecutively three. Who am I? Question 7: What are the next 3 letters needed to complete the sequence o t t f f s s ANSWERS: Q1: He was standing on a block of ice and it melted Q2: Wrong Q3: Seven Q4: 41 years ago, when Sally was 13 her mother was 39 Q5: Queue Q6: A Book Keeper Q7: E and N, these represent the letters of the first nine numbers in words
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HEALTH
Living a healthy lifestyle Sam Mothopeng Living a healthy lifestyle is something all of us should be doing, but the problem is that we do not know how to and we often say ‘if only we could get someone to break it down for us on how to live it’. Living healthy is a long-term commitment, not a goal that you set today then tomorrow you forget about it. There are a few interesting steps you can take from today that will make today a healthier day than yesterday and make a way for healthy living tomorrow too. Living healthy step #1: Move more Make it fun and interesting by doing fun things such as going on a hike, cycling, taking a walk with friends, take a belly dancing class or whatever you enjoy that is part of exercising. There is no need to stick to gym all the time. Keep track of your physical activities in your calendar or date book. Keep a visual record that you look frequently to motivate and remind you. Living healthy step #2: Upgrade your diet Stock your cupboards with healthy food and carry healthy snacks with you so you are prepared when you get hungry. Avoid watching TV, driving or working while you are eating, sit down and enjoy your meal without any disturbance. Go for five to eight daily servings of different vegetables and fruits; your bowls must be covered with a rainbow of fruits. Living healthy step #3: Manage your stress Develop positive ways of coping with stress, ways like visualization and meditation and search for activities such as yoga and dancing or exercise to keep your stress level at the low point. Listening to music and retreating to a bathroom stall to take a few deep breaths and refocus are two of the best ways of handling stressful events and situations that come up without warning. Living healthy step #4: Sleep better No computer or television two hours before going to bed. Computer and TV are stimulating and their lights give our brains the idea that it is time to be up and about. Avoid heavy exercise close to bedtime. Light stretching is fine, but too much energy-consuming activities will heat up your body’s temperature, which makes it hard for you to fall asleep. Living healthy step #5: Improve your relationship Living healthy is not just about your diet, activities, and personal habits. It is also about your relations with other people and your social networks too. Search and spend time with people who enjoy doing the same things as you it can be sports or cooking, whatever you enjoy doing; it will help put a smile on your face.
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HEALTH
Get your BMI right! Lebogang Masemula Being fit does not depend on the size you wear but your BMI (Body Mass Index) score. Welcome back to yet another year of s(u)ccess. I trust you all enjoyed yourselves and had appropriate fun. But it`s now that time of the year were we all have to work our butts off! Why not kick our academic year with a healthy lifestyle? It only takes eating a balanced meal portion of everything and a thirty minute exercise at least 3 times per week for one to be on the “safe” side. Body Mass Index is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that apply to adult men and women. One major advantage of a healthy BMI score is that it protects you from numerous risks associated with obesity or a high BMI.
tor to consider in your fitness plan.
During my first year, I really thought walking to Building 24 was truly torture, but quite frankly; it was great exercise. In construct, exercising is not only going to a gym or jogging in the morning. A simple walk, dancing, and 10 squats per day can make a huge impact.
Pertunia Madonsela, a second year BCom CA student feels that everyone should live a healthy lifestyle. She says it’s good for the immune system, and a healthy immune system means that you won’t easily get sick. She however emphasized that living a healthy lifestyle makes one feel good about their bodies and it boosts their self-esteem.
The other day I was watching Kabelo’s Boot Camp on Mzansi Magic. He said something very profound: “Sixpacks are made in the kitchen, not in the gym. It`s 70% diet, 20% exercise and 10% genetics”. According to Kabelo Mabalane, what you eat is the most important fac-
To sum up, s(u)ccess depends on the second letter. Evaluate your knowledge and learn a new healthy recipe every day. Denis Whitley once said “The real risk is doing nothing”. Now get up from that chair and get your BMI right!
Reduce the risk of Cancer Kamogelo Madikwane
Cancer doesn’t choose who we are, where we come from whether we are rich or poor, white or black. Did you know that we were all born with cancer cells in our bodies? Cancer was discovered in 1911 by Peyton Rous, when a farmer brought him a hen with a large lump in her breast, he then diagnosed the lump as a sarcoma- a tumour of cells in the connective tissue. Cancer cells are abnormal and multiply out of control, it is easier to treat the cancer when it is in its early stages. There are more than 200 different types of cancers, which can develop in different parts of your body, and on average a human being has 60 organs where cancer can develop. There are various treatment options that are available for cancer. Treat-
ment options are different depending on which type of cancer you carry and how far it has grown and spread, amongst these treatments there is surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. If the doctor sees the necessity for the tumour to be cut out a surgery will be suggested, Chemotherapy treatment uses various types of drugs to kill the cells. Radiotherapy is a treatment that uses high energy beams of radiation which are focused on the cancer tissue. After chemotherapy cancer patients go through a traumatic stressful period where they feel numb, hair falls off and they don’t even have taste buds. They go through a very stressful and emotional period, especially when their close family and friends see them for the first time after their therapy they feel embarrassed and often don’t want to be seen that way.
Nobody wants to go through such pain although we don’t choose to have the disease but we can reduce the risks of getting it. 5 HEALTHY TIPS ON HOW TO REDUCE CANCER 1. GREEN TEA Drinking green tea fights against various cancers. The antidioxants in the tea helps protect against a few number of cancers including breast cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer etc. green tea induces cancer cell death and starves the tumours by curbing the growth of the new blood vessels that feed them. 2. BROCCOLI Steam your broccoli instead of microwaving it; broccoli is a cancer preventing food, one we should eat frequently. Eat it as a snack or add it to soups and salads.
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HEALTH 3. CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT WITH VITAMIN D These supplements reduce colon polyps (a risk factor for colon cancer) 4. GARLIC Add garlic to the foods you eat, chewing garlic is also good for you.
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5. CINNAMON AND HONEY Drinking cinnamon and honey in warm water helps with the reduction of stomach and bone cancer, patients suffering from these types of cancer should daily intake one tablespoon of honey with a teaspoon of cinnamon powder.
Together we can fight this. Join the team of Student 24/7 on 15 and 16 February for a fun cancer walk and let us support cancer patients as well as the survivors
My VacWork Expirience Zanele Mtetwa I can remember like it was yesterday, I hadn’t slept at all the night before. I was too excited and anxious. The day had come for me to join the corporate world, only for a week, but that didn’t make me less excited. I was going to make sure I made the most of this scarce opportunity. I was going to work as an auditor, with one of the top auditing firms in the country. I got to the audit firm’s office, it was a sunny Monday morning and I was late. I met one of the audit clerks there; he was really kind and willing to help me learn. We went to Witbank to work with one of their clients there. The clients were polite and treated me as one of the auditors. I was surprised to learn it was going to be just the two of us working on the audit that week, but was still excited. Usually vac work involves a group of students and auditors. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I met my first financial man-
ager, for someone who wants to become a financial manager someday, it was a big deal. I got to interview the client, worked with Excel and learnt some new things. I actually learnt quite a lot. It was a really great opportunity for me. I now finally know what an External Auditor does. I now know I’m doing the right course. Isaac Mofokeng, 3rd year, BCom Chartered Accountant student, shares his experience and says, “My experience started the day before going to the vac work. The excitement lay in me doing vac work, for one of the big four auditing firms. When the day finally came, it felt like a dream come true. The buildings were fantastic, the atmosphere was fantastic, the friendliness of their staff took me by surprise, as I didn’t know what to expect, it was just amazing. The day started with them grouping us into two groups. The whole exercise was for us to get used to working in groups, as being a team player is
INSPIRATION part and parcel of being a Chartered Accountant (CA); it is all about working with people. As the day continued they brought in CAs to tell us about their experiences. I was astonished and amazed. We met different kinds of CAs with different personalities. I knew there and then that I was destined to become a CA.” Every student’s experience is different. It may be good or not so good, but you’ll have a story to tell after that. There’s a lot to learn and many new people to meet. What are you waiting for? Get out there and get your vacwork experience.
A poetic look at the life of a student
Haseena Saley
I am a second year student and I got this idea in my first year. It happened whilst I was observing the behaviour patterns of my fellow students. I could see (and I was judging actually) that some students were here to better themselves. I had seen that others were here to meet new people. Some were here for the hype and others had no choice, meaning someone (maybe a parent) forced them to come and study. So what I did was I asked a few friends, why they were here at North-West University Vaal Triangle Campus, and the responses I got confirmed what I had observed prior. Rabia Moosa a third year Psychology and Sociology student had this to say regarding why she studies “I study because I have an interest in human behaviour and all things concerning why people do what they do and the consequences thereof, also I want to have a career which allows me to be independent and be able to have my family depend on me and to support them.” Students can agree that there is something special in being at varsity; it is a new and exciting path. It is a path that could either make or break us depending on our various reasons for being here.
I study because- by Haseena Saley I study because I want to be someone in life. I study because I am tired of being a victim of poor circumstances where we go to bed wondering where our next meal will come from. I study because my community has faith in me, coming from broken homes and no father to support us I study to make my mother proud. There is a certain power and privilege that comes from studying when they ask my parents “what does your child do?” and they can smile and reply “my child studies”. I study to gain knowledge; I study because education is the key that opens numerous doors . I study because I want to earn a living. I study now because I know that this is the wise choice to make. I study to make friends. I study to be able to afford to travel someday. I study because it makes me feel like I am a winner. I study because this field I’m in captivated me, because the passion that comes from doing something you love is indescribable. I study for all these reasons if not more.
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GUYS TALK
Taking It On The Chin... Mistakes...
Ratanang Mogatusi
Everyday each one of us hopes to wake up with joy in our hearts. We begin each day with the faith that we will make it to its end; and the hope that we’ll make it to the very next day. More than this, we hope to be triumphant over the trials of each day as they come, and we do our best to keep the world as we know it to be a hospitable environment in which we can thrive. To accomplish this, we try to take precautions to ensure that whatever we do is safe, and everything that we venture upon will go swimmingly. However, things do not always pan out as we would like them to. In a moment of time everything could change. A flaw in our plans, or a moment of weakness when we most need to be disciplined; and even a brief second of distraction when we should be vigilant, can spell disaster. Whichever one it may be, once you have crossed that line and realise that there’s no going back, it can be rather difficult coming to terms with your mistakes. It is quite easy to make mistakes. One minute you could be living your life, happily following your heart, and going about your business. Then the very next minute, things could be falling apart before your very eyes; leaving you bewildered at how could things have possibly taken such a dramatic turn for the worse. It is rather frustrating, as it can make you feel foolish, and it can cause you to feel great regret. This is not good as regret can consume its host. It is like a disease of the heart that can break one’s spirit. If one dwells too much upon it they can lose sight of the beauty that lies in the future before them. Not all mistakes are bad though. Quite often, the ones that we make tend lead to challenges. These challenges are a test of character from which we can learn a lot about ourselves. They can either expose our character flaws, or be seen as an opportunity to test our resilience and determination. Our trials can define us through breaking our spirits, or by pushing us to be more than we ever knew we could be; and to do that which we never knew that we were capable of doing. It is at this moment that we define ourselves. When one aims to overcome the obstacles that we unwittingly find ourselves in, with the hope to emerge better enlightened people, a little courage and discipline can go a long way. Remember that fortune favours the brave and history remembers the bold. Although it is not possible to undo the past, one can do what sits well with their conscience to rectify past transgressions; even if their resolution is not popular with the masses.
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SPORT
IT’s cycling academics Annette Willemse Getting out of the office and taking part in some form of sport is an important way many staff members on the Vaal Triangle Campus of the North-West University (NWU Vaal) choose to unwind at the end of a busy day or week. Roelien Goede Staying healthy and managing stress in today’s day and age are things we all struggle with; for Prof Roelien Goede from the School of Information Technology within the Faculty of Economic Sciences and Information Technology, this is also what inspires her to keep on cycling. For the past ten years she has been cycling for both recreation and competition. To date she has completed five Cape Argus cycle tours and four 94.7 cycle challenges. Her best times in these events fall in the above average range for the category she competes in. When training for an event she tries to cycle 1 500km in the ten weeks prior to the event. Advice she would give to any enthusiastic cyclist is to show lots of commitment and to practice effective time management. It is important to make the time to train and participate in events.
also plays tennis and golf – indeed a sporting enthusiast. She started cycling back in 1998 and belongs to the Riverside Pedal Pals cycling club. Over the years she has competed in thirteen Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle tours, and will be competing in her fourteenth come March 2014. During January she will also be competing in the 2014 Fast One Cycle Race. Ms Gilliland increases her strength by exercising in the gym, as strength is a very important factor when taking on steep inclines such as Chapman’s Peak and Suikerbossie. Furthermore, she believes in a healthy lifestyle and that taking on challenges, mentally and physically, is a good thing. Her advice to anyone wanting to take up cycling as a sport is that you should remember to be very careful, alert and visible when you do road cycling, and adds that cycling is a very good way of keeping fit.
Top: Sonja Gililand is an avid sports lady, with cycling being only one of her talents. Left: Roelien Goeded loves the cycle and has the tours to prove it.
You to can be a cycle enthusiast! Make sure you pop by Building 24 G02 (Sports Office) to find out how to join!
Prof Goede will be competing in the Cape Argus this year. Sonja Gilliland Enjoying the outdoors and the scenery of our beautiful country are just two reasons to take up cycling as a sport. Ms Sonja Gilliland - another lecturer within the School of Information Technology, not only cycles for these reasons, but also to keep fit and to stay healthy. She doesn’t limit het active lifestyle to only cycling; she
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