Vol8 no4 2016
heita!
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WELCOME
The best part of being a lecturer is seeing the smile on the faces of your students and their parents on graduation day and seeing them several years later excelling in their fields - it brings a sense of purpose and meaning to one's life! – MARK MUWANGUZI, Lecturer of the Year (Faculty of Information and Communication Technology).
To win this
STEAK KNIFE
& FORK SET,
please send your name and cell number to heita@tut.ac.za on or before 30 June. Mark the subject field: STEAK
Have you seen the impressive banner (61 metres by 6 metres) alongside Building 8 on the Arts Campus? The superheroes on the banner were designed by third-year Graphic Design and Multimedia students Emwi Viljoen, Gomolemo Mokete, Adel van der Merwe, Daniel Venter, Caroline Evdemon, Kgothatso Masako, Esmeralda Baker, Lesley Raphiri, Keith Mankgane and LeRoux Basson. Alumnus Brent Swart designed the background and main character.
GO CHECK IT OUT!
COVER Pic(K)
STRIKE A POSE! Visual Communication (Photography) student, TIAAN MEYER, captured this image. Tiaan obtained a National Diploma: Photography at the Autumn graduation ceremonies.
STATS AND STARS
IT’S A RECORD!
A record number of students – 9 683 – received qualifications during the annual Autumn graduation ceremonies. The total number of qualifications awarded increased by 1 123, from 8 560 in 2015. Heita! brings you some of the other interesting stats and stars.
IT’S A RECORD!
Seven students, who maintained an average mark of more than 80% during the course of their studies, received the Chancellor’s Medal for outstanding achievement. They are:
REGINA NONTHEMBA PHIRI maintained an average of 83% during her studies towards a B Tech: Economic Management Analysis.
It was a big day for FREDRICK MUSARIRI who qualified for a National Diploma: Animal Production and maintained an average of 89% during the course of his studies.
KGAOGELO SEHLAKWANE TSHEHLA maintained an average of 89% during his studies towards a B Tech: Electrical Engineering.
RENE HUGO received the Chancellor’s Medal for maintaining an average of 83% during her studies towards a B Tech: Photography.
LUCKY THAMSANQA NDLELA received the Chancellor’s Medal for maintaining an average of 86% during his B Tech: Education. Read more about him on Page 4.
GIVEN SELOWA, who qualified for a National Diploma in Sport Management, maintained an average of 83% during the course of his studies.
AURORE MARIE EMILIENNE MBENOUN received the Chancellor’s Medal for maintaining an average of 80% during her studies towards a National Diploma: Information Technology: Technical Applications.
During the graduations, the University also conferred doctorates and
master’s degrees.
From the total number of
qualifications that were awarded,
were at undergraduate level,
and comprised certificates,
National Diplomas
and B Tech degrees.
The Faculty of Humanities was in the lead with qualifications, followed by the faculties of Management Sciences with Science with , Engineering and the Built Environment with , Economics and Finance with , Information and Communication Technology with
and the Arts with
29
132
9 683
9 433
622
5 459
3 352
29
132
9 683
9 433
622
5 459
3 352
2 404
2 128
1 696
1 282
1 252
475
446.
2 404
2 128,
1 696,
1 282,
1 252,
475
446.
SAY CHEESE
OPRAH WOULD BE DELIGHTED: The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls made no mistake when they enrolled twins ZANELE AND ZANDILE MAWANE, two of the school’s first group of matriculants, for their National Diploma in Performing Arts Technology. Zandile (right), or Tiisetso as she is also known, received her National Diploma: Performing Arts Technology. Zanele (Tshiamo) completed the same qualification last year.
RIP MOTSY: It was a sad moment on 10 May when the father of PHOMOTSO (MOTSY) MAKEKE, a student who unexpectedly died on the Friday before the ceremony, received a National Diploma: Photography on his son’s behalf. The congregation stood in unison when Motsy’s name was read out.
CREATIVE GUYS! LEROUX BASSON (front) and JACQUES SWART obtained National Diplomas: Multimedia. LeRoux is currently taking pictures that will feature on the new TUT Website. Be on the lookout. You might just be on one of them.
DYNAMITE RESEARCHER: TIISETSO MAFOLO, a B Tech: Electrical Engineering student, was overjoyed when a paper she delivered at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers’ (IEEE) Domestic Use of Energy conference in Cape Town in March was highly recommended. The paper was titled Domestic Lighting Demand Profile Prediction Using ANFIS and Neural Network. Her mentor and supervisor is DR OLAWALE POPOOLA (right), Director at the Centre for Energy and Electric Power (CEEP). Delegates at the conference were impressed with the young go-getter. Dr Michael Ndlovu of Eskom said the saying that “dynamite comes in small packages” became a reality for him during Tiisetso’s presentation. Prof HJ Vermeulen of the Stellenbosch University could also not believe that she only recently completed her B Tech studies, given her depth of understanding, tenacity and presentation skills. They agreed that she is a young researcher in the making. Furthermore, an international publishing house has made an offer to publish the work in a book (monograph) format. She graduated on 11 May.
PROUD MOMENT: PROF MZO SIRAYI, Executive Dean: Faculty of the Arts, with SUZAN MAROTHOLI, his Executive Secretary, and his son, INATHI, before a graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Management Sciences. Suzan obtained a B Tech: Business Administration and Inathi a National Diploma: Entrepreneurship.
GRADUATIONS EXTRA
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MINGLING WITH THE GRADUATES: TUT Chancellor,
DR GWEN RAMOKGOPA, takes time out from her busy day to interact with the Autumn group graduates. Here she congratulates ELIZABETH VENTER, who obtained a Diploma in Dental Technology.
RESPECT!
DONOVAN BOTHA became the first ever visually-impaired student to receive a National Diploma: Visual Communication (Photography).
BOSS MODEL AND ADRENALINE JUNKIE:
JONA SCHILLING, originally from Hamburg, Germany, received a National Diploma: Fine and Applied Arts. He is currently registered for his B Tech. “Adventure is what I live for. Anything that involves outdoor activity gives me life,” says Jona. Among his many talents, Jona is a fitness instructor, Boss model and a growing entrepreneur with a plan to venture into the ceramics business within the next two years while he furthers his studies. “Never settle and stay humble,” is his message to fellow students.
WELL DONE! The Chancellor's Medal for outstanding academic performance in the Faculty of Humanities was awarded to LUCKY THAMSANQA NDLELA who was born in Hlabisa on 21 September 1987 and matriculated at the Khondlo Secondary school in 2005. With only a matric, Lucky taught at the school until 2011. In 2012, he registered for a B Ed FET: Technical at TUT. During his studies, he passed 27 of his 31 subjects with distinction. He is currently a full-time student at the University of Pretoria, doing a B Ed Hons (Technical Education). He is also a part-time lecturer at TUT.
DILANO ETSEBETH (22), N DIP: NATURE CONSERVATION:
A: I’ve registered for my B Tech this year. When I am done with that, I will register for Tourism because it goes hand in hand with my initial qualification.
B: Yes, definitely. There is a lot more involved than just the clothes. My transport and the gown had a separate budget. Before I could worry about what to wear, I had to get these sorted. I spent roughly R1 500 on my outfit.
BIANCA O’NEIL (30), MASTER’S IN EDUCATION
A: For now I am going to take a break. I studied throughout all my twenties. I want to enjoy the fruits of my labour for a while before I decide when to do my PhD.
B: The degree was expensive, compared to what I spent on my graduation. I don’t think I spent a lot.
NKOSINATHI KHANYE (26), B Ed
A: What’s next is to study further. I am currently enrolled for my Honours degree, majoring in Technology and Geography.
B: I don’t think we spend too much. For me R5 000 is not a lot, which is just about what I spent.
KATLEGO MOKGALAGADI (23), N DIP: BUILDING SCIENCE
A: I am coming back next year as a full-time student to do my B Tech.
B: Yes, students go all out. I didn’t spend a lot because the dress I liked was on sale, but I was more than willing to spend more. It’s the norm. There was no pressure from anyone, I just wanted to look good to reward myself for the hard work.
MIHLALI NOYILA (23), N DIP: BUILDING SCIENCE
A: I am just going to throw myself into the deep-end of the working environment. I will continue my studies for as long as I can afford it, but getting a bursary won’t be bad.
B: Yes, we spend too much. I spent R21 000. I wanted something made especially for me. My suit is tailor-made, fashionable and unique.
THETO MOKGATA (26), B TECH: MANAGEMENT
A: The next step is to climb the career ladder. I want to start a business, but that is an idea that will only come into play once I have acquired the necessary skills.
B: Yes, students do spend a lot. We really work hard and it makes sense to show up for your graduation matching the good work you had to put in for all the years.
NEO RAPOO (23), N DIP: PERFORMING ARTS TECHNOLOGY
A: Next in line is to finish my B Tech. I am currently working with a few big names like Multichoice and the National Arts Festival. I just want my work to take me to greater heights, even outside the country.
B: We spent a reasonable amount of money. You just have to look nice as you get rewarded for the hard work you put into getting your qualification.
ZUBEIDAH ADAMS (22), N DIP: FINE ARTS
A: I am doing my B Tech and later plan to enrol for my Master’s degree. I am not in a rush to start working yet. I just want to make sure I get the education first.
B: Yes, the renting on its own is expensive. The gown, transport and graduation pictures are all costly. However, thinking of how much I had to pay for the qualification alone, it really isn’t bad at all.
DUDUETSANG KGOMOTSHWANE (24),
N: DIP: INDUSTRIAL PHYSICS
A: I want to further my studies. Sadly, I will be leaving TUT to do that.
B: Not really. I spent R1 000.
TO VIEW ANSWERS, CLICK ON ANY IMAGE ABOVE.
CARE
Varsity students across the country share a common struggle – funding. To address this issue as a caring institution, TUT, in particular the Directorate of Student Affairs and Extracurricular Development (SAED), has initiated the Assist A Student (AAS) project.
PROJECT LEAVES
no student hungry
The initiative aims to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds with a monthly meal allowance. The project does not cover tuition fees, but encourages students to seek funding from financial aid schemes available at the institution, as well as external sources.
Iviwe Gama (21), a third-year Business Management Retail student, shared how she benefited from the project:
“I was ready to throw in the towel, go back home and abandon my dreams. I didn’t have enough money to continue with my studies which would eventually assist me to have a better life,” she said.
Iviwe has always been dedicated and did exceptionally well in matric. Therefore, it was effortless for her to be accepted at TUT, despite her financial barriers. “When I applied I didn’t know how I was going to pay for my fees, or survive with barely enough to last me for a month, but the amount of faith I had, surpassed my fears,” she explained.
A friend who knew about her difficulties encouraged her to seek help and referred her to Student Governance and Leadership Development.
Within two weeks of applying for assistance from the Assist A Student project, she heard that her application was successful. In 2014, the AAS project also helped her to successfully apply for a bursary to cover her tuition fees. The bursary will cover her fees, accommodation and meals until she graduates, on condition that she maintains the required standard of academic excellence.
“I have worked very hard to get where I am. It is such a privilege to get the support I need. It is a huge load off my grandmother’s shoulders who took care of me with her pension money. She shed tears of joy when I told her she will not be paying another cent to put me through university or worry about what I will eat while I’m here,” she said.
Acting Senior DVC and DVC: Student Affairs and Extracurricular Development (SAED), Dr Ezekiel Moraka, said that TUT is committed to working hard in collaboration with other entities to ensure that no student goes to bed on an empty stomach.
Financial difficulties are not foreign to him. He comes from humble beginnings as well. However, through perseverance and hard work, he managed to get various stakeholders to financially contribute towards his academic success. He urges students to work just as hard.
“We are here for you! SAED professionals are trained and dedicated to assist students towards their academic success. When in need, students should not hesitate to approach our offices where they will be attended to with integrity,” he said.
In closing, he said that peer educators who run the project at the Directorate of Health and Wellness, are fellow students trained to listen to particular students’ challenges and advise them on how they could best be assisted.
Iviwe Gama (21)
Jackey Masekela caught up with TUT student Bongani “Drama” Nomcweya (24) who is a Jack-of-all-trades and master of all. He’s currently busy with his Master’s in Performing Arts, employed by Gauteng Opera, a host on the online radio station Lucky Radio and, of course, he masterfully hosts the annual Drummies Extravaganza.
Jackey Masekela
Bongani “Drama” Nomcweya
WHAT ADVISE DO YOU HAVE FOR TUT STUDENTS WHO LOOK UP TO YOU? You leave home going on a journey of self-discovery, a journey not walked by many. Varsity is like life at large, you come across obstacles that disturb your journey. However, you need to remind yourself about the importance of your family and why you enrolled to study. If a task is given, do it. That’s all it takes. Don’t stop when you’re tired, rather when you’re done. Keep focus. Your friends are not your degree. Set limits. Not going out for an entire month because of upcoming exams doesn’t make you a fool, but a hard worker.
CONVERSATION
YOU ARE ALSO AN AMAZING OPERA SINGER. TELL US ABOUT GAUTENG OPERA. I am an administrative assistant at Gauteng Opera. When hiring me, my boss mentioned that he’d rather have my brains than my voice. Gauteng Opera is an all-round performing arts and entertainment company, focusing on opera related productions, concerts and events. With the slogan Opera for Everyone, it aims to expose opera to varied audiences with different opera offerings.
WHERE DO YOU FIND THE TIME TO FIT IT ALL IN? Let’s ask Bonang Matheba and find out how she does it. Ha! Ha! Well, like her, I have to always plan my diary and always prioritise my time.
WHO IS BONGANI “DRAMA” NOMCWEYA? I regard myself as a philanthropist and believe in helping and loving everyone accordingly. I am energetic and very talkative. My purpose is to put smiles on people’s faces. Moreover, I am the one who enters a room and it brightens up solely because of my big personality.
YOU HAVE BEEN AN MC AT THE DRUMMIES FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS. WHERE DID IT ALL START? Here it goes … stealing the floor manager’s script at the YoTV studios, going home and presenting a show in front of the mirror with my mom’s charger as the earpiece, I kind of knew how my life would end up looking like. It all started at primary school when my English and Acting Teacher, Mr Luthuli, appointed me at one of our ‘Read a Book Week’ days to co-host with him. I was very nervous the first time I MC’d the Drummies. It was attended by TUT heavyweights. As they say, the rest is history.
heita!
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Heita! is an electronic student newsletter of the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).
It is edited and published by the Directorate of Corporate Affairs and Marketing.
EDITOR
Gerrit Bester
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This publication may contain third party advertisements and links to third party sites. The Tshwane University of Technology does not make any representation as to the accuracy or suitability of any of the information contained in these advertisements or sites and does not accept any responsibility or liability for the conduct or content of those advertisements and sites and the offerings made by the third parties.
FINALLY
The winner of the Salt & Pepper Grinder set is TSHEPISO SELEPE (24), an Information Technology student at the Soshanguve Campus.
It’s easy! All you have to do is answer the following
question (don’t fret, you should get the answer somewhere
in this edition): NAME THE STUDENT FEATURED IN THIS EDITION WHO IS ALSO A BOSS MODEL.
Please send your answer, name and contact number to heita@tut.ac.za on or before 30 June. Mark the subject field: COMPETITION. The winner will be announced in the next edition. Only registered TUT students can enter. Good luck!
CHRISTIAN FLEISCHMANN (29 ), a B Tech: Chemical Engineering student at the Pretoria Campus, is the winner of the competition featured in Heita! Vol8 No.3 2016.
CONGRATULATIONS!
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All work and no play make Jack (and Jill) a dull boy (and girl).