TUT is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year and a new corporate video has been produced to celebrate this milestone.
The red carpet was rolled out at the Theunis Bester Hall on 31 July at a gala dinner hosted by Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Lourens van Staden, to celebrate the University’s 15th birthday. Here are some words of wisdom shared by the VC at the event:
“TUT has developed a new Institutional Strategic Plan 2020 – 2025, that will ensure we make knowledge useful. As a University embedded in our communities, we should not only focus on academic outputs, but also on impact and responsiveness to societal needs. Since TUT is a national asset, it could play a substantive role in achieving the vision of Government. For this reason, TUT is fully aligned with the 6th Administration and President Ramaphosa’s vision.”
WORDS of WISDOM!
WHAT TO FOLLOW? The Department of Visual Communication (Photography) has launched an Instagram Page, which, among others, features Heita! covers captured by Photography students. CLICK ON THE ICON ON THE LEFT.
TSHEGOFATSO MOKGOTHO (21), a second-year Photography student, captured this image as part of a Hollywood portrait assignment.
We are giving away
capturing TUT highlights during the past 15 years. To win a copy, please send your name and cell number to heita@tut.ac.za on or before 4 October 2019. Mark the subject line BOOK.
four photo books
with Prof Elsabe Coetzee
Prof Elsabe Coetzee, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Affairs and Extracurricular Development (SAED), shares with Heita! her views on leadership and her hopes and dreams for the University (continued on PAGE 3)
Q
A
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IN VIEW OF THE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS, WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES OF AN EFFECTIVE STUDENT LEADER? I don’t believe that there is a proven formula for leadership in any capacity. I expect progress, not perfection from student leaders. Having said that, it is ideal to work with leaders who are selfless, emotionally intelligent and committed to serve the best interests of students and the University. Student leaders should be prepared to unlearn old beliefs and habits to be perceptive for new behaviours and practices.
HAS THE CONSTITUTION OF THE SRC BEEN AMENDED TO ALLOW A 50/50 GENDER REPRESENTATION? This matter is still under discussion, and although we regard the philosophy as splendid, we will respond to it in more detail in future.
CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE ROLE OF THE INSTITUTIONAL STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL (ISRC) VS THE CAMPUS STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCILS (CSRCs)? The ISRC focuses on institutional and governance matters which affect students, such as student representation at the Institutional Forum and the University Council. CSRCs focus on operational matters and challenges which impact directly on the lives of students and their performance at their various campuses.
WITH SO MANY CAMPUSES SPREAD ACROSS SEVERAL PROVINCES, HOW DOES ONE ENSURE THAT THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE IS HOLISTIC AND SIMILAR AT ALL THE CAMPUSES? SAED has offices and officials providing quality services and programmes to students at all TUT campuses. SAED’s goals and objectives are centred on the equitable development of well-rounded graduates for the University. We are committed to this ethos.
Prof Elsabe Coetzee, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Affairs and Extracurricular Development (SAED).
THE UNIVERSITY IS CELEBRATING ITS 15TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR. WHAT ARE THE PERSONAL HIGHLIGHTS THAT YOU HAVE OF THE INSTITUTION DURING THIS PERIOD? Meeting and respecting staff from diverse backgrounds and learning from one another. Furthermore, offering opportunities and parenting students, especially those from poor backgrounds and schooling. It is also special to share space, time and moments with them and watching them grow over the years until they graduate, enter the world of work, become parents and responsible citizens.
"It is ideal to work with leaders who are selfless, emotionally intelligent and committed to serve the best interests of students and the University. Student leaders should be prepared to unlearn old beliefs and habits to be perceptive for new behaviours and practices."
Exam tips straight from the DVC
The end-year exams are around the corner and who better to ask for some tips than Prof Elsabe Coetzee, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Affairs and Extracurricular Development (SAED). Prof Coetzee also reminisces about her own student days.
1. WORK THROUGHOUT THE YEAR to avoid last minute anxiety.
2. Live a BALANCED LIFE, but always REMAIN FOCUSED on your academic responsibility.
3. CONSULT your lecturers, mentors, tutors and Student Development and Support (SDS) staff for emotional and academic assistance.
4. LIVE THANKFULLY for this exceptional opportunity to be a student. PRAISE GOD for your potential and PRIVILEGE and MAKE YOUR LOVED ONES VERY PROUD. Only do your best, because this is the best you can do!
WHERE DID YOU COMPLETE YOUR UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES AND HOW HAS STUDENT LIFE CHANGED SINCE YOU WERE A STUDENT? I completed my first qualification as a teacher at the University of Pretoria many moons ago. Learning programmes and teaching methods have undergone enormous transformation. We left politics to the politicians (that was a strategic mistake on our part) and migrated into a technological life with new innovations on a daily basis. However, the one thing that will and should never change is for a student to have fun and always feel protected and safe.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES AND DREAMS FOR THE UNIVERSITY? A safe environment to prosper and higher graduation rates and research outputs. More so, to experience peace and love for one another on campuses and in communities around us, and for TUT, as the People’s University, to empower many generations to come. I would also like to see students being inspired to show absolute dedication to their academic responsibilities to become responsible citizens of South Africa.
HOW WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE A PROSPECTIVE STUDENT TO MAKE TUT HIS/HER ACADEMIC HOME? TUT is the largest residential University of Technology in Southern Africa with labour market relevant academic programmes and contemporary outdoor learning programmes that will assist you to rise above the rest in the workplace. If one aspires to be a well-rounded graduate, capacitated with both in and out of the classroom knowledge, then make use of every opportunity and person that crosses your path as a student. Rely on the guidance of lecturers, mentors, tutors, good friends and look after TUT as an incredible asset. Together, let us make it a perfect home. Perhaps it is wishful thinking, but if we can bring back some of the enchantment of earlier days, it may very well contribute to a full and inclusive experience as a student.
WE ARE HEADING TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR AND THE EXAM SEASON IS UPON US. GIVE US SOME EXAM POINTERS THAT HAVE WORKED FOR YOU.
Heritage Day is a public holiday celebrated on 24 September. On this day, South Africans are encouraged to celebrate their culture
and the diversity of their beliefs and traditions. Heita! met ten students who told us more about theirs (continued on PAGE 5, 6 & 7).
WHAT ARE YOUR BELIEFS AND TRADITIONS?
(ST) Practicing ancestral customs. The Malopo ritual is a very important ritual in the Bapedi tribe. This, in a nutshell, is called go phasa badimo, meaning communicating with the ancestors. It usually involves animal sacrifice, or the presentation of beer by the most important family member, called Kgadi. Some people slaughter goats or cows when they need to communicate with their ancestors, while others use snuff and tlhotlwa (African traditional beer). Ancestors may come to you via a spiritual power and give you strength to heal through ditaola (bones). We also have a very traditional and interesting way of negotiating lobola (a bride price).
(MV) To live long, you have to respect your elders and have discipline in the way you carry yourself, for the way you carry yourself portrays where you come from and how you were raised.
WHAT ARE THE MISCONCEPTIONS PEOPLE HAVE OF YOUR CULTURE?
(ST) That Pedi men are stingy and that Pedi people from the north are good at witchcraft.
(MV) That Sotho men run away from their children.
DO YOU CELEBRATE HERITAGE DAY?
(ST) Yes, because I am from a very cultural family. We perform rituals when we celebrate any ceremony (weddings, birthdays, etc.). I celebrate it to honour my ancestors and to teach others about the interesting things we do.
(MV) Yes, because that’s the only way you get to live your culture to its best.
SA HAS A RICH CULTURAL DIVERSITY. WHAT CAN EACH SOUTH AFRICAN DO TO LIVE IN BETTER HARMONY WITH ONE ANOTHER?
(ST) Accept that we are one, but that we do things differently. Learning more about other cultures will also unite us.
(MV) By practicing Ubuntu. People should also accept one another for who they are.
"Accept that we are one, but that we do things differently. Learning more about other cultures will also unite us."
WHICH CULTURAL GROUP DO YOU BELONG TO?
SHANTELL TLABELA –
ST (22)
JOURNALISM
Pedi
MALEBO VANROSS – MV (23)
SPORTS MANAGEMENT
Southern Sotho
WHAT ARE YOUR BELIEFS AND TRADITIONS?
(HS) Respect is due to one's elders. Traditionally, greeting all people, including strangers, is normal. We pride ourselves in the bright colours of our traditional clothes, called imvunulo. We have the reed dance ceremony where unmarried, childless Swati girls and women travel from various villages to the Ludzidzini Royal Village to participate. Also interesting is that girls who are not married are placed in female age-regiments, and the families of girls who fall pregnant out of wedlock are fined a cow.
(OG) We believe in a combination of God and ancestors. We usually host events where we invite a lot of people, dance for our ancestors, and cook our traditional food, like Seswaa (ground meat), Ting (fermented porridge), Morogo wa Setswana (similar to spinach) cooked in peanuts, Mosutlhwane (sorghum grains) etc.
(NZ) Engaged Zulu women grow their hair and cover their chest with decorative cloths as a sign of respect to their in-laws.
WHAT ARE THE MISCONCEPTIONS PEOPLE HAVE OF YOUR CULTURE?
(HS) That Swatis are very stingy and stubborn.
(OG) That we are too soft.
(NZ) That we are violent, aggressive and not beautiful.
DO YOU CELEBRATE HERITAGE DAY?
(HS) Yes, it shows how proud I am of my culture, as it is different, interesting and unique.
(OG) Yes, because embracing our culture is what we were taught growing up and we like it when people learn more about where we come from and who we are.
(NZ) No, I’ve never celebrated it, even when I was younger. I see no reason why I should now.
SA HAS A RICH CULTURAL DIVERSITY. WHAT CAN EACH SOUTH AFRICAN DO TO LIVE IN BETTER HARMONY WITH ONE ANOTHER?
(HS) Everyone must love and respect each other, regardless of their differences.
(OG) We must unite and be one. Yes, we are different, but we are all South Africans and each culture is unique in its own way.
(NZ) We must respect every culture and try to be part of every culture’s traditional activities.
"Everyone must love and respect each other, regardless of their differences."
WHICH CULTURAL GROUP DO YOU BELONG TO?
HAPPY SHABANGU – HS (23)
HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
Swati
OBAKENG GOBOMANG –
OG (23)
SPORTS MANAGEMENT
Tswana
NHLAKANIPHO ZULU –
NZ (23)
SPORTS MANAGEMENT
Zulu
CULTURAL MISCONCEPTIONS
What are the misconceptions about your culture? A Swati, Tswana and Zulu student tell us about mistaken beliefs people have of their cultures.
With such a rich cultural diversity, what can each South African do to live in better harmony with one another?
WHAT ARE YOUR BELIEFS AND TRADITIONS?
(GN) We believe in both God and ancestors. The colours on our traditional attire make our culture unique. We usually host events where everyone comes and we play our songs, dance and eat traditional food like Tihove (samp made with dried corn kernels, peanuts, groundnuts, beans, etc.).
(BN) When a child is born, a cow, sheep or goat is bought to perform a traditional ceremony to introduce the child to his/her ancestors. The animal is used as a sacrifice. It is believed that by doing this, the child will be able to achieve his/her goals. If this ritual is not performed, the child may grow up having bad luck and even get sick.
WHAT ARE THE MISCONCEPTIONS PEOPLE HAVE OF YOUR CULTURE?
(GN) A lot of people say we are rude.
(BN) That we are good at lying, talk a lot and we are narcissists.
DO YOU CELEBRATE HERITAGE DAY?
(GN) No, because I’m not used to celebrating it.
(BN) No, I don’t because I grew up in a family that doesn’t celebrate it. Even in our schools we were never given the opportunity to celebrate it.
SA HAS A RICH CULTURAL DIVERSITY. WHAT CAN EACH SOUTH AFRICAN DO TO LIVE IN BETTER HARMONY WITH ONE ANOTHER?
(GN) Love and respect everyone, regardless of age, gender or culture.
(BN) We must unite and be one. At the end of the day we are all human beings.
"Love and respect everyone, regardless of age, gender or culture. We must unite and be one. At the end of the day we are all human beings."
WHICH CULTURAL GROUP DO YOU BELONG TO?
GERALD NGOBENI – GN (19)
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Tsonga
BATHATHU NDUMISO –
BN (19)
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Xhosa
I AM BECAUSE WE ARE
Is it just a day off, or do students actually celebrate Heritage Day? Heita! shares three students’ views.
WHAT ARE YOUR BELIEFS AND TRADITIONS?
(XD) For a girl to be considered a woman, she has to go through a cultural ceremony, called iqude, during which she is taught how to carry herself. We wear our colourful, traditional attire, sing, dance and take pride in who we are.
(BM) I am Christian, meaning I put my beliefs in God. I do not believe in my traditions, because I see those as myth created by people’s imagination.
(EO) I am Christian, everything I do is associated with Christianity.
WHAT ARE THE MISCONCEPTIONS PEOPLE HAVE OF YOUR CULTURE?
(XD) That we are good at witchcraft.
(BM) That Venda people are experienced in witchcraft and that all Venda men are dark in colour.
(EO) That all Afrikaners are racist.
DO YOU CELEBRATE HERITAGE DAY?
(XD) Yes, for me heritage day is about celebrating who you are and where you come from. I am a proud Ndebele woman and on this day, I take pride in who I am.
(BM) Yes, because it is also my birthday. Besides that, it is a day where you get to embrace your culture and where you belong. It also helps people to know more about who they are.
(EO) Yes, we call it a braai day where we gather socially.
SA HAS A RICH CULTURAL DIVERSITY. WHAT CAN EACH SOUTH AFRICAN DO TO LIVE IN BETTER HARMONY WITH ONE ANOTHER?
(XD) Accept that we are different and be willing to learn about other people’s cultures.
(BM) We should avoid tribalism, stop hatred and accept that we are all different.
(EO) We need to move forward and leave the past behind. Accept every individual as they are.
"Accept that we are different and be willing to learn about other people’s cultures."
WHICH CULTURAL GROUP DO YOU BELONG TO?
XOLISILE DLOU – XD (30)
JOURNALISM
Ndebele
BONO MASHAU – BM (19)
JOURNALISM
Venda
EON OOSTHUIZEN – EO (20)
CIVIL ENGINEERING
Afrikaner
WHAT DO YOU DO ON HERITAGE DAY!
Future engineers show off their ingenuity
It was game on for 800 learners from as far as Thohoyandou in Limpopo on 8 August, when they flocked to the Pretoria Campus to show off their ingenuity during the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment’s annual Competition Day. The aspirant engineers participated in eleven competitions to create a better understanding of the applications of the different programmes.
Click on any thumbnail
to view the image
This is a model of a dream classroom built by one of the teams competing in the Architecture challenge.
Would you be able to design a vacuum cleaner by only using recycled material? This is more than possible as proven at the Polymer Technology challenge.
Future Metallurgical Engineers taking the challenge to design and build a Casting Process Plant prototype very seriously.
In an Electrical Engineering task, learners received components in advance to build an electronic lab.
Learners with a keen interest in Chemical Engineering busy designing and building a Chemical Engineering Production Plant.
Learners putting their creativity to the test while designing and building a Ping Pong Ball launcher. Industrial Design (3D Design) put forward this exciting challenge.
Land surveyors in the making busy testing equipment used in industry. They mapped a nature park in advance and experienced first-hand what they will do if they study Geomatics.
The Department of Industrial Engineering tested learners’ ability to build a Product Layout Game.
Two learners from the Techical High School John Vorster, that was named the overall winner of the day, look chuffed with the vehicle they built and designed, powered by rubber bands, as part of the Mechanical Engineering challenge.
What does a typical house with a swimming pool cost? Learners from the Thohoyandou High School putting their heads together to make the calculation in this Building Sciences contest.
Learners stepped up to the challenge when they had to design and build a bridge using tongue depressors and clear glue. It was a Civil Engineering challenge.
All work and no play make Jack (and Jill) a
dull boy (and girl).
WIN A
BRAAI KNIFE & FORK SET
Send your name and contact number to heita@tut.ac.za on or before 4 October 2019. Mark the subject field: BRAAI. The winner will be announced in the next edition.
Good luck!
CONGRATULATIONS!
WINNERS OF COMPETITIONS FEATURED IN THE PREVIOUS EDITION ARE:
ANDILE SWARTBOOI (28), a Mechatronics student at the Pretoria Campus (NOTEBOOK) and NONTOKOZO NTULI (32), a Hospitality Management student at the Pretoria Campus (SNACK BOWL).
heita!
STAY IN THE PICTURE
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
TEL 012 382 4306
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