University of Pretoria Research Report 2008

University of Pretoria Research Report

2008

University of Pretoria Resea

rch Report 2008

www.up.ac.za

Vision

The University of Pretoria strives to be:

• aleaderinhighereducationthatisrecognisedinternationallyforacademicexcellence,withafocusonquality;

• a university that is known for internationalcompetitiveness and local relevance throughcontinuousinnovation;

• the university of choice for students, staff,employers of graduates and those requiringresearchsolutions;

• a university with an inclusive and enabling,value-drivenorganisationalculturethatprovidesan intellectual home for the rich diversity ofSouthAfricanacademictalent;and

• the premier university in South Africa thatacknowledges its prominent role in Africa,is a symbol of national aspiration and hope,reconciliation and pride, and is committed todischargingitssocialresponsibilities.

Mission

The mission of the University of Pretoria is to be aninternationally recognised South African teaching andresearch university and a member of the internationalcommunityofscholarlyinstitutionsthat:

• provides excellent education in a wide spectrum ofacademicdisciplines;

• promotesscholarshipthrough:– thecreation,advancement,application,transmissionandpreservationofknowledge;

– thestimulationofcriticalandindependentthinking;• createsflexible,lifelonglearningopportunities;• encourages academically rigorous and socially

meaningful research, particularly in fields relevant toemergingeconomies;

• enables students to become well-rounded, creativepeople, responsible, productive citizens and futureleadersby:– providinganexcellentacademiceducation;– developingtheirleadershipabilitiesandpotentialtobeworld-class,innovativegraduateswithcompetitiveskills;

– instilling in them the importance of a sound valueframework;

– developing their ability to adapt to the rapidlychangingenvironmentsoftheinformationera;

– encouragingthemtoparticipateinandexcelinsport,culturalactivities,andthearts;

• islocallyrelevantthrough:– itspromotionofequity,access,equalopportunities,redress,transformationanddiversity;

– itscontributiontotheprosperity,competitivenessandqualityoflifeinSouthAfrica;

– its responsiveness to the educational, cultural,economic,scientific,technological,industrial,health,environmentalandsocialneedsofthecountry;

– itsactiveandconstructiveinvolvementincommunitydevelopmentandservice;

– its sensitivity to the demands of our time and itsproactivecontributiontowardsshapingthefuture;

• creates an intellectually stimulating and culturallyvibrant, pleasant and safe environment in which itsstudentsandstaffcanflourish;and

• iscommittedtoeffective,efficient,caringandinnovativeapproaches to teaching, research and communityservice,client-centredmanagementandadministration,andgoodgovernance.

University of Pretoria Research Report 2008

1Table of Contents

1. Introduction 3

1.1 MessagefromtheVice-ChancellorandPrincipal 41.2 MessagefromtheVice-Principal:Researchand 4 PostgraduateStudies1.3 TheFactFile 5

2. Awards and achievements 9

3. Centenary Lecture Series 19

4. Special focus 27

4.1 Aids focus:Developinganinterdisciplinary approachtoAidsthroughcollaborativeresearch 284.2 FABI focus:Foodsandforestsforthefuture 34

5. Feature articles 37

5.1 EconomicforecastingforSouthAfrica 385.2 Democracyasexperiencedbynine-year-olds 405.3 Novelbrazerepairofturbinecomponents 425.4 Protectiveincubationformultinationalenterprises 445.5 Violenceandreconciliation 465.6 LabourandinsolvencyprinciplesinSADC 485.7 Naturalhazards 505.8 InterpretingtheBiblein(South)Africa 525.9 Pioneeringracehorsestudy 545.10Internationalstudyonchildhoodasthma 56

6. Research highlights 59

6.1 EconomicandManagementSciences 606.2 Education 686.3 Engineering,BuiltEnvironmentandInformation 74 Technology6.4 HealthSciences 856.5 Humanities 956.6 Law 1046.7 NaturalandAgriculturalSciences 1146.8 Theology 1246.9 VeterinaryScience 133

7. Community engagement 139


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1. Introduction

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The centenary year offered a unique opportunity to highlight the progress that the University has made in achieving its strategic goal of being an internationally recognised, research-led university.

Inlookingbackoverthelastcentury,Iaskedthatweidentifythe hundred leading minds who have made significantcontributionstotheirdisciplines,haddistinguishedcareersand helped to create the research ethos for which theUniversityhasbecomeknown.

With the assistance of Prof Theuns Erasmus, a formerVice-Principal for Research, the publication records andarchives of the University were scoured to identify thosescholars who would be recognised for their outstandingcontributions.Acombinationofcriteriawasusedtoidentifythese individuals.Thecriteriawereadapted for theperiodduringwhichthescholarswereactive,fromearlyinthe20th century to the current period for activemembers of staff.Some contemporary young scholars who had excelled intheirresearchfieldswerealsoincluded.TheoutcomeofthisprocesswastheidentificationofagroupofindividualswhowerehonouredataceremonyentitledHonouring our Leading Minds (1908 to 2008), where medals were presented to

During the centenary year, the University of Pretoria instituted a series of lectures designed to highlight major developments in the diverse disciplines reflected in its faculties.

ThespeakersrangedfromaNobelprizewinnerinscienceto leading businessmen. All demonstrated the breadthof scholarly activity taking place in our institution anddemonstrated a vibrant engagement with new fields ofresearchanddevelopment.

TheUniversityhascontinuedwiththeformatofitsresearchreport, which highlights specific research from a diversityof disciplines. All demonstrate the degree to which theUniversity is engaged with local issues of economicdevelopment,whileatthesametimeshowingtheimpactofworld-classresearch.

The Fact File demonstrates that the University’s researchperformance has continued to show growth, particularly in

the researchers or to theirrelativesbytheNobelprizewinner, Sydney Brenner.The occasion was one ofcelebrationandepitomisedformethekindofscholarstheUniversityshouldaspiretonurtureinthefuture.

TheunfoldingoftheResearchStrategyof theUniversity isagainclearlyreflectedinthisreport. The University hasmaintained its pre-eminentposition in theproductionofresearch publication units,has sustained growth inthenumberofNRF-ratedstaffmembersandproducedthelargestnumberofdoctoralgraduatesinthehighereducationsector.The fosteringofa researchand innovationculturethatproducesworkofthehighestimpactisthecornerstoneof our current and future efforts.The featurearticles andfacultyreviewsthatfollowprovideclearevidenceofcurrentachievementsandfuturedirections.

relationtotheindicesthatareused to measure researchperformancefortheCouncil.Researchoutputs(researchmaster’sgraduates,doctoralgraduates and publicationunits) have been sustainedat a level that is higherthan the benchmark set bythe national Department ofEducation.

Furthermore, the reportsfrom the faculties showincreasedlevelsofresearchparticipation in all cases.This isestablishinga foun-dation for future growth and enhanced impact that willallow theUniversityofPretoria todevelop instatureasaresearch-leduniversity.

1.1 Message from the Vice-Chancellor and Principal

1.2 Message from the Vice-Principal: Research and Postgraduate Studies

Prof Calie Pistorius: Vice-Chancellor and Principal

Prof Robin Crewe: Vice-Principal: Research and Postgraduate Studies


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The University retained its number one position nationally as the university that received the highest number of research output credits from the Department of Education in 2007 (the latest audited figures).

ThestatisticsoftheDepartmentofEducationareimportantin the context of theUniversity of Pretoriamaintaining itsquest towards reinforcing its positionasan internationallyrecognised research-intensive university in South Africa.ThecontributionsoftheUniversity’sactiveresearchersandtheircollaboratorsarehighlyappreciatedwithaspecialwordofmentiontothe18membersoftheUPresearchcommunitywhoproducedmorethantenpapersin2008.TheUPresearchoutputhadthebenefitof811instancesoflocalcollaborationand805instancesofinternationalcollaboration.Thelargestnumber of international collaborations was with partnersin the SouthernAfrican Development Community (SADC)region,followedbytheEuropeanUnionandtheUSA.

UPhasalsoachievedtheInstituteforScientificInformation(ISI) field ranking in six fields: plant and animal sciences,clinical medicine, environment/ecology, engineering, agri-cultural sciences and – for the first time – social sciences.This analytical tool ranks scientists, institutions, countriesandjournalsin22specificfieldsofresearchbythenumberofpaperspublished,citationsreceivedandcitationsmadeperpaperovera10-yearperiod.

Anexaminationof the researchoutputonafive-year rollingaveragesince1998indicatesastrongandconsistentincreaseboth with regard to the number of papers produced by UP,aswellasthenumberofcitations.ThenumberofNRF-ratedresearchersatUPreachedanall-timehighin2008with251ratedresearchers,anincreasefromthe223ratedresearchersin2007.

During 2008, the Universityretained its leading positionas the South AfricanUniversity with the highestoutputofaccreditedresearchpublication units, based oncredits received from theDepartment of Education.This fact file provides abrief overview of interestingresearch facts and figureswiththefollowinghighlights.

Research outputs

According to the latest audited figures (2007) that were released by the Department of Education, theUniversityofPretoriaisstillthetopproducerofaccreditedresearchoutputs(seeFigure1).

Accredited publications

A total of 1 084.11 units were awarded for articles, ofwhich63percentwaspublished in journals thatappearoninternational indices such as the ISI and the InternationalBibliographyoftheSocialSciences(IBSS).Thisrepresentsan increase of 6 percent in comparison to 2006. TheUniversitywasalsoawarded28.42unitsforoutputsinbooksand chapters in books and 43.30 units for publications inrecognisedconferenceproceedings.TheFacultyofNaturalandAgriculturalSciencescontributed233.30researchunits,followed by the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environmentand InformationTechnologywith173.53and theFacultyofHumanitieswith151.75(seeTable2onpage6).

1.3 The Fact File

Mr Dhesigen Naidoo: Director: Research and Innovation Support

Figure 1: Research outputs of universities since 2000, as accredited by the Department of Education

University of PretoriaUniversity of CapeTownUniversity of the WitwatersrandStellenboschUniversityUniversity ofKwaZulu-Natal

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

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Table 1: Researchers who published more than ten articles in

2008

ResearcherNumber

of articles

ProfMJWingfield,Genetics 29

ProfNCBennett,ZoologyandEntomology 20

ProfLPretorius,EngineeringandTechnologyManagement

18

ProfJJMMeyer,PlantScience 17

ProfAPEngelbrecht,ComputerScience 16

ProfNLall,PlantScience 16

ProfGFSmith,PlantScience 15

DrACBrent,EngineeringandTechnologyManagement

14

ProfDGKourie,ComputerScience 14

ProfBDWingfield,Genetics 14

ProfEPretorius,Anatomy 12

ProfEJongejan,VeterinaryTropicalDiseases

12

ProfJGMaree,CurriculumStudies 12

ProfFDAuret,Physics 11

ProfMNBester,ZoologyandEntomology 11

ProfMSOliver,ComputerScience 11

ProfMWvanRooyen,PlantScience 11

ProfSWNicolson,ZoologyandEntomology 11

Table 2: Publication units earned in 2007 for articles in

accredited journals

Faculty Number of articles

EconomicandManagementSciences 68.45

Education 51.52

Engineering,BuiltEnvironmentand InformationTechnology 173.53

HealthSciences 138.17

Humanities 151.75

Law 72.33

NaturalandAgriculturalSciences 233.30

Theology 130.00

VeterinaryScience 62.73

Executive/interfacultyresearch 2.33

Total 1 084.11

There was an increase in the audited research outputsubmittedtotheDepartmentofEducationbasedonarticlespublishedinaccreditedjournalsin2008(seeTable3).

Table 3: Publication units audited and submitted to the

Department of Education for accreditation in 2008

Faculty Number of articles

EconomicandManagementSciences 62.24

Education 42.81

Engineering,BuiltEnvironmentandInformationTechnology 153.49

HealthSciences 121.59

Humanities 150.75

Law 72.00

NaturalandAgriculturalSciences 303.79

Theology 117.08

VeterinaryScience 81.58

Executive/interfacultyresearch 2.45

Total 1 107.96

Students

ThestudentstatisticsoftheUniversityofPretoriafor2008wereasfollows:

• 57418studentsstudiedattheUniversityduring2008;ofthisnumber,38934werecontactand18484weredistanceeducationstudents.

• 34969contactstudentsstudiedfull-time,while 3965contactstudentsstudiedpart-time;thesecontactstudentnumbersweremadeupof16141blackand 22793whitestudents.

• 46.5%ofthecontactstudentsweremaleand53.5%werefemale.

• 10484(contact)and7603(distance)postgraduatestudentsstudiedatUP;ofthese,3342(contact)and 7603(distance)werehonoursstudents,while 5080(contact)weremaster’sand1251(contact)weredoctoralstudents.

• 2855internationalstudentsstudiedattheUniversity,ofwhich44.6%werepostgraduatestudents;ofthisnumber,59.9%ofthestudentscamefromSADCcountries,19.2%fromelsewhereinAfrica,8.9%fromEurope,4.5%fromtheAmericasand4.1%fromAsia.


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Postgraduate qualifications

Thegraduatethroughputfor2008wasasfollows:

Table 4: Postgraduate qualifications for 2008

Qualification Number of graduates

Certificates 1080

Postgraduatediplomas 245

Honoursdegrees 1139

Master’sdegrees 1789

Doctorates 180

NRF ratings

The number of individuals rated by the National ResearchFoundation(NRF)asatDecember2008wasasfollows:

Table 5: NRF ratings as at December 2008

Ratings A B C P Y L TotalNumber 5 57 148 4 33 4 251

Intellectual property

Thestatisticsforintellectualpropertydisclosuresandpatentsfor2008wereasfollows:

• Sixdisclosuresofpotentialinventionswere recorded.

• Twopatentswereprovisionallyfiled.• TwoSouthAfricanpatentswereregistered.• Oneinternationalpatentfamilywasregistered.• Twolicenceswereawardedtoindustry.

Funding

External funding

MorethanR350millionwasmadeavailableforresearchfromexternalfundingsources,includingthefollowing:

• R84.1millionfromgovernmentsourcesotherthantheDepartmentofEducation.ThisincludedR52.4millionfromtheNRF.AspartoftheNRFfunding,UPreceivedR19millionfromtheTechnologyandHumanResourcesforIndustryProgramme(THRIP)

• R32.7millionfrominternationalfunders• R60.1millionfromresearchcontracts• R106.5millionfromresearchgrants

Internal funding

ApproximatelyR72millionwasallocatedtotheresearchbudgetfrominternalfunds.Thisamountwasutilisedasfollows:

• R41.3millionfortheupgradingandmaintenanceoftheUniversity’sresearchcapacityandequipment

• R2.86millionforcongressesandvisitingscientists• R19.5millionforresearchpublications• R2millionforpostdoctoralfellowships• R1millionforresearchfellowships• R1.7millionfortheResearchDevelopmentProgramme

(RDP)• R500000fortherewardingofcreativeoutputs.

Collaborations

Thefollowingnationalandinternationalresearchcollaborationstookplacein2008:

Table 6: National and international research collaborations in

2008

Type of collaboration National International

Privatesector:multinationalcompanies 37 19

Privatesector:national companies 126 9

Privatesector:associations 75 5

Government:science,engineer-ing,technologyandinnovationorganisationsandparastatals

137 25

Government:national 58 23

Government:provincial 20

Government:local 7

Highereducation:universities 260 622

Highereducation:universitiesoftechnology 33 8

Highereducation:other 3 9

Non-govermentalorganisations/non-profitorganisations/interestgroups

32 32

Internationalorganisations 3 51

Other:SouthernAfricanconser-vationorganisations 20 2

Thegreatestnumberof instancesofcollaborationwaswiththeSADCcountries(52percent).TheEuropeanUnionwassecond (24.8 percent), followedby theUSA (12.5 percent) and Oceania (2.8 percent). The rest are made up ofcollaborations with Central Africa, Canada, the Far East,Europe,SouthAmerica,Asia,theMiddleEast,Eurasia,NorthAfrica,EasternEuropeandCentralAmericanandCaribbeancountries.

There isapositivecorrelationbetweenUP’scollaborationsand the international student cohort in that the highestproportionoftheinternationalstudentpopulationcomesfromSADC/Africa, followed by the European Union/Europe andthentheAmericasandAsia.


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2. Awards and achievements

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A number of researchers at the University of Pretoria received national and international recognition for their work during 2008.

Outstanding research contributions

Bennett NC (Zoology and Entomology): ZoologicalSocietyofSouthernAfrica(ZSSA)goldmedal forhisserviceto theZSSA

Prof Bennett’s research focus is mammalian behaviouralecology and physiology. He has published over 150 peer-reviewed papers in predominantly leading internationaljournals,istheeditor-in-chiefofJournal of Zoology(London)andservesontheeditorialboardofProceedings of the Royal Society of London. He is a fellow of the Royal Society ofSouthAfricaandfellowoftheZoologicalSocietyofLondon.HiscontributiontotheCounciloftheZSSAspansserviceasacommitteemember,newslettereditor,Vice-PresidentandfinallyPresident.

Chimimba C (Zoology and Entomology): NationalScienceandTechnologyForum (NSTF)TWKambuleAward for thebestseniorblack researcherover the last five to tenyears(CategoryH)

ProfChimimba’sresearchcentresaroundfourmajorthemes:biosystematics, conservation biology, invasive speciesbiology and management, and the potential influence ofclimatechangeonbiodiversityandecosystemfunctioning.

Eloff I (Educational Psychology), Dean: Honorary medalfor thepromotionof scienceawardedby theSuid-AfrikaanseAkademievirWetenskapenKuns

Prof Eloff received the medal in acknowledgement for hercontribution to developing the scientific field of educationthrough her research. Her research focus area is positivepsychology, which includes strength-based approaches in

the fields of education and psychology. She received theaward at a ceremony held on 25 September 2008 at theNorth-WestUniversityinPotchefstroom.

Engelbrecht FA, Rautenbach CJ de W, McGregor JL (Geography, Geoinformatics and Metereology): The SouthAfricanSociety forAtmosphericScientistsAward forthebestarticlecontributingtotheatmosphericandoceanicsciencesinSouthAfrica

Thetitleoftheirpaperwas"Onthedevelopmentofanewnonhydrostatic atmospheric model in South Africa". ItwaspublishedintheSouth African Journal of Sciences in 2007.

Horak IG (Veterinary Tropical Diseases): The ArnoldTheilerMemorialTrustAward forExcellence in thefieldofVeterinaryScienceby theTheilerMemorialTrustAdvisoryBoard

The award was presented to Prof Horak by Sir ArnoldTheiler’s granddaughter during a gala dinner held by theFacultyofVeterinaryScienceatOnderstepoorttocelebratethe centenary of the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute.ThePresidentwas theguestofhonourat thedinner.ProfHorak’sresearchfocusareaistheendo-andectoparasitesofdomesticandwildanimalsinSouthernAfrica.ProfHorakwasalsoawardedaDScbytheUniversityoftheFreeState,basedona934-pagetreatiseentitledIxodid ticks of domestic and wild animals in South Africa and some neighbouringcountries.Thistreatiseincorporatedhispublishedresearchonticksduringthepast20years.ProfHorakalreadyholdstwo DVSc degrees from UP and a PhD degree from theUniversityofNatal.

Lotz S (Chemistry): RecognitionfromElsevierPublishersforoneofthe25mostcitedarticlesduringtheperiod2005to2008intheJournal of Organometallic Chemistry Markotter W (Microbiology and Plant Pathology): The L’Oréal South Africa Fellowship for Women in Scienceawarded by the United Nations Education, Scientific andCultural Organization (Unesco), in association with theDepartmentofScienceandTechnology(DST)andL’Oréal

Theawardismadebasedonoutstandingacademicachieve-mentinlifeormaterialsciences.DrMarkotter’sresearchfocusareasareLyssavirusepidemiologyandpathogenesis.ShewontheawardforherdissertationentitledMolecular epidemiology and pathogenesis of Lagos bat virus, a rabies-related virusspecifictoAfrica.Shereceivedherawardon8August2008ataceremonyheldattheHiltonHotelinSandton.TheMinisterofScienceandTechnologyandtheManagingDirectorofL’OréalSouthAfricapresentedtheawards.

Thantsha M (Microbiology and Plant Pathology): The ExcellenceinWaterResearchAward:YoungResearcheroftheWaterInstituteofSouthernAfrica(WISA)

She received the award for her research project entitledElectrochemically activated water for the treatment of biofilms.ShereceivedtheawardataceremonyheldattheCouncilfor

Awards and achievements

Prof Ivan Horak receives the Arnold Theiler Memorial Trust Award for Excellence in the field of Veterinary Science from Elizabeth Theiler Martin, the granddaughter of Sir Arnold Theiler, at the centenary celebrations of the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute.


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ScientificandIndustrialResearch(CSIR)ConventionCentreon16October2008.TheawardwaspresentedtoherbytheCEOoftheWaterResearchCommission,DrRivkaKfir.

Thobejane F (Microbiology and Plant Pathology): NSTFAwardinthePromisingScientistCategory

TheprizeisabursaryallocationfromtheNRF.MsThobejanewasaBScMicrobiologystudentwhenshewon theaward.RecipientshadtocomefromLimpopoortheNorthernCape.Theyalsohadtobeundergraduatestudents,blackorfemale,in the science or engineering fields. They must not be inreceiptofanotherbursary,mustbe in their secondyearorhigher,andmusthavepassedallsubjects.

Wingfield BD (Genetics/FABI): DSTDistinguishedWomanScientistAward

Women inSciencewas created by theDST in associationwith L’Oreal and the National Commission for Unesco toprofile theachievementsof leadingwomenscientists in theSouthAfricansciencesystem.ProfWingfieldisinternationallyrecognisedforherresearch inmolecularbiologyand is theprogrammeleaderof theDST/NRFCentreofExcellence inTreeHealthBiotechnology.ShereceivedherawardfromtheMinisterofScienceandTechnologyon8August2008ataceremonyheldattheHiltonHotelinSandton.

Wingfield MJ (Genetics/FABI): GoldmedaloftheAcademyofScienceofSouthAfrica(ASSAf)

This medal is awarded for research excellence and thecontributionthathasbeenmadetotheapplicationofresearchto the benefit of society. ProfWingfield is director of FABI,the Mondi Professor of Forest Pathology, director of theTree Protection Cooperative Programme (TPCP) and thedirectoroftheDST/NRFCentreofExcellenceinTreeHealthBiotechnology(CTHB).Oneofhisspecialinterestsistobetterunderstand the origin and patterns of global movement ofinsectpestsandpathogensoftrees.

Awards/prizes at international conferences

Ayo-Yusuf OA, Postma TC, Van Wyk PJ (Community Dentistry): TheLionDentalResearchAward inrecognitionofoutstandingandinnovativeresearchfortheimprovementofpublichealth

The awardwas presented to the team by the president ofthe International Association for Dental Research, ProfBobtenCate,attheopeningofits86thGeneralSessionon 4July2008.ThesessionwasheldinToronto,Canada.

Bezuidenhout DI (Chemistry): Winner of the ChemistrydivisionattheannualnationalStudentSymposiumofGautengheldbytheSuid-AfrikaanseAkademievirWetenskapenKuns

Participationisopentoallpostgraduatestudentsatsciencefaculties. Participants had to deliver oral presentations. MsBezuidenhoutiscurrentlyaPhDstudentandamember

oftheorganicmetalresearchgroup.Theawardwasmadeon31October2008attheUniversityofJohannesburg.

Cavanagh D, Steyn M, Wilkinson C (Anatomy, Health Sciences): Best student presentation award at the 13th biennial meeting of the International Association forCraniofacialIdentification

ThetitleoftheirpresentationwasDevelopment of soft tissue thickness values for South African black females.ThemeetingtookplaceinDundee,Scotland,from14to18July2008.

Cukrowski I (Chemistry): TheMagicBulletAward for thebestpresentationat the2ndMagicBulletWorldConferencehostedinNurnberg,Germany,from2to5October2008

Theconferencewashostedby theGermanAssociationofPharmaceuticalScientistsand the InternationalSocietyofAnti-infective Pharmacology. The title of his presentationwas Fundamental understanding on interactions of bisphosphonates with bone (by use of different techniques, including computational modelling).Theawardwaspresentedtohimatthegaladinnerbythepresidentoftheconference,ProfFritzSorgel.ProfCukrowski’sresearchfocusareasarethedevelopmentof theoriesandmethodologies (includingdedicated software) for the study ofmetal-ligand systemsin solution to establish what complexes (species) areformed,aswellastheirthermodynamicproperties(stabilityconstants).Healsofocusesonfundamentalandtheoreticalstudies focused on understanding physical properties (atatomic andmolecular level) that control affinity of ligandstowardsmetalions.Hefurtherconcentratesonthedesign,synthesis,characterisationandcomputationalmodellingof

Prof Brenda Wingfield (left) received the DST Woman of the Year Award and Dr Wanda Markotter (right) received the L’Oreal South African Fellowship for Women in Science.

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bisphosphonateswithpotentialuseinbonecancertreatment,fundamental studies involving commercially availablebisphosphonates aimed at understanding their modes ofactiononatomicandmolecularlevel. De Klerk HM, Donoghue S (Consumer Science): Bestarticle published in the Journal of Family Ecology and Consumer Sciences for thearticle “Dissatisfiedconsumers’complaint behaviour concerning product failure of majorelectricalhouseholdappliances–aconceptualframework”

The authors received the award at the opening of the 9thInternationalConferenceoftheSouthAfricanAssociationforFamilyEcologyandConsumerSciences,whichwasheldfrom13to16May2008inPretoria.

Pretorius L (Engineering and Technology Management): Outstandingpaperawardatthe4thInstituteofElectricalandElectronics Engineers (IEEE) International Conference onManagementofInnovationandTechnologyheldinBangkok,Thailand,from21to24September2008

ThetitleofhispaperwasTechnology forecasting: The case of computational fluid dynamics.

Van Wyk PJ (Community Dentistry): Award for the bestabstractbytheInstituteofMedicalStatisticsandBiometricsatthe3rdInternationalMeetingonMethodicalIssuesinHealthResearchhostedbytheUniversityofMilaninGargnanodelGarda,Italy,from16to18April2008

The focus of thismeetingwas clinical trials and evidence-based dentistry. The title of his abstract was Trends in dental caries prevalence and severity in South Africa. ProfVanWyk’s research focusarea is theepidemiologyoforaldiseases inSouthAfrica.Theawardwaspresented tohimbyProfAdrianoDecarlioftheUniversityofMilan.

Awards/prizes at national conferences

Anderson R, Theron AJ, Gravett CM, Steel HC, Tintinger GR, Feldman C (Immunology): Best presentation at theSouthAfricanThoracicandCriticalCareSocietiesCongress,heldinAugust2008inCapeTown

The title of their presentation was Montelukast inhibits neutrophil pro-inflammatory activity by a cyclic AMP-dependent mechanism. Prof Anderson’s research focusareas are immunopathogenesis and therapy of acute andchronicdiseasesofinfectiveandnon-infectiveorigin.

Crole MR (Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology): The FionaGrahamAwardforthebestabstract

ThetitleofherabstractwasThe histological structure of the tongue of the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae). Dr Crolereceivedtheawardatthe46thConferenceoftheMicroscopySociety of Southern Africa, held in Botswana from 23 to 25July2008.Theawardwaspresentedtoherbythepresidentofthesociety,ProfJanNeethling.DrCrole’sresearchfocusareaistheupperdigestivetractofratites.

L’Abbe EN, Keough N (Anatomy, Health Sciences): BobSymingtonAwardfortheBestYoungPresenteratthe38thAnnualConferenceoftheAnatomicalSocietyofSouthernAfrica

ThetitleofthepresentationwasApplication of FORDISC 3.0 to South African crania. Dr L’Abbe’s research focus area isanthropology/skeletalbiology.TheconferencewasheldattheKrugerParkLodge,Mpumalanga,from20to23April2008.

Loots M (Anatomy): TheHannoBoonAward for theBestEducationalContribution

The award was presented to Mr Loots at the 38th AnnualConference of the Anatomical Society of Southern Africa,whichwasheldattheKrugerParkLodge,Mpumalanga,from20to23April2008.ThetitleofhispresentationwasDigital imaging techniques for beginners.

Myburg AA (Genetics/FABI): SouthAfricanGeneticsSociety(SAGS)silvermedalforoutstandingachievementinthefieldofgeneticsbyayoungresearcher

Smit S (Biochemistry): Bestposterawardatthe2ndSouthAfrican Proteomics and Genomics Conference, which washeldinCapeTownfrom3to5March2008

The conference was presented by the University of theWesternCape’sDepartmentofBiotechnology.ThetitleofherposterwasAnalysis of the malaria parasite proteome after inhibition of S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase resulting in polyamine depletion. Ms Smit’s research focus area ismalariaproteomics.

Terblanché SE (Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development): TheAgriSA award for a passionateandvaluablecontributiontotheAgriSAAnnualConference,whichwasheldinMidrandon9and10October2008

Prof John Taylor (left), one of the recipients of the Chancellor’s Award for Research, together with Dr Janet Taylor.


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The title of his presentationwasThe role of mentorship in land reform projects.ProfTerblanché’sresearchfocusislandreformandmentorship.

Van Rooyen M (Family Medicine): Thebestposterawardat the 1st National Health Sciences Education Conferencehosted by the Stellenbosch University from 19 to 21 June2008inCapeTown

Thetitleof theposterwasProf, I’m tired and stressed!!! Prof VanRooyen’sresearchfocusismedicaleducation,withspecificreferencetoprofessionalism,studentsupportandassessment.

Prestigious fellowships

Bishop JM (Computer Science): Computer Society ofSouthAfricaFellowshipAward

Eriksson PG (Geology): GeologicalSocietyofSouthAfricaFellowshipAward

Taylor JRN (Food Science): Fellow of AACC International(formerly the American Association of Cereal Chemists) inrecognition of outstanding contributions to the profession ofgrainscience

Wingfield BD (Genetics/FABI): FellowoftheRoyalSocietyofSouthAfrica

Wingfield MJ (Genetics/FABI): AmericanPhytopathologicalSociety(APS)Fellowship

Internal UP awards

The University annually pays tribute to the achievementsof its academic personnel in a number of ways. ThemostprestigiousofthesearetheChancellor’sAwardsforResearchandEducation,theOutstandingAcademicAchieversandtheExceptionalYoungResearchersAwards.

Chancellor’s Award: Research

Eriksson,PG(Geology)•Scholtz,CH(ZoologyandEntomology)•

Chancellor’s Award: Teaching and Learning

FraserWJ(CurriculumStudies)•Coetzer,JAW(VeterinaryTropicalDiseases)•

Exceptional Academic Achievers

These awards are granted annually to senior academicswho have already achieved professional status and whohavemaintained a high standard of excellence in the fieldof undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and learning,research, community engagement and administration. Theawardsaregrantedforathree-yearcycle.Anyacademicwhohas been evaluated by the NRF as anA-rated researcherautomatically attains the status of exceptional academicachieverforaslongasheorsheretainssuchstatus.

Dr Cheryl de la Rey, the University’s designated new Vice-Chancellor and Principal, was the guest speaker at the Exceptional Academic Achievers function tor 2008.

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BesterMN(ZoologyandEntomology)•BoraineA(ProceduralLaw)•CukrowskiI(Chemistry)•GreeffJM(Genetics)•HassanR(AgriculturalEconomics,Extensionand•RuralDevelopment)JoubertJ(Electrical,ElectronicandComputer•Engineering)KibergerRM(CompanionAnimalStudies)•KorstenL(MicrobiologyandPlantPathology)•LotzS(Chemistry)•OdendaalJW(Electrical,ElectronicandComputer•Engineering)PlastinoAR(Physics)•ScottTJ(PrivateLaw)•VanderWattJG(NewTestamentStudies)•

Exceptional Young Researchers

Onenominationperschoolorperfacultyissubmittedannuallytotheseniorawardscommitteeforconsideration.Awardsarepresented on the grounds of exceptional achievements inresearchandreviewedagainstthebroadstrategicobjectivesoftheUniversity.Thenumberofcandidateswhoreceivethisawardislimitedtoamaximumoftenpersonsperannum.Theawardisonlygrantedtoresearcherswhohavenotyetachievedfullprofessorialstatuswiththeprovisionthataspecificpersoncanonlyreceivethisawardonce.AnypersonwhohasbeenevaluatedbytheNRFasaP-ratedresearcherautomaticallyattainsthestatusofExceptionalYoungResearcher.

GuptaR(Economics)•JoubertF(Biochemistry)•PretoriusE(Anatomy,HealthSciences)•SchoemanJP(CompanionAnimalClinicalStudies)•SlippersB(Genetics)•WolffE(Philosophy)•WoolmanS(PublicLaw)•

Commemorative centenary research medals

In 2008, the University celebrated its 100th birthday. Tocommemorate this special occasion and the role that itsresearchers have played in establishing the University asan internationally recognised research institution, a projectwas launched,entitledHonouring our Leading Minds (1908 to 2008). The medals were presented to the followingresearchers on 26March 2008 by the winner of the 2002NobelPrizeforMedicine,ProfSydneyBrenner,andtheVice-ChancellorandPrincipal,ProfCaliePistorius.

AlexanderRA(InfectiousDiseases):1899• –1965AllsoppBA(Parasitology)•AuretFD(Physics)•BennettNC(ZoologyandEntomology)•BestPB(MammalResearchInstitute)•BishopJM(ComputerSciences)•BoeyensJCA(Chemistry)•BonsmaJC(NutritionandAnimalBreeding):1909• –1992BütowK-W(Maxillo-FacialandOralSurgery)•CarterRM(Physics)•ChownSL(ZoologyandEntomology)•CloeteTE(MicrobiologyandPlantPathology)•CoetzeeJN(Bacteriology):1922• –2003CreweRM(ZoologyandEntomology)•DuPlessisM(Electrical,ElectronicandComputer•Engineering)DuToitPJ(VeterinaryScience):1888• –1967DuToitRM(Parasitology):1904• –1988DeWaalSA(Geology)•EickerA(Botany)•EloffJHP(ComputerSciences)•ErikssonPG(Geology)•FalksonG(Oncology)•FockeWW(ChemicalEngineering)•FindlayGH(Dermatology):1924• –1989FouchéL(Archaeology):1880• –1949FranzRC(Surgery)•FranzsenDG(Economics):1918• –2008FriedlandEKH(Physics)•GemserB(OldTestamentStudies):1890• –1962GreeffJM(Genetics)•GrobbelaarN(Botany)•GroenewaldEP(NewTestamentStudies):1905• –2002GrovéAP(Afrikaans/Dutch):1918• –2004HaarhoffPC(MechanicalEngineering):1938• –1990HeymannFG(ElectricalEngineering):1922• –1980HeynsAM(PhysicalChemistry)•HeynsCH(Law/CentreforHumanRights)•HeynsJA(DogmaticsandChristianEthics):1928• –1994HorakIG(VeterinaryTropicalDiseases)•HuismansH(Genetics)•JansenBC(Bacteriology):1921• –1987LabuschagneJMT(PrivateLaw):1941• –2004LeRouxTH(ModernLanguages):1883• –1970LigthelmAJ(Dentistry)•LoaderJA(SemiticLanguages)•LombardJA(Economy)•

To celebrate the University’s centenary in 2008, commemorative research medals were presented to the 100 leading minds of the past 100 years.


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LouwJP(Greek)•MathewsEH(AeronauticalEngineering)•MalherbeJAG(Electrical,ElectronicandComputer•Engineering)Malloch-BrownJM(AnimalPhysiology):1929• –2004McNamaraDA(ElectricalEngineering)•MajoziT(ChemicalEngineering)•MeesterJAJ(ZoologyandEntomology):1931• –1994MesMG(Botany):1905• –1959MeyerBJ(AtomicMedicine):1919• –2008MillerH(Physics)•ModroTA(Chemistry)•MönnigHO(Parasitology):1897• –1978MyburgAA(Genetics)•NaudéTW(Pharmacology)•NeitzWODM(ProtozoologyandVirology):1906• –1997NelBF(Education):1905• –1975PistoriusCWI(ElectronicsEngineeringandInnovation•Management)PistoriusPC(MaterialScienceandMetallurgical•Engineering)PontD(Roman-DutchLaw):1895• –1991PretoriusV(PhysicalandTheoreticalChemistry): •1928–1989PrinslooDJ(AfricanLanguages)•ProzeskyOW(MedicalVirology)•ReineckeRK(Parasitology):1924• –1993ReyndersHJJ(EconomicsandPoliticalSciences):•1923–2007RobinsonTJ(ZoologyandEntomology)•

RosingerEE(MathematicsandAppliedMathematics)•SauerN(MathematicsandAppliedMathematics)•SeevinckE(Microelectronics)•ScholtzCH(ZoologyandEntomology)•SchweikerdtHGWJ(TaxonomyandtheMorphology):•1903–1977SharpeMR(Geology)•SkinnerJD(VeterinaryWildlifeStudies)•SmitP(Demographics)•SnymanJA(MechanicalandAeronauticalEngineering)•SteynDG(VeterinaryPharmacologyandToxicology):•1898–1988TaylorJRN(FoodScience)•TheilerA(VeterinaryScience):1867• –1936VandeVenterHA(Botany)•VanderMerweJH(Physics)•VanJaarsveldFA(History):1922• –1995VanderMerweSW(Immunology)•VanderWattJG(NewTestamentStudies)•VanHeerdenWFP(OralPathologyandOralBiology)•VanOnselenC(UnitforAdvancedStudies)•VanRooyenGT(MetallurgicalEngineering)•VanSelmsA(SemiticLanguages):1906• –1984VanZylJ(AgriculturalEconomics)•VerwoerdDW(MolecularBiology)•ViljoenHJ(ChemicalandBiomolecularEngineering)•VleggaarR(OrganicChemistry)•VonGruenewaldtG(Geology)•WaltonCR(Music)•WingfieldMJ(PlantProtection)•

Prof Calie Pistorius, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, receives his centenary award from Prof Sydney Brenner (seated). Overseeing the proceedings (in the background) are Prof Robin Crewe, Vice-Principal: Research and Postgraduate Studies (left), and Mr Dhesigen Naidoo, Director; Research and Innovation Support.

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Medals of the South African Association for the Advancement of Science

Eriksson PG (Geology): SouthAfricanAssociationfortheAdvancementofScience(S2A3)goldmedal

Prof Eriksson is an internationally recognised expert onPrecambrian sedimentation systems, particularly clasticsediments and how they have changed over Precambriantime,duetocontinentalgrowth(alsothefreeboardconcept),mantle plume activity, and supercontinent amalgamationanddispersal, andhow they relate toatmospheric-climate-hydrosphere changes. The gold medal is awarded to ascientist who has made an exceptional contribution to theadvancement of science, either on a broad front or in aspecialisedfield.TheSouthAfricamedalisoneofthemostprestigious awards for scientific merit in Southern Africa. ProfErikssonisalsoanA-ratedresearcheroftheNRF.

Majozi T (Chemical Engineering): S2A3BritishAssociationsilvermedal

ProfMajozi’s research focus isprocess integration, includingthe design of production systems, and aims to optimisethese systems by enhancing their efficiency, limiting wasteand minimising the release of harmful by-products into theenvironment.Thesilvermedalisawardedtoascientistundertheageof40attheclosingdateforthisaward.Thescientistshouldbe actively engaged in scientific research and should haveprovidedevidenceofoutstandingcapabilityandachievementsbywayofpublications,discoveriesorspecialskills,inparticularwhenmeasuredagainstinternationalscientificstandards.TheBritishAssociationMedalisoneofthehighestawardstoyoungscientistsfororiginalresearchinSouthernAfrica.

Zander C (Physics): S2A3bronzemedalforthebestmaster’sdissertation

MsZanderwontheawardforherdissertationentitledInformation measures, entanglement and quantum evolution,inwhichsheinvestigated the connection between information measures,entanglementandthe‘speed’ofquantumevolution.

Faculty awards

Each year, the faculties of Economic and Management Sciences, Health Sciences and Veterinary Scienceacknowledge the contributions of their top researchers. In2008thefollowingstaffmembersreceivedfacultyawards:

Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences

Theawardsaremadeineachcategorytoresearcherswiththemostpublicationsinaccreditedjournals.

Ijeoma E (School of Public Management and •Administration):BestoverallresearcherinthecategoryoflecturerGupta R (Department of Economics)• :Bestoverallresearcherinthecategoryofprofessor/associateprofessor

Faculty of Health Sciences

The researchcontributionsofacademicstaff in theFacultyof Health Sciences are recognised annually. A gala eventwasheldon22November2008,duringwhichawardswerepresentedtowinnersinthedifferentcategories.Nominationsarereceived,whicharereviewedinternallybyatleastthreeseniorfacultymembers.Finalists ineachcategoryarethensubjected to an external review process by at least threerecognised independent scientists from other academicinstitutions in SouthAfrica. Criteria include the quality andimpactoftheresearch.

Aneck-Hahn NM, Schulenburg GW, Bornman MS, •Farias P, de Jager C (School of Health Systems and Public Health): bestoverallpublication:clinicalforthearticle“ImpairedsemenqualityassociatedwithenvironmentalDDTexposureinyoungmenlivinginmalariaareasintheLimpopoProvince,SouthAfrica”.ThearticleappearedintheJournal of Andology, 2007:28(3),pages423-434.Thearticlealsowonanawardforbestoverallpublicationfromateameffort.Leech R (Nursing Science): • bestoverallpublication:qualitativeresearchforthearticle“Themanagementofinfantdevelopmentalneedsbycommunitynurses:Part1:Descriptionoftheresponsibilitiesofcommunitynurseswithregardtothemanagementofinfantdevelopmentalneeds”.ThearticleappearedinthejournalCurationis, 2007:30(2),pages91-103.Pretorius E (Anatomy):• bestpublication:non-clinicalforherarticle“Comparativeultrastructuralanalysesofplateletsandfibrinnetworksusingthemurinemodelofasthma”.ThearticleappearedinExperimental and Toxicologic Pathology, 2007:59(17),pages105-114.Seedat F (Psychiatry): • bestpublicationbyayoungresearcherforthearticle“Prevalenceandclinicalcharacteristicsofobsessive-compulsivedisorderandobsessivecompulsivesymptomsinAfrikanerschizophreniaandschizoaffectivedisorderpatients”.ThearticleappearedintheAfrican Journal of Psychiatry, 2007:10(4),pages219-224.

Prof Thoko Majozi (left) receives recognition for his NRF-rating from the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Calie Pistorius.


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Stander BA (Physiology): • bestpublicationbyayoungresearcher:non-clinicalforthearticle“InfluenceofSutherlandiafrutescentextractsoncellnumbers,morphologyandgeneexpressioninMCF-7cells”.ThearticleappearedintheJournal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume112(2),pages312-318.Venter JME (Medical Virology): • bestpublicationbyayoungresearch:non-clinicalforthearticle“HepatitisA virusinsurfacewaterinSouthAfrica:whataretherisks?”ThearticleappearedintheJournal of Water and Health, 2007:5(2),pages229–240.

Faculty of Veterinary Science

TheFacultyofVeterinaryScienceannuallypaystributetoitstopresearchers.Allpublicationsaresubjectedtoaninternalevaluationprocessusing theexternal researchpracticesofresearchpublicationinthefield.Thefollowingawardsweremadefor2008:

Nöthling JO (Production Animal Studies): •ResearcheroftheYearDvir E (Companion Animal Clinical Studies): • YoungResearcheroftheYear

Thetopachieverswereasfollows:

BoomkerJDF(Anatomy)•BothaCJ(ParaclinicalSciences)•KirbergerRM(CompanionAnimalClinicalStudies)•MadekurozwaM-C(Anatomy)•NaidooV(PharmacologyandToxicology)•PenzhornBL(VeterinaryTropicalDiseases)•

SchoemanJP(CompanionAnimalClinicalStudies)•ThompsonPN(ProductionAnimalStudies)•VenterEH(VeterinaryTropicalDiseases)•

Professional recognition

Bishop JM (Computer Science):• SouthAfricanrepresentativetoIFIPTC2(Software)Coetzee SM (Computer Science):• ChairpersonoftheProgrammeMaintenanceGroup:ISO/TC211GeographicalInformation/GeomaticsCrewe RM (Executive Management): • PresidentoftheAcademyofScienceofSouthAfricaDelport R (Family Medicine): • SecretaryoftheSouthAfricanAssociationofClinicalBiochemistsDe Wet FA (Odontology):• Chairperson:DistinguishedScientistSelectionCommitteeoftheInternationalAssociationforDentalResearchDonkin EF (Animal and Wildlife Sciences):• Vice-PresidentoftheBoardofDirectors,IGAMyburg AA (Genetics/FABI): • PresidentoftheSouthAfricanGeneticsSociety(SAGS)for2008to2010Sinclair JD (Private Law): • Vice-PresidentoftheInternationalSocietyofFamilyLawThomas PJ (Legal History, Comparative Law and •Legal Philosophy):PresidentoftheSouthernAfricanSocietyofLegalHistoriansVan Staden V (Genetics): • SecretaryoftheSouthAfricanGeneticsSocietyfor2008to2010Webb EC (Animal and Wildlife Sciences): • PresidentoftheSouthAfricanSocietyforAnimalSciences

Guests at the Exceptional Achievers function (from left): Prof Niek Grové, Prof Henk Potgieter, Mr Russel Loubser, Council member, and Prof Eugene Cloete.


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3. Centenary Lecture Series

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In celebration of the University’s centenary in 2008, a number of specialists were invited to deliver keynote lectures in their fields of expertise.

“OurUniversity isabout the future.This is theessenceofournewstrategicplan.Itscentralthemeisthatofposition-ing theUniversityofPretoriaasan internationally recogn-isedresearchuniversityinSouthAfrica.”Thisstatementinthe preamble toUP’s strategic plan,The Innovation Gen-eration: Creating the Future, 2007-2011,clearlysetsouttheimportantrolethatinternationalisationwillplayinallfutureendeavoursundertakenbytheUniversity.

Collaboration between universities worldwide has beensteadily increasing since the early 1990s. In a study un-dertaken by the French companyNoir sur Blanc in 1999, 41percentofthe150universitiesfromthe47countriesthattookpartinthesurveyindicatedthatinternationalisationisan‘absolutepriority’,while52percentbelievedittobe‘im-portant’,comparedwithonly7percentwho thought that itwasonly‘relativelyimportant’andnonewhobelievedthatitis‘notatallimportant’.

AccordingtoasurveypublishedintheSeptember2005issueof The Economist, universities have become much morebusinesslike,buttheyarestilldoingthesameoldthings.Thejournalreportedthat“themostimportantrecentdevelopmentin theworldofhighereducationhasbeenthecreationofasuper-leagueofglobaluniversities”.

The University had the good fortune of being addressedby internationally renowned personalities – both SouthAfricanandnon-SouthAfrican–aspart of thecentenarycelebrations. They all offered their congratulations to auniversity thathas, in its100yearsofexistence,becomeaninternationallyrenownedSouthAfricanuniversity.Moreimportantly,theyallsharedtheirthoughtsonvariousglobaland local challenges that will help shape UP’s researchagendaforitssecondcentury.

Includedonthe followingpages isasampleof the inputsofvariousparticipants in the2008UPCentenaryLectureSeries.

Prof Sydney Brenner

ProfBrenner,winnerofthe2002NobelPrizeforMedicineandrenownedgeneticist,sharestheviewthatscienceandtechnologycanprovideanswerstothechallengesthattheworldwillfaceinfuture.

InhisUPCentenaryLecture,Adventures in biotechnology: lessons from the future,DrBrennersaidthatlifesciences,whichincludemedicine,biomedicine,biochemistry,molec-ular chemistry, genetics, and all the biological disciplinesand their applied offspring, biotechnology,will play a keyroleinfindingsolutions.

According toProf Brenner, biotechnology can be definedas the technology that brings [life sciences] knowledgeintoaction.Hesaidthatgeneticsandbiotechnologywouldplayacrucialroleinthetreatmentofchronicdiseasesandthecombatingof infectiousdiseases.However, thereareanumberofproblemsthatfirsthavetobesolved,oneofwhichisthefactthat“biotechnologyispoweredbystrictlycommercialobjectives”.

Essentially, ifalineofresearchcanleadtothemakingofmoremoney,thenitispursued.Thatiswhymostbiotech-nologyfundingisdirectedintomedicalresearch,andwhyotherpromisingfieldssuchasgeneticsandbiotechnologysufferasaresultoffinancialneglect.“Theventurecapital-istsdonotsupport them,because theaimof theventurecapitalistisnottoimprovetechnologyorhealth;hisaimistoimprovehisownfinancialhealth.”

Itisthereforeessentialtocreateothermechanismstofundlessornon-commercialareasofgeneticsandbiotechnol-ogy.The intersection of research and business puts em-phasis on intellectual property and patenting. “There areveryfewpatentsinthebiotechnologyfieldthathaveearnedlargeamountsofmoney,”hecautioned.Moreover,patent-ingdoesnotnecessarilyprotectinventors.Majorcorpora-tionshavelotsofmoneyandmanylawyers,andcan,iftheyreallywant to,breakapatentandgetawaywith it. “Yourpatentsareworthexactlytheamountofmoneyyouhavetodefendthem,”saidProfBrenner.“Ifyouarespendingmoreonpatentingthanyouareearningfromyourpatents,thenyouarepatentingtoomuch.”

Centenary Lecture Series

Prof Sydney Brenner, Nobel prize winner for Medicine in 2002.


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Sir David King

Globalwarmingandtheroleofscienceinaddressingitsef-fectswasthethemeofSirDavidKing’sUPCentenaryLec-ture,21st century challenges for science and global policy.SirKingisthedirectoroftheSmithSchoolofEnterpriseandEnvironmentattheUniversityofOxfordandformerchiefsci-entificadvisortotheBritishgovernment.

SirKingchallengedresearcherstousescienceandtechnologyto tackle the major challenges that face the world. Thesechallengesincludeanincreaseinthelifeexpectancyofpeoplein developed countries, an increase in theworld populationfigure(approximatelyninebillionbytheyear2050),foodandwater shortages and an increase in terrorism and conflict,because countries will have to compete for scarce naturalresources.OtherchallengesincludethelackofdevelopmentinAfricaandthemostimportant:climatechange.

SirKingfirmlybelievesthatscienceandtechnologyalreadyexist to address these challenges, but that the lack ofcooperationbetweentheresearchersresponsibleforscientificdiscoveriesandgovernments,whoareresponsibleforpolicydevelopments, isagreatstumblingblock. “Theonlyway inwhichwecanaddressthekeychallengesofthe21stcenturyis by making governments aware of scientific discoveries,increasing international cooperation and establishinginternationalorganisationsorbodies thatare tailor-madetoaddressspecificproblems,”hesaid.

Dr Mary Sue Coleman

InherUPpresentation,Expanding the role of universities in a shrinking world: the University of Michigan in South Africa, DrMarySueColeman,PresidentoftheUniversityofMichigan,USA, stressed the importance of internationalisation andcollaboration.

Researchisthesoulofscholarship,shesaid,anduniversitiesshouldmakeallinformationaccessibletofaculties,studentsand the public. To ensure that universities worldwide haveaccess to shared knowledge, the University of Michiganlaunched the very successfulSakai project, the first globalconsortiumofhighereducationinstitutionsusingtheconceptsandtechnologiesofopeneducationalresources.

These resources include, among others, textbooks, coursematerials and software that can be accessed and re-usedatnocharge. “More than150universitiesaround theworldarealreadymakinguseofSakai’sresources,”shesaid.“Ourshrinkingworldispushingusclosertogetherandmakingusmoreawareofwhatmakeseachofournationsandculturesunique,whilealsorevealingthebondsweshare.”

According to Dr Coleman, universities are by their verynatureattheforefrontofinternationalisationandcooperation.“Collaboration among universities draws on the strengthsof diverse perspectives to encourage the sort of cross-fertilisationthatisthebasisofcreativityandinnovation.”

The Hononourable Senior Minister Goh Chock Tong

TheHonourableMrGohChockTong,SeniorMinisterof theRepublic of Singapore, delivered a Centenary Lecture on 18 October 2008 in acceptance of the honorary Doctorateof Business Administration (DBA), which the University ofPretoriaconferredonhim.ThetitleofhisacceptancespeechwasReflections on the growth of nations.

Sir David King, Director of the Smith School of Enterprise and Environment, University of Oxford and former chief scientific advisor to the British Government.

Dr Mary Sue Coleman, President of the University of Michigan, USA.

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Thehonorarydegreewasawarded to him at theAuditorium of the YongSiew Toh ConservatoryofMusic of the NationalUniversity of Singaporeby the Vice-ChancellorandPrincipal,ProfCaliePistorius.

The international statureoftheseniorministerandthe auspicious nature ofthe occasion, combinedwith the relevance of hisspeechtoSouthAfricaanditsfocusonthechallengesfaced by all countriesduring the current world-wide economic crisis,justified its inclusion inthe Centenary LectureSeries.

Senior Minister Goh isa highly regarded and well-respected statesman in SouthEastAsia.HecontributedtothetransformationofSingaporefrom a low-income warehousing and trading centre to avibrant first-worldeconomy.Hewaselected toSingapore’sparliamentin1976andheldvariousportfoliosincabinetuntilhebecamePrimeMinisterin1990.Heheldthispositionuntil2004.Duringhis tenureasPrimeMinister, theHonourableMrGohsteeredSingaporethroughthe1997Asianfinancialcrisis,threatsofterrorism,theeconomicrecessionof2001to2003andotherchallengesfacinghiscountry.

As the architect of many free trade agreements betweenSingaporeandotherdevelopmentcountries,SeniorMinisterGohhasexpandedSingapore’spoliticalandeconomicspace,therebyenablingthecountrytotranscendthelimitationsofitssmallsizebylinkingupwithothereconomies.HefurthermoreensuredthatSingaporefocusesitsattentiononinternationalcompetitivenessasabenchmarkforeconomicsuccess.

Mr Tito Mboweni

Mr Tito Mboweni, Governor of the South African ReserveBank,wasthekeynotespeakerataclosedmeetingwiththediplomaticfraternityofPretoriaon18August2008.

Hisaddresstothediplomats,whichqualifiedasaCentenaryLecture, took place in the Reception Hall of the SanlamConferenceCentreattheUniversityofPretoria.Itwasdeliveredataformal luncheonto90membersofthediplomaticcorps,whowereheadsofforeignmissionsorrepresentativesoftheheadsofforeigncountriesinSouthAfrica.

ThefunctionwashostedbytheVice-ChancellorandPrincipalandtheexecutiveoftheUniversityofPretoria.

Astheluncheonwasidentifiedandarrangedspecificallyasaclosedfunctiontowhichonlyambassadors,highcommissioners

andchargesd’affairsofthevariousforeignmissionshadbeeninvited,anopportunitywascreatedfortheheadsoftheforeignmissionsinPretoriatobebriefedpersonallybytheGovernoroftheReserveBankoncriticalfinancialandeconomicmattersin South Africa within the prevailing international economicclimate.

The Honourable Mr Goh Chock Tong, Senior Ministor of the Republic of Singapore.

World-renowned ecologist, Dr Patrick Moore.

Dr Patrick Moore

“Nuclear energy is the future,” said Dr Patrick Moore, aworld-renowned ecologist and co-founder of the globalenvironmental campaigning organisation, GreenpeaceInternational.UP shares his viewand is at the forefront ofresearchaimedatdevelopingalternativeenergysources.In2007,theUniversitysignedamemorandumofunderstandingwith the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR) Company(Pty)Ltd.Thecompanywasestablished in1999andsincethenhasbecomeaworldleaderinthedevelopmentofsafeandcleannucleartechnology.

DuringhisUPCentenary Lecture,Global warming and the search for sustainable, clean energy,DrMoorecriticisedhiserstwhilecolleaguesatGreenpeacefor theirstrongopposi-tiontotheuseofnuclearpowertoaddresstheenergycrisisthatfacestheworld.“ItisironicthataconservationpressuregrouplikeGreenpeaceisbecomingastumblingblockinef-fortstoreducegreenhouseemissions.”

He emphasised that the use of nuclear power as analternative energy source is not as dangerous as somepeopleclaim.“Therearecurrentlyapproximately440nuclearplantsworldwideandsince1986therehasbeennoseriousaccident at any of them,” he said.According to DrMoore,nuclearpoweristheonlyformofenergythatdoesnotemitgreenhousegasses,hasthepotentialtoreplacefossilfuelsandleavesasmallenvironmentalfootprint.


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The University’s Centre for Environmental Economics andPolicyinAfrica(CEEPA)playedaleadingroleintheMillen-nium EcosystemAssessment (MEA) commissioned by theUnitedNationsin2001.Thestudyfocusedontheimpactofglobalwarminganddevelopedpoliciesaimedatminimisingitseffectsontheenvironment.

Dr Anderson Smith

Thesayingthatageisallinthemindmightnotbeasfar-fetchedassomepeoplemightbelieve.AccordingtoDrAndersonSmithfromtheGeorgiaInstituteofTechnologyintheUSA,thepartofthebrainthatretainsmemoryonhowtorideabicycle,driveacarorplaythepianoisimmunetoaging.

In his UP Centenary Lecture, There are three major psychological changes with aging. The first is memory, but the other two I forget,DrSmith,remarkedthatstudieshaveshown that elderly people often fare better than youngerpeopleinteststomeasuretheirsemanticmemory(memoryof meanings, understandings and other concept-basedknowledge related to specific experience). However, heconceded, they experience difficulty when asked to recalleventsforwhichtheyhavetorelyontheirworkingmemory(theabilitytorememberpiecesofinformationforaperiodandtomanipulateandintegratethemwithotherinformation).

Elderlypeopleoftenhave‘falsememories’,hesaid,andthatiswhytheysometimesconfusepersonalmemorieswithsomethingthathappenedtosomebodyelse.AccordingtoDrSmith,thereareonlytwoscientificinterventionsthatcanstaunchtheagingprocess: exercise and diet.When asked about products thatadvertiseeternalyouth,hesaidthatthereisnotenoughdataavailabletoproveordisprovemanufacturers’claims.

Prof Raghavendra Gadagkar

According to renowned ecologist and sociobiologist fromtheCentre forEcologicalStudiesat the Indian InstituteofScience in Bangalore, India, Prof Raghavendra Gadag-kar,variousresearchmethodscanbecombinedtounravelthesecretsofnature.Eachmethodwillprovideadifferent answer.Themethod thatoneuseswill dependon theques-tions–evolutionaryorultimatequestions(why)ormechanisticorproximatequestions(how)–thatonewantstoask.“Thewayinwhichaquestion isaskedandtheanswerwill immediatelyleadtonewquestions,”hesaid.

To demonstrate how an integrated research approach canbeappliedinpractice,heexploredthesocialstructureofthespeciesRopalidia marginata(wasps).DuringhisUPCentenaryLecture, Interrogating an insect society, he explained themethods that his team used to ‘interrogate’ the manner inwhich a new queen is selected in a wasp colony and thephenomenonofapotentialqueenorheirdesignate.

Hecautionedthatanswersmustbetakenastentative,becausetherearemanymoreexperimentsthatcanbedoneandmanymore options that can be studied. “The important thing,” hesaid, “is to keeponaskingquestions, because theanswersultimatelyleadtonewknowledge.”

Prof Francis Hallé

“Hot air balloons, sledges, snow shoes and danger…ThismightsoundlikeascenefromaJamesBondmovie,butitisinfactthewayinwhichresearchersfromthecanopyraftgroupgoabout collecting valuable specimens for their research,”explainedProfFrancisHallé,aFrenchbotanistspecialisinginthestudyoftreecanopiesintropicalrainforests.

ProfHalléisfamousforhispioneeringworkontreearchitectureand the biodiversity and ecology of canopies – the portion

Prof Raghavendra Gadagkar, ecologist and sociobiologist from the Centre for Ecological Studies at the Indian Institute of Science.

Dr Anderson Smith of the Georgia Institute of Technology, USA.

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of the tropical rainforestthat is between40and50metresabovetheground–intropicalrainforests.“Themost important attributeof canopies is their richbiodiversity,” said ProfHallé in his UP CentenaryLecture,Canopy exploration in tropical rainforests.Prior to 1982, the numberof species on the planetwas estimated at aroundthree million (animalsand plants). However, in1982,TerryErwin fromtheSmithsonianInstituteintheUSAconductedresearchinthe Panamanian rainforestin an attempt to quantifythe biodiversity found incanopies. As a result ofhisfindings, thenumberof

speciesincreasedtoanestimatedthirtymillion.

Anotherimportantcharacteristicoftropicalrainforestcanopiesistheirrichnessinactivemolecules,whichholdgreatmedicinalvalue.“Thereasonwhythesemoleculeshaveasyetescapedtheattentionofphytochemists,”saidProfHallé,“isbecausetheyfocustheirresearchonthemoreaccessibleplantsintheundergrowth.However,mostyoungtreesaredevoidofanymolecularactivities.Theyhavetobeatleast30to35metreshigh before they start to produce active molecules.” As aresult, forests’ potential in terms of biochemistry is greatlyunderestimated. “In future,when looking fornewmedicinesandplants,itwouldmakesensetogiveuptheundergrowthandtolookatthecanopyinstead,”hesaid.

Dr Johan van Zyl

In his UP Centenary Lecture, The future role of agricultural economists in establishing food security,GroupCEOofSanlam,DrJohanvanZyl,expressedhisconcernaboutthedeclinein“therelevanceandrespectabilityofagriculturaleconomics."

He said that the question about the value of agriculturaleconomics is not new, but is exacerbated by five factors,whichincludetheall-consuming‘publishorperish’syndromepromulgatedby topuniversities,market factors that impactonthedemandforeducationatthetertiarylevel,thequestfordeterminate solutions in research, the inability to commentondifferentdistributionsofwealth,welfareandpower, andanover-relianceonmarketfundamentalismwithoutproperlyaccountingformarketfailure.

“Fortunately, all is not lost,” he said. “A ‘back to basics’approachwillgoalongwaytore-establishtherelevanceandrespectability of this profession and agriculture. “However,there are three issues of vital importance to ensure thatthis happens. The first is a return to the universal valuesof logic, scientific deduction and rigour – in short, more

‘common sense’.The second is the value of and return toan eclectic curriculum with proper grounding in the basic/motherdisciplines,particularlyeconomics,andthethirdisthestrengtheningthereofintrainingandpractice,andarenewedfocusonbasicagriculturaleconomicprinciplesandpractice,whichincludesaspectsofthepoliticaleconomy.”

Mr Johann Rupert

Africa’s children deserve better was the title of the AntonRupert Memorial Lecture, presented by his son and well-known business leader, Mr Johann Rupert. Mr Ruperthighlighted the future of Africa’s children in terms of lifeexpectancyatbirth,infantmortalityandtheprevalenceofHIV/AIDS.Heemphasisedtheneedtoworktogethertosecurea

Prof Francis Hallé, French botanist specialising in the study of tree canopies in tropical rainforests.

Dr Johan van Zyl, Group CEO of Sanlam and former Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria.

Mr Johann Rupert, well-known South African business leader.


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Dr Kavita Sharma, Principal of the Hindu College, University of Delhi, India.

better future for the continent’s children, the importance ofimprovedhealthcareandeducationandtheimportantroleofagricultureintheeconomicrevivalofthecontinent.

According toMrRupert, SouthAfrica has enough talent tosolve the problems facing the country, but success woulddependonrespectforandcompliancewiththelaw,freedomof speech, protection of private property, and honesty andtransparencyingovernmentactions.

Dr Kavita Sharma

According to Dr Kavita Sharma, Principal of the HinduCollege, University of Delhi, India, compensatory policiescanbedesignedtocorrectpersistentdisparityandcontinuingdiscriminationinthatcountry.InherUPCentenaryLecture,Constitutional provisions pertaining to access and equity in education, she said that compensatorypolicies could, overtime, become highly contentious and might ultimately notreachthetargetedgroups.

Thereisalsoevidencetosuggestthatthecurrenteconomicand social systems perpetuate patterns of group-baseddisparities in all spheres of life, including education,occupation, income and health. These disparities can beclearlyseeninthelinkbetweenaccesstoschoolingthattheunderprivilegedhaveandtheirpoorratesofsuccess.

AccordingtoDrSharma,adiversityindexgenerallybecomesa set of secular indices to target the neediest and devise

policies accordingly. She concluded that it could be moreeffectiveandmorenuancedandalsolesscontentious,asittargetsneedyindividualsratherthangroupsmerelybasedoncasteorreligion.

Mr Clem Sunter

MrClemSunter,futuristandco-authorofthebookMind of a Fox,presentedaCentenaryLecture todelegatesattendingthe centennial convention of the Faculty of Economic andManagementScienceson13November2008.

HispresentationwasentitledBuilding tomorrow: most likely future scenarios. It tookplaceat theSanlamAuditoriumonthe University of Pretoria’s Hatfield Campus, and focusedon topics such as competitiveness in a global businessenvironmentandfutureeconomictrends.

Mr Sunter is the current chairman of the Anglo AmericanChairman’sFund.He iswell known in thefieldof scenarioplanning.

In themid-1980sheofferedahigh-roadscenario forSouthAfrica,inwhichnegotiationwouldleadtoapoliticalsettlement,asopposedtothelow-roadscenarioofconfrontation,whichwouldleadtoacivilwarandawasteland.

Mr Clem Sunter, futurist and author.


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4. Special focus

TheHIV/AIDSepidemic is among themost fascinating socialrupturesofourtimeandhasheightenedglobalconsciousnessofhealthdisparities.Ithasinspiredunprecedentedactiontoconfrontsomeoftheworld’smostseriousdevelopmentchallenges.Nodisease inhistoryhaspromptedacomparablemobilisationofpolitical,financialandhumanresources.Due to the impactofHIV,peoplethroughouttheworldhavebecomemoreawareoftheinequitiesinglobalhealthandeconomicstatus.

SouthAfricahasoneoftheworstepidemicsintheworld.Ithasthehighestnumberofpeople livingwithHIV/AIDS,butalsooneofthebiggesttestingandtreatmentprogrammes,althoughthesereachonlyasmallproportionofthosewhoneedthem.Familiesandcommunitiesareaffectedthroughillness,deathandlossofincome.Manyyoungpeoplefacetheprospectoflosingoneorbothparents,aswellasotherfamilymembers,to AIDS. The country’s education and health services losemanymembersofstafftoAIDS,asdomanyothergovernmentstructuresandtheprivatesector.

ThemassHIVtreatmentprogrammesthatarecurrentlybeingdeployedinAfricaandinSouthAfricamakeuseofarangeof

technologiestoenrol,treatandmonitorpopulations.However,researchthatdevelopswaysofunderstandingtheepidemic–notablybyilluminatingthewaysocialstructuresandsocialforcesshapevulnerability toHIV– is justas importantas researchthatisfocusedonimprovingtreatmentofthedisease.

SocialtheoriesareembeddedinthewaysocietyunderstandsandrespondstotheHIVepidemic,oftenashiddenassumptionsabout thenatureofand therelationshipbetween individuals,behaviour, cognition and society. Social theory can have apositiveimpactonhowHIViscombatted,evenasitcontinuestoadvancetrenchantcritiquesofbiomedicine.

TheUniversityofPretoriaisaddressingthechallengesposedby theHIV/AIDSpandemic throughactivefieldresearchandcommunityengagementactivities,and through researchandteachinginmanyof itsacademicdepartments.Theresearchthat is being conducted varies from the development ofmedicationorvaccinesinthehealthandnaturalscience-relateddisciplinestostudiesofbehaviourchange,stigmatisationandcopingmechanismsinthesocialscienceandeducation-relateddisciplines,aswellastheempowermentofvulnerablegroups.

AIDS focus

4.1 Developing an interdisciplinary approach to AIDS through

collaborative researchHIV/AIDS is a complex social, medical, economic and political issue that requires a wide-ranging response from all sectors of society. According to the 2008 report on the global AIDS epidemic, published by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), sub-Saharan Africa, which has 11 percent of the world’s population, carries over 60 percent of the world’s HIV infections.

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Photograph: Research conducted in the Unit for Maternal and Infant Health Care Strategies forms part of integrated care.


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Theworkthatisbeingundertakenrangesfromlawtotheology,epidemiologytodentistry,biochemistrytopsychology,socialworkandcriminologytocurriculumstudies.It isfocusedonimproving an understanding of the disease and the way itbehavesinthebody,thewayitbehavesinsociety,andthewaythebodyandsocietyrespondtoit.Whateverthenatureof the researchbeingconducted intoHIV/AIDS, thesearchforanswerswillcontinuetoexpandsociety’sknowledgeasitattemptstodealwiththisdisease.

The diversity and relevance of the research that is beingconductedintheSchoolofMedicineisfocusedonimprovingan understanding of HIV/AIDS.Research is also conductedinto processes that could improve treatment, such as theuseofcellphonetechnologyasanaidtoantiretroviral(ARV)adherenceintheDepartmentofHealthInformatics.

TheDepartmentofFamilyMedicineisengagedintwostudieswith theComprehensiveCare,Management andTreatment(CCMT) Clinic at the Tshwane District Hospital: a study ofthelong-termmorbidityandmortalityoutcomesofadultsandchildrenonARVtherapy,andanevaluationofbiopsychosocialdeterminants of adherence to ARV treatment. It is alsoconductingresearchincollaborationwiththedepartmentsofImmunology,Medical Virology,Microbiology, Pharmacology,PaediatricsandChildHealth,andObstetricsandGynaecology,which are also conducting research into various aspects ofthetransmissionandpathogenesisofHIVinfection.

TheMedicalResearchCouncil(MRC)UnitforMaternalandInfantHealthCareStrategies (under the leadership of ProfRobert Pattinson) is involved in research to integrate thepreventionofmother-to-child-transmission(PMTCT)andtheARV management of pregnant women and their exposedchildren into thedistricthealthcaresysteminMpumalanga.This project is being conducted in conjunction with theMpumalangaDepartment ofHealth and thedepartments ofFamilyMedicine,Paediatrics,andObstetricsandGynaecologyattheUniversityofPretoria.Antenatal,intrapartum,postnatalandroad-to-healthcardsformacontinuumofrecord-keeping,and a Book of Health is being developed that containsconstantmessagesrelatingtoHIV/AIDSandallotheraspectsofpregnancyandchildcare.Apostnatalcardformaternalandchildhealthisalsobeingdevelopedtoimprovecommunicationbetweenthesiteofdeliveryandtheclinics.Thisisnovelsinceitincorporatesachecklistofactivitiesthatmustbeperformedatdischarge,withinoneweekofbirthandatsixweeks.Italsospecifically delineates theHIVstatusand treatmentof boththemotherandbabyandincorporatesthetestingrequiredfortheinfantandmotheratsixweekspost-partum.Thecardhasbeenpilotedin localauthorityclinics insouthwestTshwaneandisbeingimplementedthroughoutthedistict.ItalsoformspartoftheintegrationofmaternalandchildhealthprogrammeinMpumalanga.

In theDepartmentofEar,NoseandThroat (ENT)Surgery,a specialist HIV ENT clinic is studying the specific effectsandmanifestationsofHIVonthesestructures.IntheSchoolofHealthCareSciences, research is being conducted intodeveloping skills in HIV/AIDS-related care and addressingthehealthpromotionneedsofchildrenorphanedbyHIV.

Immunological studies

Oneofthemostimportantconcernsofbiomedicalresearchersrelates to the increasing resistance of the virus to ARVtherapy.Thegrowingavailability ofARVdrugs inSouthernAfrica isproving tobeacost-effective intervention thatcansignificantlyreducetheburdenofHIV-1-relatedmortalityandmorbidity.Moststudiesofdrugtreatmentanddrugresistancehave been conducted in populations infected with subtypeB viruses in the northern hemisphere. The causes andconsequences of drug resistance inC-infected populationsinSouthernAfricahavenotbeenthoroughlyexamined.DrugresistanceintheAfricansettingislikelytobecomplicatedbyanumberofbarriers,includingintoleranceofmedicationandriskbehaviours,aswellasprogrammaticchallengesrelatedtosustainedtreatmentsupport,qualityprescribingpracticesandaffordablemonitoring.

In the Department of Immunology, the HIV-1 MucosalPathogenesis and Treatment Programme was initiated inJanuary2007toserveasaplatformforhighlycollaborative,integrated and multidisciplinary research initiatives at theinterfaceofbasicscienceandclinical research. It currentlyconsistsoftwopartiallyoverlappingresearchprojects:adrugresistancestudyandanHIV-1enteropathystudythatwillhelpanswercriticalunresolvedquestionsrelatingtothemucosalpathogenesis andoptimisationofARV therapy inSouthernAfrica.Todate, thedepartment has succeeded in securing R16million from theEuropeanUnion (EU)and theNRF insupportofthesetwoprojects.

To understand the challenges related to drug resistance,researchersareconductingacomprehensivestudyofsub- typeCresistanceinthecontextofthepublichealthARVroll-out inSouthAfrica.Theoverall objectivesof the studyaretoundertakeintensivesurveillanceofHIV-1drugresistance,to design and evaluate interventions to manage treatmentfailure, to obtain anadvancedmolecular biologyandbasicscience understanding of the mechanisms leading to thedevelopmentandfixationofdrugresistance,andtodevelopcapacity in thefieldof treatment failure.Thebasic sciencecomponent, which is being conducted in the University’simmunologylaboratoriesinPretoria,isfocusedondevelopinginexpensiveassaystoscreenpatientsfordrugresistanceandon defining the mechanisms underlying the emergence ofresistance.Anumberofspecimenshavebeencollectedandanalysed,withtheultimategoalofdevelopingnewstrategiesforpreventingresistanceandtreatmentfailure.

The enteropathy study involves a comprehensive analysisof the small and large gastrointestinal tracts prior to andduringthefirstsixmonthsofARVtherapy.Thestudytakesadvantage of recent methodological advances, including adoubleballoonendoscopyprocedure thatenables targetedsampling of multiple biopsies along the full length of thesmall intestine forpurposesofpathogendiagnosis,aswellas flow cytometric and molecular analyses. In addition tobasicscientistsandclinicianresearchersintheDepartmentof Immunology, the study involves collaborators in InternalMedicine,Gastroenterology,FamilyMedicineandPathology

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attheUniversityofPretoria,theCCMTClinicattheTshwaneDistrictHospitalandtheVita-SaluteSanRaffaeleUniversityinMilan,Italy.

Mostoftheknowledgeofthepathogenesisandtherapeuticresponse of HIV-1 is based on studies conducted on theperipheralbloodofpatientsinfectedwithsubtypeBviruses.Asaresult,HIV-1/AIDShastraditionallybeendividedintothreephases:anacuteinfectionphaseassociatedwithamassiveincreaseinplasmaviralloadandamildtransientdecreaseinbloodCD4+Tcells,achronicasymptomaticphaseinvolvingamoregradualbutrelentlessdrop inCD4+Tcellnumbers(overaperiodofapproximately10years)andasymptomaticphaseorfull-blownAIDS,associatedwithterminalfailureoftheimmunesystemandend-stagedisease.However,recentstudies of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) have challengedboththetimingandthecourseofthediseaseprocess.

Thesestudieshaverevealedthatwithin24hoursofinfection,there is an intenseburst of viral replicationandamassive70 to90percentdepletionof thebody’s totalpopulationofmemoryCD4+Tcellsinthemucosa,primarilyintheGIT.Thestudieshavealsosuggestedthatthissevere,earlydamagetothemucosalimmunesystemsetsthestageforincreasedmicrobial translocation,chronicsystemic immuneactivationanddiseaseprogressiontoAIDS.Duringthechronicphaseof infection, the GIT continues to serve as an importantreservoir of treatment-refractory virus and, because of itsconstantexposuretobacterial,viralandparasiticpathogens,playsamajorroleintherecruitment,activationandinfectionofnewtargetcells.Otherstudieshaveshownthatfollowingthe initiation of ARV therapy, CD4+ T cell restoration isdelayed and occurs more slowly than in peripheral blood.Thissuggests thatmonitoring theGITmayprovideamoreaccurate measure of disease progression and therapeuticresponsethanstudiesperformedonperipheralblood.

Theprimaryobjectiveoftheenteropathystudyistoadvanceour understanding of HIV-1 pathogenesis in the context ofhigh levels of pre-existing enteric infection and chronicimmuneactivation: conditions that exist inSouthernAfrica.In addition to providing subtype- and population-specificinformation on the extent of CD4+ T cell depletion, HIV-1 replication and disease progression, the research isdesignedtoobtainawealthofnewinformationrelatedtotheviralandmicrobial factors thatdrive immuneactivationandreplicationindifferentregionsoftheintestine,aswellasonthe compartmentalisation andgenetic evolution ofHIV-1 inthesecompartments.Anothersubsetofstudies isdesignedto investigate the roleof theGIT in theemergenceofdrugresistance.

To date, 40 patients have been enrolled in the study, veryfew of whom have been lost to follow-up. Approximately 75percentofpatientshavecompletedsixmonthsoffollow-uptreatment.Newfindingsrelatetoclear-cutdifferencesinthe rateofCD4+Tcelldepletion indifferent regionsof theGIT,thedetectionofhigherlevelsofHIV-1replicationinthecolonrelativetotheduodenuminassociationwithsustainedCD4+ T cell populations and high levels of inflammatorymarkers,thediscordancebetweenbloodandgutparameters

of disease progression, and the lack of treatment-inducedCD4 reconstitution in the gut relative to blood, despite asubstantialclearanceofHIV-1RNAfromboththesmallandlargeintestineatsixmonths. According to Prof Sharon Cassol of the Department ofImmunology, transitional research involvingbasic scientistsand clinician researchers offers the greatest promise forenhancingtheeffectivenessofAIDStreatmentinAfrica.“Attheclinicallevel,essentiallyallofourpatientshaveshownamarkeddecreaseinHIV-1viralloadinbothplasmaandtheGIT,aswellassignificantweightgainsandthecessationofdiarrhoeainresponsetoARVtherapy,”shesays.Inaddition,these studies have led to the identification and successfultreatmentofseveralsubclinicalentericinfections.

Medical virology: a multi-pronged search for answers

The focusof studies that relate tomedical virology is on theclinicalandpracticalrelevanceof thevirus inorderto identifymattersthatwillhelpdoctorsdealwithpatientswithHIV/AIDS.Mostofthesestudiesinvolvepatientmaterial,andareaimedatreachingconclusionsthatwillprovidehealthcareprofessionalswithguidanceinmanagingpatients,particularlyinthecontextofdrugresistance.

ThesestudiesdonotdealwiththeHIV/AIDSvirusinisolation,but studyadiversity of clinical issues, suchas the incidenceofco-infection:caseswhereAIDS ispresent in thebodyofapatient togetherwithanothervirusorother infection,suchasactivepulmonarytuberculosis(TB),hepatitisBoradenovirusinHIV-infectedchildren.Examiningtheactivityofmorethanonedrug,aswellasmore thanonevirus, in thebodyofasingleindividualincreasestheunderstandingofthemedicalprofessionofthebehaviourofthedisease.

Thisresearchhasmadeasignificantcontributiontounderstand-ingtheside-effectsofARVtreatmentwhentakenincombinationwithdrugstotreatotherdiseases.Astudyofpatientsatater-tiarySouthAfricanpsychiatric hospital, for example, providesimportantinformationontheuseofARVtreatmenttogetherwiththedrugsthatareneededtotreattheirmentalconditions.TherelevanceofthisstudyliesinthefactthatpsychiatricpatientshavebeenfoundtohaveahigherburdenofHIVinfectionthanthegeneralpopulation,andthefindingsofthisresearchcanbeappliedtoclinicalchallengesinthebroaderinfectedpopulation.

ActivepulmonaryTBisacommonco-infectioninAIDSpatients,andisveryoftenthecauseoftheirmortality.Alarge,collaborativestudytoevaluatenoveltestsfordiagnosingactivepulmonaryTBinHIV-infectedindividualsinSouthAfricaisthereforeacrucial,cutting-edge research project, with enormous public healthramifications.A research study into the respiratory problemsassociatedwithHIV,performed in theDepartmentofMedicalMicrobiology,hassimilarsignificance.

Another common co-infection is that of the hepatitis B virus(HBV). Research conducted in the departments of MedicalVirology, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology will provide newinsights into HBV diagnosis and treatment inAIDS patients,


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which will assist doctors to deal with the effects of two viralinfectionsinthesameindividual,particularlyastheprevalenceofHIVcanofteninterferewiththediagnosisoftheHBV.Humanadenoviruses(HAdVs)causeawiderangeofclinicalsyndromesand have increasingly been recognised as being importantpathogens in immunocompromised individuals.Astudyof theeffectofadenovirus infections inHIV-infectedchildren isalsoproviding important informationon theactivityof twodifferentvirusesinthesameindividual,andwhattheireffectisoneachotherandontheindividual.

Forensics

In addition to research on individuals with HIV infection,importantinformationisbeingobtainedinresearchconductedintheDepartmentofForensicMedicineontheprevalenceofHIVinindividualswhohavediedunnaturaldeaths.Obtaininginformationonthebehaviourofthevirusinthebodyanditsactivity on surrounding organs has particularly significantoccupationalhealth implications formedicalexaminersandpathologistswhoruntheriskofcontractingHIVwhenworkingwiththecorpsesofindividualswhomaynothavediedfromcomplicationsarising from thevirus,butwhowere infectedwiththeviruspriortotheirdeathduetounnaturalcauses.

Dental research

A number of research studies on the effects of the AIDSvirus in the School of Dentistry are also providing usefulinformation to dentists in practice.One study, in particular,examines whether oral mucoceles and ranulas are HIV-relatedsalivaryglanddiseases.Thisemergingphenomenonofaswellinginthesalivaryglandsprovidesdentalsurgeonswith new information on the role of HIV in dental surgery,whichiscrucialintheirpractice.

Biochemical research

Whiletheresearchbeingconductedinimmunologyandmedicalvirologyisfocusedmainlyonthestudyoftissues,researchinbiochemistryexaminesthediseaseonacellularlevel.Asmanyoftheattemptstodevelopavaccinewithwhichtocontroltheepidemichaveprovedunsuccessful,itwasdeemednecessarytogobacktothestudyofthegeneralbiologyofHIV/AIDSinanattempttocombatthedisease. IntheFacultyofNaturalandAgriculturalSciences,adedicatedHIVResearchGrouphasbeenestablishedintheDepartmentof Biochemistry, under the leadership of Prof DebraMeyer,whichhasestablishedcollaborationswith theDepartmentofChemistry for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysisand the Infectious Disease Unit of the MRC for access toresearchsamples.Otherstudiesinthisresearchgroupinvolvecharacterising the immune response of infected individualsandinvestigatingmassspectrometry-basedmetabolomicsforanalysingthedownstreameffectsofHIVinfection.

The low success rate of most vaccine strategies can beattributed,amongotherthings,totheinabilitytoaddresstheimmune modulation ability of some viruses. Many viruseshave, as part of their arsenal, the ability to modulate theapoptoticpathwaysofthehost.Itiscounter-intuitivethatsuchsimpleorganismswouldbeefficientatregulatingthis,themostcrucialpathwayinthehost,giventherelativecomplexityofthehostcells.Yet,viruseshavethepotentialtoinitiateorstaytheonsetofprogrammedcelldeaththroughthemanipulationofavarietyofkeyapoptoticproteins.Itwasnotuntilrecentlythatthedepthatwhichvirusesexploit theapoptoticpathwaysoftheirhosthasbeenseen.Thisunderstandingmayprovideagreatopportunityforfuturetherapeuticventures. ThefocusoftheDepartmentofBiochemistryisonfundamentalmolecularresearchtofindalternativestovaccinesforthepre-ventionandtreatmentofAIDS,andthedevelopmentofimmunetherapies.Anumberofprojectsthatarecurrentlybeingunder-taken involve thedevelopmentofnovelHIVdrugs topreventor decrease viral replication.Newways of applying chemicalmethodologiestomeasurediseaseprogressionthatmayassistinidentifyingnewprognosticmarkersarealsoinprogress.

BecauseexistingdrugstotreatHIV/AIDSaretoxic,researchisbeingconductedintometal-baseddrugsandnaturalproductsderivedfromplantmaterialstofindanon-toxicwayoftreatingthe disease. Although some success has been achievedin the development of highly activeARV therapy to combatdrugresistanceandincreasetheeffectivenessofdrugswithadramaticdeclineinmorbidityandmortality,thesetherapiesstillhavetheirshortcomings.Thereis,therefore,aneedtodevelopmoreeffectivemedicationwithfewersideeffects.

Theinhibitionofreversetranscriptase(RT)–thekeyenzymeintheconversionofviralRNAtoDNA–iscrucialinarrestingthereplicationofHIV.ThesearchforalternativeRTinhibitorswaspromptedbythefact thatoneof thefirstpotentanti-RTdrugs to be developed has become ineffective due to thedevelopmentofHIVstrainsthatareresistanttothisandotherdrugs.

The Department of Biochemistry conducts cutting-edge research.

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ThemostsuccessfulresultsindevelopingalternativetreatmentforAIDShavebeenobtainedwith theuseofgoldcomplexesasanti-HIVagents.Researchandlaboratorytestshaveledtothe successful synthesis of a gold(III) compound that inhibitsbothHIV-1RTandHIVprotease.Althoughmore research isnecessary,theresultsarepromisingandmayleadtoananti-HIVagentwithdualfunctionalityagainsttwoviralenzymes,reducingthenumberofdifferentARVdrugs thatneedtobe takenandsimplifyingtreatmentandtheproductionofmedication.

The findings of research conducted in collaboration withresearchersat theNelsonMandelaMetropolitanUniversityinto the in vitro anti-HIVactivityoffiveselectedSouthAfricanmedicinal plant extracts have been consolidated into anarticlethathasbeenacceptedforpublicationintheJournal of Ethnopharmacology.Thisresearchemanatedfromaquesttofindanon-toxicdrugthatiscomposedofnaturalproductsderivedfromplantmaterialtotreatthedisease.

Another new field of research is that of developing newprognosticmethodologies such as NMR andmass spectro-metry analysis to measure disease progression. Metabolicstudies involve the analyses of biofluids using NMRspectroscopy and mass spectrometry (MS), followed bythe interpretation of the complex data sets using statisticsor chemometrics. While current markers for monitoring theprogressionofAIDSarenotinfallible,metabonomicsisusedto identify novel reliable prognosticmarkers, such as thoseimplicatedinHIV-inducedoxidativestress.Preliminaryresultssuggested that the lipoprotein profile of patients infectedwithHIV-1,measured byNMR, is a promisingmethodologytomonitor disease progression in associationwith oxidativestress.

The role of nutrition

Research into the role of nutrition in the treatment ofcommunicable diseases by the University’s Centre forNutrition has observed that HIV is increasingly driven bymany of the factors that drive malnutrition. These includefactors such as poverty, conflict and inequalities in healthservices.AlthoughdietaryinterventionscannotcureAIDS,itcanslowdowntheprogressionof thediseaseand improvequalityoflife.AccordingtoProfAndréOelofse,headofthiscentre in the Faculty of Natural andAgricultural Sciences,goodnutritionplaysanimportantroleinimprovingimmunity.In treatingAIDSpatients, it is thereforecrucial todealwithmalnutrition as a preventative approach. In a recent study,30percentofmalnourishedAIDSpatientssuccumbedtothedisease,whereasonly5percentofAIDSpatientswhowerereceivingpropernutritionmanagementdiedfromthedisease.Nutritionalinterventionsshouldthereforebepartofaholistic,comprehensive, integratedapproachto thepandemic,whichincludesbothpublichealthandtherapeuticnutritionstrategiesandactions.

Centre for the Study of AIDS

The interdisciplinaryCentre for theStudyofAIDS(CSA)wasestablishedin1999tomainstreamHIV/AIDSthroughallaspectsof the University’s core business activities. Its mission is to

understandthecomplexitiesoftheHIV/AIDSepidemicinSouthAfricaandtodevelopeffectivewaysofensuringthatallstudentsandstaffarepreparedbothprofessionallyandpersonallytodealwiththeepidemicasitunfoldsinSouthAfricansociety.

Since itsestablishment, theCSAhascontinued todevelopandexpand its innovative training,educational, counsellingand research programmes, and to provide intellectualleadership and consultancy services to government andthe private and non-governmental organisation sectors. Itscurrent programme primarily servesmore than 40 000 on-campus students. This includes training, counselling andsupport, and a range of community-based programmes. Inaddition, it promotes the development of curricula relatedtoHIV/AIDS, research onHIV/AIDS at faculty level, and aholisticunderstandingofHIV/AIDS,whereitisnotseenasapurelymedicalissue,butasasocial,medical,developmentalandlegaloneaswell.

HIV/AIDS research is an important and crucial aspect ofuniversitylife.Throughrigorousscholarship,auniversityhastheprivilegeandtherighttodemandexcellenceinresearch,foster intellectual curiosity in all fields and demonstrate thatit is able to take on some of the most intractable scientificand social problems, place themunder critical scrutiny, anddevelophypothesesandideasthatwillsparkdebate,challengeconventionsandbreaknewgroundintreatmentandcare.

To foster this approach to research, the CSA collaboratescloselywith theAIDSandHumanRightsResearchUnit intheFacultyofLaw’sCentre forHumanRightsand theUnitforEducationResearchinAIDSintheFacultyofEducation.Italsosupportsresearchinthevariousfacultiestopromoteamultidisciplinaryapproachtotheproblem.

TheAIDSandHumanRightsResearchUnit promotesandsupports research on issues arising from the intersectionofHIV/AIDS,ononehand,andhuman rightson theother.Among the research activities of the unit are a review oflegislationaffectingchildrenintheSADCregion,theupdatingofareviewofhumanrightsframeworksinselectedcountriesin the SADC region for the United Nations DevelopmentProgramme (UNDP), assisting the Gauteng ProvincialLegislature to mainstream HIV/AIDS into its oversightfunction, implementing research and advocacy projectson rights in four SADC countries and hosting internationalinternsforthree-monthplacements.

TheUnitforEducationResearchinAIDSwasestablishedtoenhance and coordinate the Faculty of Education’s alreadyextensiveresearchfocusonHIV/AIDS.Thefacultyisnowbetterable to coordinate its efforts with other University researchunits,suchastheCSA.Theunitincorporatesresearchfrombothmembersofstaffandpostgraduatestudents.

Multidisciplinary research

Inthelate1980sandearly1990s,thehomophobiaandracismovertlyorcovertlyarticulatedinscientificdiscoursewasexposed,movingresearcherstorecognisethataddressingtheepidemicrequired an approach that associated vulnerable groups as


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partnersinthegenerationofknowledgeandtheevaluationofinterventions. A great deal of the HIV/AIDS-related researchbeing done in the faculties relates to the human behaviouralaspectsassociatedwithlivinginasocietyinfectedandaffectedbyHIV/AIDS.

ResearchintheFacultyofLawismostlyfocusedonhumanrightsissues.In2005,aclinicaltrialinSouthAfricarevealedthatmalecircumcisionmaypreventthetransmissionofHIVby60percent.However,researchersareoftheopinionthatwomenmaybeatriskofcontractingHIVfromrecentlycircumcisedmalepartnerswhose incisionshavenotyethealed.Research to investigatetheknowledgeandunderstandingofmenandwomenregardingmalecircumcisionasastrategytoavertHIVinfectionisaimedat determiningwhether young circumcisedmen are providedwithsufficientinformationregardingcircumcisionandHIV/AIDSingeneral,aswellashowcircumcisionaffectsHIVpreventativebehaviourandhumanrights.

Research in the Faculty of Theology examines howAIDSorphans cope and what their needs are, as well as thecontributionthatcouldbemadebyfaith-basedorganisationstoaddresstheneedsofchildrenorphanedbyAIDS.Inanotherstudy, a pastoral narrative approach is taken to examiningthecare receivedby residentsatanHIV/AIDScentre.Theroleofthesupportgroupinprovidingasafeplaceforpeopletoshareandtelltheirstorieshasaprofoundtransformativeimpacton the livesofpeople,both those telling thestoriesandthoselisteningtothenarratives.

Researchers in the Department of Auditing estimated thatalmost30percentof theSouthAfricanworkforcewasHIV-positivein2005.Inresponsetothepossiblenegativeeconomicimpact ofHIV/AIDS, a proposedHIV disclosure frameworkwasdevelopedtoreportontherisksandresponsesofHIV/AIDS.ThiswillhelpSouthAfricancompaniestotakeaccountoftheeffectsofHIV/AIDSontheirbusiness.

In the Department of Psychology, researchers developed atherapeuticmodelofcognitivebehaviouraltherapytoassistHIV-positivewomentodealwithnegativeinternalisedandenactedstigmaanddiscrimination.Thiswaspromptedbythefactthatwomen inSouthAfricaaregenerallymorevulnerable toHIV/AIDSduetopredeterminedculturalgenderroles,andthatbeingdiagnosedwithHIVimpactsnegativelyontheirbehaviour.

A study in the Department of Social Work and CriminologyexaminedthetransmissionofsexuallytransmittedinfectionsandHIV/AIDSinprisonthroughmale-on-malerapeandunprotectedconsensualsexualactivities.Inthisstudy,thenatureandextentof the sexual assault and rapeofmale sentencedoffendersandawaiting-trialdetaineeswere investigated.Prisongangs,overcrowding of correctional centres, the involvement ofcorrectionalofficialsandthesexualorientationofthepotentialvictimwerehighlightedasriskfactors.

ResearchintheDepartmentofAnthropologyandArchaeologyon navigating childhood sexuality in the time of AIDS isbased on a child-focused ethnographic study of a popularrural-based children’s performing arts group in Zimbabwe.It investigates how the local children’s songs, speech

and dance form a crucial starting point to understand thediscursiveconstructionandcontestationofchildhoodsexualknowledge,experiencesandresponses,andunderstandinghow children define erotic meanings and spaces as theygrowup, in thecontextofAIDS.Femaleswerefoundtobeportrayed as weak, childlike, chaste virgins and vectors ofAIDS, while masculine traits included violence, virility andexcessivealcoholconsumption.

Researchers in theDepartmentofSociologyrecognisethatAIDShasbecomepartoftheexistentialrealityofmostSouthAfricansover thepast decade.Theepidemic formspart ofthecultural,moralandpoliticallandscapeofeverydaylife.Tospeak aboutHIV/AIDS oftenmeans touching on questionsofpower,inequity,thestruggleforresourcesandthecontesttodeterminewhohasaccesstowhatkindsofmaterialandsymboliccapital.

Research in the Faculty of Education explores whethera community-based educational psychology interventioncould improve teachers’ knowledge and skills in supportingcommunity members to cope with HIV/AIDS. Based on theinitialdata,itbecameclearthatteacherswerewillingtohelptheircommunities,but lackedself-confidencetosuccessfullygetinvolved.Identifyingtheirperceivedlackofself-confidence,theresearchersdevelopedaninterventiontotargettheseself-perceptionsof inadequacy.Aftercompleting the intervention,participantsreportedincreasedlevelsofself-confidenceintheirabilitytosupportthecommunitywithitsHIV/AIDSproblems.

FromthediversityoftheresearchthatisbeingundertakenintheUniversity’svariousfaculties,itisclearthatnoaspectofsocietyremainsunaffectedbythisdisease.ForpractitionersinHIV/AIDSresearch,involvingsocialscientistsandworkingwithcommunitygroupsgohand-in-handwithtreatingpatients,encouragingpreventionefforts, anddevelopingand testingnew drugs.This is powerful evidence of the importance ofinterdisciplinaryresearchtomoveclosertofindingaholisticresearchsolutiontothisglobalproblem.Thesuccessoftheresearch that is being conducted, therefore, depends to alargeextentonresearchcollaboration.

Prof RC Pattinson (Maternal and Infant Health Care)+27 12 373 1003 [email protected]

Prof S Cassol (Immunology)+ 27 12 319 [email protected]

Prof L Webber (Medical Virology)+ 27 12 319 [email protected]

Prof D Meyer (Biochemistry)+ 27 12 420 [email protected]

Ms M Crewe (Centre for the Study of AIDS)+ 27 12 420 [email protected]

FABI’s first decade

FABI celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2008. Since beingfoundedin1998,theinstitutehasbeenamagnetforleadingresearchers, top students, distinguished visiting scientistsandcollaborators fromaround theglobe.Theoriginal teamofabout50FABIpioneershasexpandedtonearly200.Mostarepostgraduatestudentsandpostdoctoralfellowswhoworkcloselywithcoreacademicandtechnicalstaff.

“OneofthebigsuccessesatFABIisthatwehavebeenabletoachieveasignificant international footprint ina relativelyshortperiodoftime,”saysitsfounderanddirector,ProfMikeWingfield.“IthasbeenabsolutelyremarkablehowFABIhasdrawn people fromaround theworld so thatwe now havea strong and diverse research group where more than 30languagesarespoken.”Believingdeeplythatdiversitysparksinnovation, Wingfield is absolutely delighted about FABI’smultinational,multiculturalmake-up.

ThestaffandstudentsatFABIgivemuchof thecredit forFABI’s impressive achievements toWingfield. Hewas theonewhorecognisedthepotentialofsuchaninstitutemorethanadecadeago,andwhohadthedriveanddeterminationto turn this vision into a reality. His dynamic leadershipensures ongoing growth, and his passion for excellencekeepsFABI’sscienceatthecuttingedge.

Thestate-of-the-artfacilities,housedintheFABImainbuilding,FABISquareandotherfacilitiesonthecampus,werecustom-builtunderWingfield’swatchfuleye.“Whileworld-classfacilitiesare fundamental to maintain international competitiveness,Ibelievethatpeoplearethemost importantkeytosuccess,”Wingfieldadds. “Strongpeopledraw thesupport for facilitiessuchasthosefoundinFABIandIhavebeenprivilegedtobeabletoleadamostremarkableteam.”

AuniquefeatureofFABIisthattheresearchundertakeninthe institute is truly interdisciplinary.The instituteconnects

FABI focus

4.2 Foods and forests

for the futureAlien wood wasps that devastate huge forests, novel tree genes and the secret lives of fungi … These are just some of the fascinating questions that whet the research ap-petites of the 150 plus research staff and students at the University of Pretoria’s Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI). Whether their aim is to protect trees and plants from disease or increase crop productivity, the ultimate goal is to resolve prob-lems for farmers and foresters. It is all about ensuring healthy forests, food security and conserving South Africa’s rich diversity of native trees.

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Photograph: Prof Mike Wingfield, Director of the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI).


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staff and students from disciplines such as genetics,biochemistry,microbiology,botany,zoology,entomologyandplantpathology.This isunusual inauniversityenvironmentwhere different disciplines are often artificially delineated.“Whenone looks back at publications emerging fromFABIresearch over the last ten years,the impact of the interconnecteddisciplines is clear,” Wingfieldexplains. “Our work is publishedin increasingly higher impactjournals and the collaborationsbetween scientists have had aremarkablypositive impacton theinternational reputations of teammembers.”Wingfieldisdeterminedto“continueliftingthesciencebar”to add even more impact to theaccomplishments of FABI’s staffmembersandstudents.

Without external funding thatkept pace with their expandingresearch, FABI could not haveprosperedasitdidoverthelast10years.Forestrycompaniesandindustries intheagriculturalsectorhaveprovidedavitalfundingstreamformanyyears.Supportfromindustryunlockedcomplementaryfundingfromgovernment’sTechnologyandHumanResourcesforIndustryProgramme(THRIP)initiative,administeredbytheNRF.Thehigh level of research at FABI has allowed its researchersto access money via international collaborative projects.Wingfieldagreesthatsuccessbreedssuccess.“Thequality,impact and practical value of our research outputs attractfunding partners,” he says. “Their generous support is notonly a powerful motivating factor. It is also what makesongoingresearchpossible.”

FABI science today

FABI scientists help to improve crops by developing noveltechniques that are used to screen for tolerance againstdiseases,pestsanddrought.Theyarealsoworkingonnewways to accurately identify agents associated with planthealth.Theirresearchhelpstocombatpests,forexample,some insects,byrefininghighlyeffectivebiologicalcontrolsystems. They study fungal and bacterial pathogens, butalsotheinsectsthathaveaverycloseassociationwiththesepathogens, to better understand the interactions betweenpathogens, insects and the host plants. Climatic factorsthatinfluenceplanthealtharealsounderthespotlight.Thepulping industrybenefitsfromtheirworktodeveloptimberwith designer genes that produce superior fibres ideallysuited to pulp production. In addition, work on bananas,citrus fruit, grains, fungi and more, represent core areasofinterest.Asaresult,FABIattractssignificantagriculturalandforestryindustryfundingandtheirdiagnostictoolsareindemandaroundtheworld.Wingfieldsays:“Whilewedoeverything inourpower toproducereallysuperbresearchproducts, it is important to acknowledge the financialsupportthatwereceivefromtheSouthAfricanforestryandagriculturalindustries.”

“When FABI was first established, the research team wasmainly a group of tree health specialists. We have rapidlyexpandedourfocustoincludemuchmorethanforestry,sothatourcurrentprojectshaveabroadreachacrosstheagriculturalandforestryareas,”Wingfieldelaborates.“Ihavebeenamazed

athowmuchsynergyhasemergedfromwork onwhatwould typicallyhavebeenconsideredverydifferentdisciplines,”headds.

FABI is home to some very long-running programmes, as well asseveralhighlysignificantnewinitia-tives.Forexample,theinternation-allyknownTreeProtectionCooper-ativeProgramme(TPCP)hasbeenin operation for nearly 20 years.This programmewas undoubtedlythecatalyst that led to theDepart-ment of Science and Technologyplacing one of its first six centresofexcellenceatFABI.Theinstitutenow also houses the internationalEucalyptusGenomeNetwork,while

thein-houseDiseaseandPestDiagnosticClinicreceivesmorethanathousanddiseaseandinsectsampleseachyear.Manyofthesediseasescannotbediagnosedaccuratelyelsewhereintheworldandservicesarecommonlyprovidedforcolleaguesandcompaniesinternationally.

Research collections at FABI

TheuniqueresearchcollectionsatFABI,withtheirassociateddatabases, are crucial resources for ongoing and futureresearch. The literature collection has about 16 000 articleson pests and diseases of trees, connected to a searchablecomputerdatabase.Specialisedfacilitieshousemorethan25000microbiologicalculturesassociatedwithtreediseasesfromallovertheworld.Withabout3000newadditionsannually,itisthelargestcollectionofitskindinAfricaandoneofthelargestintheworld.ThesequencingdatabasearchivesdatafromDNAsequencingasareferencecollectionforfurtherresearchandasbackupfordatathatispertinenttogenomicprojects.

TheFABIculturecollection isanotherexampleofapricelessand irreplaceable resource for current and future research.Wingfieldisconcernedaboutpoorsupportforthesecollectionsandfeelsthattheyareseriouslythreatened.“WearefightingashardaswecantogaindedicatedfundingtomaintaintheFABIculture collection farbeyond the termof the researchers thathavebeenresponsibleforbuildingit,”hesays.

FABI achievements

FABI’s impressive researchoutputs prove thededicationandproductivityofitsresearchteam.Jointly,duringthecourseofthelastdecade,theyhaveproducedmorethan530publicationsinpeer-reviewedjournals,andhavethreebooksand46chaptersin books to their credit. They contribute, on average, 30internationaland40to50localconferencepresentationseveryyear.InthetenyearsofFABI’sexistence,teammembershave

To mark its 10th anniversary, the FABI team described a new species of fungi, Julell fabianae MJ Wingfield and Crous, in the name of FABI, and another, Lentomitella unipretoriae MJ Wingfield, Marincowitz and Crous, for the University of Pretoria, which was coincidentally celebrating its centenary in the same year (2008). Wingfield maintains that FABI “could not let the University have a rose cultivar to celebrate its anniversary and not have

an equally beautiful fungus.”

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describedthreenewspeciesofinsects,threenewspeciesofbacteria,aswellastwonewfamilies,15newgeneraandmorethan225newspeciesoffungus.

Inaddition tonewknowledge,highlyskilledyoungscientistswith an internationally competitive advantage are a keydeliverable and “all-important to FABI’s core business”,according toWingfield. In just tenyears,FABIhasdeliveredmore than100MScandmore than60PhDgraduates,withmore than 100 senior research students currently workingtowardsthesequalifications.ApostgraduatedegreefromFABIensuresanexceptionaldepthofknowledgeandexpertskillsin using biotechnology for improving plant health, allowinggraduates to take on senior positions in relevant industriesandatscience-based institutions. “Ourmost importantassetinensuringthefutureofagriculture, forestsandforestry isabaseofhumancapitalwithaninterestandexperiencetostudyanddealwiththeseproblems,”saysWingfield.Headdsthatthe industriesandprogrammesthatsupportFABI’sresearchseeacontribution toeducationasan importantpartof theircontributiontosocialupliftmentinSouthAfrica.

Because of its high profile and excellent reputation, FABIcompetes successfully for local and international researchgrants and has hosted numerous research conferences andsymposia.Inadditiontowidespreadrecognitionfortheinstituteasawhole,individual‘Fabians’havewonnumerousawardsandaccolades.Wingfieldisconfidentthatthefirsttenyearsisonlythebeginning.HeisexpectingmoreandevenmoreimpressiveachievementsfromtheFABIteaminyearstocome.

FABI isnow thestrongestsingleprogramme thatdealswiththe health of trees in native forests and forest plantationsanywhereintheworld.Itisflourishingasaflagshipresearchinstitute for theUniversity ofPretoria and is a leading forcein plant biotechnology, unrivalled inSouthAfrica andwidelyacclaimedinternationally.

Chancellor’s medals

DuringFABI’s10thanniversarycelebrations,thatwereheldon14May2008, twoof theUniversity ofPretoria’s prestigiousChancellor’s Award medals were presented to Mr RodneyHearneandMrMikeEdwards.

Mr Hearne is the co-chairman of the Banana GrowersAssociationofSouthAfrica(BGASA).HeplayedanintegralroleinnegotiationstoestablishbananaresearchattheUniversity

ofPretoriain1988.ThisledtotheestablishmentoftheBananaResearchProgrammeattheUniversity,whichisstillfunctioningverystronglytenyearsdowntheline.Ithasgainedsubstantialinternational recognition as it has become strongly linked tovariousinternationalplayers.FundinghasexpandedtoincludesupportfromvariousgroupsotherthanBGASA.

Mr Edwards heads the South African Forestry IndustryAssociation that binds all players involved in commercialforestry in the country.Hehashada very closeassociationwith the University of Pretoria through the crucial fole thathehasplayed in guidingandpromoting theTreeProtectionCooperativeProgramme(TPCP).

Prof M Wingfield+ 27 12 420 [email protected]

Some ongoing projects and services:

• SequencingtheEucalyptusgenome• Compiling a DNA data archive of major tree

pathogensandpests• Interrogatingdiseasesinelephant-damagedtreesin

theKrugerNationalPark• Studyingdeathinbaobabtrees• Producingsomaticembryosofvariouspinespecies

forforestrycompanies• Studying pathogens and storage fungi (and the

toxinstheyproduce)ofindigenouscrops• Investigatingdiseasesoftreesthatruralcommunities

useformedicinalpurposesorwoodcarving• Looking at fungi associated with proteas to help

protect these plants that are very important forecotourismandflowerexports

• Exploringthetaxonomy,spreadandoriginoffungiinfoodcropsthatproducemycotoxinsthatcancauseserious diseases, including cancer, in people andanimals

• Keepingtrackoftheglobalmovementofinsectpestsandtreepathogens

• Helpingtodevelopregulationsforthemanagementofalieninvasivepestsandpathogens

• Training foresters and agriculturalists throughoutSouthAfrica

• Responding to newdisease outbreaks reported byfarmersandforesters


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5. Feature articles

Forexample,consumersmaximiseutilityandfirmsmaximiseprofit. From these two optimisation problems, one canobtain the demand side and supply side of the economy,which results in the general equilibrium. However, as theenvironmentisuncertainduetothedifferentkindsofshockshittingtheeconomy,astochasticenvironmentexists.Inthisregard,expectationisakeyelementinDSGEmodels.

Generally,economy-wideforecastingmodelsareintheformofstructuralmodelswith large numbers of equations that haveto be estimated simultaneously. However, two problems areencounteredwithsuchmodels.Fortheproperidentificationofindividualequationsinthesystem,anumberofvariablesareoftenexcludedwithoutadequatetheoreticaljustification.Identificationboilsdowntoensuringthatatleastoneexogenousvariablethatappearsinoneequationdoesnotappearintheotherequation,otherwiseonewouldhaveperfectcollinearity,andestimationwould not be feasible. Moreover, given that projected futurevaluesarerequiredfortheexogenousvariablesinthesystem,structuralmodelsarepoorlysuitedtoforecasting.

The Vector Autoregressive (VAR) model, although‘atheoretical’,isparticularlyusefulforforecastingpurposes.However, VARs do not perform very well when there arestructural changes, both in and out of sample. Whilethey may be useful for forecasting future states of theeconomy, conditional on a given government policy rule,theycanseriouslymisleadpolicy-makerswithregardtotheeffectiveness and desirability of their policy rule choices.Estimated functional forms obtained from the VARmodeldonotcorrectlytakeintoaccountthedependenceofprivateagent behaviour on perceived or anticipated governmentpolicy rules for generating current and future values forgovernmentpolicyvariables.

Inotherwords,VARssufferfromtheLucascritiqueinthattheyarenot ‘deep’.Nobel laureateRobertELucas juniorsuggestedthatifonewantedtopredicttheeffectofapolicychange,oneshouldmodel the ‘deepparameters’ (relatingto preferences, technology and resource constraints) thatgovern individual behaviour via microfounded general

5.1 Forecasting with dynamic stochastic general equilibrium models:

the case of South AfricaDynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) models are a general equilibrium framework that can be used to make forecasts for specific sectors of the economy, in addition to being used to study the behaviour of the different sectors following policy changes. The models allow for a wide range of interaction in the economy by deriv-ing the equations of the economy, based on the optimisation behaviour of different agents in the economy.

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Photograph: Prof Rangan Gupta, a lecturer in Economics, has developed models for forecasting the South African economy.


39equilibriummodels.Onecanthenpredictwhatindividualswilldoasaresultofthechangeinpolicy,andthenaggregatetheindividualdecisionstocalculatethemacroeconomiceffectsof the policy change. The Lucas critique was influential,not only because it cast doubt on many existing models,butalsobecause it encouragedmacroeconomists tobuildmicro-foundations for their models. Micro-foundations hadalwaysbeenthoughttobedesirableandLucasconvincedeconomiststhattheywereessential. Against this backdrop, Prof Rangan Gupta, lecturer inEconomics at the University of Pretoria, has looked atalternativeformsofDSGEmodelsforforecastingtheSouthAfricaneconomy.Thisresearchhasbeendoneforthelastthree years and is still ongoing.He looked at three typesof DSGE models to forecast the SouthAfrican economy.These were the Real Business Cycle (RBC) model, theclosed-economyNewKeynesianDSGE(NKDSGE)model,andasmallopen-economyNKDSGEmodel.

Basedontheresultsobtained,theNewKeynesianframeworkseems tobebestsuited for theeconomy,simplybecauseitallowsforrigiditiesnotpresentintheflexibleenvironmentofRBCmodels.Moreover,intheNKDSGEmodels,itisthesmall open economyNKDSGEmodel that tends to standout,because thisalsoallows forexternal shocks toaffectthedomesticeconomy.

ProfGupta’sfindingsprovethat,relativetotheatheoreticaleconometric models, such as the classical and Bayesianvariants of the VAR and Vector Error Correction (VEC)models, theDSGEmodelsarebettersuited to forecastingbecause they incorporate economic theory to obtain theequationsofthemodel.Itmustbepointedoutthatalthough

VECmodels can incorporateabit of theory via short andlong-runrestrictionsbecausetheyarenotbasedondynamicoptimisation,theystillsufferfromtheLucascritique. Prof Gupta says the research has helped him betterunderstand the reasons behind the economic fluctuationsoftheeconomyand,inturn,modelthemappropriately.Thesearchforawiderarrayofalternativestatisticalmodelshasled him to collaborate with other leading economists andstatisticiansinthecountrytodeveloplarge-scaleBayesianVARsandDynamicFactorModels (DFMs),which, in turn,allow one to handle large panels of economic variables.More importantly, as far asDSGEmodels are concerned,ProfGuptahasnowbeenabletofindaframework,namelythe NKDSGE model, that is most likely best suited forforecasting the South African economy. Naturally, furtherimprovementsare required,andhe isworkingon that.Heis now trying to estimate theDSGEmodels usingwhat isknownasaparticlefilter,whichallowsonetodosowithoutlinearisingthem. The researchhasassistedhim todelve intoawholenewresearcharea.Hehasattendednationaland internationalseminars and conferences to present his findings. Theresearchalsoassistedin initiatingcollaborationwithsomeof the best national and international researchers in thefield. Given their expertise, this is clearly of tremendousbenefitinunderstandinghowtheeconomicsystemofSouthAfricaperforms.

Prof R Gupta+27 12 420 3460 [email protected]

Prof Gupta’s research illustrates the benefit of understanding the performance of the South African economic system.

The youth of SouthAfrica is one of the largest populationgroups in thecountry,butappearstobemarginalised.Thisisaninternationaltrend.DrJoubert’sresearchshowedthatalthoughtheagegroupofninetotwelveyearsisimportantinthemarketplacetheworldover,thepoliticalopinionsofthesechildrenaredisregarded.Thestudyaimedtoinvestigateanddocument young children’s life experiences as citizens indemocraticSouthAfrica,andtogainanunderstandingofhowtheirexperiencesshaped theirunderstandingof citizenshipandtheirdemocraticidentity.

Preparingchildrenforcitizenshipisacoretaskofstateedu-cation systems.Citizenship education includes participationby and the empowerment of the young child, features ofthe national curriculum, as well as the role of the teacherand thesocial institutions thatassume responsibility for thecivic education of children (schools, families, communities,civil society). Citizenship education plays an important roleinhelping tosecurepeaceandhumanrights in themodernworld.Childrenhavetobeeducatedincitizenshipfromaveryyoungageinordertofulfiltheirrolesasactiveandresponsiblecitizens. In South Africa, citizenship education is aimed atnation-buildinginanattempttosustainthenewdemocracy.

The case studywas conductedwith theGrade 3 childrenofan inner-cityschool inSunnyside,Pretoria.Thisschoolissituated inaneighbourhood that isknown for itscrime.The dwellings are mostly apartments. Many children arehomelessandliveonthestreets.Thisparticularschoolwaschosen,asitrepresentsthediversepopulationofanymid-city area in SouthAfrica. Dr Joubert focused onGrade 3children because they are themost senior children in theFoundationPhase.ThesechildrenhadallbeenborninthefirstdecadeofdemocracyinSouthAfrica,andweretaughtcitizenship through the new national curriculum for theprecedingtwoyears.

The group consisted of 142 children and four teachers.Several participatory activities were used to gather data,suchasdrawingsbythechildrentodepicttheirimagesandexperiencesoflifeinSouthAfrica,andletterstoMrNelsonMandela,formerpresidentofSouthAfrica,describingtheirexperiencesoflivinginSouthAfrica.

The findings of the study indicated that children in thisage group have a very good understanding of politics andcitizenship. This suggests that nine-year-old children may

5.2 Democracy as experienced by

nine-year-oldsIn a unique case study undertaken in 2004, Dr Ina Joubert of the University’s Faculty of Education explored nine-year-old children’s perceptions of citizenship in the context of democratic South Africa. Many people maintain that children of that age cannot grasp abstract concepts, but Dr Joubert’s research discovered the opposite.

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Photograph: Dr Ina Joubert, a lecturer in Early Childhood Education, conducted research on nine-year olds’ perceptions of citizenship.


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becapableof engagingatmuchdeeper levelsofmeaningthan hitherto claimed by developmental and learningtheories. Many developmental theorists claim that childrendevelop in a universal and linear way. Thismeans that allchildren followa linearsequencetowardachievingmaturityand that appropriate intellectual and social behaviours arestandardised.According to Dr Joubert, these ideas do notmake provision for the ability of nine-year-old children toreasonaboutconceptsrelatedtocitizenshipanddemocracy.

Thechildrenwhoparticipatedinthestudywereverypatrioticand identified with the SouthAfrican democracy, the flagand its symbolism.Theydemonstrateda fairlyhighsocialawareness,aswellasanunderstandingofwhatdemocracymeans,of their rightsand responsibilitiesascitizens,andofthediversityofculturesinSouthAfrica.Thestudyfurthershowed that the participants had internalised democraticvaluessuchassocialjustice,equality,ubuntuandrespect.

The nine-year-old children were conscious of their identityandstatusascitizensinthedemocraticdispensationofSouthAfrica. Their expressions of their democratic identity wereevaluatedonthreelevels:culturalorlocal,nationalandglobal.The participants clearly expressed their democratic identityon a national level, as is evident from statements such as “IamproudlySouthAfrican”and“SouthAfricaismybestworld”.However, only a few of the children articulated ideas abouttheglobalworld.Thismaybebecausetheactivitieswerenotdesigned to focuson thisspecificaspect.While thechildrenexpressed a positive identificationwith their families, only afewparticipantsseemedtoidentifywiththeirlocalcommunityin a geographical sense. They reported overwhelminglyon negative experiences related to crime, violence andan apparent lack of services, especially those needed forsecuringtheirsafety.Theirfeelingsofvulnerabilitymaysignifya sense of defencelessness, causing their seeming lack oflocal identification.This isacauseforconcern,sincepeoplewhodonotreceiveservicesonthebasisofequalitymayfeelexcludedfromdemocraticprocesses.Furthermore,thesenseofbelongingandnational identity,which isaprerequisite forparticipativecitizenship,maybemissing.

The nine-year-old participants revealed understandingsof their citizenship and the values related to citizenship.Theyexpressedastrongawarenessofmoralityandmoralresponsibility,whichtheyrelatedtovaluessuchasrespect,social justice, equality and the rule of law concerningthemselves and other people. The children showed anoverwhelming social awareness through expressions ofcompassion forallpeople,especiallyvulnerablepeople intheir localcommunity.Theywereconcernedaboutdiversegroupsofpeople,likestreetchildrenandhomelesspeople,and individuals such as familymembers and friends.Thechildrenwanted toengage indialogueabout the situationofvulnerablepeopleandexpressedadesiretohelpthem.Theyalsowanted tobecomeengaged in theirownsafetybyofferingadvicetothepoliceandpeopleofauthority.Thisindicatesthattheyhadinternalisedthedemocraticvaluesofcompassion,commitmentandpublicparticipation,andthatthey thus had the potential to become a caring, just andparticipativecitizenry.

However, there were no opportunities available for thechildrentoparticipateinthedemocraticdispensation.Intheirdiscussionsaboutpeoplelivingintheirarea,theparticipantsoftenbroughtupissuesofsafety,whichmighthavebeenacontributoryfactorinthelackofopportunitiesforcommunityinvolvement.Theunsafeareamaynegatively influence thechildren’s future commitment to community involvement.Furthermore, participants expressed insight about variouscomponentsofknowledgerelatedtocitizenship,suchastheuniquebalanceofrightsandresponsibilitiesinademocracy.Manyarticulatedarightwithacorrespondingresponsibility.Theyclaimedtheirrighttocitizenship,butalsoacknowledgedtheirresponsibilitytocareforSouthAfrica.

Throughoutthestudy,participantsexpressedmodestskillsof inquiry and higher-level thinking. To facilitate criticalinvolvement in young children, current conceptions ofcitizenshipeducationhavetobebroadenedbyresearchers,policy-makersandeducators.DrJoubertintendsextendingcitizenship education in the Foundation Phase. She hasreceivedagrantfromtheUniversity’sResearchDevelopmentProgramme(RDP)tousethefindingsofthecasestudyandestablishaninclusivecitizenshipschoolenvironmentwherethe young children in the Foundation Phase will not onlybeable to learnaboutdemocracy,butwillalsoparticipateindemocraticschoolprocesses.Foractiveparticipation indemocraticprocesses,youngchildrenneedtobepatriotic,buttheyalsoneedinquiringmindsandhigher-levelthinkingskills. Both these capacities were demonstrated by theyoungparticipantsinthecasestudy.Thiswillenableyoungchildrentounderstandtheconceptofdemocracy,andmaylead to their becoming involved in securing their ownandother people’s futures as adult citizens in a democraticSouthAfrica.

Dr I Joubert+27 12 420 [email protected]

What I like and don’t like: One of the children’s drawings that

depicts what he/she likes and dislikes about South Africa.

Modernmetallurgyisthatbranchofengineeringconcernedwiththeproductionofmetalsfromtheirores,thepurificationof metals, the manufacture of alloys and the use andperformance ofmetals in engineering.An alloy is definedas metal blended with another metal or a non-metallicsubstancetogiveitspecialqualities,suchasresistancetocorrosion,greaterhardnessortensilestrength.

Inside the turbine engine

Turbinesarethemodernchoiceinmostcasestoconverttheenergy contained in compressed gas, typically steam, intomechanical energy. The impulse turbine has a stationarynozzlefromwherehigh-speedgasmoleculestransfersomeoftheirkineticenergytothebladesoftherotor.Inthereactionturbine,nozzlesareattachedtotherotor,ofwhichtherotationisdrivenbythereactionforceofthegasonthenozzles.

Bladesandnozzlesin land-basedgasturbineenginesarenotonlyexposedtoservicetemperaturesashighas1000to1200ºC,buttheyalsoexperienceseverestress,oxidation

andcorrosiveattackduringservice.Thebladesandnozzlesare typically in thesize rangeofhalfametre.Becauseofthehightemperatures,theturbinecomponentsareusuallymanufacturedfrommaterialsreferredtoassuperalloys.Bydefinition,a superalloy isamaterial that canoperateatatemperatureofatleast75percentofitsmeltingpoint,whilestillmaintainingadequatemechanicalstrength.Cobaltandnickeloftenconstitute thebulkofasuperalloy.Dependingon the requirements of the alloy, a variety of additionalelementsareadded,withmostsuperalloyscontainingupto20differentalloyingelements.

Why is a superalloy so strong? The principle that smallstones scattered throughawet cement-sandmixture giverise to strong bulk concrete may well explain why smallprecipitatedparticlesscatteredhomogeneouslythroughthesuperalloybulkresultinasubstancestrongerthananyofitscomponentparts.

Superalloy turbine components operating in gas turbineenginesoftendevelopwidecracks,of0.5mmormore,during

5.3 Novel braze repair of

turbine componentsMetallurgy has been of major concern to humanity for many thousands of years. For example, the Bronze Age (up to 5000 to 1200 BC) – so named because bronze was then the chief material used for tools and weapons – prevailed between the Stone Age and the Iron Age. This very same bronze is an alloy obtained from copper and tin. Processes used to make alloys are today known as metallurgy.

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Photograph: Prof Madeleine du Toit, Head of the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering, is involved in the testing of novel braze repair in power generation turbine engines.


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service. When the engine is overhauled, or when crackspropagatetounacceptablelengthsduringservice,itmustbedecidedwhetherreplacementpartsshouldbepurchasedorwhether thedamagedcomponentsshouldbe repaired.Foreconomicreasons,themajorityofusersoptforrepair.

Brazing the cracks

Brazing is a method of joining two metallic surfaces bymeltinganalloy(ormetal)athightemperatureintothejointwithoutmeltingthebasemetal.However,itisdifficult,ifnotimpossible, to successfully repair wide cracks by way ofconventionalbrazingtechniques,sincethebrazingofwidecracks results in the formation of hard, brittle joints. Thebrazingtemperaturerequiredistypicallyashighas1230ºC.Theresearchgrouphasthusexaminedthefeasibilityofaninnovativerepairtechnique,knownasliquidphasediffusionbonding.Amajorobjectivewastoachievea lowermeltingpointofthebrazealloys.Forthispurpose,twonovelbrazealloys,containinghafniumandzirconium,wereintroduced.Itwasawelcomespin-offtofindastrongerjointthanthoseroutinely produced using commercially available brazealloyswithboronasmeltpointdepressant.

An optimised braze cycle was developed and the jointsevaluated using various metallographic techniques andmechanical tests. These included elevated-temperaturetensile tests, creep rupture tests, and low-cycle fatiguetests. (Amaterial’s ‘tensile strength’ is the stress requiredtobreak it, ‘metal fatigue’ isacumulativeeffectcausingametal to failafter repeatedstressepisodesofwhichnoneexceedsthetensilestrength).

The braze joints

Microstructural examination revealed the presence ofhafnium-orzirconium-richintermetallicphasesinthebrazejoints. These intermetallic compounds were, although stillhard, observed to be significantly softer than the boridephases routinely found in commercially available brazealloys with boron as melting point depressant. Becauseno boride was present, the novel wide-gap brazed jointsdisplayed excellent mechanical properties, which rangedfrom 80 percent to 100 percent of the base metal’sproperties. The low cycle fatigue properties of the novelwide-gapbrazejointswerefoundtobesuperiortothoseofthenickel-chromium-boronbrazefillermetalscurrentlyusedin therepair industry.AwidegapbrazerepairofFSX-414cobaltbasesuperalloy(comprisingtheturbinecomponents)usingthenovelcobalt-hafniumbrazealloydisplayedcreeprupture and low-cycle fatigue properties superior to thoseofthebasemetal.Infact,thiswasthefirsttimeeverthatawide-gapsuperalloybrazejointprovedtobebetterthantheturbinebasemetal.

Stakeholders

Theliquidphasediffusionbondingtechniqueandthenovelbraze alloys are currently undergoing extensive testing inpowergenerationturbineenginesandtheresultsreportedbyend-userssuggestthattherepairsoutperformanyrepairsmade using conventional techniques and commerciallyavailable consumables. In fact, the techniquehasalreadybecomefullyoperationalinseveralquarters.Thegrouphasnotworkedonturbinesusedintheaerospaceindustry.

This research was done in the Department of MaterialsScience and Metallurgical Engineering in the Schoolof Engineering, headed by Prof Madeleine du Toit. TheUnitedStatescompanyGEEnergyServicessponsoredtheresearch,whichwasdonepredominantlybyaPhDstudentoftheUniversityofPretoria,WarrenMiglietti.ResultsfromtheprojecthavebeenpresentedattwoconferencesintheUSA and another three papers on the subject have beenacceptedforpublicationinrecognisedAmericanjournals.

Prof M du Toit+27 12 420 2187 [email protected]

Cuboidal γ’ (Ni3Al and Ni3Ti) precipitates in a Ni-base superalloy structure (magnification: 10000X).

Scanning electron micrograph of the Ni-Hf braze alloy, showing the phases identified as Ni-rich γ (labelled ‘grain boundary particle’) and intermetallic Ni7Hf2 (labelled ‘grain boundary film’).

In contrast, Asian MNEs have been able to exploit theadvantages of an abundance of low-cost skilled labour,whileAfricahashadnosimilaropportunities.Africanfirmshavealsohadtofacesituationswheretheiradvantagesinnatural resources were rapidly eroded by the knowledgeeconomyandlimitedinvestmentofinfrastructure.

Inthe1970sand1980s,SouthAfricaenjoyedlittleforeigndirect investment into its protected markets due to bothlackof infrastructuraldevelopmentandexternaleconomicsanctions. There was very little new domestic investmentin production capacity and about a third of SouthAfrica’smanufacturedexportswenttootherAfricancountries.

Whilelimitinggrowth,thesanctionsprovidedcertainbenefits.WhileSouthAfrican firmswereprotected, they couldonlytakeadvantageofhomemarkets,butglobalfirmswithfirstmoveradvantagewereeffectively lockedoutof theSouthAfricanmarket.Thisistermeda‘protectiveincubator’.

There isa traditionalbelief thatwhenfirmsareprotected,theyfailtodevelopahighdegreeofcompetitiveness.Until1983,theSouthAfricaneconomywaslargelydominatedbyfourdiversifiedconglomerates.Thisisaconsequenceofaclosedeconomywithfewalternativestoinvest.SouthAfricarankedatthebottomoftheworldintermsofcompetitiveness,evenwhen competing with other emergingmarkets.As aresult, many firms in South Africa failed to develop theircompetitivecapabilitiesunderaprotectionistumbrella.

However, the past decade has produced a new breed ofMNEs that originated in uncompetitive countries that areabletocompetesuccessfullyintheglobalmarkets.Astudyby Dr Albert Wöcke of the Gordon Institute of BusinessScience (GIBS), the University’s business school inSandton,inconjunctionwithProfSaulKleinoftheUniversityofVictoria,BritishColumbia,Canada,showsatremendousachievement of companies from South Africa that haveusedthedisadvantagestodeveloptheirabilitytocompete

5.4 The protective incubator experienced by South African

multinational enterprises South African multinational enterprises (MNEs) have surpassed expectations by successfully competing against developed country firms in developed markets. Emerging markets, particularly in Africa, often lag as a result of low skills, unstable currencies, social instability, poor government and many other locational disadvantages that derive from factors such as colonial legacy, corruption, excessive foreign borrowings and limited economies of scale.

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Photograph: Dr Albert Wöcke, senior lecturer at GIBS, has examined the performance of South African multinational enterprises.


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globally. The study shows how a protective environmentmayhelpdevelopfirm-specificadvantagesincountrieswithdeficienciesinhumancapital,andmarketandtechnologicalresources.Thisbegsthequestion:Whyaresomefirmsabletoexploitthepotentialofferedbyprotection,whileothersfailtodoso?Theresearchdoesnotanswerthequestion,butshowshowfirms thatovercame thesechallengesbecamerespectedglobalfirms.

While there are many great South African MNEs likeBarloworldandSAPPI,thesecompanieswerecharacterisedbyprotectionismandmarketinefficiencies.However,thesefirmshadadifferentviewofwhatwastraditionallyregardedasunattractivemarketsandalsoappeartobehavedifferentlyfromtheirAsiancounterpartswithrespect to foreigndirectinvestment (FDI) decisions. Traditionally, Asian firmsconcentrated on exporting finished goods, an advantagedevelopedfromhighlyskilled,flexibleandlow-costworkersmanufacturingathome.Thestudy focusedon fourMNEs:MTN,SABMiller,Nando’sandSasol.

MTN provides cellular network access and associatedservices based on the GSM telecommunications platformthrough subsidiaries and joint ventures in 21 countries inAfricaandtheMiddleEast.MTNhasexpandedaggressivelyinemergingmarketsandisthemarketleaderinmostofthecountriesinwhichitoperates.Theinternationaloperationsdrivegrowth,astheSouthAfricanmarketislargelysaturatedwithlimitedscopeforincrementalmarketshareincrease. SABMiller isaglobalbrewingcompanywithSouthAfricanroots. It is currently the second-largest brewing companyin the world. It has operations in Eastern Europe,Africa,CentralAmerica,Asia,NorthandSouthAmerica. Itbeganitsexpansionplanaftertheliftingofsanctionsandacquiredsmaller operations in mostly developing countries, whichestablishedinternationalplayershadignored.

Nando’s is an international food franchiser selling spicyflamed chicken. Founded in 1987, it established itsinternational division in 1995. Expansion is by means of

agreements with sales operators in target countries. ThechoiceofpartneriskeytobrandsuccessandNando’striedto identify partnerswhoseapproach is congruentwith thebusiness.

Sasol focuses on the application and commercialisationof unique energy technologies with a global value chainencompassing upstream operations from coal and gasthrough to synthetics, chemicals and waxes downstream.By 2003, Sasol had subsidiaries in 23 countries. It wasexporting tomore than 100 countries andwas one of thetop-fivepubliclylistedcompaniesinSouthAfrica.

Thesefirmsovercamebothlocalisationdisadvantagesandnegativegovernmentinterferencetodeveloptheirdominantpositions at home.A key contributor to their successwasthe opportunity to develop in the protective incubatorprovided by a lack of competition. Lack of competition byitself isnotsufficient forglobalcompetitivesuccess,but itcreatedtheconditionsforthesefirmstodevelopthescale,competenciesandskillsnecessaryforglobalcompetitioninasafe,relativelycompetition-freeenvironment.

These conditions encouraged the development ofalternative technologies as substitutes to imports or toaccessexport incentives.Throughsuchefforts,firmswereallowed to extract high premiums from their homemarketwhile engaging in FDI and thereby lowering risk andreducingcosts.Thefirms learnt tooperateacrossbordersinefficientwaysduetoforeignexchangecontrolsthatmadeheavycapitalinvestmentimpossibleduringearlystagesofexpansion.Anadditionaladvantage that thesefirmsenjoyistheabilitytooperateinacomplexmarketwithamyriadofethnicgroupsandcultures.Theseareadvantagesthataresustainableanddifficulttoreplicate.

Further research will delve into the operating modelsof emerging market MNEs and the development andreplicationofthecompetenciesthatledtotheirsuccessinthefirstplace.Theresultsofthisstudywillbepublishedinthe Thunderbird International Business Review,thesecond-mostreadbusinessjournal.

Dr A Wöcke (GIBS)+27 82 411 6526 [email protected]

The study focused on four multinational enterprises: MTN, SAB-Miller, Nando’s and Sasol.

Since2003,thedepartmenthasactivelyrecruitedpostdoctoralfellows from abroad. They pursue their research under thesupervision of members of the department. The work ofthese postdoctoral fellows has also contributed steadilyto the department’s research output. In 2003 and 2004, Dr Nhamo Samasumo completed a research study oneconomicintegrationandthedevelopmentofthebeefindustryinSouthernAfrica from1902 to1956under the supervisionof Prof Johan Bergh. In 2005 and 2006, Dr Miles Larmercompletedastudyonunityanddissentinpost-colonialZambiabetween1964and1991under thesupervisionofProfAloisMlambo.DrThulaSimpsoniscurrentlyinvestigatingtheissueofviolenceandreconciliation:MKandthelegacyoftheANC’sarmedstruggle,underthesupervisionofProfMlambo.In2009, Dr Andrew Cohen will be studying multinational business

in sub-Saharan Africa from 1948 to 1994, also under thesupervisionofProfMlambo.

TheresearchofDrSimpson,currentlyinthefinalyearofhisfellowship, isprimarilyconcernedwith thearmedstruggleoftheAfricanNationalCongress(ANC).In2007,hecompletedaPhDdissertationinHistoryatBirkbeckCollege,UniversityofLondon.Hisdissertation,The People’s War of Umkhonto we Sizwe, 1961 – 1990, focusedspecificallyon theperiod fromthe formation ofMK in 1961 to themovement’s decision toorderaceasefirein1990.

South Africa’s political transition has required historians torethinktheroleplayedbytheANCinshapingthenation’spast.AstheANC’sattemptsatnation-buildinginthepost-apartheid

5.5 Violence and reconciliation:

MK and the legacy of the ANC’s armed struggle

Over the past two decades, the Department of Historical and Heritage Studies has built up a strong research profile. It focuses on historical, cultural-historical and heritage themes in Southern Africa. Members of the department are also involved in various projects with historians at universities abroad. These include projects, such as War, Economy and Society in Southern Africa, 1867 – 1902, Chinese in Africa, Religion, Gender and Space in Africa, and Hegemony and Power: South Africa and the Southern African Subcontinent, 1965 – 2005.

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Photograph: Dr Thula Simpson, a research fellow in the Department of Historical and Heritage Studies, on a visit to Freedom Park.


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erahaveunfolded,thesymbolismandimageryoftheliberationstruggle have played an important role in underpinning themovement’seffortsatpoliticalmobilisation.ThearmedstrugglewagedbyUmkhontoweSizwe(MK),theANC’smilitarywing,hasbeenamongthemostpotentofthesesymbols.

Prior to the 1990s, research on theANC and the liberationstruggle had been limited by a lack of access to relevantsources and the existence of political censorship in SouthAfrica.However,aneffusionofprimarysourceshasemergedsincethepoliticalchangesthathavetakenplaceinthecountry.The most notable of these have been the opening of newarchivesandthepublicationofautobiographiesfromleadingprotagonists in the struggle. These have provided freshmaterialthroughwhichthehistoryoftheANC’scontributiontothecountry’stransformationcanbereappraised.

DrSimpsonassessedtherevolutionarystrategiesadoptedbytheANCduringthestruggleandchallengedaprominentviewintheexistingliteraturethatthearmedstrugglehad‘failed’toachieveitsobjectives.Hearguedforaclearerunderstandingoftheseobjectivesandshowed–throughanempiricalstudyofeveryphaseof thearmedstruggle–that themovement’sgoalsandvisionshadalwaysbeen influencedby thestrandin themovement’shistoryand traditions thatstood for racialharmonyandreconciliation.

ForDrSimpson, theANC’sdevelopmentof itsstrategies forthearmedstruggleinvolvednegotiatingtheinherenttensionsbetween its ‘non-racial’ perspective, and its simultaneousdesiretoforciblyoverthrowtheapartheidsystem,whichwasessentiallyaracialisedpowerstructuredominatedbythewhiteminority.Overthrowinga racialorder,whileavoidinga racialwar,wasadilemma that remainedwith theANC throughoutitsarmedstruggle.DrSimpsonarguedthatthelimitednatureoftheANC’sarmedcampaignshouldbeviewedasmuchasaresultofthemilitaryrestraintthemovementimposedonitselfasitgrappledwiththisdilemma,asamilitary‘failure’.

AccordingtoDrSimpson,theempiricalevidencedoesnotsupportthenotionthatthearmedstrugglewaseversolelya means of seizing power by force. Instead, it suggests

that MK’s armed campaign was also viewed as a way ofapplying pressure on government to enter into dialogueforanegotiatedsettlement.Thiswasinaccordancewithastrategybasedonavoidingcivilwar.

In the transitional period, theANC was keen to emphasisethe fact that it had persisted with its non-racial traditionthroughoutthestruggle.Thefactthatthisemphasismayhavebeen influencedbyadesire to takecredit for thenegotiatedtransfer in thecountrydoesnot invalidate theessential truthunderlyingtheclaim.InitsfirstofficialsubmissiontotheTruthandReconciliationCommittee(TRC)in1996,forexample,theANC argued that during the conflict there had always beentension between the imperative of intensifying the struggleandtheneedtoavoidaracialwar.TheANCaddedthatthisdilemmawas ultimately resolved by a decision to reject theideaofarevolutionaryarmedstruggleinfavourofapolicyoflimitedmilitaryactiondesignedtoavoidcivilwar.

TheobjectiveofDrSimpson’scurrentresearch is toexpandonhisdoctoralresearchbyexploringthemesingreaterdepthand utilising additional sources.Among the themes he hasexplored so far are the interrelationship between theANC’sarmed struggle and internalmass protest during the 1980s,theANC’s turn to direct negotiationswith the SouthAfricangovernment,theANCdebatesoverpolitico-militarystrategyinthemid-1970s,and thehistoryof theANC’seastern front inMozambiqueandSwaziland.

Sincecommencinghispostdoctoralfellowshipin2008,hehasundertakenextensiveresearchattheSouthAfricanHistoricalArchivesattheUniversityoftheWitwatersrand,theBrenthurstLibraryinJohannesburg,theNationalArchivesinPretoria,theJackandRaySimonsArchiveattheUniversityofCapeTownandtheNationalArchivesofSwaziland.

His research has already yielded articles on the ANC’srelationship to the township uprising in the mid-1980s, theANC’sroleinpopularprotestbetween1984and1989,andthefinalyearofthearmedstruggle.Thesearticleswillappearinthe South African Historical Journal,asachapterinabookonSouthAfricanpopularpoliticalandresistancemovements(tobeeditedbyProfWilliamBeinartoftheUniversityofOxford),andintheJournal of Southern African Studies.Anarticleonthe history of theANC in Swaziland has been accepted forpublication inAfrican Historical Review, and another on theANC’s strategic and tactical debates in the mid-1970s hasbeensubmittedtoSocial Dynamics.

DrSimpson’s future researchon thesubjectwill include thehistory of the ANC’s political and military underground inSouthAfricaintheearly1960s,thehistoryoftheANCinotherAfricanstatesduringtheyearsoftheliberationstruggle,andthehistoryof theANCprior to thearmedstruggle.ThefinalproductofhisresearchwillbeabookcoveringthehistoryofthearmedstrugglethatwillserveasanauthoritativesourceforfuturegenerationsonSouthAfricanhistoryinthe20thcentury.

Dr T Simpson+27 12 420 [email protected] in the fight for democracy on display at Freedom Park.

One of the issues that affects economic development inthesubregionrelatestoforeigninvestment.Onapracticallevel, this could, inter alia, find application in the buyingof an undertaking as a going concern in another country.In thiseraofglobalisation,policy issues that relate to theprotection of workers’ rights have become central to thedevelopmentofafutureworldsociety.Foreigninvestorswhoare inbusiness tooptimiseprofitsand increasedividendsfor their shareholders are no longer restricted by nationalboundaries.

With the drafting of a newConstitution in SouthAfrica in1996,anewframeworkwasestablishedtoprotectworkersin thiscountryagainstunfair labourpractices. In thecaseofworkerswhobecomeunemployedduetoanundertakingbeing declared insolvent, the principles of insolvency laware influenced by labour law principles enshrined in theConstitution.An important issue to consider is the extent

towhichacoherentapproachtolabourandinsolvencylawexists in other countries in SADC, and the alignment oftheselegalissuesinthevariousmemberstates.

Labour and insolvency laws in neighbouring countriesthat are not in harmonywith eachother havebeen foundto create dissimilar markets. Progressive labour lawsgenerallyguaranteeminimumwagesandmakeprovisionforcompulsorycontributionstosocialsecurityfunds.Thishasa definite impact on production costs.Although countrieswithhighlyregulated labourrelationsregimesprotect theirworkersfromexploitation,theyareatadisadvantagewhencompared to countries with more flexible and permissivelabourlaws.

In August 2003, SADC members’ heads of state andgovernment signed the Charter of Fundamental SocialRights.Oneoftheobjectivesofthischarteristoharmonise

5.6 Coherent labour and insolvency principles

in SADCAs an important role-player in the subregion and one of the member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), South Africa is committed to pro-moting sustainable and equitable economic growth and socio-economic develop-ment in SADC through deeper cooperation and integration. The Faculty of Law at the University of Pretoria is one of the leading legal faculties on the continent, and plays a prominent role in responding to the needs of the region. It places a high premium on interdisciplinary research and promotes regional and international collaboration.

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Photograph: Prof Stefan van Eck, Head of the Department of Mercantile Law (left), and Prof André Boraine, Head of the Department of Procedural Law, examined the development of coherent labour and insolvency law principles in SADC.


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policiesrelatingtoaspectssuchassocialsecurityschemes,freedom of association and collective bargaining, and thepromotionofworkplacedemocracy.

Onewayofcreatingarelativelylevelplayingfieldintermsof labourand insolvency law issues is to introducesimilarcommon standards for all members of SADC. When aprospective investor therefore buys an undertaking asa going concern in one of the countries in the region, hewillknowwhatrightsworkers(andcreditors)havewhenaparticularbusinessbecomesinsolvent.

Research conducted by Prof André Boraine of theDepartment of Procedural Law and Prof Stefan van Eckof the Department of Mercantile Law at the University ofPretoria investigated the feasibility of aligning labour andinsolvencylawprinciplesinSADCmembercountries.Thisresearchhasbeenincludedinaninternationalpeer-reviewedbook,International Insolvency Law(undertheeditorshipofPaulOmar of theUniversity of Sussex), as an innovationin insolvency. The research is focused on establishing avibranteconomichub inSouthernAfrica thatwillenhancejobcreationandworktowardstheeradicationofpoverty.

This research is particularly relevant in view of the tryingeconomictimesthatarebeingencounteredatpresent.Itaimstoillustratethenecessityofestablishingstandardswherebytheprinciplesrelatedtothetransferofanundertakingasagoingconcern,aswellastheassociatedinsolvencymatters,can be harmonised. A carefully balanced framework willensure that the regionasawholecannotbeclassifiedaseitherbeingover-regulatedorexploitingworkerssolelyforthebenefitoftheforeigninvestor.

Oneofthedeterminingfactorstoconsiderwhenbuyinganundertakinginanothercountryisthescopeandcontentof

thedifferentlabourlawsthatapplyinthedifferentcountriesandthatregulatethetransferofanundertakingasagoingconcern,aswellasthepositionoftheworkersofinsolventbusinesses.

Thebenchmarksthathavebeensetatasupranationallevelare those of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)and the EuropeanUnion.The ILO InsolvencyConventionprovides protection to employees for claims against theirbankruptemployersbymeansofaprivilege.TheEuropeanUnion has introduced directives regarding the transfer ofbusinessesasgoingconcerns,whichbindmemberstates.

TheresearchconductedbyBoraineandVanEck involvedcomparingthelabourandinsolvencylawprinciplesofthreecountries in SADC: SouthAfrica, Namibia and Botswana.These countries are all members of the ILO. From theirresearch, it became apparent that certain countries havebeen strongly influenced by either the ILO InsolvencyConvention or the directives of the European Union. Thefocusofthestudy,therefore,wastodeterminehowfarapartthesethreeAfricancountriesarewhenitcomestothedegreeofprotectionthatisprovidedtoworkersofundertakingsthathave become insolvent after being transferred as a goingconcern.Theultimateobjectivewouldbetoestablishcertainminimum standards that could be included in directives –similar to those of the EuropeanUnion – that would bindmemberstates.

Althoughthethreejurisdictionssharethesamelegalrootstosomeextent,thereareevidentlysignificantdissimilarities,whichcouldeitherencourageordissuadepotentialinvestorsfromsettingupbusinessinoneofthesecountries.InSouthAfrica,therewouldbeanobligationonanemployertotakeoverallcontractsofemploymentundersolventandinsolventcircumstances.InNamibia,thereisnosuchobligation,butthere is the possibility that employees may be protectedin so far as the relevant authoritiesmay not sanction thedismissal of redundant employees in the shadow of atransfer.InBotswana,employeesareonlyprotectedduringatransferinsofarasyearsofservicearetransferrediftheemployerdecidestotakeovertheseemployees.

According to the researchers, the disparities that existin other countries in the SADC region might be evengreater.Against the background of these differences, theharmonisation of labour and insolvency principles mightprove to be beneficial to SADC as a whole, since it willenhanceuniformityandmobilityintheregion,andpromotesocio-economic development. Any reform attempt in thisregardwill, however,have to takebotheconomic realitiesandinternationalnormsrelatingtofairlabourpracticesintoaccount.

Prof A Boraine (Procedural Law)+27 12 420 [email protected]

Prof S van Eck (Mercantile Law)+27 12 420 [email protected]

The outcomes of the research have been published in a book on international insolvency law.

Atmospherically generated hazards include floods anddroughts, gale-force winds (especially tropical cyclonesand tornadoes), hailstorms, lightning-generated veld firesand avalanches. Biological hazards such as epidemics andbotanicalpestsareequallyreal.Themostannihilatingnaturalcatastrophe–ofastronomicorigin,althoughtheriskofsuchaneventissmallonthehumantimescale–wouldbetheimpactofalargemeteoriteorcometonearth.

It iscurrentlyspeculatedwhethercertainnaturalhazardsarebecomingmore severe or more common. For example, arefrequenciesreallyincreasingoraretheresimplymoreinformedobserverslivingoverlargerareas?Ontheotherhand,arehighermaximum temperatures and more violent storms in certainplacesarealtrend,andaretheylinkedtoglobalwarming?

A local natural hazard centre

The Aon Benfield Natural Hazard Centre, Africa, wasestablishedas recentlyas July2008. It is proof of the closeandvaluablecollaborationbetweenAonBenfield, theworld’sleadingreinsuranceandriskintermediary,withitsheadofficein

Chicago,USA,andtheUniversityofPretoria,wherethecentreis located.The active involvement ofAonBenfield is greatlyappreciatedandprofessionallyrecognisedbythecentre.

Amainreasonforcreatingthecentreistopromoteresearchinto natural hazards in Africa. Natural hazards, particularlyrisk information of relevance to theSouthAfrican insurancecommunity,isacriticalfunctionandwillbemademorewidelyavailable.Toensureeffectivedisseminationofthisinformation,thecentregivespresentationsandpublishesarticlesonrecentdevelopmentsandresearchinthisfield.

ProfAndrzejKijko,aninternationallyacclaimedseismologyre-searcher, isthedirectorofthecentre.Hehasbeenactiveinengineeringgeophysicsandseismologyforover35years,andhasauthoredbooksandpublishedmorethan100journalpa-pers.Thecentre’snetworkofassociateshasextensiveskillsinearthquakehazardmodelling,miningcatastrophy,floodandmeteorologicalrisk,andcanofferindependentadvice,opinionsandanalysesonallaspectsofAfricannaturalperils.Thecen-trestatespragmatically,“wecannotpreventanaturaldisaster,butwecantakestepstominimisethenegativeeffects”.

5.7 Centre minimises the disastrous effects

of natural hazardsNatural hazards have been afflicting life on earth for the past 3.5 billion years. They origi-nate from the catastrophic release of vast quantities of energy from certain natural phe-nomena on our planet. These include the seismic events related to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, which may lead to tsunamis when they occur on the sea bed.

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Photograph: Prof Andrzej Kijko, Director of the Aon Benfield Natural Hazard Centre, Africa, explains the role of the centre at its official launch in Pretoria.


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The African connection

Thefullnameofthecentreimpliesthatitisdesignedtobeofbenefittoallcountriesandcommunitiesonthecontinent.However,itshouldberealisedthat,incontrasttosomeothercontinents,Africa’sdatasetsmostlylackalong-timebase,are rarely spatially representative, are often incompleteand therefore not large. The conventional acquisition ofgoodscientificresultsfromsuchdataisverylimited.AfricaneedsAfricanmethodologiesandAfrica-specifictechniquesto process and interpret its unique data sets of naturalhazards.TheAonBenfieldNaturalHazardCentre,Africa,is geared to address these needs and is ready to tacklethe challenges arising from them. Prof Kijko’s convictionthat Africa is entering an era of ‘new beginning’ createsexcitement in thecentreabout theAfricanconnectionandthe expected growing scientific collaboration. The worldinsurance industry isalso looking toAfrica forgrowthandexpansion,whileAfrica is looking to theworldmarkets toprovideriskmanagement.

Focus on South Africa

Why hasSouthAfrica been chosen as theAfrican centre?Thiscountryhasaspectrumofexpertsinthefieldofnaturalhazards, and is furthermore exposed to several types ofnatural hazards. Groundshaking earthquakes, occasionaldevastating winds, fierce hailstorms, (flash) floods andemaciating droughts are particularly prevalent. They arecapableofcausingconsiderablefinanciallosses,whichcanbequantifiedbytheuseofcatastrophemodels.

In 2008, an interactive seismic hazard map for SouthAfricawasproduced.Itshowsthecountrywidelikelihoodofvibrationsstrongenoughforthedestructionofinfrastructure.Of particular concern are seismic shock-resistant high-risebuildings,bridges,damsandpowerplants(nuclearandcoal-fired). For this reason, the engineering industry is amajorstakeholderofthecentre.

In line with the above, the Aon Benfield Natural HazardCentre,Africa,willprovideexpertiseandresearchonnaturalhazards, particularly seismic (earthquake-related) hazardsthat affect SouthernAfrica. It will assist in developingAonBenfield’sproprietary(impactforecasting)earthquakemodelfor South Africa to benefit customers and the insurancemarketinSouthAfrica.

ThroughitscloseassociationwithAonBenfield’sUniversityCollege London Hazard Research Centre in the UnitedKingdom (the leading hazard centre in Europe), the localcentre provides extensive skills in the hazard modellingof earthquakes, mining catastrophies, flood risk andmeteorologicalrisk.Inworst-casescenarios,thecentrehasthe capacity to provide disaster management skills. Thecentrealsooffersprofessionaladvice,opinionsandresultsofanalysisfreeofchargetobonafideresearchers.

Techniques and academic collaboration

Mathematical tools play a central part in thiswork. In con-junctionwithoverseasuniversities,thecentrehasdevelopedtoolsthataccommodatetheso-called‘mathematicsofincom-pletenessanduncertainty’.ThesetechniqueshavedrawnonthefinestmindsinJapan,Italy,NorwayandtheUSA,result-inginatrue‘mathematicsforAfrica’.Withthismathematicalstrategy,thebestpossiblesynthesisisdrawnfromavailable,yetofteninadequateAfricandata.

Severaldepartmentsof theUniversityare involvedwith thecentrebyfreelydeliveringveryspecificinputs.ThesearethedepartmentsofMathematicsandAppliedMathematics,Sta-tistics, Geology, Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorol-ogy,andInsuranceandActuarialScience.

International scientific links were recently strengthened byProfKijkothroughco-authorshipofthepaperA probabilistic tsunami hazard assessment for the Makran subduction zone at the northwestern Indian Ocean.Healsoco-authoredapaperin2009withcolleaguesfromtheCouncilforGeoscienceandtheUniversityoftheWitwatersrand,entitledSeismotectonic models for South Africa: synthesis of geoscientific information, problems and the way forward.

A last word

The world’s largest independent reinsurance brokeragehasdecidedtoopenacentre inAfrica,becauseAfricanowdeservesthisattention.Assetsarebeingcreatedeverywhereon thecontinent. It is significant that it choseSouthAfrica,particularlytheUniversityofPretoria,asthebaseforitsAfricancentre.Aon Benfield is acutely aware of the currentmajoreconomic downturn globally,which directly impacts on riskassessment in thefinancialorbit.The recentestablishmentof theAonBenfieldInternationalCreditandFinancialRisksCentre in London underlines the seriousness that theAonBenfieldgroupattachestothisreality.

Prof Andrzej Kijko+27 12 420 [email protected]

Floods in De Doorns caused damage to homes and property.

Indeed, in just the following century, Martin Luther translatedtheBibleintoGermanwiththeexplicitaimofmakingitavailableto whoever wished to read it. Forthwith, a printed version ofScripturebecameavailable toany literateGermanreaderandspeaker. Translations in other European languages followed,which altogether paved the way for Bible-reading Christiansto interpret thesacredcontents for themselves.ThefirstBiblein a SouthAfrican black language (Setswana) was printed in Kurumanin1833bythesameremarkablemanwhohadtrans-latedit,thepioneerScottishmissionaryRobertMoffat.Today,allSouthAfricansmayreadtheBibleintheirmothertongue.

Modern trends

It was corroborated that the Bible, the primary authoritativereligious document, existentially influences the lives ofmillionsofpeople,alsoinSouthAfrica.However,theBibleisapproached,read,andusedinavarietyofwaysinAfrica.Theresearch team,underguidanceofProf Jan vanderWatt oftheUniversity’sFacultyofTheology,hasexploredtheseways

indepth.AkeychallengewastofindouthowthemessageoftheBibleisactuallyperceivedbyblackAfricanChristians.Thisrequired intensive qualitative research on their holistic viewof the world, characterised by a strong interaction betweenthe physical reality on earth and the spiritual world of Godandof the forefathers.Theaimwas to describe the currentreligiousthoughtpatternsofblackSouthAfricanChristiansasaccuratelyaspossible.

Ostensibly,about70to80percentofSouthAfricansidentifythemselvesasChristians.Undoubtedly,theBiblecommandsacentralplaceintheirlivesandtheyregarditasauthoritativeforfaithandlife.However,theanswertothequestionofhowtheBiblefunctionswithintheirliveshadtobeexplored.Forinstance, somecommunities regard theBibleasamagicalinstrument of power: theybelieve this power is transmittedto thembysleepingontheBible.Othersclaimthat recitingtextsfromtheBiblewillresultinprotectionagainstevil.StillothersreadtheBibleforthesakeofthesalvificmessageitconveys.

5.8 Interpreting the Bible

in (South) AfricaThe Bible is the book of and for the church. For many centuries, only priests, as representatives of the church, had the right to interpret Scripture, especially in a predominantly illiterate world. Bibles were practically unavailable until the mid- 15th century. At that stage, Johann Gutenberg invented the mechanical printing press in Germany, utilising metal movable types. This ushered in the era of mass production of any document.

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Photograph: Research in the Faculty of Theology focuses on the accessibility of the Scripture in African languages.


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Thekeyconcept,aswellasthecommondenominator,indealingwiththeBibleinAfricaiscontextualisationorinculturation.Theemphasis fallsmoreon theneedsof the readersof the textwithoutneglectingordenigrating theoriginal intentionof theauthor.ThereisastronginterestintheuseoftheAfricanworldviewintheirmodeofreadingandinterpretingtheBible.TheBiblemustspeaktoandthroughtheircontext,sinceChristianswouldliketohearwhattheBiblehastosayaboutthepainsandpleasuresoftheireverydaylives.

To read or not to read

Although the Bible is so important in the lives of Africans,nearly 12 million people in South Africa are functionallyilliterate.Theyeithercannotreadortheydonotwanttoread.Evenamongthetensofmillionsofliteratepersons,thereoftenisanaversion to reading.This impactson theeffectivenessoftheBible.AfurtherfactorthatshouldbeconsideredisthatmanyofthoseAfricanreadersthatdoread,feelthemselvesinmanywaysalienatedfromthepredominantlyWesternwayofreadingandinterpretingtheBible,whichbordersonrejection.AmajormovementisunderwayamongAfricantheologianstofindanauthentic‘Africanreading’oftheBiblethattouchesandenlightenstheireverydayreality(inculturation).

Hermeneutics of relevance

Researchwasdonewithintheabovecontext,seekingwaysinwhichthereadingoftheBiblecouldbeanenrichingcontextualexperienceforthereaderwithoutrejectingtherichtheologicaltradition of Bible reading in the West. A ‘hermeneutics ofrelevance’isdevelopedinwhichtheancienttextisdecodedandre-appropriated.Ahermeneuticalbridgemustbeconstructedbetween thebiblical textand thepresent-day readerso thatthe two ‘worlds’ maymeet in interactive dialogue. Both thecontextinwhichthetextwasproduced,aswellasthecontextinwhichthetextisconsumed,shouldbetakenseriouslyandshouldbe integratedaspartof theprocessof interpretationon thebasisofmutual relevance.Readersshouldbewillingand able to approach the textwith their own questions andinterests(fromtheircontexts),butatthesametimerecognisetheroletheBibleplaysasauthenticandauthoritativepartnerin this processof interaction. A key to thehermeneutics of‘contextual relevance’ is therefore that the reading processshouldstartatareaswherethetwo‘worlds’overlap,beitonalinguisticlevel(wordsthataresimilar,like‘God’or‘mediation’),a thematic level (kinship, patriarchal families), everyday life(sheep farming, sowing) or a mythological level (the sametype of stories used to explain transcendental phenomena).This‘overlapping’presentsafamiliarentranceintothetextandpresentstheopportunityforarelevantdiscussion.Thereadercomes with foreknowledge (and therefore has somethingto contribute) to meet what seems familiar in the text and,therefore, not as a passive partner in dialogue. Within thiscontext, a dynamic dialogue develops that integrates theworldsofthetextandthereader.

The final product

The research resulted in thepublicationofabook (inprint),Reading the Bible in (South) Africa – hermeneutics of relevance,byProfVanderWattandthreePhDalumnioftheUniversity

of Pretoria.The book is aimed at theologians andChristianleaders. In the decades to come, theological developmentin blackAfrican churches keeps pacewith thewell-foundedinternational academic tradition regarding the understandingoftheBible,andthecontentsoftheBibleareconstantlytakenmoreseriously,resultinginmeaningfulanddelightfulaccesstoitsmessageofgoodnewsforall.

Enhancing indigenous knowledge systems

SimilarAfrican-focused research is conducted in some otherprojects in the Faculty of Theology. Comparisons betweentraditional African (oral and written) religious material andScriptures of other world religions have provided preciousinsights.TocomparethereligiousexperiencesofspecificAfricantraditionswithexistingcanonicalScripturesnotonlyenhancesthe contribution ofAfrican religiosity in theAfrican context(s),but the wealth of African indigenous knowledge systems ispreserved.Theheritageandvalueofindigenouscommunities’oralandwrittentraditionsareprotectedbythisresearch.

Lozi prayers for protection

The Lozi is a Zambian/Namibian African indigenouscommunity. A comparative analysis of African traditionalreligionandtheOldTestamentdetectsproximityanddistanceamidthetwotraditions.MicrocosmicsimilaritiesinprayerforprotectionbetweenbiblicalpsalmsandLoziprayertraditionsconfirm closeness in religious experience during times ofdanger between ancient Israelite society and contemporaryAfricantribalsocieties.Furthermore,thesesimilaritiesprovideconcrete points for dialogue between African traditionalreligionandbiblicalstudies.Inversely,differencesunderscoretheuniquenessofprayerforprotectionineachofthebiblicalandAfricantraditions.

Pedi psalm-like songs

The Pedi is an indigenous community in Limpopo, SouthAfrica. Various mutual genres for religious experience wereidentifiedinthecommunityandtheOldTestamentPsalm,interalia, praise, thanksgiving, lament, royal celebration, urge forliberation, promoting wise behaviour, expression of trust andwrath,festivecelebrationsandstructuringrelationshipwiththedivine.PeditextswerefoundequivalenttobiblicalPsalmtextsinfocus,quality,structureandcontent.Thesetextscontributetothe religious experience andworshipoftheAfricanpeoplein the same way as biblicalPsalms. This awareness ofthefunctioningofPedipsalm-like texts in African cultureis created. The researchserves as a contributionto the development ofAfrican cultural and religiousheritage.

Prof J van der Watt +27 12 420 [email protected] Prof Jan van der Watt

Bleeding from the lungsduringofafterphysicalexertion isa widespread problem that costs the horse-racing industryanestimatedUS$100millionayearintheUSAalone,witha much larger cost impact around the world. Strenuousexercisecauseshorses’lungcapillariestofractureandbloodthen enters their air passages. Sometimes a horse visiblybleeds through itsnostrils.Theafflictionaffects thehorse’sperformance, decreases lung capacity over time and mayevenbefatal.Insomecountries,racehorsesarebannedforaperiodoftimefollowingsuchableedingattack.

Lasix is controversial foranumberof reasonsandbannedin many countries. Horses treated with Lasix lose about 2 percent of their body weight within the next hour. Thiscausesthemto ‘run lighter’anduse lessenergy.Anearlierstudyinvolvingmorethan22000thoroughbredsprovedthathorsestreatedwiththisdrugaremorelikelytowinarace.As

aresult,thereispublicconcernforthehealthandwellbeingof the affected horses and many suspect that the drug isreallyusedtoenhanceperformance.Lasixisalsoexpensive,withmillionsofUSdollarsspenteveryyearonday-of-racingadministrationintheUSAalone.Despitethehotdebateaboutitsuse,therehasneverbeenscientificproofofitsefficacytocounteractbleedingunderracingconditions.

Prof Alan Guthrie of the Equine Research Centre at theUniversity of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science atOnderstepoortcoordinatedthefieldtrial.Headmitsthatdoinga‘massivefieldstudy’with180horsestakingpartin24racesovertwoweeksprovedtobealogisticalnightmareattimes.“Webelieve thatwehave totallychanged thewayofdoingthiskindofresearchandraisedthecrossbarconsiderably.Ifanyonewantstotackleasimilarresearchchallengeinfuture,thisisthestandardtheywillhavetoaimfor,”heexplains.The

5.9 Pioneering race horse study

conducted in South AfricaIn a groundbreaking veterinary field trial, scientists from the University of Pretoria, work-ing with researchers from Australia and the USA, took research about exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage in race horses out of the laboratory and onto the race track in a huge field trial involving 180 horses in 24 races under actual race conditions. The study showed that pre-race administration of furosemide (known as Lasix® or Salix®), a drug that is widely used in the horse-racing industry in the USA and Canada, dra-matically reduces the frequency and severity of the bleeding seen in race horses’ lungs after demanding exercise or a hard race.

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Photograph: The research team, comprising (left to right) Prof Paul Morley of the Colorado State University, Prof Ken Hinchcliff of the University of Melbourne and Prof Alan Guthrie of the Equine Research Centre at the University of Pretoria, at the Vaal Race Course.


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fieldtrialwasdoneattheVaalRaceCoursenearVereeniging,with the full support of Phumelela Gaming and Leisure (Pty)Ltd,aJSE-listedhorse-racingcompany.

BecausetheuseofLasixisprohibitedinSouthAfrica,localhorseshadnotbeenexposedtoitbefore,makingthemidealsubjects for this study. “South Africa is probably the onlyplaceintheworldwherethisstudycouldhavebeendoneandalltheparticipantsshouldfeelproudofwhatwasachieved,”saysProfKenHinchcliffoftheUniversityofMelbourne,oneoftheinternationalresearchcollaborators.ProfPaulMorleyofColoradoStateUniversitywastheotherkeypartner.

Inacarefullycontrolledtrial,eachhorsewastreatedwithLasixforoneweekandaplacebo for theotherweek.Anencodedmedicationsystemensuredthatno-oneworkingwiththehorsescould tell the drug from the placebo.The scientists collectedbloodsamplesofhorsesrunningwithandwithoutthemedicationtoconfirmcorrecttreatmentandinvestigatethevariationindrugconcentrations between horses.They used an endoscope tofilminsideeachhorse’slung,lookingforthepresenceofbloodandgradingtheamountofbleedingwhenpresent.

“Weusedanauthoritativegradingsystemtoassessthisandmadesurethatthestudyincludedenoughhorsestovalidateourfindings–positiveornegative,”ProfGuthrieexplained.

ThefindingsofProfGuthrieandhiscollaboratorshaverecentlybeen published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Association. “The results of this study now provide soundscientificdataontheefficacyoffurosemideandwillbecriticalin informing thedebateon theuseof furosemide in racing,” Prof Guthrie explains. Many countries don’t allow its use,while others do, thus provoking substantial debate betweenthedifferentjurisdictions.“Wehavegiventherelevantpolicy-

makers and race horse owners unequivocal scientific datafromwhichtheycanmakeinformeddecisionsabouttheuseofaveryexpensivedrug,”heexplains.“Wealsohopetomakeadifferencetothewellbeingofracehorsesaroundtheworld.”

FundingforthestudycamefromTheGraysonJockeyClubResearch Foundation, a leading American foundation thatsupportsequineresearcharoundtheworld,andtheRacingMedicationandTestingConsortium,aconsortiumof racingindustrystakeholders,alsobasedintheUSA.ThestudywasalsogenerouslyfundedandsupportedbytheSouthAfricanracingindustry.

Prof A Guthrie+27 12 529 [email protected]

Horses competing in one of the Lasix races.

Endoscopic examination of the airways of a horse during the Lasix trial.

In2005,theSchoolofHealthSystemsandPublicHealth(SHSPH)joinedthisglobalresearchinitiativebyregisteringPolokwaneandenvironsasastudysiteforPhaseIIIoftheISAACproject.TheaimwastoaddressthelackofstatisticsonasthmaprevalenceinSouthAfricanchildrenfromaruralarea,andsotocontributetodatagatheredby22centresin16AfricancountriesforthethirdphaseofISAAC.AsPolokwaneissituatedinadry,high-pollenandfungalsporeenvironment,coupledwithitshighaltitude,lowhumidityandlargeindustrysetting,thecitywasidealtoassesstheriskfactorsassociatedwiththeprevalenceofasthma,rhinitisandeczema,comparedtoCapeTown,thesecondSouthAfricansite,whichhasa‘wet’environment.

“A large smelter company wishing to expand in Polokwanerequired respiratorybaselinedataof theareaasoneof theconditionsforexpansionintheimpactassessment.TheirneedandlocationwereidealfortheresearcherstoundertakethisworkonasthmaandallergiesforPhaseIII.Sincepeopleinthe

areaperceivethatindustriescontributetohealthproblems,thenextsurvey inPhaseV(2010–2012)willgivean indicationofwhetherasthmaandallergyrateshave increasedornot,”explained Prof Kuku Voyi, head of the School of HealthSystems and Public Health, who led the research. She isalsoamemberof theAfricanAdvisoryCommitteeonHealthResearchandDevelopmentfortheWorldHealthOrganisation(WHO)Africanregion,whichguidestheagendaonresearchforhealthonthecontinent.

With thesupportof theDepartmentofEducation,schools inthePolokwaneareaandwithina60kmradiusofthecitywererandomlyselectedandatotalsampleof3480childrenagedbetweensixandsevenand4660childrenagedbetween13and14wereincluded.ThesurveytookplaceduringFebruaryandOctobertocoincidewithseasonalchangesandtoavoiddisruptingchildrenduringexams.Datawascollectedbyateamoffivenursesfluent inNorthernSotho from theDepartment

5.10 Researchers contribute to an international study

on childhood asthmaAsthma has been described as the most common chronic infection in children un-der 15 years of age worldwide. Yet, until recently, very few studies had been done to map the disease trend. In 1991, the International Study on Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) was launched to encourage research on asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema in children. Originating from two multinational collaborative projects on childhood asthma based in Auckland, New Zealand, and Bochum, Germany, ISAAC is a unique project that has attracted worldwide interest and unprecedented large-scale participation, currently involving nearly 100 countries.

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Photograph: A child with asthma receives treatment.

ofPublicHealthoftheUniversityofLimpopo.ThestudywascontractedbySESolutions,aPretoria-basedconsultingandresearchcompanythatspecialisesinsustainabledevelopmentservices.TheresultswerepooledandanalysedinAuckland.

Alarmingly,Polokwanehad thehighest incidenceof reportedsevereasthmainAfrica(6.6percent),comparedtoKinshasha(0.9percent),althoughthedatawillneedtobeclinicallyverifiedin the follow-up phase. Severe asthma typically presentswith wheezing and acute shortness of breath, and can belife-threatening. Polokwane’s overall asthma prevalencerateof18percentwasslightly lower than thatofCapeTown(20.3 percent), but still high and comparable with that ofWesternEurope.

Contributing factors

There is much around asthma that remains a mystery.Commenting on the results of the Phase III data, Prof Voyihighlighted that the data showed considerable variationsbetweenandevenwithincountries. “It isdifficult todetectapattern for this ‘silent disease’, and genetic factors cannotberuledout.Compoundingourworkonasthmaevenfurtheris the fact that no prevalence figures for underlying geneticfactorsexisteither,”shesaid.

Internationally, environmental factors such as dust mites inhomeshavebeenstudied,buttheinformationinSouthAfricais lacking, possibly because there are other more pressingissues facing our children. “But asthma is a life-threateningdisease and severe symptoms of 6.6 percent in Polokwaneareverydisturbing,”saidProfVoyi.

“Whatwedoknowisthatchildrenappeartooutgrowasthma,and it declines with age in rural areas, possibly becausechildrenaremovedtotownswheretheycangethelp.Wewereabletomodifytheinternationalquestionnairesomewhat,andincludedaquestionondistancetoahealthfacility,todeterminetheavailabilityofhealthcarecentresandmedication.ThismayhelpinformpolicyforstandardisingdistanceofhealthfacilitiesfromsettlementsaccordingtoWHOguidelines,”shesaid.

TheimmediateoutcomeofthePolokwaneworkwasimprovedawarenessofparentsandchildrenof theirhealthstatus.Sofar,fiveresearchpapershavebeenwrittenandaPhDstudentfinalisedherdegreeonapredictormodel that could lead toabetterunderstandingof the interactionof risk factorssuchasindoorairandclimatevariationinasthmaandallergiesinchildhood.SheisnowinDenmarkconductingapostdoctoraldegree.Asafurtherspin-off,theDepartmentofEnvironmentalAffairsandTourismhasgrantedfundingtotheSHSPHforathree-year collaborative project to research air pollutants,amongotherthings,thatcauserespiratorydiseases.

Shortcomings for developing country settings

“Although the ISAAC project is a good international study,we found several shortcomings arising from a developedworld protocol applied to a developing world context. For

instance,unlikedevelopedcountries,wecouldn’tusevideosto demonstrate children running and wheezing because ofinfrastructure constraints in some of the rural schools. Wehadtoactthisoutourselves.Whoeverdesignedthisstudyinthe1990sprobablynever imagined itmightbeconducted inplaceswithoutelectricity,”saidProfVoyi,explainingthatvideohadtobeexcludedtotallyfromthestudyinordertopreventdatafrombeingskewed.

Secondly, although the original English questionnaire hadbeentranslatedintoAfrikaans,therewerechallengeswiththeinterpretationand translationofquestionnaires intoNorthernSotho, particularly for terms such as ‘rhinitis’ and ‘eczema’.Some questions had to be excluded from the internationalanalysis as a result. “Adult literacy was also an issue forthe parents and guardians of the six- and seven-year-oldswho completed their questionnaires. However, this had anunexpected benefit of helping parents and guardians to bemoreobservantoftheirchildren’shealth,”saidProfVoyi.

Informing policy in South Africa

TheSHSPHwillpursueitsresearchduringPhaseVin2010to2012toapplylessonslearntanddeterminewhetherasthmarates in Polokwane have increased. The questionnaire willberefinedtoincludetheclinicalevaluationofsevereasthmasymptoms and focus on possible causes of the differencesbetween study sites and countries. “Other countries havebeeninvolvedinISAACforabout15years.Ourentryintothestudyhasprovidedessentialdataforustobuildoninthenextphase, and so provide evidence-based research to informpolicyinSouthAfrica.TheISAACstudyhasbeenverypositivefortheSHSPHintermsofinternationalnetworking,particularlyinAfricawherehealth research issometimes regardedasaluxury,”saidProfVoyi.

“ParticipatinginthismassiveISAACstudyandinteractingwithdeveloped and developingworld colleagues helped to shedmorelightonculturalconsiderationsthatimpactonresearch.TheAucklandcoordinatorsarekeentocollaboratefurtherwithus in termsofexpanding theavailabilityofAfrican-languagequestionnaires,”shesaid.

Withmucharoundasthmastillamystery,theSHSPHhopestoexpandrelationshipswithISAACcollaboratorsinotherAfricancountriesandelsewheretodiscovermoreaboutthischronic,often debilitating, disease and alleviate unnecessary deathandsuffering. Prof K Voyi (School of Health Systems and Public Health)+27 12 354 [email protected]

(School of Health Systems and Public Health)

[email protected]


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6. Research highlights


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The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences strives to be an internationally recognised and locally relevant centre of excellence in education and research in the economic, management and financial sciences, with a special focus on the needs of Africa.

Message from the Dean

Although the research outputs of the facultymainly reflecttheoretical research, the application of this research isalso noticeable in the number of contract research reportscompleted to address critical research needs, both in thepublic and private sectors in South Africa and SouthernAfrica.

The faculty has set as a key priority the continuousimprovementofresearchqualityandoutputsbydevelopingthe supervision and research capacity of members of theacademicstaff,improvingthequalityofwritingskillsofstaffandstudents,creatingsufficientandeffectiveadministrativesupporttoacademicstaff,increasingthenumberandqualityof postgraduate students in the faculty, and increasing thenumberofNRF-ratedscientists.

International networking with peers at renownedresearch institutions is ofparamount importance inachievingthefaculty’sgoals,and a concerted effort isbeingmadetoestablishandstrengthen relationships.During 2008, the facultyproduced 96 master’s and24 doctoral graduates.Three staff membersof the faculty obtainedtheir master’s or doctoraldegreesandnumerousstaffmembersareintheprocessof completing theirmaster’s or doctoral degrees.A furthersevenstaffmembersarestudyingatinternationalresearchuniversitiestocompletetheirdoctorates.

The Faculty ResearchAward for the department with thehighestnumberofaccreditedresearchunitsintheprecedingyearwasawardedtotheDepartmentofEconomics.Facultyresearchawardswerealsomadetoindividualresearchers.Dr Edwin Ijeoma (School of Public Management andAdministration)receivedtheawardforthelecturerwiththebestresearchoutput,whileProfRanganGupta(DepartmentofEconomics)receivedtheawardforthebestperformanceat the professional research level. Several researchersin the faculty also received national and internationalacknowledgementforexcellenceinresearch.

In2008,ahands-on, three-daysupervisionworkshopwasconducted with support from an external consultant toimproveon thequalityofsupervisionat thegraduate leveland to improve on the quality and quantity of researcharticles. The workshop ended with the annual FacultyResearch Day. Supervision problems, solutions and bestpractices were discussed by a number of invited guests.Departments are encouraged to have regular ‘brown bagsessions’andseminarstodiscusstheresearchprojectsandprogressofstaffmembers.

I would like to thank members of the academic andadministrativestaff,postgraduatestudentsand,inparticular,membersofthefaculty’sResearchCommittee,PostgraduateCommittee and Research Ethics Committee for theircontributionsinmaking2008asuccessfulresearchyear.

Theaimofthefacultyin2009istocontinuetobuildresearchcapacity, to nurture a research culture, and to improvethe research output and research impact of its staff andgraduates,bothintermsofqualityandquantity.

Prof Carolina KoornhofDean

6.1 Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences

Prof Carolina Koornhof, Dean

Economic and Management Sciences Building


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Research highlights

Accounting

Research output scores by accounting departments in South Africa

Asaresultofunduepressure,theresearchoutputsofdepart- ments of accounting, whose academic programmes areaccredited by the South African Institute of CharteredAccountants (SAICA), have declined drastically over theyears.Research found thatoneof themain reasons for thisdecline is the fact that chartered accountants are trained astechnocrats,which is contrary to a long-standing tradition ofexposingstudentstothepursuitofscienceasanendeavour.The researcher recommended that only those departmentsofaccounting thatdevelop thesubjectasasocialscience inscholarlyactivitydeserve international recognition.Toensurethat UP meets this criteria, the Department of Accountingdeveloped an internationally recognised master’s degree in accounting sciences. The aim of the degree is to exposestudents to international academic excellence and the latestdevelopments in accounting. Several leading internationalaccounting academics provided significant input to thedevelopmentof theprogramme. Inaddition,severalof theseacademicswillvisittheUniversityin2009tofacilitateworkshopsformaster’sstudents.

Prof D van der Schyf+27 12 420 [email protected]

Auditing

The status of and demand for internal auditing in South African companies

Inaresearchproject,sponsoredbyKPMGandtheInstituteofInternalAuditors,SouthAfrica(IIASA),todeterminethecurrentstatusofanddemandforinternalauditinginSouthAfrica,itwasfoundthatresearchdoneonthepracticeofinternalauditinginSouthAfricaislimitedinitsextent.Thelackofresearchispartlyduetothefactthat,asanacademicdiscipline,internalauditingisstillinitsinfancyandisthereforestillarelativelyunexploredresearcharea.Themainreasonforundertakingthisstudywastoaddresstheresearchvacuum.ThisstudybuildsontheglobalsurveythatwasconductedbytheInstituteofInternalAuditorsResearchFoundation(IIARF)in2006toestablishthecommonbodyofknowledge(CBOK)oftheinternalauditingprofession.The current project extends the CBOK study to the extentthatitelicitstheviewsandperceptionsofboththechiefauditexecutives(CAEs)andtheusersofinternalauditservices.Theusers include the chairpersons of audit committees (CACs)and chief executive officers (CEOs), chief financial officers(CFOs)orchiefoperatingofficers(COOs)oflistedcompaniesinSouthAfricathathavethelargestmarketcapitalisation.Theresearchersobtaineddataon theprofilesof theCAEsof theinternalauditactivities(IAAs)andanalysedtheperceptionsofthestakeholdersof the functionsandactivitiesof the IIASA,theviewsofthestakeholdersonthecompositionoftheIAAs’staffcomplementandtheirperceptionsofthedemandfortheservicesoftheIAAs.Furthermore,theyanalysedtheperceptions

ofthestakeholdersoftheIAAs’structure,statusandactivities,theperceptionsofthestakeholdersoftheIAAs’rolewithregardtocorporategovernanceandfraud,andtheperceptionsofthestakeholdersoftheIAAs’roleinrespectofriskassessmentandriskmanagement.Theviewsandperceptionsofthestakeholderswere obtained by means of three structured questionnaires.OnequestionnairewasdevelopedforcompletionbytheCAE,asecondforcompletionbytheCACandathirdforcompletionbytheCEO,CFOorCOO.Thesequestionnairesweredevelopedand finalised after extensive literature reviews had beenundertaken,discussionswithstakeholdershadbeenheldandpilottestinghadbeendoneinSouthAfrica.ThestudyfoundthattheIAAshavearelativelyhighstatus.Thehighstatusappliedespecially to in-house IAAs. Itwasalso found that therewasademandforhighlyskilledinternalauditors,especiallyfemaleinternalauditorsfrompreviouslydisadvantagedgroups.

Ms P Coetzee +27 12 420 [email protected]

Economics

Property taxation in Africa

Theaimofthisresearchprojectwastogatherprimarydatain-country and to compile a property tax profile for all 53countriesinAfrica.ThestudywasledbyProfRiëlFranzsen,directorof theAfricanTax Institute, incollaborationwith theValuationandTaxationDepartmentoftheLincolnInstituteofLandPolicy,USA.ProfFranzsenpreparedandproposedacomprehensivecontinent-wideresearchprojectinrespectofproperty-related taxation inAfrica.The researchers focusedonidentifyingwhichsuitablyqualifiedindividualsfromvariousregionsinAfricaannuallyapplyforresearchfellowshipswiththeprimarygoal togatherdataonproperty-related taxes inAfrican countries and to prepare individual country reports.During 2008, the first three research fellows – from theDemocraticRepublicoftheCongo(DRC),MozambiqueandSierraLeone–tabledindividualcountryreportsonproperty-relatedtaxationin15Africancountries.Sixadditionalfellows–twofromCameroon,onefromChad,twofromEthiopiaandone fromNiger – were selected for 2008 and commencedtheirresearchonafurther16countries.InDecember2008,a further three fellows – fromEgypt, Kenya and Zambia –were selected. Six of the 12 fellows were postdoctoralresearchers.At least25country reportsareexpected tobe

Informal traders in Kinshasa.

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published on theAfrican Tax Institute and Lincoln InstitutewebsitesbyApril2009.Itisenvisagedthatacomprehensivereview of the status of property taxation in Africa will bepublishedelectronicallyand inbook formby2010/11. Itwillconsist of an overall overview report and commentaries onregional trends, sourced from individual country reports forall53Africancountries.Preliminaryfindingsfromthecountryreports received to date indicated that at least six differenttaxbasesareusedforproperty taxpurposes inAfrica,withsomecountriesallowingmorethanoneoptioninlegislation.Despiteanundevelopedpropertymarketandweakvaluationprofessioninmanycountries,advalorempropertytaxsystemsare prevalent and indeed on the increase. In addition, theresearchers found that although comprehensive legislationwasexhibited inmost countries reviewed todate, taxbasecoverageisgenerallypoorandtaxadministrationweak.

Land value taxation

A concise overview of research on land value taxationundertaken by Prof Franzsen and Dr William McCluskey(University of Ulster, Northern Ireland) over the pastsevenyearswaspublishedasachapter inabookentitledMaking the Property Tax work: experiences in developing and transition countries (2008). The title of the chapter is‘Feasibilityofsitevaluetaxation’.Inaddition,ProfFranzsenundertook further research on land value taxation for thebookLand value taxation – theory, evidence and practice,commissionedbytheLincolnInstituteofLandPolicy,USA.Hefoundthatthenumberofcountriesutilisingalandvalue-only property tax system is on the decline. Although thequantityofdatarequiredtomanagealandvaluetaxsystemis less demanding, in highly developed urban jurisdictionsthereareoftentoofewsalesofundevelopedlandtoprovidecredible evidence to sustain a tax based on unimprovedland values only. The lower nominal tax rates associatedwith capital-improved value systems make these systemspoliticallymoreacceptablethanlandvaluesystems.Inlessdevelopedcountrieswithlimitedresourcesandapaucityofvaluationskills,landvaluesystemsmaystillprovideacredibletax base that can generate adequate levels of revenue.

Prof RCD Franzsen+27 12 420 [email protected]

On the real exchange rate effects of higher electricity prices in South Africa

Usingastaticcomputablegeneralequilibrium(CGE)modelofSouthAfricaandsimulatingvariousshocks to thepriceof electricity, the researchers attempted to measure theimpact of this on the real appreciation of the exchangerate or international trade competitiveness. A number ofconclusions were reached from the modelling exercises.Electricity price increaseshavemostlynegativeeffectsontheeconomy.Allindustryproductiondecreasesintheshortrun, as does gross domestic product (GDP), while manyindustriesarealsoworseoffinthelongrun.Poorergroupsaremorebadlyaffected thanothergroups, thereforepriceincreasesshouldbeconsideredcarefully.Themostefficientpolicyisnotnecessarilythemostequitableone.Whilesomeindustries enjoy the benefits of exemptions, it follows thattheconsumersand industries thatarenotexempthave to

Land value systems may still provide a credible tax base in less developed countries.


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input cost,any increase in theirprice influences their costsignificantly. Moreover, these industries are export-driven,thushigher costsadverselyaffect their competitiveness intheworldmarket.Inthemodel,theeffectontheconsumerprice index, and therefore on the real exchange rate, isgenerally very small.Although the SouthAfrican ReserveBankwarnedagainstinflationaryeffectsofhigherelectricityprices, significant effects were not experienced in thisregard.

The effect of an electricity generation tax on the economy of South Africa

InajointstudywiththeMonashUniversity’sCentreofPolicyStudies(CoPS)(Melbourne,Australia)andtheSouthAfricanNationalTreasury,theDepartmentofEconomicsconducteda study on the impact of an electricity generation tax onSouthAfrica’scompetitivenessandtradecompositionunderdifferentscenarios.Thestudywasconductedintwophases.During thefirstphase, thecomputablegeneralequilibriummodel of the Department of Economics (UPGEM) wasused toassess the impactof sucha tax.All thecountrieswere grouped together as ‘the rest of the world’. Duringthe second phase, the global trade (GTAP) model of theCoPS was used to estimate the impact of the outcomeof the first phase (the impactof thegeneration taxon thedomesticeconomyofSouthAfrica)onworldtradeandSouthAfrica’s competitiveness. Phase 1 findings indicated thatthekeyvariables,suchasemploymentandGDP, respondbetterunderageneralincreaseingovernmentexpenditurethan an increase in investment. Inflation, however, reactsmore negatively and the reduction in emissions is slightlyless when the revenue is recycled through an increasein government expenditure than through an increase ininvestment.Whenconsideringrecyclingtherevenuethroughincreased government expenditure, it is possible to get atripledividend:adeclineinemissions,anincreaseinGDPand employment and, as an added bonus, an increase inhouseholdconsumption.Thesebenefits,however,comeatacostofanet increase in inflation,an increase in importsandareductioninexports.ThefindingsofPhase2indicatedthatifSouthAfricaweretounilaterallydecidetoincreaseitselectricitytariffby10percent,thecountry’sneighboursandtradingpartners’GDPwouldimprovemarginally.TheincreaseinGDPvariesbetweenclose to zeroand0.0171percent. IthastobekeptthislowbecauseitwillturntradeawayfromSouthAfrica toothercountries.Should theothercountries

bear these costs.The industries and final consumers thatface higher increases are obviously worse off than theones that receive lower increases. The former industriesexperienceagreaternegativeeffectthaninthecasewhereallindustriesaresubjectedtothesamepriceincrease.Whenforeign consumers pay less for electricity than domesticones,domesticconsumersendupcross-subsidisingthem.In general, exports and foreign markets determine whattheindustryresultswillbewhenelectricitypricesincrease.Theeffectonthetermsoftradeandbalanceofpaymentsisimportant.Export-drivensectorsareparticularlyvulnerabletoanelectricitypricehike.Somesectors,liketheironandsteelindustry,areparticularlysensitivetoachangeinelectricityprices.As electricity constitutes a large proportion of their

The price of coal influences the electricity price.

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decide to introducea10percentelectricitygeneration tax,while SouthAfrica doesn’t, it will cause them to contract,which will have a detrimental effect on the SouthAfricaneconomy. Should SouthAfrica also introduce such a tax,the effect will beworse thanwhen the other countries dosoontheirown.Thisistobeexpected,since,intheGTAPmodel,itisnotpossibletorecycletaxrevenuetothevarioussectors,sothetaxisrevenuelostoutofthesystem.Ineffect,thescenariosand resultspresented reflect theworst-casescenarios.ThepositiveoutcomeofthesetaxesisthatCO2 emissionswilldecline.Itshouldbenoted,however,thatthegeneralimpactontheeconomyisverysmall.

Prof JH van Heerden+27 12 420 [email protected]

Evaluating the impact of land redistribution in Zimbabwe

In this study, a counterfactual picture is sketched of whatcouldhavehappened,had land reform inZimbabwebeenhandled in a different way. The researchers used a CGEmodelcoupledwithamicrosimulationmodeltoquantifytheimpactof land redistribution in termsofpoverty, inequalityandproduction.Theresultsforthelandreformsimulationsshowedthatthereformcouldhavehadthepotentialofgen-eratingsubstantialreductionsinpovertyandinequalityintheruralareas.Thewealthierhouseholds,however,wouldhaveseenaslightreductionintheirwelfare.Whatunderpinthesepositive outcomes are the complementary adjustments inthe fiscal deficit andexternal balance, elements thatweregenerallylackingfromthewayZimbabwe’slandreformwasactuallyexecuted.Theseresults tend tosuggest thatwell-plannedandexecutedlandreformcanstillplayanimportantroleinreducingpovertyandinequality.

Agricultural trade reform in South Africa

Theresearchersmadeuseof theAgriculturalTradePolicySimulationModel(ATPSM)oftheUnitedNationsConferenceon Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to investigate theimpact of agricultural trade reform in South Africa. Theystarted off by capturing the magnitude of the economicimpactofglobalagriculturaltradereforminSouthAfricaandthenproceededtolinktheeconomicimpactofthereforminSouthAfrica toagricultural reforms in theEuropeanUnion(EU).Trade reform focuses on substantial tariff reduction,although in the case of theEU scenarios, it also includesa reduction indomesticsupportandexportsubsidies.Theresults show that unilateral tariff reduction in the selectednumber of agricultural products amounts to welfare gainsofUS$21million.ThesegainsarethreetimeshigherwhenaccompaniedbyextensivereformsintheEU.

Prof M Mabugu +27 12 420 [email protected]

Financial Management

The appropriateness of discount rates

TheDepartmentofFinancialManagement, incollaborationwithtwoexternaleconomists,MrChristoLuusandDrDawieMullins,conductedastudytoevaluatetheappropriatenessof discount rates used by the Development Bank ofSouthernAfrica (DBSA) for the purpose of a cost-benefitanalysiswhenevaluatingprojects.Theaimofacost-benefitanalysis is to determine whether a project is desirablefrom a social welfare perspective bymeans of the use ofthe time-discounted economic costs and benefits of aproject.Acriticalassumptionofcost-benefitanalysts isthediscount rate – usually referred to as the social discount

Agricultural trade reform focuses on substantial tariff reduction.


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rate – because economic benefits and costs derivedfroma project are seen to have amore direct bearing onsociety and consumers, compared to owners of capitalwho normally use a financial discount rate (hurdle rate).Thefindingsshowed thatestimates for thesocialdiscountrate inSouthAfrica,basedon theoretical formulationsandinternationalempiricalreview,varybetween8.4percentand9.6 percent.The current rate of 8 percent that is used bytheDBSAshouldthereforebeadjustedupwards,indicatingthatthecurrentpresentvalueofdiscountedfuturevaluesistoolow.Itisthereforeimpliedthatthediscountedmonetaryvalueofbenefitsshouldactuallybeinflated,whichwillaffectincreasedlevelsofapprovalforinvestmentlending.

Prof E Oost+27 12 420 [email protected]

Marketing and Communication Management

Afrikaans marketing campaigns

TheaimofthisstudywastodetermineAfrikaans-speakingconsumers’ attitudes and perceptions regarding Afrikaansadvertising campaigns. The researcher found that urbanAfrikaans-speaking consumers have a positive attitudetowards Afrikaans marketing campaigns and prefer themto English campaigns. However, they are unlikely to beassertive regarding Afrikaans marketing campaigns. Theresults also showed that female respondents were morepositive regarding the use of Afrikaans, have a greaterpreferenceandaremore likely tobeassertivewith regardtotheuseofAfrikaans inmarketingcampaigns, thanmalerespondents. In addition, the results showed that whereservicesandcontractstaffareconcerned,urbanAfrikaans-speakingconsumerspreferAfrikaansmarketingcampaignsbyfar.Thestudyconcludedthatcompaniesthatwanttobuilda relationship with urban Afrikaans-speaking consumersmustcommunicatewith this targetgroup in theirpreferredlanguage.

Ms JY Slippers+27 12 420 [email protected]

Marketing Management

A higher education marketing perspective

The South African higher education sector is currentlyfacing many challenges. Factors such as a decrease ingovernment funding, increased competition, broadeningaccess,mergersandstudentunrestcompelhighereducationinstitutionstoapplyeffectivestrategiesfortherecruitmentofqualitystudents. Inorder tobe locally relevantandgloballycompetitive, higher education institutions need to becomemoremarketing-oriented.Inarestrictedfinancialenvironment,highereducationinstitutionswillhavetoassessandreassessmarketing strategies aimed at attracting quality first-yearstudents.Aproperassessmentoftheimportanceofthechoice

factorsstudentsconsiderwhenselectingahighereducationinstitution, as well as the usefulness of the informationsources they consider, will enable institutions to allocatefunds,timeandresourcesmoreefficientlyandeffectively.Thefindings of the research indicated that some choice factorsweremoreimportanttostudentsthanothers.Studentsfromdifferentgendergroups,ethnicgroups,languagegroupsandinstitutions also differed in the importance they attached tothe choice factors. The top ten choice factors respondentsregardedasimportantintheselectionofahighereducationinstitution were quality of teaching, employment prospects(possible job opportunities), campus safety and security,academic facilities (libraries and laboratories), internationallinks (study and job opportunities), language policy, imageof the higher education institution, flexible study mode(eveningclassesanduseofcomputers),academicreputation(prestige)andawidechoiceofsubjects/courses.Thefindingsalsorevealedthatinformationobtaineddirectlyfromahighereducationinstitution,suchasatopendaysandcampusvisits,andfromuniversitypublicationsandwebsites,arethemostusefultostudents,whileinformationobtainedfromthemassmedia,suchasradio,television,magazinesandnewspaperadvertisements,arenotregardedasuseful.

Dr M Wiese+ 27 12 420 [email protected]

Information obtained directly at open days is most useful to students.

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Taxation

The progress of SARS on its service quality journey

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) introducedits Service Charter in 2005, to be fully effective from thebeginningofthe2008taxyear.Theintentionofthischarteristosetspecificservicedeliverytargets,whichSARSaimstoachieve.To get an indication of the progressmadebySARSon its servicequality journey, a questionnairewassentouttotaxpractitioners(professionalaccountantsandbookkeepers)registeredwiththeSouthAfricanInstituteofCharteredAccountants(SAICA),theSouthAfricanInstituteofProfessionalAccountants (SAIPA)or theSouthAfricanInstitute of Certified Bookkeepers (SAICB), with the aimofestablishing theirperceptionsabout theservicequalityof certain servicesmentioned in the Service Charter.Anelectronic Internet-based questionnaire was selected asthe research instrument for conducting the research.Thequestionnairewasdevelopedbya teamconsistingof theWorldBanksurveyexpertsandaSouthAfricanconsultant(a senior lecturer in the Department of Taxation at theUniversity of Pretoria). The results of these perceptionsweremadeavailable toSARS.SARS introduced reformstoaddressmostof theareas in theServiceCharter (andthe acts) that proved to be problematic from the surveyresults. Only in respect of the following areas werereforms not specifically introduced: receipt of an incomeand employee’s tax registration number, attendance totaxpayer by SARS if no appointment wasmade and thenumberofcallsbeforeaquerywassufficientlyaddressed.Where reforms were introduced, the following areas arethose where the reform initiatives only partly solved theshortcomingofSARSas found in the survey: processingataxreturnduringoff-peakperiods,respondingtowrittencorrespondenceandansweringtelephonecallsbySARS.Both these areas, that is, those where no reforms wereintroducedand thosewhere reformswere introducedbutwhich only partially solved the problem, should provideSARS with good justification for motivating the areas onwhich it will be focusing its attention in respect of futurereforminitiatives.

Ms Sharon Smulders+27 12 420 [email protected]

School of Public Management and Administration

Social science contribution to appreciative inquiry: the case for public administration

This study investigated the merits of multi-site qualitativeresearch methodologies in public administration, based oncondensedfieldresearchoractionresearchworkasamethodof conducting applied research. The study further examined‘new’ qualitative research avenues in public administrationneededforcriticalthinkingwithrespecttoconceptuallysoundand triangulated methodological paradigms in conducting

research.Itcircumventstoexploretheviabilityandpossibilityoftheapplicationofavarietyofnon-traditionalapproaches,whichcoulddirectlyimpactontheroleofsubjectivityandconsensusinqualitativeresearchmethodologies.Furthermore,itaddressesthe issues of ethics, including the collaboration betweeninternalandexternalresearchers,validity,generalisabilityandreliability,andtheutilisationofsuchresearchfindings.Finally,thestudyshowedthat,fromasynopticresearchoverviewwithrespect to one’s perceived construction of qualitative reality,suchanapproachcouldbedependenton themethodsofaparadigmaticengagement,whichmaybeemployed forsuchresearch purposes. Qualitative research methodologies,in particular, can give insight into what is happening on anequal playing field, and it is expected to reveal unintendedconsequences of an innovation or programme. A multi-sitecase study research design is appropriate whenever policy-makers need an up-to-date understanding of a situation forthedeterminationofthemostexpedientpolicyimplementationstrategy. Qualitative research in respect of policy-orientedstudies has, above all, a concern with process, as well asoutcome. It has the capacity to reflect the subjective realityof thepeoplebeingstudiedandtoprovidedescriptivedetail,which makes situations comprehensible. The researcherfoundthatonearena,whichisalwaysidentifiedasapotentialsourceof innovation, is thefieldofpublicadministrationandmanagement. In the face of apparently intractable social,political and economic problems, there have been repeatedcalls for academics and practitioners in the discipline tobecomemore relevantandaddress the immediate issuesofpublic concern and interest. The researcher suggested thatthe discipline of public administration and management, in

Prof Jerry Kuye, Director of the School of Public Management and Administration, examined the contribution of social science in public administration.


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promotingscholarship,shouldnotignorethefiscalstructureinwhich public services are delivered.The discipline of publicadministration, in its search for research excellence, mustaddresstheissuesofperformanceandservicedelivery.Inthequesttoredefinepublicmanagementtheory,onemustmovefromageneralisedstudyapproachofthenormsandvaluesinpublicsectororganisations toone thataddresses the issuesofthedeliveryofpublicgoodsandservicesinanarticulatedmanner enhanced by adequate research and intellectualsubstance.Theresearcherrecommendedthatdifferentgroupsof researchers must have the methodological freedom toutilisedifferenttheoreticalapproachesintheappliedconductof research and that each should have its peculiarity in anattempt to forgenewparadigmaticenquiries in thequest fornewdiscoveries.Thestudyalsoemphasisesthatnoapproachcan hope tomonopolise the pursuit of intellectual truth andalacrity.

Prof J Kuye +27 12 420 [email protected]

Expanding integrated service delivery

The researchers explored the impact of leadership toovercome organisational cultural differences and examinedthe critical success factors (governance and accountability)crucial to bridge the challenges posed to integrated servicedelivery.Theyfoundthatglobaldeconcentrationofeconomicactivities has extended local governments’ availableresources. However, it also resulted in increased pressureon government to perform more effectively and efficiently.In addition, the strengthening of government’s reach fromcentraltolocalspheresofgovernmenthasbecomeacriticalelement in achieving success, not only in findingways thatsupport national unification and democratisation, but alsoto realise greater efficiency and equity in the use of publicresources with the purpose of introducing participativegovernance. Decentralisation forms an overarching framework to execute government’s ideologies. The impact ofideologies on the architecture of governance and stateinterventions therefore translatesdirectly intodifferent formsof cooperation and collective decision-making. Providingpublic services through a single window (one-stop delivery,access, clustering and multiple service channels) becomesthemainobjectiveanddemandsaframeworkthat isabletocrosstraditionalboundariesof jurisdictiontowardsintegratedservicedeliveryoutcomes.Organisationalculturedifferencesareaprincipalchallengeinbridgingopportunitiesforintegratedservicedelivery,mainlybecausedepartmentsprefer toworkin silos instead of partnering with each other, which oftencomplicates partnerships due to the absence of a commonvision.Theresearchersconcludedthatintheattainmentofaseamlessapproach,anewcollectivevision,underscoredbydecentralisedapproaches,mustbealignedwithgovernanceand accountability structures in order to increase access,choiceandcitizenengagement.

Prof DJ Fourie+27 12 420 [email protected]

Tourism Management

The use of mobile technology in the airline industry

The aim of this project was to investigate whether or notconsumers were ‘ready’ to interface with airlines via theirmobile devices. Previous studies focused mainly on thedevelopment and applications of mobile technology invariousenvironments.Lessattentionwaspaid tostudiesonhowcustomersperceive their valueandsignificance. In thisproject, the researcher focusedon theneedsofconsumers.The concept of consumer- readiness was conceptualisedandthephasesofthetravelactivitychain,asitrelatestoanairline’s communication with air travellers, was identified. Amultidimensional measure was developed, based on thosefactorsinfluencingconsumeradoptionandtheuseofmobiledevices with customers’ benefit and sacrifice-related beliefsforming the foundation of value maximisation. The findingsindicatedthatconsumers’mobilereadinessisdirectlyrelatedtotheirperceptionofthevalueofreceivinginformationormakingbookingsontheirmobiledevices,andthatcertainpredictors,suchasthepurposeandfrequencyof travel,aresignificant.Demographiccharacteristics,suchaslevelofqualificationandage,werefoundtobepredictorsofmobilereadiness,withsomeresults being contrary toexpectation.This research showedthatmobilereadinesscannotbegeneralisedtoairtravellersasawholeoreventoallcustomersofoneparticularairline.Threebroad issuesmust be considered: the characteristics of themarket,demographicsand travelpatterns, thestages in thetravelactivitychainandthevalueperceptionoftravellers.

Prof B Lubbe+27 12 420 [email protected]

A model for travel policy compliance in South Africa

Thisstudyshednew lightoncorporate travelmanagement.TheresearcherconstructedamodelforcorporatetravelpolicycomplianceinSouthAfrica,provingthatnon-compliancecanbesignificantlylinkedtocertainfactors,termedcorporateandpersonal. Using a multinomial logistic regression modellingtechnique,thepredictivevalueofthemodelwasestablished.The model showed that travel policy non-compliance inorganisations needs to be viewed at a much deeper levelthanpreviouslyconsideredwithcorporatefactors,suchasanineffectivetravelpolicy,lackofcontrolmeasuresandperceivedorganisational injustice, having a significant influence onpolicy compliance. Personal factors, such as self-interest,alsoimpactsignificantlyonpolicycompliance.Withthisstudy,the researcher proved that compliance with the corporatetravelpolicycouldbeimprovedthroughtheimplementationofthetestedmodel.Themodelmadeasignificantcontributiontothesubjectfield,asitisthefirstofitskindtomeasuretheimpactoffactorsnotpreviouslyidentified.

Ms A Douglas+27 12 420 [email protected]

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The Faculty of Education is fully committed to growing the exceptional talent of young people and students in education. It is embracing the many challenges of delivering educators, researchers and critical thinkers who can make real contributions in the education sector: nationally, as well as in the global context.


EducationhasahighpriorityinSouthAfricaatthemoment.Weareatajuncture,likenowherebefore,whereitiscrucialforresearchers,policy-makers,educationistsandpractitionerstoworktogethertostrengthenthecapacitiesthatareavailablein theeducationsystem,butalso toaddress thenumerouschallengesthatwefaceineducation.

Thechallengesareconsiderable.Theseincludethedemandsoneducators,learners’alarmingliteracyandnumeracyskills,thequalificationsofeducators,andHIVandAIDS.However,whileitisimportanttoacknowledgethesechallenges,wealsoneedtorecognisethedebilitatingeffectofcontinuednegativediscourses around education. Educational realities areconstructedandcontestedthroughthenarrativeswecreateandthestorieswechoosetoplaceontheforeground.

Inthisregard,itisnoteworthythatsomeofthebesteducationalresearchersonthecontinentofAfricamaketheUniversityofPretoria’sFacultyofEducationtheirhome.Consequently,thisis where one will find the leading studies on education lawand policy, foundation phase education, literacy, numeracy,mathematics and science education, multilingualism, socialjustice, narrative career counselling, positive psychology,and the training of teachers in music and art. A significantnumberofthefaculty’sstaffmembershavebeenratedbytheNRF,andthefacultyiswellknownforthemanynationalandinternationalaccoladesthatareawardedtoitsacademicsonaregularbasis.

During2008,thefacultywasrestructuredinordertorespondto thegrowingneedsofquality teachereducation inSouthAfricaandtoexpandtheknowledgecreationthatispursuedviaresearch.Attheendoftheyear,thenewapplicationsforfirst-timestudents in the facultyhadmore than tripled.Thefacultycontinuedtoseekouttherobustconnectionsbetweenresearch, teaching and learning, as well as communityengagement. Research is viewed as integrally linked topractice,andsocialresponsibilityisingrainedinalltheworkthatisdone.Thefacultyvaluesdeep-seatedrelationshipsinthe educational, psychological and policy environments inwhichresearchisconducted.

Researchers in the faculty published more than ten booksduring2008.These ranged fromfirst-ratescholarlybooks toaccessibletextsthateasetheworkofeducatorsandcommunityleaders. The themes ranged from classroom literacy todesigningone’sfirstresearchproposal.Ordersforthesebooksondiversity,educationalchange,peopleleadership,outcomes-based assessment, technology in the foundation phase,

English language teachingandliteracyinthefoundationphase were placed evenbeforetheywentintoprint.

The faculty’s cadre ofresearchersisleadingsomeof the largest funded re-searchprojectsinSouthernAfrica.Theseindividualsarealso aligning their researchgoals with intensifiedcapacity development byinvesting in young andupcoming researchers. TheCentre for Evaluation andAssessment (CEA) is conducting more than 25 researchprojects.Theseprojectsenjoyinternationalacclaim.ThenewlyestablishedUnit forEducationalResearch inAIDS (ERA) iscreatingpartnershipsinHIVresearchacrossSouthAfrica.

Continuinganestablishedtraditionofdeliveringhigh-qualitypostgraduate students annually, numerous master’s andPhDstudentscompleted their studies in the facultyduring2008. These studies are often quoted internationally andstudentsareinvitedtopresenttheirfindingstonationalandinternationalforumsonaregularbasis.Thefacultymaintainsagrowingstreamofexceptional internationalpostgraduatestudents from Kenya, Nigeria, Namibia, Mozambique, theUSAandEurope.

TheUniversity’sFacultyofEducation is fully committed togrowingtheexceptionaltalentofyoungpeopleandstudentsineducation.Itisembracingthemanychallengesofdeliveringeducators, researchersandcritical thinkerswhocanmakerealcontributionsintheeducationsector:nationally,aswellasintheglobalcontext.

Prof Irma EloffDean

6.2 Faculty of Education

Prof Irma Eloff, Dean

Groenkloof Campus, the home of the Faculty of Education


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Research highlights

Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Development agencies and disabilities

In spite of areas of disagreement and, in particular, thechallenge of the lowpriority assigned to disability bymanydevelopmentagencies,therewouldappeartobeabasisforcloser cooperation between the development and disabilitysectors, although this would require a more systematicapproach to mainstreaming disability in development. Theaimofthisresearchprojectwastoassesstheextenttowhichdisabilityhasbeen included indevelopment inSouthAfricaand to explore the opportunities, constraints and potentialstrategiesformainstreamingdisabilityindevelopment.Towardsthisend,interviewswereconductedwiththerepresentativesof32disabilityanddevelopmentagenciescurrentlyoperatinginSouthAfrica.Thesurveyshowedthatwhiletherewassomeunderstandingbydevelopmentagenciesoftherelevanceofdisabilitytodevelopment,itwasclearonanumberoflevelsthatthemajorityofdevelopmentagenciesoperatinginSouthAfricadidnotplaceahighpriorityondisability.Developmentagenciesrepeatedlyrateddisabilityasalowerprioritythanthedisabledpeoples’organisations (DPOs) rateddevelopment.However, there were also a number of positive signs inrelation to the integration of disability in development. Halfofthedevelopmentagenciesand80percentoftheDPOsinthis studywereengaged inprojects that includedelementsofbothdisabilityanddevelopment.Inaddition,66percentofthe development agencies interviewed had formal policiesor position papers relating to disability and development.

The study also indicated fairly extensive contact betweenthe development anddisability sectors.On the other hand,therewereclearindicationsthatinmanycases,policiesandguidelines developed at the central level by internationalorganisations had not filtered down to staff working at thecountryorregionallevel.Furthermore,themajorityofprojectsin the development sector specifically targeted people withdisabilities, rather than making provision for people withdisabilities inmore general development projects. Inclusiveapproaches to development were more apparent in thedisability sector, where a number of projects included bothdisabled and non-disabled people or aimed to encouragepartnerships between the two. In terms of orientation todisability and development, there were both indications ofcommongroundanddifferencesbetweenthetwosectors.Forexample,disabilitywasmostcommonlycharacterisedbybothsectors as a human rights issue,with 75 percent ofDPOsand 50 percent of development agencies seeing disabilityas a human rights issue. This overlap in the emphasison human rights could play an important role in facilitatingunderstandingbetweenthetwosectors,particularlyasright-basedapproachestodevelopmenthavegainedconsiderableground in recent years. These and other findings of thesurveywere assessed against the background of evidencethatpovertyanddisabilityarestronglyrelatedtooneanotherinSouthAfrica,as inotherpartsof theworld,and that thecombination of disabilitywith other social inequalities, suchas gender and race, can create extreme vulnerability andexclusion.

Prof E Alant+27 12 420 [email protected]

Prof Erna Alant (far right) of the Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication conducts research to help communication-impaired individuals to adapt to society.

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Curriculum studies

Changing education in South Africa

In the process of changing education in South Africa, nosignificantattemptshavebeenmadetoexplorethebeliefsandroleperceptions thatstudent teachersholdofaprofessionaleducator.Inanefforttobroadentheviewsofteachereducatorsontheexistingdeep-seatedpersonalbeliefsandimagesthatpre-serviceteachersbroughtintoanexperience-richone-yearPostgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) programme,the researchers isolated the perceptions that pre-serviceteachersheldofteacherrolesasanindicatorofprofessionaldevelopment. Research on professional growth that wasconductedintheearly1990sshowedthatthepersonalbeliefsandimagesthatpre-servicecandidatesbringtoprogrammesof teacher education usually remain inflexible. Candidatestendtousetheinformationprovidedincourseworktoconfirmratherthantoconfrontandcorrecttheirpre-existingbeliefs.Acandidate’spersonalbeliefsand images thereforedeterminehow much knowledge the candidate acquires from a pre-service programme and how it is interpreted. In the currentstudy,dataregardingthestudentteachers’perceptionsoftheirroles were obtained using visual image collages that eachstudent teacher had to construct individually. Each studentteacher had to explain his/her collage to the interviewer inanopen-endedstyle.Thepurposeofthecollagewastoelicitdeepreflection,innerexploration,anticipationandvisioningbythestudentteachertoensurethatrichandthickexplanationsemergedasdata.Theresearcherfoundthat96percentoftheprospectiveteachersexplicitlyimportedtheconceptofmultipleroles,which theysee themselvesperforming in thecomplexclassroomsoftheknowledgeera.Approximately70percentofthestudentsconveyedideasofnurturingandcaringbymeansofthemetaphorofbeinga‘mother’tolearners.Theytypicallysaid:“Aschoolisasafehavenandonlyplaceofsecurityformanychildrenfrombrokenfamilies.”ThepresenceofinclusionandtheteachingofchildrenwithHIVandAIDSwerestronglypresentedasreasonsfortheroleofcaring.Thefactthatmanychildren would be orphans, due to parents dying from HIV/AIDS,wasanotherreasonforreferringtothemothermetaphor.Thethirdmostpopularrolemanifestation(68percent)wasthatof a knowledge provider enacted as a facilitator of learning.Prospective teachers concluded that their role would be “toteach learnershow toaccessandevaluate thequalityofalltheavailable information”andnot toonly lecture thesubjectcontent.Therefore,theysaidthattheirrolehadchangedfrom

thatof‘sageonthestage’to‘guideontheside’andthatnewkindsof(power)relationshipshavetobeforgedwiththeirlearners.

Prof A Hattingh+27 420 [email protected]

Narrative career counselling

ProfKobusMareeconductedresearchonpostmodernnarrativecareercounsellinginseveralschoolsinGauteng,Mpumalanga,NorthWestandLimpopo.Hewasalso involved indesigninga combined qualitative/quantitative narrative to evaluate andassesslearnerswithaviewtoadministeringcareercounsellingin collaboration with co-researchers, some of whom areinternationalexpertsinthisfield.Inadministeringthispostmodernapproach to the career counselling process, the researchersviewedlearnersasactiveagentsintheirpersonaldevelopment.Theoverridingaimoftheresearchwastodevelopanarrativethatcanbeused tohelp learnersmakewell-informedcareerchoices.Theneedforaconcisenarrativetohelpdisadvantagedschool-leaving learners to choose their future careers in arelatively short space of time cannot be overemphasised.Learnerswho tookpart in theprogrammewereexceptionallykeentoparticipate.Theteammadeanumberoffindings.Thereappearstobeadireneedinallschoolsforcareercounselling.Even in 2009, very few schools have access to state-of-the-art career counselling services. Disadvantaged schools, inparticular, are receiving the short end of the stick and havelimitedaccesstothese(oftenoverly)expensiveservices.Thereappearstobeadireneedinallschoolsfor‘other’assessmentinstruments than the traditional test-and-tell instruments. Thecareerinterestandbroadpersonalityprofilesofdisadvantagedlearners,inparticular,simplycannotbeestablishedbyusingonly‘positivist’assessmentinstruments.Astoriedapproachtocareercounsellinglendsitselfsuperblytodeterminingtheselearners’profiles. The notion of adaptability needs to be facilitated ineveryclassroom.Thelogisticsinvolvedneedaseriousrethink.Itisimperativetoadaptqualitativeassessmentinstrumentsin(South)Africanconditions.Furthermore,itisessentialtoadaptassessmentinstrumentsforuseinallschoolsbyteacherswithall learners(andnotonlyasmallpercentageoflearnersfromaffluentenvironments).Itisimperativetodevelopcareerinterestandpersonalityassessmentinstrumentsthatwillnottakeoverlylongtocompleteandthatcanbeinterpretedby,forexample,teachersinLifeOrientation.ToomanylearnersexitfromGrade12 with littleornoideaastowheretheyareheading.Someare


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notevenequippedwiththemostbasicinformationtohelpthemmakeinformedchoices.Thiscontributessignificantlytothehighdrop-outrateattertiaryinstitutions.

Prof JG Maree+27 12 420 [email protected]

Education Management and Policy Studies

In search of best practice

ThisresearchprojectexploredissuesofbestpracticeinsomeSouth African desegregated schools. The research foundthatdespiteanumberofongoingchallengestoinnovation,agrowing number of schoolmanagers, teachers and parentsaregrapplingwith issuesofdiversityand inequality inwaysthatprovidethepossibility forchanging institutionalcultures.Anumberofotherfindingswerealsomade.Insixofthenineschools,thelearnerpopulationhadbecomequitediverse,withfairlyhighnumbersoflearnersfrompreviouslydisadvantagedschools. In contrast, the profile of the teaching staff wasvirtually unaltered,with high percentages ofwhite teachers.Approximately 78 percent of the respondents indicatedthat their schoolsdidnotdiscriminateandweresensitive tolearners’ racial and cultural backgrounds.Approximately 60percent of the teachers indicated that they used materialsthatwereinclusive.Approximately80percentoftheteacherssuggestedthattrainingaboutteachingindiverseclassroomsmakesaconsiderabledifferenceindesegregatedschools.

Prof M Nkomo+27 12 420 [email protected]

Educational Psychology

Enhancing teachers’ psychosocial capacity

The aim of this research project was to assist teachers intheir pastoral role by providing themwith psychosocial careand facilitating support skills training.Theproject ranoverathree-yearperiodinschoolsinMpumalanga,GautengandtheEasternCape. Psychosocial support addresses the ongoingpsychologicalandsocialproblemsofHIV-infectedindividuals,theirchildrenandthecommunityatlarge.Psychosocialskills

interventionsremainedcommunity-basedtoprovideteacherswithcapacity tosupportchildren in theschool (asa familiar,social,culturalandethnicenvironmentthatreducesdistress).Preliminaryfindingsindicatethatteachersusetheasset-basedapproach in psychosocial support in the realm of HIV andAIDSasacost-effectivewaytoidentifyandmobiliseexistingstrengthsandresources,toencouragesynergyamongsimilarprojectsbydevelopingstrategies toexpandonexistingcareand support initiatives, and to transfer their skills to otherschoolsthrougha‘buddyschool’interventiontoestablishcareandsupportinitiatives.

Strengthening career development in a rural school

This action research project annually targets 120 Grade 9learners and one group of MEd (Educational Psychology)students. The motivation for the partnership is based onsharing capacity.The staff and students of theUniversity ofPretoriastrivetoprovidemuch-needededucationalpsychologysupport to the school and the children.The school providesa forum inwhichstudentscanbecomeawareof their socialresponsibility and the broad scope of practice synonymouswith educational psychology on the one hand, while puttingintopracticetheirtheoreticalknowledgeinameaningfularena.Preliminary findings indicate that students applied asset-basedcareerfacilitationduringcareerguidancebyidentifying

Psychosocial intervention skills provide teachers with the capacity to support children in school.

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strengthsandbarriersinchildren,utilisingidentifiedstrengthsto address identified barriers by mobilising these identifiedstrengths,identifyingestablishednetworksforlearningsupportandcareerplanning,and facilitating theacquisitionofasset-based competencies (addressing problem-solving difficultiesby focusing on internal resources, external capacities andextending their social networks). Findings also indicate thatcurricular community engagement means that recipientpartners benefit (children benefited from current thinkingandresearchonchilddevelopment,copingstyles,academicachievement and career planning). Students in the projectbenefited because they experienced (and are subsequentlybetterpreparedfor)thelifeworldcharacteristicoftheirfutureworld of work. They had the opportunity to integrate theirtheoretical knowledge in ameaningful practical environmentandreportedincreasedconfidenceintheirabilitytocontributemeaningfullyaseducationalpsychologistsinthediverseSouthAfricanpopulation.

Prof L Ebersöhn+27 12 420 2337 [email protected]

Finding roses among thorns

Againstaburgeoningworldwidediscourseonthepsychologicaland emotional impact of HIV and AIDS on children’sdevelopment, the researcher conducted an empirical studytoexplorehowagroupoforphanedandvulnerablechildrenwhowere living inachildren’shomenegotiatedpathways towellbeingwhileaffectedbyHIVandAIDS.Theprojectaimedtoexplore,understandanddescribethephenomenonofwellbeingin the specific context of the child participants’ perspectives

of their life worlds. The studywas informed by a qualitativeand intrinsic casestudydesign inan interpretivist paradigm.The researcher utilised task-based participatory activities toguidetheinformalandconversationalinterviewswiththechildparticipantsas themaindatagenerationstrategy.Bymeansoftheconstructivist-groundedtheoryanalysisofthechildren’sexpressions,theresearchergainedinsightsthatinformedhisunderstandingof the children’s perceptions andexperiencesof wellbeing, risks, challenges and stressors in their lives.Findings indicated that thechildren in thestudyexperiencedrisks, challengesandstressorsarising frompersonal illness,stigma,discrimination,orphanhood,residentialcare,deathandbereavement.Thestudyalsorevealedthatthosechildrenwhoportrayedcharacteristicsofwellbeingandresilientadaptationutilised psychosocial coping mechanisms. In addition, theyweresupportedby theirpositive intrapersonalcharacteristicsand affirmative relationships that offered emotional andpsychosocial support in their environments. The findings ofthe study suggested that feelings of wellbeing, hope andoptimismmight have co-existedwith feelingsof despair andhopelessnessinthedailylivesofthechildren.Theresearcherrecommended that thewellbeingexperiencesof thechildrenin this studymayexistonacontinuumandmaydependonspecificevents,occasionsorincidentsonaday-to-daybasis.

Dr K Mohangi+27 12 420 5506 [email protected]

Experiences of abused women in shelters

ThisresearchprojectfocusedonninewomenattheSizananishelter for abused women. The participants were victims ofdomestic violence. Multiple case studies were conductedon victimsof domestic violenceandparticipants shared theirexperiences during interviews. The research found that theparticipantswereabusedbypeoplewhowerecloseandknownto them. Themain causes of violencewere the participants’refusal to have sex without using a condom, their refusal toallowtheabuserstohaveextra-maritalaffairs,theirrefusaltogive the perpetrators money to buy drugs, the perpetrators’demandsforsexanytimetheywanteditbecausetheyhadpaid‘lobola’, and theparticipants’ refusal to be isolated from theirfamiliesand relatives.All theparticipantsexperiencedverbal,emotional/psychological,physical,sexual,aswellasfinancialabuse.Accordingto theparticipants,beforetheycametotheshelters,theythoughttheywereworthless.Theyhaddevelopedlowself-esteemandmostofthemhadsuicidalthoughts.TwooftheparticipantsfoundoutthattheywereHIV-positive.Afterintensivecounsellingsessions,theyacceptedtheirstatusandare currently undergoing antiretroviral therapy. According totheparticipants, theywould like tobecounsellorsandadviseother women to identify the signs of abuse, to report abuseimmediately before it paralyses them, to break the silenceandtalkaboutit,toseekhelp,toquittheabusiveenvironmentimmediately,torefusetobeisolatedfromtheirsupportsystem,andtoacceptandlovethemselvesthewaytheyare.

Dr ME Moletsane+27 12 420 [email protected]

The University of Pretoria’s centenary rose was used as a theme throughout the year, and found expression in various aspects, including research with vulnerable children.

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Coping with HIV/AIDS

Thisongoingprojectexploresthesustainabilityofanactivistintervention research project that commenced in 2003 inan informal settlement community in the Eastern Cape.During the initial project, ten teachers became involved incommunity-based coping with HIV andAIDS by facilitatingthe processes of initiating a vegetable garden at school,providinginformationonHIVandAIDStothecommunityandsupportingcommunitymemberspsychosocially.Preliminaryfindings on the sustainability of these initiatives and theoutcomeoftheteacherstakingagencyandfulfillingaleadingrole in the manner in which the community is coping withHIVandAIDSindicatethattheoutcomesoftheinitialprojecthave been sustained and built upon in various manners.The three initialprojectsarestill running in thecommunity.In addition, the participating teachers, in collaborationwiththeschoolprincipal,have involved18volunteercommunitymembers (of which one receives a stipend) to assist inpsychosocially supporting community members copingwith HIV andAIDS. For this purpose, the school obtainedfunding to establish counselling facilities at the school andintroduced a system whereby the volunteer workers meetonceaweekpriortoprovidingtheirserviceinthecommunity.Furthermore, participating teachers relate the fact that theschool’s enrolment numbers have been steadily increasingsince the start of the initial project to the outcomes of theproject, resulting inmoreparents feelingcomfortableaboutbringingtheirchildrentotheschoolanddisclosingtheirHIVstatus.Basedontheenrolmentnumbers,allstaffmemberscould be retained for the past three years. Finally, the

participating teachers have continuously been focusing ontheestablishmentoffirmnetworksinsociety,resultinginthembeingabletoassistcommunitymemberswithfoodsuppliesonaregularbasisandprovidingguidanceonaspectssuchasapplicationproceduresforgovernmentgrants.

Impact of sudden loss on a family

Thisresearchprojectexploredthepotentialeffectsofsuddenloss of a sibling on the personality structures of bereavedindividuals.Forthispurpose,theMyersBriggsTypeIndicator(MBTI®) profiles of five nuclear family members werecomparedpriortoandfollowingthesuddenlossofoneofthesiblingsofthefamily.Inaddition,theresultsof16PersonalityFactors(16PF)profilesoftheparticipants’post-suddenlosswere incorporated.The findings of the study indicated thatcertain changes inpersonality structuresoccurred in termsofthepersonalitystructuresoftheparticipants.Pertainingtothe four polarities of theMBTI®, the participants displayedagreaterpreferencefortheintroversionattitude,aswellasboth the sensing and feeling functions, after experiencingsuddenloss.Allparticipantsdisplayedaninclinationtowardspersonalgrowthbymovingcloser to the judging/perceivingaxis post-sudden loss. In addition, two general tendenciescould be depicted among the participants: a greaterdependenceontheinferiorfunctionsandthetendencytorelyontypeexaggerationwhendealingwithsuddenloss.

Dr R Ferreira+27 12 420 [email protected]

A project to support people living with HIV/AIDS in communities included the initiation of vegetable gardens at schools.

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Research forms an integral part of the activities of the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. It informs and supports the teaching and community engagement activities over the spectrum of disciplines covered by the faculty.


Inanoverviewlikethis,itisnotpossibletosensiblyintroducealltheexcellentresearchundertakenin2008.Instead,somehighlights of the faculty’s research activities will illustratethebreadthoftopicsandthefocusonapplicationthatisahallmarkofthefaculty’sapproach.

Student participation and training in research was furtherdeveloped by the introduction ofmore credit for researchactivities, formal training in research methodology, thedevelopmentofaresearchmanagementtooltoencourageinteraction between students and supervisors, andencouragement of the public presentation of researchresultsbywayofpostersessionsatdepartmentallevel.

The intake of graduate students increased again in 2008and bodes well for the research outputs of the faculty,althoughthemajorityofstudentsstillstudypart-time.Thisisanencouragingindicationofthedemandforthefaculty’sstudents,butplacesadamperontherateatwhichresultsareproduced.Thechallengeforthefacultyistofindlevelsof support for research activities that will attract full-timestudents.

EncouragingdevelopmentsaretheDepartmentofScienceand Technology chairs in Artificial Intelligence, CarbonMaterials,FluorMaterialsScienceandProcess,theSentechChair in Broadband Communication, the multi-industrysponsorship of a Chair in Maintenance Engineering, thelocationoftheHubforEnergyEfficiencyandDemandSideManagement, sponsored by the South African NationalEnergy Research Institute (SANERI), and the Injection-enhanced Silicon inAvalanche (InSiAva) project on light-emitting diodes, where significant venture capital supportwasobtainedforthefurtherdevelopmentofthispromisingtechnologyforon-chipcommunication.

These, as well as existing and pending developments inresearch initiatives, bodewell for the future andhave thepotential to significantly increase the faculty’s researchoutputs.

Prof Roelf SandenberghDean

Research highlights

Institute of Applied Materials

Hydrotalcite: surfactant-assisted fatty acid intercalation of layered double hydroxides

ChamotteHoldingsrecentlystarted local production ofsynthetic hydrotalcite forPVC stabiliser applications.Synthetic hydrotalcites are also known as layered doublehydroxides. They are synthetic anionic clays with acompositionanalogoustothatofthemineralhydrotalcite.Thekeyfeatureoftheseclaysisthattheyhaveauniquelayeredstructure that allows the intercalation of guest moleculesand guest anions. Such intercalated materials belong tothe class of nanostructured materials. Their propertiesare determined by the nature and activity of the guestmolecules.Sincethechoiceofguest/intercalant isvirtuallylimitless, there is immense scope for tailoring these claysforawide rangeofapplications.Thedistinctiveproperties

6.3 Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology

Prof Roelf Sandenbergh, Dean

Engineering Building


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ofthesemodifiedlayereddoublehydroxidespermitawiderange of uses, including polymer additives, precursors forcatalystsandmagneticmaterials.Nanocompositescanbepreparedbyexfoliationinpolymermatrices.Theirgenerallynon-toxic nature and membrane-like structure can beharnessedtoprotect,carry,deliverandcontrollablyreleaseactivecompoundssuchaspesticides,pharmaceuticalsandeven genes. They can be used as absorbents to removecontaminants from water. Hydrotalcite-like anionic claysalready have existing applications. In medicine, they areutilisedasantacidsandantipeptins.Inpolymertechnology,theyfunctionashalogenscavengers,flameretardantsandPVCstabilisers.Theyareemployedascatalystsandcatalystsupportsandtheirabsorbentandionexchangepropertiesareof interest inwastewater treatment.Surfactant intercalatedlayered double hydroxides are of interest for a variety ofreasons.Hydrophobisationofthelayereddoublehydroxidesby ion exchange yields new types of thickening agents. Italsofacilitatessorptionofnonionicorganiccompounds,forexample,trichloroethyleneandtetrachloroethylene.

Polymer additives

A research project was undertaken that focuses on thesynthesis and modification of hydrotalcites as functionaladditives in polymers. In these applications, surfactantintercalated clays assist in the dispersion of nanoparticlesin the polymermatrix. Graduate students Edith Landman,NonteteNhlapoandLumbeMoyohavebeenstudying theintercalationofanionicsurfactantsandlong-chainfattyacidsinthesematerials.Theseresearchershavedevelopednovelandenvironmentallyfriendlyprocessesforintercalatingeitherlong-chainfattyacidsoranionicsurfactantsusingsurfactantor acid-assisted strategies. The stearic acid intercalationreaction is conducted at elevated temperatures with thelayereddoublehydroxide(LDH)powderasasuspensioninastearicacidoil-in-wateremulsion.Theacidicfattyacid,forexample,stearicacid,reactswiththebasiccarbonateanions.CO2isreleasedandthefattyacidisintercalatedasabilayer.Highconcentrationsofanionicornonionicsurfactants,thatis,sodiumdodecylsulfateorTween60,aidtheintercalationprocessbyemulsifying themoltenacidanddispersing thehydrotalciteparticles.Themethodisconvenient,economicalandenvironmentallyfriendly.Itemploysthereadilyavailablecarbonateformasstartingreagent.Waterisusedasamediumrather than organic solvents. Low reaction temperaturessuffice,thatis,calcinationsoftheclayaresuperfluousandthereisnoneedforworkingunderaCO2-freeatmosphere.Similarly, anionic surfactants are intercalated into thelayereddoublehydroxideswhenused in combinationwitha short chain carboxylic acid. Best results were obtainedusing water-soluble organic acids, for example, acetic,butyricorhexanoicacid,toaiddecarbonationofLDH-CO3.Intercalation proceeded at ambient temperatures with theprecursor powder suspended in an aqueous dispersion ofthe anionic surfactant. The carboxylic acids are believedto assist intercalation by facilitating the elimination of thecarbonate ionspresent in theanionicclaygalleries.Theseprocesses are currently employed to synthesise novelnanostructuredhydrotalcitesforuseinpharmaceuticalandpolymerapplications.

Effect of hydrated fillers and red phosphorus on the limiting oxygen index (LOI) of EVA-PVB and LDPE-EVAL blends

Polymers, or plastics as they aremore commonly known,find increasing use as structural and functional materials.Owing to their combustible, organic nature, they pose afireriskinsomeapplications.Hydratedfillers,forexample,aluminiumtrihydrateandmagnesiumhydroxide,haveutilityasflameretardants.Theybelongtotheclassofendothermicflameretardants.Thecandlemodelforpolymercombustionassumes independent pyrolysis and flame zones. Heattransfer fromtheflameprovidescouplingbetweenthegasand condensed phases. It drives the thermal degradationreactions thatproducevolatile fuel fragments that, in turn,feedtheflame.Thismodelsuggeststhreepossiblestrategiesfor flame-proofing combustible polymers: interferencewiththegasphasecombustionandwiththesubstratepyrolysisreactionsor theirdecouplingviaaphysicalbarrier toheatand mass transport. With endothermic flame retardants,this may correspond to the cooling of the substrate andpromotionofcharring,dilutionoftheflammablegaswithinertgasesand,potentially,theformationofanash-charbarrierlayer.Endothermicflameretardantscontributesignificantlyto the first two flame retardancy mechanisms mentionedabove. The endothermic decomposition reaction releaseswatervapour.Thecoolingofthepolymersubstrateinhibitsthe solid phase decomposition reactions. Simultaneously,thesteamreleaseddilutesthesurroundingatmospherewithan inertgas.This reduces the rateof fuelproduction fromthe solid substrate and decreases the rate of combustionin the gas phase. The end result is that the flames aresnuffedout.Theuseoftheseflameretardantsisassociatedwith some problems. In particular, on decompositionmagnesium,hydroxideformsahighsurfacearea,powderyresidue that tends to catalyse oxidation of char residues,leading toanaftergloweffect.Asa result,effectivebarrierformation is realised only when additional additives areincorporated. Secondly, high loadings are required toachieveadequateflameresistance.Thisimpairsthefluidityof the correspondingmelts and themechanical propertiesof thesolidcompounds.Thehydrophilicnatureof thefillersurfacesfurthercompromisesmechanicalintegrity.Surfacecoatingmodificationscancompatibiliseinorganicfillerswithhydrophobicpolymermatrices.Stearicacid iswidelyusedforbasicfillerssuchascalciumcarbonateandmagnesiumhydroxide.

Research to improve the performance of hydrated fillers

The Institute ofApplied Materials conducted research incollaboration with the Institute of Polymer Research inDresden,Germany,inanattempttoimprovetheperformanceofhydratedfillers in low-densitypolyethylene(LDPE)andethylene-vinylacetatecopolymer(EVA).Thesetwopolymersarewidelyusedascablesheathingcompoundsforcablesused inundergroundmining thatmustbeflame-retarded.Inthiswork,thelimitingoxygenindex(LOI)wasusedasameasureofflammability.CablespecificationoftencallsforanLOIvaluegreater than30.The researchstrategyhad

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twoaspects.First,theuseofredphosphorusasafterglowsuppressantandassynergistforthebaseinorganicflameretardantwasconsidered.Secondly,theutilityofblendingthepolyethyleneor theEVAwithotherpolymerscarryinghydroxyl functionality was investigated. Hydroxyl groupsareknown toaidchar formationbydehydration reactionswith phosphorus compounds. The key findings of thisresearchwerethatthecombinationofredphosphorusandhydroxyl-containing polymers had a beneficial effect withrespect to LOI values in alumina trihydrate (ATH)-filledblends.AnLOIvalueof30wasachievedinethylene-vinylalcoholcopolymers(EVOH)withaslittleas32percentATHand3percent redphosphorus.These loadingsaremuchlowerthanthe>60percentrequiredwhenATHisusedonitsown.Themainadvantageisthatcompoundscontainingless filler are easier to process and also feature bettermechanicalproperties.

Prof WW Focke+27 12 420 [email protected]

Institute for Technological Innovation

Where are our universities going?

Globally, the classification and ratings of universities arebasedmainlyonaninstitution’sresearchproductivity.Overthelastdecadeinparticular,SouthAfricahasexperiencedanincreasingskillsshortage,makingtheneedfornewandappropriately qualifiedgraduatesapriority for thenation.In 1991, ProfAnastassiosPouris examined the trends in

theoutputofscienceandartsgraduatesatSouthAfricanuniversities between 1984 and 1988. His conclusionwas that SouthAfrica had no ‘technological’ or ‘general’universities.In2008,thestudywasrepeated,followingthesamemethodsusedintheoriginalstudy,butcoveringtheperiod from2000 to 2006.The conclusions of the repeatstudywere very similar to those of the 1991 study, eventhough the South African government had adopted apolicyaimedatproducingmoregraduatesinthesciences.The researchers examined the policy implications of thecurrentfundingformulaeforuniversitiesandproposedthatgovernment revises its funding formulae and introducesweightingsthatgivepreferentialsupporttothedisciplinesto be prioritised. This can be done by adopting a two-pronged approach if government wants to exert a moreconstructive influence and increase the numbers ofstudents in different scientific disciplines graduating fromSouthAfrican universities. The first prong is to negotiatewith selected institutions that are prepared to meetspecifiedgraduate targets in theprioritydisciplines (suchasengineering).Additional resources should beprovidedto these institutions after deciding on mutually agreedupontargets.Thesecondprongistointroducecoefficientsthat support the priority disciplines in all aspects of thefunding formulae (forexample, as theyaffect institutionalfactors and research outputs). Such a policy will send aclearmessagetouniversitiesthatgovernmentisinterestedin encouraging graduates in particular disciplines. It willimpact on a larger component of the formulae and willinfluenceallaspectsoftheuniversitysystem.Forexample,differentialsubsidiesforresearchpublicationsaccordingtotopiccouldfacilitatetheestablishmentofresearchpostsinparticulardisciplines.

Prof A Pouris +27 12 420 [email protected]

Ms R Inglesi+27 12 420 [email protected]

Architecture

Sustainable housing

Termssuchassustainablecommunities,growthpromotionand flexibility are constantly used when referring tosustainablehousing.However,therestillseemstobealackofcommitment in lettinggoof traditionalmethodologies inprovisionandconstruction,andpractisingmoreappropriateconcepts.TheappropriatenessoftheSouthAfricansystemshave been outgrown as populations have increased farbeyondthenumbersthattheearthcanaccommodate,shouldwecontinue tobuild in theway thatwedo.Openbuildingconstructionallowsforconstantchangeandtheadaptabilitythatmodern-daysocietyrequires,especiallyinacountrylikeSouthAfrica,whichisundergoingtremendousincreasesinpopulationdensities,economicimbalances,andsocialandcultural diversity. These transformations, differences andthe very fact that the country is gaining momentum as a

Research proposes that government revise its funding formulae and introduce weightings that give preferential support to scientific disciplines.


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developingcountrynotonlyhave tobe taken intoaccountinthebuiltenvironment,butalsoneedtobereflectedinthesystemandtheurbanfabricchosen.Contrarytotraditionalsocialhousingplanningandconstructionmethods,anopenbuildingsystem leaves roomso thatno twodwellings inasingledevelopmentneedbethesame.Farmorefreedomofchoiceishandedovertotheusertomanipulatehis/herunitsaccordingtohis/herownwishes.Thisisaveryempoweringposition, giving a sense of individuality and ownershipto the dweller. The researcher recommended that openbuilding techniquesbeused tostreamline theconstructionprocess ofmass customised houses. The building shouldbeviewedasawell-organisedcombinationofsystemsandsubsystems,eachofwhichcanbecarefullycoordinatedtoensureabetterprocessandproductforthehomeownerandaparallelpositiveoutcomeforthebuildingprofessionals.Bydisentanglingthesystemsandsubsystemsfromeachother,opportunitiesareincreasedforbetterorganisation,increasedconsistency,qualityandmorecontrolandflexibility for thehomeowner. Developers need to change their marketingstrategies relative to the sellers’ market they were usedto. The SouthAfrican government needs to readdress itsapproach to the delivery of low-cost and even the newlyintroducedhigh-densitysocialhousingdevelopments.

Prof AOS Osman +27 12 420 5777 [email protected]

Construction Economics

Impact of HIV/AIDS on workforce in coal mines

Theaimofthisresearchprojectwastoinvestigatetheextentto which the high unemployment rate in SouthAfrica has

contributed toareduced impactofHIVandAIDS inSouthAfrican opencast coal mines. SouthAfrica hasmore than20millioneconomicallyactivepeople,ofwhichbetween35and40percentareunemployed.Theagebracket15to34yearsaccounts for71percentof theunemployedworkers.Thisagegroupalsomakesup59percentofthetotalHIV/AIDS prevalence in South Africa. According to the JointUnitedNationsProgrammeonHIV/AIDS(UNAIDS)in2006,theAIDS epidemic in SouthAfrica is growing faster thananywhereelseintheworld.SouthAfricahas5.3millionHIV-positivepeople in theeconomicallyactiveagegroup15to49 years. Preliminary findings indicate that HIV/AIDS hadaminimalornoeffectonskillsavailabilityinopencastcoalmines.Oneofthereasonsforthisisthehighunemploymentrateprevalentinthecounty.Thismeansthatthereisareadypoolofworkersavailabletofillthegapsleftbysickanddyingworkers.

Mr DJ Hoffman+27 12 420 2551 [email protected]

Chemical Engineering

Dynamic simulation of systems

A dynamic distillation column model has been developedusingtheModelicalanguage.Modelicaisanobject-oriented,declarative,multidomainmodellinglanguageforcomponent-oriented modelling of complex systems, for example,systems containing mechanical, electrical, electronic,hydraulic,thermal,control,electricpowerorprocess-orientedsubcomponents. The model utilises the object-orientednatureofModelicabyusinggenericmodelsforthedifferent

Open building construction allows for constant change and the adaptability that modern-day society requires.

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distillationcolumnparts.Togetherwiththecolumnmodel,astreamclasshasbeendevelopedthatcanusetheexternalinterfaceofModelicatoaccessthermodynamicinformationvia Computer-aided Process Engineering, CAPE-OPEN,using Common Object Requesting Broker Architecture(CORBA), a standard defined by theObject ManagementGroup (OMG) that enables software components writtenin multiple computer languages and running on multiplecomputers to work together. CAPE-OPEN standards arethe uniform standards for interfacing process modellingsoftwarecomponentsdevelopedspecifically for thedesignand operation of chemical processes. They are based onuniversally recognised software technologies such asthe Component Object Model (COM) and CORBA. UsingCORBAenablesthermodynamicpropertiestobecalculatedby any CAPE-OPEN-compliant property package. Inthis study, a Modelica library, allowing interface betweenModelicaandCAPE-OPEN,wasdeveloped.Itsfunctionalitywasdemonstratedusingamodelofa ten-platedistillationcolumnsimulatedinOpenModelicaonaLinuxmachine,withthermodynamic and property data from Honeywell Unisimon a Windows machine. The data interfacing was doneover a network usingCORBA. It was found that real-timeoperationispossible,butthatnetworkoverheadmakesupa

significantfractionoftherunningtime,posingproblemsforoff-linesimulationandoptimisation.

Flow sheeting

Flow sheeting has assumed a central position in modernprocessengineeringpractice.Diagramsdescribingtheflowofmaterialandenergy throughaplantare themainmodeof communicating process design, and several packagesexistthatsolvetheassociatedequations.Steadystateflowsheetingisacceptedinindustrytosuchanextentthat it isunlikelythatachemicalplantofanysizeisdesignedwithoutthe use of at least one such tool.Acceptance of dynamicsimulation is lagging behind the steady state simulations,partlyduetothecomputationalrequirementsassociatedwithsuchsimulationand the increasedworkloadofdevelopingdynamicsimulations.There is,however, increased interestinthedevelopmentofdynamicplantsimulations.Inadditiontodedicatedprocessengineering tools likeHYSIS,Aspen,ChemCAD and SimSci, several modelling languageshave emerged in the last 15 years that aim to provide anenvironmentformodellingdynamicprocesses.AscendandgPROMS are two examples. On another front, modellingsystemshavebeendevelopedformultidisciplinesimulation.

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Simulation data flow for multiple computers

Distillation column components

Prof P de Vaal +27 12 420 2475 [email protected]

Mr C Sandrock +27 12 420 2197 [email protected]

Fluoro materials

South Africa has substantial reserves of fluorine-containing minerals. Fluorine also happens

to be a very versatile element that, in various compounds, has a variety of applications in

such diverse areas as microprocessor technology, special materials, oxygen carriers and the

nuclear industry. Research in this field is focused on local beneficiation of these deposits to

enhance value-addition and in that way contributes to the development of infrastructure and

increasing the value of exports. Despite the fact that the thermal decomposition of

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Simulation data flow for multiple computers

Distillation column components

Prof P de Vaal +27 12 420 2475 [email protected]

Mr C Sandrock +27 12 420 2197 [email protected]

Fluoro materials

South Africa has substantial reserves of fluorine-containing minerals. Fluorine also happens

to be a very versatile element that, in various compounds, has a variety of applications in

such diverse areas as microprocessor technology, special materials, oxygen carriers and the

nuclear industry. Research in this field is focused on local beneficiation of these deposits to

enhance value-addition and in that way contributes to the development of infrastructure and

increasing the value of exports. Despite the fact that the thermal decomposition of

Flow sheeting simulation data flow for multiple computers.

Flow sheeting distillation column components.


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Modelicawasspecificallydesignedasastandard forsuchsimulation, incorporating aspects from other languages.Simulation of a distillation column was done before inModelica. However, the modelling strategy followed hereis more modular, and abstracts the thermodynamics tothe streams, allowing easy interfacing with an externalthermodynamicspackage.

Prof P de Vaal+27 12 420 [email protected]

Mr C Sandrock+27 12 420 2197 [email protected]

Fluoro-materials

SouthAfricahassubstantialreservesoffluorine-containingminerals.Fluorinealsohappenstobeaveryversatileelementthat,invariouscompounds,hasavarietyofapplicationsinsuch diverse areas asmicroprocessor technology, specialmaterials,oxygencarriersandthenuclearindustry.Researchinthisfieldisfocusedonlocalbeneficiationofthesedepositsto enhance value addition, and in that way contributes tothedevelopmentof infrastructureand increasing thevalueofexports.Despitethefactthatthethermaldecompositionof polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) has been extensivelystudied over the past six decades, some inconsistenciesregardingthekineticparameters, forexample, theorderofthereaction,remain.Representativekineticdataisessentialforpracticalpurposes,suchasreactordesignandscaling.In general, the literature data refers to homogeneousbulk heating, whereas the case of the nonhomogeneousheatingofasingleparticlehasnotreceivedattention.Data(reactionrateandpre-exponential factor)applicableto thislattercasewasexperimentallydetermined from isothermalthermogravimetricanalysesofthedepolymerisationreactionofPTFE.Thekineticdataobtainedoncoarsegranules(800to 1 000micron)were reported.The rate law is consistentwithashrinkingparticlekineticmodel,withchemicalkineticscontrollingphaseboundarymovement.Themasslossrateisdirectlyproportional tosurfacearea.A rate lawapplicable tothiscaseanduseable forgeometriesofarbitraryshapewasderived.Ithaslongbeenknownthatthethermaldecompositionof PTFE predominantly yields tetrafluoroethylene (TFE),hexafluoropropylene(HFP)andoctafluorocyclobutane(OFCB).

The product ratios can be tailored by manipulating theworkingtemperature,thepressure,theresidencetimeofthegaseousproductstreaminthehotzoneandthequenchrate.PTFE is non-melt-processible, hence one of the recyclingmethodsisviapyrolysisofthesolidwasteandsubsequentrecovery of the monomer for re-use. For this process,solidwaste isgrounddowntocoarsegranulesrather thanpowderforeconomicalandpracticalreasons.Knowledgeofdepolymerisationkineticsisessentialforreactordesignandindustrialscaling.

Prof PL Crouse+27 12 420 [email protected]

Flexible mass transfer model for water minimisation in batch plants

The least constrained mass transfer mathematicalformulation for freshwater minimisation in multipurposebatch chemical processes with central reusable waterstorage is presented in this research. The mathematicalformulation is an extension of the model developed by Prof Thokozani Majozi, in which four scenarios wereconsidered with various limitations or constraints. In thescenariopresentedinthisresearch,onlythemassloadisfixed,whileboth thequantityofwaterused inaparticularoperation and outlet concentration are allowed to vary. Inessence, fixing the mass load is more representative ofthe practical case.A solution procedure for the resultantnonconvexmixed integernonlinearprogramming (MINLP)modelisalsopresented.ThesolutionprocedurefirstinvolvesreformulatingtheMINLPintoarelaxedlinearmodel(MILP).TheMILPisfirstsolved,formingafeasiblestartingsolutionfor the MINLP. The production of high-value, specialtychemicalsisgenerallyperformedinbatch-typeprocesses.Typicalindustriesinthiscategoryincludepharmaceuticals,food and agrochemicals. Batch processing is suited tothe production of such products, since the products arecharacterisedbyidenticalrecipesthatallowforthesharingofequipment.Oneof thedefiningcharacteristicsofbatchprocessingisthediscretenatureofthetasks.Alloperationsand material flows are time-dependent, which meansthat scheduling the operations becomes an important,but complex task. As with continuous processes, batchprocesses produce effluents.The volume of effluent froma batch process is much less than a similar continuous

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process.However,thetoxicityoftheeffluentismuchhigher.Coupledwith this is themountingenvironmentalpressureonindustrytoreduceeffluentreleasedintheenvironment.Theleastconstrainedmasstransfermathematicalmodelforwastewaterminimisationinbatchplantshasbeenpresentedtogetherwithanapplicablesolutionprocedure.Applicationof themathematicalmodel to the first illustrativeexampleinvolvingfourwater-usingoperationshasshown32percentimprovement inwateruse.Thesolutionwasobtainedinareasonably short central processing unit (CPU) time, thatis, 20.9 CPU seconds, which could be ascribed to thestructure of the overallmodel. Themodel was applied toasecondillustrativeexampleandan84percentreductionin the amount of wastewater was achieved. Furthermore,the solution to the exact model in the second illustrativeexamplecouldonlybedeterminedoncealinearisedmodelwasfirstsolvedandthenusedasaninitialsolutionfortheexactmodel.Itisworthmentioning,however,thattheoverallmathematicalmodelisanon-convexMINLP,whichimpliesthatglobaloptimalitycannotbeguaranteed.

Prof T Majozi +27 12 420 4130 [email protected]

Evaluation of electrodialysis for the treatment of a hazardous leachate

The chloride concentration of a hazardous leachate ofapproximately22000mg/listoohighforthedirectdischargerequirement of less than 1 000 mg/l into the municipalseweragesystem.Electrodialysis(ED)wasselectedamongvariousotheralternativetechnologiesforthedesalination/concentration of the leachate. Lime pretreatment of theleachate was superior to caustic soda treatment for theremovalofscale-formingchemicals (Ca,Ba,Sr,Fe,Mn).MembranefoulingtookplaceduringEDtreatment.However,membranefoulingshouldberestoredwithpolarityreversaland mechanical cleaning of the membranes. Batch EDtestshaveshownthatEDperformanceremainedmoreorlessconstantduringeightdesalination/concentrationruns.The electrical energy consumption for ion transport andbrine volume varied between 9.6 and 11.4 kWh/m3 feedand 17 and 35 percent of the treated feed, respectively.A very good quality water could be produced with EDtreatment of the leachate. The electrical conductivity ofthe leachate could be reduced from 5 490 to 139mS/m(97.5 percent removal). Chloride was reduced from 21 957 to 345mg/l (98.4 percent removal).Arsenic wasreduced from 8.8 to 1.37 mg/l. The capital cost for a 100kl/dEDplantisestimatedatUS$0.6million.Operationalcosts (ion transport) are estimated at US$0.38/m3 leachate. The chloride concentration of a hazardousleachate of approximately 22 000 mg/l is too high fordirectdischargeintothemunicipalseweragesystem.Thechloride concentration should be reduced to less than 1000mg/l tomake itsuitable fordischarge.ED, reverseosmosis (RO) and evaporation are technologies thatcan be considered for the desalination of the leachate.However, theosmoticpressureof the leachateshouldbetoohigh toconsiderconventionalROfor the treatmentof

theleachate.Evaporationtechnologiesareveryexpensivefor this typeofapplication.ED,on theotherhand, isnotdependentontheosmoticpressureoftheleachateandcanbeusedtoreducehighsalineconcentrationsineffluentstolowconcentrationlevels.Membranefouling,however,mayadverselyaffecttheprocess.Nonetheless, itwasdecidedto evaluate ED for the desalination of the leachate. Theobjectivesof this investigationwere therefore toevaluateED for thedesalination/concentrationof the leachateandto determine the preliminary economics of the process.Excellent removals of calcium, barium, strontium, ironand manganese were obtained with lime treatment ofthe leachate. Sludge volumewill comprise approximately 10 percent of the treated leachate. More membranefouling was experienced at higher current densities (100 to 120 mA/cm2) than at lower current densities (20 to 80 mA/cm2). It appears to be possible to controlmembrane fouling with polarity reversal and mechanicalcleaningofthemembranes.

Prof JJ Schoeman+27 12 420 3569 [email protected]

Capillary-gate mechanism

In this groundbreaking study, the researchers investigatedthe use of the capillary-gate mechanism to explain themultiplicitybehaviourintrickle-bedreactors.Theyreviewed

theexperimentaltrendsinliteratureonthebasisofalimitingcasesframeworkandevaluatedthethree-dimensionalpore-scale liquid distribution using computed tomography (CT)data.This led to the identificationof20phenomenologicaltrendsthatcharacterisehydrodynamicmultiplicity,including

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An example of a typical pore identified by tomography: (a) in relation to its neighbourhood,

(b) the pore nestled in the void space, (c) the pore on its own and (d) the liquid inside the

pore.

An example of a typical pore identified by tomography: (a) in relation to its neighbourhood, (b) the pore nestled in the void space, (c) the pore on its own and (d) the liquid inside the pore.


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hydrodynamic flow hysteresis, as well as the effects ofpre-wetting. The CT study yielded additional experimentalinsight intotheroleofcapillarypressureandultimately ledto the proposal of a capillary-gate mechanism based oncontactanglehysteresisastherootcauseofmultiplicity.Themechanism was incorporated into a simple pore networkmodel and it was shown that the qualitative performanceof themodelcorrespondscloselytothemajorityofpheno-menologicaltrends.

Kinetic model for the dimerisation of 1-hexene over a solid phosphoric acid catalyst

The oligomerisation of olefins allows the petrochemicalindustry flexibility in the production of gasoline and dieselfromshorterchainolefins.This involves theuseofasolidacidcatalyst.Inindustry,mainlyZSM-5andsolidphosphoricacid (SPA) are used. Industrially, the oligomerisation ofshorterchainolefins ismoreestablished in theproductionof petrol. The oligomerisation of heavier olefins, such as1-hexene,can,however,alsobeusedfortheproductionofdieseland lubricatingoils. Ingeneral,acid-catalysedolefinoligomerisationmay involvemanydifferent reaction steps,amongwhichareisomerisation(forC4andlongerolefins),hydrogen exchange, dimerisation and trimerisation, andcracking. Inpreviousstudieson1-hexeneoligomerisation,the reaction selectivity towards the formation of dimers,trimers, heavier products and cracked products wasinvestigatedasa functionof solvent typeor catalyst type.Batch kinetic experiments at 150°C, 200°C and 250°Cshowed that the reaction can be modelled with a three-stepsequentialreactionscheme.Firstly,thisinvolveslinearisomerisationof1-hexene,followedbyskeletalisomerisation,and finally dimerisation and cracking. The first and laststepsinthesequencearemodelledasreversiblereactions.Whenfirst-orderreactionkineticswasassumedforeachofthe reactions, themodel gave a very good representationof the experimental data. In order to test the validity ofthe series pathway hypothesis, the reactionwas repeatedwith a skeletal hexene isomer – 2.3-dimethyl-2-butene(DMB) – as reactant. Although the rate and equilibriumconstants for the third reaction step, asobtained from the 1-hexene conversion data, gave a good prediction of theDMB conversion at 200°C and 250°C, it failed to predictthe reaction rate at 150°C. This suggests that a differentreactionpathway–wherelinearhexeneisomersaredirectlyconverted to dimer products – becomes more significantat lower temperatures. The same equilibrium conversionsof both 1-hexene and DMB were observed at all threetemperatures investigated, suggesting that the equilibriumconversion is independentof the typeofhexene isomer inthereactionmixture.

Prof W Nicol +27 12 420 [email protected]

Environmental microbiology

Breakthroughswere achieved in the fields of environmentalmicrobiology and advanced oxidation processes. One such

breakthroughistherecentidentificationof25microbialculturespeciesandserotypescapableofreducingCr(VI)atarate8to10timeshigherthanpreviouslyobservedinculturesisolatedfrom other parts of the world. The fastest acting of thesespecies in less than110hourscompletely reducedCr(VI) insolutionswithinitialCr(VI)concentrationsashighas300mg/l.Whileworkingwithsulphate-reducingbacteriafromtheSouthAfrican gold mines, the research group discovered speciesthat are capable of selectively extracting strontium (Sr(II)),oneofthefissionproductsinthethermonuclearreaction,frommixedwaste.Strontiumwasutilised in thisstudytosimulatethe removal of metallic elements. Sr itself poses a seriousenvironmental hazard. Sr(II) is mistakenly taken up andincorporatedintothebonematerialofanimalssincelivingcellscannotdistinguishitfromtheessentialmineralcalcium(Ca(II)).Inthisstudy,Srremovalwasdeterminedtobepredominantlya surface reaction, which was determined by the fit to thecommonadsorptionisotherms.However,thesurfacereactionsandsubsequentuptakeintothecellweremetabolicallylinked.

Photolytic and photocatalytic degration of harmful organic compounds in water

In a parallel activity supported by the Water ResearchCommission, the researchgroup investigated thephotolyticandphotocatalyticdegradationofharmfulorganiccompoundsinwater.Photolyticandphotocatalyticprocessesareemergingasacleanersolutionfortreatingpollutants,suchasrefractoryorganics, pharmaceutical compounds and endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) emanating from industrial,medical and cosmetic applications. Another troublesomeclassofpollutantsisemergingfromhalogenatedformsofalgalmetabolites in eutrophicwater sources.These compounds,when chlorinated, form carcinogenic halogenated productssuch as trihalomethanes (THMs), haloacetic acid (HAA)and chlorophenols (CPs). Photocatalysis accelerates thephotochemical transformationof substrates in thepresenceofasemiconductingmaterialsuchasTiO2.Thecatalystmayacceleratethephotoreactionbyinteractionwithasubstrateinitsgroundorexcitedstateand/orwithaprimaryphotoproduct,depending on the mechanism of photoreaction.An energysource is needed during photocatalysis, usually ultravioletlight, to create reactive sites called electron band pairs insemiconductorparticles.Thepotentialdifferencebetweenanelectronbandpair(thatis,the-vevalenceand+veconductionband) formsanaturalbandgap for thegivenmaterial.Thebandgapreferstoenergydifferencebetweenthevalenceandconductionbands.Thebandgapisalsoseenasavoidregionthatextendsfromthetopoftheelectron-filledvalencebandtothevacantconductionbandandisdependentonthenatureof thesemiconductormaterial. Inphotocatalysis,adsorptionofenergy(hv)equaltoormorethanitsbandgapproduceselectronexcitationinthecatalystandelectronsgainsufficientenergytochange levels fromthevalenceto theconductionband.On theotherhand,anelectronvacancyorhole (h+)is created in the valence band. Excited-state conduction-bandelectronsandvalence-bandholescanrecombineanddissipatetheinputenergyasheat,gettrappedinmetastablesurface states, or react with electron donors and electronacceptorsadsorbedon thesemiconductorsurfaceor in thesurroundingelectricaldouble layerof thechargedparticles.

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The research succeeded in reducing the residence timerequiredforthecompletedegradationofsingleringaromaticcompoundstolessthantwominutesunderaeratedconditionsin a photocatalytic reactor. These results indicate a highpotential for substituting slower-acting biological processeswith photocatalytic and photolytic systems to degraderefractory and hard-to-degrade organic compounds using acheapsourceofenergysuchassunlight.

Communal water house

The German Federal Ministry for Education and Researchand theNRF fundedascientificwatermanagementprojectthatdealswithatechnologicalunitcalledthecommunalwaterhouse (CWH).Theaimwas to improve thewater situation,especially in rural communities. Kouga Local MunicipalitywasthebeneficiaryoftheprojectinSouthAfrica.TheCWHisafacilitythataimstoprovidewaterofdefinitequalityandtemperatureforhouseholduse,showerandlaundrypurposesinruralsettlements.Itconsistsoftwoormoreseparateroomsinsidethebuildingforlaundryandshoweractivities,andtapwateroutletsoutsidethebuilding.Watersourcesaretapwater,rainwater or well water. The water for laundry and showerpurposes is recycled inside the building and treated by aservicewatertreatmentstation.Thistreatmentstationconsistsofthreetechnologicalunitsthatworkinacontrolledmanner:abiologicaltreatmentunit,anultravioletlightdisinfectionunit

andmembranefiltrationmodules.Thequalityof the treatedwaterisinaccordancewiththeEuropeanUnionbathingwaterregulations.Thewater isheatedbyasolarheatingsystem.Water is pumped by solar pumps. The researchers foundthat CWH improves water use efficiency and that twice asmany people can be served by the same amount of wateratthesamelevelofservices,highestsanitarystandardsandreduced costs. CWH is therefore very well suited for ruralcommunities that lackwater supply and energy to improvethelivingconditionsoftheirpeople.Itcanbeusedasafull,sustainablewatermanagementsolutionorasanintermediatesolution.Moreover,itcanbeusedintouristfacilities,suchascampinggrounds,sportgroundsandothercamps.SanitationforCWHusersisprovidedbyurinediversiontoiletsystems.

Prof EMN Chirwa+27 12 420 [email protected]

The effect of fabric on the behaviour of gold tailings

Thebehaviourofcohesionlesssoilsisknowntobeinfluencedbythemethodofreconstitution.Itisgenerallyacceptedintheliteraturethatdifferentreconstitutionmethodsproducesamplesofvaryingfabricandthussamplesofvaryingbehaviour.Verylittleevidencehasbeenpresentedtovalidatethisstatement.Themainaimofthisresearchprojectwas,firstly,toobservethefabricofin situandreconstitutedgoldtailingsamplesand,secondly, to investigatethedifference inbehaviourbetweenthesesamplesatthesamestate.Thestudyfocusedontestingin situ and reconstitutedgold tailing samplesobtained fromthreepositionsonatailingdam:pond,middlebeachandupperbeach. Laboratory reconstitution methods included moisttamping and slurry deposition. Fabric analysis involved theuseofscanningelectronmicroscope(SEM)imagestoclassifytheobserveddifferencesinthefabricoftheundisturbedandreconstitutedgoldtailingsamples.Aparticleinteractionmodelbasedon theobserved fabricwaspostulated toexplain thedifferencesorsimilaritiesinbehaviour.Thescopeofbehaviourinvestigated included sedimentation, collapse and swell,consolidationandcompressibility,creep,stiffnessandshearbehaviour.Thefabricanalysisindicatesthatdifferencesinthefabric of undisturbed and reconstituted gold tailing samplesare visible. Moist tamping produces an aggregated fabric,while slurry deposition yields a homogeneous fabric similartothatoftheundisturbedsamples.Comparisonofbehaviourindicates that neither moist tamping nor slurry depositioncan fully replicate thebehaviourof theundisturbedsample.Consolidation and compression is a function of the fabric,while friction angle is independent of the fabric. Availableshear strengthand liquefactionpotential is alsoaffectedbythepreparationmethodandtheresultingfabric.

Dr HN Chang+27 11 887 [email protected]

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Prof EMN Chirwa +27 12 420 5894 [email protected]

The effect of fabric on the behaviour of gold tailings

Communal water house


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Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering

Ephaptic excitation in the electrically stimulated cochlea

Theaimsof thisstudywereto investigatetheoccurrenceandeffectofephapticexcitationinelectricalstimulationoftheauditory system, toquantify the influenceof ephapticexcitationonnervestimulation,andtodeterminewhetheritisanecessaryfactorinneuromodelling.Itwasshownwithasimplemodelthatephapticexcitationcouldbeimportantatstimulusintensitiesclosetothreshold.Theresultsshowthat the contribution of ephaptic excitation is significantuptoatleast6to7dBabovethreshold.Cochlearimplantpatientsnormallyhaveasmalldynamicrange(averageof7dB),indicatingthattheephapticeffectmightbeimportantinmodelsof the implantedcochlea.There isasignificantqualitativedifferencebetweentheresultsofthecoincidentallocationandtheseparationoflocationoftheactivenervefibres.When the fibres are bundled together, a constantstimuluscurrentisused,whilethecurrentincreaseswithanincreaseinspreadoftheactivefibreswhentheyarespatiallyseparated.Whenthefibresarebundledtogether, there isnospatialconstrainttothenumberofactiveneurons,whichleadstolargenumbersofactiveneurons.Thisisalsothereasonwhyexcitationbytheelectrodestimulusisatsomestageoutweighedby ephaptic excitation in these results,while the electrode stimulus dictates spread of excitationathighstimulusintensities(thatis,largenumbersofactiveneurons)whentheactiveneuronsarespatiallyseparated.Resultsobtainedfortheplanarorientationofthefibrescouldbeusedtoestimatetheextentofephapticexcitationfortheperipheral part of the fibres along the basilarmembrane.Inaddition,ephapticexcitationswerefrequentlyobservedto initiate in the central neural processes because ofthe larger fibre diameters, resulting in larger membranecurrents per node and easier recruitment of thick fibres.This is of interest since cochlear implant users are oftenassumed to have an essential loss in the peripheralprocessesof theircochlearneuronsasaconsequenceoflong-termdeafness.Inconclusion,itwasshownwithaverysimplemodel that ephaptic excitation could be importantat stimulus intensities close to threshold. Limitations ofthis model include an assumed ideal volume conductor,apointsourceelectrodeandplanarfibre location.Futureresearchworkinthisfieldshouldfocusonthedevelopmentofamodelthatincludesamorerealisticdescriptionofthevolumeconductor (that is, thecochleawith the implantedelectrodes).Theresultsobtainedfromsuchamodelshouldbecomparedwithphysiologicalresultsmeasuredinanimalsorpsychoacousticresultsmeasuredinhumansubjects,forexample,forwardmaskingdatathatprovidesanindicationofthespreadofneuralexcitation.

Prof T Hanekom+ 27 12 420 [email protected]

Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering

Recovery processes for electronic waste materials

Material footprints, which can be defined as the quantity(mass)ofmaterialusedforanapplication,suchasthetotalmass of concrete and brick in a house, together with thecarbonfootprint,formcomponentsoftheecologicalfootprint.The material footprint emphasises material resources,whereasthecarbonfootprintfocusesonenergyconsumption.Use of the material footprint helps decision-making whenresourceconservationisdesirable,butshouldnotbeviewedinisolation.Materialfootprintcalculationshavebeencarriedoutforsomeillustrativeexamplessuchaspersonalcomputerequipment and home appliances. While the materialfootprintcomparesresourceusageamongvarioustypesofequipmentasanaidindeterminingenvironmentalimpact,itdoesnotindicatewhatquantitiesofmaterialarebeingusedor recycled. It is essentially a per unit approach. In ordertoobtainamoreholisticperspective involvingquantitiesofmaterials,materialflowanalysisisgenerallyused.Fromsuchan analysis, it is possible to obtain a better understandingofhowmaterialsflowand reside in themarket.Thatagainmakesitpossibletodeterminewheretherearebottlenecksintheflow,andalsowhetherrecyclingisfinanciallyfeasible.Treatment of secondary materials can be complex andis often purpose- designed. However, in general, it seemsthat physical separation methods should preferably beusedtotheirfullestextent,astheirenvironmental impactisgenerally lower thanchemicalseparationprocesses.Cleanmetallicfractionscouldbesuitablefeedstopyrometallurgicalor hydrometallurgical processing. Mixed materials areprobablybesttreatedbyhydrometallurgicaltechniques.Forlocalprocessors, thecostofestablishing refineries to treatsecondary materials only is probably prohibitive. With anextensiveSouthAfrican industrydealingwithprimary feedmaterials, itwouldseemadvantageoustoprocesssuitablycleaned secondary materials together with the primary

Ephaptic excitation was studied in patients with cochlear implants.

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feedmaterials. For instance, a fairly clean copper fractioncould probably be accommodated in the anode castingstepat thePalaboraMiningCompany.Cleanzincmetaloroxide could possibly be used by Zincor instead of calcineasneutralisingmaterial.Preciousmetal fractionsshouldbeaccommodated at the Rand Refinery and Platinum GroupMetals (PGM) refineries. Platinum and palladium are usedincatalyticconvertersandsuchfractionsmight,withsuitablealloy adjustment, be suitable for use in this applicationwithout further refining and separation. E-waste has, overthe last number of years, received greater attention andseveralrecyclersaredealingwiththismaterialmainlybysizereduction and metal fraction separation. Volumes are stillsmallandthecleanedmetalfractionsaregenerallyexportedfor refining. The associated plastics generally containbrominated flame retardants (BFRs), which makes themunacceptablefornormalplasticrecycling.Asaresult,theyareexportedtoChinaordumpedintoalandfill.Localcompanieshave developed uses for these plastics. More attentionshould be given locally to these secondary feedmaterials.If present, primary producers could accommodate cleanedmetallicfractions.Environmentallycertifiedprocessorscouldprobablyimporte-wastetoincreasevolumes.Thisshouldbebeneficialintermsofcapitalutilisation,workcreationandtothe economy, as well as to the environment, if the energyconsumptionisnotweighedtooheavily.

Dr DR Groot +27 12 420 4554 [email protected]

Computer Science

SMSSec: an end-to-end protocol for secure SMS

Shortmessageservice (SMS) isusuallyused to transportunclassified information, but with the rise of mobile com-merce, ithasbecomean integral tool forconductingbusi-ness.However,SMSdoesnotguaranteeconfidentialityandintegrityofthemessagecontent.Thisresearchprojectwasaimedat implementingaprotocolcalledSMSSecthatcanbeusedtosecureSMScommunicationsentbyJava’swire-less messaging application programming interface (API).The physical limitations of the intended devices, such asmobilephones,madeitnecessarytodevelopaprotocolthatwouldmakeminimaluseofcomputingresources.SMSSechas a two-phase protocol with the first handshake usingasymmetric cryptography, which occurs only once, and amoreefficientsymmetricnthhandshake,whichisusedmoredominantly.Whatdistinguishes thiswork fromconvention-al protocols is the ability to perform the secure transmis-sionwithmessagesofalimitedsize.Performanceanalysisshowed that theencryptionspeedon themobiledevice isfasterthanthedurationofthetransmission.Toachievese-curityinthemobileenterpriseenvironment,thisisdeemedaveryacceptableoverhead.Furthermore,asimplemecha-nism is proposed that handles fault tolerance without ad-ditionaloverheads.

Prof JHP Eloff+27 12 420 2361 [email protected]

Material footprint calculations are done for items such as personal computer equipment.


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The Faculty of Health Sciences makes a contribution to health and science through research into diverse topics ranging from maternal and child health to forensic anthropology.


The Faculty of Health Sciences increased its researchoutputin2008.

ThefacultyhastwoSouthAfricanMedicalResearchCouncil(MRC) researchunits:one focusingonvariousaspectsofinflammation and the other on maternal and child healthcare.These twounits illustrate thediversityof the faculty,notonlyintheirareasoffocus,butalsobyillustratingthatthefaculty’sresearchvariesfromlaboratory-based,cutting-edgesciencetofindingmarketablesolutionsfortheburdenof maternal and childhood-related morbidity andmortalityinAfrica.

Among themany exciting projects performed by researchgroups in the School ofMedicine are the development ofanartificialliver,thedevelopmentofnewcancerdrugs,thetesting of novel agents for the diagnosis of tuberculosisandinvestigatingtheroleofthegastrointestinaltractinthepathogenesisofHIV/AIDS.Multidisciplinaryresearchisalsoconducted to improve diabetes care. Two new researchcentreswereestablishedintheSchoolofMedicinein2008:theForensicAnthropologyResearchCentreandtheCentreforAppliedMorphology.

TheSchoolofHealthSystemsandPublicHealth(SHSPH)has a keen interest in endocrine-disrupting chemicals(EDCs)andpesticidesusedformalariavectorcontrol.Thedevelopmentofatoolboxofbiologicalassaysforanalysesofestrogenicandanti-androgenicactivity inwatersourcesstarted as a global initiative and was taken to the nextlevel byProfTiaan de Jager and his research team,whoareapplyingittoSouthAfricaandaresettingguidelinestobeusedby theDepartmentofWaterAffairsandForestry.This was made possible by the new dedicated EDC andtoxicologylaboratoriesattheSHSPH.Theresearchontheorganochlorinepesticide,DDT,notonlyreceivedanawardlocally,butalsoreceivedinternationalattentionwhenitwasincludedinaninternationalreviewonthestateofscience.This information isusedby theWorldHealthOrganisation(WHO) to formulate its statements onmalaria control andpersistentorganicpollutants(POPs).

TheSchoolofDentistryfocusedontobaccoandtheimpactof tobacco use on health in general and oral health inparticular. Prof Lekan Ayo-Yusuf proposed an integratededucational approach to promote oral health and preventtobacco use in schoolchildren in South Africa. Furtherresearch in community dentistry identified determinantsforearlychildhoodcariesandproposedaplacement timeframe protocol to optimise the use of fissure sealants toprevent caries in South Africa. Multidisciplinary teams intheschoolalsoevaluatedvariousdentalmaterialsandtheappropriatenessoftheiruseinSouthAfricanconditions.

TheComprehensivePhysi-calRehabilitationCentreinthe School of Health CareScienceswasapprovedbySenate in2008.Thisexcit-ing new venture ensurescollaboration between thedepartmentsofPhysiother-apy,OccupationalTherapy,Human Nutrition, SportsMedicine and Clinical Epi-demiology.

The University is indebtedto all the faculty memberswho, with vision anddedication,pursuesolutionsthatwillimprovethehealthofallSouthAfricansbybeinglocallyrelevant,yetinternationallycompetitive.

Prof Thanyani MaribaDean

6.4 Faculty of Health Sciences

Prof Thanyani Mariba, Dean

Health Sciences Building

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Research highlights

Community Dentistry

Smoking prevention

Researchshowsthatadolescentswhodidnot livewith theirmotherswerelesslikelytobrushtheirteethregularly.However,adolescentswithageneralpredispositiontocopeadequatelywith stress and thosewhodo not smokearemore likely tobrushtheirteethregularlyandexperiencegoodgingivalhealth,irrespectiveoftheirleveloforalhygiene.Theonsetofsmok-ing,ontheotherhand,isleastlikelyinyouthswhostronglybe-lievethatsmokingcausesbadbreathandthatbadbreathhasnegativesocialconsequences,suchaspeerrejection.Theseresultsfromtheinitialphaseoftheprojectsupportedtheim-plementationandevaluationofaninterventionintegratingoralhealthpromotionwithasocialskills-basedsmokingpreventioncurriculum,LifeSkillsTraining (LST). Inaddition to teachingstress-copingskills,thecurriculumprovidedinformationontheshort-termhealthconsequencesofsmoking, focusingonef-fectssuchasbadbreathanditsinfluenceonsocialinteraction,especiallyasitrelatestotheadolescents’romanticaspirations.Atwo-yearrandomisedcontrolledtrialshowedthatLSTwasveryeffectiveinpromotingadolescents’regulartooth-brushingbehaviourandgoodgingivalhealth.However,theinterventiondidnotsignificantlyreducesmokingprevalence,butincreasednon-smokers’ cigarette-offer refusal self-efficacy, whichmayreducesusceptibilitytofuturesmoking.

Dr OA Ayo-Yusuf +27 12 319 2226/2619 [email protected]

Dental Management Sciences

Fissure sealant placement time frame protocol

Researchhasindicatedthatfissuresealantsshouldbeplacedwithinfouryearsaftereruption.Duetoconsiderablevariationsin the eruption times of molars, this recommendation is oflimited value from a public health perspective. This study,therefore, sought to provide empirical support for a publichealth fissure sealant placement time frame protocol. Theresearchers analysed the first and second molar eruptionpatternsofblackSouthAfricanchildrenagedfivetosevenand11to16yearsinrelationtocaries(toothdecay)experiencedusingthe1999to2002NationalChildren’sOralHealthSurvey.Theresearcherfoundthatbytheageofseven,90percentoffirstmolarshaderupted,withacariesexperienceof3percent.By14yearsofage,theeruptedfirstmolarcariesexperiencewas 20 percent. The 13- and 14-year-olds presented with 86percentand98percenteruptedsecondmolarswithacariesexperience of 11 percent and 20 percent respectively. Thefindingssuggested thatduringschool-basedfissuresealantprogrammes involving black South African children, firstmolarsshouldbetargetedattheageofseven(grade1),orassoonaspossiblethereafter.However,cariesprotectionmaystillbeachieveduntil13yearsofage(grade7).Furthermore,secondmolarsshouldbesealedbetweentheagesof11and13years(grade5tograde7).

Early childhood caries prevalence and severity

Theaimof this studywas todescribe theprevalenceandseverity of early childhood caries (ECC) or tooth decay inSouth Africa and to examine the link between ECC andsocio-demographic factors,area-basedmeasuresofsugarconsumption and water fluoride levels. ECC is a disease wherebacterialprocessesdamagehardtoothstructure.Thiseventuallyleadstodentalcavities.Theresearcherfocusedhisstudyonchildrenbetweentheagesof36and71months.Hefoundthatsocio-economicfactorsplayedamajorroleintheprevalenceofECC.Inaddition,hefoundthatcolouredchildrenwereatahigherriskofdevelopingECC,whilewhitechildrenwereatalowerrisk.Thestudyfindingssupporttheimplementation of an integrated primary oral health carestrategytoaddresstheunderlyingsocio-economicdetermi-nantsofECCinSouthAfrica.

Dr TC Postma+27 12 319 2553 [email protected]

Research in the field of Dental Management Sciences contributes to the dental health of the nation.


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Anatomy

Asthma model

ThemurineBalb/casthmamodelhasbeenusedsuccessfullyforanumberof in vivo immunologicalapplicationsand fortestingnoveltherapeutics.Itisareliable,clinicallyrelevantfacsimile of the human disease. The researchers focusedonwhetherornot thismodelcouldbeusedtostudyothercomponentsofthehumanbody,forinstanceultrastructure.TheystudiedtheeffectofthephytomedicineEuphorbiahirta(usedtotreatasthma)ontheultrastructureoffibrin,aswellas platelets and cellular structures that play an importantrole in thecoagulationprocess.Hydrocortisone isusedasapositivecontrol.Ultrastructureof thefibrinnetworksandplateletsofcontrolmicewerecomparedtoasthmaticmicethatweretreatedwithtwoconcentrationsofhydrocortisoneand one concentration of the plant material. Resultsindicatedthatcontrolmicepossessedmajor,thickfibresandminorthinfibres,aswellastightroundplateletaggregateswithtypicalpseudopodiaformation.Theminorfibresoftheasthmaticmicehadanetlikeappearancecoveringthemajorfibres,whiletheplateletsseemedtoformlooselyconnected,granularaggregates.Bothconcentrationsofhydrocortisonemade the fibrin more fragile and the platelet morphologychangedfromatightplateletaggregatetoamoregranularaggregatenotcloselyfusedtoeachother.Theresearchersconcluded that E. hirta does not impact on the fragility ofthefibrinandthat itpreventstheminorfibresfromformingthedensenetlike layeroverthemajorfibres,as isseeninuntreated asthmatic mice. This ultrastructural morphologymight give researchers better insight into asthma andpossiblenewtreatmentregimes.

Prof E Pretorius+27 12 319 [email protected]

Centre of Applied Morphology

Direct and indirect cellular effects of aspartame on the brain

Theuseoftheartificialsweetener,aspartame,haslongbeencontemplatedandstudiedbyvariousresearchersandpeopleconcernedaboutitsnegativeeffects.Aspartameiscomposedofphenylanaline(50percent),asparticacid(40percent)andmethanol(10percent).Phenylanalineplaysanimportantroleinneurotransmitterregulation,whileasparticacidisalsothoughttoplayaroleasanexcitatoryneurotransmitterinthecentralnervoussystem.Glutamate,asparaginesandglutamineareformed from their precursor, aspartic acid.Methanol,whichforms10percent of the broken-downproduct, is convertedinthebodytoformate,whichcaneitherbeexcretedorcangive rise to formaldehyde, diketopiperazine (a carcinogen)andanumberofotherhighlytoxicderivatives.Previously, ithasbeenreportedthattheconsumptionofaspartamecouldcauseneurologicalandbehaviouraldisturbancesinsensitiveindividuals.Headaches, insomniaandseizuresaresomeoftheneurologicaleffectsthathavebeenencountered,andthismaybeaccreditedtochangesinregionalbrainconcentrations

ofcatacholamines,whichincludenorepinephrine,epinephrinanddopamine.Theaimofthisstudywastoidentifythedirectandindirectcellulareffectsofaspartameonthebrain.There-searchersfoundthatexcessiveaspartameingestionmightbeinvolvedinthepathogenesisofcertainmentaldisorders,aswellasincompromisedlearningandemotionalfunctioning.

Ultrastructural morphology of platelets

Plateletsandfibrinplayan important role in thecoagulationprocess where they are involved in the maintenance ofhaemostasis. Fibrin dysfunction is associated with thedevelopment of vascular complications, while proneness totheformationoftightandrigidfibrinnetworksisindependentlyassociatedwith thromboticdisease.Rabbitshave longbeenusedsuccessfullyasanimalmodels,andareoftenthespeciesofchoiceformodelsofantithromboticefficacy.Itwaspreviouslyshownthatrabbitandhumanplateletandfibrinmorphologyareverysimilar inultrastructureandfibrinfibrethickness.Itwasalsopreviouslyreportedthatthethinminorfibresformathick,fine network cover over the major fibres during pregnancy.According to research,white blood cell counts also changeduringpregnancyandstaychangedforuptosixweekspost-partum,where thenumberofneutrophils increasedand thenumberoflymphocytes,basophilsandeosinophilsdecreased.The researchers showed that the same ultrastructure andwhite blood cell count changesoccurred in lactating rabbits(fourweekspost-partum).Theyfoundthatarabbitmorphologymodel studying platelet and fibrinmorphology can be usedsuccessfully, either to study the effect of pharmaceuticalproducts to be used during lactation and pregnancy inhumans,orinveterinaryresearch.Furthermore,theeffectsofpharmaceuticalproductsonimmunologyandwhitebloodcellcountscanpossiblyalsobeusedsuccessfully.

Dr P Humphries +27 12 521 [email protected]

Ultrastructure of activated mouse platelets

Plateletsformanintegralpartofthecoagulationprocessandtheirultrastructurecanprovidevaluableinformationregardingdiseases associated with haemostasis. During coagulation,plateletsaggregate.Thisaggregationcanbeachievedin vitro byaddingthrombintoplatelet-richplasma.Previousresearchshowed that human thrombin could be used successfullyto activate mouse platelets. When conservative changesare included, the amino acid similarity between humanand mouse thrombin is approximately 75 percent. In thisqualitativestudy,theresearcherscomparedtheultrastructureofmouseplateletaggregatesactivatedbyhumanthrombin,aswellastwoconcentrationsofmousethrombin,usingthescanningelectronmicroscope.Resultsshowthatbothhumanand mouse thrombin activate platelets to form aggregateswith typical pseudopodia formation. Magnification up to 250 000 times showed membrane morphology with theopencanalicularsystemporesvisibleinboththemouseandhuman-activated platelets. It is, therefore, concluded thatmouseplateletscanbesuccessfullyaggregatedusingeithermouseorhumanthrombin.

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Ultrastructural changes in platelet aggregates of HIV patients

Several haematological abnormalities associated with HIVhavebeendocumented.However,themechanismsrespon-sible for the cytopenias inAIDS patients are complex andnotalwayscompletelyunderstood.Thrombocytopenia,whichoccursinabout40percentofpatientswithHIVinfection,maybecausedbyincreasedperipheralplateletdestruction,ade-fect in platelet productiondue to the impaired formationofplateletsbyHIV-infectedmagakaryocytes,oracombinationofthese.Theaimofthisstudywastocomparethemorphol-ogyoftheplateletaggregatesinplatelet-richplasma(PRP)clotspreparedfromHIVpatientswiththoseofcontrolswith-outHIV.Theseplatelet aggregateswere studiedusing thescanningelectronmicroscopetodeterminetheeffectofthevirusonplatelet ultrastructure.The results showed that al-thoughtheplateletsaggregate,themorphologywaschangedwithmembraneblebbing,aswellastorncellularmembranes.Membraneblebbingistypicallyassociatedwithapoptosis.Itisconcluded that thealteredmorphologyofplateletaggre-gatesinHIVpatientsmayberelatedtothrombocytopeniaasaresultofperipheralplateletdestruction.

Prof E Pretorius+27 12 319 [email protected]

Collagen-based tissue engineering scaffold for dermal regeneration

Tissueengineeringanditscontributiontoregenerativemed-icinehasadvancedthroughtheyears.Thisfairlyyoungsci-enceemploysadvancedscaffolds,suchasIntegra®,tomimictheextracellularmatrix.Theaimofthisstudywastodevelopacollagenandchondroitin6-sulphatedermal regenerationscaffold. Frozen slurries (0.5 percent collagen)were driedunder vacuum, cross-linked and then thoroughly rinsed.Thescaffoldsweresubjectedtoarangeofquantitativeandqualitativeteststhatincludedscanningelectronmicroscopyanalysis,collagenaseenzymaticdegradationandcytotoxic-ityassessment.Resultsindicatedthathighlyporous(meanporediameterof87.34µm),bioactive,non-cytotoxictissueengineeringmatriceswereobtained.Scaffoldresistancetoenzymaticdegradationweremanipulatedafterdehydrother-mal treatment by employing combinations of cross-linkingagents,suchasglutaraldehydeand/orcarbodiimide,withorwithoutthepresenceofL-lysine.

Mr QB Wessels+27 82 555 [email protected]

Forensic Anthropology Research Centre

Accurate diagnosis

Examinationofthehistologicalstructureofbonenotonlyhelpsinvestigators estimate age at death, but can also aid in thediagnosisofpalaeopathological lesions.Thepurposeof thisresearchprojectwastoassesswhetherhistologicalfeatures,as described in the literature, can confirm themacroscopicdiagnosesofossifiedsubperiostealhaematomas,associatedwithhealedscurvy,andsyphiliticbonechangesobservedonthe anterior tibiae of individuals from a 19th-century miningcommunity from Kimberley, South Africa. The frequentoccurrenceofthesetwodiseasesamongthedeceasedwaswellestablishedinrelatedhospitalandgovernmentdocuments.Asectionofbonewasremovedfromlesionsonthetibiaeof14 individuals. These bone changes were macroscopicallydiagnosed as being indicative of treponematosis, ossifiedsubperiostealhaematomasornon-specificperiostitis.Cross-sectionswerepreparedformicroscopicinvestigation,usingamanualgroundsectiontechnique.Ossifiedhaematomaswerehistologically identified in seven individuals. These sections

The anterior tibiae of individuals from a 19th-century mining community in Kimberley were analysed to confirm illnesses recorded in hospital and government documents.


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werecharacterisedbynormalcorticalbone,anintactoriginalperiostealsurfaceandnewlyformed,radiatingtrabecularboneapposingit.Threephasesofossifiedsubperiostealhaematomaformationand remodellingcouldbedistinguished. Infectiousbone changes, most likely associated with treponematosis,were observed in one individual. These were characterisedby lysis and numerous resorption holes/channels. No cleardistinctioncouldbemadebetweentheinternalspongy,corticalornewlyformedbone.Histologicalfeaturesdescribedbysomeauthorsascharacteristicofthisconditioncouldnotbeidentified.In addition, three individuals presented with microscopicfeaturesindicativeofboththeaforementionedboneaffections,and three did not show any pathological changes on themicroscopic level. It was concluded that, although specificpathological conditions can most likely not be diagnosedpurelyonthebasisofhistomorphologicalobservations,broaddistinctions could be made between lesions caused by theossificationofsubperiostealhaematomasandbonechangesduetoinfectiousdiseases.

Trauma and amputations in 19th-century miners from Kimberley

Traumaistheresultofviolent,accidentalortherapeuticeventsthat cause physical or psychological injury. The frequenciesand types of trauma in a population can give importantinformation regarding their lifestyle, as well as the quantityand quality ofmedical care available to them. The purposeof this study was to assess the incidence of trauma in theGladstonesamplepopulationwith regard to thepresenceofinterpersonal violence, a hazardous working environment,strenuousworkingrequirementsandtheavailabilityofmedicalcare. The individuals studied were diamond miners fromKimberley,dating to the late19th century.A totalof107well-preserved skeletonswere excavated fromunmarked gravesafteraccidentaldiscovery.Thissampleincluded86males,15femalesandsix individualsofunknownsex.Themajorityofindividuals(71percent)werebetween19and45yearsofage.Theremainsweremost likelythoseofmigrantmineworkersof low socioeconomic statuswhohadpassedawayat localhospitals.All boneswere visually assessed formacroscopicindications of traumatic bone alterations and compared tostandardpalaeopathologicaltextsandphotographs.Atotalof27percent(n¼28)oftheindividualsinthesamplepresentedwithwell-healed,healingorperimortemfractures.Fracturestotheskullencompassed49percent(n¼20)ofallthefracturesthat were observed. A total of six (6 percent) amputations

werenoted.Spondylolysiswasobserved in7percent (n¼7)oftheindividualsinthesampleandlong-standingsubluxationwasnoted in two individuals.Thehigh incidencesof cranialfracturesinthispopulationsuggesthighlevelsofinterpersonalviolence, while long bone fractures, spondylolysis andevidence of long-standing subluxations are indicative of thestrenuousworkrequirementsandthehigh-riskenvironmenttowhichtheseindividualswereexposed.Whenconsideringthepresenceofwell-reduced fracturesandhealedamputations,itseemsthatadequatemedicalcarewasavailabletoatleastsomemembersofthiscommunity.

Adult scurvy

Throughout history, scurvy has been awell-known diseasethatdevelopsduetorestrictedsourcesoffreshfruitandveg-etables.TheconditionresultsfromanextendedlimitedintakeofvitaminC.Althoughskeletallesionsassociatedwithinfan-tilescurvyhavebeenwelldescribedbymanyauthors,verylittle literature isavailableonadult scurvyand the resultingskeletallesions.Thepurposeofthisstudywastoinvestigate

Skeletons of diamond miners from a late 19th-century Kimberley community were studied for macroscopic indications of traumatic bone alterations.

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theskeletalremainsofa19th-centuryminingpopulationfromKimberley,SouthAfrica,foranyskeletallesionsthatmaybeindicativeofadultscurvy.Scurvyiswelldocumentedasbeingextremelyprevalent in thispopulation.Theskeletal remainsof107individuals,presumedtohavediedaround1898,werestudied. The majority of these individuals were males be-tween19and45yearsofage.Itislikelythatmostindividualsweremigrantworkersatthediamondmines.Allboneswerevisuallyassessedformacroscopicindicationsofpathologicalbonealterations associatedwith healed scurvy.Bone sam-pleswerealsotakenfromambiguouslesionsinordertoper-formhistologicalinvestigations.Lesionsindicativeofpossiblehealedadultscurvywereobserved in16 individuals.Theselesionsincludedbilateralossifiedhaematomas,osteoperios-titic bone changesandperiodontal disease.Histological in-vestigationconfirmed thepresenceofossifiedhaematomason the anterior tibiae of some individuals. Hospital recordsandhistoricaldocumentsdescribingtheincidenceofscurvyinthelocalhospitalsandthedailydietoftheblackmineworkerssupportedthesefindings.

Life expectancy of the Venda population

ResearchonthelifeexpectancyoftheVendapopulationwaspublished in 2008 and provides information on themortalityratesofruralSouthAfricangroupsfromthisregion.Thepur-poseofthisstudywastoapplyabridgedlifetablestoestimatelife expectancy from both skeletal remains and death regis-try information of modern SouthAfrican communities. Com-parisonswere alsomadewith prehistoric and contemporarygroupstobetterevaluatelifeexpectancyforthistimeperiod.Thesampleconsistedof160skeletonsofknownVendaoriginandburialregistry informationfor1364blackSouthAfricansfromtheRebeccaStreetandMamelodicemeteries inPreto-ria, SouthAfrica. Standard anthropological techniques wereapplied todeterminesexandestimateage from theskeletalremains.Bothstationaryandnon-stationary life tablemodelswereusedtoanalysethedata.Ahighrateofchildmortality,lowjuvenileandadultmortality,withasteadyincreaseinmortalityaftertheageof30yearswasobservedforboththeVendaandthecemeterysamples.Throughoutthe20thcentury,lifeexpec-tancywasshowntoincreaseforblackSouthAfricans.

Prof M Steyn+27 12 420 3256 [email protected]

Immunology

Rapid and inexpensive test for detection of HIV-1 drug-resistance mutations

The researchers evaluated the feasibility of the oligonucle-otideligationassay(OLA),aspecific,sensitiveandeconomi-calligase-basedpointmutationassaydesignedtodetectHIV-1drug-resistancemutationsat12codonsofHIV-1subtypeBpol,forpotentialuseinresource-poorsettings.Specimensfrom HIV-1-infected individuals collected by seven interna-tionallaboratories,includingsubtypesA,B,C,D,F,G,JandrecombinantsAEandAG,weretestedbytheOLAdevelopedforHIV-1subtypeB.CommonpolymorphismsthatinterferedwithreactivityoftheOLAwereidentified,andmodifiedprobesdesignedandevaluated.Theresearcherssuccessfullygeno-typed92.5percent(2410)of2604codonsinspecimensfrom217 individuals.Ahigh rate (range8.3percent to31.2per-cent)ofindeterminateresults(negativeOLAreactionforbothmutantandwildtype)wasobservedforfivecodons.Modifiedprobesatreversetranscriptasecodons151and184andpro-teasecodon90increasedtherateofvalidOLAto96.1per-cent.TheresearchersfoundthattheOLAdesignedforHIV-1subtypeBgenotypedmostpolcodonsinnon-BsubtypesfromAsiaandAfrica,butwasimprovedbytheadditionofseveralmodified probes. International laboratories experienced inmoleculartechniqueswereabletoperformtheOLA.

Characteristics of HIV-1-associated Kaposi’s Sarcoma

Theaimofthisstudywastoprovideadetaileddescriptionofthe clinical, virological and immunological characteristics ofAIDS/Kaposi’sSarcoma (KS), anassociatedherpes virus inmenandwomenwhoarenotmakinguseofantiretroviralther-apy(ART).ThestudyalsomeasuredtheextentofKSdiseasedirectly (levelof cutaneousandvisceral involvement), ratherthanrelyingonthereportingofnon-specificsymptomssuchasfever,diaphoresisandweight loss.TheproportionofwomenwithHIV-1-related KS (ratio of 1:1) was substantially higherthan that reported forAmerican,EuropeanandotherAfricanpopulationgroups.Oneof the reasons for thismightbe thefact that theprevalenceand incidenceofHIV-1 inKwaZulu-Natalareamongthehighestinsub-SaharanAfrica,withyoungwomenbearingthemajorimpactoftheburden.Theresearch-ersfoundthatAIDS/KSisunequallydistributedamongdifferentagegroupsandthattheproportionofAIDS/KScaseswashigh-estamongwomenintheirmid-20s.Alsoofconsiderableinter-estwasthefindingthattheage-specificdistributionpatternforfemaleKSwasessentiallyidenticaltothatpreviouslyreportedforHIV-1onitsown.InpaststudiesconductedinKwaZulu-Na-tal,theprevalence(andincidence)ofHIV-1increasedinyoungmothersbetweentheagesof21and25,andthenlevelledoffanddeclinedinwomen30yearsofage.Takentogether,thisdatasuggeststhattheriskofdevelopingfemaleKS,atleastinKwaZulu-Natal,iscloselyrelatedtotheepidemiology(and/ortransmission)patternsofHIV-1.Thefindingthat,atdiagnosis,womenhadmoreextensiveKSdiseaseisconsistentwithstud-iesfromZimbabweandItalyshowingthatwomenwithAIDS/KS aremoresymptomatic,havemoreadvanceddisease,andamore aggressive clinical presentation and disease course

Research on the life expectancy of the Venda population showed that life expectancy was increasing for black South Africans throughout the 20th century.


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relative tomen.Thereason for the increasedseverityofKSinHIV-1-infectedwomenisnotknown,butdoesnotappeartoberelatedtovirologicalorimmunologicaldifferences,sincethemenandwomeninthestudyhadsimilarmeanviralloadandmeanCD4þT-cell counts.The lackofagender-relatedcor-relationbetweendiseaseseverityandCD4þT-cellcountisinagreementwiththeZimbabweanstudy,butatvariancewiththedatafromItaly.Italianinvestigatorsfoundthat,relativetomen,women with KS were more immune-deficient. Despite thelackofadifferencebetweenmenandwomen,theresearch-ersfoundthatineachgendergroup,therewasastatisticallysignificantrelationshipbetweenlowerCD4þT-cellcountsandmoreadvancedKSdisease,andbetweenlowerCD4þT-cellcountsandpoordiseaseprognosis,suggesting that immunesuppressionmayplayarole inKSprogression,but that thisrolemaynotnecessarilyberelatedtogender.Thewidevaria-tion inCD4þT-cell countsobserved in this study (from1 to1406cells/mm3)andthefindingthat21percentofpatientshadCD4þT-celllevels.350cells/mm3(38percent.200cells/mm3)suggestthat,inAfricanpopulations,severeimmunesuppres-sionisnotaprerequisiteforthedevelopmentofKSlesions.Al-thoughthereasonsarenotknown,higherthanexpectedCD4þT-cellcountsinAfricanpatientshadbeenreportedpreviously.IntheAfricansetting,greatcaremustbetakentoaccuratelydiagnose and differentiate betweenKS- and tuberculosis-in-ducedpulmonarydiseases.Giventhattuberculosismaycoex-istwithAIDS/KSin20percentofpatients,andthatthediagno-sisofthisconditionmayinfluenceboththetimingandchoiceofART,itisrecommendedthatallAIDS/KSpatientsreceiveaclinicalevaluationandsputumexaminationforthedetectionofacid-fastbacilli,andthatthosewithsymptomaticlungdiseaseberuledoutfortuberculosis.

Prof S Cassol+ 27 12 319 [email protected]

Differentiation of human monocytes

Canovaisanimmunomodulatory,homeopathicpreparationthathasbeenshown toactivatemacrophages in vitroandin vivo,withresultantenhancedspreadingof thecellsandformationofmicrovillusextensionsfromthecellbody.Sincemonocytes are the precursor cells of macrophages anddendriticcells,theobjectiveofthisstudywastoinvestigatetheeffectsofCanovaonthedifferentiationofhumanbloodmonocytes in vitro. Monocytes were isolated, grown incultureandexposedto10and20percentCanovawithoutthe addition of cytokines.After 48 hours,monocyteswereprepared for analysis by scanning electron microscopy,while cells kept in culture for seven days and exposed toCanovaondaysone,threeandfourwereanalysedbyflowcytometryforalterationsinthelevelsofexpressionofCD1a,CD11c,CD14,CD80,CD83,CD86andHLA-DR.Scanningelectron microscopy revealed that monocytes exposed to10percentCanovahadamorphologicalappearancesimilarto that of macrophages. Various cytoplasmic projectionswereobservedwithpseudopodiaformation.Flowcytometricanalysisafterexposureofmonocytesto10and20percentCanovaindicatedhighcellviabilityandupregulationofCD80,compatible with differentiation into either macrophages

or dendritic cells. Exposure to Canova per se causesactivation of monocytes with resultant differentiation intolargemacrophage-likecellsofindeterminatephenotypethathaveincreasedexpressionofCD80.Likecytokines,Canovainduces differentiation of monocytes, an activity that mayunderpintheimmunomodulatoryactivityofthisproduct.

Prof R Anderson+27 12 319 [email protected]

Medical Virology

A virus in surface water in South Africa: what are the risks?

The aim of this study was to assess the potential risk ofinfection constituted by the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) topersonsusingsurfacedamandriverwaterfordomesticandrecreationalpurposes.Theresearcherestimatedthepotentialriskusingadeterministicexponentialriskassessmentmodelwithmean values and conservative assumptions. HAVwasdetectedin17.5percentofriverand14.9percentofdamwatersamplesthatweretested.Thenumberofindicatororganismsin these sources exceeded drinking and recreational waterquality guidelines set by the United States EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(USEPA), indicatingpossiblehealthriskstorecreationalwaterusers.Basedontheavailabledataandtakingall theassumptions intoconsideration, theprobabilityof infection (Pinf) to the higher socio-economic populationusing the riverwater for recreationalpurposeswas1.1×10-3

perdayand3.3×10-1perannumif100mlwasingestedperday.Forrecreationinthedamwater,thePinfvaluewas1.2×10

-4perdayand4.2×10-2 per annum.For the lower socio-economicpopulation,riskvaluesfordrinkingpurposes(twolitresperday)

Boating at Hartebeespoortdam – what are the risks?

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weretenfoldgreater.ThesesurfacewatersthereforedidnotconformtotheUSEPAguidelinesofoneinfectionper10000consumersperyearfordrinkingwateroreightgastrointestinalillnessesper1000bathersperday inenvironmentalwatersusedforrecreationalpurposes.ThisisthefirstriskassessmentstudyaddressingtheriskofinfectionbyHAVinsurfacewatertodifferentsocio-economicpopulationsinSouthAfrica.

JME Venter +27 12 319 [email protected]

Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Essential steps for managing obstetric emergencies

TheMRCMaternalandInfantHealthCareStrategiesResearchUnit concentrates on researching and developing effectivemethodsforintroducinghealthcareprogrammesintohealthdistricts.IthassuccessfullydevelopedtheEssentialStepsforManagingObstetricEmergenciesanddemonstratedthattheprogrammesignificantly improves the skills of internswhenmanaging obstetric emergencies. This programme will bescaledupthroughoutSouthAfricainthenextfewyears.Theunitalso focusesonwaysof integratingmaternal,neonatalandchildhealthprogrammesintothedistricthealthsystem.Themainfocusfor2008hasbeentoperformagapssurveyonthepreventionofmother-to-childtransmission(PMTCT)ofHIV.ThissurveyrevealedthatthemainprobleminthePMTCTsystemwasdisconnectivenessbetweenpatient,healthcareproviderandhealthcaremanageratalllevels.Astrategyhasbeendevelopedtoremovethesebarriers.ItwillbetestedinMpumalangain2009.TheunitalsoproducedthesixthQualityofPerinatalCareSurveyofSouthAfrica(2006to2007)andthefourthQualityofChildHealthCareintheHealthSystemSurveyofSouthAfrica(2006).

Prof RC Pattinson+27 12 373 1003 [email protected]

Paediatrics

Metabolite fingerprint

Theaimofthisstudywastoidentifyametabolitefingerprintintheurineofpatientswithpossiblemitochondrialdisordersinordertosimplifytheverytediousandexpensivemethodscurrently used. The first phase was to do stability teststo assess the influence of storage conditions and time.For urine metabolite stability analyses, a total of 1 231metabolites (features) were extracted. Given the differentlevelsoftheanalysisscenarios(factors),adatamatrixof54(cases)and1231variableswasproduced.Theresearchersalso received 24 positive control urine samples from theNetherlands,whichprovedtobeextremelyimportanttothisinvestigation.Themetabolitestabilitystudyhasprogressedup to the sixthmonth and preliminary data presented hasshown that creatinine remains stable under the conditionsinvestigated. The metabolomic analysis, however, shows

thattimeofstorageandtemperaturehaveaneffectonthedata.Thefurtheranalysis,interpretationandimplementationofthisinformationwillbecrucialinfurtherurineanalyses.

Neuromuscular disorders

Childrenwithneuromuscular disorders imposeadiagnosticchallengetotheclinician.Moleculargeneticsorenzymede-ficienciesarethegoldstandardsfortheconfirmationofmyo-pathies,andimmuno-histochemistryisadiagnosticoptionforspecificconditions,butnotreadilyavailable.Thecontributionofoxidativephosphorylation(OXPHOS)andPyruvatedehy-drogenasecomplex(PDHc)analysestothediagnosisofchil-drenwithmyopathieswereassessed.Theresearcherstested77patientswithpossibleneuromusculardisordersbetween2004and2007.Diagnoseswereconfirmedin49(64percent)patients.Moleculargeneticsweredonefor30patientsanddi-agnoseswereconfirmedin17(22percent).Spinalmuscularatrophywasthemostcommongeneticallyconfirmeddiagno-sis(12/17).Musclebiopsieswereperformedon47patients.Fivebiopsieswereonlysentforhistology,anddermatomyo-sitiswasconfirmedinfourcases,while42biopsiesweresentforhistologyandenzymeanalyses,andanadditional28di-agnosesweremadeonthebasisoftheOXPHOSandPDHcresults.Theconfirmationofneuromusculardisordersremainsachallenge.Thoroughclinicalassessmentremainsthecor-nerstoneintheinitialassessmentandtheappropriateinvesti-gationsmustbeselectedaccordingly.Theresearchersfoundthatalthoughmoleculargeneticsisvaluable,itonlyhasalim-itednumberofavailableinvestigations.Histologyisusefultoconfirm inflammatorydisorders.TheavailabilityofPSPHOSandPDHcanalysescontributed37percentadditionaldiagno-ses inapreviouslyundiagnosedpopulation. Inaddition, theresearchersfoundthatOXPHOSandPDHcanalysesshouldbedoneroutinelyonmusclebiopsiesofchildrenwithasus-pectedneuromusculardisorder.

Respiration analyses

Deficienciesofenzymes in themitochondrialoxidativephos-phorylation(OXPHOSorenergy-producing)systemareofthemostfrequentlyencounteredinheritedmetabolicdiseasesandareoftencollectivelyreferredtoasmitochondrialdisorders.Di-agnosisofthesedisordersiscomplicatedandrequiresacom-

Students learn from the research conducted in a teaching hospital.


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binationofclinical,histochemicalandbiochemicalassessmentof respiratory chain function and molecular genetic studies.Theobjectiveof thisstudywas toperform respirationanaly-ses,inadditiontosingleenzymeassays,onfreshlypreparedmitochondriaofpatientswithpossiblemitochondrialdisordersinordertoimprovethediagnosticyieldofmitochondrialdisor-ders inmusclespecimens.The researcher found thatof the18controlsand26possiblepatients,19patients(73percent)wereidentifiedwitheitherOXPHOSand/orPDHccomplexde-ficiencies.The respirationanalysessupported thediagnosesofamitochondrialdisorderinonlyfour(15percent)cases.Noadditionalpatientswereidentifiedthroughrespirationanalysesonly.Theresearcherconcluded thatsingleenzymeanalysesremainthegoldstandardforthediagnosisofmitochondrialdis-orders.Itwaspostulatedthatrespirationanalysesmaycontrib-utetothediagnosticyield,butitonlysupportedthediagnosisin15percentofcases.Inaddition,theresearcherfoundthatrespirationcanstillbenormalinthepresenceofenzymedefi-cienciesanditdidnotcontributesignificantlytothediagnosesofpatientswithmitochondrialdisorders.

Mitochondrial disorders in children

Theaimofthisstudywastofindwaystodiagnosedisordersin the ethnic diverse paediatric population in South Africacausedbydeficienciesintheoxidativephosphorylationsystem(OXPHOS) and Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHc).Thestrategy,competenciesandlogisticstoprovidethebasicdiagnostic capability, however, have only been establishedin recent years.The researchers identified28patientswithmostlycombineddeficienciesoftherespiratorychainand/orPDHcenzymes.Theprotocolsforbiochemicalanalysesweremodifiedovertimetoincreasesensitivitiesandallowchangesin strategy. The researchers used 600xg supernatants forenzymeanalyses thatallow theuseof frozenbiopsiesandhave thus excluded respiration analysis. The patients hadmostly combined enzyme deficiencies, but complex I (CI)deficiencywasthemostprevalent,followedbythecombineddeficiencyofcomplexII+III(CII+III).Theresearchersfoundthat,ashasbeenthenormworldwide,theageofonsetandthephenotypeswerediverse.Thephenotypesdifferedinthedifferentethnicgroupings.Africanpatientshadpredominantearly onsetwithmainlymyopathic presentation, in contrastto Caucasian patients that had a group with early onsetcentralnervoussystem(CNS)involvementandagroupwithlater onset in the secondor later decadewith predominantexercise intolerance as one of the presenting features.The researchers concluded that this investigation providesthe first clinical andbiochemical data on a cohort ofSouthAfricanpaediatricpatientssuspectedtohaveamitochondrialdisorder.Ithasalsoprovidedabasisforreviewingthestrategyof diagnosis and research of mitochondrial disorders in adevelopingcountry.ConsideringthedemandsonhealthcarefacilitiesinSouthernAfrica,futurediagnosisandresearchonmitochondrial disorders will require optimisation through aconstantreviewofstrategyandethicalconsiderations.

Prof I Smuts+27 12 354 5296 [email protected]

Psychiatry

Obsessive-compulsive disorder in the schizophrenic Afrikaner population

Theaimofthisstudywastoevaluatethelifetimeprevalenceandclinicalcharacteristicsofobsessive-compulsivedisorder(OCD)/obsessive-compulsivesymptoms(OCS)inAfrikanerschizophrenic and schizoaffective disorder patients. Theresearchers conducted a genetic study of schizophreniaamongtheAfrikanerfounderpopulation.Inthiscohortof400subjects from the original genetic study, they identified 53subjectswithschizophreniaorschizoaffectivedisorderandco-morbidOCD/OCS(studygroup).Theywerematchedforgenderandageofonsetofillnesswith59subjectswhodonothaveOCD/OCS(controlgroup).Thediagnostic instrumentused in this cohort is theDiagnostic Interview forGeneticStudies (DIGS) version 2, which has been translated intoAfrikaans.InadditiontotheDIGS,informationfortherelevantclinicalcharacteristicsreportedinthisstudywasalsodrawnfromadetailednarrativechronologicalsummaryreportandclinical files. A checklist was completed. The researchersfound that the prevalence of co-morbidOCD/OCS among400subjectswithschizophreniaorschizoaffectivedisorderwas 13.2 percent, of which 40 were male and 13 femalepatients.TheprevalenceofOCDwas10.7percentandOCSwas2.5percent.Contaminationobsessionswerethemostcommon type of obsession reported, followed by religiousobsessions.Themostprevalentcompulsionswererepetitiverituals followedby checkingbehaviour.Onsetof psychoticsymptomswasfoundtobeinsidiousin86.8percentofthestudygroup,comparedto24.6percentofthecontrolgroup.Second-generation antipsychotic use was found to bestatisticallymoreprevalentinthestudygroup(77.4percent),comparedtothecontrolgroup(45.8percent).Inaddition,73percentofthestudygroupexperienceddepressivesymptoms,comparedto50.8percentofthecontrolgroup.Bothgroupswerefoundtohavesimilarincidencesofsuicidalthoughtsandsuicideattempts.Substanceabuseamongthecontrolgroupwassignificantlyhigher(35.9percent),comparedtothestudygroup(19.2percent).Cannabiswasmostcommonlyabusedin both groups, followed by alcohol. The researchers alsofoundthattheprevalencerateof13.2percentofco-morbidOCD/OCS in Afrikaner schizophrenia and schizoaffectivedisorderpatientsdiffersfromfindingsinotherethnicgroups,suggestingthepossibleroleofgeneticandculturalfactorsintheprevalenceofco-morbidOCD/OCS.Second-generationantipsychoticuseamongschizophreniaandschizoaffectivedisorderpatientswithco-morbidOCD/OCSwasfoundtobesignificantly higher than in those without co-morbid OCD/OCS.ClinicalcharacteristicsofAfrikanerschizophrenicsandschizoaffectivedisorderpatientswithandwithoutco-morbidOCD/OCSarethesame.Bothgroupswereassociatedwithsignificantpsychopathologyandapoorprognosis.

Prof JL Roos+27 12 319 [email protected]

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Physiology

Sutherlandia frutescent extracts

Sutherlandia frutescens is a well-known SouthAfrican herbalremedy traditionally used for stomach problems, internalcancers,diabetes,variousinflammatoryconditionsandrecentlytoimprovetheoverallhealthincancerandHIV/AIDSpatients.The influence of crude Sutherlandia frutescens extracts(prepared with 70 percent ethanol) was investigated on cellnumbers,morphologyandgeneexpressionprofilesinanMCF-7 human breast adenocarcinoma cell line. Time-dependent (24,34,48and72hours)anddose-dependent(0.5to2.5mg/ml) studieswereconductedutilisingspectrophotometricalanalysiswith crystal violet as DNA stain. The researcher observed astatistically significant decrease to 50 percent of malignantcell numbers after 24 hours of exposure to 1.5 mg/ml Sutherlandiafrutescensextractwhencomparedtovehicle-treatedcontrols. Morphological characteristics of apoptosis, includingcytoplasmicshrinking,membraneblebbingandapoptoticbodies,wereobservedafter24hoursofexposure.Apreliminaryglobalgeneexpressionprofilewasobtainedbymeansofmicroarrayanalysisandrevealedvaluableinformationaboutthemolecularmechanismsandsignaltransductionassociatedwith70percentethanolicSutherlandiafrutescensextracts.

Mr BA Stander +27 12 420 2145 [email protected]

Nursing Sciences

Infant developmental needs

Whileevidenceconfirmsthatdevelopmentalsurveillanceshouldbeincorporatedintotheongoinghealthcareoftheinfant,suchservices are not consistently provided in health care settingsand, ifprovided, itsdeliverysuffers fromsignificant inadequa-

cies.A case study strategywas used to investigate the phe-nomenonandcontentanalysisutilisedtoanalysethedata.Thetransactionalmodel of developmentwas selected to interpretthedataobtainedinthestudy.Findingsofthestudyshowedthatinfantdevelopmentalcarewasnotincludedtoitsfullestpotentialinthehealthcaredeliveredtoinfantsandtheirfamilies,therebyindicatingthatcommunitynursesdonotmeetthestandardsoftheprofessionwithregardtothemanagementofinfantdevel-opmentalneeds.Healthservicemanagersneedtoreviewtheircommitmentandtypeofsupporttocommunitynursesifinfantdevelopmentalcare,aspartofcommunitynurses’responsibili-ties,istobeeffectiveandofhighquality.Furthermore,communi-tynursesandotherhealthcareprofessionalsmustrecognisethenatureandpotentialofinterprofessionalcollaborationtoensurepositiveoutcomesforinfantswithdevelopmentaldelaysanddis-abilities.Theresearcherdevelopedasetofguidelines(DEFINEHOPE)aimedatimprovingthequalityofdevelopmentalcareforinfantsandtheirfamilies.Asguidelineshelptotranslatescientif-icinformationintostatements,itcouldbevaluabletocommunitynursestoimprovetheirdeliveryofdevelopmentalcare.

Dr R Leech+27 12 354 2129 [email protected]

School of Health Systems and Public Health

DDT, genetics and male reproductive health

AlthoughDDThasbeenbannedforinternationaluse,countries likeSouthAfricahaverestricteduseformalariavectorcontrol. South Africa is a signatory to the Stockholm Conventionon the Control of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs),including DDT, and now has the obligation to limit andcontrol the release of substances like DDT into theenvironment. In response to mounting concerns about theinfluence of environmental chemicals on human health,a cross-sectional epidemiological study was initiated by Prof Tiaan de Jager and his team to specifically investigatethe effects of 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane(DDT)onmale reproductivehealth.More than300men fromVenda, Limpopo, where DDT is still sprayed, participated intheproject.Semenanalyses,toxicologicaltargetanalysesandhormone profiles were included. Various sperm parameterswere affected and very high concentrations of DDT andmetabolitesweredetected in thebloodserum.TheeffectsofDDT on seminal parameters were clear, and the project willbe extended.DDTwas also shown to have an effect on thespermchromatinandDNA. Inaddition to theepidemiologicalapproach, reproductive toxicology studies were performed.Ageneral trend in decreased fertility parameterswas observedafter exposure of rats to a mixture of DDT, deltamethrin,nonylphenol and phytoestrogens. DDT and deltamethrin, atenvironmentally relevant concentrations, had negative effectsonreproductivehealth,withphytoestrogensincombinationwithotherendocrine-disruptingchemicals(includingDDT)showingsynergisticeffects.

Prof C de Jager+27 12 354 [email protected]

Research in the field of nursing science addresses the needs of infants.

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The research activities of the Faculty of Humanities are unusually diverse, encompassing, on the one hand, applied research projects and, on the other, practice-based research in both the creative arts and various aspects of sports science.


Despitethisdiversity,unintendedsynergiessometimesemergeintheresearchfocusesofdifferentdepartments, insomecases leading to richly imaginativecollaborativeprojectsthatnotonlychallengedisciplinaryboundaries,butalsoencourageengagementwiththepublicsphere.

Themostobviousbeneficiariesofthisengagementaremarginalisedcommunitiesthat,foravarietyofreasons,arewillingtoformstrategicallianceswithuniversity-basedresearcherstoachievesocialandothergoalsthatplayacrucialroleinsustainingtheirwellbeing.

TheHumanitiesalsoengage thepublicsphere inother,equally importantways throughresearchaimedatimprovingperformance,bothphysicalandpsychological.

Inaddition to thesesociallyconnected, interactive researchprojects, researchers in theFacultyofHumanitiesexcelinthinkingandrethinkingquestionsandissuesthatarecentralto our understanding of what itmeans to be human.As such, theymake an importantcontributiontoupholdingvaluesandpracticeswithoutwhichoursocietywouldnotbeabletofunction.

Prof Sandra KlopperDean

6.5 Faculty of Humanities

Prof Sandra Klopper, Dean since 1 October 2008

Prof Marie Muller, Dean until 30 April 2008

Prof Henk Potgieter, Acting Dean, 1 May to 30 September 2008

The Old Arts Building, which housed the first classes in the Arts, with the Humanities Building towering in the background.

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Research highlights

African Languages

Developing natural language processing applications for Northern Sotho

During 2008, the Department of African Languages wasinvolved in a joint research project with the Institutefor Computational Linguistics (IMS) at the University ofStuttgart,Germany.The focus of this project was on thedevelopment of computational tools for automatic part-of-speech (POS) annotation of aNorthern Sotho corpus.Thus far, a tag set has been designed, as well as toolsfornounandverbguessing.Researchhasalsobeendoneontheformulationofdisambiguationrulesinanattempttodisambiguate highly homographous tokens. The value ofthisprojectisnotlimitedtobenefitingNorthernSothoonly,but the tools that are developed can also be utilised forotherdisjunctivelywrittenlanguages,suchasTswanaandSouthernSotho.HavingaccesstoaPOS-taggedcorpuswillfacilitatemachinetranslationofEnglishtextsintoNorthernSotho,whichisoneofthemainaimsoftheproject.

Prof DJ Prinsloo+27 12 420 [email protected]

Afrikaans

The use of African languages in education

The pedagogical soundness of the use of mother tongue/homelanguageaslanguageofinstructionisbeyondquestion.Thesuperioreducationalresultsthatthisensureshavebeenrecorded time and again. Moreover, in a situation whereschooling is near universal, the use of local languages intheschoolsystemiscrucialforthemaintenanceoflinguisticdiversity and promoting linguistic rights. The SouthAfricaneducationsystemischaracterisedbyacomplexhistorythathasmadetheissueofthemediumofinstructionorlanguageof learning and teaching (LoLT) a burning one for learnerswhoare not native speakers ofEnglish – particularly blacklearners who speak a Southern African Bantu language.According to the regulations in place since 1997, any ofthe country’s 11official languagesmaybeusedasaLoLTuptograde12orNationalSeniorCertificate,buttheuseofAfricanlanguagesasLoLTsisinpracticeonlysupportedforthefirst threeschoolgrades.Inrecentyears,manyschoolsintownshipsandruralareashaveeitherdrasticallylimitedtheuseofAfricanlanguagesasLoLTsorhaveoptedforapolicyofusingEnglishasLoLT.ThishascontributedtoquestionableresultsintermsofliteracyacquisitioninboththemothertongueandinEnglish,andhaspossiblyalsoledtoalossoflearningability. Furthermore, this situation may also be threateningthetransmissionoflanguagestosucceedinggenerations,asmanyAfricanfamiliesseemtobemakingEnglishtheirhomelanguagesinabidtoimprovetheirchildren’schancesinschooland–theybelieve–theirprofessionalfuture.Inreactiontothisstateofaffairs,theDepartmentofEducationhasestablishedprogrammes,suchastheFoundationforLearningCampaign,whichseektopromoteearlymothertongueliteracythrough

theprovisionofreadersinallofficiallanguages.ItisplanninganextensionoftheuseofAfricanlanguagesasLoLTsuptograde6inpilotschoolsacrossthecountry.TeachertrainingintheuseofAfricanlanguagesasLoLTsandteachingthemassubjectsofstudy isbeingrevamped.Theresearchteamstudiedtwomainissues:therequirementsforthesuccessfulimplementationofamother tonguepolicy ineducation,andthe teaching of African languages as subjects for nativespeakers. In contrast to provinces such as the WesternCape,theEasternCapeandKwaZulu-Natal,urbanGautengis exceptionally complex from a political point of view, andimplementingalanguage-in-educationmodelsuchasmothertongue-basedbilingualeducation,acceptedasthedesirableapproachinmultilingualregions,maynotbereadilypossiblein theGauteng education system. It is therefore necessaryto collect sociolinguistic information about (urban)Gautengschoolsinordertoproposealanguage-in-educationapproachthatwillsupportlearners’educationaldevelopment.AttentionwillalsobegiventoissuessuchasthetrainingofteacherstoteachcontentsubjectsinAfricanlanguages.ThesecondpartoftheprojectisthetrainingofAfricanlanguageteachersandthe appropriateness of linguistic behaviour in urban schoolclassrooms.

Prof V Webb+27 12 420 [email protected]

Ancient Languages

The editing of the biblical book of Psalms

Research on the biblical book of Psalms has concentratedforalongtimeonthe150differentpsalmsaspoeticprayers,hymns and laments. During the last two decades, however,researchershavebegun to focuson thePsalterasa literarycompositionin itself. ItseemsthattheindividualpsalmswerearrangedinameaningfulwaysoastosimulatethehistoryofIsraelfromthetimeofthemonarchyunderDavidthroughtotheperiodsofexileandrestoration.Thefocusofthebookgradually

The use of local languages in education is crucial.

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shiftsawayfromDavidandhisdynastytowardsthekingshipofYHWH,theGodofIsrael,andtheestablishmentofhisdivinerule on earth. Individual psalms would be selected, edited,adaptedorevencreatedforaspecificposition inaclusterofpsalmssoastoendowthelargercompositionwithacollectivemessage. Among the various ways in which the individualpsalms were edited for incorporation into the collection wasthe practice of supplying them with headings. One of theresearch projects in the Department of Ancient LanguagesfocusedonthecontributionthattheheadingsofPsalm3andPsalm34make to their interpretation.BothheadingscontainreferencestoparticularcircumstancesduringthelifeofDavidwhenhecouldhavewritten therespective ‘prayers’:Psalm3duringthetimeofhisflightfromhissonAbsalom,andPsalm34 during the time when he had to flee from Saul before hebecame king himself. Through its heading (the first in thebookofPsalms),Psalm3becomesthefirstexemplaryprayerof David, which he formulated under difficult circumstances.This heading draws the attention of the observant reader tovariousintertextualconnectionsthepsalmhaswith2Samuel15-19,thehistoryofAbsalom’srevoltandeventualdeath.Thisheadingsuggests that individual supplicantscan, irrespectiveof their social status, approachGod in times of distress likeDaviddid.Another,similar,headingisfoundatthebeginningofPsalm34.Researchintothistexthaspointedoutthatboththe‘history’ofDavidin1Samuel24-26andthetextofPsalm34 have been edited to establish several verbatim connectionsbetweenthem.Throughtheadditionofthisheading,Psalm34 presentsDavid as an example to believers and an object ofidentification in timesof distress, but since this is a teachingpsalmratherthanaprayer,hisauthorityisalsousedtoendorsethe exhortations in the psalm to believers to stay true to acertaincodeofconduct.Conversely,theadditionoftheheadingenhancestheimageofDavid,sothathealsotakesontherolesofwisdom teacher, theologian, sufferingservantand inspiredauthor.

Prof PJ Botha+27 12 420 [email protected]

English

Why are South Africans afraid of tokoloshes?

TheresearchofMsMollyBrownintofantasyanditsimportancefor child readers received international recognition whenan article was published in The Lion and the Unicorn, theprestigiouschildren’s literature journalofTheJohnsHopkinsUniversity Press. In this article – “Why are South Africansafraidoftokoloshes?”–MsBrownattemptstoexplainwhysolittle fantasy has been produced for older children by SouthAfricanauthors.Shefindsthatsocialfactorssuchasreligiousconservatismandclassicalcapitalistvalues,bothofwhichwereidentifiedbyUrsulaleGuinasinhibitingresponsestofantasyintheUSA40yearsago,maystillbeoperatinginSouthAfricatoday.Shegoesontoarguethatdestructiveculturalschismsmay have done even more to inhibit the development ofSouthAfricanfantasysincetheheightenedracialsensibilitiescharacterising South Africa also complicate any attempt bywhitewriters tomakecreativeuseof indigenousfolklore lest

theybecomevulnerabletochargesofliterarycolonialism,theforcibleseizureoftropesandfiguresbelongingbyrighttoothers. MsBrownsuggeststhatreadingfantasyshouldnotbeviewedsimply as an escapist activity, since reading examples oftruly indigenous fantasy may contribute to cultural healingbyenablingchildrenfrompost-colonialsocietiestoregainanawarenessofandprideintheirownstoriesandinthesocietiesthatproducedthem.

Ms MA Brown+27 12 420 3519 [email protected]

Unit for Creative Writing

The pen and the couch

Theaimofthisresearchproject,entitledThe pen and the couch: narrative therapy and creative writing within the South African context, was to examine alternative therapeutic methods,specificallywithintheSouthAfricancontext.Theresearchersstudiedpostmodern,discourse-basedtherapy,whichfocuseson re-storying life experiences and the therapeutic benefitsofcreativewriting.Theylinkedthesequalitiestothenarrativetherapyprocess,aswellastotheuseofnarrativetherapyintheSouthAfricancontext,specificallywithregardtoHIV/AIDS,as well as the correctional system. The researchers foundthatalthoughnarrativetherapyisarelativelynewtherapeuticmethod,itprovidespossiblealternativestothemoretraditionalforms of therapy. The process of re-storying negativeexperiencesintomorepositive,ifnottriumphantones,aswellastheconceptofseparatingtheproblemfromtheclient,servesto aid individuals going through the therapyprocess.Ratherthanbeinginextricablyinvolvedintheproblem,thepersoncanstepawayfromitinordertonegotiatenewmeaningsforhim-/herself.Creativewritingisessentiallyaprocessofstructuringideas into a recognisable narrative format, and has inherenttherapeutic benefits of its own. When adopting a narrativetherapy or creative writing partnership, new possibilities fortherapy arise. People can write down their problems into arecognisable narrative structure, facilitated by the therapist,withtheclearaimofre-storyingtheirnegativeexperiences.Arecordisformed,beitthroughdiaryentries,autobiographicalessaysorpoems,whichcanbereferredtoforthedurationof

The biblical book of Psalms is a literary composition.

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thetherapyinordertonotetheemergenceofpositivestories.IntermsofilliteracyinSouthAfrica,theresearchersfoundthatnarrative theatre, togetherwithacreativewritingornarrativetherapy partnership, can be of great therapeutic benefit forindividualswhocannotreadorwrite. Instead, theywould telltheirstorytoafacilitatorwhowouldreworkitintoaperformablestructure,whichtheindividualcouldview.HIV/AIDSinSouthAfrica is a crisis, which needs to be addressed as widelyandascreativelyaspossible toprovidealternativemethodsthatmayassist themedicalfield.Thisprojectunderlined theimportanceofamindshift to includecollaborative therapies.BecauseoftheilliteracyinSouthAfrica,personswithHIV/AIDSwereencouraged to lookbeyond their illnessand view theirlivesmore holistically. Furthermore, the value of a narrativecreativewriting partnership inworkwith incarcerated peopleis illustrated. Findings also indicated that the convergencebetweenthetwodisciplines isaviablecollaborationand it ishopedthatthistypeofalternativepartnershipwillsparkmorevariedcollaborativeprojectsinSouthAfrica.

Prof HJ Pieterse +27 12 420 4194 [email protected]

Mr C Vaandrager+27 12 420 4940 [email protected]

Anthropology and Archaeology

Mapungubwe

OneofthemajorhighlightsoftheDepartmentofAnthropologyandArchaeology was the linking of research on the worldheritage cultural landscape of Mapungubwe with theengagement of communities, mainly Venda, in matters todowith the repatriationofmaterial remainsexcavated fromthis and other nearby sites by the University. Narrativesabout Mapungubwe were collected from communitiesand staged as a performance in collaboration with theUniversity’s departments of Drama and Architecture. TheprojectharvestedstoriesandmythologiesthataretoldaboutMapungubweandpresentedtheseasintersectingnarrativesthat floated over the ‘hard’ archaeological evidence of thesite. Live performance, archaeological material, visual (stilland video) material and sound recordings were presentedsimultaneously in order to construct a multisensory,multimedia andmultinarrative event. The performancewassupportedbyvideorecordingsofstorytellersfromtheregion,aswell asbyphotographs, spoken translationsandwrittentexts.TheperformanceincludednarrativesspokeninvariousSouthern African languages. These narratives were basedon interviewswith self-identifiedMapungubwedescendantsandwerefilmedintheMapungubweculturallandscape.TheperformancewasstagedintheOldArtsBuildingandentrance

A performance of Mapungubwe’s story included narratives based on interviews with descendants from Mapungubwe.

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wasfree.This isanextensionofaresearchprojectentitledUrban landscape dynamicsthatwasconductedinpartnershipwiththeDepartmentofAfricanandComparativeArchaeologyandAncient History of the University of Uppsala, Sweden.TheaimofthisprojectwastounderstandtheriseofcomplexsocietiesinthemiddleoftheLimpopoValleyduringtheearlyfirstmillenniumAD.

Prof K Bakker (Architecture)+27 12 420 4542 [email protected]

Prof M-H Coetzee (Drama)+27 12 420-2643 [email protected]

Dr MH Schoeman (Archaeology)+27 12 420 5221 [email protected]

Historical and Heritage Studies

Historical dictionary of the Anglo-Boer War

Prof Fransjohan Pretorius, a renowned Anglo-Boer Warexpert, undertook a research project at the request of theAmericanpublisher,ScarecrowPress,ontheAnglo-BoerWar.Hisresearchculminated inthepublicationofabookentitledHistorical dictionary of the Anglo-Boer War.Thedevastatingwar that raged on the South African veld between 1899and1902– thefirst of the20th-centurywars–wassmall incomparisonwiththeworldwars.Yet,itrevealedmanymilitary,political and social issues. The conflict between the BritishEmpireandtheBoersettlerswasinmanywaysaprecursortowhatwastocome.Itsawvastchangesintheorganisation,tactics and weapons used by the British army. It had far-reachingeffectsonthewhitepoliticalstructureinthecountryandstimulatedAfrikanernationalism,which,initsaggressiveformhalfacenturylater,ledtotheintroductionofapartheid.Thisdictionarypresentsthehistoryofthiswar,whichisalsoknownastheSouthAfricanWar,theBoerWarandtheTransvaalWar.Topicsincludetheinvolvementofblackpeopleinthewar,theconcentrationcamps,rebels,greatpersonalities,volunteersorrepatriationandcompensationafterthewar.

Prof F Pretorius+27 12 420 2667 [email protected]

Philosophy

Friedrich Nietzsche’s ethics of virtue

The aim of this research project, entitled Overcoming resentment: remarks on the supra-moral ethic of Nietzsche and Hannah Arendt,was toexploresomepointsof convergencebetween these two thinkers. The research found that boththesephilosophersconsideratrulyethicalorvirtuouslifetobeonethatdisplaysstrengthofcharacterandgenerosityofspirit(magnanimity).Hence,theirbasicconcernistodevisestrategiestoovercomeresentment.Despitemutualdifferencesregardingsuch strategies (notably with regard to the importance orunimportanceofthepolitical),theybothagreethatovercomingresentment means first and foremost freeing oneself fromthe grip of the moralistic and egalitarian view of life. Moralsentimentssuchaspityandcompassionshouldneverbetakenasthespringorfountainheadofvirtue.Whenmoralattitudesandissuessuchassocialinjusticeandinequalityareallowedtodominatepubliclife,thiswillinevitablyleadtothedestructionofthebasicconditionsforalifeoffreedomandvirtue,thatis,alifecharacterisedbyexcellent,virtuosicaction.

Prof MJ Schoeman+12 27 420 2697 [email protected]

Ethics as the everyday business of business

In recent years, a succession of corporate scandals hasrocked the international business community. As a result,many companies have invested considerable time, moneyand effort in developing ethics management programmes.However,inmanycases,suchprogrammesarenothingmorethan insurance policies against corporate liability, designedmerely to limit the fallout of scandals, should they occur. Dr Mollie Painter-Morland conducted a research projectentitledIn business ethics as practice.Sheredefinesthetypicalseven-step ethics management programmes from within,challengingthereadertoreconsiderwhatispossibleineachaspectofthisprocess.Indoingso,shedrawsontheinsightsofAristotle, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Foucault and numerouscontemporary organisational theorists and sociologists tocreatethespacefortheemergenceofamorallyresponsivecorporate ethos. The main thrust of the argument is thatmoraldecisionsdonotresultfromdeliberate‘rational’ethicaldecision-making. Instead, it is the result of tacit knowledge

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thatemergesovertimeininteractionwithothersinaspecificorganisationalcontext.Sincemuchofwhatinformsethicsinorganisations relates to knowledge and beliefs that peoplemaynotevenknow theyhave,ethics training thatseeks todrawonexplicitly statedprinciples anddeliberate decision-makingstrategieshaslittleeffect.Instead,onehastoengagepeople’stacitbeliefsystemsandinvolvethemasembodied,emotionalandrelationalbeings.Mostimportantly,onehastodevelop a keen eye for the value orientations that emergein the everyday practices of organisations. The existenceof certain rituals, artifacts, heroes, budgets, performancemanagement systems and perceptions of success play amuchmoreimportantroleinanorganisation’sethicsthanitsformalcodeofconduct.

Dr MJ Painter-Morland+27 12 420 4373 [email protected]

Political Science

Migration experiences

TheaimofthisresearchprojectwastostudythemigrationexperiencesofAsiaandSouthernAfricaunderthethemesofbrain-drainmigration,illegalmigration,xenophobia,andthepoliticalandeconomicimpactofsuchpopulationmovementsonbothsendingandreceivingstatesinAsiaandSouthernAf-rica.Migrationisoftenviewedasadouble-edgedsword.Ontheonehand,migrationcouldbeapositiveforce,asitcre-atessubregionalstability,alleviatespovertyandcontributestotheoveralldevelopmentoftheSouthernAfricanDevelop-mentCommunity(SADC).Ontheotherhand,skilledmigra-tion(orthebraindrain)couldalsohavenegativeimpacts(tovaryingdegrees)onthedevelopmentofnationaleconomiesandtheabilityofgovernmentstoprovideessentialservicestothepoor.Theimportanceofthenexusbetweenmigrationand the economic wellbeing of economies makes SADCextremelyvulnerable.The rationale for thecapitalistglobalmarket is to attract thosewho possess superior skills andknowledge,whethertheyarefromSouthAfricaorSwaziland.Theresearchersfoundthatalthoughthereisalackofdataonmigrationintheregion,apreliminarycost-benefitanalysisrevealedthatSADCmembersarelosingskilledmigrantsatahugecost.ItisthereforearguedthatSADCmembershavetoactivelyinterveneinordertocreateconditionsthatwouldretainpotentialskilledmigrants.

Mr L Hartwell+27 12 425 4500 [email protected]

Sociology

Sustainable and credible land restitution A key challenge facing the post-apartheid South Africandemocratic state in meeting the expectations of ruralcommunities dispossessed in the past as a direct resultof apartheid is thequestionof land restitution.Moreover,in a country where high-quality arable land is scarce,

sustainable land restitution becomes perhaps evenmorepressing.During thefirsthalf of2008, theDepartmentofSociologyconductedbaselinesurveysinthreecommunitiesinLimpopo,KwaZulu-NatalandtheWesternCape,whichhavebenefitedfromtherestitutionprocess.Thepurposeofthebaselinesurveyswastoprovideacommunityprofileandtoestablishpeople’sexistingperceptionsoncrediblelandrestitutionandlandusageinthesebeneficiarycommunities.Thisdataismeanttoenableleadershipinplanningonhowthe restituted landshouldbedeveloped.Theresearchersmadeanumberoffindings.All threecommunitieshaveayouthfulpopulationstructure,withanindicationofagrowingnumber of aged residents, suggesting that sustainedexpenditure on social services will be required. There islimited commercial farmingactivity in these communities.Where subsistence farming activity is undertaken, capitaland labour are required.This relieves pressure on limitedresources by providing produce for consumption. Overall,households are primarily dependent on cash income forsubsistence. The level of income is low.Access to socialgrants isakeysourceof incomeformosthouseholds inacontext where employment opportunities are very limitedlocally.Themajorityof theeconomicallyactivearegearedtowards seeking employment, but levels ofmigrant labourremainlowandmanygenerateanincomethroughinformaleconomic activity. It is clear that a significant number ofhouseholds face serious economic hardship that makessurviving ineveryday life immenselydifficult.Socialgrantscushionsomeofthevulnerabilityimposedbyadeterioratingsocio-economic context.Thepressuresof impoverishmentand a high level of unemployment influence individuals’expectationsaroundhowthelandreturnedtothecommunityshouldbeused.Participationbymembersofthecommunityintheprocessoflandrestitutionhasbeenextremelypoorsofar.Communityinvolvementinthisregardisnotbeinghelpedbydivisive tensions thathavedeveloped.Expectations forabetter lifearehighandthegovernmentretainsadegreeof goodwill. Failure to address growing needs holds thepossibilitythatfrustrationsmaybevented.

Prof J Grobbelaar+27 12 420 [email protected]

Biokinetics, Sport and Leisure Sciences

Sport psychological skills training and psycho-logical wellbeing

The impact of psychological skills training (PST) packageprogrammesonlife,healthandwellbeingingeneral,andtheSouthAfricanyouthinparticular,hasbeenrelativelyneglected.Forexample,priortothisresearch,theimpactofPSTonthecore health component of psychological wellbeing had notbeen evaluated, nor had the conceptual and/or empiricalrelationship between psychological skills and psychologicalwellbeing been investigated.WhilePST is often conductedindividually due to its personal and specific nature, grouptrainingshouldnotbeoverlooked,especiallyinSouthAfrica,wherecommunityinterventionsareanimportantpartofhealthpromotion.Psychologicalwellbeinghasundergoneextensive

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empirical reviewand evaluation over the last twodecades.Theoretically and conceptually grounded on the work ofresearcherssuchasGordonAllport,CharlotteBuhler,MarieJahoda,CarlJung,ErickErikson,AbrahamMaslow,BerniceNeugarten and Carl Rogers, as well as additional moremeaningful connotations of ‘eudomonia’, such as realisingpotentialthroughsomeformofstruggle,andtheresearchofRyff(1989)havebroughtaboutashiftinfocusfromasubjectiveto an objective conception of psychological wellbeing.This has resulted in the development of a new objectivepsychological wellbeing measurement, with the followingcomponents: autonomy, personal growth, environmentalmastery, purpose of life, positive relations with others andself-acceptance. When unpacked, these components andpsychological skills componentsofarousal,mental imageryattention and concentration, self-confidence, goal-settingandmotivationappeartooverlap.Withtheseconsiderationsinmind,atriangulateddesignthatinvolvesindividual,groupand community interventions, as well as elite and expertcasestudies,wasutilisedtoevaluatetheeffectivenessofaPSTprogrammeandtoinvestigatetherelationshipbetweenpsychological skills and psychological wellbeing. Resultsbasedonquantitativeandqualitativeoutcomeandprocessmeasurements indicated general improvement in psycholo- gicalskills,psychologicalwellbeingandsportingperformance.Psychologicalskillsandpsychologicalwellbeingwerefoundtobeinterrelatedconceptswithoverlappingcomponents.

Prof BJM Steyn+27 12 420 6094 [email protected]

Emotional appraisals during demanding times

Thisresearchstudy,entitledThe effect of therapeutic recreation activities on undergraduate students’ appraisals of their emotions during academically demanding times, was a joint projectbetween the Department of Biokinetics, Sport and LeisureSciencesandtheDepartmentofSocialWorkandCriminology.Student Support Services identified stress management asoneof the lifeskills thatfirst-yearstudents lack.Participationinphysicalactivitydecreasesoverthelifespan.Bytheageof21,only42percentofmalesand30percentoffemalesreportparticipating in vigorous physical activity on a regular basis.This levelofphysicalactivitycanbemodifiedbybehaviouralinterventions.Exercisenotonlyimprovesphysicalhealth,butalso decreases depression and anxiety and improvesmoodstate,self-esteemandbodyimage.Theaimofthestudywasto determine whether participation in therapeutic recreationactivitieswillhaveapositiveeffectonthestressmanagementof university students during academically stressful times.The research design was quasi-experimental using a one-grouppre-test/post-testdesign.Thegroupsandtherecreationsessionswerepresented.Themeasuring instrumentsfor thepre-test and the post-test were the Leisure-Time ExerciseQuestionnaire and the Positive and Negative Affect Scale(PANAS).The resultsof themeasurement indicated that thestudentsshowedasignificantincreaseonalllevelsofactivity,beitmild,moderateorstrenuous.Thetherapeuticrecreationinterventionand thegroup intervention led toan increase inphysicalactivitiesandthusimprovedhealthybehaviour.Thisis

important,astheimpactoftherapeuticrecreationandskillsonstressandtimemanagementcanbeusedtogenerateactivelifestylesinthestudentcommunity.

Mr PL Nolte+ 27 12 420 6037 [email protected]

Dr CE Prinsloo (Social Work)+ 27 12 420 [email protected]

Ms JC Wessels+ 27 12 420 6041 [email protected]

Stress fractures sustained by soldiers during basic training

Stress fractures represent one of themost common andserious overuse injuries in the military environment. Theaimofthisresearchprojectwastodeterminetheincidenceof stress fractures during the 12weeks of basic training,and to compare the results of the intrinsic risk indicatorsobtainedfromthegroupofparticipantswhosufferedstressfractureswiththerestoftheoriginalgroup(controlgroup)whodidnotsufferfromanystressfractures.Inaddition,theresearchersassessedchangesinphysicalmarkers,whilefollowing a progressive, scientifically designed physicaltraining(PT)programmeduringbasictraining.Thecohort(n=183) was measured at the beginning and at the endof the basic training period. The standardised physicalfitness test was completed in the fifth week of training.These results were compared with the results obtainedby a control group that had undergone basic training

A study determined the incidence of stress fractures during basic training.

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the year prior to this cohort. The size of the cohort, theintrinsicriskfactorprofileandthecontrolofcertainextrinsicrisk factorsmay have contributed to the zero incidencesof stress fractures found. Within the intrinsic risk factorprofile, sex, age, race, foot morphology, Q-angle, hipexternalrotationandbonedensitywerenormal,whilethemeasured leg discrepancy and limited ankle dorsiflexiondidnotappeartohaveasufficientriskforthedevelopmentof stress fractures. The small sample of the cohort thatreported menstrual irregularities, smoked and had ahistory of previous fractures did not place this cohort atrisk for the development of stress fractures. The cohorthadlowerisotonic,isokineticandisometricstrengthsthantheothercohortswhoreportedarelativelyhighincidenceof stress fractures. The basic training period foundstatistically significant changes in bonedensity, flexibility,body composition, muscle strength and endurance. Thefemale participants showed an increase in the T-scoreand Z-score of the left femur area, a deterioration in leftankle dorsiflexion and hip external rotation, while theirplantarflexion increased. Their mesomorph componentincreased, and decreases in their percentage body fat,aswell as in the ectomorph and endomorph component,werealsofound.Themaleparticipants’plantarflexionandhip external rotation decreased, while their dorsiflexionimproved. Their lean body mass and mesomorphcomponent increased, while their percentage body fat,as well as their ectomorph and endomorph component,decreased. The new cyclic-progressive PT programmecontrolled risk of injury by allowing sufficient periods ofrecovery by gradually increasing the duration, frequencyand intensity of training, by reducing repetitive weight-bearingactivitiesandbyincludingavariationofexercises.Runningshoes,ratherthancombatboots,werealsowornduring PT, while marching on concrete was eliminated.Significant improvements were shown by both the maleand female participants in aerobic fitness, and muscularenduranceandstrength.FutureresearchshouldincludealargercohortwhodevelopedstressfracturesutilisingbasictraininggroupsfromdifferentcorpsandunitsintheSouthAfricanmilitaryenvironment.Otherpotentialextrinsic riskfactors, such as surface and equipment, should also beinvestigated.

Prof PE Krüger+ 27 12 420 [email protected]

Mrs P Wood+ 27 12 420 [email protected]

Communication Pathology

The problem of infant hearing loss in South Africa

Approximately2000babiesareborndailywithpermanentbilateralhearinglossoracquireitintheirfirstfewweeksoflife.At least90percentof thesebabies reside indevelop-ingcountrieslikeSouthAfrica.Undetectablebyroutineclini-

cal examination, infant hearing loss is only identified aftercriticaldevelopmentalperiodsforlanguageacquisitionhavepassedifscreeningisnotprovided.Thefar-reachingeffectof late identification is evident in poor linguistic, cognitiveandsocioemotionaldevelopment,whichunderminesliteracyskills,academicachievementandultimatelyeducationalandvocationaloutcomes.Fortunately,unlikemanyothercongen-italorearly-onsetdisabilities,infantswithhearinglosshavethe prospect of excellent outcomes that potentially matchthoseof theirhearingpeers,provided the loss is identifiedearlyandinterventioninitiatedbysixtoninemonthsofage.ThishasledtothewidespreadimplementationofuniversalscreeningprogrammesincountriesliketheUSAandtheUK,wheremore than95percentofallnewbornsarescreenedforhearing loss toensure that thosewithhearing lossareprovidedtheopportunitytodeveloptotheirmaximumpoten-tialalongside theirhearingpeers.ProfDeWetSwanepoelhasbeenattheforefrontofinvestigatinginfanthearinglossinSouthAfrica.His researchendeavours in thisfieldhaveincludedtheextentandimpactofinfanthearinglossandthestatusofearlydetectionandinterventionservicesinSouthAfrica.Arecentlypublishedarticlereportedthefirstnationalsurveyofearlydetectionservices in thepublichealthcaresectorofSouthAfrica,whichserves85percentofthepopu-lation.Resultsindicatedthatlessthan10percentofinfantsin SouthAfrica have any prospect of having their hearingscreenedatorshortlyafterbirth.Afollow-upstudyisunder-waytosurveysuchservicesintheprivatehealthcaresector.Pilotstudiesarealsounderwaytoassesscontextualinfanthearingscreeningmodels in theSouthAfricanhealthcarecontext,includingaclinicaltrialofapromisingscreeningde-vice and a screening programme implemented at primaryhealthcareclinicswherethescreeningisscheduledtoco-incidewiththesix-weekimmunisationvisit.TheseresearchprojectsarepartofalargerendeavourtoprovidecontextualanswerstotheproblemofinfanthearinglossinSouthAfricasothatoptimaloutcomesmaybeassuredforall.

Prof DCD Swanepoel+ 27 12 420 2304 [email protected]

Psychology

Serithi project

Morethan600pregnantpatientswithHIVfromtheAtteridgevilleandMamelodiantenatalclinicstookpartintheSerithiproject.Theyjoinedthestudyshortlyaftertheywerediagnosed.Theirinvolvement ended when their children reached the age oftwo.Theaimofthestudywastofollowtheprogressionofthedisease,itsinfluenceonnutrition,thepsychologicalimpact,theexperienceofstigmaandtheimpactofasupportintervention.Women’s experiences of stigma, depression, social supportandcopingwerestudied,aswell as the levelsofdisclosureoftheirHIVstatus.Additionally,acommunitysurveyinvolving1077participantswasdonetoassess the levelofstigma inthe communities from which the women originated, and tocompare the experiences of different groups. The researchmadeanumberoffindings,amongothersthat43percentofthewomenexperiencedhighlevelsofdepressionafterdiagnosis.

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One thirdof thewomen in thecohorthadnotdisclosed theirHIV status to their partners three months after diagnosis.Women who felt stigmatised reported a history of violence,used avoidance coping andwere less likely to disclose theirstatus.WomenwithHIVexperiencedthelevelofstigmamuchworsethanothersintheircommunity.Theydidnotexperiencehighlevelsofenactedstigma.Onthecontrary,afterdisclosingtheirstatus,mostofthewomenexperiencedacceptancefromfamilymembers,althoughafewexperiencedseriousadverseconsequences, such as being abandoned by their partners (2.3percent),beingphysicallyhurt(1.7percent)andthreatenedtobekilled(1.2percent).Overtime,womencopedbetterwiththeir diagnosis and experienced less stigma. An interestingfinding was that the stigma the community attached to HIVmightbedecreasingas theepidemicdevelopsover timeandpeople become more knowledgeable about HIV and get toknow more people with HIV. The HIV support interventionwas found tobeeffective toenhancewomen’sactive copingstrategiesandlevelofdisclosure,comparedtoasimilarcontrolgroupthatdidnotparticipateintheintervention.Supportgroupscan therefore contribute to women’s psychological wellbeing.Thefindingsofthestudywereusedtodevelopaninterventionfor HIV-positive women. The intervention involved 150 HIV-positivewomenwhoeachattendedtenweeklygroupsessionsaspartofanexperimentaldesigntoevaluatetheeffectivenessof the intervention.The interventionwasfoundtobeeffectiveto enhance women’s active coping strategies and level ofdisclosure, compared to a similar control group that did notparticipateintheintervention.

Prof MJ Visser+27 12 420 2549 [email protected]

Social Work and Criminology

The sexual assault and rape of male offenders

In thisstudy, thenatureandextentofsexualassaultand therape of male sentenced offenders and detainees awaitingtrial were investigated. Prison gangs, the overcrowding ofcorrectionalcentres,theinvolvementofcorrectionalofficialsandthesexualorientationofpotential victimswerehighlightedasriskfactorsinthesexualassaultandrapeofmaleoffendersanddetaineesawaitingtrial.Inordertoobtainin-depthinformationon the research participants’ experiences of sexual activitiesand rape in the correctional centre, face-to-face structuredinterviewswereconductedwith100researchparticipants.Aftertheanalysisand interpretationof thedata, it becameevidentthatmale-on-malesexualactivitiesoccurredinthecorrectionalcentre. The researcher found that the reasons given for therapeincludedthefactthatanagreementcouldnotbereachedbetween the inmates, as well as corruption by correctionalofficials,theinvolvementofprisongangsanddeceptionbytheperpetrators.Six researchparticipants revealed that theyhadbeen victims of rape.All the victims were raped within daysorweeksof theirarrivalat thecorrectionalcentre.Fiveof theresearchparticipantsreportedthattheyhadsexuallyassaultedand/or raped other inmates. Four of the perpetrators wereawaitingtrialforanaggressiveoffence(armedrobbery)andoneforasexualoffence(rape).Theperpetratorsforcedtheirvictims

toengageinoralsex,interfemoralsexandanalsex.Basedonthe feedbackof theparticipants, aswell asexisting literatureon thesubject, theresearcherdevelopedanOffenderSexualProtocol,whichcanbeusedbytheDepartmentofCorrectionalServicestoreduceandmanagesexualassaultandrapeinmalecorrectionalfacilities.

Mrs K Booyens+27 12 420 2630 [email protected]

Continuous Professional Development Policy for social workers

The aim of the research project was to evaluate theappropriateness and feasibility of the draft ContinuousProfessionalDevelopment(CPD)Policyof2004.Theobjectiveofthisdraftpolicyistoenablesocialworkersandsocialauxiliaryworkerstoparticipateincontinuousprofessionaldevelopmentthatwould ensure a skilled, empowered, professional cadreof workers and, accordingly, make amendments in order topave the way for the compulsory implementation of CPD.The SouthAfrican Council of the Social Service Profession(SACSSP)decided,inprinciple,toimplementaCPDsystemforallprofessionals registeredwith thecouncil in2001.TheeighthdraftCPDpolicywasimplementedasapilotprojectinJanuary2004.Aquantitativestudywasdoneinthetwopilotprovinces: Gauteng (urban) and the Northern Cape (rural).Researchfindingsindicatedthatsimilarissuesprevailinbothprovinces with regard to CPD challenges; the challengesarejustmoreintenselyexperiencedinruralareas.ThemostsignificantpurposesofCPDwereindicatedaseducationanddevelopment, improved and quality service delivery, self-developmentandbuildingconfidence,supportandnetworking.The research findings indicated that theattendanceofCPDactivitiesisinfluencedbyexternalfactorssuchastheroleoftheemployer,anenablingworkingenvironmentandfinancialsupport forCPDactivities.TheaccumulationofCPDshouldtakevariousfactorsintoaccount,includingtheaccessibilityofCPDactivities,amixtureofgroupandindividualactivities,thenatureofemployment, thecreditsperhour(that is,perhourvs rangeaccording to levelofparticipationof theattendee),thenumberofpointscarriedforwardtothefollowingyear,andallowanceofCPDactivitiesonanannualbasis.Theneedforeffectivecommunicationmediatoinformtheconstituencyontheavailabilitieswasemphasised.Insummary,thequalitativestudy confirmed the social work profession’s commitmenttoCPDand that the principle ofCPD recognition has beenestablished.SocialworkersindicatedthattheywerereluctanttoattendactivitiesiftheywerenotCPD-linked.CPDenrichesthescopeofpracticeandhenceenhancestheprofessionalstatusof the profession. CPD provides an opportunity to engagein professional decision-making. The qualitative researchfindingshavebeenpresentedinallnineprovinceswheretheywerefurtherdebated.TheresearchfindingsinformedthefinalCPD policy, which is currently being disseminated for finalconsultation.

Prof A Lombard+ 27 12 420 2325 [email protected]

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In addition to its focus on undergraduate teaching, the Faculty of Law places a strong emphasis on research and postgraduate studies. Its research is aimed at enhancing the role and the rule of law in South Africa and on the African continent.


TheFacultyofLawseesitselfasaresearchfaculty,inlinewiththebroaderaspirationoftheUniversityofPretoriatoberegardedasaresearchuniversity.

Anumberof initiativeswereconsolidatedand introducedduring 2008 in pursuit of this objective. A significantchange was the reform of the LLM programme. Thecourseworkmaster’sprogrammesinthefacultynowhavea 50 percent research component. In addition to this, astructured LLD programmewas designed, approved andfunded, and the first studentswill startwith their studiesin2009.

Innovation and continuing relevance in the areas of lawthat it covers and the appointment of experts to ensurerenewal remain hallmarks of the faculty. The facultyreceived a significant sponsorship from the law firmAdams andAdams to establish a Chair and a Centre inIntellectualPropertyLaw,oneoftheemergingareasoflaw. Prof Danny Bradlow, Director of the InternationalProgramme at the American University in WashingtonDC, was appointed as South African Research Chair inInternational Development Law and African EconomicRelations. Dr Hespina Rukato, Deputy CEO of the NewPartnershipforAfrica’sDevelopment(NEPAD),andJustineLimpitlaw, an expert on Space Law, were appointed inthis unit. The faculty took transfer of a five-room houseadjacenttotheLawBuilding,whichhousesProfBradlow,together with his staff and students, as the InternationalDevelopmentLawUnit.

ThefacultysecuredagenerousgrantfromtheWorldBankto strengthen two initiatives aimed at promoting the ruleoflawinAfrica.ThefirstistheLaw of AfricaCollectionintheOliverRTamboLawLibrary,themostcomprehensivecollection of primary legal sources (legislation and lawreports) of the 53 countries ofAfrica in the world underone roof today. The other is the Pretoria University LawPress(PULP),thepublishinghouseofthefaculty.During2008, PULP produced 10 new publications, including aPortuguese translation of one of its earlier publicationsdealingwiththeAfricanUnion,whichisavailableinFrenchandArabicinadditiontothestandardEnglishedition.

The faculty continued to host a number of regular legalpublicationsandbroughtoutneweditionsofitsaccreditedjournalsDe Jure(includingathirdedition)andtheAfrican Human Rights Law Journals.TheTydskrif vir Hedendaagse Romeins-Hollandse Reg isedited fromwithin the faculty.The same applies to the African Human Rights Law Reports,ofwhichneweditionswerepublished inEnglishandinFrench.TheyearalsosawthelaunchofthePretoria

Student Law Review, astudent-run journal thatpublishes articles on thelawandlawreformthatarewritten by students of theUniversity of Pretoria, aswell as other law facultiesworldwide. A secondeditionofoneof themajorpublications of the faculty,Constitutional Law of South Africa,waspublished.Thisencyclopaedic work – themost often cited sourceon the South AfricanConstitutionworldwide–isnowalsoavailableonline.MembersoftheCentreforChildLaw launched a permanent volume calledCommentary on the Children’s Act. The centre also brought a largenumber of groundbreaking law suits dealing with therightsofchildrenonalllevelsofthecourts,includingtheConstitutionalCourt.

ThefacultyisresponsiblefortheAfricancoverageoftheOxford International Law in Domestic Courts Reportsandisrepresentedonits internationaleditorialboard.This is

6.6 Faculty of Law

Prof Christof Heyns, Dean

Law Building


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amassiveprojectthattracesandcommentsontheextenttowhichinternationallawiscitedinanycourtinAfrica. The faculty entered into a privileged relationship with theInstitute for Advanced Constitutional Law (SAIFAC) onConstitutionHill,whichwillhelpensure thatstudentshaveeasyaccesstotheproceedingsoftheConstitutionalCourtandtotheexpertiseofthemembersofSAIFAC.

Prof JohanScott andProfAndréBorainewerenominatedasexceptionalacademicachieversandDrStuartWoolmanwas nominated as an exceptional young researcher. Prof JMT (Lappies) Labuschagne (posthumously) and ProfChristofHeynswereincludedamongthe100academicswho received awards as leading minds of the Universityof Pretoria during its first century. During 2008, researchoutputsinawiderangeofareasofthelawwereproducedintheformofbooksandaccreditedjournalarticleslocallyandoverseas.Facultymembersservedontheeditorialboardsofarangeofnationalandinternationalpublications.

The Centre for Human Rights was awarded one of tenresearch awards granted by the Geneva Academy ofInternationalHumanitarianLawandHumanRights to fundresearch projects commemorating the 60th anniversary of theUniversal Declaration of HumanRights. The awardenabled the centre’s Gender Unit to conduct research onthereproductiverightsofwomenlivingwithHIV.ThecentrefurtherembarkedonamultidisciplinaryresearchprojectonthexenophobicviolencethatbrokeoutinPretoriaandmanyother parts of South Africa in 2008. The research team,consistingofasociologistandlegalexperts,investigatedtheextentof thestate’sobligationsagainst thebackgroundofpertinentissuesraisedduringinterviewswithSouthAfricanandnon-SouthAfricannationals.

TheAIDSandHumanRightsResearchUnit(acollaborationbetweentheCentreforHumanRightsandtheCentrefortheStudyofAIDS)providedtechnicalassistancetotheSouthernAfrican Development Community Parliamentary Forum(SADCPF)inthedraftingofamodellawonHIVinSouthernAfrica.Thismodellawwasadoptedon24November2008atthe24thplenaryassemblyoftheSADCPF.WorkingwiththeProgrammeonInformationJusticeandIntellectualPropertyandtheInternationalHumanRightsClinicoftheWashingtonCollegeofLaw(AmericanUniversity inWashington,USA),theunitfurtherdraftedandadvocatedfortheadoptionofaResolutionontheRighttoHealthandAccesstoMedicinesbytheAfricanCommissiononHumanandPeoples’Rights.TheAfricanCommissionadopted this resolutionat its 44th session in November 2008. The unit also completed acompendium and electronic database of key documentsrelating to human rights andHIV in eastern and southernAfrica.

Prof Christof HeynsDean

Research highlights

Centre for Child Law

Publication of information arising from a divorce: protecting children’s right to privacy

During May 2008, the Constitutional Court was asked toconsiderwhetherallinformationarisingfromadivorcemaybedisclosedtothepublicbythemedia.ThedisputearosefromasectionintheDivorceAct(ActNo70of1979),whichstatedthatthenamesofthepartiestoadivorcemaybepublished,butnoother factsarising fromthedivorce.JohncomMediaLtd successfully argued that this prohibition on publicationunreasonably and unjustifiably infringed on the right tofreedom of expression. At the Constitutional Court stage,theCentre forChildLaw represented theMediaMonitoringProjectasamicus curiae.ItwasacceptedthattheprohibitiononpublicationintheDivorceActwastoobroadandinfringedontherighttofreedomofexpression.Newspapersandothermediafulfilanessential functioninprovidingthepublicwithinformationonhowthelegalsystemworks,especiallyonrecentdevelopmentsinthelaw.Itisalsointhepublicinterestthatthelawisseentobedone.Theresearchteam’sconcernwasthatacompleteremovaloftheoffendingprohibitiononpublicationwouldleavechildreninavulnerablesituation.Divorcepapersfrequently include in-depth psychological assessmentswithextremelypersonalinformationaboutthechildrenanddetailsonallegedsexualorphysicalabuse.Iftheoffendingsectionisremovedwithoutreplacingitwithsomeothersafeguards,informationthatmaybeextremelyembarrassingforchildrenmaycometolightandwillbeinthepublicdomain.Theteamconductedextensivecomparativeresearchtodeterminehowothercountrieshavedealtwiththisproblem.Theyalsostudiedtheinternationallawinthisfield.Children’srighttoprivacyinthemedia is recognised internationally in theguidelinesonreportingonchildrenofboth the InternationalFederationofJournalistsandtheUnitedNationsChildren’sFund(Unicef).

The OR Tambo Law Library is a valuable resource for research.

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The guidelines state that children have an absolute rightto privacy. Comparative research showed that there is anestablished practice in various democratic jurisdictions toplacearestrictiononthepublicationofany informationthatmayidentifyachildwhomaybeaffectedbyoristhesubjectofcourtproceedings,includingNewZealand,Australia,Canadaand theUnitedKingdom.Other information thatmay cometolightduringcourtmattersmaybepublishedaslongasthechildconcernedcannotbeidentifiedbytheinformation.Whenachildisfoundtobeinneedofcareandistakenintostatecare,allproceedingsinrespectofthatchildisconfidentialandthechild’sprivacyisprotectedbylegislation.Achild’sidentityandprivacy isalsoprotectedatallstagesofacriminal trialwhenthechildistheaccused.Ineachinstance,theprohibitionon publication allows the judge ormagistrate to lift or limittheprohibition.Basedontheirinternationalandcomparativeresearch and analysis of current law, the researcherssubmitted in the Constitutional Court that publication of allinformationarisingfromadivorceshouldbeallowed,exceptthe identitiesofanyof theparties involved. In thisway, thepublicremainsinformedaboutimportantlegaldevelopments,whilethechild’srighttoprivacyremainsprotected.

Ms C du Toit+27 12 420 6222 [email protected]

Parental responsibilities and rights

Theaimof this researchproject,The exclusive jurisdiction of the high court on the guardianship aspect of parental responsibilities and rights: a missed opportunity for effective reform, was to explore the importance of the aspect ofguardianship in relation to children: how the exclusivity ofthe jurisdiction of the high courts will affect children, the

possible reasons for the exclusive jurisdiction and whatremedywouldbeappropriate toaddress thismatter.OncethewholeoftheChildren’sAct(ActNo38of2005),comesintooperation,theparentalresponsibilitiesandrightsofcareandcontactwillbeabletobeawardedandterminatedunderthejurisdictionofthehighcourt,divorcecourtsandchildren’scourts.Allowingchildren’scourts tohearcareandcontactproceedings,previouslyreferredtoascustodyandaccess,isaninnovationintroducedbytheChildren’sAct.However,theChildren’sActleftthejurisdictioninmattersrelatingtotheparentalresponsibilityandrightofguardianshipexclusivelytothehighcourts,whichtheresearcherviewsasamissedopportunitytoreform.ItisnotinlinewiththeoverallaimoftheChildren’sAct,whichistomakecourtsaccessible,sincechildren’scourtsarelocatedinallmagistrate’scourtsandarethereforeeasilyaccessible–geographicallyandfinancially– to communities. The researcher recommended that allsectionsintheChildren’sActthatprovidefortheexclusivejurisdiction of the high court with regard to guardianshipshould be amended. Guardianship must, as will be thecase with the parental responsibilities and rights of careandcontact,beadjudicatedinthechildren’scourt.Thehighcourtwillretainitsjurisdiction,butitwillnotbeexclusive.

Ms RLK Ngidi+27 12 420 3917 [email protected]

Children’s living conditions in South Africa

The South African government’s policies and laws wereexaminedinthisresearchprojecttodeterminetheextenttowhichchildren’ssocioeconomicrightsarebeingmetthroughprovisions aimed at improving the living conditions of thepoorestchildren.Thedeveloping jurisprudencearising from

South Africa’s legislation was examined to determine to what extent provisions aimed at improving the living conditions of the poorest children were effective.


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the constitutional guarantees on socio-economic rights forchildren was examined. The Constitutional Court judgmentofGrootboom,handeddown in2000,was initiallymetwithdisappointment by the children’s rights movement. Thesubsequent2002judgmentintheTreatmentActionCampaigncase revived hope.A key question arising from these twolandmarkConstitutionalCourtjudgmentsiswhetherchildrenhave a direct and immediate claim to have their socio-economic rightsmet. Is their claim, like theclaimofadults,to be subjected to progressive realisation?DrAnn Skeltonexploredthejurisprudencethatwasdevelopedregardingthesocio-economicrightsofchildrenlivingwiththeirparentsandthosewhoareseparatedfromtheirparents,aswellashowfarthecourtswillgoindirectingtheexecutivetodeliveronthesocio-economicrightsofchildren.Shepresentedherfindingsat the Children in Danger Conference, which was held atOxfordUniversity in theUnitedKingdom in July 2008.Shefound that theConstitutionalCourt inSouthAfricaviewsallrightsasjusticiable,includingsocio-economicrights,andthatthecourtispreparedtoexaminethestate’sroleinrespecting,protecting,promotingandfulfillingitsobligations.Althoughonaplainreading,section28(1)(c)oftheConstitutionappearsto provide for unqualified access to socioeconomic rightsby children, the Constitutional Court has read this in thecontext of section 26 and 27 socio-economic rights, whichare subject to progressive realisation. In the Grootboomcase, theConstitutionalCourt’s viewwas that childrenwhoare living with their parents must look to their parents forhousing.Thestateonlyhastheobligationinthealternativetoprovideshelterwhen,forexample,childrenareremovedfromtheir families. Inaddition, thestatehas the responsibility toensurearegulatoryandpracticeenvironmentthatallowsforthefulfilmentofrights,andhasaresponsibilitytodeliveronsection26and27rightstoallpeople(includingchildrenlivingwiththeirfamilies)onthebasisofprogressiverealisation.IntheTreatmentActionCampaign case, the court broadenedthe scope of the state’s duties to include situations wherechildrenwerenotphysicallyseparatedfromtheirparents,butalsowhen“theimplementationoftherighttoparentalorfamilycareislacking”.Thepositionofchildrenlivingapartfromtheirparentshasbeenvieweddifferentlybythecourts.Twohighcourts have ruled that they have a direct and immediatelyenforceable right to have their socio-economic needs met.AlthoughthishasyettobetestedintheConstitutionalCourt,it seems to be a logical corollary to their statements aboutthedutiesofthestatetoprovidesocioeconomicrightsinthealternative,forexample,whenchildrenhavebeenseparatedfrom their parents, or where such care is ‘lacking’. Thejurisprudencewillnodoubtcontinue todevelop,perhaps inthefuturereapinggreatersocio-economicresultsforchildren.Inthemeantime,thegovernmentwillhavetokeepitspolicyandlegislativepromisesandthenewlegislationwillhavetobeeffectivelyimplementedifthelivingconditionsofchildreninSouthAfricaaretoimprove.

Dr AM Skelton+27 12 420 6220 [email protected]

Centre for Human Rights

Protecting the rights of sexual minorities in Africa

The Centre for Human Rights conducted a study on thepotential and actual relevance of international humanrights law and domestic law for the protection of therightsofsexualminorities inAfricancountriessouthof theSahara.The studywas conducted on behalf of theOfficeof the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Informationwas collected by way of desktop research and on-sitevisits to four countries: Mozambique, Kenya, Cameroonand Côte d’Ivoire. The researchers found that violationsagainst members of sexual minority groups occur on anextensive scale in the region. Themajor claims of sexualminorities bring into play the governments’ duty to protectand respect their rights. At a minimum, sexual minoritiesdemandprotectionfromthestateagainstthenumerousandoften violent violations of their rights by other individuals.Thestudyrecommendsthatgovernmentsmustprotecttherightsofsexualminorities.Theremustnotonlybeeffectiveprosecutionofcrimescommittedbynon-stateactorsagainstgays,lesbians,bisexualsandtransgenderpersons,butalsomeaningfuleffortstosensitisethepopulationtotheplightofsexualminorities.Politicians should refrain fromexploitingpopularintolerancetogainsupport.Anti-discriminationlawsand effective enforcement of these laws should be put inplaceandexistinglawsshouldbeappliedwithoutbias.

Prof FJ Viljoen+27 12 420 [email protected] Religion, law and human rights in Zimbabwe

In thisstudy, the researcherexaminedkey issuessuchasthe legal framework in place for theprotectionof freedomof conscience, including court jurisprudence, the religiousdemographyofZimbabwe,andtheplaceofreligioninpolitics,educationandtheZimbabwean lifestyle. Italsoscrutinisesthe co-existence of ideologically antagonistic practices,suchasPentecostalChristianity versus indigenousbeliefsand practices. The researcher argues that the subject ofreligionisnotasensitiveoneinZimbabwe.Hence,itdoesnoteasilyoccurinpoliticalorgeneraldebates.Drawingfromhisownexperiences,heconcludesthat,apartfromlookingafter spiritual needs, churches play a significant role insubsidisingthestate’sobligationsintheprovisionofsocio-economicrightssuchashealth,educationandfood.Forthisreason,churcheshaveanimportantplaceinnationalpoliticsaspartnersindevelopment.

Mr T Mutangi (Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa)+27 12 420 [email protected]

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Sexual offences legislation in Southern Africa

The researcher presented the findings of her researchprojectonsexualoffences legislation inSouthernAfricaattheUnitedNationsDivisionfortheAdvancementofWomenexpert groupmeeting in Vienna inMay 2008. The aim ofthis meeting was to analyse different approaches in thelaw for addressing all forms of violence against women,with particular attention to experiences in different legalsystemsandthescopeofsuchlegislation,toassesslessonslearned in the implementation of legislation on violenceagainstwomen,withparticularattentiontoeffectivenessoflegislation,legislativereformsovertime,thereasonsforsuchreforms,andmethodologiesforevaluatingtheeffectivenessoflegislativeframeworks,andtoidentifygoodpracticesinthelawandrecommendedstandardsforlegislationonviolenceagainstwomen,withparticularattentiontodifferentformsofviolenceagainstwomen. Inherpaper, shehighlighted thekey featuresof sexualoffences legislation inSouthAfrica,Lesotho, Namibia, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and Tanzania,includingthedefinitionofrape,theinclusion,orlackthereof,of rape inmarriageasanoffence,compulsoryHIV testingofaccusedsexualoffenders,sentencingandlegislatedcarefor survivors. She found that themajority of states in theSouthernAfricanDevelopmentCommunity (SADC) do nothavespecificsexualoffenceslegislation,despiteobligationsin international law. This discords with the pervasivenessofsexualviolenceintheregion.Whilethelimitationsofthelaw, with respect to violence against women in particular,are recognised, the enactment of respective legislation isnotleastaninternationalhumanrightsobligationofstates;moreover,itisanecessarystepinthecreationofanenablingframework for the promotion and protection of women’srights.Statesmustmovebeyondinactionandtoleranceforsexualviolence,especiallyinthefaceoftheHIVpandemicin SouthernAfrica. The struggle against gender inequalityandall itsmanifestations,ofwhichsexualviolence isone,must move from the rhetoric of policy into law, providingnot only for punitive measures for perpetrators, but forprotection and remedies for survivors. The laws shouldbe guided by international human rights norms, includingGeneral Recommendation 19 of the Committee on theEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomen(CEDAW),theBeijingPlatformforActionandtheAfricanWomen’sRightsProtocol, all of which identify comprehensive measures,including legislation, to be taken by states with respectto violence against women. Campaigns for the universalratification of the Women’s Rights Protocol within SADCmustcontinuewithvigour.WhilenewlegislationprovidesanopportunitytoaddressHIVinrelationtosexualviolence,theimplications of HIV-related provisions in lawmust be wellconsideredandguidedbyinternationalhumanrightsnorms,withthebestinterestsofthesurvivorattheforefrontofeachintervention.CompulsorytestingandconsiderationofHIVasanaggravatingfactorinsentencingshouldnotbereplicatedas best practice. Provision of post-exposure prophylaxis(PEP), on the other hand, at state expense, is promisingin the SouthAfrican model, but needs to be amended toremove limitationsandshouldbe improveduponby thosestatesyettoenactlawsonsexualoffences.Italsoneedstobeaccompaniedbyacomprehensivepackageofcare.The

absence of a legislative framework that comprehensivelyaddressesviolenceagainstwomeninSouthernAfricasendsamessageof tolerance for crimes that perpetuategenderinequality.

Ms K Stefiszyn (Gender Unit)+27 14 420 [email protected]

The African Peer Review Mechanism: the first reviews and the way forward

Theaimofthisresearchprojectwastoprovideatentativeanalysis of the process on how the African Peer ReviewMechanism (APRM) can fulfil a complementary role withregard to the promotion andprotection of human rights inAfrica.Theaimof theAPRMis topromptstates todraftanational programme of action (PoA) to remedy identifiedgovernance deficiencies. The review process takes placeunder the auspices of the African Union (AU) and itsdevelopmentframework,NEPAD.Theresearcherfoundthataweak feature in all the first country reports submitted tothepanel for review is the fact that there isnocorrelationbetween the analysis in the report, the recommendationsandthePoA.HerecommendedthatthepanelshouldassistinframingtheissuesinthePoA,butthatastateshouldhavetherighttoapproachanissuedifferentlyfromthatsuggestedbythepanel,aslongasitexplainsthemotivationbehindthedivergent approach. In addition, the reports alsodisplayalackofconsistency.Ideally,toallowforeasycomparison,thesameissuesshouldbedealtwithunderthesameobjective.ItisessentialthatthePoAbecomesanintegratedprogrammeforchangeandnotanàlacartewishlist.ThePoAshouldalsoberealistic.RecommendationsbythepanelonprioritiesinthePoAcouldbehelpfulbothforthecountryunderreviewand for internationaldonors.Accuracy is very important ina process of this nature. Unfortunately, self-assessments,countryreviewreportfindings,panelrecommendationsandgovernment responses include sweeping statements that,onclosescrutiny,sometimesturnouttobequestionableandoccasionallywrong.Intermsofhumanrights,theresearcher

An analysis of the African Peer Review Mechanism identified participation as important for achieving its goals.


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foundthatissueshavebeenaddressedtosomeextentinthecountryreviewreports.However,thelackofahumanrightsfocusintheself-assessmentcouldinfluencealackofsuchafocusinthecountryreviewreport.Thislackofhumanrightsperspective follows from theemphasisonself-assessmentin the APRM process. Improvements in approach wouldinclude a greater reliance on human rights standards andprinciplesindevisingproposedactionstodealwithidentifiedproblems. International human rights norms could also berelied on to define the indicators to measure progress inthePoA. It should be noted that theAPRMprocess, bothin itsanalysisand inactions toremedydeficiencies, reliesheavily on formal institutions. Notmuch attention is giventotheimportantrolethatinformalinstitutionsplayinAfrica.TheAPRMframeworkdocumentsidentifyparticipationasanimportant factor inachieving thegoalsof theprocess.Foreffectiveparticipation,thereisaneedforafreeandstrongnationalcivilsociety.

Mr M Killander+27 12 420 [email protected]

Procedural Law

Unexecuted contract or merely a stay of execution?

In this project, the researchers dealt with the notion of anunexecuted sale in execution and its consequences in asubsequent sequestration of the judgment debtor’s estate.They focused on two aspects: the position of the sheriff,the trustee and the purchaser of immovable property withregard to the execution procedure after the sequestrationof the estate of the judgment debtor, more specificallyregarding the treatment of unexecuted pre-sequestrationsales after sequestration, with a few comparative remarksregarding the same position followingwinding up, and theeffect of the transfer of immovable property subsequent tosequestration in terms of an unexecuted pre-sequestrationsale in execution.TheyusedWarricker vSenekal for theircasestudy.Inthiscase,theSheriffoftheHighCourt(Brits)conducted the sale of a property. The purchaser paid thedepositover to thesheriff.Thetermsandconditionsof thesale included a surety clause whereby a director of thepurchaserboundhimselfassurety.Hesignedtheconditionsofsaleonbehalfofthepurchaserwithfullknowledgeofthesuretyclause.Intheconditionsofsale,thesheriffdescribedhimselfmerelybyhisoffice,withoutstatingspecificallywhohadsold theproperty. Itwasevident that thepropertyhadbeensoldpursuanttoasaleinexecution.Theestateofthejudgmentdebtorwasprovisionallysequestrated.TheplaintiffsappliedtotheMasteroftheHighCourtforpermissiontoselltheproperty.However,thesheriffallowedthepropertytobesold in execution prior to sequestration, to be transferredafter sequestrationwithout thecourt’s consent. Inaddition,hepaidthedepositovertothetrustees,butthebalanceofthepurchasepricewasnotcollectedfromthepurchaser.Thetrusteessubsequentlysuedthedefendantforthebalanceofthepurchasepricebecausehehadboundhimselfassurety.Thetrusteesattemptedtoclaimthebalanceofthepurchase

price from the surety even though the sheriff had sold theproperty on behalf of the judgment creditor and affectedtransferaftersequestration intothenameofthepurchaser.Thecourt ruled that theexecutionprocedure, including thesale,wasstayedasfromthemomentofsequestrationandthis procedure could only proceedwith the consent of thecourt.Therefore,thetrusteesdidnottakeovertheobligationsof the sheriff regarding the sale in execution and had nolocusstanditoclaimthebalanceofthepurchaseprice.Theresearchers found that this area of insolvency law shouldbereformed,andrecommendedthattheconstructionofthetreatmentof ‘unexecuted’ in insolvencylawshouldbeusedasabasisforsuchreform.

The reform of administration orders

TheDepartmentofJusticeandConstitutionalDevelopmentcommissioned the Centre for Advanced Corporate andInsolvency Law (CACIL) to embark on a research projectto identify ways to improve section 74 of theMagistrate’sCourts Act. This section allows certain debtors, who areable to pay their debts, to apply for administrative orders.An administrative order can be described as a debt reliefmeasureand,ifanapplicationisgranted,itmeansthatthe

Ms Carina du Toit (left) and Dr Ann Skelton conduct research that plays a role in the courts of the country.

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debtor must make regular payments to an administrator,who in turn isobliged todrawupa listofcreditorsand topay them on behalf of the debtor. The researchers foundthat although this order hasmerit, it is often abused.Theresearchersmadeanumberofrecommendationstoaddressproblems associated with the process. A time limit forrepaymentofdebtsmustbeincludedintheact.Internationallawsmakeprovisionforathree-yeartofive-yearrepaymentschedule.Theresearchersrecommendedaten-yearperiod.Thesystemofblacklistingpracticesbycreditbureausneedsformalregulation.Debtoreducationneedstobeintroducedonalargescale.Financialinstitutionsshouldcreatepropercredit-rating systems. A national debt register should beintroduced as soon as possible. Finally, alternative debtassistanceservicesmustbeintroduced.

Prof A Boraine +27 12 420 [email protected]

National Credit Act: cancellation of instalment agreements

The formerCreditAgreementsAct contained specific pro-visions to deal with the cancellation of an instalment saletransaction. It also contained specificprovisions that dealtwithinteriminterdictsandattachmentspendingthecancel-lationprocedures.Theenforcementproceduresof theNa-tionalCreditAct(NCA)firstofallneedinterpretation,wheth-er theyapply tocancellationatall.The researchers foundthattheenforcementproceduresalsoapplytocancellation.Although theNCA issilentwith regard to interim interdictsandattachments,itisthesubmissionoftheresearchersthatsuchreliefcanbeappliedwheretheactionsoftheconsumerthreatentherightsof thecreditprovider inthegoodssold,aslongastherequestforinterimreliefisstillbasedonthecommonlawsubstantiveprinciples.TheNCAalsoprovides,likeitspredecessor,foratypeofnoticebeforethedebten-forcement procedure may ensue. However, different timeperiodsare involved.Theprovision thatprescribescertainconditions underwhich a courtmay not determine a debtenforcementprocedurewillcausedifficultyinpractice.Theresearchersfoundthatitwillbecomethedutyofthepartiestoprovidetherequiredinformationtothecourt,butthattheNCAissilentontheproceduretobefollowedinthisrespect.Inaddition,theyfoundthattheNCAaffordsequalprotectionto the consumer regarding the exercise of the contractualrightsbyacreditprovider tocancelacreditagreementas

itsimmediatepredecessor,theCreditAgreementsAct.How-ever,theprovisionsintheNCAthatdealwiththisaspectaretosomeextentlessclearthantherepealedprovisionsandtheirjudicialinterpretationwillhavetobeawaited.

Prof A Boraine +27 12 420 [email protected]

Mr S Renke (Mercantile Law)+ 27 12 420 4336 [email protected]

Assessment methods used in clinical legal education programmes

Law clinics in South Africa were established in the early1970s,mostlyduetothepoliticalandsocialcircumstancesprevailing in the country at the time. It was only in thelate 1980s and early 1990s that most universities beganto recognise the academic value of these programmesand began to impose academic requirements for studentsparticipating in such courses. Several leading universitylaw clinics began designing academic curricula andimplementing assessment methods that are in line withuniversityrequirements.Accreditationasacourse ina lawfaculty curriculum depended on summative assessmentprocesses having been implemented.Assessment can bedefined as taking a sample of what students do, makinginferences and estimating the value of their actions.Selecting an appropriate assessment method is a crucialpart of the students’ learning process and is inextricablylinked to what the desired outcomes of the programmeis stated to be. Assessment methods must be valid andreliable.Theresearchersidentifiedaneedtodeterminetheoutcomes of the programme and then asked themselvesif the assessment determined can actually measure theachievement of the objectives.Assessment purposes canbe categorised as summative and formative. Summativeassessmentisusedtomeasuretheextentoflearning.Itisalsousedforgradingpurposesaftercompletionofapieceofworkormodule.Formativeassessmentisusedduringthelearningexperiencetoprovidefeedbacktostudentssothattheyhavetheopportunitytoimprove.Formativeassessmentmethods are purely educational, and while they may bescored,theyarenotusedtoassigngradesorrankstudents.As the clinical pedagogy demands a variety of skills tobe taught in clinical legal education programmes, there is


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no one assessment method that can be implemented toevaluate the skills learnt, but rather a series of methods.The researchers recommended that when consideringwhich assessment methods to adopt, one should reflecton the goal and outcome design of each programme, theteachingmethodology implemented, student numbers andtheorganisationalstructureoftheclinicanditsprogramme.

FS Haupt (Law Clinic)+27 12 420 [email protected]

In search of sentencing guidelines for child rape: an analysis of minimum sentence legislation and case law

The aim of this research project was to consolidate localjudgments (scattered over many years in different lawreports),minimumsentencelegislationandselectedforeignpracticesinordertooffermorereadilyaccessibleguidelinesthat will contribute to greater uniformity in the judicialapproachduring thesentencingprocess.Theseguidelinesembracegeneralandspecificprinciples,aswellasrelevantaggravatingandmitigatingfactors,andareintendedtoguidethe judicial officer in the exercise of his or her discretion.Sexualabuseofchildrenincludestheoffencesofrapeandsexualassault,althoughguidelinesmayoverlap.Childrapeisanemotionallyladenoffencethatcourtsincreasinglyhavetodealwithduringacomplexsentencingprocess.Incontrasttothesituationduringthetrial,inthesentencingphase,thejudicialofficerhastofunctioninaquasi-inquisitorialwaybytakingonacentralandactiverole.Inaddition,behaviouralscience–adisciplineofwhich the judicialofficerhas littleunderstanding–acquiresgreaterimportanceinthisphase.Inthesentencingphase, thefocusfallsnotonlyon issuesregarding the motive of the accused, danger and degreeof culpability, but also on issues relating to the impact ofthe crime on the victim. During sentencing, the court isrequired to consider whether a finding of substantial andcompelling circumstances (in terms of section 51(3)(a) oftheCriminalLawAmendmentAct)couldbemade inorderto deviate from the prescribed term of imprisonment andthereby avoid a grossly disproportionate sentence. Sincethe beginning of 2008, regional court magistrates havebeen authorised to impose life imprisonment, inter alia, incasesofrapeinvolvingchildren,andarethereforenolongerrequiredtorefersuchcasestothehighcourtforsentencingpurposesafterconviction.Regionalcourtsarethusrequired

to determine substantial and compelling circumstancesand to subsequently grade these offences themselves.Notwithstandingtheabovedevelopments,judicialdiscretionduringsentencing (within the legal framework)hasalwaysbeenhailedassomethingtobejealouslyguardedandhasbeendescribedasacrucialaspectofourlawofsentencing.However,althoughitisacceptedthatthiswillhavetheeffectthatsentencingoutcomeswill/maydiffertoacertaindegree,judicial discretionhasalsogiven rise tounacceptableandunjustified disparity in the sentencing process, as well asin theactual sentences imposed in child rape cases.Thisdisparity has been caused by diverse judicial approachestotheseriousnessoftheseoffences,totherecognitionandinterpretation ofmitigating and aggravating factors, to therelevantcircumstancesoftheoffenderandthevictim,andtotherelativeweightgiventoeachofthesefactors.

Prof IA van der Merwe+27 12 420 [email protected]

Mistaken belief in consent

This research project focused on a defence strategy oftenused by a person accused of sexual assault. Against thebackgroundofSvZuma2006BCLR790(W),theresearchproject focusedon theproblematicaspectsof thedefence.The researcherevaluated theapplicationof thedefence inCanadianandEnglishlawandsetoutanumberofguidelinesthataim toensure the fairandequitableapplicationof thedefence by South African courts. The researcher alsoconsidered the effect on the defence of the Criminal Law(SexualOffencesandRelatedMatters)AmendmentAct(ActNo 32 of 2007).The researcher found that the defence ofmistakenbelief in consentaims toprotect thosewhohavenot been proven guilty of sexual assault from the socialstigmaattached to sexual offenders.Although the doctrineunderlyingthisdefencehasbeencriticisedfordefiningsexualassaultfromtheperspectiveoftheaccused,asopposedtothatof thecomplainant, it isalso recognised that it cannotbe entirely abolished. An attempt was made to point outsomeofthedifficultiesarisingfromthedefenceofmistakenbeliefinconsentagainstthebackgroundoftheZumacase.It has been suggested that law reform initiatives aimed atalleviatingsecondaryvictimisationofcomplainantsinsexualassaultcasesmaybeoneofthereasonsforthepotentiallyincreased availability of this defence – an indication thatsuccess and failure exist side by side when it comes to

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inevitably controversial reforms of this kind. In the finalinstance,ithasbeenarguedthattheprocessofdeterminingwhich evidence may be relevant to support a defence ofmistakenbeliefmayhavetobelimitedinordertoensurethesexualautonomyofcomplainantsandtheequalprotectionofthelawforvictimsofsexualassault.Ithasbeenindicatedthatcertaincategoriesofevidence,suchastheevidenceofthecomplainant’sprevioussexualhistoryandtheculturalbeliefsof theaccused,mayhaveaparticularlydistortingeffectonthefact-findingprocess.Thepreambletothenewactstatesthatoneofitsobjectivesis“toaffordcomplainantsofsexualoffencesthemaximumandleasttraumatisingprotectionthatthe lawcanprovide”.Theavailability to anaccusedof thedefencethathehadgenuinely,thoughmistakenly,believedthecomplainant tohaveconsentedto thesexualactivity inquestionmayposecomplexchallengestotheseobjectives.Iftheseobjectivesofthenewactaretoberealised,thecourtsshouldremainconstantlyvigilanttothesechallenges.

Ms ED Illsley +27 12 420 [email protected]

Mercantile Law

Jurisdiction and the National Credit Act

Section90of theNationalCreditAct (ActNo34of 2005),sets out a list of unlawful provisions in credit agreements.Onesuchprovisionistobefoundinsubsections90(2)(k)(vi)(aa)and (bb) that forbids theconsent to the jurisdictionof:“(aa)theHighCourt,iftheMagistrate’sCourthasconcurrent

jurisdiction; or (bb) any court seated outside the area ofjurisdiction of a court having concurrent jurisdiction and inwhich the consumer resides or works or where the goodsinquestion (ifany)areordinarilykept.”Thepurposeof theresearch is to analyse and evaluate conflicting decisionsregarding the interpretation of the above subsections.The critical question that the courts had to determinewaswhetherthesesubsectionsoustthejurisdictionofacourtbyimplication. InMyburgh, itwasdecided that the jurisdictionwasindeedousted,whileinMatemanandStringer,thecourtcametoanoppositeconclusion.Aftertheyhadanalysedandevaluatedtheabovedecisions,theresearchersfoundthatthehighcourt’sjurisdictionisnotoustedbynecessaryimplicationandthatthepurposeofsubsection(aa)wastoforbidconsenttocostsonahighcourtscale.They foundthat in thecaseof subsection (bb), thecourt’s jurisdiction isousted if suchcourtisnotclosestindistancetotheconsumer’sresidence,workortheplacewherethegoodsareordinarilykept.Ifsuchinterpretationisnotawardedto(bb),theprovisionwillbeleftineffectiveandpurposeless.Inaddition,theyfoundthattheconflictingdecisionsaretheresultofthelegislature’sfailuretospecificallyregulatejurisdiction,asthepredecessortotheNationalCreditAct (the formerCreditAgreementsAct)did,andthatthelegislatureshouldclarifythisissue.

Prof M Roestoff +27 12 420 3359 [email protected]

Ms H Coetzee+27 12 420 [email protected]

National Credit Act: instalment agreement

Theaimofthisresearchprojectwastoevaluateandcomparethetransferofownershipoptionsprovidedforinthedefinitionof an instalment agreement in theNationalCreditAct.Aninstalmentagreemententailsacontractofsaleofmovableproperty, where payment of the price, or part thereof, isdeferred and is to be paid in periodic payments. Interest,feesorotherchargesarepayable to thecreditprovider inrespect of theagreement or deferredamount.Possessionand use of the property is transferred immediately to theconsumer or the party towhom the goods are sold underan instalment agreement. However, the contract containsan ownership reservation clause in terms of which theconsumer only becomes the owner of the property soldoncethecontracthasbeenfullycompliedwith.Alternatively,thecontractallows forownership topass to theconsumerimmediately, subject to the right of the credit provider torepossess thepropertyshould theconsumer fail tosatisfyallhis/herfinancialobligationsintermsoftheagreement.Itisapparent from thedefinitionofan instalmentagreementthat a contract of purchase and sale ofmovable property(goods)isathand.Thedefinitionofaninstalmentagreementaffordsachoicetothecreditproviderregardingprovisionsintheagreementthatregulatethetransferofownership.Thecreditprovidercaneitherreservethepassingofownershipofthethingsoldoragreetoacontract,wherebyownershippasses to the buyer immediately. The researchers found

A study was done on the definition of an instalment agreement in the National Credit Act.


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that, compared to the legal position of a seller in terms ofa contract of sale containing an ownership reservationclause,thelegalpositionofasellerintermsofanagreementallowing for the immediatepassingofownershipsubject toacommissarypactseemstobeinferiorandmorecomplex,especially in relation to third parties. They concluded thatsellerswhowishtomakeuseofthisoptionwhenconcludingan instalment agreement should acquaint themselves withthepossibledangers involvedwhenusing this formofsaleandshouldprotectthemselvesaccordingly.

Mr S Renke+ 27 12 420 4336 [email protected]

Ms M Pillay +27 12 420 5415 [email protected]

Are civil courts misdirected?

Theaimofthisresearchprojectwastoexploretheoverlapbetweentheunlawfulterminationofacontractofemploymentand the unfair dismissal of an employee. The SupremeCourtofAppealhas,inasequenceofcases,developedthecommonlawcontractofemploymenttoincludetheimpliedright toapredismissalhearing.Due to the fact that labourlegislation already regulates unfair dismissal law, this ineffectcreatesadualsystemofdisputeresolutioninrelationto the termination of contracts of employment. Employer-employee relations were historically primarily regulatedby the principles derived from the law of contract. The

requirementsforsuchcontractstohaveabindingeffectruleinrespectofthebreachofsuchagreements,andremedieswere regulated by common law principles. A jurisdictionbasedonfairness,whichincludestherighttoapredismissalhearing, was not recognised as common law. However,this all changed with the enactment of labour legislationthat firmly entrenches the notion of fairness into theemploymentrelationship.InSouthAfrica,employees’rightsare significantly enhanced by the Constitution and labourlegislationsuchastheLabourRelationsAct(LRA),theBasicConditionsofEmploymentActandtheEmploymentEquityAct.Under the rightnot tobeunfairlydismissed, theonusof proving fair reasons and procedures has been shiftedto the employer. In addition to this, a specialised disputeresolutionframeworkhasbeenestablished,whichincludestheCommission forConciliation,MediationandArbitration(CCMA), the LabourCourt and LabourAppealCourt,withthe view of giving expeditious and affordable finality tolabour disputes. One might have assumed that commonlawprinciples in respect of the termination of contracts ofemployment were replaced by corresponding provisionscontained in labour legislation. The researcher found thatthis was not the case. The SupremeCourt ofAppeal hasnowconfirmedthatthecommonlawcontractofemploymenthas beendeveloped to include the right not to beunfairlydismissed.Therefore,despitethefactthattheLRAregulatesunfairdismissal law,thecivilcourtsmaybeapproachedtodetermine disputes about the termination of contracts ofemploymentoncommonlawprinciples.Argumentsarealsoadvanced that favour theposition that thecivil courtsmaybemisdirectedindevelopingthecommonlawtoincludetherighttoapre-dismissalhearing.Itissubmittedthattwomainfactorsmayencouragedisgruntledemployees toelect therouteofthecivilcourts.First,unfairdismissaldisputesmustbelodgedwithin30daysofthedateofdismissal(andunfairlabourpracticedisputeswithin90days).Secondly,astrade-offforexpeditiousness,theLRAimposesacapof12months’remunerationoncompensationforunfairdismissal.IntermsofthePrescriptionAct,civilclaimsgenerallyprescribethreeyearsafterthedateoftheincidentthatgaverisetoaclaimandthereisnocaponcommonlawdamagesinrespectofbreachofcontractbeyondthefactthatactuallossmustbeproved.Theresearchersalsofoundthatitmaybepossibletoappealfromthehighcourtagainstadecisionaboutunlawfuldismissal,butthatitisonlypossibletotakeaCCMAawardonreview.Inadditiontothis,theuntenablepossibilityarisesfor an employee to challenge the fairness of dismissal intheCCMA,andsimultaneously,orafterlosingthematter,todispute theunlawfulbreachof thecontractofemploymentin the High Court. The Constitutional Court has shown awillingnesstoprotecttheexclusivejurisdictionoftheLabourCourt in respectof theoverlapbetweenadministrative lawand labour law principles. It is suggested that it would bea logicaldevelopment for thesamecourt tobring thedualsystemofdisputeresolutioninrespectoftheunlawfulversusunfair terminationofcontractsofemployment to its logicalconclusioninthesamefashion.

BPS Van Eck +27 12 420 4010 [email protected]

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The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences annually makes a substantial contribution to the building of research capacity in South Africa by providing highly skilled graduates, as well as generating new scientific knowledge through its internationally recognised research publications.


During 2008, the Faculty of Natural and AgriculturalSciencesextendeditsboundariesandfurtherestablisheditself as one of the leading science faculties on thecontinent.

Duringtheyearunderreview,166MScand54PhDstudentsgraduated.Asignificantnumberofthefaculty’sresearchersenjoyinternationalandnationalrecognition.Thefacultyhas88scientistswhohavebeenratedbytheNRF.Inaddition,anumberofacademicstaffmembersreceivedspecialawardsin recognition of their valuable contributions to research. Prof Brenda Wingfield, a lecturer in the Department ofGeneticsandprogrammeleaderintheCentreofExcellenceinTreeHealthBiotechnology, received theDistinguishedWomanScientistAwardoftheDepartmentofScienceandTechnology (DST).DrWandaMarkotter, a lecturer in theDepartmentofMicrobiologyandPlantPathology,receivedtheL’OrealSouthAfricaFellowshipforWomeninScience.ProfPatEriksson,headoftheDepartmentofGeology,wasawardedthegoldmedaloftheSouthernAfricaAssociationfortheAdvancementofScience(S2A3)inSouthAfricaandProfMikeWingfield,directoroftheForestryandAgriculturalBiotechnology Institute (FABI), received the gold medalof the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf). ProfNigelBennett,alecturerintheDepartmentofZoologyandEntomology,receivedthegoldmedaloftheZoologicalSociety.Seniorresearchersinthefacultywerealsoselectedtoserveinvariousprominentpositions.ProfEdwardWebbwas elected as president of the South African SocietyforAnimal Science, Prof Norman Casey was elected aspresident of theWorldAssociation ofAnimal Production,Prof JanusJansenvanRyssenwasappointedaseditor-in-chiefoftheSouth African Journal of Animal ScienceandProfMichael Somerswas appointed as editor-in-chief ofthe South African Journal for Wildlife Research.

The faculty launched several new initiatives during2008. The Aon Benfield Natural Hazard Centre, Africa,was established on 13 November in collaboration withAon Benfield, a global independent reinsurance and riskintermediary. This multidisciplinary centre will promoteresearchandcontributetotheknowledgebaseregardingnatural hazards with the ultimate aim of not only savinglives, but also of adding value to the lives of thosemost affected by natural disasters. The Department ofChemistryestablishedaforensicdrugsofabuseanalyticalgroup, led by Dr Tim Laurens. The group works closelywith theHatfieldCourtand its research iscomplementedbytheDepartmentofGeology’sgrowingfocusonforensicmineralogy,particularlyasappliedtopreciousmetals.

The faculty also obtainedsome highly sophisticatedresearch equipment, whichwill greatly enhance theworkofitsresearchers.Theequipment is used by vari-ous departments, as wellasanumberofprivateandstateenterprises.TheLabo-ratory for Microscopy andMicroanalysis obtained aJeol JEM 2100F transmis-sion electron microscopewith a point resolution ca-pability of 0.25nm that op-erateswithafieldemissionsourceat200kV.It isfittedwithafour-megapixelcamera,aswell asa conventional filmcamerawithhigh-resolutionphotographiccapabilities.Anenergy-dispersiveX-rayfacilityformicroanalysisisalsoavailable.AZeissGeminiUltraPlusscanning electron microscope was installed in November.The microscope has a field emission electron sourcethat gives it a 0.67 nm resolving capability. Furthermore,it is fittedwithanenergy-dispersiveX-raysystem. Italsohas an electron backscatter diffraction ability that allowscrystallographic information tobeobtained fromsamples.A state-of-the-art Bruker 400 MHz Avance III nuclearmagnetic resonance spectrometer was commissioned bytheDepartmentofChemistry.Thespectrometeriscriticallyimportanttoresearchersandstudentswhoworkinthefieldofsynthesisandthestructureelucidationofnaturalproducts,aswellasfortheanalysisofbiologicalsamples.TheMass

6.7 Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Prof Anton Ströh, Dean

Groundbreaking research is conducted in the University’s bio-chemistry laboratories.


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Spectrometry and Chromatography Laboratory, led by ProfEgmontRohwer,wasidentifiedbySasolasastrategicnationalasset,therebyobtainingsignificantfundingforthisresearchgroup.

Another major research highlight was the recentdevelopmentofdegradation-enhancingadditivesforplasticcarrierbagsandgeneralplasticpackaging,basedonclaynanotechnology,bytheInstituteofAppliedMaterials.Theseplasticproducts,socommoninthemodernlifestyle,leadtosevere litteringproblems,affectbothwildlifeanddomesticanimals in terrestrialandaqueousenvironments,and takeyears to degrade and decompose. Degradable polymertechnology provides a possible litter reduction strategy,the idea being to accelerate the natural sunlight-mediateddegradationpathwaysofaplasticobject.

The new additives are nanostructured, brucite-like anionicclays that comprise fatty acid intercalated layered doublehydroxides. The development of these new polymeradditives reliedonnovel intercalationprocedures inventedattheInstituteofAppliedMaterials.Laboratorysimulationsof natural exposure to sunlight of plastics containing theadditives showed that breakdown began after only 100hoursinplasticscontainingaslittleas0.1percentofactiveadditives. There are also potential spin-offs for recyclingnon-littered plastics using higher temperatures on plasticscontainingthenanoparticle-basedadditives.

During2008,anumberofthefaculty’sresearchprogrammesreceived major grants. The DST awarded a grant of R1.5 million to Prof Zander Myburg in the Department ofGenetics as part of a project fundedby theUnitedStatesDepartment of Energy to sequence the genome of theeucalyptus tree. In addition, the South African ForestryCompany (SAFCOL) funded a Chair in Forestry at the

UniversityofPretoria to the valueofR7million toexpandpostgraduateresearchtothebroaderforestryfield.

TheAgriculturalandFoodPolicyProgramme(BFAP)oftheDepartmentofAgriculturalEconomics,ExtensionandRuralDevelopment received substantial funding from the BillandMelindaGatesFoundationforaprojectonagriculturalmarkets in the South African Development Community(SADC) as part of a consortium led by Michigan StateUniversity.

AnextensionoftheCentreforEnvironmentalEconomicsandPolicyinAfrica(CEEPA)coordinatedaprojecttostrengthencapacity in environmental economics and policy inAfrica,whichreceivedapprovaloffundingforPhaseIIoftheprojectfromtheSwedishInternationalDevelopmentAgency(SIDA).The funding supports a four-year extension of the projectfrom2009 to2012ata totalbudgetof11millionSwedishKorona.

AUP/CouncilforScientificandIndustrialResearch(CSIR)/Agricultural Research Council (ARC) consortium, with Prof Robert Vleggaar, acting head of the Department ofChemistry, as the principal investigator for UP, gained athree-yearR12.3millioncontractfromtheNRF’sInnovationFund.Theaimofthisproject istodevelopnewdrugleadsthatcanactasinhibitorsagainstHIV/AIDS.

TheresearchfocusoftheDepartmentofBiochemistryisonbothmedicalandveterinarybiotechnologyapplications.Withinitsbroadernationalandinternationalnetworking,itcommandsa comprehensive functional genomics technology that canidentify and validate vaccineanddrug targetsandmarkersfordiagnosticsinsinglePhDresearchprogrammesthatspanthreeyears,withabench-feebudgetofaroundR500000pertarget or marker identified. In addition, it has acquired the

Litter may become something of the past with degradable polymer technology in plastic bags.

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capacitytodesignandsynthesisedrugsorantigensthroughlocalandinternationalcollaborationwithchemists.

Other research highlights include the publication of a bookby Prof Jan Boeyens of the Unit for Advanced Study and ProfDemetriusLevendisoftheUniversityoftheWitwatersrand,entitledNumber theory and the periodicity of matter.Thisbookattemptstodecipher,clarifyandcommunicateafundamentalprinciple to the scientific world. Its intended audiencestranscendthosewhoresideinthescholasticacademicspherestocaptivateeventhenon-specialistsfromotherdiversefields.

The year under reviewalso saw the celebration of FABI’stenthanniversaryon14May2008.

Prof Anton StröhDean

Research highlights

Animal and Wildlife Sciences

Molecular scatology as non-invasive tool for genetic analyses of South African cheetah

Theaimofthestudywastotesttheapplicabilityofnon-invasivescatology in population genetic studies of cheetah in SouthAfrica. To validate the approach, DNA was extracted from ex situcheetahfaecesandthematchingbloodsampleofeachanimal. Species-specific mitochondrial DNA control regionamplificationconfirmedthecheetahoriginofextractedfaecalDNA.Polymerasechainreaction(PCR)successratesofthespecies-specificprimersetand12catmicrosatellitemarkerswere examined. The quality of DNA was higher in freshsamples than insamples thatwere left toage for fourdaysandtwoweeksrespectively.MitochondrialDNAamplificationsuccesswashigh.Allfreshfaecalsampleshadapositiveresult (100 percent). Four-day-old samples were 83 percentpositiveandtwo-week-oldsampleswere94percentpositive.Amplificationsuccessofthe12microsatelliteswas59percentforfreshfaecalsamples,20percentforfour-day-oldsamplesand2.4percentfortwo-week-oldsamples.Genotypingerrorswere foundwhen usingDNA from the faecal samples,withratesof16percentand7percentforallelicdropoutandfalsealleles respectively. Repeated extractions and four to fivemicrosatellite amplifications are recommended per samplefor accurate genotyping. For a preliminary field test, faecal

sampleswereobtainedfromtheThabazimbiarea(Limpopo,South Africa), where cheetah roam freely on private land.ControlregionPCRsuccessfullyidentifiedcheetahfaecesandmicrosatellitealleleswereinthesamerangeasthosefromtheex situstudy.InadditiontothemethodscurrentlyemployedincheetahconservationinSouthAfrica,suchascameratrappingand telemetry,scatologycanprovideabetterunderstandingof thespatialdistributionand levelsandstructureofgeneticvariationamongwildcheetah.

Dr E van Marle Koster+27 12 420 3162 [email protected]

Ms KS Herring +27 11 524 [email protected]

Consumer Science

Customer service and service quality in appliance sales departments Service quality, as an indication of a store’s serviceexcellence, has been a popular topic of investigation forquite some time. From a retail perspective, an insatiableneed to prosper in a competitive marketplace probablyexplains why certain elements of a store’s marketingmix are attended to more meticulously. This researchimplemented an established SERVQUAL scale andinvolved 296 respondents to investigate customers’judgmentoftheservicequalityinaspecificcontext,thatis,appliancesalesinprominentdepartmentstoresinPretoria.Respondents’ service quality judgments revealed amorebasic assessment of the service offering in the contextof this research. Exploratory factor analysis confirmeda collapse of the original five-dimensional scale to twodimensions,labelled‘supportiveness’and‘impressiveness’respectively.Customers’positiveservicequalityjudgmentswere, however, contradicted by pertinent shortcomingsidentifiedbymanagersofthestoresduringin-storesurveys.These shortcomingswere confirmed in sales personnel’ssuggestions for theoptimisationof theserviceoffering toenhance informed, responsible buying decisions throughnarrativesinaprojectivetechnique.Theresearchconcludedthatconsumersinemergingeconomiesseemmoretolerantofineffectivenessinthemarketplace,probablyduetolower


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expectations.Inordertoimprovethesituation,retailneedstoaugmenttheirserviceofferingintermsofelementsofthemarketingmixthatwouldbenefittheircustomers,thatis,tosetthepaceintermsofconsumereducation.Thepotentialrole of sales personnel would be to facilitate consumerdecisions on the premise that they are encouraged andgiven theopportunity tobe trainedand that conditions inthestoresareamendedtodiscouragecompetitionamongsales personnel to excel in sales to the detriment of thewellbeingoftheircustomers. Prof AC Erasmus+27 12 420 [email protected]

Food Science

Bioplastic films from the sorghum prolamin protein kafirin

Prof John Taylor and his research team have developedmethods to produce bioplastic films from the sorghumprolamin protein kafirin. Recently, Prof Taylor invented asimple,novelmethod formakingkafirinproteinmicropar-ticles(microspheres)togetherwithDrJanetTaylor.Theseprotein microparticles have unique properties, includingan extremely large internal surface area.Manipulation ofthepreparationconditionsresultsinmicroparticleswithdif-fering characteristics. For example, they can be used toform very thin, edible, biodegradable free-standing films,bioplasticcoatings,or ingestibleencapsulationagents formicronutrients.Themicroparticleshavemanyotherpoten-tialapplicationsinthefood,biomedicalandpharmaceuticalindustries.Thisisthesubjectofongoingresearch.Thein-ventionisthesubjectofintellectualpropertyprotection.

Prof JRN Taylor+27 12 420 [email protected]

Water quality vs food safety

Theaimsofthisprojectweretodeterminethelinkbetweenirrigation water quality and the food safety of fresh andminimally processed vegetables, to investigate whichbacterial and viral contaminants are found in surface

water used for irrigation, and to highlight their potentialrisks,should theybepresentonvegetablescultivatedbyusing surface water. Surface water (that is, water fromdams and rivers) used for the irrigation of vegetables inSouthAfricaissusceptibletocontaminationbypathogens,because this water is subject to waste and sewage thatis disposed of in the rivers and dams. This water is nottreatedbeforetheirrigationoffreshproduce.Theproblemofthecontaminationofirrigationwaterand,subsequently,vegetables,mightleadtothesuspensionoftheexportationof produce and vegetables to the European Union (EU)andtheUSA.Furthermore,theconsumptionofvegetablescontaminatedwithfoodbornepathogensbySouthAfricansmight lead to outbreaks of foodborne illnesses, bearingin mind that a large proportion of citizens have immunesystem-compromised diseases likeHIV and tuberculosis.Thedatageneratedwill beused to createanawarenessofthepotentialhealthrisks.Urgentstepswillbesoughttopreventthepollutionofsurfacewater(water inriversanddams).Aerobicandanaerobicsporeformerswerepresentinlownumbersonthevegetables.AttheSkeerpoortRiversite, the water could not be established as a source ofcontamination.However,attheLoskopDamsite,theWilgeRiver,inparticular,hadhighlevelsofaerobicandanaerobicspore formers and definitely contributed to the presenceof these organisms on the vegetables.All the pathogensincludedinthestudyweredetectedinthewatersamplesattheselectedsites.Itisclearfromthepreliminaryresultsthatifthepathogenispresentinthewater,itwillalsobefoundonthevegetablesamplesatthevarioussites.Similarly,ifthepathogenisnotpresentinthewater,itisnotfoundtobeprevalentonthevegetables. Incidencesof thepathogensSalmonella,L. monocytogenesandS. aureuswerehigherinthewaterfromtheLoskopDamsitethaninthewaterfromtheSkeerpoortRiversites.Atthisstageoftheproject,thepreliminarydataclearlyindicatethatthequalityofthewaterimpactsonthepresenceoffoodpathogensonvegetablessampledduringthisstudy.

Prof A Minnaar+ 27 12 420 [email protected]

Prof E Buys+ 27 12 420 3209 [email protected]

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Plant Production and Soil Science

Rainwater harvesting strategies to improve crop production in semi-arid areas

Rainfallinsemi-aridareasisusuallyerraticandinsufficienttomeetcropwaterrequirements,resultinginyieldfluctuationsand food insecurity. Rainwater harvesting, which involvesthe collection and concentration of run-off for productionpurposes,canbeimplementedtomitigatetheeffectsofsea-sonaldroughts.Field trialswereconductedat theHatfieldExperimentalFarmduringthe2007/08seasontostudyrain-fallrun-offrelationshipsonrun-offplotsofdifferentdesigns,and to improve the soil water balance (SWB)model as atoolfordesigningoptimalrainwaterharvestingmanagementstrategiesforaparticularregion.Eightrainwaterharvestingtreatmentswerecompared,usingmaizeasatestcrop.Con-ventional tillagewascomparedtotiedridgesandsixotherin-field rainwaterharvesting treatment combinationsof dif-ferentdesigns(run-offtocroppingarearatios)andsoilcov-ers.Infieldrainwaterharvestingrequiresabalancebetweenthecroppedareaandnon-cropped(run-off)area.Therun-offareacontributeswater tothecroppingarea,butcannotproduceanyyielditself.Thelargertherunoffarea,themorewateristransferredtothecroppedarea.However,toolargearun-offareacanbewasteful,asexcessrun-offwaterwillbelostthroughdeeppercolation,whichdoesnotcontributeto production. The researcher found that one design can-notworkequallywell underall climateandsoil conditionsand designs need to be optimised for different conditions.Theresults fromoneseason,whichmaybeunusuallywetordry,maygivemisleadingresults.Itis,therefore,usefultodevelopamodelthatcanbeusedtopredictcropresponseoveralongerperiodwithhistoricalweatherdata.Allrainwa-terharvestingtreatmentsinthistrialimprovedmaizegrowthandgrain yields.Run-off estimationprocedureswere suc-cessfullyincorporatedintotheSWBmodeltofacilitatecropyieldpredictionunderdifferentrainwaterharvestingscenar-ios.Long-termmodelsimulations forPretoriaandChokwe

(Mozambique) revealed that smaller run-off areas are thebeststrategy inwetterareasorseasons,while larger run-offareasarebest indrierconditions.This toolwillbeveryusefultoselectbestrainwaterharvestingdesignstrategiesfordifferentconditionstoreduceyieldfluctuationsandfoodinsecurityinsemi-aridareas.

Dr JM Steyn+27 12 420 [email protected]

Biochemistry

Functional genomics investigations of perturbed malaria parasites

Millionsofpeopledieasaresultofmalariaeveryyear.TheMalaria Research Group focused on the comprehensiveinvestigationofthebiologicalresponse(functionalgenomics)ofthemalariaparasitetodrug-inducedpolyaminedepletion,which results in growth arrest of the parasite (cytostasis),butnotdeath.This includes theanalysesof theparasite’stranscriptome, proteome and metabolome, and biologicalvalidationof theobservedeffects.Polyaminesprovide theparasite with essential polycationic metabolites to allowsuccessfulDNAreplicationandthereforecellulargrowthanddivision. The aim of one of the research group’s projects,Functional Genomics Investigations of Perturbed MalariaParasites, was to develop multilevel, global responseanalyses of the malaria parasite after perturbation withinhibitors as an aid to identify and validate anti-malarialdrugsanddrugtargets.Asfarascouldbedetermined,thisworkprovided thefirst reportusingsuchacomprehensivefunctional genomics approach to study the response ofa multistage organism like the malaria parasite to anexternalperturbation.Resultsshowedthatcytostasisuponpolyaminedepletionproducesageneralisedtranscriptionalarrest, aphenomenon that could includeother organisms/systems. The researchers provided conclusive evidence

The use of surface water for the irrigation of crops may lead to contamination of vegetables with foodborne pathogens.


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fortranscriptionallevelregulationinthemalariaparasiteinresponsetoexternalperturbations,inadditiontothewidelyreported post-transcriptional regulation. This contributesanewdimension toourunderstandingof the regulationofgene expression in themalaria parasite. The researchersalso observed highly specific compensatory biochemicalprocessesthatwere inducedinresponsetothepolyaminedepletion at the transcriptome level and comprehensivelybiologicallyvalidatedinboththeproteomeandmetabolome.The work provided specific information on the role ofpolyamines in the life cycle of the malaria parasite andtherefore enhances our understanding of and providesinsights into the molecular mechanisms and biochemicalprocesses controlling polyamine metabolism/homeostasis.Ultimately,theresearchgroupcontributedtothevalidationofpolyaminemetabolismasananti-malarialdrugtarget.Thisexpertiseisnowestablishedaspartofafunctionalgenomicscoreexpertisegroupof theSouthAfricanMalaria Initiativeforuseindrugdiscoveryendeavours.

Dr L Birkholtz +12 27 420 2479 [email protected]

Structure-based discovery of a novel polyamine biosynthesis for anti-malarials

Theaimofthisresearchprojectwastoidentifyanddesignmechanistically novel inhibitory compounds using in silicostructure-based approaches aimed at the polyaminemetabolicpathway.Themalariaparasiterequiressynthesisofpolyamines forparasitegrowth, replicationandsurvival.Polyaminebiosynthesis in theparasitedifferssubstantiallyfrom the human host and is controlled through the actionofauniquebifunctionalenzyme.Computer-basedstrategies(incollaborationwiththeBioinformaticsandComputationalBiologyUnitoftheDepartmentofBiochemistry)wereusedin the design ofmechanistically novel inhibitors of one ofthese proteins, spermidine synthase. High-quality three-dimensionalproteinstructureswereproducedandusedinthedesignof dynamicpharmacophores,whichare consensusstructuresrepresentingtheessentialchemicalelementsforinhibitors of this specific malaria protein. Small chemical

compoundsfittingthesedescriptionswereidentifiedthroughthevirtualscreeningofchemical libraries.Oneof theninecompounds tested had a significant inhibitory activity andisalsoanovelinhibitorforthisenzyme.Furtherstudiesareinprogresstoimprovethepropertiesofthiscompoundtofitthegeneralpropertiesofadrugleadthatcanproceedtothenextlevelintheanti-malarialdrugdiscoveryprocess.

Prof AI Louw +27 12 420 2479 [email protected]

MARTI saves lives

Approximately one and half million patients who suspectthat they have tuberculosis (TB) annually report to clinicsin SouthAfrica. Of every 100 patients, 35 eventually turnout to suffer fromactiveTB.Of these,20can typicallybediagnosedinexpensivelywithinthreedays,usingmicroscopyoflungsputumsamples.Asix-monthcombinationtreatmentis commencedwith theTBpatient becomingnon-infectivewithinaweek,thusnolongerposingathreattothemedicalstaff at the clinic/hospital and the community towhich he/shereturns.Theproblemistheremaining80patientswhoinitiallytestednegativeonsmearmicroscopy.Withnomeansofknowinghowinfectivetheyare,theyarehospitalisedfora week. Typically, symptoms prevail in 45 patients, whoare then subjected to a microbiological growth test fromsputum,theresultsofwhichonlybecomeknownaftereightweeks,witha30percentunderestimationofactiveTBwhenit co-occurswithHIV infection.During this period,TB-HIVco-infected and extreme drug-resistant patients die duringtheir two-month stay in hospital, while putting medicalstaff at extreme risk of contracting drug-resistant TB. TheMARTIserodiagnostictestforTBisanall-SouthAfricanideapatentedin2005bytheUniversityofPretoriaandpublishedbytheTBresearchteamofProfJanVerschoor in2008. Itisabiosensor test thatdetectsmycolicacidantibodiesassurrogatemarkers of active TB. It is not affected by HIV/AIDSanddeliversanansweronthesamedayassampling,therebydoingawaywiththeneedforhospitalisation.ItisthemostaccurateserodiagnosticTBtestinhigh-burdenedHIVandTBdiseasepopulationstodate,duetothenatureoftheantigenandthehigh-technologywayinwhichtheantibodiesaredetected.TheMARTItestonlyrequiresadropletofbloodfromthepatient.Bynotbeingrestrictedtosputumsamples,theMARTI testmay turn out to be the only test that canaccurately determine extrapulmonary TB, which typicallyoccurs in children and immune-compromised individuals,such asHIV/AIDSpatients.TheMARTI test could lead totheinitiationofearlytreatment,stoptransmissionofTBfromthedayofreportingtotheclinic,andreducetheemergenceofdrugresistance.TheMARTItestiscurrentlysupportedbySouthAfrica’s Biotechnology Regional Innovation Centresfordevelopmentforthemarket,andhasbeennominatedasaflagshipprojectoftheIndia-SouthAfricabilateralresearchagreementonhealthandbiotechnologyof2009.

Prof J Verschoor+27 12 420 [email protected] Anopheles mosquito, which is the vector of malaria.

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Plant Sciences

Novel bioactive compounds

Researchers in the Department of Plant Scienceshave successfully isolated and identified anticancer,antiplasmodial, antiherpes, antityrosinase and antidiabeticactivities in medicinal plants. Plants used in the studywere collected based on phytochemical information andtheir ethno-botanical use. An extensive bioassay-guidedfractionationofplantextracts led to the isolationofknownand novel chemical compounds, which show potential forusebypeoplewithdiabetesandwithskinhyperpigmentationproblems. Two synthetically derived chemical compoundsshowed significant anticancer activity. The researchersfound that thesecompoundswerenot toxic to lymphocytecells.Pre-clinicalstudiesareplannedtotesttheanticancercompounds.All other tests that are necessary to developproductshavebeenundertakenandsamplesarecurrentlybeingconsidered for fullhuman trialstudies,whichwillbecrucial forproductdevelopment.Antidiabeticextractshavealso shown good activity in mice in pre-clinical studiesand a number of experiments are currently underway tosubstantiatethefindingsobtainedthusfar. Prof JJM Meyer+27 12 420 2224 [email protected]

Prof N Lall+27 12 420 [email protected]

Analysis of primary protein structure of all known plant cysteine protease inhibitors (plant) cystatins

Differences in the primary structure of naturally occurringplant cystatins and their interaction with different cysteineproteaseswill providevaluable information for thespecificinteractionbetweenthetwoproteins.Adatabasecontainingallavailableinformationonstructure,biochemistry,expres-sion pattern and biotechnological application of all knowncystatins is currently being developed. Comparison of theprimary structureswill reveal important information on theevolutionofcystatinsinplants.Thedatabasewillalsohelptoselectthemostsuitablecandidatesforfuturebiotechno-logical applications to prevent protein degradation duringstressorsenescence.

Modelling of three-dimensional proteinstructure of plant cystatins

The aim of this research project was to create a betterunderstandingofthestructure-functionrelationshipduringtheinhibitioninteractionofplantcystatinsandcysteineproteases.Using advanced molecular modelling software, the three-dimensional structures of various plant cystatins, as well asmutatedformsofthesecystatins,arefirstsolved.Usingprotein-proteindocking,theyarethenboundtothecysteineprotasesandthespecificinteractionsareanalysedintermsofbinding

siteinteractions.Thedataisfinallycombinedwithbiochemicaldatatoformamodelthatwillbeusedfortherationaldesignanddirectedevolutionofcystatinsfor improvedandtargetedactivity against selected proteases in applications such asinsectcontrolorincreasedyieldandproductionofrecombinantproteinsinplants.

Selection of sites for directed mutations in plant cystatins

Bindingofcysteineproteasesandtheir inhibitors(cystatins)seems todependon theconserved regions in thefirstandsecondloop,aswellasintheN-terminal.Theobjectiveofthisresearchwastoinvestigatetheinteractionbetweenconservedregionsofplantcystatinsandcysteineproteases.Naturalformsof rice (OsCYS1)andpapaya (CpCYS1)cystatin,however,show significant differences in the amino acid sequence ofthefirstloop.Substitutionofthesequenceinricewiththeonefound in papaya and vice versawill help evaluate the roleoftheconservedregionsfortheirinteractionwithproteases.Detailed knowledge about the interaction between the twoproteins will be needed formore target-specific applicationof cystatins in pest and pathogenmanagement, aswell ascontrolofrecombinantproteinproductioninplants.

Characterisation of non-expresser of pathogenic resistance (NPR) genes in banana

Thenon-expressorofpathogenesis-relatedgene1(NPR1)is an essential positive regulator of salicylic acid (SA)-induced pathogenesis-related (PR) gene expression andsystemic acquired resistance (SAR),which is important inbroad-spectrumpathogenresistanceinplants.Theresearchteamhasidentifiedandisolatedtwonovelfull-lengthNPR1-like genes,MNPR1A andMNPR1B, from banana throughtheapplicationofsouthernblotanalysis,polymerasechainreaction (PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends(RACE) techniques.Expressionof theMNPR1geneswasdirectlyrelatedtoPRgeneexpressionknowntobeinvolvedin fungal resistance after the treatment of banana plantswithvariouselicitors.ExpressionofthetwogenesinvariousArabidopsis mutants will, in particular, unravel the NPR1proteinactivationprocess.

Prof K Kunert +27 12 420 [email protected]

Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI)

Eucalyptus genomics projects

In2007,theUnitedStatesDepartmentofEnergyannouncedthe funding of a project to sequence the genome ofEucalyptus grandis, a fast-growing forest plantation treespecies,whichisconsideredapotentialbioenergycrop.Itwillonlybethesecondforesttreegenometobesequencedafter that of the poplar tree. Prof Zander Myburg of theDepartment of Genetics is the principle investigator andtheUniversityofPretoria is the leadpartnerorganisation


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for this international project. The eucalyptus genomeproject team recently announced that it has completed 77percent(448millionbases)oftheexpectedgenome(580millionbases) and that thegenomewill be completedbyJuly2009.Inparallel,theInternationalEucalyptusGenomeNetwork,aworldwidenetworkofmorethan130scientists,isdevelopingaseriesofgenomicresources(genomelibraries,expressedgenelibraries,geneticmapsandDNAmarkers)thatwillallowresearcherstoutilisethegenomesequencefor biological research and innovation. In 2008, the DSTawardedastrategicgrantofR1.5milliontotheUniversityto support its leadership role in the eucalyptus genomeprojectandtofast-tracklocaleucalyptusgenomicsprojects. Prof Myburg and his research team, in collaborationwith the University’s Bioinformatics and ComputationalBiologyUnit,haveembarkedonaprojecttosequencethetranscriptome of a SouthAfrican eucalypt plantation treetoobtainacompletecatalogueofexpressedgenesforthistreeandtodiscoverthousandsofDNAmarkersthatcanbeusedforthemolecularbreedingofeucalypttreesinSouthAfrica.

Prof Z Myburg+27 12 420 [email protected]

Mammal Research Institute

Does glucose influence the conception of sons and daughters?

Traditional wisdom suggests thatmothersmay be able toinfluence the sex of their offspring by altering their diet.Recent research in theMammal Research Institute (MRI)

indicates that these myths may not be so far-fetched.Evolutionarytheoryproposesthatmotherswouldmaximisetheir descendants if theyhadsonswhen theyhadexcessresources to invest, anddaughterswhen thereare limitedresources.Whilerecentreviewsofstudiesinmammalshavesupportedthisnotion,ithasnotbeenclearhowsuchvariationmightarise.Researchershaveproposedthatglucoselevelsmight play a role in mediating the development of newlyfertilised eggs. Researchers at the University of Pretoriaand theUniversity of Nevada, Reno, USA, experimentallytestedwhether themanipulationofglucose levels (usingasteroidadditiveindrinkingwater)duringearlydevelopmentinfluenced sex ratios. Surprisingly, the team’s studyconfirmedtheroleofglucose.Theglucoselevelsofsteroid-treatedfemalesdropped,andthesefemalesonlygavebirthto42percentsonscomparedtotheuntreatedfemaleswhogavebirthto54percentsons.Thisisthefirststudytoshowacausallinkbetweenglucoselevelsandoffspringsexratiosinalivinganimal.

Impact of wealth on sex-ratio manipulation

TheMammalResearchInstitutealsoundertookastudyonthesex-ratiomanipulationofhumanchildren.Theyfocusedonwhether therewasany indication thathumanswithex-traresources(indicatedbywealth)gavebirthtomoresons.Billionaireswere identifiedusing theForbesList,and theirratioofsonstodaughterswasrecorded.Thestudyindicatedthatbillionairesgavebirthto60percentsons,comparedto 51percentintherestofthepopulation.

Prof E Cameron+27 12 420 [email protected]

The eucalyptus genome project team will have completed the genome by July 2009.

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Mathematics and Applied Mathematics

Energy properties preserving schemes for Burgers equation

TheBurgersequation,asimplificationoftheNavier-Stokesequations,isoneofthefundamentalmodelequationsingasdynamics,hydrodynamicsandacoustics,whichillustratesthecouplingbetweenconvection/advection.Thekineticenergyenjoys boundedness andmonotone decreasing propertiesthatareusefulinthestudyoftheasymptoticbehaviourofthesolution.Afamilyofnon-standardfinitedifferenceschemes,which replicate the energy equality and the properties ofthe kinetic energy, is constructed. The approach is basedon Mickens’ rule of non-local approximation of non-linearterms.Moreprecisely, theresearchproposesasystematicnon-local way of generating approximations that ensurethat the trilinear form is identically zero for repeatedarguments.Numericalexperimentsareprovidedthatsupportthetheoryanddemonstratethepowerofthenon-standardschemesovertheclassicalones.

Prof R Anguelov+27 12 420 [email protected]

Evolution integrals

Averyusefulapproach toquantumphysics isviaFeynmanpath integrals. It provides an alternative to the canonicalapproach (in terms of a Hamiltonian) to time evolution ofquantum dynamical systems. On the other hand, in thecontextofoperatoralgebras,onecanconsiderso-callednon-commutativedynamicalsystemsthatprovideamathematicalabstraction of quantum dynamical systems and are veryconvenient for studying structural and conceptual aspectsof quantum dynamical systems. These non-commutativedynamical systems are, however, essentially based on thecanonical approach. In this research project, an analogueof path integrals, called evolution integrals, was introducedfornon-commutativedynamicalsystems.Evolutionintegralsarenotanabstractionorgeneralisationofpathintegrals,butratherananalogousmathematicalconstructionthatprovidesa different point of view on non-commutative dynamicalsystems,althoughtheyarenotnecessarilyofuseinphysics.

Dr R Duvenhage+27 12 420 [email protected]

Flows of non-Newtonian fluids

Polymericliquidsexhibitphenomenasuchasshear-thinning,normal stress differences and pressure dependence ofviscosity, which do not occur in the so-called Newtonianfluids such as water and air. In addition, polymeric liquidsdonotalwayssatisfy theno-slipboundaryconditionatsolidsurfaces.DrChristiaanleRouxandhisco-workersobtainedexactsolutionsforanumberofspecialflowproblemsfornon-NewtonianfluidmodelswithNavierslipboundaryconditions.The fluid models considered in these problems were a

generalised fluid of complexity, which included the Navier-Stokesfluid,thepower-lawfluidandthesecond-gradefluidasspecialcases,aNavier-Stokes-likefluidinwhichtheviscosityisafunctionofthepressure,andageneralisationoftheBurgersmodelforarate-typeviscoelasticfluid.Oneofthefindingsisthat, in contrast to theNavier-Stokes fluidmodel, boundarylayerscanexisteveniftheflowissufficientlyslowforinertialeffectstobenegligible.Ontheotherhand,boundaryslippagehastheeffectofdiminishinganyboundarylayers.

Dr C le Roux+27 12 420 [email protected]

Heat flow for closed geodesics on a Finsler manifold

Thiswork dealswith an interesting geometric problem, thedeformationof a closed curve intoageodesic onaFinslermanifold.FinslermanifoldsoriginatedinthegroundbreakinginauguraladdressofRiemannin1854andarecharacterisedbytheassignmentofametricthatdoesnotonlydependonthepointsonthemanifold,butalsoonthetangentvectorstothemanifold.WhatwilllaterbeknownasRiemannianmanifoldsare the simpler casewhen themetric dependsonly on thepoints.AftersomeimportantworkbyFinsler,Cartan,Berwald,Chern,RundandAbkarZadehuntil1960,thefieldremaineddormantforalmosttwodecadesandunderwentaresurgence,mainlyduetoChernandhisstudents.Certainquestionsthathave found solutions in the Riemannian frame turned outtobeextremelydifficult tosolveintheFinsleriancase.Oneof theseproblems is thatofHarmonicmaps fromaFinslermanifold intoagenuineFinslermanifold.Successful resultssofarconcernthecaseofaRiemanniantargetmanifoldorbyendowingatargetFinslermanifoldwithaSasakimetric,whichgives a Riemannian structure to the manifold. The currentworktreatsthecaseofaone-dimensionalFinsleriansourcemanifoldasagenuinetargetFinslermanifold.ThestudyusesthecelebratedEells-Sampsonheatflowmethod.

Prof M Sango+27 12 420 [email protected]

Geology

Limpopo Mobile Belt

TheLimpopoMobileBelt,whichliesacrosstheborderbetweenZimbabwe and South Africa and extends westwards intoBotswana,isoneofearth’smostancienthigh-gradeorogenicbelts and has been the subject of controversy for decades,particularlywithregardtoitsage.ThisbeltisoneofthemostfundamentalcrystalstructuresinSouthernAfricaandreflectsthesuturebetweentheKaapvaalcratonofSouthAfricainthesouthandtheZimbabwecratoninthenorth.Thecentralpartof this large, complex suture zone is constituted by the so-calledCentralZone,anapparentlyexoticsmallcrustalplatethat was emplaced through early plate tectonic processesonearth.Conventionaldatingandmetamorphicpetrologicaltechniques applied over decades have failed to resolve the


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agecontroversy,thatis,whethertheLimpopoBeltreflectstwomajororogenicevents,atc.2.7and2.0Ga,oronlyoneatabout2.0Ga.Recentandongoingresearchonthisproblem,ledby DrMartinRigby,isapplyingthemostup-to-datetechniquesofthepseudosectionapproach to thermobarometry through theuseofThermocalcsoftware.Theresultshaveclearlyindicatedthattherewasonlyonemajorcollisionandsuture,atabout2.0Ga,between theZimbabwecratonandanalreadyco-joinedCentralZone-Kaapvaalassembly,probablyofc.2.7Gavintage.This reflects an important step forward in the understandingofoneof theearth’soldestandmostenigmaticmobilebelts,whichalsoformsoneofthereallyfundamentalcrustalfeaturesrelatedtomostmajorsubsequentgeologicaleventsinSouthernAfricaanditsverylargemineraldeposits.

Dr MJ Rigby+27 12 420 [email protected]

Ancient river systems of the Palaeoproterozoic time period

SouthAfrica probably has thebestPrecambrian rock recordof any comparable terrain on earth.Among this record is asuperb succession of sedimentary basins from the c. 3.1 to2.7 Ga Witwatersrand gold-bearing depository (the oldestlargebasinpreservedonearth),tothec.2.7GaVentersdorpbasin, thec.2.67 to2.1GaTransvaalBasin,and thec.2.0to1.8GaWaterbergbasins.Mainstreamsciencesupportsaviewpointwherebychangeinthechemicalcompositionofthehydrosphere-atmospheresystemontheplanet,fromanearlyreducing environment to one that gradually became moreoxygenating,wasmarkedbywhat isoften termed the ‘greatoxidationevent’atsometimebetweenabout2.3and2.0Ga.AdetailedstudyofthenatureoftheverylargebraidedchannelsystemsthatarepreservedintheWaterbergbasinsbyDrAdamBumby andPhD studentMarkus van derNeut suggested apossibly unique fluvial style at that time.Expansionof thesestudiesintotheTransvaalbasinbyProfPatErikssonconfirmedthe idea thatPalaeoproterozoicfluvialstylesweresomewhatunique, characterised by palaeo-gradients that resembleno modern river systems. Modelling of the concomitantpalaeo-atmospheric conditions in cooperation with ProfHannesRautenbach,headof theDepartmentofGeography,Geoinformatics and Meteorology, suggests that a reducinggreenhouseatmosphericsettingmusthavecontinuedformuchlongerthanoriginallythought,andhasplacedaquestionmarkontheuniversalnatureoftheso-called‘greatoxidationevent’,atleastfortheKaapvaalcratonofSouthAfrica.

Prof PG Eriksson+27 12 420 [email protected]

Physics

Beetles’ bright colours may influence new light technology

The brightly metallic-coloured scarab beetle, Gymnpleurus virens,whichismainlyfoundinSouthernAfrica,reflectsalmostentirelyleftcircularlypolarisedlight–theonlyknownexampleofthisphenomenoninnature.ScientistsintheDepartmentofPhysicsdiscoveredthereasonforthisasymmetricalpreference.Thebeetle’sshellconsistsofmanylayersofmicrofibrilsalignedparallel toeachother,witheach layer rotatedslightly relativetothelayerabove.Thisformsahelicoidalstacktwistingintheleft direction, which then causes left circularly polarised lighttobereflected.Thecolourof thebeetle isdeterminedby thethicknessofthelayers,anddefectsinthestructurebroadenthereflectanceband.Theseresultsmayfindpracticalapplicationsin the fabricationofnano-engineeredchiral reflectorsused indisplayandlasertechnologies.

Mr J Brink+27 12 420 [email protected]

The nano-mechanics of silk fibres under stress

Silk has been used as a textile for more than 3 000 yearsand as a biomedical suturematerial for centuries, but in thesecondhalfofthe20thcenturyitwasreplacedbynewsyntheticfibres with highly reproducible properties. Today there is arenewed interest in natural polymers as biotechnological andbiomedical resources because of their unique properties,which include non-toxicity, biodegradability and biologicalcompatibility. In collaboration with the research group of Dr Philippe Colomban in Paris, France, the research groupused micro-Raman spectroscopy to study the changes thatoccurinsilkfibresduringtheapplicationofstress,asstructuralchangesat themolecular levelwill influence theperformanceof the fibres in any application. Silk consists of proteins inhelical, random coil and anti-parallel β-sheet structures. Theproperties of the silk (elasticity and strength) depend on therelativeamountsofconfigurationspresent,aswellastheaminoacid sequenceof theproteinbackbone.Under stress, helicalcoilsaretransformedintoβ-sheets.Ifthestressincreases,thefibre breaks. The researchers chose to study the silk of thedomesticsilkworm,Bombyx mori,usedforsericulture,thewildSouthAfricanandNamibiansilkworms,Gonometa rufobrunea andGonometa postica,and thespidersilk fromMadagascar,Nephila madagascariensis, as this provided them with theopportunitytocomparetheresultsoftwowell-characterisedsilkfibres,Bombyx moriandNephila,withunknownsilk from theGonametaspecies.Theyfoundsignificantdifferencesbetweendegummedanduntreatedsilkfibresofdifferentorigins,whichwillbehelpfulinchoosingbetweensilksfordifferentapplications.

Dr L Prinsloo+27 12 420 [email protected]

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The Faculty of Theology is the largest residential faculty of its kind in South Africa. Lecturers from diverse denominational backgrounds provide training for the ministry in various churches, both locally and abroad. All the programmes of the faculty contribute to the development of people.


By its nature, the faculty is involved in people-centredactivities. The training of ministers in religion, as well asthesensitisingofstudentsfor theworldviewandreligiousaffinityofotherpeople,addsuptothisreality.

As an internationally recognised research and teachingfacility, the faculty is committed toattractingand retainingexcellent students, as well as members of staff who canprovidethesestudentswithabalancededucation,developingthe whole person. Because of its unique perspective onreality,thefacultyiswellequippedtocontributeinthisregard.It therefore appropriates in its own way the University’saim to optimise teaching strategies and to encourage theprincipleoflifelonglearning.Withinthisframeworkandwithitsexcellentscholars,thefacultydevelopsscholarshipinawidespectrumoftheologicallyrelevantdisciplines.Itstrivestoprovidestudentswithan inclusiveeducation inorder toprepare them for constructive citizenship, as well as forresponsibleleadershipinfaithcommunities.

Academic research prevails as one of the firm pillars ofacademic activities. Research outputs are, therefore,vital for the sustainability of academic programmes. Twoaccreditedacademicjournalsofthefaculty,HTS Theological/Teologiese Studies (HTS) and Verbum et Ecclesia (VE),playedanimportantroletostimulateanddisseminatelocaland international research. Both journals are recognisedandindexedonthemostimportantinternationalcatalogues.Editorsofboth journalswerepartof theEditors’ForumoftheAcademyofScienceofSouthAfrica(ASSAf)andserveon the executive of the newly established Editors’ ForumforTheological andRelated Journals, as chairperson andsecretary.

Staff, students and research associates published morethan 130 papers in national and international academicjournals during 2008. Additionally, the following bookswerepublished:Partnership in Mission (GADuncan:VDMPublishers),Biblical Interpretation in the Russian Orthodox Church(AINegrov:MohrSiebeck),Das Lukas Evangelium (MWolter:MohrSiebeck)andHermeneutik der Gleichnisse Jesu(RZimmerman:MohrSiebeck).

TheFacultyofTheologyconsiderscommunityengagementto beoneof its key priorities and core functions. It is nottreatedasaseparatefunction,butnaturallyformsanintegralpartofthefaculty’steachingandresearchprogrammes.Thespecialistcentresthatresidewithin thefacultyattest to itsimportantservicetovariouslocalcommunities.TheseincludetheCentreforTheologyandCommunity,whichendeavourstobuildbridgesbetweenthefacultyandthelocalchurches,

as well as the broadercommunity,theInstituteforMissiologyandEcumenicalResearch (IMER), whichoffers research and sup-port to missionary andecumenical activities, the Centre for Ministry Dev-elopment (CMD), whichoffers opportunities forcontinuing education tostudentsandpastorsintheDutch Reformed Church,the Reformed TheologicalCollege (RTC), which wasestablished in conjunctionwiththeReformedChurchtotraintheologicalstudentsforpractical service in the church, the Centre for Businessand Professional Ethics (CBPE), which is housed in theGraduate School of Management as a joint initiative ofthe Faculty of Theology, the Faculty of Economic andManagementSciencesandtheDepartmentofPhilosophyintheFacultyofHumanities,andtheCentreforContextualMinistry,whichofferstheologicaltrainingtoawiderangeofministersandleadersinSouthAfricanchurches.

Thefaculty’sinternationalinvolvementmanifestsitselfinahostofways.Ithascooperationagreementswithanumberof respected equivalent institutions inAfrica, Europe andNorthAmerica and regularly receives research scholars.It actively participates in international academic projectsand hosted international conferences on the Pentateuch,Psalms, the New Testament and ethics in 2008.

6.8 Faculty of Theology

Prof Cas Vos, Dean

Theology Building


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Three senior staff members received prestigiousinternationalawards.

Two special projects deserve to be mentioned. The firstis Small Survivors of HIV/AIDS, a project funded by theNRF,theCentrefortheStudyofAids(CSA),theUniversityof Pretoria and the South Africa-Netherlands ResearchProgramme on Alternatives in Development (SANPAD).Thisprojectisinterdisciplinaryinnatureandisconductedincollaborationwith thefaith-basedorganisations(FBOs)HeartbeatandHospivision,andPretoriaEnvangelismandNurture (PEN) in the greater Pretoria area. The projectaimstoaddresstherolethatthechurchandFBOscanplayinaddressingandalleviatingthespiritualandbereavementneeds of HIV and AIDS orphans. The second is theEnablemed-TechnologyandHumanResourcesforIndustryProgramme(THRIP)ManagedHealthCareProject.Witharangeoftechniquesandincollaborationwithamedicalaidschemeserviceprovider,theprojectteamreducesthecostofprovidinghealthbenefitstopoorAfricanhouseholds,whilesimultaneouslyimprovingthequalityofcarerendered.

Prof Cas VosDean

Research highlights

Dogmatics and Christian Ethics

God our King

Theaimofthisresearchprojectwastodeterminewhetherthemetaphorof‘king’canstillbeusedinChristianGod-talk.Theresearcherargues thatmodernpeopleonlyknowkings fromfairytalesorancienthistories.Iftheyhappentoliveinacountrywitharoyalfamily(kingdom),asisthecaseinGreatBritainandtheNetherlands,theyknowtheirqueenasaceremonialfigurewhomerelysymbolisestheunityofthepeopleorthenation.Ifshehasanypoweratall,itisverylimited,delegatedtoherbythepeople.Thedailylifeofthequeendoesnotinfluencethelivesofthepeople.CallingGodakinginthissensewouldreduceHimtoadistant,irrelevantornamentinourlives.Ontheotherhand, the traditionalunderstandingofGod’skingship impliesthat God completely dominated people’s personal lives andhistoryasawhole.Hewastheultimateruleraboveallearthlykings, people and nations, who determined and directed alltheiractions.Accordingtotheresearcher,God’spowercannotbeadequatelyunderstoodifitisseparatedfromHisauthority.ThepowerofGodasking ispreciselythepowertoexerciseHis authority. This means that God’s power is power-over:poweroverotherpowersandpoweroverGod’screatures.Thispower-overisadifferentpowertoHispower-to,Hiscapacitytoact.Thispower-overbecomesparticularlyclearinGod’srule,which presupposes beings that are liberated, commanded,controlled and judged by God. Without the authority of theliberatingGod, in whichGod’s power-over is grounded, thispowerismisunderstoodasdespotism.Inaddition,God’spowershouldalsobeunderstoodfromHisultimatepurposeandgoal:justice,peaceandloveforall.God’spoweroverthepowersofevilandsinisrevealedinthewayHehasfoughtagainstthemand triumphed over them in the life, death and resurrection

of His Son, Jesus Christ. The deepest word for bothGod’sultimategoalandforHiswayofachievingitistheloveofGod.Thismeans thatourunderstandingofGod’spowermustbeinaccordancewithGod’s love.Modernpeopleeasily identifypower with oppression and violence. Moreover, in moderntimes,thephenomenonofpowerassuchhasbecomesuspectbecausepowerissooftenexercisedarbitrarilyandbymeansofmanipulation,threatandcoercion.Theresearcherarguesthatif we identify power with arbitrariness, oppression, violence,manipulation, threat or coercion, callingGodpowerfulwouldmakeamonsterofGod.Stateddifferently:ifweacceptmodernnotionsofpower,wehavetosaythatthelovingFatherofJesusChristcanhavenopower.Ontheotherhand,theconceptofapowerlessGodwouldcontradicttheBiblicalwitnessaboutGod’spresentkingshipandGod’scomingkingdom.Fortunately,themoderndefinitionsofpowerarefarfromself-evident.PoweringeneralandthepowerofGodinparticularcanbeunderstoodinbetterways.Firstly,itshouldbenotedthattheexercisingofauthorityandtherightuseofpowerarenecessaryconditionsforcommunicationbetweenhumanbeingsinanorderofjusticeandpeace.Secondly,itmustberememberedthatGod’spoweris not quantitatively, but qualitatively different from humanpower. According to the research, if we understand God’spowerquantitativelyasaninfiniteamountoftheforcewefindinphysicalrealityandtheinfluencewefindinhumansociety,we wrongly apply a zero-sum conception of power to God.Thisconceptualisation implies that themorepoweronehas,the lesspowerothershave,andviceversa. Ifweapply thisconceptionofpowertotherelationbetweenGodandman,anypowerofGodwouldthreatenthepowerofhumanbeingsandvice versa.God’s power-over, though, does not destroy, butdemandsandcreatesfreehumanobedienceandcooperation.ThisshowsthatGod’spowerisexercisedonanotherlevelthanthatofthephysicalforceorhumaninfluence.Apparently,God’spower can cooperatewith humanpowerwithout diminishingit. Inorder to furtherspecify thepowerofGod,ourking, theresearcher distinguished five means by which power-overis realised: moral influence, coercion, oppression, physicalforceandphysical violenceagainstpeople.According to theresearcher,whenweaskwhichoftheseareimpliedbyGod’spoweroverotherpowersandoverGod’speople,thefollowingcanbesaidon thebasisof theBiblicalwitnessaboutGod’skingshipandcomingkingdom:GodsurelyhasinfluenceoverpeoplethroughHislawandHisSpirit,butGod’scommandandinspiration do not coerce them, becauseGod demands freeobedienceandwants tocooperatewith them.Oppression isexcluded, because God is no despot, but the liberator whowantsthesalvationofHispeople,andultimatelyofmankind.The realisationofGod’s comingkingdomwill requirea formof force, just as the creation did in the beginning, but it isimpossibleforustounderstandthiscreativeforcebecausethephysical forceweknow isanelementofcreated reality. It isdoubtfulwhetherGod’sultimatevictoryoverandHisjudgmentofthepowersofevilwillbepossiblewithoutanyformofviolenceagainst God’s enemies. In the meantime, the exercising ofGod’sauthorityaskinginhumanhistoryisnotviolentbecauseitistheruleofboththeFatherandtheSoninthemodeoftheSpirit.Eventually,GodwilldefeatallthepowersthatwagewaragainstHiskingshipandHewillbeacknowledgedaskingbyallHiscreatures.Inthisway,Godwillcreatejusticeandpeaceforall,andallwillenjoyGod’slove.

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Time and eternity

Inthisresearchproject,BinneofBuitedieBlokkie?’nPogingomIetsoorTydenEwigheidteSê(InsideorOutsidetheBox?AnAttempt toSaySomething aboutTimeandEternity), theresearcher investigates the dialogue between theology andscience,withspecial reference toeschatology.Heexaminestherelationoftimeandeternityasaleitmotivandbasesitontheviewthatthelatestinsightsfromphysicsenrichthetheologicaldebate and vice versa. He argues that neither discipline isindispensable to the other.According to the researcher, theperception that theaskingof factualquestions is thedomainofthenaturalsciencesandthattheology’sroleisonlytomakevalue statements is no longer relevant. ‘What?’ and ‘How?’questions complement each other in almost every field ofscience–includingtheology–andassumethatthenatureofthesubjectbeinginvestigatedwilldeterminethemethodologyandviceversa,and that themethodologywill impacton theresult.Thisisacircularargumentfromwhichsciencecannotescape.The researcher stresses that cognisance should betakenofthefactthatbothscienceandtheologyareintheirownuniqueways involved in thesearchforanswerstoquestionsregarding reality. It is therefore important that science andtheology engage in conversation with each other on thistopic.The researchproposesanetwork thatwill result inaninteractionbetweenthetimeofman(endogenictime),thetimeoftheworld(exogenictime)andthetimeofGod(transcendentaltime):apossiblesolution tounderstand theconflictbetweenscienceandtheology.Accordingtotheresearcher,thereisa

growinginteresttoincorporatetheunderstandingoftheTrinityasaheuristicmodeltosolvetheproblemoftimeandeternity.HearguesthatweshouldturnourattentiontotheCreatorandstopfixatingaboutthecreation.BecausetimeisanattributeoftheTrinity,whoseimmanentbeingisneitherstaticnortimeless,eternityisthereforenottimelesseither.Creationwasthereforenot the beginning of time, but rather the transformation oftime.This also applies to the recreationwhenChristwill beeverythingineveryone.

Prof J Buitendag+27 12 420 [email protected]

New Testament Studies

Misunderstanding, irony and mistaken identity in references to Jesus as Kurios in John’s Gospel

PartofthedifficultyofdealingwiththeChristologyofJohnisthequestionofhowthekuriosreferencesshouldbeinterpretedintermsofJesus.KuriosistheGreekwordfor‘God’,‘Lord’and‘master’.SomescholarsassumethatkuriosdoesnothavethesamecentralsignificanceforJohnasitdoesforPaul.Hence,theimportantroleofthekuriosterminologyinJohn’sGospelis sometimes either overlooked or underplayed. With thediscoveryoftheGenesisApocryphonatQumran,itbecameclearthatkurioswasnotonlyusedasapolitetermtoaddress

Images that illustrate biblical stories find expression in various public media.


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people in authority, but also without linguistic distinction intermsofGod.ThefirstChristiansalsotransferredtotherisenJesustherespectfuladdressas‘myLord’,andthusgavetheresurrectedOne this designation. One can expect that thetermkurioswould never be read in a simplisticmanner bypost-EasterChristianswheneveritisusedtorefertoJesus.Even when characters mistook Jesus’s identity, addressedhim politely as kurios and misunderstood the metaphorsandimageryonthesurfacelevel,aChristologicalundertoneremainspresent from the reader’spoint of view,encloakedin irony.Although the characters in the narrativemight findthemselvesinasituationofmistakenidentitywhenitcomestothetruenatureofwhoJesusreallyis,boththeauthorandthereaderarelookingbackatthesituationwithdeeperknowledgeand insight. From their perspective, addressing Jesus askuriosindifferentsituationsbythosecharactersistheironicconfirmationofHisidentity,withoutthecharactersthemselvesknowingwhoHeis.Therearethussomereasonstobelievethatthenarratormighthaveintendedadoublemeaninginhisuseofthetermkurios.Thenarrator’suseoftechniques,suchas misunderstanding, irony and mistaken identity, masterlyrevealsthetrueidentityofJesusasadivinebeing,bringingoutthetruemeaningandsucceedinginexplainingmorefullythematterhe isactuallydealingwith.Fromtheperspectiveof a post-Easter reader, when characters address Jesus

as kurios, it is an ironic situation.Although the character’sintentionistoaddressJesuspolitelyasahumanbeing,thereader knows the Christological meaning of the term. Onecan assume that the narratormight have intended the useof kurios ironicallyasrecognitionandconfessionofJesus’sidentity.ThereisaprogressiverevelationofthetrueidentityofJesus,whichfindsitsclimaxinThomas’sconfessionwhenheusesthisterm(20:28).BythetimethatJohn’sGospelwaswritten,itwasaloadedtermthatcouldnothavebeendetachedfromtheestablishedChristologicalsensethatitgainedaftertheEasterevent.Firstly, itsdivineconnotationwasmadeinthe LXXwhere itwas used forYahweh.Secondly, the useof kuriosasaformofaddresselsewhereinNewTestamentliterature confirms theChristologicalmeaning that it gainedthroughearlyChristiantradition.Thereaderknowsmoreandreadsthenarrativebehindtheshoulderof thefirst intendedreader.Thisisapost-EasterbookthatemphasisesthedivinityofJesus.Theyaddresshimaskurioswithoutknowingthatheis“Iam”;indeedTheKurios.Asreadersmovefromonelevelof understanding to another, they are undergoing a socialtransformation.JesusispicturedagainstthebackdropofbeingtheLogoswhocameintotheworld.NoonecanseeGod,butJesusisactuallytherevelationofGod(14:9-11).ThenarratorleadsthecharactersandthereadertowardsrecognitionthatJesusistheLord.Hepresentshimselfasthefulfilmentofthehumanneed for theultimate relationshipwithGod.Skilfullyutilisingmisunderstanding,ironyandmistakenidentity,Johnmoves the reader towardsorientationwith regard toJesus,theincarnateSonofGod.

An overview of the extent and diversity of methods utilised by the author of Hebrews when using the Old Testament

The focus of this study is particularly on themethods thatwere applied in using Scripture by the unknown author ofHebrews.Hemadeuseofadiverserangeoftechniqueswheninteractingwith and presenting hisOld-Testamentmaterial.This includesacatenaofexplicitquotations,expansionsonexistingquotationsfromthetradition,ahymnicreworkingofquotations, and his own added commentary (Midrash) onquotations,paraphrases,referencesandallusions.Althoughthis unknown author selected a large number of passagesfromtheearlyJewish(DeadSeaScrollsandPhilo)andearlyChristian (Pauline) traditions, it is clear that some of thesefoundtheirwayintohisdocumentduetohisowncontribution.Thereisgoodreasontobelievethatthequotationsformedthebackboneororiginalstructurefortheauthor’sargumentationinthebookofHebrews.Theyareclearlypresentedintwosetsofsevenpairseach.Thefirstsetconsistsalmostexclusivelyofhymnictexts,whereasthesecondsetalternatesconsistentlybetweenaquotationpairfromtheTorahandaProphet,andaquotationpair from theTorahandaPsalm.Some furtherobservations surfaced during the researchers’ survey. Theexegeticalmethods seem to be close to those used in theJewish traditions. The midrashic sections of the documentandtheuseofmessianictextsmirroraprofilethatisclosertothatofQumran.Theabsenceofallegoryisstrikingandalsodiffers fromPhilo in this sense–althoughbothwereusingthesametextsfortheirTorahquotations.MostofthethemesdiscussedinHebrewsarelinkedto‘promisetexts’.Hebrews11

The first Christians addressed the risen Jesus respectfully as ‘my Lord’.

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shouldbereadalongsidethistendency.Notonlythetwosetsofsevenexplicitquotations,butalsothemidrashicsectionsand thehistory list ofHebrews11areallwell plannedandwell structured. The catena of Hebrews 1, with its sevenquotations, seems to be closer to amystical tradition. Theconflatedquotationsshowtendenciesofparallelism,symmetryandhymnicinclinations.(Isthisperhapspointingtoliturgicaltraditions?WhatroledidknowledgeoftheJewishfestivalsplayhere?)TheunknownauthorofHebrewsisaskilledexegetewhocreativelyusedandinterpretedhisScriptures.Thebookpresentsitselfnotasadiscoursewithrandomadhocphrasesand quotations frommemory, but rather as awell-planned,well-structured and well-thought-through exposition, basedonathoroughknowledgeoftheJewishScriptures.

Prof GJ Steyn+27 12 420 2893 [email protected]

Jesus’s parables of the kingdom of God: a social-scientific and ideological-critical interpretation

Theparables of Jesus are creative andpowerful ideologicalsymbols of the kingdom of God. This definition of Jesus’sparables is based on a number of presuppositions. Allknowledge is ideological in that it represents the vestedinterestsandviewpointsofparticularsocialgroupsinspecificsituations. This is also truewith regard to Biblical texts: theideas they communicate are related to and are expressionsof thespecific interest,perspectivesandgoalsof thegroupsor individualsfromwhichtheyemerge.Ideologyreferstothearticulationofasocialgroup’sviewsandvaluesthatlegitimateand reinforce or challenge the present order and practiceagainst competing groups. Ideology, therefore, relates to asocialconstructionofreality.Ideologyisexpressedbymeansofsocialandmetaphysicalcorevalues.Corevaluesmanifestinsocialnormsinordertogivemeaningtotheactivityofthegroup,itsidentityandethos.Inthefirst-centuryGraeco-Romancontext, the concept ‘kingdom’ denotes ‘Empire language’,which had the connotation of themaintenance of patronageand power, and marginalisation of clientele. For Jesus, thekingdom of God was a core value. The parables of JesusarticulatedthekingdomofGod,whichsubvertedtheideologyofpowerinsymbolicterms.Understoodassuch,theparablesof Jesus are symbols of the kingdom ofGod.The parablesof Jesus are diaphoric symbols. A parable juxtaposes two

contrasting entities (diaphors), and thus has the power tocreatesomethingnew.Themainfunctionoftheparableisnotsimply to instruct, but rather to challenge. This challenge isprovidedbyjuxtaposingtwoconflictingviewsonreality(Godasmercifulandjustpatronofthekingdomvis-à-vistheHolyGodaspatronofthetemple)soastoprovidenewinsight.Jesus’suseofparablesassymbolsoftheKingdomofGodalsorelatestothedistinctionmadebythesociologyofknowledgebetweenasymbolicuniverseandasocialuniverse.Theterm‘symbolicuniverse’ refers to an all-embracing frame of reference that,throughsymbolsandlanguage,definesandcreatesa‘world’,thatis,realworldsortextualworlds.Theterm‘socialuniverse’,ontheotherhand,referstothewayinwhichtheunderstandingofasymbolicuniverseprecipitates inaspecificarrangementof social institutions (economy, politics, religionand kinship).One’s understanding of the symbolic universe (God), thusleadstoacertainorderingofsociety.Graeco-RomanEmpireideology is comparable to Judean/Israelite Temple ideology.Temple ideology resulted in an understanding of the politicsorideologyofexclusiveness(theseparationbetweensociallyand religiously ‘pure’and ‘impure’).Jesus’sunderstandingofhisheavenlyFatherintermsoftheKingdomofthisFatherisexpressedinparaboliclanguage.Jesus’sunderstandingofhisheavenlyFatherasjustandmercifulresultedinapoliticsofopencommensalityand inclusivity.Thesocialuniversedepicted intheparablesofJesus,therefore,subvertedthesocialuniverseasadvocatedbytheTempleandtheGraeco-RomanEmpire.TheparablesofJesusthuschallengedpeopletoadheretoadifferentideologywithregardtotheGodofIsrael.FindingsthusfararethattheparablesofJesusare(ideological)symbolsofthekingdom,thatJesuswasagainstanykindofviolence,thatJesusadvocatedgeneralisedreciprocity,thattheJesusoftheparablescanbetypifiedasasocialprophet,thattheparablesarenottheocentric,andthatJesussidedwiththemarginalisedandcriticisedthesystemofpatronage.

Prof E van Eck+27 12 420 3804 [email protected]

The RDP of the soul – violence, revenge, tolerance and Paul’s appeal for endurance

In this research, Prof Andries vanAarde investigates theconsequences of violence that deprive people of bothdignityand freedom.Heuses thefivecategories identifiedbythephilosopherFaniedeBeer,anextraordinaryhonorary


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professor in theDepartment of InformationScienceat theUniversity of Pretoria, to define the impact of violence.Theseare:acrisisofbeingandexistence,whichamountstothedestructionofaperson’sbeing,acrisisofmeaningandvalue,whichamounts toapersonbecomingano-thing,ano-being,aworthlessbeing,inotherwordsitdestroyshisorherworth,acrisisoflanguage,referringto‘cursing’,whichleavespeople‘speechless’,an‘us’crisis,whichmeansthe‘lossoflove’andalossofthetogethernessthatbindspeopletogetherinasocialcontext,andalifecrisis,whichamountstopeopletakingtheirownlivesin‘utterdesperation’.Violencemanifests insomanyformsanddegreesthatreflectionontheproblemcould leaveonewitha feelingofdesperation.Crime, rape, themistreatment of children and xenophobiaarethreateningtonotonlyquenchthesoulofpeopletryingtobea livingbeing inSouthAfrica, but also toextinguishthe rainbow nation’s light. Addressing the problem callsforadrive that transcends the interestsofpoliticalgroupsand requires multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary inputfromthinkersanddoersfromalmostallscientificfields.Heasks the question whether or not Christianity can play arole inbreaking thecycleof violence in thecountry, citingthe spiritual journeyof theapostlePaul as anexample ofhow love can overcome hate. Paul linked the concept of‘tolerance’tofuturehope–ashealsodidinhislastlettertotheRomans(Romans5:3). Inhis last letter,however,alsowritingfromCorinthalmostadecadelater,histhoughtsonthematterwereradicallydifferentfromwhenhehadwrittenhis letter to theThessaloniansadecadeearlier, also fromCorinth. At that earlier stage, his thinking had been thatthe loveforoneanother in the innergroupwouldearntherespect of the outside group: those outside the Christianfaithcommunity(1Thessalonians4:12).However,hefoundit impossible toshowlovetotheoutsidegroup: thosewhoweresomurderousandwhohadshownsomuchviolenceand hostility towards his people, to himself, the earlierprophetsandalsotowardsJesus(1Thessalonians2:14-16), buttodeliverthemuntotheapocalypticvengeanceofGod’swrath.DuringPaul’sspirituallifejourney,achangeinattitudeset in as far as the initial undisputed distance betweenan inner group and an outer groupwas concerned.Whathashappenedhere? Itappearsas if ‘tolerance’wasgivena new definition, because ‘hope for the future’ had beeninternalised.InobediencetothephilosophyofChristtoturntheothercheek,Paul implementedthis inhisown life,notbecausehewasmotivatedbytraditionorgoodmanner,but

becausehewanted to transformhimself intoa rolemodelforotherstofollow.WithinthePaulineparadigm,faith,loveandhopearegifts fromGod.Whenyouhave internalisedthoseinsuchamanner,youwouldunlimitedlygrant lifetoothers,andasGod,theSpiritandJesusdid,youwillbeginto turn the other cheek, rather than take revenge throughviolenceandmurder.Whatistheappeal?Perhapslovecanconquerhubris.Strongmoralleadership–bythePresidentandthepeopleofSouthAfrica–canmakeadifferencewhenChristianstrulyinternalisetoleranceandhopeforthefuture.Heappealed tochurches tocontinue tospeakoutagainstviolence,tostandwiththosewhoarewronged,andtoriseupinoutrageandcompassionagainstinjusticeandsuffering,evenifitcausesembarrassmenttothoseinpower.

Prof AG van Aarde+27 12 420 [email protected]

Old Testament Studies

Historical commentary on the Old Testament

The objective of this project is governed by the aims andgoals as outlined by the editors of the series Historical commentary on the Old Testament.Inthiscommentary,therelationshipbetween thegenesisof the textof Isaiah1 to12anditsfinalformisexamined:betweenthecenturies-oldhistory of exegesis of these texts and their contemporaryexpressions. Explicit attention is devoted to the historyof the interpretation of the book of Isaiah and specificallychapters 1 to 12 – as can be discerned in the Hebrewcanonitselfandashascontinuedsubsequent tothecloseof the Old-Testament canon. This commentary’s researchquestionisthustwofold:it isfirstlyofaliterarynature,andsecondlyofahistoricalnature.Theresearchfoundthatthisresearchquestionhasledtotheformulationofthefollowinghypothesis:thetextofIsaiah1to12istheproductofamulti-stage redactional-compositional process. A thorough text-immanent (intratextual) analysis, combined with an inter-textualandextratextualanalysis,indicatesadevelopmentalhistoryofthetextofIsaiah1to12indifferentlayers.Inspiteof the fact that chapters1 to12of thebookof Isaiaharepresentedasasingleblockof literature thatoccursat thebeginning of the book of Isaiah, a detailed analysis of itscontentdemonstratesthatitisacompositeworkwrittenover

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thecourseofsomecenturies.Themany interrelationshipsbetween the various parts of the book of Isaiah indicatesuccessivere-readingsoftheIsaianictraditioninthelightoflaterhistoricalcircumstances.

Dr A Groenewald+27 12 420 3487 [email protected]

Science of Religion and Missiology

The impact of diarrhoea in infants

Theobjectiveofthisresearchprojectwastoobtainacompre-hensive understanding of the impact of severe diarrhoea inbabiesonthequalityoflifeofaselectedgroupoflow-incomehouseholds.Diarrhoealdiseasescontinue tobean importantcauseofillnessanddeathworldwide.Onemajorcauseofin-fantilediarrhoeaistherotavirus,anairbornevirustowhichal-mostallchildren inboththedevelopinganddevelopedworldwillbeexposedatleastonce.Thestudy,aswellastheclinicaltrialsandcoststudies,wascommissionedbyGlaxoSmithKlinetoassist inthedecision-makingprocessesregardingwhetherandhowtoimplementanewlydevelopedvaccineagainstro-tavirusthroughnationalimmunisationprogrammes.Thestudywasqualitative,explorativeanddescriptiveinnature.Arecentlydevelopedqualityoflife(QoL)assessmentinstrument,basedonacomprehensive listof fundamentalneedsdevelopedbydevelopment expertManfredMax-Neef,wasused to assessthe impact of diarrhoea in babies on households. The QoLinstrument includes 125 open questions related to the basicnecessities and activities, localisation, relationships and con-sciousness of household members. In addition, group andindividual interviewswereheld.Twenty-ninehouseholdswith

childrenyoungerthantwoyearsofagewhohadexperienceddiarrhoeaintheprevioustwomonthswereselected.Bymeansofanumberofmedicalquestionsrelatedtothedurationofthediarrhoeaandrelatedsymptoms,babieswithseverediarrhoeawerepurposivelysampled.Afteranalysingthedata,theseba-bieswereclassifiedas follows:20hadseverediarrhoea,sixhadmoderatediarrhoeaandthreewerediagnosedashavinghadmilddiarrhoea.Twobabieshadpreviouslybeenadmittedtohospital.Ofthe29householdssurveyed,22householdswereinterviewedusingtheQoLassessmentinstrument,andsevenhouseholdswereinterviewedbymeansofgroupandindividualinterviews.Theresearchersfoundthatpoorhousingconditionsexacerbated theeffect of diarrhoea in infantson theprimarycaregiver,aswellastheotherhouseholdmembers.Householdmembers complained about the sound of the babies cryingandalmosthalfofthemothersreportedthattheyfeltstressedorashamedaboutthequalityoftheairintheirdwellings.Onemothersaidthatthesmellwassobadthatshecouldnoteatherfoodbecauseitcausedhertovomit.Thelackofbasicne-cessities, for example the shortage of water in a number ofhouseholds,intensifiedthestruggletocopewiththediarrhoea.Itwasfoundthattheburdenofcarefellmainlyonthemothersofthebabieswithdiarrhoea.Thepressureexperiencedbysomemothersseemedtoberelatedtothewaytheyexperiencetheiridentity.Mothers indicated that they felt responsible for tasksinandaround thehousehold, including thedutyofcaring fortheir children. This places a physical and emotional burdenontheprimarycaregiver.Diarrhoeawasthecauseoftensionandconflict inanumberofhouseholds,notonlybecauseofinflatedfinancialcostsrelatedtoeffortstocopewiththeillness,butalsobecauseofdifferingviewsamonghouseholdmembersregarding themost suitable treatment:Western or traditionalmedicine.Mothersidentifieddifferentcausesofthediarrhoea,including teething, heat,wrong food and ‘the problemof thefontanelle’.Itbecameevidentthatsomemothersbelievedthatasunkenfontanellewasthecauseofdiarrhoea,andthiswasbelievedtobebesttreatedbytraditionalhealingmethods.Theresearchers concluded that a vaccine against rotavirus diar-rhoeacouldbenefitthehouseholdsbyreducingtheemotionalandphysicalburdenofcareon themotherand reducing thefinancialburden thatchildhooddiarrhoea imposesonhouse-holds.Theresearcherscautionedthatthefindingsshowedhowrotavirusvaccinescouldbeanadjuncttotheprimarypreventionapproachfordiarrhoeadiseasesinchildren.Avaccinewillnotprovideasubstituteforalltheotherimportantrequirementsofarespectablequalityoflife,suchaslove,care,education,healthynutrition,aregular,safewatersupplyandgoodsanitation.Itisalsoimportanttointerpretthefindingsinconjunctionwithotherrotavirusvaccineclinicaltrialsandcost-benefitstudies.

Dr M Murray+27 12 420 [email protected]

Prof JFM Hugo (Family Medicine)+27 12 354 2463 [email protected]

The rotavirus leads to diarrhoea in infants, which especially causes conflict in the poorest communities.


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Use of condoms to fight HIV/AIDS

Correct and consistent condom usage remains a pivotalstrategytoreachthetargetsetbytheSouthAfricangovernmentto reducenewHIV infectionsby50percent in thenextfiveyears.Studieshave found that therehasbeenan increaseincondomusagebysomecategoriesof thepopulation,butusagehasnotyetreachedthedesiredlevelstomeetthetarget.Inthisproject,theresearchersfocusedoncondomusageineightcommunitiesinNorthWest,whichwaspartofawiderHIV/AIDSprogrammeevaluationcommissionedbytheNorthWestprovincialDepartmentofHealth.Themainaimwastoassessaccessibilitytocondoms,andknowledge,attitudesandpracticesaroundcondomusebyfoursampledcommunitiesinNorthWest.Eightfocusgroupdiscussionswereheldand50householdswereinterviewed.Thestudyfoundpositiveresultsregardingaccessibilityandawarenessofcondoms.However,thisoftendidnot lead to thedesiredbehaviouralchangeofusing condoms in risky sexual interactions.Themajority ofrespondents still resisted condom usage, used condomsinconsistently,orwerenotinapositiontonegotiateprotectedsexualintercourse.Themainreasonsreportedforthiswerereducedpleasure, perceived and real physical side effects,myths, lackof information,status,financialreasons,distrustintheefficacyofcondoms,familyplanning,culturalreasons,gender-related reasons and trust. Many of the barriers toconsistentcondomusecannotbeovercomebystrategiesthattargettheindividual.Interventionsneedtoaddressunderlyingdevelopmentalfactorssuchasthenon-biologicalfactorsthatincreasethesusceptibilityofwomentoHIVinfection.AsthisfallsoutsideofthescopeofthemandateoftheDepartmentof Health, various partnerships with other key role-playersneed tobeestablishedand/orstrengthened,suchas thosewith localgovernment,non-governmentalorganisationsandfaith-basedorganisations.

The African agent discovered

The aim of this research project was to investigate theparticipation of the African biblical interpreter in Bibletranslation.ItiswidelyacknowledgedthatthechurchinAfricaiswellestablished.Evenso,itisstillnecessarytonotethat,toalargeextent,thechurchisintheprocessofestablishingitselfasanAfricanchurch.TheAfricanchurchcontinuestovalidateitselfastrulyAfricanandnotsomeforeignreligion.The presence of the Bible, including the process of Bibletranslation, is integral to this process. As a result of theway inwhich theBiblewasappropriated touseduring theprocessofcolonialism,aswellasthewayinwhichtheBibleaccompanied Western missionary endeavours that oftenoperatedhand-in-handwithcolonialism,someofthoseintheAfricanchurchviewtheBiblewithscepticism.Inthelightofthis,theparticipationoftheAfricanbiblicalinterpreterinBibletranslationisnotyetfullyunderstoodorappreciated.AslongastheAfricanchurchdoesnotproperlyownthetranslationprocess,theBiblecouldbeviewedlargelyasaforeignbook.Itwill thennotbeviewedasbeingsufficiently relevant fortheAfricanchurchoreventheAfricancontinentasawhole.TheeffectivenessofestablishingtheAfricanchurchastrulyAfricandependsontheinvolvementofanAfricanagencyintheinterpretationoftheBible.ThetranslationoftheBibleintoAfricanlanguagesisoneofthekeyfactorsinthisprocess.The production of accurate and culturally understandabletranslations, including the acceptance and application ofthe Bible by theAfrican church, will be enhanced by theinvolvement of theAfrican biblical interpreter in the Bibletranslationprocess.TheresearcherarguesthateventhoughnotreadilyacknowledgedbytheAfricanchurch,ownershipofandinvolvementinBibletranslationareimportanttotheappropriationoftheChristianmessage.Assessingthedataexamined in this research, the researchers came to the

The participation of the African Bible interpreter in Bible translation is important. Pastor David Mahlangu (left) and Pastor Mabetha Petrus are engaged in the translation of bibles into African languages in the Faculty of Theology.

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conclusionthatanAfricanagency,albeittheAfricanchurch,does not yet acknowledge or understand the role of theAfricanbiblical interpreter inBible translation.On theotherhand,foreignagenciesacknowledgeandunderstandtheroleoftheAfricanbiblicalinterpreterinthetranslationprocess.Itisimportanttotakenoteofthisdualism,asitwillhaveaneffecton theappropriationof theBible into the lifeof theAfricanchurch,andtheAfricanchurchcouldremainvulnerabletotheagendaofforeignproponentsofBibletranslation.AnAfricanagencycanmakeavalidcontributiontotheBibletranslationprocess. It isacknowledged that thesurfaceof thisfieldofstudy has hardly been scratched. There are many areasthatstillneed tobeexplored.Someof theseareasare therole ofAfricanwomen inBible translation, the involvementof anAfrican agency in the appropriation of the Bible, thestoryofAfricaninvolvementinBibletranslation,whichshouldbetold,thehindrancestotheindigenousdiscoveryofBibletranslation,andtranslationtoolsdevelopedbyAfricanbiblicalinterpreters. These areas should be identified and madeavailabletotheworldwideprocessofBibletranslation.

Ancestor worship – is it biblical?

Ancestor worship is practised in different forms around theworld today, even in societies participating in the modernglobaleconomy.Ancestralbeliefsaredeeplydependentonthepremisethatthesoulsofthedeadmayreturntothelivingandinfluencetheirlives,thatitispossibleandacceptableforthelivingtocommunicatewiththedead,andthatthelivingareabletoexertaneffectonthedestinyoftheirdeceasedancestors.The following issuesaremost relevant to ancestorworship:death and the afterlife, the possibility of communicationbetweenthelivingandthedead,andthedestinyofbelieverswho die. The researcher investigated these issues from aBiblical perspective, offeringBiblical guidelines in assessingancestorworshipanditscosmologyandinterpretingancestorworship theologically.According to the researcher, the ritualpracticesassociatedwithancestorworshipareheavilyreliantonthepremisethatthedeadareabletoreturntothelivingandhaveaninfluenceonthelivesoftheliving,thatitisacceptableforthelivingtocommunicatewiththedead,andthatthelivingareabletoexertaninfluenceonthedestinyofthedeceasedancestor. He argues that the Bible condemns necromancyandassociated practices, andancestorworship is thereforenotinalignmentwiththeprinciplesoftheBible.Secondly,hepoints out that although some individuals experience whatappears tobe thespiritsofdeceasedancestors, theBiblicalevidence thathasbeenpresentedmakes it clear that theseexperiencesorapparitionsshouldnotbetaken‘atfacevalue’.Furthermore,theBiblemakesitclearthatonceapersonhasdied,it isimpossibleforhimorhertoreturntocommunicatewith the living. It isclear fromRomans6:23 thatallmendieandthatdeathisthewageofsin–aninevitableconsequence.TheonlyincidentintheScripturesthathasbeenthesourceofdogmaticcontroversyistheincidentwhereSamuel‘appeared’to theWitchofEndor (1Samuel 28).Theexplanations thathave been put forward have made it clear that what was‘seen’ was a result of the special working of God’s power,byHispermissionandforHispurposes.AstheBibleclearlyadmonishes, those who dapple in necromancy or spiritismcommit what is considered to be spiritual prostitution. The

abodeof thedead,which isexpounded in theScriptures, isknownashadesorpurgatory.Hadesandpurgatory refer tothecommongraveofmankind,whereallsoulsaredestinedtogooncetheyhavediedaphysicaldeath.Thefinaldestinationof the righteous souls is heaven. Therefore, the analogy ofLazarusandtherichmancannotbeconstruedtoprovethatthelivingcancommunicatewiththedeadorthatthelivingcanhaveabearingonthedestinyofthedead.Itwasnotpossiblefortherichmantocommunicatewithhislivingrelativestowarnthemof their imminent fate if theydidnotmend theirways.TheScripturesclearlyindicatethattherighteouswhodieareimmediately reunited with Christ (cf Luke 23:43, Philippians1:23).Attheresurrection,thosewhohavediedwillbechangedandresurrectedwithaspiritualbodytoallowthemtoenterintoafullerstateoffellowshipwithGod.Thenotionoftheimmortalityof thesoul isamajorpreceptof theancestorcult.However,theNewTestament’spromiseofa resurrection refers to theresurrectionofthewholebody.Thenotionofthesoulexistinginanintermediatestateoradeepsleep,whichisfundamentaltotheancestralrites, iscontradictorytotheteachingsof theNewTestament. Passages in theBible that dealwith deathas a sleeping state, such as Matthew 9:24, 1 Corinthians15:51 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13, could be construed as ametaphorical description to ensure that mankind does notfeardeath,ratherthanadescriptionofanintermediatestate.SomescholarshavetriedtoprovethatChristdescendedintohadesafter his death tominister to thedeador toproclaimhisvictoryoverthem.Itbecameclear,however,thatscripturalproofofsuchdoctrineiscontentiousandthatthemeaningof1Peter3:18-20,theclassicalscripturalreference,isobscure.The living isnotable toeffectachange for thegoodof thedead.Thesalvationofmankind isbasedonChrist’sransomsacrifice on the cross and sacrifices that are made for thedead are therefore of no value.The researcher argues thatthenotionofvicariousbaptism,whichhasbeensuggestedbysomescholars,doesnothavesufficientevidenceinexegeticalorhermeneutical termstomakeitacredibleargument.Pauldenies the interpretationof vicariousbaptismwhenhe saysin 2 Corinthians 5:10: “For we must all appear before thejudgmentseatofChrist,sothateachonemayreceivegoodorevil,accordingtowhathehasdoneinthebody.”Therefore,itisclearthatthefinaldestinationofeachindividualisdependenton their own faith and actions while they were alive. EachindividualisaccountabletoGod.Onceasinnerhasdied,thewagesofhisorhersinscannotbepaidbytheliving.Inotherwords, thecentralpremise,whichunderpins the theologyofancestorveneration,isflawed.Itisimpossibleforthedeadtocommunicatewiththelivinganditisimpossibleforthelivingtoimprovethedestinyoftheirdeceasedancestors.TheNewTestamentisclearthatthereisnowayforthedeadtochangetheirfate.TheresearcherconcludesthatancestorworshipisincompatiblewiththeChristianfaith.

Prof PJ van der Merwe +27 12 420 [email protected]


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The Faculty of Veterinary Science aims to increase the number of postgraduate students and make research a primary thrust to stimulate and focus the faculty’s research programme on unique South African animal disease problems.


Theyear2008wasthethirdyearofthefive-yearstrategicplanoftheFacultyofVeterinaryScience.

The faculty’s research endeavours again showed steadygrowthoverthepastyear.ThesubsidyunitsearnedfromtheDepartmentofEducationforpublicationshavebeensteadilyincreasing since2004,withonly a slight drop in 2007.Allthe faculty’s publications were again placed in the highercategoryofjournalsaccreditedbytheInstituteforScientificInformation(ISI).Therewasalsoasubstantial increase inthe number ofmaster’s andPhD students over the sameperiod (from 150 in 2004 to 216 in 2008), accompaniedby an increase in the funding available for postgraduatebursaries.Although the number of postgraduate studentshasalsobeensteadilyincreasingoverthisperiod,thetimetoqualificationofmaster’sstudentsisofthehighestintheUniversity.This isreceivingattention.Thefacultyreceivedseverallargeinternationalresearchgrantsduringtheyear.

ThenumberofNRF-ratedstaffmembersincreasedfrom15in2006to17in2008.Unfortunately,thefacultylostthreeofitsNRF-ratedresearchersat theendof theyear:oneduetoretirementandtwoasaresultofemigration.Excellenceinresearchperformancewasagainrecognisedthroughtheidentification of the faculty’s top ten researchers. TheseawardsarepresentedattheannualFacultyDay,whentheResearcheroftheYearandYoungResearcheroftheYearawardsarealsomade.TheResearcheroftheYearaward,which ismadeon thebasisofproductivity,as reflected insubsidyunitsearned,waspresentedtoProfJohanNöthling.TheYoungResearcher of theYear award,which ismadeusing slightly different criteria, was presented to Dr EranDvir.

Faculty Day has formed the focal point of the faculty’sacademic programme for some 24 years. It providesa forum for staff and postgraduate students to sharethe excitement of their research findings or experiencewith both students and colleagues, and has contributedsignificantly to the faculty’s research effort over theseyears. The Sir Arnold Theiler Memorial Lecture, which ispresented by an esteemed veterinary scholar, scientist orresearcher inhonourofTheiler’scontributiontoveterinaryscience,remainsahighlightoftheproceedings.Thisyear, Dr Gideon Brückner, Deputy Director of the WorldOrganisation forAnimal Health (OIE), Paris, and also analumnusof theFaculty ofVeterinaryScience,was invitedto present this lecture in recognition of his outstandingcontribution to international animal disease control. Hishighly relevant and most interesting lecture formed thebackgroundto11oraland16posterpresentationsbystaffandstudents.

Afinalhighlightof theyearwas the OnderstepoortCentenary Pan-AfricanVeterinaryConference thatwas presented at the fac-ulty from 6 to 9 October2008 as part of the cen-tenary celebrations of theOnderstepoort VeterinaryResearch Institute. This coincided with the cente-nary of the University of Pretoria. Some 15 interna-tional and 15 local speak-ers delivered lectures thatcovered historical aspectsand present-day researchonanimaldiseasesinAfrica,aswellasfuturechallenges.Associated social functions included the opening of aNationalVeterinaryMuseum, the launchofabookon thehistoryofOnderstepoortandacommemorativestamp,aswellasagaladinnerattendedbyPresidentMotlanthe.

Prof Gerry SwanDean

6.9 Faculty of Veterinary Science

Prof Gerry Swan, Dean

Arnold Theiler Building

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Research highlights

Companion Animal Clinical Studies

Radiological tracheal dimensions of the normal thoroughbred horse

Radiological tracheal dimensions of the horse can be usedeffectively to evaluate upper and lower respiratory tractconditionsdue to thegradientofpressurechangesbetweentheseareas.Lateralradiographsofthetracheaof15clinicallynormalsedatedthoroughbredhorsesweremadeatinspirationand expiration, and magnification corrected mean airwayheightsmeasured.Theratiooftrachealheighttothethoracicinletwasrespectively0.15and0.15.Althoughnotstatisticallysignificant,therewasatrendtowardsahighertrachealheightat expiration. No correlation was found between trachealheightandbodymassorheightatthewithers.Radiographictracheal height evaluation can bemade independent of therespiratoryphaseinsedatedhorses.It isrecommendedthatratiosoftrachealheighttoanadjacentvertebralbodylengtharemorereliableforcomparisonbetweenhorses,andtrachealheightmeasurement shouldbemadeatC5,due toa lowerstandard deviation. If only thoracic radiographs are made,measurementsoftrachealheightcanbemadeatthethoracicinlet. Prof A Carstens+28 12 529 8012 [email protected]

Babesia rossi and its association with outcome

Acute phase proteins (APP) are ideal biomarkers forinflammationduetotheirstability,relativeeaseofassayandtheapparentrelationbetweentheirconcentrationandtheextentoftheinsulttotissue.C-reactiveprotein(CRP)isapositivemajorAPPindogsandcanbeusedasapredictivemarkerforriskofdiseaseandtomonitortheresponsetotreatment.Increasedconcentrations incertaindiseasesareassociatedwithpooroutcome.Thiscross-sectional,observationalstudyof75dogsnaturallyinfectedwithBabesia rossi,acauseofvirulentcaninebabesiosis,wasdesignedtoexaminetherelationshipbetweenCRPconcentrationatadmissionandthemagnitudeofCRPchange24hoursafteradmission,withoutcome.Dogswereexcluded if there was evidence of concurrent inflammatorydiseases at the time of admission, infection with subtypes

other than B. rossi, concurrentEhrlichia canis infections oreuthanasiaforreasonsotherthanpoorprognosis.Diagnosiswasconfirmedbypolymerasechainreactionandreverselineblot.CRPconcentrationsweredeterminedbyanautomatedhuman CRP Turbidometric Immunoassay (TIA) on serumsamplescollectedbyjugularvenipunctureonadmission,priortoanytherapy,andthereafterdailyuntildischargeordeath.TheresearcherfoundthattherewasnosignificantdifferenceinmeanCRPconcentrationbetweensurvivorsandnon-survivorsatadmission.Usingtheexactlogisticregression,adjustingforageandsex,therewasnoassociationwithoutcome.Multipleregression analysis failed to show a significant relationshipbetweenadmissionCRPconcentrationandthenumberofdaysofhospitalisation in thesurvivors,adjustingforageandsex (p=0.65).Similarly,nosignificancewasfoundintherelationshipbetween the magnitude of change in CRP concentration 24 hours after admission and the number of days ofhospitalisationinsurvivors(p=0.34).UsinganadmissionCRPconcentrationcut-offof60mg/l,survivalproportionsbetweenthetwogroupswerenodifferent(p=0.34).Whenappliedtothe groupof dogs that survived, itwas not associatedwithlengthofhospitalisation(p=0.25).Theresearcherconcludedthat CRP concentration, as ameasure of the acute phaseresponse,isnotassociatedwithoutcomeincaninebabesiosis,andinflammationisunlikelytobetheonlycauseofseverityof disease.Other causes, including individual susceptibility,parasitephenotypeandtissuehypoxia,arespeculatedtoplayamoreimportantrole.

Dr LS Köster+27 12 529 [email protected]

Paraclinical Sciences

Nile crocodile deaths in the Kruger National Park

Between June and September 2008, the carcasses of ap-proximately 150Nile crocodiles,Crocodylus niloticus, werediscoveredintheKrugerNationalPark’sOlifantGorge.How-ever, researchersbelieve thata largenumberofcarcassesmightnothavebeendetectedbecauseoftheremotenessoftheareaand that theactualnumberofdeathsmightbeashighas500.Thetotalpopulationinthegorgewasestimatedatapproximately1000.Thismeansthathalf thepopulationdiedwithinashortperiodoftime.Anotherworryingfactoristhatallthedeadcrocodileswerelarge(morethanthreeme-


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tresinlength),matureanimals.Thelossofmostoftherepro-ductivelyactiveanimalsmayseriously influencetheabilityofthispopulationtorecoverinthenearfuture.Post-mortemandhistopathological investigations indicated that the crocodilesdiedofaconditioncalledpansteatitis,alsoreferredtoasyellowfatdisease.Itcanbedescribedasageneralisedinflammationofbodyfatandusuallyinvolvessubcutaneousaswellasintra-abdominalfatdeposits.Itiscommonlyfoundinanimalsthatliveonadiethighinpolyunsaturatedfattyacids.Theresearchersfoundthatallthedeadcrocodilesfromthegorgewereveryfatand,exceptforthefatlesion,nootherpathologywasobserved.Clinical signs includeageneralhardeningofbody fatandachange in colour fromwhite to yellow.These changes in allbodyfatdepositscausethecrocodilestobecomestiff,causingareductioninmobilityandevenaninabilitytoswimproperly.Affectedcrocodilesbecomereluctanttoenterthewateranddonotmoveawaywhenapproached.Thisleadstoaslowdeathduetoexposure,starvationandevendrowning.Atthisstageit is not yet clearwhat triggered the pansteatitis outbreak intheOlifantsGorge.ItisthoughtthatthepansteatitisintheOlif-antsGorgecrocodilescouldhavebeenstartedbyillegalfisher-menfromtheMassingirDamusingtheirgillnetsinthegorge.Theymostprobablydumpedunwantedorpetrifiedfishorintra-abdominalorgans in thewater.Anotherpossibility is that thecrocodilesusedtheopportunity,withthegillnetsinthegorge,to‘steal’largenumbersofdeadfishfromthenets.Piecesofgillnetswerefoundwithsomeofthecrocodiles.Inaddition,can-nibalismmightalsohaveplayedacontributingroleinsustain-ingthemortalitybytriggeringthesamereactionincrocodileseatingaffectedcrocodiles.Thelargevolumeofoxidisedfatinasickcrocodileismostprobablyenoughtotriggerthereactioninothercrocodilesfeedingonapansteatitiscase.Thisisthemostlogicalexplanationfortheongoingcrocodilemortalityinthe gorge.No fishdie-offwasobserved in the gorgebeforethepansteatitisoutbreakstarted.However,post-mortemsdoneafterwardsonseveralfishspeciesfromthegorgeclearlyindi-cated that theywerenotveryhealthy.Bloodsmearandhis-topathological abnormalities were commonly observed. Thesignificanceofthesefindingsinthefishfromthegorgeisstillunderinvestigation.Apossibleconnectionwiththepansteatitisis thatsickfishwouldbeeasier tocatchand thatcrocodilescouldovereatifslow-movingfishareabundant.Acyanobacte-rialbloomwasobservedbeforeandduringtheearlystagesoftheoutbreak,buttherelationshipwiththecrocodilepansteati-tisand thefishpathology is still unclear.Anotherhypothesisisthathealthycrocodileseatingpansteatitis-positivecrocodiles(cannibalism)aremostprobablytakinginenoughoxidisedfat

totriggerthesamereaction,especiallytheintra-abdominalfatthat iseasy toconsume in largequantities.This is themostlikelyexplanationfortheongoingcrocodilemortalityintheOli fantsGorgeandtheLetabaandOlifantsrivers.

Dr J Myburgh+27 12 529 [email protected]

Small-scale fodder production

InNorthWest,therearesmallblackcommunitieslivingoncommercial farmswhohavea right to live there,butwhoare unemployed and have no source of income. Someown cattle, sheep and goats, which are managed underan unproductive subsistence system. On the other hand,commercial livestock farmers, especially dairy farmersin the province, often experience a shortage of feed fortheiranimalsduringwinter.Theaimof thisprojectwas toencourage commercial farmers to establish fodder plotsthat can be managed by unemployed residents on thefarms. The farmers will be assisted with the planning oftheir fodder plots.Theywill receive start-up funds for theestablishmentofsuchplotsandwillsettlethelabourcostsincurred.Fodderplotswillbeplantedwithcarobtrees,pricklypears,Japaneseradishesandpumpkins.Oncetheplotsareestablished,theworkforcewillnotbepaidanymore,butthey

Researchers are investigating the deaths of a large number of crocodiles over a short period.

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will beentitled to retain theproduce for theirownuse, forconsumptionbytheirlivestock,ortheymaysellitandretaintheincome.However,thefarmownerwillhavethefirstoptionto purchase the fodder.This projectwill benefit previouslydisadvantagedcommunitiesbyprovidingthemwithasourceofincomeandbyprovidingfoodforthemandtheiranimals.Thecommercialfarmerswillprovideassistancetoverypoor,unemployed and demoralised communities living on theirland,andwillprovidefodderfortheir livestock.Inaddition,newsmall-scalefarmerswillbetrainedtobecomeproficientinsustainable,low-inputagriculturalproduction.

Bovine arthrosis

Farmers and local veterinarians in the Vryburg areareported a new disease syndrome where cattle developedswelling in the weight-bearing joints and severe lameness.They eventually had to be slaughtered. The condition wasidentifiedasosteochondrosis,a formofdefective formationof articular cartilage that iswell known in several domesticanimalspecies,buthasnotpreviouslybeenreportedonsucha large scale in cattle. Preliminary investigations suggestthat the cause is an imbalance of phosphorus and varioustrace elements in commercial mineral feed supplements.Controlledtrialsonaresearchstationandacommercialfarmhaveidentifiedvarioustracemineralsthatmightbeinvolved.An experimental supplement is being formulated to correctthe imbalance. The supplement is being tested under fieldconditions. If it is successful in preventing the condition, itwillbemadeavailableunder licence toanestablished feedmanufacturerforcommercialproduction.

Prof L Prozesky+27 12 [email protected]

Chemical immobilisation of wildlife

Wildlife is our natural heritage inAfrica. InSouthAfrica, thewildlifeindustryhasgrowntremendouslyduringrecentyears.Consequently, the number of game animal species that areimmobilised for various reasons has also increased. Manyof the drugs that are routinely used for the immobilisationandtranquilisationofwildlifeareconsideredtobe ‘olddrugs’and are potentially dangerous. It is therefore important thatinnovativedrugcombinationsandnewand improvedwildlifemanipulating agents are investigated. A research projectto evaluate butorphanol, a mixed opioid receptor agonist/antagonist, as an adjunct to etorphine in the immobilisationofwildlife,wascarriedout invariousspecies,specificallythewhiterhinoceros,Ceratotherium simum.Whiterhinoceroswereimmobilisedwithacombinationofetorphineandazaperoneoretorphine, azaperoneandbutorphanol to evaluate the effectof butorphanol on blood gas parameters. The butorphanolwas given at ten times or twenty times the etorphine dose.Preliminarydatashows that there isastatistically significantimprovementinboththeoxygensaturationofredbloodcellsandthepartialpressureofoxygeninthebloodwhenbutorphanolisgivenattwentytimestheetorphinedose,butnotattentimestheetorphinedose.

Dr L Venter+27 12 529- [email protected]

Veterinary students examine a horse.


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Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology

The vaginal region of ratites

The ostrich and emu industries aremajor contributors to theSouthAfricaneconomy.Thefocusofreproductiveresearchontheseratiteshasshifted fromnatural formsofbreeding toar-tificial insemination.Althoughsemen isgenerallydeposited inthecloaca,itisthevaginalregionoftheoviductthatplaysanimportantroleinthesurvivalofspermatozoa.Anatomically,thevaginalregioninbirdsishomologoustothecervicalregionofmammals.Agrossanatomical assessmentof theoviductsofthematureostrichandemurevealedthepresenceofmucosalfoldsinthevaginalregion,whichformastructuresimilartothemammalian cervix. It is generally accepted that themucosalfolds in thecervical regionofmammals impede theprogressof defective spermatozoa.Basedon the similarity of themu-cosal folds inthevaginalregionof theratitesstudiedandthecervixofmammals,itispossiblethatthefunctionsofthesetworegionsarecomparable.Ultrastructurally, theepitheliumliningthemucosalfoldsintheostrichandemuwasacombinationofmucin-ladenciliatedandnon-ciliatedcells.Researchconductedonmammalianspecieshasshown thatcervicalmucuseitherblocksor facilitatesspermatozoalmigration,dependingon itsviscosity.Physiologicalstudiesneedtobecarriedoutonratitestodeterminetheroleofvaginalmucusinspermsurvival.

Prof M-CN Madekurozwa+27 12 529 [email protected]

Veterinary Tropical Diseases

Molecular technology in action

Corridordisease,causedbythetick-borneprotozoanparasite,Theileria parva, isofmajoreconomic importance.A real-timepolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test for detection of T. parva DNA inAfrican buffalo and cattlewas developed toimprove thesensitivityandspecificityof theofficialdiagnosticpackageinSouthAfrica.TheRT-PCRassayrequireslesstimetoperform, ismoresensitivethantheothermolecularassayspreviouslyusedinT. parvadiagnosticsandcanreliablydetecttheparasiteincarrieranimalswithanextremelylowpiroplasmparasitaemia.AnovelTheileriaspecies,whichwasrecoveredfromcaninebloodspecimens,wascharacterisedmolecularly.This adds yet another micro-organism to the growing list ofhaemoprotozoaknowntoinfectdogs.AnovelBabesiaparasitefrom a sable antelopewas characterisedmolecularly and itsphylogeneticaffinitiesweredetermined.TheRNAsmallsegment10nucleotidesequencesofAfricanhorsesickness(AHS)virusisolates were determined and their phylogeny investigated.Thesmallsizeofthegeneandtheconservedterminalregionsfacilitateeasyandrapidsequencing.ThiswillbeanessentialresourceforelucidatingtheepidemiologyofAHS.Sheepwereinoculatedwithavirulentstrainofbluetongue(BT)virussero-type4todevelopareliablemodelforexperimentalreproductionoffulminantBTtobettercharacterisethepathogenesisofthisimportantdiseaseofsheep.

Prof BL Penzhorn+27 12 529 [email protected]

A rhinoceros being immobilised.


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7. Community engagement

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The Department of Community Engagement advocates, initiates, facilitates, coordinates, promotes, supports, monitors, evaluates and reports on all the University ’s communikty engagement activities. It was established in 2007 and ceremonially launched in 2008.

Thedepartmentisstructuredinamannerthatseekstofulfilits mission. The Curricular and Research-related Commu-nityEngagement (CRCE)division is internally focusedandseeks to integrateandembedcommunityengagement intothescholarlyendeavours(teachingandresearch)oftheUni-versity,whiletheCommunityEngagementProgrammesandProjects (CEPP) division seeks opportunities with externalpartners,wherebystudentscanfulfil theobligationsof theircurricularcommunityengagementmodules.

The overall thrust of the department is towards a ‘scholar-shipofengagement’thatseekstocompleteandsustaintheloop of knowledge generation through community-engagedresearch.ThisfocusesontheidentifiedchallengesfacedbytheUniversity’sownconstituencies,whichfeedbackintothecurriculainthevariousdisciplinestofurtherempowerschol-ars toengagenewordifferent challenges thatmaybeen-countered.

Curricular community engagement

TheUniversityhasthreecorefunctions:teachingandlearning,research,andcommunityengagement.Itacknowledgesthatthere is some intersection among them.Curricular commu-nityengagementtakesplacewheretherolesofteachingandlearning, and community engagement intersect. Research- related community engagement, on the other hand, takesplacewhereresearchandcommunityengagementintersect.Where there is no intersection, non-curricular community engagement takes place, for example volunteerism and communityprojects,whichproceedasseparateactivities.

TheCRCEdivisionhasestablishedacontextualandconcep-tualframeworkforcurricularandresearch-relatedcommunityengagementbasedonqualitativeinstitutionalandcurriculumresearch. This framework is developed for academic pro-

grammesandisregardedasamethodology of teaching,learning and research thatrequires knowledge-driven,mutually beneficial partner-ships with external entities,so that the University canbenefitfrommoreacademicstaff engagement with andin communities, as well asenhanced student learningand research productiv-ity.Theexternalcommunity,on the other hand, benefitsfrom increased knowledgeand capacity to addresscommunityissues.

Curricular community engagement is a credit-bearing,educational experience and encompasses a curriculum(learning content), teaching, learning, research andscholar-shipactivitythatengagesacademicstaff,studentsand community service agencies/organisations andcommunitymembers inmutuallybeneficialandrespectfulcollaboration.Theirinteractionsaddressneedsandassetsthat have been identified by the community, deepenstudents’ civic and academic learning, and enrich theUniversity’sscholarship.

AttheUniversityofPretoria,curricularcommunityengage-ment can be divided into various types of communityactivity, such as community-based learning, academicservicelearning(anexampleofbestpractice),communityservice, internships, clinical practicals, practicums, work-based learning, experiential education, community-basededucation, cooperative education, community-basedprojectsandcommunityoutreach.

Mamelodi Campus

TheMamelodiCampusisahubofcommunityengagementactivities and related research. Curricular communityengagementactivitiesareamajoraspectoftheacademicactivitieson thecampuswith the focus in2008onapilotafter-schoolMathematics programme forGrade 10 to 12learners.Learners(n=130)tookpartinasurveytoevaluatethe programme, to implement improvement plans and toexpandittotheareasofScience,EnglishandAccountancy.Theresultsrevealthatthelearnersagreeorstronglyagreewith the statement “My understanding of Mathematicsand marks have improved because of the after-schoolMathematicsprogramme”(45percentofGrade10learnersagree,63percentofGrade11learnersstronglyagreeand42percentofGrade12learnersstronglyagree).Learnersindicatedthefollowingasthemostimportantlessonslearnt:(in terms of Mathematics content) knowledge and skills,(intermsofpersonalandsocial)learnersenjoyedworkingwithandmeetingpupilsfromotherschools,and(intermsofstudentteachers)learnersfeltthatthestudentteachersexplainedMathematicswellandweregoodteachers.

Community engagement

Prof Denver Hendricks, Director: Community Engage-ment

A model for curricular and research-related community engagement

ScholarshipofEngagement

TeachingandLearning

Research

Research–CE

Non-Curricular–CE

CurricularCE

CommunityEngagement

(CE)


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Research highlights

The following three research projects demonstrate thequalitative research that has been conducted on thecontextualandconceptualframeworksandcurriculuminquiryforcurricularcommunityengagement.

The exploration of conceptual models for community engagement at higher education institutions in South Africa

AcriticalconceptualanalysisoftheSouthAfricanhigheredu-cationcontextreflectsthe lackofastructuralandfunctionalframework for the conceptualisation of community engage-mentinhighereducation.DrGerdaBenderoftheDepartmentof Community Engagement has explored and published aframework and model for the conceptualisation of commu-nityengagementforabetterunderstandingofcommunityen-gagementathighereducationinstitutionsinSouthAfrica.Thesilo,intersectingandinfusion(cross-cutting)modelsforcom-munity engagementwere presented and the attributes of acommunity-engageduniversitywereaffirmed.Theconceptualanalysis confirmed that engagement is fundamentally a dy-namicandrelationalprocess(partnership),thatit‘happens’atmultiplelevelsinhighereducationinstitutionsandinmultiplesitesinandovertime,thatitinvolvesapoliticalandanethicaldimension,andthatitisafundamentallyeducativepractice.

Curriculum enquiry about community engagement at a research university

This research study, with its analytical and theoreticalenquiry into community engagement, revealed the fourmain dimensions of curricular community engagement:purpose or outcomes for the academic programme andmodule, content (syllabus), collaborative partnership(withaserviceproviderandcommunity),andeducationalcommunity engagement practice. This study, conductedby Dr Gerda Bender of the Department of CommunityEngagement, dealt with the manifold interactions amongthese four dimensions, as well as the nature of eachdimension. Given that the curriculum is based on theinteraction, not on the individual parts, future researchshoulddeterminethedynamicinteractionoftheacademicprogramme with module outcomes, content (syllabus),collaborative partnerships and community engagementpractice.Curricularcommunityengagementencompassestheory and practice, so it must respond to the appealsof education action researchers that curriculum enquiryshould deal with practice and curricular settings and bedone by practitioners. Curricular community engagementpractitioners should involve the service agency andcommunity members in curriculum research and thusconduct cooperative and participatory action research,aimedatenhancingthescholarshipofengagement.

The Mamelodi Campus is a hub of community engagement activities and related research.

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Community engagement at higher education institutions in South Africa: from a philanthropic approach to a scholarship of engagement

In researching the shift in attitude froma philanthropic ap-proach toascholarshipofengagement inhighereducationinstitutionsinSouthAfricaandprovidingaconceptualframe-work, it isacknowledgedthatcurricularcommunityengage-ment requires new methods and strategies, which in turnrequiretrainingandskills-buildingfortheUniversityandthecommunitywithwhich itbuildsapartnership.Thisresearchled toaproposal thatcreatinganddevelopinganacademyofcommunity-engagedscholarstodeepenknowledge,sharemethodsandimprovepracticeswouldbeapriorityforthepro-fessionaldevelopmentofacademicstaff.Theresearchfindsthat changes such as the introduction of academic servicelearning (ASL),which includesgreater institutionalengage-mentandresponsivenesstocommunityandsocietalneeds,isbecomingmorecentraltoinstitutionalchangeatmanyuni-versities inSouthAfrica.Ithasbeenfoundtopromoteaca-demicexcellence,which is significantbecause the involve-mentofacademicstaffmembersisessentialifASListobeembeddedinacademicprogrammes.Itissuggestedthattheresearch university addresses this by institutionalisingASLandmakingthecurriculumresponsivetotheseneeds.

Dr CJ Gerda Bender (Community Engagement)+27 12 420 [email protected]

Community-based research

Thereisagrowingbodyofresearchandprojectreportsindicat-ingthattherearechangesoccurringinthewaythatresearchisorganisedandpursuedatuniversitiesastheyengagewithexternal researchpartners fromvariouscommunities.Thesechangesinresearchdesignandmethodologyarerepresentedatall levels.For instance, theyare reflected in theway thatresearchprojectsandprogrammesaredefinedandplanned.Theyarereflectedinthekindofoutput,outcome(intheshort,intermediateandlongterm)andrelevantlocalimpactthatareexpected.Theyarealsoreflectedinthesupport,organisationandmanagement of the research. These changesmanifestthemselvestosomeextentattheUniversityofPretoria.

Community-based research,alsoknownasparticipatoryac-tion research, is a particular researchmodel in which com-munityagencies/organisations,communitymembersandcivicleaders partner with academic researchers (academic staffandstudents)toproduceknowledgethatisusedfortheben-efitof thecommunity. Incontrast topractices inwhichcom-munitymemberswere simply ‘human subjects’ and passiverecipients of information, community-based research valuesthelocalcommunity’sperspectivesandactiveengagementateachphaseintheresearchprocess.

The following three cases of community engagement per-formed by staff and students were selected for this year’sresearchreport.CommunityengagementattheUniversityofPretoriafocusesonallsectorsoftheSouthAfricanpopulation,andisnotlimitedtoanyparticularracialgroup.

Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology

Community-driven projects: reflections on a success story: a case study of science education and informa-tion technology in South Africa TheSiyabuswaEducationImprovementandDevelopmentTrust(SEIDET)andtheDepartmentofInformaticshavehadalongrelationshipintermsofresearchandcommunitydevelopmentprojectsthatarerelatedtoasocio-technicalviewofinformationtechnology. In May 2008, the Department of InformaticspublishedabookontheworkdoneatSiyabuswa,Mpumalanga,overnearly20years.Withthisbook,Community-driven projects: reflections on a success story: a case study of science education and information technology in South Africa, the co-author, DrJackiePhahlamohlaka,asubjectofthelateKingMayishaIIIoftheNdzundzaNdebelepeopleinMpumalangaandsystemsmodelling expert at the Council for Scientific and IndustrialResearch(CSIR),illustratesthattraditionandsciencedomix.AbjectpovertyandilliteracyinSiyabuswasetthescenefortheestablishmentofacommunity-basedprojectaimedatbridgingeducation imbalances, while promoting science, physics,mathematics and information and communication technologyinthepoverty-strickenarea.Athought-provokingchallengebyKingMayishaIIItoPhahlamohlakaledtotheestablishmentofSEIDETandthehistoryofthisprojectisrecountedinthisbook.King Mayisha III had challenged Phahlamohlaka to improvetheconditionsinthevillageafterreturningfromCanadawherehehadcompletedhismaster’sdegreeintheearly1990s.Thesuccessesoftheprojectbecamethecatalystforthebook.Thebookwas launchedunder the theme:A walk for a book,and Dr Phahlamohlaka, other researchers, the local communityand local government officials joined in the walk as partof the launch of the book. To date, SEIDET has been thesubject of fourPhDsat theUniversity ofPretoria: three fromtheDepartmentof Informatics (includingone fromthecurrent

The Walk for a Book launch on community-driven projects.


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headofthedepartment,ProfCarinadeVilliers)andonefromthe Department of Physics (supervised by Prof Max Braun).Threemaster’sdegreeshavealsoresultedfromdissertationscovering SEIDET. In addition, between 15 and 20 medicalpractitioners from the area went through the SEIDETSaturday supplementary tuition programme and completedtheir training at UP. Nearly all of them are practising inMpumalanga and Limpopo. Through collaborative researchinvolving the departments of Information Technology,ElectricalandElectronicEngineering,andCurriculumStudiesatUP, the roleof telecommunicationsasanenabling factorin the development of a required network infrastructure fordistance teacher education support was established. Theresearchfocusedonestablishingaself-sustainablecomputerlaboratoryattheSEIDETcommunitycentreinordertoexplorecomputer-supportedcooperativelearning(CSCL).Inaddition,a distance teacher education support model was designedandimplementedusinginteractiveinformationtechnologyandtelevisioncommunicationtoenablethefacilitationofdistanceteacher education support for in-service teachers. SEIDEThasbecomeaninformationandknowledgehubforthepeopleofKwaNdebele,whileitssuccesscontinuestoattractresearchinterestfromscientistsandengineersfromallcornersoftheworld. It has become part of an ongoing research projectandthetalk-of-the-townformanycommunities,includingtheinformationsystemsresearchcommunity.SEIDETisa‘livinglaboratory’whereideasaretriedandtestedout.

Prof Carina de Villiers (Informatics)+27 12 420 [email protected]

Education

A university and school-based community collabora-tion: teachers as fulcrum of support to vulnerable children in various communities

InNovember2008,theUniversityofPretoria’sUnitforEdu-cationResearchinAIDSandtheDepartmentofEducationalPsychologyhostedaseminarfeaturingstoriesoftheircollab-oration:aninterventionstudychroniclingeducators’useofanasset-basedapproachinpsychosocialsupport.Thepurposewastosharethepartners’mutualexperiencesofpastoralsup-port(aseducators),tobuildtheircapacitytoprovidepsycho-socialsupport(aseducators),andtotransferthisknowledgeto peers in their respective schools. The project has beenongoingsince2003betweenresearchersandpostgraduatestudentsintheDepartmentofEducationalPsychologyand50teachersfromfiveschoolswiththeteachersasprimarypart-ners (10 teachersperschool): threeprimaryschools in theNelsonMandelaMetropoleintheEasternCape,oneprimaryschoolinGautengandoneruralsecondaryschoolinMpuma-langa.Methodologically,researchersframedtheinterventionfromaparticipatoryreflectionandactionapproachandtheo-reticallydevelopedtheinterventionfromanasset-basedap-proach.Inthisregard,teacherspartneredwithlaypeopleincommunities(unemployedparents), formalschoolsystems,faith-basedorganisations,healthcare,governmentagenciesandcorporate institutions to identifyassetsavailable to theschools.Themodusoperandioftheteachersafterwardswastocontinuouslyidentifyavailableandrelevantassets,initiatepartnerships with people related to the identified assets inordertoprovidepsychosocialsupport,establishschoolpro-cedurestoidentifyvulnerability,refervulnerablechildrenandfamiliesforsupporttopertinentpartners,andmaintainpart-nerships.Teachersprovidedsupportoverarangeofvulner-abilities, not solely the children’s vulnerability toHIV/AIDS.Teachers’ psychosocial support initiatives included childrenexperiencingextremepovertyasmanifestedthroughhunger,ill-healthandneglect,childrenoutsideofschoolboundaries,and familiesofchildren identifiedasvulnerable.Theasset-based approach that is being followed in the project hasenabledteacherstoestablishandsustainpsychosocialnet-works in the different school communities.Thesenetworksreleaseteacherstoperformtheirprimaryroleasfacilitatorsoflearning.Theparticipatingschools’statusascaring,sensi-tive and accepting institutions has been confirmed throughincreaseddisclosurebyparentsandchildren,aswellasin-creasedlearnerenrolments.

Prof Liesel Ebersöhn (Educational Psychology)+27 12 420 [email protected]

Dr Ronél Ferreira (Educational Psychology)+27 12 420 [email protected]

During a seminar, educators shared their experiences of pastoral support.

Theology

Basa njengo Magogo for carbon credits

ThedevelopmentofBasaMagogo isa jointeffortbetweenresearchers from various disciplines, communitymembers,industryandgovernment.Itprovesthatcontinuouscloseinter- action between people from outside the community andpeople from the community itself can be the creative stepthat can trigger a massive positive result. The fact thata programme in the Faculty of Theology received theTechnologyandHumanResourcesforIndustryProgramme(THRIP)ExcellenceAward forworkwithsocialsignificancefrom theMinister of Trade and Industry in 2005 serves asrecognition and confirmation that this approach is indeedviable. The Functional Household Programme (FHP) isa joint venture between the Faculty of Theology and theNova Institute. Nova is an independent non-commercial(Article 21) company that specialises in developing andpromoting smart solutions for low-income households. Asmartsolutionisaninnovative,triedandtestedsolutionwithdiscerniblevalue toallstakeholdersconcerned. Itcomplieswiththehighestcriteriaforexcellence.Itshouldbedesirable,beneficial, affordable, effective, replicable, sustainable andquantifiable. Energy is one of the focus areas of the FHP.In this focus area, the researchers are concernedwith the

energy usage patterns of households. The Basa Magogoprojectisoneofitsflagshipprojects.Itillustratesthemeritofitsresearchanddevelopmentapproach.TheBasaMagogomethodwasnamedafteracommunitymemberofeMbalenhlenear Secunda, SouthAfrica,GrannyNebelunguMashinini.She perfected the method when it was introduced andtestedin1998.Thistop-downignitionwasoneofanumberoftechnologiesthathasthepotentialtoreduceairpollutioncaused by the domestic use of coal, whichwas evaluatedinactualconditions.Thesetestsformedpartofanintensiveparticipatory researchanddevelopmentprocessconductedduringthe1990swithsupportfromSasolSynfuelsandlaterTHRIP.BasaMagogomeans“Lightup,Grandmother!”Ithasbeenpromotedby theDepartment ofMinerals andEnergyunder thenameBasanjengoMagogo,whichmeans “Lightuplikegrandmother”.Recently,themethodwastakenupaspartoftheDepartmentofEnvironmentalAffairsandTourism’sCleanFiresCampaign.Asamethod,BasaMagogoisquitesimple.Insteadofstartingthefirewithpaperandwoodatthebottomandthenaddingcoalontop,theoppositeprocedureisfollowed:thepaperandwoodareplacedontopofthecoalandthefireburnsfromthetopdownwards.Itmust,however,bedone correctly.Todate, it hasbeen found that theonlywaypeoplecanbeconvincedtouseBasaMagogoisthroughdirectdemonstrations,persontoperson.In2007and2008,theFHPgained60000newusers in townships fromQua-QuatoMiddelburg.Thelocalchurchesandchurchmembersprovide the social networks to reach all these households.TheprojectshavealsodrawnsupportfromtheFairClimateProgramme of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands,bringingtheoverseaschurchesandthelocalcongregationsand church members into a partnership. The benefits tohouseholds that use Basa Magogo are substantial. Thecleaner burning results in cleaner air, better health, higherproductivity, a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions andsavingstoresidentsbecausetheyuselesscoal.Savingsoncoalhavebeenwelldocumentedandare,onaverage,R380perhouseholdperannum,whichtranslatesintoR22.8millionperannumforthe60000usersofthemethodintroducedin2007and2008.Savingsinhealthcarecostsaremoredifficulttoquantify,butbasedonseveralwell-documentedsurveys,couldbefivetotentimesmore.Allresidents,includingthosewhodonotusecoal,experiencecleanerairandmuchbetterhealth, but the users of thismethod benefit themost. Thereduction in greenhouse gas emissions is about 1 ton ofCO2 per household per annum. These reductions can bemeasured, validated and audited according to internationalstandardsforgreenhousegasreductionsandcanbetradedinternationally.Incomefromtradinggreenhousegasemissionreductions can be used to expand the scope of existingprojects and to developmore smart solutions for and withlow-incomehouseholds.

Dr Attie van Niekerk (Institute of Missiology and Ecumeni-cal Research)+27 12 420 2891 [email protected]

The Basa Magogo project aims to reduce air pollution caused by the domestic use of coal in communities.

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The Research Office team

Front (left to right): Cynthia Mamabolo, NRF (ratings and bilateral funding), Dr Patricia Smit, Head: Research Support, Abigail Siwele, NRF (Thuthuka, RDP and other national funding), Annetjie Botha, Manager: Postdoctoral scholars, research fellowships and international funding, Margot Gore, Research Database Coordinator, Lorraine Dinala, Secretary to the DirectorMiddle (left to right): Suna Redelinghuis, Department of Education Process Coordinator, Piet van der Westhuizen, European Union Funding, Dirkie Joubert, Administrative Support, Stanly Ehlers, Intellectural Property and Contracts Office, Didi Botes, NRF (knowledge fields and focus areas), Ntsatsi Mantsho, Research Projects SupportBack (left to right): Botini Mazibuko, Messenger, Melanie Botha, Database and Website, André van der Westhuyzen, THRIP Funding, Rita Swanepoel, Intellectual Property and Contracts OfficeInsert: Mr Dhesigen Naidoo, Director: Research and Innovation Support (left), and Prof Jonathan Youngleson, Head: Innovation Support (right)

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University of Pretoria Research Report 2008

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Transcript of University of Pretoria Research Report 2008