Nelson Mandela University George Campus

DID YOU KNOW?
Nelson Mandela University Computing Sciences department focuses on real-world applications of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analysis.

Postgraduate projects include using AI for early disease detection, optimizing supply chains, and analyzing environmental data to monitor pollution trends.

https://cs.mandela.ac.za/ #
https://postgraduate.mandela.ac.za/

Aspire. Achieve.

Dear December 2024/ April 2025 Nelson Mandela University Graduate

Congratulations on your achievement this year!

You are kindly requested to participate in a research study. Nelson Mandela University has initiated a Graduate Destinations Survey to assess the employability of our graduates after obtaining their qualifications. The University would like to find out what you are doing now that you have graduated, and your opinion regarding the extent to which your qualification has equipped you for your professional career.

To participate, please click on the appropriate link below:

Undergraduates: https://mandela.questionpro.com/gds-undergrad-2024-2025
Postgraduates: https://mandela.questionpro.com/gds-postgrad-2024-2025

True meaning of freedom under scrutiny as democratic SA turns 31

South Africans celebrate Freedom Day amidst fierce debates about what living in a free country has all meant given persistent poverty, inequality, unemployment and violent crime among other things, this year.

By Ongama Mtimka

The issues are not new. They have been a source of continued strain throughout the democratic period. They have hitherto shaped major political economic events. The biggest of those have to be the severe electoral losses by the ANC in the last national general elections in 2024, a trend that became more rapid in 2016 but had been persistent since the 2009 elections.

What is new in the national debate is an intensified voice by parties and organisations who have styled themselves in rhetoric or deed as representatives of predominantly white constituencies. Lobby groups like AfriForum and research agencies like the Institute for Race Relations, as well as leading figures in Afrikanerdom have started campaigning against what they call “142 race laws” in South Africa, which they argue are worse now than under apartheid.

These groups have had marathons of meetings purportedly with “influential people with access to the Trump Administration” to lobby for sanctions against key leaders of the ANC because of what they allege is the ill-treatment of white people in South Africa.

Read the full story here: https://news.mandela.ac.za/News/True-meaning-of-freedom-under-scrutiny-as-democrat

Happy Freedom Day South Africa

Graduate leaps hurdles to complete MBA, amidst Covid and death

When Freek Stout,55, embarked on his MBA journey in 2020, he like so many had no idea, that the COVID-19 pandemic would hit the globe, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.

“On May 23, 2020, I woke up to find my wife, Carol lying dead next to me. Her body was ice cold, foam around her mouth,” said Freek.

The physician on call in the ICU, explained that there was nothing more they could do for Carol and that she was being kept alive by the machines, breathing for her.

“I was told that she would be monitored overnight and if there was no improvement, the machines would be switched off. This was the most stressful night of my life,” said Freek.

“But by some miracle, overnight, my wife returned to life, and she was discharged a week later. I remember it clearly, I was watching my Leadership Lecture on my cell phone, while waiting for her to be discharged from the hospital, as I was not allowed inside,” he recalled.

Merely a week after Carol, who is a cancer patient, turned from death’s door, the family was hit with another blow, as Freek was diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus.

“It was frightening, my mind played games with me and at times, I was convinced that I was going to die.

"The pain and the struggle to breath was excruciating,” recalls Freek.

Then two days later, another blow, as his son Gerhard and wife, Carol, were also diagnosed with the virus.

“I found strength in my wife, as she was so calm during this difficult time. Thankfully, we all recovered, but I felt so overwhelmingly tired, and I didn’t want to continue my studies,” said Freek.

Read the full story here: https://news.mandela.ac.za/News/Graduate-leaps-hurdles-to-complete-MBA,-amidst-Cov

From apples to algorithms: Prof spells out complex topics in engaging address

From the mystery of falling apples to the weird behaviour of sub-atomic particles, quantum theory and pure mathematics were brought to life at Nelson Mandela University last week.

Associate Professor Martin Weigt explored “The development of quantum mechanics and its influence on pure mathematics”.

He engaged his audience at the University’s Council Chambers on Friday 11 April by highlighting the impact of quantum science on global innovation and sustainable development.

And, while the topic itself may take many years of study to understand, Prof Weigt dotted his talk with real-world applications that a layperson could understand.

Hosted by the Faculty of Science, the address traced the surprising interplay between deep theoretical work and real-world technologies — from GPS and lasers to quantum computing — and showed how maths continues to boost innovation in a fast-evolving world.

Have you perhaps wondered what an algorithm is, for example? Prof Weigt suggested it could be seen as a recipe for a calculation.

He also included nuggets of history that reminded listeners that neither Newton’s laws nor Einstein’s relativity were handed down as finished products — they were built on new kinds of mathematics, invented out of necessity.

Albert Einstein did not win the Nobel Prize for Physics for his work on the equation E = MC2. Instead, it was awarded for his work on the photoelectric effect which helped to lay the groundwork for quantum theory.

Read the full story here: https://news.mandela.ac.za/News/From-apples-to-algorithms-Prof-spells-out-complex

Mandela University doctorate on groundbreaking research into new treatments for brain infections

Nigerian veterinary researcher Dr Oluwashola Olaolu has found new treatments for brain infections with devastating effects on human lives, fulfilling his quest to contribute to human health solutions in his doctoral research.

Dr Olaolu, who graduated with the first doctorate in human physiology at Nelson Mandela University on 15 April, already holds a doctorate and master's degree in veterinary medicine from Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria.

His research findings suggested that the drug Iloprost, known to control inflammation in the body, such as those caused by Trypanosoma brucei (the parasite responsible for diseases like sleeping sickness), could be an effective treatment in protecting the brain.

The drug reduces the number of parasites present, improves brain function, and influences the genes that play a role in memory, learning, and protecting brain cells.

In addition, it also helps balance immune responses to prevent excessive inflammation.

The 33-year-old doctor, a researcher based in Vom, Jos, Plateau state in Nigeria, works at the country’s National Research Institute, where they combat infectious diseases in animals and also develop effective vaccines and therapeutic interventions to control and eliminate these.

Dr Olaolu’s human physiology doctoral study focused on how infections, can affect brain functions and particularly cognitive abilities; it explored the connection between the immune system and the brain, and how immune responses during infection can impact cognitive abilities, such as memory and learning.

This research holds promise for new treatments that could prevent memory loss or neurological challenges linked to trypanosome infection. It also opens the door for potential therapies for other brain-related conditions associated with immune system dysfunction, he said.

Read the full story here: https://news.mandela.ac.za/News/Mandela-University-doctorate-on-groundbreaking-res

New moisture sensor a vital early warning system to save lives and buildings

Marrying technology and traditional geoscience, a Nelson Mandela University team has added another critical layer to public safety with a device detecting land subsidence and building foundation issues.

The collaboration between the Centre for Broadband Communication (CBC) in Physics and the Department of Geoscience Pormed Lab expands on previous optical fibre sensor development at the University.

Ongoing research has resulted in devices able to detect changes in vibrational states and related instability before the actual collapse of sinkholes and other geo-hazards, says Dr Jena, lead researcher and CBC postdoctoral research fellow, whose field of expertise includes physics, optic fibre communication and sensing.

Geo-hazards are geological processes posing a threat to the environment, human health and safety, such as earthquakes, landslides and tsunamis, he explains.

Apart from threats to life, they cause financial loss through damaged buildings and homes, disruption of business and livelihoods, infrastructure repair, reconstruction or remediation, evacuation and relocation costs.

The team’s research paper, ‘Simultaneous vibration and soil moisture sensing using a single mode fiber for structural health monitoring applications’ was published in Optica Publishing Group in January.

Read the full story here: https://news.mandela.ac.za/News/New-moisture-sensor-a-vital-early-warning-system-t

Nigerian-born Clifford Osabuohien Uwuoruya will cap a lifelong admiration for Fela Kuti when he crosses the graduation stage at Nelson Mandela University on 22 April 2025, with a doctoral degree in Sociology. His study looks beyond Fela as merely a musician, positioning him instead as a vernacular intellectual.

One of Africa’s most prominent and trailblazing musicians of the 20th century, Fela Anikulapo Kuti left an indelible mark on millions of people across the world, pioneering today’s world-renowned Afrobeat genre. Fela also produced deep social and political critiques from within the popular domain, inspiring generations of musicians - as well as academic research. Read the full story here: https://shorturl.at/hOOfA

Dear Nelson Mandela University Community

As the Easter weekend approaches, I wish to extend my warmest wishes to all our Christian staff and students for a blessed and meaningful Easter. Wishing you all peace, joy, and renewal this Easter.

May this period offer you and your loved ones the opportunity to rest, reconnect, and reflect.

To those who will be travelling, please take care on the roads and do so safely.

Professor Sibongile Muthwa
Vice-Chancellor

Dear students

Please take note that the University is currently making adjustments on the student accounts due to NSFAS close-out adjustments between 2017 and 2022. The categories for close out include students that were overpaid, underpaid, missing but eligible for funding and unfunded.

The process will take the next few weeks to be completed.
Therefore, if you see any movement in your account referred to the close-out period, don’t be alarmed as it is part of the allocation process.

The University will send a communication to all students when the process is completed.

Further inquiries regarding the close-out process shall be directed to Financial Aid once the process has been completed.

Kind regards
Director Revenue Management Services

First-year forestry students exploring the firefighting airstrip in Denneoord, as part of their field visit.

ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS AND STAFF MEMBERS!
PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THE CLOSING DATES FOR TEST AND EXAMINATION CONCESSIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES OR SPECIAL NEEDS FOR .

Do you qualify for test and examination concessions (extra time, scribes, the use of assistive technologies, separate venue, or typing during tests and examinations) submit the necessary documentation verifying your disability to the Universal Accessibility & Disability Services (UADS) before the following deadlines listed below:
• 30 April 2025 for mid-year assessments
• 19 September 2025 for end of the year exams

Senior students are advised to re-new their concessions as concession letters that are dated 2024 are not valid.

For any enquiries and more information, contact us on:
[email protected]
041-504 2313 / 041-504-4756

Nelson Mandela University's George Campus was abuzz with ululation and pride on Friday as hundreds of graduates crossed the stage at the Furntech Building as the University kicked off its autumn graduation ceremonies.

Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sibongile Muthwa challenged graduates to step into the world not only with knowledge, but with compassion, ethics and the will to lead transformative change.

“Today is a truly significant day,” Prof Muthwa said, celebrating the 471 qualifications being awarded at the George Campus — 455 undergraduate and 16 postgraduate. These are part of the total 6 208 students set to be capped during this graduation season, with 5 737 students to cross the stage in Gqeberha from 11 – 24 April 2025.

Acknowledging the complexity of many students’ journeys, Prof Muthwa praised their resilience.

“I am acutely aware that for many of you, your journey through university has been complex and, at times, difficult. And yet, here you are today. Strong, unbound and undaunted,” she said, as the granduands and their loved ones listened intently.

Prof Muthwa’s speech underscored the critical role of universities in shaping a just and democratic society, particularly in the face of rising global instability and declining international solidarity. She also reaffirmed Mandela University’s commitment to humanising education, rooted in social justice and community engagement

“The world seems to be retreating into isolationism, and nationalism is again in the forefront of international relations. International solidarity, notions of social justice, equity and development and taking second place to self-interest.

"The principles and values upon which international relations have been based are now being called into question. Universities play a crucial role in fostering the socially just and democratic societies we all aspire to create,” she said.

“At Nelson Mandela University, we embrace a philosophy centred on humanizing education. Our approach draws inspiration from the liberatory educational principles of Paulo Frere, among others. We aim to understand and appreciate the essence of being human; valuing and respecting each individual’s humanity and unique background, while fostering awareness and empowerment in the context of social justice.”

“Our community-based ethos across all disciplines aims to cultivate civic minded graduates who can compete globally, but also have a deep compassion to change the lives of vulnerable, underserved communities in our country.”

In a powerful reflection on the university experience as an expansive, life-altering journey, Prof Muthwa highlighted how, through university education, “wide vistas of your mind open to endless possibilities… Education expands and mediates our worldview and our abilities for mutual coexistence”.

Graduates were urged to step into their power as ethical professionals and leaders equipped to reshape a complex world.

“You have the responsibility to pave new paths for a better, more just world… As a graduate of Nelson Mandela University, you are hopefully not the same person you were when you commenced your studies.”

Prof Muthwa also extended heartfelt gratitude to the families and loved ones who supported the students along the way, acknowledging the village it takes to reach this milestone. She also gave special thanks to academic and support staff for their deep commitment to students’ holistic development.

In closing, she reminded graduates of their continued role in the global community.

“I urge you, as Nelson Mandela University alumni, to go out there and be active ambassadors of this fine institution and all that it stands for,” she said.

With the George ceremonies concluded, attention now turns to the Gqeberha campuses, where graduation ceremonies commence on Friday and will be streamed live on the University’s YouTube page.

This season, the University will confer honorary doctorates on legendary musician, Letta Mbulu; trailblazing accountant, Ntombifuthi Mtoba; feminine scholar and activist, Professor Amina Mama, and environmental lawyer and human rights advocate, Professor David R Boyd.