Nelson Mandela University George Campus

Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science is at the cutting-edge of research, technology and innovation, working with industry to create and improve products and processes, and committed to ensuring that our natural environment is preserved for both present and future generations.

Research is centred around fundamental blue-sky and applied research to contribute towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Apply for Honours, Master’s or Doctoral degree today!
https://postgraduate.mandela.ac.za/ #

[email protected]

Aspire. Achieve.

South African coding app showcased at British Grand Prix’s Family Zone

Nelson Mandela University’s Computing Sciences together with the Leva Foundation and Tangible Africa showcased their new coding app Speed Stars, at the Silverstone Family Zone at the recent British Grand Prix.

Nelson Mandela University’s Computing Sciences together with the Leva Foundation and Tangible Africa showcased their new coding app Speed Stars, at the Silverstone Family Zone at the recent British Grand Prix.

Head of Computing Sciences Professor Jean Greyling, CEO of Leva Foundation, Tangible Africa’s implementation partner Ryan le Roux, and Tangible Africa Engagement Manager, Jackson Tshabalala, joined Creative Hut, their UK partners, to entertain the children at the Silverstone Family Zone with their new racing car themed coding app.

In 2022, the team started training teachers in Ireland, hosted by Amazon Web Services (AWS) in Communities.

Through this work they met Creative Hut, who organised the project to run the family zone at Silverstone and invited the South African team to bring their game for the children to interact with.

Hundreds of children moved through the Family Zone over the three days where they interacted with Speed Stars and various Lego activities, says Prof Greyling.

British race car driver Lewis Hamilton, who won the British Grand Prix, has founded Mission 44 to introduce young people to STEM careers.

“We were fortunate to be invited to showcase Speed Stars and the bigger project to the management of Mission 44 and they were impressed with what we do, said Prof Greyling.

Over 120 000 learners in around 20 countries, in partnership with teacher unions, 30 000 teachers have been trained using the team’s training material.

“Our biggest achievement has been, in partnership with many other role players, to change the national mood towards unplugged coding in primary schools, as an education method that is not inferior to working in labs; as well as very effective, as 1000s of schools do not have computer labs.

“We truly want to make a positive difference in SA in reaching and having an impact on all schools in our country. This is essential if we do not want to exclude millions of learners in disadvantaged areas. Then we also believe we have a project that can make a global impact”.

SHUTTLE SERVICES - Re-assessment - 15 - 19 July 2024

Dear Staff and Students

The shuttle services office is committed to assisting learning and teaching by providing special transportation solutions.

REMINDER!

All students scheduled for re-assessments are encouraged to book shuttle services in advance to allow the transportation staff to plan accordingly.

To access the link, copy & paste it into (Google Chrome/Microsoft Edge) browsers.

https://forms.office.com/r/L1EunDH7Sq

Further communication will follow.

Kind regards
Communication and Marketing and Transport Services

Dear Staff & Students

Please note that the library term hours will commence on 15 July 2024.
https://library.mandela.ac.za/Library-Hours

SANORD 3-Minute Thesis Competition for PhD students

For more information on SANORD 3MT Competition and rules, please read here https://sanord.uwc.ac.za/news/sanord-3mt-2024-call-is-now-open/

Mandela Uni’s ICT Services will be upgrading server hardware which will affect the online applications system, ITS iEnabler and the staff and student portals. As a result, these systems will be unavailable from Friday 19 July 2024 @ 16:00 until Sunday 21 July @ 8:00am.

Email, Active Directory, and Moodle access will be unaffected by this downtime.

SCSF call to students to apply for the module

A brainchild of the 2015-2016 and student movements’ demands; Social Consciousness and Sustainable Futures, is Nelson Mandela University’s response and capacitation towards a humanized pedagogical approach to learning.

The module’s learning and teaching philosophy is tied to students’ educational demands, contextual needs of the broader Eastern Cape region and country.

The module attains this through its philosophical alignment to Mandela University’s institutional mission to be an African University of the future.

The module’s disruptive learning nature presents a reversed classroom learning experience for students through the inclusion of critical thinkers, scholars, and experts as learning drivers of the various themes covered within the module.

Apply online: https://scsf.mandela.ac.za

Learning and Teaching Management

Engagement Office representatives attend 10th Living Knowledge Conference in Girona, Spain

As part of the National Research Foundation Global Change Social Sciences Research Programme (GCSSRP) Grant awarded to the Engagement and Transformation Portfolio, a delegation from Mandela University’s Engagement Office participated in the 10th Living Knowledge Conference in Girona, Spain from 25 to 28 June.

Director of the Engagement Office Dr Bruce Damons, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Engagement Office Dr Rize van Rooyen and PhD student and Resource Mobiliation Coordinator at the Engagement Office Osabuohien Clifford Uwuoruya represented the University.

The team also participated in the Knowledge for Change (K4C) consortium, and in working sessions with a consortium from the University of Limerick and North-West University towards Community Engaged Learning to Transform, Innovate, and Capacitate (CELTIC).

The team also attended the pre-conference Science Shop on June 25 and participated in the conference on the latest developments in international community engagements.

They presented the "Hubs of Convergence" as a pioneering approach to converged engagement.

Numerous potential international collaborations were established, and Dr Damons also attended various K4C meetings, where global hubs discussed strategic plans for future initiatives.

Professor Budd Hall, the UNESCO Co-Chair for Community-based Research and Social Responsibility in Higher Education, convened the K4C consortia. Mandela University will work to establish itself as a K4C hub on the African Hub, which is coordinated by Gulu University in Uganda.

In alignment with the Engagement Office’s objectives under the GCSSRP Grant, the University representatives met with the CELTIC Quartet colleagues to draft a proposed action plan for the grant period. The CELTIC Quartet also showcased their collaborative efforts to formalise community engagement within their institutions.

Conflict is a major part of life, especially at an age when you're becoming more independent and figuring out your place in the world. It may seem counterproductive, but venting is a natural response to frustration, and doing it in a healthy way is a valuable skill to learn. To learn more, read our latest blog post here: https://shorturl.at/YaKGZ

Did you know? Nelson Mandela University is the largest higher education institution in the Eastern and Southern Cape. See more of why Mandela Uni is for you: https://youtu.be/EPas4yd1HRM

Mandela University – Your life-changing experience starts here Mandela University – Your life-changing experience starts here

The Faculty of Health Sciences

The university has a fairly large Faculty of Health Sciences with about 4 000 students in eleven departments. All these departments work together in an integrated learning, research and health service delivery platform in serving communities that are in need.

Our Schools:
• School of Behavioural and Lifestyle Sciences
• School of Clinical Care and Medicinal Sciences
• School of Medicine

Apply for Honours, Master’s or Doctoral degree today!

https://postgraduate.mandela.ac.za/ #
[email protected]

Aspire. Achieve.

Critical but stable: South Africa’s political landscape enters bold new era

For the first time in three decades, the African National Congress (ANC) lost its grip on Parliament and three provincial legislatures following South Africa’s general elections in May this year. Will the country sink or swim? Nelson Mandela University academic and political analyst Ongama Mtimka is hopeful.

“We are critical, but stable,” says Dr Mtimka, Acting Director of the Raymond Mhlaba Centre for Governance and Leadership and executive chair of the South Africa Political Risk Institute.

“A tsunami has just swept through the old political order, presenting time for the new.

Since we are not in a great state economically, this is a vote of no confidence in both the political and economic systems. We are stable, though, because democratic traditions have been entrenched. Politicians have mostly accepted the outcome, bar a few outliers.”

Dr Mtimka, who holds a DPhil and MPhil from Mandela University, has a rich and in-depth understanding of the political playing field both locally and abroad. Involved in academics for over a decade, he is also treasurer of the South African Association of Political Studies and secretary of the African Association of Political Science.

Read the full story here: https://news.mandela.ac.za/News/Critical-but-stable-South-Africas-political-land

Spotlight on the political economy of higher education in South Africa

The political and economic sustainability of higher education in South African fell under the spotlight in the first instalment of Nelson Mandela University’s new Council Seminar Series.

A panel of six specialists in this field shared their perspectives in a lively online debate on 13 June 2024 on the political, cultural, and technological forces that shape the character and sustainability of the university sector.

Nelson Mandela University’s Chair for Critical Studies in Higher Education Transformation (CriSHET), Professor André Keet, guided the discussion, which was a collaboration between CriSHET and the University's Council.

Prof Keet described the launch of the seminar series, which is open to all, as “a watershed moment” that brings the key role of governance into the substantive debates about the purpose and role of the University and the constraints imposed on it.

While the seminar focused on serious issues, it was made accessible by the passionate and informed input from the expert panel, as well as numerous queries and comments from the audience.

Read full story here: https://news.mandela.ac.za/News/-Spotlight-on-the-political-economy-of-higher-educ

- SAVE THE DATE: 2024 Nelson Mandela University Research Week 09-13 September 2024

The Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology

We combine top facilities, state-of-the-art technology and stimulating training to produce highly sought-after graduates in the fields of Civil, Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical and Marine Engineering, Mechatronics, Information Technology, Applied Informatics Quality and Operations Management, Building and Human Settlement Development, Quantity Surveying, and Construction Management.

Apply for a Postgraduate Diploma, Honours, Master’s or Doctoral degree today!

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

[email protected]
Aspire. Achieve.

Seven Nelson Mandela University alumni have recently been announced as being among the 2024 Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans.

Lynn Daphne Rudolph - Sound Artist - Category Arts and Entertainment
Ziyanda Sibeko - Partner at Webber Wentzel - Category Legal Services
Sinazo Nqeketo - Postdoctoral fellow - Category Technology and Innovation
Curwyn Mapaling - Clinical psychologist and senior lecturer - Category Education
Simamkele Siyamvuyela Gcaza - Founder and director - Category Civil Society
Reino Erasmus - Founder and technology designer and PhD candidate
Celine Meyers - Institutional researcher and BI analyst - Category Technology and Innovation

Read more on their achievements here: https://news.mandela.ac.za/News/Seven-alumni-among-the-2024-Mail-Guardian’s-200

- How to support a GBV survivor as first responder

Supporting survivors of Gender based violence as a first responder requires a compassionate and acknowledgeable approach.

Key steps to consider that you can consider as a GBV first responder:

1. Ensure safety by prioritising the survivors safety and removing them from harm’s way.

2. Listen actively and non-judgementally by creating a safe space for the survivor to share their experience.

3. Respect autonomy and empower by offering information and resources without pressuring them to take any specific action.

4. Maintain confidentiality by sharing information only with their consent, unless required by law.

5. Lastly, offer emotional support by recognsing the impact of GBV and offer reassurance.

It is also imperative to note that supporting survivors as a first responder requires sensitivity, respect and a commitment to empowering survivors in their journey towards healing and justice.

Kind Regards
Transformation Office

Ceremonial MOU signing between Mandela University and China’s Hubei University of Technology

Delegates from Hubei University of Technology (HBUT) in China, recently paid a short visit to Nelson Mandela University, with the two universities signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish an official partnership from 28 June.

Key areas of strength and cooperation in joint education programmes, staff and student exchanges, joint symposiums, and research collaborations, will be explored.

The agreement marks a significant step in achieving the University's aim to create and sustain an environment that encourages a vibrant research, scholarship, and innovation culture.

This newly formed collaboration was sparked off by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) for Learning and Teaching, Dr Muki Moeng’s, visit to China last year during a DVC’s forum when she visited HBUT in Wuhan, Hubei Province.

She then learnt more about teacher education and education research and discussed the establishment of a partnership with Mandela Uni.

Read more here: https://news.mandela.ac.za/News/Ceremonial-MOU-signing-between-Mandela-University

Mandela University PhD student Reino Erasmus one of Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans

Reasons to be Proud: Reino Erasmus, 34, is at the forefront of learning and developing apps at Nelson Mandela University’s Centre for Community Technologies and has been named in the Technology & Innovation category of the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans for 2024.

Reino is a PhD student in Information Technology and holds a Bachelor of Technology in Visual Communication (Design) from Mandela University. He also has a Master’s in Visual Arts (Design) from Stellenbosch University.

Education is changing drastically due to new technologies such as artificial intelligence and natural language processing.

Some of these technologies, that Reino are working on included the eReady ICT Readiness Assessment Tool, a mechanism that can help implement technology-integrated learning experiences and foster equitable educational opportunities across African communities.

A decade ago, Reino and his friend and business partner Greig Timkoe also started a small technology design consultancy called Ampersand, which now creates customised digital solutions for global companies.

By embracing the diversity of South Africa and working with people from other backgrounds, he says he was able to break from a cycle of mediocrity and start to dream bigger.

Read more here: https://news.mandela.ac.za/News/Mandela-University-PhD-student-Reino-Erasmus-one-o

Faculty of Law

The faculty offers high quality law qualifications, independent contributions to the legal landscape and employment and entrepreneurship guidance.

The faculty is generating a growing collection of published research across various legal domains and houses the esteemed South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) Chair in the Law of the Sea, along with two NRF-rated researchers.

Apply for a Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s or Doctoral degree today!

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

[email protected]

Aspire. Achieve.

Green fuel megaproject must benefit Bay more’

Nelson Mandela University development studies researcher Prof Janet Cherry has called for more local benefits to be built into the R109bn Coega green hydrogen project.

NMU researcher calls for greater first-tier spin-offs for region to be built into Hive Hydrogen’s R109bn Coega development

by Guy Rogers

Published in The Herald

The project, one of the biggest private sector investments in SA, will culminate in the production of green hydrogen and green ammonia for export.

The development team led by Hive Hydrogen South Africa will erect its own solar and wind energy systems and a desalinator to harvest the water it needs and use the brine waste to produce salt.

The project will also be geared around an energy partnership with the metro where it will supply the city with surplus clean energy and the municipality will feed it into the grid when there is insufficient renewable energy available.

Cherry, an activist in the field of sustainable and participatory development, said she was in favour of green hydrogen but only if it was linked to a local industrialisation initiative.

Read the full story here: https://news.mandela.ac.za/Mandela-University-in-the-NEWS/Mandela-University-in-the-NEWS-Archive/Green-fuel-megaproject-must-benefit-Bay-more’

Are you interested in pursuing a career in conservation?

Nelson Mandela University's National Diploma in Nature Conservation is a 3-year program aiming to equipt you with the tools you need to kick start your conservation career.

Our department is full of students and faculty members who are all passionate about nature conservation.

Our lectures are always willing to help and guide our students in any way they can; and our student community in the department is vibrant and diverse.

George Campus is easily one of the most beautiful learning environments in the country as it is surrounded by the Outeniqua mountains, indigenous afromontane forest, fynbos, and the Indian Ocean. This rich environment exposes our students to a very diverse range of activities and opportunities in the area.

Our department focuses on providing our diploma students with an equal amount of practical and theoretical knowledge, which is why our students enjoy a lot of time working outdoors during their diploma studies.

Our Work Ingergrated Learning year also provides students with an opportunity to explore the conservation industry under the guidance of our department in different areas all across the country.

Visit our website to learn more about our department and our national diploma:

https://conservation.mandela.ac.za/

And don't forget to start applying as soon as possible:

https://www.mandela.ac.za/Study-at-Mandela/Discovery/Career-study-fields-details?careerID=88

Post sourced from

Great news for future healthcare professionals! We've extended the application deadline for Pharmacy (BPharm) degree starting in 2025 to 02 August 2024. This gives you more time to submit your application with your latest exam results. ✨
Apply online today! https://www.mandela.ac.za/Study-at-Mandela

Getter: Plan Your Way to Success: June has come and gone, and life can feel overwhelming at times – but we also want you to be excited about what’s still to come. Yes, there are exams that need to be written, university applications to complete, festivities to enjoy but that’s not all! Read our latest blog post here: https://shorturl.at/4LF4f

Nelson Mandela University Choir celebrates 30 years of freedom in song

One of the country’s first university choirs to blend western classics and traditional African melodies, the Nelson Mandela University Choir this month celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Born in 1994 as the University of Port Elizabeth Choir under founder conductor Junita van Dijk, it is now eyeing the future under the baton of choir director Robert Gillmer.

A former member himself, Gillmer knows he has taken over a choir with a rich and diverse heritage. But there is much more than music in the air, he says, as relationships have been forged, death has been grieved, romance has blossomed.

“There is something that happens when people sing together,” says Gillmer, who has a performance master’s degree in voice from Nelson Mandela University. “All of a sudden, you don’t see differences, or languages, there is just one unit, voicing together.

“It’s a unified organism. There is a trust between us.

“When the conductor lifts their hands, we breathe together, we move together, we see together. There's something special that happens, and it's life changing.”

Over the choir’s first 25 years, founder conductor Junita van Dijk built it into a world-renowned ensemble.

“The choir laid the foundation for what we are striving to have today in this country, it was a microcosm of society,” says Van Dijk as she looks back today. “It was ground-breaking and such a learning curve for all of us: we introduced the world to African music.”

Over the years, the choir played at numerous high-profile events and choir festivals internationally.

Read the full story here: https://news.mandela.ac.za/News/Nelson-Mandela-University-Choir-celebrates-30-year