Acquire knowledge.
It enableth its possessor to distinguish right from wrong;
It lighteth the way to heaven;
It is our friend in the desert,
Our society in solitude,
Our companion when friendless;
It giveth us happiness;
It sustaineth us in misery;
It is an ornament among friends,
And armour against enemies.
(Prophet Mohammed)
An Astute Leader and Gentleman - Prof. Derrick Ian Swartz
The year1999 was the defining moment in the history of the University of Fort Hare. The Saunders Commission had recommended the closure of the university stating as some of the major reasons, instability and governance problems, plummeting student numbers, spiralling student debt and poor academic standards that compromised the university’s viability. Fort Hare had veered precariously to the brink of closure and realising the gravity of the challenges that this historic institution faced a strong and decisive call was made by stakeholders to overhaul the management structure of the university and appoint a dynamic leadership that would restore the university’s past glory. Derrick Ian Swartz PhD was identified to lead the process that would turn the university’s fortunes around.
Professor Swartz is a former anti-apartheid activist who received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Western Cape in 1981, he later taught at secondary school for several years. He was hounded by the apartheid regime for his political activities and forced to skip the country in the earlier 1980’s. While in exile he earned a master’s degree and a PhD in sociology from Essex University in the United Kingdom. On his return to South Africa, he became professor and Director of the Institute of Government at the University of Fort Hare.
Education and sound administration practices are subjects that are close to Prof. Swartz’s heart, he has published extensively on the topics and is the adviser to the Eastern Cape Premier on administration and education issues. Prof Swartz believes education must be responsive to the developmental needs of communities. Among the many commissions that he has been a member of is, the Presidential Review Commission, a strategic team appointed by former President Nelson Mandela to investigate into the functioning of the South African Public service.
Upon being called on to reinvent the University of Fort Hare, Prof. Swartz wasted no time in putting in place a new university Council. He consulted and sought the participation of all stakeholders in the renewal process of the university. New structures of governance were put in place and sweeping programmes of reforms that have changed the fortunes of the university dramatically were introduced. A new vision, new academic programmes and modernisation have brought about a stunning turnaround since he took over the reins at Fort Hare. Guided by the internationally lauded corporate re-engineering plan, the Strategic Plan 2000, the university has consolidated its flagship faculties that reflect its niche areas, competencies and strengths. It has been able to reposition its market focus, operational presence and programmes, and enhanced service delivery and efficiency by trimming down on a bloated workforce. The sweeping reforms and the university turnaround have won the support of all stakeholders and improved the public perception of the university, brought about an increase in student numbers and bolstered worker morale and donor confidence.
Three years down the road, the University of Fort Hare is set on an irrevocable path of self-recovery and the exceptional progress that has been made in the renewal of the university, in line with the Strategic Plan 2000, during the past six months is there for all to see. There is euphoria and sheer delight at the rapidity and scale of progress made in growing the university into a stable and viable institution. The optimism and jubilation reverberating across Fort Hare is informed by encouraging growth indicators shown by the university recently. These indicators are, the sharp increase in student numbers, a major influx of donor and project income and unprecedented institutional stability and strong stakeholder support for the goals outlined in SP2000.
This year alone, the government, funders and the private sector have pledged over R140 million to the university in the form of projects, tender, donations and grants. This has boosted the university coffers by over R41, 2million in the past six months. It represents more than the total subsidy allocated to the university for the current financial year and compares well to the R27million raised in 2001 over the same period.
Confidence in the university has seen student numbers swell by 45% in two years, representing the fastest tertiary sector growth rate in South Africa this year. Student numbers have grown from 4 500 in 2000 to over 7000 this year. The stability and recent successes have led to a resurgence of market confidence in the new Fort Hare – both from local and foreign markets. Over the past year, the University of Fort Hare has been able to secure exciting partnerships to build a critical mass in key niche areas. The university has formed partnerships in agribusiness (Norway), biotechnology (Connecticut), human rights and governance (United Nations University), accounting and public finance (South African Institute of Chartered Accounting and the Rand Afrikaans Universiteit), climate studies (South Africa Weather Services), information and technology (Department of Communications), rural development (Kagiso Trust) and the African agenda, African Renaissance, NEPAD and AU (Makerere).
These partnerships translate into, the university securing a major deal with the South African Weather Services, with the support of the Provincial Government for a new Weather Rader Station worth R10 million. In turn, the Department of Communications are currently working with the university’s Institute of Technology on a major grant to make Fort Hare a major ICT hub in the region. The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants is supporting the launch of the Nkuhlu Centre of Accountancy. The university has also won the largest deal in the country for training of public finance managers – the R100million Eastern Cape financial management contract. And recently, Carnegie Corporation announced a new grant of R10 million jointly to the university and Rand Afrikaans Universiteit to develop a new Masters in Public Finance.
If the present course is maintained the university will rapidly grow itself into a stable and viable entity. This confidence rests both on the historical prestige of the university and the business case the university has made.
Evidently correct steps have been taken to set the university on the pathway to recovery. Under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Swartz, and his team, together with encouraging support from critical stakeholders, the institution has so far kept its eyes on the bigger picture, the restoration of Fort Hare.
Following closely on the aforementioned achievements, the Cabinet approved Transformation and Reconstruction of the Higher Education System proclaimed the retention of Fort Hare as an autonomous institution. The new policy position further stipulates that the university will incorporate the East London campus of Rhodes University and the Medical School of the University of Transkei. This development is a further attestation of the phenomenal achievements of the University of Fort Hare towards its corporate goal of becoming a world-class university. It is further still, an immense display of government confidence in the financial sustainability and academic viability of the university. Picking on the euphoria that followed the announcement, Vice Chancellor Prof. Swartz said, “Cabinet fully endorsed its support for the University of Fort Hare. This support is expressed in three major policy decisions. Firstly, we retain our strategic independence – a huge victory for our campaign to save Fort Hare. Secondly, UFH should take over the Rhodes East London campus to gain a foothold in a major metropolitan market to build our brand name and grow our numbers. And thirdly, UFH should incorporate the Medical School presently based at the University of Transkei.”
The astute leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Swartz and phenomenal support of all stakeholders has brought on the exceptional business case for the University of Fort Hare. The university’s future is secure.
Radio Fort'e Comes Alive
Communication students first mooted the concept for the establishment of Radio Fort Hare in 1992. A university radio station was launched the same year and it caught on like wild fire, establishing itself as the hottest radio station among the young black population in the province.
Unfortunately, bickering between the communication students and the then Student Representative Council over control of the airwaves stunted the growth of the station and eventually resulted in its demise.
Ten years down the line both parties seem to have learnt that sour working relations are counter productive and they are both working feverishly to re-establish the station. “The launch of Radio Forte is imminent, we are only just working on the final touches and then we will be launching the station, “explained the Interim Station Manager, Mike Rachidi. He said the response from the university community for various posts such as, newsreaders, disk jockeys, producers, and advertisers had been overwhelming.
“Following the huge interest students have shown in this project, the Management of the Radio Station was still sitting with over 60 volunteers who are keen to be a part of this new exciting initiative.”
Rachidi lamented that their greatest constraint was running capital since a project of this magnitude requires a huge injection of seed capital to kick start it. The project was given a generous donation of equipment by Primedia’s radio 702 in Gauteng following the intervention of the Division of Marketing and Communications Director, Luthando Bara in 1999.
“Our projections reflect that we will need seed capital of approximately R250 000.00 to cover both required infrastructure and running costs,” Rachidi said. He said that the Radio Forte management has engaged both the Student Representative Council and the university management requesting financial assistance. “Both the student body and management have responded positively to our request and we are expecting assistance from them, but this will not be enough and we are exploring ways of augmenting this through vigorous fundraising projects within the ensuring semester.”
Bara stated that the project has the full support of the Vice Chancellor Professor Derrick Swartz who has promised to secure funding for it. He added that the SRC which has pledged R4100.00 towards the project has been part of the initiative from the start. “The then SRC president Oscar Mabuyane was part of the team that went to Johannesburg to sign for the equipment donated by Primedia” he said.
Radio Forte falls under the auspices of the Division of Marketing and Communications. Bara said there is a growing need for a communication dialogue on campus. “This will complement our internal and external communication strategies’ he added.
The project, has however, also enlisted the expertise of the Department of Computer Science to assist with the technological aspects involved in such projects. “We need to work with the people from Computer Science, since they have technological expertise and we do not want to leave anyone behind,” explained Rachidi. It is also transpired during the course of this interview that, Baldric Chipagura, a computer science honours student is involved in an Audio Streaming project towards his degree. It is such expertise that the radio management hopes to enhance for the benefit of the entire Fort Hare community.
“You can get Radio Forte on the internet at www.mms://196.21.106.24.7007/,we are still awaiting the outcome of our radio license application from the Independent Communication Authority of South Africa (ICASA),”Rachidi added.
By Nathi Gwen Gaqa
Unfortunately, bickering between the communication students and the then Student Representative Council over control of the airwaves stunted the growth of the station and eventually resulted in its demise.
Ten years down the line both parties seem to have learnt that sour working relations are counter productive and they are both working feverishly to re-establish the station. “The launch of Radio Forte is imminent, we are only just working on the final touches and then we will be launching the station, “explained the Interim Station Manager, Mike Rachidi. He said the response from the university community for various posts such as, newsreaders, disk jockeys, producers, and advertisers had been overwhelming.
“Following the huge interest students have shown in this project, the Management of the Radio Station was still sitting with over 60 volunteers who are keen to be a part of this new exciting initiative.”
Rachidi lamented that their greatest constraint was running capital since a project of this magnitude requires a huge injection of seed capital to kick start it. The project was given a generous donation of equipment by Primedia’s radio 702 in Gauteng following the intervention of the Division of Marketing and Communications Director, Luthando Bara in 1999.
“Our projections reflect that we will need seed capital of approximately R250 000.00 to cover both required infrastructure and running costs,” Rachidi said. He said that the Radio Forte management has engaged both the Student Representative Council and the university management requesting financial assistance. “Both the student body and management have responded positively to our request and we are expecting assistance from them, but this will not be enough and we are exploring ways of augmenting this through vigorous fundraising projects within the ensuring semester.”
Bara stated that the project has the full support of the Vice Chancellor Professor Derrick Swartz who has promised to secure funding for it. He added that the SRC which has pledged R4100.00 towards the project has been part of the initiative from the start. “The then SRC president Oscar Mabuyane was part of the team that went to Johannesburg to sign for the equipment donated by Primedia” he said.
Radio Forte falls under the auspices of the Division of Marketing and Communications. Bara said there is a growing need for a communication dialogue on campus. “This will complement our internal and external communication strategies’ he added.
The project, has however, also enlisted the expertise of the Department of Computer Science to assist with the technological aspects involved in such projects. “We need to work with the people from Computer Science, since they have technological expertise and we do not want to leave anyone behind,” explained Rachidi. It is also transpired during the course of this interview that, Baldric Chipagura, a computer science honours student is involved in an Audio Streaming project towards his degree. It is such expertise that the radio management hopes to enhance for the benefit of the entire Fort Hare community.
“You can get Radio Forte on the internet at www.mms://196.21.106.24.7007/,we are still awaiting the outcome of our radio license application from the Independent Communication Authority of South Africa (ICASA),”Rachidi added.
By Nathi Gwen Gaqa
Linkage Between Fort Hare and Makerere Long overdue – Prof Derrick Swartz
Fort Hare Vice Chancellor Professor Derrick Swartz and his counterpart at Makerere University in Uganda Professor PJM Sebuwufu met in Kampala, Uganda in May this year to kick-start what will be the University of Fort Hare’s first intra-Africa linkage.
Professor Swartz’s delegation consisted of the executive deans, Prof Jan Raats, Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Prof. Daniel Okeyo, Faculty of Science and Technology, Prof John Hendricks, Faculty of African and Democracy Studies, Prof Phillip Iya, Dean of Govan Mbeki Research and Development Centre, Nhlanganiso Dladla, Faculty of Management, Development and Commerce and Ms Lulama Ngalo-Morrisson Dean of Students.
Also forming part of the Vice Chancellors entourage was the Special Assistant to the Vice Chancellor, Dr Petrus Strijdom and the Division of Marketing and Communication Director, Luthando Bara.
“The linkage between the two institutions is exciting and long overdue,” said Prof. Swartz. The two institutions share a lot in common, both were established in the early 1900s and have, over the years, been hailed as beacons of African leadership and academic excellence.
The purpose of the visit to Makerere was, “To establish the major changes in the transformation process at Makerere University, assess their significance and analyse their implications with a view to deriving inspiration to guide and strengthen the transformation process at Fort Hare which is also faced with similar processes of change. Fort Hare seeks, not only to establish the strengths and weakness on which to build a strong partnership but also to specify pedagogical, research and social outreach and sustainable development niche programmes which will act as catalyst to promote strong and lasting partnership between the two institutions,” stated Bara. He said “beyond establishing the distinctive character and values of Makerere University with comparative advantage to Fort Hare, it was imperative for Fort Hare to identify specific areas of disciplinary, inter and multi disciplinary projects of mutual benefits to both the universities.
The linkage will be officially signed when the Ugandan delegation comes to Fort Hare later this year. It will concentrate on, amongst other things, collaborations pertaining to agrarian research, biotechnology, trade, human rights, student and staff exchange programmes and appropriate technology.”
Bara went on to say that the move to establish links with Makerere University was supported by diplomats in both countries and it is expected that it will also help in the development of cordial relations between the two governments, both of which are currently seeking solutions to problems of systematic under development caused by formerly depressing social and political climates.
According to the South African Ambassador to Uganda, Bavumile Vilakazi, there is a need for joint research between the two institutions for social and political transformation in Africa. He said the agreement is not only academically relevant but also historically and politically pertinent to the developmental challenges facing many African countries. He said South African was the biggest investor in Uganda and there was a need for institutions of higher education to play a major role in research support for economic development and sustainability.
Professor Swartz’s delegation consisted of the executive deans, Prof Jan Raats, Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Prof. Daniel Okeyo, Faculty of Science and Technology, Prof John Hendricks, Faculty of African and Democracy Studies, Prof Phillip Iya, Dean of Govan Mbeki Research and Development Centre, Nhlanganiso Dladla, Faculty of Management, Development and Commerce and Ms Lulama Ngalo-Morrisson Dean of Students.
Also forming part of the Vice Chancellors entourage was the Special Assistant to the Vice Chancellor, Dr Petrus Strijdom and the Division of Marketing and Communication Director, Luthando Bara.
“The linkage between the two institutions is exciting and long overdue,” said Prof. Swartz. The two institutions share a lot in common, both were established in the early 1900s and have, over the years, been hailed as beacons of African leadership and academic excellence.
The purpose of the visit to Makerere was, “To establish the major changes in the transformation process at Makerere University, assess their significance and analyse their implications with a view to deriving inspiration to guide and strengthen the transformation process at Fort Hare which is also faced with similar processes of change. Fort Hare seeks, not only to establish the strengths and weakness on which to build a strong partnership but also to specify pedagogical, research and social outreach and sustainable development niche programmes which will act as catalyst to promote strong and lasting partnership between the two institutions,” stated Bara. He said “beyond establishing the distinctive character and values of Makerere University with comparative advantage to Fort Hare, it was imperative for Fort Hare to identify specific areas of disciplinary, inter and multi disciplinary projects of mutual benefits to both the universities.
The linkage will be officially signed when the Ugandan delegation comes to Fort Hare later this year. It will concentrate on, amongst other things, collaborations pertaining to agrarian research, biotechnology, trade, human rights, student and staff exchange programmes and appropriate technology.”
Bara went on to say that the move to establish links with Makerere University was supported by diplomats in both countries and it is expected that it will also help in the development of cordial relations between the two governments, both of which are currently seeking solutions to problems of systematic under development caused by formerly depressing social and political climates.
According to the South African Ambassador to Uganda, Bavumile Vilakazi, there is a need for joint research between the two institutions for social and political transformation in Africa. He said the agreement is not only academically relevant but also historically and politically pertinent to the developmental challenges facing many African countries. He said South African was the biggest investor in Uganda and there was a need for institutions of higher education to play a major role in research support for economic development and sustainability.
UFH to Mentor the Provincial Management Team of the Initiative for Development and Equity in African Agriculture (IDEAA)
“Think about what the human race has accomplished, space exploration, satellite communication, heart transplants, cracking the human genetic code. We’ve done what previous generations never dreamed of. But do you ever wonder, if we’re so advanced, why 820 million people still don’t have enough to eat? It’s absurd.” Miriam Zenzi Makeba, world renowned diva, recipient of a UFH honorary doctorate and Ambassador of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.
For Sivelelo Nompozolo who is based in the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, agriculture is the answer to the above paradox, “Agriculture is, and for the foreseeable future, will remain the backbone of Africa’s economy. The majority of Africans are rural people, their incomes and livelihoods are directly or indirectly linked to Agriculture. The African farmers are dominantly smallholders. Africa has had minimal success with small-holders agriculture, yet such success arguably, is an important pre-requisite for reducing poverty, hunger, unemployment, and propelling overall economic development.”
With such passion for one’s work, which employs scientific programmes towards starvation and poverty eradication, little wonder Nompozolo has been appointed to serve in the Provincial Management Team to mentor the Initiative for Development and Equity in African Agriculture (IDEAA) phase II programme representing the University of Fort Hare. IDEAA is a Southern African programme currently running in seven countries (Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe) in the SADC region. The objective of the programme is to contribute towards small holder agricultural development by increasing agricultural productivity.
The programme was conceived in 1996, when the Rockerfeller Foundation responded to regional concerns over smallholder agriculture in Africa by setting aside some resources for African agricultural experts to design a programme that could strengthen African institutional capacity. A foundation member, Dr Blackie and a University of Zimbabwe staff member Professor Rukuni were tasked with spearheading the process, which initially focused on three pilot sites, Malawi, Zimbabwe and the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The concept of Initiative for the Development and Equity in African Agriculture was developed and discussed with leading agriculturalists in these three countries. In the process the Kellogg foundation also availed resources, which resulted in the expansion of the programme to Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, KwaZulu Natal and the Eastern Cape provinces in South Africa. In South Africa the programme now runs in three provinces the Eastern Cape, Kwazulu Natal and Limpopo Province. In 1998, Nompozolo was among five fellows appointed to pioneer the programme in South Africa. And following the resounding success of the first phase of this fellowship programme, he has been appointed to the Provincial Management Team of the second phase of IDEAA to maintain the momentum and continued engagement of the critical mass of intellectuals who have undergone the fellowship programme for the benefit of the smallholder farm in the region.
In his welcome address at a cocktail party hosted to celebrate the successful completion of the first phase of the programme, which also marked the launch of IDEAA phase II, Executive Mayor of Amatole District Municipality, Councilor Sakhumzi Somyo said, “ One of the key challenges the world faces is the eradication of poverty. We have the land, we must love it and desire to derive a meaningful living from it because with it we can alleviate poverty and even create wealth”. He said food security in Africa was an imperative and IDEAA is a revival, a rebirth that is dovetailed into the African Renaissance, “The launch of IDEAA is significant as it ensures strengthening African institute capacity and places an emphasis on agriculture economy development. The time is long over due for the smallholder to begin to treat farming as a business, only then can we ensure sustained productivity.”
Handing over the programme to the incumbent team, IDEAA II, a member of the pioneering team of IDEAA I , Dr Siqwana-Ndlovu, paid tribute to all those who supported them and contributed to their success. She singled out the Kellogg Foundation for their phenomenal support to the programme, “The Kellogg Foundation was there with us every step of the way, they showed a keen interest in what we were doing and unlike many sponsors who just put money in projects as a public relations exercise, the foundation demanded rigorous and timely reports from us. And I must say they read these because we always got feed back from them.” Dr Siqwana-Ndlovu also thanked the Land Ban and the Department of Economic Affairs in Bisho for their support together with her team members for the sterling input they made to the success of the project. In his keynote address, Agriculture Head of Department, Manjesi said, “It is imperative for the private sector to get involved and assist subsistence and emerging farmers if indeed we are sincere about eradicating poverty and empowering our people.” He said the developed world was protecting their farmers and this was a wake up call for African countries to assist their farmers. Manjesi pledged his department’s full support to IDEAA, “Initiatives already taken by my department to facilitate improved farming techniques and skill, equitable resources to agriculture development, encourage increased food production and improved livestock and improve our farmer’s competitiveness all compliment the noble goals of IDEAA,” he said.
Council Chairperson, Dr Sidzumo-Mazibuko gave a vote of thanks and said she was heartened by the sterling way the outgoing team had carried out their task and represented the university with distinction. “The downpour of praises that you are receiving is indicative of the viability of Fort Hare as a strategic partner in the region.” She said the success of this programme presents an opportunity for the university to network and forge links with other stakeholders.
By Tigele Mokobi and Luthando Bara
For Sivelelo Nompozolo who is based in the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, agriculture is the answer to the above paradox, “Agriculture is, and for the foreseeable future, will remain the backbone of Africa’s economy. The majority of Africans are rural people, their incomes and livelihoods are directly or indirectly linked to Agriculture. The African farmers are dominantly smallholders. Africa has had minimal success with small-holders agriculture, yet such success arguably, is an important pre-requisite for reducing poverty, hunger, unemployment, and propelling overall economic development.”
With such passion for one’s work, which employs scientific programmes towards starvation and poverty eradication, little wonder Nompozolo has been appointed to serve in the Provincial Management Team to mentor the Initiative for Development and Equity in African Agriculture (IDEAA) phase II programme representing the University of Fort Hare. IDEAA is a Southern African programme currently running in seven countries (Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe) in the SADC region. The objective of the programme is to contribute towards small holder agricultural development by increasing agricultural productivity.
The programme was conceived in 1996, when the Rockerfeller Foundation responded to regional concerns over smallholder agriculture in Africa by setting aside some resources for African agricultural experts to design a programme that could strengthen African institutional capacity. A foundation member, Dr Blackie and a University of Zimbabwe staff member Professor Rukuni were tasked with spearheading the process, which initially focused on three pilot sites, Malawi, Zimbabwe and the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The concept of Initiative for the Development and Equity in African Agriculture was developed and discussed with leading agriculturalists in these three countries. In the process the Kellogg foundation also availed resources, which resulted in the expansion of the programme to Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, KwaZulu Natal and the Eastern Cape provinces in South Africa. In South Africa the programme now runs in three provinces the Eastern Cape, Kwazulu Natal and Limpopo Province. In 1998, Nompozolo was among five fellows appointed to pioneer the programme in South Africa. And following the resounding success of the first phase of this fellowship programme, he has been appointed to the Provincial Management Team of the second phase of IDEAA to maintain the momentum and continued engagement of the critical mass of intellectuals who have undergone the fellowship programme for the benefit of the smallholder farm in the region.
In his welcome address at a cocktail party hosted to celebrate the successful completion of the first phase of the programme, which also marked the launch of IDEAA phase II, Executive Mayor of Amatole District Municipality, Councilor Sakhumzi Somyo said, “ One of the key challenges the world faces is the eradication of poverty. We have the land, we must love it and desire to derive a meaningful living from it because with it we can alleviate poverty and even create wealth”. He said food security in Africa was an imperative and IDEAA is a revival, a rebirth that is dovetailed into the African Renaissance, “The launch of IDEAA is significant as it ensures strengthening African institute capacity and places an emphasis on agriculture economy development. The time is long over due for the smallholder to begin to treat farming as a business, only then can we ensure sustained productivity.”
Handing over the programme to the incumbent team, IDEAA II, a member of the pioneering team of IDEAA I , Dr Siqwana-Ndlovu, paid tribute to all those who supported them and contributed to their success. She singled out the Kellogg Foundation for their phenomenal support to the programme, “The Kellogg Foundation was there with us every step of the way, they showed a keen interest in what we were doing and unlike many sponsors who just put money in projects as a public relations exercise, the foundation demanded rigorous and timely reports from us. And I must say they read these because we always got feed back from them.” Dr Siqwana-Ndlovu also thanked the Land Ban and the Department of Economic Affairs in Bisho for their support together with her team members for the sterling input they made to the success of the project. In his keynote address, Agriculture Head of Department, Manjesi said, “It is imperative for the private sector to get involved and assist subsistence and emerging farmers if indeed we are sincere about eradicating poverty and empowering our people.” He said the developed world was protecting their farmers and this was a wake up call for African countries to assist their farmers. Manjesi pledged his department’s full support to IDEAA, “Initiatives already taken by my department to facilitate improved farming techniques and skill, equitable resources to agriculture development, encourage increased food production and improved livestock and improve our farmer’s competitiveness all compliment the noble goals of IDEAA,” he said.
Council Chairperson, Dr Sidzumo-Mazibuko gave a vote of thanks and said she was heartened by the sterling way the outgoing team had carried out their task and represented the university with distinction. “The downpour of praises that you are receiving is indicative of the viability of Fort Hare as a strategic partner in the region.” She said the success of this programme presents an opportunity for the university to network and forge links with other stakeholders.
By Tigele Mokobi and Luthando Bara
Eight Awarded Doctorates During 2002 Graduation
The University of Fort Hare 2002 Graduation stands out not because it is most recent, but because for the first time in the history of the institution, the university conferred a record eight honorary doctorates to individuals who have distinguished themselves in various areas of human endeavor. Close to 600 degrees, diplomas and certificates were awarded to proud recipients and hundreds of parents, relatives, friends, alumni and dignitaries descended on the University’s Sports Complex for the auspicious occasion. The guest of honor at this years glittering event was Minister of Communication Dr Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri. The event saw the conferring of doctorate degrees on Sports, Arts and Culture MEC Nosimo Balindlela, former General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches and staunch women’s rights activist, Dr Brigalia Bam and prolific writer and teacher Mrs. Masechele Khaketla. The three had Doctor of Arts in Philosophy degrees conferred on them for their outstanding work in education and with women’s rights groups.
Industrial Development Corporation Chief Executive Khaya Ngqula, Department of Communication Director General (DG) and Co-Chairperson of the Presidential Commission on Information Society, Dr Andile Ngcaba and Executive Director of Zonkizizwe Investment, Dr Kgoana Nkadimeng had Doctor of Commerce degrees conferred on them for their pioneering work in issues relating to black empowerment. Renowed microbiologist and National Research Foundation president Dr Khotso Mokhele and group executive of the center for Learning in Telkom South Africa, Dr Joseph Rajaratnam both had Doctor of Science degrees conferred on them.
In his written keynote speech, delivered at the ceremony, Eastern Cape Premier, Rev. Makhenkhesi Stofile called on government to take a closer look at its future funding formula for universities. The formula must, “combat the disadvantage of the blacks in general and Africas in particular and their universities.” Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered the address on behalf of Premier Stofile who could not attend the festive occasion. Stofile said the question of how universities were funded, “must be informed by ideological clarity and guided by sound political theory.” He said this needed to be done to, “equip us for a meaningful and quality participation in the African Renaissance.” “To simply juggle figures and statistics, we believe, is to hide behind the convenience of amnesia. We cannot forget where the history of disadvantages comes from for black people and their institutions,” said Stofile.
Stofile called on universities to change their role to become more, “ practical and assist in moves to improve the lives of the rural poor-especially women, youth and children” and to fight poverty, unemployment, HIV/AIDS, crime and inflation. Describing poverty and starvation as the main challenges in the Eastern Cape, he said there were many areas in which regional universities could form partnerships with the state and communities with a view to developing “sustainable food production”.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Ngqula said South Africa required education if the county was to successfully participate in the new economy. He identified HIV-AIDS and skills development as two priorities that needed attention if South Africa was to achieve its goals.
Industrial Development Corporation Chief Executive Khaya Ngqula, Department of Communication Director General (DG) and Co-Chairperson of the Presidential Commission on Information Society, Dr Andile Ngcaba and Executive Director of Zonkizizwe Investment, Dr Kgoana Nkadimeng had Doctor of Commerce degrees conferred on them for their pioneering work in issues relating to black empowerment. Renowed microbiologist and National Research Foundation president Dr Khotso Mokhele and group executive of the center for Learning in Telkom South Africa, Dr Joseph Rajaratnam both had Doctor of Science degrees conferred on them.
In his written keynote speech, delivered at the ceremony, Eastern Cape Premier, Rev. Makhenkhesi Stofile called on government to take a closer look at its future funding formula for universities. The formula must, “combat the disadvantage of the blacks in general and Africas in particular and their universities.” Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered the address on behalf of Premier Stofile who could not attend the festive occasion. Stofile said the question of how universities were funded, “must be informed by ideological clarity and guided by sound political theory.” He said this needed to be done to, “equip us for a meaningful and quality participation in the African Renaissance.” “To simply juggle figures and statistics, we believe, is to hide behind the convenience of amnesia. We cannot forget where the history of disadvantages comes from for black people and their institutions,” said Stofile.
Stofile called on universities to change their role to become more, “ practical and assist in moves to improve the lives of the rural poor-especially women, youth and children” and to fight poverty, unemployment, HIV/AIDS, crime and inflation. Describing poverty and starvation as the main challenges in the Eastern Cape, he said there were many areas in which regional universities could form partnerships with the state and communities with a view to developing “sustainable food production”.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Ngqula said South Africa required education if the county was to successfully participate in the new economy. He identified HIV-AIDS and skills development as two priorities that needed attention if South Africa was to achieve its goals.
The Disabled Presented With Meals Donated By Fort Hare
Participants in the fun wheel-and-wallk for children with disabilities at the beachfront in East London were awarded medals donated by the University of Fort Hare. The event, which had attracted a record 470 participants, was attended by among others, cricketer Makhaya Ntini, Buffalo City Deputy Mayor Des Halley and officials from the premier’s office and the Welfare Department took place on Saturday 8th June 2002.
Halley and Ntini led the pack of children in the 5 km and 2km walks. Participants Ondela Tshabeti and Thabisa Dyolisi, both from Mdantsane, praised the organizers for their concern about the disabled. They said they were pleased to find there were people who cared for the disabled. They called those with disabilities not to feel ashamed of their handicap. “They are just like an other person. If they have trust in themselves they can do anything that a normal person can do, said Dyolisi.
Ntini, a favourite with all the participants, walked the 5 km event twice, first pushing a man in a wheelchair and then carrying a four-year-old girl on his shoulders. Ntozethemba was thrilled to see his hero Ntini in the flesh – and to be able to talk to him.
Ntini told the children that nothing could stop them from achieving their dreams if they believed in themselves.
The university also provided natural spring water to the participants.
Halley and Ntini led the pack of children in the 5 km and 2km walks. Participants Ondela Tshabeti and Thabisa Dyolisi, both from Mdantsane, praised the organizers for their concern about the disabled. They said they were pleased to find there were people who cared for the disabled. They called those with disabilities not to feel ashamed of their handicap. “They are just like an other person. If they have trust in themselves they can do anything that a normal person can do, said Dyolisi.
Ntini, a favourite with all the participants, walked the 5 km event twice, first pushing a man in a wheelchair and then carrying a four-year-old girl on his shoulders. Ntozethemba was thrilled to see his hero Ntini in the flesh – and to be able to talk to him.
Ntini told the children that nothing could stop them from achieving their dreams if they believed in themselves.
The university also provided natural spring water to the participants.
Geography and Environmental Science Department Benefits from the Fullbright Foundation Donation
The Executive Dean in the faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Professor Jan Raats welcomed the newly appointed Head of Department for Geography and Environmental Sciences, Professor Cecil Seethal at an occasion that also celebrated the presentation of a donation of geography books to the university library by professor Vernon Domingo of the Fullbright Foundation. The ceremony was held at the faculty of Agriculture boardroom last month.
Professor Seethal returns to the academic world after sabbatical in the Department of Traditional, Land and Government Affairs in the Provincial Administration of Kwazulu-Natal. Prof. Seethal has lectured extensively throughout South Africa’s Historically disadvantaged University’s. He has lectured at the University of Bophuthatswana, now the University of the North West, the University of Transkei, the University of Zululand and the University of Durban Westville. In his welcome address, Prof Raats said, “Prof Seethal will add immeasurable value to department of geography as he brings with him, a wealth of knowledge and experience in which the university will benefit immensely from”.
Prof. Domino who is on the Fullbright Foundation staff exchange programme, donated books on geography to the university library on behalf of the Fullbright Foundation. The books, valued at US $ 1000.00 cover a broad spectrum across the field of study, they include education, development and geographic information systems (GIS). Giving a brief background of the Fullbright Foundation, Prof. Domino said, “The Fullbright Foundation was founded in 1946 by Senator William Fullbright with the purpose of enhancing, “mutual understanding between people through greater interaction and social and professional student and staff exchange programmes.”
He stated that while the university will benefit a lot from the donation, memories of his experience at Fort Hare will last the rest of his life and his students and colleagues will benefit a lot from what he has learnt about Fort Hare. “The image my students and colleagues back home have of Fort Hare will undoubtedly change for the better. I am glad to have chosen to come to Fort Hare and to be a part of this vibrant family.” Prof. Domingo who will soon be returning home to the University States of America pledged to become a goodwill ambassador of Fort Hare.
Professor Seethal returns to the academic world after sabbatical in the Department of Traditional, Land and Government Affairs in the Provincial Administration of Kwazulu-Natal. Prof. Seethal has lectured extensively throughout South Africa’s Historically disadvantaged University’s. He has lectured at the University of Bophuthatswana, now the University of the North West, the University of Transkei, the University of Zululand and the University of Durban Westville. In his welcome address, Prof Raats said, “Prof Seethal will add immeasurable value to department of geography as he brings with him, a wealth of knowledge and experience in which the university will benefit immensely from”.
Prof. Domino who is on the Fullbright Foundation staff exchange programme, donated books on geography to the university library on behalf of the Fullbright Foundation. The books, valued at US $ 1000.00 cover a broad spectrum across the field of study, they include education, development and geographic information systems (GIS). Giving a brief background of the Fullbright Foundation, Prof. Domino said, “The Fullbright Foundation was founded in 1946 by Senator William Fullbright with the purpose of enhancing, “mutual understanding between people through greater interaction and social and professional student and staff exchange programmes.”
He stated that while the university will benefit a lot from the donation, memories of his experience at Fort Hare will last the rest of his life and his students and colleagues will benefit a lot from what he has learnt about Fort Hare. “The image my students and colleagues back home have of Fort Hare will undoubtedly change for the better. I am glad to have chosen to come to Fort Hare and to be a part of this vibrant family.” Prof. Domingo who will soon be returning home to the University States of America pledged to become a goodwill ambassador of Fort Hare.
Fort Hare Donates Art Work To Port Elizabeth’s South End Museum
The University of Fort Hare donated a set of four Hilary Graham lithographic prints, depicting scenes of the Eastern Cape to the South End Museum in Port Elizabeth at a ceremony held at the museum last month. The prints also have poems by Eastern Cape poet and former Catholic priest at South End, Cathal Lagan, who teaches in the English department here at Fort Hare. Lagan’s poems reflect the destruction of the region by the apartheid National Party government of South Africa.
The set of prints emanate from a project between the poet and the artist that combines poetry and images of the Eastern Cape landscape. Graham’s sketches of the area, made while he was teaching in Port Elizabeth, add drama to Lagan’s poems of righteous anger at the destruction of the community by agents of the apartheid government.
The new set of prints will join a twin set by Graham and another Fort Hare poet, Dr Brian Walter, which is already on display in the museum. “My poems,” said Lagan, “pick up the narrative thread from Walter’s work, which recalls the spirit of South End through engagement with the communities who lived here. His works evoke the past, with questioning, underplayed anger. In my pieces, that comes alive the soul figure who demands confrontation with the past, who doesn’t want memories in peace songs, who toyi-toyis at the edge of the Baakens Valley. Hilary’s lithographs capture the drama and setting superbly. But most symbolic for me is the bringing of two sets together, at the museum in South End, for united they form a single eight piece narrative.”
The collective works of these artists blends together very well to bring together their shared memories of the now destroyed Port Elizabeth region.
The set of prints emanate from a project between the poet and the artist that combines poetry and images of the Eastern Cape landscape. Graham’s sketches of the area, made while he was teaching in Port Elizabeth, add drama to Lagan’s poems of righteous anger at the destruction of the community by agents of the apartheid government.
The new set of prints will join a twin set by Graham and another Fort Hare poet, Dr Brian Walter, which is already on display in the museum. “My poems,” said Lagan, “pick up the narrative thread from Walter’s work, which recalls the spirit of South End through engagement with the communities who lived here. His works evoke the past, with questioning, underplayed anger. In my pieces, that comes alive the soul figure who demands confrontation with the past, who doesn’t want memories in peace songs, who toyi-toyis at the edge of the Baakens Valley. Hilary’s lithographs capture the drama and setting superbly. But most symbolic for me is the bringing of two sets together, at the museum in South End, for united they form a single eight piece narrative.”
The collective works of these artists blends together very well to bring together their shared memories of the now destroyed Port Elizabeth region.
Phambili Nokholeji
Like the legendary Phoenix, out of the ruins and dust of inept and remiss-full management, dwindling student numbers throttling government subsidy cuts of the past decade, the University of Fort Hare has emerged with renewed youth and panache. With the Strategic Plan 2000 (SP 2000) as the wind under its wings, high up in Southern African’s clear blue skies, this magnificent icon of academic excellence lives on.
The journey towards the University’s renaissance was an imperative, faced with aforementioned challenges, the university resolutely guarded against the ostrich syndrome of burying its head in the sand and wishing the problem away. The institution had veered to the brink of closure with pessimist already sounding its death knell and writing its epitaph. “The University of Fort Hare was facing a powerful combination of structural and strategic shifts in the educational sector within and beyond South Africa, it had to make major decisions regarding its future. The new South Africa is making demands on tertiary institutions to redefine their role in relation to the provision of knowledge and skills required for social, economic and cultural development of the emerging democracy,” stated the Vice Chancellor Professor Derrick Swartz at the launch of the internationally lauded corporate re-engineering plan, SP 2000 two years ago.
Two years down the road, Fort Hare is set on an irrevocable path of self-recovery and the council of the university has noted the exceptional progress that has been made in the renewal of the University, in line with the Strategic Plan 2000, during the past six months.
“Council wishes to express its delight at the rapidity and scale of progress made in growing the university into a stable and viable institution,” said the Chairperson of Council of the University, Dr Thandiwe Sidzumo-Mazibuko.
In a statement read on behalf of Council at the University’s 2002 graduation, the Chairperson said, “Our commendations are based on encouraging growth indicators shown by the University of Fort Hare over this period.” She noted these indicators as, the sharp increase in student numbers, a major influx of donor and project income and unprecedented institutional stability and strong stakeholder support for the goals outlined in SP 2000.
This year alone, the government, funders and the private sector have pledged over R141 million to the university in the form of projects, tender, donations and grants. This has boasted the University coffers by over R41,2 million in the past six months. “This represents more than the total subsidy allocated to the University for the current financial year and compares well to the R27 million raised in 2001 over the same period”, she said.
Confidence in the university has seen student numbers swell by 45% in two years and,” This represents the fastest tertiary sector growth rate in South Africa this year.” Student’s numbers have grown from 4500 in 2000 to over 7000 this year.
“The stability and recent successes have led to a resurgence of market confidence in the new Fort Hare – both from local and foreign markets. Over the past year, the University of Fort Hare has been able to secure exciting partnership to build a critical mass in key niche areas.”
She said the University has formed partnership in agribusiness (Norway), biotechnology (Connecticut), human rights and governance (United Nations University), accounting and public finance (South African Institute of Chartered Accounting and the Rand Afrikaans Universiteit), climate studies (South Africa Weather Services), information and technology (Department of Communications), and rural development (Kagiso Trust).
These partnerships translate into, the University securing a major deal with the South African Weather Services, with the support of the Provincial Government for a new Weather Rader Station worth R10 million. In turn, the Department of Communications are currently working with the university’s Institute of Technology on a major grant to make Fort Hare a major ICT hub in the region. The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants is supporting the launch of the Nkuhlu Centre of Accountancy. The University has also won the largest deal in the country for training of public finance managers – the R100 million Eastern Cape financial management contract. And recently, Carnegie Corporation announced a new grant of R10 million jointly to the university and Rand Afrikaans Universiteit to develop a new Masters in Public Finance.
The chairperson said”, If the present course is maintained. Council believes that the university will rapidly grow itself into a stable and viable entity. This confidence rests both on the historical prestige of the university and the business case we have made.” Although council believes the signs are clear that the university has been set on an irrevocable path of self-recovery, Dr Sidzumo-Mazibuko cautioned against. “Confusing a process with an actual state of recovery, SP2000 is a five-year plan. As we have just entered into the second year of the plan, it goes without saying that the university still has a long way to go. She noted that the university was faced with major macro-financial challenges, project-funding, though vital for our revival, cannot directly finance the major backlogs of the institution and most critically, staffing and infrastructure costs. These costs must be financed directly by the state”.
“in sum, Council is convinced that the correct steps have been taken to set it on the pathways to recovery. Under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Professor Derrick Swartz, and his team, together with encouraging support from critical stakeholders, the institution has so far kept its eyes on the bigger picture, the restoration of Fort Hare.” She concluded.
Following closely on the statement by Council, the Cabinet approved Transformation and Reconstruction of the Higher Education System proclaimed the retention of the University of Fort Hare as an autonomous institution. The new policy position further stipulates that the university will incorporate the East London campus of Rhodes University and the Medical School of the University of Transkei. This development is a further attestation of the phenomenal achievements of the University of Fort Hare towards its corporate goal of becoming a world-class university. It is further still, an immense display of government confidence in the financial sustainability and academic viability of the university.
Picking on the euphoria that followed the announcement, Vice Chancellor Prof. Swartz said,” Cabinet fully endorsed its support for the University of Fort Hare. This support is expressed in two major policy decisions. Firstly, we retain our strategic independence – a huge victory for our campaign to save Fort Hare and secondly, the incorporation of Rhodes East London campus into Fort Hare offers UFH an opportunity to gain a foothold in a major metropolitan market to build her brand name and grow her numbers.
Riding on the phenomenal support of all stakeholders and the exceptional business case the University of Fort Hare has made, the university will continue to soar the skies with majestic grace, Phambili Nokholeji! Phambili!
By: Tigele Mokobi and Luthando Bara
The journey towards the University’s renaissance was an imperative, faced with aforementioned challenges, the university resolutely guarded against the ostrich syndrome of burying its head in the sand and wishing the problem away. The institution had veered to the brink of closure with pessimist already sounding its death knell and writing its epitaph. “The University of Fort Hare was facing a powerful combination of structural and strategic shifts in the educational sector within and beyond South Africa, it had to make major decisions regarding its future. The new South Africa is making demands on tertiary institutions to redefine their role in relation to the provision of knowledge and skills required for social, economic and cultural development of the emerging democracy,” stated the Vice Chancellor Professor Derrick Swartz at the launch of the internationally lauded corporate re-engineering plan, SP 2000 two years ago.
Two years down the road, Fort Hare is set on an irrevocable path of self-recovery and the council of the university has noted the exceptional progress that has been made in the renewal of the University, in line with the Strategic Plan 2000, during the past six months.
“Council wishes to express its delight at the rapidity and scale of progress made in growing the university into a stable and viable institution,” said the Chairperson of Council of the University, Dr Thandiwe Sidzumo-Mazibuko.
In a statement read on behalf of Council at the University’s 2002 graduation, the Chairperson said, “Our commendations are based on encouraging growth indicators shown by the University of Fort Hare over this period.” She noted these indicators as, the sharp increase in student numbers, a major influx of donor and project income and unprecedented institutional stability and strong stakeholder support for the goals outlined in SP 2000.
This year alone, the government, funders and the private sector have pledged over R141 million to the university in the form of projects, tender, donations and grants. This has boasted the University coffers by over R41,2 million in the past six months. “This represents more than the total subsidy allocated to the University for the current financial year and compares well to the R27 million raised in 2001 over the same period”, she said.
Confidence in the university has seen student numbers swell by 45% in two years and,” This represents the fastest tertiary sector growth rate in South Africa this year.” Student’s numbers have grown from 4500 in 2000 to over 7000 this year.
“The stability and recent successes have led to a resurgence of market confidence in the new Fort Hare – both from local and foreign markets. Over the past year, the University of Fort Hare has been able to secure exciting partnership to build a critical mass in key niche areas.”
She said the University has formed partnership in agribusiness (Norway), biotechnology (Connecticut), human rights and governance (United Nations University), accounting and public finance (South African Institute of Chartered Accounting and the Rand Afrikaans Universiteit), climate studies (South Africa Weather Services), information and technology (Department of Communications), and rural development (Kagiso Trust).
These partnerships translate into, the University securing a major deal with the South African Weather Services, with the support of the Provincial Government for a new Weather Rader Station worth R10 million. In turn, the Department of Communications are currently working with the university’s Institute of Technology on a major grant to make Fort Hare a major ICT hub in the region. The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants is supporting the launch of the Nkuhlu Centre of Accountancy. The University has also won the largest deal in the country for training of public finance managers – the R100 million Eastern Cape financial management contract. And recently, Carnegie Corporation announced a new grant of R10 million jointly to the university and Rand Afrikaans Universiteit to develop a new Masters in Public Finance.
The chairperson said”, If the present course is maintained. Council believes that the university will rapidly grow itself into a stable and viable entity. This confidence rests both on the historical prestige of the university and the business case we have made.” Although council believes the signs are clear that the university has been set on an irrevocable path of self-recovery, Dr Sidzumo-Mazibuko cautioned against. “Confusing a process with an actual state of recovery, SP2000 is a five-year plan. As we have just entered into the second year of the plan, it goes without saying that the university still has a long way to go. She noted that the university was faced with major macro-financial challenges, project-funding, though vital for our revival, cannot directly finance the major backlogs of the institution and most critically, staffing and infrastructure costs. These costs must be financed directly by the state”.
“in sum, Council is convinced that the correct steps have been taken to set it on the pathways to recovery. Under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Professor Derrick Swartz, and his team, together with encouraging support from critical stakeholders, the institution has so far kept its eyes on the bigger picture, the restoration of Fort Hare.” She concluded.
Following closely on the statement by Council, the Cabinet approved Transformation and Reconstruction of the Higher Education System proclaimed the retention of the University of Fort Hare as an autonomous institution. The new policy position further stipulates that the university will incorporate the East London campus of Rhodes University and the Medical School of the University of Transkei. This development is a further attestation of the phenomenal achievements of the University of Fort Hare towards its corporate goal of becoming a world-class university. It is further still, an immense display of government confidence in the financial sustainability and academic viability of the university.
Picking on the euphoria that followed the announcement, Vice Chancellor Prof. Swartz said,” Cabinet fully endorsed its support for the University of Fort Hare. This support is expressed in two major policy decisions. Firstly, we retain our strategic independence – a huge victory for our campaign to save Fort Hare and secondly, the incorporation of Rhodes East London campus into Fort Hare offers UFH an opportunity to gain a foothold in a major metropolitan market to build her brand name and grow her numbers.
Riding on the phenomenal support of all stakeholders and the exceptional business case the University of Fort Hare has made, the university will continue to soar the skies with majestic grace, Phambili Nokholeji! Phambili!
By: Tigele Mokobi and Luthando Bara
UFH – For The Development and Implementation of NEPAD In The Eastern Cape Province
The University of Fort Hare, the Office of the Premier of the Eastern Cape and the Presidency held a workshop to localize the concept of the African Renaissance and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). The workshop was held on the 17th May 2002 at the Kennaway Hotel in East London and was officially opened by the Director for Special Projects in the Premier’s Office, Dr M. Mazibuko.
In his opening address, Dr Mazibuko said, “South Africa is to assume the first chair of the African Union and the rest of the continent is looking up to us to play a leading role on the continent. This launch is a presidential initiative that recognizes that though NEPAD is a macro development initiative, we must not overlook the importance of mobilizing grass root support and participation in the drive towards the African renewal, for it is only with a clear understanding of the concept of the African Renaissance that ownership and total commitment to the programme can be achieved.” He said that the African Renaissance drive must not be seen as just an academic concept because its success hinges on the understanding and participation of all citizens and residents of this great continent.
The workshop follows the announcement last year by the Hourable Premier of the Eastern Cape Rev. Makhenkesi Stofile, that he mandates the University of Fort Hare to become the hub of the development and implementation of the programme of African Renaissance in the province.
Dr John Kujoe from the Africa Institute of South Africa who presented a paper on NEPAD said, “NEPAD is a comprehensive and integrated programme for the socio-economic development of Africa. It states the problems facing the continent and maps out the plan of action to resolve these problems”. He said that the aims and objectives of the programmes was to eradicate poverty in Africa and to place African countries both individually and collectively, on the path of substainable growth and development so as to halt the marginalization of Africa in the globalization process.
Dr Jujoe went on to state that among the challenges that NEPAD faces are to:
• Strengthen mechanisms for conflict management and resolution
• Promotes and protect democracy and human rights by developing clear standards
• Of accountability, transparency and participative governance
• Promote the development of infrastructure, agriculture and its diversification,
• Promote the role of women in social and economic development
• Revitalize and extend the provision of education, technical and health services (with priority to HIV/AIDS, malaria etc).
• Restore and maintain macro-economic stability by developing standards and targets for fiscal monetary policies and appropriate institutional frameworks.
• Institute transparent legal and regulatory frameworks for financial markets and auditing of private companies and the public sector.
• Build the capacity of African states to set and enforce the legal framework and maintain law and order.
He concluded his presentation by saying that, “The successful implementation of this programme will be measured by the reduction of poverty and inequality, economic growth, development and increased employment together with the diversification of the productive activities, becoming more competitive on the global market and increasing volumes of export.
Presenting his paper on the African Union, Winston Meso also of the Africa Institute of South Africa, said, “The Organisation of African Unity was formed in 1963 with a largely political mandate to eradicate colonial rule and with the fall of apartheid in 1994, the last vestige of colonialism also came down. Africa was now faced with different challenges and the African Union has emerged to marry the continents political ambitions with economic ambitions. The African Union Consultative Act has both political principles like unity, solidarity, sovereignty and economic and development objectives. Its rationale is to seek a departure from the old towards a rebirth of continental governance.’ He stated that the African Union was strong on human rights issues and had equally strong financial institutions together with conflict resolution mechanisms.
Delegates to the workshop comprised members from the broad spectrum of society including four district municipalities, namely Amathole, Ukhahlamba, Chris Hani and Cacadu (Western) District municipalities. Attendants included, members of civil society, disabled people, non-government organizations and officials from local municipalities.
Session Chairperson, Mr Nkosohlanga Mboniswa said, “Five individuals from the delegates will be nominated to receive further training as community trainers in their local areas.” Mboniswa further stated that the workshop was also to solicit the input from the delegates, to know what their expectations of NEPAD were and what role they can play towards the success of the initiative.
In his opening address, Dr Mazibuko said, “South Africa is to assume the first chair of the African Union and the rest of the continent is looking up to us to play a leading role on the continent. This launch is a presidential initiative that recognizes that though NEPAD is a macro development initiative, we must not overlook the importance of mobilizing grass root support and participation in the drive towards the African renewal, for it is only with a clear understanding of the concept of the African Renaissance that ownership and total commitment to the programme can be achieved.” He said that the African Renaissance drive must not be seen as just an academic concept because its success hinges on the understanding and participation of all citizens and residents of this great continent.
The workshop follows the announcement last year by the Hourable Premier of the Eastern Cape Rev. Makhenkesi Stofile, that he mandates the University of Fort Hare to become the hub of the development and implementation of the programme of African Renaissance in the province.
Dr John Kujoe from the Africa Institute of South Africa who presented a paper on NEPAD said, “NEPAD is a comprehensive and integrated programme for the socio-economic development of Africa. It states the problems facing the continent and maps out the plan of action to resolve these problems”. He said that the aims and objectives of the programmes was to eradicate poverty in Africa and to place African countries both individually and collectively, on the path of substainable growth and development so as to halt the marginalization of Africa in the globalization process.
Dr Jujoe went on to state that among the challenges that NEPAD faces are to:
• Strengthen mechanisms for conflict management and resolution
• Promotes and protect democracy and human rights by developing clear standards
• Of accountability, transparency and participative governance
• Promote the development of infrastructure, agriculture and its diversification,
• Promote the role of women in social and economic development
• Revitalize and extend the provision of education, technical and health services (with priority to HIV/AIDS, malaria etc).
• Restore and maintain macro-economic stability by developing standards and targets for fiscal monetary policies and appropriate institutional frameworks.
• Institute transparent legal and regulatory frameworks for financial markets and auditing of private companies and the public sector.
• Build the capacity of African states to set and enforce the legal framework and maintain law and order.
He concluded his presentation by saying that, “The successful implementation of this programme will be measured by the reduction of poverty and inequality, economic growth, development and increased employment together with the diversification of the productive activities, becoming more competitive on the global market and increasing volumes of export.
Presenting his paper on the African Union, Winston Meso also of the Africa Institute of South Africa, said, “The Organisation of African Unity was formed in 1963 with a largely political mandate to eradicate colonial rule and with the fall of apartheid in 1994, the last vestige of colonialism also came down. Africa was now faced with different challenges and the African Union has emerged to marry the continents political ambitions with economic ambitions. The African Union Consultative Act has both political principles like unity, solidarity, sovereignty and economic and development objectives. Its rationale is to seek a departure from the old towards a rebirth of continental governance.’ He stated that the African Union was strong on human rights issues and had equally strong financial institutions together with conflict resolution mechanisms.
Delegates to the workshop comprised members from the broad spectrum of society including four district municipalities, namely Amathole, Ukhahlamba, Chris Hani and Cacadu (Western) District municipalities. Attendants included, members of civil society, disabled people, non-government organizations and officials from local municipalities.
Session Chairperson, Mr Nkosohlanga Mboniswa said, “Five individuals from the delegates will be nominated to receive further training as community trainers in their local areas.” Mboniswa further stated that the workshop was also to solicit the input from the delegates, to know what their expectations of NEPAD were and what role they can play towards the success of the initiative.
Retrenched Workers Create 1000 Jobs
Following retrenchment that were prompted by the need for the University of Fort Hare to cut back on excessive overhead costs in 1997, 900 of the retrenched workers came together and established three workers’ co-operatives that have now created about 1000 jobs. The co-operatives were launched at the university earlier in April this year.
The national general secretary of the National Co-operatives’ Association of South Africa, Tebogo Phadu, said the retrenched workers, with the help of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu),came together in 1998 and established three workers’co-operatives-the Chris Hani Security Services, the Harry Gwala Catering Services and the Nomzamo Cleaning Services. They are registered under the Cooperatives Act. Fort Hare supported them by awarding tenders to Nomzamo Cleaning Services in June last year for cleaning service, grounds maintenance, and catering for two students dining halls.
Phadu said the co-operatives also have a contract with the University of Zululand for cleaning, security and cleaning and catering, and have just won a tender at that University of the North for cleaning and gardening.
A spokesperson for the cooperatives Ntombokuqala Mbane said, giving birth to these economic units was painstaking and included difficulties arising from forming a business enterprise, owned and controlled jointly and democratically by its membership. Each member paid R1000 for a share in the cooperatives. “The basic objectives of the cooperatives were to create employment opportunities for the community to create wealth for the stakeholders and members of the larger community, and conservation and preservation of the environment, “Mbane said.
The three co-opeatives have also jointly established a bank, Amandla Saving and Credit Co-operatives, which is open to members and to Fort Hare staff, students and the Alice community. Amandla is based at Fort Hare and is affiliated to the Savings and Credit Cooperatives League. Phadu said the former Fort Hare workers had made a positive contribution to fighting the high rate of unemployment in the region. A 15 member board of directors selected from the membership governs the cooperatives.
The national general secretary of the National Co-operatives’ Association of South Africa, Tebogo Phadu, said the retrenched workers, with the help of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu),came together in 1998 and established three workers’co-operatives-the Chris Hani Security Services, the Harry Gwala Catering Services and the Nomzamo Cleaning Services. They are registered under the Cooperatives Act. Fort Hare supported them by awarding tenders to Nomzamo Cleaning Services in June last year for cleaning service, grounds maintenance, and catering for two students dining halls.
Phadu said the co-operatives also have a contract with the University of Zululand for cleaning, security and cleaning and catering, and have just won a tender at that University of the North for cleaning and gardening.
A spokesperson for the cooperatives Ntombokuqala Mbane said, giving birth to these economic units was painstaking and included difficulties arising from forming a business enterprise, owned and controlled jointly and democratically by its membership. Each member paid R1000 for a share in the cooperatives. “The basic objectives of the cooperatives were to create employment opportunities for the community to create wealth for the stakeholders and members of the larger community, and conservation and preservation of the environment, “Mbane said.
The three co-opeatives have also jointly established a bank, Amandla Saving and Credit Co-operatives, which is open to members and to Fort Hare staff, students and the Alice community. Amandla is based at Fort Hare and is affiliated to the Savings and Credit Cooperatives League. Phadu said the former Fort Hare workers had made a positive contribution to fighting the high rate of unemployment in the region. A 15 member board of directors selected from the membership governs the cooperatives.
UFH Hosts The Children, AIDS and Communal Strategies Research Workshop
The University of Fort Hare hosted the inaugural, collaborative research project addressing problems of children affected and afflicted by HIV/AIDS from the perspective of the socio-cultural dynamic of the local communities earlier this year. The workshop was facilitated by Ms Priscilla Monyai.
The University of Fort Hare represented South Africa at the workshop, while other countries that presented papers on research in the field of children, AIDS and communal coping strategies were Botswana, Norway, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Officially opening the workshop, the Vice Chancellor Professor Derrick Swartz said that he trusted the “Generation and regeneration of ideas on this scourge will help explore answers to the difficult questions that we are confronted with.” He reiterated that AIDS does not affect particular people, but that it knows no boundaries, “AIDS affects people of all creeds, race and status, it affects all of us and as such I hope this initiative will help raise people’s consciousness to change their values and habits.”
“We cannot be able to continue life as normal with respect to this vicious pandemic, this gathering may be small but your efforts are the drop that will swell the ocean. I believe what transpires out of this workshop will have multiplying effects across space and time and give humanity a better chance to life,’ said Prof. Swartz.
In his keynote address, Dr S. Lefakane, a medical practitioner in private practice at Lesedi Clinic in Gauteng said a lot had still to be learnt about AIDS while it continues to decimate people, “The ravages of Aids have indeed touched everyone, it has touched Hollywood stars, the British and French entertainment worlds together with the poor townships and villages of Africa. The scourge has claimed 60 million people worldwide with the global epicenter of the epidemic being sub-Saharan Africa.” Dr Lefakane went on to say that one of the complexities of HIV/AIDS is that, “it now manifest itself in what is called AIDS/TB complex. Tuberculosis, which was once curable, is now one of the opportunistic diseases that have combined with AIDS to wreak havoc among our communities. However studies and tests have shown that “vertical transmission”, transmission from mother to child can be reduced by as much as 50% and indeed in a growing number of cases it can be prevented. AZT has yielded positive results in the prevention of mother to child transmission. Breastfeeding is cautiously encouraged, but instead powered milk is recommended as a substitute”.
Touching on children, Dr Lefakane said the general physical wasting and opportunistic diseases affected children more rapidly than they did with elders and the plight of children especially the girl child in South Africa was exacerbated by myths that sex with virgins cleanses one of HIV and AIDS.
Dr Bawa Yamba, a social anthropologist from Sweden, bemoaned the fact that even if it was possible to dispense free antiretroviral drugs to most of the third world countries, the success of the drugs will be hampered because most the countries do not have infrastructure that can effectively support such initiatives. People need good health care services, clean water, and good standard of living for these drugs to be effective, he said, “ It is important to fight infections through protecting the children because they are the only hope for the future. In Africa’s harsh rural environment, where services and amenities are scant, the burden shouldered by the orphans is enormous.“ He cited some of the recurring problems as, lost family identity as a result of disinheritance following the loss of both parents to AIDS, psycho-social trauma and stress, malnutrition and loss of health care and reproductive education, sexual abuse and homelessness. He stressed that we are all in the fight against HIV/AIDS together and “The socialization of the child is not just the responsibility of the family, we must return to our African roots were the child was not just the individuals responsibility but the entire village had a duty to protect this future generation. Government must provide legislation to protect the child,” he concluded.
The University of Fort Hare represented South Africa at the workshop, while other countries that presented papers on research in the field of children, AIDS and communal coping strategies were Botswana, Norway, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Officially opening the workshop, the Vice Chancellor Professor Derrick Swartz said that he trusted the “Generation and regeneration of ideas on this scourge will help explore answers to the difficult questions that we are confronted with.” He reiterated that AIDS does not affect particular people, but that it knows no boundaries, “AIDS affects people of all creeds, race and status, it affects all of us and as such I hope this initiative will help raise people’s consciousness to change their values and habits.”
“We cannot be able to continue life as normal with respect to this vicious pandemic, this gathering may be small but your efforts are the drop that will swell the ocean. I believe what transpires out of this workshop will have multiplying effects across space and time and give humanity a better chance to life,’ said Prof. Swartz.
In his keynote address, Dr S. Lefakane, a medical practitioner in private practice at Lesedi Clinic in Gauteng said a lot had still to be learnt about AIDS while it continues to decimate people, “The ravages of Aids have indeed touched everyone, it has touched Hollywood stars, the British and French entertainment worlds together with the poor townships and villages of Africa. The scourge has claimed 60 million people worldwide with the global epicenter of the epidemic being sub-Saharan Africa.” Dr Lefakane went on to say that one of the complexities of HIV/AIDS is that, “it now manifest itself in what is called AIDS/TB complex. Tuberculosis, which was once curable, is now one of the opportunistic diseases that have combined with AIDS to wreak havoc among our communities. However studies and tests have shown that “vertical transmission”, transmission from mother to child can be reduced by as much as 50% and indeed in a growing number of cases it can be prevented. AZT has yielded positive results in the prevention of mother to child transmission. Breastfeeding is cautiously encouraged, but instead powered milk is recommended as a substitute”.
Touching on children, Dr Lefakane said the general physical wasting and opportunistic diseases affected children more rapidly than they did with elders and the plight of children especially the girl child in South Africa was exacerbated by myths that sex with virgins cleanses one of HIV and AIDS.
Dr Bawa Yamba, a social anthropologist from Sweden, bemoaned the fact that even if it was possible to dispense free antiretroviral drugs to most of the third world countries, the success of the drugs will be hampered because most the countries do not have infrastructure that can effectively support such initiatives. People need good health care services, clean water, and good standard of living for these drugs to be effective, he said, “ It is important to fight infections through protecting the children because they are the only hope for the future. In Africa’s harsh rural environment, where services and amenities are scant, the burden shouldered by the orphans is enormous.“ He cited some of the recurring problems as, lost family identity as a result of disinheritance following the loss of both parents to AIDS, psycho-social trauma and stress, malnutrition and loss of health care and reproductive education, sexual abuse and homelessness. He stressed that we are all in the fight against HIV/AIDS together and “The socialization of the child is not just the responsibility of the family, we must return to our African roots were the child was not just the individuals responsibility but the entire village had a duty to protect this future generation. Government must provide legislation to protect the child,” he concluded.
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