Following the successful bid by the University of Fort Hare Public Financial Services Agency to provide educational services in financial management skills to the Eastern Cape government, Finance MEC Enoch Godongwana announced in his budget speech early this year that, “The long term comprehensive multi-level financial management training and information support programmes are underway and will be a joint venture with tertiary institutions that will help develop a core of finance specialists and also functionaries within the provincial departments.” He said his department placed special emphasis on continuous improvements strategies, which focused on promoting service excellence in Treasury services to other departments while also enhancing its own internal operations responsibilities. He went on to say that the five year contract would be funded to the tune of R100 million by the skills development levy contributions from various developments and promised to be a major project to build financial capacity in the province.
The financial management contract was signed between the Vice Chancellor Professor Derrick Swartz and Provincial Treasury Head Monde Tom in Bisho on the 15th March earlier this year. In the terms of the contract, the Public Financial Services Agency (PFSA) will be attached to the University of Ford Hare Centre for Accountancy Studies, a collaborative venture partnering the University of Fort Hare, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Rand Afrikaans University. Among the goals the Public Financial Services Agency will work towards are the long term strategy for the Eastern Cape government’s financial system, accredited professional development, training and support in financial management and a financial management information system resource to support strategic decision making, networking, information access and professional development together with the mobilization, empowerment and coordination of a provincial network of institutions to support the public sector.
Addressing heads of various departments at the signing ceremony, Tom said many senior and middle managers in government lacked the skills and knowledge required for financial management. “The training at Fort Hare will help the department overcome problems experienced in producing financial statements at the end of each financial year. Presently we are unable to close our books and produce financial statements. This is a problem, the training will also improve departmental budgeting and accounting practices. There are also problems in the procurement process, which will be addressing through the training.” He said.
Acknowledging the contract, Vice Chancellor Prof. Swartz said, “The University of Fort Hare commits itself to the letter of the contract and was moving towards setting up a consultative agency arm that will lead to the development of government and society.” He said Fort Hare will look for partners to help in other skills needed in developing the financial capacity of government. “This is the beginning of a process that will see Fort Hare venture more into corporate consultancy, using its own academics and its partners.” The programme will link with a number of local, national and international agencies and universities in providing solutions to both practical and theoretical financial problems within the Eastern Cape.
In addition to drawing upon the expertise and other resources of the core Centre of Accountancy Studies partners, the Public Financial Services Agency will utilize the expertise of some of the international partners of Fort Hare, mainly the USA universities of Connecticut and Massachusetts as well as the Canadian Universities of Waterloo and Carlton. The agency will also tap into a provisional and national network of technical experts and institutions allied to Fort Hare through the European Union funded Joint Universities Public Management Education Trust (JUPMET) consortium with whom Fort Hare has built a good track record, companies and individuals who will add value to the corporate task of the agency.
Fort Hare Digital Education Enhancement Project Launched
The Digital Education Enhancement Project (Deep) was launched at the University of Fort Hare early this year. The international project designed to research ways in which the use of computer technologies can enhance teaching and learning in a classroom is a partnership comprising Fort Hare, the Open University of the United Kingdom and Egypt’s Programme Planning and Monitoring unit.
Deep research places emphasis on literacy, science and numeracy at primary school level, Deep in South Africa as been named Deep Inkanyezi (glow worm) and twenty-four teachers from 12 Eastern Cape schools have been identified to participate in the project, which will run until September.
More than 80% of the teachers are computer illiterate, but by the end of the project, educators should be able to use computers for teaching and learning. Deep Inkanyezi national coordinator Adi Kwelentini said the project would teach teachers how to use computers in subject teaching and not just teaching computer skills.
“Deep is focused on the use of information and communication technologies for teaching and learning, and not on the technology hardware involved.” He said.
The British government’s Department for International Development is funding the project. Microsoft South Africa provided the hardware, software and necessary connectivity, and donated 18 laptop computers worth R324 000.
Microsoft South Africa Customer Satisfaction Director Gary Hodgson said 12 of the computers would be used by the schools and 6 others by project co-ordinators at Fort Hare. Hodgson said the project would make learning and teaching easy as well as interesting and he envisaged that many computers wizards will be developed from this initiative.
Education MEC Stone Sizani said the project was long overdue especially in the Eastern Cape. “Figures indicate that only 13% of our schools are resourced for proper teaching and learning, and this is the huge challenge we face in our drive to educate the nation,” he said. Schools taking part in the project are Kidds Beach Primary, Dongwe Combined, Butterworth High, Little Flower Senior Primary, Zwartwater Senior Primary, Ndzondelelo Primary, Emjanyana Primary, Good Shepard Primary,Van Coller Primary, Dongwe Primary , Vuselelo Combined, Empumalanga and Nqamakwe Junior secondary.
Deep research places emphasis on literacy, science and numeracy at primary school level, Deep in South Africa as been named Deep Inkanyezi (glow worm) and twenty-four teachers from 12 Eastern Cape schools have been identified to participate in the project, which will run until September.
More than 80% of the teachers are computer illiterate, but by the end of the project, educators should be able to use computers for teaching and learning. Deep Inkanyezi national coordinator Adi Kwelentini said the project would teach teachers how to use computers in subject teaching and not just teaching computer skills.
“Deep is focused on the use of information and communication technologies for teaching and learning, and not on the technology hardware involved.” He said.
The British government’s Department for International Development is funding the project. Microsoft South Africa provided the hardware, software and necessary connectivity, and donated 18 laptop computers worth R324 000.
Microsoft South Africa Customer Satisfaction Director Gary Hodgson said 12 of the computers would be used by the schools and 6 others by project co-ordinators at Fort Hare. Hodgson said the project would make learning and teaching easy as well as interesting and he envisaged that many computers wizards will be developed from this initiative.
Education MEC Stone Sizani said the project was long overdue especially in the Eastern Cape. “Figures indicate that only 13% of our schools are resourced for proper teaching and learning, and this is the huge challenge we face in our drive to educate the nation,” he said. Schools taking part in the project are Kidds Beach Primary, Dongwe Combined, Butterworth High, Little Flower Senior Primary, Zwartwater Senior Primary, Ndzondelelo Primary, Emjanyana Primary, Good Shepard Primary,Van Coller Primary, Dongwe Primary , Vuselelo Combined, Empumalanga and Nqamakwe Junior secondary.
Acquire Knowledge
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)
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
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