EDWIN NAIDU

NORTH WEST University (NWU) academic in the African Centre for Disaster Studies, Professor Livhuwani Nemakonde, says the heavy rainfall experienced in South Africa in recent weeks is due to a combination of factors.

“Climatologists have indicated that this is because of the La Niña phenomenon. La Niña (Spanish for little girl) is the opposite of an El Niño (little boy), which usually predicts low rainfall for South Africa. In simple terms, this means that most parts of the country will receive above average summer rainfall, and it is for this reason that seven of the nine provinces received huge amounts of rainfall that led to flooding,” said Prof Nemakonde.

He said the impact of the floods is relatively high, particularly in parts of Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and Limpopo.

“The amount of rainfall plays a major role, but other human-related factors such as residing in low laying areas, flood plains, riverbanks and poor infrastructure contribute to the impact of floods,” added Prof Nemakonde.

He said weather forecasts warn that the trend might continue into the last week of February and that South Africa will likely receive more rain into autumn.

With seven of the nine provinces affected by the floods that resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of infrastructure, the government declared a national disaster on 13 February 2023.

According to Prof Nemakonde, government officials argued that the disaster declaration would help expedite resource availability to those most affected.

INSIDE EDUCATION

EDWIN NAIDU

EVERY year, almost one in ten teenage deaths in South Africa result from suicide. Up to 20% of high school learners have tried to take their own lives for various reasons, the most popular being depression, anxiety and suicide.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 700 000 people die by suicide yearly. That’s an average of one person every 40 seconds. Suicide is the 4th leading cause of death among 15- to 19-year-olds globally.

Teen Suicide Prevention Week is being observed from the 14 th  to the 21 st  of February, focusing on raising awareness and preventing teen suicides.

Nkazimulo Zitha, Head of School Achievement at SPARK School, says it is important for schools to create a safe space for scholars who may want to discuss personal issues ranging from bullying, trauma, anxiety, or any problems affecting their mental health.

It is essential to understand the factors contributing to suicidal teenagers in schools, for teachers/principals to identify suicidal behaviour in scholars, especially teens in schools and explore ways parents can have a productive conversation about suicide with their children.

Schools and communities team up and can work together to combat teen suicide. SPARK Schools are active in educating learners to help prevent suicide.

INSIDE EDUCATION

EDWIN NAIDU

YOUNG South Africans aspire to do work that is both meaningful and fulfilling, according to the Frame Your Future survey recently conducted by SACAP (The South African College of Applied Psychology). 

The online survey canvassed 850 internet-connected respondents aged between 17 and 20 years who are recent school leavers or currently in Grades 11 and 12 to gauge their hopes and fears about the future. 

It found that 65% of the learners on the last leg of school aim to enter tertiary studies once they have matriculated, with only 7% looking to enter the workforce immediately and just 5% considering a gap year.

Among the students surveyed, 57% said that researching their study options online was the dominant source of information they used to decide their study path.
 
“What was striking in the Frame Your Future results was this generation’s desire to ensure they care about the work they’re involved in and, most importantly, that their work makes a difference to the world,” says Dr Lauren Martin, the Deputy Dean of Learning & Teaching at SACAP.

“Over half of the respondents said that they want to do work that they care about and that makes a difference. 40% have ambitions to do ‘something extraordinary with my work,’ and 38% think they will love their work,” she adds.

Martin says these sentiments were ranked far more highly than money as the be-all and end-all of
the work. 

These results highlight how important it is for school leavers to integrate their passions and interests with their skills and capabilities when choosing tertiary study paths.
 
Given the current state of the world and overall anxiety about the fast-changing future of work, she adds that these young South Africans indicated a generally positive outlook at this life stage, with 43% saying they wake up feeling hopeful and an additional 14% who are excited to face the day. 

While almost half the respondents are temporarily open to future international work opportunities, only 19% say they would seriously consider emigrating from South Africa.
 
Dr Martin says a significant proportion of young people think they can contribute to their country, with 58% concerned about climate change impacts and 55% believing in the responsibility to vote.

SACAP offers a range of registered and accredited courses ranging from higher certificates, a diploma and undergraduate degrees to postgraduate qualifications and specialised programmes at its Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria, and online campuses.

Applied Psychology forms the core of each course, and topics include Psychology, Communication, Business Management, Human Resource Management, Social Work and Coaching.

“We are encouraged that many young South Africans value personal growth and face their concerns about the country and the world they live in with the question: how can I make a difference?  They need to develop resilience in facing fears and challenges as they step onto study paths that will lead them into the world of work. At the same time, they are well-supported in gaining the knowledge and skills that will enable them to be positive forces in their future workplaces,” says Martin.

To learn more, visit sacap.edu.za.

INSIDE EDUCATION

EDWIN NAIDU

SCHOOL safety in South Africa remains a top priority for the government and reports of violence between learners and educators are a severe cause for concern, noted Cabinet in a statement last Thursday.

While the Department of Basic Education has implemented mechanisms to combat this scourge, parents and guardians have been urged to collaborate with school authorities and learners to ensure that schools remain safe places for learners to develop and become responsible citizens.

“The safety of our educators at schools is also paramount,” the statement said.

The cabinet reassures South Africans that the South African Police Service (SAPS) is being strengthened to prevent crime. If you have information that can help expose people involved in illegal activities, call Crime Stop at 0800 10111.

INSIDE EDUCATION

THE 2023 FNB Varsity Cup rugby tournament gets underway on Monday, 20 February 2023 and the University of Johannesburg (UJ) senior rugby team is ready for the challenge. For the second season, FNB UJ goes into the tournament led by two co-captains, Kelvin Kanenungo and Buhlebenkosi Qaba, who will share the responsibility of guiding the team in their quest for lifting the trophy.

Under the leadership of Head Coach, Jonathan Mukwena, FNB UJ will be approaching the 2023 campaign differently with a squad made up of new and returning players. In 2022, the Orange Army gave a good account of themselves on the pitch, narrowly losing few games with marginal points. In their 2022 games, FNB UJ played with more vigor in the first halves of the matches and took the foot off the pedal in the second halves. They finished in 6th place on the log.

However, this year, FNB UJ has prepared well for the season. Their early return to the training grounds in January will be tested during their opening match against North West University (NWU Pukke) on Monday, 20 January 2023 at the Fanie Du Toit Sports Ground at NWU at 19:00.

Previously, FNB UJ finished in critical positions on the log in the 2020 and 2021 FNB Varsity Cup tournaments, risking relegation. The arrival of Coach Mokwena proved to have made a difference, moving FNB UJ out of the relegation zone in 2022. Out of the nine (9) matches played in the 2022 season, FNB UJ won four, lost four and drew one.

Ahead of their opening encounter, Coach Mukwena says, “I believe the many weeks we have spent in preparation for this tournament have been on point. We had a few disappointments with a few players not being able to come through but that is part of coaching, and it allows the next players to prove themselves. Generally, we are happy with where we are and hopefully, with time, we will see a few new stars emerge out of UJ rugby.”

After the UJ-NWU match, UJ will face Wits University in a highly anticipated Johannesburg derby on Monday, 27 February 2023 at the Wits Stadium. The Orange Army will play their first home game on Monday, 06 March 2023 against FNB UCT Ikeys at the UJ Stadium in Westdene.

A number of new faces feature in both the FNB UJ squad line-up and management. Co-captains says, “Well, the goal is pretty straight forward, it’s winning the competition. If we do not win it, we will finish in the top 4 positions. As a group, this year we are adding more intensity and aggression to our game.”

Co-captain Qaba added, “We have to make the right decisions at the right times and that comes from confidence and the training sessions we had. This will put us where we want to be in terms of winning games in the tournament.”

Unlike the previous campaign, this year FNB UJ will have a tougher programme as they will have less home games. Their pre-season preparations will come handy for their away games, having played friendly matches against the Griffons and UP-Tuks a few weeks ago.

SUPPLIED: UJ

THE University of Johannesburg (UJ) has unveiled its new electric vehicle (EV) buses, in what is a first for a South African university. The EV buses, which will be added to the existing fleet, have already begun ferrying students between various campuses. 

The buses are the latest innovation in UJ’s ongoing efforts at going green, as part of the University’s plans to reduce carbon emissions, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

UN Sustainable Development Goal 11 defines green cities as those that are dedicated to achieving environmental, social, and economic sustainability, with a focus on minimising inputs of energy, water, and food, and drastically reducing waste, heat output, and pollution. UJ has, in recent years, made strategic moves to improve its sustainability footprint. 

On Tuesday, 7 February 2023, there was excitement all around as one of the two brightly painted EV buses, branded in UJ’s signature orange and white, pulled out of Auckland Park Kingsway (APK) Campus into Joburg’s morning traffic. Aboard the bus were members of the University’s Executive Leadership Group (ELG), who were travelling to a meeting at one of the University’s off-campus venues in the city. And true to its nature, and unlike its diesel counterparts, the electric bus did not belch any toxic fumes. Not only do the EV buses produce much lower carbon emissions, but they also perform well, offering a smooth ride even on steep routes. 

Decreasing UJ’s carbon footprint

Special Projects advisor Professor Andre Nel explained the process that led to this project coming to fruition. “It started more than 18 months ago, as part of our drive to reduce our carbon footprint at UJ. We’ve always had a strong focus on sustainability issues. After implementing large numbers of solar panels, one of the next questions was how can we further make UJ sustainable? After some research, the obvious answer was how we were going to cut our carbon emissions in one area, and that area was transport. Transport makes up about four-and-a-half percent of UJ’s footprint and reducing that in any way is something we desired”. 

So what will happen when load shedding strikes and the buses can’t be charged? And what about their environmental friendliness, given that they are charged using coal-generated electricity? Dr Mpoti Ralephata, UJ’s Chief Operations Officer, was quick to allay such concerns. He said 15% of our energy at UJ comes from solar, which is enough to power the buses. “We will have to have loadshedding for more than five hours a night to affect overnight charging,” he said. 

4IR in action

Among those aboard the buses was Dr Nolitha Vukuza: Senior Executive Director: University Relations, Student Affairs and UJ Sport. “My experience is quite unprecedented because I’ve never been on an electric bus before. This is a day of celebration… We keep on talking about the fourth industrial revolution, and today it’s all about 4IR in action. I am also happy that the new VC (Vice-Chancellor and Principal Designate, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi) has been talking about 4IR for societal impact. What a way to make it impactful,” she said, shortly before the bus drove off. 

The buses may at first glance – and from a distance – give the impression that they are part of the generation of the existing fleet. It’s only once you hop on that you realise that you have indeed entered into the fourth industrial revolution.

Most impressive is the amount of noise you will experience while the bus is running. Unlike the normal diesel-powered engines, the EV buses are almost silent – with the loudest sound being the humming of the air conditioning system.

Each bus has a capacity of 76 passengers, with 57 seated and 19 standing. 

For added safety, the buses are fitted with closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras and stop buttons.

The stop buttons make communication with operators easier, as passengers can draw the driver’s attention without being intrusive when approaching their destination. Adding to the high-tech design of the buses is that they are equipped with USB charging ports so that passengers can keep their gadgets running while onboard, for convenience. 

To get a bus fully charged, it would need to be left on the plug point for at least five-and-a-half hours. But that’s time worth investing in because it powers the bus enough to enable it to cover up to a 350 km range. The distance is significantly less than the 200 km of the entire bus route that the buses will cover. There are currently two charge points for the buses, one on campus and one at the bus depo.

An added beauty of these buses is that they are a gift that keeps on giving. Over the average 15-year lifespan which is expected that a bus will cover, these buses will save on fuel costs.

Another advantage is that they require less maintenance than their diesel counterparts. Due to the high-tech nature of the EV buses, and specifically because of the new technology that they come with, it is envisaged that drivers will be retrained in how to handle this fleet. 

Prof Mpedi was brimming with excitement at seeing the University’s vision come to life: “These buses are an example of 4IR in action. They are part of a legacy that we want to leave for future generations. As a testament to our position as a leader, we are the first university to make use of EV buses for commercial purposes.”

Prof Mpedi added that the buses are aligned with the institution’s sixth strategic objective, which is ‘fitness for global excellence and stature’.

“These buses are a tangible contribution towards achieving that goal. They are also a physical manifestation of our commitment towards the goal of being a sustainable institution that strives to implement improvements and actions across all spheres of its campus activities. We firmly believe that sustainable development is a long-term commitment. We aim to contribute to sustainability by reducing our environmental footprint while enhancing our contributions to the social and economic development of South Africa.” 

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