Newsletter ISSUE 3 | 2014

CONTENTS CHS Faculty mourns two losses

September Grad: These are our

PhD’s

Rollout of the Academic

Administration Training

1000 Days of Breastfeeding

The Ottoman revival

Inflammation: the modern health

scourge

News in pictures

Faculty of

Child and Family Studies hosts first

certification ceremony

The cold weather did not keep anyone away on 28 August as Child

and Family Studies held their first certification ceremony in conjunction

with the Department of Social Development.

“The collaboration between UWC and the Department of Social

Development began in 2012, to implement a process of continuous

education to lengthen the current 12 month postgraduate diploma

programme in Child and Family Studies to an 18 month period. This

way, full time social workers will be able to participate in the pro-

cess. This was done by adding certificate courses over a period of six

months. The courses are then credited towards the diploma in Child

and Family Studies,” said Prof Nicolette Roman, head of the Child and

Family Studies unit.

Two groups received certificates on the day, with the initial pilot group

graduating with a postgraduate diploma in Child and Family Studies at

UWC’s Spring graduation.

In addition, the University was asked to provide an introductory course

in Monitoring and Evaluation for social workers. These participants

also received certificates.

Guest speakers included Prof J Frantz, Prof R Schenck and Chief

Director of Social Welfare service within the Department of Social

Development, Mr C Jordan.

FACULTY MOURNS THE LOSS OF A STAFF MEMBER AND A PARTNER ACADEMIC IN ONE MONTH

Prof Meera Chhagan

Meera was with the School of Public Health at UWC for just 6 short weeks before she passed

away. We had many plans – to develop post graduate research training, to participate in key re-

search programmes, to work with students and to explore new collaborations. It was clear that

she was entering a new and very significant professional phase in her life. We feel the loss of

Meera as a person and this future promise profoundly.

Prof. H Schneider

Prof Willy Lens

A very important man in my life, my mentor, my father figure, and colleague suddenly passed

away in his sleep...Willy Lens, your passing leaves a huge hole. Thanks to you I evolved into the

academic I am today. I can but only describe you as a genius, honest, ethical and exemplary per-

son and academic -you lived for development, growth, motivation and future time perspec-

tive...and students...RIP because the end was easy. Love always

Prof. N Roman

SEPTEMBER GRADUATION: A BLOOMING CELEBRATION for our CHS PhD GRADUATES!

CHS PhD Student Graduates with the Dean and Rector

(Absent: Albertus Petrus van Dyk -SRES) Staff graduate, Maria Ann Florence with the Dean

Clever Chikwanda

ICSSD

Jeanne Kagwiza

Physiotherapy

Oswell Khondowe

Physiotherapy

Wallace Karuguti

Physiotherapy

Maria Ann Florence

Psychology

Egide Ntagungira

Physiotherapy

ROLLOUT OF ACADEMIC

ADMINISTRATION TRAINING

By Ashmind Daniels

__________________________________________

2014 marked the official rollout of training at UWC. To our

knowledge UWC is the only higher education institution in

South Africa that has its own in house developed training

programme that specifically focuses on academic administra-

tion. This in itself is historic, and an achievement for our

institution. It is for this reason that the academic administra-

tion certificate ceremony was organised to celebrate this

achievement and also to celebrate our 78 remarkable

colleagues (both administrative and academic) who had

successfully completed one or more of the academic

administration modules. A total of 170 certificates were

awarded on the day.

Academic administration training at UWC prior to 2013

provided on an ad hoc basis. In 2013 dedicated resources

were allocated to this function which was identified as a key

objective linked to the UWC Institutional Operating Plan. In

2014 the academic administration training strategy was also

developed by the Office of the Deputy Registrar with the

assistance from the Human Resources Department.

The modules were designed to provide the participant with

the required theoretical knowledge as well as practical

experience. This provides the participant with the necessary

knowledge, skills and to a large extent the required attitude

to perform their required function successfully. Incidentally

these qualities namely Attitude, Skills and Knowledge created

the acronym “ASK” which have adopted as the key attributes

an academic administrator must possess.

The ceremony was intentionally scheduled on the 1st of

September to commemorate birthday of the late Dr Miller,

who envisioned an engaged and knowledgeable academic

administrator. This ceremony is set to become an annual

event on the UWC events calendar.

Which modules are on offer?

The content and outcomes of each module is available on the

Staff Development Portal as well as in the Annual Staff Devel-

opment Calendar. The modules are as follows:

Introduction to Academic Administration and Govern-

ance at UWC

Academic Programme

Student Applications

Student Selections

Student Registrations

Documents and Communication

Postgraduate Thesis Management

Student Promotions

Timetabling

Enquiry Management

SASI Contact Centre

Committee Roles and Functions

Committee Minute Taking and Report Writing

Basic Records Management

Career Building: A path for administrative staff

Administration is a broad field—but the training that we pro-

vide via the Academic Administration Training Programme is

specifically aimed at developing and improving the profes-

sionalism of administrators within a higher education institu-

tion. And since most institutions following similar administra-

tive procedures the knowledge and skills acquired could thus

be applied at most higher education institutions which could

help make the participant more marketable.

Yorick van Reenen, Magda van Vuuren, Kelly Herborn, Chan-

tal September and Dominique Pretorius are pictured here

displaying their certificates with the Dean Prof Josè Frantz.

1000 Days of

Breastfeeding

Jill Wilkenson, Lecturer Dept of Dietetics

On 1 August 2014, the Department of Dietetics partnered

with the Western Cape Provincial Government’s, Department

of Health’s Nutrition Directorate for the second time to host a

breastfeeding seminar titled “Breastfeeding in the first 1000

days, a winning goal for life.” This event, which coincided

with the start of World Breastfeeding Week, was well attend-

ed with nearly 200 delegates including dietitians, nurses, doc-

tors, allied health care professionals and health promotion

officers from the public and private health care sectors.

Where did it all start?

In 2011 the Minister of Health chaired a National Consultative

Breastfeeding meeting which concluded with the drafting of

the Tshwane Declaration of support for breastfeeding –

committing the country to restoring breastfeeding as the

optimal feeding choice for all mothers, regardless of their HIV

status. This is a goal which can only be achieved if key role

players - those with the ability to influence mothers’ decisions

& practices about infant feeding speak the same language and

continue to demand actions which will facilitate the neces-

sary changes in IYCF practices.

The seminar in a nutshell:

The first 1000 days of life represents the period from the first

day of conception to the end of the second year of life and, it

is a critical window of opportunity in which to attain optimal

nutrition. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) - the practice of

feeding infants only breastmilk (with the exception of

prescribed medication for the first six months of life makes a

major contribution to this. With the potential to reduce under

-5 deaths by 13% even in countries with high HIV prevalence,

EBF (along with good complementary feeding practices) pro-

motes the health and development of infants.

Chantell Witten, the keynote speaker from UNICEF delivered a

sobering presentation “On the State of Infant and Young

Child Feeding in South Africa.” While most SA mothers do

initiate breastfeeding, the practice of EBF is uncommon (latest

stats from 2013 SANHANES survey shows EBF prevalence of

only 7%) mixed feeding - i.e. feeding the infant with formula

or other fluids/solids in addition to breast milk - is the norm.

The latter may lead to malnutrition and infectious diseases by

various mechanisms and, in the presence of HIV, it may

increase the risk of mother to child transmission of the

HI-virus.

In order for all infants to enjoy the short and long term

benefits which EBF and adequate complementary feeding

practices provide, it is essential that practices of those who

care for expectant women and mothers be guided by policies

and programmes which are in line with the latest evidence

base. This collaboration between PGWC and Department of

Dietetics was therefore an ideal opportunity for health care

workers across sectors to be updated on the scientific

evidence which should inform their practice.

The Ottoman revival of

Traditional Medicine

International Congress for

Tibb an-Nabawi, 24-25

June, Ankara, Turkey

By Dr. Mujeeb Hoosen

The Ottoman city of Ankara in Turkey hosted the 1st International Congress for Tibb an-Nabawi on 24 -25 June 2014, accomplished by the collaborative efforts of the Natural Health Institute of Istanbul (NHI) and Muhder, with support from the Turkish government.

This two-day conference was aimed at reviving the traditional medicine known as “Tibb an-Nabawi.” Gains and losses of the concept of traditional medicine in the process of modernisation across different cultures were examined. This conference touched upon some heated debates concerning Tibb an-Nabawi from different perspectives and approaches; it also examined the significance and the vitality of traditional medicine for healthy societies in the world. The conference themes focused on the traditional medical practices of Tibb an-Nabawi from scientific perspectives as well as addressing some social issues relating to healthcare.

Tibb an-Nabawi, a branch of Unani-Tibb is a traditional form of medicine well known in the East and formed part of the healthcare systems of many societies worldwide for hundreds of years. Unani-Tibb is an Arabic term referring to Greek Medicine, one of the four modalities offered at the School of Natural Medicine (SoNM). Tibb an-Nabawi deals with various matters of health, hygiene, disease, the treatment of disease, and the care of patients.

It places utmost importance on the preservation of health. It covers preventive and curative medicine, mental and emo-tional well-being, spiritual cures (prayer) and medical treat-ments. It integrates body, mind and the soul in the quest for optimum health. Tibb an-Nabawi provides guidance on holis-tic health that is universally applicable to patients, at any time, and under all circumstances.

The World Health Organization (WHO) health strategy for traditional medicine 2014-2023 recognised C&TM as an essential component of healthcare in most countries which is often underestimated. Specifically the potential contribution of T&CM to health; wellness and people centered health care. T&CM’s primary objective is health preservation and disease prevention through patient education and individualized healthcare. WHO proposes an integrated healthcare system of scientifically supported T&CM and allopathic (western/conventional) medicine to overcome the current global healthcare dilemma.

Today there is a global resurgence of C&TM within communi-ties and within the medical science fraternity as age old concepts are re-interpreted in light of the rapidly increasing scientific research. The International Congress for Tibb

an-Nabawi aimed to critically analyze the approach and practice of Tibb an-Nabawi for modern times in terms of integrated medicine. The conference was attended by clinical researchers (allopathic and C&TM), academics and government officials from Saudi Arabia, Germany, Turkey, UK, Algeria, Canada, India, South Africa and others.

As an associate lecturer of Unani-Tibb I represented UWC (CHS, SoNM) by platform presentation on my research paper entitled “Temperament - the missing link in modern preven-tative medicine” which focused on the concept of individual-ized healthcare. The presentation was well received; sub-sequently I have been invited to join the collaborative efforts of an international team of researchers who aims to promote the practice of Tibb an-Nabawi through evidence-based clinical research.

The highlight of the conference included opening speeches of support by the Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey Prof. Dr. Emrullah Isler, Minister of Health.

Dr. Mehmet Muezzinoglu and the President of Commission for Health, Family, Work and Social Issues Prof. Dr. Necdet Unuvar. The event enjoyed widespread media coverage which included Turkish TV providing online live feeds on the research papers presented which were translated in Arabic, Turkish and English.

CYRIE MAKES BODY BUILDING

CHAMPS!

Faculty Office Student assis-

tant Cyrilene Frieslaar, will

represent the Western Prov-

ince Bodybuilding Union at the

South African Championships

to be held in Port Elizabeth

during October.

Cyrie is a third year Social

Work student and is also an athlete for the UWC Athletics

Club.

INFLAMMATION – THE MODERN HEALTH

SCOURGE?

Dr W Ericksen-Pereira - Naturopath

At the core of many chronic illnesses is inflammation.

Inflammation is a normal bodily function that is important

as it helps to repair, heal and protect the body. But, when

inflammation becomes a chronic problem, it often goes unde-

tected for many years until it manifests in various forms of

disease. Allergies, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, inflamma-

tory bowel disease, arthritis, auto-immune diseases such as

rheumatoid arthritis and even cancer may develop as a result

of uncontrolled inflammatory processes.

Research has identified the modern diet and lifestyle as being

among the prime drivers of chronic inflammation. Diets high

in trans and saturated fats, high intake of carbohydrates and

sugars, insufficient fruit and vegetables, excessive alcohol

intake, drinks with high levels of sugar and caffeine, smoking

and foods containing additives have been identified as factors

which may drive the inflammatory processes. Lifestyle fac-

tors which may contribute include a sedentary lifestyle, high

levels of stress, being overweight and having uncontrolled

diabetes.

There are a number of natural ways of reducing high levels of

inflammation in the body.

1. Clean up you diet. Remove all inflammatory foods

from the diet and replace it with healthy alternatives.

This may entail bringing a packed lunch to work

instead of eating takeaways and increasing the intake

of water.

2. If overweight, attempt to lose weight. Addressing the

diet as recommended above, this should lead to

weight loss.

3. Control diabetes. Prevent fluctuations in blood glucose

levels and aim to optimise insulin levels.

4. Aim to achieve a waist-line not exceeding 88cm for

women and 102cm for men, since this substantially

increases the risk of developing metabolic

complications (WHO, 2011)

5. Find a form of exercise that is sustainable and

enjoyable for the individual.

6. Address high levels of stress by doing activities like

yoga or meditating, or find some enjoyable, relaxing

activity to do on a regular basis. Seek professional

help if necessary.

7. Get sufficient vitamin D. Ten minutes of exposure to

sunlight on a daily basis is sufficient to supply the body with

the dosage the body needs.

There are a number of herbs and supplements which can be

used to reduce inflammatory levels in the body. To find out

more, visit the clinics run by the School of Natural Medicine

where the students, under the supervision of a clinic super-

visor, will do a full evaluation, recommend dietary and life-

style changes, do a de-stressing treatment and prescribe ap-

propriate herbal and supplemental medication which will

help to quench the inflammatory reaction.

__________________________________________

20 YEARS OF DEMOCRACY CONTINUES

WITH SCHOOL OF NURSING The School of Nursing invited two guest speakers to

present at their seminars held in July.

On 9 July, Prof Busi Bhengu, President of the South

African Nursing Council, spoke about “Anchoring

Nursing Specialisation in the South African Context”.

On 17 July Prof Hester Klopper, President of STTI In-

ternational spoke about “ Global Trends influencing

Nursing and Education”.

Seminar attendees were treated to a light lunch after

both presentations.

NEWS IN PICTURES ADMINISTRATOR PROFESSIONALS DAY

Front (L-R): Y Kleinhans (Psychology), Prof J

Frantz, C Fester (ITLU), L Martin (SoPH)

Middle (L-R): K Lindeboom (Faculty Office), G

Meyer (Faculty Office), M Moloi (Social

Work), N Tsoli (SRES), A Fredericks (ICESSD), E

Rosant (Dietetics), M van Vuuren (Faculty

Office), D Pretorius (SONM), M Coetzee

(Physio), C September (Faculty Office), N Jan-

sen (SON), A George (Faculty Office), A

Chikware (CFS)

Back L-R): K Cox (Faculty Office), K Marasi

(Faculty Office), K Herborn (Faculty Office), Y

van Reenen (Faculty Office), L Davids (SRES)

CHS DOES MANDELA DAY!

Faculty office staff visited Tygerberg Children’s Ward and gave treats

and toys to kids in hospital, while SRES cycled for MADIBA.

Dr Ma and Dr Cassiem on the Expresso set doing a live

acupuncture demonstration. With them are presenters

Elana Africa and Graham Richards (patient).

CENTALS: farewell to Prof R Christie

Diane Gahiza, administrator to

the Dean, Prof Josè Frantz

Prof J Frantz and

Dr J Campbell at

the Chancellor’s

Outstanding

Alumnus Awards

held in the Main

Hall during

September.

HOD Leadership Workshop