UKZN Presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training

S35 NCOP Wing, Parliament, Republic of South Africa24 June 2015

09h30 – 13h00

The UKZNTransformation Charter

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OUR VISION

The vision of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (the University) is “to be the Premier University of African Scholarship.” The achievement of this vision is dependent on the transformation of the University. 

 

The notion of transformation which the University embraces is deeper and broader than a narrow categorization based on race and gender representation. It means changing the identity and culture of the University in every aspect of its mission. 

 

Transformation is profoundly advanced by improving the quality of human relationships, and meaningful behavioural change can best bring the identity and culture of the University into alignment with its vision.

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OUR ASPIRATIONSWe ASPIRE TO BE a transformed university which:

• Heals the divisions of our nation’s past, bridges racial and cultural divides, and lays the foundations for a university that is united in its diversity;

 

• Promotes high quality research, excellent teaching and learning, and responsible community engagement;

 

• Promotes African scholarship in every discipline and uBuntu/Botho in its organisational culture; Embraces socially

• and contextually relevant curricula that reflect the Univerity’s location in South Africa, Africa and the World;

 

• Recognises the importance and value of African languages as academic languages;

 

• Prioritises the well-being and growth of every individual student and staff member;

 

• Reflects race and gender representation in its management structures, personnel profile, and student population;.

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• Is socially cohesive and inclusive;

 • Is free of discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, race, gender, class, nationality,

religion, sexual orientation and disability;

 • Nurtures collegiality, recognises and respects difference, and celebrates diversity;

 • Reflects a new and refreshing culture of tolerance, understanding and vibrant

engagement within the University community

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OUR CURRENT CONTEXTWe RECOGNISE that:

• Our transformation has already begun, and that considerable progress has been made; 

 • The University nevertheless still has much to achieve to realize its transformation

objectives.

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OUR COMMITMENTWe COMMIT ourselves:

• to the principles and values enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, notably:

  

(i) Human dignity, the achievement of equality and the advancement of human rights and freedoms; and

 

(ii) Non-racialism and non-sexism. 

  • to the principles of efficiency, integration and devolution that underpin the Statute of

the University;

• to the UKZN PACT, which promotes mutual respect, responsibility, and excellence in teaching and learning;

  • to work together until the objectives set out below are manifested in our University.

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Therefore, we the staff and students of the University of KwaZulu-Natal adopt this Transformation Charter

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OUR CHARTERThe University shall be a place where:

Research, Teaching, Learning and Scholarship are a Vocation for All

• Access to learning will continue to be promoted to advance social transformation and redress;  

• Scholars will pursue their studies in accordance with the principle of freedom of enquiry and research;  

• Scholars will advance knowledge and culture through globally-competitive research and scholarship, and research-led teaching and learning; 

•  Research and curricula will be socially and contextually relevant; 

•  African languages will be promoted as academic languages;

• The University will be student-centred and provide a caring environment for every student;

•  A holistic approach to education, characterized by excellence in teaching and learning, will produce skilled self-confident and socially responsible graduates, conscious of their role in contributing to the national development effort and social transformation.

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Race and Gender Representation isEvident in All Structures

• The staff profile of the University at all occupational levels will reflect the demographics of our province and country; 

• Gender equity within the management levels of the University will be ensured, and women will be adequately represented in all management structures;

• The implementation of employment equity and the advancement of designated groups within the 

• University structures will be part of the performance management requirements of all line managers; 

• Mentorship programmes that develop, support and nurture black and female academic staff members will be provided; 

• Mentorship and professional development programmes that attract and retain staff of the highest

• Calibre, develop all staff to their full potential, and meet equity objectives will be developed.

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A Socially Cohesive andInclusive Institutional Culture Thrives

• Social cohesion will be valued and promoted through engagement and understanding, tolerance and respect for diversity in all its forms; 

• Every individual will be encouraged to promote social interaction amongdiverse social groupings, whether among or between staff and students; 

• The University will adopt, implement and monitor policies and procedures that aim to eliminate discrimination in all its manifestations including ethnicity, race, gender, nationality, class, religion, sexual orientation and disability; 

• Processes will be devised in such a way as to break a code of silence around instances of discrimination in any form; 

• Structures and procedures forproblem-solving and dispute resolution will be strengthened to handle grievances in a fair and constructive manner; 

• The University will enhance on-going education and training for staff and students that sensitises the University community to the lived experiences of its diverse constituencies. It will in this way foster understanding and tolerance, and promote the celebration of diversity;

• The social and personal well-being of staff and students, and an enabling environment for the realization of their full human potential, will be actively promoted.

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Good Modes of Governance are Enshrined

• Good corporate governance will be ensured through commitment to democratic representation, devolution, consultation, accountability and transparency; 

 • Governance, leadership and management will be practiced in a manner that

encourages and facilitates positive, proactive, and continuous institutional transformation; 

 • The University leadership and management will be responsible and directly

accountable for creating an environment that cherishes diversity and equity, and which is conducive to respect, tolerance and understanding.

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The Right to Freedom of Expression is Guaranteed

• Every individual whether student or staff is a valued member of the University community, and each voice will have the right to be heard; 

• Ongoing debate and dialogue on all aspects of transformation and organisational culture will be fostered; 

• The University will enhance its role as a leader in transformation by holding regular debates and discussions that will broaden understanding, and identify trends that inhibit and obstruct transformation; 

• These engagements will be conducted according to commonly developed “rules of debate” 

• appropriate to a university that espouses critical thinking and well-founded argument;

• Members of Senate will participate actively in debates and discussions and will assume a responsibility in preparing the University for the advent of the broader transformational challenges inherent in global change and the achievement of the University’s vision;

•  The right to freedom of expression will be counterbalanced by responsibility, accountability and the limitations spelt out within the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

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Advancement of the TransformationAgenda is the Responsibility of All

• All members of the University community will understand the meaning of transformation and accept individual and collective responsibility for its advancement; 

• Leaders within all stakeholder groupings will play a critical role in advancing the transformation agenda; 

• Leaders will develop a shared understanding of transformational leadership behaviour, and practice it; 

• Key stakeholder groupings will commit to the process of transformation, and contribute actively to it by clearly defining their roles and responsibilities, and improving interpersonal stakeholder relationships at all levels; 

• Academics will embrace the notion that universities are places of reflection to extend the boundaries of human existence and will acknowledge the centrality of human relationships in meeting the challenges of our times, and in realising the vision and strategic objectives of the University; 

• Students will recognise that they have individual and collective responsibilities to participate in the building of an institutional identity based on mutual respect and tolerance; 

• Staff members will take pride in making the University an institution where courtesy; accountability; mutual respect and efficiency are core values.

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Governance and Management Structure

The University is committed to the highest levels of corporate governance. In associating itself with the principles of discipline, transparency, independence, accountability, responsibility, fairness and social responsibility, it is aligned to the King Reports on Corporate Governance and is in compliance with the Higher Education Act. In executing its governance role, the University Council ensures that all stakeholders act in the best interests of the University.

 

The Council is the highest decision-making authority of the university and seeks to apply the Code of Corporate Practices and Conduct, and the Code of Ethical Behaviour and Practice set out in the King III Report. This commitment has been reinforced by Council’s adoption of its own customised Code of Conduct for members of Council. In supporting these Codes and in fulfilling its guardianship role in relation to public and trust funds administered by the University, the Council recognises the need to conduct the affairs of the University with integrity, in an ethical manner, and in accordance with generally accepted business and legal practices.

 

Included in the mandate of the Audit and Risk Committee is the monitoring of compliance with these Codes. This is evident by coverage of the approved Internal Audit Plan that includes tests of compliance with King III and the Higher Education Act.

 

Council’s commitment to sound governance within the University is evidenced by a well-balanced internal structure which includes Internal Audit, Forensics, as well as Risk and Compliance – all of which report directly or indirectly to the Audit and Risk Committee. Justice Zac Yacoob is the appointed Ombud of the University and his office has clear and independent reporting mechanisms.

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The Council

 

The University of KwaZulu-Natal Council was incorporated on 1 January 2004 in terms of the Higher Education Act of

1997. During the year under review, the Council functioned in accordance with the prevailing Statute for the University

of KwaZulu-Natal, which was promulgated on 14 July 2006 and amended on 7 March 2012. In terms of this Statute,

the Council comprises 30 members, the majority of whom (63%) are neither employees nor students of the University.

The independent non-executive members comprise a cross section of external expertise. As at 31 December 2014, 30

positions were filled.

Council comprises:

 

Independent non-executive members 

11 

Government appointed representatives 

5 

Convocation representatives 

3 

Executive management 

3 

Employee representatives 

6 

Student representatives 

2 

Total 

30

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There were changes in council membership in June. The terms of office of the following Council members ended on 30 June 2014: 

•Mr K Schmidt – Council elected member •Ms Z Sokhela – Council elected member •Ms T Dlungwane – Convocation representative •Ms G Mtombeni – Council elected member •Dr A Adewumi – Academic staff representative •Mr M Dlamini – Support staff representative •Dr J Molwantwa resigned on 3 Feb 2014. 

 

The following Council members were elected/re-elected from 1 July 2014: 

•Mr K Schmidt – Council elected member: re-elected but since resigned in December 2014.•Ms Z Sokhela – Council elected member: re-elected•Ms T Dlungwane – Convocation representative: re-elected•Professor M Singh – Council elected member•Mrs N Ntsinde – Council elected member•Dr N Gopal – Academic staff representative•Mr T Singarum – Support staff representative

Mr T Zulu was appointed as a ministerial representative on 22 May 2014. He filled a vacancy left by Ms L Francois who resigned at the end of 2013.

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In terms of good governance, the role of the Chairperson of Council is separate from that of the Chief Executive Officer, the Vice-Chancellor. The Council of the University of KwaZulu-Natal is responsible for the overall strategic direction of the University, approval of major developments and the receipt of regular reports from the Vice-Chancellor, other executive officers and members of management on the day-to-day operations of the University’s business. Council met six times during the 2014 period, and continuous to meet in 2015. The next meeting will be held on 25 June 2015. Details of Council’s composition and meeting attendance statistics for 2014, together with those of the major committees of Council, will be contained in the 2014 Annual Report.

 

In discharging its governance role, Council is supported by a number of standing committees, namely the Remuneration, Finance, Audit and Risk, Staffing, Senior Appointments and Council Membership Committees. All of these Committees are formally constituted with specified terms of reference and in all cases comprise a majority of external members of Council. 

 

Remuneration Committee 

The Remuneration Committee’s specific terms of reference include direct authority to act for Council in proposing changes to the conditions of service as they relate to employees’ salaries and benefits, as well as being responsible for the periodic review and determination of mandates for the University’s management team in its negotiations with staff representative bodies in the Joint Bargaining Forum (JBF). A subset of the Remuneration Committee, comprising three independent non-executive members, two government appointed members, one employee representative and two executive management members, is responsible for considering and determining executive salaries and benefits in relation to prevailing market conditions.

 

The committee met four times during the year and was chaired by Mr KE Schmidt, an independent non-executive member of Council.

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Finance Committee 

The Finance Committee comprises a majority of external members with a cross section of expertise. The Finance Committee has specific terms of reference and is responsible for monitoring the University’s financial position, specifically to ensure its ability to operate as a “going concern” and for the adequacy of its financial accounting, treasury management and control systems. In 2014 it held seven meetings, one of which was a joint meeting with the Audit and Risk Committee to consider Annual Financial Statements. The Finance Committee considered a range of matters relevant to the fiduciary duties of the University Council and advised Council on financial strategy, policy and the University’s budgets. It has specific responsibility for investment management, loan finance and risk management issues, and for ensuring (through the office of the Chief Finance Officer) compliance with the University’s Financial Regulations, and that the accounting information systems and personnel complement are maintaining the accounting records of the University in good order. 

The committee was chaired by Mr G Osman, a government appointed member of Council. 

 

Membership Committee 

The Membership Committee meets as and when necessary to consider nominations to fill vacant positions on Council, in accordance with the UKZN Statute. It also identifies members of Council with appropriate expertise to serve on the Finance as well as the Audit and Risk Committees. It consists of seven members, four of whom are external to the University. In the year under review this committee had one meeting.

  

Audit and Risk Committee 

The Audit and Risk Committee consists of three members of Council, none of whom is either an employee or a student, and two non-Council members with appropriate expertise. Four scheduled meetings were held during 2014. In addition, a joint meeting with the Finance Committee was held during the year to consider, approve and recommend the Annual Financial Statements to Council for approval. The scheduled meetings were also attended by the independent external auditors, internal auditors, representatives from the Auditor General and by appropriate members of executive and senior operational management. Both the external and internal auditors had unrestricted access to the Audit and Risk

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Committee, which ensured that their independence was in no way impaired. In addition the Audit and Risk Committee reviews the forensic and risk management reports and monitors these reports and their outcomes, ensuring that appropriate action is taken. The Audit and Risk Committee operates in terms of written Terms of Reference which provide assistance to Council in:

 

•ensuring compliance with applicable legislation, the requirements of regulatory authorities and applicable codes

of corporate conduct; 

•determining the adequacy and effectiveness of financial and internal controls, risk management processes,

accounting policies, reporting and disclosure; 

•ensuring, in conjunction with the Finance Committee, that all areas of financial risk are appropriately assessed and

managed; 

•reviewing and approving audit plans, budgets and reports emanating from external and internal auditors; 

•monitoring the scope, adequacy and effectiveness of the internal audit function; and 

•meeting its statutory reporting responsibilities.

 

The committee was chaired by Mr L Quayle, an independent non-executive member of Council.

Staffing Committee 

The Staffing Committee makes recommendations to the University Council regarding all new and revised human resources and employment equity policies, approves systems and procedures for the implementation of these policies and monitors their implementation. It consists of 13 members, two of whom are external members of Council and four of whom are non-Council members with appropriate expertise. Those members internal to the university include representatives of unions, academic and support staff, and senior management. The committee met five times during the year and was chaired by Mr E Litheko, an independent non-executive member of Council.

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Senior Appointments Committee

 

The Senior Appointments Committee is chaired by the Vice-Chair of Council. It is responsible for the selection of suitable candidates to fill executive positions and recommends such candidates to Council for consideration and appointment. In 2014 the Committee met 11 times and considered two vacant executive positions, that of Vice-Chancellor and Principal as well as Executive Director: Human Resources.

 

Recommendations in respect of the executive appointments were made. At its special meeting held on 14 August 2014 Council approved the appointment of Dr A van Jaarsveld as Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of KwaZulu-Natal with effect from 1 February 2015. The Council meeting of 8 December 2014 approved the appointment of Ms A Williamson as Executive Director: Human Resources with effect

from 1 January 2015. 

  

Code of Ethics

 

The University is committed to the highest standards of integrity, behaviour and ethics in dealing with all its stakeholders, including its Council members, managers, employees, students, customers, suppliers, competitors, donors and society at large. The University’s policies include provisions to deal with conflicts of interest. Council members and all staff who have decision-making authority, either individually or jointly through their service on committees, are expected to observe the University’s ethical obligations in order to conduct business through the use of fair commercial practice. In terms of the respective Codes of Conduct for members of Council and executive management, those bound by the Codes are obliged to disclose any noteworthy interests (as defined) in a register of contracts. Likewise, potential or actual conflicts of interests are required to be declared. Various general provisions underpin Council’s commitment to ethical conduct. These are characterised inter alia by the requirements to act in good faith, to serve the interests of the University, to maintain the trust of Council and the Executive, to respect Council decisions and to maintain confidentiality. Members of Council and the Executive are required to acknowledge and uphold the respective Codes by making signed declarations to this effect, which are, in turn, lodged with the Registrar’s Office.

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Approval of Report on Corporate Governance

 

Council’s commitment to good corporate governance is reaffirmed at least annually and consequently and has the approval of Council and the Audit and Risk Committee represented by the following chairpersons respectively:

 

• Dr P Mnganga, Chair of Council, and

 

• Mr L Quayle Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee

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Financial Position of the University There are four key components of the UKZNs financial activities which have compromise

it`s balance sheet

Student Debt

Of the 45 000 students it is estimated that 15 000 of these would ordinarily have to be funded by NSFAS, and according to 2015 allocations NSFAS funds only 7000 of these. The key issue is that the University has effectively taken on board about 8 000 who are not likely to get funding, and this has been the case for some time. As a consequence the University has had to write off between R50m and R70m more than it has budgeted for i.e, R120m per year. As at 2014, the auditors insisted on a higher bad debt provision because the University could not convince them of its ability to recover the cash. 

In the past few years student fees have been substantially increased, partly to fund students who are battling, but there are limits to this strategy. 

The main intervention we are looking at is increasing the deposit, which his currently 10% of the registration tuition or residence fees. 

 

Post-Retirement Medical Aid 

Of the R1,23bn liability at end of December 2014, 55% of this is made of current employees and pensioners in the age group 55 to 69 comprise 55%. The main intervention approved is to offer cash. Given the Universities tight cash-flow position, this is likely to take place over a number of years. Given the level of debt, whatever the intervention is unlikely to make a big difference in short run, however this will help ensure that the debt peaks at a lower balance that the R2bn currently projected.

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Depreciation 

Even though depreciation is not cash item, it is clear though that the University is not generating enough cash to either fund depreciation (consumption of capital) or future capital expansion. There is still a significant capital expenditure, at over R200m per year and comes largely from grants related expenses, D HET’s infrastructure grants, and capital budgets approved in the past. 

Other interventions 

Over the past few years attention has been paid to the cost structure in order to extract in-efficiencies. Of the 3200 staff members, about 1 300 of these are academics and the rest are support staff in various forms. As one of the measures of controlling costs and diverting money to academic a number of strategies are to be adopted, including not filling support positions as they are vacated. 

General: 

Given relatively declining government funding (below CPI), and limits in respect of increasing student fees, it is clear that managing our cash-flows remains the biggest priority and it for this reason that the issue of student debt management is critical.

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Revenue

REVENUE 2014 2013

R’000 000 R’000 000

Government Grants 1 665 1 650

Tuition Fees 1 248 1 089

Contracts, Research, Donations, etc 758 947

Investments Returns 102 66

3 774 3 754

Expenditure 3 734 3 752

Deficit (39) (28)

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Key Balance Sheet Items

FUNDS Unaudited 2014 Actual 2013

R’000 000 R’000 000

Non-Distributable Funds 3 271 3 179 Restricted Funds 1 411 1 073

Unrestricted Council Controlled Funds (430) ( 353)Endowment Funds 552 518

Cash and cash equivalents 812 590Investments 1 627 1 495

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Key Balance Sheet items

LIABILITIES Unaudited 2014 Actual 2013

R’000 000 R’000 000

Borrowings 561 590

Post Retirement Liabilities 1 097 1 033 - Health Care Benefits- Provident Fund

1 023 74

982 51

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Key Balance Sheet item

STUDENT DEBT Unaudited 2014 Actual 2013

R’000 000 R’000 000

Student loans and fees (accumulated) 1 133 967

Accumulated Impairment losses ( 895 ) ( 616 )

Net Student Debt 237 350

Current years provision (R100m increase) 279 178

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Research Outputs and Innovation

In 2014, research productivity was characterised by steady and sustained growth in terms of a range of indicators, including the number of publications, postgraduate throughput, funding awards and participation in research by staff across the entire spectrum of the University’s academic portfolio – all of which reinforced the University’s reputation as one of Africa’s premier research-focused centres of academic excellence.

 

Of particular satisfaction is the wide range of research now being undertaken in the Institution. In addition, the number of doctoral degrees awarded in the 2014 graduation ceremonies increased by 24% compared with 2013, while research masters increased by 15%.

 

Indeed, in all aspects of the University’s research portfolio there has been a significant annual rise in the research output as reflected in the research productivity units of staff which increased by 13%. These increases over a 12-month period are exceptional.

 

Funding from the National Research Foundation (NRF) increased by 7% compared with 2013, with UKZN receiving in the order of R60 million from the NRF in 2014, and nearly R400 million for non-governmental research grants and contracts. Coupled with developments in teaching and learning, this growth has not gone unnoticed: the University has been ranked in the top 2.1% of the world’s leading academic institutions by the Centre for World University Rankings. Furthermore, the Academic Ranking of World Universities places UKZN in the top three universities in Africa, and we are now ranked 45th among a total of 700 universities, according to the first ranking of universities in BRICS and emerging economies by the Times Higher Education rankings. The University has been ranked 417 in the latest US News and World Report Best Global Universities and, for a second year running, UKZN has been ranked as the top university in South Africa for research productivity. These achievements reflect both the teaching and research excellence within the University and are a source of satisfaction to staff and students alike.

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In addition to government funding, the University is undertaking a further drive to attract funds through grants and contracts with industry and other research funding agencies. This reflects an enhanced capacity on the part of the University to develop commercial collaborations and partnerships, and is indicative of its “calling” to exercise its massive entrepreneurial potential. This is consistent with the institutional vision of being the Premier University of African Scholarship. It is intended that UKZN is seen not only as a centre of research excellence but as a major player in the commercialisation of its research outputs and its engagement with industry and commerce. This is in keeping with the development of knowledge-based economies throughout the world where the university sector collaborates with both government and industry to close the gap between research undertaken at academic institutions and the potential commercialisation of research activities. In this respect, UKZN is now set to embrace entrepreneurship with the same vitality and determination that underpins its scholastic activities.

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InQubate

 

In regard to some of the principal commercial developments of 2014, UKZN InQubate received seed funding from the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) to the amount of R2.398,237 to support the commercialisation of the following projects:

 

•Transdermal delivery of Insulin/Chloroquine by Professor Cephas Musabayane (R500,000);

 

• Advanced prosthetics by Dr Riaan Stopforth and Mr Drew van der Riet (R500,000);

•African horse sickness by Dr Marion Young (R279,302);

 

•Optimum quantum entanglement by Professor Francesco Petruccione (R495,000);

•TB diagnostic assay by Professor Willem Sturm (R500,000);

•Inexpensive real time evaporation station by Prof Michael Savage (R123,935).

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InQubate has been continuing to grow the commercial portfolio of the University by engaging with both staff and students, and widening the participation of research groups in an international context to drive the vast entrepreneurial potential of UKZN. For example, our advanced prosthetic hand technology collected two prizes in 2014: it came first in a TIA-sponsored competition and also won third place (receiving R100,000) in the Gauteng Accelerator Programme (GAP) medical competition run by the Technology Innovation Hub in Pretoria.

 

One of the other opportunities that InQubate is currently focusing on is the spin-off of University research into commercial entities. One example is the research that is being undertaken in the Thermodynamics Research Unit, which is being spun-off into a data measurement and consulting company called Datachem Pty Ltd.

 

InQubate was awarded R125,000 by the Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA) as a sponsorship for the Innovation Bridge, South Africa’s premier technology showcase and matchmaking event. This funding was provided for the purpose of developing prototypes and marketing materials for three projects that were selected for the event, namely:

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• Transdermal delivery of insulin

• African horse sickness

• A power line-inspecting robot

In this event, the insulin transdermal delivery patch attracted interest from both government agencies and private companies. The media, particularly SA FM, provided a live broadcast of the event, and UKZN was invited for a radio interview to discuss the patch. The broadcast reached a wide audience and drew many potential investors. On the last day of the event, the Department of Science and Technology requested a further promotion on the transdermal delivery patch, which was reported in The Mercury newspaper as part of the advertisement for the Innovation Bridge event.

 

 

 

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UKZN Press

 

The UKZN Press originated and published the following books in 2014:

•Leonhard Praeg – A Report on Ubuntu.

•Vishwas Satgar (ed) – The Solidarity Economy Alternative: Theory and practice.

•Kees van der Waal (ed) – Winelands, wealth and work: Transformations in the Dwars River Valley, Stellenbosch.

•Meghan Healey and Jason Hickel (eds) – Ekhaya: The politics of home in KwaZulu-Natal.

•Judith Coullie and Andries Visagie (eds) – Antjie Krog: An ethics of body and otherness.

•Leonard Praeg and Siphokazi Magadla (eds) – Ubuntu: Curating the archive.

•Michelle Williams (ed) – The End of the Developmental State?

•Kerry Jones – Ju/’hoan Children’s Picture Dictionary.

•Corinne Sandwith – World of letters: Reading communities and cultural debates in early apartheid South Africa.

•Vale, Hamilton and Prinsloo (eds) – Intellectual traditions in South Africa: Ideas, individuals, institutions.

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• Pamela Reynolds – War in Worcester: Youth and the apartheid state.

• Given Mukwevho – The Violent Gestures of Life (a novel).

• Gcina Mhlophe – Translations of Stories of Africa and Our Story Magic into five indigenous languages (Sepedi, Xitsonga, Tshivenda, isiZulu and isiXhosa). This was the first phase of the project and four more languages will follow in 2015.

• Farred, Kavwahirehi and Praeg (eds) – Violence in/and the Great Lakes: The thought of V-Y Mudimbe and beyond.

• John Wright – James Stuart Archive, Vol 6.

• Peter Vale and Estelle Prinsloo (eds) – The New South Africa at Twenty: Critical perspectives.

• Nthikeng Mohlele – Rusty Bell (a novel).

• Teresa Connor – Conserved Spaces, Ancestral Places: Conservation, history and identity among farm labourers in the Sundays River Valley, South Africa.

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In addition to the new books published during the year, a special mention should go to the following:

•Small things by Nthikeng Mohlele (2013), which was translated into Swedish by renowned translator Jan Ristarp and published by Swedish publisher Weyler förlag.

•Class in Soweto by Alexander, et al (2013) was listed as an “outstanding academic text” by the US librarians’ journal, Choice.

•Shortly after the publication of his first novel, The Violent Gestures of Life, Given Mukwevho was invited to participate in the 2014 Beijing Book Fair.

•An extended version of Neville Alexander im Gespräch: Mit der Macht der Sprachen gegen die Sprache der Macht, edited by Busch, Busch & Press was published under licence from German publishers Drava Verlag, with additional, previously unpublished material as Interviews with Neville Alexander: The power of languages against the language of power – by the same editors.

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UKZN Libraries

 

In 2014 the libraries embarked on a number of projects involving infrastructure, access and rare collections. In support of the University’s goal of pre-eminence in research, the Pietermaritzburg Library’s Research Commons was opened on 12 December2014. The Research Commons is situated on the lower ground floor of the Main Library. It provides UKZN academics, researchers as well as PhD and Master’s students with a dedicated space that is supportive of and conducive to producing quality research. The Research Commons is a comfortable, secure and spacious venue that includes 20 computer stations running the most up-to-date, supported applications software. Researchers have access to extensive online resources, wireless connectivity, areas for consultation and discussion with supervisors and peers, printing, photocopying and scanning facilities.

 

UKZN Library was in need of a more affordable system that could articulate with the many internet-based services becoming available, and to facilitate the delivery of a more efficient and effective service. After investigating other library management systems, the WorldShare Management Services (WMS) was selected. This is a service that is used in many overseas libraries. The library is already using two modules from WorldShare, namely WorldCat local and OCLC Cataloguing. Hence, it made sense to adopt the remaining two modules (Circulation and Acquisitions) which will enable the workflow to be streamlined. The libraries have also acquired License Manager which will manage the license agreements for all databases.

 

Library orientation in 2014 reached a total of 17,085 patrons (undergraduate and postgraduates). However, there is a steady decline in the use of print collections. UKZN libraries circulated a total of 278,482 materials to its users in 2014 compared to the 2013 circulation of 333,973. The interlibrary loans checkout was 2,805 in 2014 compared to 7,613 in 2013.

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The libraries continue to maintain a number of Special Collections which include the Alan Paton Centre and Struggle Archives, the Gandhi Luthuli Documentation Centre, the Campbell Collections and the Archives of UKZN. The Alan Paton Centre and Struggle Archives celebrated its 25th anniversary on 23 April 2014. A celebratory function to mark the anniversary was held in the Leeb du Toit Council Chambers.

 

•Finally, the libraries also hosted a number of special lectures which included the following:

•The 21st Alan Paton Lecture entitled “Mandela and Gandhi: Reading conservations with myself and experiments with truth”, presented by Professor Sarah Nuttall on 23 April 2014.

•The Peter Brown Memorial Seminar entitled “Pursuing your Passion”, presented by Zelda la Grange on 17 September 2014.

• The third annual Killie Campbell Memorial Lecture presented by Professor Brian Kearney entitled “The History of Architecture

•in Durban and the Southern Eastern part of Africa”, held on 25 September 2014.

On 15 March 2014 the 102nd birthday of Barbara Tyrell, the last surviving friend of Dr Killie Campbell, was celebrated.

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Student housing

In 2014 a total of 11,788 students were accommodated in both University-owned and leased residences, including private bulk accommodation. Residence capacity per campus for 2014 was as follows:

CAMPUS University-owned and Leased Accommodation

Private Bulk Accommodation

HOWARD COLLEGE 3 135 294

MEDICAL SCHOOL 511 —

EDGEWOOD 1 525 368

WESTVILLE 3 456 —

PIETERMARITZBURG 2 276 223

TOTAL 10 903 885

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In order to meet the adjustment and academic needs of residence students, the Department of Student Residence Affairs (DSRA) developed a Residence Life Programme which is designed around the Wellness Model, the aim of which is to promote learning outside the formal classroom environment and support the academic enterprise of the Institution.

 

In 2014 the Residence Life section of the DSRA continued to attend to the various socio-economic, spiritual and academic needs of students by providing programmes, workshops and seminars on study skills, conflict resolution, budgeting, academic support and mentoring. The training of Residence Assistants, the First-year Residence Orientation programme, the Tutoring Project, Residence Mentorship training, the training of Evacuation Officers, the Healthy Living Programme, Exam Preparation, Job Search and CV Writing workshops, and Peer Educator training all formed part of the Residence Life Programme.

 

In an effort to further improve the quality of residence student life, students residing in our off-campus University-owned residences (namely, Bedford Hall, San Sabil, Santa Cruz and Dunstaple Heights) now have access to wireless connection.

 

In 2014 the DSRA continued to actively promote students’ involvement in co-curricular activities. Through various sporting codes, residence teams participated and competed in the inter-residence leagues.

 

Measures aimed at ensuring the safety and security of both students and staff – working in collaboration with Risk Management Services – are ongoing.

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Institutional Intelligence

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INDEX

1 Comments

2 Headcount Enrolments – Planned vs Actual

3 Undergraduate and Post Graduate Enrolments (%)

4 Enrolments by Race (%)

5 Enrolments by Race : Planned vs Actual : African

6 Enrolments by Gender (%)

7 Student Enrolments in Residence as % of all Enrolments

8 Post Graduate International Enrolments as a % of total Post Graduates

9 NSFAS Bursaries & Loans awarded as a % all Enrolments

10 Pass Rates (%)

11 Graduates by DHET category (%)

12 Graduation Rates (%)

13 Drop Out Rates (%)

14 Student Staff Ratios

15 Permanent Academic Staff by Race (%)

16 Permanent Support Staff by Race (%)

17 Permanent Academic Staff by Gender (%)

18 Permanent Support Staff by Gender (%)

19 Permanent Academic and Support Staff : % Academic of Total Staff

20 Permanent Academic Staff with PhD (%)

21 Weighted Research Output per Permanent Academic Staff

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Comments

1. Headcount enrolments or ‘Enrolments’ relate to subsidised enrolments only.

2. Student data is based on ‘live’ data. 2015 is provisional. The pass rates and student- staff ratios are also provisional, subject to external audit.

3. Staff data, including Post doctoral data is based on HEMIS data except for 2015. 2015 is provisional.

4. In terms of research data, publications as well as the Weighted Research Output per capita for 2014 is provisional.

5. Permanent Academic staff with PhD is based on the HEMIS definition of permanent staff (inclusive of contract staff 2 years and longer, JME and superannuated staff). For permanent staff only, the ratio may be higher than reported in this presentation.

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I. UKZN INFRASTRUCTURE PROFILE

The University has 540 buildings with an overall gross floor area of 717 865m2 in five campuses and a total replacement value of R10.3 billion as outlined in a table below:-

Table 1.1

The age of the buildings is reflected in Table 1.2 below. In general, most buildings (<70%) have reached a stage where the structure, buildings systems and general fabric require high levels of maintenance.

Campus Code

Campus Name No of Buildings Buildings Area Buildings

Replacement Value

1 Howard College 140 219 473 2 930 434 650

2 Pietermaritzburg 303 174 756 2 321 369 623

3 Medical School 12 45 280 1 524 958 983

4 Westville 63 221 218 2 830 847 824

5 Edgewood 22 55 138 733 608 151

540 715 865 10 341 219 231

University of Kwazulu Natal

UKZN Buildings Profile per Campus

04-Nov-14

Grand Total

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Table 1.2

II. DoHET GRANT 2012/13 CYCLE

•Expansion of PM Laboratory R21million Contractor on site•Unite Building Phase 2 – New Building R8millin 70% complete•Nelson Mandela Medical School Upgrade R42 million 98% complete•New Teaching Facility R45million Construction contract to be advertised by July 2015

Age Catergory

Age GroupNumber of Buildings

Gross Floor Area

Building Replacement Value

1 1-10 138 75 443 1 707 168 422

2 11-20 17 19 468 252 160 554

3 21-30 64 74 423 1 000 208 467

4 31-40 79 244 239 3 228 020 697

5 41-50 53 93 409 1 269 106 347

6 >50 152 150 654 2 117 678 117

1 469 5 879 343

36 57 760 760 997 285

540 715 865 10 341 219 231 Grand Total

University of KwaZulu Natal UKZN Buildings Profile by Age

7 Unknown

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III. UKZN Infrastructure planning and development

With regards to infrastructure expansions, the university’s goal is to develop comprehensive infrastructure special and development plans to direct institutional growth demands.  

UKZN understands growing patterns of student’s intake each cycle and that pressure to keep growing cannot be ignored. The findings shows that recent growth has increased the strain on existing academic and student facilities infrastructure as well as identified a need for proactive facilities space planning to accommodate future growth and maintenance of existing infrastructure.  

The Executive Management has prioritised the following projects for implementation over a period of three years from 2016;-

a) Development of Infrastructure Master Plan per Campus (R6million)

 This project covers a comprehensive Infrastructure plan remarking all planned major development projects, existing infrastructure maintenance plans and space planning. It is projected that this project will completed by Feb 2016 and estimated to cost R6million.  

Also expected as outcome from these plans is identification of strategic space within our campus area for investment potential where private investment could be invited to contribute to our infrastructure needs. It must be remarked that UKZN has been getting undated proposals from private developers for Student residence development to shopping centres.

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b) UKZN five (5) Infrastructure Priority Projects ( R780 million)

UKZN FIVE (5) PRIORITY PROJECTS

Category Project Name Project Estimate Narrative

Student Residences

Construction of 1000 Bed Student Residences

facilities

R 240 000 000.00 Construction of New 1000 Beds Student Residences -

UKZN Wide

Deferred Maintenance

Rehabilitation of Wet Works in Howard

College

R 35 000 000.00

Replace ageing water and sewer reticulation. Constant leaks cause constant disruptions to the academic

operation. This capital injection would replace all water lines and critical sewer infrastructure

Deferred Maintenance

Academic Buildings Renovations - UKZN

Wide R 150 000 000

Replacement /Repairs of Services , Roof, Floors, fittings & associated external works. This injection is aimed at provision of up standard academic facilities

Deferred Maintenance

Students Housing & Facilities Revamp -

UKZN Wide R 160 000 000

Replacement /Repairs of Services , Roof, Floors, fittings & associated external works repairs . This injection is aimed at provision of higher standard

residence facilities

Remodelling Installation of Thermal

Storage Systems - UKZN Wide

R 195 000 000Installation of Thermal Storage Systems . This project would reduce consumption of energy and result into

operation savings

  TOTAL AMOUNT R 780 000 000.00  

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These project were submitted to Department of Higher Education and Training for 2016 Cycle allocation and UKZN does not have financial means to fund these projects. There are not specific time lines on these project expect their estimated duration not exceeding three years per project.

IV. UKZN INFRASTRUCTURE MAINTENANCE

The University has a total of 540 buildings with gross floor area of 717 865m2 in five campuses , namely Howard College, Pietermaritzburg Campus, Medical School, Westville Campus and Edgewood campus. Overall, the portfolio replacement value is estimated at R10, 3 billion

 

A recently applied desktop overview that was benchmarked from previous physical examination exercises concluded the following :-

 •UKZN requires R62,6million to meet its universal access requirements in the next three years.

•The UKZN requires R1,27 billion for backlog maintenance over the next nine year.

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UNIVERSAL ACCESS ( DISABILITY)

•The university requires R62,6 million to ensure that the Universal Access requirements are met to bring all its buildings to an acceptable standards with regards to access for disabled people as outlined below:-

Table 2.1

24 390 000 16 097 400 9 851 094 6 501 722

22 270 000 14 698 200 9 700 812 6 402 536

2 775 000 1 831 500 1 208 790 797 801

8 300 000 5 478 000 3 615 480 2 386 217

4 885 000 3 224 100 2 127 906 1 404 418

62 620 000 41 329 200 26 504 082 17 492 694

Total Required

Value (TRV)

Short Term 0≤ ≥3 Yrs

Medium Term

4≤ ≥10 Yrs

TOTAL

SUMMARY - UKZN WIDE

Edgewood Campus

Westville Campus

Westville Campus

Medical School Campus

Howard College Campus

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The main concerns that are remarkable are issues relating to ablution facilities, access ramps, lifts and handrails as per auditing requirements units below:-

Howard College

Pietermarizburg

Medical School

Westville Edgewood Total

Value per Unit

a Toilet / ablution for disabled. 71 53 1 16 15 156

b Accessible to all entrances / floors 47 54 1 9 10 121

c Lift 17 15 1 6 1 40

d Lift (audible and Braille buttons) 38 18 2 14 5 77

eRamps to rooms,lectures, offices,

etc.51 53 5 10 30 149

f Lighting of corridors 2 10 10 10 10 42

g Stairs 10 10 5 10 9 44

h Handrails 60 60 50 50 50 270

i Parking bays for disabled 50 50 50 40 30 220

j Dropped kerfs 10 10 10 5 5 40

k Yellow lines on steps 50 50 50 40 40 230

lMarked access route for the

visually impaired30 30 30 25 30 145

m Road Signage 80 50 50 40 50 270

1 804

University of KwaZulu Natal

Universal Access - (Disabled) Infrastructure - Nov 14

Universal Units Analysis

Universal Access Unit Description

TOTAL

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MAINTENANCE PLAN

The university requires R1,26 billion over the next nine years for maintenance backlog to bring infrastructure to the required level. For effectiveness, it is estimated that 80% of spending is required in within the first six (6) years. This excludes the operational budget contribution as outlined on Table 2.2 below:-

 Table 2.2 – Backlog Maintenance excl. Opex budget

03-Nov-14

Short Term 0≤ ≥2 Yrs

Medium Term 3≤ ≥9 Yrs

Long Term 10 ≤ ≥ 20Yrs

Calculated at

33% of BMV

Calculated at

66% of BMV

Calculated at

15% of RV

1 Howard College 140 2 930 434 650 415 840 312 137 227 303 274 454 606 439 565 198

2 Pietermaritzburg 303 2 321 369 623 308 146 254 101 688 264 203 376 528 348 205 443

3 Medical School 12 1 524 958 983 79 680 016 26 294 405 52 588 810 228 743 847

4 Westville Campus 63 2 830 847 824 321 911 787 106 230 890 212 461 780 424 627 174

5 Edgewood Campus 22 733 608 151 52 136 387 17 205 008 34 410 016 110 041 223

6Interventionary

Projects 90 000 000 29 700 000 59 400 000 10 000 000

540 10 341 219 231 1 267 714 757 418 345 870 836 691 739 1 561 182 885

Infrastructure Maintenance Plan Backlogs Summary

University of KwaZulu Natal

Infrastructure Maintenance Projection over next 20 years

Total

Campus

CodeCampus Name

No of Buildings

Building Replacement

Value

Total Backlog Maintenance

Business Continuity Initiatives

(Standby Generators,etc)

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Integrated Facilities Planning, Development and

Maintenance

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Introduction to UKZN Integrated Facilities Planning,Development and Maintenance

• UKZN started a project dealing with land rationalization to facilitate improved property management in Westville Campus as a pilot

• The second phase of the land rationalization project will be to extend the project to all the other four Campuses and conclude the land rationalization

•  The land rationalization project is a preparatory exercise of the Campus Master

Planning which will commence in September / October 2015

•  The high-level process master planning overview and outputs

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Thank YouDr Albert van Jaarsveld

Vice-Chancellor and Principal

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