The Impact of COVID-19 on Higher Education and the Economy

by HEFMA Posted on Friday, 6 Nov 2020

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Successful global interventions and innovations

HEFMA arranged an International webinar on 29 October 2020; to replace its Annual Conference, which had to be cancelled. HEFMA envisaged it necessary to arrange a webinar as a follow up to a successful AUDE September webinar.

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The world is feeling the impact of the global pandemic and it is in different stages in dealing with the challenges. As regions and universities, returning to our campuses is testing the way Universities operate. The theme of the webinar was about sharing innovations and interventions that have successfully been implemented, to deal with COVID19 across various campuses.

Dr Diane Parker: Deputy Director General; Department of Higher Education and Training

E. Lander Medlin: APPA Executive Vice President (USA)

Wayne Millar: Past President TEFMA (Australasia)

CUT’s innovative project to combat COVID-19 pandemic impress Free State Premier.

by CUT News Posted on Friday, 17 April 2020

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The Premier of the Free State, Sisi Ntombela and Members of the Executive Council visited the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT), on 14 April 2020, to assess the university’s research and innovation efforts in response to government’s call for support in the fight against the scourge of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The Premier of the Free State, Sisi Ntombela and Members of the Executive Council visited the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT), on 14 April 2020, to assess the university’s research and innovation efforts in response to government’s call for support in the fight against the scourge of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

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Premier Ntombela said that she was impressed by how much further ahead the province was technologically, after a demonstration of the projects currently being undertaken by CUT, including a tour of the Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (CRPM) Laboratory, which is currently producing 3D non-invasive ventilation printing masks for use by COVID-19 patients, as well as much-needed hospital equipment, such as oxygen connectors and splitters.

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Heeding the President's call to action, Unisa's labs step up to the sanitiser challenge.

by UNISA Posted on Monday, 6 APRIL 2020

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The humble hand sanitiser was one of the first products to disappear from South Africa’s retail shelves as the extent of the Covid-19 crisis became increasingly clear, yet it remains one of the most essential and basic weapons in the battle to contain the virus.

Responding to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for South Africans to come together like never before to face a threat unlike any other experienced in recent memory, the University of South Africa (Unisa) is utilising the laboratories and equipment at its high-tech Science Campus to provide citizens with an effective, affordable hand and surface sanitiser solution.

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The project is the brainchild of MSc student Fungai Chibaya and draws on the expertise of scientists attached to the university’s Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability (NanoWS) research unit. Located in Unisa’s College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET), NanoWS is a strategic research unit that sustainably addresses current and emerging issues relating to water quality and water scarcity. Established in 2014, the unit has a proud history of providing technology solutions to communities all over the country.

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Nelson Mandela Bay team develops low-cost automated bag mask ventilator.

by UNISA Posted on Thursday, 16 APRIL 2020

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Seeing the need for devices to assist people suffering from Covid-19 and other diseases, a multi-disciplinary team of innovative young engineers based at the Propella Business Incubator in Port Elizabeth have dropped all their other projects to develop a low-cost bag mask ventilator.

Seeing the need for devices to assist people suffering from Covid-19 and other diseases, a multi-disciplinary team of innovative young engineers based at the Propella Business Incubator in Port Elizabeth have dropped all their other projects to develop a low-cost bag mask ventilator.

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The device fills the urgent need for a low-cost non-invasive ventilator for less serious cases, and frees the expensive units used in intensive care units for those in need of advanced care.

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“I was impressed by the simplicity, yet effectivity of the design,”

- says Port Elizabeth anaesthetist specialist Dr Hennie Smit.

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“It is meant to assist respiration and not full ventilation, and therefore only needs a tight-fitting face mask, and is suitable for use in general wards where it can be monitored by non-specialist nurses.”

- he said after evaluating the working prototype.

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Vice-Chancellor pledges 33% of salary to COVID-19 relief fund.

by UJ News Posted on Wednesday, 16 APRIL 2020

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In the midst of a national lockdown and a global pandemic, President Cyril Ramaphosa recently called on other public office bearers and executives of large companies to follow the example of his cabinet ministers, who will be taking a one-third cut in their salaries in support of the COVID-19 support strategy.

This portion of their salaries will be donated to the Solidarity Fund.In the midst of a national lockdown and a global pandemic, President Cyril Ramaphosa recently called on other public office bearers and executives of large companies to follow the example of his cabinet ministers, who will be taking a one-third cut in their salaries in support of the COVID-19 support strategy. This portion of their salaries will be donated to the Solidarity Fund.

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In response to this clarion call by the President, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg (UJ), Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, has pledged 33% of his salary to the COVID-19 relief fund.

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Prof Marwala said it was an easy decision to take as the crisis requires leadership and personal sacrifices.

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"The pandemic is, without doubt, a defining global crisis of our time and the greatest challenge we have faced in a long time. South Africa, like many other countries globally, has been left with no option but to impose drastic measures such as large-scale quarantines, travel restrictions and complete lockdowns. In a country fraught with inequality and poverty, with an almost 30% unemployment rate, the stakes are considerably higher,"

- he said.

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COVID-19 Protocols & Procedures

by HEFMA Posted on Tuesday, 23 June 2020

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Hefma through its institutional constituency created a collaborative space whereby various member institutions could contribute to discussion surrounding measures to be implemented for the safe return of staff and students at our campuses.

Below are the various protocols and procedures implemented at the various institutions of higher learning across the country and internationally.

Stellenbosch University Memo

Stellenbosch University Steps

Mangosuthu University of Technology

University of Cape Town

University of the Free State

University of Johannesburg

DUT Donates 3D shields to local doctors old age home & municipal health care workers

by DUT News Posted on Monday, 20 April 2020

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It is depleting medical resources and equipment faster than they can be replaced. The worldwide scramble for Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) is also driving prices higher while simultaneously reducing availability. The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has stepped in and is providing a helping hand to mitigate this dire shortage by producing and donating 3D Shields to selected Durban communities.

he rampant COVID19 pandemic has brought our nation to a standstill. It is depleting medical resources and equipment faster than they can be replaced. The worldwide scramble for Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) is also driving prices higher while simultaneously reducing availability. The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has stepped in and is providing a helping hand to mitigate this dire shortage by producing and donating 3D Shields to selected Durban communities.

DUT, is utilising its advanced 3D printing laboratory located at its Ritson Campus-based Luban Workshop. The laboratory has 12 high quality 3D printers producing purpose built PPEs. The concept of 3D printing refers to a process of additive manufacturing of three-dimensional real-world objects from a digital template. The process allows for the production of complex solid shapes more accurately while using less material than the traditional manufacturing methods. Industries worldwide have proposed solutions using 3D printing to curtail COVID-19 through the intensive production of highly sought equipment such as face shields, oxygen connectors, oxygen splitters, Venturi valves, masks, gowns and respirators. In addition to the 12 3D printers, DUT has two industrial Resin printers that could be used to print moulds to support large scale manufacturing processes.

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TUT rolls out vaccination programme for 60+ staff

by TUT News Posted on Friday, 28 May 2021

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The Tshwane University of Technology yesterday, 27 May 2021, saw 137 staff members receiving their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine during the roll-out of a COVID-19 campus vaccination programme for staff members of 60 years and older.

Organised by the Adelaide Tambo School of Nursing Science in collaboration with Tshwane District Health Services, the vaccination drive was arranged to make it easier and more accessible for older colleagues to be vaccinated.

A large number of eager staff members, including professors, lecturers, service workers, support staff and even a number of retired employees, arrived at the Theunis Bester Hall from early in the morning to receive the vaccination. All had the same purpose, to save lives - not only their own, but those of others too.

Colleagues, who received the vaccination, lauded Dr Annah Sefolosha, Head of the Department: Directorate of Health and Wellness, and the organising team for the initiative to arrange the drive and on how well it was organised. Dr Annah echoed their sentiments, commending the technical, logistical and other support staff for the smooth flow of the event and the overall high level of service delivery.

“It is only through commitment and team spirit that this was such a successful event,”

- she said.

Preceding the vaccination drive, an online information session on COVID-19 vaccinations, presented by Sr Nomusa Ngwenya and Dr Yolanda Havenga from the Department of Nursing Science on 26 May, provided an overview of the vaccines available in the country, the benefits of vaccination and possible side effects.

Tending to the emotional health and wellness of staff during these challenging times is equally important. During the vaccination drive, Dr Priscilla Lekgetho for Human Resources and Transformation who assisted with co-ordinating the event, reminded staff of the importance of taking care of their emotional and physical health. She emphasised the importance of healthy eating, getting enough exercise and fresh air, as well as proper sleep.

The second round of campus vaccinations will take place early July. Everyone who received the first shot of the Pfizer vaccine will then receive the second one to ensure the success of the programme.

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