SAPSF CELEBRATES 69TH ANNUAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

By Zinhle Bhuda

The South African Pharmaceutical Students Federation (SAPSF), in collaboration with the Port Elizabeth Pharmacy Students Association (PEPSA), hosted the 69th annual national pharmacy students conference from January 31 to February 3, 2025, at The Willows Resort and Conference Centre in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. The event, which brought together pharmacy students from across various universities in the country, served as a platform for addressing key issues facing pharmacy education and the pharmaceutical industry in South Africa.

Pharmacy students from various universities in South Africa Photo by David Kwanda

Throughout the conference, delegates and stakeholders discussed the pressing challenges faced by pharmacy students, as well as the broader issues impacting the pharmaceutical sector. Topics such as the future of pharmacy education and the need for innovation in the pharmaceutical industry were central to these discussions. “The main aim of the 69th conference is to foster meaningful engagements and learning opportunities among pharmacy students. Our goal is to bridge the gap between classroom education and clinical  practise by bringing together experts from all over the country.” said one of the event organizers, Tshepiso Masiganuga. 

Keynote speakers emphasized the importance of adapting to the evolving industry of pharmacy and their role in South Africa’s healthcare system. "It is very crucial for pharmacists, especially you, young pharmacists to adapt to the changing industry of pharmacy and ensure that you are able to fit in most, if not all sectors of pharmacy,” explained Refiloe Mogale,the Executive Director of the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa. Other speakers included Aspen senior executive, Dr Stavros Nicolaou who advised students on how to succeed in the industry.

 

Link to recording of speaker, Celeste Naude  https://on.soundcloud.com/nU9HUByZgJPAU3Vm8

A major highlight of the event was the election of the new SAPSF Presidential committee (PRESCO). On February 2, 2025, Kevin Phehla, a pharmacy student from Pretoria, was elected as the new president of SAPSF. “As the newly elected president of SAPSF, I want to assure you that the first point of departure in this journey is unity of BPharm students,” Phehla said after being handed over the presidency. 

The new presidential committee of the SAPSF Photo by David Kwanda

The election session demonstrated the democratic spirit of the conference, with students voting for leaders they believe will represent their interests effectively. Phehla’s leadership will focus on advocating for stronger regulation in the pharmaceutical industry. "My fundamental purpose is to bring a particular change in terms of the unemployment rate that is increasing in the pharmacy field," Phehla added.

Link to video of new SAPSF President, Kevin Phehla

The conference concluded with participants expressing a strong sense of purpose and unity. As students return to their studies and careers, they are focused on advancing a collective vision for the future of pharmacy in South Africa, emphasizing innovation, collaboration, and student advocacy.

 

TUT celebrates International Translation Day excellence

By: Zinhle Bhuda

Twitter: @zp_bhuda

Email: pzinhle560@gmail.com

The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) hosted a successful event to celebrate International Translation Day, highlighting the crucial role of translation in promoting global understanding and cultural exchange.

The event, which was held on Tuesday, September 17, brought together students, academics, and industry professionals working in translation, interpretation, and language studies. The ceremony was intended to highlight the significance of translation in the political economy and the future of African languages.

Panel discussion by translation and interpreting experts Photo by: Zinhle Bhuda

The event began with a keynote address by Julius Dantile, a renowned specialist in translation studies and Executive Head of Languages at the Pan South African Language Board, who outlined the purpose of the day and emphasized the importance of translation in today's connected world. "We are celebrating the oldest procedure or recognized profession, interpreting and translation. When different people from different locations began to communicate, there was supposed to be an interpreter, someone who knew both sides and could aid understanding," Dantile noted.

SADiLar's Executve Director, Langa Khumalo(left) and PanSALB CEO Lance Schultz(right) 
Photo by: Facebook @PanSALB

Link to audio of Julius Dantile:https://on.soundcloud.com/Kuujm57xEZ53r1D47

It proceeded to multiple panel discussions by experts in the industry from various organizations such as the Pan South African Language Board, SADiLar and the SABC,  who discussed topics such as language policy, the roles of translation and interpreting in public services and the mainstream media, intellectual property, the  research on the impact of translation in a political economy, language planning, and African language translation challenges and suggested solutions.

Landela Langintsimbi from the City of Tshwane who was a panelist on the role of translation and interpreting in public services emphasized on what the City of Tshwane does to provide translation and interpreting services in the local government and the types of initiatives they take as an organisation to promote multilingualism. She added that they are very much alive in different areas, they don’t only translate bylaws but also translate governmental statements that go out to the members of the public.

Below is a link to a video of Langa Khumalo's message of support:

TUT students were equipped with a unique opportunity to learn about diversity of languages, cultural sensitivity, and the role of translation in global communication. They also got to learn about translation theories, procedures, and industry standards while also networking with professionals. Anele Thari said, “I am so grateful to have been part of such an amazing event because it given me ideas to improve my research, critical thinking, and presentation abilities”.

TUT will continue to collaborate with such established organisations in the future and host many other events of such kind.

 

 

 

 

KASI TO KASI PODCAST

 South Africa is home to a rich diversity of indigenous languages and these languages are the heartbeat of South African identity. However, despite their importance, many indigenous languages face the threat of decline and even extinction. Below is a link to my podcast where we explore the significance of indigenous languages, the challenges they face, and the initiatives underway to preserve and promote them.  

Join us as we get into a discussion of preserving indigenous languages for future generations by clicking  on this link https://on.soundcloud.com/RDByUoNiX1HSy6ybA

Please like my post and follow me on Blogspot and X @zp_bhuda

DHW OFFERS MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT AND RESOURCES TO STUDENTS

 By: Zinhle Bhuda

Twitter: @zp_bhuda

Email: pzinhle560@gmail.com

On Thursday, 25 July 2024, the Directorate of Health and Wellness hosted a

powerful mental health awareness event at the Tshwane University of Technology

Soshanguve campus, where students came together in large numbers to learn about

mental health.

SANCA representative, Tinyiko educating attendees about drug abuse   Photo by: Zinhle Bhuda

The event aimed to dismiss stigmas surrounding mental health in the society, spark

conversations among attendees, and connect individuals with resources.

According to the event organizers, the inspiration to host this event was to raise

mental health awareness regarding issues faced by students. “We want to address

mental health issues that students go through and provide resources that can be of

help to them,” said event organizer, Winnie Maenetja.

Link to audio of event organiser : https://on.soundcloud.com/A9KntNZ4gwBFCTnJ8

Below is the link to video of one of the speakers, Lumka Mahanjana 

A panel discussion that featured local mental health professionals such as South

African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA), the

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), South African Police Service (SAPS) and

others who shared their insights about the subject, gave advice on how to deal with

mental health problems and answered questions that students had about mental

health was held.

One of the speakers, Lumka Mahanjana from the Thuthuzela Care Center

encouraged students to come forward to their center whenever they encounter

problems.

“We are always available to help people who face mental health challenges and feel

like they have nowhere to run to, especially GBV cases,” she said.

Below is a video of students providing entertainment for attendees at the event 

During the event, attendees were given educational activities to participate in and

learn from each other and the experts. Students said they learnt so much about

mental health and the importance of supporting loved ones when they go through

such. “The event made me feel heard and supported, I am grateful for the resources

that they have provided for us,” said Phiwa Masuku.

Others said that the event was very educational and created a safe space for open

discussions that normalize conversations about mental health. “The experts shared

their knowledge and offered valuable information and advice for us, I have really

gained so much from the event,” said Computer Systems (Engineering) student

Snethemba Zwane.

The local health professionals left their contacts for those who need help or

information to reach out to them.

JUGGLING MUSIC AND TEACHING

By: Zinhle Bhuda

Twitter: @zp_bhuda

Email: pzinhle560@gmail.com

 Sonto Mthembu, 27, hailing from Empangeni, Richards Bay, is a multi-talented musician and teacher, known by his stage name Sunday Musiq. He seamlessly navigates through various musical genres, including afro-pop, gqom, amapiano, and afro-house, all while maintaining his career as a high school teacher.

Teacher and music beats producer, Sonto Mthembu, well known as Sunday Musiq

He got his inspiration to produce beats from his older brother who used to produce beats, though he wanted to be more creative than him.

He got enrolled at the University of KwaZulu Natal to study for a Bachelor of Education in 2018. After he received his laptop, he installed a beat creating app and started getting creative with beats.

In 2019, he released his first gqom single However in 2020 when amapiano was introduced he decided to spread his creativity and produce amapiano beats.

His venture into the genre went so well that he was able to release an EP titled Chapter 1 in 2021, which opened opportunities for him as he started being recognized. “The EP was so good, it was playlisted on Channel O, MTV Base and Mzansi Music,” he said.

video below shows Sunday Musiq on set at the Massive Music show

Sunday Musiq with one of the musicians he collaborates with, Lasandra

Mthembu completed his degree and became a teacher by profession in 2022. He said that dual passion is what inspires him to be a teacher and musician at the same time. “Pursuing two careers that I am passionate about at the same time brings a sense of fulfilment and joy in me,” he said.

His students said Mthembu is their role model because he inspires them to explore their creative potential. “He shows us the importance of following your own dreams and interests” said one of his students, Lukhanyo Mbabane. Most of his followers think that his productions are always on fire and that he is going far with music.

Comment from one of his followers on social media platforms.

 

Ditlou Titans take down opponent Tuks 4 in a thrilling match

By: Zinhle Bhuda

Twitter: @zp_bhuda

Email: pzinhle560@gmail.com

 At the Tshwane University of Technology Astro grounds on Saturday, May 11, 2024, Ditlou Titans and Tuks4 clashed in a high-stakes hockey match. The showdown lived up to its anticipation, with Ditlou Titans clinching a tense 3-1 victory over Tuks4 in the Northern Blues Hockey Association league.

Ditlou Titans defending against Tuks4        Photo by: Elisa Letswalo

Within the first 15 minutes, the Titans upped the game pressure, with its middle forward Margaret Manabalala scoring the opening goal. Tuks4 fought valiantly to level the score, but as the first break approached, Ditlou Titans maintained a slim 1-0 lead.

 The second quarter unfolded as a series of back-and-forth exchanges, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. However, Ditlou Titans continued to assert their dominance, especially after Manabalala, still fueled with determination, struck a beautiful goal, extending her team's lead to 2-0.

The second half was intense, with both teams giving it their all. The Titans goalkeeper made several crucial saves, but Tuks4 had come back with a better strategy, and Mufaro Chetsango scored  a goal and gave hope to the team. Within the final minutes of the game, Titans right forward Mikateko Mawela scored the winning goal, securing a 3-1 victory for the team.

Ditlou Titans striking hockey ball    Photo by: Elisa Letswalo

Titans head coach, Masilo Mokoena, said he is glad that they won the match, but the team’s performance was not what he had expected. “Although we won the game, the team didn’t play a good style of hockey and that’s something we will work on,” said Mokoena. The win moved Ditlou Titans up on the leagues log standings.

According to the woman of the match Margaret Manabalala, without her coach and team members’ support, she would not have made it, therefore she is grateful for them. “It is not every day that this happens, today was my lucky day because I had a good practice yesterday,” she said.

Though the loss was a hard pill to swallow for Tuks4, head coach Keanan Wax believes that the team can still improve. “The team didn’t perform very good, like they normally do but there is still room for improvement,” he said.

Fans said that the match was good and enjoyable to watch. “The teams gave it their all, which made the game exciting,” said one fan.

Ditlou Titans will proceed to play with other teams for the Northern Blues Hockey association league in the upcoming weeks.

 

 

 

 

 

SGLD HOSTS STUDENT STRUCTURES POLITICAL DEBATE

By: Zinhle Bhuda

Twitter: @zp_bhuda

Email: pzinhle560@gmail.com

The Student Governance and Leadership Development Directorate (SGLD), collaborating with Tshwane FM and BUA student newspaper, organized a political debate among student political organizations on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Pretoria campus. The objective of the debate was to provide a platform for political structures to discuss youth-related issues and propose solutions.

Link to video of HoD speaking:

Student political structures recognized by TUT came in numbers to participate in the debate where various topics that affect youth such as student funding; youth unemployment and crime and corruption were raised and addressed.

The session became an opportunity for structures to prove their worth of people's votes in the upcoming elections. “This platform is also for structures to prove their worth for the upcoming elections,” said HOD of SGLD, Andrew Makhushe.

Photo of student political structures   By Zinhle Bhuda

Link to the debate session:

To keep youth and the nation up to date about politics and help them decide which party they will vote for in the upcoming elections, Tshwane FM announced the launch of their election coverage campaign called “Mark Ur Future” where there will be daily updates of news about the elections. “We have put together a news team that will you decide who you are voting for and promise that you will hear it from us first,” said Tshwane FM manager, Tebogo Magubane.

Link to audio of Tshwane FM station manager:  https://on.soundcloud.com/6Su7xSmLtFV88tey9

Audiences were able to get a grasp of what the political structures are planning for them and are glad that this event took place because it helped them in their decision making of who they are going to vote for. “Attending the debate has made it easy for me to decide who I will be voting for,” said Tshiamo Lekonyane.

Link to video of audiences comment: