APRIL 2009 Measuring poor and vulnerable households€¦ · 1 APRIL 2009 Univen is a quality driven, ﬁ nancially sustainable, rural based, comprehensive university Measuring poor

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APRIL 2009

Univen is a quality driven, fi nancially sustainable, rural based, comprehensive university

Measuring poor and vulnerable householdsCan the household vulnerability index objectively measure poor and vulnerable households?

This is a three year research project that stems from a memorandum of understanding signed between Univen and the Food Agriculture Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN).

The project seeks to test the accuracy and reliability of using the household vulnerability index as an objective measure for targeting poor and vulnerable households. Calculation of household vulnerability rests in the sustainable livelihoods approach which considers human, financial, social, natural and physical resources. Gender dimensions, production systems and household consumption patterns are considered.

The Chief Executive Officer of FANRPAN, Dr Lindiwe Majele Sibanda, says the index classifies vulnerability into three levels.

“Level one states that a household is vulnerable but is still able to cope with external shocks, at level two a household has been hit so hard that it desperately needs assistance like acute health care in a hospital. If rapid response assistance is provided, the family may be resuscitated.

“At level three households have reached an intensive care situation and can only be resuscitated with the best possible expertise.”

She says current approaches to targeting poor and vulnerable households rely heavily on information that local leaders provide, which makes them inefficient because of their subjectivity.

“Preliminary work on use of the household vulnerability index was undertaken to establish the levels of vulnerability that the impact of HIV and AIDS introduced on agriculture and food security. The index’s

critical importance in relief and development work is realised through ensuring that households that genuinely deserve relief or development support, benefit.”

The Director of Univen’s Centre of Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation and coordinator of the project, Prof Francis says three World Vision International Area Development Programmes in Lesotho, Swaziland and Zimbabwe will serve as the project sites.

“One PhD and two masters degree students - all of them World Vision International employees - will register for their postgraduate training with the Centre this year,” says Prof Francis.

This relationship opens many avenues for Univen to play a more significant and visible developmental role in the Southern African Development Communities and Common Market of Eastern and Southern countries.

Univen and FANRPAN signing up to objectively measure poor and vulnerable households. Signing the memorandum of agreement (front) Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Peter Mbati and FANRPAN CEO Dr Lindiwe Magele Sibanda.

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Univen gives input into the President’s antipoverty strategy

Only one researcher for every 10 000 working people

Following a recent seminar, Univen’s Centre for Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation made inputs into President Kgalema Motlanthe’s antipoverty strategy.

The Centre’s Head, Prof Joseph Francis says the seminar recommended that a sustainable programme on job creation be created and that traditional leaders should be actively involved in poverty reduction.

“Furthermore, subsistence farming must be encouraged as a means of livelihood and

food parcels must only be used as a short term measure towards poverty reduction. Government must take a leading role in matters of poverty reduction,” he says.

Stakeholders like the Thulamela Munici-pality, traditional leaders and healers, municipal ward councilor, nongovernmental organisations, government departments and business forums in the Vhembe district, academics and the media attended the seminar.

The Mulenzhe Community Trust, repre-sented by Chief Ramovha, was sited as an example of how communities can stand on their own and eradicate poverty. As the Trust is making good human and capital investments, other communities were encouraged to learn from them.

The seminar reiterated the Centre as the base to relay information to the community and stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to working with the Centre.

According to South Africa’s National Research and Development Strategy there is less than one researcher for every thousand members of the workforce.

In Australia, , for example, this figure is five and in Japan ten.

As universities have a pivotal role to play in addressing this problem, Univen’s Human and Social Science Students Council recently hosted a post graduate research seminar. The goal was to stimulate debate about the issues that affect post graduates at historically black universities like Univen.

Senior research students shared their experiences and lessons and speakers included MA candidates in Politics at Univen, Mr Kgothatso Shai and Mr Amukelani Bilankulu.

Mr Shai delivered a paper titled ‘Addressing the blame game regarding research output at historically black universities’. He said the potential of postgraduates to undertake a study and complete a research project deserves the attention of students, administrative and academic staff, management and other parties like the

Departments of Education and Science and Technology.

“The blame shift between students and supervisors for a low throughput rate in post graduates is concerning,” he said.

Mr Bilankulu presented a policy update on the Israeli-Palestine conflict, attracting many international relations students. The seminar was sponsored by the office of the dean of Human and Social Sciences, Prof Ngobeli.

Senior research students shared their experiences at the Social Science Students Council seminar.


3Univen is a quality driven, fi nancially sustainable, rural based, comprehensive university

The saying that politics and politicking are not for the faint-hearted, was again proven correct during the recent election debate on campus.

Of the eighteen political parties registered to contest elections in Limpopo on 22 April, 13 parties participated in the debate, which was facilitated by political analyst Mr Prince Mashele, Head of Crime, Justice and Politics Programme at the Institute for Security Studies.

Prior to the debate, the Independent Electoral Commission’s provincial electoral officer Ms Nkaro Mateta highlighted the importance of voting and the role of electorates.

Each political party had five minutes to present its case with the audience making comments and asking questions afterwards.

All went well until the Congress of the People’s (COPE) candidate for the premier of Limpopo – the 12th presentation – started talking and part of the audience started s inging and howl ing. The s i tuat ion became uncontrollable. The debate was stopped due to the unruly behaviour, without casualties or damage to University property.

“The manifestation of these high levels of unacceptable behavior by polit ically intolerant and ill-disciplined individuals is an indictment

on the country’s preparedness for a bright future,” says the Director of Communications, Marketing and Institutional Advancement, Mr Takalani Dzaga.

“The University deplores and distances itself from the erroneous and myopic reading of democracy that was d i sp layed by some political party members and their sympathisers during the debate. We, however, thank the invited political parties for the overwhelming response to our short-notice invitation.”

A very successful follow-up debate took place four days later via Univen Radio, with nine political parties participating. Listeners participated telephonically, putting various questions to the party representatives.

“We are glad that we could conclude this vital debate in a meaningful manner,” says Mr Dzaga.

“South Africa’s hard fought-for democracy with the accompanying freedom of speech entrenched in our constitution will not be eroded away by politically intolerant people.”

He urged every voter to express their right to political expression by voting for their party of choice on Wednesday, 22 April.

Every citizen has the right to make political choices, which includes the right to participate in the activities of a political party and to campaign for such a party.

This is according to Limpopo’s electoral officer, Ms Nkaro Mateta.

Speaking at the recent Univen election debate, Ms Mateta said in a multiparty democracy the voices of minorities can be heard in the highest corridors of power.

“In fact, a healthy democracy requires the input of minority voices to inform and shape policies that cater for as wide an opinion base as possible.”

In Limpopo there are 18 registered parties vying for approximately 2,5 million voters on the Limpopo segment of the national common voters roll. This constitutes just over 11 percent of the more than 23 million voters registered nationally.

Totalling 660 000, young people between 18 and 29 years constitute the largest grouping on the Limpopo voters role. Thanks to the targeted registration weekends, more than 208 500 young people, or 85 percent, registered to vote.

“The slogan for the elections is ‘to the future’. This is a call for action, particularly by the future generations, the youth. In a

proportional representation system such as ours, every vote counts. By exercising your vote, every voter ultimately decides his or her own future. I trust that South Africans will come out in their numbers to cast their votes as we together continue to shape our amazing country’s future,” said Ms Mateta.

Freedom of speech – the Univen election debate

How does Limpopo’s voters profile look?

Every voter ultimately decides his or her own future - Ms Nkaro Mateta of the Independent Electoral Commission.

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Prof Phindile Lukhele-Olorunju – leading researcher

Getting it right

Dr Annette Gerritsen of Univen’s School of Health is co-editing an international publication which will give insight into migration and urbanisation in African and Asian settings.

Part of the INDEPTH initiative, the book will provide a much-needed understanding of

migration patterns in various developing world settings. It will also assess the consequences of migration in terms of individual health and well-being.

The book will also contain a chapter on a study examining whether migration and/or other household factors were associated

with changes in household socio-economic status between 2001 and 2005 in the Agincourt sub-district of Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga.

Visit www.indepth-network.org for more information.

The Director of Univen’s Research and Innovation Department, Prof Phindile Lukhele-Olorunju, is a expert in agricultural sciences.

An internationally respected scientist and educator, she has worked as a researcher at agricultural research institutions and lectured at three renowned universities in Swaziland, Nigeria and South Africa. She trained in plant breeding, plant pathology, virology and agronomy.

Prof Lukhele-Olorunju’s research publications in referred journals and students’ project supervision are highly thought of among academia. As a researcher and educator in Nigeria, she released a number of groundnut varieties for the country and the West African

region and also graduated a number of international students at MSc and PhD level.

Other experiences include international consulting in agricultural projects, collaborative research with international organisations, the management of international agricultural projects for the World Bank, and USAID and the governance and management of research institutions like the Agricultural Research Council in South Africa.

“I hope to promote policy and institutional change that wi l l s t imulate research and innovation through quality research of postgraduate students and faculty staff,” she says.

In last month’s Nendila, on page 4 under the heading ‘Universal Declaration of Human Rights - in Tshivenda’, we referred to Prof Musehane as Chairperson of the Tshivenda National Language Board. Prof Musehane is the Chairperson of the Board of Directors: Tshivenda National Lexicography and Director of Univen’s Tshivenda Language Research and Development Centre.

Nendila regrets the error.

Dr Gerritsen co-edits international publication


The Department of Psychology at Univen’s School of Health Sciences recently hosted guests from the Eduardo Mondlane University in Mozambique - under the Netherlands Organisation for Cooperation in Higher Education project. The purpose of the visit was to consult on curriculum development for the Psychology programme as well as block and tutor guide development. Benchmarking the implementation of problem based learning was also discussed.

Back from left - Prof E Cossa, Dean of the Faculty of Education, Mr Jorge Fringe, Head of the Psychology Department and Mr Alfredo Maposse, Lecturer in the Psychology Department of the Eduardo Mondlane University. Front from left - Prof Mbhenyane, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Prof Sodi, Head of the Department of Psychology, School of Health Sciences, Mrs Makatu, Problem Based Learning Coordinator, School of Health Sciences and Mr Nkoana, Lecturer in the Department of Psychology - Univen.

Visitors from Mozambique

5Univen is a quality driven, fi nancially sustainable, rural based, comprehensive university

Univen leads in accommo-dating disabled studentsUniven is leading in accommodating students with disabilities. These are students with visual, hearing, physical and mental impairments.

Univen leaves no stone unturned to ensure that these students are treated equally in all respects – from tuition amenities to access to lecture rooms.

On campus the Disability Student Unit works with all departments to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to the total campus environment. It is responsible for issuing assisting devices like Braille machines, tape recorders and tapes to students who wish to record their lectures and for scanning, editing and brailling learning materials.

The Unit also trains students on the adapted technology, advises them on physical access and counsels those students who are experiencing social and academic problems.

The Unit’s Ms Mbuvha says the first step in teaching students with disabilities is to treat them simply as students as they come to the University for the same reasons as other students.

“Students bring a unique set of strengths and experiences to campus and students with disabilities are no exception. While many learn in different ways, their differences do not imply inferior capacities.

”There is no need to dilute curriculum

or reduce course requirements for students with disabilities. However, special accommodations may be needed, as well as modifications in the way information is presented and in methods of testing and evaluation,“ she says.

Determining that a student is disabled may not always be a simple process. Visible disabilities are noticeable through casual observation - the use of a cane, wheelchair or crutches.

However, other students have non-visible disabilities such as hearing impairments, partial vision, learning disabilities and psychiatric or seizure disorders that are not usually apparent.

Some students may have multiple disabilities which are caused by primary conditions such as muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. Depending on the nature and progression of the illness or injury, it may be accompanied by a secondary impairment - in mobility, vision, speech or co-ordination - which may pose greater difficulties.

To ensure maximum benefit to all students, staff should find out whether there are any impaired students and announce at the beginning of the academic year that there is someone in class with, for example, a visual impairment. In co-operation with the Unit, assist the student in finding readers, note-takers or tutors, or team the student with a sighted classmate.

Other measures include reserving front row seats for low-vision students, encouraging impaired students to attend academic support tutorials and arranging one-on-one tutoring within the department.

Apply common sense - call students by names and avoid pointing, face the class when speaking, allow lectures to be taped and/or provide copies of lecture notes where appropriate and provide large print copies of classroom materials.

Univen takes its responsibility in providing impaired students with equal opportunities very seriously and will continue creating an enabling environment for students with disabilities.

Univen and the Independent Development Trust (IDT) have partnered to enhance service delivery in the Vhembe district.

Apart from developing models to enhance service delivery, the partnership will improve capacity and capability in the rural communities.

“This will have an impact on the learning, teaching and research and of course the lives of the rural communities,” says the General Manager: Compliance of IDT, Mr Fikile Guma.

With regard to the skills gap, he says that it is necessary to be equipped and prepared through acquiring adequate skills that will add value to the lives of rural communities.

“To help build an effective relationship, we will run joint projects, staff exchange and an internship programme. Our strategy focuses on eradicating poverty, measured by output rather that the number of facilities put in place. Therefore, Univen, through

its intellectual capacity, will complement our research capacity on poverty reduction, wealth creation and employment of the marginalised and the vulnerable,” he says.

Univen partners with Independent Develop-ment Trust to enhance service delivery

Univen and the Independent Development Trust combining

forces to enhance service delivery in the Vhembe district.

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Japanese scientists on campusTwo scientists from the Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine in Japan visited the University of Venda recently.

Dr Oriel Thekisoe of the National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases and Dr Chaisowwong Warangkhana of the Bacteriology Laboratory met with principal investigators and postgraduate students at the Department of Microbiology at Univen.

They were briefed about research activities at the Virology, Bacteriology, Parasitology and Chemistry laboratories. Possible collaborative research on bacteriology and parasitology between Univen and the Obihiro University later this year were also discussed.

The two scientists were certainly impressed by the research done by the microbiology department and by the modern research equipment for molecular biology available at the Univen laboratories.

Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Peter Mbati (centre) meets with Dr Chaisowwong Warangkhana (left) and Dr Oriel Thekisoe.


Research is the foundation on which academia bases other activities - welcoming PHD students at Univen.

Univen’s School of Education welcomed nine new PhD students recently.

The School’s Dean, Prof Thidziambi Phendla said the School recognises that research is

the foundation on which academia bases other activities.

“Through their research, School members create new knowledge, develop a better

understanding of the world, form an important basis for policymaking and develop new content for their teaching,” the professor said.

School of Education welcomes new doctoral students

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A new Director for Communications, Marketing and Institutional Advancement

Univen assists Italian student

Mr Takalani Dzaga is the new Director of the Department of Communications, Marketing and Institutional Advancement.

Prior to his appointment, he was the Schools Liaison Officer, responsible for student recruitment and the Acting Director of the Department respectively. He has been with Univen for 14 years.

“My work philosophy is that if I have a job, I should give it my all and do it with passion and commitment. I expect my colleagues to work as hard as I do,” says Mr Dzaga.

“I am in love with my work and consequently I put a great deal of time and energy into what I do. I am available to serve the University 24/7. I believe that commitment, hard work and energy constitute success. In marketing, it is important to understand clients’ needs and provide them with what they want, not what we have. We are the eyes and ears of the University, therefore we need to communicate effectively with both our internal and external stakeholders and to maintain a good working relationship.

“I believe that transparency and trust can never be mutually exclusive. I am an inspired type of a person who wants to make a

difference in a positive way. I share ideas that I have with my colleagues and I like them to do the same,” says Mr Dzaga.

Mr Dzaga is a hardworking man and he is eager to learn new ways of doing things in a cost effective manner without necessarily compromising quality. He is incredibly humble. He believes that trust is a vitally important, non negotiable ingredient of his success.

Although a man of few words, he has incredible vision. “I like to act with a sense of urgency and set ambitious deadlines for myself and my colleagues. I avoid taking personal credit, usually apportioning much of it to the colleagues because I believe in team work. I like empowering people, making them accountable and expecting them to deliver. I allow each individual the space to realise their potential, while it is the responsibility of individual staff to deliver. I treat non-delivery ruthlessly.

“Univen is already well on its way to becoming a quality driven, financially sustainable, rural based, comprehensive University and we are committed to contribute positively towards this endeavour. I am looking forward to building a capable team that is committed

and passionate about our mandate as the Department in particular and the entire University,” he says.

The defunct Tshivenda Language Research and Development Centre still played a pivotal role in the research of an Italian student, Ms Erika Dionisio. She interviewed women at the University and around Thohoyandou for her study on genital modification among women.

With the assistance of the Centre’s Ms Fhulufhelo Mukatuni, who also acted as translator, interpreter and transcriber, Ms Dionisio interviewed 11 older women, 17 young women, ten young girls and four academics in the field.

“I enjoyed my stay at the University of Venda and I wish I were not going home. People are loving and always busy and I am sorry that I could not visit all places nor interact with all the peole. I would like to come back if I am given the opportunity,” says Ms Dionisio.

She requested interested people to contact her at V.Delle Parti 58, 33029 Villa Santina –Udine in Italy. Her cell is 003 933 8425 1848 and her e-mail [email protected].

Although the Tshivenda Research and Development Centre is no longer funded

by the Department of Arts and Culture, similar services are now performed under the auspices of the MER Mathivha Centre for African Languages, Arts and Culture.

A job well done – from left Prof Musehane, Ms Erika Dionisio and Ms Fhulufhelo Mukatuni.

We must communicate effectively - Director Communications, Marketing and Institutional Advancement Mr Takalani Dzaga.


We would like to hear from you!Nendila is your communications channel.

This issue edited by Mr Takalani Dzaga (CPRP), Director Department of Communications, Marketing and Institutional Advancement. Send your contributions to:

Welheminah MabogoNendila CoordinatorUniversity of VendaPrivate Bag X5050Thohoyandou, 0950

Tel 015 962 8525Fax 015 962 8494e-mail [email protected]

Office number 24, first floorMain administration block

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Univen welcomes new staff members


Prof Vhonani Netshandama: Director of Community Engagement Directorate

Prof Base Khoza: Dean, School of Health Sciences.

Ms Fidelia Gandiya: Director, Department of Finance.

Mr Michael Mjekula: Director Student Affairs.

Advocate Ndivhuho Tshisevhe: Employee Relations Manager.

Prof Phindile Olurunju: Director, Department of Research and Innovation.

Documents

APRIL 2009 Measuring poor and vulnerable households€¦ · 1 APRIL 2009 Univen is a quality driven, ﬁ nancially sustainable, rural based, comprehensive university Measuring poor