SOFTCOPY MAGAZINE

NASIPHI GIGABA Seven third-year Fine arts students held a group exhibition at the Durban University of Technology’s Art Gallery recently. Titled, Know Thyself, the exhibition formed part of the students’ assessment for the Communication Studies subject where they are tasked with organising and curating their own exhibition.   Students showcased work ranging from paintings, photographs to sculptures- all which spoke to the theme of self-identity. Explaining the purpose of the exhibition, one of the students, Taryn van Wyk said: “As artists we put together the exhibition called “Know Thyself” collectively to encourage self-reflection as a catalyst for the exploration of issues that question culture, identity, gender, religion and feminist objection,” said group member.” Even though Van Wyk and her colleagues, Mfundo Mhlongo, Mfezeko Gumada, Halalisani Mpunzana, Londiwe Mtshali, Star Govern and Silindile Dlamini come from different backgrounds, they combined their differen...

Callen Miller after being announced as the winner at the 19th annual PlatAfrica 2018 Jewellery Design Bachelor of Technology (Btech) student, Callen Miller scooped first prize of the 19th annual PlatAfrica 2018 jewellery design and manufacturing competition which recently hosted on Wednesday, 24 October at the Theatre on the Track in Kyalami. Miller took first place in the student/apprentice category with her Neckpiece & ring titled, “Able to be”. “I’m happy to say that I did win the completion and I am still reeling with excitement. I am extremely proud of myself and I am so grateful for the opportunity from DUT to enter such a wonderful competition; I’m also so grateful to my wonderful lecturers that helped and supported me through the process,” she ecstatically stated. PlatAfrica has been hosting for the past two decades and has had a wide range of captivating themes with this year’s 19th event held under the theme “Blessings of Love”. The theme celebra...

Some of the participants in the Emerging Researchers Workshop. The Faculty of Arts and Design (FoAD) recently hosted an Emerging Researchers Workshop, which was aimed at informing postgraduate students about opportunities available for them in the world of academic research. Titled, “Eyethu: Emerging Researcher Day” the workshop was held at DUT’s City Campus, and was organised by FoAD’s Research Office. It focused on exploring funding opportunities and mentorship support offered to DUT’s postgraduates which enables them to continue advancing their studies. The day also served as a drive for increasing the number of South African students enrolled for the PhD and Masters programmes. Postgraduate students were also treated to an informative session on funding opportunities offered by DUT and other funding organisations. The National Research Foundation’s (NRF) Itumeleng Tshabalala and Samukelisiwe Gambu from the Grants Management Division both spoke about how students can...

Breast cancer survivor Ronicka Sirputh. NASIPHI GIGABA The Pink Phoenix Cancer Foundation has appointed Faculty of Arts and Design’s admin assistant, Ronicka Sirputh, as its Breast Cancer Ambassador. Sirputh was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and successfully underwent treatment that saw her beating the disease.   As October Is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month- dedicated to educating people about the illness- Sirputh shares her journey to overcoming one of the most difficult times in her life.   In mid-2016, she noticed a “ball” on her right breast but never for one moment thought it was a cancerous lump. It was later in the year that she finally decided to have a medical check-up to see what it was. Sirputh then went to the Durban University of Technology’s Radiology clinic where she had an ultrasound done and was advised to take the printouts to her doctor. “Throughout December, I suffered with intense back pain (this was in no way related to ...

Mhlonishwa Chiliza with FoAD's Executive Dean, Dr Rene Smith. Budding artist and Fine Art Lecturer, Mholnishwa Chiliza made the Top 100 of the Absa L’Atelier exhibition which recently took place in Johannesburg.   Inspired by a broadly recognised innovator of black South African art, Gerard Sekoto and marking its 33rd anniversary this year, the L'Atelier is one of Africa’s most prestigious art competitions which rewards young visual artists aged 21 to 35 with the opportunity to develop their talents abroad. “I was very happy to be part of the Absa L’Atelier as it’s elevate the status of your work, name and the city of the Durban region,” said Chiliza. After making it through the first round where competitors had to make an electronic submission, in the second round competitors then had to make a physical submission where Chiliza made it on the top 100 of the competition. “I was very happy to get a notification that I am part of the top 100 in the entire conti...