Tag: Education

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Miss South Africa 2023, Natasha Joubert. We discuss her Miss SA journey, from childhood aspirations to be a woman that inspires others, to competing in 2020 and entering the Miss Universe stage, experiencing disappointment and overcoming depression to go on to win the Miss SA crown in 2023. A person’s encounters have an impact on their life, but Natasha emphasises that people should never allow themselves to be a product of their circumstances, but to be a product of their choices. This was the philosophy behind conceptualising her fashion brand Natalia Jeffreys, which was the product of her father losing his job and her mum’s determination for Natasha to continue competing in pageants and having the outfits to do so. Financial exclusion challenges people’s access to opportunity, but through Natasha’s determination she entered pageants and won bursaries that accumulated into her BCom Marketing Management qualification. Based on her lived experience part of her Miss SA endeavours is an education-based project that partners with institutions to award full bursaries to people that cannot afford to study. Tune in for more to hear this resilient, inspiring, young woman that embodies the four pillars of Miss South Africa – duty, championship, empowerment, and beauty. #SecondChances #Empowerment #Resilience #Dream

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October 26, 2023

Miss South Africa 2023 – Natasha Joubert – Resilient, Enterprising, Go-getter

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Miss South Africa 2023, Natasha Joubert. We discuss her Miss SA journey, from childhood aspirations to be a woman that inspires others, to competin...

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to wheelchair tennis champion Kgothatso Montjane who has made significant achievements in 2023’s grand slam circuit. Winning doubles at the US Open and French Open (Roland Garros), placing second in doubles at Wimbledon and semi-finalist in doubles at the Australian Open. The International Tennis Federation ranks her 9th in the world, one of the world’s top 10 players. KG shares her journey into tennis, which started by chance, as a hobby at the age of 19 and then evolved into a profession after she completed her BSc in Recreation and Leisure. Her career has taken her all over the world. We discuss some of the factors that contribute to her success, such as the team of people that support her, from management to coaches to sport psychologists. Her years of hard work have culminated into triumphs on the global arena, and she uses these accomplishments to fuel her personal motivation and encouraging people to develop an interest in tennis. She has set up the Montjane Sports Development Foundation which aims to take sport to disadvantaged communities.

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September 28, 2023

South African Grand Slam Wheelchair Tennis Champion – Kgothatso Montjane

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to wheelchair tennis champion Kgothatso Montjane who has made significant achievements in 2023’s grand slam circuit. Winning doubles at the US Open ...

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Prof Temi Lydia Leshoro from the Department of Economics at the University of South Africa (UNISA), who has a special interest in macroeconomic studies. She sheds light on the pressing economic issues faced by South Africa. The nation grapples with the daunting triple challenges of unemployment, poverty, and inequality, compounded by energy insecurity, crime, corruption, and skill shortages. Prof Leshoro considers how macroeconomic policies can be tailored to consider gender-specific needs and priorities through five key areas. She emphasizes the significance of equal access to opportunities, advocating for policies that encompass education, training, employment, and support for unpaid care work, including parental leave. Additionally, she highlights the importance of financial inclusion and property rights for women. We discuss the role modelling effect that women in leadership exert, which motivates women to pursue their ambitions with confidence. With Women's Month in focus, Prof Leshoro encourages women to recognise their strengths, their resilience and tap into their limitless potential to fulfil their aspirations. She reminds each woman to embrace her uniqueness as a source of power and capacity for greatness. In rising as individuals women must foster sisterhood, together we are an unstoppable force. Happy Women’s Day Tune in for more….

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August 10, 2023

Prof Temi Lydia Leshoro from the Department of Economics – University of South Africa (UNISA)

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Prof Temi Lydia Leshoro from the Department of Economics at the University of South Africa (UNISA), who has a special interest in macroeconomic stu...

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Prof Sunet Eybers from the School of Computing in the College of Science Engineering and Computing at the University of South Africa (UNISA), who lectures on Human-Computer Interaction as well as Principle Concepts of IT Service Management. We note that diverse professional opportunities are open to technology graduates in different industries. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the hot topic of the day. We talk about AI adoption, the role of ethics and engaging AI, that society has already reached a stage where we cannot separate AI from what we do on a day-to-day basis and the importance of values. This field is growing in both academic and industry environments and these communities should collaborate more effectively to benefit students. One of the initiatives that UNISA has taken, in living its motto of Reclaiming Africa’s Intellectual Futures, is to Africanise examples of theoretical concepts which aids comprehension. We acknowledge that some women contend with fulfilling multiple roles (simultaneously), such as caregiving, educating, economic provision and community contribution. These responsibilities can feel overwhelming and point the need to challenge traditional gender stereotypes for women to attain balance in their lives and fulfil their aspirations. Prof Eybers reminds people to never give up on their dreams – rest but don’t quit. Tune in for more….

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August 3, 2023

Prof Sunet Eybers from the School of Computing – University of South Africa (UNISA)

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Prof Sunet Eybers from the School of Computing in the College of Science Engineering and Computing at the University of South Africa (UNISA), who l...

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Prof. Judy Van Biljon from the School of Computing in the College of Science Engineering and Computing at the University of South Africa (UNISA), who also holds the National Research Foundation’s Chair in Information and Communication for Development (ICT4D). She highlights some of her research areas, such as human-computer-interaction (HCI) and knowledge mobilisation and visualisation; focussing on the importance of developing intuitive designs and catering for the different needs of various groups. In the context of websites her work aims to make them effective and efficient and for users to have satisfactory experiences. We discuss how culture evolves and must continue to transform. E.g. for decades, work environments were designed around the needs of men; organisations need to be reconstructed to accommodate men and women. Stereotypical gender roles in the home should fall away to create win-win scenarios so that both partners feel they are fulfilling their purpose. “If you keep quiet to keep the peace you start a war within yourself” Prof. Van Biljon uses the metaphor of a tree to describe the relationships we have in our personal ecosystems. She emphasises the importance of creating structures to support future goals, where healthy habits pave the way for success. Tune in for more.

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July 27, 2023

Prof. Judy Van Biljon – School of Computing – UNISA

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Prof. Judy Van Biljon from the School of Computing in the College of Science Engineering and Computing at the University of South Africa (UNISA), w...

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Dr. Nomcebo Mthombeni, who heads up the Department of Chemical Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment at the Durban University of Technology. She highlights the broad applicability of chemical engineering across sectors and the need for collaborative research between industry and academia, that addresses societal and industrial challenges. For example Dr Mthombeni highlights some of the water projects she has been involved with that dealt with disinfection to target pathogens in water; sensors to detect modern water contaminants; recycling waste water to generate energy; and utilising solar power to pump water in rural communities. Dr Mthombeni notes that engineers are problem solvers and asserts that chemical engineering students – no matter how far along they are in their studies – should be confident and if they think they can solve a problem to tackle it now, not wait until they have earned their qualification. Although the engineering discipline is traditionally male dominated, there is a strong cohort of female graduates however they seem to drop out of the pipeline. Some of the reasons for this include environments that are less accommodating for women, the need for men to open opportunities for women to enter the space, the family responsibilities that women tend to carry, negative socialisation that may inhibit women from believing in their capabilities, and a lack of development programmes with intentional career paths. Lastly, Dr Mthombeni emphasises the importance of knowing your “why” and pursuing your purpose. Tune in for more

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July 14, 2023

Dr. Nomcebo Mthombeni head of Chemical Engineering at the Durban University of Technology

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Dr. Nomcebo Mthombeni, who heads up the Department of Chemical Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment at the Durban ...

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Prof. Ntanganedzeni Olivia Mapholi, who heads up the Department of Agriculture and Animal Health at the University of South Africa (UNISA). Agriculture and food feature prominently in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals because of the role they have in the economy and environment, and the impact they have on sustainability, climate and biodiversity, as well as nutrition and health. UNISA’s Department of Agriculture and Animal Health plays a significant role in developing people, processes and products for the agricultural sector in Africa. Prof. Mapholi emphasises the close link between academic research to advance farming practices in the field, such as increasing milk production, breeding tick resistant cattle, helping farmers overcome swine fever and more. In terms of women in leadership, UNISA’s first female Vice Chancellor Professor Puleng LenkaBula is a role model to female academics, inspiring them to realise their ambitions and make a difference in their disciplines that contribute beyond country borders. Mentorship is an important tool to guide women’s development, as is knowledge through education that furthers your passion. UNISA is a distance learning institution which enables students to study flexibly from anywhere in the world. Tune in for more…

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July 6, 2023

Prof. Ntanganedzeni Olivia Mapholi – Head of Agriculture and Animal Health at the University of South Africa  

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Prof. Ntanganedzeni Olivia Mapholi, who heads up the Department of Agriculture and Animal Health at the University of South Africa (UNISA). Agricul...

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Dr Bernadette Sunjka, who heads up the School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Witwatersrand. Engineering is one of the four STEM subjects that contribute towards innovation and development and Dr Sunjka emphasises applications of industrial engineering to help students solve research problems, particularly in the small to medium enterprise (SME) sector. For example, improving the efficiency of poultry farmers; helping SME businesses contract sustainably with fast moving consumer goods companies; and evaluating the hydrogen supply chain in the energy sector. In a country, like South Africa, with the official unemployment rate exceeding 40%, entrepreneurship is a means of creating livelihoods and shifts the narrative from job seekers to job creators. Yet, the biggest constraint to entrepreneurs is financial resources. Dr. Sunja shares some of her views on education (beyond pure knowledge gain), extending to developing self-confidence, enabling graduates to have choices to plot their career trajectories, to learn transferrable skills and apply these skills to various contexts for dynamic careers. She reminds people to believe in themselves and have the courage to find and pursue their purpose. Tune in for more…

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June 29, 2023

Dr Bernadette Sunjka –  Head of the Industrial Engineering Stream within the School of Mechanical, Industrial & Aeronautical Engineering – University of Witwatersrand

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Dr Bernadette Sunjka, who heads up the Industrial Engineering Stream within the School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering at th...

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Prof. Riëtte de Kock, who lectures in the Department of Consumer and Food Sciences, the Faculty of Natural Agricultural Sciences at the University of Pretoria. The Department of Consumer and Food Sciences provides relevant, world-class education and training for future leaders in consumer science, food science, culinary science and nutrition, and takes in students from across the continent, like Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Swaziland, Lesotho, Uganda and South Africa.  According to the WEF Agriculture makes up 35% of Africa’s GDP and employs about half of its people. Food and agriculture is a vital part of the continent’s economy. Prof. de Kock has a particular interest on the optimisation of the sensory properties of food and beverages (taste, smell, texture, appearance, sound) that contribute to the nutrition status and well-being of consumers in sub-Saharan Africa. One aspect of her research is optimising the shelf life of wholegrain maize meal. She emphasises the importance of participating in professional networks to keep abreast of new knowledge and developments in your field and cultivating social connections with peers. She is a member of several associations such as Vice President: South African Association for Food Science Technology www.saafost.org.za; Representative for University of Pretoria as Associate member: South African Association for the Flavour and Fragrance Industry (SAAFFI) www.saaffi.co.za; Representative for University of Pretoria as Associate member: South African Meat Processors Association www.sampa.org.za; Chair: Africa Network for Sensory Evaluation Research ANSWER https://answernetwork.org/. She imparts an important learning for self-development, namely the more you share the more you grow and teams make you stronger. Tune in for more…

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June 15, 2023

Prof. Riëtte de Kock – Department of Consumer and Food Sciences – University of Pretoria

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Prof. Riëtte de Kock, who lectures in the Department of Consumer and Food Sciences, the Faculty of Natural Agricultural Sciences at the University...

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Prof. Marianne Vanderschuren, the Deputy Dean Transformation and Social Responsiveness in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Cape Town. The civil engineering discipline tends to be associated with large scale infrastructure, like high-rise buildings, bridges, water management, and transportation systems, such as roads, railways, canals, harbours and airports. Prof. Vanderschuren has a particular interest in transportation. One of her research areas addresses gender safety in public spaces, which acknowledges that women in Africa face sexual harassment and violence during their commutes. This research considers how females can travel more safely through social and infrastructure interventions. Social interventions include travelling with people they know (passengers and drivers), and having access to security applications either on their phone or physical buttons to raise an alarm. Infrastructure-wise CCTV cameras, proper lighting and reducing deserted areas aid the safety of female commuters. Prof. Vanderschuren shares some of her motivations to pursue a career in civil engineering with an emphasis on transport, noting that the field is gradually transforming from a male biased one to accepting women. She is a member of several professional organisations and highlights the value of these networks for the growth of individuals and development of the collective. Prof. Vanderschuren encourages women to believe in themselves and pursue their passion, reminding people that is ok to be the outlier as long as you stay true to yourself. Tune in for more…

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June 8, 2023

Prof. Marianne Vanderschuren, Deputy Dean Transformation and Social Responsiveness in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Cape Town

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Prof. Marianne Vanderschuren, the Deputy Dean Transformation and Social Responsiveness in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of ...

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