Heritage Day has grown to embrace diverse concepts for various people, but these notions share a few similarities. As such, the Faculty of Applied Sciences (FAS) celebrated the day by “showcasing Indigenous Knowledge and its integration to Academic Pursuits of the FAS” at Bellville Campus.

Numerous presentations on different topics from different fields were provided, Prof Jessy Van Wyk and Melissa Rossouw made a presentation on the Indigenous Knowledge Documentation Centre. Dr Vusi Mshayisa and Tina Bebe from the Food Science and Technology Department talked about how edible insects, such as Mopani worms, madzhulu, and thongolifa, are not only a traditional delicacy in parts of South Africa but also a powerhouse of nutrition.

Rich in protein, essential minerals, and amino acids, they stated that these insects offer a sustainable alternative to conventional protein sources. In addition to new novel insects such as mealworms, crickets, and black soldier fly, they said the Department of Food Science and Technology focuses on exploring the nutritional, structural, sensorial, and techno-functional properties of these insects, highlighting their potential to contribute significantly to food security.

Dr Kanyisa Maqashu from the Chemistry Department made her presentation on the extinction of plant species, including fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants, which endangers global health and sustainability. “Human activities have reduced seed diversity, increasing reliance on hybrid crops and limiting access to natural remedies and nutritious food. To combat this, we must blend indigenous knowledge with modern science through collaborative efforts to preserve indigenous plant species, integrate traditional ecological wisdom with sustainability practices, and develop holistic healthcare approaches,” Maqashu stated in her presentation.

Sibusiso Xego from the Horticultural Sciences Department talked about enhancing sustainable cultivation and use of medicinal plants through collaborative partnerships with Western Cape traditional healers and small-scale farmers. Athembile Centane and Nkcubeko Masents from Biotechnology and Consumer Sciences provided information on the scientific validation of anecdotal claims in Indigenous health remedies.

William Manamela from the Mathematics and Physics Department made a presentation on Indigenous knowledge in Mathematics. The Conservation and Marine Science Department also made a presentation on Guardians of the Ocean: A Tale of Tradition and Science.

Language Coordinator: Faculty of Applied Science, Dr Ignatius Khan Ticha, facilitated a panel discussion on Perspectives on the integration of Indigenous knowledge in the curriculum and language practices at CPUT.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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CPUT encapsulated the theme of Mandela Day 2023 with members of executive management, deans, staff and students joining hands to plant 67 trees on the Bellville campus.

Mandela Day is a call to action for individuals, communities and organisations to take time to reflect on the late Nelson Mandela's values and principles and to make a positive impact in their own communities.

This year’s theme was Climate, Food and Solidarity.

The Horticultural Sciences Department’s Hlokane Terence Mabela gave an insightful tree-planting demonstration to attendees, which included representatives from the Division of Student Affairs, the Green Campus Initiative, student leadership and the Service-Learning and Community Engagement Unit, among others.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo planted the first of the trees before staff and students also got their hands dirty.

“If we are learned, we need to know that our role is to preserve this planet because we only have one… Let’s keep on building this institution. Let’s keep on tapping into Madiba’s legacy around making sure that today and every year (Mandela Day) is not a public holiday…he felt that for only 67 minutes you can do something that is good, something that is impacting your neighbour, your country and something that actually makes the other person feel better.”

The Green Campus Initiative’s (GCI) Wakuenda Alex Bukasa said that planting trees on campus, not only meant beautifying the environment but also meant taking concrete steps to combat climate change.

“Each tree we plant acts as a natural air purifier, improving the quality of the air we breathe and reducing the concentration of pollutants. Furthermore, trees provide shade, reducing the need for excessive air conditioning and lowering energy consumption. The benefits of tree planting extend beyond climate change mitigation. They enhance biodiversity by providing habitats for various species of plants, animals and insects. Trees also play a vital role in preventing soil erosion, conserving water and improving overall air quality.”

The GCI aims to create environmental awareness and stewardship within the university.

The 67 trees were secured from Green for Life.

Jan Odendaal of Green for Life said trees are the only things we leave behind that really give a healthy footprint.

“We plant trees all over South Africa. Our passion is to plant many trees at all schools and universities in South Africa so that the students and young adults of tomorrow can live in a cleaner, greener, and healthier environment. The emphasis is on respect. We plant trees of hope and friendship.”

Student Lerato Segonote felt “very honoured to be a part of this impactful event”.

“It is going to change lives and make a difference in the long run at the university.”

Lerato and fellow students are involved in Twelve Shades of Green, a registered civic engagement project at Belvue Primary in Belhar.

Student Presley Makgolane, who is also involved in this project, said it was impressive to see the vice-chancellor “showing us how it’s done”.

“We learned there's a certain way to plant trees, and it was fun to name trees after ourselves. The value of planting a tree results in producing oxygen, which gives us life.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks

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