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UK-South Africa & SADC Engineering Education and Research Capacity
Building Collaboration
5-6 October 2017
Synopsis
A two-day conference co-hosted by the Government of South Africa’s Department
for Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the Royal Academy of Engineering,
UK (the Academy) with support from the British High Commission in South Africa.
The primary aim was to showcase projects supported by both DHET and the
Academy and develop ideas for collaboration in education and research capacity
building under upcoming funding calls.
This event was a collaborative effort between three of the Academy’s international
programmes, all funded by the UK government under either the Newton Fund or
the Global Challenges Research Fund which both support engineering capacity
building collaborations in universities and professional engineering institutions in
South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa for economic and social development
purposes.
Objectives:
Highlighting and share lessons from projects funded under the Academy’s
engineering collaboration programmes in SADC region
Networking between participants and facilitate idea generation and encouraging
relationships for new collaborations in preparation for relevant funding calls
Engaging in discussions around engineering education and research in South
Africa and SADC region to help inform wider policy and practice
5 October: The first day was opened by the UK Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Ben
Llewellyn OBE, and Professor Ken Grattan FREng, City University (UK).
The workshop was separated into six sessions showcasing the achievements of the
projects supported by the Academy.
Session 1: Improving Pedagogy and Practice of Undergraduate Engineering
Teaching
A series of presentations chaired by Professor Ifiok Otung, University of South Wales
(UK), addressing the engineering skills shortage experienced in South Africa.
Professor Otung opened the session highlighting the need to re-brand engineering
as a fun career path, as well as the necessity of ensuring the profession is
recognised for the vital role it plays in society. Professor Otung expressed the need
to better prepare students pre-university education to choose a career in
engineering.
The session commenced with a
presentation by Dr Whitfield Green,
DHET. Dr Green explained the
challenges the government is facing
in South Africa, including high
dropout rate for engineering
students, and the steps the South African
government is taking by shifting the focus
towards capacity building programmes, and
introducing a new initiative, investing
ZAR10million into staff development
projects.
This was followed by a series of engaging
presentations highlighting the different
approaches to addressing and improving
undergraduate teaching within engineering
education in South Africa; utilising the
Academy’s Industry-Academia Partnership
Programme (IAPP).
Professor Winberg, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, explained the need to
create an environment stimulating professional learning across differing disciplines
and areas taking a Problem Based Learning approach to make learning more
engaging, and create skilled graduates. Professor Das, Central University of
Technology, showcased student and staff competency programme in partnership
with UCL. This was followed by Mr Brown and Ms Gogela-Smith, Nelson Mandela
University, who tabled a different approach to engineering education, Phenomenon
Based Learning, increasing the skills of staff through workshops, seminars and short
courses to assist staff in developing appropriate core subject knowledge. Ms Gogela-
Smith also showcased an online platform under construction bringing together data
from across the continent on engineering education, and the approaches used. With
such a large-scale project underway, this was greeted with excitement, as this type
of data does not currently exist.
Dr A Padaaychee, South African Technology Network, presented on a collaborative
project, supporting 6 technical universities by developing lecturers with further
qualifications and increase disadvantaged student and staff retention. Lastly,
Professor Collier-Reed, University
of Cape Town, shared a new
initiative by the university to
create short videos by experts,
with key, succinct takeaway points
published on their website to
support students in learning.
Professor Collier-Reed also
pleaded with the delegates to
support each other to leverage the
South African expertise and
experience for the benefit of the
country.
Session 2: Enhancing Engineering research capacity
The second session, chaired by Professor Ken Grattan FREng, aimed to highlight the
need to leverage partnership in building capacity. Professor Johann Mouton set the
scene by presenting data that identified the trends and data behind South African
engineering education. Masters enrolment has steadily increased since 1971, and
reached over 5,000 in 2005. Out of those 5,000 students, 20% were female and
80% male. In addition to this, there were a significant increase in black Africans
compared to other ethnicities and groups. Professor Mouton highlighted the need
to do more in increase this trend, promote women within engineering, and reminded
the audience of the positive role immigration has played to increase those numbers.
Professor Jeff Smithers, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (on sabbatical in the UK),
showcased the flood impact project in collaboration with local industry, developing
research capacity, and transferring technology to industry. Professor Andrew Leitch,
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, showcased his IAPP project, capitalising on
the recent growth in the fibre optic sensors sector, this project is developing
advanced optical fibre sensor networks for improved structural health monitoring.
Lastly, Professor Tariene Wilcocks and Professor Jacques Snyman, Tshwane
University of Technology, presented on their project preparing the South African
Built Environment for Climate Change Resilience (SABER), creating and lobbying
the government for guidelines/policies around climate change emissions, as well as
designing and delivering a research agenda and curricula to support the proposal
for an alternative regulatory
system. With the current
informal building economy
not considering climate
change regulations, and the
top ten African countries (of
which South Africa is one)
producing 77.3% of the
continent’s carbon
emissions, the university has
created a research hub to
help tackle this growing
issue.
Session 3: Addressing Emerging Issues and Technologies in Engineering
Education through partnerships
Dr Keith Carter, Visiting Professor at the University of Leicester, and long-standing
partner of the Royal Academy of Engineering, chaired the session highlighting the
need to address and improve engineering education within Africa by, utilising new
technology and teaching methods to ensure rapid development.
This session commenced with a presentation by Ereola Aladesanmi, University of
KwaZulu-Natal, who shared the differing teaching methods and advances the
university has adopted recently through the Academy award. Dr Mxolis i Brendon
Shongwe, Tshwane University of Technology, shared his experiences vising the UK
through the IAPP programme, to develop the university’s welding technology to
improve manufacturing. Dr Shongwe, who partnered with the University of
Leicester, explained that this programme, has given his team an opportunity to
learn from the UK’s advanced welding methods and to visit the Welding Institute.
Lastly, Christiaan Coenrad Oosthuizen, Tshwane University of Technology,
presented on their IAPP project; solar vehicle engineering development exchange
programme, advancing research capacity, upskilling staff, and implementing
focussed workshops with industry partners, in partnership with the University of
Southampton.
6 October
The second day, provided an opportunity for the Academy to showcase its’ related
sub-Saharan Africa focussed programmes, supporting engineering education
through the Higher Education Partnership in sub-Saharan Africa programme (HEP
SSA) and strengthening professional engineering institutions through the GCRF
Africa Catalyst programme. Chaired by Dr Allyson Lawless FREng, whose opening
remarks highlighted the need for the African continent to develop its own
engineering capacity at a faster rate, the financial and continuity challenges that
are growing through foreign engineering consultancy, and the engineering potential
that exists within the continent itself. This point was furthered by Prof Lukas
Snyman, Chair of ECSA Deans Forum, who provided data and information on the
numbers and current condition of engineering in South Africa.
Session 4: Bridging the skills gap: Examples of Professional Engineering
Institutes and Higher Education collaboration
This session, chaired by Professor Mike Bramhall,
Emeritus Professor of Engineering Education,
Sheffield Hallam University & Member, Engineering
Professors’ Council aimed to highlight the
importance of the GCRF Africa Catalyst pilot projects
and partnerships with regional universities. The
session included a detailed explanation by Professor
Dik Morling, Institute of Engineering and
Technology, on internationally recognised standards
such as the Washington Accord. Jagadish Soobarah,
Institution of Engineers Mauritius, showcased the
GCRF Africa Catalyst project in Mauritius, working
towards international accreditation standards. Dr
Oagile Kanyeto, Botswana Institute of Engineering,
and Dr Sebusang Sebusang, University of
Botswana, presented the progress of their projects
through the Academy, and the engineering challenges facing Botswana. Dawn
Bonfield MBE, Visiting Professorship at Aston University, explained the need to
create a more inclusive and diverse approach to engineering.
Session 5: In conversation with Eng Wilson Nyemba: Instigating and
sustaining institutional change
This session was chaired by Dr Allyson Lawless FREng, leading a conversation with
Eng Wilson Nyemba, former Dean of Engineering at the University of Zimbabwe,
and currently completing a PhD at the University of Johannesburg, They discussed
the Academy’s pilot scheme for HEP SSA; Enriching Engineering Education
Programme (EEEP), which ran between 2013 -2015. The session aimed to look
closely at the steps, processes, and challenges that are experienced in creating
institutional changes, developing engineering education, and the achievements that
can be made with the correct team and commitment. The conversation provided
the awardees an opportunity to build on Engineer Nyemba’s experience and
expertise, in addressing the skills shortage and skills gap in the continent’s
engineering capacity.
Session 6: Leveraging partnerships to impact at scale
The final session, chaired by Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the
University of Dar es Salaam, Professor Bavo Nyichomba, provided an opportunity
to showcase the current awardees in the - HEP SSA programme. Presentations
included Professor Frank Kavishe, Founding Dean of Engineering, University of
Namibia, Dr Suzgo Kaunda, Senior Lecturer, University of Malawi – Polytechnic, and
Professor Mundia Muya, Dean of Engineering, University of Zambia. The
presentations showcased the achievements, challenges and objectives of each
project, providing an opportunity for feedback and support on developing the
projects. The projects held a focus on two way bilateral secondments between
academia and industry, knowledge sharing workshops and updating engineering
curriculum.
Outcomes
The conference successfully showcased a vast spectrum of engineering capacity
building initiatives being undertaken across the SADC region, sponsored by the
Academy and DHET through the GCRF and Newton Funds. The conference helped
join the dots between the individual projects, creating an environment for
collaborative discourse and has subsequently seeded at least two 2 multi-body
collaborations between South Africa, the SADC region and the UK. The conference
also provided an opportunity for the projects to be peer reviewed, and co-
developed, with many of the challenges experienced by the awardees shared, and
possible solutions tabled – such sharing and further leveraging of knowledge,
resources and facilities is essential for awardees often operating under severe
resource constraints. Through this sharing many best practices and opportunities
were identified such as increasing partner involvement in HEPSSA projects, new
partnerships within GCRF Africa Catalyst, and gaining access to sub-Saharan
African engineering universities to support IAPP projects. Finally, as the
conference was supported by the British High Commission, and co-hosted with the
South African government, the event has further developed the strong partnership
between the UK and South Africa, and created future opportunities for mutually-
beneficial collaboration to foster improved engineering capabilities and meet our
respective national development objectives.
Workshop agenda
UK-South Africa Engineering Education and Research Capacity Building Collaboration Programme - 5 October 2017
09:00 – 09:30
09:30 – 10:00
Registration and Coffee
Welcome and introduction
Welcoming Speech
Opening Remarks o Mr B Llewellyn Jones, Deputy High Commissioner, British High
Commission, South Africa Introduction to the Royal Academy of Engineering and Industry Academia
Partnership Programme
o Prof Kenneth Grattan FREng, Dean, City Graduate School, City University London
10:00 – 12:00
Improving Pedagogy and Practice of Undergraduate Engineering
Teaching
With 40% drop out rate of South African Engineering students, the profession faces a
throughput crisis with many course leavers citing teaching quality and curricular issues as
switching reasons. This session will provide an overview of the national situation regarding
student and staff needs in engineering education and then showcase the various initiatives
funded in this area through the collaborative South Africa-UK programmes.
Chair & Opening Remarks: Prof Ofiuk Otung, Professor of Satellite Communications,
University of South Wales, UK
Presentation
The DHET’s Existing Engineering Staff Capacity Enhancement Programme: What
is it about and what is it responding to?
o Dr Whitfield Green, Department of Higher Education and Training
Project Showcases:
Enhancing engineering academics’ pedagogical competencies for engineering in
context.
o Prof C Winberg, project leader, Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Building a community of engineering educators in South Africa.
o Prof D Das, acting project leader, Central University of Technology
A collaborative network to enhance engineering pedagogy using phenomena-based
learning and research-led teaching and mentoring
o Mr R Brown (Nelson Mandela University) and Ns M Gogela-Smith (Walter
Sisulu University)
Enhancing Staff Capacity in Faculties of Engineering at UoTs
o Dr A Padaaychee; project leader, South African Technology Network
Master Classes for Engineering Educators
o Prof B Collier-Reed; project leader, University of Cape Town
Followed by discussion session and conclusions
12:00 - 12:45 Lunch
12:45 – 14:00
Enhancing Engineering research capacity
Leveraging partnerships can strengthen research capacity through exposure to resources,
environments and capabilities that would otherwise be unattainable. This session will kick
off with a landscape review on postgraduate research training in South Africa, followed by
a showcase of collaborative UK-South Africa projects which are increasing resilience whilst
actively building research capacity in SA in partnership with industry and UK universities.
Chair: Prof Kenneth Grattan FREng, Dean, City Graduate School, City University London,
UK
Presentation
Status of Postgraduate research training in engineering o Professor Johann Mouton, Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and
Technology, University of Stellenbosch (TBC)
Project Showcases:
Support for the National Flood Studies Programme through the development of
research capacity and training
o Prof Jeffrey Colin Smithers, University of KwaZulu-Natal
Advanced optical fibre sensor networks for improved structural health monitoring
applications
o Prof Andrew Leitch, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Preparing the South African Built Environment for Climate Change Resilience
(SABER)
o Dr Jacques Snyman, Tshwane University of Technology
Followed by discussion session and conclusions
14.00 – 14.20 Break
14:20 – 15:45 Addressing Emerging Issues and Technologies in Engineering
Education through partnerships
The next generation of engineers will need to be equipped to address challenges, solve
problems and take opportunities related to emerging issues and increasingly rapid
technological advancements. To do so effectively will require numerous changes in
engineering education to ensure teaching content and delivery remains relevant whilst
accreditation mechanisms adapt accordingly. This session will showcase various UK-South
Africa partnerships which are building capability in and leveraging emerging technologies
in partnership with industries, institutes and other universities to ready a state-of-the-art
skillbase.
Chair: Dr Keith Carter, RAEng Visiting Professor, University of Leicester, UK
Project Showcases
Development of additional teaching and research capacity for modern power
systems studies between The University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban University of
Technology, Eskom and The University of Bristol
o Ereola Aladesanmi, University of KwaZulu-Natal
Teaching Methods and Research into Advanced Welding Technology for Improved
Manufacturing in South Africa and the UK
o Dr Mxolisi Brendon Shongwe, Tshwane University of Technology
TUT & UoS Solar vehicle engineering development exchange programme
o Christiaan Coenrad Oosthuizen, Tshwane University of Technology
Followed by discussion session and conclusions
15:45 – 16:00
16:00 - 17:00
Coffee Break
Emerging Ideas, upscaling impact and formal conclusion This session will help draw the day’s proceedings to a close and will aim to discuss
emerging ideas for collaboration and address any queries related to upcoming funding calls
to be released by DHET and RAEng.
Facilitation by Dr Whitfield Green and Shaarad Sharma
Formal Conclusion by Workshop Chair
17:00 – 18.30
Drinks reception and informal discussions
Engineering Education and Research Capacity Building Collaboration: Perspectives from the SADC Region
Programme - 6 October 2017
09:00 – 09:30
09:30 – 10:00
Arrival, Coffee and Networking
Introduction Day 2 Opening Remarks, including a summary reflection of Day 1
o Prof L Snyman, Chair of ECSA Deans Forum (TBC) Introduction to Day 2 workshops and the Royal Academy of Engineering’s HEP SSA
and GCRF Africa Catalyst and funding opportunities open for collaboration o Dr Allyson Lawless FREng, South African Institute of Civil Engineering
10:00 – 12:00
Bridging the skills gap: Examples of Professional Engineering
Institutes and Higher Education collaboration Working together Professional Engineering Institutes (and other professional bodies) and
Universities can improve accreditation standards, engage industry to promote the
profession and help ensure that engineers are better skilled to provide stronger
engineering training. This session will give an insight to some best practise examples, both
from the SADC region and from the UK.
Chair & Opening Remarks: Prof Mike Bramhall, Emeritus Professor of Engineering
Education, Sheffield Hallam University & Member, Engineering Professors’ Council
Presentation
Dik Morling, Institute of Engineering & Technology (UK)
Oagile Kanyeto & Dr Sebusang, Botswana Institute of Engineering & University of
Botswana
Jagadish Soobarah, Institution of Engineers Mauritius
Dawn Bonfield MBE, Founder - Towards Vision & Visiting Professor in Inclusive
Engineering at Aston University
Followed by panel discussion, Q&A and conclusions
12:00 - 13:00
Lunch
13:30 –13:45
In conversation with Engr Wilson Nyemba: Instigating and
sustaining institutional change
Engr Wilson Nyemba, Former Dean, University of Zımbabwe and PhD Student, University
of Johannesburg
Followed by a Q&A, chaired by Dr Allyson Lawless FREng
13:45 – 14:45 Leveraging partnerships to impact at scale At the core of successful international projects for higher education is the ability to
demonstrate impact at scale. This session will focus on models of collaborative engagement
amongst universities across the SADC region which help generate and effectively
disseminate knowledge and learning on best practice engineering education in preparation
for funding calls to be opened in the coming months.
Chair: Professore Blasius Bavo Nyichomba, University of Dar es Salaam
Project Showcases:
Dr Frank Kavishe – University of Namibia & Durban University of Technology
Dr Mundia Muya, University of Zambia & University of Johannesburg
Bob Pullen, South African Academy of Engineering & Ramford Zwane,
Architects,Engineers, Surveyors and Allied Professionals Registration Council
(Swaziland)
Followed by discussion session and conclusions
14:45 – 15:15 Coffee Break
15:15 - 16:15 Emerging Ideas, networking and conference wrap up This session will provide forum for discussion of emerging ideas for collaboration and help
wrap up the conference, allowing participants time to network and ask questions regarding
the different funding opportunities avalable for collaboration across the SADC region.
Facilitation by Dr Whitfield Green. Louise Oloffson and Sebastian Scott
Formal Conclusion by Workshop Chair
Delegate List
Dr Diane Parker Deputy Director General: University Education
DHET
Dr Whitty Green Chief Director: Teaching and Learning Development
DHET
Mr Shiba Diketane Deputy Director DHET
Mr Calvin Pennells Assistant Director DHET
Ms Abigail Nkoe Senior Admin Office DHET
Ms Florence Kaphuka Senior Admin Office DHET
Prof Kenneth Grattan FREng Dean: City Graduate School City University London
Prof Johann Mouton Director of the Centre for Research on Science and Technology at
Stellenbosch University
Prof BI Collier-Reed
Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering
University of Cape Town
Prof Theo Andrew Professor Theo Andrew Durban University of Technology
Ms B S N Mchunu Deputy Director, High End Skills
Department of Science and Technology
Mr EL Nxumalo Programme Director Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA)
Dr J Carroll Snr Lecturer and Engineering Education Specialist
University of Johannesburg
Dr Z Simpson Lecturer University of Johannesburg
Mr M Madushele Lecturer – Manufacturing Methods University of Johannesburg
Prof LW Snyman
Director: School of Engineering University of South Africa
Ms D Ionescu
Academic Staff member – School of Engineering
University of South Africa
Professor Chris Winberg South African Research Chair (Work & Learning)
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Ms M Gogela-Smith
Acting Manager: CLTD (BCC) Academic Affairs & Research
WSU
Dr Hannah Hughes Lecturer in Exploration and Mining Geology
University of Exeter
Ms I Loots
PrEng, MEng (Water Resources Engineering)
University of Pretoria
Dr Mbulelo Ncango Director National Research Foundation (NRF)
Shaarad Sharma
Programme Manager, International – Newton Fund
The Royal Academy of Engineering
Prof. T Haupt Research Professor: Engineering University of KwaZulu-Natal
Mrs. J. Baah Acting Dean: Engineering Mangosuthu University of Technology
Prof D Hattingh Project Leader Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Prof Andrew Leitch Head of the Optical Fibre Research Unit
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Mr R Brown Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Professor Sunil (BT) Maharaj Dean: Faculty of Eng., Built Environment and IT (EBIT)
University of Pretoria
Prof Dillip Kumar Das Associate Professor, Civil Engineering Central University of Technology
Prof Y Woyessa Project Leader Central University of Technology
Dr Anshu Padayachee Project Leader South African Technology Network (SATN)
Dr Jacques van Wyk
Senior Lecturer: Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
University of Pretoria
Dr. Mohammad Moghimi Ardekani
Lecturer: Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering
University of Pretoria
Dr HM Inglis Senior Lecturer of Mechanical Engineering
University of Pretoria
Prof. R. Rawatlal Academic Leader for Chemical Engineering
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Prof Jeffrey Colin Smithers Professor in the School of Agricultural Engineering
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Prof Timothy Akindeja Head, Department of Electrical Power Engineering
Durban University of Technology
Prof Christiaan Oosthuizen Project manager Tshwane University of Technology
Mr Johannes de Vries
Project assistant manager Tshwane University of Technology
Prof Jacques Snyman Associate Professor and Head of Department: Academic and Industry
Tshwane University of Technology
Dr Mxolisi Brendon Shongwe
Senior Lecturer, Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Tshwane University of Technology
Dr Allison Lawless
Managing Director, SAICE Professional Development and Projects
South African Institute of Civil Engineering
Wilson Nyemba Former Dean: University of Zimbabwe University of Johannesburg
Marthelene Buckle Consultant South African Institute of Civil Engineering
Thuba Sithole Consultant South African Institute of Civil Engineering
Zan Mlambo Consultant South African Institute of Civil Engineering
Ramford Zwane Director Architects, Engineers, Surveyors and Allied Professionals Registration Council (Swaziland)
Jagadish Soobarah Team Leader (Working Group on Engineering Accreditation)
Institution of Engineers Mauritius
Oagila Kanyeto Botswana Institute of Engineering
Martin Manuhwa Immediate Past Chair Engineering Council of Zimbabwe
Sanzan Diarra Chief Executive Officer Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers
Ignasio Ngoma Team Leader Malawi Institute of Engineers
Bob Pullen President South African Academy of Engineering
Louise Oloffson Programme Manager: Africa Catalyst Royal Academy of Engineering
Sebastian Scott Programme Officer: Higher Education Partnerships in Sub Saharan Africa
Royal Academy of Engineering
Prof Dik Morling Consultant and Visiting Professor Institute of Engineering & Technology (UK) and University of Westminster
Dr Annatoria Chinyama Lecturer University of Zimbabwe
Prof Bavo Nyichomba Associate Professor University of Dar es Salaam
Dr Suzgo Kaunda Senior Lecturer, Department of Mechanical Engineering
University of Malawi Polytechnic
Sebusang Sebusang Senior Lecturer, Automatic Control Systems
University of Botswana
Prof Frank Kavishe Assistant Pro-Vice Chancellor University of Namibia
Dr Keith Carter RAEng Visiting Professor University of Leicester (UK)
Jacqueline Bonfield MBE Founder & RAEng Visiting Professor Towards Vision/ Aston University (UK)
Dr Elisabeth Bowman Senior Lecturer, Department of Civil and Structural Engineering
University of Sheffield (UK)
Prof Michael Bramhall Emeritus Professor of Engineering Education
Sheffield Hallam University (UK)
Prof Ifiok Otung Professor of Satellite Communications University of South Wales (UK)
Thabo Senooane Manager: Strategy Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA)
Yashin Brijmohan Executive Dean: Business, Engineering, and Technology
Monash University - South Africa