Praise and plaudits for trio from Mafikeng

Peer recognition is the ultimate form of praise. Three Mafikeng Campus staff members, Dr Kaitano Dzinavatonga, Prof Jamshid Moori and Matshidiso Pooe, have been honoured in this way – one by an international preservation body while the other two scooped prestigious awards.

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    Working with artefacts

    Kaitano, a researcher from the Physics Department, had the honour of being hosted by the European Institute for the Photon-based Non-Destructive Analysis of Ancient Materials (IPANEMA).

     

    Last year from 19 October to 30 November, he participated in the spectroscopic analysis of heritage and archaeological artefacts.

     

    During this six-week visit he studied valuable historical documents provided by the National Libraries of South Africa and Mali.

     

    Kaitano used different scientific techniques to evaluate the detoriation processes in these documents. His findings will provide valuable information on document preservation measures and how to restore these valuable artefacts.

     

    < Dr Kaitano Dzinavatonga, researcher

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    Excellence in research

    The South African Mathematical Society (SAMS) recognised Jamshid by choosing him as the recipient of its top award for research distinction.

     

    Jamshid, an A-rated scientist in pure mathematics, received the award at the Annual Congress of SAMS in November last year.

     

    According to the SAMS website, the SAMS Award for Research Distinction recognises and stimulates excellence in research. They say the award is only made in recognition of important research contributions to mathematics or to the application of mathematics in any field.

     

    It is the society’s most prestigious award.

     

    < Prof Jamshid Moori, scientist and researcher

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    Award for innovation

    Matshidiso, academic development advisor and academic computing specialist, is the overall winner of the 2015 Turnitin Global Innovator Award for Africa and the Middle East.

     

    The award recognises educators and technology administrators from around the world who have shown excellence in promoting academic integrity, student engagement and the innovative use of Turnitin and other educational technologies to support learning.

     

    Matshidiso advises management, staff and students from the Mafikeng Campus on integrating Turnitin into teaching and learning. She also promotes the use of Turnitin as an educational tool through workshops.

     

    < Matshidiso Pooe, academic development advisor and academic computing specialist