Applied Sciences highlighted various aspects of heritage

In celebration of South African heritage, the Faculty of Applied Sciences (FAS) recently showcased various aspects of our heritage across different disciplines. As part of this commitment, the faculty invited two traditional healers to share their insights on addressing ancestral calling during a heritage event held at the Bellville Campus.

The event, which was opened by the Faculty Learning and Teaching Coordinator, Prof Muhammad Nakhooda, and closed by the Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Prof Rashieda Toefy, brought together students and staff from various departments, including Biotechnology and Consumer Science, Chemistry, Agriculture, Mathematics and Physics, Food Science and Technology, and Horticultural Sciences. This gathering highlighted the idea that science, enriched by aspects of heritage and indigenous knowledge, can be both fun and exciting.

Nonkosi Cubeka and Dr Mavuso Gqoa, both traditional healers, addressed the ancestral calling (ukuthwasa) in Higher Education under the theme: Building Awareness and Offering Remedial Assistance in lecture rooms. In his statement, Phumlani Roto from the Department of Horticultural Sciences said: “Informed by my experience within the department, particularly in matters of health and safety, I have observed a growing trend of students experiencing ancestral calling (ukuthwasa). This is often misunderstood due to limited information and the diversity of our campus community. Heritage Day provides an important opportunity to formally communicate about ancestral calling and explore how we, as an academic community, can support students who find themselves navigating this path.”

Pumla Brooke-Thomae delivered an inspiring keynote address. Chef Pumla, a farm girl from the Eastern Cape, made a remarkable transition from acting and television to become a celebrated chef and food storyteller. Her culinary journey began at the age of 13 with her very first loaf of bread, evolving into a passionate mission to preserve and promote the rich heritage of South African cuisine.

Reflecting on the event, Dr Ignatius Khan Ticha, Language Coordinator of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, said the event not only highlights the rich elements of heritage and indigenous knowledge ingrained in the different disciplines of the Faculty of Applied Sciences but also demonstrates the value of all academic departments in the Faculty coming together to collaborate. “It was joyful to see students lead the demonstrations, presentations and performances that showed that science can be so much fun when communicated creatively. I am deeply thankful to all the staff and students who worked hard over a long period to plan the event.”

Puleng Sefalane-Nkohla and Dr Lutendo Nendauni from Fundani CHED delivered the vote of thanks, while Mmabatho Mobo from Biotechnology and Consumer Science prepared and served a traditional home-cooked meal to all 175 participants.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
Email: BoyceAp@cput.ac.za