Open Access Publishing under the spotlight
Taking research forward
CPUT’s newly acquired supercritical extraction and fractionation pilot plant, is the first in Africa with respect to capacity and robustness.
“Our newly acquired supercritical extraction and fractionation pilot plant would not only allow extraction and fractionation of high-value products for healthy living from solid biomass, but with the facility, we have begun to develop capacity in high-pressure technology, fostering collaboration in science, medicine, botany, food, genetics and other disciplines where high pressure techniques can be harnessed to improve extraction and fractionation processes,” said Prof Tunde Ojumu from the Department of Chemical Engineering.
Ojumu made the announcement while delivering his Inaugural Professorial Lecture, titled Exploitation of earth’s resources for man’s benefit: More values, more problems.
The pilot plant initiative came to being as a result of a collaboration between Ojumu and a colleague in the department, Tafirenyika Madzimbamuto.
This was made possible through the support of the National Research Fund (NRF) and the university.
Ojumu, is a NRF C-rated researcher and has published more than 80 research articles and reviews in the form of peer-reviewed journals and book chapters, and presented more than 40 papers at national and international conferences.
His research interests cover Bioprocess and Environmental Engineering, with a strong focus on fermentation processes, biohydrometallurgy and materials.
He said there is increased recognition of human influence on the environment and increased concerns about the long-term consequences of the exploitation of earth’s resources on nature and the ultimate habitability of the world.
“The civilisation of this constantly changing world is based on mineral resources – most of the machines, ornaments, appliances and furniture that make life comfortable are made of metals, and some powered by fossil fuels. However, in order to meet the needs of our growing population and demands, we must employ new techniques that are more productive and efficient to produce values out of the depleting natural resources.”
He highlighted contributions aimed at promoting the values we derive from earth exploitation through biohydrometallurgy, and the contribution to alleviating resultant problems of acid mine drainage by using coal fly ash.
He has successfully supervised more than 15 Masters students and four Doctoral candidates. He is currently supervising five Doctoral and 10 Masters students at various stages of their programmes at CPUT, as well as postgraduate students registered at other institutions, locally and internationally.
Speaking out against Gender-Based Violence
Language of the Law
Forensic Linguistics, a relatively new academic discipline in South Africa, plays a valuable role in interpreting evidence in a legal context.
Much like ballistic experts, Forensic Linguists may be called upon in court cases to provide linguistic analysis of legal matters, an especially relevant skill in the South African context with its 11 official languages and English being the official language of the legal system.
Fundani academic, Prof Monwabisi Ralarala, supported by the Unit for Applied Law under the leadership of Advocate Noleen Leach, has co-edited (with Prof Russell Kaschula and Prof Georgina Heydon) and published a groundbreaking new book.
New Frontiers in Forensic Linguistics: Themes and Perspective in Language and the Law in Africa and beyond, examines the challenges and offers viable solutions to issues related to language and the law, with particular emphasis on the protection of marginalised African languages.
Senior Lecturer in English Studies at UKZN, Dr Thulani Mkhize, critically reviewed the book and described it as the ‘seminal text in the field’.
“It is excellent that the Paralegal students get the benefit of the book,” she said.
“Other disciplines should take their lead like medicine in respect of the provision of quality healthcare. Linguistic diversity is a resource not a challenge,” she said.
Ralarala says the book explores international forensic linguistic examples, which emerge in Australia as well as the challenges faced by Aboriginal people when embroiled in criminal activities.
New Frontiers in Forensic Linguistics is on sale at African Sun Media and retails for R 380.
Read this Conversation Africa piece https://bit.ly/2PgDKoG on the topic of Forensic Linguistics.
Top Designer inspires students
Women's Day celebrated
Spotlight falls on gender diversity and inclusion
Hundreds of students attended the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences’ annual Diversity Seminar to discuss gender diversity and inclusion.