Page 73 - UniZulu Annual Report 2020

students to further their studies and is establishing UNIZULU as a focal area for aquatic biodiversity research in South Africa. Researchers from Biochemistry and Microbiology are looking at unique marine microbes to solve industrial pollution, which is degrading the aquatic ecosystem. Geography researchers are using remote sensing and light detection and ranging (LIDAR) to measure air pollution and the effects of oceanic warming. Zoology researchers are developing and refining toxicity tests and biomonitoring tools to enhance the habitat quality of aquatic ecosystems, because of the ever-expanding industrial and residential developments in coastal areas. Such research efforts act as a virtual human conscience with the responsibility to sustain marine biodiversity. Recent increases in postgraduate student graduates and publication output attests to the strong research culture and advances in training tomorrow’s young scientists.
Sustainable Goal 15 – Live on Land
Collection, recycling and storage of water for later use are the three pillars of water conservation. Dams constructed in major rivers are the largest water conservation schemes that countries in both the developed and developing world have
embraced as ‘standard engineering design’ for bulk water storage for later use. Access to clean water is an essential but scarce source for healthy and sustainable living. Due to indiscriminate and uncontrolled use of this resource, a large amount of wastage occurs, which if not checked, can lead to a very unhealthy shortage. The use of water-efficient technologies and alternative forms of collection, recycling and storage of water for later use has been underestimated despite the existence of water-saving technologies, which could save up to 80% of household consumption. To bridge the gap, and as indicated above, the UNIZULU’s Department of Hydrology has designed the RWH Project as a sustainable technology in promoting collection and storage of roof runoff for later use. First, roof RWH has been promoted in several schools and communities in Zululand for self-reliance in their access to water resources. Runoffs that are not tracked and harnessed by roof catchments have been explored as a potential recharge for groundwater. The department has been involved in the active exploration of groundwater for the drilling of boreholes in Zululand and the Mbazwana areas since 1992 under the Hydrological Research Unit (HRU). The boreholes are active indicators of the potential of a specific catchment for water storage and use. Through collaboration, staff in the Department of Hydrology have been working
on the design of smart toilets for optimal water use. This was tested in selected households in Durban Westville where up to 80% of household water consumption was saved. In collaboration with the Department of Chemistry, the department has calculated and designed the optimum biogas capacity of Empangeni Wastewater Treatment Plant with the potential of recycling an average of a daily flow of 0.2 m3/sec flow back into the Empangeni river system.
Sustainable Goal 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
The broad regulatory and legal framework is a key platform against which the University operates. As the higher education sector expands and UNIZULU grows, the need for more robust and programmed accountability
is recognised and welcomed. Reporting to stakeholders becomes even more important. The University is taking the opportunity afforded by these greater reporting requirements to model its internal reporting so that regulatory requirements are met while simultaneously contributing to improved managerial information. A very good example of this is how the University has used the changes to qualifications required in response to the HEQSF to modernise its qualification set and the relevance of its curricula. The Protection of Personal Information Act and Consumer Protection Act also create new reporting and communication requirements for students and third parties. The Auditor-General’s reporting guidelines and King IV imperatives impact on financial and general governance; the management and monitoring of research, research ethics; the protection of the University’s intellectual property; and finally, the monitoring of compliance with the University’s ethical framework for research. Disciplinary codes are in place to regulate the disciplinary processes and ensure that these policies and procedures are implemented in a manner that promotes justice and a peaceful environment. As is the case with many institutions of higher learning in South Africa, UNIZULU also has incidences of student protest. During these times, UNIZULU ensures that the safety of its staff and students is prioritised. Transgressions are dealt with in terms of the rules of justice and to promote peace at the Institution. The UNIZULU Law Clinic provides free legal services to the indigent community and this helps UNIZULU to meet its social responsibility by delivering and promoting access to justice. The Law Department, in conjunction with the Law Clinic and other stakeholders, like the South African Human Rights Commission, hosts
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UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND ANNUAL REPORT 2020