OUTSTANDING SUCCESS OF THE DEPARTMENT · PDF fileEDULOAN SPONSORS UJ STUDENT THE THIRD BIENNIAL VALUE CONFERENCE 2010 ... by the University of Johannesburg’s Faculty of

University of Johannesburg, Faculty of Economic and Financial Sciences 011 559 2492

Finance and InvestmentAccountancy

Commercial AccountingEconomics and Econometrics

October 2010Volume 3

CONTENT

FACE Events 2

Out of the FACE 5

The FACE room 7

Below the surFACE 8

FACE to FACE – Getting involved 9

Fancy FACE 11PUBLIC LECTURES

VICE-CHANCELLOR’S AWARD FOR TEACHING

EXCELLENCE

“RSG-PRAAT-SAAM” INBEL AKTUALITEITS-

PROGRAM

EDULOAN SPONSORS UJ

STUDENT

THE THIRD BIENNIAL VALUE

CONFERENCE 2010GET TO KNOW PROF AMANDA

DEMPSEY

EDITORS: S. CHETTY J. BENCE

OUTSTANDING SUCCESS OF THE

DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTANCY’S

ACADEMIC TEACHING PROGRAMMES

FACE | October 2010 | Volume 3

2

DIVERSITY OF HERITAGE

It is remarkable how sometimes clearly distinctive items, when thrown together in some situation or the other, become so complementary that they produce a unique blend of sensory delight. Think, for example, about food recipes, a garden landscape, a musical arrangement, or the mingled fragrance of a fl ower bouquet.

Just looking at food alone, one thinks of the popular South African potjiekos, the traditional samp or the famous Indian biryani. They are made from a variety of food items and a range of spices that simply rouse one’s taste buds. Such is the people landscape of South Africa, with its distinctive cultures, languages and beliefs coming together in an exciting blend that transcends any process of imagination, plan or design.

South Africa is like a virtual piece of art – a sculpture, a painting, a quilt, embroidery, or a musical arrangement – however you want to see it, composed of shapes

with intriguing contours, colours with overlapping shades, and sounds that pulsate from the heart. Even though some may refer to a unique South African culture, homogeneity is neither present nor desirable. Heterogeneity is what makes South Africa throb with vibrancy.

Rich in diversity, South Africa overfl ows in imagination and spirit. South Africa’s true wealth lies in its people. Unfortunately that very source of strength, i.e. its diversity, also holds the potential for disagreement. Whilst disagreement is not a problem in itself, it can lead to undesirable confl ict. However, despite diversity having the potential to pull a community apart, there lies within each one of us, values that keep us in harmony, together with an appreciation of diversity. Values of appreciation, respect and tolerance (ART) are the binding agents that keep a diverse community in peace and harmony.

The University of Johannesburg (and its various divisions and levels) is a microcosm of the South African community and should

therefore, in the fi rst place, refl ect the diversity that is characteristic of its country. Second, it should embrace such diversity which entails the values of ART. Regardless of the nature of the diversity, be it cultural, language or belief, it remains that harmony will not be possible without ART.

In an academic environment such as UJ, diversity extends to academic skills (teaching and research), fi elds of specialisation, general support and academically-based administrative and management functions, all embedded in various structures and levels of hierarchy. Here too, the real assets of UJ are its people. Hence relationships are important. Relationships in turn fl ourish when there is mutual trust and, regardless of how one may view diversity, mutual trust is built on ART. Notwithstanding the progress that has been achieved thus far by a young institution, in terms of refl ecting and embracing diversity, sustaining it requires collective effort.

- Prof Sivan Chetty

From the Editor

FACULTY VALUE CONFERENCE 2010: RECOGNISING VALUE IN AFRICA

“Recognising Value in Africa – Discern and Discover”. This theme reverberated so to speak at the presentations given at the third biennial Value Conference presented by the University of Johannesburg’s Faculty of Economic and Financial Sciences from 30 August to 1 September 2010 at the Birchwood Conference Centre.

By way of a blind peer review process, 87 presentations from 14 countries were selected from the initial 108 abstracts and papers received for possible presentation.

From feedback and comments it is clear that the standard of papers were at a much higher

level than in previous years. As presenters could indicate whether a paper was work-in-progress, a student presentation or a full-on research presentation, the conference also gave novice researchers and presenters ample opportunity to take a bold step in presenting research in front of a group of peers that provided them with quality feedback on how to improve their work.

An interesting fact from this conference was the way in which papers presented linked very much to the various keynote addresses given during the three days. The keynote addresses provided much food for thought on issues relating to the conference theme. The speakers were as follows:• Prof Mervyn King – Chairman of the King

Committee

• Mr Simpiwe Tshabalala – Chief Executive Offi cer, Standard Bank of South Africa Limited & Deputy Chief Executive

• Prof Wiseman Nkulu – President of the International Organisation of Employers

• Mr Raymond Ackerman – Ambassador of the Pick n Pay Group

• Minister Alan Winde – Minister of Finance, Economic Development & Tourism, Western Cape

• Mr Karugor Gatamah – Chief Executive Offi cer, Africa Corporate Governance Advisory Services, Kenya

• Ms Jayne Mammatt – Associate Director within Pricewaterhousecoopers Governance & Sustainability

Mr Karugor Gatamah Prof Mervyn King Prof Wiseman Nkuhlu

FACE Events


3

FACULTY VALUE CONFERENCE 2010: RECOGNISING VALUE IN AFRICA

Value Conference 2010

Prof Amanda Dempsey & Mrs Jayne Mammatt



Value Conference 2010 Value Conference 2010

Prof Sivan Chetty & Mr Raymond Ackerman



Simpiwe Tshabalala & Prof Gideon Els





4

THE FACULTY HOSTS VALUABLE PUBLIC LECTURES

The fi rst instalment of the 2010 Public Lectures kicked off with a talk by a well known Economist, Mike Schüssler, on “The skeptical optimist: Failure in the new SA and the opportunity it brings.” Mike is an Economist who has 19 years experience and holds a Masters degree in Economics from the former RAU. He is a director of Economists.co.za and has been awarded the South African economist of the year – twice.

The Faculty then had the privilege to organise a series of public lectures in association with Wits University and Aporde, as part of an international seminar series that was hosted at UJ and Wits during the month of May. The fi rst lecture of this international series was presented at the UJ campus by Dr. Ha-Joon Chang, of the University of Cambridge, an internationally renowned development economist. He spoke on the topic ‘Development in Africa: lessons, myths, and challenges’. The second lecture, “The impact of the fi nancial crisis on developing countries” was presented by Dr. Jomo KS from the United Nations. Dr. Jonathan DiJohn from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) presented the third lecture of the series. He spoke on the Oil and Industrialisation in Venezuela and captured the audience with an exciting presentation “From Windfall to Curse? Both these lectures were hosted at the East Campus South Western Engineering Building at Wits University. The series was concluded by Dr. Gabriel Palma from the University of Cambridge with his topic: “The current fi nancial crisis: toxic assets and toxic ideologies.”

The most recent public lecture was presented by the Department of Accountancy and SAICA on the effects of the global fi nancial crisis on Chief Financial Offi cers (CFOs). The 2010 survey confi rms the increasing importance of CFOs in the planning and strategy area, says Mr. Graham Terry, Senior Executive for Strategy and Thought Leadership at SAICA. Professor Thea Voogt, from the Department of Accountancy led the survey of the CFOs of the 40 largest companies listed on the JSE by market capitalization. She says: “We were very interested to see how things had changed since the 2008 survey, especially in the light of the global fi nancial crisis. The CFO function is increasingly focused on leadership, planning and strategy. But there are worrying signs that operational pressures arising from corporate governance requirements and risk management are creating serious challenges for the CFOs.”

HANDOVER TO THE FUNDU UJABULE SCHOOL

The Faculty of Economic and Financial Sciences did its part for the education of young children at the Fundu UJabule School. It donated a rug and Lego blocks left over from the Cultural Integration day to the school. The handover took place on Wednesday 21, April 2010.

The Faculty of Education launched a new Institute on the Soweto campus at the beginning of 2010 called the Fundu UJabule School. It is a foundation phase school and a hybrid of a ‘charter school’.

The Faculty of Education contributes to improving school education by supporting the school. This public school does more than just educating young children it is an inherent part of the Institute and combines training, research and service. Handover at the Fundu UJabule School

Mr Graham Terry and Prof Thea Voogt

Dr. Gabriel Palma

Prof Lorrainne Greyling, Mike Schussler,Prof Amanda Dempsey


5

The results of Part 1 of the SAICA Qualifying Examination (QE1) towards the professional qualifi cation of Chartered Accountants in South Africa, released on Friday 28 May 2010, shows the outstanding success of the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Department of Accountancy’s academic teaching programmes.

“The most rewarding aspect of our programmes is their capacity to contribute to transformation in the accountancy profession of South Africa. Our goal is to allow broad-based access to the programme and supply quality candidates to the accountancy profession”, says Professor Alex van der Watt, Head of the Department of Accountancy at the University of Johannesburg.

UJ candidates performed exceptionally well in the 2010 QE1 examinations. Of the 13 participating universities in South Africa, UJ achieved the best overall performance in terms of transformation, top candidates, number of successful candidates and overall

pass rate. A total of 254 UJ candidates were successful, being the highest number of all residential universities and also the largest proportion of the total of successful candidates – 12,9% of all the residential universities. “We are especially proud of the fact that two UJ candidates were amongst the top 10 best candidates, with eight cum laude (distinctions) results out of the total of 25 cum laude performers in South Africa”, says Prof van der Watt. A total of 87% or 220 fi rst timers and 34 repeat candidates were successful in the QE1 in 2010.

“The most rewarding achievement is that, whilst the overall pass rate declined in 2010, the UJ pass rate increased to 87%. At the same time, UJ contributed the largest number of successful African candidates in QE1, namely 82. This represents a contribution of 25% to the total number of successful African candidates.”

“The Department of Accountancy is proud to make the most signifi cant contribution

to transformation in the accountancy profession. This is not only testimony to the commitment of the Department to the SAICA Thuthuka Programme, but also of the Department’s own initiatives to support learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.”

“Quality will always remain inherent in our educational model. Excellent, committed and highly qualifi ed teaching staff, with a broad-base of experience in academia as well as practice, have contributed to sustained outstanding service to the profession and to the country”, says Prof van der Watt. “The UJ Department of Accountancy approaches the education of accountancy professionals holistically by emphasising the academic teaching programme as well as research in all aspects of the discipline on an ongoing basis. The new initiative of research in Accounting History is testimony to the fact that UJ Accountancy is leading the fi eld in comprehensive accountancy education.”

WELL DONE TO ONE OF OUR OWN!

At a gala dinner held by the Financial Planning Institute (FPI) of Southern Africa, the achievements of one of our alumni were recognised.

Wilhelm Tempelhoff, who completed his BCom Honours (Financial Planning) in 2009, received the prize for the best overall student, as well as the runner-up prize in the nationwide Case Study examination.

During 2009, the FPI had four accredited tertiary institutions that offered the postgraduate qualifi cation in Financial Planning. Successful candidates

(in that qualifi cation) from those institutions are invited to apply for the designation of Certifi ed Financial Planner® Professional.

Overall best studentThe four institutions (due to the Higher Education Quality Controls) competed on an equal footing for the overall mark, regardless of the fact that the syllabi differ slightly between the institutions.

Case StudyAll four institutions wrote the same Case Study examination and Wilhelm got the second highest mark in the country.We are truly proud of Wilhelm’s achievements and wish to congratulate him. (Left to Right) Mr Carl Anschutz, Prof Gideon Els,

Mr Wilhelm Tempelhoff and Prof Amanda Dempsey

OUTSTANDING SUCCESS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTANTCY’S ACADEMIC TEACHING PROGRAMMES

2009 VICE-CHANCELLORS DISTINGUISHED AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AND LEARNING

Erica du Toit, Deputy Head of the Department of Accountancy, was awarded this prestigious award in November 2009.

Erica said that this award was an achievement she only dreamed of, and she truly feels honoured to

be the recipient of the award. Erica has always had a passion for teaching and learning related issues. She will use the prize money to complete three coaching courses at the UCT Graduate School of Business. She believes that these courses will empower her to assist students more effectively. Currently, Erica takes pleasure in the journey of motherhood and is on maternity leave with the birth of her son Fouché.

Erica du ToitErica du Toit

Out of the FACE


6

The academic excellence within the Faculty of Economic and Financial Sciences at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) was highlighted and celebrated when Phumla Thado, a second-year National Diploma: Accounting student was honoured for her outstanding achievements in 2009.

Eduloan donated a laptop to Phumla in recognition of her outstanding academic accomplishment. She obtained an average of 90 plus percent for both the fi rst and second semesters of 2009.

At the handover ceremony, which took place on 11 March 2010 at the Bunting Road Campus, Prof Marita Pietersen, Department Head: Commercial Accounting said, “Not only is the Department recognised by Eduloan by the generous donation to one of our top students but that this donation is adding to the development of the students? At present we had fi ve students in the top 10 achievers that average more than 75 percent for fi rst-year semester modules.”

“RSG-PRAAT-SAAM” OGGEND INBEL AKTUALITEITSPROGRAM: GASSPREKERS

Twee van die departement se dosente, Carl Anschutz – Senior dosent in Finansiële Beplanning & Niel Oberholzer – dosent in Beleggings, was bevoorreg om uitgenooi te word as gassprekers vir die “RSG- Praat-Saam” Inbel Aktualiteitsprogram op Maandag, 13 September 2010, tesame met Chris Busschau van die Vereniging Finansiële Tussengangers van SA en Standard Bank.

Die regiseur, Ina Strydom, het die departement gekontak en versoek dat ons twee persone sal identifi seer om deel te neem aan die een-uur program saam met aanbieder, Lynette Francis.

Die program onderwerp was: Spaar – Suid-Afrikaners se skynbare traagheid om te spaar; hoe skep mens ‘n spaar-kultuur; wat gebeur met die land se ekonomie as mense nie spaar nie, hoe beinvloed rentekoersveranderings die kwessie.

Nadat Lynette die gaste voorgestel het en ‘n paar inleidende vrae gevra het, het die gaste op die vrae gereageer. Daarna het luisteraars begin inbel en hul bekommernisse beklemtoon en vrae gevra aan die gassprekers – die klem vanuit ‘n luisteraars oogpunt het geval op die verwatering van hul swaarverdiende beleggings wat in die “ou” dae gemaak is, dat hul belasting moet betaal op hul dividende en dat ouer burgers van die land, deur die bank, swaartrek omdat hulle tans op ‘n klein oorblywende deel van hul beleggings ‘n bestaan moet maak.

Die departement is baie trots op ons twee dosente wat ons verteenwoordig het en hul kundigheid aan die dag gelê het.

Niel Oberholzer

Our student won a laptop!

Carl Anschutz

Our student won a laptop!

Eduloan sponsors UJ student Prof Marita Pietersen, Phumla Thado, Ms Selmarie Booyens

EDULOAN SPONSORS UJ STUDENT


7

GET TO KNOW PROF AMANDA DEMPSEY

1. As a child what did you want to become?

A teacher

2. Why did you choose academics and not the corporate world?

I always knew I wanted to teach and I knew not at school level. From the fi rst day I set my foot at the then RAU, I knew this is where I belong.

3. What is your favourite food? Anything sweet…prawns and calamari

4. Favourite holiday destination? San Lameer and to travel anywhere

5. Do you have any hobbies? Reading and making quilts (machine

stitching)

6. What have been the most memorable highlights during the past years as the Executive Dean of the Faculty?

My highlight is the Faculty reaching new heights. The increase in the research output was phenomenal. The results of the profession, like SAICA, are even better than it was a few years ago. The difference we make to transformation while keeping up the good standards and the new re-curriculated diplomas that will be presented in 2011.

7. Describe the valuable lessons as Dean To listen intensively to staff and students

who come to see me. The University is a big ship and change in directions is not necessarily a quick process.

8. How do you see the future of the Faculty?

Bright and shiny. The best Faculty at UJ and in SA.

9. Where would you like to retire? In Joburg. This is where I belong.

10. What is your motto in life? To care and to be fair to everyone.

ANDRE BACK @ UJ

Just to let you know that Andre (Killer) van Wyk has returned as staff member in our Faculty. Andre worked at the Department of Accountancy from 1999 – 2005. For the last 5 years Andre toured all over the country performing as a singing member of the a capella group Navi Redd. The group was formed by former-UJ boys and has been doing up to 180 shows a year…

“Leaving our day jobs and singing full time was a huge decision to take at the time, but it was the best 5 years of my life and something I will never regret.” Andre also shares his life motto: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain.

Although he will still be singing on a part-time basis, Andre has joined us again from July 2010 and we welcome him back!

FAREWELL: PROF HENCO VAN SCHALKWYK

27 August 2010 – The Fairway Hotel, Randpark, Randburg

The Department came together to say goodbye to Prof Henco van Schalkwyk, Deputy HOD. Prof Sivan Chetty and Prof Marita Pietersen also attended the event.

Prof van Schalkwyk started at RAU in 1994 in the Department of Business Management. In 2003, he moved to the Department of Accountancy. With the birth of UJ, he became the fi rst Head of the newly established Department of Finance and Investment Management. In 2008, he became the Deputy HOD and Director of the BCom Finance programme.

Prof van Schalkwyk will be dearly missed by his colleagues at the Department.

The FACE Room

Prof Amanda Dempsey

“Killer”

Prof Els saying goodbye to Prof van Schalkwyk

Prof van Schalkwyk opening his farewell gift - onlooking Mr Roets & Thomas

“Bad killer”“Killer”

Prof Els saying Prof van Schalkwyk opening his farewell Prof van Schalkwyk opening his farewell

“Bad killer”


8

COLLEAGUES IN COMMERCIAL ACCOUNTING HAVING FUN AT SOCCER CITY

With the FIFA Soccer World Cup successfully completed in proudly South African style Soccer City (or FNB stadium if you really want) was ready to host its next history making event. Keeping up the good spirit brought about by the soccer the Department of Commercial Accounting decided to go and watch THE RUGBY in Soccer City. This was the match between the Springboks and the All Blacks on the 21st of August 2010. We will become part of history once again by doing so. Vusi Mkonza and Sipho Thomo were the organisers (arranging 32 Soweto tickets) and the lecturers were once again on their way for a team building and a cultural integration event of a different kind. The experience was unbelievable. From the buzz in our offi ces on APB right through to the organising of THAT green jersey which we just had to wear. A warm feeling swept up in our hearts as we felt like real proud South Africans amongst 94 000 spectators singing the National Anthum and waving the South African fl ag – being one nation and being the one Department of Commercial Accounting.

On 26 February, the truth was revealed about the Department of Economics and Econometrics. Contradicting the common perception that staff of the Department are nerdy intellectuals, they proved themselves to be fun-loving, enthusiastic, energetic and, to top it all, excellent sportsmen and women.

The soccer team (The Reds) consisting of Bonga, Alain, John x2, Peter, Arnold, Robbie, Mashapa, Marinda, Abi, Magda and Talita and their secret weapons, Cheryl and Palesha, played against the Sports Department, who secretly imported UJ soccer team members and Prof Habib to give their team real power. With excellent play from Bonga and John x2, the Reds almost won 2 to 3. The goals were scored by Magda and Cheryl.

Strong support from the side of the fi eld, led by Prof Dempsey, Prof Chetty, Sarie and students, carried the team through the 20 minutes of gruelling play. Eddy coached from the side and Andrew Pampallis took over as photographer. Moses had to man the Faculty stall, while the action was taking place.

Thank you to everybody that made the day so much fun and a great success.

Below the surFACE

The fun side of the Economics Department

THE FUN SIDE OF COLLEAGUES IN THE ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT

Fun at Soccer city

PROFILE: MELANIE MARCHBANKSenior Lecturer in Financial Accounting 2 – Department of Commercial Accounting

Melanie competed in the WKF Seniors All Styles Karate Championships in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal in the kumite (fi ghting) division from 22 to 24 July 2010 and was placed fi fth in the Ladies under 68 kg weight division.

On Saturday 31 July 2010, Melanie once again competed in the SA JKA Seniors Team events and her team came third in the Female Open kumite event after winning all her fi ghts.

Melanie has been invited to represent South Africa in September at the Istanbul Open All Styles Championships to attend both a training camp and compete in the Ladies Senior under 68 kg kumite event.

Melanie Marchbank


9

CULTURAL AWARENESS PROJECT

The Department of Accountancy assigned the cultural awareness portfolio to a member of the management team, who then established a cultural committee. The terms of reference of the cultural committee is to creatively manage a cultural awareness campaign and to ultimately steer the Department on an exciting journey in this regard. The campaign was inaugurated with an interactive presentation by Professor Pikita Ntuli, an internationally known poet, artist and academic. Whilst being sensitive to different cultural backgrounds, Professor Ntuli spoke on cultural differences and provided a valuable platform from which the Department would begin its journey.

The Department secured a sponsorship of “Bafana-Bafana” soccer shirts for all members of the Department who wore them to demonstrate their South African pride. The soccer “gees” and the spirit of ubuntu were brought alive during the World Cup with the fl ags of the participating 32 nations being honoured in the Department’s passages. The spirit continues with the soccer shirts being worn on Fridays.

The journey embarked on, aims to take the Department to unknown and interesting places, allowing staff to share in colourful experiences and enjoy a variety of tastes from across the nation.

Members of the Department continue to enjoy tastes from across the nation with each departmental meeting adopting a different catering theme. Tastes from Greece were thoroughly enjoyed and members look forward to tastes from Portugal and so-on. Staff members were recently given an opportunity to discover their roots on an adventure at the Cradle of Humankind.

FACE 2 FACE – Getting involved

Cultural Awareness Project

Not only does this Department publish research papers at a speed faster than you can say write, but they are also unbelievable athletes and team players.

The University of Johannesburg initiated, as part of its Cultural Integration program, the participation of staff members in the Radio 702 and Discovery WALK the TALK – the biggest charity walk in the world. There were approximately 50 000 athletes. The Department of Economics and Econometrics immediately responded with great enthusiasm to this challenge. Twelve of our members, namely Fiona (standing in for Marinda), Peter, John, Steven, Andrew, Chantelle (adopted from the Maths Department), Magda, Talita, Robbie (taking part on behalf of Ilse), Megan, Scarlet (offspring of the department) and Nanuk (dog) entered the event. And “no” they did not do the fun run of 5km; they competed in the 8km race. Steven even did the grueling 15km route (watch out girls, he is bright and tough). All the participants were rewarded for their very good performances. They received Walk the Talk medals, T-shirts and Cheerios (Cereal).Walk the Talk

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS AND ECONOMETRICS DOES NOT STOP SURPRISING.

SAICA 30TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER

The 2010 SAICA Annual Dinner was held on 27 May at the Sandton Convention Centre. This was an event above all events with a fl avoursome menu and exceptional keynote speakers including Helen Thrush (Vice Chair of the SAICA Board), Matsobane Matlwa (SAICA CEO), Jan Labuschagne (Chairman of the SAICA Board) as well as Sizwe Nxasana (CEO of FirstRand Bank) keeping us all enthralled.

The night had an African Soccer World Cup theme in celebration of the upcoming

2010 Soccer World Cup, with a spectacular football tricks performance by Chris Njokwana, as well as live entertainment carrying on late into the night. The Thutuka bursary fund students had us all in tears of how the Thutuka program had changed their lives; and a special word of thanks was offered to Jelvin Griffi oen (Head of UJ’s Thutuka program).

An event defi nitely not to be missed in 2011!

Prof Amanda Dempsey & Jelvin Griffi oen


10

ACCOUNTANCY DEPARTMENT PROVIDES SUPPORT

In March 2010, 2136 Grade 12 learners wrote the supplementary senior certifi cate exam for accountancy, in Gauteng. Only 34 learners passed this examination.

The Accountancy department at the University of Johannesburg noted this challenge and started with a project to provide Grade 12 learners from public

schools in Soweto with extra accounting workshops every Wednesday. Workshops are presented at the newly built lecture venues at the University of Johannesburg’s campus in Soweto.

This project currently supports 170 learners from Morris Isaacson secondary school from Orlando and Fidilitas Comprehensive secondary school in Diepkloof. Learners and teachers attend 2 hour workshops where the matric curriculum is discussed

in an interactive way in order to stimulate critical thinking in terms of accounting.

The aim of this project is to promote interest in the accounting profession and to improve the level of accounting tuition at public schools. We are eagerly awaiting improved matric results from this year’s efforts and we believe that this project will result in a brighter future for communities in South Africa.

GEMEENSKAPSPROJEK GEE HOPE HOOP AAN MINDERBEVOORREGTES

Die jaar het skaars begin toe die eerste gemeenskapsprojek van die departement van Kommersiële Rekeningkunde (Department of Commercial Accounting) reeds afgeskop het.

Ronel Rossouw van Witpoortjie is die afgelope twee jaar die projekleier by die Universiteit. Die Departement het op 1 April hulle skenkings aan minderbevoorregte mammas en hulle kinders, sowel as swanger tienermeisies by The Cradle (house of Restoration) oorhandig. Die skenkings het uit nie-bederfbare voedsel, melk, babaklere, tweedehandse klere en skoene bestaan.

Melodie van Brakel, Direkteur van Maatskaplike Dienste by die Cradle of Hope, en Zac Grobler, Uitvoerende Direkteur, het die skenkings namens die nie-winsgewende organisasie ontvang.

Ander projekte onder die Cradle of Hope se vaandel is:

• The Cradle House of Restoration vir minderbevoorregte mammas en hulle kinders;

• Stimuleringsgroepie vir kleuters by die Kroningspark se tentdorp;

• Naskoolhuiswerksentrum by die Kroningspark se tentdorp;

• Voedingskema vir die kinders van die Kroningspark se tentdorp;

• Bemagtigingsprogram vir minderbevoorregte vrouens;

• ‘n Welsynswinkel;

• ‘n Pomfret-uitreiking (vir minderbevoorregte oud-soldate).

Om betrokke te raak by een van die bogenoemde projekte, kontak Melodie van Brakel by 082 459 5747.

Gemeenskapsprojek The Cradle of Hope


11

OLA!

Europe and a mall have a lot in common. They both contain an array of items and people placed into a small area. Europe’s small size, compared to other continents, helps make it a convenient area for getting around and a melting pot of different cultures.

For three, very short weeks, I lived, ate, and breathed Spanish culture. I found myself in a world unlike my own and having the most rewarding, liberating, and enlightening experience of my life. My time abroad in Barcelona, and other cities throughout Spain, helped me broaden my horizons in more ways than I can count. To visit Valencia, Granada, Sevilla, and Salamanca, as well as all of their major sites was breathtaking. Researching and planning our trip was fun, but seeing the astounding architecture and remains of history that no one can fi nd living in South Africa was worth every penny of the trip; from the La Sagrada Familia (Church of the Holy Family) in Barcelona, to a real bull fi ght in Sevilla and an outdoor fl amenco show. Getting lost, buying overpriced souvenirs from several different gift shops, and adjusting to the “Southern Spain” accent were all stresses of the holiday. However, each of those aspects was what helped shape and defi ne our experience.

My overall experience in Spain was truly life-changing. When we fi rst arrived in Barcelona on day one I thought it would be impossible to make it three weeks in a place I was so unfamiliar with. The one thing I did not know was that it would be one of the most enriching experiences of my life. Before I left I heard how great it is and how wonderful of an experience it would be, but it is really hard to put into words how eye opening it is to visit Spain.

Spain’s capital, Madrid, is full of breathtaking architecture, countless museums, and new sites to be seen in every corner. In other words, there is never a dull moment. We were constantly on the go, and only occasionally stopped to take a siesta (mid-afternoon nap) if it was absolutely necessary. Our weekly excursions to historic sites and towns surrounding Barcelona and Madrid and our week trip to Portugal were additional plusses to the summer holiday in Spain. However, a couple days in Barcelona and nights out on the town had

immersed me in the language and I picked up the important things. That was the fi rst time I experienced a culture shock. The second and fi nal time was at a pool at one of the hotels in Portugal. I’d never seen so many women without their tops and so many gay men in one place at the same time. It was slightly uncomfortable at fi rst and then just utterly entertaining.

The culture as a whole was one that I fell in love with very quickly. The night life was so different than what I know. It was really fun going out and hearing everyone

talking in Spanish and just listening and watching how they normally do things. I also thought it was different and neat how late people went out at and stayed out until early morning. When I fi rst tried the food I was a little nervous that I would starve for three weeks because I did not like the meal I had the fi rst night. However, I realised that it was extremely important to keep an open mind and to try new things. After that change in mindset, I enjoyed many different and new things I never would have thought I would like.

The city culture and environment was very different for me coming from South Africa where everything is crowded. I loved all of the open air cafes and the busy streets. Taking the metro practically everywhere was a true blessing since we are used to walking outside our houses jumping into our cars and driving everywhere. Also, in Madrid not many people spoke English unlike Barcelona. Therefore I was forced to speak Spanish with mostly everything I did from directions, ordering food, and having a little bit of conversation with people who only spoke that language. I grew so comfortable speaking Spanish that my fi rst days back in SA I was still responding with “Si” (yes) and “Gracias” (thank you).

The thing that I really learned was how important it is to be optimistic and respectful. As a foreigner in Spain I found it very important to me to respect the culture I was not familiar with and to be willing to

learn and live the way they do. From this experience I also learned how important it is to look on the bright side and be open to new things. South Africa is a very materialistic society. However, in Spain, the people do not place as much emphasis on money and hard work. They have time set aside for each different activity. For

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example, Madrid completely shuts down on Sundays to integrate a day of rest.

While my eventual return to daily life would in many ways pull me back into my customary ways of experiencing life, I would not forget the powerful lesson that things need not always be taken too seriously - that the ability to relate to life playfully is an important aspect of a happy existence. This is certainly a lesson Spaniards have learned well, and I think their willingness to hold relationships and the enjoyment of life as almost sacred is at the centre of their warm, inviting culture. I realised life is less stressful and easier when you take your time, even if it is only when you walk or have a meal, so I will try to apply this way of life at home.

Spain taught me a lot more than I had imagined and these things will remain with me. I learned to love Sangria, and my mom’s favourite, I learned how to give two kisses on each cheek when I say “Hola Guapa”. Besides all of those things Spain gave me the taste of their life style, a lifestyle completely different from the one lived in South Africa. This experience has not only helped me become more knowledgeable about the world I was temporarily a part of, but also of my home country and myself.

Jackie Bence

Documents

OUTSTANDING SUCCESS OF THE DEPARTMENT · PDF fileEDULOAN SPONSORS UJ STUDENT THE THIRD BIENNIAL VALUE CONFERENCE 2010 ... by the University of Johannesburg’s Faculty of