Latest news with #UKZN
The Citizen
10 hours ago
- General
- The Citizen
Umbilo Glenwood Education Expo to equip learners
IN a bid to help Grade 12 learners make an informed decision about further education, an educational expo will be held at the grounds of Penzance Primary School on Saturday, August 2, from 08:00 to 15:00. Ben Madokwe, a community leader and programme co-ordinator, said that a number of higher education institutions have been invited to be part of the Umbilo Glenwood Education Expo. He said the aim and objective of the expo is to unpack the process of registration at institutions 'in terms of the points system and the different courses that are offered'. 'We are expecting over 100 young people, mostly from high schools around our area, to come through. We are also calling on those that did not get spaces at higher education institutions last year or the previous years, to attend the expo and get the advice that they need on the way forward,' said Madokwe. Also Read: Attention Parents: Here are three things that will impact education in 2025 Among the institutions that are expected to attend the event are UKZN, DUT, MUT and eThekweni College. Madokwe said that they have also invited members of the eThekwini Municipality's Skills Development Programme. 'They will give an overview of how one can become part of the programme. Information about the learnerships will also be available to the attendees. We want our young people to leave the expo informed and armed with opportunities. They must know all the options and avenues available to them when they finish matric. The expo is free and open to all those who wish to attend,' added Madokwe. Penzance Primary School is on 10 Bartle Road, Glenwood. For more information, contact Ben Madokwe on 073 395 3257. For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Science
- The Citizen
Citizen scientists count more than 200 rare ground thrushes in KZN landmark survey
Citizen scientists count more than 200 rare ground thrushes in KZN landmark survey Volunteers and scientists have completed South Africa's first census of the rare spotted ground thrush, surveying the KZN coast over five days. The Spotted Ground Thrush Project took place from July 19 to 23, co-ordinated by The Lionheart Experience and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). The project hoped to generate new data on the bird's winter migration patterns, population status and distribution across the province. Dr Jonah Gula, a postdoctoral researcher at UKZN, said that despite some wet weather, the census was a huge success. 'There were some areas that we did not manage to get participants to survey, but we covered most of the wintering range of the species,' said Gula. ALSO READ: Rare migratory birds flourish at Simbithi's green spaces | North Coast Courier Seventy-one volunteers surveyed for more than 140 hours, counting 208 spotted ground thrushes. The conservation study covered 58 areas across the KZN coastline, from Port Edward to St Lucia, including Zimbali, Palm Lakes, Seaward, Dunkirk, Brettenwood and Elaleni estates. BirdLife South Africa and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimate that only 600 to 1 500 ground thrushes remain in the country. However, Gula believes there are more of these rare, ground-dwelling birds in the surveyed areas. ALSO READ: Salt Rock twitcher turns birding into a high-tech adventure | North Coast Courier 'Using several sites where we previously colour-ringed ground thrushes, we estimated a very rough detection rate by seeing how many of these marked individuals were observed by participants,' he said. An average of 31% of colour-ringed thrushes were observed at these sites combined. 'We definitely need more robust data, as it seems likely that we may only be detecting as little as one-third of the thrush population,' said Gula. 'This doesn't include the possibility of some birds remaining in the Eastern Cape, where a portion of the KZN population migrates to breed in summer.' ALSO READ: First sighting of rare spotted ground thrush in Palm Lakes | North Coast Courier Gula noted that the first survey is merely a snapshot of the species' population, and he hopes to make the survey project an annual event. 'The greatest benefit will come from multi-year monitoring to track the population trend of this rare species.' Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Brand Engagement Network Partners on AI Mental Health Program for South African Students
Brand Engagement Network Inc. (NASDAQ:BNAI) is one of the best penny stocks under $1 to buy now. Earlier in June, a collaborative effort was announced between the University of KwaZulu-Natal/UKZN, Valio Technologies, and Brand Engagement Network/BEN to launch an inclusive and AI-powered mental health program. The initiative provides private, 24/7 mental health support to students in South Africa, particularly in underserved communities where access to traditional care is limited. The program will initially roll out at UKZN, and insights gained from this implementation will help guide its expansion across the region. A technician assembling complex device solutions in a factory setting, illustrating the company's manufacturing capabilities. The core of this program is BEN's proprietary iSKYE platform, which is an AI-powered system designed to offer personalized mental health support. Brand Engagement Network Inc. (NASDAQ:BNAI) is a technology company that provides conversational AI assistants. While we acknowledge the potential of BNAI as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the . READ NEXT: and . Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
IOL News
15-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
KwaZulu-Natal government signs landmark yacht manufacturing agreement with Italian company
KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli signed a landmark agreement with Italian marine industry leader Navigo International. Image: KZN Provincial Government The deal signed between the provincial company and an Italian yacht management company could help unlock billions of rand in the province's ocean economy while positioning KwaZulu-Natal as an ideal location for yacht building. This is according to the provincial government which said KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli had signed a landmark agreement with Italian marine industry leader Navigo International. The province has described this as a new era for KZN's ocean economy. It said the partnership marks a bold step in unlocking the province's R100 billion maritime potential, leveraging its 820 km coastline, world-class ports, and emerging marine manufacturing sector. The highlights of the agreement include: Superyacht Manufacturing Hub : KZN to co-develop and export luxury vessels in partnership with NAVIGO, competing with global players like Italy and France. : KZN to co-develop and export luxury vessels in partnership with NAVIGO, competing with global players like Italy and France. Skills & Jobs : Thousands of jobs are expected in shipbuilding, marine engineering, and coastal tourism, with training at UKZN, DUT, and Transnet Maritime School. : Thousands of jobs are expected in shipbuilding, marine engineering, and coastal tourism, with training at UKZN, DUT, and Transnet Maritime School. Port Upgrades : Durban and Richards Bay ports will expand as superyacht repair and refit centres, attracting high-net-worth tourism. : Durban and Richards Bay ports will expand as superyacht repair and refit centres, attracting high-net-worth tourism. Global Marketing : KZN-branded yachts will feature at the Monaco Yacht Show, Dubai Boat Show, and other elite maritime events. : KZN-branded yachts will feature at the Monaco Yacht Show, Dubai Boat Show, and other elite maritime events. Inclusive Growth: SMEs and coastal communities will benefit through supply chains, boat repair cooperatives, and eco-tourism ventures. Premier Ntuli declared that the agreement is about launching KZN into the global superyacht industry. 'We are turning our ocean into jobs, innovation, and sustainable growth,' he stated. The premier's office said the province has the potential to be a "giant" in the ocean economy. It noted that KZN is strategically located as a gateway to the Indian Ocean trade routes, with existing infrastructure such as Dube TradePort, Richards Bay IDZ, and major port expansions. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 'We are building on the R85.5 billion pledged at the KZN Investment Conference. We are not just building boats — we are building a new economy. From uMlazi to uMhlanga, this sector will create intergenerational wealth while preserving our coastal heritage,' he added. Musa Zondi, the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, said Navigo's interest in KZN marked a significant endorsement of the province's strategic vision. 'What we envision together is not just economic growth, but growth with a purpose, growth that upskills young people, growth that partners with local business. Growth that places KwaZulu-Natal on a global map as a yachting and refit destination.' Commenting on the agreement, Dr Sabelo Gwala, Special Advisor to the Premier, said the agreement is a fulfilment of a long-held ambition. 'Today marks a decisive shift from vision to reality in KwaZulu-Natal's blue economy. For too long, the potential of our oceans has been spoken about in conferences and policy documents — but Premier Ntuli is transforming rhetoric into tangible action. This partnership with Navigo International is the foundation of a new industrial ecosystem that will redefine our coastline.' THE MERCURY
Mail & Guardian
08-07-2025
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
University of KwaZulu-Natal aims to run on mini solar power stations
UKZN's ambition to become South Africa's first predominantly renewable-powered university is taking shape through a new high tech project A partnership between the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and a Hong Kong-based tech innovator is confronting the issues of ageing energy infrastructure and rising electricity costs to bring a greener future for South Africa's energy landscape. The joint venture agreement with Youtility, launched at the university's Westville campus recently, harnesses artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology to change how electricity is generated, distributed and paid for. Innovators believe the project, which will eventually span all five of the university's campuses, positions it as a pioneer in sustainable energy and a testbed for technologies that could reshape how South Africa powers itself. 'This concept of green energy is going to transform the energy landscape in South Africa,' UKZN acting deputy vice-chancellor for research and innovation Anil Chuturgoon, said. Despite not having Innovators believe the UKZN partnership offers an alternative for a decentralised, renewable-powered model that leverages microgrids, solar energy, battery storage and new technology to deliver reliable, clean electricity. The initial rollout at Westville campus will see about 2 000 solar panels, each producing 600 watts, installed to generate on-site power. Battery banks and a sentient AI system called Wizdom will manage energy flows, ensuring seamless supply even when the national grid falters. 'This partnership introduces a decentralised energy model, which is the opposite of our current, overly centralised power grid that often fails,' UKZN Eskom power engineering programme acting director Leigh Jarvis said. 'Microgrids ensure that different campuses or buildings can keep operating independently. So if the national grid is down, the university can still function — classes can continue, labs stay powered, and essential services remain online.' Microgrids are self-contained energy systems that integrate solar panels, battery storage and smart controllers. Unlike traditional power stations that send electricity over long distances, microgrids generate power close to where it's needed, reducing waste and improving reliability. 'The resolution of the data and real-time nature will open up insight into electricity use and enable unparalleled control to power flow in relation to solar, storage, and grid,' Jarvis said, highlighting how AI optimises energy distribution across buildings, labs and residences. At the heart of this system is Youtility's Wizdom, described by director Wayne Mostert as 'an evolving, AI-driven utility brain with enhanced capabilities which include real-time, decentralised decision-making and smart discharge of power into micro and macro grids'. This cloud-based operating system acts like a conductor, orchestrating energy flows to ensure efficiency and reliability. When the sun is not shining, Wizdom directs stored energy from battery banks to where it's needed most, preventing disruptions and maximising the use of renewable energy. One of the project's innovative features is its blockchain-based billing system, which ensures transparency and fairness. By providing real-time data on energy consumption, users can monitor their usage and utilities can track payments instantly. This tamper-proof approach could reduce electricity theft, which costs South Africa billions annually. 'Every person or building gets charged only for what they use, in real-time, using a digital billing system that's as secure as online banking. This simplicity belies the project's complexity, which integrates advanced technology with real-world applications to create a scalable, resilient energy model,' Jarvis said. 'If everyone pays their fair share, then no one has to pay extra,' Jarvis said, encapsulating the system's potential to eliminate unfair pricing and reduce the need for rate hikes. For the university this means lower operational costs, while for the broader population, it could serve as a model for equitable energy access. Javis said about 10,000 solar panels are being installed across campuses and will 'produce clean, carbon-free energy every day — enough to power key facilities and reduce fossil fuel reliance significantly'. The initiative is expected to reduce air pollution, cut greenhouse gas emissions and promote smarter energy use in real-time. Greener buildings, labs and residence halls will lower UKZN's carbon footprint and serve as a living laboratory for sustainable practices. Students are at the heart of the will help maintain equipment, conduct research and develop new technologies. The project includes plans for a UKZN spin-off company focused on energy tech, researching innovations like liquid air energy storage and superconductor systems as alternatives to lithium batteries. 'Through this JVA, we envision student-led spin-off companies and a direct link between academic learning and the industries shaping our energy future,' Jarvis said. The partnership also has broader implications. Eskom Distribution is observing the project in an advisory capacity, recognising its potential to serve as a blueprint for national energy reform. If successful, the UKZN model could be scaled to power schools, clinics, towns and even cities. In layman's terms, Jarvis described the system as a self-sufficient mini power station: 'Solar panels collect energy from the sun. That energy gets stored in large batteries. A smart digital system figures out when and where to send power to buildings automatically. 'At its core is the recognition that the future of electricity lies in disruption networks and decentralised energy systems.'
