In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” Education is fundamental to development and growth. Growth, development and poverty reduction is dependent on the knowledge and skills acquired.
Two College of Cape Town lecturers “aspire to inspire” others, through education and equality of all citizens.
Dr. Charles Mbayi completed his PhD in Mathematics and Mrs. Noreth Muller-Kluits was selected to render an oral presentation at the Social Work Education and Social Development (SWESD) Conference in Rimini, Italy. The oral presentation will be based on her abstract titled: “Social Work and Rehabilitation – ensuring a free and just society inclusive of all persons with disabilities as equal citizens.” The abstract forms part of her current doctoral research study she’s currently pursuing.
Lecturer graduates with PhD in Mathematics
Dr. Charles Mbayi, a lecturer at Pinelands Campus recently graduated with a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Western Cape. His passion for teaching and learning has inspired him to study mathematics.
Dr. Mbayi pursued his tertiary education in his home country, the Democratic Republic of Congo. After obtaining his Bachelor’s degree in Statistic Mathematics and spending ten years as a Mathematics lecturer, he relocated to South Africa.
Once settled in South Africa, Dr. Mbayi obtained his Master’s degree, Mathematics and Applied Mathematics from the University of the Western Cape. He then joined the academic team at the College of Cape Town, Pinelands Campus as a Mathematics lecturer. Dr. Mbayi uses every opportunity to encourage students to be passionate about Mathematics and the application thereof. “My passion for mathematics grew during my high school career. Solving math problems gives me a real pleasure as it allows for both critical and relative thinking. I remember when I was in high school, I was always good in mathematics than any other subjects. I enjoy calculations and numbers,” said Dr. Mbayi.
Lecturer set to render an oral presentation at the SWESD Conference in Italy
Mrs. Noreth Muller-Kluits, a lecturer at the Crawford Campus, in the NC(V) Primary Health Department, has her abstract selected for oral presentation at the Social Work Education and Social Development (SWESD) Conference in Rimini, Italy. The abstract is based on “Social Work and Rehabilitation – ensuring a free and just society inclusive of all persons with disabilities as equal citizens” is based on her current doctoral research study she is pursuing.
The focus of the oral presentation will demonstrate how social work can contribute to the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities, especially when integrating into society. This conference will be hosted by the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) and the International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW). The conference planned to take place in June 2020, but due to the global COVID-19 pandemic outbreak was postponed to November 2020.
Her interest in disability has developed over the years, she has both a personal and professional background in the field. She has been involved with disability awareness at the college, including in 2018 facilitating an awareness talk hosted by NC(V) Primary Health Level 2 students on the accessibility of Crawford campus which was attended by College Executive.
She is currently doing her doctoral degree in social work at Stellenbosch University focusing on experiences of adults with an acquired physical disability on social work support. She enjoys doing qualitative research as it provides participants with the opportunity to share their stories. She hopes to be able to further advocate for persons with disabilities as a minority group that could affect anyone at any time.
Article by Zintle Maliwa, Marketing Assistant: Corporate Communications & Marketing
College of Cape Town.
