The departments of Mathematical Sciences, Nursing Science and Consumer Sciences together with the Community Engagement Office at the University of Zululand (UNIZULU) recently hosted an inspiring colloquium titled “Wisdom in Play and Plate: Indigenous Systems for Health, Cognitive Mastery, and Scientific-Mathematical Solutions” at DOCSHED Restaurant on the KwaDlangezwa Campus.
The event, moderated by Professor Unathi Kolanisi, a senior lecturer in the Department of Consumer Sciences, convened UNIZULU academics from the interested departments and external stakeholders from Ithuba One School One Garden, the Linzwa Foundation, the Department of Social Development, and Iphupho.
The core aim was to examine how indigenous knowledge systems (IKS), modern scientific research, and mathematical reasoning can intersect to tackle contemporary challenges such as obesity, holistic wellbeing, and cognitive development. It also sought to investigate how indigenous food practices promote healthier living as well as how traditional games contribute to cognitive advancement by exemplifying mathematical problem-solving and decision-making strategies.
While sharing her welcome remarks, Professor Syamala Krishnannair, a lecturer in the Department of Mathematical Sciences, also provided an overview of the event’s purpose and objectives. In her view, this initiative reflects UNIZULU’s dedication to transforming education through socially conscious approaches and active collaboration with community engagement stakeholders. She further explained that the gathering was intended to explore how Indigenous knowledge systems, science, and mathematics can converge to promote dietary balance and overall wellness. Additionally, she highlighted the importance of integrating these disciplines through indigenous frameworks to enhance health, wellbeing, and lifelong learning.
“I warmly invite you to engage, interact, and to reflect as we walk this journey of wisdom, wellness and community empowerment through both play and plate,” Krishnannair said.
Community Engagement Manager Nomthandazo Mbandazayo contextualised the theme “Bridging Indigenous Knowledge, Science, and Mathematics for Holistic Wellness”, emphasising that such integration could not occur solely within the walls of this University, but required the important involvement of respected stakeholders in this collaborative effort.
Mbandazayo outlined the three foundational pillars of the Community Engagement (CE) office: community-based research, service learning, and organised outreach initiatives. She noted that the focus of the event would be on service learning. She highlighted that service learning was officially recognised in national policy, supported by the Higher Education Act of 1997, which places a constitutional responsibility on higher education institutions to engage communities and contribute to the country’s development.
“If we look at the national development plan of 2030, it sticks to the need for service learning. So, it’s not just our thing, it’s a country thing,” Mbandazayo said.
As part of the service-learning initiative, three partner departments of the University showcased their student-led projects. Dr Anne Joubert and three Nursing Science Department students shared insights on diabetes management, offering dietary tips to help individuals balance their meals for better health. Professor Krishnannair from the Mathematical Science Department, alongside her students, presented community-based educational models. Dr Lucky Mgobhozi, Lecturer in the Department of Nursing Science, highlighted a collaborative gardening project conducted in partnership with students in the department and CE representatives at local creches in the KwaDlangezwa area. Meanwhile, Consumer Sciences Department students curated an exhibition featuring a variety of indigenous healthy meals aimed at promoting balanced lifestyles. They also displayed fermented food selections aligned with Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) health promotion goals, offering tastings and informative materials to encourage active and health-conscious living.
A representative from Community Nutrition Development Centres (CNDCs) delivered an engaging presentation on the role of CNDCs and their collaboration with communities through service learning. She began by sharing the historical context of the initiative, underscoring that in 2013, the South African Cabinet approved both the National Policy on Food and Nutrition Security and the accompanying Household Food and Nutrition Security Strategy. Moreover, she highlighted that the King Cetshwayo District hosts five CNDCs within local municipalities, each anchored by a main satellite centre where food is prepared before being distributed to various satellite locations across the region.
To conclude the event, reflections were shared by Penelope Mthethwa, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at Linzwa Foundation, and Thabani Ngubane, Founder and CEO of Ithuba One School One Garden.
“This event was very beneficial for our NPO since we are dealing with children. We have a soup kitchen that caters for 202 children, so this knowledge is very beneficial for us in terms of preparations because of those 202 children, others are in chronic medications. So, now we have an idea on how to prepare food for them and which food is appropriate for their health,” Mthethwa appreciated.
– Sbahle Dumakude
Pictures: Xolani Ncube
