Geoclips

VOLUME 54 .SEPTEMBER 2018

INSIDE: The CGS appoints new
Executive Managers
The CGS appoints new Executive
The Council for Geoscience is proud working for BHP Billiton (now BHP)
Managers I 1 to announce the appointment of doing minerals exploration all over
three Executive Managers, Applied Africa. He then took a break and went
Three geoscientists receive PhD and Geoscience: Dr David Khoza, Geological back into academia to study towards a
Resources: Refilwe Shelembe and Masters degree which was converted
MSc degrees I 3 Corporate Services: Dr Jonty Tshipa. to a PhD. Following his doctorate,
Anglo American employed him in
Nontobeko Scheppers the Technical Solutions Department
in Johannesburg to support the
International Air Pollution exploration and mining division with
geophysical methods. The department
Conference in Naples, Italy I 4 was closed down and he joined another
Anglo American company called
Tlou Betty Mashalane SPECTREM AIR where he managed
the geophysics unit and supervised
Participation in the 6th China–Africa airborne magnetic and electromagnetic
surveys locally and abroad.
Water Conference I 6
David Khoza, Executive Manager: Applied Geoscience Dr Khoza has joined the CGS because
Emmanuel Sakala he believes that the organisation is in
David Khoza was born on 25 October a good position to effect real change to
Geostatistics training course I 7 1981 and hails from a small township the way the geosciences are practiced
outside Brits, called Letlhabile. He in South Africa and on the continent.
Leahn Pieterse completed a BSc degree in Physics His vision is to see the CGS performing
and Geology, a BSc Honours degree world-class science using leading
CGS staff attended the launch in Geophysics and a PhD degree in technologies to contribute positively
of a 3D X-ray microscope for Geophysics. He spent almost four to the socio-economic dynamics of
years in Ireland where he completed the country and the continent. All CGS
advanced research I 7 his PhD research on mapping tectonic staff are key to realising this vision
boundaries and inferring the crustal and he will do his best to ensure that
Supi Tlowana and mantle lithospheric evolution of the scientists are well equipped and
the Kaapvaal, Zimbabwe and Congo trained to undertake good science while
Junior scientist rolls in another best cratons, including the mobile belts that ensuring that the support staff have the
surround them, using deep sounding tools to assist them.
student poster award I 8 magnetotelluric (MT) data.
Dr Khoza is happily married and
Frédéric Doucet Immediately after completing his he and his wife, Mamotse, are the
Honours degree, Dr Khoza started proud parents of a three year old
Celebrating Nelson Mandela daughter, Kabo. Geological and
geophysical mapping is at the top of
International Day I 9 his list of interests. He also enjoys
hiking, camping, cricket and reading
Mahlako Mathabatha about current affairs, history and
technological trends.
National Women’s Day

Workshop I 10

Rethabile Makwela

New publication I 11

Thelma Swart

CGS Annual Conference 2019 I 12

Thinus Cloete

2 I GeoClips

He is passionate about the keen interest in the impact of geology Dr Jonty Tshipa, Executive Manager: Corporate Services
geosciences because this field on the health of communities and
overlaps with many other interesting the environment. Engineering, Durban. Dr Tshipa is
subjects. Moreover, the geosciences armed with more than 20 years of work
are relevant to all physical scales, Ms Shelembe has served as a experience, having worked in almost
from the sub-atomic level to the whole committee member and chairperson all sectors of the economy such as
universe. They touch on every time on the Young Geoscientists Network Education, Utility, Mining, ICT, Financial
scale, from fractions of a second to and she has been a member of the Services, Government and Media. He
billions of years. These scales provide job-grading committee, the technical has occupied roles such as Project
us with a perspective on our own lives. committee and the library committee Engineer (at Eskom), Explosives
Most importantly, geoscientists are of the CGS. She has also served as Engineer (at AEL Mining Services),
paid to go on field trips to some really a secretary of the Medical Geology Senior Technical Consultant (at Gijima),
interesting places! Chapter in 2014. Ms Shelembe is Head: Credit Recoveries (at Standard
passionate about making a contribution Bank) and Executive: Corporate
Refilwe Shelembe, Executive Manager: to transformation, social development Services (at Brand South Africa).
Geological Resources and the talent development of early-
career scientists and believes that Dr Tshipa lectured credit management/
Refilwe Shelembe grew up in Soweto the contributions of these young finance to B-Tech students at TUT from
and moved to Pretoria in 2006 to scientists will impact positively on 2014 to 2016 on a part time basis. He
work for the CGS as a junior scientist the organisation. is currently a sessional supervisor of
in the then Central Regions, now MBA students at Wits Business School
Geoscience Mapping, Unit. With In the twelve years that she has as well as an ad hoc external examiner
ten years of experience as a field worked for the CGS and risen through of MBA students at both the Wits
geologist and a Master’s degree in the ranks, Ms Shelembe worked in Business School and Nelson Mandela
geology from the University of the the Office of the CEO as a Technical Graduate School. He has served on
Witwatersrand, Ms Shelembe has Assistant and she temporarily assumed several boards such as those of the
mapped six 1:50 000-scale geological the duties of Manager for Geoscience South African Weather Services and
maps in and outside South Africa. Her Mapping. On 1 June 2018, she was ZADNA, where he also served on the
main focus was on the metamorphism appointed as the Executive Manager Audit and Risk committee and the HR
of the upper Pretoria Group of the for Geological Resources, a position and Remuneration committee.
Transvaal Supergroup as affected by that affords her the opportunity
the far western Bushveld Complex. She to co-champion the Integrated “It is serendipity that I ended up in
has also worked on various research and Multidisciplinary Geoscience Corporate Services — never in my
and commercial projects including, Mapping Programme of the CGS. wildest dreams had I ever imagined
amongst others, 3D geological She received the “Elijah Nkosi” award dealing with soft issues”, he remarks.
modelling, geological mapping in of excellence in December 2017 for His immediate deliverables for the
high-grade metamorphic provinces laying the foundation for this ten year CGS are:
in the Northern Cape Province, mapping plan.
Thyspunt and Duynefontein nuclear • to ensure that the organisation has
siting, the investigation of strategic Ms Shelembe strives to be loyal to the right people in the right jobs.
nuclear reserves and alluvial diamond the CGS and is looking forward to
gravel mapping. Ms Shelembe has a serving her term with commitment • to ensure that as an organisation
and excellence. that strives to inculcate a high
performance culture, we build
Dr Jonty Tshipa was born in 1975 and
matriculated at Tsogo High School in
1992. Dr Tshipa holds a PhD degree
in Financial Management Science
from the University of Pretoria, a
Masters in Finance and Investment
(cum laude) from the University of
the Witwatersrand, an MBA from the
Tshwane University of Technology
(TUT), Global Remuneration
Professional certification from
WorldatWork and he completed
programmes in Project Management in
IT at UNISA and electrical engineering
(heavy current) at the School of

Geoclips - Volume 54 - September 2018 GeoClips I 3

a robust and solid performance emerging and common problem His hobbies include the reading of
management system that will areas that need intervention. finance and investment related journal
consider competencies as well as articles on capital structure, financial
core management criteria. • Foster a good working relationship performance, stockbroking and
with staff and labour. corporate governance. His favourite
• Flowing from the recently approved sports are tennis and soccer and he
organisational structure, develop an • Obtain full accreditation for ISO 9001 is a staunch supporter of Sundowns
HR aligned strategy. and 17025 by the end of 2019. and Barcelona. In his spare time, Dr
Tshipa enjoys spending time with his
• Use tools such as staff engagement • Strive towards the full automation of wife of 15 years and his daughters,
surveys and exit interviews to identify HR services. Keamogetswe and Onthatile.

Three geoscientists receive PhD and MSc degrees

Dr Emmanuel Sakala graduated processes to be automated. This will Gloria Dube graduated and obtained an MSc from North-
with a PhD in Geohydrology from the facilitate rapid groundwater vulnerability West University in Potchefstroom.
University of the Free State on 28 June assessments solving the complex
2018. His dissertation is entitled problem of AMD assessment at a investigated and implemented in many
Development of rapid assessment regional scale specifically for policy and parts of the world for net-acidic mine
tools for groundwater vulnerability decision making purposes. A graphic water treatment. Disposal, discharge
mapping using integrated user interface program (GVM_AI) and seepage of acid mine water is
geoscientific datasets and artificial was developed to execute complex a worldwide problem and of great
intelligent algorithms: case study AI algorithms in the background but concern to South Africa as this water
from Witbank and Ermelo coalfields, which is simple enough for use by a degrades the quality of streams and
South Africa. Emmanuel hopes to non-AI expert. This approach to solving underground water. AMD in coal mining
make a significant contribution to the complex problems such as groundwater environments is characterised by a low
field of geohydrology, multidisciplinary vulnerability can be rolled out and pH and high acidic conditions which
data integration and artificial used in other fields such as geological leach or dissolve high concentrations
intelligence (AI). In this research, a new mapping, mineral exploration, pre- of metals such as iron (Fe), aluminium
approach to groundwater vulnerability warning systems for earthquakes and (Al), manganese (Mn) and sulfate.
assessment using AI algorithms, sinkhole studies. Immediate benefits These conditions are harmful to
specifically for groundwater vulnerability for the Council for Geoscience and the humans, plants and aquatic life,
to acid mine drainage (AMD) at a scientific community at large include making the initiatives to reduce such
regional coalfield scale, was developed. increased efficiency by automating pollution critical.
The value of this research lies in the some of the routine processes in
fact that the new approach, which is a geoscience data processing, enhanced
hybrid of the index overlay, statistical capabilities in multidisciplinary data
and process based approaches, allows integration and, ultimately, improving
many of the vulnerability assessment the quality of geoscience products, in
service of humankind.
Emmanuel Sakala graduated with a PhD from the
University of the Free State in Bloemfontein. Gloria Dube received her MSc degree
on 24 May 2018 from North-West
University. Her research, Laboratory
scale testing of passive systems to
treat acid mine drainage, contributes
towards acid mine water treatment
solutions in South Africa. The laboratory
scale experimental work evaluated the
effectiveness of the novel dispersed
alkaline substrate (DAS) system in
treating acid mine drainage (AMD)
from an abandoned coal mine in
eMalahleni, Mpumalanga Province. The
DAS system was compared with the
traditional reducing alkalinity producing
system (RAPS) which has been

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Passive treatment systems are Maria Atanasova received her PhD degree from the enhancers. Mechanical performance
practical to set up on abandoned of the clay-only films compares
mines where the removal of some University of Pretoria. favourably with those featured by
acids and metals will benefit the conventional polymers. Statistical
receiving environment. Moreover, these functional properties of rectorite projection for the maximum attainable
technologies are associated with low and rectorite based clay films and values of the functional properties of
costs for implementation, operation bionanocomposites. The study the clay films indicates that defect-
and maintenance. The ability of these offers a “green” approach entailing free films could offer even higher
systems to remove contaminants a simple, energy efficient, economic performance. Rectorite-chitosan
from AMD has been recognised and environmentally friendly process nanocomposite films showed enhanced
and although these systems have optimised to produce self-standing, mechanical performance, improved
been used to treat acid mine water flexible and mechanically strong optical transparency and water
efficiently, limitations such as coating clay-only films and rectorite-chitosan resistance at high clay proportions.
and clogging as a result of Al3+ and nanocomposites of high clay loadings Both starting materials, clay and
Fe3+ oxy-hydroxide precipitates have without binders or other property biopolymer, can be obtained as waste
been reported. materials. The rectorite occurs as
a host rock alteration product and
In this study, both the DAS and RAPS can be recovered from mine tailings.
set-ups were shown to improve the Similarly, chitosan is derived from chitin
levels of contaminated water to the produced from shellfish waste in the
quality standard levels accepted by seafood industry.
South Africa. However, the issue of
longevity as a result of the passivation For more information contact:
of the alkaline substrate still persists.
Nontobeko Scheppers
A doctoral degree was awarded Human Resources
to Dr Maria T. Atanasova by the +27 (0)12 841 1201
Department of Chemical Engineering, [email protected]
University of Pretoria for her
research, Characterisation and

International Air Pollution Conference in Naples, Italy

The 26th International Conference on Georgina Kwata. Two oral papers were of asbestos mining in South Africa in
Modelling, Monitoring and Management presented under the conference theme 2002. Asbestos mine dumps, especially
of Air Pollution was held in Naples, of monitoring and measuring. This non-rehabilitated dumps, contribute
Italy, from 19 to 21 June 2018. The was the second consecutive year that to dust pollution. Airborne asbestos
themes were: aerosols and particles, members of the integrated asbestos contaminated dust from these mine
emission studies, monitoring and monitoring team participated in this dumps find their way to nearby human
measuring, air pollution modelling, air informative international conference. settlements leading to human exposure
data quality, indoor air pollution, health mainly through inhalation which causes
effects, air pollution management, Highlights of the presentations given respiratory and lung diseases. For the
policy and legislation and air pollution by the CGS team members are purpose of environmental remediation,
control technologies. The conference discussed below. rehabilitated and non-rehabilitated sites
was attended by climatologists, around Kuruman and Prieska in the
chemists, environmentalists, A study of trapped dust and dustfall Northern Cape Province were selected
lecturers, researchers, consultants, samples from human settlements to measure the baseline levels and
geologists and NGO representatives near rehabilitated and non- distribution patterns of asbestos mineral
from 18 countries. The presenters rehabilitated abandoned asbestos pollutants. Dustfall rates within a radius
addressed challenges related to air mine dumps in the Northern Cape of 5 km from the asbestos mine dump
pollution and offered possible remedial Province, South Africa. to the nearest human settlement were
solutions. Future collaborations were Tlou Betty Mashalane; tmashalane@ measured using the single open bucket
also envisaged. geoscience.org.za method and the mineralogy composition
was analysed using X-ray diffraction
The CEO, Mr Mosa Mabuza, led the Abandoned asbestos mine dumps (XRD). Mineralogical and morphological
CGS delegates comprising Ms Tlou continue to have an effect on human characterisation of dustfall samples
Betty Mashalane and Ms Maphuti health, notwithstanding the banning was further validated using scanning

Geoclips - Volume 54 - September 2018 GeoClips I 5

CGS staff members with other conference delegates in Naples, Italy.

electron microscopy-energy dispersive serpentine [Mg3SiO5(OH)4] asbestos Africa in 2002, there are still concerns
spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Trapped minerals were detected with XRD but regarding possible environmental
dust samples were collected indoors could not be confirmed with SEM- exposure to asbestos fibres. The
and outdoors from photo and window EDS. However, both XRD and SEM- Council for Geoscience studied dustfall
frames, old furniture and roof tops EDS results confirmed the presence rates for a period of six months from
using sticky tape and were analysed of the amphibole asbestos mineral. January to June 2017 using the
by means of SEM-EDS. The XRD Other silicate minerals detected were American Standard Test Method, ASTM
results show significant amounts of the quartz, talc, mica, plagioclase, smectite D1739 of 1970, at five sampling sites
amphibole [Ca2(Fe,Mg)5Si8O22(OH)2] and feldspar. Detected non-silicate located in local communities close
asbestos mineral. Trace amounts of minerals included calcite and traces to derelict and ownerless asbestos
of haematite. The study proved that mine dumps in Mpumalanga Province.
non-rehabilitated asbestos mine dumps The dust fall rates were determined
are a major source for airborne fibre gravimetrically after filtration. Filter
exposure and rehabilitated dumps need papers containing dust fall samples
to be monitored and maintained. The were further analysed using the
presence of asbestos minerals within scanning electron microscope-energy
human settlements remains a major dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) and X-ray
health concern. diffraction and fluorescence (XRD and
XRF) techniques. The amounts obtained
A physico-chemical study of dust for the serpentine asbestos group vs
samples from derelict and ownerless amphibole asbestos group were 23 and
asbestos mine dumps in the 3 % m/m at site A, 5 and 2 % m/m at
Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. site B, 15 and 0 % m/m at site C, 36
Maphuti Georgina Kwata; mkwata@ and 7 % m/m at site D, and 7 and 0 %
geoscience.org.za m/m at site E. Other minerals detected,
in random order, were feldspar,
Maphuti Georgina Kwata (Scientist), Mosa Mabuza (Chief Asbestos is generally defined as a kaolinite, quartz, mica and talc. The
Executive Officer) and Tlou Betty Mashalane (Junior group of naturally occurring silicate detected non-silicate minerals were
Scientist) at the conference venue in Italy. fibrous minerals abundant on the ilmenite, metallic, organic and other
surface of the earth. Despite the types of amphibole: actinolite, barosite,
cessation of asbestos mining in South ferrimagnesiotaramitel, grunerite,

6 I GeoClips

tremolite, winchite and feldspar; ratios of the serpentine asbestos group For more information contact:
albite, andesine, anorthite, bytownite, fibres ranged from 2:1 to 6:1, while the
labradorite, microcline, oligoclase, amphibole ratios were about 3:1 to 5:1. Tlou Betty Mashalane
anidine and sanidene. Most dust The continued presence of asbestos Water and Environment
particles were granular and sponge-like, group minerals in inhalable fractions of +27 (0)12 841 1301
with spiral, semi-rectangular and semi- airborne dust material is of concern and [email protected]
triangular shapes. The length-to-width should be mitigated accordingly.

Participation in the 6th China–Africa Water Conference

The China–Africa water forum was Emmanuel Sakala and Mpumelelo Dube presenting the work done by the CGS in the development of a software
initiated in 2013, coinciding with the package for groundwater potential mapping.
international year of cooperation
on water, where multi-national management in different countries. for the advancement of science
active platforms of cooperation and The panel included the Honourable within an organisation and country
exchange in regard to water and the Minister of Higher Education and at large. This notion was inspired
environment were established. The Scientific Research of Egypt, Prof. by several presentations on recent
China–Africa water forum is a platform Khaled Abd El-Ghafar. advancements in the design
for all professionals within the fields and fabrication of solar powered
of water science and technology in Scientific presentations varied from desalination plants built almost
Africa and China. The China–Africa theoretical prototypes to case studies entirely by local scientists and
Water Association, also referred to in various fields of water resources engineers in Egypt using locally
as CAWA, is a non-profit organisation such as water markets, water available materials.
that focusses on organising annual allocation system designs, desalination
conferences. To date, there have been plants, drip irrigation system designs, - A call for scientists to embrace smart
six forums held in China and various software programming, artificial technology, the Internet of Things
African countries. intelligence (AI), pumping test (IoT), machine learning, space-borne
interpretation, seawater intrusion, technology and nanotechnology to
The objective of the forum is to work seawater–groundwater interaction, address some of the water related
towards a lasting partnership between smart water resource management challenges such as water losses
the two regions for the sustainable systems, hydrogeophysics, karst in pipelines, water demand, water
utilisation of water resources. The groundwater pollution (AMD), space- purification, climate changes and
2018 conference was held at the borne imagery interpretation and water groundwater exploration.
Iberotel Palace in Sharm El-Sheik, risk assessment advancements.
Egypt, from 23 to 25 July 2018, and
was hosted by the City of Scientific Lessons learnt from the conference For more information contact:
Research and Technological included the following:
Applications (SRTA-City). The Council Emmanuel Sakala
for Geoscience was represented by Dr - Development of in-house capacity Geophysics and Remote Sensing
Emmanuel Sakala and Ms Mpumelelo in terms of scientific knowledge, +27 (0)12 841 1432
Dube. The theme for the 2018 series software and systems is important [email protected]
was “Sustainable utilisation of water
resources in developing countries”.

Both China and Africa face significant
human development challenges in a
changing environment and have very
similar water resource management
priorities, particularly from a research,
development and implementation
perspective. The conference served
as a forerunner for ongoing joint
research, development, innovation
and implementation in the area of
water development. The conference
started with a panel discussion on
water economy and its relation to water

Geoclips - Volume 54 - September 2018 GeoClips I 7

Geostatistics training course

Ten employees from the Economic
Geology and Geochemistry Unit:
Ms Keabetswe Lehong, Ms Connie
Setladi, Mr Rames Chauke, Mr
Luzuko Chiya, Ms Nosiseko Bala,
Ms Tshilidzi Mudau, Ms Matamba
Tsanwani, Ms Unathi Nondula, Ms
Mashudu Matshivha and Ms Leahn
Pieterse, attended the Geostatistics
training course presented by Prof.
Richard Minnit from the University of
the Witwatersrand. The course took
place at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways,
Johannesburg, from 10 to 12 July 2018.

The training course equipped Unathi Nondula, Leahn Pieterse, Connie Setladi (front) and Keabetswe Lehong, Mashudu Matshivha and Rames
the delegates with knowledge on Chauke (back) attended the Geostatistics training course. Absent: Tshilidzi Mudau, Matamba Tsanwani, Nosiseko Bala,
the principles and techniques of Luzuko Chiya.
geostatistics, the estimation of
areas and volumes as well as grade sample values within a mineral deposit interpretations and inventory
estimation. Understanding the theory and provide a basis for quantifying estimations. The current study areas
of geostatistics is important in order to the geological concepts of an inherent are Griqualand West, the Bushveld
better analyse and predict the values characteristic of the deposit type, Complex and the Barberton and Giyani
associated with spatial correlation as a change in the continuity of the Greenstone Belts.
used in various software packages, interdependence of sample values
including ArcGIS and Geovia Surpac. according to the type of mineralisation For more information contact:
Geostatistics covers a wide range of and a range of influences of the Leahn Pieterse
applications including mineral potential interdependence of the sample values. Economic Geology and
mapping, geochemical interpretations Geochemistry
and resource estimations. The The knowledge gained from the training +27 (0)12 841 1135
principles of geostatistics may be course will be utilised in the ten year [email protected]
used to predict spatial attributes and mapping programme, specifically in
to model uncertainty in unsampled mineral potential mapping, geochemical
locations. Geostatistical methods utilise
an understanding of the interrelations of

CGS staff attended the launch of a 3D X-ray microscope
for advanced research

The Council for Geoscience was Nosiseko Bala and Nosibulelo Zilibokwe attended the launch of the 3D X-ray microscope.
invited to attend a combined launch
by Mintek and Unisa of the 3D X-ray
microscope (XRM) which was held
at the Unisa Campus in Florida,
Johannesburg, on 24 July 2018.
Advanced analytical methods utilising
state of the art instruments such as the
3D XRM are becoming increasingly
valuable and critical in characterising
various geological samples. The CGS
delegates who attended this launch
were Ms Nosibulelo Zilibokwe and
Mrs Nosiseko Bala. The purpose of

8 I GeoClips

this launch was to make academics is used in research. Another benefit of this technique in their work/research
and researchers aware of the industry the launch was to put the researchers to improve their research outputs in
leading 3D XRM and to demonstrate in contact with experts in the field and addition to enhancing a culture of
how this advanced imaging technique to explore the possibilities of applying cooperation, relationship building and
participation in collaborative research
The 3D XRM operates in conjunction with a mounted computer. activities. Collaborative projects not
only improve the research objectives
X-ray source Objectives and but also contribute to capacity building.
a detector
The 3D XRM can be used in a range of
Sample holder with a applications and its advantages include:
core piece (sample) • C haracterisation and quantification

of structures, measuring of fluid flow,
acquisition of multi-phase particle
information and large-volume statistics
for mining and other natural resource
requirements (e.g. oil and gas)
• The 3D XRM is a non-destructive 3D
imaging technique involving minimal
or no sample preparation
• T he 3D XRM can program up
to 14 samples at a time to run
sequentially with the option of auto
loading the samples
• T he technique offers in situ
capabilities for flexible sample sizes
and types
• A high resolution can easily
be achieved
• T he technique uses a scout and scan
control system for an easy workflow
• The technique offers multi-length
scale imaging on the same sample
across a wide range of magnifications.

Sample For more information contact:
stage
Supi Tlowana
The internal of the X-ray chamber. The core piece in this photo is the sample, which is mounted on the sample Laboratory Services
stage. The machine also comes with different shapes of holders such as thin section or stub holders. +27 (0)12 841 1436
[email protected]

Junior scientist rolls in another best student poster award

The Council for Geoscience wishes to developments regarding the conversion metal tailings and synthesis of iron
congratulate junior scientist Sameera of biomass and waste into value added based nanomaterials”. This work
Mohamed for being presented with materials and energy. The conference forms part of a CGS innovation project
the best student poster award at sessions also elaborated on key that aims to develop technological
the 7th International Conference on aspects such as the concept of the processes for the synthesis of nano
Engineering for Waste and Biomass circular economy, which recognises the sized materials such as FeCr2O4, MgO/
Valorisation (WasteEng2018), which value of wastes and their potential to MgAl2O4 or Fe-Cr-Al alloy nanopowders
was held in Prague, Czech Republic, be reused as alternative resources in a using Bushveld mine tailings as starting
from 2 to 5 July 2018. The conference closed loop system. materials. Specific applications that
brought leading experts from around are targeted include nanoparticles
the world together to deliberate on Sameera presented a poster entitled as plant fertilisers for drought stress
new scientific, industrial and legislative “Recovery of iron from platinum group management and nanomaterials for

Geoclips - Volume 54 - September 2018 GeoClips I 9

toxic metal removal from water and acid
mine drainage.

For more information contact:

Frédéric Doucet
Water and Environment
+27 (0)12 841 1300
[email protected]

Sameera Mohamed received the best student poster award at WasteEng2018 in Prague, Czech Republic.

Celebrating Nelson Mandela International Day

Nelson Mandela International Day is
celebrated annually on 18 July across
the world. This year marks 100 years
since the birth of the former President.
The day calls upon everyone to take
action and inspire change in our
communities for the benefit of those
who are less fortunate. This year, the
Council for Geoscience joined the world
in commemorating this day under the
theme “Action Against Poverty” and
served 67 minutes by participating
in various activities planned for the
head office and regional offices across
the country. The CGS believes in the
Spirit of Ubuntu and strives to make a
difference in the community.

At the head office in Pretoria, CGS staff
honoured the day by visiting Itumeleng
Day Centre in Atteridgeville, Pretoria.
The centre accommodates 84 children
aged three to six years old. The staff
assisted in repainting classrooms,
establishing a vegetable garden,
doing general cleaning and donating
educational charts to the children.

At the Port Elizabeth office, CGS staff Mandela Day activities in Pretoria (top), Port Elizabeth and Polokwane (bottom).
visited two organisations in the vicinity of
Uitenhage to inspire change. Siyahluma

10 I GeoClips

Day Care Centre is an NGO pre-school Staff of the Polokwane CGS office organisation uses resources made
located in KwaNobuhle Township in commemorated the day at Mahlatse Ke solely from recycled materials to assist
Uitenhage. The day care centre takes Lerato Service Centre that takes care of caregivers and educators in providing
care of children between the ages of 18 people with disabilities and Lerato Day fun educational activities that enable
months and 5 years. The CGS donated Care Centre that takes care of children young children to learn through play.
reading books and educational posters. younger than six years at Ga-Dikgale CGS staff donated stationery packs
Zizamele Soup Kitchen, housed in a Village outside Polokwane. The staff that will be used in early childhood
container in Walmer Township, offers donated groceries and assisted in educational programmes.
soup to the elderly and children in the preparing food.
area three days a week. The soup In conclusion, the CGS honoured
kitchen welcomed the donation of a In Upington, CGS staff visited Jogébed Mandela Day by participating in various
gas burner stove, big pots, spoons and Child and Youth Care Centre for abused initiatives to take action against poverty
cleaning material. and abandoned children and Bobanong as well as to increase brand awareness
House for abused women and children within communities.
The Bellville CGS staff visited the where they donated groceries and
Meals on Wheels organisation of the toiletries. In addition, the staff assisted in For more information contact:
Tygerberg Branch in Cape Town. Meals preparing food for the children. Mahlako Mathabatha
on Wheels is an NGO initiative that Marketing, Communication and
operates throughout the country offering Staff of the Pietermaritzburg office Stakeholder Relations
meals to needy and vulnerable groups celebrated the day by visiting +27 (0)12 841 1220
and individuals. The staff assisted with Singakwenza Education and Health [email protected]
general cleaning and the preparation Centre, a non-profit organisation
of food. based in Hilton, Pietermaritzburg. The

National Women’s Day Workshop

The Council for Geoscience celebrated the cornerstones of our society”. The as well as in society. Presentations
National Women’s Day by hosting a objective of the workshop was to by various speakers addressed the
workshop at the CSIR International honour the women of the CGS and to topics of work life balance, health and
Convention Centre on 17 August 2018. acknowledge their contributions and wellness and women abuse.
The theme for the day was “Women, significant influence in the organisation
The marketing and communication
team ran a campaign whereby women
from different departments were profiled
throughout the month of August on
social media platforms.

Geoscience women, the cornerstones of our society. Women's Day presenters Ms N Qumana,
Ms M Mabhena and Ms L Mpeta.

For more information contact:
Rethabile Makwela
Marketing, Communication and
Stakeholder Relations
+27 (0)12 841 1023
[email protected]

Geoclips - Volume 54 - September 2018 GeoClips I 11

New publication

AUTHOR:
John Rogers

PUBLISHER:
Council for Geoscience

The author, John Rogers, studied GGEGEOEOUOLULNOULNOLNOGLOGLIGOCICOCICAKCCAKLIAKNLILANPIPGAONPODGAPODGPTUVDPUTLHVULTAEVHLAEREHANREEGNRSGENTEGSTEOEUESTOESUOCSECRUCSCRRICCEEIRRENIEEERSNEECNSTCEESTICESNSITESSNEISOSENRTEROITREFIOHTESIFHESI7HFEST7IE7TEIFSTFSAFSSAIASCRISCRIEERCEENSEENSTESNTERTCERCYRACYAYAPPEPE:E::
geology at the University of Cape Town
(UCT) and completed his MSc and JoJhoJnhonhRnoRgoRegoregsresrs
PhD degrees focussing on the marine
geology off the coast of southern
Africa. He then joined the Council
for Geoscience where he determined
the stratigraphy, sedimentology and
geohydrology of Cenozoic sediments
from Cape Town to Lambert’s Bay. He
returned to UCT to carry out deep-
sea research on manganese nodules
off southern Africa and to lecture
sedimentology and marine geology to
geology students and general geology
to civil engineering students until his
retirement in 2009. He currently lives
in Newlands, Cape Town.

The book, comprising nine chapters, “What a lovely book you have The book is available at the Council for
explores the geology of the Cape presented us with. After some brief Geoscience and from the author, John
Peninsula (the Fairest Cape). Chapters glances, it is a superbly illustrated Rogers, at [email protected].
1 to 6 take the reader to Cape Town book on our local geology. Students of
by air from the northeast; along the geology have here most readable and Council for Geoscience
N2 from the east; along the N1 from self-explanatory geological adventures, Khanyo Ngwenya
the northeast; from the north along which should encourage an interest in (Regional Office - Bellville)
the N7; along the West Coast Road geology.” [email protected]
(R27); and via the R44 coastal road +27 (0)21 943 6700
from Gansbaai. Chapters 7 to 9 give Dr Anthony Keen, medical doctor.
the reader insight into the geological
features of Table Bay; the Atlantic
coastline of the Cape Peninsula
and the False Bay coastline of the
Cape Peninsula.

The book, available at a special “The book is superb! The well- Thelma Swart (Head Office - Pretoria)
discounted price of R350.00, annotated photos really do make it the [email protected]
is a worthwhile addition to any most user-friendly geology textbook I +27 (0)12 841 1017
book collection. have ever seen. It kept me up till well
past my normal bedtime.” [email protected]
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| http://www.geoscience.org.za
Dr John Rourke, retired Director of the Compton
Herbarium in Kirstenbosch.

“What a wonderful book! Particularly “A book of this nature has long been For more information contact:
for students, as it is so comprehensive overdue and should be an asset to
and academic in its scope, but it is anybody interested in the geology of Thelma Swart
also for the keen explorer of this the Cape, especially to young people CGS Bookshop
beautiful and varied part of our country. as a first introduction to geology.” +27 (0)12 841 1017
Your photographs are superb.” [email protected]
Dr J.N. Theron, retiree of the Council
Mrs Britha Padkin, teacher and trainer in the for Geoscience.
corporate world.

‘Merging maps for an emerging future’

The Council for Geoscience would like to invite you to its annual two day
conference at the CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria

The CGS Conference will bring together national and international scientists to discuss aspects
of its new “Integrated and multidisciplinary geoscience mapping programme 2018–2021”.
Within the CGS’s broad geological mandate, special emphasis will be placed on: geoscience
for minerals and energy, geoscience for infrastructure and land use, geoscience for health,
groundwater and the environment, geoscience innovation and geoscience diplomacy.
Internationally renowned experts will participate as keynote presenters and scientists from
the CGS will be presenting research undertaken for this national programme. With this annual
conference, the CGS hopes to provide its stakeholders with insight into all the nationally funded
research projects it is undertaking. The Organising Committee is already receiving abstracts
in the above mentioned subject areas and submissions will close on 15 October 2018. The
conference website is available at http://geoscience.org.za/cgs/ and may be perused for
information on registration, a programme explanation and details regarding keynote speakers
and their topics of discussion.

Kindly respond to this invitation via the mentioned website.

We look forward to confirming your participation and presence at the conference.

If you are not on our mailing list and you would like to receive a copy of
GEOclips, please send an e-mail to:

Mahlako Mathabatha, Marketing, Communication & Stakeholder Relations
[email protected]

Private Bag X112, Pretoria 0001, South Africa /
280 Pretoria Street, Silverton, Pretoria 0184, South Africa
Tel: +27 (0)12 841 1911 / Fax: +27 (0)12 841 1221 / www.geoscience.org.za