TEXTBOOK DONATION TO BENEFIT ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING STUDENTS

Global leader in the telecommunications industry, Movius, recently donated textbooks worth R50 000 to the School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering.

Brainwave of local entrepreneur and part-time UKZN lecturer, Dr Rob Smorfitt, the books relate specifically to the telecommunications field. They are expected to enrich the learning experiences of students in Electronic Engineering, many of whom struggle to afford the requisite textbooks for their classes.

Originally intent on sponsoring a telecommunications student, Movius was persuaded by Dr Smorfitt to put their funding into textbooks which is a more sustainable way for a small company to make an impact.

Managing Director of Movius Africa, Mr Eddie McAlone, said: “We could touch just one student but in this way we can touch many more.”

Mr McAlone emphasised the importance of increasing the pool of skilled engineers in South Africa. He said the School should not view this as a one-off contribution because as his company grows, it would explore other ways of supporting students.

Head of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Professor Stanley Mneney, views the textbooks as a valuable contribution to his School. He said some students depended solely on notes as many of them supported families back home and textbooks were often the last things on their list of priorities.

Professor Mneney said the textbooks would be treated like other equipment within the School which students could sign out and keep for a set period of time. This would give the School greater control of the resources and they could be recycled year after year.