VUT LAUNCHES THE AFRICAN JOURNAL FOR PHYSICAL, HEALTH EDUCATION, RECREATION AND DANCE

On 7 October 2009, the Authors of the African Journal for Physical, Health Education, Recreation and Dance, who are mostly staff in the Faculty of Management Sciences, proudly gathered at the VIP lounge at the Isak Steyl Stadium, to witness an historic occasion - the launch of the journal they had worked tirelessly to bring into existence.

For more than a year, the authors literally gave up their social lives, and sacrificed time with their families, to enable them to publish the journal on time.

Prof Amusa, the Editor of the Journal, shared his appreciation for the work done and acknowledged the authors for their valuable contributions - a total of 22 accredited articles. He emphasized that the content of the journal is outstanding, with a wide and inclusive coverage of issues such as sport science, health and sport economics. "These are current issues which are stimulating and thought provoking" said Prof Amusa. He gave an example, drawn from an article on the ‘sex issue of the 2010 World Cup', which is currently under debate in many areas around the world. Prof Amusa announced that this fully accredited journal has reached over 18 countries around the world.

Despite its toddler stage, the Special edition of the African Journal has already made its mark, both nationally and internationally. The findings in the journal have already been presented at various international conferences in countries such as the USA, Malaysia, Thailand and India.

The production of the special edition was described as an "exciting venture by many ". "I have not witnessed such dedication and enthusiasm, regarding research, within the faculty before" said Prof Babs Surujlal, the research leader of the project. Whilst most members of staff in the Faculty were very skeptical about this project, a huge turnaround of mindset eventually took form. At one stage everyone wanted to assist with anything to do with the special edition. He pointed out that the collaborative efforts of all the participants had greatly improved the research outputs as well as expanded the research network. "The special edition of the journal was an ideal catalyst to boost research in the Faculty" he said. Prof Surujlal, who co-authored 17 of the articles in the journal, announced that the authors, who had contributed to the special edition, are already busy with new projects. Other staff members have also indicated greater interest in the publication. To support the growth of research in the department, initiatives such as mini seminars, postgraduate supervision workshops, invitations to visiting professors and one-on-one consultations with Research Professors, have been put in place. " With the appointment of the new Executive Dean, Prof Roy Dhurup, who is research minded, we have the potential to not only sustain our efforts, but also to grow from strength to strength" said Babs. He acknowledged the unwavering assistance of the research directorate in terms of funding, workshops and moral support.

Congratulations from VUT to the Authors of the African Journal:

1. Bevan-Dye, A.L. (PhD - Marketing) - a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Management Sciences.

2. Dhurup, M. (PhD - Marketing) - the Executive Dean in the Faculty Management Sciences, Vaal University of Technology.

3. Dubihlela, J. (Mcom -Fin) - a lecturer in the Faculty of Management Sciences.

4. Garnett, A. (PhD - Business Management) - Head of the Logistics Department in the Faculty of Management Sciences.

5. Lodewyck, E. (PhD) - senior lecturer in the Faculty of Management Sciences.

6. Nolan, V.T. (MSc - Operational Research) - Senior Lecturer in Quantitative Techniques.

7. Okubena, O. (M.Com - Fin Mgt, ACTA, PFIA) - Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Management Sciences.

8. Pooe, R.I.D. (PhD - Business Management) - Principal Lecturer and Head: Centre for Enterprise Development and Public Management in the Faculty of Management Sciences.

9. Shaw, I. (PhD - Biokinetics) - Associate Professor in the Faculty of Management Sciences.

10. Surujlal, J. (PhD - Sport Management) - Research Professor in the Faculty of Management Sciences.

11. Van Zyl, Y. (PhD - Industrial Psychology) - lecturer in the the Human Resources Department in the Faculty of Management Sciences.