The Discipline of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering (EECE) hosted its annual Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) Induction Ceremony on the Howard College campus.

The IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organisation dedicated to advancing and fostering technical innovation for the benefit of humanity.

IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu (IEEE-HKN) is an honorary society of the IEEE. The IEEE-HKN Induction Ceremony is held to welcome formally new lifelong members. Membership is extended to individuals who have distinguished themselves as students or professionals and who have excelled in the core values of IEEE-HKN.

‘Candidates who follow the guiding ideals of scholarship, character and attitude are eligible for membership. IEEE-HKN’s core responsibility is professional engagement, community outreach, and promotion of the society,’ explained Mr Christian Basson, Mu Ata President and lecturer in Mechanical Engineering.

Professor Thomas Afullo, Professor in Electronic Engineering at UKZN, gave the welcome address followed by a presentation by Dr Leigh Jarvis, Academic Leader for EECE, on scholarship, leadership and character. Acting Vice-Chair of the IEEE South Africa Section, Dr David Oyedokun also presented an address.

Being a member of Kappa-Nu is an honour,’ said Afullo. The eight inductees included Mr Mathew Hatton; Mr Mishkar Bhana; Ms Ingrid Botha; Mr Tyrone Bright; Mr Nkosinathi Manzini; Ms Kefuoe Mofoka; Mr Dashlen Naidoo, and Mr Shashi Kant Dargar.

Second-year Masters in Electronic Engineering student, Mofoka said she was honoured to become a member of this prestigious society and to meet prominent IEEE figures. She hopes to network extensively to advance her career and establish a professional profile.

‘As a female graduate engineer, the induction means that I am at a position to be part of constructive forces that assist not only in my institution where the chapter is established, but also extend to communities in making a notable difference that will bring about positive change, especially in empowering young girls to conquer the male-dominated engineering field,’ she said.

Words: Zolile Duma

Photograph: Nathan Sibanda