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26 March 2018 Photo Pixabay
Back to the drawing board to save water
We’ve managed to damage nature’s ‘filter’ with air, ocean, and soil pollution, and by destroying wetlands.
Dr Cindé Greyling, a University of the Free State (UFS) DiMTEC (Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa) alumni, studied drought mitigation with a strong focus on communicating important water-saving information. 

Can we run out of water?
Yes, and no, says Dr Greyling. “To our knowledge, water is not ‘leaking’ through our atmosphere. We have what we have, but that doesn’t mean we will have enough clean, fresh water forever. Nature has a magnificent way of purifying water through the water cycle. We, on the other hand, must use a lot of money and energy to purify water. Also, we’ve managed to damage nature’s ‘filter’ with air, ocean, and soil pollution, and by destroying wetlands. The other problem is a simple supply and demand scenario. More people will need more water, but not only that, population growth calls for industry development and increased food supplies – all of which require more water.”    

A war over water
Besides some Hollywood impressions, it is difficult to imagine a war over water, but it is possible. “Some experts are convinced that we are heading there, and others claim that such tensions already exist. Personally, I don’t favour these kinds of shock tactics (or truths) – social research has shown us that it rarely leads to behavioural changes. We can learn a lot from what was has been done in Cape Town. Although we all think people were bombarded with ‘Day-Zero’-scares, they were actually encouraged to adapt their behaviour with a communication campaign that hardly ever used the term ‘Day-Zero’. This approach mobilised citizens to reach record lows of water usage.” 

Adapt a new normal
Dr Greyling encourages the “new normal” set in motion by Capetonians. “Water consciousness is needed, even when the rain comes again. We’ve taken water for granted for too long. As consumers, we have the power to turn this situation around – drop for drop. Be aware about the amount of water you use, how you use it, and for what. Keep in mind that any wastage and pollution (of ‘dry’ things) also wastes and pollutes water. Generally, we need to behave better regarding consumption.”  

News Archive

UFS Camerata ends concert season on a high note
2017-11-02

Description: UFS Camerata Tags: UFS Camerata  

The final concert at Endler Hall at Stellenbosch University, presented by the
Endler Concert Series, was attended by the UFS Rector and Vice-Chancellor,
Prof Francis Petersen and Mrs Cheslyn Petersen. Here, on stage, is Prof Petersen
with the Camerata.
Photo: Supplied

The OSM Camerata (OSMC) of the Odeion School of Music at the University of the Free State ended the 2017 concert season on a high note with two gala concerts presented in the Western Cape as part of the ensemble’s fifth birthday celebrations. The first concert took place at the well-known Hugo Lambrechts Auditorium in Parow on 20 October 2017. A Stellenbosch University audience also had the privilege of listening to the Camerata at Endler Hall the following day.

A substantial part of the concert programme recited during the concerts was dedicated to prolific South African composer, Prof Hendrik Hofmeyr, in honour of his 60th birthday on 20 November 2017. The ensemble recited Super Flumina Babylonis, Notturno Elegiaco & Spokewals/Phantom Waltz - all works commissioned from Prof Hofmeyr for the OSMC.

The Odeion School of Music awarded the Order of the OSM to Prof Hofmeyr during the concert in gratitude for his tremendous contribution as a South African composer.

The final concert at Endler Hall, presented by the Endler Concert Series, was attended by the UFS Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Francis Petersen, and Mrs Cheslyn Petersen.

According to Marius Coetzee from the Odeion School of Music, the OSMC was strategically founded in 2012 as the OSM’s flagship chamber orchestra with its main objective being to create a catalyst for excellence. From a pedagogical perspective, the OSMC serves as an incubator to nurture fully rounded musicians who are thoroughly prepared for the demands of their trade as orchestral musicians, soloists and conductors. 

Responding to the demand for excellence, on 1 September 2017 it was announced that the OSMC received first prize for the 2017 Ictus International Music Competition (US) as the winner of the category for Conservatory and University Orchestras.

Louis van der Watt, head of strings at the University of Stellenbosch Conservatory and vice conductor of the university’s symphony orchestra, remarked that the OSMC presented an excellent concert. Audience members concurred, saying the OSM Camerata was setting new standards for orchestral playing in South Africa.

Review from Louis van der Watt, University of Stellenbosch (available in Afrikaans)

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