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04 August 2020 | Story Dr Cinde Greyling | Photo Supplied
Prof Willem Boshoff
Prof Willem Boshoff, a Senior Professor in the Department of Fine Arts within the Faculty of the Humanities at the University of the Free State, recently received an A2 rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF). This is a first for the University of the Free State and the country in the field of art. Trailblazing, indeed. NRF ratings are allocated based on research outputs and are a valuable tool to benchmark researchers against the best in the world. “This opens up the playing field in science for art, which is wonderful,” Prof Boshoff says. 

Publication vs exhibition

This renowned sculptor has an imposing presence, even in cyberspace. He is larger than life, as is his art. A conversation with him can never be short. His answers are filled to the brim with his boundless search for knowing. Understanding. Uncovering. He personifies the science of art. Prof Boshoff is mentoring postgraduate students and works on the Bloemfontein Campus during certain months of the year, while he remains based in Gauteng. “They asked me to fill in a form, and then this happened!” he evades the honour of his exceptional accomplishment. But soon follows up with a rather philosophical argument about the parallels between publishing an academic article and exhibiting an artwork. “Both are sharing your findings with the public,” he explains and notes how the acceptance of artwork on display as a publication recognises the contribution of art to society. 

Art that speaks

Globally, Prof Boshoff’s sought-after sculptures offer much more than meets the eye. They are drenched in text, either on the artwork itself, or accompanied by a detailed description of the piece. He writes dictionaries, Prof Boshoff explains, and is fascinated by words. A list comprising his favourite words already has more than fourteen thousand entries … and counting. “I can never pick just one!” he replies to the unfair question of what the most beautiful word is. Although some criticise the ‘over-explanation’ of his work, he feels it is necessary. “Besides knowing what material the work is made of, when, and by whom, it is important to provide context. This helps with a better understanding of the piece, and a deeper experience thereof. Of course, you can still make up your own mind about it, but it is also good to know mine.” 

Creating during COVID-19

“I generally work alone, so my immediate environment has not changed that much. And I still cannot sleep at night!” These sleepless nights may or may not have given rise to a somewhat COVID-related work on his bench. Only time will tell. Prof Boshoff does, however, believe that art captures something of the human spirit, therefore creative work is bound to emerge in trying times. Then he turns the mobile screen to the view from his house – it is pretty, right? And also, just for a quick view of the nursery on his stoep. He knows each plant by its scientific name. Of course. 

News Archive

Fracking in the Karoo has advantages and disadvantages
2012-05-25

 

Dr Danie Vermeulen
Photo: Leatitia Pienaar
25 May 2012

Fracking for shale gas in the Karoo was laid bare during a public lecture by Dr Danie Vermeulen, Director of the Institute for Groundwater Studies (IGS). He shared facts, figures and research with his audience. No “yes” or “no” vote was cast. The audience was left to decide for itself.

The exploitation of shale gas in the pristine Karoo has probably been one of the most debated issues in South Africa since 2011.
 
Dr Vermeulen’s lecture, “The shale gas story in the Karoo: both sides of the coin”, was the first in a series presented by the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science under the theme “Sustainability”. Dr Vermeulen is a trained geo-hydrologist and geologist. He has been involved in fracking in South Africa since the debate started. He went on a study tour to the USA in 2011 to learn more about fracking and he visited the USA to further his investigation in May 2012.
 
Some of the information he shared, includes:

- It is estimated that South Africa has the fifth-largest shale-gas reserves in the world, following on China, the USA, Argentina and Mexico.
- Flow-back water is stored in sealed tanks and not in flow-back dams.
- Fracturing will not contaminate the water in an area, as the drilling of the wells will go far deeper than the groundwater aquifers. Every well has four steel casings – one within the other – with the gaps between them sealed with cement.
- More than a million hydraulic fracturing simulations took place in the USA without compromising fresh groundwater. The surface activities can cause problems because that is where man-made and managerial operations could cause pollution.
- Water use for shale-gas exploration is lower than for other kinds of energy, but the fact that the Karoo is an arid region makes the use of groundwater a sensitive issue. Dr Vermeulen highlighted this aspect as his major concern regarding shale-gas exploration.
- The cost to develop is a quarter of the cost for an oil well in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Dolerite intrusions in the Karoo are an unresearched concern. Dolerite is unique to the South African situation. Dolerite intrusion temperatures exceed 900 °C.

He also addressed the shale-gas footprint, well decommissioning and site reclamation, radio activity in the shale and the low possibility of seismic events.
 
Dr Vermeulen said South Africa is a net importer of energy. About 90% of its power supply is coal-based. For continued economic growth, South Africa needs a stable energy supply. It is also forecast that energy demand in South Africa is growing faster than the average global demand.
 
Unknowns to be addressed in research and exploration are the gas reserves and gas needs of South Africa. Do we have enough water? What will be the visual and social impact? Who must do the exploration?
 
“Only exploration will give us these answers,” Dr Vermeulen said.

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