Ethics education conference a first for TUT and Africa

17 October 2018

In a first for the African continent, the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and Unisa co-hosted the 6th International Conference on Ethics Education, themed A long walk to ethics education. The event took place at the Spier Conference Centre, Stellenbosch early in October 2018. 

TUT Delegates at the Jewelry Exhibition. Ms Edinah Ndlovu and Ms Cwayita Swana, both from the Department of Visual Communication.

Most of the 75 oral papers highlighted the complex, yet dynamic process of ethics education, which is often characterised by life-long perseverance, courage and integrity. The papers addressed issues in a variety of subject fields including medicine, health, nursing, higher education, research ethics, jewelry design, drama, photography, soil science, property management, agriculture, chemistry, occupational therapy, prison research and sociology. 

The Masterclass on Higher Education Ethics Education by Globethics.net, one of a number presented during the conference, provided unique insights, resulting in global action plans on ethics education. A UNESCO Panel Discussion on Climate Change Ethics Education also highlighted the importance of addressing global ethical challenges through educational activities.

More than 150 delegates from 22 countries across the world attended the conference, including Barbados, Panama, Sudan, Ghana, Turkey and Sweden.

In the opening keynote address, Prof Bert Gordijn from the Dublin City University, Ireland and President of the International Association on Education in Ethics, emphasised the importance of taking global bioethics education to all spheres of life, including the individual, community and global levels. 

One of the unique events at the conference was an art exhibition by TUT and UNISA students, alumni and staff members. With the theme "art and ethics" the exhibition It included paintings, sculptures, films and jewelry.

Prof Mfutso-Bengo from Malawi delivered the last keynote address, emphasising the importance of moral capital and its central role to ethical leadership in Africa. He also presented the 24th TUT Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Research and Innovation Seminar on the Pretoria Campus on 27 September 2018. 

Dr Thandi Mgwebi, TUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, closed the conference by highlighting and contextualising TUT’s commitment and contributions to technology innovation and integrity in the African and global contexts. Her Office was instrumental in facilitating the formal co-operation agreement between TUT and Unisa to organise the Conference. 

Closing Day Speakers. L to R: Prof Ana Paula França, from Portugal; Prof Joseph Mfutso-Bengo from Malawi; TUT’s Dr Thandi Mgwebi, DVC: Research, Innovation and Engagement; Prof Nico Nortjé from the USA; and Prof Braam Hoffmann from the Department of Biomedical Sciences.
TUT Delegates who attended the conference. Makgabo Mashiane, Adelaide Tambo School of Nursing; Prof John Trimble, Department of Industrial Engineering; Mrs Nina Newman, Department Fine and Applied Arts; Gert Matshoge, Adelaide Tambo School of Nursing; Dr Thandi Mgwebi, DVC: Research, Innovation and Engagement; Prof Tendani Ramukumba, Adelaide Tambo School of Nursing; and Prof Braam Hoffmann, Department of Biomedical Sciences.

For more information on the Tshwane University of Technology, please contact Willa de Ruyter, Corporate Affairs and Marketing.
Tel: +27 12 382 5352   Email: deruyterw@tut.ac.za