Bulisile Mzileni

BM

Location Swaziland

Activity

  • I also wish to be called "Dr." with a specialization in Business Administration, specifically focusing on Project Management.

  • I hope to find a supervisor and university that recognize my determination despite not receiving a master's distinction.

  • Thank you, Prof!

  • Hello everyone, my name is Buli Mzileni. I am from Africa, a country called Eswatini, which is located next to South Africa. I completed my MSc in Project Management in 2016 from the University of Roehampton in the UK. Currently, I am planning to pursue a PhD in Business Management. I joined this course to focus on designing a research proposal and start...

  • This was a very interesting course, I am more aware of the environment and the actions I need to take.

  • I am so grateful for this course, I have learnt a lot. There are many changes I will make and I follow up more on what my country is doing on Climate Action and all of the SDGs.

  • I have learned so much from this course. I will implement some of the things I have learned and try to educate my friends and family. I will pursue an opportunity to reach more people on a higher level. Personally, I am working on diversifying the crops in my garden, walking more and installing a solar panel.

  • Eswatini now has a more efficient waste management system (in the urban area), we use paper bags or thick plastic bags for shopping and it is a mostly green country. There is a lot of work to be done in regard to sustainable buildings and communities, especially in rural areas. For sustainable agriculture, NGOs have tried to supply indigenous seeds to farmers...

  • Certainly, we can deal with some problems as individuals, but I've noted that a heavy storm would have damaged roofs across a whole community, and we wouldn't have prepared for it. Communities need to continue to be educated and our governments need to design a risk management plan for sustainable communities.

  • Hi Welile, I was amazed as well, Durban has a very good strategy.

  • Eswatini has implemented an efficient waste management system, but Durban, South Africa, is a resilient city nearby. They have come up with an excellent strategy (non-paper) that includes collaborative informal settlement action and the interface between the municipality and traditional governance.

  • For most people in Eswatini, a developing country, driving to work is the most convenient way to get to work. There is traffic congestion in the mornings, hence, emissions, so I think we are still a long way from switching back to public transportation or cycling to work. There are still some people who use public transportation and walk to work because they...

  • I used to take thatched roofs for granted, but after the exercise, I realised that these traditional houses have excellent insulation properties and are great for adaptation to climate change.

  • A building can benefit from energy-efficient lightbulbs, double-glazed windows, and loft insulation, in addition to increasing the amount of green and blue.

  • The best way to conserve energy is to adapt current buildings.

  • The proximity and size of buildings could cause carbon dioxide emissions, now that I understand the impact of climate change and trees as carbon sinks.

  • My habit of shopping, spending my money and being aware of how my habits are affecting the environment has taught me a lot this week.

  • We should reuse plastics reduce consumption, and educate friends and family. We should also use eco-friendly plastic bags alternatives such as paper bags and material-based shopping bags.

  • Bulisile Mzileni made a comment

    A very thoughtful initiative!

  • Mischa, I also think it's a great idea, as we will also take responsibility for ensuring we don't consume endangered fish species. Several places in my country have overfishing, while others ensure fish grow before fishing and charge people to fish

  • To reduce the impact of ocean acidification on corals on Koh Phi Phi island, Apinya should request South Thailand officials to enact climate change policies that address ocean acidification and request marine protected areas. As a community on Koh Phi Phi Island, Apinya should advocate for the plantation of mangrove forests and reusable plastic use.

  • Given the damage microplastics are causing to marine animals, I personally believe we should ban the use of plastic bags and use paper bags instead because they are 100% biodegradable and compostable.

  • Last year, we stopped receiving free single-use plastic after shopping in Eswatini. Initially, it was strange, but now it has become normal. We still have a long way to go, but it has made a significant difference in the environment.

  • That is my fear, Steve, we not handling things with the urgency it requires us to. The implementation amount is very huge and I am not sure if developing countries are ready to invest.

  • It is sad that we are responsible for the damage done to the oceans. It is good to know that there are Marine protected areas that allow greater biodiversity of organisms to flourish. It's a surprise to know that mangroves are good for the oceans, which shows that nature was taking care of itself from a long time ago before we interrupted the process.

  • Acidification, plastic pollution and overfishing are some of the threats that are faced by oceans.

    Acidification makes it hard for life below water to survive because of the acid, water getting warmer and dissolved oxygen levels.

  • I have learnt a lot this week from improving food security to sustainable agriculture and land use. I also got to learn about the United Nations REDD+ program, Biochar and BECCS.

  • That is a great move!

  • In Eswatini, we are encouraged to grow our own vegetables and use organic matter to enrich our soil. In rural areas, animals are allowed to roam around hence it's easy to collect them. To adapt to climate change Swaziland Rural Assembly has provided indigenous seeds to rural women farmers these indigenous seeds produce crops that endure drought.

  • Annette, it seems most countries have banned deforestation. Even cutting trees is punishable by a huge fine. Even though laws are in place against deforestation the sad part is that it is still happening to build manufacturing companies that bring carbon into our atmosphere.

  • The key is to reduce deforestation rates since these areas would also become carbon sinks. It is also essential to consider whether the places where we plant trees will be good carbon sinks.

  • Both are great and can reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Biochar is my best solution because it does not require more land and stores carbon, water, and nutrients, which means we can feed more people.

  • My small garden will benefit from the strategies in this article. It is easy to find manure in my country since animals are allowed to roam freely. In most fields, maize (a staple food) is grown. That's the only problem I see. So I agree that education is key.

  • We need to reduce our meat consumption, I am convinced. In my community, raising cattle means eating meat, but we need to start eating less of it. The majority of people love meat, even though there are those who eat less of it to maintain their health.

  • Agreed, mostly in rural areas of my country, trees are cut down for firewood and paraffin stoves are used as an alternative. Biomass pellets seem to be a more stable and sustainable fuel option.

  • Totally agree, and it will be their normal way of life when they are adults.

  • It is possible to avoid wasting food by preparing food that is enough for us to eat and stop eating when we are satisfied. In regards to growing our own food, we should consider practising organic agriculture since it does not use fossil fuel-based fertilizers or pesticides. The carbon footprint is considerably lower and it is more environmentally friendly....

  • Greetings Vani, it seems we are paying a huge price to eat meat since the food currently grown for livestock can feed four billion people. I agree, having strict policies for farming can help reduce climate change

  • The potential risks of geoengineering also concern me, but I understand the point of mixing mitigation, adaptation, and geoengineering (geoengineering being highly guided). Developed countries are in a better position to mix the three and developing countries can continue working on mitigation and adaptation. In regard to sustainable energy, in my opinion,...

  • Although nuclear energy provides a constant supply of electricity, its military capabilities are too risky. In my opinion, fracking won't work in Africa. As long as we can lower the cost of renewables, I still believe they are the best option.

  • Due to the rising use of solar energy and electricity simultaneously in my country and in the neighbouring country, South Africa, I am an advocate for solar energy. Our winters are somewhat sunny, but there is a challenge in the winter.

  • It is a major concern that methane is leaking during the production process. It doesn't sound like a good solution to eliminate one problem by adding another.

  • Eswatini prohibits burning forests and cutting down trees without permission. Instead, we aim to plant more trees, engage the youth in Climate Action, and use renewable energy.

  • That is good progress in Zimbabwe! We need to take that kind of initiative, put policies in place and plant more trees.

  • Geo-engineering is an impressive technology for combating Climate Change, but I wish it didn't have so much risk. Wouldn't it be better to adapt to the current situation and mitigate the risks before we use very risky technology?

  • You are totally right I V. It is very concerning that we are not enacting laws that prevent fossil fuel companies from operating.

  • I appreciate you sharing the Climate Change Science article. We are lagging behind in addressing this challenge, as I can see. It is my hope that as we continue with this course, we will come up with strategies to combat it and strategies to engage our governments. It is imperative that we start somewhere.

  • In order to achieve SDG 13, we need to take action and hold our governments accountable. The time has come for us to put pressure on governments to enact national laws and policies to address climate change.

  • I look forward to learning about Climate change and how it impacts sustainable development goals. I also want to know how best to contribute these solutions to my community and the world at large.

  • Hey Maria, my thoughts are exactly the same as yours. My current location is Swaziland, Africa. Our summer has been extremely hot and very wet, which has never happened before. Before we run out of food, our farmers must adapt to new forms of agriculture.

  • I have never used google meet. I use teams a lot, it feels secure. Zoom and skype are second options for me even though they are both user friendly.

  • I would like to try google meet.

  • I love zoom and teams have almost the same features. I would love to use both.

  • I think the equiptment is reasonable. My only problem will be a stable internet connection.

  • Nice to meet you Lindsay and Marie. We are looking forward to learn from you.

  • Hi Liliya, I like the fact that you enjoy motivating your students. You seem to enjoy teaching and that is good!

  • Hello Suresh, I hope the same too.

  • Hi Sylivia, I do not have experience at all, so I am hoping to learn from you.

  • My name is Bulisile, you can call me Buli. I am from Eswatini (Swziland). I have no teaching experience but I want to be a part-time online English teacher.

  • Bulisile Mzileni made a comment

    I am grateful I took part, I will use what I learned here in my research and career growth. Thank you to all the course team and it was great learning with everyone in the course.

  • A person that I saw presenting well at my workplace was looking at us, she took a few seconds to look at her slide and mostly talked from her head. A presentation that bored me was at work as well, this woman was reading word after word and did not engage us as the audience.

    I am usually scared before a presentation especially when I do not know the people....

  • What I have picked up is that you have to know your audience and choose your words properly. Also, it is important to present key points so that you catch your audience attention.

  • I learned how to write a summary of my research and I received constructive feedback from my assignment which will help me refine it.

  • I am still waiting for my feedback but reviewing another person work has made me reflect on the 'what' and 'why' I am doing my research.

  • I usually collect information per section, for example, I collect all the information for my literature review and write notes with references and citations then write. I then research for the other section. The challenge I have come across is that it takes longer to finish my research and doing the writing. The advantage is that I am able to focus on and...

  • One researcher said she usually collects information, do the reading and make notes which is something that I want to adopt in my research project. Also, I would like to find someone who will read and give a fresh perspective on my work.

  • Bulisile Mzileni made a comment

    I did not know that there are tools that make referencing much easier, also the quiz was a highlight for me.

  • Me too Aaron, its been a lesson on its own.

  • I got some questions correct and some wrong. I was surprised that I have to reference the volume and issue of a journal. For me the quiz was a lesson on its own. I will use Harvard referencing for my scientific research.

  • I have used both Harvard and APA style, the trick is finding out the requirements of each style and ensure you stick by them.

  • Bulisile Mzileni made a comment

    The whole week was a learning experience for me, from scanning, skimming, academic argument and note taking. The resources and exercises made my learning more clear and understandable.

  • I usually highlight text with color so I know that the text is important and on my note pad I usually write down author, title, year and page number so that I am able to cite. The resources I read has taught me how to effectively take note through scanning, skimming and reading text and how to plan and organize my notes by keeping a filing system.

  • I am getting to understand what is an academic argument. My question is that can I use other people's claims as evidence if they all have the same claim?

  • At first I was tempted too Emily, but as I was answering the questions I skimmed through to look for the answer.

  • Tim Pears mentioned magazines and photos as form of research, which I could use for the current time. Patricia Duncker mentioned researching about true events in history to make your story match with the period you are writing about, which resonated with me. Since one book I want to write is around 1800 in Southern Africa, I would need to do my research. For...

  • This was a great exercise to learn more about scanning, I will continue to use this technique.

  • Thank you Jonathan Beck for your review, it made a lot of sense to me.

  • For me editing is helpful but also I would want readers to use their imagination in the story, so I would not cut so much details.

  • I had the same experience Colin, I kept "groaned awfully" and "snub-nosed gun" for their uniqueness.

  • That is true Ruth, on my side I am trying to find the balance.

  • It was rush hour in the crowded streets, Hillary looked up in the sky which groaned awfully with rain clouds. In her baggy coat she hid a loaded gun.

  • Bulisile Mzileni made a comment

    Finding about the methodology for my research and also I got to understand what critical thinking really is.

  • I will be interviewing health professionals. I will use both qualitative and quantitative methods for my research and a semi structured questionnaire for collecting the data.

  • Me too Collins

  • @AndrewDavenport nice work Andrew!

  • My character hears a voice from the radio news which triggers his memory. From there I am able to bring more characters in by writing a story from the main character's head. The story then began to have a structure since ideas started popping in my head. I am learning that a story can actually come from anywhere.

  • Also the fact that he was moody and was able to see the brighter side of life.

  • What a warm story about Derek, I loved reading it.

  • The big voice of the woman reading the news in the radio reminded Thabo of his class teacher Mrs. Dlamini. Mrs. Dlamini a tall giant woman with a fair serious face, short Afro hair that is grey at the temples and a big voice. Mrs. Dlamini never wore pants, she was always in ankle length dark colored flowing skirts and blouses, one couldn’t tell if she wore the...

  • I am enjoying it too Jacqueline, it is really helping us to understand what writing is all about and taking us step by step how best we can start writing and describe our characters.

  • I share your view point Joshua.

  • For me they helped a lot, because they help me have a starting point. I then have many ideas what Emma could have said, or what I remember about a particular day. In a matter of fact I begin to see how I can gradually start writing with a simple phrase.

  • Emma said that "its cold outside please wear your coat" shouting after John who already was in the hallway rushing to leave. John burning with anger took his jacket and instead of rushing out the door he tuned around to look at the beautiful woman standing behind him. She was wearing her knee-length blue and white floral dress suitable for the family dinner...

  • For me I look at a face expression of a character then imagine what could make them sad or happy. I also look the way they conduct themselves and their clothing. I then use my imagination from there. Where is this person coming from, what could be their experience, their hopes and dreams.

  • The sunlight sent its anger on my skin as I walked on the dry patches of land. The gasoline sweat wet my garments and I longed to release my throat of thirst.

  • I feel so relieved by today's reading of being original. What scared me more about writing is that I do not have many big unique words. I like that the words I know are potentially interesting this gives me confidence to write more.

  • The day Melinda found out that Zelda and Charles were not her real parents was a Saturday morning. Zelda was watering her flowers downstairs in the sitting room in their four-bedroom double story house in the English suburb. Charles was out to deliver his latest game and he had left the safe opened. The sunlight was creeping inside the long French windows...

  • The train made a whistle sound and doors flung opened. Melinda jumped out to the train station, brushing back her black hair away from her face to fasten it to a small pony at her back as she was making her way through the buzzing of the busy bodies to find a sit and wait. London trains are the busiest on Fridays, people are leaving and arriving for the...

  • I have learned a lot in week 3 and I am grateful we are progressing.

  • After watching the video, I realized that my research question is general. I am currently exploding terms even though I am finding challenges with some terms and I am not sure if I am doing a good job.