•Leadership and management of student academic and development

•Leadership and management of student academic support

•Postgraduate supervision in Public Health (UFS) and Environmental Health (CUT)

•Staff development session presenter

•Undergraduate learning and teaching

•Research

•Workgroups and Committee representation

•Service Learning through Academic Advising

QUALIFICATIONS

•PhD in Environmental Health (Central University of Technology, Free State)

•M.Sc. Environmental Health (Central University of Technology, Free State)

•B.Sc. Honours in Biochemistry (University of the Free State)

•B.Sc. Medical Microbiology (University of the Free State)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

•Senior Lecturer: Division of Student Learning and Development (UFS, 2023-current)

•Research Fellow:  Dept. Life Sciences (CUT, 2021-2022)

•Post-Doctoral fellow: Dept. Life Sciences (CUT, 2018-2020)

•Part-time Lecturer:  Dept. Life Sciences (CUT, 2015-2022)

LEADERSHIP AND INVOLVEMENT

Academic & Research

•Leadership duties: Acting Head of Department from July – December 2024 and Senior Lecturer.

•Faculty of Health Sciences Course for newly appointed Lecturers

•Member of ELETSA (academic advising, South Africa) and SAAHE Council

•Academic Advisor: For undergraduates enrolled in (MBChB, Nursing, Optometry, Physiotherapy, Radiation Sciences, Nutrition & Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Sport Coaching, Exercise &Sport Sciences)

•Mentoring undergraduate students: MBCHB, Phase II students within the Family Medicine Faculty, Health Sciences department (Master of Science in Medical Sciences program)

•Mentoring postgraduate students: Supervise the students with personal & career development, project management, independence, interpersonal skills, communication skills and many more

•Supervision Experience: Four Masters students completed their qualification at CUT under my supervision as Main Supervisor/Co-supervisor

•Established collaborative research projects in partnership with the Central University of Technology

•Currently engaged in two research projects focused on “student success” within the Division of Student Learning and Development (UFS)

•Part of Emerging Scholars Programme (ESAP): Participate in advanced research and collaborate within a dynamic community of scholars committed to innovative and impactful academic endeavours

Magunga, B.T., Lenetha, G.G. and Malebo, N.J., 2023. Essential Oils As Alternative Antifungal Agents For The Citrus Industry In South Africa-A Review. NVEO-NATURAL VOLATILES & ESSENTIAL OILS Journal| NVEO, 10(1),pp.1-6.https://www.nveo.org/index.php/journal/article/view/5524

Sedikelo, G.K., Lenetha, G.G., Malebo, N.J. and Chidawanyika, F., 2022. Contact Toxicity, Fumigant Toxicity And Repellence Assessment Of Thymus Vulgaris And Cymbopogon Winterianus Against Blattela Germanica. NVEO-NATURAL VOLATILES & ESSENTIAL OILS Journal| NVEO, pp.245-254. https://www.nveo.org/index.php/journal/issue/view/36

Sedikelo, M., Lenetha, G.G. & Malebo, N.J. Chromatography-mass spectrometry and chemical characteristics of Thymus zygis and Cymbopogon winterianus essential oils: Possible insect repellents. Journal of Scientific African (accepted for publication). 25 January 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2022.e01095

Sedikelo, M., Lenetha, G.G. & Malebo, N.J. Contact Toxicity, Fumigant Toxicity And Repellence Assessment Of Thymus Vulgaris And Cymbopogon Winterianus Against Blattela Germanica. Journal of Natural Volatiles and Essential Oils in Volume 9 (accepted for publication). 5 March 2022. https://scholar.google.com/scholar?oi=bibs&hl=en&cluster=16620450200579489657

Lenetha, G.G. and Dzogbewu, T.C., 2022. Use of essential oils in dentistry against dental caries-a review.https://www.nveo.org/index.php/journal/article/view/4806

G.G. Lenetha. A brief overview on the essential oils’ encapsulation with biodegradable polymers. Journal of Natural Volatiles and Essential Oils in Volume 8 (accepted for publication). 05 December 2021. file:///C:/Users/gsetlhare/Downloads/webology+9+(1)+-+34+pdf%20(1).pdf

S.S. Ntondini, G.G. Lenetha, T.C. Dzogbewu. Antimicrobial activity of Salvia Officinalis against Streptococcus mutans causing dental implant failure. Journal of International Oral Health (15 November 2021). DOI: 10.4103/jioh.jioh_26_21

S.S. Ntondini, G.G. Lenetha, T.C. Dzogbewu. Inhibitory effect of essentials oil against oral pathogens. International Journal of Dentistry and Oral Science (IJDOS) ISSN: 2377-8075. (January 2021) https://scidoc.org/articlepdfs/IJDOS/IJDOS-2377-8075-08-102.pdf.

Moloi, M., Lenetha, G.G. & Malebo, N.J., 2021, ‘Microbial levels on street foods and food preparation surfaces in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, Health SA Gesondheid 26(0), a1407. https://doi.org/10.4102/ hsag.v26i0.1407 (Full paper accepted and published)

Setlhare GG, Malebo NJ, Shale K and Lues JFR. 2014. Identification of airborne microbiota in selected areas in a health-care setting in South Africa. Journal of BioMed Central Microbiology 14:100. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2180-14-100

Setlhare GG, Malebo NJ, Shale K and Lues JFR. 2013. Microbial levels on the food preparation areas of a typical district hospital in South Africa. African Journal of Microbiology Research 7(24): 2998-3008. DOI: 10.5897/AJMR2013.5796

S.I Magagula, J.S. Sefadi, M.J Mochane, T.H Mokhothu, T.C Mokhena and G.G Lenetha. The effect of alkaline treatment on natural fibers/biopolymer composites. In book: “Surface Treatment Methods of Natural Fibres and their Effects on Biocomposites”. Publisher: Elsevier 2022 (Accepted). Paperback ISBN: 9780128218631. Status: Published.

S.I. Magagula, M. Mohapi, N. Jafta, M.J. Mochane, K. Lebelo and G.G. Lenetha. Biopolymerbased biodegradable biomaterials for in vivo and in vitro biomedical applications. In Book: “Polymeric Biomaterials for Healthcare Applications”. Publisher: Elsevier 2022 (Accepted). Paperback ISBN: 9780323852333. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0- 32385233-3.00005-7. Status: Published.

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

• G.G. Lenetha*, N.J. Malebo and J.S. Nkhebenyane, ‘Antimicrobial activity of Thymus vulgaris essential oil on the fatty acids profile of Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus cell wall’, the 21st Century Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa, 1-4 September 2019. (Oral)
• Setlhare GG*, Malebo NJ, Shale K and Lues JFR, ‘Effect of Thymus vulgaris essential oil on the fatty acid profile of the antibiotic-resistant Bacillus cereus cell membrane’ IAFP (International Association for Food Protection), Salt Lake City, Utah, 8-11 July 2018. (Oral)
• Setlhare GG*, Malebo NJ, Shale K and Lues JFR, ‘Microbial levels on the food preparation areas of a typical disctrict hospital in South Africa’ the SAAFoST (South African Association for Food Science and Technology) Biennial International Congress and Exhibition, Tsogo Sun Elangeni Maharani Complex, Marine Parade, Durban, South Africa, 7-9 September 2015. (Oral)
• Setlhare GG*, Malebo NJ, Shale K and Lues JFR, ‘Morphological changes induced by Thymus vulgaris essential oil on Staphylococcus aureus cells’ IAFP (International Association for Food Protection), Portland, Oregon, 25-28 July 2015. (Poster)
• Setlhare GG*, Malebo NJ, Shale K and Lues JFR, ‘Microbial levels associated with food preparation areas of Moroka district hospital in South Africa.’, the SAAFoST (South African Association for Food Science and Technology) CSIR International Conference Centre, Pretoria, South Africa, 7-9 October 2013. (Poster)
• Setlhare GG*, Malebo NJ, Shale K and Lues JFR, ‘The distribution of airborne microbiota and microbial levels in the food preparation areas of Thaba-nchu hospital’ MRC (Medical Research Council) research day, Cape Town, South Africa, 24-25 October 2012. (Oral)
• Setlhare GG*, Malebo NJ and Shale K, ‘Assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practices among food handlers at a typical district hospital in the Free State Province concerning food safety’ MRC (Medical Research Council) research day, Cape Town, South Africa, 19-20 October 2011. (Poster) 

OWN RESEARCH TOPICS

Senior Lecturer and Academic Advisor at the University of the Free State: Currently, I am delving into the broader research area of "Metacognitive Strategies for the Success of Undergraduate Health Sciences Students.". 

Post Doctoral fellowship at CUT: In the project, new information was provided on the diverse mechanisms of action of different essential oils (thyme, red thyme, lavender, sage, clove, peppermint, etc.) against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The project contributes to the field of food safety by providing alternative options to address the antibiotic-resistance challenge

PhD experimental research at CUT: An investigation of essential oils as antimicrobial agents against antibiotic-resistant bacteria isolated at South African Hospices

M.Sc. experimental research at CUT: The relationship between aerosolised microbiota and environmental surfaces at a typical district hospital in South Africa

Honours experimental research at UFS: The possible hosts of Thermus species for effective expression of thermophilic proteins

Collaborative experimental research at CUT: Efficacy of Tea tree and Geranium essential oils against Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis associated with dental and knee implants.

Collaborative experimental research at CUT: The significance of cellulose-based biopolymers in mitigating public health risks

 •Student academic development and support

•Undergraduate teaching and learning

•Postgraduate supervision and support

•Student Success

•Co-Module leader: MGEN1513 General Skills in the MBChB Programme

•Module leader: MACC1512 General Skills in the B Medical Science Programme 

•Co-Module leader: LLLS1524 Lifelong Learning Skills in the Health Sciences Undergraduates Programme

•Delivery, administration, coordination and facilitation of general skills modules at first year level (MGEN1513; MACC1512; LLLS1524)

•Delivery, administration, coordination and facilitation of academic development sessions 

•Coordinate specific and targeted individual sessions 

•Support and collaboration with existing services and programme initiatives in the university and the Faculty to support and develop students

Module leader: Biology, Microbiology, Science 1 and Science 2 subjects in the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Technology

 •Assessed Reflection reports of the Clinic Visitation of 1^st-year Medical Students.

•Contributed to Community Education: Provided Posters and Brochures that can be beneficial in the medical field.

•I was invited to serve as a panel judge for the Prestige Research Day (PRD) on October 24, 2024, at the Jappie van Lill Auditorium, Central University of Technology (CUT). This experience enriched my understanding of diverse disciplines, and I received an adjudicator’s certificate for my contributions.

•I participated in community engagement efforts at the Restore Holiness Ministry Youth Conference on December 29, 2024. During this event, I provided academic guidance focused on student learning and development, aiming to empower the youth with the resources and knowledge necessary for their educational growth.

Served as a peer reviewer for the Journal of Experimental Pharmacology, providing my insights on the original research titled "Comparison of Essential Oil Extraction Techniques with Therapeutic Applications in Dentistry," which was submitted on March 12, 2025. This experience allowed me to evaluate and contribute to the critical review of methodologies and therapeutic potential within the field.

Service learning at the University of the Free State, within the Division of Student Learning and Development (DSLD) emphasises the integration of academic coursework with community engagement. This approach allows students in the Faculty of Health Sciences to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts, thereby enhancing their learning experience and fostering civic responsibility.

Key components of service learning include:

1. Community Partnerships: The program establishes collaborations with local organisations and communities, providing students with opportunities to engage in meaningful service that addresses community needs.

2. Curricular Integration: Service learning is embedded within the curriculum, allowing students to reflect on their experiences and connect them to their academic studies, thereby deepening their understanding of health-related issues.

3. Skill Development: Through service learning, students develop essential skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, which are vital for their future careers in health sciences.

4. Reflective Practice: Students are encouraged to reflect on their service experiences, fostering critical thinking and self-awareness regarding their role as health professionals in the community.

5. Impact Assessment: The program includes mechanisms to assess the impact of service learning on both student learning outcomes and community benefits, ensuring continuous improvement and relevance.

Overall, service learning at the University of the Free State, within DSLD aims to cultivate socially responsible health professionals who are equipped to contribute positively to society while enhancing their academic and personal growth.