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19 February 2018 Photo Earl Coetzee
Faculty of Health Sciences welcomes new Vice-Dean Prof Joyce Tsoka-Gwegweni
Prof Joyce Tsoka-Gwegweni, Vice-Dean for Research, Transformation, and Marketing in the Faculty of Health Sciences.

The Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Free State is proud to introduce the new Vice-Dean for Research, Transformation, and Marketing – Prof Joyce Tsoka-Gwegweni. This seasoned academic has 24 years of health science research experience and holds a PhD (University of KwaZulu-Natal), two master’s degrees (MSc from the University of Natal; MPH from the University of the Western Cape), two honours degrees (BSc Hons from the University of Reading; BA Hons from the University of South Africa) and management diplomas and certificates from reputable local and international institutions (University for Durham, University of Stellenbosch, UKZN, Unisa). She has also published more than 50 papers and held various high-profile leadership positions.

Prof Tsoka-Gwegweni joined the UFS on 1 February 2018.

“I think I am at the right place,
at the right time, for the right
reasons. I do not regret choosing
the UFS.”

A born academic
“I went for a scholarship interview with the British Council in 1987, and they asked me what job I’d like after studying,” Prof Tsoka-Gwegweni remembers. “I told the interview panel that I planned to work at the university!” She studied for A-levels, a junior degree and postgraduate qualifications in the UK, and further postgraduate studies in South Africa.

No place like home

Having experienced various locations around the world, South Africa remains her favourite. “I won’t trade the beautiful weather and nature, or the friendly atmosphere and people for anything from abroad,” she says. “But had I not gone to the UK, I would not have learnt to appreciate South Africa as my country.”

Big plans for Health Science research
Prof Tsoka-Gwegweni hopes for an adequate health workforce for South Africa, which is competent, committed and caring. In the Faculty of Health Sciences, she hopes to drive research by providing research leadership. “I would like to encourage the staff to enjoy research and not see it as a burden. My ambition is to improve our research profile towards a top research faculty.”

At peace in the City of Roses
Off campus, Prof Tsoka-Gwegweni enjoys going to church, listening to gospel music and going to concerts, reading, travelling, and nature. “I’m looking forward to having a great and rewarding time in Bloemfontein. But more importantly, to make a positive impact,” she says, “no matter how small. I think I am at the right place, at the right time, for the right reasons. I do not regret choosing the UFS.”

 

News Archive

Ferial Haffajee among graduates at Summer Graduation
2016-12-02

Description: Summer graduation Tags: Summer graduation 

A total of 124 master’s, 37 doctoral degrees, and
464 undergraduate degrees are conferred on students from
all seven faculties during the Summer Graduations.
Photo: Johan Roux

Graduation is a time to celebrate and to reap the fruits of hard work. The journalist Ferial Haffajee (Humanities) will be among the 124 master’s and 37 doctoral students receiving their qualifications in all seven faculties at the Summer Graduation of the University of the Free State (UFS). At the ceremonies on 8 December 2016 in the Callie Human Centre on the Bloemfontein Campus, the university will also confer 264 Education qualifications to students from its South Campus, as well as 200 undergraduate degrees in the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Haffajee joins likes of Tutu and others

Haffajee, a renowned newspaper editor whose expertise has made her one of the most prominent journalists in South Africa, will receive an honorary doctorate at the morning ceremony. Until recently she was the editor-in-chief of City Press newspaper. She joins the likes of Desmond Tutu, and others who have received honorary doctorates at the UFS.

Earlier this year, four distinguished individuals also received honorary doctorates from the university. They were Max du Preez, Trevor Manuel, Prof Joel Samoff, and Dr Reuel Jethro Khoza. The Summer Graduation once again promises to deliver the cream of academic excellence.

Dr Rakometsi to address UFS graduates

The guest speaker at both ceremonies is Dr Mafu Rakometsi, Chief Executive Officer of Umalusi. Dr Rakometsi also serves on the board of the Council of Higher Education. He is deeply committed to see the South African education system function at an optimum level in order to give all children equal educational opportunities.

Master’s and Doctoral degrees: All faculties

Date: 8 December 2016
Place: Callie Human Centre, Bloemfontein Campus
Time: 09:00

Education qualifications – South Campus, as well as undergraduate degrees in the Faculty of Health Sciences
Date: 8 December 2016
Place: Callie Human Centre, Bloemfontein Campus
Time: 14:30

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