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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

#PeopleOfKovsies brimming with positivity
2016-12-26

Kovsies both young and old, whether they are currently studying or have already graduated, abound in positive energy. Striving to harness this positivity, the #PeopleOfKovsies campaign was born. Over the past three years, this campaign has garnered a collection of photographs and quotable quotes from visitors, staff, students, and alumni that showcases the feeling that only a Kovsie knows.

The process is simple: Staff photographers approach people on campus and ask whether they are willing to pose for a photo. How they do this is up to the individual’s favourite style: pouting, looking serious, pointing, or just smiling. Participants then also have the opportunity to share a brief message with the Kovsie community, whether it is just how they feel at that particular moment, what it means to them to be a Kovsie, or how they picture that indescribable Kovsie feeling. These photographs, along with their captions, are shared on our social media platforms, and, in some cases, used on campus billboards or in our publications.

Description: Retha Hill Tags: Retha Hill

“I loved being a Kovsie, because my fellow Kovsies were more than just friends   they were like
FAMILY.” - Retha Hill

Description: Keamogetswe Nnyane Tags: Keamogetswe Nnyane

“I get to enrich my community through the diversity and exposure I received as a Kovsie.
To help uplift those who can’t do the same for themselves.” - Keamogetswe Nnyane

Description: Byron Wegger Tags: Byron Wegger

“The gateway that opened my mind to different ideas as well as giving me opportunities
through sport and academics I never would have experienced anywhere else.” - Byron Wegger

Description: Tamie Mbombo_PeopleOfKovsies Tags: Tamie Mbombo

“They have succeeded in creating the conditions wherein students from disadvantaged
backgrounds can be brought to the starting line of a race that many are unaware is even
being run.”-  Tamie Mbombo

Description: Lerothodi Molete Tags: Lerothodi Molete

“It means being an agent of change. Also equipping me with skills and exposure to be the
change I want to see in the world.” - Lerothodi Molete

Description: Lebogang Kotsi Tags: Lebogang Kotsi

"To be a Kovsie means being in a multi-racial learning institution and striving to be a great
leader in the future." - Lebogang Kotsi




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