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02 February 2018 Photo Esti Strydom
Not a laughing stock Phil de Lange
Phil de Lange
Phil de Lange studied for a BA Integrated Marketing Communication and English + TEFL at the University of the Free State (UFS) from 2008-2011. During that time, he was a Kovsie FM presenter, which paved the way for his blossoming career in radio. Currently, Phil is the producer of the Smile Breakfast show on Smile 90.4FM, and is a co-host of Sunday Night Comedy Hour at the same station. He also performs as a comedian.

“My biggest career obstacle was to balance the expensive realities of life while trying to get a foot in the door of the career I wanted,” said Phil.

“The best career advice I can currently give is to read, research, study future trends, and be prepared. Know who to listen to, and who to ignore. Also, you are more important than any company. Look after your physical, emotional and mental well-being. Unfortunately, most companies don’t really have that in mind.  

“My fondest memories of the UFS are having fun with the Kovsie FM team, intense class discussions with Dr Brooks and Ms Lovisa from the English Department, and chilling by the fountains in front of the main building. Not to mention passing a re-write with distinction from a hospital bed. I wasn’t hospitalised due to the re-write, it just happened at the same time!

“The best thing about being a comedian is the platform you get – it’s like nothing else. Having people listen to you intently for a long time and laughing at your jokes is exhilarating. And the worst thing is realising that not everything you think is funny, is funny.

“I have an appreciation for radio that few other people have. I love it. I love how it’s still so important to millions of people. I am also privileged to be working with some of the best and most passionate people in South African radio.” 

News Archive

Trauma, Forgiveness, and Reconciliation Studies attracts global attention
2016-06-27

Description: Lerato Machetela Tags: Lerato Machetela

Lerato Machetela is on her way to
Ghent University in Belgium where
she will spend 10 months working
alongside experts in the field of
historical trauma.
Photo: Eugene Seegers

Research excellence is one of the major driving forces at the core of the University of the Free State (UFS). This striving for academic distinction has found embodiment within Trauma, Forgiveness, and Reconciliation (TFR) Studies. Headed by Research Fellow and Senior Research Professor Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela, the research unit is raking in achievements consistently.

Cornell University Distinguished African Scholar Award
Leading by example, Prof Gobodo-Madikizela received the prestigious 2016 Distinguished African Scholar Award from Cornell University recently. Being honoured with this award affirms an unusual depth of knowledge and experience in a field related to the recipient’s own work. Through this award, Prof Gobodo-Madikizela is now also affiliated with the Institute for African Development and the Psychology Department at Cornell University.

Ghent University fellowship in historical trauma
Another member of TFR has caught international attention. Lerato Machetela – a PhD student at the research unit – received an invitation from scholars at Ghent University in Belgium. Machetela will leave in September, where she will spend ten months in Ghent with experts in the field of historical trauma. She will be affiliated to their university’s Cultural Memory Studies Initiative and the Psychology Department. When Machetela submitted her PhD proposal on transgenerational transmisison of trauma among the youth in Jagersfontein to the UFS Psychology Department panel, “it was hailed as a unique project, and a first for the department,” Prof Gobodo-Madikizela says.

Description: Naleli Morojele Tags: Naleli Morojele

Naleli Morojele conducting the research
in Rwanda that has formed the basis of
her new book, Women Political Leaders
in Rwanda and South Africa: Narratives
of Triumph and Loss.

Book explores triumph and loss of female political leaders
TFR cultivates thriving authors actively, the latest being Naleli Morojele, who is pursuing a PhD in the field of Political Studies. Soon, Morojele will be launching her book, Women Political Leaders in Rwanda and South Africa: Narratives of Triumph and Loss. Through the stories of significant female Rwandan and South African leaders, the reader gains insight into these women’s early-life experiences, struggles, and successes. Perhaps even more pertinently, Morojele’s book also exposes the ways in which gender inequality still works to smother their roles as citizens and politicians.

 

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