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17 September 2018
Photo Charl Devenish
Innocensia Mangoato’s research on using cannabis to reverse anticancer drug resistance has been awarded in the prestigious Women in Science Awards.
“There’s this misconception among young people that science is difficult and that it’s somehow a man’s domain,” says Innocensia Mangoato, Masters student in Pharmacology, who has just been awarded in the prestigious Women in Science Awards by the Department of Science and Technology.
Cannabis research
Innocensia won in the Master’s Degree category for her research on the use of cannabis in reversing anticancer drug resistance. Her department had to apply for a special permit to grow cannabis for research and medicinal purposes.
“Her findings have already indicated a promising reversal of resistance to drugs in a variety of cancers. We plan to explore these results further in a possible PhD,” says her study leader, Prof Motlalepula Matsabisa.
Innocensia says she’s always had an interest in science, and initially wanted to study medicine. She ended up doing a BSc in Physiology and Genetics.
She hopes that her research will help government to develop a policy around the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes which could ultimately lead to developing cancer treatment with fewer side-effects.
Female mentors
“My mentor during my Honours studies was Dr Makhotso Lekhoa. Her passion for her field and her patience in conveying it to others really inspired me. We have some very powerful women in our Pharmacology Department,” says Innocensia.
Passion for science
“You know you’re passionate about your work when you find yourself going to the lab on Sunday afternoons!” she says. “I’m happy that I can be contributing to the knowledge production on this campus. And maybe one day I can be a mentor to other girls with that same passion for science.”
Fundraising while having fun
2016-01-25
With the Receive And Give (RAG) Community Service processions and festival around the corner, the public can expect loads of festive fun for the whole family.
Over the years, RAG has grown in popularity among the Bloemfontein community as the official launch of the social calendar. At the beginning of each year, the streets come alive with thousands of students from the University of the Free State and their colourful floats. They are joined by spectators from all over the city.
Float building
The ‘Cartoons, Animation and children snacks’ theme for 2016, has kept first-year students and RAG representatives working tirelessly since 18 January 2016, building majestic floats that are sure to entice on-lookers.
Ritsim Magazine sales
The annual RAG publication, Ritsim, is now available for only R25 a copy. All proceeds are channelled into different charities across the country.
This year, in a joint venture between Kovsie RAG and Volksblad, approximately 8000 Ritsims will be sold as a package deal with all the newspapers in the Northern Cape and Free State.
The processions
About 10 000 meals will be distributed to needy residents of the Heidedal and Mangaung communities at the Twin City mall after the morning procession.
Floats will be judged prior to the morning procession. The float winners will be announced at 17:00 at the RAG Farm, and the winners will lead the afternoon procession.
Date: 30 January 2016
Times: 10:00 (morning procession) and 18:00 (afternoon procession)
Route for morning procession: Pelonomi Hospital to Twin City mall
Route for evening procession: Tempe traffic light at Nelson Mandela Drive to Old Grey Sports Grounds
The festival
After a day of chanting, collecting donations, and feeding the community, the RAG festival will round out the day with good music. Both young and old will be entertained by well-known and vibrant artists such as Vusi Mahlasela, Karen Zoid, and Francois van Coke.
Date: 30 January 2016
Time: Gates open at 16:00
Place: Old Grey Sports Grounds
Tickets are available from Computicket and at the gate for R100 per person and R50 per student or children under 12 years of age.