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26 January 2019 | Story Lacea Loader

The executive management of the University of the Free State (UFS) has noted with concern the disconcerting effects of the current political and economic crisis and instability in Zimbabwe – specifically with regard to the effect it has on its students from Zimbabwe.

“As part of a coordinated support effort driven by the UFS Office for International Affairs we have invited Zimbabwean students to communicate their individual challenges regarding finance, travel, and special examinations to us.

We have received various reports about problems with delayed visas and have appealed to the Department of Home Affairs to consider concessions for our affected Zimbabwean students,” says Mr Cornelius Hagenmeier, Director of the university’s Office for International Affairs.

Arrangements are being made on a case-by-case basis for students who were unable to register before the closing date. Students who have reported travel challenges are also being contacted individually to consider possible support.

“As an institution committed to the furtherance of social justice – not only on our campuses, but also in the wider Southern African region – the UFS wants to encourage our affected students not to abandon their all-important education plans in the light of the turmoil and obstacles they are currently facing. As a university community, our heartfelt sympathy goes to our Zimbabwean students and their families during these trying times,” says Prof Francis Petersen, UFS Rector and Vice-Chancellor.

Released by:
Lacea Loader (Director: Communication and Marketing)
Telephone: +27 51 401 2584 | +27 83 645 2454
Email: news@ufs.ac.za | loaderl@ufs.ac.za
Fax: +27 51 444 6393

News Archive

Ranks of NRF researchers at Qwaqwa Campus strengthened
2014-11-03



From the left are: Profs Birhanu Dejene, Oriel Thekisoe, Drs Aliza le Roux and Geofrey Mukwada. (Prof Riaan Luyt was absent due to being abroad.)
Photo: Thabo Kessah
The list of researchers at the UFS Qwaqwa Campus rated by the National Research Foundation (NRF) was strengthened with the addition of Dr Geofrey Mukwada, who will have recognition as established researcher (C) from 2015.

Mukwada is working in the Department of Geography. His research focus is rural livelihoods, sustainable rural livelihoods, conservation of natural resources and climate change.

A total of 119 UFS researchers currently have evaluation and rating status from the NRF, says Nico Benson, Deputy Director: Research Development. Currently (October 2014) 29 researchers are still waiting for response from the NRF regarding applications submitted. A total of 16 ratings are already known. Ratings are valid for a period of six years and researchers are invited to apply for re-evaluation in the fifth year.

On the Qwaqwa Campus, Profs Riaan Luyt and Birhanu Dejene enjoy status as established (C) researchers – Prof Luyt in polymer nano-composites and polymer compounds and Prof Dejene in solar energy (photovoltaic).

Dr Aliza le Roux and Prof Oriel Thekiso are recognised as promising young (Y) researchers. Dr le Roux’s research focus is behavioural ecology, predator-prey interaction, spatial cognition, cognitive ecology, communication, zoology, individual-based modelling, animal behaviour (primates, carnivore biology) and socio-biology (mammals).  

Prof Thekisoe is conducting research on applied molecular diagnostics, ectoparasites, blood parasites, helminthology, molecular parasitology, entomology and parasitology, veterinary parasitology, parasitological techniques, host-parasite interaction and zoonosis.

These researchers are proud export products of the University of the Free State.


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