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Ntebohiseng Sekhele Read More
Ntebohiseng Sekhele hopes her PhD study will address conservation conflicts that exist between communities and protected areas.

The University of the Free State’s Afromontane Research Unit (ARU) based on the Qwaqwa Campus has recently concluded the process of recruiting candidates for the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP). Through this programme, two historically disadvantaged South African universities; Universities of the Free State (Qwaqwa Campus) and Venda (UNIVEN) and three universities in the United States will be collaborating on a number of PhD research projects.

“The programme is funded through the US-SA Higher Education Network and will give candidates and their supervisors the opportunity to regularly travel to the USA and spend time at participating US universities where their co-promoters will be based and allow them to collaborate with identified suitable academics based at those institutions,” said Prof Geofrey Mukwada, Associate Professor in Geography and the coordinator of the project.

One of the young academics selected for this is Ntebohiseng Sekhele from the Geography Department. She will be doing her research in collaboration with the Colorado State University.

“I am delighted to be part of this programme and it still feels like a dream. I feel honored to be selected to participate in such a prestigious programme. To be chosen amongst other applicants means the coordinators believe in my potential, and I look forward to working towards my full potential,” said Sekhele, who describes herself as ‘a simple and ambitious village girl from Monontsha in Qwaqwa.’ 

Sekhele’s proposed PhD study will focus on determining strategies and impacts of conservation practices by the local communities. “It will address conservation conflicts that exist between communities and protected areas; different interpretations of sustainability (including indigenous knowledge) and offer recommendations of harmonising the conservation practices with the sustainability of conservation areas. There is a great need to develop management strategies that will simultaneously satisfy conservation and human needs. She will be graduating with an MSc (Environmental Geography) degree in 2019.

Other US universities involved in the UCDP are Appalachian State University (ASU) and University of Montana (UoM).

News Archive

Exciting Science School of Excellence for Grade 11 learners presented
2009-05-21

The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS) is presenting a Science School of Excellence for top achievers in Grade 11 from 6-9 July 2009. This will take place on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein.

Four exciting days are planned during which Grade 11 learners will participate in challenging extra-curricular exercises as well as laboratory and research activities. All classes will be presented in English and Afrikaans.

A maximum of 80 learners can be accommodated and selection will take place on the basis of first come, first accepted. An application fee of R50,00 per learner is payable.

The closing date for applications is 29 May 2009. The successful candidate will be notified telephonically. A further registration fee of R200,00 is payable by the successful learners. Learners are responsible for their own transport and accommodation. The registration fee includes all meals, lectures and activities.

In order to qualify for the UFS Science School, learners had to achieve an average of 80% [level 7] during the 2008 Grade 10 final examinations. They also had to obtain a minimum of 80% [level 7] in Mathematics and Physical or Life Sciences during the same examination. Learners who are interested in the Department of Computer Sciences and Informatics will also need Grade 10 CAT at level 7. A certified copy of the learner’s school report must accompany the application form.

“Our vision is to make the Faculty the preferred choice in central South-Africa for those who wish to pursue their studies in the natural and agricultural sciences,” said Prof. Neil Heideman, Vice-Dean of the faculty.

For application forms and enquiries, please contact the coordinator, Mr Johan Kruger, at 051 401 3199.

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za  
20 May 2009

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