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29 March 2019
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Story Lacea Loader
Edward Kieswetter, newly appointed SARS Commissioner.
The Chairperson of the Council of the University of the Free State (UFS), Mr Willem Louw, extended a message of congratulations to Mr Edward Kieswetter on his appointment by President Cyril Ramaphosa this week as Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
Mr Kieswetter served as Deputy Chairperson of the UFS Council from 2008 to 2014 and was Visiting Professor at the university’s Business School until 2018.
“On behalf of the Council and the university community, I wish Mr Kieswetter well in his work as newly appointed SARS Commissioner. It is evident that the high-level selection panel made an exceptionally good choice for this crucial position. Mr Kieswetter’s vast experience as former SARS deputy commissioner, his subsequent track record of transformative leadership, and his experience in turning around a large institution will serve him well in this new role,” says Mr Louw.
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The impact of personal care products on water resources in the Free State
2015-12-14
Jou-an Chen
Photo: Charl Devenish
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Water is of the utmost importance in personal hygiene. Most people can hardly have a day go by without taking a shower in the morning and at night. However, it is this very habit that is increasingly polluting the water resources in South Africa.
Contaminants found in pharmaceutical and personal care products have been accumulating in water masses in recent years. These contaminants especially refer to hormones in medication, as well as colouring agents and fragrances used in soap, shampoo and body lotions.
“Little information and data are available on the prevalence of these contaminants, and on how high the level of pollution really is,” says Jou-an Chen, researcher in the Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology at the UFS.
Her research particularly focuses on the prevalence and impact of those contaminants.
“Because these substances have not been properly investigated, we are not sure how widely it occurs and whether it is harmful to the environment. It was precisely the lack of information that has inspired me to investigate further.”
“If we could identify the contaminants and what it is doing to the environment, it could make a valuable contribution to directives on water quality standards.”