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18 February 2020 | Story Xolisa Mnukwa | Photo Xolisa Mnukwa
First year Kovsie students
From top left - Kamvelihle Sikrweqe; top right - Chloe Gagiamo; bottom left - Bronwyn du Plessis; bottom right - Lutho Mvalo

A student’s first year out of high school and in university is always characterised by a sea of unlimited opportunities, emotions, and decision-making. We took to the streets of the Bloemfontein Campus to find out why the UFS was their preferred academic choice.

“I recently realised that I’m not an engineer or a doctor, but I’m a problem solver; I just wanted to study something different that would offer me great opportunities in life. I’m very open to learning more about myself and my degree, and the career that I will lead. I chose the UFS because they made me feel important, they showed that they care, the support here is crazy and I need that right now.” – First-year Actuarial Science student, Kamvelihle Sikrweqe

“I’m originally from Butterworth in the Eastern Cape, and I chose this university because I heard about the quality of service provided to students; when I got here, I experienced it for myself. The campus environment is so warm and inviting, I’m loving this place already.” – First-year Psychology and English major, Lutho Mvalo

“I chose to study Education because I have a big passion for children, and I believe the change in our country can only start with them. I’m from Bloemfontein and my family is here too. The university is central to everything in the country, but because of this city and the tightknit community at the UFS, I felt like this university was for me – because I believe in unity and working together.” – First-year Education (Foundation Phase) student, Chloe Gagiamo

“I chose the UFS because of the quality of lecturers the university has. They are on a higher level than any other university, and I really feel confident that I will get a good education here. I recently joined the Imperium day residence, and I plan on joining the choir; I am in it to win it!” – First-year Education (Foundation Phase) student, Bronwyn du Plessis 

News Archive

Three UFS researchers attend cactus pear congress
2017-05-05

Description: Dr de Wit Cactus pear 2 Tags: Dr de Wit Cactus pear 2

Dr Maryna de Wit, one of the
UFS delegation team was appointed
coordinator for Agro-Processing
and Post-Harvest Technology during
the congress

Description: Dr du Toit Cactus Pear 2 Tags: Dr du Toit Cactus Pear 2

Dr Alba du Toit, also one of the members
of the UFS delegation during the
congress at the University of Chile
in Santiago, Chile.
Photos: Supplied





Dr Alba du Toit, a junior lecturer in Consumer Science at the University of the Free State (UFS), presented her research at the recent IX International Congress on Cactus Pear and Cochineal at the University of Chile in Santiago, Chile. The congress was themed, “CAM Crops for a Hotter and Drier World”.

Dr Du Toit, Prof HO de Waal and Dr Maryna de Wit, from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at UFS, attended the five-day conference held between 26 and 30 March 2017.

Congress a platform for networking
The congress, held every three years since 1993, gathers cactus pear researchers, growers and processing managers from Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa to review current research trends by networking to form new collaborations that could lead to increased efficiency and shared knowledge. They also present new findings and plan for future research.

Great achievements for researchers
Dr Du Toit said: “My research on cactus pears focused on the utilisation of the slimy substance found in the cactus cladodes as a functional ingredient in innovative nutraceutical food products”. Functional foods are foods that promote health or prevent disease through adding or omitting specific ingredients. She also received the International Society of Horticultural Science award for best student oral presentation.

Dr De Wit also presented her research and was appointed coordinator for Agro-Processing and Post-Harvest Technology at the congress.

Dr Herman Fouché, Affiliated Researcher at the Department of Soil-, Crop- and Climate Sciences at UFS, developed “kuilmoes”, a type of silage from pulped cactus pear fruit, mixed with lucerne, in collaboration with Prof de Waal, which was also presented.at the congress.

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