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US Embassy and Consulates invests R8 million in UFS mountain-to-mountain research project

05 November 2020 | Story Thabo Kessah | Photo Thabo Kessah

Prof Mukwada_read more — Prof Geofrey Mukwada says funding from the US Embassy and Consulates in South Africa will reinforce the ARU mandate.

The University of the Free State (UFS) will further strengthen its ties with the Appalachian State University in the next two academic years through a mountain-to-mountain research project funded by the US Embassy and Consulates in South Africa.

The R8 million project between the UFS and the US institution will cover the two master’s degree programmes in underdeveloped niche areas, meteorological weather stations, leadership capacity building for black women in academia, and doctoral research projects. Qwaqwa Campus departments that will be involved are Physics, Geography, Community Development, and the ARU.

Talking about this collaboration, the project leader, Prof Geofrey Mukwada, said it would bring together researchers from both the UFS and Appalachian State University and enable them to work together to develop what is currently an underdeveloped research niche, i.e. mountain studies.

“This project will reinforce the mandate of the Afromontane Research Unit (ARU). It will provide the basis for a long-term development agenda through training and infrastructure development. For instance, the project will fund the implementation of two master’s degree programmes – the MSc in Mountain Environments and the MA in Community Development – which are long-term projects,” he said.

“It will also support innovation in climate change research. Through this project, it will be possible to receive climate data from weather stations that are situated in distant, isolated, and generally inaccessible locations without travelling to those locations. We will be able to understand how the climate of the region is changing and assist in developing adaptation measures and decisions that are applicable to agriculture, water, tourism, environment, and other sectors. This will enhance the capacity of the ARU to contribute to the development of research in mountain environments,” he added.

There will be a virtual launch of the project on Tuesday 10 November 2020 at 15:00 (CAT).

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Milestone graduation for the UFS Qwaqwa campus

2004-10-09

From left: Prof Peter Mbati:Campus Head;Prof. Frederick Fourie :Rector and Vice Chancellor and Mrs BS Tshabalala Director of Education: Thabo Mofutsanyane District

On 9 October,2004, the Mandela Hall at the UFS-Qwaqwa Campus was filled to capacity as the community gathered to celebrate the graduation of 177 students. Among the degrees awarded were : one doctorate , eight masters,31 honours and 46 bachelors. In addition, there were also 91 diplomas awarded.

The conferring of the first doctorate in the Natural and Agricultural Sciences to Dr Motseki Hlatshwayo made a history for our campus, because it was done for first time. This is a cause for celebration and attests to the resilience of staff and students, and to the commitment and support of our immediate community for the continued offer of relevant post graduate training here on the Qwaqwa campus of the University of the Free State.

Amongst the dignitaries was the Director of Thabo Mofutsanyane District, Mrs BS Tshabalala. In his welcome speech, the Campus Head, Prof Peter Mbati said “ a special day like today is normally only possible due to the dedication and commitment of many different individuals. It is therefore only fitting that we salute you the parents and guardians for all your sacrifices to ensure that your children get the best education”

The 1st Deputy President of the SRC, Mr Tello Motloung also adressedthe granduands. “The year 2004 calls for celebration, as we are celebrating 10 years of democracy. Therefore, it is not a coincidence that we are also meeting

Media release:Ms Jabu Dakile

Senior Liaison Practitioner

UFS-Qwaqwa Campus

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