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11 September 2020 | Story Andre Damons | Photo Francois van Vuuren (iFlair Photography)
Dr Lehlohonolo Makhakhe is from the Department of Dermatology at the University of the Free State (UFS).

A senior lecturer and specialist in the Department of Dermatology at the University of the Free State (UFS) has published the very first comprehensive African atlas on skin diseases commonly seen in the African setting. 
The African Atlas, synopsis and practical guide to clinical dermatology also contains more than 1 000 high-resolution images and is intended for medical and nursing students.

Dr Lehlohonolo Makhakhe, a full-time medical specialist (dermatologist) and the author of the book, says this is the first comprehensive full-colour atlas, with contributions from endocrinologists, haematologists, rheumatologists, psychiatrists and the UFS departments of Pharmacology, Dietetics and Paediatrics.

The project started in 2016, after Dr Makhakhe received formal approval from the UFS Ethics Committee and the provincial Department of Health and it was officially published in July 2020 by African Brilliant Minds Publishers. 

The book will have numerous benefits

Dr Makhakhe was a general practitioner with his own practice before joining the UFS to specialise. He then realised that a comprehensive manual was needed, focusing on common skin conditions in our South African setting. He further realised we lacked such a book which would be very beneficial to doctors and nurses. 

“I decided to write this book to encourage unity among doctors in different fields within medicine, particularly at the UFS, and to help promote the culture of writing and producing quality, well-researched, locally brewed content that is relevant to our setting. 
“I also wanted to play a part in providing de-commodified (affordable) books, in the hope of dispensing knowledge and promoting learning for our medical and nursing students to get sound book knowledge, so that they can better manage skin-related pathology,” added Dr Makhakhe.

He said he also aims to create revenue for the university and advance research projects through this book. It also provides an overview of the management of the conditions included in this user-friendly manual.

Challenges during the compilation of the book 

Dr Makhakhe highlighted the huge costs for the publisher, time management of the different contributors, as well as gaining the trust of the contributors for a concept that has never been done before. He aimed to change perceptions relating to dermatology as a secluded and isolated discipline, but also for the department to be seen as an integral part of the medical discipline. 

According to the author of four books (including this one), the publisher is also in talks with many nursing schools across the country to make the book available to nursing students. 

Dr Makhakhe says this atlas was by far his biggest project to date, as his first three books were short stories. He is currently working on a national project with contributors including Prof Johann Schneider (Head: Anatomical Pathology, Stellenbosch University), Prof Jacqueline Goedhals (Head: Anatomical Pathology, UFS), Prof Nndweleni Bida (Head: Anatomical Pathology, University of Pretoria), Prof Faffa Jordaan (Former head of Dermatology, Stellenbosch University) and Prof Wayne Grayson (renowned pathologist in the private sector), which will also be the first of its kind. 
“In summary, the publications are aimed at building a good name for our university through locally produced, high-quality books that are affordable. Once production costs to the publisher are settled, a sizable portion of future proceeds will then be directed to the university as per endorsement protocols.” he stated further.

Dr Makhakhe thanked the Head of the Free State Department of Health, Dr David Motau, the Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, Prof Francis Petersen, the acting Deputy Director-General of Clinical Services, Dr Marcus Molokomme, and also extended a special word of appreciation to the Head of the School of Clinical Medicine at the UFS, Prof Nathaniel Mofolo, for his assistance and support in making this project a success. He concluded by thanking all the contributors for making time for this historic project. 

The book is now fully endorsed by the UFS and will be offered as part of the curriculum for third- to final-year medical students. 

News Archive

UFS Faculty of Health Sciences opens student residence in Trompsburg
2017-07-06

Description: Trompsburg read more Tags: Trompsburg read more

Official unveiling of the memorial plaque by
Prof Gert van Zyl, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences,
and Prof Francis Petersen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor
of the University of the Free State.
Photo: Charl Devenish

The University of the Free State’s (UFS) Faculty of Health Sciences has, as part of its commitment to student and community development, established a student residence in the town of Trompsburg in the Kopanong Local Municipality. The faculty officially opened the Rural Community Initiative and student residence in June 2017. The newly developed student residence has 10 apartments which could each accommodate six individuals.  A housemaster resides on the premises and acts as manager of the facility.  All areas of the residence are Wi-Fi covered and it has a 24-hour security service.

Importance of the residence
The goal of the Kopanang le fodise – Unite to heal programme is to develop a community-centred collaborative framework for sustainable, holistic healthcare and social development which is incorporated in the curricula of the faculty. During 2016, a total of 324 fourth-year students have each spent at least a week in primary healthcare facilities on a Community Based Education and Inter-Professional Education platform in Trompsburg and Springfontein in the Kopanong Municipality.

“This programme was commissioned to fulfil a specific goal. We are connecting our students with the community. The support of everyone coming together caused this to move from being just a spark, to a blaze. This is all our project,” said Dr René Botha, coordinator for Community-based Education and Rural Health in the faculty.

Community outreach a priority
“This is an innovative project that has been able to bring health and health-related issues to the community. One of the UFS’ three focus areas is community engagement. This project is primarily focused on serving the community, but also on the academic element, which is student development,” said Prof Francis Petersen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS.

Prof Petersen commended the project on being the first of its kind in the South African Health Sciences sector. The platform will also be used for research purposes that will enrich the sector. Prof Petersen challenged the Kopanong community to give their input by answering two questions: What is the UFS good at? What is the UFS good for?

Reaching for the stars
“I am a dreamer and I have to reach, and if I reach, I reach for the stars. Today we are very lucky, because we have grabbed that star,” said Prof Gert van Zyl, Dean of the UFS Faculty of Health Sciences.

Prof Van Zyl reminded the audience that they possess the power to change challenges into stars by approaching them with careful thought, planning, and motivation. Prof Van Zyl concluded by stating that the rural community initiative is for the community, and that the faculty is just the facilitators.

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