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Taking of Social Work Oath a defining moment

21 April 2021 | Story Rulanzen Martin and Carel van Wyk | Photo Rulanzen Martin

Tashinga_web read more — Tashinga Mandeya, a third-year student hailing from Zimbabwe is optimistic about being an agent of change for her community.

“Connect with what pushed you to study Social Work.” With these words, Ms Langi Malamba, Registrar: South African Council for Social Service Professions, implored the second-year Social Work students at the University of the Free State (UFS) to do some self-introspection. More than seventy 2020 and current second-year students have recently taken their oath.

The two-part ceremony took place on Wednesday 14 April. In her remarks, Ms Malamba referred to the theme of Social Work Month, namely Ubuntu: I am because we are. Social Work Month is annually observed in March. “As a Social Work student, you have to apply your studies to always be responsive,” she said. It is also critical to “learn from and observe your community, because as a social worker you have to connect with everything”, Malamba continued. She based her speech largely on the principles of ubuntu and ethics. “Social work also provides grounding,” Ms Malamba concluded.

Adding to Malamba’s words of encouragement, Prof Heidi Hudson, Dean of the Faculty of the Humanities, said this is an important milestone worth celebrating. Prof Hudson’s pledge of support to the students provided them with ‘three A’s’ to reflect on – advocacy, accountability, and (being an) ambassador. “The UFS espouses the value of ethics of care, and I think the social work profession is the embodiment of that. I hope you will share the values of the university with the rest of society,” Prof Hudson said.

New head of department welcomed

During the ceremony, Dr Mpumelelo Ncube was introduced as the new Academic Head of the Department of Social Work. In his brief remarks, he spoke about the need for students to continue reflecting on the importance of the oath in their everyday lives, as it is binding on their conscience. “This the only time you will take the pledge and it should be dear to you,” Dr Ncube said.

He takes over from Prof Sandra Ferreira who is retiring.

From the students

Neo Pule

“I decided to study Social Work based on my experience and the experiences of others back at home, because it is in my heart to help people and I am very resourceful. It gives me joy to help others.” – Neo Pule, third-year student.

Tyla de Villiers

“A personal family matter inspired me to pursue a degree in Social Work. I have always wanted to make a change to how social workers handled my family matter. I love helping people. The pledge of the Oath means that I will always be professional and keep it close to my heart.” –Tyla de Villiers, third-year student.

Tashinga Mandeya

“My decision to study Social Work is because we do not have the facilities such as rehabilitation centres and mental-health institutions. I hope to return to Zimbabwe to find out how I can be of assistance in getting these institutions to be more accessible.” Tashinga Mandeya, third-year student.

News Archive

UFS gives recognition to excellent researchers

2004-11-16

p>The University of the Free State will give recognition to excellent researchers at UFS on Tuesday 16 November 2004. “This recognition function will also serve as the first annual lecture in research excellence,” says Prof Frans Swanepoel, Director of Research Development Division at the UFS.

This is the first occasion of its kind in the UFS. It coincides with the university’s centenary celebrations. The recognition of excellent research shows the UFS’s commitment and innovative focus on research as one of its core functions,” says Prof. Swanepoel.

Recognition will be given in different categories. They are female researchers, black researchers, young researchers, C- and L-Rated researchers, researchers with significant research outputs, B-Rated researchers and distinguished professors in research.

The promotion of equity and development of research capacity of designated groups is one of the objectives of the UFS’s research strategy therefore the university is recognising the research achievements of 21 women and 16 black persons. Amongst these are Prof. Margaret Raftery (English and Classical Languages), Dr Liesl van As (Zoology and Entomology), Prof. Peter Mbati (head of the Qwaqwa campus) and Prof. Charles Ngwena (Constitutional Law and Philosophy of Law).

The UFS is also recognising nine young researchers. They must hold a doctorate and have the potential to establish themselves as researchers within a five-year period based on their performance and productivity as researchers during their doctoral studies and/or early post-doctoral careers. Amongst them are Dr Esta van Heerden (Microbial Biochemical and Food Biotechnology) and Prof. André Jooste (Agricultural Economics).

Fifty-eight established researchers with a sustained recent record of productivity are receiving recognition in the C- and L-rated researchers’ category. Amongst them were Prof. Hennie van Coller (Afrikaans, Dutch, German and French) and Prof. Gert Erasmus (Animal- and Wildlife- and Grassland Sciences).

Prof. Francois Tolmie (New Testament) and Prof. Gina Joubert (Biostatistics) are two of the twelve researchers that are receiving recognition for having excelled in research outputs during recent years.

Nine researchers are acknowledged in the B-category for the international recognition they receive from their peers for the high quality and impact of their recent research outputs. Amongst them were Prof. Johan Grobbelaar (Plant Sciences) and Prof. Hendrik Swart (Physics). Prof. Grobbelaar focused in his research on limnology, algal biotechnology, plant stress and Prof. Swart focused on solid state physics and degradation mechanisms that are responsible for the degradation of field emission and TV displays.

Seven individuals are recognised for their exceptional achievements as researchers. Prof. Frederick Fourie, Rector, but previously in the Department of Economics, is recognised for his research in two policy areas: Political Economics, Government Finance and Fiscal Policy, and Industrial Economics, in particular analysis of the South African industrial structure and competition policy, where his research contributions played a key role in reforming South Africa’s competition policy.

Prof. Lodewyk Kock (Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology) focuses in his research mainly on pure and oxidised edible oil where yeasts are used as a study model. He obtained national as well as international recognition for this research program.

The UFS is also awarding the S2A3 Bronze Medal to recognise a Master’s degree student who has delivered outstanding research in one of the sciences. Mr Pieter Taljaard and Ms Tania Venter are recognised in this category.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
16 November 2004

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