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09 April 2021 | Story Dr Nitha Ramnath | Photo Supplied
Tiisetso Mokoena tops the UFS Management Development Programme class of 2020

A tough 2020 did not dampen the spirit of Tiisetso Mokoena. Determined and steadfast, she obtained the highest average (92%) to become the top student in the Management Development Programme (MDP) offered by the University of the Free State (UFS) Business School. Mokoena enrolled for the MDP after receiving a bursary from the Services SETA. This is a remarkable achievement, as not only did Mokoena have fierce competition from an exceptionally large group – COVID-19 presented its own challenges that Mokoena had to face. Mokoena transitioned seamlessly from traditional face-to-face to online learning and excelled at it.

“Ms Mokoena was a very enthusiastic and committed student. She worked extremely hard and was not deterred by the transition from face-to-face to online lectures. Her hard work paid off, with impressive results. We are very proud of her,” says Programme Coordinator, Jo’Anni Deacon.

Mokoena also adds: “It has been a great honour to be part of the Higher Certificate Management Development Programme (MDP), and I thank my employer, Services SETA, and the UFS Business School for making it all possible.”
“My overall experience of the programme was impressive. I came into it with an expectation to better myself in my career; I believe that I will achieve this, as I was presented with tools and techniques that will help me grow professionally. As I went through the programme, I developed a sense of ambition and my strategic thinking progressed. I learned a lot about the basics of an everyday business world as we went through different modules, and there were a lot of ‘aha’ moments,” Mokoena adds.

“The UFS Business School is phenomenal, the academic support we as students received throughout the programme was amazing – we were treated with such dignity. The staff took time and effort to assist us with the utmost care and professionalism,” says Mokoena about her experience in the UFS Business School. 

About the UFS Business School and the Higher Certificate in Management Development

The Business School within the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences has established itself as a leader in South Africa with the provision of the Higher Certificate in Management Development. A dynamic supplement to this spectrum of management programmes on offer is an excellent Higher Certificate in Management Development (MDP). The MDP emphasises leadership development, broadens insight through exposure to the most important management disciplines, and integrates it into a total management approach. This tailor-made qualification has been designed to assist institutions, managers, and managers-to-be in both the private and public sectors.

News Archive

Meet our Council: Christo Dippenaar, 'n oud-Kovsie vir oud-Kovsies
2016-12-26

Description: Christo Dippenaar, council member Tags: Christo Dippenaar, council member 

Christo Dippenaar, former Kovsie
and current UFS councillor.
Photo: Johann Roux


Christo Dippenaar knows the University of the Free State (UFS) very well. He started his studies at the UFS in 1992 and later obtained a BProc degree. During his years at university, he was Prime of Hendrik Verwoerd Residence (1994), served on the Student Representative Council in the portfolio Men Intern (1995), and in the following year he was Deputy President of the Student Representative Council. He was also residence head of the former Reitz Apartments.

A thorough knowledge of the university

Thanks to this broad background, he has a thorough knowledge of the university, its history, procedures, principles and its people. It is therefore no surprise that Dippenaar was elected to the Council by UFS alumni. Dippenaar, or “Dippies” as he is also known, has served on the Council since 2014. In addition, he has a child who is currently studying at the UFS and therefore he has more than just a theoretical interest in what is happening at the UFS.

He is of the opinion that, in his capacity as UFS councillor, he could be a true mouthpiece for former Kovsies.

"As councillor, I can ask the necessary questions to ensure fair and just treatment of all stakeholders."

A man with diverse interests
His legal knowledge also comes in handy in his role as councillor. Dippenaar was formerly employed at Honey Attorneys and at Horn and Van Rensburg, but in 2008 he started his own practice which is also operating in Lesotho.

He describes his wife, Hanlie, as his best friend and soul mate. His eldest son, Johann, is studying BSc Quantity Surveying at the UFS, while another son, Pieter, is in Grade 10 in Grey College. His daughter, Anneke, is in Grade 6 in Universitas Primary.

Asked about his passions, he says rugby and fine Brahman cross-breed cattle are equally attractive to him. Thus, a man with diverse interests and a highly demanding career, but also a former Kovsie with a passion for other former Kovsies and for his alma mater.

 

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