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19 August 2021 | Story André Damons | Photo Charl Devenish
Ebeth Grobbelaar is a Scientific Manager in the South African Doping Control Laboratory (SADoCoL) who is responsible for the review and approval of results at SADoCoL, to ensure compliance with the technical requirements of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

For Ebeth Grobbelaar, Scientific Manager in the South African Doping Control Laboratory (SADoCoL) – which is housed by the University of the Free State (UFS) – her work at the laboratory is profound, as fairness on and off the playing field is vital to her.

“Creating a fair playing field for athletes to compete carries a heavy responsibility, as an anti-doping violation impacts the athlete’s career,” says Grobbelaar, who is responsible for the review and approval of results at SADoCoL to ensure compliance with the technical requirements of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Women are the cogs in the wheel

According to her, anabolic steroids, the multiple analytical disciplines, and rapidly changing technical requirements from WADA have attracted her to the sciences of anti-doping. Sixty percent of her colleagues at SADoCoL are women.  “They are the cogs in the wheel, ensuring the laboratory's smooth operation, taking daily challenges in their stride, and excelling in what they do as analysts and administrative staff,” says Grobbelaar.

Grobbelaar says there are many options in the anti-doping field for women inside and outside of the laboratory. Some of the most influential people in the anti-doping community are women – in their roles as laboratory directors, leading researchers, directors of athlete passport management units for international sports federations, or national anti-doping agencies in various capacities.

With all the responsibilities, come challenges and pressure – especially in a year when the Olympic Games take place. 

Women should learn how to say ‘no’ 

“An Olympic year always has additional stress due to the large number of samples before the games. This year, the pressure is more, with not all accredited laboratories operational, as well as disrupted testing schedules due to COVID-19.  Enabling athletes to compete in fairness on the world stage is a responsibility and a privilege.”

“My faith is my anchor.  As far as possible, I try to leave my work behind when I leave the laboratory, and concentrate on enjoyable things such as gardening, my dog, reading, and walking with my dog. On challenging days, something sweet also helps,” explains Grobbelaar the pressure and how she copes with it. 

This Women’s Month, Grobbelaar says, women should learn how to say ‘no’ to create time for rest and play. Says Grobbelaar: “For many women, ‘doing your best’ or saying yes means working yourself to the point of a mental and physical breakdown. Having the courage to say no, loving oneself through rest and play, replenishing our spirits, and realising that we are unique and precious in God’s eyes, is a challenge that many women face.” 

“Rest and play can take different forms, such as having coffee with a friend or being creative.  The important thing is that your rest or play activity brings joy to your soul and energises you. Ask your friends to support and assist you,” she concludes. 

News Archive

The UFS warmly welcomes 2016 first-years
2016-01-06

The University of the Free State (UFS) is ready to offer a warm welcome to all first-year and senior students for the 2016 academic year. In striving for excellence, we intend to provide an environment that is conducive to students enjoying their learning experience. To ensure that you, as new Kovsies, are able to navigate all three campuses easily, and receive the assistance you need, we have compiled a list for your information and convenience below.

Gateway Pocket Guide 2016

To assist you in finding your way on campus and to answer frequently asked questions, please read this document and refer to the accompanying map:
Information Sheet and Registration Map 2016.

 

Important dates


Bloemfontein Campus

18 - 22 January 2016: First-year student registration (Yearbooks) (view the full academic advice programme here)
25 - 29 January 2016: Senior resident student registration (Yearbooks) (view the full academic advice programme here)
20 January 2016: First-year athletics
23 January 2016: First-year sports tournament
30 January 2016: Rag procession
1 February 2016: Lectures start

South Campus

Registration and Orientation dates for the South Campus
1 February 2016: Lectures start

Qwaqwa Campus
Pre- and post-registration information for the Qwaqwa Campus
19-22 January 2016: Registration - first-year undergraduate students
22-25 January 2016: Gateway Orientation - first-year undergraduate students (Gateway Pocket Guide 2016)
25-29 January 2016: Registration - senior residence students (undergraduate and honours)    
25 January 2016: Registration - International students
26 January 2016: Official welcoming - first-year students
18 January – 5 February 2016: Registration - master’s and doctoral students
1-5 February 2016: Module and Qualification changes (all faculties)

1 February 2016: Lectures start

Stepping to success at UFS Qwaqwa Campus
Programme for other Gateway activities


Contact numbers 


Bloemfontein Campus

Switchboard: 
+27(0)51 401 9111
Admissions: 
+27(0)51 401 9864/ 3693/ 3696
 Financial Aid: 
+27(0)51 401 7175/ 9359/ 2103

Tuition Fees: 
Accounts/amounts payable: Undergraduate:
+27(0)51 401 2806 / 3003
Postgraduate, BML and e-Learn students:
+27(0)51 401 9537 
Bursaries: 
+27(0)51 401 9160/ 3603
Loans:
+27(0)51 401 9359/ 3202

Female Residences:
+27(0)51 401 3455

Male Residences: 

+27(0)51 401 3562 

Postgraduate Bursaries: 

+27(0)51 401 2045


South Campus

Switchboard: 
+27(0)51 401 9111
Tuition Fees:
+27(0)51 401 2806/ 3003


Female Residences:

+27(0)51 401 3455

Male Residences: 
+27(0)51 401 3562 
 

Admissions:
 
University Preparation Programme (UPP): 
+27 (0)51 505 1201/ 1362
Advanced Certificate in Teaching (ACT):
+27 (0)51 505 1378
National Professional Diploma in Education (NPDE):
+27 (0)51 505 1221
Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE):
+27 (0)51 505 1342
Varsity College:
+27 (0)51 505 1378
Short Learning Programmes: 
+27 (0)51 505 1436
 


Qwaqwa Campus

Switchboard: 
+27 (0)58 718 5000
Admissions: 
+27 (0)58 718 5011/ 5012/ 5022

Tuition Fees:
+27 (0)58 718 5024/ 5119

Financial Aid: 
+27 (0) 58 718 5062/ 5061/ 5038

Accommodation: 
+27 (0) 58 718 5030/ 5016


Payments and registration

Registration fees are payable five days before the registration date. 

Once you have registered, you will be able to access your official timetable. Use our campus maps to easily find your way around.

For detailed payment information, visit our Tuition Fees website.

Student card

Students on the Bloemfontein Campus have to obtain a student card from the Card Division on the Thakeneng Bridge. Your student card is your official university identification, and allows you access to:

  • campus
  • residence
  • events
  • library
  • computer labs.

With your student card, you are also able to pay for:

  • meals
  • books
  • electronic items.     

General

Once you are registered, important announcements will be emailed to your student email account (studentnumber@ufs4life.ac.za). Information regarding assessments and electronic study material related to the modules you are registered for at the university will be posted on Blackboard - an online learning management system. For Blackboard-related queries, dial +27 (0)51 401 9452. 

Safety and security is a priority here at the UFS. Protection services are available 24 hours a day on +27(0)51 401 / 2911. In addition, the Health and Wellness Centre is here to cater for your health needs. 

Please like the University of the Free State and the Kovsie2B Facebook pages to stay up-to-date about what is happening at the UFS.

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