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14 December 2021 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Supplied
Ofhani Mavhungu was recently awarded the Professor Rob Gous Scholarship by the Animal Feed Manufacturers Association (AFMA) of South Africa.

From a very early age, Ofhani Mavhungu knew he wanted to be involved in agriculture one day. Fast forward a few decades and you find Ofhani enrolled for the MScAgric Animal Science degree at the University of the Free State (UFS).

As a goal-orientated person who is open to new ventures, he reckons this degree will broaden his knowledge and understanding of the industry. “I believe Animal Science is an interdisciplinary field of study that enables students like me to pursue various career opportunities, ranging from primary animal production to secondary product processing, retail, and quality assurance. This motivates me to be part of the team that will ensure food security for the future generation,” says Ofhani.

Opening doors to a career in Animal Science

The Professor Rob Gous Scholarship for 2020/2021 that was jointly awarded to him and Victor Makofane of the University of Limpopo by the Animal Feed Manufacturers Association (AFMA) of South Africa, is for Ofhani a step closer to realising his dreams. 

“Diligence and hard work have always been the driving force throughout my studies, and I am delighted that my hard work was rewarded. This award further reflects on the Department of Animal Science’s dedication and commitment to build and mentor strong candidates who are recognised by the industry,” he says.

With increasing animal feed costs, the search for more cost-effective feed utilisation techniques – without compromising the nutritive value or feed quality – becomes critically important for intensive broiler producers. 

Ofhani’s study, which aims to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of a nutritional fat emulsifier with a high HLB on the (i) diet digestibility and (ii) production performance of broilers, will provide some insight into the possible energy-saving effect of dietary emulsifiers with a high HBL in broiler diets with moderate lipid inclusion levels. 

“A digestibility study will give more information on the emulsifier effect at metabolic level, and a production study will provide information on growth characteristics and carcass composition.”

An opportunity to compete with other candidates in the industry

“Few studies have been conducted on lipid emulsifiers under South African conditions, which necessitates the need for further research in this field,” he says. 

Ofhani, whose motto in life is to stay humble and accept positive criticism – as it is meant to enlighten you – wants to pursue a career in the animal feed industry. “My qualification will give me an opportunity to compete with other candidates of our generation in the industry, as well as on a research/academic level. By completing my MScAgric, I will broaden my own skill set so that I can continue with industry-related research in the future and provide mentorship to prospective animal scientists,” he adds. 

News Archive

UFS appoints director for Kovsiesport
2005-02-03

The Executive Management of the University of the Free State ’s (UFS) has approved the appointment of Mr James Letuka as Director of KovsieSport. Mr Letuka has been acting in this position since the long leave and retirement of Mr Ewie Cronjé last year.

Mr Letuka joined the UFS in 1997 as a researcher at the Unit for Research into Higher Education (URHE) and was promoted to manager in the office of the Vice-rector: Student Services in 2001. He was seconded to KovsieSport in 2003.

“I am delighted with the appointment and accept the challenges linked to this position and commit myself to the advancement of sport at the UFS. I aim to broaden the participation of the UFS in sport at a competitive level and would also like to broaden the access to sport for students who would like to be involved in sport for recreational purposes,” says Mr Letuka.

According to Mr Letuka sport is a suitable vehicle that can bring students of different backgrounds together and it can be used to normalise and enhance relations on campus. “I would also like to help the Vista and Qwaqwa campuses to fall within the sporting culture of the UFS,” says Mr Letuka.

Mr Letuka is Vice-president of the South African Tennis Association (SATA) and also represents SATA on the South African Olympic Committee.

Media release Issued by: Lacea Loader Media Representative Tel: (051) 401-2584 Cell: 083 645 2454 E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za 3 February 2005

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