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Team UFS walks away as winner at national animal sciences competition

14 September 2021 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Supplied

DSC_0031 copy — Ofhani Mavhungu, Carina le Roux, Dr Foch de Witt , and Andries van der Merwe.

The Department of Animal Science at the University of the Free State (UFS) walked away with numerous awards at the 52nd congress of the South African Society for Animal Science (SASAS).

Dr Foch de Witt, Senior Lecturer in the department, explains that the SASAS congress is an annual event where scientists, academics, students, and various industry role players come together to share the latest research findings regarding different aspects of animal science and production.

Acknowledging greatness

The SASAS Gold Medal was awarded to Prof Michiel Scholtz, affiliated professor in the department. “He was presented with this award for his honourable lifelong service to animal science. His scientific contributions and achievements have been recognised as exceptionally meritorious by both national and international animal scientists,” says Prof Frikkie Neser, Head of the Department of Animal Science.

Andries van der Merwe, a postgraduate student, received the SASAS Student Postgraduate Merit Award. According to Prof Neser, this is an annual national merit award to postgraduate students for exceptional academic achievement in Animal Science during undergraduate studies at any South African university.

Dr Sinobongo Mdyogolo, a PhD student of Prof Neser, was presented with the SASAS Bronze Medal in respect of her PhD achievements in the research and technology transfer categories. This is the highest honour a student can get after completion of their PhD degree.

During the SASAS congress, a total of 22 oral and poster contributions were delivered by staff and students from the Department of Animal Science.

A great networking opportunity

Another highlight for the department was when three of its students – Carina le Roux, Ofhani Mavhungu, and Andries van der Merwe – participated in and won the SASAS national student quiz. Team UFS was one of 13 student teams from various tertiary institutions participating in the competition. The external panel of judges complemented the team on how they integrated theoretical principles in a practical and applied manner.

According to Dr De Witt, UFS Animal Science graduates compare very favourably with other students from tertiary institutions in South Africa. “Many of our students seek employment in the animal feed industry and they excel in their professional career development. It is clear that the curriculum updates of the past few years were successful in ensuring that students are able to integrate theoretical and practical concepts in an applied manner – a skill that is sought after in the industry,” he says.

He also believes that an event such as the SASAS congress is an ideal network opportunity where students can get exposure to congress presentations, while having the opportunity to meet potential employers and/or sponsors.

“The SASAS congress creates a platform for students to measure themselves in terms of scientific development and career preparedness by interacting directly with other students from different tertiary institutions as well as industry members. Exposure to events such as this furthermore prepares them for their professional registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP),” adds Dr De Witt.

Dr Sinobongo Mdyogolo received the SASAS Bronze Medal in respect of her PhD achievements in the research and technology transfer categories at this year’s SASAS congress.

Prof Michiel Scholtz was presented with this award for his honourable lifelong service to animal science.

News Archive

R40 million construction contract with black empowerment group starts at UFS

2006-09-04

During the ceremonial kick-off of the biggest construction project in the history of the UFS were from the left: Ms Vuyiwe Mkhupha (Manager of Sikeyi Construction), Prof Frederick Fourie (Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS) and Prof Steve Basson (Head of the UFS Department of Chemistry). Photo: (Gerhard Louw)

R40 million construction contract with black empowerment group starts at UFS

The biggest construction contract in the history of the University of the Free State (UFS) to the value of R40 million has started on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein. The contractors are Ströhfeldt Construction, in a joint venture with Sikeyi Construction, a black empowerment partner.

The contract comprises the extensive modernising, refurnishing and extension of the Chemistry Building. This is the highest amount the UFS has ever spent on the refurnishing of a building.

A number of initiatives have contributed to the fact that the UFS Department of Chemistry is one of the foremost chemistry departments in the country:

Expensive equipment and apparatus to the value of almost R20 million were acquired by the department the past year;
The basis of this is a strategic partnership with Sasol, the biggest research and development company in the country;
The purchase of the most advanced 600MHz nuclear magnetic resonance spectro meter in Africa;
The purchase of a single crystal X-ray diffractometer; and
The purchase of a differential scanning calorie meter, used to test the effect of heat on chemicals. This apparatus comprises of the most advanced detectors in the world.

“Natural scientists need the necessary equipment, apparatus and laboratories to be able to exercise world-class science. Three years ago the UFS top management made a strategic decision to focus strongly on research and on our laboratories and lecture halls,“ said Prof Frederick Fourie, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, during the launch of the Chemistry Building’s refurbishment.

“I regard this project as a symbol of our investment in science and the academy,“ said Prof Fourie.

Prof Fourie said that the UFS spent almost R100 million in the last 5 years to renovate the Main Campus. New buildings such as Thakaneng Bridge were built and other such as the Reitz Dining Hall was renovated and converted into the Centenary Complex. “These projects, together with the refurbishment of the Chemistry Building, also show how the UFS contributes to the development and growth of not only Bloemfontein, but also how we invest in the Free State,“ said Prof Fourie.

According to Ms Edma Pelzer, Director: Physical Planning and Special Projects at the UFS, the current building originally comprised of the Moerdyk Building built in 1949 and a newer wing built in 1966. This building became too small and obsolete and a new part is now being added to the eastern side.

According to Ms Pelzer a great deal of the project comprises the dramatic upgrading and modernising of laboratories, existing mechanical systems and the installation of new systems. “The nature of the work of staff and students demands sophisticated mechanical systems such as air conditioning, fume hoods, the provision of gas, etc and therefore these received specific attention. The research laboratories, lecture laboratories and office areas will also be separated for safety and greater efficiency,” said Ms Pelzer.

“Interesting design solutions for the complex needs of the department were found and I foresee that the building and its immediate environment will be an adornment to the Main Campus after its expected completion in 2008,” said Ms Pelzer.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
14 September 2006

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