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26 January 2022
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Story Rulanzen Martin
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Photo University of the Western Cape
The late Prof Jaap Durand.
The management of the University of the Free State (UFS) is saddened to learn of the passing of Prof Jaap Durand, revered theological academic and author. Prof Durand obtained his master’s degree from the UFS and received an honorary doctorate in Philosophy from the UFS in 2004.
Prof Durand has had a colourful career as academic, writer, and struggle activist: from Professor of Systematic Theology and Dean of the Faculty of Theology at the University of the Western Cape to Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the same university. He also served as the ombudsman of Stellenbosch University from 2002 to 2003.
During his life, Prof Durand was a unifier and a critical voice, speaking out against injustice. He has also authored several books, including Dit is amper dag; Evolusie, wetenskap en geloof, and Protesstem.
The UFS joins the higher education community in mourning and is deeply saddened by the loss of such a great theologian and academic. We wish to convey our deepest condolences to Prof Durand’s family, friends, and loved ones during this time.
#Women'sMonth: Lack of HIV education still affects children
2017-08-17
Dr Nickie Goedhals, Senior Lecturer and Pathologist
in Medical Microbiology and Virology at the UFS.
Photo: Sonia Small
“Despite all the advances in the management and prevention of HIV, children still become infected every day, often due to lack of education and access to health care.” This is according to Dr Nickie Goedhals, Senior Lecturer and Pathologist in Medical Microbiology and Virology at the University of the Free State (UFS).
Study published in UK medical Journal
A case study she was part of and published in the UK medical journal The Lancet in 2012, demonstrates the transmission of HIV to a child through surrogate breastfeeding. This study is one of the many highlights in the young researcher’s career. She received her first rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF) in 2017 for the work she has done in Medical Virology over the past eight years.
According to the above-mentioned study, only about 1% of infants in South Africa are being breastfed by a surrogate. However, results from a study in the Free State showed that shared breastfeeding by a non-biological caregiver was the most important factor associated with HIV infection in discordant mother-child pairs. Therefore, continued education about the risk of HIV transmission is needed.
Dr Goedhals is also continuing with research on HIV by looking at HIV drug resistance. She is in the process of starting new projects focusing on HIV infection and drug resistance in infants.
PSP helped with NRF-rating
She says, although her NRF Y2-rating is the starting point of a research career, it shows that she is heading in the right direction, and it “gives access to research funds through the NRF for future projects.” Other important research she conducted was on Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever – the study for her PhD.
The Prestige Scholars Programme (PSP) at the UFS is the reason that she applied for the rating. “With all the service delivery, teaching, and administrative responsibilities of academic medicine, it is easy to lose focus. The PSP has really helped to create a focused and stimulating environment for research.” According to her, the PSP also provides access to a network of peers and senior staff at the UFS, as well as exposure to national and international experts.