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UFS dean contributes to education quality assurance through Umalusi council appointment

23 June 2022 | Story Nonsindiso Qwabe | Photo Sonia Small (Kaleidoscope Studios)

Prof Loyisa Jita — Member of sixth Umalusi Council, Prof Loyiso Jita

Dean of Education and SANRAL Chair in Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology Education, Prof Loyiso Jita, has been appointed as a member of the sixth Umalusi Council for General and Further Education and Training quality assurance for 2022-2026.

Umalusi council members are appointed by the Minister of Education for their professional expertise in education and training. The council is formally mandated to research matters related to the sub-framework of qualifications responsible for the General and Further Education and Training qualifications. Prof Jita will be playing a governance role in Umalusi as an organisation.

Appointment a recognition of contribution to quality assurance systems

Sharing his sentiments on the appointment, Prof Jita said it was an affirmation of his dedication to delivering quality education in the country. “Being on the council is further recognition of one’s contribution to the quality assurance systems of the country and an elevation of the role in decision-making. The council, for instance, provides final approval of Grade 12 national results in public and private schools.”

He previously served on one of the Umalusi sub-committees responsible for assessment and standards, also known as the Grade 12 Standardisation Committee.

The sixth council will meet for the first time in September for induction and allocating specific roles to members.

Prof Jita joined the UFS in 2012. In 2014, the University of the Free State (UFS), in partnership with the South African National Roads Agency, launched the SANRAL Chair in Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education on the Bloemfontein Campus, and Prof Jita was appointed as the first SANRAL Chair. In 2017, he was appointed as Dean of Education.

News Archive

Brazil: Wayde’s dream destination since childhood

2015-12-15

Wayde van Niekerk knows he has to work even harder in 2016 if he wants to achieve success at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Photo: Charl Devenish

When he was still in primary school, Wayde’s dream destination was Brazil. Even his dog’s name is Rio.

So it almost seems written in the stars for Wayde van Niekerk to take part in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janerio.

According to the 400m athlete of the University of the Free State (UFS), the Olympics has been something he has been dreaming about for years.

Van Niekerk, who studies BA Marketing at the UFS, has had a phenomenal 2015 season, and the whole of South Africa hopes he can repeat his outstanding form in Rio. The Olympics will be held from 5-21 August 2016.

Funny story

“It actually is a funny story. You know when you are in primary school, and the teacher says you have to write down your dream destination. Mine was Brazil,” Van Niekerk revealed.

“In 2012 at the closing ceremony of the London Olympics, I saw they introduced Rio as the next hosting country, and I thought Wow! That is where I want to be, and what I want to do.

“That opened my eyes and I knew God has a plan for me. I have to put in the hard work and achieve something with my life. Luckily from there on, there was pure growth in my life and I am grateful for that.”

His dream is also carried by his dog, Rio, a husky he got about two years ago.

Preparation in 2016

Van Niekerk will follow a specific programme leading up to Rio 2016.

In February next year, he will still be taking things easy, but will probably compete for the UFS in the Varsity Sports athletics.

“You have to build up slowly to peak at the right time,” he said.

In June 2016, he will start competing internationally in Jamaica, then New York, the All-Africa Games in Durban, and then, some Diamond League events before the Olympics in August.

In the archive:

KovsieSport star

NBC tells waydes story

Wayde nominated as SAs best

Wayde Adidas face

Wayde’s hat trick of awards

Congratulate wayde and other achievers

Wayde wins gold

Kovsie trailblazing track runner

Kovsie gold medalist

Kovsie Campion sprinter

Wayde sets African record

Kovsies keep winning, this time in athletics

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