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22 March 2022 | Story André Damons
Dr Yolandi Swart
Dr Yolandi Swart, who took over from Prof Lynette van der Merwe as the new Director of the Undergraduate Medical Programme (MB ChB programme) in the School of Clinical Medicine within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS), says she is excited about the new opportunities that come with this position.

The new Director of the Undergraduate Medical Programme (MB ChB programme) in the School of Clinical Medicine within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS) has a passion for teaching and learning and brings a wealth of experience with her.

Dr Yolandi Swart, who took over from Prof Lynette van der Merwe on 1 March 2022, says she is excited about the new opportunities that this position brings. She was not actively job-hunting and came across the advertisement by accident but was thrilled when she was informed that she is the recommended candidate.

A deep love for the UFS

“I will be heading up an amazing team of people who drive the MB ChB programme, making sure that we walk with our students on their journey to become the next generation of health professionals who will contribute to the health and wellness of our population. Our functions include coordinating the undergraduate curriculum, providing student support, as well as logistic support to ensure the smooth running of the MB ChB programme,” says Dr Swart.

As an alumna of the university (she obtained both her MB ChB and postgraduate MMed in Community Health at the UFS), she has a deep love for the UFS, as it has played a huge role in developing her into the person she is today.

According to Dr Swart, she looks forward to getting to know the students and seeing them develop into the best they can be, as well as engaging with the academic staff as they guide and train the students. She brings a diverse background to the position, having practised as a doctor, specialised in Community Health, and worked in clinical research at various levels, including senior management. This has afforded her the opportunity to equip herself with skills that she hopes will provide support and direction to the Undergraduate Programme Management team in order to provide excellent service in all its functions.

Her vision

“I love teaching and learning – taking a concept and making it accessible to someone.  There are few things as satisfying as seeing that expression that says ‘Oh, now I get it!’

Kovsies has always had a reputation of producing excellent doctors.  “It is my vision to build on that reputation, integrating local and international best practices as they develop into our students’ training, with the aim of developing young professionals who are competent, resilient, and able to face the challenges that life will throw at them – so that they, in turn, can play their role to influence lives for the better.”

Prior to her appointment, she worked at FARMOVS as a clinical research physician for more than six years, the past year and a half as the company’s Medical Director. Says Dr Swart: “I love challenging myself with new things every so often. Past and present hobbies include surfing (which died an early death, as I was horrible at it), scuba diving (yes, with sharks as well), horse-riding, and self-defence.  Most recently, I got hooked on traditional archery – a very challenging skill to try and master.”

Dr Swart says she has learned throughout her personal life and professional career that life sometimes takes unexpected turns – but if one is open to the opportunities afforded by those unexpected turns, it often turns out so much better than the original plan could ever have been. “Difficulties and challenges will always come – but if one faces them with a positive attitude, they teach life skills that you would otherwise never have attained.”

News Archive

Lithium-ion batteries research set to improve ordinary lives
2016-02-11

Description: Dr Lehlohonolo Koao  Tags: Dr Lehlohonolo Koao

Dr Koao is making a much-needed contribution in improving lives of ordinary people through his research on lithium-ion batteries.

The future of relevant and top-notch scientific research at the Qwaqwa Campus is in good hands. Dr Lehlohonolo Koao is one of the five members of the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestige Scholars Programme (PSP) on the Qwaqwa Campus.

The need to improve the efficiency of heating mechanisms in his immediate community in Qwaqwa, and the support he receives from the PSP, have become catalysts for his current research project on lithium-ion batteries. According to Dr Koao, the study will focus on producing batteries that last longer, store more energy, are cheaper to manufacture, and are environmentally friendly when being disposed of. These are key factors in solar energy.

‘’The majority of households in my neighbourhood have benefited from the government’s project of providing households with solar panels to help with lighting, cooking, and heating without worrying about the ever-increasing electricity costs,’’ said Dr Koao.

‘’Since my arrival in the area, I have realized that the heat absorption rate of the batteries used by solar panels is not enough. As a result, these batteries also lack enough power to sustain the supply throughout the day, especially on a cloudy day,’’ he said.

His research project focuses on improving the efficiency of lithium-ion batteries that are now commonly used in portable electronics, such as cell phones and laptops. This kind of battery is rapidly replacing the usual lead-acid batteries. Dr Koao’s determination to contribute towards a safer and more efficient heating absorption system has made him move away completely from his PhD study on lighting material.

‘’My previous study was on reducing the power usage on domestic and industrial lights as they use more electricity. This study, on the other hand, will enhance power retention in the batteries for improved daily life since cell phones, solar panels, and laptops, to mention only a few, are now a way of life,’’ he added.

Dr Koao is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physics, where he specializes in solid state materials.

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