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10 March 2022 | Story Olivia Kunguma | Photo Supplied
Prof Abiodun Ogundeji new director of DiMTEC
The new Director of the UFS Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa, Prof Abiodun Oguneji.
The University of the Free State – Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa (UFS-DiMTEC) welcomes the new permanent Director, Prof Abiodun Ogundeji.  

The Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa, fondly known as ‘DiMTEC’, was established in 2000. Since then, the centre has been headed by Prof Andries Jordaan, who has created an impressive and expansive disaster risk management footprint in Africa and beyond for more than 17 years. Prof Jordaan retired in 2017, leaving the centre with huge shoes to fill. After several listings of the vacant position, a substantial appointment was only made in 2022 in Prof Abiodun Ogundeji as the new Director of DiMTEC. He will assume his new post on 1 March.

Extensive experience

Prof Ogundeji is an astute and versatile applied economist and National Research Foundation (NRF)-rated researcher. He obtained his PhD in Agricultural Economics from the University of the Free State. Before joining DiMTEC as Director, he was a guest lecturer presenting classes on the economic impact assessment of disasters and the management of floods. Prof Ogundeji was also Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics, where he presented classes and supervised master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral candidates.  

“As a researcher, I work with international and local organisations, leading most of the projects as principal investigator.  One of my greatest collaborations was when I was a research fellow at the social protection department of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO); I believe the experience I gained from this association contributed to my career growth,” said Prof Ogundeji.

He has published 49 articles in peer-reviewed journals, delivered several conference presentations, supervised 14 master’s candidates, and promoted five PhD candidates in Agricultural Economics and Disaster Risk Management.
Prof Ogundeji's current research focuses on projects aimed at assisting farmers to adapt to extreme climate events, thereby ensuring food security. He recently completed a project as principal investigator, titled 'Development of scenarios for future agricultural water use in South Africa', sponsored by the Water Research Commission of South Africa. 

Prof Ogundeji has strong economic research and analytical skills, and a strong pedigree in econometrics, development and environmental economics, economic and socio-economic analysis. He has received awards for his research efforts at both national and international conferences.

“The faculty welcomes Prof Ogundeji as the new Director of DIMTEC. As an established, rated researcher, and with the vision that he presented during the interview, we are of the opinion that the centre is in excellent hands and that he will take it to new heights. As an agricultural economist, he replaces the previous director who was also an agricultural economist, filling the void created with the retirement of Prof Jordaan. He is familiar with the operational procedures of the centre, as he has been involved in the teaching of a module for several years. We therefore trust that the transition to a new management will be smooth,” said Prof Danie Vermeulen, Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. 

“During my term of office, I had the privilege of working with Prof Ogundeji from as early as the time when he completed his master’s until he became a lecturer in one of the centre’s modules. I have seen him grow, and to date, we have partnered in several research projects. I am really happy about his appointment; academically it will bring a good balance between quantitative and qualitative focus in research. Most scientists in DiMTEC are mainly focusing on qualitative work, and Prof Ogundeji is excellent in quantitative research. He will continue where I left off as an agricultural economist and will bring back a good balance between economic impacts and disaster risk assessments. He has been lecturing with me for more than 15 years in Disaster Risk Assessments, which is a big module in the centre. He is very experienced and will be an excellent asset to the centre. I have no doubt that his appointment will move the centre to greater heights,” said Prof Jordaan.

One of UFS-DiMTEC’s long-serving Associate Professors from the United Nations University in Bonn, Prof Joerg Szarzynski, said “The United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) congratulates Prof Ogundeji on his appointment as the new Director of DiMTEC! We are indeed looking forward to yet another decade of very fruitful collaboration between our institutes and all colleagues and friends involved.”

The long-term vision for disaster studies and research 

In response to his appointment and to shed more light on his vision for UFS-DiMTEC and the disaster management fraternity as a whole, Prof Ogundeji said, “It’s time for DiMTEC to take its position as the leading centre for disaster management and training in Africa, and as the gateway to Africa for other international organisations wanting to do research in Africa. I believe we have the personnel, passion, ability, and experience to serve the various stakeholders in South Africa and the international community.” 

News Archive

Rag teamwork leads to Armentum, Emily's float
2016-02-04

Description: Rag video screenshot Tags: Rag video screenshot
Rag video clip

Perhaps the residences Armentum and Emily Hobhouse were thrown into the deep end, but they still wanted to prove a point.

This is according to Hanko Minnaar, Residence Committee member for Rag at Armentum, shortly after the residences were announced as overall float winners of the University of the Free State (UFS).

According to Minnaar, Emily Hobhouse and Armentum overcame the challenge of building a float as a two-residence team, while most of the other hostels were in teams of three.

On 30 January 2016, after about two weeks of hard work and sweat, the residence twosome was named the winner at the Bloemfontein Campus.

“I am very proud. We couldn't have asked for more,” Minnaar said, after the residences Armentum and Emily Hobhouse celebrated their victory with house songs. “Anything is possible through teamwork.”

Tom and Jerry, Olaf and a Steri Stumpie

 The theme for this year was “Cartoons, Animation, and Children's Snacks”. Among other items, Armentum and Emily Hobhouse had Tom and Jerry, Olaf from Frozen, a Steri Stumpie, and a box of Astros on their float.

Description: Rag procession photo Tags: Rag procession photo

Photo: Charl Devenish

“We thought hard about what we wanted,” Minnaar said.

“We also asked some children, and they said that Tom and Jerry is a favourite, and Olaf has always been a winner as well. And Steri Stumpies, of course. Who doesn't like Steri Stumpies?” The residences Marjolein, Veritas, and Akasia were second overall, with Karee, Vergeet-My-Nie, and Sonnedou third.

Colourful processions

The events of the day started off with a morning procession from the Pelonomi Hospital to the Twin City Mall in Heidedal, where students and the community celebrated together, and meals were distributed.

The evening procession, from the Tempe robot in Nelson Mandela Drive to the Old Grey Sports Grounds, was greeted by hordes of spectators along the way.

Artists and Co captivate audience

In the evening, music lovers were entertained at Old Grey Sports Grounds by the legendary artists Vusi Mahlasela, the talented Karen Zoid, and an energetic Francois van Coke.

Local bands, Rise in Red and Simple Stories, added to the excitement. To top it all off, a special laser show made for a colourful visual bonus, coupled with great sound.

2016 Float results
Rag photo gallery

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