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11 May 2022 | Story Dr Nitha Ramnath
Belinda Viljoen
Belinda Janeke

Belinda Janeke is the proud recipient of the Dean’s Medal for best honours student in Industrial Psychology in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS), which was awarded during the recent April graduation ceremonies. Janeke, a career adviser specialising in career services with a focus on career development and work-readiness programmes, is currently studying for a master’s in Industrial Psychology, with a view to becoming a registered industrial psychologist.

“The Dean’s Medal was a huge surprise and shock, and I couldn’t have done it without the amazing lecturers I had,” says Janeke.  “They have done so much to engage with us, teach us, and help us with online teaching in 2020 and 2021.”

Janeke began her career as an orientation officer at the University of the Free State (UFS) in 2009 and was promoted to advising and lecturing before being appointed as Head: Career Services (Student Affairs) in 2013, a position she currently holds.

“I really enjoyed my studies; I could live my passion and apply the work experience I gained over time as well. It is just a super blessing from Above; only by God’s grace that this happened,” explains Janeke.

News Archive

Trade unionist brings today’s policy issues to the table
2017-01-02

Description: Sidney Kgara Tags: Sidney Kgara 

Sidney Kgara currently heads the public-sector union of
Nehawu’s Policy Unit
Photo: Supplied

Sidney Kgara was appointed to the University of the Free State (UFS) Council in January 2015. He was appointed to the Council by Blade Nzimande, the Minister of Higher Education and Training, in one of three such positions.

Sidney heads the public sector union Nehawu's Policy Unit. The National Health Education and Allied Workers Union is the biggest public-sector union and the biggest union in the public service coordinating bargaining council. It therefore stands to reason that researching and drafting policy on issues such as labour market matters, public health and developments in higher education form the core responsibilities of the unit.

No stranger to university governance and leadership

Nehawu has a number of members working at the UFS and before his appointment, Kgara's only contact with the university was through its UFS members. However, he is no stranger to university governance and leadership. He was a student leader at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in the 1990s and as a result has a broad understanding of student governance and university issues.

"Even though it was a different time and the circumstances were different, there is some sense of continuity to the issues we had to deal with then, and the issues that the university faces now," he says.

Kgara’s unique and valuable contributions to the Council

This, together with his experience in policy and research, enables Kgara to make a unique and valuable contribution to the Council.

Kgara is an avid reader and stimulating his mind through reading makes him truly happy. He also loves watching sport and enjoys socialising with friends.

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