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10 May 2022 | Story Anthony Mthembu | Photo Supplied
Alina Ntsiapane
Alina Ntsiapane obtained second place in the partners division of the ILRI CapDev Grand Challenge research pitching contest.

Alina Ntsiapane, a PhD student at the University of the Free State, obtained second place in the partners category of the International Livestock Research Institute’s (ILRI) CapDev Grand Challenge research pitching contest, which took place on 13 April 2022. The pitching contest is the first part of the CapDev Grand Challenge, which is a 10-month process aimed at equipping scientists with the necessary skills to contribute to new research. 

Presenting Research to a Tough Panel of Judges 

Ntsiapane was one of 30 contestants who presented their research virtually to a panel of esteemed judges. “It was not easy, it was very challenging for me because it was my first time presenting my PhD study and I had to do it live on an international platform,” expressed Ntsiapane. Although each contestant is thoroughly prepared for their respective presentations, Ntsiapane argues that some of the questions asked by the judges can be quite daunting. “Some of their questions were very challenging and I did not know how to respond to them, but they made me aware of ways in which I needed to improve my research,” she stated. However, regardless of the intensity of the pitching contest, Ntsiapane’s research allowed her to progress to the next stage of the CapDev Grand Challenge. She will be part of the rigorous 10-month training process that will begin in June 2022.

Ntsiapane’s Research Project

Ntsiapane’s PhD research focuses on the production of smallholder wool as a means to improve livelihoods in both Thaba ’Nchu and Botshabelo in the Free State. In fact, in the research Ntsiapane highlights that there has been a significant decline in the production of wool within the last three decades. As such, Ntsiapane believes it is imperative to create spaces that allow for the training of small-scale farmers, so that the production of wool can still be a possibility.
Consequently, Ntsiapane hopes that the 10-month training she will receive from the CapDev Grand Challenge will not only allow her to grow but will assist in opening doors for her. “I’m hoping to get exposure and to make connections with policy makers and the donors as well. This will assist me in achieving my goals,” she explained. 

Future Endeavours After the Training Course

Subsequent to the training course, Ntsiapane would like to utilise that knowledge by continuing to make her most recent project a reality. Ntsiapane is currently working on developing a television show aimed at providing adequate training to small-scale farmers, so that they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and understanding of the industry in which they find themselves. As such, being part of the CapDev Grand Challenge will allow her to learn some of the necessary ways in which this dream could become a reality. 

News Archive

State of our campuses
2016-05-13

16 May 2016: Qwaqwa Campus reopens on Wednesday 18 May 2016

The Qwaqwa Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) will reopen residences on Wednesday 18 May 2016 from 12:00 for occupation by registered students.

 

12 May 2016: Qwaqwa Campus closed until further notice

Students and staff were instructed to leave the campus with immediate effect.

 

16 March 2016: Investigations into incidents on the Bloemfontein Campus: 22-26 February 2016

Investigations underway into incidents relating to the Varsity Cup rugby match at Xerox Shimla Park and all other criminal acts occurring during protest action

 

04 March 2016: Letter from Emma Sadleir, Social Media Law Consultant

Letter from Emma Sadleir, Social Media Law consultant

 

04 March 2016: Extension of the academic calendar

Academic calendar extended by one week

 

04 March 2016: UFS urges individuals to come forward with evidence

UFS urges individuals to come forward with evidence about incidents on the Bloemfontein Campus last week

 

29 February 2016: Confirmation of the security arrangements on the Bloemfontein and South Campuses for the week

As communicated yesterday, herewith confirmation of the security arrangements.

 

29 February 2016:  Statement by the senior leadership of the University of the Free State

Statement by the senior leadership of the University of the Free State regarding the situation on the Bloemfontein Campus

 

28 February 2016: Academic and security arrangements

Academic and security arrangements on the Bloemfontein and South Campuses for the coming week

 

28 February 2016: Letter to parents

Letter to parents from Prof Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS

 

28 February 2016: Availability of academic and security arrangements

Information about academic and security arrangements on Bloemfontein and South Campuses will be communicated by 14:00.

 

25 February 2016: UFS management and contract workers reach agreement

Earlier today, the management of the University of the Free (UFS) reached an agreement with contract workers

 

24 February 2016: Kovsies gather in prayer

Kovsie students gathered at the Bloemfontein Campus Main Gate to unite in prayer

 

24 February 2016: UFS Bloemfontein and South Campuses closed from 25 to 26 February 2016

To reopen on Monday 29 February 2016

 

23 February 2016: A statement by Prof Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the University of the Free State (UFS)

Situation on the Bloemfontein Campus

 

23 February 2016: Situation on the UFS Bloemfontein Campus under control after further disruptions

The safety of students in residences on campus is the major concern for the senior leadership of the university

 

22 February 2016: Varsity Cup rugby match between FNB Shimlas and FNB NMMU Madibaz disrupted

The Varsity Cup match between the FNB Shimlas and FNB NMMU Madibaz was disrupted in the 17th minute when a group of protesters moved onto the field in order to disrupt the match already underway.

 

22 February 2016: UFS Bloemfontein and South Campuses closed from 23 to 24 February 2016

The University of the Free State’s (UFS) Bloemfontein and South Campuses will be closed from 23 to 24 February 2016.

 

22 February 2016: Update on situation on the Bloemfontein Campus

Striking outsourced contract workers have been demonstrating outside the Main Gate of the Bloemfontein Campus

21 February 2016:  Strike by outsourced contract workers on the Bloemfontein Campus

All academic and administrative services will continue as normal.

 

18 February 2016: Protest by contract workers on the Bloemfontein Campus

A group of mostly contract workers protested on the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State.


25 January 2016: No incidents on the three UFS campuses

Comparative figures still indicate that day-to-day registration compares well with that of 2015.

 

19 January 2016: Campus activities are continuing as normal

Registration process is progressing well 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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