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24 April 2023 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Leonie Bolleurs
Reba Ruthi
Reba Phuthi recently completed her Bachelor of Computer Information Systems (BCIS) Honours degree. Her passion for computer science was inspired by a book she read in Grade 10, where the main character spoke enthusiastically about building a computer from scratch.
Reba Phuthi, a junior lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and Informatics at the University of the Free State (UFS), is one of many staff members who graduated at the April graduation ceremonies this year, contributing to the university's aim for academic excellence, quality, and impact.

She received a Bachelor of Computer Information Systems (BCIS) Honours degree, a relatively new degree that allows students to major in computer science and business at honours level, as opposed to only computer science and informatics. Phuti was also awarded the Dean’s Medal for achieving the best results in the Bachelor Honours degree in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. 

Employability the determining factor

The idea of having the skills to build a computer from the ground up and the opportunity to gain an understanding of the inner workings of these devices sparked Phuthi’s interest in pursuing studies in Computer Science. “But the ultimate determining factor was employability,” says Phuthi, who believes that the IT industry offers a vast range of job opportunities that can provide a decent livelihood, and where one can enjoy job task diversity. 

With this added qualification, Phuti states that she would like her skills and experiences to serve others. Not necessarily making a difference in society at large, but rather by focusing on the people around her. “Whether it is to project brainstorm with a group or offering advice or practical help to a student struggling with a difficult module, I would like to meet the needs of people in the environment around me when and where I can.”

Making her educators proud and using her God-given talents to help others are what motivates Phuthi. “I am fortunate to have had amazing educators throughout my journey, from grade school to university. I want to excel as a testament to their efforts and all they have sown in my life.”

Making her mother proud

“Above all, my determination to succeed is fuelled by my desire to make my mom proud. She is an incredible role model who has sacrificed so much to provide me with a better life. Knowing that doing well in school and university could lead to opportunities that benefit us both, has been a motivating force for me. My mom is a true rock star!” exclaimed Phuthi. 

Phuthi’s plans for the future are to do her master’s degree, focusing on performamatics from either a computer science education or human-computer interaction perspective. Additionally, she would like to gain more experience in user experience and interfaces (UX/UI) and interaction design to build a strong portfolio for industry work. “I enjoyed these two areas of my honours studies immensely and wish to explore them as potential avenues for my career in the tech industry,” remarks Phuthi.

News Archive

Student organisation tackles difficult questions in debate
2012-05-12

 

At the debate were, from the left: Danie Jacobs, Head of the Centre for Business Dynamics, Mhlanganisi Madlongolwana, Nombuso Ndlovu and Prof. JP Landman.
Photo: Leatitia Pienaar

 

“South Africa is consumed by a monster, namely the lack of critical thinking and dialogue with regard to our problems. Now is the time to make radical changes.” This is according to Nombuso Ndlovu, who spoke at the first debate in a series of Commercio and the UFS Business School.

“Young people are more interested in social gatherings than applying their minds to the problems of South Africa,” she said. Nombuso is the CEO of Commercio.

Commercio is the student organisation in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Two teams, one positive and one negative, debated the topic: Is South Africa’s current economic direction viable?

What emerged from the debate was that our students are well-aware of what is going on in our economy and that people cannot just sit back and expect government to deliver. Every individual has a responsibility. South Africa has a “democratic deficit” society, a “corruption-stricken economy” and “economic activism” is necessary to get the economy on the right path.

Prof. JP Landman, Visiting Professor at the Business School, economic advisor, analyst, columnist and also managing director of the Aardklop Arts Festival, was the expert panel member. He said the critical issue in South Africa is “how do you distribute wealth while keeping things going?”

“It is fantastic that South Africans have developed a collective repulsiveness for corruption.” People must know what underpins society and where aggression comes from.
– Leatitia Pienaar.

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