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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

UFS in forefront with ASGI-SA initiative
2006-05-10

At the conceptualisation colloquium and stakeholder dialogue were from the left Dr Aldo Stroebel (senior researcher at the UFS Research Development Directorate), Dr Edith Vries (acting Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Development Trust) and Prof Frans Swanepoel (Director: UFS Research Development Directorate).

UFS in forefront with ASGI-SA initiative

Two staff members of the University of the Free State (UFS) have been appointed as members of the advisory board of the national programme for the creation of small enterprises and jobs in the second economy.  This programme forms part of government’s Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative of South Africa (ASGI-SA).

Prof Frans Swanepoel, Director of the UFS Research Development Directorate and Dr Aldo Stroebel, senior researcher at the UFS Research Development Directorate, are working with a team of experts from the UFS on a draft implementation strategy for the national programme.  Both Prof Swanepoel and Dr Stroebel are also associated to the UFS Centre for Sustainable Agriculture.
 
“The strategy is being developed in collaboration with institutions like the Independent Development Trust, the Department of Agriculture, the National Development Agency and the Department of Trade and Industry,” says Prof  Swanepoel.  

The other team members of the UFS are Prof Basie Wessels, Director of the  Mangaung-University Community Partnership Programme (MUCPP) and Mr  Benedict Mokoena, project manager at the MUCPP.

Dr Stroebel was also member of the organising committee of a conceptualisation colloquium and stakeholder dialogue that was recently presented in Johannesburg.  The conference was attended by more than 400 delegates from government departments, higher-education institutions and civil society, including Dr Kobus Laubscher, member of the UFS Council.

The conference was facilitated by Ms Vuyo Mahlati, previously from the WK Kellogg Foundation’s Africa programme and opened by Ms Thoko Didiza, Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs.   

“The colloquium formed the basis of an induction workshop during which a group of 150 individuals (50 teams of three) from all nine provinces, identified to initiate the implementation of the national programme, was trained and orientated towards an induction manual in collaboration with Hand-in-Hand, an Indian counterpart,” says Prof Swanepoel.

Dr Stroebel and Mr Benedict Mokoena formed part of the team to conceptualise and finalise this training manual.  The induction training includes a case study of a successful community self-help partnership model, namely the MUCPP at the UFS. Prof Wessels and Mr Mokoena are both playing a leading role in the further development of subsequent training initiatives throughout South Africa, in partnership with the relevant provincial departments.

“The involvement of the UFS in the programme is a compliment to us.  It reflects the value government sees in the use of academics and experts in the management of the ASGI-SA initiative.  It is also an indication of one of the aims of the UFS to play a role in South Africa and Africa and in the transformation and change that is taking place in our country,” says Prof Swanepoel.  

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel:   (051) 401-2584
Cell:  083 645 2454
E-mail:  loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
10 May 2006

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