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Dr Luyanda Marhaya serves on DHET panel looking to enhance foundation programmes

28 February 2023 | Story Edzani Nephalela | Photo Edzani Nephalela

Dr Luyanda Marhaya, Director of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance at the University of the Free State (UFS), has been selected by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to join the Foundation Provision Reference Group (FPRG). His primary role in this position is to assist the Department in assessing applications for foundation programmes submitted by universities, ensuring compliance with the current Foundation Provision Guidelines.

As the author of the book Does Extended Programme Provision Work in South Africa?, Dr Marhaya is a recognised expert in the field.

The Department of Communication and Marketing (DCM) at the UFS recently interviewed Dr Marhaya to understand his responsibilities better:

Can you tell us more about your appointment as a member of the FPRG?

Over and above the supportive role, one of the major issues I will be involved in will be to provide input into the revision and finalisation of the Extended Curriculum Programme Policy Framework for the higher sector in South Africa.

What kind of projects or initiatives do you see being a priority?

One of the significant ongoing projects will be evaluating applications for foundation programmes of the different universities in South Africa, so one will have to allocate time, as many universities currently offer these programmes.

What do you hope to bring to the table as a group member?

Interestingly, I started as an academic about 15 years ago in the foundation programmes. I spent a good five years of my teaching at a university level dealing with students who gained entry through foundation programmes. I completely understand their purpose, intentions, and significance, especially concerning student access and success.

How will the Foundation Provision Reference Group benefit students and the education system?

Student access is a serious issue in South Africa, especially regarding the preparedness of many university students. So, I believe if we develop guidelines that can assist universities in coordinating these programmes in a well-structured manner, there could be many benefits.

What challenges do you anticipate facing in this role, and how do you plan to address them?

I think the major issue will be time constraints. My role is very demanding, and I am already involved in several other external committees, such as the Council on Higher Education, so I think my time management has to be very good.

How do you plan to work with other group members to achieve the group’s goals?

I believe in lifelong learning. I will certainly contribute, but the value of these interactions comes from learning from others.

Can you discuss any past experiences that have prepared you for this role?

I also wrote a book, titled Does Extended Programme Provision Work in South Africa?, in which I explored all the intricacies around these programmes. As Director: Academic Planning at the UFS, I also oversee the quality and provision of foundation programmes, so you could say I bring some expertise.

What are your long-term goals for the foundation programmes, and your role as a reference group member?

I foresee this as a long-term service that will benefit the country as a whole, so I suppose the Department will keep up so that we can provide capacity development to all universities that offer foundation programmes.

News Archive

Top matriculants for Kovsies

2014-01-24

From left are: Saneliswe Khambule, Lungile Mkhungo, Jannie de Wet, Anje Venter, Siqiniseko Buthelezi and Abrille Beukes.
Photo: Hannes Pieterse

Hailing from top schools in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Naushad Mayat, Lungile Mkhungo and Siqiniseko Buthelezi share 20 distinctions between them. Leaving the province of the Zulu Kingdom for Bloemfontein, all three are at Kovsies to study as doctors.

Naushad obtained eight distinctions, an achievement that placed him in the top ten matriculants in KwaZulu-Natal. The former learner from Glenwood High School in Durban came fourth in the Umlazi District and tenth overall in the province. Enrolling for a degree in Medicine, he will join the list of outstanding health professionals Kovsies produce every year.

Lungile, who matriculated from Kingsway High School, attained seven distinctions and her average percentage was 90%. She received distinctions in English – 90%, IsiZulu – 94%, Mathematics – 83%, History – 92%, Physics – 89%, Life Sciences – 89% and Life Orientation – 93%. Lungile is not only clever, but also performed well in sports at her school, participating in netball, soccer and athletics. This future doctor is a proud resident of Wag-'n-Bietjie residence.

Siqiniseko made history at his school, Maritzburg College, becoming the first black Head Prefect at the 150-year-old school, the oldest boys' high school in KZN and one of the oldest schools in South Africa. A gifted learner excelling in sport, culture and academics, Siqiniseko obtained five distinctions (English, Afrikaans, Life Orientation, Accounting and Life Sciences). His sporting prowess has seen him captaining Maritzburg College's first rugby team, as well as the KZN Academy team.

The three are joined by fellow KwaZulu-Natal resident, Saneliswe Khambule, Namibian Abrille Beukes and Free Staters Anje Venter and Jannie de Wet.

Saneliswe, a former learner of Menzi High School in Umlazi, received five distinctions in her final-year exams. The Emily Hobhouse resident registered for a Forensic Science degree and plans on doing her doctoral studies in this exciting career field.

Abrille Beukes is another future doctor and is all the way from Windhoek in Namibia. Abrille obtained a ‘one’ in all her subjects, the highest possible mark in the Namibian school system. The Windhoek-born student received high levels in Mathematics, Accounting, Physical Science, Biology, Afrikaans and English. As second best student in her home country, she will register for a Medicine degree.

Anja, the Free State’s top achiever, received an average percentage of 93% in the matric final exams. The former Eunice student obtained nine distinctions, an achievement that placed her in the national top 100 matriculants. Anja enrolled for a BSc Actuarial Science degree and will be joined in class by former school friend, Jannie de Wet, who obtained a whopping ten distinctions. Jannie and Anja attended Universitas Primary School together, with Jannie finishing his school career at Jim Fouché High School, and just like Anja, he will also enrol for a BSc Actuarial Science degree.

Jannie obtained distinctions in Afrikaans, English, Mathematics, Mathematics (third paper), Life Orientation, Accounting, Physical Science, Life Science, Economics and Information Technology. Jannie is also the Volksblad and the University of the Free State’s 2013 Matriculant of the Year.

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