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Tebogo Machete
Tebogo Machethe has recently been appointed Director for Innovation and Contracts in the Directorate of Research Development (DRD) at the University of the Free State (UFS).

The recently appointed Director for Innovation and Contracts in the Directorate of Research Development (DRD) at the University of the Free State (UFS) would like to see the university’s research outcome being adopted by industry and research output translating into commercial opportunities and more income.

Tebogo Machethe, who is experienced in managing intellectual property and commercialising technologies, amongst other things, assumed his new role on 1 June and has felt right at home. He is looking forward to a good working relationship and environment with all the stakeholders. 

“I would also like to see a huge drive wherein the commercialisation activities and income of the university from commercialisation of Intellectual Property (IP) increases from the research been undertaken. We will also be intensifying the entrepreneurial drive at the university with a view to creating more entrepreneurship opportunities and skills for researchers and students. This will prepare our graduates to venture into entrepreneurship once they are done with their studies,” says Machethe.

According to him, South Africa now needs research that responds to the needs of society and provides solutions to society’s problems.  

Intellectual property, commercialising technologies, contracts 

Before joining the UFS, Machethe had been a Senior Manager: Technology Transfer at the University of Johannesburg for the past six years. He also spent some time at CIPRO (currently known as Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) from 2004-2006 before joining Hahn & Hahn Inc as a Candidate patent attorney until late 2008. He then moved to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR): Materials Science and Manufacturing business unit in the Intellectual Property & Technology Transfer office. 

“Most of my duties revolved around managing intellectual property, commercialising technologies and drafting and managing contracts only related to IP and Technology Transfer. My current duties have expanded to all forms of contracts and also involvement in grant funding and other forms of funding,” says Machethe.

He says as a research office, the DRD exists in an eco-system wherein there are different role players. Through different role players, there is always a convergence of thinking and approaches which when all put together, puts the institution on a path to achieve the goals of the university.

Fun facts about Tebogo Machethe

  • He grew up in a small village called Ga-Raphahlelo, in Sekgosese, Mopani district, Limpopo. He is married with three children. 
  • When he is not pre-occupied with office matters, he tries to spend as much time with his family. He loves reading, running and cycling, which he often does.
  • He has lived for the last two decades in Pretoria and is finding the Free State winter challenging. “It feels personal,” he says. 

News Archive

Researchers celebrated for outstanding achievements
2017-05-05

Description: Researchers celebrated for outstanding achievements Tags: Researchers celebrated for outstanding achievements

From left, NRF P-rated researcher,
Dr Daniel Spence; Directorate Research
Development, Eleanor van der Westhuizen;
Vice-Chancellor and Rector Prof Francis Petersen;
Dean of Faculty of Theology Prof Fanie Snyman;
and Vice-Rector: Research, Prof Corli Witthuhn.
Photo: Johan Roux


The University of the Free State’s (UFS) Vice-Rector: Research, Prof Corli Witthuhn, hosted a Research Celebration, at which the new National Research Foundation (NRF) ratings, presentation of the UFS Book Prize and the research support award were announced. The UFS Chancellor, Dr Khotso Mokhele, and Chairperson of the UFS Council, Mr Willem Louw, were in attendance among academics and staff members. 

An astounding preface
Presenting the opening remarks, UFS Vice-Chancellor and Rector, Prof Francis Petersen, congratulated all researchers and prize recipients on behalf of the rectorate. He applauded all researchers who had put their best foot forward and were acknowledged by the NRF. Furthermore, Prof Petersen said that the success of UFS researchers informed that the university received international recognition. “Research has the ability to play an active role in transformative action that leads to change. We are striving to be a leader in research output,” said Prof Petersen.

Humble and gracious recipient
Prof Fanie Snyman, Dean of the Faculty of Theology, walked away with the most sought-after award of the day, the UFS Book Prize for Distinguished Scholarship, for his book, Malachi, on the last book of the Old Testament. The book was published in Germany and can be used by theology scholars and academics.

“I have no words, I am sincerely grateful for this award, but I must also thank the university. I am grateful for the support that has enabled me to complete the book and achieve this award,” said Prof Snyman. He is the third academic to be awarded this prize.

University reaches new heights
The university’s new NRF-ratings were celebrated. The UFS has 27 new rated researchers and seven researcher’s ratings were renewed. Prof Jonathan Jansen received a NRF A-rating and Dr Daniel Spence a P-rating.

The Directorate of Research Development’s Eleanor van der Westhuizen was awarded the Research Support Award, which is to acknowledge those who accelerate and propel research and/or researchers.

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