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08 June 2023 | Story Nosethu Badlezana | Photo Supplied
Nosethu Badlezana
Nosethu Badlezana, Academic Facilitator: Centre for Teaching and Learning

The University of the Free State (UFS) is celebrating Youth Month by showcasing the positive influence of the institution on career development. As part of this initiative, we are sharing the stories of UFS alumni who are now working at the university.

Nosethu Badlezana shares her UFS journey:

Q: Year of graduation from the UFS: 
A: I completed my undergraduate degree in 2015 and thereafter obtained my honours in 2016.

Q: Qualification obtained from the UFS: 
A: The first degree I obtained was a BA in Communication with specialisation in Media Studies and Journalism. I then made the decision to pursue my honours degree in the same field.

Q: Date of joining the UFS as a staff member: 
A: In 2016, I began my internship on the Qwaqwa Campus with the Centre for Teaching and Learning’s former Curriculum Delivery and Innovation Division, which is now known as the Blended Learning Innovation Support and Services Division. The following year, upon completion of my internship, I was appointed as an Assistant Officer in the Academic Language and Literacy Development Division within the same department. Then, in 2022, I was promoted to the role of Academic Facilitator.

Q: How did the UFS prepare you for the professional world?
A: During my time as a student at the UFS, I followed a comprehensive curriculum that equipped me with essential skills to thrive in a professional setting. Through a diverse range of modules, I developed proficiencies in crucial areas, including time management, effective communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, self-management, and collaborative teamwork.

Q: What are your thoughts on transitioning from a UFS alumnus to a staff member? 
A: It's a fascinating journey, one that feels like a way of giving back to the community that nurtured and shaped me. Assisting students to achieve success in higher education doesn't feel like a burden to me, as I once walked the same path as a student at this institution. The UFS has provided me with a valuable network of support and mentorship, which has been instrumental in fostering a sense of security and confidence in my chosen career path.

News Archive

Trading innovative ideas for academic bursaries worth R275 000
2015-11-09


The top three individual bursary winners with TATA and UFS representatives. From Left:  Naquita Fernandes, Henrike Prinsloo, Lebohang Motsisi, Stefan Strampe, Dr. Johan van Zyl, Jehan van Vuuren, Sanjeeb Lahiri and Salomien Boshoff.
Photo:  Lize Van Den Berg

Learning from industry experts is essential for students’ development. When that learning eases the financial burden of tuition fees, it is even better. TATA Africa has ensured that students from the University of the Free State (UFS) earn academic currency for displaying leadership and business skills.

Jehan Van Vuuren walked away with R40 000 in his student account, Hendrike Prinsloo earned herself R30 000, Stephan Strampe has R25 000 less to worry about when the 2016 academic year arrives, and seven other students managed to save their parents R20 000 each.

These top 10 Strategic Marketing students from the UFS Department of Business Management and Department of Communication Science took up the challenge of devising strategic concepts to be implemented by the Africa branch of TATA Group companies.

TATA Group is a multinational conglomerate which specialises in a wide range of products and services, such as automobile manufacturing, hotel accommodation, construction, textiles, food and beverages, amongst other enterprises operating under its banner. On 15 October 2015, the company’s Head Office representatives signed a cheque for R275 000 to reward the creative input of our students.

Lesle-Ann George won an academic bursary worth R20 000 for her individual effort, and was also part of one of the best four groups that won R10 000 each. She said the competition was an opportunity of a lifetime. The financial aid will be channeled towards the BCom Marketing Honours degree she intends pursuing next year.

The students’ ideas included market research for TATA motors, the development of a mobile application for the Taj Hotel, as well as innovative student-oriented social media, and guerrilla marketing strategies.

“This collaborative partnership between TATA Africa and UFS has provided the students with an opportunity to learn from key role-players in the industry and, in turn, to gain practical exposure to real-life industry happenings,” said Naquita Fernandes, a Business Management lecturer and the competition’s co-organiser.

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