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#YouthMonth: Celebrating youth empowerment (Dr Nokuthula Tlalajoe-Mokhatla)

09 June 2023 | Story Dr Nokuthula Tlalajoe-Mokhatla | Photo Supplied

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.

Dr Nokuthula Tlalajoe-Mokhatla, Academic Head and Senior Lecturer at the Division of Student Learning and Development, shares her UFS journey:

Q: Year of graduation from the UFS:

A: I graduated in 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2021 (virtual graduation).

Q: Qualification obtained from the UFS:

A: BSc Biochemistry and Microbiology, BSc Honours Biochemistry, MSc Biochemistry (Cum Laude), PhD in Health Professions Education

Q: Date of joining the UFS as a staff member:

A: I joined as an official staff member on 18 January 2016; however, I have been in the HR system since my third year (2009) when I was appointed as a Laboratory Assistant.

Q: Initial job title and current job title:

A: In the context of point 3, I would safely say I moved from Laboratory Assistant, to Demonstrator, to Lecturer, and now Academic Head of the division and Senior Lecturer.

Q: How did the UFS prepare you for the professional world?

A: Every human being can be taught a skill, be it a scientist, health professional, or accountant. However, how their soft skills complement or lack to complement the core knowledge and application will set that individual apart. That being said, I have utilised the vast opportunities that are always accessible to enhance one's development with regard to lifelong learning skills. My biggest gain was the Engaged Leadership Programme (middle management level), which I completed in 32 weeks and obtained a distinction. That type of training set me in a position that could easily have played a role in me being able to progress further in the professional world.

Q: What are your thoughts on transitioning from a UFS alumnus to a staff member?

A: The outlook is so different when you are a staff member. I am enjoying the world of being a staff member more. This is due to my struggles as a student – a story for another day. The perks and benefits are more as a staff member, and your world gets bigger and bigger. Networking with like-minded people and contributing to day-to-day activities is mind-blowing for me.

Q: Any additional comments about your experience?

A: I appreciate the support systems in our setting; it comes in handy when we doubt ourselves and think we are not enough or adequate. What I do appreciate is the opportunities that are accessible, and with the help we have in place, it brings a sense of ease to know you can equally access it.

News Archive

UFS celebrates Kovsie Week

2009-08-21

The University of the Free State (UFS) will be celebrating Kovsie Week from 31 August to 4 September 2009. The week affords friends, colleagues and former colleagues of the UFS the opportunity to enjoy one another’s company and to experience what the university offers.

The programme is as follows:

On Monday, 31 August 2009, a star-gazing programme and lecture entitled “400 Years of Astronomy after Galileo” are presented by Prof. Matie Hoffman at the Boyden Observatory at 17:30 for 18:00. Attendance is free and bus transport will be available from the UFS Main Campus for the first 70 guests that respond. Reserved parking has been arranged with a security guard to look after the cars that are left on the campus.

On Tuesday, 1 September 2009, guests can attend the production by Pieter Venter entitled “Impi” for free in the Wynand Mouton Theatre at 14:30 for 15:00.

On Wednesday, 2 September 2009, an enjoyable morning in the company of Mr Derek de Bruyn from the National Museum is presented at the Centenary Complex of the UFS at 09:30 for 10:00. He will talk about the social life of Bloemfontein during the early 1900s and guests will be entertained by the Boere Orkes of Grey College Primary School under the direction of Santjie Louw. Attendance of this event is free.

On Thursday, 3 September 2009, at 19:00 for 19:30, a candle-light, sherry and soup evening with romantic piano music is presented at the UFS Centenary Complex by Prof. Nicol Viljoen from the UFS’s Department of Music. The programme includes, amongst others, 10 Lieder ohne worte (Felix Mendelssohn), as well as Ballade No. 1 (Fryderyk Chopin). Attendance of this event is also free.

The week will end with the Kovsie-Alumni Award Gala Dinner that will take place in the UFS Centenary Complex on Friday, 4 September 2009, at 18:30 for 19:00.
The cost per person for the dinner is R120. The Kovsie of the Year Award for alumni, the Cum Laude Award, and the Alumni Award for Exceptional Service at the UFS will be awarded at this occasion.

Transport can be arranged to all the functions and parking will be available as close as possible to the venue where the functions take place. Persons interested to attend any of the functions can contact Annanda Calitz at 051 401 3382 or ficka.stg@ufs.ac.za, or Ms Kathy Verwey at 051 401 9343 or verweyke.stg@ufs.ac.za.

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Deputy Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za
21 August 2009

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