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09 June 2023 | Story Dr Nokuthula Tlalajoe-Mokhatla | Photo Supplied
Dr Nokuthula Tlalajoe-Mokhatla
Dr Nokuthula Tlalajoe-Mokhatla, Academic Head and Senior Lecturer at the Division of Student Learning and Development.

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

B. Iur. programme in Occupational Risk Law first of its kind in the country
2010-11-26

The University of the Free State (UFS) will offer a B.Iur. degree programme in Occupational Risk Law from 2011.

This programme of the Faculty of Law is the first of its kind to be offered in South Africa and positions the UFS in the forefront of this field of study.

The programme is designed to develop and qualify professionals, knowledgeable in the field of occupational risk law as prescribed by South African legislation and international best practices. It further offers a qualification based on a well-researched basis of applicable legal principles, combined with safety, health, environmental and quality risk management principles applicable to employers and employees in a specialised industry.

The B.Iur. (Occupational Risk Law) has been developed by experts within the parameters of international comparability, according to research-based identification of career demands and requirements in the fields mentioned.

By introducing this programmesignificant progress will be made towards achieving the nationally stated objective of legal safety, health and environmental quality assurance in the workplace and within the broader community. The programme will also encompass the values and standards prescribed by the Institute of Safety Managers. This will provide them with a further step towards the regulation of the professional en ethical standards in the field of legal safety, health and environmental quality assurance.

With the programme, the UFS not only creates a unique opportunity for stakeholders and learners to add meaningful value to their careers, but also exerts a meaningful influence on the industry and society in terms of the acquisition of a most appropriate type of qualification. The B.Iur. (Occupational Risk Law)degree therefore offers a meaningful contribution towards the industry through addressing the increasing demand for career opportunities in the field of legal safety, health and environmental quality compliance.

The new programme is the result of an agreement between the faculty and its partner, IRCA Global. The university officially launched its partnership with IRCA Global, an international supplier of risk management solutions pertaining to safety, health, the environment and quality in 2008. As part of the agreement, the UFS will offer short learning programme, a diploma and a degree in Risk Management.

IRCA Global is a South African company in the international risk control and SHEQ environments with filials in Africa, Australia, India, Eastern Europe, and South America.

In the interim IRCA Global has continued with the marketing of the programme, with the result that hundreds of potential students are waiting for the launching of the programme. The faculty is geared towards offering the programme in e-learning. New modules will also be offered with the help of IRCA’s trained and skilled facilitators. The faculty also utilises the partnerships entered into with IRCA to appoint practising specialists as part-time lecturers for the occupational risk law component of the programme as well as to develop a new specialist component amongst the permanent staff.

The programme is already active and students can register for the first semester 2011 (study code 3324, programme code M3000). Direct your enquiries to Cora-Mari de Vos at 051 401 3532 or devosc@ufs.ac.za.

The programme consists of fundamental modules of the LL.B. and B.Iur., as well as short learning programmes in the Faculty of Law and specially developed core modules in occupational risk law. The B.Iur.in Occupational Risk Law enables successful candidates to enrol for applicable Post Graduate Diplomas or a cognate Honours Degree. Obtaining one of these qualifications provides the platform to articulate to Magister degrees. Horizontal articulation possibilities exist with the accredited Baccalaureus of Law (LL.B.) which is presented by several institutions in the country.

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Director: Strategic Communication (actg)
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl@ufs.ac.za
26 November 2010

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