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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

“Deploy your education and not connections,” Chancellor tells graduates

2012-05-16

Qwaqwa Autumn Graduation
Photo: Thabo Kessah
16 May 2012

Our Qwaqwa Campus conferred 424 degrees, diplomas and certificates at this year’s autumn graduation ceremony held on 12 May 2012.

Amongst the degrees conferred were two doctorates in Polymer Science, two Master’s of Arts in Geography and African Languages, respectively, five Master’s of Science degrees in Physics (3) and Polymer Science (2) and 37 honours degrees in Education, Zoology, Physics, Botany and Polymer Science.

In their congratulatory messages, both the Vice-Rector: Institutional Affairs, Prof. Teuns Verschoor, and the Chancellor, Dr Khotso Mokhele, challenged the graduates to start focusing their attention beyond their graduation on what they both referred to as “the real world”.

“Graduation ceremonies are a fantastic event, but you must never lose sight of appreciating the support given by those around you,” said Dr Mokhele.

“This hall was full of shouting and yes, you must bask in that glory, knowing that you have achieved part of your goals. Yes, this is your moment, so shine. You deserve it. You have earned it.”

“However, this noise also means you must go out there and face the real world. You are graduating in a model country on how people can reconcile, despite their painful and divided past. You deserve all the accolades, but that model country is disappearing before your eyes. How can you mess up what Mandela, Biko, Sobukwe, Nardine Gordimer lived and fought for? How can you mess up such a good thing?” Dr Mokhele asked of an attentive audience that included proud parents and siblings, as well as educators and learners from the Thabo Mofutsanyana District.

“Go out there and deploy your education and not your connections, as these are embedded in corruption. Go out there and help get rid of the patronage system where hard-workers are more likely to be constructively dismissed as they stand in the way of those with corrupt tendencies. Save this country from becoming another Zimbabwe. Let us do whatever it takes to save this country. Let these matriculants who are here today want to walk that red carpet with pride in the next few years,”,said Dr Mokhele.

Dignitaries in attendance included the former Chief Minister of the former Qwaqwa homeland, Dr T K Mopeli; the Executive Mayor of the Dihlabeng Local Municipality, Councillor Tjhetane Mofokeng; Dr SWF Moloi (Thabo Mofutsanyana Education District) and representatives from various government departments.

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