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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

Report card for UFS outlines major achievements
2005-02-04

Staff at the University of the Free State (UFS) have received above-inflation increases in remuneration averaging 18,2 percent since the year 2000, according to the Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Frederick Fourie.

Delivering a keynote speech at the Official Opening of the UFS today, Prof Fourie gave a report card for the UFS which he said indicated significant progress in salaries and promotions as well as capital expenditure and infrastructure development on the campus.

“The aggregate extra earnings of staff (money in their pockets above inflation) from 2000 to 2005 amount to R75 million in salaries. This is the result of the hard work of all staff and we pay tribute to them,” he said.

Prof Fourie said that several categories of staff are better off than before the financial turn-around strategy was implemented in 2000 which aimed to make the UFS a financially sustainable campus.

The lowest paid workers and professors had received an additional structural correction, which gave professors at the UFS a 27% above-inflation increase (on total remuneration package) since 2000.

He said there had also been a dramatic increase in promotions to associate professor and full professor during the last 6 years.

From 1999 to December 2001, there were only 9 promotions to associate professor. From January 2002 to January 2005, there were 37 such promotions to associate professor, four times as many.

Regarding promotions to full professor, from 1999 to December 2001 there were 7 promotions. From January 2002 to January 2005, there were 31 promotions to full professor, more than four times as many.

“We have also created a new category of senior professor to give due recognition to the outstanding work of our leading academics in many fields,” Prof Fourie said.

The UFS has introduced numerous new and innovative learning programmes, together with an increasing number of community service modules which enhanced the UFS as a leader in service learning and helped to make it a university engaged with its surrounding community.

According to Prof Fourie the number of support staff had also grown along with the professionalisation of the support services.

He said management was aware that there still several challenges regarding staff overload and staff development but that these were being addressed

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
4 February 2005

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