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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

UFS acknowledge 53 for long service
2004-11-03

Long service awards for 35 years: Mrs. Christa du Plessis, Centre for Higher Education studies and Development, mnr. John Moorosi, Soil- and Crop- and Climate Sciences , prof. Frederick Fourie, rector, prof. Jopie Botha, Institute for Groundwater Studies, me. Susan Reineke, Plant Sciences, Dr. Sarie van Vuuren of Sociology and me. Aletta de Klerk, Kovsie Sport.

Fifty three personnel members received long service awards in the centenary year of the university for respectively 35 years of service and 25 years of service.

Prof. Frederick Fourie, Rector, said to the recipients of the long service awards: “In a year in which the writing of history of the UFS took a prominent place in the Centenary celebrations and in which one relived the past hundred years, the value we add to the university on a daily basis is clearly visible. Many personnel members contributed to make the UFS a valued institution and will proceed to do that in the spirit of 100+.”

He thanked and acknowledged personnel for the plus they add to each day’s work. “The students which enter the UFS each year, want to thank you for an university which on an innovative manner impacted their lives. “You helped to create the building blocks for their future,” he said.

Prof. J. F. Botha, Mr M.G. Botha, Ms A. De Klerk, Mr M.J. Doman, Prof. H.C. Janse van Rensburg and Ms S.M.C. Reinecke received awards for 35 years of service.

For 25 years of service at the university Prof. S.L. Barnard, Mr B. Botma, Dr H. J. Breytenbach, Dr M.W. Brussow, Mr N.L. Combrink, Ms A.J. Du Plessis, Ms C. Du Plessis, Prof. L. Goedhals, Mr M.E. Hlazo, Prof. B.B. Hoek, Dr S.J.E. Janse van Vuuren, Mr M. Kgasane, Ms A. Kgosi, Dr W.P. Konig, Dr P.A.L. Le Roux, Prof. N.J. Luwes, Dr N. Luyt, Ms S.E. November, Ms M. Mabaso, Ms M.K. Maruping, Prof. J.D. Marx, Mr J.P. Masedi, Mr G. Mokapane, Mr J. Mokapane, Ms M.L. Molosi, Ms M.M. Molwagale, Mr P.J. Moorosi, Ms C. Moroagae, Ms E. Moroale, Mr G.G. Mothokwane, Prof. M. Mulder, Prof. A.C. Otto, Ms H. Pelser, Ms E. Pelzer, Ms M.M. Pheko, Prof. E. Pretorius, Ms M.P. Richter, Ms E. Rouls, Prof. M.T. Seaman, Prof. R.B. Snowdowne, Prof. J.P. Strauss, Ms M.S. Tsolo, Prof. H.J. van der Linde, Dr S. van Vuuren, Prof. J.B. van Wyk, Dr J.M. van Zyl, Prof. T. Verschoor and Ms M.H.S. York received an long service award.

“Be assured of my appreciation for your loyalty and commitment to a university which is taking careful steps into a new century of its existence. If we do the right things right and with a sincere belief in our heavenly Father we will be able to build on the solid foundation laid by people like you,” he said.

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