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14 June 2023 | Story Kamohelo Tshabalala | Photo Supplied
Dr  Kamohelo Tshabalala
Dr Kamohelo Tshabalala, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physics, shares his UFS journey.

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 Kamohelo Tshabalala, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physics, shares his UFS journey:

Q: Year of graduation from the UFS: 

A: 2004 and 2015.

Q: Qualification obtained from the UFS: 

A: BSc in Physics and Mathematics and PhD in Solid State Physics.

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

A: 2003 to 2004 and 2012 to date.

Q: Initial job title and current job title: 

A: I began my journey as a Lab Assistant, but over time, I advanced to higher positions within the academic realm. Presently, I proudly serve as a Senior Lecturer and Subject Head in the esteemed Department of Physics. Additionally, I have taken on the role of acting Assistant Dean in the distinguished Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

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

A: First and foremost, I successfully completed my BSc degree, followed by the attainment of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). I firmly believe that these educational achievements serve as a solid foundation for excelling in both teaching and leadership roles.

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

A: It is a very interesting aspect; however, this transition may entirely depend on an individual’s interest in whether to continue with their studies or not. The stimulation may come from the undergraduate teachings that exhibit real interventions for new developments towards empowering the society at large.

Q: Any additional comments about your experience? 
A: As both an academic and a departmental leader for the past nine years, I am very grateful for all the support from the university community. I would encourage young scholars to explore more leadership roles that are available in the sector, because one is always up to date with new initiatives and strategies for the betterment of human and academic projects.

News Archive

Shimlas now second on Varsity Cup log
2015-02-25

After scoring nine tries to none to establish a 57-0 win over the Central University of Technology’s (CUT) Ixias in round three of the 2015 Varsity Cup Rugby Tournament, the UFS Shimlas are now second on the overall log.

Despite thunder showers in Bloemfontein on the evening of Monday 23 February, the match at the CUT Rugby Stadium continued. Shimlas’ Arthur Williams opened the scoreboard early with the first try of the evening, after getting his hands on a loose ball to break through the CUT defense line. Only four minutes later, Shimlas’ flank Gerhard Olivier scored another try. Both of these tries were successfully converted by Niel Marais, putting Shimlas in a 16-0 lead within less than seven minutes.

By halftime, the Shimlas’ lead had increased to 39-0. Daniel Maartens started the second-half scoring for the UFS when he crossed the try line in the 46th minute to secure Shimlas’ seventh try. After another successful conversion kick by Marais, the scoreboard read 47-0.

The match began to lose its spark as handling errors and ill-discipline became the order of the day. CUT were reduced to 14 men for the second time in the match, when Boetie Makethlo was sent to the sin bin in the 75th minute for an infringement at the breakdown, inches away from his try line.

Maartens went over the try line again in the 78th minute, scoring Shimlas’ eighth try in the match and taking his team’s score beyond the 50 mark. Shimlas managed yet another try in the last minute, with Niell Jordaan diving over the try line for old time’s sake.

Although the Shimlas’ 2015 Varsity Cup started off with a 29-29 draw against the University of Pretoria’s Tuks in Bloemfontein, they returned the following week to clinch a 24-0 win against the University of Johannesburg at the UJ Stadium. Apart from Tuks, who is at this stage on top of the log, no team has scored against Shimlas thus far in the 2015 Varsity Cup.

Up next, Shimlas will face the Stellenbosch University’s Maties side at Shimla Park in Bloemfontein for round four of the tournament on Monday 2 March 2015.

Our Player that Rocks: Niell Jordaan

Shimlas’ point scorers:

Tries: Arthur Williams, Gerhard Olivier (2), Marco Klopper, Vuyani Maqina (2), Daniel Maartens (2), Niell Jordaan
Conversion kicks: Niel Marais 4

 

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