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#YouthMonth: Celebrating youth empowerment (Katleho Leqheku)

30 June 2023 | Story Katleho Leqheku | 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.

Katleho Leqheku, Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI) Intern in the Health and Wellness Centre on the Bloemfontein Campus, shares her UFS journey:

Q: Year of graduation from the UFS:

A: 2023.

Q: Qualification obtained from the UFS:

A: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Communication Science, currently doing my honours.

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

A: April 2023.

Q: Initial job title and current job title:

A: PYEI intern in the Health and Wellness Centre on the Bloemfontein Campus.

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

A: The UFS has equipped me with in-depth knowledge. Through lectures, coursework, and research projects, I have gained a strong foundation of theoretical and practical knowledge related to what I am currently studying. Workshops offered by the UFS have been my key focus and an easy access to prep me for the professional world.

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

A: Honestly, it’s an answered prayer because last year, while I was in my final year, I prayed for employment and to get accepted for honours. I consider the transition a worthwhile opportunity that allowed me to grow mentally as well as equipping myself with various skills. It’s not easy though, as I am used to being a full-time student with little pressure. But now the professional world requires a lot, like waking up early in the morning EVERY DAY! Lol, it’s a struggle and it requires one to show up each and every day whether you feel like it or not.

Q: Any additional comments about your experience?

A: It’s been good so far; I believe I am gradually allowing myself to grow and leave room for more opportunities to attract me. This experience is exactly what I needed so that I can learn and be comfortable with facing the world – not just any world, but a professional world. However, I thank God for this opportunity.

News Archive

Oncology department celebrates 50 years of excellence

2017-09-07

The UFS Department of Oncology celebrated 50 years of
existence. Prof Louis Goedhals says that the department
is like a family that will carry and support you.
Photo: Wendy Ruth

South Africa could see an increase of 78% in the number of cancer cases by 2030 and from a global perspective, a 75% increase is expected, increasing the total incidence of all new cancer cases from 12.7 million in 2008 to 22.2 million by 2030, according to a recent study published by medical journal Lancet. According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), more than 100 000 South Africans are diagnosed each year. It is rather comforting that the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Faculty of Health Sciences has an Oncology department that has been fighting cancer for 50 years.

Excellence over the decades
The 50-year celebration of the Department of Oncology took place at the UFS Centenary Complex on the Bloemfontein Campus on 19 August 2017. The auspicious event was attended by UFS Faculty of Health Sciences registrars, radiation oncology radiographers and professional nurses who had trained in the department over the past 50 years, as well as the current departmental staff.

Dr Alicia Sherriff, Head of the Department of Oncology welcomed the dignitaries and thanked everyone for their attendance and dedication to the department, Prof Louis Goedhals, the oldest surviving head of department, gave a summary of the 50 years. He said once you were involved with this department you became part of a family that would carry and support you. Memories were shared and friendships rekindled. The message of this department that stood the test of time was: “To cure sometimes, to relieve often, to comfort always … and to bring hope”.

UFS dignitaries reveled in the moment
Among the special guests were the Rector and Vice Chancellor, Prof Francis Petersen, Prof Gert van Zyl, Dean of Faculty of Health Sciences; the Free State MEC for Health Mr Butana Komphela, and CEO of Universitas Hospital Dr Marcus Molokomme, were invited. The function was well attended by personnel, graduates from as far as Portugal, and dignitaries from the university. There was a sense of unity and belonging among all the attendees and enthusiastic catching up over the years that have passed.

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