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#YouthMonth: Celebrating youth empowerment (Nwabisa Dinga)

14 June 2023 | Story Nwabisa Dinga | 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.

Nwabisa Dinga, Senior Assistant Officer at the School of Nursing, shares her UFS journey:

Q: Year of graduation from the UFS:

A: 2014.

Q: Qualification obtained from the UFS:

A: BA in Governance and Political Transformation.

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

A: 1 September 2022.

Q: Initial job title and current job title:

A: Senior Assistant Officer in the School of Nursing.

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

A: The University of the Free State taught me to always be professional, communicate effectively, and manage my time wisely – those are some of the major things I have carried into my professional world.

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

A: The professional world operates in a different way than when you were a student; the mindset shift required is significant and the changes in personal circumstances are huge.

Q: Any additional comments about your experience?

A: The shift from student to professional life can be bewildering, and for some it can take a very long time to adjust.

News Archive

Predation Management Centre helps stock farmers to address predator problem

2017-03-29

Predators, including caracal and foxes, are costing the
livestock industry about R2 billion annually. The
Predation Management Information Centre was
established to collect, analyse, and make information
available on predation and predation management to
stock and game farmers.
Photo: Pixabay

Predators are costing the livestock industry about R2 billion annually. To address the problem, the Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS) teamed up with the Predation Management Forum (PMF).

Predation Management Information Centre established
The UFS has signed service agreements for the establishment of a Predation Management Information Centre with the four industries (wool, mohair, red meat, and game industries) forming part of the PMF. The centre will collect and analyse information on predation and predation management. This information will then be made available in a management information system and information contained in the system will be made available to all users.

Centre makes essential information available
At the information centre, a team of dedicated staff members handles calls and enquiries. Experts in the team are also available to provide advice to farmers. Furthermore, the centre is responsible for the management of information and resources. Relevant policy documents and scientific articles will be stored in an archive at the centre which will also collect research, statistics, biometric information, and information on new research topics.

The information that is collected will be used to assist farmers with predation management. Information on methods which are effective in a specific situation will be made available to farmers in order to help reduce predation on their farms. “By focusing on non-lethal methods in predation management, best practices can be compiled in order to restrict losses attributed to predation to the minimum,” says Quinette Kruger from the information centre.

Contact details for authorities and specialists managing damage-causing animals will also be provided by the centre.

The information centre invites stock farmers, game farmers, the general public, retail, authorities, and other stakeholders to contact the centre at +27 51 401 2210 or PredationMC@ufs.ac.za.