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#YouthMonth: Celebrating youth empowerment (Sfundo Mazibuko)

19 June 2023 | Story Sfundo Mazibuko | 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.

Sfundo Mazibuko, Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI) Intern in the Qwaqwa Campus Health and Wellness Centre, shares his UFS journey:

Q: Year of graduation from the UFS:

A: My graduation year is 2023.

Q: Qualification obtained from the UFS:

A: Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching, majoring in social sciences and life skills.

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

A: March 2023.

Q: Initial job title and current job title:

A: Data Capture Intern in the Health and Wellness Centre.

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

A: Since I started working as a UFS staff member, I have gained skills in collaborating with colleagues, administration skills, data capturing skills, client welcoming skills, confidentiality skills, and time management skills.

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

A: Working at the UFS is an incredibly rewarding experience, with ample career advancement opportunities, a focus on work-life balance, comprehensive benefits, a collaborative work culture, and a commitment to making a positive impact. The UFS nurtures its employees' growth through professional development programmes, offers flexible work arrangements, provides competitive perks, fosters inclusivity and teamwork, and actively engages in philanthropic initiatives. Joining the UFS means embarking on a fulfilling journey of personal and professional growth.

News Archive

UFS Ground Studies Laboratory receives accreditation to international standard

2016-03-18

Lore-Mari Deysel, Deputy-Director of the institute for Groundwater Studies.
Photo: Charl Devenish

The Institute for Groundwater Studies (IGS) Laboratory at the University of the Free State is on equal footing with international testing labs. With its accreditation in March 2016 by SANAS (South African National Accreditation System), the IGS Laboratory now officially meets global standards.

Quality of water

The IGS Laboratory mainly analyses the quality of water samples. When it was originally established in 1989, the lab’s central function was to conduct testing for researchers at the institute itself. “After the public and water boards realised their need to analyse water samples, the IGS Laboratory expanded to deliver a service to these clients,” says Lore-Mari Deysel, Deputy-Director of the institute.

Since suppliers and regulatory authorities will not accept test or calibration results from a lab that is not accredited, the IGS initiated the accreditation process.

Accreditation to international standard

In order to be deemed technically competent and able to receive accreditation, labs must meet the ISO/IEC 17025 standard. ISO/IEC 17025 was first issued in 1999 by the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission).According to Deysel, this is the single most important standard for calibration and testing laboratories around the world.

“Laboratories that are accredited to this international standard have demonstrated that they are technically competent and able to produce precise and accurate test and/or calibration data. Furthermore, it demonstrates that the university has the capacity to supply valuable and reliable services alongside the academy,” Deysel says.

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