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06 November 2023
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Story MBALI MABOEA
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Photo SUPPLIED
The Department of Geography on the UFS Qwaqwa Campus recently played host to the Society of South African Geographers Conference (SSAG 2023), which gathered more than 100 students over three days.
Fostering academic growth, collaboration, and inspiration among students and researchers in the field of geography, the Department of Geography on the UFS Qwaqwa Campus recently played host to the Society of South African Geographers Conference (SSAG 2023), which gathered more than 100 students over three days.
Following a five-year hiatus, the three-day conference comprised student proposal presentations in different fields: human geography, environment geography, geoinformatics, and physical geography, divided into breakaway sessions over two days. Furthermore, day three of the annual conference included an excursion to the Basotho Cultural Village and Clarens.
The three-day annual student conference focused on different themes presented by two main speakers. The topic of the first keynote speaker, Dr Mahlomola Daemane, General Manager of the SANParks Arid Research Unit, focused on the contemporary conservation, transition, and relevance of science in policy and decision making.
The second keynote speaker was Dr Felicia Akinyemi, a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Research Fellow affiliated with the Institute of Geography at the University of Bern in Switzerland. Her work focuses on the intersection of geoinformatics, global change, and sustainability. Dr Akinyemi focused her talk on the integrative geospatial methods and metrics for sustainable land use. She introduced different techniques and metrics and gave students insight in early-career African research.
Speaking about the success of the conference, Nthebohiseng Sekhele, Geography Lecturer on the Qwaqwa Campus and chair of the organising committee, said, “The local organising committee was also very impressed with the quality of presentations from our postgraduate students in Geography, as well as the robust discussions that happened during the parallel sessions in the two days of the conference. We had a positive response of physical and online participation from many universities across South Africa. We are pleased that we have achieved our goal with this conference, which is to inspire the next generation of geographers.”
TV star calls for dialogue on gender empowerment
2014-04-01

Jo-Anne Reyneke giving students and staff a talk from the heart.
TV star Jo-Anne Reyneke – previously known as 'Pearl' in Muvhango (SABC 2) and now 'Prudence' in Rhythm City (etv) – warned Qwaqwa Campus students to be careful of the things they say. She was speaking during the recent launch of the Qwaqwa Campus Gender Forum.
“As young people, you must learn to always truly listen and understand what your friends say. You must also be careful of the things you say, as you might prevent or be the cause of your friend's suicide, if you are not careful. What might seem like a small thing might have far-reaching results for you and your friend.
“Respect those who are different from you, as all of us would like to be accepted as we are. Carry yourself in a manner that shows you love yourself – and this starts with you respecting yourself and those who are different from you,” said Reyneke.
Reyneke also acknowledged that growing up was not easy for her, since she was labelled 'a Zulu-speaking white' due to her light complexion.
“I am glad that this campus has this kind of forum which will enable all – victims and perpetrators – to come together and share their experiences. This will further promote healing, reconciliation and unity.”
The Gender Forum is tasked with encouraging dialogue on matters that concern gender sensitivity and equality. It encourages both staff and students to break their silence and to create an environment of tolerance based on respect for human dignity and inclusiveness. The forum is constituted by various stakeholders with special skills in counselling, facilitation and empowerment in general.