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17 October 2023 | Story Veena Naidoo | Photo Kimara Singh
Jerry Laka - Maties Sport Kimara Singh
Jerry Laka, UFS KovsieSport Director and newly appointed USSA President.

In the vibrant world of university sport, the University of the Free State celebrates the appointment of Jerry Laka as the President of University Sport South Africa (USSA). With an extensive background spanning 28 years in the realm of sports administration and a stellar portfolio, Laka brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to this esteemed position.

A presidential ascent – a commitment to sporting excellence 

USSA is the governing body for higher education sports in South Africa, holding membership in regulatory bodies such as the Federation of African Union Sports (FASU) and the International University Sports Federation (FISU).

The process to become the USSA President entails being a staff member or student at a university that is a member of USSA. The nomination is open to all members, and candidates are selected based on their knowledge, experience, and expertise within the sports environment. Laka, with his profound dedication and experience, emerged as the deserving candidate for this prestigious position.

Reflecting on his appointment, Laka shared, "While I wouldn't say I anticipated the outcome, I did believe in the vision I have and the positive impact it could have on the sporting landscape." He expressed his excitement to work in collaboration with the executive committee, stakeholders, athletes, and sports enthusiasts to elevate sports both on and off the field. His passion for university sport – a beacon of hope in the country, region, and continent – drives his commitment to lead USSA to even greater heights.

The vision for sporting excellence in higher education 

Laka envisions a future where sport in South Africa flourishes, emphasising the seamless transition of athletes from schools to universities, eventually fuelling national federations. His vision for USSA includes fostering inclusivity, expanding membership, and increasing participation in programmes. He highlights the importance of development and capacitation for students and staff, with a strategic focus on inclusivity through decentralisation and active provincial committees.

Laka underlined his vision, stating, "USSA needs to be intentional about being a student-centred organisation." His dedication to student welfare and empowerment is central to this vision, propelling USSA forward to becoming a leading student-focused sports organisation.

A harmonious balance 

Speaking about his role as the Director of KovsieSport and that of President of USSA, Laka confidently stated, "The role at USSA will enhance my knowledge and network of the sports environment. This dual role is an opportunity to augment the positive work being done at the university, and to further showcase the remarkable accomplishments of KovsieSport.” 

A beacon of sports dedication 

Laka, a sports devotee at heart, currently serves as the Director of KovsieSport at the University of the Free State. His remarkable journey in the world of sports administration has seen him hold significant roles in esteemed institutions such as Vista University, the University of the Western Cape, the FIFA World Cup Organising Committee, the SAFA Senior Women’s National Team, Tshwane University of Technology, and Stellenbosch University, before joining the UFS. His extensive academic qualifications, including an advanced diploma in Sports Management, BA Honours in Sport and Recreation Management, and a Master of Management focusing on talent retention in a university sports environment, showcase his commitment to academic and professional excellence.

Moreover, his dedication is evidenced by his involvement in leadership roles, such as Secretary General of the Confederation of Universities and Colleges Sports Association (CUCSA) and as a member of the South African Universities Heads of Sport forum. His experiences both locally and internationally have uniquely positioned him to make invaluable contributions to universities and the broader spectrum of sports administration.

Laka’s journey from a passionate sports devotee to a prominent leader in the sports administration domain exemplifies dedication, expertise, and vision. The university eagerly anticipates witnessing the positive impact Laka will make on the landscape of university sports in South Africa. Laka's presidency promises a future of enhanced opportunities, inclusivity, and excellence within university sports, aligning perfectly with the values and aspirations of the university. 

News Archive

Researchers international leaders in satellite tracking in the wildlife environment
2015-05-29

 

Ground-breaking research has attracted international media attention to Francois Deacon, lecturer and researcher in the Department Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences at the UFS, and Prof Nico Smit, from the same department. They are the first researchers in the world to equip giraffes with GPS collars, and to conduct research on this initiative. Recently, they have been joined by Hennie Butler from the Department of Zoology as well as Free State Nature Conservation to further this research.

“Satellite tracking is proving to be extremely valuable in the wildlife environment. The unit is based on a mobile global two-way communication platform, utilising two-way data satellite communication, complete with GPS systems.

“It allows us to track animals day and night, while we monitor their movements remotely from the computer. These systems make possible the efficient control and monitoring of wildlife in all weather conditions and in near-to-real time. We can even communicate with the animals, calling up their positions or changing the tracking schedules.

“The satellite collar allows us to use the extremely accurate data to conduct research with the best technology available. The volume of data received allows us to publish the data in scientific journals and research-related articles.  

“Scientific institutions and the public sector have both shown great interest in satellite tracking, which opens up new ground for scientific research for this university. Data management can be done, using Africa Wildlife Tracking (AWT) equipment where we can access our data personally, store it, and make visual presentations. The AWT system and software architecture provide the researcher with asset tracking, GPS location reports, geo-fencing, highly-detailed custom mapping, history reports and playback, polling on demand, history plotting on maps, and a range of reporting types and functions,” Francois said.

Data can be analysed to determine home range, dispersal, or habitat preference for any specific species.

Francois has been involved in multiple research projects over the last 12 years on wildlife species and domesticated animals, including the collaring of species such as Black-backed Jackal, Caracal, African Wild Dog, Hyena, Lion, Cheetah, Cattle, Kudu, Giraffe, and Black Rhino: “Giraffe definitely being the most challenging of all,” he said.

In 2010, he started working on his PhD, entitled The spatial ecology, habitat preferences and diet selection of giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa) in the Kalahari region of South Africa.

 

Since then, his work has resulted not only in more research work (supervising four Masters students) but also in a number of national and international projects. These include work in the:

  • Kalahari region (e.g. Khamab Nature Reserve and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park)
  • Kuruman region (Collared 18 cattle to identify spatial patterns in relation to the qualities of vegetation and soil-types available. This project took place in collaboration with Born University in Germany)
  • Woodland Hills Wildlife Estate and Kolomella Iron Ore – ecological monitoring
  • A number of Free State nature reserves (e.g. Distribution of herbivores (kudu and giraffe) and predators (camera traps)

Francois is also involved with species breeding programmes and management (giraffe, buffalo, sable, roan, and rhino) in Korrannaberg, Rustenburg, Hertzogville, Douglas, and Bethlehem as well as animal and ecological monitoring in Kolomella and Beesthoek iron ore.

Besides the collaring of giraffes, Francois and his colleagues are involved in national projects, where they collect milk from lactating giraffes and DNA material, blood samples, and ecto/endo parasites from giraffes in Southern Africa.

With international projects, Francois is working to collect DNA material for the classification of the nine sub-species of giraffe in Africa. He is also involved in projects focusing on the spatial ecology and adaptation of giraffe in Uganda (Murchison Falls), and to save the last 30 giraffe in the DRC- Garamba National Park.

This project has attracted a good deal of international interest. In June 2014, a US film crew (freelancing for Discovery Channel) filmed a documentary on Francois’ research (trailer of documentary). Early in 2015, a second crew, filming for National Geographic, also visited Francois to document his work.

 

More information about Francois’ work is available at the GCF website. 

Read Francois Deacon's PhD abstract

Direct enquiries to news@ufs.ac.za.

 

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