Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items

UFS KovsieSport Director, Jerry Laka, newly appointed President of USSA

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

Research into surrogate milk important to wildlife conservation

2017-05-08

Prof Gary Osthoff from the UFS Department of
Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology,
will soon work on a milk formula for elephants.
Photo: Supplied

Research is being done at the University of the Free State (UFS) to analyse and synthetically imitate the unique milk of various wildlife species. This research is not only of scientific value, but also serves the conservation of South Africa’s wildlife species. At the forefront of this research is Prof Garry Osthoff from the Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology.

Orphaned rhino calf pulled through with surrogate milk
“There is still a lot of research to be done. Naturally the research is of scientific importance, but with surrogate milk having the same composition as the mother’s milk of a specific species, orphaned calves or cubs of that species could be pulled through during a difficult time of weaning. Bearing in mind that exotic animals fetch thousands and even millions of rands at auctions, it goes without saying a game farmer will do everything possible to provide only the best nourishment to such an orphaned animal. In such a case, synthetically-manufactured milk would be the right choice,” says Prof Osthoff.

The fruits of his research were recently demonstrated in Germany when a rhino calf was left orphaned in the Leipzig Zoo. Prof Osthoff’s article: “Milk composition of a free-ranging white rhinoceros during late lactation” was used as a directive for applying surrogate milk for horse foals (which is already commercially available), since the composition of horse and rhino milk largely corresponds. The surrogate milk was used with great success and the rhino calf is flourishing. He mentions that such an orphan is often given the wrong nourishment with the best intentions, resulting in the starvation of the animal despite the amount of cow’s milk it devours.

With surrogate milk having the same
composition as the mother’s milk of a
specific species, orphaned calves or
cubs of that species could be pulled
through during the difficult time
of weaning.

Milk formula for baby elephants in the pipeline
With baby elephants left orphaned due to the increase in elephant poaching for their ivory, several attempts have been made to create a milk formula in order to feed these elephants. To date, many elephants have died in captivity from side effects such as diarrhoea as a result of the surrogate formula which they were fed.

Prof Osthoff recently received a consignment of frozen milk which he, together with researchers from Zimbabwe, will use to work on a milk formula for elephants. They are studying the milk in a full lactation period of two years. During lactation, the composition of the milk changes to such an extent that a single surrogate formula will not be sufficient. Four different formulas should probably be designed.

Prof Osthoff says that of the different species he has researched, elephants are the most interesting and deviate most from the known species.

Although his research to develop surrogate milk is adding much value to the wildlife industry, and although he finds this part of his work very exciting, his research focus is on food science and nutrition. “What is currently authentic in milk research is the study of the fat globules with content, the structure and composition of the casein micelle, and the prebiotic sugars. The knowledge which is gained helps to improve the processing, development of new food products, and development of food products for health purposes,” says Prof Osthoff.

Back

Economic and Management Sciences

Education

Health Sciences

The Humanities

Law

Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Open Distance Learning

Theology and Religion

Business School