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13 December 2024
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Story Anthony Mthembu
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Photo Charl Devenish
Lieutenant Colonel Dr Rifa Tshivhase, Head of the Department of Surgery at 3 Military Hospital in Bloemfontein, addressed graduates within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Free State on 10 December 2024.
Momentous and joyous – these are some of the words used to describe the December 2024 graduations at the University of the Free State (UFS). In celebration of the academic achievements of its students, the UFS hosted graduation ceremonies at the Callie Human Centre on its Bloemfontein Campus from 9 to 10 December 2024.
Prof Anthea Rhoda, acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UFS, encouraged the graduates to always acknowledge and recognise the significance of this achievement as they transition from being UFS students to being UFS graduates.
Undergraduate and postgraduate achievements
At least 2000 undergraduate qualifications and postgraduate qualifications were conferred. As such, there were some standout academic achievements across the sessions. For instance, Itumeleng Pooe received his Advanced Diploma in Theology cum laude, making him the only graduate in the Faculty of Theology and Religion to receive his qualification with distinction during these graduations. In addition, Dr Bobuin Jr Valey Gemandze Oben – at just 28 years old – was the youngest PhD graduate from the Faculty of Law at the graduation ceremony, which took place on the morning of 9 December 2024.
Conferring Honorary Doctorates
Some highlights from these graduations were the recipients of honorary doctorates, as well as the keynote speakers. The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) at the UFS conferred an honorary degree on Prof Murray Leibbrandt, Research Chair in Poverty and Inequality Research in the Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU) at the University of Cape Town (UCT). In addition, the Faculty of The Humanities at the UFS conferred an honorary degree on HE Bineta Diop, Special Envoy of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Women, Peace, and Security.
On the final day of the graduations, graduates within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the UFS were addressed by Lieutenant Colonel Dr Rifa Tshivhase, Head of the Department of Surgery at 3 Military Hospital in Bloemfontein. In her address, Lieutenant Colonel Dr Tshivhase encouraged and challenged the graduates to actively seek out good in the world.
As the December 2024 graduations concluded, several of the graduates within the Faculty of Health Sciences indicated that the most memorable moments in the session were the cheers and applause they received as they walked across the stage.
Research development develops young researchers
2008-11-19
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| Researchers who attended the workshop are, from the left, front: Ms Florence Tladi, Department of Psychology, Ms Makoena Moloi, Department of Plant Sciences, Ms Tobeka Mehlomakhulu, Department of Geography, Ms Nomampondomise Molefe, Department of Chemistry, Dr Micheal van Wyk, Department of Curriculum Studies, Prof. Mabokang ‘Monnapula-Mapesela, CHESD; back: Dr Sebolai, Prof. Muriel Meiring, Department of Hematology and Cell Biology, Mr Mathabatha Maleka, Department of Genetics, Mr Coleman, Dr Gregory Alexander, Department of Psychology of Education, Ms Dorine Masiangoako, Department of Chemistry, and Ms Moipone Mokoena, Department of Chemistry. |
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Dr Olihile Sebolai, Directorate Research Development, recently organised a series of workshops which is aimed at imparting new skills and knowledge to young and emerging academics.
The directorate endeavored to capacitate the new generation of researchers at the university with skills enable them to be established within the competitive mainstream of research. This is in line with the research strategy of the university that seeks to cultivate a strong culture of research.
Amongst others the workshops focused on innovative ways of adding value to student supervision and improving research project management skills. These workshops were facilitated by Dr Pieter du Toit from the University of Pretoria and Mr William Coleman from the Central University of Technology. Follow up sessions are planned for 2009 to assess the impact of these workshops. |