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14 June 2024
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Story Anthony Mthembu
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Photo Suplied
Jeremiah Hlahla, a UFS student completing his PhD in Botany at the University of Debrecen as part of an exchange initiative funded by the Erasmus+ Mobility Programme.
As part of an exchange initiative facilitated by the Erasmus+ Mobility Programme, Jeremiah Hlahla, a student at the University of the Free State (UFS), is nearing the completion of his PhD studies at the University of Debrecen in Hungary. Hlahla’s journey, which began in February 2024 and is set to conclude in July 2024, has been a remarkable learning opportunity. “As a first time-traveller to Europe, I have thoroughly enjoyed engaging with people from different countries and cultures,” he said.
The benefits of international collaboration
Hlahla is currently pursuing a PhD in Botany, focusing on plant stress physiology. “My current PhD project investigates the physiological, biochemical and morphological responses of vegetable-type soybean, or edamame, to combined drought and heat stress,’’ he explained. He considers the University of Debrecen the ideal institution to complete his research due to its extensive expertise and resources in similar projects. He noted that his colleagues at Debrecen conduct significant work on plant protection against biotic and abiotic stresses, including salt and drought stress, as well as proteins and amino acids in barley and other legumes.
Given the vast knowledge available on similar projects, Hlahla has found substantial engagement with his work at the University of Debrecen. “Upon arrival, I delivered an introductory lecture presenting my UFS project on the synergistic effects of combined drought and heat stress on the physiology and biochemistry of edamame. It was an engaging session as everyone could relate to my work and asked many questions,’’ he said.
Insights gained from the exchange
Hlahla has also gained valuable lessons that will assist him in his research career, including biotechnology and physiology tools. “I learned how to prepare samples and use high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and reversed-phase ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) to quantify proteins and amino acids,’’ he said. These techniques are beneficial not only for his current work but will also support future soybean research.
As his experience at the University of Debrecen nears its end, Hlahla reflects on the collaborations and friendships he has formed, which stand out as a significant highlight.
UFS's CFPL talks about investments at convention
2009-09-29
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At the convention were, from the left: Mr Percy Manduzi, legal advisor at Old Mutual and committee member of FPI Free State, Mr Swanepoel, Mr Botha, Mr Jonker, and Ms Shirly Hyland from the Department of Mercantile Law at the UFS and FPI Free State Committee Member.
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The Centre for Financial Planning Law (CFPL) at the University of the Free State (UFS) recently hosted a mini-convention in association with the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa under the chairmanship of Mr Wimpie Jonker. Mr Jonker is also an independent financial advisor for Sanlam.
The convention commenced with a presentation by the well-known radio personality from Radio Sonder Grense (RSG), Mr Theo Vorster. He spoke about investments in the current economic situation. A highlight on Day Two of the convention was a motivational talk by Mr Anton Swanepoel from Amnity Wealth on compliance and ethics. Mr Swanepoel is a renowned author in the financial services industry.
Mr Marius Botha, also a renowned author and independent trainer, brought the audience up to date on all the amendments to the taxation of retirement lump sum benefits. The convention was attended by more than 40 delegates from as far as Upington.
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