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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.
Kovsies do well in SAICA QE1 exam
2010-06-10
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Students from the University of the Free State (UFS) performed well in Part I of the Qualifying Examination (QE I) of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).
Of the 43 Kovsie students who wrote this examination for the first time, 34 (79%) passed. The average passing rate for residential universities is 73%.
This exam sets the standard for Chartered Accountants (CA) and is written after the completion of the B Acc (Hons). The QE1 aims to assess the core technical competencies of prospective CAs.
The examination consisted of four sections, namely Auditing, Financial Accounting, Management Accounting and Taxation. The Kovsie students had the best results in the country in the Taxation section. This is an enormous accomplishment, as the average percentage of the 14 accredited universities writing the examinations for Taxation was 51.6%. The Kovsie students passed with an average of 65.38%.
Prof. Hentie van Wyk, Programme Director at the Centre for Accounting at the UFS, says he is satisfied with the results and the standard of the Kovsie students who wrote the exam. Five students who passed the QE1 exam are currently academic clerks at the Centre for Accounting. The five clerks will start their second year of practical traineeship at different companies/firms in 2011.
In order to qualify as a CA and become a full member of SAICA, the students will also have to complete a specialist diploma, pass the final examination and complete the remaining period of their practical training. Once all three these requirements have been completed, the students will qualify as CAs in South Africa.
Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Director: Strategic Communication (acting)
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl@ufs.ac.za
9 June 2010
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