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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 show Madiba their love
2013-07-15
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Showing love to Madiba: Our Kovsie delegation outside the Medi-Clinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria
Photo: Jerry Mokoroane |
Staff and students from our Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses travelled to the Medi-Clinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria to wish former president Nelson Mandela well and to show their support to his family. Paying their respects to Madiba, who has been in hospital for over a month, the Kovsies held a prayer service outside the hospital and shared stories of the impact the icon had on their lives. The delegation was led by Mr Rudi Buys, Dean of Student Affairs, who told visitors and media at the hospital that the Kovsies travelled to the hospital to thank Madiba and to show that the university is committed to reconciliation after the Reitz incident. "We are here to show our respect and to honour him for what he has given to this country. We are also here to show that we are committed to reconciliation and that we remain committed to change," said Buys.
The delegation also visited Madiba’s old house in Vilakazi Street in Soweto.