Latest News Archive
Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
14 June 2024
|
Story Anthony Mthembu
|
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.
House Tswelopele hosts first Security Guard Appreciation Day
2015-09-28
Our unsung heroes being honoured for their hard work.
Imagine all access points, residences, and major events devoid of security. Mojaki Mothibi had this unsettling image in mind when he decided to organise and host the inaugural Security Appreciation Day.
Security guards work day and night to create a safe and conducive environment for our students and staff. On Friday 18 September 2015, security guards from the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Protection Services were shown appreciation for keeping the Bloemfontein Campus crime-free.
According to Mojaki, the initiative was also to support the Be Safe campaign, championed by the university’s Department of Communication and Brand Management.
“I created an Appreciation Day for all the security guards who work so hard to keep us safe, to say thanks, and to ask them to continue keeping us safe,” said the outgoing Tswelopele Prime.
Addressing security guards at the event, Mojaki conveyed a message of admiration. “We appreciate the tenacity that you show and the protection that you constantly provide us with,” he stated.
Thabo Tsautse, a security guard at the university, applauded Mojaki and House Tswelopele as a collective for recognising their efforts as service providers. “This is the first residence in the history of the UFS to appreciate our work,” he said.
The event concluded with members of the residence presenting snack packs to the unsung heroes as a token of appreciation.