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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.
President’s advisor commends UFS job creation project
2007-11-07
One of President Thabo Mbeki’s international business advisors, Dr Percy Barnevik, has commended the Mangaung University of the Free State Community Partnership Programme (MUCPP) in Bloemfontein as an example of community-based job-creation efforts.
“I am encouraged with what is going on, but you have to step up the speed dramatically. We don’t want to see 5000 jobs per month, we want to see 25000”, Dr Barnevik emphasized.
The Swedish-born business executive is a member of President Mbeki’s International Investment Council which met this weekend in George. Dr Barnevik is also involved with the Indian charity organisation Hand in Hand in their programmes to eliminate rural poverty.
The University of the Free State (UFS) is involved in the National Programme for the Creation of Small Enterprises and Jobs for the Second Economy as part of the government’s Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa (ASGISA).
As part of government’s job creation efforts, the UFS was appointed as a training provider for small enterprises and community based organisations.
According to the Programme Co-ordinator at the UFS, Dr Aldo Stroebel, the University of the Free State is therefore using the partnership model of MUCPP as a vehicle for training and development as well as a model that can potentially be rolled out nationally to other provinces as part of the programme to create small enterprises and jobs in the second economy.
As a result of the UFS’s involvement, 150 people were trained last year in identifying and mentoring existing self-help groups, small enterprises and community based organisations, to strengthen their ability to establish and grow small enterprises in an effort to create jobs in the Second Economy.
Media Release
Issued by: Mangaliso Radebe
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2828
Cell: 078 460 3320
E-mail: radebemt.stg@mail.ufs.ac.za
12 November 2007