Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items

Advancing Biogeochemistry Research at the UFS

12 November 2024 | Story Jacky Tshokwe | Photo Supplied

Dr Mariana Erasmus (Vice Director, CMBG) demonstrates some of the equipment in the newly established, state-of-the-art laboratories at the Centre for Mineral Biogeochemistry.

The University of the Free State (UFS) recently hosted a landmark event-the national launch of the South African Biogeochemistry Research Infrastructure Platform (BIOGRIP) - in the Centenary Complex on its Bloemfontein Campus. This significant occasion marked the establishment of the Centre for Mineral Biogeochemistry at the UFS and underscored South Africa’s growing commitment to biogeochemistry research.

Prof Anthea Rhoda welcomed the distinguished gathering of scientists, students, industry leaders, and stakeholders, highlighting the launch as a collaborative milestone in South Africa's scientific journey. In her address, Prof Rhoda emphasised the importance of the interdisciplinary nature of biogeochemistry, where biology, geology, and chemistry converge to offer insights into critical issues such as climate change, water quality, and soil health. She remarked on the necessity of collaboration, explaining that BIOGRIP’s platform, built on shared resources and expertise, exemplifies the power of uniting across institutional boundaries to accelerate impactful discoveries.

The programme featured insightful scientific talks by leading experts, each focusing on how biogeochemistry addresses key environmental issues such as sustainability and resource management. These presentations reinforced BIOGRIP’s commitment to advancing knowledge that can influence policy and improve practices.

Attendees were also given guided tours of the state-of-the-art laboratories in the Centre for Mineral Biogeochemistry, which provided a behind-the-scenes look at the advanced tools and methods employed in studying interactions between minerals, biology, and the environment. For many, this was a highlight, as they observed firsthand how biogeochemical research is conducted and contributes to soil health, pollution control, and environmental conservation.

The launch provided ample networking opportunities, fostering connections among academics, government representatives, industry professionals, and environmental organisations. Over a catered lunch, participants engaged in vibrant discussions about potential collaborations and the role of biogeochemistry in addressing South Africa’s environmental challenges.

The BIOGRIP national launch stands as a milestone event, not only for the UFS, but for the broader South African scientific community. With the establishment of this research platform, South Africa is well-positioned to tackle pressing environmental issues through innovative research and cross-sector collaboration. The event left attendees inspired and motivated, setting an optimistic tone for the future of biogeochemistry research in the region.

News Archive

It takes a village to raise a child

2016-06-13

Description: Valentino_Student Bursary Fund Campaign Tags: Valentino_Student Bursary Fund Campaign

Valentino Ndaba
Photo: Sonia Small

(Click on CC for subtitles)

Video
Student Bursary Fund Campaign booklet (pdf)
Donate
Student Bursary Fund Campaign launched: #FundAFuture and make a difference
Motho ke motho ka batho. A person is a person through others
Want to make a difference in the world? Here is how

South Africa has one of the most spectacular coastlines in the world. Take the ribbon of golden beaches sweeping along the shores of KwaZulu-Natal, for instance. But just beyond the kiteboards dappling the ocean and fields of swaying sugarcane lies one of the largest informal settlements in the province: Amaoti. A place where barefoot children are skipping alongside poverty, and violent crime incinerates hope.

Nonetheless, that place could not keep Valentino Ndaba from graduating at the University of the Free State (UFS), and setting her sails for post-graduate studies.

A village
It takes a village to raise a child. This African proverb ripples across Valentino’s life story. “My gran always used to say education is your eternal bread. She still says it to this day. She has always instilled in me the importance of education,” Valentino smiles. Her grandmother has been but one of several champions in Valentino’s life.

Maalthee Dayaram – a teacher at Brookdale Secondary School that Valentino attended – noticed a budding talent in the young girl’s writing. With dedicated attention and ceaseless encouragement, Mrs Dayaram helped pave the way for this young writer. “You might be talented and have potential, but having someone actually believe in you and tell you that you have potential makes such a difference,” Valentino says. “I fell in love with writing, and had an idea that writing might be my future.” Dire economic circumstances threatened to snuff out any sparks of hope from that fragile future, though.

Aided by Lungisani Indlela (a non-profit organisation that provides children in the Amaoti area with school fees, uniforms, shoes, etc), Valentino clung to faith in the power of education. With unwavering single-mindedness, she consistently earned top grades.

Description: Valentino Ndaba 2 Tags: Valentino Ndaba 2

Photo: Sonia Small

Not if, but when
“Dreaming of my future, my gran would always say to me, ‘when you go to university’ or ‘when you have graduated’, this and that will follow.” Her gran’s words proved to be prophetic. As the final matric results were published in early January 2012, Valentino received a phone call that would change her life irrevocably.

That call came from the well-known South African humanitarian, Tich Smith. “Would you be willing to go to university in another province?” Smith asked. Never having travelled beyond her immediate surroundings, Valentino’s brave answer was: “Yes.”

A few days later, she walked onto the Bloemfontein Campus of the UFS.

Changing futures
Valentino proceeded to obtain a BA degree in Media Studies and Journalism in 2014. She has now set her sights on an honours degree, and envisions pursuing a Master’s degree in creative writing overseas.

“Without the support I received, I would have been stuck without a future,” she says. “University has shaped me into a better version of myself. I’ve grown intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally.”

You can bring about the same change for other students in need. By contributing to the UFS Student Bursary Fund Campaign, you can change the future not only of individuals, but of communities and of our country as well.

The impact of your financial support reaches far beyond its monetary value. It pulls families from poverty. It sends forth experts and visionaries into the world. It sets in motion a culture of giving.

Visit our Giving page for ways to contribute.

Back

Economic and Management Sciences

Education

Health Sciences

The Humanities

Law

Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Theology and Religion

Open Distance Learning

Business School

We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful. To better understand how they are used, read more about the UFS cookie policy. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept