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UFS delegation visits BUAN to strengthen ties in research and education

05 November 2024 | Story Jacky Tshokwe | Photo Supplied

BUAN Delegates — Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) delegates that recently visited the University of the Free State to solidify a collaboration.

During an inspiring journey, a delegation from the University of the Free State (UFS) recently visited the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) with an ambitious goal: to solidify a collaboration that was sparked during the visit of BUAN’s Vice-Chancellor to the UFS and subsequent discussions in Namibia. The atmosphere was one of shared purpose and excitement as the UFS representatives, led by the Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, the Vice-Dean: Agriculture, and the Vice-Dean: Postgraduate and Research, embarked on this significant academic endeavour.

This visit was not just a formal gesture, it was a step towards tangible, mutual benefits for students and staff of both institutions. The discussions between the UFS and the BUAN leadership, which centred around possibilities for student and staff exchanges and shared access to specialised equipment, pointed to the potential of creating a dynamic bridge between South African and Botswana academia. This partnership envisions collaborative supervision of postgraduate students, creating opportunities for intellectual growth that transcends borders. The two universities also explored joint funding applications and research avenues, with particular interest in BUAN’s innovative Meat Institute and AgroVolts solar panel project. Seeing the BUAN’s progress in renewable energy left the UFS team particularly impressed, reflecting the possibilities for sustainable development and resource-sharing that a partnership could yield.

During the discussions, the UFS delegation had a pivotal meeting with the BUAN’s Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic and Research, Prof Samodimo Ngwako, who had previously visited the UFS. His familiarity with the UFS’ resources and vision made him an invaluable advocate for bridging the two institutions, highlighting how their strengths could complement each other. Prof Ngwako’s insights helped BUAN staff visualise the meaningful exchange of expertise and resources that could benefit both student bodies and contribute to third-stream income generation.

With the way forward clear, both the UFS and BUAN teams agreed on ‘quick steps’ to launch the collaboration – the swift signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), followed by the first exchange of students and staff, and the launch of co-supervised research projects. While specific timelines and milestones are to be confirmed post-MoU, both teams are keen on joint funding applications, especially in areas relevant to agricultural and natural resources both within Africa and beyond. This partnership, once formalised, is expected to solidify both universities as leading research hubs in agriculture and natural resources, advancing each institution’s standing on the continent.

Reflecting on the visit, the UFS delegation felt a deep sense of optimism. The collaboration between the UFS and the BUAN aligns seamlessly with the UFS’ broader vision for strengthening ties with African universities, showcasing a forward-thinking approach to partnerships. As the journey towards meaningful collaboration progresses, the shared enthusiasm witnessed at the BUAN serves as a hopeful reminder that academia – when united by common goals – can drive impactful change for students, faculty, and communities on both sides of the border.

News Archive

National Human Trafficking Resource Line a victim-centred approach to combating crime

2017-08-24

Prof Beatri Kruger, Adjunct Professor at the
UFS Faculty of Law. Photo: Supplied

As a response to the rising number of human trafficking cases in South Africa and around the world, key role players in various fields have pulled together to come up with workable solutions on how to stop the crime and assist victims. Some of the work being done by NGOs and law enforcement agencies has been supported by insights from research conducted in communities and by academic institutions. According to Prof Beatri Kruger, Adjunct Professor of Law in the Faculty of Law at the University of the Free State and experienced researcher in human trafficking, support for victims has grown in leaps and bounds with the help of the latest technology. More and better quality information can be collected to strengthen efforts of combating the crime,” she said.

One such technological development is the national Human Trafficking Resource Line, which provides various services, including information on trafficking activities, assistance to agencies working with victims of trafficking in persons (TIP), creating a network from which data can be collected, analysed, and activities tracked, in order to ensure the best service to victims.

The resource line connects callers, often victims of TIP or anonymous tippers, to service providers in social services, law enforcement, places of safety, medical facilities, and government agencies, especially during emergencies.

Resource line a helping hand to victims
The resource line was established in 2016 and has replaced the previous helpline. This line provides more services and resources than just a helpline. Through partnerships, it works to strengthen local and national structures that can assist victims over the phone.

Call specialists are trained by Polaris, an American company using international standards and protocols. The call specialists are available 24/7 to take reports of human trafficking confidentially and anonymously. They put victims in touch with service providers for health screening, counselling, and repatriation if they are from another country, and also assist with case management.

Empowering service providers is the key to success
Support for service providers such as NGOs, safe houses, and government departments in the network is in the form of skills training programmes for staff, and a referral system in various provinces around the country. There are good referral partners in each province, as well as provincial coordinators ensuring accountability regarding cases, mobilising services for victims, and coordinating the referrals and response.

To strengthen the network further, services provided in each province are being standardised to ensure that the right people are contacted when handling cases, and that key stakeholders in each province are used. The strength of the provincial provider network is key to offering victims of human trafficking the services they need.

Human trafficking is a crime that permeates multiple academic disciplines and professions. Therefore, information collected from victims through such a helpline and collated by agencies, will assist academic institutions such as the UFS in furthering their research, while strengthening the content of academic programmes in fields such as law, law enforcement, social sciences, health sciences, and international relations.

The number to call for reporting or providing tips on TIP-related crimes and activities, is 0800 222 777.

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