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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

“Breakthroughs depend on people believing in their own ideas”

2015-07-23

TED is a renowned international non-profit organisation dedicated to disseminating “ideas worth spreading” in the form compelling talks lasting up to 18 minutes.

Lerothodi Molete’s vision is to witness the youth of Bloemfontein emerge at the forefront of technological, scientific, and entrepreneurial innovations in both South Africa and the global arena.

Molete and Bonginkosi Leeuw are the organisers of TEDxUFS. Their duty is centered on inspiring people to believe in, and express, their ideas. These University of the Free State students have taken it upon themselves to inspire the youth to “push the boundaries of society.”

The second TEDxUFS event to be hosted by the university presents a unique opportunity for students, staff members, and the general public to mingle with influential speakers from across various disciplines.

Details of the event:

Date: Saturday 1 August 2015

Time: 08:00- 18:00

Venue: Albert Wessels Auditorium, Bloemfontein Campus

The keynote speakers include: Mmusi Maimane (Federal Leader: Democratic Alliance), Gareth Cliff (Radio personality: Cliff Central), Pieter Geldenhuys (Futurist), Brian Kally (Director: Arrow Logistics), Jonathan Jansen (Vice-Chancellor and Rector: UFS), Ricardo Peach (Director: Vrystaat Arts Festival, Pamela Nomvete (Former actor and writer), Gil Oved (Founder: Creative Counsel), Pepe Marais (CEO: Joe Public), Angelo Mockie (Senior Officer: Student Affairs and musician), Philippa Tumubweinee (Senior Lecturer in Architecture: UFS), and Melody Mentz (Psychology Senior Professor: UFS).

The reason behind the #AskWhy theme

"Why is a small word but it’s a quick, broad, sharp and abrupt one,” explains Leeuw. “It is the chosen word of the non-conformist, the defiant, and the visionary. It is a confrontational word. It challenges what is thought to be impossible.”

The ability to interrogate reality is what society and economies are built on. The absence of the fear to question encourages the capacity to progress.

Motivating young people to follow their dreams is the reason why the TEDxUFS team is persistent in their endeavours. Molete believes that, in order to change anything, people need to ask why.

Background of the innovation powerhouse called TED(x)

TED is a renowned international non-profit organisation dedicated to disseminating “ideas worth spreading” in the form compelling talks lasting up to 18 minutes.

In 1984, it was introduced as a conference exploring Technology, Entertainment, and Design. Three decades later, TED covers a wide variety of topics of global significance, reflecting the contemporary era in more than 100 languages.

TEDx events are under the TED umbrella. These events are organised independently, and create a platform for deliberating on local matters. The programme assists communities, organisations, and individuals to stimulate critical dialogue.

On 25 July 2014, the UFS hosted its inaugural TEDxUFS conference at the Odeion theatre on the Bloemfontein Campus, where eleven speakers addressed an audience of 150 people on interdisciplinary topics ranging from economics to entrepreneurship, technology, art, design, and theology.

This year, 200 seats will be available for innovative revolutionary individuals in search of inspiration.

Tickets are available at 0619284253 / 079 381 4126. Prices: R80 (Student/scholars) and R350 (Public/staff)

LINKS:

Lerothodi Molete- http://whoswho.co.za/lerothodi-molete-742022

Bonginkosi Leeuw- https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/10499

TEDxUFS- http://kovsielife.ufs.ac.za/templates/archive.aspx?news=276

Mmusi Maimane- http://whoswho.co.za/mmusi-maimane-44612

Garett Cliff- http://www.garethcliff.com/

Pieter Geldenhuys- http://pietergeldenhuys.com/

Brian Kally- https://za.linkedin.com/pub/brian-kally/4b/888/959

Jonathan Jansen- http://www.ufs.ac.za/adhoc-pages/rectorate/prof-(jd)-jonathan-jansen

Ricardo Peach- http://ricardopeach.com/

Pamela Nomvete- http://whoswho.co.za/pamela-nomvete-4789

Gil Ovid- https://za.linkedin.com/pub/gil-oved/3/910/892

Pepe Marais- http://joepublic.co.za/people

Angelo Mockie- https://za.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-mockie/27/56/302

PhilippaTumubweinee- http://natagri.ufs.ac.za/templates/staffmember.aspx?DCode=101&pid=zyNJm7KI%2b1k%3d

Melody Mentz- https://za.linkedin.com/in/melodymentz

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