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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

UFS congratulates Free State on matric results

2017-01-05

With projects like the Internet Broadcast Project and the
Schools Partnership Projects the UFS helps to improve
education at schools in the Free State.
Photo: iStock

The University of the Free State (UFS) congratulates the Free State and its learners on their outstanding performance in the 2016 matric results. The university, who also plays a role in promoting excellence at school level, is proud of the Free State’s achievement as the best-performing province in the country with a 93,2% pass rate, excluding progressed learners.

“On behalf of the university community I would like to congratulate the Free State MEC of Education, Tate Makgoe, who is also a member of the UFS Council, and the Department of Education in the province on this fine achievement. The UFS is proud to be involved in projects that contribute to the success of the province’s learners. These include the Internet Broadcast Project (IBP) and the Schools Partnership Projects (SPP). The projects help to improve the quality of teaching and help learners to overcome severe domestic conditions in rural areas,” says Prof Nicky Morgan, Acting Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS.

Internet Broadcast Project

The UFS IDEAS Lab in the Department of Open and Distance Learning on the UFS South Campus supports learners in 83 schools through the IBP with the help of academic videos. The project is a collaboration between the university and the Department of Education in the province. It includes support for subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Science, Economics, Accounting, and Geography.

A purpose-built school appliance, comprising a projector, speakers, and a PC, is set up at each school, where learners receive video lectures from highly-qualified teachers.

During a function held in Bloemfontein on 5 January 2017 to congratulate performing schools in the province, Mr Makgoe made special mention of the IBP and said that part of the success of the province can be attributed to the project. Many of the top performing schools had learners who participated in the project. One of the districts that forms part of the project, the Xhariep District, was announced as the top performing district in the province, and is second in the country.

Schools Partnership Projects

The SPP focuses on teachers in order to have a more sustainable impact, with 69 schools in the Free State and Eastern Cape being part of it.

It makes use of mentors (30) who assist teachers and headmasters with school management, Mathematics, Physical Science, Accounting, and English as language of learning. The project has an annual budget of more than R15 million – all the funds come from sponsors outside the UFS.

Mentors visit schools and share knowledge, extra material, and technology to improve the standard of teaching. The change has been significant. Matric results and Bachelors pass rates have improved dramatically in these schools.

Another aspect is the identification of learners with potential (so-called first-generation students) to go to university. They are assisted through extra classes and in applying for tertiary education and bursaries.

Many of them currently study at the UFS, and also receive mentorship at university.

Dr Peet Venter, SPP Project Manager, said his team is proud to be part of the process of helping the Free State to become the number one province in the country again.

Both the IBP and SPP was started in 2011 and are managed from the university’s South Campus in Bloemfontein.

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