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Lebakeng soars: Allan Gray nominee and beacon of achievement

18 October 2024 | Story Precious Shamase | Photo Supplied

The University of the Free State (UFS) celebrates Lebakeng Mokhele, a remarkable student nominated for the prestigious Allan Gray Student Achievers programme. This recognition highlights Mokhele’s exceptional academic journey, fuelled by dedication and a commitment to making a difference.

Mokhele is a beneficiary of the Centre for Global Change, exemplifying the positive impact of the centre.

Triumph over adversity

Despite facing significant challenges during his first year, Mokhele persevered and achieved remarkable success. Starting his academic journey on foot and enduring seven months without electricity, he demonstrated exceptional discipline and dedication to his studies.

Using a candle for light, Mokhele diligently pursued his academic goals, ultimately earning the prestigious title of Best First-Year in the Department of Computer Science and Informatics. His achievement was even more impressive considering the obstacles he overcame. Mokhele's story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of maintaining focus in the face of adversity.

Mokhele’s story is one of perseverance. Growing up, he wanted to become a medical doctor. He credits his mother as his unwavering pillar of support. Additionally, he acknowledges Dr Amon Magwiro and Annemarie van Noordwyk for their guidance and mentorship.

A Well-Rounded Achiever

Currently pursuing an Honours in Business Management, Mokhele has a list of impressive accomplishments:

Top achiever awards across various departments
Best academic performer among all students in 2019
Golden Key International Honour Society member
Best performer in the Department of Business Management in 2020

Ambitious Goals and Aspiring Vision

He aspires to earn a PhD in Business Management while simultaneously establishing a thriving mixed farming enterprise. The Allan Gray programme offers him an opportunity to network and gain exposure to the financial industry – a developing passion sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leadership and Community Focus

His dedication extends beyond academics. He is actively involved in extracurricular activities, including organising community soccer tournaments. He demonstrates strong leadership through his roles as:

President of Enactus UFS
Treasurer of Youth in Agriculture and Rural Development in Maluti-a-Phofung
His farming venture currently employs workers and plans for expansion are underway. Through his ‘bucks n bucks’ consultancy, he assists aspiring entrepreneurs.

Sharing his Wisdom

Mokhele emphasises the importance of applying knowledge and seeking information. He encourages fellow students:

Focus on discipline: It is the key to overcoming challenges.
Find your ‘why’: Drive yourself with a clear purpose.
Never give up: Success is possible even when facing setbacks.

Gratitude and Acknowledgement

Lebakeng expresses his deepest gratitude to his family, lecturers, the Centre for Global Change (including Prof Otomo and his team), and everyone who have supported him.

A Final Note

For those interested in learning more about Mokhele’s business venture, visit his website: www.bucksnbucks.co.za

News Archive

DNA sequencer launched at the UFS

2013-11-25

Dr Gansen Pillay, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Research Foundation, explaining to the scholars what will be expected of them.

The University of the Free State (UFS) can now collect immensely valuable data on drug resistance in HIV/Aids and TB with the new DNA sequencer that was launched recently at the International workshop on HIV/AIDS and TB drug resistance at the Bloemfontein Campus.

The DNA sequencer will allow the Free State province to produce viral and bacterial genetic data to fight the local development of HIV/ Aids and TB drug resistance.

The HIV and TB epidemics have expanded very fast and South Africa now has the largest HIV and TB treatment programme in the world, with over 2 million patients on treatment. However, these successful treatment programmes are now being threatened by the appearance of drug resistance.

The Free State province has been at the forefront of fighting HIV drug resistance in South Africa and has one of the most advanced treatment programmes for the management of resistance strains in the country. In addition, researchers at the University of the Free State are leading partners in the Southern African Treatment and Resistance Network (SATuRN; www.bioafrica.net/saturn), a research network that has trained over 2 000 medical officers in the treatment of drug resistance strains.

The Department of Medical Microbiology and Virology in the Medical School at the UFS has partnered with the provincial department of health, the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the Delegation of the European Union to South Africa to fund a dedicated DNA sequencer machine that will be used to generate HIV and TB drug-resistance results. This new machine will enable cutting-edge research to take place, using the data in the province and, importantly, support patients with resistance strains to have access to advanced genotypic testing techniques.

“HIV drug resistance is a very serious problem in South Africa, and the recent advances in DNA testing technology allow clinicians in the province to access drug resistance testing, which enables them to manage patients appropriately who fail treatment, and use the results to cost-effectively extend and improve patients’ lives,” says Dr Cloete van Vuuren, Specialist in Infectious Diseases at the UFS’s Faculty of Health.

Dr Dominique Goedhals, pathologist from the Department of Medical Microbiology and Virology at the UFS, adds: “We have been looking forward to expanding our work with the clinicians and researchers, using DNA sequencing to shed light on the causes and consequences of drug resistance in urban and rural settings in the province.”

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