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Prof Tameshnie Deane appointed as Vice-Dean in the Faculty of Law

17 October 2024 | Story Anthony Mthembu | Photo Supplied

The Faculty of Law at the University of the Free State (UFS) has appointed Prof Tameshnie Deane as Vice-Dean: Research, Postgraduate Studies and Internationalisation. Prof Deane officially assumed this role on 1 July 2024, following over two decades as a Professor and Head of the Criminal Law Unit at the University of South Africa (UNISA).

Prof Deane, who has approached this new position with great enthusiasm, describes it as a significant opportunity. ‘’This role allows me to influence the future of academic research and postgraduate education at UFS,’’ she said.

Support for postgraduate students

Prof Deane elaborated on her vision, saying, “My aim is to develop and implement strategies that elevate the quality and impact of research, foster innovation, and support postgraduate students in achieving their academic and professional goals.”

Among her top priorities is strengthening support for postgraduate students at the UFS. “I plan to introduce comprehensive mentorship programmes where experienced faculty members guide students through their academic and research journeys. We will offer training in key skills such as legal writing, research methodologies, and public speaking, while also prioritising initiatives to support their mental and emotional well-being,’’ she explained.

Prof Deane emphasised that creating a dynamic and supportive environment will contribute to academic excellence and personal growth for postgraduate students at the UFS.

Enhancing internationalisation and strategic collaborations

Prof Deane is also committed to advancing the internationalisation of the Faculty of Law. “We aim to provide opportunities for international collaboration and exchange, which will broaden the scope and impact of our research and postgraduate programmes,’’ she said.

Improving research quality and output remains a core objective, with Prof Deane identifying this as central to her new role.

One of the initiatives Prof Deane is eager to lead is the development of strategic partnerships with industry and academic institutions. “Collaborations like these will provide invaluable resources for research projects,” she noted.

To foster these partnerships, Prof Deane plans to leverage technology to strengthen communication and collaboration, support relationship-building events, and promote interdisciplinary projects that encourage diverse perspectives and innovative solutions.

News Archive

First Dementia Care Mapper in Africa receives international award

2015-11-17

The first Dementia Care Mapper from Africa,
Dr Sanet du Toit.
Photo: iFlair Photography

“In one facility, four elders who needed minimal assistance to eat were provided with an opportunity to sit at a separate table, and enjoy their breakfast as preferred – that is, to spread bread with butter, jam or marmite; to add their own milk and sugar to their tea.”

Dr Sanet du Toit described a scenario where staff members at an old-age home implemented recommendations she made following an observation she conducted.

“We do not think twice about doing this but, within institutional care settings, these ’normal’ routines are often replaced with practices that could be viewed as ‘time savers’. For example: everyone gets milky, sweet tea to drink,” she explains.

Yet, by creating an environment where the elderly living with dementia were at liberty to determine the amount of milk in their tea, active participation meant an improved well-being.

She was honoured with the International Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (IAHSA) Award for Excellence in Applied Research on 1 September 2015, at a joint conference held by the Aged & Community Services Australia (ACSA) and IAHSA in Perth.

This exceptional Occupational Therapist from the University of the Free State (UFS) emerged as the first Dementia Mapper from Africa. Dementia Care Mapping is a method used internationally to assess with the purpose of improving the quality of care given to residents in institutionalised settings.

The IAHSA award acknowledged her person-centered care training and research in South African residential care facilities while working at the UFS as a senior lecturer from 2003 to 2013. Currently, she is based at the University of Sydney, but remains an affiliated lecturer at the UFS Department of Occupational Therapy.

In 1992, she graduated with a BA in Occupational Therapy at the UFS, and went on to further her studies at various institutions. Also, she is one of the founding directors of the Eden Alternative South Africa, an advocacy for older persons’ rights within old-age homes. Over the years, Dr du Toit has won numerous awards for her research.

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