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17 October 2024
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Story Precious Shamase
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Photo Supplied
Sibahle Mabaso during her BA (Hons) Drama and Theatre Arts (2022) graduation, which she passed cum laude.
Sibahle Mabaso, a talented and driven individual, has been making waves at the University of the Free State (UFS). As a runner-up in the prestigious Siyaphumelela ATD DREAM Scholar programme, Mabaso's dedication and achievements have not gone unnoticed.
A multi-faceted student, Mabaso excelled in both her academic pursuits and extracurricular activities. A graduate of the UFS Drama and Theatre Arts programme, Mabaso's academic pursuits have been as diverse as her interests. She has a BA in Drama and Theatre Arts (2019-2021), a BA Honours in Drama and Theatre Arts (2022), and she is currently pursuing a Master of Arts with specialisation in Gender Studies. Her passion for the arts is evident in her work as a playwright, director, and educator. Mabaso is currently an Assistant Researcher in Transition, Development and Success within the Centre for Teaching and Learning.
Mabaso's journey to academic success has been marked by resilience and perseverance. Despite facing challenges, she has overcome obstacles through hard work, determination, and the support of mentors.
Beyond her academic achievements, Mabaso is committed to giving back to her community. She recently founded a creative enterprise called Wild Geese PTY LTD, which aims to provide opportunities for young creatives. Through her work, Mabaso hopes to inspire and mentor others, sharing her experiences and knowledge to help them reach their full potential.
As Mabaso continues her academic journey and pursues her career goals, her dedication and passion for both her studies and community engagement are sure to inspire others. Her achievements serve as a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and a commitment to making a positive impact. Looking ahead, Mabaso hopes to continue her academic pursuits and pursue a career in higher education. She is also passionate about giving back to her community and mentoring young people. With her talent, dedication, and unwavering spirit, there is no doubt that Sibahle Mabaso will continue to achieve great things.
Successful conviction on edible oil adulteration
2009-03-28
A successful conviction in the South African food industry for selling diluted olive oil under the guise of virgin olive oil was handed down in the Special Commercial Crimes Court in Durban this week.
Salvatore Pollizi, owner of the company Ital Distributors, pleaded guilty in terms of Section 105A of the Crime Prosecuting Act to selling fake virgin olive oil under the names of Antico Frantoio and Ulivo.
He was sentenced to a fine of R250 000 or three years’ imprisonment, of which R130 000 or 18 months imprisonment is suspended for five years, on condition that he is not found guilty of fraud or theft or an attempt to commit such crimes during the period of suspension.
The offence was committed in 2001 when the scandal involving olive oil being mixed with a cheaper edible oil and being sold as the more expensive virgin olive oil was uncovered by scientists from the University of the Free State (UFS) in Bloemfontein, in collaboration with Mr Guido Costas, The Olive Growers’ Association, AgriInspec and the South African Police Services.
According to Prof. Lodewyk Kock, Head of the South African Fryer Oil Initiative (SAFOI) that is based at the UFS, the conviction is to his knowledge the first successful conviction of this kind in the South African food industry.
Prof. Kock said, “The court’s decision on Monday, 23 March 2009 is good news to our country and sends out a dire warning to all fraudsters in the food industry.”
He attributed the successful conviction to the active and enthusiastic participation by Advocate Joanna Bromley-Gans from the Special Commercial Crime Unit (SCCU) in Durban, Captain Pragasen Govender from the Serious Economic Offences Unit (SEOU) in Pretoria and the team from SAFOI.
Prof. Kock said that in 2003 some of the prominent members of the edible oil industry took responsibility for the authenticity of their own oils by appointing outside laboratories for routine monitoring.
In some cases a seal of approval from such laboratories is displayed on the monitored oil containers. This is an attempt to inform oil distributors, shop buyers and consumers that these oils have been monitored by an outside laboratory for authenticity.
This “policing” has been supported by major role players in the fast-food sector like Nando’s, Spur, Captain Dorego’s, King Pie Holdings, etc. and various oil distributors like Felda Bridge Africa, Willowton Oil & Cake Mills, Refill Oils, etc.
Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za
27 March 2009