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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.
Monkey research attracts international attention
2016-07-11
Prof Trudy Turner from the University of
Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Prof Paul Grobler
from the Department of Genetics at the
University of the Free State, together with one
of the students researching monkey genes.
Photo: Siobhan Canavan
For this year’s Summer School programme, Prof Paul Grobler, from the University of the Free State Department of Genetics focuses on research about the conflict between monkeys and humans in areas where monkeys are regarded as problem animals.
Global expert part of research
This year, Prof Grobler is hosting a group of students and lecturers from the United States of America (USA). The group includes Prof Trudy Turner from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), a global expert on vervet monkeys. She has been working with the Department of Genetics at the UFS for the past fifteen years, and has also been appointed as an Affiliated Professor in the department.
“The Summer School programme is an opportunity for the American Primatology students to gain practical experience in Africa,” says Prof Grobler.
International interest in Summer School
This year’s Summer School programme involves four lecturers and nine students. The lecturers are from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Boston University, and Central Washington University.
“We use the genetic information to determine
how monkeys historically infiltrated the
different areas in South Africa.”
This year’s focus is on the genetic structure of the monkeys in South Africa, and research that is being done on the differences and similarities in monkeys from different areas. “We use the genetic information to determine how monkeys historically infiltrated the different areas in South Africa,” says Prof Grobler.
Local nature reserve acting as host
The group will perform field work, including observing monkeys in the Soetdoring Nature Reserve, as well as laboratory work in the department, where they will be assisted by two laboratory technicians.
Two years ago, Prof Grobler and his department tested this idea on a smaller scale, and now they hope to make this a regular event.