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Breaking barriers, inspiring change: Dr Mavis Soko makes history on UFS Qwaqwa Campus

04 April 2025 | Story Precious Shamase | Photo Supplied

A landmark achievement has etched itself into the annals of the University of the Free State (UFS). Dr Mavis Soko became the first woman to earn a PhD in Sociology from the Qwaqwa Campus vibrant community. Her journey, a testament to resilience and unwavering dedication, serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring scholars, particularly women, across the region and beyond.

Born in the Goromonzi district of Zimbabwe in 1977, Dr Soko's academic trajectory is a mosaic of diverse disciplines and unwavering intellectual curiosity. From a Diploma in Secretarial Studies at Ranche House College to a Master of Science in Population Studies at the University of Zimbabwe, her path reflects a commitment to lifelong learning. This culminated in her groundbreaking doctoral research at the UFS, solidifying her expertise in the intricate tapestry of social dynamics.

Beyond lectures, research shapes policy

Her professional narrative is equally compelling. Dr Soko’s career began at the University of Zimbabwe, where she ascended from a secretary to a faculty administrator, showcasing her exceptional work ethic and leadership potential. Currently, she imparts her knowledge as a junior lecturer in the Department of Business Enterprise and Management and serves as a part-time lecturer at the Zimbabwe National Defence University.

Beyond the lecture halls, Dr Soko's impact resonates through her industry-focused research and consultancy work, particularly in corporate governance. Her research interests, deeply rooted in the intersection of gender and ethnicity, explore pivotal themes such as women's empowerment, sexual rights, leadership ethics, and diversity.

Her PhD thesis, Ethnic and Gendered Implications of Sexuality and Sexual Rights: Prospects for an Ethnic-Specific Intervention Among Karanga and Zezuru Women in Zimbabwe, supervised by Dr Divane Nzima, represents a significant contribution to the field. It delves into the complex interplay of ethnicity and gender in shaping women's sexual autonomy in rural Zimbabwe. Dr Soko’s research has illuminated the restrictive influence of patriarchal norms and cultural practices, highlighting the urgent need for culturally sensitive interventions.

Meaningful contributions, scholarly excellence applauded

In a resounding endorsement of Dr Soko's groundbreaking accomplishment, her supervisor, Dr Nzima, offered heartfelt congratulations, highlighting the significance of her PhD in Sociology. "Congratulations on earning your PhD in Sociology," Dr Nzima stated. "This is a remarkable achievement that reflects your dedication and passion for understanding the complexities of society."

He further emphasised the potential impact of Dr Soko's research, expressing his confidence in her future contributions. "Wishing you all the best as you continue to make meaningful contributions to the world through your knowledge and insights," Dr Nzima added. His words serve as a powerful testament to the rigorous scholarship and profound societal relevance of Dr Soko's work, solidifying her place as a leading voice in the field.

The findings of her research have resonated on the international stage. Dr Soko presented her work at the prestigious 16th Southern African Nordic Centre (SANORD) Conference at the University of the Western Cape and the International Conference on Green and Sustainable Development at the University of Kigali. At these platforms, she engaged with global thought leaders, highlighting the practical implications of her research for shaping inclusive and sustainable development policies.

Dr Soko's achievement is more than a personal triumph; it is a powerful statement of progress. Her work calls for a deeper understanding of cultural nuances in addressing sexual rights, advocating for community-driven engagement and policy reforms. Her journey inspires us to challenge existing paradigms and strive for a more equitable and just society. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the unwavering spirit of a woman who dared to break barriers and make history.

News Archive

UFS in forefront with ASGI-SA initiative

2006-05-10

At the conceptualisation colloquium and stakeholder dialogue were from the left Dr Aldo Stroebel (senior researcher at the UFS Research Development Directorate), Dr Edith Vries (acting Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Development Trust) and Prof Frans Swanepoel (Director: UFS Research Development Directorate).

UFS in forefront with ASGI-SA initiative

Two staff members of the University of the Free State (UFS) have been appointed as members of the advisory board of the national programme for the creation of small enterprises and jobs in the second economy. This programme forms part of government’s Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative of South Africa (ASGI-SA).

Prof Frans Swanepoel, Director of the UFS Research Development Directorate and Dr Aldo Stroebel, senior researcher at the UFS Research Development Directorate, are working with a team of experts from the UFS on a draft implementation strategy for the national programme. Both Prof Swanepoel and Dr Stroebel are also associated to the UFS Centre for Sustainable Agriculture.

“The strategy is being developed in collaboration with institutions like the Independent Development Trust, the Department of Agriculture, the National Development Agency and the Department of Trade and Industry,” says Prof Swanepoel.

The other team members of the UFS are Prof Basie Wessels, Director of the Mangaung-University Community Partnership Programme (MUCPP) and Mr Benedict Mokoena, project manager at the MUCPP.

Dr Stroebel was also member of the organising committee of a conceptualisation colloquium and stakeholder dialogue that was recently presented in Johannesburg. The conference was attended by more than 400 delegates from government departments, higher-education institutions and civil society, including Dr Kobus Laubscher, member of the UFS Council.

The conference was facilitated by Ms Vuyo Mahlati, previously from the WK Kellogg Foundation’s Africa programme and opened by Ms Thoko Didiza, Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs.

“The colloquium formed the basis of an induction workshop during which a group of 150 individuals (50 teams of three) from all nine provinces, identified to initiate the implementation of the national programme, was trained and orientated towards an induction manual in collaboration with Hand-in-Hand, an Indian counterpart,” says Prof Swanepoel.

Dr Stroebel and Mr Benedict Mokoena formed part of the team to conceptualise and finalise this training manual. The induction training includes a case study of a successful community self-help partnership model, namely the MUCPP at the UFS. Prof Wessels and Mr Mokoena are both playing a leading role in the further development of subsequent training initiatives throughout South Africa, in partnership with the relevant provincial departments.

“The involvement of the UFS in the programme is a compliment to us. It reflects the value government sees in the use of academics and experts in the management of the ASGI-SA initiative. It is also an indication of one of the aims of the UFS to play a role in South Africa and Africa and in the transformation and change that is taking place in our country,” says Prof Swanepoel.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
10 May 2006

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