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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

Launch of the Africa office of the IIDE

2006-05-25

Attending the launch of the Africa office of the IIDE were from the left Prof Sytse Strijbos (Chairperson of IIDE Europe), Rev Kiepie Jaftha (Chairperson of the IIDE in Africa’s Board of Directors and Chief Director: Community Service at the UFS) and Prof Frederick Fourie (Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS).

Attending the launch were from the left Prof Lucius Botes (Director: Centre of Development Support at the UFS), Dr Samuel Kareithi (Head: Community Development at the Cornerstone Christian College, Cape Town), Rev Kiepie Jaftha (Chairperson of the IIDE in Africa’s Board of Directors and Chief Director: Community Service at the UFS), Prof Sytse Strijbos (Chairperson of IIDE Europe) and Dr Ezekiel Moraka (Vice-Rector: Student Affairs at the UFS).

Africa office of IIDE launched on UFS main campus

The Africa office of the International Institute for Development and Ethics (IIDE) was today (26 May 2006) launched on the Main Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) in Bloemfontein.

“The IIDE specialises in the studying and research of general questions of developmental theory and practices and provides services and support in education, strategic planning, policy formulation, advocacy and capacity building of development agencies,” said Rev Kiepie Jaftha, Chairperson of the IIDE in Africa’s Board of Directors and Chief Director: Community Service at the UFS.

According to Rev Jaftha the IIDE in Africa will focus on the conceptual and normative aspects of developmental processes in Sub-Saharan Africa. “We want to foster local and international partnerships with various relevant role-players in civil society, the private sector and public sector in the SACD region and later expand our operations to the rest of Africa,” said Rev Jaftha.

The IIDE in Africa cooperates with a similar foundation in Europe, functioning as the IIDE Europe. This institute was founded in 2003 and its head office is situated in the Netherlands. The UFS is a funder of the IIDE in Africa together with the Paul Foundation and private sponsors from the Netherlands.

“We have already started with various projects which are in various stages of implementation,” said Rev Jaftha. Some of these projects include, among others, the broadening of the master’s degree in Christian Studies of Science and Society (MACSSS) which is currently housed at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam to tertiary institutions in South Africa such as the UFS, the University of Stellenbosch and the Potchefstroom Campus of the Northwest University.

“Another project is an investigation into the possibility of initiating a broad development initiative in the poverty stricken Qwaqwa area. This initiative will attempt to concentrate on issues like the training and empowerment of prospective entrepreneurs in the region, the identification of prospective entrepreneurs for the rendering of development support and the monitoring of the impact of information and communication technology on local communities during the implementation of sustainable development initiatives,” said Rev Jaftha.

“The establishment of the Africa office of the IIDE on the UFS Main Campus is an indication of one of the aims of the UFS to play a role in South Africa and Africa. It also signifies our aim to contribute meaningfully to research and development and to establish links between the academe and practice,” said Rev Jaftha.

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

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