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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

Four modernised controlled environment cabinets inaugurated

2006-07-27

Photographed in a controlled environment cabinet were at the back from the left: Mr Adriaan Hugo (head of the UFS Electronics and Mechanisation Division), Prof Herman van Schalkwyk (Dean: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the UFS) and Prof Koos Terblans (lecturer at the UFS Department of Physics). In front is Mr Koos Uys (engineering consultant from Experto Designa who helped with the cooling systems of the cabinets).
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs

Different look for research in controlled circumstances at the UFS

Research in controlled circumstances at the University of the Free State (UFS) turned a new page today with the inauguration of four modernised controlled environment cabinets of the Department of Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences.

“The controlled environment cabinets, which are situated next to the glass houses on the eastern side of the Agriculture Building on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein, were installed in the early 1980’s. The cabinets, used for research purposes in controlled circumstances by the UFS for many years, became dysfunctional and needed to be repaired and put into use again,” said Prof Herman van Schalkwyk, Dean: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the UFS.

“The cabinets are used by the agronomics, horticulture and soil science divisions of the Department of Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences to control factors such as the temperature, the intensity and quality of light, synthesis and humidity. This is done 24 hours a day, with hourly intervals,” said Prof Van Schalkwyk.

The cabinets are ideally suited to determine the joint and separate effects of these factors on the growth of plants. The adaptability of plants to climate can also be investigated under controlled circumstances. All of this leads to a better understanding of the growth and development process of plants, more specifically that of agricultural crops.

“The effect of these environmental factors on the effectiveness of insect killers such as fungus killers, insecticide and weed killers can also be investigated and can help to explain the damage that is sometimes experienced, or even prevent the damage if the research is timeously,” said Prof Van Schalkwyk.

A new cabinet can cost between R2-3 million, depending on the degree of sophistication. “Although controlled environment cabinets have been used for agricultural research for a long time, it has become costly to maintain them and even more impossible to purchase new ones,” said Prof Van Schalkwyk.

According to Prof Van Schalkwyk the cabinets were re-built by die UFS Electronics and Mechanisation Division. Some of the mechanisms were also replaced and computerised.

“The re-building and mechanisation of the cabinets were funded by the faculty and because the work was done by our own staff, an amount of about R1 million was saved. The maintenance costs will now be lower as the cabinets are specifically tailor made for our research needs,” said Prof Van Schalkwyk.

Where all monitoring was done manually in the past, the cabinets can now be controlled with a computer. This programme was designed by Prof Koos Terblans from the UFS Department of Physics.

According to Prof Van Schalkwyk the modernisation of the cabinets is part of the faculty’s larger strategy to get its instruments and apparatus up to world standards. “With this project we have proved that we can find a solution for a problem ourselves and that there are ways to get old apparatus functional again,” said Prof Van Schalkwyk.

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 July 2006

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