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08 April 2025 | Story Precious Shamase | Photo Supplied
Sifiso Banda
Sifiso Banda balances library duties and academic goals, showcasing innovation and resilience at the UFS Qwaqwa Campus.

In the heart of the University of the Free State Qwaqwa Campus, Sifiso Banda's story is one of ambition, and the seamless fusion of seemingly disparate worlds. Balancing his role as Senior Assistant Officer: Circulations and TK Mopeli Makerspace in the library with the rigorous demands of a BSc Honours Degree in Computer Science, Banda has not only excelled but also inspired.

 

Overcoming challenges fuelled by dreams

"Computer Science is my primary passion," Banda explains, his voice resonating with determination. "Being in academia allows me to interact with ever-evolving technologies. I love problem-solving and creating new ideas to help my community. “However, the path was far from easy. Juggling a demanding job with intense academic pressure led to sleepless nights and near-burnout. "It required immense professionalism in time planning and management," he confesses. "I almost gave up, but the unwavering support of my colleagues and supervisors kept me going."

Banda's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, fuelled by a deep sense of responsibility and gratitude. "I had to remind myself daily who I was doing this for," he says, his voice filled with emotion. "My late mother used her last savings to register me for university, giving me an opportunity she never had. That memory pushed me through the pain."

 

From theory to practice: Innovating library technology

His unique position within the library has provided an unexpected synergy with his Computer Science studies. "I saw a gap to bridge theory with practical application," Banda explains. "I want to use my tech skills to innovate and make education engaging, developing systems and apps that simplify student life."

He discovered that library science extends far beyond traditional book management. "It's not just borrowing and cataloguing," he says. "There are diverse career paths for a computer scientist, such as systems librarian."

Banda's practical application of his computer science knowledge is evident in his daily work. He plays a key role in managing and configuring the library's technology, including RFID self-check machines and automated chutes. Notably, a YouTube demonstration he created showcases his ability to bridge the digital divide for library users.

The most daunting challenge was his mini-dissertation. "It demanded immense time, often encroaching on my work hours," he recalls. "Balancing coding, documentation, and assisting patrons was incredibly difficult."

 

Evolving technology and support

His fascination with computer science stems from its dynamic nature. "Technology evolves daily," he says. "I'm particularly drawn to artificial intelligence and machine learning, as I envision a future where everything is digitised. My childhood dream was to build robots that could assist in households."

Banda credits several mentors for their profound impact on his academic journey. Prof Richard Ocaya, Prof Lehlohonolo Koao, Dr Andronicus Akinyelu, and Adebola Musa all provided crucial guidance and support. He also acknowledges the invaluable emotional support from Nonhlanhla Moleleki, a counsellor, and Khethiwe Bhiyo, his academic adviser. "The community at large played a vital role," he emphasises.

His advice to students working while studying is simple yet powerful: "Everything is possible with consistency, persistence, determination, and dedication. Keep focused, no matter how long it takes."

His research project, an online dining hall purchasing system, exemplifies his commitment to community-driven innovation. "It has reduced wait times and queues across our campuses," he says proudly.

Looking ahead, Banda plans to pursue a master's degree, aiming to combine his library experience with his technical expertise. "I envision libraries becoming increasingly digitised, and I want to be part of that evolution," he states.

The skills he gained – time management, multitasking, collaboration, and the courage to seek help – will be invaluable in his future endeavours. "Most importantly, believe in yourself," he concluded.

News Archive

UFS students excel at FPI awards
2009-06-04

 
Top students Annemarie Trinder-Smith and Renier de Bruyn
Photo: Supplied


Two top achievers from the Centre for Financial Planning Law at the University of the Free State (UFS) were crowned nationally as top students by the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPI) at a gala ceremony at Emperor’s Palace, Johannesburg, on Tuesday night.

Annemarie Trinder-Smith, a financial planner at Christo Saayman Financial Planners, was the best student in the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning, while Renier de Bruyn, financial advisor at PSG Consult (George) was the best student in the Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning.

They were among 461 students of the Centre for Financial Planning Law at the University of the Free State (UFS) who earlier received their postgraduate diplomas at a ceremony that formed part of the annual FPI convention.

The Centre for Financial Planning Law, which was established in 2001, was the first and for five years the only academic centre in South Africa to present a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning. Today the UFS is still the only institution to present this course through distance learning. The UFS is currently the only institution that offers the Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning.

At the diploma ceremony hosted earlier by the UFS, the following students were named as top achievers in various modules of the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning:
• Mylie Archibald (Financial Planning Environment, Corporate Financial Planning)
• Shaun Matthews (Personal Financial Planning)
• Nicolette van der Linde (Financial Planning Case Study). She also received an FPI prize as top student.

In the Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning, the following students were named as top achievers in various modules by the UFS. They also received FPI prizes in these modules:
• Megan Joan Anika (Fund Governance and Maintenance)
• Sarah Lynn James (Fund Design and Financing)
• Melanie Louw (Personal Risk Management)
• Renier de Bruyn (Estate Planning, Asset Types and Investment Planning)
• Jan Willem Wessels (Principles of Portfolio Planning and Management)

According to Adv Wessel Oosthuizen, Director of the Centre for Financial Planning at the UFS, large companies, banks, insurers and investment managers enroll their staff for these qualifications.

“The two diplomas form the basis for financial planners, brokers, lawyers and bankers to be recognized as certified financial planners - the CFP® status - as well as obtaining membership of the FPI.”

“A qualified financial planner, especially a CFP®, is one of the most sought-after titles in the financial planning sector worldwide. With about 3 700 CFP’s, South Africa has the fifth highest number of certified financial planners in the world,” Adv Oosthuizen said.

Adv. Oosthuizen is well-known nationally and internationally for his contribution to the advancement of financial planning law and financial planning education.

He was recently invited by the Financial Planning Standards Board to serve on an international committee that will evaluate the quality of education in financial planning. He was also the chairperson of a working group that developed guidelines for a standardised international curriculum for financial planners.

Media Release:
Mangaliso Radebe
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2828
Cell: 078 460 3320
E-mail: radebemt.stg@ufs.ac.za
04 June 2009
 

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