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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 doctors fight childhood cancer
2016-09-02

Description: Childhood cancer  Tags: Childhood cancer

Prof David Stones and Dr Jan du Plessis of the
University of Free State’s paediatric oncology ward
are helping little lives, one patient at a time.
Photo: Nonsindiso Qwabe

Of 23 paediatric oncology specialists nationally, Prof David Stones and Dr Jan du Plessis of the University of Free State are the only ones in the province.

Committed to giving holistic care to their patients, the two doctors specialise in all types of childhood cancers, the most common being leukaemia, brain tumour, and nephroblastoma.

They describe the childhood malignancy as a lethal disease, unpredictability being its harshest trait. “With cancer, you can just never know. It precipitates and multiplies, and leads to the failure of other organs. You can just always hope, and keep trying,” said Du Plessis.

The paediatric oncology unit of the Universitas Academic Hospital, their unit, is the liveliest floor in the entire building. It is also the third busiest in South Africa, serving a demographic that spans the Free State and Northern Cape, as well as parts of North West, Eastern Cape and Lesotho.

Each year, the unit receives more than 100 new childhood cancer patients. In 2015, the unit had 113 newly diagnosed patients, an increase from 93 in 2014.

Lack of knowledge poses a serious challenge
According to the two experts, the lack of insight and awareness of the disease remain a big challenge to fighting it. “It is frustrating. Parents and family members don’t know anything about it. Nurses and doctors aren’t always clinically trained to pick up the early warning signs. By the time a diagnosis is made, life and death is on a 50% margin,” Stones said.

Poverty, a lack of resources, overcrowding and a range of health issues are other factors that have a profound effect on the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Making a contribution that will last
With a desire to see an improvement on life outcomes in the health sector, the team is focusing on educating the country’s doctors of tomorrow. Their unit is the only one in the country that actively involves medical students in an oncology unit, giving them practical experience and exposure to the individual cases each patient presents. They have also produced a substantial amount of research literature on childhood malignancies in South Africa as a developing country.

Driven by passion to see a better South Africa
The doctors are passionate about the work they do, and remain hopeful there will be a change in the incidence of childhood cancer   not just in decreased levels of the disease, but also in the overall state of well-being of young South Africans.

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