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Homegrown excellence: Dr Nthatisi Nyembe shines in Parasitology Research

28 August 2025 | Story Godfrey Mabasa | Photo Kaleidoscope Studios

Dr Nthatisi Nyembe, a faculty member in the Department of Zoology and Entomology at the University of the Free State (UFS) Qwaqwa Campus, is making notable advancements in the field of parasitology. A native of Qwaqwa, Dr Nyembe embodies the potential for academic achievement within the community she serves, representing a commendable instance of homegrown talent.

A respected graduate of the UFS, Dr Nyembe completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Botany expeditiously before pursuing a Bachelor of Science Honours and Master of Science in Zoology, specialising in Parasitology, all on the UFS Qwaqwa Campus. Her postgraduate studies centred on evaluating medicinal plants for compounds with the potential to treat parasitic gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep – an area of significant importance for the sustained well-being of livestock.

Dr Nyembe broadened her academic horizons by earning a Doctor of Philosophy in Animal and Food Hygiene from the Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine in Hokkaido, Japan. Her doctoral studies widened her scientific understanding and enhanced her expertise in the treatment of parasitic ailments.

Currently, her research focuses on the evaluation of naturally derived substances, synthesised compounds, and nanoscale particles for their potential efficacy in combating parasitic illnesses. Her broader research interests include pharmacological evaluation, the diagnosis and epidemiology of diseases transmissible from animals to humans, cell biology, and animal management, making her contributions essential to both human and veterinary medicine.

Her academic and research background is extensive. She has held research assistant positions at both the Obihiro University and the UFS, and she also concluded a postdoctoral fellowship at the North-West University in the North West province of South Africa.

Beyond her scholarly pursuits, Dr Nyembe engages in activities such as skiing, travelling, reading, and community involvement, reflecting a well-developed character and a commitment to creating a positive impact beyond the academic sphere.

With her international academic experience and firm local connections, Dr Nyembe continues to be a symbol of distinction, inspiring students and contributing to pioneering research that addresses practical challenges.

News Archive

Second OSM concert inspires Heidedal youth

2016-12-08

Sehle Mosole, left, and Jonandrea Pofadder back,
with the children from the ROC Foundation during the
second OSM community outreach in Heidedal, Bloemfontein.
Photo: Supplied

“The project is special because it is an event in the community, by the community.” This is what Gerda Pretorius, lecturer in the Odeion School of Music (OSM) at the University of the Fee State, said about the second music concert hosted by the OSM in Heidedal, Bloemfontein.

The concert, in collaboration with the Reach Our Community (ROC) Foundation on 26 November 2016, was a follow-up on the concept that was started last year. As part of the outcomes of the MUSE3706 module, the third-year Music Education students engage in a project in a specific environment. For this project the MUSE team, led by Pretorius and Anchen Froneman, collaborated with the ROC Foundation in Heidedal. Two third-year students in the OSM, Sehle Mosole and Jonandrea Pofadder, facilitated the event in 2016.

Long relationship between ROC and UFS

Since 2008, the UFS has successfully partnered with ROC through service-learning and community-engagement projects in which students from across all seven faculties participate. The foundation strives to address the challenges resulting from factors such as poverty, unemployment, HIV/Aids, single parenting, lack of guardianship, and physical and sexual abuse. In the Afterschool Care programme, the children engage in educational, cultural, and recreational activities.

Children who form part of the foundation’s Afterschool Care programme, showed their impressive music skills to their parents and guardians in attendance.

Spontaneous participation by community

“I was deeply touched by the spontaneous participation and appreciation of the community for art-related – in particular music and dance – events,” said Pretorius. A highlight was the community’s involvement in the event and the value it adds to the students’ organising skills.

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