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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

Boyden observatory celebrates its achievements

2004-10-05

The red carpet will be rolled out and champagne glasses filled tonight when the Boyden Observatory outside Bloemfontein will launch the first phase of the new science centre.

This phase, which was completed earlier this year, consists of a new auditorium, reception area and paths which connect educational visiting points on the Boyden terrain.

“Over the past two years the Boyden Observatory has been re-sited as a research, educational and public facility. The new facilities are now being utilised for educational and public programmes. The 1,5m Boyden telescope has also recently been upgraded and is used for research purposes,” says Dr Matie Hoffman from the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Department of Physics, who is responsible for the management of the centre.

“The Boyden Observatory is a unique facility of the UFS - we are one of the few universities in the world who has its own observatory,” says Dr Hoffman.

“The main purpose of the science centre is to create enthusiasm for science amongst the public. The centre also has a great educational function and focuses specifically on the improvement of the quality of science education in the Free State,” says Dr Hoffman.

Fund-raising for the planned second phase of the science centre, which will consist of interactive in- and outside exhibition areas, will also start tonight. “After the completion of the second phase the Boyden Observatory will probably become the most accessible and public-friendly observatory in the country and a great asset for the Free State Province,” says Dr Hoffman.

A small robotic telescope, which will be controlled from the University College Dublin in Ireland, will also be installed at the Boyden Observatory this year.

“Just as this year is a significant one for the UFS with its centenary celebrations, so it is also a significant one for the Boyden Observatory. The Harvard University in the United States of America started with the construction of the original 1,5 m telescope in its original form 100 years ago, the telescope was put in place at Boyden 70 years ago and Mr Uriah Boyden – the person who donated the money with which the Boyden Observatory was constructed, was born 200 years ago,” says Dr Hoffman.

The first phase of the science centre was built with funds sponsored by the AngloGold Fund, the Shuttleworth Foundation, the Charl van der Merwe Trust and the Lila Theron Trust. Donations from the Friends of Boyden Observatory and other individuals also contributed to the success of the project.

Those who are interested in educational tours of the science centre can contact Dr Hoffman at (051) 401-2322.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
5 October 2004

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