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UFS-NGS UNIT engages high school learners in pioneering step toward a genomic education

06 May 2025 | Story Andre Damons | Photo Supplied

Prof Nyaga — Prof Martin Nyaga at the UFS-NGS Unit sequencing room giving a talk on the Illumina NextSeq 2000 with the P3 flow cell in hand.

The University of the Free State – Next Generation Sequencing (UFS-NGS) Unit hosted a pioneering scholarly engagement initiative for Grade 11 learners from nine secondary schools in Bloemfontein. The three-day event with the theme "Frontiers of Discovery: Illuminating the Impact of Genomics in Science outreach programme” marked the first comprehensive genomics science outreach initiative in the Faculty Health Sciences.

Coordinated by Prof Martin Nyaga, Head of the UFS-NGS Unit, the programme bridged the longstanding gap through practical NGS exposure and ignited a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) by inspiring the next generation of genomic innovators using combined interactive lectures, laboratory demonstrations, career talks, and hands-on workshops. This allowed learners to directly engage with cutting-edge scientific techniques and genomic technologies, especially the scientific and evolutionally impact of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and NGS.

The initiative engaged selected Grade 11 learners from the nine schools: Brebner, Ikaelelo and Vulamasango (day 1), Atlehang, Castle Bridge School and Kaelang (day 2) and Eunice, Navalsig, and Lekhulong (day 3).

“This outreach programme marks a significant milestone in community-based genomics education in South Africa by offering high school learners the opportunity to engage with modern genomic sciences before making career decisions. The initiative particularly aimed to nurture future scientists and diversify the country’s STEM talent pipeline.

“This historic programme bridged gaps in scientific literacy and diversity in the Free State and concluded each day with a genomics quiz competition, which tested the participant’s newly acquired knowledge/exposure and provided a fun competitive learning opportunity. Six quiz winners across the three days received special prizes, and all students were awarded certificates of participation,” says Prof Nyaga.

Hands-on exploration and NHLS virology laboratory tour

The training was held at the UFS-NGS Unit in the School of Biomedical Sciences and at the NHLS Virology laboratories, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences. Each attending secondary school was represented by five Grade 11 learners and a life science’s educator. Each day, 15 learners and three educators observed hands-on practicals, including DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and DNA library preparation for sequencing on platforms such as Illumina MiSeq and NextSeq 2000.

Guided by the UFS-NGS Unit’s team members; Dr Milton Mogotsi, Hlengiwe Sondlane, Mbali Ncube, Nkosazana Shange, Somila Nazo, Sesiyanda Maseko, Surprise Baloyi, Manyi Eyong and Mamello Maku, the learners were exposed to how DNA is extracted and visualised, how the PCR machine works and how DNA libraries are prepared and sequenced.

Furthermore, a guided laboratory tour of the Virology laboratories at the NHLS was provided by Khauhelo Mafa which offered the leaners the opportunity to observe, diagnostic and molecular workflows in action, resulting in a real-time glimpse into world-class medical research and diagnostics, fuelling curiosity about the role of advanced genomics science in disease control.

Inspiration through expert talks

The learners were also inspired by talks from Prof Chris Viljoen, Head of the School of Biomedical Sciences, Prof Zinhle Makatini, Associate Professor and Head of Division of Virology, School of Pathology, and Dr Claudia Ntsapi, Senior Lecturer and researcher in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences at the UFS. Prof Viljoen highlighted the role of science in transforming lives and improving life expectancy, while Prof Makatini gave candid reflections on her professional journey, particularly how she pursued Medical Virology through unwavering determination and excelled to become among the pioneer women specialists in the field in South Africa. Dr Ntsapi inspired the audience with her perseverance from her humble beginnings to earning a PhD in Neurophysiological Sciences against all odds.

The speakers also delivered compelling presentations on the applications of genomics in medicine (e.g.), personalised cancer treatments), public health (e.g.), tracking HIV and COVID-19), agriculture (e.g.), resilient crops), and environmental science (e.g.), ecosystem protection), which resonated well with the learners, educators and the UFS-NGS team. A presentation on diverse career options available at the UFS Faculty of Health Sciences was further provided by Angelique Carson-Porter, a UFS representative from the Department of Nutrition & Dietetics. Her talk on different career pathways in Health Sciences broaden the learners’ horizons, fostering future aspirations.

Dr Emmanuel Ogunbayo, Dr Mogotsi, Thabisa Mpaxa, Nkosazana Shange and Eyong Manyi shared their personal career journey to be at the UFS-NGS Unit, offering advice on academic experiences and opportunities within genomics, bioinformatics, and biotechnology, while answering scholarship queries.

“The career talk opened my eyes. I’m now aiming for a biotechnology degree!” said Neliswa Thwala, a learner from Navalsig CS/S.

Following the enthusiastic response and tangible outcomes of this programme, the UFS-NGS Unit is committed to expanding this initiative, with plans to introduce similar events to other schools and developing sustained mentorship opportunities for learners interested in pursuing genomics-related careers. The UFS-NGS Unit further invites interested partners, sponsors, and stakeholders to collaborate in future outreach and capacity-building programmes to continue bridging the genomics education gap in Africa.

Inspire the next generation

Prof. Nyaga’s closing remarks highlighted the learners’ potential to shape the ‘omics’ workforce and stated the intention of the organising committee to expand the mentorship programmes, fostering a vibrant STEM pipeline. “This initiative represents our vision to make genomics accessible and inspire the next generation of African scientists.”

The success of this programme was driven by the UFS-NGS Unit team and was supported by Distribution Platform in Omics (DIPLOMICS).

For more information about the UFS-NGS Unit or future outreach programmes, please visit our website. Further pictures from the event are also available via our website.

News Archive

UFS professor addresses genetically modified food in South Africa in inaugural lecture

2016-09-23

Description: Chris Viljoen inaugural lecture Tags: Chris Viljoen inaugural lecture

At the inaugural lecture were, from the left front,
Prof Lis Lange, Vice Rector: Academic;
Prof Chris Viljoen; Prof Gert van Zyl,
Dean: Faculty of Health Sciences; back: Prof Marius Coetzee,
Head of Department of Haematology and Cell Biology;
and Dr Lynette van der Merwe, Undergraduate
Programme Director.
Photo: Stephen Collett

The first genetically modified (GM) crops in South Africa were planted in 1998. Eighteen years later, the country is one of the largest producers of GM food in the world. Those in support of genetically modified crops say this process is the only way to feed a rapidly growing world population. But those who criticise GM food describe it as a threat to the environment and safety of the population. Who is right? According to Prof Chris Viljoen of the Department of Haematology and Cell Biology at the University of the Free State, neither position is well-founded.

GM crops play a vital role in food security
While GM crops have an important role to play in increasing food production, the technology is only part of the solution to providing sufficient food for a growing world population. The major genetically modified crops produced in the world include soybean, cotton, maize and canola. However, the authenticity of food labelling and the long-term safety of GM food are issues that consumers are concerned about.

Safety and labelling of GM food important in South Africa
In his inaugural lecture on the subject “Are you really going to eat that?” Prof Viljoen addressed the importance of the safety and labelling of GM food in the country. “In order for food to be sustainable, production needs to be economically and environmentally sustainable. On the other hand, food integrity, including food quality, authenticity and safety need to be ensured,” Prof Viljoen said.

Labelling of food products for genetic modification was mandatory in South Africa, he went on to say. “It allows consumers the right of choice whether to eat genetically modified foods or not.” The Consumer Protection Act of 2008 requires food ingredients containing more than 5% of GM content to be labelled.

GMO Testing Facility world leader in food diagnostic testing
In 1999, Prof Viljoen spearheaded research in developing a GM diagnostic testing platform, and in 2003, a commercial diagnostic platform for GM status certification, called the GMO Testing Facility, was founded. The facility is a licensed Eurofins GeneScan laboratory a world leader in food diagnostic testing and provides diagnostic detection and quantification of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in grain and processed foods for the local and international market.

Molecular diagnostic technology the future of food integrity, authenticity and safety
With GM labelling now well-established in South Africa, the next challenge is to establish the use of molecular diagnostic technology to ensure that food integrity, including food authenticity and safety is maintained, said Prof Viljoen.

“To the question ‘Are you really going to eat that?’ the answer is ‘yes’, but let’s continue doing research to make sure that what we eat is safe and authentic.”

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