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UFS researcher Zandile Mncube reaches new heights at International Mountain Conference in Austria

10 November 2025 | Story Precious Shamase | Photo Supplied

In a remarkable milestone for both her academic and personal journey, Dr Zandile Mncube, a 27-year-old newly conferred PhD graduate from the University of the Free State (UFS), recently presented her research at the prestigious International Mountain Conference (IMC2025), hosted by the University of Innsbruck, Austria. The event marked not only her debut on the global research stage but also her first international trip and first flight – an experience she described as transformative.

A mountain of research: From UFS weather stations to the global stage

Dr Mncube's journey to this international platform began with encouragement from Prof Ralph Clark, Director of the Afromontane Research Unit, and Dr Melissa Hansen, Lecturer in the Department of Geography, who recognised her potential and urged her to submit an abstract to the conference.

"Prof Clark proposed that I write an abstract for this conference," Dr Mncube explained. “I had been managing the UFS weather stations and had just begun using their data, so I based my abstract on that work.”

Her submission was accepted, earning her the opportunity to showcase her research alongside an impressive array of global scholars. The IMC2025, held biennially, brings together experts from across the world to discuss diverse aspects of mountain studies. Dr Mncube formed part of a strong South African delegation that included two students from UFS and one from the University of Cape Town (UCT).

"It was inspiring to see how diverse and multidisciplinary the field is," she said. "It was good to see that, as South Africans, we do fit into the global research stage and can hold our own through the quality of our work.”

Vision for the future: expanding research horizons

Having been part of the UFS community since 2017 - serving in various roles from student assistant to her current practical and research position – Dr Mncube is now looking ahead to further her research career.

"I want to explore more on the research side of things," she shared. “While I’ve gained valuable experience that could lead to lecturing, my immediate goal is to deepen my involvement in research and fieldwork within Geography.”

A transformative experience and a call for greater support

Describing her participation at the IMC as a "transformative experience, both professionally and personally," Dr Mncube reflected on how it broadened her understanding of global scientific collaboration and highlighted the vital contribution of African researchers.

She noted there remain "notable gaps in data and contextual understanding that African researchers are uniquely positioned to address," particularly in underrepresented mountain regions.

Dr Mncube strongly advocates for more South African students to be supported in attending international conferences. She observed that several of her peers at the IMC had earned recognition through the Southern African Mountain Conference 2025 (SAMC), further illustrating the value of regional and international engagement.

"If more students are supported to attend conferences like IMC, it could open doors for them to engage in global research and collaborations that extend far beyond our borders," she said.

Expressing her heartfelt appreciation, she concluded by thanking Prof Clark and Dr Hansen for their guidance and support, which made her international debut possible.

News Archive

Meet the person behind the title – your new FaceOfFacebook

2015-04-29

Kovsies #FaceOfFacebook was born three years ago out of a need to engage with students, and become a virtual friend. Auditions are held every year to choose the new ‘face’ representing the UFS on Facebook. The successful candidate holds the title as #FaceOfFacebook for the next 12 months, attending events, and filming short video clips to post on our Facebook page.

The votes have been counted, and we have a winner. After much excitement and a close contest, Nompumelelo Maseko (whose name, fittingly, means ‘success’) emerged victorious from the top six contestants selected by our panel of judges. We sat down with the soft-spoken Mpumi – as her friends call her – to get a sense of the person who will be our ambassador for the next year.

What is your field of study, and how far along are you?

I am studying for a BSc degree in Genetics, and I’m currently in my second year. I have a particular interest in the forensic sciences, which fascinate me!

Are you originally from Bloemfontein?

No, I am originally from Pretoria.

How is it that you ended up here, studying at the UFS?

Before leaving school, I applied to various universities, but my desires and ambitions brought me here.

How do you find your residence?

Akasia ladies are big on sisterhood, very supportive. Res life is very enjoyable.

What do you hope to accomplish during your term as the #FaceOfFacebook?

I would like to help people become aware of what is taking place on campus. There are many opportunities to be more engaged with what is happening at the varsity. For instance, there are still many people who don’t really know what the #FaceOfFacebook is, and I would like to help inform them about it.

What is your motivation in your studies, in taking part in this contest, and in life?

I am intrigued by the function of life forms, the differences that exist at a cellular level.
For this competition, I fed off my love of people, even though I am shy. I also enjoy presenting.

I have my parents to thank as my motivation, as well as meeting and engaging with people. I find that I achieve a broader perspective when I don’t restrict myself to my own opinions, but strive to be open to differing views.

Nompumelelo will be appearing in one of her first Facebook videos shortly, so be sure to keep an eye on our Facebook page.

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