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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

King Moshoeshoe comes alive on national television

2004-11-02

Honourable Bethuel Pakalitha Mosisili, Prime Minister of Lesotho, and his wife; King Letsie III of Lesotho and Dr Ezekiel Moraka, Vice-Rector: Student Affairs at the UFS during the première of the film at the Royal Palace in Lesotho

The ground-breaking documentary film on the life and legacy of King Moshoeshoe, the founder of the Basotho nation, will come alive on Thursday 4 November 2004 when it is screened on SABC2 at 21:00

The film, called Moshoeshoe: The Renaissance King, forms part of a larger project by the University of the Free State (UFS) to honour the Moshoeshoe legacy of nation-building and reconciliation and to explore his role as a model of African leadership. It was produced by the well-known journalist Mr Max du Preez and commissioned by the UFS as part of its centenary celebrations.

The SABC2 screening was preceded by a première in Bloemfontein last month, and was attended by provincial political leaders.

This past weekend there was a première at the Royal Palace in Lesotho, which was attended by King Letsie III, the prime minister, the chief justice, judges, the president of the senate, cabinet ministers and directors-general.

“Through this documentary film the UFS commits itself to developing a shared appreciation of the history of this country and to the establishment of the Free State Province as a model of reconciliation and nation-building. King Moshoeshoe is also a strong common element, and binding factor, in the relationship between South Africa/the Free State, and its neighbour, Lesotho,” said Prof Frederick Fourie, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS.

“Not all people in South Africa know the history of Moshoeshoe. Many Basotho – but not all – are well versed in the history of Moshoeshoe, and his name is honoured in many a street, town and township. Many white people know little of him, or have a very constrained or even biased view of his role and legacy. In Africa and the world, he is much less known than, for instance, Shaka,” said Prof Fourie.

“King Moshoeshoe did a remarkable thing in forging a new nation out of a fragmented society. He also created a remarkable spirit of reconciliation and a remarkable spirit of leadership,” said Prof Fourie.

According to Prof Fourie we already benefit from his legacy: the people of the Free State share a tradition of moderation and reconciliation rather than one of aggression and domination. “For the UFS this is also part of real transformation – of creating a new unity amidst our diversity,” said Prof Fourie.

“We also find in the legacy of King Moshoeshoe the possibility of a “founding philosophy”, or “defining philosophy”, for the African renaissance. To develop this philosophy, we must gain a deeper understanding of what really happened there, of his role, of his leadership. Therefore the UFS will encourage and support further research into the history, politics and sociology of the Moshoeshoe period, including his leadership style,” said Prof Fourie.

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

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