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UFS Department of Dermatology celebrates opening of Dermatologic Surgery Unit at Universitas Hospital

23 September 2025 | Story Reuben Maeko | Photo Sizwe Gwiba

Dermatology Unit — Celebrating the milestone launch of the Dermatologic Surgery Unit at Universitas Academic Hospital, a new chapter for advanced patient care, training, and research.

The Department of Dermatology in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS) marked a historic milestone with the official opening of the Dermatologic Surgery Unit at Universitas Academic Hospital on 11 September 2025. This new facility represents a significant step forward in expanding access to specialised surgical treatment for complex dermatological conditions, while simultaneously strengthening academic training and research opportunities for registrars and medical students.

The inauguration was attended by Prof Francois P Retief, a distinguished medical pioneer from the UFS Faculty of Health Sciences, after whom one of the faculty buildings is named. His wife, Ria Retief, extended words of gratitude and gifted a book from his medical library to Prof Frans Maruma, Head of the Department of Dermatology.

“We are truly honoured to be included in this significant milestone and to witness the beginning of what we know will be an impactful journey aimed at improving patient care,” Ria Retief said. “It is a privilege to celebrate this remarkable achievement with you, and we deeply admire your dedication and vision.”

Honouring a legacy in dermatology

In his opening address, Prof Maruma reflected on the journey that led to the establishment of the Dermatologic Surgery Unit, acknowledging the teamwork, persistence, and collaboration that made the vision a reality.

“The Derm-Surgery Unit is not just a surgical space – it is a testament to teamwork, perseverance, and the drive to advance patient-centred care in dermatology,” he said. “We pay homage to visionary leadership that has afforded us the opportunity to expand dermatology services to include surgery and as a skill sacrosanct to modern practice. This is not only about healing, but also about preparing our registrars for the realities of clinical practice through work-integrated learning.”

Prof Maruma extended appreciation to colleagues and staff members in the Department of Dermatology, as well as strategic partners in the UFS, the Department of Health, the pharmaceutical industry, and private practitioners who dedicate their time to teaching and mentoring. Special acknowledgement was given to Dr Marc Roscher, Dr Harriet Makuru, and Dr Yashica Khalawan, who played a pivotal role in supporting the project’s launch.

The programme also included remarks by senior academic leaders. Prof Alicia Sherriff, Acting Head of the School of Clinical Medicine, commended the department for its innovation and foresight in the face of resource limitations, highlighting the potential for further expansion through collaboration with both public and private stakeholders.

While cutting the ribbon, Prof Thabiso Mofokeng, Head of Internal Medicine at Universitas Academic Hospital, emphasised that the launch of the Derm-Surgery Unit reflects the broader ethos of the clinical platform: to enable world-class training, foster research excellence, and deliver quality healthcare that is responsive to the needs of the community.

The launch underscored the university’s commitment to Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), bridging the gap between academic training and real-world clinical demands. The Derm-Surgery initiative is designed to equip registrars with essential industry-specific skills in procedural dermatology while fostering collaboration between private and public healthcare sectors. The evening concluded with awards recognising individuals whose contributions ensured the success of this landmark opening.

Looking ahead, the Department of Dermatology envisions its Derm-Surgery Unit as more than just a clinical unit – it is set to become a hub of advanced patient care, high-impact training, and cutting-edge research. This initiative strengthens the UFS Faculty of Health Sciences’ role as a leader in medical education and healthcare innovation in the Free State and beyond.

News Archive

UFS involved in project to light up the townships

2006-06-06

The parties involved with the project are from the left: Prof Hendrik Swart (Departmental Chairperson of the UFS Department of Physics), Dr Thembela Hillie (CSIR), Prof Neerich Revaprasadu (Department of Chemistry at the University of Zululand) and Dr Wynand Steyn (CSIR).

UFS involved in project that could light up the townships

The University of the Free State’s (UFS) Department of Physics is involved with a project that could make life easier in the townships through the use of artificial light.

“The project is based on the use of sunlight to activate nano material in for example cement and paint during the day. At night the cement or paint can then radiate light,” said Prof Hendrik Swart, Departmental Chairperson of the UFS Department of Physics.

According to Prof Swart an amount of R3,9 million has been made available by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for the further development of the project.

Prof Swart visited the University of Florida in America in 1995 for a year where he researched luminescent phosphor material that is suitable for flat panel television screens. The red, green and blue spots on the television screens originate from these kinds of phosphor materials. “At that stage plasma television screens were only a dream. Today it is sold everywhere,” said Prof Swart.

“Upon my return I started a research group at the UFS which investigated the degrading of phosphor material. We also started to concentrate on the effectiveness of nano phosphors. In the mean time our cooperation with the Americans was strengthened with follow-up visits to America of my colleagues, Prof Koos Terblans and Mr Martin Ntwaeaborwa,” said Prof Swart.

“Nano phosphors are basically luminescent powders that consist of particles that are 1 millionth of a millimetre. These particles can provide light as soon as they are illuminated with, for instance, sunlight. The amount of time these particles can provide light, is determined by the impurities in the material,” said Prof Swart.

According to Prof Swart nano particles are developed and linked to infrastructure materials in order for these materials to be excited during the day by sunlight and then it emits light during night time.

“The nano material is of such a nature that it can be mixed with materials, such as paint or cement. The yellow lines of roads can for example emit light in a natural way during night time,” said Prof Swart.

About a year ago Prof Swart and Dr Thembela Hillie, a former Ph D-student of the UFS Department of Physics, had discussions with Prof Neerich Revaprasadu from the University of Zululand and the CSIR about the possibility of mixing these nano phosphor particles with other materials that can be used as light sources in the building of roads and houses.

“Prof Revaprasadu is also actively involved in the research of nano materials. Our efforts resulted in the CSIR approving the further extension of the project,” said Prof Swart.

“The UFS and the University of Zululand are currently busy investigating ways to extend the light emitting time,” said Prof Swart.

“There are eight M Sc and Ph D-students from the UFS and about five students from the University of Zululand working on this research project. The Department of Physics at the Qwaqwa Campus of the UFS, with Francis Dejene as subject head, is also involved with the project,” said Prof Swart.

According to Prof Swart the further applications of nano materials are unlimited. “Children whose parents cannot afford electricity can for instance leave any object such as a lamp, that is covered with these phosphor particles, in the sun during the day and use it at night as a light for study purposes,” said Prof Swart.

According to Prof Swart the further extension of the project will take about two years. “During this time we want to determine how the effectiveness of the phosphors can be increased. Discussions with the government and other role players for the possible implementation of the project are also part of our planning,” said Prof Swart.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
6 June 2006

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