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14 May 2019 | Story Thabo Kessah | Photo Tsepo Moeketsi
Prof Ashafa
Prof Ashafa’s research documents plants used by the Basotho in the management of different ailments.
The Phytomedicine and Phytopharmacology Research Programme (PPRP) in the Department of Plant Sciences on the Qwaqwa Campus researches the biological effects of medicinal plants used in the folkloric medicine of the Eastern Free State, particularly to explore the values and contribution of indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) towards broader scientific research. This is according to the programme’s principal investigator and researcher, NRF C2-rated researcher, Professor Anofi Ashafa. 

 “Our research is mainly aimed at documenting plants used by the Basotho in the management of different ailments and to further discover, isolate, and purify active phytoconstituents that are responsible for disease curation or amelioration, thereby assisting in the global promotion of accessible and affordable medication in developing countries,” said Prof Ashafa. 

Since 2012, the PPRP has worked extensively on Basotho medicinal plants (BMP) used as antimicrobials, antioxidants, antidiabetics, antitubercular, anticancer, anthelmintic, and antidiarrheal agents, starting from biological activities up to the  evaluation of the toxicity of these plants for the kidney, liver, and heart functions in order to establish safe dosage parameters. These activities have led to the discovery of four potent antidiabetic biomolecules that are awaiting the processes of patency and commercialisation. Additional outputs include 104 published peer-reviewed articles , 7 postdoctoral fellows, 6 PhDs, 9 master’s, and 16 honours graduates. 

“Our research informs teaching and the development of expertise in ethnobotany, 
phytomedicine, and phytopharmacology in order to contribute to the National Development Plan (NDP) through human capacity development, skills, and knowledge transfer.

The group is also investigating some medicinal plants on the endangered red list of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), through micropropagation and field trials as well as proposing conservation strategies to preserve these valuable species.

The PPRP consists of postdoctoral fellows, PhD, master’s, and honours students and research is done in collaboration with several local and international universities as well as the Agricultural Research Council of South Africa. 


News Archive

New residence planned for UFS South Campus
2015-05-14

The newly-planned residence
Illustration: Typology Architects

The South Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) in Bloemfontein has seen a great influx of students in recent years. This campus provides academic access to the UFS for deserving matriculants who do not meet the requirements for entry into mainstream degree studies through the University Preparation Programme and Extended Degree Programmes.

In addition, it also offers studies to long-distance learners. The current number of contact students – those who physically attend class at the South Campus – stands at 1 673. At the moment these students stay either on the Bloemfontein Campus or in private accommodation. This is about to change as a new residence is being built for the South Campus.

The newly-planned residence will provide two hundred and fifty beds within two main blocks – each consisting of three floors. Since the campus is located in a predominately industrial area with very few housing facilities in the area, this will fill the urgent need for accommodation.

Each floor of the residence will consist of two wings with forty beds and twenty double rooms. In addition, each floor will have separate laundry/drying and cleaners’ facility shared by both wings on that floor. Each wing will have its own ablution block, study room, communal lounge, and kitchen.

Four separate single-room flats will also be available – each sharing a lounge, kitchen, and bathroom, with a laundry facility separate from that of the main blocks.

The building project is scheduled for completion by the end of June 2016.

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