Education
28
University of the Free State
Website
Loquitur Maka is an institutional researcher at the Centre for Teaching and Learning at the University of the Free State (UFS). Her job entails assisting with conceptualisation, planning, analysing and reporting on student engagement and success research. She also conducts descriptive and inferential statistical, as well as qualitative analyses. She holds workshops, presentations and seminars, as well as mentors and trains other staff members at the centre.
The 28-year-old has a PhD in sustainable agriculture and served as a board member of the South African Forum for Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services. Loquitur says that having been a scout made her who she is today. “Still today I say the scout promise: ‘On my honour I promise that I will do my best, to do my duty to God, and my country, to help other people at all times, and to obey the scout law’.”
She has previously worked (among other jobs) as a lecturer at Cape Peninsula University of Technology and an educator at Soneike High School in Cape Town. She is a highly valued facilitator at the Young African Leaders initiative. Loquitur continues to disseminate knowledge through her educational YouTube channel, providing lessons to high school science learners, tips to emerging researchers and how-to guides to university students. As a woman who grew up in rural areas, she tells other young people that it is possible to change their circumstances and contribute to the reduction of social injustices such as poverty and illiteracy in disadvantaged areas.
- PhD in sustainable agriculture, University of Free State
- Masters in agricultural extension, University of Fort Hare
- Honours in agricultural extension, University of Fort Hare
- Postgraduate certificate in education, University of South Africa
- Bachelor of Agriculture majoring in extension and production, University of Fort Hare
- Served as a board member of the South African Forum for Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services
Being a scout made me who I am today. Still today I say the scout promise: “On my honour I promise that I will do my best, to do my duty to God, and my country, to help other people at all times, and to obey the scout law.” I enjoyed every moment of being with other people who share similar values with me.
The advice I would give to my younger self is: “Never underestimate your capabilities, you are powerful beyond measure. You can overcome all the obstacles you encounter. The journey of life is not easy, you will be tested but keep your head up and smile under all difficulties. Most importantly learn to celebrate other people too, congratulate others when it is needed because, when God answers prayers to the next person it means he’s in the neighbourhood.
I would like to see young people participating more in entrepreneurial opportunities. I would like to see a South African leadership that sees value in young people, a South Africa that encourages young people to be part of agricultural business, and its value chain.
I want to see a South Africa whose young people are determined to make an effort to see change and become entrepreneurs more than employees. I want to see young people at the forefront of South African leadership. I want to see quality education for rural children and see food security and sovereignty for all.