Teboho Setena
Another senior member of the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, has been appointed to serve in the Free State government.
The latest is Prof. Pakiso “Parks” Moses Makhoahle, appointed to serve in the Provincial Health Research Committee of the Free State’s Department of Health (PHRC-FS) for the 2025-’28 term.
The university announced his appointment on Friday, 20 June. Makhoahle is a senior lecturer of the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences at the university.
His new role has multifaced responsibilities in the provincial health research body. These include overseeing the implementation and quality of health research conducted in the province, ensuring that health research agendas and resources are aligned with priority health issues, advising the MEC on applying and implementing an integrated national strategy for health research, and coordinating research activities among public health authorities.CUT appoints first woman as vice-chancellor and principal
Makhoahle’s appointment is due to his research expertise and academic qualifications. His qualifications include a BSc in Microbiology and Biotechnology; a B Med Sc honours in Medical Microbiology; an M Med Sc in Medical Microbiology and Virology from the University of the Free State (UFS); a doctorate in Health Sciences (Biomedical Technology), and a postgraduate diploma in Higher Education from the CUT.
Makhoahle has served as a reviewer for the National Research Foundation (NRF) and postgraduate examiner for multiple universities. He is a recipient of several Vice-Chancellor’s Awards, and last year he was selected as one of 52 participants nationwide for the prestigious Teaching Advancement at University (Tau) Fellowship Programme. During his tenure he spearheaded the development of a student financial assessment mobile application and played a pivotal role in establishing the CUT’s Centre for Quality of Health and Living (CQHL), a state-of-the-art facility for biochemistry and tissue culture research.
“I feel deeply humbled, grateful, and inspired by this appointment. It is both a recognition of my contribution to research and a call to serve with greater commitment. I see this opportunity as a platform to work collaboratively with other professionals to shape a healthier, research-informed future for the Free State,” said Makhoahle.
He said he was eager to serve with integrity and diligence.
“This appointment is not just a personal milestone, but a professional responsibility to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of health research in the province. The committee’s mandate to guide, align, and oversee research initiatives within the framework of national and provincial legislation speaks directly to the importance of evidence-based policymaking.
“I also aim to foster stronger collaborations between higher education institutions and the Department of Health to ensure that academic insights directly inform service delivery and health system reform.”
Makhoahle’s appointment to the government body follows that of Prof. Pamela Dube, vice-chancellor and principal, appointed as deputy chairperson of the Free State Investment and Economic Advisory Council (IEAC). She was appointed in April to serve on this body to advise the provincial government on matters related to investment and economic development.
