The newly elected leadership of the UL Optometry Sector, led by Dollars Boloka (front, left), is committed to bringing fresh ideas to revitalise the sector and empower students within the University’s Optometry Department
By Johannes Selepe | mosela.selepe@ulac.za
The University of Limpopo (UL) has made significant strides in revitalising its Alumni and Convocation Association, ensuring that its sectors and chapters operate effectively and fulfill their mandates
Recently, the Optometry Sector held an elective meeting in Gauteng to elect new leadership, ushering in a fresh chapter for this important department.
Dollars Boloka, an alumnus of the institution who graduated with his Optometry qualification in 2006, was elected as the new Chairperson. In his acceptance speech, Boloka emphasised the importance of their newly mandated four-year term, stating, “Our role is to support the Optometry Department at UL, which has produced some of the finest optometrists in the country. Let us remain ambassadors and flag bearers for UL’s Optometry programme.”
He expressed that it was their responsibility as alumni to facilitate engaging discussions, make strategic decisions, and ensure that the committee meets its objectives efficiently. “We aim to rejuvenate the sector and propel the department forward.”
Joining Boloka in leadership are Deputy Chairperson: Fiona Segooa, Secretary: Keitumetsi Maluleka, and Treasurer: Nkalebetja Makgaba. Other Executive Members include Matjeke Seokoma, Elvis Sedutla, Mologadi Ntsoane, Lebogang Ramogobedi, and Jonathan Tsuene.
Elvis Sedutla, the outgoing Chairperson, reflected on their term, acknowledging that while they did not accomplish everything they had hoped for, they successfully mentored optometry students and contributed significantly to the operation of the UL Optometry Clinic and various sponsorship initiatives.
In light of recent developments within the Optometry Department, Dr Pheagane Nkoana highlighted that all programmes offered in the department are accredited by professional bodies, reinforcing the University’s commitment to educational excellence. He noted the high employability of graduates, sharing that “in the past two years, we conferred two PhDs, bringing our total to four within the department.” Additionally, Dr Nkoana mentioned that there are currently 18 master’s students enrolled, with three Doctor of Optometry applicants anticipated for next year (2025)—an ambition that seemed unattainable just a few years ago.
Dr Nkoana appealed to the new leadership, saying, “The new leadership should act as ambassadors to share our success story and showcase our capabilities. We need your support in raising funds for optometry students and bursaries.”
The election of the new leadership marks a promising step for the Optometry Sector at UL, as it strives to continue its tradition of excellence and community engagement in the field of optometry
Dr Pheagane Nkoana, Senior Lecturer in the Optometry Department at UL, notes that over the years, the department has produced optometrists who have opened practices in various local township