POLOKWANE – The University of Limpopo recently celebrated its autumn graduation ceremony, marking a milestone for graduates who have worked tirelessly to reach their academic goals.

One of the standout graduates was Lebogang Emily Mokubedi, a determined and ambitious young woman from Ngwalemong-B (Makgatle), a rural village in Sekhukhune.

Growing up in a community that relied heavily on livestock production, Mokubedi developed a passion for agriculture and animal production from an early age. “The importance of agriculture and animal production in our area inspired me to pursue studies in this field,” she said.

Her academic journey was highlighted by her research on the population structure and inbreeding depression in birth weight and reproductive traits of the endangered Bapedi sheep.

“It was a challenging but enriching experience, diving into genetics and breeding. The success of this project has reinforced my desire to pursue a career that combines research, extension and community development,” she said.

As she steps into her professional career in agricultural development, Mokubedi is eager to put her newfound skills into practice.

“I am excited to begin my career, focusing on animal production and extension services. My degree has equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve livestock production systems, support farmers, and contribute to policy development,” she said.