From the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Hester Klopper
Welcome to the University of the Free State.
Welkom by die Universiteit van die Vrystaat.
O a amohelwa ho University of the Free State.
Siyakwamukela eNyuvesi yase-Free State.
Welcome to the university where all our actions are guided by quality, impact, and care while we inspire excellence and transform lives with a continuous outward focus.
Everything we do must matter. We do not just want to change with the times, we want to lead change. Our past achievements and accomplishments, infused with a commitment to transform, offer a dynamic and innovative space for our students and staff.
Vision 130 is our guiding light for the road ahead, leading to 2034 when our beloved university will celebrate 130 years of existence. It provides stability and clarity for planning and decision-making and allows us to extend our influence and impact locally, regionally, and globally. Ultimately, we want to establish ourselves as a top-tier university in South Africa, ranked among the best in the world. Since its launch in November 2022, we have made great strides towards realising some of our key Vision 130 goals. With academic excellence, quality, and impact, we want to generate and impart new knowledge to make the world a better place. This will only be possible through sustainable relationships, as well as a diverse, inclusive, and equitable university culture.
As one of the oldest and most esteemed institutions of higher education in South Africa, we have grown from six students in a single faculty in 1904, to around 40 000 students in seven faculties, spread out over three diverse campuses in South Africa’s Free State province.
As a research-led institution, our research efforts are driven by dedicated scholars, some of whom are international leaders in their fields, and are aimed at industry and social impact and real-world application. We apply our knowledge and skills to respond to societal needs around us – including playing an important developmental role in the schools in our feeder area.
Our students are at the heart of what we do. We have developed holistic student support initiatives – ranging from academic to psycho-social and peer support – enabling us to achieve some of the highest success rates in the country. These student support measures have earned us international recognition and have helped us to uphold a long tradition of quality teaching and learning, as we harness technology and advanced data analytics to stay at the forefront of pedagogical excellence.
Our quality graduates are in demand globally. Their employability is supported by continuous curriculum renewal that is informed by our established network of industry partners and close collaboration with the public and private sectors.
As a university, we are also a responsible global citizen, embracing our obligation towards our students, staff, stakeholders, society in general, and the global knowledge community, through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Built on a value bedrock of excellence, innovation and impact, accountability, care, social justice and sustainability, we will continue to contribute to development and social justice through the production of globally competitive graduates and knowledge, making an impact in our country, our continent, and our world.
We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful campuses!
Prof Hester C. Klopper
Vice-Chancellor and Principal
University of the Free State
Dear Colleagues and Students,
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Prof Ylva Rodny-Gumede as Executive Director: Advancement at the University of the Free State (UFS). Prof Rodny-Gumede will assume her duties at the university on 1 November 2025, providing strategic leadership for the Institutional Advancement, Communication and Marketing, and Student Recruitment portfolios.
Prof Rodny-Gumede joins the UFS from the University of Johannesburg (UJ), where she served as Senior Director: Division of Global Engagement.
With a career spanning more than 20 years in higher education, Prof Rodny-Gumede has held fellowships at universities in South Africa and abroad. She is actively involved in teaching, executive training, and development initiatives at institutional, national, and international levels.
She holds a PhD from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London (UK), a master’s degree in Politics from the University of the Witwatersrand, and a master’s degree in Journalism from Cardiff University (UK). In addition, she holds a certificate in Executive Leadership from the Johannesburg Business School.
Prof Rodny-Gumede is an accomplished scholar and has held several leadership and academic positions in the fields of communication, journalism, and public relations. Her professional experience further includes consultancy for high-profile organisations such as Universities South Africa (USAf) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). She contributes regularly to both print and broadcast media, including Newzroom emAfrika, SABC, Mail & Guardian, and University World News.
Prof Rodny-Gumede’s strategic mindset, innovative approach, and deep understanding of the higher education landscape will be instrumental in enhancing the university’s national and international visibility, while driving impactful advancement and student recruitment initiatives.
I look forward to her leadership in elevating the university’s global profile and strengthening our advancement efforts. I extend my congratulations to her on this significant appointment, since it comes at an important moment in the UFS’ journey as we pursue Vision 130.
Colleagues and students, please join me in welcoming Prof Rodny-Gumede to the UFS. I am confident that under her leadership, our institutional advancement, communication and marketing, and student recruitment will reach new heights and expand our influence as a university of choice, innovation, and excellence.
Sincerely,
Prof Hester C. Klopper
Vice-Chancellor and Principal
University of the Free State