The Department of Sociology regards internationalisation as essential for academic enrichment. Collaboration with international institutions and scholars facilitates the exchange of knowledge and enhances the quality of our research and teaching.

Our academics reaching international audiences


Prof Katinka de Wet, Senior Lecturer in Department of Sociology, presented at two international conferences during October this year. The first conference in Bologna, was hosted by the Political Sociology Section of the Italian Sociological Association.  The overarching theme of the conference was “Democracy and Society: Challenges, Risks and Opportunities for Contemporary Democracy”.  Her presentation titled ”Informalising health care amid austerity and rising morbidity: South African Community Health Workers as agents of democracy?” was well received by the international audience.

 

Following this, Prof de Wet presented at an international conference at the University of Granada, Spain, organised by “Digital Diverse”. The theme of the conference was on “Social Sciences and Digital Humanities: Cooperation", Cultures, Societies and African Processes of Digitalisation South of the Sahara”. This conference provided an excellent opportunity for cross disciplinary exchange on an envisaged project within the Interdisciplinary Centre for Digital Futures at the UFS. Her presentation titled: “Data Sovereignty through ‘competence sovereignty’: Developing a critical digital skillset among a cohort of Humanities and Social Sciences students at the University of the Free State, South Africa” highlights her place as a thought leader in the Department.

Nombulelo Shange, Sociology lecturer at the University of the Free State, PhD candidate, and accomplished researcher, extends her expertise to international platforms through several impactful publications focused on African identity, indigenous knowledge systems, and ecological justice. Her recent works explore African womanhood, the Ubuntu ontology of humanness, and critiques of conservation practices. In her review of Navigating Womanhood in Contemporary Botswana by Stephanie S. Starling, published in Feminist Encounters (UK), Shange delves into African womanhood and cultural identity. Her article on "African Ubuntu Humanness Ontology and Ecological Connection," published in Environmental Justice (USA), examines the deep ties between Ubuntu philosophy (ideologies) and environmental stewardship. Additionally, her piece, "The Paradox of Environmental Conservation in South Africa," featured in the Journal für Entwicklungspolitik (Austria), critically addresses the marginalisation of indigenous sustainability practices in modern conservation efforts in South Africa. Shange’s research contributes vital perspectives on African sociocultural and ecological issues to a global academic audience.

For a further reading on these  international contributions:

Book review  in Feminist Encounters

Article in Environmental Justice

Article in Journal für Entwicklungspolitik

Our students making international connections

Making an impact on the African continent

Jessica Dlamini, a master's student in Sociology, is impacting the African continent as the first South African Women's Commissioner representative for the African Union Student Platform (AUSP). Dlamini champions gender equality, women's empowerment and social justice. 

Read the full story of Dlamini’s international impact here

Masters exchange programme with Pädagogische Hochschule in Germany 


Sanelisiwe Khumalo, a master’s student at the Department of Sociology (UFS) Qwaqwa campus, recently completed a four-month exchange programme at the Freiburg University of Education (Pädagogische Hochschule Freiburg) in Germany. This opportunity was made possible through the EU’s Erasmus Mundus Mobility Grant, underpinned by the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between UFS and the Freiburg University of Education. The MOU facilitates student and staff mobility, fostering academic collaboration and cultural exchange between the institutions. 

Reflecting on the experience, Khumalo credited her academic foundation at UFS for preparing her to thrive in a new academic and cultural setting. “My studies at UFS-Qwaqwa equipped me with strong research skills, critical thinking, and the ability to navigate diverse environments,” she shared. She emphasised the profound impact of the programme on her academic and personal growth. The programme introduced her to innovative teaching methods that combined theory with real-world application, enhancing her problem-solving abilities and critical thinking. Additionally, navigating a multicultural academic environment allowed her to develop a global perspective, which she believes is invaluable for her future studies or career.

Beyond academics, the exchange programme boosted her confidence and broadened her horizons, reinforcing her belief that she can thrive in any setting.  The experience honed her communication skills, particularly in overcoming language and cultural barriers. “I was able to overcome these challenges by attending German language classes and participating in the Buddy Program,” she noted. Her mentor, Anna Holzmann, played a pivotal role in her cultural adaptation, offering guidance and friendship that enriched the experience. Learning to adapt to a new culture while managing academic demands has equipped Khumalo with greater independence and resilience, skills she feels will benefit her in both her personal and professional life.

Expressing her gratitude, Khumalo extended heartfelt thanks to the Freiburg University of Education International Office, Julia Salzmann, Isabella Michels, and all the other staff members for their invaluable support. She also expressed sincere appreciation to the UFS Office of International Affairs for their support and dedication in ensuring a smooth and successful experience. Khumalo is deeply grateful to the UFS Sociology Department — Dr Divane Nzima, Dr Khangelani Moyo and Prof Sethulego Matebesi — for introducing her to the opportunity, and for their unwavering support and guidance throughout her transformative journey.



Malala Isaac Semase, a master’s student from the Department of Sociology (UFS) Qwaqwa campus, is also set to spend four months at the Freiburg University of Education in 2025 as part of an international exchange programme. Reflecting on the opportunity, Semase shared his excitement about the cultural and academic enrichment the exchange visit promises. “Going to Germany would offer me a unique opportunity to connect and interact with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, broadening my perspectives and enhancing my understanding of global issues. By immersing myself in an academic environment that emphasises cross-cultural cooperation, I aim to expand my academic knowledge and gain practical experiences that can help me both personally and professionally. Moreover, I am equally passionate about sharing my culture and experience with fellow students in Germany. I believe that learning about German culture will not only enhance my academic experience but also prepare me for future global opportunities. This opportunity will also enhance my skill set and build valuable professional networks that will be essential for my future career. I am very excited and eager to immerse myself in a new academic environment and contribute to the community.”

This prestigious opportunity is supported by the Baden-Württemberg scholarship, which has been secured by our partners in Freiburg. The Baden-Wurttemberg scholarship will cover Semase's in-country expenses in Germany. Additional funding for his flights from South Africa to Germany was procured through collaborative efforts, with special thanks to Dr Moyo, who made a stop in Freiburg to meet with our partners enroute to a conference in Bayreuth, Germany (Dr Moyo pictured meeting with Julia Salzmann).

The exchange underscores the value of international collaboration and academic partnerships, highlighting the Department of Sociology’s and the University of the Free State’s commitment to fostering global engagement and professional growth for its students.

Read more about the collaboration between the UFS and the Freiburg University of Education here













FACULTY CONTACT

T: +27 51 401 2240 or humanities@ufs.ac.za

Postgraduate:
Marizanne Cloete: +27 51 401 2592

Undergraduate:
Neliswa Emeni-Tientcheu: +27 51 401 2536
Phyllis Masilo: +27 51 401 9683

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