During the first semester of the 2016 academic year, Residence Life, a division of Housing and Residence Affairs, hosted the first series of academic conversations with the Top 50 academic achievers in each respective facultys of the University of the Free State’s Bloemfontein Campus. The topic for discussion was: Globalisation and the challenges of social cohesion in South Africa.

The achievers were invited to this exclusive opportunity to engage with renowned scholar and international leader, Prof Carolina Suransky, a lecturer in Globalisation and Dialogue Studies at the University for Humanistic Studies in the Netherlands.  Prof Suransky was invited jointly by the Institute for Reconciliation and Social Justice as a visiting professor and by Residence Life as both guest speaker and facilitator of the first series of conversations.

The discussion entailed increasing interconnectivity and interdependence which has a profound effect on our human experiences and practices across the globe. While globally the nation state seems to be on the decline, South Africa is attempting to build a nation, to develop a common identity, and to enhance social cohesion. The question of the meaning of interconnectivity and interdependence in an era of globalisation in a country full of profound inequalities was unpacked at length.

“The recognition of hard work through this platform creates the hope of enriching academic achievers to become outstanding leaders who can make a significant contribution to society,” said Eddie de Wet, Academic Coordinator at Housing and Residence Affairs.

De Wet encourages students to excel during their examinations and, in so doing, assist in propelling the academic project of our university forward. The second series of conversations will take place during August 2016.