The University of the Free State (UFS) has achieved the prestigious Platinum status accreditation under the Good Financial Grant Practice (GFGP) from the Global Grant Community (GGC), solidifying its reputation as a leader in financial governance and research management. 

This accreditation places the university in the unique position of being the only institution in South Africa with a Platinum status. The GGC, a platform of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), reduces the cost and time taken to connect major state and philanthropic funders with the world’s most trusted grant receivers, that have a proven track record of managing funding effectively, ethically and honestly.

Top-tier research institution

According to Mandy Jampies, Senior Officer: Postdoctoral Fellows at the UFS Directorate Research Development (DRD), the university applied for the GFGP accreditation after being selected to participate in a high-impact initiative managed and coordinated by the Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA). The SARIMA Visibility Project, which focuses on elevating institutional prominence, aims to enhance the university’s global visibility and strengthen its capacity to secure international grants. 

The GFGP accreditation, which follows a four-tiered system from Bronze to Platinum, establishes a global benchmark for financial excellence, ensuring risk mitigation, streamlined grant processes, and increased confidence from funders. By achieving Platinum status, the UFS not only secures its position as a top-tier research institution but also reinforces its role as a model for financial governance in higher education, says Jampies.

Exemplary financial governance

Dr Glen Taylor, Senior Director for the DRD, says achieving Platinum status under the GFGP Standard signifies that the UFS has demonstrated full compliance with the most rigorous financial management requirements. It indicates not only full compliance with a broad spectrum of financial, operational, and governance requirements but also a commitment to continuous improvement and transparency. 

“This means the university adherence to core principles, enhanced trust from funders, long-term financial sustainability, and a competitive advantage. Achieving this status means the university is recognised as having operational excellence under the GFGP framework, which can significantly enhance its funding prospects and overall organisational credibility.

“This recognition builds confidence among grantors, enhances the university’s reputation, and secures its ability to attract future funding — all while maintaining the highest standards of financial governance and accountability,” says Dr Taylor. 

Jampies adds: “This recognition places UFS at the forefront of higher education institutions in South Africa, demonstrating its commitment to transparency, accountability, and compliance in managing donor funds and research grants.” 

This milestone, she continued, is the result of a coordinated effort across multiple departments, including the DRD, Finance, Human Resources, and ITC, all working to ensure compliance with financial regulations, internal controls, and ethical grant management. 

Marisna Nel, Chief Financial Officer at the UFS, says the recognition is a critical indicator of strong financial management and governance, reinforcing the University of the Free State’s (UFS) reputation as a top-tier institution and emphasis that the UFS is a reliable partner for research and development projects. This also underscores the UFS’s commitment to accountability, ethical leadership, and financial sustainability — key factors in maintaining its standing as a leading institution.