Welcoming the attendees, the Principal of the UFS Qwaqwa Campus, Prof Prince Ngobeni, emphasised the importance of the gathering in fostering and strengthening partnerships. He acknowledged the valuable presence of the Royal Houses, the municipal leadership, and school principals, highlighting their crucial role in the community.

"This engagement is not merely a formality; it is a vital opportunity for us to collectively address the challenges and opportunities that lie before us," Prof Ngobeni stated. "We are here to foster open dialogue, build stronger partnerships, and chart a course for the future of our campus and the broader community it serves."

In her address, Prof Klopper expressed her deep appreciation for the warm welcome and the unique character of the Qwaqwa Campus. She highlighted the campus' strong focus on socio-economic development and its integral role in the university's Vision 130.

"It is a wonderful privilege to be with you on our beautiful Qwaqwa Campus," Prof Klopper said. "I deeply value this opportunity to interact with members of our UFS community, representatives from local government, from traditional royal houses, and schools in this area."

She reassured stakeholders that the university's course remains fixed, with Vision 130 serving as the road map for the future. The Vice-Chancellor and Principal outlined the five key priorities for her tenure: establishing the UFS as an innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem, ensuring systemic sustainability, enhancing internationalisation, positioning the UFS as a first-choice employer, and strengthening the university's multi-campus model.

A significant portion of her address focused on the university's commitment to being regionally engaged and community based. Prof Klopper emphasised the importance of engaged scholarship and community-based learning, highlighting the Qwaqwa Campus' unique position to facilitate such initiatives.

"Our vision is to be a student-centred, research-led, and regionally engaged university that contributes to development and social justice through the production of globally competent graduates and knowledge," she stated.

Prof Klopper also highlighted the research excellence on the Qwaqwa Campus, particularly the work of the Afromontane Research Unit, which is making significant contributions to understanding and addressing challenges faced by mountain communities and ecosystems.

"As a research-led institution, we firmly believe that our research efforts should address the identified needs of the societies we serve," she noted.

The Vice-Chancellor and Principal concluded her address by emphasising the importance of collaboration and the university's commitment to the communities it serves.

"The University of the Free State is keenly committed to the communities that surround it, and we measure our success against the impact we make in the societies we serve," Prof Klopper said. "Our success is your success, and vice versa. We deeply value you as our stakeholders and sincerely appreciate your continued support."