07 November 2025
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Story Lunga Luthuli
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Photo Lunga Luthuli
Benedict Mochesela, Deputy Director: Facilities Management at the University of the Free State, has been elected President of the Higher Education Facility Management Association (HEFMA).
For Mochesela, the election is both ‘an honour and a humbling experience’, reflecting the trust and confidence of his peers in the higher education sector. “This role signifies an opportunity to contribute at a national level and shape the standards, policies, and practices that define facilities management within our universities,” he said.
The election reflects the UFS’ growing influence within the higher education facilities management space. Mochesela believes his new leadership position ‘positions the UFS as a thought leader’, allowing the university to share best practices, benchmark against peers, and influence national discussions on sustainability, infrastructure development, and operational excellence. “It speaks to the value of Impact as described in
Vision 130, which seeks to effect positive change beyond the perimeters of our campuses,” he added.
During his term from 2026 to 2027, Mochesela plans to focus on three key priorities:
- Professionalising the sector by promoting accreditation and continuous learning, including supporting the development of a formal Professional Facilities Manager registration in collaboration with SAFMA and SACPCMP.
- Fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, particularly strengthening regional HEFMA chapters and integrating TVET colleges into the national dialogue.
- Driving sustainability and resilience, advocating for green building practices, energy efficiency, and long-term infrastructure planning aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
With his team in UFS
University Estates, Mochesela plays an essential role in enabling the university’s academic mission. “We see ourselves as enablers of the Academic Project,” he explained. “Every project, from new construction to routine maintenance, is guided by the UFS’ vision of excellence, access, and impact.”
Reflecting on his UFS journey, Mochesela credits the institution’s dynamic environment for preparing him for leadership at a national level. “From navigating droughts to managing through COVID-19 and transitioning from outsourced to insourced services, each experience has strengthened our collective capacity to adapt and lead,” he said.
The story of Facilities Management at the UFS reflects a deeper purpose; it is “about more than maintaining buildings – it is about creating spaces that inspire learning, foster collaboration, and reflect our institutional values,” concludes Mochesela.