The University of the Free State’s (UFS) Faculty of Law reached a remarkable milestone on 18 November 2025, when it celebrated 80 years of academic excellence, innovation, and impact. A celebratory event at the Naval Hill Planetarium in Bloemfontein, coordinated by the Office for Institutional Advancement, brought together students, alumni, staff, university management, and members of the legal fraternity, all of whom share in the faculty’s legacy of shaping South Africa’s legal landscape.

Since its establishment in 1945, the UFS Faculty of Law has produced generations of legal professionals who have gone on to influence the judiciary, law firms, policy, and civil society. Its achievements range from pioneering initiatives that bridge theory and practice, to partnerships with national and international institutions, and a consistent commitment to producing graduates equipped to serve society with integrity and skill.

Eight decades of impact and innovation

“Eighty years is not merely a measure of time – it is a testament to enduring vision, accumulated wisdom and countless lives transformed by the pursuit of justice,” said Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Hester C. Klopper. Highlighting the faculty’s signature programmes, she added, “From the In the Shadow of the Prosecutor Programme to the UFS Law Clinic, our students gain invaluable experience, learning that the law is not abstract but a living instrument for advancing human dignity.” Prof Klopper also underscored the importance of alumni engagement, encouraging Law Faculty graduates to continue shaping the next generation of legal professionals through mentorship, internships, and bursaries.

Prof Serges Kamga, Dean of the Faculty of Law, reflected on the faculty’s transformation over the decades: “This celebration is extremely significant. It allows us to reflect on what worked, what can be improved, and what can be done differently. I’m immensely proud of how the faculty has evolved, embracing diversity, inclusion, and access.” He emphasised the role of alumni in bridging theory and practice: “Many of our alumni own law firms and are on the ground, and we call on them to invest their expertise and resources into our students.”

The programme also featured a panel discussion on ‘The Rule of Law and the Role of the University’, with Acting Judge President Nobulawo Mbhele, Judge Johannes Daffue, and Prof Loot Pretorius, Extraordinary Professor at the Free State Centre for Human Rights. Judge Daffue and Prof Pretorius, both Law Faculty alumni, shared insights from their professional journeys, reinforcing the faculty’s role in nurturing legal leaders who influence the judiciary and society at large.

Alumnus Lawrence Tsiu (LLM 2024) reflected on what the milestone meant to him: “Being part of this celebration shows that the university is intentional in reaching the wider community and addressing social issues through law. The faculty shaped me into an independent thinker and taught me the importance of community, excellence, and resilience.”

The Faculty of Law’s 80th anniversary not only honours its history but also reaffirms its commitment to producing graduates who are ethically grounded, critically minded, and ready to contribute to a just society. As it steps into its next decade, the faculty continues to strengthen its programmes, partnerships, and global networks, ensuring that its graduates remain at the forefront of legal scholarship and practice.

 Catch the livestream here.