Representation matters, but leadership becomes transformative when it creates opportunities for others.

At the University of the Free State (UFS), five women in executive leadership are among the many outstanding women shaping the institution. Across the university’s three campuses, women are influencing its academic direction, organisational culture, financial sustainability, public profile, and contribution to society.

Under the theme, Beyond Representation: Empowered Women Empower Women, their stories show that leadership is not only about holding senior positions. It is also about using influence to open doors, strengthen institutions, and equip others to lead.

Prof Hester C. Klopper: Leadership through collective purpose

Prof Hester C. Klopper made history when she became the first woman to serve as Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UFS in its more than 120-year history. She assumed office on 1 February 2025 and was inaugurated as the university’s 15th Vice-Chancellor and Principal in June 2025.

Her leadership journey received further recognition in March 2026, when she was presented with the Forbes Woman Africa Academic Excellence Award. Rather than treating the recognition as an individual achievement, she dedicated it to the students, colleagues, and future women leaders whose work will continue to shape higher education.

With more than three decades of experience in higher education, she has emphasised collective responsibility for the university’s future. Her leadership connects student success, academic excellence, innovation, and social responsibility, while encouraging staff, students, alumni, and partners to help shape the institution’s direction.

Her journey shows that being the first matters most when it creates momentum for those who come next.

Prof Bulelwa Nguza-Mduba: Developing people for future leadership

For Prof Bulelwa Nguza-Mduba, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People and Operations, leadership requires visibility, continuous engagement, and a clear understanding of the university’s strategic goals.

Throughout her career, she has mentored colleagues at different levels, encouraged support staff to continue their studies, and helped academics pursue postgraduate qualifications through mentorship, financial assistance, and academic development.

“I always motivated staff members to learn more so that they could also climb the ladder, just like me,” she says.

Her commitment extends beyond the university. Through entrepreneurship education, she helps create opportunities for students to build livelihoods and respond to unemployment. In her community, she also shares knowledge on financial literacy, stress, and conflict management.

Her desired legacy is a culture in which women support one another’s development, progression, and succession.

Prof Anthea Rhoda: Linking academic excellence with social justice

Prof Anthea Rhoda, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, brings more than 30 years of experience in professional practice and higher education.

Her progression from health sciences scholar and faculty leader to Deputy Vice-Chancellor reflects a career shaped by the belief that academic excellence must remain connected to equity, relevance, and student success.

Her leadership places her at the centre of the university’s teaching and learning mission, where access, curriculum development, graduate readiness, and student success remain central priorities. Her journey also demonstrates how disciplinary expertise can develop into institutional influence, enabling women scholars to shape not only their fields, but also the direction of universities.

“Leadership is about serving others, listening, building relationships, and creating opportunities for people to grow. If my leadership has helped someone believe in their own potential, that would be the legacy I value most.”

Marisna Nel: Strengthening the foundations of opportunity

As Chief Financial Officer, Marisna Nel leads work that supports every part of the university’s mission. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in finance, auditing, governance, and strategic planning, she brings both institutional knowledge and sector expertise to the stewardship of the university’s resources.

Teaching, research, infrastructure, student support, and community engagement all depend on responsible financial management. Through governance, strategic planning, budgeting, and institutional controls, she helps create the stability the university needs to fulfil its commitments.

“No leader succeeds alone. Investing in people, building capable teams, and creating opportunities for individuals to discover and apply their strengths ultimately leads to stronger organisations and more fulfilled professionals.”

Her leadership shows that financial sustainability is not separate from transformation or opportunity. Strong systems protect the resources that allow students, academics, and professional staff to pursue their ambitions.

Prof Ylva Rodny-Gumede: Leadership grounded in care

Prof Ylva Rodny-Gumede, Executive Director: Advancement, says motherhood, teaching, mentoring, and her journey from journalism into higher education have shaped the way she leads.

“Being a mother has changed how I am a leader and a role model,” she says. “There is a sense of leadership in parenting.”

She has supervised many women postgraduate students, including mothers balancing academic work with family responsibilities. This experience has taught her to recognise people as whole human beings while still encouraging them to grow.

Her portfolio advances the university through communication, recruitment, fundraising, and resource mobilisation, but she believes success should also be measured by how people are developed.

“You must want to work with people who can become better than you,” she says.

These five leaders show that empowerment takes many forms: mentoring a colleague, strengthening academic pathways, safeguarding institutional resources, widening participation, or helping someone find the confidence to lead.