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During a meeting on 27 September 2024, the Council of the University of the Free State (UFS) approved the extension of Prof Bonang Mohale’s term as the eighth Chancellor for another five years – from 4 June 2025 to 3 June 2030.

“The university is fortunate to be able to extend the term of someone of Prof Mohale’s calibre. The Council and I are delighted that Prof Mohale will continue to fulfil the role of titular head of the university,” said Mr David Noko, Chairperson of the UFS Council.

“This well-deserved extension of Prof Mohale’s term as Chancellor is a testament to his exceptional leadership, vision, and commitment to the university’s success and growth. The university community deeply appreciates his ambassadorial dedication, his commitment to social justice and humanity in everything he does, his value-based leadership principles that are aligned with those of the UFS, and the way he engages with our staff and students during his many visits to the campuses,” said Prof Anthea Rhoda, acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, in a congratulatory letter to Prof Mohale.

“It is a great honour for me to serve for another term at one of the finest universities in the country. I am absolutely touched, profoundly humbled, and deeply honoured indeed! I am fully committed to continuing to advance the interests of the UFS and to be one of its ambassadors, and I wish to thank the Council for the confidence bestowed onto me,” said Prof Mohale.

Prof Mohale was appointed as Chancellor of the UFS on 4 June 2020.  He is the former President of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), Professor of Practice in the Johannesburg Business School (JBS) in the Faculty of Business and Economics, and Chairman of two listed entities, the Bidvest Group Limited and ArcelorMittal, as well as Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Africa and SBV Services. He is a member of the Community of Chairpersons (CoC) of the World Economic Forum and author of two best-selling books, Lift as You Rise and Behold the Turtle. In November 2001, he received the Presidential Award for his ‘Servanthood in South African Industry and the Economic Empowerment of Previously Disadvantaged Individuals’.

He is the recipient of the following:

- African Union’s ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ 2024 at the Africa Career Summit and Gala Awards in recognition of exceptional contribution and achievement.

- 2024 Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychology South Africa (SIOPSA) ‘Special Presidential Business Leadership Award’ for commitment to ethical leadership, social justice, and economic transformation.

- 2023 ME-Vision Academy Award – ‘Exclusive Recognition in Successful Leadership’ for consistently leading self and people successfully; successfully leading as a senior executive and chief executive officer; successfully leading society in various impactful roles and contributing to mentoring and inspiring future successful leaders.

Prof Mohale has been included in the Reputation Poll International’s (RPI) 2023 list of the ‘100 Most Reputable Africans’. The selection criteria are integrity, reputation, transparency, visibility, and impact.