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20 February 2018
Photo Anja Aucamp
Students cheer on their peers on at the First-Years’ Swimming Gala.
The first-years were in high spirits, with cheering and chanting that did not fail to brighten the evening. The different
residences trooped into the swimming arena burning with a competitive spirit as each of them prepared to back their peers who would be participating in the swimming competitions.
Kovsie Aquatics; the swimming home for KovsieSport, said Veritas led the pack at the gala after scoring a total of 229 points, making them the overall champions for the night. Sonnedou came in second place with 156 points, and Vishuis third with a total of 154 points.
More than anything else, the first-years’ swimming gala is about seeing students come alive. These were the words of
Dean of Student Affairs, Pura Mgolombane. He added: “At the event we see students being humanised through sports, and at the end of the day, with healthy competition among them, humanity will emerge.”
Two academics receive prestigious fellowship for leadership programme
2013-01-16
The University of the Free State (UFS) boasts two academics who received the HELM LEAD (Higher Education and Leadership Programme) Fellowship for 2013. Prof. Liezel Lues from the Department of Public Administration and Management and Prof. Liezel Herselman from the Department of Plant Sciences both received this prestigious fellowship.
After the nationwide nomination procedure – with a choice from 120 applications - Higher Education South Africa (HESA) awarded 25 placements in the programme. Candidates who were selected, had to be in middle-management positions within the university sector, had to have exceptional qualities, and had to exhibit management and leadership potential within their university.
This group will now undergo a number of modules in Higher Education, which will start during January in Cape Town. The aim of the programme, running between February 2013 and April 2013, is to provide learning opportunities for middle and senior managers to gain knowledge and skills, with a view to the successful navigation of the constant challenges of change and to interpret effectively the operational impact of internal and external drivers.
Modules include topics such as Academic Policy and Planning; Governance and Strategy; Systems Management; and Managing People and Change.
Prof. Lues stated that she applied for the programme because she strongly believes that an effective and vibrant public sector, and especially the role of female academics therein, will play a fundamental role in the transformation of the South African community towards a prosperous and tolerant society. “I believe the LEAD component of HESA will offer me the opportunity to enhance my knowledge and insight with regard to the socio-political environment and its impact on higher education institutions. The envisaged outcomes of the programme will also directly lead to the improvement of my leadership and management practices within the UFS’ Department of Public Administration and Management,” said Prof. Lues.
Prof. Herselman was appointed as Head of the Department of Plant Sciences, effective from 1 January 2013. She is very excited about this new position and said: “Although I am looking forward to the new challenge, I am aware of my lack of experience as a manager. The LEAD programme will provide me with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed as Head of Department and will give me the opportunity to strengthen the Department of Plant Sciences and to make it a Department of international stature.”