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19 March 2018 Photo Rulanzen Martin
Prof Solomon writes book on human security in Africa
Prof Hendri Kroukamp, Acting Vice-Rector: Academic; Prof Hussein Solomon; and Prof Heidi Hudson, Dean of the Faculty of the Humanities, at the book launch.

An acclaimed academic regarding security issues on the African continent, Prof Hussein Solomon, recently launched the book African Security in the twenty-first Century.

The book, which was launched on 13 March 2018 at the Archive for Contemporary Affairs on the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS), took three years to complete and has 11 chapters and 300 pages.

“It has been difficult, some of the chapters did not appear, but will be released as journal articles,” Prof Solomon said.

Focus more on human than state security
“This particular book project had its origins four years ago at the African Studies Association conference, which was held in San Diego,” Prof Solomon said. 

This is where he met Stephen Emmerson, co-author of the book. “We attempted to make the book as comprehensive as possible, covering all the major sources of insecurity on the African continent – from resource conflict to conflicting identities to drug-trafficking and terrorism,” he said.

The approach of this book was to focus on human security, which is the security of ordinary Africans, in contrast to that of the state and/or regime security. 

News Archive

Meet the person behind the new #FaceOfFacebook
2016-05-19

Reuben “R” Davids

The votes have been counted, and we have a winner! After much excitement and a fairly close contest, Reuben “R” Davids emerged victorious from the top five contestants selected by our panel of judges. We chatted with the vibrant and enthusiastic Mr Davids to get a sense of the person who will be our Facebook ambassador for the next year.

What does the “R” stand for?

“Interestingly, some also know me as Vuyo. It's not a name on my birth certificate or anything; I just really like it. And I also coincidentally found out that it means “joy/happiness”, and I do enjoy being happy.”

What is your field of study, and how far along are you?

“I am pursuing a career in the economics field as a third-year BCom Accounting student in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences here at the University of the Free State.”

Are you originally from Bloemfontein?

“Yes, born and bred. I've been a Bloem Kid since day one.”

How is it that you ended up here, studying at the UFS?

“The UFS has always been one of my favourite universities. During my high school period, I was constantly exposed to people from my neighbourhood as well as schoolmates who performing excellently here at UFS, and it didn't go unnoticed. So I have always been drawn to the prestige that UFS carries.”

Which residence are you in, and what do you enjoy most about res life?

“I currently stay at home with the family, but for my first 2 years of study I resided at ConLaurês. What I enjoyed the most about res life is the freedom and independence that you get. It also enables one to participate in campus life much easier. It actually helps one grow and mature into the adult you're supposed to become with all the challenges and responsibilities that you're faced with.”

What do you hope to accomplish during your term as the #FaceOfFacebook?

“I enjoy the art of presenting (as well as being an MC), and being the #FaceOfFacebook will enable me to exercise that skill. Also, my interaction skills will be exercised. That being said, I would like to have those skills developed further by the end of my term as #FaceOfFacebook.”

What is your motivation in your studies, in taking part in this contest, and in life?

“I am an adrenaline junkie. I like taking on challenge; so what I normally do is I set a certain goal for myself and then take on the challenge to achieve that goal. That's my number one motivating factor. And I think I'm also inspired by the failures and successes of myself and of those around me.”

Reuben has already been featured in a #PeopleOfKovsies post on Facebook, and appeared in his first Facebook video covering the Open Day on our Bloemfontein Campus.

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