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Prof Stef Coetzee, former Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Free State (UFS), passed away in the Mediclinic Cape Gate on Saturday 27 October 2018.
Prof Coetzee assumed duty as the 11th Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS on 1 April 1997. He will be remembered for his drive to promote transformation at the UFS. During his time as Rector and Vice-Chancellor, he initiated a revitalisation process (turnaround strategy) which was ultimately finalised by his successor, Prof Frederick Fourie.
Among others, he established a Broad Transformation Forum (BTF) and transformation office to draft a new political framework for the UFS. He strived to manage the university as a business enterprise and was focused on developing the academy in an entrepreneurial manner. His legacy includes the establishment of the BTF, the revitalisation process (turnaround strategy), academic revitalisation, growing student numbers, and increased research outputs. He stepped down as Rector at the end of 2002.
“The turnaround strategy initiated by Prof Coetzee during his term as Rector and Vice-Chancellor is still evident today in the management approach of the UFS. On behalf of the executive management and the university community, I wish his family, relatives, and former colleagues all the best during this difficult and sad time. I hope that they will find comfort in his significant contribution to various sectors in the country – especially at the UFS,” said Prof Francis Petersen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS.
Prof Stef Coetzee obtained his MA degree in Economics at Stellenbosch University in 1973, and a DPhil in Development Economics at the University of the Free State (UFS) in 1980. He is a former Executive Officer of the Afrikaanse Handelsinstituut and was also associated with Unisa and the North-West University.
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New Clinical Skills Centre probably a first for South Africa
2010-08-13
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Attending the sod-turning for the new building were, from the left: Prof. Driekie Hay (Vice-Rector: Teaching and Learning), Dr Santie van Vuuren (Head of the SAHP) and Prof. Gert van Zyl (Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences).
Photo: Leatitia Pienaar
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The first sod for a Clinical Skills Centre at the School for Allied Health Professions (SAHP) at the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS) was turned this week. This centre is probably a first for South Africa, says Dr Santie van Vuuren, Head of the SAHP.
The project is the original initiative of Dr Van Vuuren and is focused on affording undergraduate students in Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Nutrition and Dietetics and Optometry the opportunity to master their clinical professional skills.
The new building will include three skills venues and a computer laboratory. The building will be developed to contain, among others, a wheelchair track for physically disabled persons.
Future plans for the use of this pioneering facility in the training of persons in allied health professions include the development of a continued professional development programme for qualified persons, as well as a service delivery component which focuses on community empowerment.
It is aimed that the building will be completed by late next year. |