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13 December 2019 | Story Valentino Ndaba | Photo iStock
safety, road safety
Safety comes first, fun festive second.

Safety never takes a holiday. The University of the Free State’s Department of Protection Services wishes the Kovsie community happy and safe holidays.

Heed these tips when travelling, away on holiday or in the street.

  • Be aware of your surroundings and any suspicious-looking persons or behaviour (especially in queues);
  • Report any suspicious behaviour or activity to the central security on-site or the South African Police Services;
  • Be alert when leaving shopping centres. Should you suspect that you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station;
  • Jamming devices are frequently used by criminals, so ensure that your vehicle is locked by physically checking it before leaving;
  • All valuables must be safely stowed away in the boot or under the seats in order to avoid smash and grab incidents;
  • Do not leave your handbags or valuables unattended while shopping; and
  • Obey the rules of the road and carry your driver’s licence with you.Happy holidays! Enter 2020 safe and secure!

Happy holidays! Enter 2020 safe and secure!

News Archive

Former CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation receives an honorary doctorate from the UFS
2015-07-08

Dr John Samuel.
Photo: Johan Roux

“Having spent the most of my life in public service, it is a great pleasure to receive recognition from the University of the Free State (UFS) for the work that I have done,” Dr John Samuel said in his acceptance speech at this year’s Winter Graduation, where an honorary degree was conferred on him.

The renowned educationalist’s remarkable merit was recognised by the Faculty of Education in the Thursday 2 July 2015 graduation ceremony. Dr Samuel was awarded the honorary doctorate for his enormous role as a national and international strategist in the education system.

The early 1960s proved to be a prelude to Dr Samuel’s lifelong journey as a teacher, policy analyst, administrator, and advisor. In addition to South Africa, he has served with compassion in various countries including Zambia, Ghana, Nigeria, and the USA.

In the dawn of South Africa’s democracy, Dr Samuel served as Head of the Education desk, developing new policies for the field of education and training. One of his many pivotal achievements has been serving the Nelson Mandela Foundation as Chief Executive Officer. Furthermore, South African’s Department of Education has reaped the benefit of appointing him as the Deputy Director-General.

From 1998 to 2000, Dr Samuel was the Senior Programme Director of the WK Kellogg Foundation in the USA.

The Chief Executive Chairman of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls inspired graduates with warm words. “Graduation is a special time for everyone. It is now the time to convert what we have learnt into useful action. We need every pair of hands to help and inspire, and instill hope,” he said.

Rewarding the active role of a national and global leader in education symbolises the university’s commitment to public service, academic excellence, and transformation.


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