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#WomensMonth: ‘Do what you love and do it well’

18 August 2020 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Supplied

Liezel Rudolph_read more — Liezel Rudolph believes opportunities do not fall into your lap, but you cross them when you do what you love, and you do it well.

On more than one occasion, Liezel Rudolph set foot on the SA Agulhas II, travelling the oceans to Marion Island in her quest to research climate change. She focuses her research on reconstructing the past climate of Marion Island.

As Lecturer in Process Geomorphology in the Department of Geography Rudolph is involved in research on glacial and peri-glacial landforms, trying to understand the links between climate and the processes that shape these landforms.

An interview with her reveals more about this scientist, adventurer, and teacher who sees pursuing one’s research interests and teaching others about it as a dream come true.

“Part of being a woman is to know when to be strong and to speak up, and when to be humble and listen.” – Liezel Rudolph

Is there a woman who inspires you, who you would like to celebrate this Women’s Month?

“I would like to celebrate my mother who does everything to the full. She celebrates the little things; she dreams big and she does not fear the future. She values discipline, but nurtures growth and has always encouraged (me) to be the best version of me and not to compare myself to others.”

What are some of the challenges you have faced in your life that have made you a better woman?

“I don’t like being criticised and I don’t like failing. It has taken me several years to learn that not all criticism is negative and that not all failures are final. And that is OK. I have learned to be easier on myself, and on others when I (or they) don’t meet certain expectations.”

What advice would you give to the 15-year-old you?

“When I was 15 years old, I had no idea what life would be after school – and it scared me. I now know that by following my passion and doing what I am good at, I am doing myself and the world a favour. There is no point in making loads of money if you hate going to work every day. Opportunities do not fall into your lap, but you cross them when you do what you love, and you do it well.”

What would you say makes you a champion woman [of the UFS]?

“I would not say that I am a champion woman, yet. But I would like to think that I am a woman who does her job well, and who does ‘woman’ well, too. This means bringing what I have to the table, and not comparing, criticising, or competing with anyone about what else is on the table. I still have to grow a lot in this regard.”

News Archive

Co-architect of peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland to present Annual Reconciliation Lecture today

2015-03-03

Colm McGivern, Director of the British Council in South Africa

To emphasise the University of the Free State’s Human Project, the UFS has positioned itself as an institution that is recognised across the world not only for excellence in academic achievement, but also in human reconciliation. The Annual Reconciliation Lecture, whose organising committee is chaired by Prof Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela, is a unique and major initiative to enhance this important vision of our university.

This year, Colm McGivern, Director of the British Council in South Africa, will present the Fourth Annual Reconciliation Lecture at the Centenary Hall on Thursday 5 March 2015.

Colm McGivern was brought up in Northern Ireland at the height of the conflict that has come to be known as the ‘Troubles.’ His early experiences of conflict, sectarianism, and living in a divided society have driven his career, and his personal commitment to peace-building and promoting reconciliation. He was a student leader at Queen’s University in Belfast during the time of the first IRA Ceasefires in the 1990s, and then worked in the Higher and Further Education sectors, and at a community level with peace-building groups across Northern Ireland and internationally. He was Director of the British Council in Northern Ireland for four years and, in that role, facilitated discussions between divided communities before and during the Ceasefires and Peace Process, with a particular focus on bringing young people together across Ireland.

In his role as Director of the British Council, McGivern has created thousands of cultural and educational connections between the UK and SA. Every year, he ensures that young South Africans can get access to educational and cultural opportunities that are life-changing while deepening their connection with the UK.

A highlight of this year’s lecture will be a performance by musicians from the Odeion School of Music, Tumi Ntantiso (soprano), Bertha Menyatso (mezzo-soprano), Malefetsane Mofokeng (baritone), and Cezarre Strydom (piano). They will be performing works from ‘Tales of Hoffmann’ by Jacques Offenbach, among others.

Members of the public and media are welcome.

RSVP: Jo-Anne Naidoo, e-mail: Naidooja@ufs.ac.za

Date: Thursday 5 March 2015
Time: 17:30 (please be seated by 17:15)
Venue: Centenary Complex, Bloemfontein Campus

The event will be streamed live on: http://livestream.ufs.ac.za/

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