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15 July 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the fracture lines in societies worldwide. South Africa is no different. The poor are less able to protect themselves from the danger posed by the virus. Workers in factories, mines, and the service sector went back to their places of work following the lifting of the strictest lockdown measures, while office workers, typically better paid, can generally work from home. Living conditions in informal settlements make social distancing all but impossible, while the middle class can largely stay at home and stay safe to a much larger extent. With many businesses shutting down, downsizing or rethinking their business models, it is often small and medium, as well as informal sector businesses that are most affected.  

The impact of COVID-19 comes on the back of a society and economy that was already under significant pressure following years of low economic growth and poor government performance. Many commentators have already questioned the social compact South Africans made in the mid-1990s, which marked the end of the apartheid regime. These divisions have become more glaring, with some civil society organisations considering challenging the Minister of Finance’s adjustment budget in the Constitutional Court, because the budget might result in a roll-back of the progressive realisation of the socio-economic rights mandated in the Constitution.

In this first of four webinars, academics from the UFS as well as invited experts reflect on the constitutional commitment South Africans made to one another two and half decades ago. Is it time for a new deal? Should we collectively recommit ourselves to our existing deal? Do we interpret that deal in the same way today as we did more than two decades ago? How does the economic reality we face, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis, affect that deal? What are the economic realities we face, and whose are they? And how should we think about human development in the context of our deal? 

Come and join us from 14:00 to 15:30 on 21 July. 

RSVP to Sibongile Mlotya at MlotyaS@ufs.ac.za no later than 19 July, upon which you will receive a Business for Skype meeting invite.

Speakers:
Prof Danie Brand on ‘New deal’ or collective recommitment? The Constitution under COVID-19 and beyond

Prof Melanie Walker on Human development and the capability approach in COVID-19 times

Prof Lochner Marais on Reflections on continuities and discontinuities after COVID-19

Prof Philippe Burger on Viewing the realisation of socio-economic rights in a post-COVID-19 South Africa through an economic lens

 

Please also mark the following dates in your diaries for the second through fourth Reflection webinars:
Gender Inequalities and Gender-based Violence 28 July 14:00-15:30
The quality of our democracy under COVID-19 and beyond 13 August 14:00-15:30
Urban living post-COVID-19 27 August 14:00-15:30

News Archive

Mr Naka Drotské is Kovsie Alumnus of the Year
2006-03-03

Alumni of the University of the Free State (UFS) appointed Mr Naka Drotské as Kovsie Alumnus of the Year 2005.

The award is made to Mr Drotské for the professional way in which he led the Cheetah Rugby Team last year.  This played a determining role in the team’s 2005 Currie Cup victory.

The Cum Laude Award, made from time to time to any alumnus for outstanding service or achievement at local, national or international level in his/her specific career domain, will be awarded to Mr Harold Verster (president of the Free State Rugby Union). 

Mr Verster receives the award for the role he played in the inclusion of the Vodacom Cheetahs as Super 14 team, as well as for his leadership that contributed to the success of the Cheetah Rugby Team in 2005.

 Prof Johan Henning, Dean: Faculty of Law at the UFS, receives the Kovsie Alumni National Management Award for Exceptional Service.  This award is made from time to time to an individual who has rendered exceptional service to the UFS. 

 Prof Henning receives this award for his role in the expansion and development of the Faculty of Law as academic, centre head, department head and, especially, as dean.

 The award ceremony will take place on Friday 10 March 2006 during a Gala Award Banquet in the Reitz Hall of the UFS Centenary Complex on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein.  

 All alumni of the UFS are welcome to attend the function.  The guest artist is Matthys Roets and the entrance fee of R80 per person includes a three course meal.  

Those who are interested can contact Ms Jeannette Boshoff-Jansen at (051) 401-3594 or alumni@mail.uovs.ac.za.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel:   (051) 401-2584
Cell:  083 645 2454
E-mail:  loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
3 March 2006

 

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