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UFS scholars recognised by Academy of Science

23 October 2020 | Story Andre Damons | Photo Supplied

Read More picture — Prof Johan H Meyer and Prof Hussen Solomon.

Two scholars from the University of the Free State (UFS) are among 31 of the country’s leading scholars and scientists who were inaugurated as new members of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf).

Prof Johan H Meyer from the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics and Prof Hussein Solomon from the Department of Political Studies and Governance were inaugurated as members of the ASSAf during the annual award ceremony that was held virtually on 14 October 2020.

Looking forward to make a contribution

Prof Solomon says he is humbled to be included into the ASSAf family.

“Earlier this year, Prof Neil Roos asked if he could nominate me for ASSAf. This was done in March, after which I heard nothing until last week. What it means to me is an acknowledgment of my cumulative academic career spanning 31 years. I look forward to making a contribution via ASSAf towards the next generation of scholars and scholarship in SA,” says Prof Solomon.

Humbled and honoured

Prof Meyer says he was asked by the top management of the UFS to apply for membership, but his inclusion came out the blue.

“I feel humbled by this inclusion – to be welcomed in a community that is regarded scientifically significant. I never expected to be selected, but I am nevertheless satisfied with the contributions I could make, in particular to the mathematical community. I feel honoured, and trust that I will be able to live up to it for several years to come,” says Prof Meyer.

Serve as role models for younger academics

Prof Corli Witthuhn, Vice-Rector: Research and Internationalisation, said this honour was bestowed upon the two researchers whose work has been judged by their peers to have significant international impact.

“We are very proud of the two outstanding researchers who were selected as members of the Academy of Science of South Africa during 2020. They continue to serve as role models for our younger academics in natural science and in the humanities and social sciences who are striving to produce the highest quality research that is relevant to a local and international audience.”

As the official Academy of South Africa, ASSAf honours the country’s most outstanding scholars by electing them to membership of the Academy. ASSAf members are drawn from the full spectrum of disciplines. New members are elected each year by the full membership of the Academy is in recognition of scholarly achievement. Members are the core asset of the Academy and give of their time and expertise voluntarily in the service of society. The 31 new ASSAf members bring the total membership of ASSAf to 597.

News Archive

SRC raises over R1 million for UFS underprivileged students

2016-01-18

R1.2 million has been raised by the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Student Representative Council (SRC) under the Right to Learn (R2L) campaign banner.

The SRC launched the R2L campaign on 30 October 2015,following the first wave of the #FeesMustFall movement protests against a proposed increase in tuition fees. The campaign was initiated to ensure that academically-deserving underprivileged students do not have to bear the brunt of deregistration, food insecurity, and the lack of textbooks.

To date, the student leaders have taken it upon themselves to appeal to lecturers, businesses, the community, and students alike to support its campaign. Each SRC member pledged R500 from their own purses when the campaign was launched.

Looking back at the #FeesMustFall movement

To the #FeesMustFall movement, which had gained momentum and resulted in a shutdown of many campuses across the country, President Jacob Zuma responded with a statement announcing a 0 % increase.

At the launch of the campaign, Lindokuhle Ntuli, the UFS SRC President, made a commitment to source financial aid for needy students.

“Even though the president said no fees will increase this year, we are still faced with the same challenges. No students who qualify should be de-registered this year. It is up to us to raise funds for the poor students to ensure that they get their right to education.”

Forward to the future: #AccessMustRise

By 4 April 2016, the SRC’s goal is to accumulate financial relief worth R5 million to counter the growing financial aid demand.

Given that more South Africans are extending a helping hand, the SRC President is adamant about gathering the sponsorships in two months. “It is possible if we push to market the campaign to gather R4.8 million,” said Ntuli.

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