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23 October 2020 | Story Andre Damons | Photo Supplied
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

Suspect in theft of computer equipment arrested
2007-11-16

A suspect, who may be involved in the recent theft of computer equipment from buildings on the Bloemfontein campus of the University of the Free State (UFS), has been arrested.

On 13 November 2007 an alarm in the Agriculture Building on the Main Campus of the UFS was activated. Protection Services reacted to the alarm and the person, who tried to run away, was pursued and later arrested.

The suspect was handed to the South African Police Service (SAPS). Currently SAPS is conducting an intensive investigation in co-operation with Protection Services at the UFS.

“The extent of the investigation goes beyond this single case for which the captive was arrested,” said Mr Willie Frankim, Manager: Protection Services at the UFS.

Meanwhile, the UFS’s Safety Committee has decided on a number of measures to heighten security on campus, including:

  • Patrols between buildings are to be intensified.
  • Vehicles leaving the campus will be searched. This is being done on an ad hoc basis at all the gates.

According to Mr Frankim the university is also looking at extending the alarm system and measures to secure buildings on campus.
He said: “The above will not happen overnight. We request all staff members and students to give their co-operation and to be more security conscious by:

  • Giving their co-operation at the gates when their vehicle is searched,
  • To ensure that the windows of your office and building are closed,
  • To lock office doors when you leave the office, even if it is for a short while,
  • Not to leave your office unattended when there are strangers,
  • to report suspicious persons as soon as possible to Protection Services,
  • To ensure that valuable articles (laptops and cell phones) are locked away,
  • To ensure the safekeeping of keys (not in drawers or on top of a door frame), and
  • Determine who has access to a building and question anybody unknown.”

Contact Protection Services at any of the following numbers:

Duty room: O51-4012634 / 051-4012911

Mr Aggrey Litseho (investigation officer): 051-4013225 / 0836347919 /
Short cell phone x6060

Mr Willie Frankim (manager): 051 401 3438 / 0828831760/
Short cell phone x6000

“We can only combat crime if everybody is aware of their environment, everybody adheres to the basic rules and co-operates with Protection Services,” said Mr Frankim.

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za  
15 November 2007
 

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