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Desmond Tutu
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu receiving an honorary doctorate from the UFS in January 2011

The University of the Free State (UFS) mourns the passing of South African icon and Nobel peace prize laureate, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.

The country has lost an exemplary leader who has made a huge contribution to peace, reconciliation, and justice in the world, Prof Francis Petersen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, says. “Archbishop Tutu inspired people around the world with his humility, compassion, and resilient spirit and we can all imitate his acts of kindness.”

The UFS recognised Archbishop Tutu for his outstanding contribution to South Africa and the world, awarding him an honorary doctorate in January 2011. He received a Doctor of Theology, recognising the contribution he has made in the field of theology through his teachings and the books he has written.

Archbishop Tutu visited the UFS more than once and launched the university’s International Institute for Studies in Race, Reconciliation and Social Justice - now the Unit for Institutional Change and Social Justice - when he accepted his honorary doctorate on the Bloemfontein Campus.

In October 2013, Archbishop Tutu and his wife Leah visited the university to launch the Annual Intercontinental Leah Tutu Symposium on rape and violence against women in honour of Mrs Tutu, who has been an outspoken advocate for women’s rights and the sanctity of family life.

Over the years, his association with the university remained, with the annual Tutu-Jonker Prestige Lecture hosted by the Faculty of Theology and Religion.

“On behalf of the university community, I wish to express our sincere condolences to his family and friends,” says Prof Petersen.

News Archive

Exciting Science School of Excellence for Grade 11 learners presented
2009-05-21

The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS) is presenting a Science School of Excellence for top achievers in Grade 11 from 6-9 July 2009. This will take place on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein.

Four exciting days are planned during which Grade 11 learners will participate in challenging extra-curricular exercises as well as laboratory and research activities. All classes will be presented in English and Afrikaans.

A maximum of 80 learners can be accommodated and selection will take place on the basis of first come, first accepted. An application fee of R50,00 per learner is payable.

The closing date for applications is 29 May 2009. The successful candidate will be notified telephonically. A further registration fee of R200,00 is payable by the successful learners. Learners are responsible for their own transport and accommodation. The registration fee includes all meals, lectures and activities.

In order to qualify for the UFS Science School, learners had to achieve an average of 80% [level 7] during the 2008 Grade 10 final examinations. They also had to obtain a minimum of 80% [level 7] in Mathematics and Physical or Life Sciences during the same examination. Learners who are interested in the Department of Computer Sciences and Informatics will also need Grade 10 CAT at level 7. A certified copy of the learner’s school report must accompany the application form.

“Our vision is to make the Faculty the preferred choice in central South-Africa for those who wish to pursue their studies in the natural and agricultural sciences,” said Prof. Neil Heideman, Vice-Dean of the faculty.

For application forms and enquiries, please contact the coordinator, Mr Johan Kruger, at 051 401 3199.

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  
20 May 2009

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