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19 July 2021 | Story Lacea Loader | Photo Supplied
Dr Molapo Qhobela, newly appointed Vice-Rector: Institutional Change, Strategic Partnerships and Societal Impact.

The Council of the University of the Free State (UFS) approved the appointment of Dr Molapo Qhobela as Vice-Rector: Institutional Change, Strategic Partnerships and Societal Impact for a five-year term. Dr Qhobela will assume duty on 1 August 2021.

Extensive experience in the higher education sector

Dr Qhobela holds a PhD in Plant Pathology from the Kansas State University in the United States of America. His career started at Rhodes University in 1991, where he was a lecturer in microbiology and pharmacy, after which he joined the University of Cape Town before joining the public service sector. His leadership and strategic direction have been sought by several large and complex organisations in the course of his career. From 1998 to 2007, he was Chief Director: Higher Education Policy and Development Support in the Department of Education, from 2007 to 2009 he was Deputy Director General: Higher Education in the same department, and from 2010 to 2011 he was Deputy Director General: Human Capital and Knowledge Systems in the Department of Science and Technology. Dr Qhobela was appointed Vice-Principal: Institutional Development at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in 2011 and held the position until 2015. He was the Chief Executive Officer of the National Research Foundation (NRF) from 2016 to 2020. 

Strong governance credentials and a wealth of expertise

Dr Qhobela has strong governance credentials, having served and led governing boards, among others as the former chairperson of the boards of the Agricultural Research Council, the Global Research Council, and the Committee of Heads of Organisations of Research and Technology (COHORT). He is currently the chairperson of the Tertiary Education and Research Network of South Africa (TENET).

“Dr Qhobela brings a wealth of expertise, extensive networks, and partnerships – locally and internationally – to the UFS. His vast experience in previous roles places him in good standing to elevate institutional change, strategic partnerships, and societal impact at the university. His knowledge and understanding of the South African, African, and global higher education and research systems are extensive. I am confident that he will lead and manage the portfolio with clarity, dexterity, diplomacy, and integrity, and look forward to working with him to build and extend this important focus of the UFS,” says Prof Francis Petersen, UFS Rector and Vice-Chancellor. 

“I have devoted the majority of my professional career to the development of the country’s university and science system, during which time I have also worked with the previous and current leadership of the UFS. I can thus relate to the values and vision of the university as an engaged university that contributes to development and social justice through the production of globally competitive graduates and knowledge, and look forward to joining the institution,” says Dr Qhobela.  

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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