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Global Citizen - Courageous Conversations

15 June 2021 | Story Dr Nitha Ramnath

Prof Francis Petersen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Free State, South Africa, invites us to rethink our relationship with the world in a series of ‘Courageous Conversations’ on the theme of ‘The Global Citizen’.

Prof Petersen argues that COVID-19 has been a powerful ‘disruptor’ - it has given us a stark reminder of the need to rethink our identity, of where we belong, our ‘normative’ view of citizenship – if we want to secure long-term survival of our civilisation and the environments which support it.

Powerful voices from public life, intellectuals, public interest and business leaders, academics, naturalists, religious leaders, astrophysicists, economists, and ecologists, and others, will be invited to share and debate their views.

Global Citizen courageous conversation launch
In partnership with the South African Chamber of Commerce based in the United Kingdom, the series launched on 26 May 2021, in a discussion with Prof Petersen on the concept and context of his thinking and how the series will roll out.

If you were unable to join the webinar you can watch the replay on YouTube, or visit the South African Chamber of Commerce website where you'll find recordings of previous webinars.

Join our next Global Citizen conversation on 17 June 2021 with a discussion led by the Chancellor of the University of Free State, Prof Bonang Francis Mohale, a published author and respected business leader who has held chairmanships and directorships at some of South Africa’s top companies, on how we educate for Global Citizenship.

Educating a ‘Global Citizen’ – June 17, 2021 15:00 SAST
We have pleasure in inviting you to the United Kingdom - South African Chamber of Commerce’s next ‘courageous conversation’ with University of Free State Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Francis Petersen in his series debating ‘The Global Citizen’.

Eminent South African business leader and UFS Chancellor, Prof Bonang Mohale, will join Prof Petersen to unwrap the role universities can play in creating a ‘Global Citizen’ mindset to effect material change in a constantly evolving and turbulent international world.

How do universities produce research, and graduate alumni who go out into the world, to drive and reflect the bedrock value of Global Citizenship namely that of mutual respect, for others, for all creatures, and the environment which sustains us all?

A university education can be a powerful way to push the ‘reset’ button on the baggage of upbringing and our histories - personal, cultural, national, racial – which shape our world view.

Universities can promote informed self-reflection, curiosity, and tolerance as a driving force in how we shape our realities, understand our prejudices, promote tolerance, and animate life in a better world. Prof Petersen and Prof Mohale will reflect on how universities can accelerate and respond with greater agility to this challenge.

Kindly RSVP for the event.

News Archive

Two honorary doctorates part of highlights at UFS graduations

2017-11-30

Leah Molatseli (left), Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, and Likeleli Monyamane will be
the guest speakers during the End-of-year Graduation Ceremonies
at the University of the Free State.
Photos: Supplied, www.mudboots.co.za

Roads and entrance closed due to roadworks on the Bloemfontein Campus

Graduation Livestream

Two honorary doctorates and a Chancellor’s medal will be some of the highlights during the End-of-year Graduation Ceremonies at the University of the Free State (UFS).

The Callie Human Centre on the Bloemfontein Campus will once again welcome graduates, their parents, friends, and relatives for the celebrations on 6 and 7 December 2017. A total number of 1226 qualifications, including diplomas, certificates, and degrees, will be conferred during the two days.

Altogether 40 doctorates and 109 master’s degrees will be awarded. Most doctorates (19) will be awarded in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, while most of the master’s degrees (27) are in the same faculty.

Prof Holloway, Botha, and Isaacs honoured
Prof Paul Holloway (Natural and Agricultural Sciences) and Marius Botha (Law) will receive honorary doctorates during the afternoon ceremony on 7 December 2017, while Joyene Isaacs (Natural and Agricultural Sciences) will be honoured with a Chancellor’s Medal.

Prof Holloway is an internationally acclaimed expert in the science and technology of surfaces, thin films, and nanoparticles, and Botha has played a significant role in financial planning in South Africa. Isaacs is the Head of Department of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, and her department has been nominated by the South African Institute of Government Auditors as the best government department.

Young leader, young alumnus, and humanitarian
Likeleli Monyamane, Leah Molatseli, and Dr Imtiaz Sooliman will be the guest speakers at the ceremonies.

Monyamane, a UFS Council member, will address graduates on 6 December 2017 during the morning ceremony. She is one of 15 young leaders selected to represent Lesotho as participants in the Mandela Washington Fellowship in the United States. In 2016, Molatseli, the speaker during the afternoon session on 6 December 2017, launched South Africa’s first legal ecommerce website, Lenoma Legal, and is the university’s most recent Young Alumnus of the Year.

Dr Sooliman, the speaker at both ceremonies on 7 December 2017, is the founder and Director of the Gift of the Givers Foundation. He has received more than 100 national and international awards, citations, commendations, and special recognition for his humanitarian work.

Date: 6 December 2017
Time: 09:00: All qualifications up to Honours degrees in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (including the Business School) and the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
14:30: All qualifications up to Honours degrees in the Faculties of Education, Law, the Humanities, and Theology

Date: 7 December 2017
Time: 09:00: All qualifications up to Honours degrees in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Educational qualifications in Open Distance Learning – South Campus
14:30: Master’s and Doctoral degrees in all faculties

For information about the ceremonies, click here to visit the graduation home page.

#UFSSummerGrad17 Tweets

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