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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

Open Day attracts thousands

2012-05-02

Campus was abuzz with prospective students and their parents finding out what Kovsies has to offer.
Photo: Kaleidoscope Studios
1 May 2012

“It is easier to pass Grade 12 today because we don’t have a standard. However, at the University of the Free State, standards are important.”

This was Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS’ message when he addressed a packed Callie Human Centre on the Bloemfontein Campus during this year’s Open Day.

“This university is the jewel of the country. Here at Kovsies we take academic standards seriously. You must know who you are in a place where academic standards are extremely important. Anyone can obtain a degree, but here you can get more than a degree. You get an education,” he said to the more than 5 000 learners and parents from across the country.

“It is not only important that you study here in South Africa, but also in other countries. That is why our students study all over the world. You must think out of your comfort zone, have a big heart, achieve great heights and show everyone that you are a Kovsie.

But, it is not all about studying – it is also about being human and reaching out to others. When you come to this university, you will also do other things that will make you proud of being a Kovsie.

Quality looks for quality. Therefore, work hard and study hard because you need to be at a good university,” he said.

The programme consisted of, among others, a spectacular laser show, a performance by Bobby van Jaarsveld and special messages from DW Bester and Sannah Mokone, Rhodes Scholars currently studying at Oxford University in the United Kingdom.

In a pre-recorded message DW, a Ph.D. student in Mathematical Statistics, encouraged prospective students to work hard and persevere. Sannah, doing a Master’s degree in African Studies, said she believes in the future of the African continent. “I believe in our future students and know you can make it.”

Prof. Jansen also introduced some of the university’s recent student achievers such as Jurie Swart, regional winner of the Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year Award; Farzana Samuel, named by the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) as the most outstanding student in quantity surveying for 2012; and Sibusiso Tshabalala, one of Google’s Top 10 Young Minds.

Richard Chemaly, President of the Central Student Representative Council (CSRC), said that, by coming to Kovsies, prospective students would become the best person they can be. “We have over 70 student organisations to help you take part in student life activities. So, make use of these opportunities,” he said.

The programme concluded with an introduction to the seven faculties by the respective deans.

The estimated 7 000 prospective students and their parents also had the opportunity to visit faculties and the stalls of residences.

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