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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

Kovsie singing sensation releases debut album
2017-02-16

Description:Hailey Clark, Deurmekaar Tags: Hailey Clark, Deurmekaar longdesc=

Hailey Clark, musician and
third-year BA Drama and
Theatre Arts student at the
University of the Free State.
Photo: Sonelle van Wyk.

Music was always something this singing sensation wanted to do from a very early age.

Sonet du Plessis, more famously known by her stage name, Hailey Clark, is a third-year BA Drama and Theatre Arts student at the University of the Free State (UFS). Her electronic pop debut album, titled Deurmekaar, was finally launched after a year of hard work and sacrifice.

Success in English and Afrikaans

Hailey, whose album features Afrikaans and English songs, says her music is influenced and inspired by a variety of local sounds and artists. “Dirk van der Westhuizen and Refentse – a new and upcoming artist – are two of the locals I look up to,” she says.

Reaching success at such a young age is the result of setting goals and achieving them. “Success is when you grow as a person and an artist in your music. You need to enjoy every moment of what you do and share it with other people,” Hailey says.

Future music producer and actress

With a bright future ahead of her, Hailey wants to become a full-time musician, but also wants to focus on acting, especially in films. “I want to perform as much as possible and hopefully become a music producer. I also have plans to do some acting as well.”

For all those who dream of becoming a musician, it’s hard work, Hailey says. “You have to know it is something you want to do and you have to commit to it. If it is what you want, keep focused and surround yourself with positive and encouraging people.”

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