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Dr Molapo Qhobela to speak at International Summit on SDGs

10 September 2021 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Sonia Small (Kaleidoscope Studios)

Dr Molapo copy — Dr Molapo Qhobela, the newly appointed Vice-Rector: Institutional Change, Strategic Partnerships and Societal Impact, will be speaking at the International Summit on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa 2021.

Dr Molapo Qhobela, the newly appointed Vice-Rector: Institutional Change, Strategic Partnerships and Societal Impact at the University of the Free State (UFS), will be speaking at the three-day International Summit on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa 2021. The summit will take place as follows:

Date: 13-15 September 2021

Platform: A virtual gathering (register for the upcoming virtual summit)

Together with a wide array of thought leaders, including specialists, senior researchers, CEOs/directors, and the top structures of international organisations, he will address and engage with an audience of academics, practitioners, government authorities, representatives from civil society, and donors and sponsors from across the globe on the topic Partnerships for impact in Africa (session on 15 September from 12:30 to 14:00).

According to the host of the event, the University of Cape Town, the key aim of the International Summit on the SDGs in Africa is to mobilise collaborative efforts that will accelerate African-led activities in support of achieving the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – a shared blueprint for working towards global peace and prosperity by 2030. The summit is also designed to identify concrete opportunities for research collaboration that will accelerate the achievement of the SDGs and Agenda 2063.

The talks, panel discussions, workshops, and breakout sessions will revolve around clear steps for implementation.

For more information, visit: http://www.sdgsafricasummit.uct.ac.za/

• Background of Dr Molapo Qhobela

Dr Qhobela’s leadership and strategic direction have been sought by several large and complex organisations during his career. He is the immediate former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Research Foundation, and also the former Chair of the Global Research Council as well as the Agricultural Research Council. He is currently the Chairperson of the Tertiary Education and Research Network of South Africa. Dr Qhobela holds a PhD in Plant Pathology from the Kansas State University in the United States of America.

News Archive

Reconciliation ceremony brings a closure to the Reitz incident

2011-02-08

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and the University of the Free State (UFS)
are pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the Equality Court complaint against the four
former UFS students for their recording and dissemination of a video which demeaned and
humiliated five university workers in 2007.

The closure of the complaint culminated tonight in a moving reconciliation ceremony held on the
Main Campus of the UFS in Bloemfontein. The key event of the evening included the reading of
messages of apology from Prof. Teuns Verschoor, Vice-Rector, on behalf of the institution, and Mr
Danie Grobler, on behalf of the former students; and a message of acceptance of the apologies
from Ms Emmah Koko on behalf of the workers.

Deputy Chairperson of the SAHRC Commissioner, Pregs Govender, said of this historic event:
“The courage and compassion shown by the workers together with the students’ willingness to
embrace the spirit of change have enabled a process of justice, transformation and reconciliation
that is an inspiring example for South Africa. The process, led by Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-
Chancellor and Rector of the UFS, whose term began just after this incident, has laid a significant
foundation for the future. It is significant, not just for this university, but for all educational
institutions, including schools.”

“The ceremony of apology, forgiveness, and reconciliation represents a historic event – not only for
our campus, but also for the country. It lays the groundwork for building a new university culture and
climate. “Reitz” hurt all of us, and we can finally close the book on the past and rebuild our
institution to be a truly non-racial university where we respect each other, first and foremost, for our
common humanity,” said Prof. Jansen.

Messages from among others former President Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond
Tutu, and the Presidency, were also read.

The day started off with a seminar on reconciliation, hosted by the SAHRC, UFS and the Mangaung
Local Municipality. Former Chief Justice Pius Langa was the keynote speaker at this event. Other
participants in the seminar included Mr Lawrence Mushwana, Chairperson of the SAHRC; Mr Wally
Serote from the Freedom Park; and Mr John Samuel, Director of the International Institute for
Studies in Race, Reconciliation and Social Justice at the UFS.

Media Release
25 February 2011
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Director: Strategic Communication
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: news@ufs.ac.za

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