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20 July 2022 | Story Lacea Loader
The University of the Free State (UFS) has formed a partnership with ZZ2 – a well-known South African farming and fresh produce company. The partnership includes the establishment of a company, FreeFarm Innovation, as a vehicle for combined outputs of the university and ZZ2’s diverse, but complementary capabilities, skills, and resources. 

Several opportunities relating to research, commercialisation, and the enhancement of various agricultural products have been identified and will form part of the operations of FreeFarm Innovation. 

New solutions and practices for the agricultural sector

“Universities are key role players in bridging the theory-practice gap by ensuring that we generate functional knowledge. The UFS is constantly exploring meaningful partnerships to support the improvement of local and global communities and industries. We are excited about the collaboration and partnership with ZZ2 in developing new solutions and practises for the agricultural sector” says Prof Corli Witthuhn, Vice-Rector: Research and Internationalisation at the UFS. 

“We look forward to involving our top researchers and students in projects under the umbrella of FreeFarm Innovation. Additional areas of collaboration will include, among others, soil science, marketing, logistics, water quality, production systems, plant breeding, entomology, chemistry, and animal science” says Prof Witthuhn. 

Shared benefit for partners

“As one of the oldest, most respected institutions of higher education in South Africa, the UFS brings experience, top-class researchers, facilities, technology, and knowledge to the partnership. This is enhanced by ZZ2’s established, reputable, and successful business and network structure within the agriculture sector, both locally and globally,” she says. 

The initial key to the partnership will be the development of effective fertilisation products and strategies. “The values of the university to not compromise on quality and impact aligns with ZZ2’s focus on fresh product quality. Further alignment is also achieved through the employee training programmes and the ZZ2 academy,” says Prof Witthuhn.

News Archive

SA and Indonesia strengthen educational ties
2016-05-19

Description: Embassy of Indonesia Tags: Embassy of Indonesia

From the left were Prof Hussein Solomon, Senior Professor at the Department of Political Studies and Governance; Professor Ikrar Nusa Bhakti, Research Professor of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences; Suprapto Martosetomo, ambassador of the Embassy of Indonesia to South Africa; and Prof Theodor Neethling, Head of the Department of Political Studies and Governance.
Photo: Johan Roux

“Indonesia and South Africa share one common trait which is diversity,” were the opening remarks of Suprapto Martosetomo, ambassador of the Embassy of Indonesia to South Africa. The ambassador drew parallels between the two republics at a public lecture hosted by the Department of Political Studies and Governance at the University of the Free State Bloemfontein Campus on 10 May 2016.

Professor Ikrar Nusa Bhakti, Research Professor in the Indonesian Institute of Sciences, presented the lecture on “Managing Political Diversities: The Indonesian Experience.” He outlined the history of Indonesia’s political and economic development, political system, and government’s policy in dealing with political and economic challenges, as well as the lessons learned from its experience.

Diversity and governance
As is South Africa, Indonesia is a ‘rainbow nation’. Being the largest country in the Southeast Asia, it boasts a population of approximately 250 million people, 300 ethnic groups, and 650 local languages. However, despite such diversity, the nation has been united behind the motto of “unity in diversity”, which was adopted when Indonesia proclaimed its independence in 1945.

Indonesia and SA also bear similarities in terms of a multiparty parliamentary system. Their current Joko Widodo and our Jacob Zuma administrations are governed by policies including anti-corruption, economic prosperity, equity and equality, quality education and healthcare, and maintenance of security.

International relations
The two countries have a long-standing relationship since 1955 when the Asia-Africa conference was held in Bandung, Indonesia. The conference represented solidarity against colonisation.

Prof Hussein Solomon, Senior Professor at the UFS Department of Political Studies and Governance, attributes Indonesia’s success as a product of education and leadership - something South Africa could learn from..“Indonesia like SA has been struggling with how to balance social diversity, democracy, and a political system. Despite this, they have managed to develop a functioning democracy and a vibrant economy. They are one of the top 20 economies in the world, and by the year 2035 will be in the top seven economies in the world, according to the Goldman Sachs, report,” he said.

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