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16 May 2022
An image of Dr Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha’s book, I am a Man

The University of the Free State (UFS) Sasol Library, in collaboration with the Office for International Affairs, invites you to the launch of a book by Dr Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha, titled I am a man.  In this book, he explains his complex relationship with masculinity, fatherhood, and identity. 

Date: 18 May 2022
Time: 17:00-18:30
Venue: UFS Sasol Library – Level 2

About the author

Dr Jerry Mofokeng
On 28 June 2019, Dr Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha received an honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) degree from the University of the Free State (UFS) for his commitment to scholarship and his service to humanity.

Dr Makhetha is an iconic and award-winning South African actor who has appeared in several critically acclaimed films, including Cry, the Beloved Country; Lord of War; Mandela and de Klerk; and the 2005 Academy Award-winning film Tsotsi.  Dr Mofokeng studied at Wits Drama School where he initially majored in Acting, and later went on to study at Columbia University in America, where he obtained his master's degree in Theatre Directing.



About the book:
Dr Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha always felt like an outsider in his family. At the age of 58, he discovers who his real father is. Suddenly his search for identity makes sense. He gives us a glimpse into his family life – his love for his wife and kids, as well as tracing the highlights and disappointments of his career. Along the way, he learns some very important lessons about manhood. This is a memoir, but also a challenge to South African men to live out their masculinity in a responsible way.

News Archive

UFS takes the lead in solar heating in the Free State
2010-06-03

In the “engine room” of the solar heating system of the Vergeet-my-nie Residence with the big hot water tanks in the background. From the left are Mr Anton Calitz, Electrical Engineer of the UFS, and Mr Nico Janse van Renburg, Manager: Physical Planning at the UFS.
Photo: Leatitia Pienaar


The University of the Free State (UFS) took a further step in reducing its carbon footprint and its dependency on coal fired electricity with the installation of a solar heating system at one of its residences. The contractor handed the system over to the UFS on Wednesday, 2 June 2010.

The system installed at the Vergeet-my-nie Residence is the first commercial solar water heating project in both Bloemfontein and at the UFS. It is estimated that it will provide in 70% of the residence’s energy needs and save approximately R101 000 per annum in electricity cost. The project was completed at a cost of R2,4 million.

More residences at the UFS will be refurbished with solar systems as the existing heating systems in the rest of the twenty residences are due for replacement.

The energy crisis of 2008, and the challenges and necessity to reduce the use of electricity, sparked the initiative around the installation of solar heating systems at the UFS. The UFS is the second largest energy user in Bloemfontein.

Mr Nico Janse van Rensburg, Manager: Physical Planning at the UFS, says the management of the UFS saw an opportunity in the crisis and pro-actively embarked to become a market leader. Solar heating would not only alleviate the electricity problem of South Africa, but will impact the ever increasing electricity bill of the UFS.

“Protecting the environment and being on the cutting edge of technology are core issues to the UFS,” says Janse van Rensburg. “We are an educational institution and take pride in practicing what we preach.”

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Director: Strategic Communication (acting)
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl@ufs.ac.za  
3 June 2010
 

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