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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

Visually impaired UFS student an inspiration
2016-10-05

Description: Zingisa Ngwenya Tags: Zingisa Ngwenya

Zingisa Ngwenya at the 2016
Spring Graduation Ceremony at the Callie Human
Centre on the UFS Bloemfontein Campus.
Photo: Johan Roux

“Zingisa, I saw the tears streaming down your face when you were being hooded,” said an emotional Dr Khotso Mokhele, Chancellor of the University of the Free State. “And you were not the only one with tears streaming down your face.”
 
Zingisa Ngwenya, a visually impaired BA Communication Science student, was one of those who graduated at the UFS 2016 Spring Graduation on 15 September 2016 at the Bloemfontein Campus. By her side were her guardians, Derek Watts, the presenter of the current affairs TV programme Carte Blanche, and his wife Belinda.

Dream becomes reality with support from community
Watts first met Ngwenya at the Audi Pioneer School Rally in Worcester, Western Cape, in which she was his co-driver. He admired her ability to read all her instructions in braille. “I was inspired by her because she had lost her sight late in her school career,” said Watts at the graduation ceremony. Ngwenya was academically strong and her aspirations to go to university led to the relationship.  

The UFS Centre for Universal Access and Disability Support, the Kirsty Watts Foundation, Gavin Fourie from Richmond, and Symington and De Kok law firm in Bloemfontein helped make Ngwenya’s dream a reality. “We managed the facility for her to do well, but it’s nothing compared to what she has done to get this degree,” Watts said.

Support from Watts family made things possible
Ngwenya will be studying towards a law degree at UFS, as well as working part-time at, Symington and De Kok. “She never bemoans what has happened to her in life. She just looks ahead to make the most of her life,” Watts said.

“Derek and Belinda’s support means everything to me. Without them it would not have been possible because it has really been a struggle, but they believed in me,” Ngwenya said.

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