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Global Citizen Webinar: A conversation with Judge Albie Sachs

12 October 2022 | Story Dr Nitha Ramnath

Constitutional Democracy, Corruption, and Leadership – Where to South Africa?

The University of the Free State (UFS) and the South African Chamber of Commerce United Kingdom (SACC UK) are pleased to present a discussion on the state of South Africa through the lens of its constitution, its educators, and its state of corruption. As part of the Global Citizen Webinar Series, world-renowned leading legal expert, Judge Albert ‘Albie’ Sachs, will join UFS Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Francis Petersen, and SACC UK Chairperson, Sharon Constancon, in a conversation on the notion of a constitutional democracy, and what role the law, and universities as educators of leaders play, and should play, in addressing corruption. The discussion will explore approaches to leverage the strengths and potential still inherent among South Africans and its international diaspora, to set the country on a promising trajectory and regain much-needed confidence.

Date: Tuesday 18 October 2022

Time: 12:00-13:00 BST / 13:00-14:00 SAST

RSVP: https://southafricanchamber.co.uk/event/events.php?eid=821

Biography of Justice Albie Sachs

Former Constitutional Court Judge, anti-apartheid activist and writer, Justice Albie Sachs worked tirelessly as an African National Congress activist to end apartheid, sustaining debilitating personal injury in the process. He was a key player in writing the Constitution of South Africa – one of the most progressive in the world, and one that met with high acclaim internationally when it took effect on 4 February 1997. Human rights and the separation between the judiciary and parliament were given high prominence, heralding the opportunity to create – through the checks and balances inherent in government by constitutional democracy – a robust and flourishing state. Justice Sachs is the author of several books, including The Jail Diary of Albie Sachs, Justice in South Africa, Sexism and the Law, The Soft Vengeance of a Freedom Fighter, and The Strange Alchemy of Life and Law. His latest books are We, the People: Insights of an activist judge (2016) and Oliver Tambo’s Dream (2017). Justice Sachs is a board member of the Constitution Hill Trust, which promotes constitutionalism and the rule of law, and he continues to share the experiences of South Africa with a view to building divided societies. Justice Sachs is the recent recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in Pursuit of Justice from the Clooney Foundation for Justice.

News Archive

First-year wellbeing a top priority at Harmony residence

2017-06-07

Ladies from the House Harmony, a unique residence
that focuses on first-years’ experience.
Photo: Supplied

A unique residence that focuses on first-years’ experience, is exactly what Harmony sets out to provide for all first-year students at the University of the Free State.

A residence focusing on mentoring

Entering the adult world can be a daunting experience, but Harmony, unlike other residences on campus, focuses on mentoring. Harmony came to life in 2014 and has assisted many first-years in adapting to the university environment.

According to Pulane Malefane, Residence Head of House Harmony, they have witnessed a significant change in the pass rate of first-year students. “We have realised that first-years gain confidence much quicker than in other residences where they still need to find their way around seniors,” she says.

Adapting to the varsity environment

Harmony makes use of a Residence Assistants (RA) system, not Residence Committees (RC). The RA stay in corridors with their mentees in order to have close contact with them. An RA’s primary role is to be a mentor to first-years and also expose them to different co-curriculum activities on campus. They assist them in adapting to the varsity environment quicker, so as to be able to focus and concentrate on their academics.

Nicole Rabe, RA First-years, says the Harmony belles never cease to amaze her. “Watching these first-years grow from the high school girls that arrived at the start of this year, to the independent women they are now, has truly been a blessing.”

Malefane mentions that they intentionally try to place students from one faculty in the same corridor. In that way, mentors and residence assistants are in close proximity to them. “We have study rooms in each and every corridor of Harmony, making it easy for students to study close to their rooms at any time,” she says.

Phathutshodzo Nekhavanmbe, a first-year LLB student, says she could not have asked for a better house to be placed in. “The Harmony experience has been great so far, as the people living there are approachable and eager to lend a helping hand.”

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