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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
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

UFS centenary reaches a peak
2004-10-04

The University of the Free State’s (UFS) centenary celebrations will reach a peak next week when various functions will be presented on campus.

On Tuesday 12 October 2004 the Centenary Complex, the new prestige entertainment venue of the UFS, will be officially opened. The complex is situated on the terrain of the old Reitz dining hall and will be utilised as reception and socialising area for UFS management, staff and alumni. The DF Malherbe House forms part of this complex.

The festivities will continue the next day ( Wednesday 13 October 2004) with the premiere of a documentary programme – commissioned by the UFS as part of its centenary celebrations - about the life and legacy of King Moshoeshoe, the Basotho leader of the nineteenth century. The documentary will focus on his role in reconciliation, nation-building and bringing about peace in this region. The producer of this insightful work is the well-known journalist Mr Max du Preez. The documentary will be screened on SABC 2 later this year.

On Thursday 14 October 2004 a special honorary doctorate graduation ceremony will take place in front of the UFS’s main building. During this event 12 honorary doctorates will be awarded to a diverse group of outstanding South Africans and international experts.

The honorary doctorates will be awarded to: Me Antjie Krog, Prof Jakes Gerwel, Mr Karel Schoeman, Dr Frederick van Zyl Slabbert, Prof Saleem Badat, Dr Khotso Mokhele, Prof Robert Bringle, Prof Leo Quayle, Prof Jack de Wet, Prof Kerneels Nel (postuum), Prof Boelie Wessels and Prof Jaap Steyn.

This group of honorary doctorates is the last in a total of 18 which will be honored during the UFS centenary year.

The next day, Friday 15 October 2004 , more than 100 centenary medals will be awarded to current staff, former staff and alumni.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
5 October 2004

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