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03 January 2023
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Photo Evert Kleynhans
Dr Dolf van Niekerk.
The University of the Free State (UFS) would like to express its condolences to the family and friends of South African author, Dr Dolf van Niekerk, on his passing.
Dr Van Niekerk, the recipient of an
honorary doctorate from the UFS, passed away on 31 December 2022. The UFS awarded a Doctor of Letters to Dr Dolf van Niekerk during its April 2021 graduation ceremony.
Dr Van Niekerk was a celebrated author who also achieved fame as a dramatist and radio presenter. An alumnus of the UFS, he received a BA degree from the university cum laude in 1949. He also played a role in academia and was an emeritus professor at the University of Pretoria until his retirement in 1994. His work includes 27 books in philosophy, poetry, fiction, drama, and memoirs, for which he has received numerous awards. These include the
Eugene Marais Prize, the MER Prize, and the Scheepers Award for Youth Literature.
“Dr van Niekerk is a Kovsie alumnus with a deep connection to the Free State. He played a significant role in the country’s literary history, and it was an honour for the university to award him with an honorary degree. A wordsmith of note, Dr van Niekerk’s contributions to South African literature, radio, and stage will live on," says
Prof Francis Petersen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor.
New president for Convocation
2012-07-31
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New era for UFS Convocation. From the left are Judge Joos Hefer, former president of the Convocation; Prof. Johan Grobbelaar, newly elected president; and Prof. Nicky Morgan, Vice Rector: Operations.
Photo: Tharina Naude
31 July 2012
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Prof. Johan Grobbelaar of the Department of Plant Sciences has been appointed as the new president of the convocation of the University of the Free State (UFS). He replaces former Judge of Appeal Joos Hefer whose five year term expired.
The convocation consists of all permanent academic staff, all permanent support services staff, and students who have obtained a formal qualification from the UFS.
Judge Hefer referred to the changes that have taken place at the university over the past few years in his speech and said it was an honour to have served in this position. “We reached a situation where one can express satisfaction about what has happened at the university.”