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05 July 2023 | Story André Damons and Samkelo Fetile
VC Concert

2023 Vice-Chancellor’s Concert

The Vice-Chancellor’s Concert is a highlight on the University of the Free State (UFS) social calendar and one of the most anticipated events of the year. If last year is anything to go by, we are set for another entertaining night of music.

This year, the concert once again provides an opportunity for the talented UFS community to be part of this amazing showcase of musical performances. The Vice-Chancellor’s Concert is for everyone who loves music, singing, performing, and showing off their amazing talents.

Last year’s concert was a huge success, with performances by the Free State Youth Wind Ensemble, Tidimalo Mholo, the Odeion String Quartet, Mafusi Leseo, the trio of Du Preez Stoltz, Levert Solomons, and Riaan Naudé, and the Bloemfontein Children’s Choir conducted by Werner Stander. Sibongile Mngoma delivered a mind-blowing performance of the soulful, calm, and magical ‘Inner Peace’, making the song her own and ‘wowing’ the audience in the process. Mngoma was accompanied by Joseph Kunnuji on trumpet and Anton Esterhuyse on piano. Martinette Spoelstra performed the classic ‘River Deep, Mountain High’, followed by a first-rate performance of ‘Everything’ by Naledi Mohapi.

UFS alumnus, Dr Wilhelm Lichtenberg – a talented full-time practising cardiothoracic surgeon, also known as ‘the singing surgeon’ – also mesmerised the audience, while current UFS staff member, Dr Patricks Otomo, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Zoology and Entomology, captured the audience with his rendition of ‘Feels like Home’. The UFS Choir, conducted by Sibongile Mngoma, captivated the audience with an effortlessly blended medley of genres by 49 majestic voices.

Prof Francis Petersen, UFS Vice-Chancellor and Principal, called the concert “indicative of incredible talent, immense preparation, and hard work. It was a beautifully crafted programme with talented musicians in an exquisite setting of the UFS”.

Staff, students, and alumni who want to showcase their musical talents and who are ready to entertain and mesmerise the audience by shining on the big stage, are invited to submit their entries as a singing group or solo item from the genres contemporary jazz, soul, or pop / popular music by 28 July 2023.

The concert takes place on Friday 1 September 2023.

News Archive

Gendered violence and women’s citizenship in Africa
2014-05-23

 
Prof Takyiwaa Manuh

Prof Takyiwaa Manuh celebrated both Africa Day and her birthday with the UFS on 22 May 2014.

Being the guest speaker at the Africa Day Memorial Lecture, Prof Manuh discussed how gendered violence and the lack of women’s true citizenship in Africa still hinder the Pan-African ideal. She asked the question: if African issues get less worldwide attention, how much less attention do African women get?

“Africa Day offers us an opportunity to revisit the Pan-African ideal and aspiration for total national liberation, equality and self-worth,” Prof Manuh said.

“This ideal has envisaged full citizenship with the enjoyment of rights and resources for the people of Africa to live a dignified and fulfilling life. Yet, the conceptions of citizenship that have emerged in several African countries do not fully incorporate women and girls.”

The lecture explored the policing of women’s bodies and sexualities and how their enjoyment of rights is undermined – often under the pretext of culture. Often families, communities, states, religious bodies and culture work collaboratively to mold African women into the patriarchal image of disciplined and virtuous. The epidemic of violence against females negates their fundamental human rights and their claim to full citizenship and protection within their states.

The lecture also reviewed recent efforts including law reform, legislation and actions by activists. “The African Union and the UN need to confront these violations and suggest a robust agenda for more effective exercise of women’s citizenship rights and convergence towards the Pan-African ideal.”

Prof Manuh is currently Director: Social Development Policy Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

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