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16 Days of Activism: The role of universities in transcending from activism to action

27 November 2023 Photo KALEIDOSCOPE

Opinion article by Prof Francis Petersen, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the Free State.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Women and Child Abuse campaign has over the years raised valuable awareness around the pervasive scourge of gender-based violence that continues to plague our country in general – and our institutions of higher learning in particular. But, as with any campaign around an issue of such importance, it is vital that awareness evolves into real action. And in the higher education sphere, there is much that universities can do to make a real difference, says Prof Francis Petersen.

South Africa’s levels of violence against the more vulnerable sectors of our society remain alarming. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recently expressed grave concern over the latest crime statistics released by the South African Police Service. It revealed that more than three children and twelve women were murdered daily in South Africa over a 90-day period between October and December last year – while another 21 434 women and children suffered attempted murder or grievous bodily harm.

Such staggering levels of abuse can simply never be accepted as the norm. On our university campuses in particular, the rate of gender-based violence remains unacceptably high. As university authorities, it is essential that we never lose the impetus to combat this, and that we keep on dedicating resources, time, perspectives, skills, and insights to help bring about real change.

Creating safe spaces

It starts by ensuring that our campuses constitute physically safe spaces for our students – with all the necessary security measures in place to ensure a living and learning environment free from risk or fear. Here, special attention should be paid to ensuring safety at on-campus and off-campus accommodation, and while commuting to and from them. Policies around gender-based violence need to be developed and regularly reviewed, and the necessary support structures should be established and empowered – not only to provide aftercare, but also to work towards prevention. Universities should treat all incidents of gender-based violence in a serious light, consistently responding with swift and thorough investigations and appropriate disciplinary action. The ultimate aim is to create environments where all students and staff feel secure and respected, regardless of their gender and sexual orientation.

But our campuses should also be intellectually safe spaces, where students feel free to speak out about issues that concern them, and where archaic ideas around masculinity can be exposed, challenged, and contested without fear of humiliation or retribution. Platforms for discourse and discussion need to be deliberately created for this, with the university leadership setting the tone by speaking out against issues that work against a culture of social justice on our campuses.

Creating a safe, caring environment for our students includes listening to them, responding in an appropriate and timely way, and working with them towards co-creating real workable solutions. An important part of this is to include students in university governance structures, where they can actively influence policy and decision making around issues that affect them.

Changing harmful gender stereotypes

As centres for innovation, research, dissemination, and application of knowledge, it is essential that universities use their society-focused role to speak out against harmful gender stereotypes and outdated perceptions around gender roles. In the process, we play an important part in influencing a new generation of leaders and helping to reshape societal norms and expectations. Our curricula should include a comprehensive focus on principles of gender parity, incorporating GBV awareness and prevention – which is why curriculum renewal remains so important. And why curricular and co-curricular programmes should all be underscored by a value system of equity, care, and social justice.

As microcosms of what an ideal society should look like, it is of course equally essential that this equity is reflected in universities’ own human resources policies, staff complements, and hiring procedures.

Mental health support

Universities are ideally placed to provide professional mental health support to victims of abuse – many of whom would otherwise not have easy access to it. This support extends to cultivating assertiveness and resilience in our students. Through individual therapy, as well as the various self-awareness programmes offered on our campuses, we empower potential victims to realise their own worth. It also equips them with knowledge on how to avoid an abusive situation, and how to act when they find themselves in it.

Combating economic abuse

Economic abuse is a manifestation of gender-based violence that is too often overlooked. This silent and insidious form of abuse traps women in a cycle of dependency and can prevent them from pursuing employment prospects and attaining personal growth. Education remains one of the most potent weapons in the fight against economic abuse. But it needs to go even further than that. As hubs of research and critical thinking, universities should use their resources towards understanding the dynamics of economic abuse – its prevalence, consequences, and the most effective interventions to address it. As part of our society-focused role, we should also use our knowledge and skills to provide counselling, legal aid, and economic advice.

Harnessing technology to fight abuse

The digital sphere has become a critical battleground in the fight against gender-based violence. Not only does it provide access to online platforms where survivors of gender-based violence can speak out, share experiences, and create a support network – it also enables counsellors and caregivers to reach victims who would otherwise not be able to make use of their services.

On top of that, online platforms offer a safe and discreet way for survivors to report incidents and access legal and other aid. Part of our teaching and learning as well as our community engagement functions as universities is to educate our staff and students and also the wider community about these possibilities, equipping them with digital competencies, and helping to facilitate access to online resources.

Driving a collaborative approach

I believe it is abundantly clear that institutions of higher learning have an important and meaningful role to play in the fight against gender-based violence on a variety of fronts. It is a role we should embrace, develop, and refine with growing determination. What is equally clear is that it is a fight we cannot win on our own. A collaborative approach by higher education, the private and business sector, and government is needed – to reinforce anti-abuse discourse from various angles and to escalate it into real, sustainable, and effective action.

Creating a culture of responsibility

This much remains clear: The responsibility of preventing gender-based violence lies not only with the potential victims, but with every member of society. Universities should establish clear and mandatory reporting protocols for staff and students who witness or are aware of instances of abuse. But even more important – create a culture of responsibility, where information sharing, support, and assistance are a natural outflow of a caring, cohesive institution.

Establishing such united university communities, based on equity, inclusivity, and social justice, is the only way we can hope to eradicate gender-based violence from our campuses – and in turn, from our society as a whole.

News Archive

Centenary medals - Photos of recipients

2004-10-15

The centenary medals: To give recognition and say thank you in the Centenary Year

As part of its Centenary celebrations, the University of the Free State (UFS) will tonight ( 15 October 2004) award 138 medals to various people in recognition of their exceptional and above average contribution, preferably with a lasting effect, to the establishment, development or transformation of the UFS.

“The celebration of an institution’s Centenary is a privilege. It is an important opportunity to look back appreciatively and critically, and to communicate the result of the introspection visibly. It is an opportunity to take stock and to count blessings. It is also an opportunity to reflect on matters that will require attention in the first part of the next hundred years,” said Prof Frederick Fourie, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS.

“In looking back on 100 years, we realised that the UFS could celebrate its development and maturing as university, because of the contributions of people at all levels: current and former staff, alumni, students and community leaders. It is therefore apt to give special recognition, as part of the Centenary celebrations, to individuals,” said Prof. Fourie.

According to Prof. Fourie such recognition had to be something different from the usual special recognition such as honorary degrees, Chancellor’s Medals, Council Medals, long-service awards, special post levels and titles, faculty prizes, student prizes and student medals. This is how the idea to award Centenary Medals originated.

The medals are awarded to people from a wide spectrum: among others current and previous members of management, previous rectors, vice-rectors and deans, researchers and pioneers on a variety of other levels at the UFS.

The list includes: Mrs MT Bendile (community leader), Prof. EG Boonstra (previous dean and vice-rector), Prof L Goedhals (medical researcher), Dr. M Hoffman (physicist), Prof. KC Househam (for his role in the establishment of the MUCPP), Prof. Benito Khotseng (previous vice-rector), Prof. Stef Coetzee (previous rector), ms Esté de Klerk (former student and journalist), Prof. Theo du Plessis (linguist), Mrs Erica du Preez (faculty manager of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences), Prof. Dap Louw (forensic psychologist), Proff F Retief and W Mouton (previous rectors), Mr Peter Guy (founder of the Botshabelo Strings) and the UFS’s sport legend Mr NE Cronjé.

“A process such as this obviously contains risks and a great deal of thoroughness and fairness is required to do it as well as possible. A committee comprising representatives from different interest groups was appointed to handle the process,” said Prof. Fourie.

Achievers from the two new campuses (Qwaqwa and the former Vista Bloemfontein campus) were not considered. Special nomination and recognition opportunities at suitable times (for example their 25th celebrations) are envisaged.

The recipients are:

Mr. ET Altona

For his central role in establishing, developing and modernising the UFS’s computer systems and services, particularly the development of sophisticated customised software

Dr. B Anderson

For his pioneering work and caring attitude in introducing adult learning at the UFS, recognition of prior learning as well as the BML degree which is unique in South Africa.

Dr. S Aronstam

For her pioneering role and innovative ideas in the UFS Council in respect of transformation and the rights of women and blacks in a predominantly conservative era.

Prof. PN Badenhorst

For his strong role and national profile in establishing and developing Haematology as discipline at the UFS

Mr. NE Barnard

For his special contribution as one of the student leaders who, with the Student Transformation Forum (STF), kept student transformation on course by means of wise compromises.

Prof. JCO Bekker

For his pioneering work and academic initiatives in Public Management training and special ties with state departments, foreign institutions and the Flemish government.

Mrs MT Bendile

For her pioneering work as team member in the founding of the MUCPP and the establishment of the first true partnership between the UFS, the community of Mangaung and the Free State Department of Health.

Prof. EG Boonstra

For his role as scientist and Dean and his contribution as Vice-Rector, in particular to the quality of support services, as well as his community contributions to music and culture.

Prof. LJS Botes

For his large role in developing the national research profile and success of the Centre for Development Support, the Master in Development Studies as well as the development of the UFS’s community service policy.

Mr. JH Botha

For his large role as sports administrator over a period of almost 25 years, particularly in respect of junior rugby, where he has also played a large marketing role for the UFS as one of the best-known coaches in the country

Prof. B Britz

For his expert educational and persuasive work which led to decisive decisions on high-quality campus planning and a stylish, human-friendly and accessible campus.

Prof. AV Br?ssow

For his central role, as chief residence warden for many years, in developing student support services by managing residences and in coaching sport.

Me C Castagno

For her central role and initiatives in establishing a professional fund-raising function and professional image of the UFS in the business sector, particularly in Johannesburg and environs.

Prof. L Cilliers

For her contribution to academic development and her research contribution in the field of Greek and Roman drama and history as well as ancient medicine.

Prof. SF Coetzee

For his outstanding leadership as Rector during a term in which the University underwent dramatic changes and renewal, as well as his role as leader of the transformation team who changed the UFS from a mainly monocultural campus to a leader in transformation.

Mr. VF Collett

For his enormous contributions regarding the development and professionalisation of student administrative systems, systematisation of regulations and the conversion to new administrative computer systems.

Mr. NE Cronje

For his pioneering role and contributions over a long period, as sports administrator and coach, to effective sports organisation, coaching and facilities of the UFS, and the encouragement of mass participation of students in a variety of sports.

Prof. MJ Crous

For his positive leadership as Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences and the development of a rapidly growing Faculty in respect of teaching quality, foreign liaison and professional service and style in particular.

Me FM Cruywagen

For her exceptional contribution over a long period as senior residence warden to the development of high-quality, caring service-rendering to students.

Dr. J de Beer

For his key role in the establishment and founding of the UFS’s Faculty of Medicine in partnership with the Free State Provincial Administration.

Me E de Klerk

For her initiative in launching and developing the Kovsie Sêr and subsequently the national serenade competition, still one of the largest national campus culture projects.

Mr. NV de Klerk

For his special contribution as one of the student leaders who, with the Student Transformation Forum (STF), kept student transformation on course by means of wise compromises.

Prof. B De la Rosa

For his research contribution and central role in the development of the Department of Mathematics, the discipline of Mathematics and particularly the application of Mathematics at the UFS.

Prof. DJ De Waal

For his central role in applying Bayes statistics in the industrial environment as well as his contribution to university management as head of department for 27 years and as member of the Executive Management and Council.

Mev AM Dippenaar

For her central role in developing and internationalising the library, in particular in respect of information technology, as well as her pioneering role as a woman in a senior management position in information services and technology on the campus.

Prof. LT du Plessis

For his outstanding academic entrepreneurship in establishing and developing the ULFE, as well as nationally and internationally recognised expertise on multilingualism and language management at the UFS.

Prof. JV du Plessis

For his contribution, over a period of more than 35 years, to developing and managing Labour Law at the UFS, to innovation in labour law training, as well as managing the UFS’s pension fund.

Mev ES du Preez

For her central role in developing and professionalising the post of Faculty Manager and her innovation in developing operational and technological systems.

Prof. JC du Preez

For his steady and long-standing contribution to the initial development and further expansion of the research core in the discipline of Microbiology, particularly in respect of fermentation.

Prof. JA du Rand

For his leadership role in establishing and developing research in Theology (New Testament) and a unique collection of Johannine literature at the UFS.

Mr. DC du Toit

For his contribution to academic excellence as initiator of the academic publication service, as first editor of the new Acta Academica, as founder of the Journal for Juridical Science as well as innovative work in developing legal training.

Dr. MA Erasmus

For her central role in developing the UFS’s community service policy and the establishment of integrated community service learning modules, as well as her contribution to the establishment of multilingualism at local government level.

Prof. D Ferreira

For his central role as Distinguished Professor in Chemistry and A-evaluated researcher (NRF), in developing the UFS’s national and international research profile in Chemistry.

Prof. FCvN Fourie

For his role as leader of the turn-around team which turned around the financial position of the UFS and created a sustainable basis for academic growth, for his innovation as Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences and later as Vice-Rector: Academic, as well as his research record and academic contributions as Distinguished Professor in Economics.

Prof. M Fourie

For her outstanding contribution as member of the turn-around team which turned around the financial position of the UFS and created a sustainable basis for academic growth, as well as her pioneering role as a woman in a senior management position in academic planning.

Prof. L Goedhals

For his central role in establishing and developing research and community service in Oncology, thereby contributing to the national profile of the UFS.

Prof. JU Grobbelaar

For his leadership in establishing research and niche expertise in Limnology at the UFS, his leadership in the first biological expedition to Marion Island, as well as for his role as leader in developing human resource matters at the UFS.

Mr. CJ Grobler

For his consistently valuable contributions in the UFS Council, over a period of more than 20 years, in respect of balanced reform and new developments such as parallel-medium teaching.

Mr. PA Guy

For his contribution to music transformation and his outstanding leadership and drive in establishing the Botshabelo Strings project, and the development of music talent among school children from previously disadvantaged communities, thereby strengthening the UFS’s community service.

Judge SPB Hancke

For his leading role regarding alumni, fund-raising and financial support to students, specifically in founding the Kovsie Alumni Trust, as well as his contributions, as Council member and Chair of the Council, to wise and innovative decision-making.

Mrs N Handa

For an outstanding contribution to the establishment of a culture of service and the advancement of the quality of the University.

Mr. G Hanise

For an outstanding contribution, over a long period, to the establishment of a culture of service and the quality of the University’s grounds.

Prof. JJ Henning

For his leadership role in developing the Faculty of Law as well as his research record and contribution, as Distinguished Professor, to academic excellence and international recognition in company and partnership law at the UFS.

Prof. A du P Heyns

For his strong role and national prominence as expert and leading figure in establishing and developing Haematology at the UFS.

Prof. FDI Hodgson

For his academic entrepreneurship and initiative in successfully establishing a unique Institute for Groundwater Studies which has been known nationally and internationally since 1975 as high-level centre of expertise and a model of financial self-support.

Dr. MJH Hoffman

For his initiative and sustained actions to develop the Boyden Observatory into an internationally recognised research centre as well as a science centre that introduces natural science to scholars.

Prof. KC Househam

For his leadership and pioneering work in transformation through the establishment of the first true partnership between the UFS, the community of Mangaung and the Free State Department of Health.

Mr. AB Hugo

For excellent service and ingenuity, in the Electronics Division of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, in designing new electronic apparatus en repairing existing ones.

Dr. B Human

For his contribution to the development of the UFS’s fund-raising actions, particularly in respect of establishing physical facilities on the campus.

Prof. JLK Human

For establishing serious music and jazz in Bloemfontein, developing the piano division at the UFS, and as recognised performing artist.

Mev BJ Immelman

For her exceptional role in piano teaching of international quality at the UFS and in establishing high standards of piano-playing in South Africa

Ds CD Jaftha

For his pioneering role in the first transformation discussions between the UFS and the Black and Coloured communities in the context of the Transformation Committee and the UFS Council, and also for his role in developing the UFS’s community service policy.

Mr. HP Johnson

For his role as Registrar (Administrative and General) in developing the administrative functions at a strongly growing UFS in the seventies and eighties.

Mr. VS Khosana

For his pioneering role in respect of labour relations, in trade union context, as well as his role as champion of workers’ interests with a balanced grasp for management realities in the difficult staff reduction process of 2000.

Prof. BM Khotseng

For his pioneering role in establishing diversity, and the courage and determination with which he, as first black senior manager, member of the transformation team and Vice-Rector: Student Services, helped change the UFS from a mainly mono cultural campus to a leader in transformation.

Prof. JLF Kock

For his outstanding research record and contribution, as Distinguished Professor, to academic excellence in the field of microbiology and lipid research at the UFS.

Mev HMC Kotze

For her special and caring role, as social worker, in establishing high-quality and dedicated student support at the UFS.

Mev E Krantz

For her enormous contribution to the development of theatre and particularly children’s theatre, her key role in numerous eisteddfods and speech examinations as well as being a recital and radio artist of high calibre.

Prof. GP Lamprecht

For his sustained and crucial contribution, over several decades, to the development of student and alumni choirs and the art of conducting choirs at the UFS.

Prof. PM Lategan

For his outstanding academic entrepreneurship and vision to successfully develop Microbiology as discipline and as internationally recognised industry-oriented research centre at the UFS.

Dr. PAL le Roux

For his outstanding contribution, as sports administrator and coach, to the development of karate as sport at the UFS.

Prof. DA Louw

For his outstanding research record and contribution to academic excellence and international linkages in the field of Forensic Psychology.

Prof. DS Lubbe

For his pioneering role as researcher in the field of accounting and audit, on social responsibility, environmental accounting and corporate control.

Dr. N Luyt

For his pioneering role in managing diversity at student level and the courage with which he, as a member of the transformation team, helped change the UFS from a mainly mono cultural campus to a leader in transformation.

Mr. PD Mabasu

For his pioneering role in respect of labour relations in the founding years of trade unions at the UFS.

Mr. SP Mahlumba

For his pioneering role in respect of labour relations in the founding years of the trade unions as well as his contribution to the pioneering work of the Transformation Committee

Mr. WS Malherbe

For his role as a member of the turn-around team which turned around the financial position of the UFS and created a sustainable basis for academic growth, as well as his pioneering work in establishing management information and strategic planning.

Mr. FC Marais

For his untiring enthusiasm and pioneering work in developing the Career Preparation Programme which is regarded internationally as a model of accessibility, and which has made an important contribution to the transformation of the UFS.

Mr. M Maseko

For his outstanding contribution, over a long period, to the establishment of a culture of service and the quality of the University’s grounds.

Prof. BH Meyer

For his academic entrepreneurship and key contribution to the establishment and development of Farmovs as internationally esteemed pioneering institution at the UFS.

Prof. BD Middlecote

For his contribution to academic excellence through his key role in designing, developing and implementing the new five-year curriculum of the MB ChB programme at the UFS.

Prof. PC Minnaar

For his outstanding contribution as developer of Medical Physics and the development of the national and international academic profile of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Mrs M Molebatsi

For her pioneering role in respect of labour relations, in trade union context, as well as her role as champion of workers’ interests with a balanced grasp for management realities in the difficult staff reduction process of 2000 as well as the Qwaqwa alignment process.

Mr. P P Mohloli

For his outstanding contribution as one of the student leaders who, with the Student Transformation Forum (STF), kept student transformation on course by means of wise compromises.

Mr. JS Mokoka

For his pioneering work as team member in the establishment of the MUCPP and the establishment of a first true partnership between the UFS, the community of Mangaung and the Free State Department of Health.

Prof. WL Mouton

For the important contribution he made as Rector, Chair of the Council and Chancellor, particularly his leading role as Rector in the establishment and sustainable development of the UFS as strong research university.

Prof. FO M?ller

For his outstanding academic entrepreneurship and key contribution to the establishment and development of Farmovs as internationally esteemed pioneering institution at the UFS.

Mr. AJ Murray

For his outstanding role and contribution in establishing and developing Occupational Therapy, also in the context of community service.

Mrs MS Musi

For her outstanding contribution to the establishment of a culture of service and the improvement of the quality of the buildings and cleaning services of the University.

Dr. JC Nel

For his outstanding role, in various divisions, as member of the core team who established the modern administration of the UFS from the 1960s.

Prof. PJ Nel

For his outstanding research record and contribution to academic excellence in Near-Eastern Studies as well as in multidisciplinary context, the establishment of new programmes, and the promotion of the study of African and indigenous knowledge systems.

Prof. DL Ochse

For his numerous initiatives as music entrepreneur and contributions to the establishment and development of the Consortium Musicum, the Odeion Simfonia, the UOFS Piano Quartet, the Odeion String Quartet, the Odeion Musik Fest and Old Presidency concerts.

Mr. GJ Olivier

For his exceptional dedication and contribution to the development of the SAPSE and HEMIS information systems, a user-friendly management information system and a unique UFS system for the allocation of FTE students.

Mr. G de W Pansegrouw

For his outstanfing contribution to the development of fund-raising methods, particularly regarding the establishment of Shimla Park.

Me E Pelzer

For her quality-driven and strategic contribution as a member of the turn-around team which turned around the financial position of the UFS in an innovative and sustainable manner, as manager of various special University projects, and as a woman in a senior management position in physical planning.

Prof. H Potgieter

For his leadership as Dean and contribution to the effective management of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and the promotion of high-quality teaching and research.

Mr. CF Preller

For his outstanding role, as sports administrator and coach, in developing the UFS’s athletics profile, as well as developing the potential of numerous national and international achievers.

Prof. JL Pretorius

For his research and widely recognised authoritative contribution to academic excellence in the field of Constitutional Law and Philosophy of Law, in particular constitutional and human rights studies as well as labour law.

Prof. ZA Pretorius

For his outstanding research record and contribution, as Distinguished Professor, to academic excellence and international stature in the field of plant pathology and plant sciences at the UFS.

Me JS Prophet

For her outstanding role as developer of a service-centred library, as pioneer in electronic information systems and staff diversity, as the personification of professionalism and quality.

Mr. B Ramahlele

For his pioneering role in establishing diversity and the personal risk, courage and determination with which he, as a member of the transformation team, helped change the UFS from a mainly mono cultural campus to a leader in transformation.

Prof. FP Retief

For his outstanding leadership role, and contributions as founder Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and as Rector, particularly the first important steps in respect of multicultural and parallel-medium teaching at the UFS.

Prof. WJ Richards

For his outstanding contribution, as Dean and Vice-Rector, to academic integrity as well as the quality of academic support services at the UFS.

Prof. CD Roode

For his outstanding leadership and contribution, as Registrar (Academic) and Vice-Rector (Personnel and Administration), to the development of the University by establishing and developing a strong and professional administrative structure at the UFS.

Dr. AJ Schoonwinkel

For his central role, as General Manager: Financial and Information Management, in developing and refining the financial management function and systems as well as investment practices of the UFS.

Prof. MT Seaman

For his widely recognised expert leadership and initiatives in developing the teaching and research profile as well as financial sustainability of the Centre for Environmental Management.

Me JSK Sebothe

For her outstanding contribution, over a long period, to the establishment of a culture of service and the improvement of the quality of the accommodation services and facilities at the University.

Mr. IT Seshupo

For his pioneering work with regard to labour relations in the founding years of trade unions, as well as in the Human Resources Department.

Mr. MS Shamane

Prof. CF Slabber

For his leadership role and outstanding contribution, as academic and as Dean, to the development of the Faculty of Medicine into one of the best in the country.

Prof. JGC Small

For his research record and contribution, as widely recognised botanist and later as Dean and Vice-Rector: Academic, to academic excellence, academic innovational and transformation management.

Prof. A van A Smit

For his widely recognised unique expertise and key role in the stimulation, careful planning, good evaluation and successful establishment of entrepreneurial activities at the UFS.

Prof. AH Snyman

For his positive leadership in the Faculty of Arts in a difficult rationalisation phase, and his outstanding dedication, calmness and human-centred approach to management.

Prof. DFM Strauss

For his research record and outstanding contribution, as Distinguished Professor in Philosophy and internationally renowned expert in the Reformational tradition, to academic excellence and the international research stature of the UFS.

Mr. PME Strauss

For his outstanding contribution as one of the student leaders who, with the Student Transformation Forum (STF), kept student transformation on course by means of wise compromises.

Mr. S Strydom

For his outstanding contribution, as sports administrator, to the development of Kovsie Sport, effective sport organisation, coaching and facilities at the UFS.

Prof. AH Strydom

For his pioneering role, as Distinguished Professor, in establishing and developing higher education studies and research, as well as his tireless enthusiasm for the constructive transformation of higher education and the empowerment of women and black persons.

Prof. AA Stulting

For his central role and initiatives in teaching, research and community engagement in Ophthalmology, including the establishment of the eye clinic.

Prof. C Swanepoel

For his large contribution to the development of the Department of Music, musicology and church music, the national profile of the University choir, as well as the Free State Symphony Orchestra.

Mr. IN Tau

For his outstanding contribution to the establishment of a culture of service and the improvement of the quality of the library.

Mr. WA Theron

For his dynamic role in mobilising alumni across the country, but particularly in the Gauteng area, whereby the Kovsie Alumni Trust was also developed strongly.

Mr. D Uys

For his role, as a member of the core team that established the modern administration of the UFS from the 1960s, in establishing the human resource function and division.

Prof. JG van As

For his outstanding initiatives, research record and contribution to academic excellence in parasitology at the UFS, obtaining contract research funds and exceptional national and international publicity for the UFS.

Prof. HP van Coller

For his exceptional research record and contribution, as Distinguished Professor with an extensive international network, to the fields of Afrikaans and Theory of Literature at the UFS.

Prof. DJ van den Berg

For his excellent research and contribution to academic excellence in History of Art, as well as his sustained high-quality contribution to the UFS’s academic publication service and journals.

Mr. A van der Bijl

For his outstanding role, as a member of the core team that established the modern administration of the UFS from the 1960s, in establishing the finance function, and later the expert development of sophisticated financial management and budgeting systems.

Mr. CHP van der Post

For his valuable contribution, as Council member, to the development of fund-raising at the UFS.

Mr. JH van Deventer

For his exceptional role, as Council member and editor of Volksblad, in initiating and establishing the Matriculant of the Year competition, an important asset in the UFS’s marketing actions.

Prof. HC Janse van Rensburg

For his contribution to academic excellence, solution oriented research as well as academic entrepreneurship by establishing and developing the Centre for Health Systems Research and Development into an internationally recognised research centre.

Prof. HD van Schalkwyk

For his academic entrepreneurship in developing the Department of Agricultural Economics into a widely recognised centre of excellence, high-quality contract research and financial self-support.

Prof. JH van Schalkwyk

For his widely recognised expert contribution, over a period of more than 25 years, to the establishment and development of Law of Succession and Estate Law at the UFS, as well as the management and development of the Department of Private Law.

Prof. MCE van Schoor

For his outstanding support and role, as chair of the Library Committee, in planning and modernising the UFS’s library facilities and services, as well as his national profile as esteemed historian.

Prof. CB van Wyk

For his large contribution, over a long period, as academic and later Dean, to the development of the capacity and quality of the Faculty of Natural Sciences.

Prof. GN van Wyk

For his leadership and thoroughness, as Dean, in developing academic excellence in the Faculty of Natural Sciences, and his renewing management in forming and establishing the new Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

Prof. H van Zyl

For her outstanding role as a member of the turn-around team which turned the financial position of the UFS around and created a sustainable basis for academic growth, as well as her pioneering role as a woman a senior management position at the School of Management.

Prof. D Vermaak

For his pioneering work in transformation through his initiatives, during the apartheid era, to empower education officials, teachers and postgraduate students from disadvantaged communities in South Africa.

Prof. T Verschoor

For his pioneering role in managing diversity at student level, and the courage with which he, as Dean of Students and a member of the transformation team, helped change the UFS from a mainly mono cultural campus to a leader in transformation.

Prof. JJP Verster

For his contribution to academic excellence and initiatives regarding research, the establishment of the journal Acta Structilia, the Centre for Construction Entrepreneurs and distance teaching in professional degrees.

Mr. H Verster

For his role as leader in the significant development and professionalisation of the public relations and fund-raising functions at the UFS, as well as his role as joint founder of Kovsie Alumni Trust.

Prof. DA Viljoen

For his strategic role as a member of the turn-around team which turned the financial position of the UFS around and created a sustainable basis for academic growth, as well as his key role in establishing management training and a School of Management at the UFS.

Prof. MJ Viljoen

For her pioneering work as a team member in the establishment of the MUCPP, as well as her leadership and contribution, as a woman in a senior management position, to academic innovation in Nursing and community health at the UFS and in South Africa.

Prof. PE Viljoen

For his long and sustained contribution to the development of the Department of Physics from a position of vulnerability to a strong centre of expertise and research in surface physics.

Prof. RA Viljoen

For his dedicated service and leadership as Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and the key role that he, as Deans’ representative, played in respect of strategic matters as well as rationalisation processes at the UFS.

Prof. KUT von Delft

For his research and outstanding contribution to academic excellence in the field of German at the UFS, as well as his contribution to academic management, quality and integrity at the UFS.

Prof. DJV Weich

For his strong role and national profile in establishing and developing Internal Medicine as a discipline at the UFS.

Prof. SJ Wessels

For his key contribution, during the vulnerable establishment phase of the MUCPP, whereby he made ideas become sustainable realities through dedicated and patient community liaison work.

Prof. PI Wilke

For his positive leadership and effective management as Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, creating space for departments to grow, as well as his many Africa initiatives.

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

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