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Celebrating April graduations

08 April 2024 | Story VALENTINO NDABA | Photo SUPPLIED

UFS Graduation April 2024 — The University of the Free State celebrated autumn graduation season from 12-20 April 2024.

As the autumn season unfolded, the University of the Free State (UFS) eagerly anticipated the commencement of its graduation ceremonies, a time to celebrate the academic achievements of its esteemed students. The ceremonies, scheduled from 12-20 April 2024, honoured the accomplishments of the graduating class of 2023, across the Qwaqwa and Bloemfontein campuses.

Undergraduate and postgraduate achievements

The graduating class represented a diverse array of disciplines, showcasing the university’s commitment to fostering excellence across various fields. In total, 5 442 undergraduate qualifications and 2 345 postgraduate qualifications were conferred, reflecting the dedication and perseverance of both students and faculty members.

Honouring distinguished individuals

The graduation ceremonies also recognised the contributions of distinguished individuals who have made a significant impact in their respective fields. Among them were Archbishop Thabo Makgoba and Prof Salim Abdool Karim who received honorary degrees from the UFS on 12 and 18 April 2024, respectively.

Archbishop Makgoba, Archbishop of Cape Town and President of the South African Council of Churches, was recognised for his outstanding contributions to theology, social justice, and education activism. Prof Karim, renowned for his groundbreaking research in AIDS and COVID-19, was honoured for his exceptional work in medical virology.

Nurturing excellence and social impact

The graduation ceremonies not only symbolised the culmination of academic journeys but also underscored the UFS Vision 130 commitment to academic excellence, societal impact, and the cultivation of future leaders. The university continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the intellectual landscape of South Africa and beyond.

As the graduating class of 2023 embarks on new endeavours, they carry with them the values instilled by their alma mater, poised to make meaningful contributions to society.

WATCH: April 2024 Graduation Ceremonies.

News Archive

Young academics empowered in research environment

2009-05-05

Young academics who attended the workshop are, from the left, Mr Lehlohonolo Mathengtheng, Department of Medical Virology; Dr Annelize Venter, Research Directorate; Mr Ferdi van der Walt (Facilitator), University of Johannesburg; Ms Telishia Flusk, Research Directorate; and Mr Dirk Strydom, Department of Agricultural Economics.

The Research Capacity Development Office under the auspices of the Directorate for Research Development Office endeavours to empower young academics at the University with skills to enable them to be established within the competitive mainstream of research. The Office recently organised a series of thematic workshops aimed at assisting young academics to acquire the “know-how” in terms of developing and writing proposals including, writing for funding. Such strategic support has lead to the University recording an increase in funding from the Thuthuka Programme of the National Research Foundation over the past five years. Thuthuka grants are made available on a competitive basis where applications are subjected to a peer-review process. This suggests that the quality of applications from the University is of a high quality.

The recent thematic workshops were facilitated by Prof. L Lategan, Dean for Research at the Central University of Technology as well as Mr Ferdi van der Walt, from the Research Office at the University of Johannesburg.

Young academics who attended the workshop are, from the left, Mr Lehlohonolo Mathengtheng, Department of Medical Virology; Dr Annelize Venter, Research Directorate; Mr Ferdi van der Walt (Facilitator), University of Johannesburg; Ms Telishia Flusk, Research Directorate; and Mr Dirk Strydom, Department of Agricultural Economics.

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