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25 April 2024 | Story ANTHONY MTHEMBU | Photo Stephen Collet
His Excellency Dr Reuben E Brigety II
His Excellency Dr Reuben E Brigety II presenting his guest lecture at the Centenary Complex.

The University of the Free State (UFS) recently had the honour of hosting a thought-provoking guest lecture delivered by His Excellency Dr Reuben E Brigety II, the United States Ambassador to South Africa. Held on 23 April 2024 at the Centenary Complex, on the UFS Bloemfontein campus, the lecture delved into the vital role of higher education in fostering and safeguarding democracies.

Describing the occasion as a pivotal moment for the institution, Prof Francis Petersen, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UFS, articulated, "Having the United States Ambassador to South Africa visit our institution and deliver this guest lecture presents an invaluable opportunity. It allows us to gain unique insights into the parallel dynamics and challenges facing our sister democracies, particularly as both our countries approach significant electoral periods.”

Dr Brigety, in his address, underscored the significance of higher education in the context of Freedom Day, celebrated in South Africa on 27 April 2024. He emphasised the role universities play in advancing democratic values, drawing upon the UFS motto, “In truth is the light of wisdom” to elucidate this connection. Highlighting the inspirational figure of the late Charlotte Maxeke, a prominent social and political activist, Dr Brigety noted her pivotal role in both South African and American contexts.

Maxeke, a graduate of Wilberforce University, and her husband Marshall Maxeke, founded the Wilberforce Community College upon returning to South Africa. Dr Brigety underscored the significance of Maxeke’s commitment to civil liberties and education, along with her enduring ties to the Wilberforce University network, in shaping subsequent generations of activists and leaders.

Moreover, Dr Brigety stressed the importance of collaborative efforts between South African and American universities amidst today’s complex global challenges. He advocated for initiatives such as collaborative research projects, joint academic programmes, and student exchanges, citing their role not only in knowledge creation but also in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening bilateral relations.

In concluding his address, Dr Brigety urged the audience to emulate the examples set by individuals like Charlotte Maxeke and Prof Jonathan Jansen, the former Rector and Vice-Chancellor of UFS. He encouraged them to champion the cultivation of the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and change-makers. 

News Archive

US ambassador impressed by the UFS class of 2010
2010-01-19

 Mr Donald Gips

 “Students should learn to look beyond themselves to break up the barriers that keep them apart as human beings.”

This was the message of the USA ambassador to South Africa, Mr Donald Gips (pictured), to the first-year students who had enrolled at the university for the first time, during the grand opening of the Get Success@UFS Week at the University of the Free State (UFS) in Bloemfontein.

“Take the advantage of the opportunities you have here to grow outside yourselves, to prove the value of diversity and make this university a place where you will grow as an individual; and also contribute back to the community,” he said.

He said the UFS was a beautiful campus undertaking an incredible mission to change the face of South Africa.

“It is incredible and exciting to listen to the energy and to see the enthusiasm of all the students here to make this one of the best universities in the country and setting an example to the world,” he said.

On transformation at higher education institutions, Ambassador Gips said that, just like in the USA, transformation was incredibly difficult.

“It is an ongoing project that everyone has to keep working towards,” he said. “But I am quite convinced that being here today and watching the students and professors tackle this challenge, this university will succeed.”

Addressing the new students, the Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, Prof. Jonathan Jansen, quoted from one of the famous speeches by the great Martin Luther King Jr. and asked the question: “What is or can be the content of your character?”

He implored the students to judge fellow students by the content of their character and not by the colour of their skins.
“If we succeed with you, our country will succeed. If we succeed with you, our university will succeed,” he said

Prof. Jansen said it was the first time in the history of the UFS that students were integrated as human beings.

“This is the most integrated group of students the UFS has ever had,” he said.
He appealed to them to live their dreams, learn to embrace others, study seriously, make a difference; and guide their leaders.

The purpose of the Get Success@UFS Week is to acquaint the first-year students with the UFS and the academic opportunities that are available to them. The aim is to:
help students succeed academically;
help students to adjust to and get involved in the university environment;
assist parents and other family members in understanding the complexity, demands and services in the University environment; and
provide an opportunity to learn more about incoming students through formal and informal means.

Media Release
Issued by: Mangaliso Radebe
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2828
Cell: 078 460 3320
E-mail: radebemt@ufs.ac.za  
19 January 2010
 

 

 

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