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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

UFS sets deadline for applications
2006-11-07

The University of the Free State (UFS) calls on all prospective students wishing to study at the UFS in 2007 to submit their applications for admission by no later than 30 November 2006. 
 
“This applies to first-time entering first-year students and senior students who have interrupted their studies for at least one year,” said Mr Vernon Collett, Registrar: Academic Student Services at the UFS.
 
According to Mr Collett students whose applications for admission are received after 30 November 2006 and until 15 January 2007 will be accepted subject to the availability of place on the programme they applied for. 
 
“No applications of transfer students from other tertiary institutions who wish to continue their studies at the UFS will be accepted after 31 October 2006. After 5 January 2007 no applications will be accepted from prospective students with conditional exemptions,” said Mr Collett.
 
Prospective students who want to apply must pay a non-refundable fee of R120 into a designated account, which will be provided when the application form is sent to them. 
 
The signed application form must be accompanied by a certified copy of the prospective student’s identity document or passport and a proof of payment of the application fee. The application form of a minor must be signed by his/her parent or guardian and the field of study should be clearly indicated.
 
“More than 25 000 students are registered at the UFS Main Campus for the 2006 academic year. We expect a considerable number of applications and foresee that our numbers for next year will be similar to what it is now,” said Mr Collett.
 
First-time entering first-year students on the Main Campus will be welcomed by the Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, Prof Frederick Fourie, on 13 January 2007 at 11:00 in the Callie Human Centre.
 
The registration of first-time entering first-year students will commence on 16 January 2007 and that of senior students on 22 January 2007 at the Callie Human Centre according to a programme. 
 
Students who applied for admission after 30 November 2006 and are accepted can register from 5 February 2007. 
 
Lectures will commence on 5 February 2007 and the registration process will end on 9 February 2007.
 
Prospective students who want to apply for admission or who have any enquiries can call (051) 401-3000 or visit the UFS web site at www.uovs.ac.za.
 
Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel:   (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
31 October 2006
 

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