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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 honours more than 250 former students with national colours in sport
2007-11-01

The Kovsie Alumni Trust of the University of the Free State (UFS) will be honouring more than 250 former students who obtained national colours in various sporting codes over the years during a gala dinner on Saturday, 3 November 2007 on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein.

This will be the first time in the history of the UFS that so many sportsmen and women who studied at the UFS will be honoured for their achievements at the same time.

During Saturday’s dinner 100 of the 250 former students will be present to receive their special awards. This includes among others Springbok rugby players such as the brothers Eben and Joggie Jansen, Nelie Smit, Edrich Krantz, Theuns Stofberg, Jannie du Plessis, Meyer Bosman and Hendro Scholtz. Some of the sport stars in other sporting codes who will also be present include Hennie Pretorius for athletics; Stephen Brink and Heinrich Brüssow for Sevens Rugby; Frans Botma for under water hockey; Hannette Bruwer and Annarie Store for netball; Annette Bekker for hockey and Corrie van Zyl and Gerhardus Liebenberg for cricket.

Special mention will also be given to the first sportsman and woman at the UFS, namely Joggie Jansen and Annette Bekker.

During the ceremony the tenth year of the Kovsie Alumni Trust’s existence will also be celebrated. The Trust, who is the main sponsor of the Matriculant of the Year Award, offers financial aid to many underprivileged and disabled students to help them complete their studies and supplies bursaries to prospective students.

The awards will be handed over by Mr Harold Verster, President of the Free State Rugby Union, and Danie Niehaus will be the guest artist.

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za  
31 October 2007
 

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