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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. 

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Three Kovsies in the SA u.20 Rugby Junior World Champions squad
2008-05-15

Three Kovsies were selected for the SA u.20 Rugby Junior World Championship which will take place in Wales during June.

The three who made it to the final squad are PW van Vuuren, Wilton Pietersen and Robert Ebersohn.

The 7 Kovsies in the initial squad were PW van Vuuren, Wilton Pietersen, Robert Ebersohn, Earl Snyman, Cameron Jacobs, Marlin Ruiters and Sias Ebersohn.

Van Vuuren and Pietersen both played for the SA u.19 team in 2007. Robert Ebersohn is a first-year student at Kovsies. Pietersen and Ebersohn, who played for the SA Sevens earlier this year, will be in action on Friday in the Vodacom Cup final clash between the Cheetahs and the Bulls.

All three these players played for the Shimlas in the FNB Varsity Cup.

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