Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items

UFS confers honorary doctorate on Archbishop Thabo Makgoba

16 April 2024 | Story Precious Shamase | Photo Stephen Collett

Archbishop Thabo Makgoba stood before a crowd of eager faces, memories of his turbulent past intertwining with the present moment. In his speech during the University of the Free State (UFS) Qwaqwa Campus graduation ceremony on 12 April 2024, he recounted a pivotal moment from his youth, marked by the echoes of apartheid's oppression. "I am so pleased to be here," he began, "not least because the last time I was in this beautiful part of the country, I departed under less auspicious circumstances."

Reflecting on his teenage years amid the turbulence of the 16 June 1976 uprising, Archbishop Makgoba shared his journey of resilience and transformation. Forced from his home in the Alexandra township to Soweto, he found himself entangled in the struggle against apartheid. Yet, amid the chaos, his parents sought refuge for him in a rural haven – Makabelane in Phuthaditjhaba.

Gratitude and reflection

Returning to the university decades later to receive an honorary degree from the Faculty of Theology and Religion, Archbishop Makgoba expressed profound gratitude. "It is with enormous gratitude and thanksgiving that I return to this campus to receive this honour," he expressed, reflecting on the transformative power of education and the support of communities.

Receiving the Doctor of Theology (Honoris Causa), Archbishop Makgoba dedicated the honour to the unsung heroes of society. "I receive this honorary degree on behalf of all the lay people ... the pillars who sustain us," he remarked, acknowledging their enduring contributions amid historical injustices and contemporary challenges.

Championing equality and social justice

In his address, Archbishop Makgoba stressed the relevance of theology in addressing contemporary societal issues. Drawing upon the doctrine of the incarnation, he emphasised the divine solidarity with humanity, urging a renewed commitment to social justice and equality.

Advocating for a ‘new struggle’ for a just and equitable society, Archbishop Makgoba called upon graduates to embrace a legacy of service and activism. "Let's dedicate ourselves to serving our society in a way that will enable those who are the least among us to live lives as full and as rich as those we aspire to live ourselves," he urged, invoking a vision of collective empowerment and societal transformation.

Legacy of leadership

The newly honoured Dr Makgoba's journey from the streets of apartheid-era South Africa to the helm of the Anglican Church stands as a testament to the power of resilience, education, and service. As he continues to champion social justice and equality, his legacy resonates with hope and inspiration for generations to come.

Dr Makgoba's call for societal transformation aligned with the UFS’ Vision 130. This strategic intent aims to reposition the university as a beacon of academic excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. His honorary degree ceremony echoes the institution's commitment to nurturing leaders who embody the values of accountability, social justice, and care, contributing to a future where education becomes a catalyst for positive change.

Congratulatory Message

The Chancellor of the UFS, Prof Bonang Mohale, conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to Dr Makgoba on his honorary title, commending him as an unwavering champion in the continuous struggle for justice. Prof Mohale expressed gratitude for Dr Makgoba's tireless efforts, which paved the way for future generations to assert themselves and challenge authority. “Your accomplishment serves as a testament to your passion and unwavering commitment. Congratulations,“ said Prof Mohale. In conclusion, Prof Mohale warmly thanked Dr Makgoba for his selfless dedication and significant contributions.

News Archive

Professor Antjie Krog to deliver public lecture at UFS Bloemfontein Campus

2015-06-19

Professor Antjie Krog – illustrious author, poet, and academic – will deliver a public lecture at the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Bloemfontein Campus. The topic of her discussion will be ‘They Couldn’t Achieve their Goal with Me: Narrating Rape during the South African War’.

Prof Krog’s lecture will be the third instalment of the Vice-Chancellor’s Lecture Series on Trauma, Memory and Representations of the Past. The lecture series is hosted by Prof Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela, Senior Research Professor in Trauma, Forgiveness, and Reconciliation Studies at the UFS, as part of a five-year research project funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Details of the event:
Date: Tuesday 23 June 2015
Time: 12:00
Venue: Albert Wessels Auditorium, UFS Bloemfontein Campus
Members of the public are welcome to attend
RSVP to Jo-Anne Naidoo: NaidooJA@ufs.ac.za

Acts of rape during South African War

To set the context of her lecture, Prof Krog explains that, about two months before the South African War officially ended on 31 May 1902, affidavits were taken from women about transgressions experienced at the hands of British soldiers. These acts included plunder, killing of stock, abduction, sexual assault, and rape. Her lecture is the first scholarly focus in terms of narrative and agency on the affidavits of 24 incidents of sexual assaults and rape since the 25-year embargo on these documents was lifted in 1982. The shelving of these affidavits is indicative of how even transcultural multiple processes failed to create an honest discourse in post-colonial South Africa about sexual violence.

Paving the way to healing historical wounds

The series focuses on the portrayal of trauma and memory in multiple ways – such as the narrative arts represented by Prof Krog. These forms of expression may ultimately pave the way to healing historical wounds.

“This topic is very timely, given a recent NRF grant we’ve been awarded for research on transgenerational trauma related to the South African war,” Prof Gobodo-Madikizela says in anticipation of the lecture.

Previous instalments of Vice-Chancellor’s Lecture Series

The first instalment of the Vice-Chancellor’s Lecture Series on Trauma, Memory and Representations of the Past was delivered by former Constitutional Court Judge, Albie Sachs, in which he discussed ‘Sites of memory, sites of conscience’. Internationally acclaimed composer and sound artist, Philip Miller, delivered the second lecture, ‘Disrupting the Silence: The Past and Transnational Memory’.

Back

Economic and Management Sciences

Education

Health Sciences

The Humanities

Law

Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Theology and Religion

Open Distance Learning

Business School

We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful. To better understand how they are used, read more about the UFS cookie policy. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept