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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

Small things matter

2017-01-17

Prof Felicity Burt (right) and Dr Dominique Goedhals
from the Department of Medical Microbiology and
Virology at the University of the Free State.
Photo: Anja Aucamp

The newly established virology section at the University of the Free State (UFS) boasts world class expertise. Not only are they one of just five laboratories in the country tasked with specialised HIV testing, but current research generates publications and subsidised funding.

The driving force behind this initiative is passionate and dedicated people who invest long hours into vital research. One such person is Prof Felicity Burt, who eloquently guides her students while making impressive progress within her own field of interest: vector-borne and zoonotic diseases. Prof Burt was recently awarded a research chair (2016-2020) to, among other areas, investigate medically significant vector-borne and zoonotic viruses currently circulating.

That means that her research focus is mainly on viruses transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks, and viruses transmitted from animals to humans. “Yes,” she laughs, “I catch mosquitoes and check them for viruses.”

Becoming familiar with different viruses
As if big screen moments like Outbreak and Contagion did not create enough virus paranoia, the world was recently bombarded by real world Ebola and Zika outbreaks. But awareness, Prof Burt says, is not a bad thing. “Years ago, when people heard that I did Ebola research, they got that distant look in their eyes, and changed the subject. One outbreak later, backed by many media reports, and Ebola is almost a household name. The same goes for the recent Zika virus outbreak in South America.”

The more familiar people become with these types of viruses, the better, Prof Burt feels. However, getting the right message across is not always that easy. The Zika virus outbreak, for example, was a very large outbreak and therefore presented large numbers of affected people. Generally, not everyone infected with an arbovirus will necessarily present with symptoms. But because vector-borne viruses can spread to new areas, surveillance and awareness is important. Here in Bloemfontein, Prof Burt and her team are establishing surveillance programmes.

Gaining knowledge and preventative measures
So, next time you get all wound up about a “biological disaster”, rest assured that competent people like Prof Burt and her colleagues continuously scan the environment to gain knowledge and develop preventive measures should any risks be looming. For example, developing next-generation vaccines that are very effective, but without risk – since they are not built on the virus itself, but only on the part of the virus that will induce an immune response.

Currently, Prof Burt is also looking into the relationship between the Sindbis virus and arthritis. It is clear that we can expect many exciting findings from the UFS’s new virology unit.

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