Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
Previous Archive
28 February 2024 | Story VALENTINO NDABA | Photo SUPPLIED
Dr Jacques Matthee
Dr Jacques Matthee, was recently appointed the new Vice-Dean at the Faculty of Law.

In the dynamic landscape of academia, where traditional methodologies intersect with digital advancements, Dr Jacques Matthee stands out as a beacon of innovation and change. Recently assuming the role of Vice-Dean for Learning, Teaching, Innovation, and Digitalisation at the Faculty of Law, University of the Free State (UFS), Dr Matthee brings with him a profound dedication to knowledge, a passion for transformation, and a clear vision for the future of legal education.

With a distinguished academic background, including qualifications in LLB, LLM, and LLD, Dr Matthee has established himself as an expert in areas such as Legal Pluralism, African Customary Law, Criminal Law, and Medical Law. However, it is not just his credentials that distinguish him; it is his unwavering commitment to the pursuit of knowledge that sets him apart.

Pursuing knowledge: A lifelong passion

Reflecting on his childhood aspirations, Dr Matthee recalls dreaming of becoming a detective – a fascination that eventually led him to the realm of law. Over time, his interest in law deepened, propelling him towards his current position as a leading figure in legal academia. Yet, Dr Matthee’s ambitions extend beyond conventional success. In 2023, he surprised many by participating in his first-ever fitness event, demonstrating a determination to challenge himself beyond the boundaries of his profession. This blend of dedication, discipline, and integrity not only characterises his personal pursuits but also informs his professional endeavours.

Charting new horizons: The Vice-Dean's vision

Assuming the role of Vice-Dean for Learning, Teaching, Innovation, and Digitalisation, Dr Matthee enters uncharted territory. "It is a new position, not only within the faculty but also at UFS," he explains. "There is no model or blueprint to guide us." However, it is precisely this challenge that excites him the most. With autonomy in his role, Dr Matthee sees an opportunity to shape the future of legal education by pioneering initiatives that integrate traditional pedagogy with cutting-edge digital advancements.

"I look forward to the challenge of creating such a blueprint," Dr Matthee remarks. "Moreover, the position will allow me to explore and introduce exciting initiatives that could make a meaningful impact on the future and direction of teaching and learning in the faculty."

For Dr Matthee, the future of legal education lies not only in embracing innovation but also in cultivating an environment where curiosity thrives and knowledge knows no bounds. Under his leadership, the Faculty of Law at UFS is poised to embark on a transformative journey, where learning, teaching, and innovation converge to shape the legal minds of tomorrow.

In Dr Jacques Matthee, the UFS Faculty of Law finds not just a Vice-Dean, but a visionary dedicated to pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and sculpting a future where the pursuit of knowledge knows no limits. 

News Archive

UFS hosts tenth SASRIM conference filled with highlights
2016-08-23

Description: SASRIM conference book Tags: SASRIM conference book

A new OSM book entitled Musics of the Free State:
Reflections on a Musical Past, Present and Future
will be launched on 25 August 2016 as part of the
South African Society for Research in Music’s
conference, hosted by the UFS.

Photo: Supplied

Bridging the gap between music thinking and music making. This is one of many aims of the South African Society for Research in Music (SASRIM), whose 2016 annual conference will be hosted by the Odeion School of Music (OSM) at the University of the Free State (UFS). It marks the tenth anniversary of SASRIM and the congress, from 25 to 27 August 2016, features many highlights. This includes the Arnold van Wyk Centenary Gala Concert and the launch of the OSM book Musics of the Free State: Reflections on a Musical Past, Present and Future. Keynote speakers will be Stephanus Muller from Stellenbosch University and Guthrie Ramsey from the University of Pennsylvania.

Society encourages multiple facets of music research
Research forms a crucial part of music and therefore SASRIM looks at perspectives on thinking and performing the boundary between music thinking and music making. The society also encourages the submission of a wide variety of proposals, including those exploring alternative formats, multiple facets of music research and practice on the African continent, and disciplinary intersections. Contributions that reflect on the first decade of the society’s existence or any aspect related to Van Wyk are especially welcome.

New OSM book receives sterling international review

Musics of the Free State is a nuanced and
richly endowed study of musical practices in
South Africa, which deserves the international
dissemination it will now receive”.

“It will deeply repay close reading far beyond Bloemfontein.” That was some of the praise that Musics of the Free State received from Prof Harry White from the University of Dublin in the International Review of the Aesthetics and Sociology of Music 47 (1). According to him the book, edited by Prof Martina Viljoen from the OSM, “is a nuanced and richly endowed study of musical practices in South Africa, which deserves the international dissemination it will now receive”.
The book will be launched on 25 August 2016 in the Odeion foyer after the Arnold van Wyk Centenary Gala Concert.

Gala concert commemorate celebrated SA composer
The gala concert on 25 August 2016 at 18:00 will be recited by OSM staff members and the OSM Camerata in the Odeion Auditorium. The programme for a special concert, presented in collaboration with Fine Music, has been curated to celebrate the centenary of the birth of South African composer, Arnold van Wyk. Tickets are available at Computicket or at the door.

The concert, which will also serve as the annual OSM Dean’s concert, will be broadcasted live by Fine Music Radio.

See the following links:

More information about SASRIM 2016.
To listen to the broadcast of the Arnold van Wyk Centenary Gala Concert (then click the button to listen live).
A complete review by Prof White on Musics of the Free State will be available soon.
Copies of Musics of the Free State can be purchased from the OSM at OSM@ufs.ac.za.

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