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Dr Jacques Matthee: Newly Appointed Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Law

28 February 2024 | Story VALENTINO NDABA | Photo SUPPLIED

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

Chemistry postgraduates tackle crystallography with eminent international researcher

2017-04-04

Department of Chemistry senior lecturer, Dr Alice Brink(left),
hosted outstanding researcher, Prof Elspeth Garman (right)
from the University of Oxford in England to present a
crystallography lecture.
Photo: Rulanzen Martin

“Crystallography forms part of everyday life.” This is according to Prof Elspeth Garman, eminent researcher from the Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford in England, who was hosted by Dr Alice Brink, Department of Chemistry at the University of the Free State (UFS) Bloemfontein Campus. Prof Garman presented a lecture in the Department of Chemistry, titled ‘104 years of crystallography: What has it taught us and where will it lead’. She also taught the postgraduate students how to refine and mount protein structures in cold cryo conditions at about -173°C.

What is Crystallography?
Crystallography is the scientific technique which allows for the position of atoms to be determined in any matter which is crystalline.

“You cannot complete Protein Crystallography without the five key steps, namely obtaining a pure protein, growing the crystal, collecting the data, and finally determining the structure and atomic coordinates,” said Prof Garman. Apart from teaching, she was also here to mentor and have discussions with UFS Prestige Scholars on how to face academic challenges in the professional environment.

Discovery of the first crystal structure of a TB protein
Prof Garman successfully determined the first crystal structure of a Tuberculosis protein (TBNAT), a project that took about 15 years of research. In partnership with the Department of Pharmacology at Oxford University and an outstanding PhD student, Areej Abuhammad, they managed to grow only one TBNAT crystal, one-fiftieth of a millimetre. They also managed to solve the structure and publish it.

Dr Alice Brink, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry, says, “It’s an incredible privilege to have Prof Garman here and to have her share her wisdom and knowledge so freely with the young academics.”

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