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16 January 2024 | Story Lunga Luthuli | Photo Lunga Luthuli
Prof Mpumelelo read more

Prof Mpumelelo Ncube, an Associate Professor and the Head of the Department of Social Work at the University of the Free State (UFS), has recently assumed the role of Vice President at the Association of South African Social Work Education Institutions (ASASWEI). In an exclusive interview, Prof Ncube shared insights into the significance of his appointment, his vision for social work education in South Africa, and strategies aimed at advancing the field.

"This appointment holds considerable importance," Prof Ncube emphasised, "as it aligns perfectly with my overarching vision for our department at the UFS. It elevates the profile of our social work endeavours on both national and global scales."

Acknowledging the challenges facing social work education in South Africa, Prof Ncube outlined key objectives during his tenure. "Enhancing the membership experience, fostering stronger academia-practitioner-government connections, and addressing the struggle of graduates finding employment are among our primary goals," he said.

Prof Ncube highlighted the urgency of aligning the profession with national priorities outlined in the National Development Plan. He stressed the need for strategic sector planning in collaboration with the government to unlock the potential of social work in addressing the country's challenges.

Regarding ASASWEI's evolving role, Prof Ncube emphasised leveraging the organisation's expertise to tackle community issues at local, regional, and global levels. Prof Ncube emphasised integrating indigenous knowledge into education and addressing global developments to maximise social work's impact.

When asked about strategies for enhancing curricula and teaching methodologies, Prof Ncube reiterated the importance of collaborations and the utilisation of accumulated expertise within ASASWEI. "Our collaborative leadership team possesses the capabilities to accomplish these objectives effectively," he affirmed.

Furthermore, Prof Ncube underlined the importance of representing student voices within ASASWEI. He proposed the formation of student organisations in educational institutions, advocating for a constitutional provision for a student representative within the Executive Committee to enhance student participation and influence.

With his extensive academic background and commitment to social justice, Prof Ncube's appointment signifies a new chapter in advancing social work education in South Africa, promising collaborative efforts and strategic initiatives to drive positive change within the field.

News Archive

“Deploy your education and not connections,” Chancellor tells graduates
2012-05-16

 

Qwaqwa Autumn Graduation
Photo: Thabo Kessah
16 May 2012

Our Qwaqwa Campus conferred 424 degrees, diplomas and certificates at this year’s autumn graduation ceremony held on 12 May 2012.

Amongst the degrees conferred were two doctorates in Polymer Science, two Master’s of Arts in Geography and African Languages, respectively, five Master’s of Science degrees in Physics (3) and Polymer Science (2) and 37 honours degrees in Education, Zoology, Physics, Botany and Polymer Science.

In their congratulatory messages, both the Vice-Rector: Institutional Affairs, Prof. Teuns Verschoor, and the Chancellor, Dr Khotso Mokhele, challenged the graduates to start focusing their attention beyond their graduation on what they both referred to as “the real world”.

“Graduation ceremonies are a fantastic event, but you must never lose sight of appreciating the support given by those around you,” said Dr Mokhele.

“This hall was full of shouting and yes, you must bask in that glory, knowing that you have achieved part of your goals. Yes, this is your moment, so shine. You deserve it. You have earned it.”

“However, this noise also means you must go out there and face the real world. You are graduating in a model country on how people can reconcile, despite their painful and divided past. You deserve all the accolades, but that model country is disappearing before your eyes. How can you mess up what Mandela, Biko, Sobukwe, Nardine Gordimer lived and fought for? How can you mess up such a good thing?” Dr Mokhele asked of an attentive audience that included proud parents and siblings, as well as educators and learners from the Thabo Mofutsanyana District.

“Go out there and deploy your education and not your connections, as these are embedded in corruption. Go out there and help get rid of the patronage system where hard-workers are more likely to be constructively dismissed as they stand in the way of those with corrupt tendencies. Save this country from becoming another Zimbabwe. Let us do whatever it takes to save this country. Let these matriculants who are here today want to walk that red carpet with pride in the next few years,”,said Dr Mokhele.

Dignitaries in attendance included the former Chief Minister of the former Qwaqwa homeland, Dr T K Mopeli; the Executive Mayor of the Dihlabeng Local Municipality, Councillor Tjhetane Mofokeng; Dr SWF Moloi (Thabo Mofutsanyana Education District) and representatives from various government departments.
 

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