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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

Prof Jonathan Jansen steps down as UFS Vice-Chancellor and Rector
2016-05-16

Statement by Prof Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS (pdf)

Statement by Judge Ian van der Merwe, Chairperson: UFS Council

Prof Jonathan Jansen will step down as Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the University of the Free State (UFS) on 31 August 2016.

He will take up an invitation as a Fellow at the Center for Advanced Studies in the Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University in the USA in September 2016. The fellowship, which was awarded to him earlier this year, is an opportunity for him to further advance his career as an internationally renowned academic in education. Prof Jansen’s departure is a great loss for the university, but the Council accepts his decision to step down and pursue his academic career as well as other opportunities.

The Council is grateful for the vision and the inspirational leadership that Prof Jansen provided during his tenure at the UFS. He has led the university through difficult and complex times – from after the Reitz incident up until the recent student protest actions. He brought stability and respect for the university – nationally as well as internationally.

The Council appreciates Prof Jansen’s drive to further the academic performance and transformation of the UFS. To this end he was instrumental in the improvement of student success and graduation rates, the increase in the percentage of academic staff with doctoral qualifications, the increase in research outputs, the growth in staff diversity, and the growth in third-stream income.

Furthermore, Prof Jansen played a significant part in developing the UFS as a place where the embrace of diversity and the integration of the university provide a backdrop for academic excellence. Under his leadership, the UFS made great strides in fulfilling its social responsibility to serve the community. He was the right leader at the right time for the university.

On behalf of the Council and the entire university community, I thank him for his contributions as a capable, energetic and dedicated leader and wish him the best for his future.

Prof Jansen was appointed as Vice-Chancellor and Rector on 1 July 2009 and his term of office was extended for another five years by the Council on 1 July 2014. 

In the event that the position is not filled by the end of August 2016, Prof Nicky Morgan, current Vice-Rector: Operations at the UFS, will act as Vice-Chancellor and Rector. The Council will shortly start the process to appoint a successor through a national and international search.

Released by: Lacea Loader (Director: Communication and Brand Management)
Tel: +27(0)51 401 3422/2707 or +27(0)83 645 2454
Email: news@ufs.ac.za | loaderl@ufs.ac.za
Fax: +27(0)51 444 6393

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