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01 February 2024
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Story Lacea Loader
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Photo SUPPLIED
Prof Prince Ngobeni, newly appointed Campus Principal of the UFS Qwaqwa Campus.
The University of the Free State (UFS) has appointed Prof Prince Ngobeni as Principal of the Qwaqwa Campus as from 1 February 2024.
Prof Ngobeni completed his first qualification in Analytical Chemistry at the then Technikon North-West before furthering his studies at the then Technikon Pretoria. He completed a DTech in Chemistry at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in 2003. In 2016, he enrolled for a Doctor of Business Administration in Higher Education at the University of Bath in England.
His lecturing career began at TUT in 1995 where he progressed from Head of Department: Chemistry in 2003 to Associate Dean: Faculty of Science in 2010, before being appointed as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Sciences at TUT in 2015 – a position he held until 2023. He also served as Interim Campus Rector of TUT’s Pretoria Campus from 2018 to 2020.
“With extensive years of academic leadership experience, Prof Ngobeni has the experience required to guide the Qwaqwa Campus towards the university’s Vision 130. The campus is already recognised as a leader in some of its unique research fields, and Prof Ngobeni’s strong research background will be valuable in this regard,” says Prof Francis Petersen, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UFS.
Prof Ngobeni is a member of several professional bodies in his field of expertise, including MatTEK at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the South African Chemical Institute (SACI), the Society for Atomic Spectroscopy, and the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP). During his career, he has also secured research funding for individual projects and international partnerships. Prof Ngobeni also initiated chemistry practical sessions for local schools and participated in the Technology Station in Chemicals project, which offers a wide range of services designed to assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the chemical sector.
His substantial list of publications in journals and books covers a range of chemistry-related and managerial topics. He is also a well-versed presenter at local and international conferences.
“The Qwaqwa Campus has experienced major developments in recent years; I look forward to further contributing to the growth of the campus and to support the university in achieving its Vision 130,” says Prof Ngobeni.
Two Rhodes scholars are doing the UFS proud
2010-12-09
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| Sannah Mokone and DW Bester |
Sannah Mokone and DW Bester were selected as Rhodes Scholars for 2011. It is the first time that the UFS has two students who have been awarded this sought-after scholarship in the same year.
Sannah is currently completing her B.Pub.Hons degree at the UFS and will read for an M.Sc. in Africa Studies at Oxford. DW is completing his honours degree in Actuarial Science and will read for a D.Phil.
The UFS is honoured to have not only one but two students who will join the ranks of past Rhodes Scholars such as Justice Edwin Cameron, Dr David Woods, Adv. Bram Fisher, Dr Loyiso Nongxa, Mr Isaac Shongwe and Mr Kumi Naidoo, who was recently appointed as the Executive Director of Greenpeace International.
The Rhodes Scholarships, arguably one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world, were founded in 1903 in the will of Cecil John Rhodes and cover the full costs of study at Oxford University.
While academic excellence is a pre-condition for consideration for the Rhodes Scholarship, these scholarships are unique in that Rhodes Scholars are outstanding young students who excel academically, but very importantly, demonstrate leadership, are committed to making a difference in the world, and have the energy to fulfil their ambitions.
In the Southern African region four scholarships are available for South African residents in general; as well as one for KwaZulu-Natal; and one each for the alumni of Diocesan College, Paul Roos Gymnasium, St Andrew’s College and the South African College Schools (SACS). There is a further scholarship available for residents of Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and Swaziland.
DW and Sannah were each awarded one of the South Africa-at-large scholarships.
Media Release
9 December 2010
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Director: Strategic Communication (actg)
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: news@ufs.ac.za