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01 February 2024
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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.
Fundraising while having fun
2016-01-25
With the Receive And Give (RAG) Community Service processions and festival around the corner, the public can expect loads of festive fun for the whole family.
Over the years, RAG has grown in popularity among the Bloemfontein community as the official launch of the social calendar. At the beginning of each year, the streets come alive with thousands of students from the University of the Free State and their colourful floats. They are joined by spectators from all over the city.
Float building
The ‘Cartoons, Animation and children snacks’ theme for 2016, has kept first-year students and RAG representatives working tirelessly since 18 January 2016, building majestic floats that are sure to entice on-lookers.
Ritsim Magazine sales
The annual RAG publication, Ritsim, is now available for only R25 a copy. All proceeds are channelled into different charities across the country.
This year, in a joint venture between Kovsie RAG and Volksblad, approximately 8000 Ritsims will be sold as a package deal with all the newspapers in the Northern Cape and Free State.
The processions
About 10 000 meals will be distributed to needy residents of the Heidedal and Mangaung communities at the Twin City mall after the morning procession.
Floats will be judged prior to the morning procession. The float winners will be announced at 17:00 at the RAG Farm, and the winners will lead the afternoon procession.
Date: 30 January 2016
Times: 10:00 (morning procession) and 18:00 (afternoon procession)
Route for morning procession: Pelonomi Hospital to Twin City mall
Route for evening procession: Tempe traffic light at Nelson Mandela Drive to Old Grey Sports Grounds
The festival
After a day of chanting, collecting donations, and feeding the community, the RAG festival will round out the day with good music. Both young and old will be entertained by well-known and vibrant artists such as Vusi Mahlasela, Karen Zoid, and Francois van Coke.
Date: 30 January 2016
Time: Gates open at 16:00
Place: Old Grey Sports Grounds
Tickets are available from Computicket and at the gate for R100 per person and R50 per student or children under 12 years of age.