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25 March 2024
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Story Anthony Mthembu
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Photo Lutendo Mabata
Prof Nompumelelo Zondi, the newly appointed Vice-Dean: Research and Postgraduate Studies in the Faculty of The Humanities at the University of the Free State (UFS).
Prof Nompumelelo Zondi has been appointed as Vice-Dean: Research and Postgraduate Studies in the Faculty of The Humanities at the University of the Free State (UFS). Prof Zondi assumed this new role on 1 March 2024 after serving as the Head of Department for African Languages at the University of Pretoria for seven years. “I consider this appointment as an opportunity of growth and learning more about higher education and the Faculty of The Humanities at large,” she said.
Prof Zondi indicates that part of her role is to spearhead the UFS Vision130 within the Faculty of The Humanities, and to ensure that the faculty assists the institution in becoming research-led, student-centred, and globally impactful.
Motivation for assuming this role
One of the primary reasons that led her to consider this role is sharing the knowledge she acquired as part of the Fulbright South African Research Scholar Programme. As a result of that experience and exposure, which went beyond the Ohio State University, she felt it befitting to implement some of the insights she acquired on a bigger scale. Therefore, even though she was impactful in her previous role, Prof Zondi believes that this is an exceptional and more desirable platform to do so. “I feel that I will have easier access to departments within the faculty, while also encouraging and supporting interdepartmental and faculty collaborations,” she explained.
A significant component of Vision 130
He believes that the elements that make up Vision 130 are interrelated. While she considers research central to Vision 130 – as she begins her journey at the UFS, she feels students deserve to be nurtured to further contribute to the university’s impactful research. Thus, student-centredness is the way to go. “I believe that students must be major role players in this Vision130; we must include them in the interactions and discussions that are part of the university’s strategic plan as well as in decision-making processes,” she said. As such, according to Prof Zondi, the more the faculty and the institution care for the students and involve them in Vision130 and in collaborations, the more research outputs the university will achieve.
Student Bursary Fund Campaign launched: #FundAFuture and make a difference
2016-04-25
“The single most important investment any country can make is in its people.” – National Development Plan 2030
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Video
Student Bursary Fund Campaign booklet (pdf)
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South Africa’s National Development Plan states that universities play a key role in developing our nation. The cost of higher education, though, hinders most of our youth from transcending their circumstances.
In order to help increase the amount of lives transformed through higher education, the University of the Free State (UFS) launched the nation-wide Student Bursary Fund Campaign on Thursday 3 March 2016 in Cape Town.
“I believe the best way to break the cycle of poverty in South African families is to ensure that talented first-generation students gain access to high-quality university degree training,” says Prof Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS.
Student Bursary Fund Campaign
The campaign aims to raise R100 m to fund talented, deserving students who do not have the financial means to obtain a university degree.
“Championing the Student Bursary Fund Campaign,” Prof Jansen says,“is not only a professional quest, but a deeply personal one for me. The university and I cannot do this alone, though. We need your support and generosity to change the landscape of our youth’s future.”
Your support is crucial
Can your contribution make a difference in a country – a world – filled with need? The answer resonates in the life of each student that has obtained a degree by means of funding.
The impact of your financial support reaches far beyond its monetary value. It pulls families from poverty. It sends forth experts and visionaries into the world. It sets in motion a culture of giving.
It irrevocably changes the futures of individuals, of communities, and ultimately of our country.
Contributions
Each contribution will bring us closer to our goal of R100 m.
Contributions can be deposited into the following account:
ABSA
Account number: 157 085 0721
Branch code: 632 005
Branch name: Business Bank - Bloemfontein
Swift code: ABSAZAJJ
For enquiries or further information:
T: +27(0)51 401 3966 | E: FundAFuture@ufs.ac.za | www.ufs.ac.za