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Ibrahim Mahama engages with future artists during UFS visit

14 May 2024 | Story ANTHONY MTHEMBU | Photo Supplied

Ghanaian contemporary artist, Ibrahim Mahama, visited the Department of Fine Arts at the University of the Free State (UFS) to share insights with staff and students during his stay in the country.

Dr Adelheid Von Maltitz, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Fine Arts at the UFS, highlighted the significance of Mahama’s visit which took place from 21 to 28 March 2024, marking the first instance of such interaction between a Fine Arts department in South Africa and Mahama. She remarked, “It is truly astounding that a person of his calibre dedicated time to focus on our department, and I believe this has catalysed a positive shift within our department.”

Mahama’s impactful presence at UFS

Dr Von Maltitz emphasised that Mahama’s visit aimed to offer staff and students a glimpse into his artistic process and mindset. During his time at the UFS, Mahama, who was virtually overseeing his latest recent large-scale artwork titled Purple Hibiscus, which involved wrapping the Barbican Centre in London, engaged extensively with staff and students from the department about their research. He shared insights into his creative journey, presented select works, and conducted critique sessions with fourth year and postgraduate students, among other activities. Dr Von Maltitz believes this interaction, particularly with students, has significantly bolstered their confidence as aspiring artists, preparing them for professional endeavours.

Broader implications and future prospects

Mahama’s visit not only energised the department’s academic environment but also holds broader implications. Dr Von Maltitz asserted that it will solidify the department’s identity nationally and create avenues for students to pursue residencies in countries like Ghana. Therefore, maintaining a fruitful relationship with Mahama remains a priority for the department.

Reflecting on the visit Dr Von Maltitz concluded, ‘’the key takeaway, especially for the students, was witnessing the potential of their works within the broader South African and international contexts. “

News Archive

Public Protector visited Faculty of Law

2005-09-23

On 21 September 2005 the Public Protector visited the Faculty of Law. This event took place at 10:00 in the Senate Hall of the CR Swart Building, after which a light lunch was served for the delegates and staff of the Faculty.

The purpose of the visit was to spell out the roles, functions and powers of the Public Protector, to promote public awareness and transparency and to increase contact between the Faculty and the Public Protector. Sufficient time was allowed to answer all the questions posed by various parties, and brochures were made available.

All law students and staff members of the Faculty were invited to the occasion. The presentations also included information regarding career possibilities for students with the Public Protector’s office. This organization is more than willing to involve students in community service projects and would keep in contact with the Faculty in this regard.

All the representatives of the Public Protector’s office who visited the Faculty are in the law profession:

The following persons made presentations:

Mr P Nthotso: Independent Complaints Directorate
Ms L Mdalane: Directorate of Special Operations – Scorpions
Ms M Thetlhu: South African Human Rights Commission
Mr A Madiba: Office of the Public Protector.

The persons mentioned above were accompanied by their supervisors, viz. Mr L Mashee (Head Public Awareness, Free State) and Ms SD Griessel (Provincial representative for the Public Protector, Free State). A further two employees of the Public Protector attended as observers, viz. Mr T Kgabeginyane and Mr MR Matlesoane.

The Public Protector functions independently and reports directly to Parliament.

Staff and students found the visit very informative and valuable contacts were made in the process.

Back from left: Ms Michelle Havenga (President of the Faculty of Law's Juridical Society ), Ms Masego Thethu (South African Human Rights Commission), Ms Lebo Mdalane (Directorate Special Projects of the Scorpions) and Mr Pieter Nthotso (Independent Complaints Directorate).
Front from left: Mrs Soné Griessel (Provincial Representative of the Public Protector in the Free State) and Prof Carel van der M Fick (Head: Department of Criminal Procedure and Philosophy of Law at the UFS Faculty of Law).

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