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Prof Marlize Rabe appointed as Vice-Dean of Teaching and Learning in the Faculty of The Humanities

16 May 2024 | Story Anthony Mthembu | Photo Lutendo Mabata

The University of the Free State (UFS) proudly announces the appointment of Prof Marlize Rabe as Vice-Dean of Teaching and Learning in the Faculty of The Humanities. Commencing her tenure on 1 April 2024, Prof Rabe brings a wealth of experience and a vision for advancing pedagogical excellence within the academic community.

Reflecting on her new role, Prof Rabe expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Being part of this esteemed faculty is an exciting prospect. I hope to add value through this appointment by working with lecturers and students on various levels.”

Previously serving as Head of the Sociology Department at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), Prof Rabe’s academic journey positions her uniquely to navigate the responsibilities of her new portfolio, drawing from her extensive experience in undergraduate and postgraduate education.

What this new role entails

The scope of Prof Rabe’s role encompasses multifaceted aspects, including management and administration. She elaborates,’’In many instances, this position offers an opportunity to identify common ground and foster collaborations, thus facilitating the growth of all stakeholders involved.” Such collaborations, she emphasises, are pivotal in propelling the faculty towards innovation and pioneering approaches to teaching and learning.

What to expect in the near future

Looking ahead, Prof Rabe outlines forthcoming initiatives aimed at enhancing the academic landscape. Notably, a colloquium scheduled for the second semester will explore the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in assessments, ensuring relevance and accessibility for both educators and students. As it is, a dedicated task team within the faculty is poised to spearhead these transformative endeavours.

Furthermore, Prof Rabe wants to focus on quality assurance in the faculty. ‘’We must be accountable to our students to maintain the highest standards of education,” she asserts, underscoring the imperative of continual evaluation and benchmarking against global best practices.

In celebration of Prof Rabe’s appointment, the University of the Free State extends its warmest congratulations, anticipating a future marked by innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence under her leadership.

News Archive

Freedom of religion, a constitutional right and area of global concern

2017-01-17

Prof Shaun de Freitas
Photo: Mamosa Makaya

Freedom of religion is enshrined in the South African Constitution, states that everyone has the right to freedom of religion, which more specifically entails the freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion. It makes provision for the protection of religious communities in South Africa. Consequently, the maintenance and protection of such a right is of fundamental importance.

Prof Shaun de Freitas, Associate Professor of Law at the University of the Free State (UFS) specialises in constitutional law, with a specific focus on the right to freedom of religion, and has produced several publications in the field. The latest is titled “Transcending the Private-Public School Divide in the Context of the Right to Freedom of Religion in South Africa”, Chapter 19, in Religious Freedom and Religious Pluralism in Africa – Prospects and Limitations published by Stellenbosch University in 2016.

Prejudice a challenge in all societies
There are numerous challenges faced by religious groups around the world concerning prejudice, association with terrorism and political power and influence. Therefore, research in this field becomes important in helping to uphold the rights and freedoms of religious minority groups, to be able to foster understanding between communities.

Balancing responsibility and religious rights
His current focus is on challenges that have arisen in South Africa, more specifically pertaining to the right of medical practitioners to object conscientiously towards participating in certain medical procedures, the parameters of freedom related to religious associations and the inclusion of religious expression in public schools. These matters are also relevant to many other parts of the world (including, ironically enough, those democratic societies that endeavour to make diversity flourish).

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