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21 November 2024
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Story Jacky Tshokwe
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Photo Supplied
Prof Mogomme Masoga, Dean: Faculty of the Humanities.
On 8 November 2024, the South African Humanities Deans Association (SAHUDA) elected Prof Mogomme Masoga, Dean of the Faculty of The Humanities at the University of the Free State (UFS), as its new President. This appointment marks a pivotal moment for SAHUDA, which represents a diverse network of deans who champion the prominence and future of humanities, social sciences, and the arts in South Africa and beyond. Prof Masoga, who has served as Vice-President of SAHUDA for the past year, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to advocating for the role of humanities in addressing the challenges of our contemporary world.
As President, Prof Masoga envisions broadening the influence of what he terms ‘public and applied humanities.’ His aim is to advance a humanities framework that not only enriches academic discourse, but also engages with critical global and local issues. This approach, rooted in socially responsive scholarship, will prioritise areas such as computational and digital humanities, environmental humanities, and other interdisciplinary fields that intersect with the pressing concerns of our time.
“The humanities are more relevant than ever to understanding complex societal issues,” Prof Masoga explained. “Through public and applied humanities, we can bring the critical perspectives of our field into active dialogue with the challenges of a digital and ecologically threatened world.”
His election underscores the University of the Free State's growing influence in national and international conversations about the future of the humanities. For the UFS, this leadership role enhances its reputation as an institution deeply invested in fostering meaningful contributions to society. Prof Masoga’s presidency is set to amplify the university’s voice and perspectives in SAHUDA’s mission to fortify the role of humanities in education and public life.
Over the next two years, Prof Masoga’s tenure will include a focus on initiatives that strengthen the relevance of humanities scholarship, encourage interdisciplinary research, and cultivate public engagement. He will also prioritise fostering collaboration across higher education institutions in South Africa and internationally to ensure that humanities disciplines are equipped to address the diverse needs of our rapidly evolving world.
Prof Masoga’s commitment to SAHUDA’s mission reflects the values and aspirations of the UFS Faculty of The Humanities. His presidency is an invaluable opportunity for the university to contribute to the national agenda of reinforcing the humanities as a field essential to a healthy, critically informed, and culturally aware society. This achievement serves as a proud moment for the UFS and a beacon for the potential of the humanities to drive societal progress in South Africa and beyond.
Science school of excellence for Grade 11 learners launched
2009-04-21
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At the launch of the Science School of Excellence were, from the left: Prof. Neil Heideman, Vice-Dean: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the UFS, Mr John Davids, General Manager, Volksblad, Ms Lorraine Botha, Chief Professional Officer, Centre for Education Development at the UFS, and Rev Kiepie Jaftha, Chief Director: Community Service at the UFS.
Photo: Dalene Harris |
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Science school of excellence for Grade 11 learners launched
The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS) has launched a project to give top Grade 11 learners an idea of what the faculty has to offer by giving them a ‘university-type’ experience.
The Science School of Excellence Project was launched last week during a function where the university’s schools support programmes were introduced to the management and members of staff.
The project is aimed at Grade 11 learners in the Free State who obtained an overall average of 80% in the 2008 Grade 10 final examinations. This includes a minimum score of 80% (Level 7) in Mathematics and a minimum score of 80% (Level 7) in Physical or Life Science during the same examination. It will be presented on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein from 6-9 July 2009. The closing date for applications is 8 May 2009.
“By presenting this project we want to stimulate learners’ interest in the natural and agricultural sciences, give them an idea of what we have to offer, raise their interest to come and study at the UFS and let them know that we cherish them as role models in their schools and as academic leaders of the future,” said Prof. Neil Heideman, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the UFS.
According to Prof. Heideman the Science School of Excellence will take on the form of small lab and field projects which the learners will carry out under the supervision of staff and postgraduate students. An application fee of R50 per learner must be paid by the school and a maximum of 80 learners can be accommodated. The 80 learners will be selected on a first come, first served basis and a registration fee of R200 per learner has to be paid after they have received notice that they have been accepted. Letters in this regard have been sent to principals of secondary schools in the Free State. “We will also include 10 learners from disadvantaged rural schools, who will be fully sponsored,” said Prof. Heideman.
“Fourteen of our departments will be presenting programmes, during which learners will engage in challenging exercises that will be ‘out of school’ experiences involving laboratory experiments and research activities typical of our faculty,” said Prof. Heideman.
Five other schools support programmes of the UFS were also presented during last week’s launch function. They were the Itjhoriseng Project, which is a skills development course in Mathematics and Physical Sciences for teachers in the Further Education phase; the Science for the Future Project that aims to encourage more learners to enter into science-related studies and careers; the Qwaqwa School Support Programme that aims to improve the year-end results of Grade 12 learners and a project by the South African Foundation for Economic and Financial Education (SAFEFE) and the National Council of Economic Education (NCEE),which aims to improve the economic and financial literacy of teachers.
“The university’s role in the development of teachers and learners in various subject fields has increased tremendously over the past couple of years. Learners are our students of the future. As a university we must do as much as we can to equip them and their teachers with the necessary skills to better themselves,” said Rev. Kiepie Jaftha, Chief Director: Community Service at the UFS at the launch of the Science Schools for Excellence Project.
Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za
20 April 2009
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