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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.
UFS facilitates historic meeting between NAFU and FS agriculture
2007-06-14
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Attending the meeting were, from the left: Mr Louw Steytler (President of Free State Agriculture), Prof. Herman van Schalkwyk (Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the UFS) and Rev Otto Mbongula (President of NAFU in the Free State).
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UFS facilitates historic meeting between NAFU and FS agriculture
A significant breakthrough in the agricultural sector has taken place today (13 June 2007) following a historical meeting between Free State Agriculture and the National African Farmers Union (NAFU) during which it was decided to work together in future in various areas to achieve collective objectives for the sector.
Prof. Herman van Schalkwyk, Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS) facilitated the process. The meeting was attended by Rev Otto Mbongula, President of NAFU in the Free State and Mr Louw Steytler, President of Free State Agriculture.
“I am excited about the openness of the discussions between the two parties as it holds great advantages for the agricultural sector in the Free State Province,” says Prof. van Schalkwyk.
The parties proposed co-operation on various terrains and agreed to talk to each other on a regular basis, and to identify differences and similarities to the advantage of the province’s economy. This agreement is closely linked to the intended co-operation between AGRI SA and NAFU SA which was agreed to at a meeting last year in Pretoria.
During the meeting the parties also agreed to involve other role players in the discussions in due course, and communication with the Provincial Government was highlighted as an important point of departure.
“NAFU and Free State Agriculture can set an example at provincial level for the agricultural sector as a whole to ensure sustained participation about the economic future of the sector,” says Prof. van Schalkwyk.
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
13 June 2007 |