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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 Qwaqwa Campus cross-country team qualifies for national championships
2016-08-30
UFS Qwaqwa Campus’ cross-country team that has
qualified for the SA Championships in the
Western Cape. They are, from the left: Malema Hlubi,
Lesedi Radebe, Moorosi Semase, and their coach,
Boy Soke.
The University of the Free State Qwaqwa Campus’ cross country team has had a successful season so far. The team has competed in the Eastern Free State Championships that were recently held in Bethlehem, where they qualified to compete provincially in Bloemfontein and eventually, nationally in the Western Cape.
During the Bethlehem meeting, rising star Moorosi Semase clocked 27:26 in the under-19 8-km category, whilst in the 4-km under-22 section Kovsie team mates reigned with ease as they occupied all four top positions. Malema Hlubi was the fastest in 11:13, followed by Lebohang Miya (11:33), Lindokuhle Miya (11:39), and Lebohang Tsotetsi (11:45). In the senior 10-km race, Lesedi Radebe and Bheki Sishi respectively came first and second. These results qualified them for the Free State Championships that were held in Bloemfontein on 13 August 2016.
In congratulating his charges, their coach and astute runner himself, Boy Soke said: “I am very proud of the achievements of these dedicated athletes. It is through their dedication and hard work that we have qualified for the National Championships in George in the Western Cape on 10 September 2016.”