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17 October 2024 | Story Anthony Mthembu | Photo Supplied
Prof Tameshnie Deane
Prof Tameshnie Deane, Vice-Dean: Research, Postgraduate Studies and Internationalisation in the Faculty of Law at the University of the Free State (UFS).

The Faculty of Law at the University of the Free State (UFS) has appointed Prof Tameshnie Deane as Vice-Dean: Research, Postgraduate Studies and Internationalisation. Prof Deane officially assumed this role on 1 July 2024, following over two decades as a Professor and Head of the Criminal Law Unit at the University of South Africa (UNISA).

Prof Deane, who has approached this new position with great enthusiasm, describes it as a significant opportunity. ‘’This role allows me to influence the future of academic research and postgraduate education at UFS,’’ she said.

Support for postgraduate students

Prof Deane elaborated on her vision, saying, “My aim is to develop and implement strategies that elevate the quality and impact of research, foster innovation, and support postgraduate students in achieving their academic and professional goals.”

Among her top priorities is strengthening support for postgraduate students at the UFS. “I plan to introduce comprehensive mentorship programmes where experienced faculty members guide students through their academic and research journeys. We will offer training in key skills such as legal writing, research methodologies, and public speaking, while also prioritising initiatives to support their mental and emotional well-being,’’ she explained.

Prof Deane emphasised that creating a dynamic and supportive environment will contribute to academic excellence and personal growth for postgraduate students at the UFS.

Enhancing internationalisation and strategic collaborations

Prof Deane is also committed to advancing the internationalisation of the Faculty of Law.  “We aim to provide opportunities for international collaboration and exchange, which will broaden the scope and impact of our research and postgraduate programmes,’’ she said.

Improving research quality and output remains a core objective, with Prof Deane identifying this as central to her new role.

One of the initiatives Prof Deane is eager to lead is the development of strategic partnerships with industry and academic institutions. “Collaborations like these will provide invaluable resources for research projects,” she noted.

To foster these partnerships, Prof Deane plans to leverage technology to strengthen communication and collaboration, support relationship-building events, and promote interdisciplinary projects that encourage diverse perspectives and innovative solutions. 

News Archive

Ground-breaking project scores Renewable Energy Award
2017-10-29

Description: ' 000 University Estates award Tags: University Estates award 

Marcel Theron, Former President: HEFMA; Nico van Rensburg, Senior Director:
University Estates (UFS); and Maureen Khati, Project Manager: Facilities
Planning (UFS) attending the HEFMA awards ceremony in Pretoria.
Photo: Supplied

University Estates at the University of the Free State (UFS) were recently awarded for their amazing initiative to install and operate photovoltaic (PV) and greywater systems on all three of its campuses. They were awarded by the Higher Education Facilities Management Association of Southern Africa (HEFMA), an association of facilities managers operating in the higher-education sector in the Southern African region. All universities and universities of technology in the country form part of this association, which promotes excellence in the planning, construction, maintenance, operations, and administration of educational facilities.

Nico van Rensburg, Senior Director of University Estates, says, “I want to thank HEFMA for this amazing award which motivates for much more and also opens up the doors for so many more opportunities.”

Solar and greywater systems installed at various buildings

In December 2016, 26 solar-driven LED street-light poles and a greywater system were installed at the Legae Residence on the South Campus. Greywater is made up of bath, shower, and bathroom sink water. The water is reused for toilet flushing, as well as for irrigation purposes.

On the Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses, the computer laboratories as well as the Thakaneng Bridge Student Centre and the expected Afromontane Research Centre have freestanding solar solutions mounted on their roofs. These systems are designed to operate independently of the power grid (Eskom) during sunlight hours when the PV solar panels are heated by the sun.

Teamwork equals ground-breaking results

“This was truly a team effort with a variety of role players who contributed,” says Van Rensburg. He believes that higher education can do more to make use of other environmentally sustainable initiatives, and to go beyond just erecting and renovating buildings.

The UFS executive management is also extremely proud of the team that were involved in the project. Prof Nicky Morgan, former Vice-Rector: Operations, says, “It’s been extraordinary what we could achieve at all three campuses with such a small team.” Nadeem Gafieldien, Director: Property Services at Stellenbosch University, showered the UFS with praise. “This is truly ground-breaking for Higher Education (HE) and you are truly leaders in these renewable energy projects in the HE sector.” He says we need to demonstrate to other institutions in the HE sector that this is the future and that it makes the institutions both environmentally and financially sustainable.

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