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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

Breyten Breytenbach shares his words and philosophies
2013-03-05

 

Breyten Breytenbach
Photo: Johan Roux
02 March 2013

The Department of Philosophy at the University of the Free State (UFS) recently hosted Breyten Breytenbach as part of its Colloquium series.

In a packed Odeion theatre, Breytenbach shared his words and views relating to poetry and philosophy. The session was chaired by Prof Pieter Duvenhage from the Department of Philosophy, who noted the symbiotic relationship which exists between the two seemingly distinct disciplines.

Breytenbach is one of South Africa’s best-known literary sons, gaining worldwide recognition for his writings and poetry, as well as his political activism against the erstwhile Apartheid regime. He left the country in 1960 due to Apartheid and settled in Paris where his first collection of poetry was published in 1964. It was the beginning of a prizewinning literary career spanning multiple languages and decades.

He returned illegally in 1975 in order to agitate against the repressive National Party government, but was arrested, spending seven years in prison after being charged with terrorism.

The audience was treated to a reading from an unpublished work from Breytenbach, A letter to my daughter. The lengthy letter outlined Breytenbach's world views, his sense of the creative process, his philosophies and his takes on current and historical events.

A large part of the letter focused on the philosophical and emotional processes involved in writing.“Writing is the travelling of its own landscape; landscapes and rooms that may always have been there,” he said.

He noted that it’s not always an easy process, and that sometimes writers need to explore the abysses, which can be unnerving.

“In this regard it is important to know that emptiness exists,” he said.

He stressed his concern over some of the problems the country currently faces, especially the abuse of state institutions. He was especially worried about the abuse of power. He warned that “power has its own predatory identity,” often abused and misused by those who wield it.

Despite his misgivings, Breytenbach still retains his optimism for the country and its people. He remarked that the country and its many diverse cultures resembles a “fantastic patchwork blanket,” one that should be cherished and protected.

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