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25 September 2024 | Story Jacky Tshokwe | Photo Supplied
Prof Louise Cilliers
Prof Louise Cilliers, University of the Free State (UFS) research fellow and former head of the Department of Classical Studies.

Prof Louise Cilliers, one of our esteemed research fellows and former head of the Department of Classical Studies, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 UJ Translation Prize. Prof Cilliers received this accolade for her exceptional Afrikaans translation of the renowned Greek poet Konstantinos Kavafis' poetry collection, Van Alexandrië na Ithaka, published by Naledi.

Konstantinos Kavafis (1863-1933) is considered one of the most important literary figures in modern Greek poetry, known for his reflective and often philosophical poems that explore themes of history, identity, and human experience. In Van Alexandrië na Ithaka, Prof Cilliers brings the essence of Kavafis’ work to Afrikaans readers, carefully preserving the poet’s rich symbolism, historical depth, and emotional nuances.

Prof Cilliers has had a distinguished academic career, having served as head of the Department of Classical Studies. Her expertise in classical languages and literature, coupled with her passion for translation, made her an instrumental figure in making classical texts more accessible to a broader audience. This award is not only a testament to her scholarly achievements, but also to her dedication to the cultural and literary enrichment of the Afrikaans language.

The UJ Prize for Translation honours outstanding translations of literary works into any of South Africa’s official languages. Prof Cilliers' recognition continues the department's proud tradition of excellence in classical scholarship and language studies.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof Cilliers for this remarkable achievement and are excited to celebrate her continued contributions to the field of classical studies and translation.

About the UJ Translation Prize

The University of Johannesburg Translation Prize celebrates the best translations of literary works into any of South Africa’s official languages. It aims to promote high standards of literary translation and showcase the importance of bringing international literary voices into the local context through translation.

News Archive

South African universities: Political flashpoints or centres of academic excellence?
2009-02-11

Joint statement by the Convocation of the University of the Free State (UFS) and The South African Academy for Science and Arts

Are South African universities political flashpoints or centres of academic excellence? This is the theme of an international symposium that will be presented on 26 and 27 February 2009 by the Convocation of the University of the Free State (UFS) in collaboration with The South African Academy for Science and Arts on the Main Campus of the UFS in Bloemfontein.

Several renowned speakers such as Prof. Fernand de Varennes (of the Murdoch Law School, Perth, Australia), Prof. Stef Coetzee (former rector of the UFS and presently the executive director of the Afrikaanse Handelsinstituut (AHI)) and Dr Franklin Sonn (chancellor of the UFS) will take part in the discussion. Matters like diversity, transformation and conflict management, alienation, tolerance, conciliation and solutions will be debated. Members of the Convocation and the Academy are invited to attend and take part in the discussion.

The symposium commences on Thursday, 26 February 2009 at 19:00 in the Centenary Complex with a reception and opening address by Dr Sonn. On Friday, 27 February 2009 from 08:00 the discussion of the theme takes place in the Senate Hall, CR Swart Building. The proceedings are expected to last until 17:00.

A complete list of the speakers and the titles of their addresses are available on request.  

Due to limited seating interested persons are advised to confirm their attendance with Ms Kathy Verwey at 051 401 9343 / verweyke.stg@ufs.ac.za .

Full programme

SA Universities:  Political Flashpoints or Centres of Academic  Excellence? – 26-27 February 2009

P R O G R A M
Chairperson: Judge Joos Hefer
Sponsors: The Centre for Financial Planning Law UFS
The Kovsie Alumni Trust

Thursday 26 February

19:00                           Welcome: Judge  Joos Hefer (President Convocation UFS)
19:10                           Welcome:  Prof. Theuns Verschoor (Acting Rector UFS)
19:20 - 19:50               Dr. Franklin Sonn (Chancellor UFS)
19:50 - 20:20               Mr. Dave Steward (Executive Director, F.W. de Klerk Foundation)
20:25                           Reception

Friday 27 February

08:30 - 09:10               Prof. Fernand de Varennes (Murdoch School of Law)
09:10 - 09:20               Discussion
09:20 - 09:50               Prof. Stef Coetzee (Former UFS Rector)
09:50 - 10:00               Discussion
10:00 - 10:20               Interval
10:20 - 10:50               Prof. Annette Combrink (Rector, NWU, Potch-campus)
10:50 - 11:00               Discussion
11:00 - 11:30               Prof. Pieter Kapp (President, Convocation, US)
11:30 - 11:40               Discussion
11:40 - 12:10               Mr. Sean Moodley (CEO, Desmond Tutu Diversity Trust)
12:10 - 12:20               Discussion
12:20 - 12:50               Dr. Dirk Hermann (Deputy Executive Head: Development, Solidarity)
12:50 - 13:00               Discussion
13:00 - 14:00               Lunch
14:00 - 14:30               Prof. Marlene  Verhoef (Director Institutional Language Directorate NWU)
14:30 - 14:40               Discussion
14:40 - 15:10               Dr. Danny Titus (Executive Director: Culture ATKV)
15:10 - 15:20               Discussion
15:20 - 15:50               Interval
15:50 - 16:20               Prof. Hennie van Coller (Head Dept. Afrikaans, Dutch. German and French UFS, Chairperson SA Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns)
16:20 - 16:30               Discussion
16:30                           General discussion: Dilemma or opportunities?
17:00                           Close


 Statement by:

Judge Joos Hefer
President of the Convocation
Tel: 051 436 1843
Cell: 083 630 1395
E-mail: jjfhefer@telkomsa.net  

Prof Jacques van der Elst
Chief Executive Officer
The South African Academy for Science and Arts
Tel: 012 328 5082
Cell: 082 8807636
E-mail: jvde@akademie.co.za  

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  
10 February 2009

Dr Franklin Sonn,
Chancellor of the University of the Free  State.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs

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