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14 February 2025 | Story Charlene Stanley | Photo Kaleidoscope Studios
Prof Hester Klopper
Prof Hester Klopper, newly appointed Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the Free State.

Re-discovering Our Institutional Heart was the theme of the official opening address of the University of the Free State (UFS) presented by newly appointed UFS Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Hester Klopper, as she addressed UFS staff members in the Odeion Auditorium on the Bloemfontein Campus.

Prof Klopper sketched the current global, national, and local contexts that have affected higher education in general, and the UFS in particular, giving an overview of where the institution has come from, where it currently is, and where it is going. She emphasised the need to focus on the qualities and research areas for which the university has become well known, and to stay true to the values and principles set out in its Vision 130.

“Vision 130 illuminates our way into the future – expounding how we want to establish ourselves as a top-tier university that is continually extending its influence and impact locally, regionally, and globally,” she said.

 

The institutional heart

Prof Klopper referred to the image of a heart that is reflected in the UFS marketing logo, encouraging staff to rediscover what lies at the heart of the institution, and what sets it apart.

“A university such as ours inevitably forms and moulds the lives and characters of the people associated with it; and in turn, it too is shaped and transformed by those who have graced its campuses over the decades. It too has a character. And it certainly has a heart.”

She elaborated on the metaphorical meanings locked up within the concept of a heart, touching on how it symbolised vitality, flow, and energy, interconnectedness, and a sense of belonging. She also highlighted its significance as a beacon of resilience.

“It is associated with courage and steadfastness. Over the past 120 years, the University of the Free State has prevailed despite adversity and has managed to constantly reinvent itself in order to remain relevant, without losing sight of the values in which it is anchored,” she said.

 

Priorities for tenure

One of the broad focus areas that Prof Klopper identified as a priority during her term was establishing the UFS as an innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem. “This includes advancing transdisciplinary research, moving towards identifying two to three core research themes that address local, regional, and global challenges, and strengthening our unique offering,” she said.

Another focus area will be working towards systemic sustainability, which will include a disciplined approach towards financial management, as well as revision and optimisation of the academic model. She also indicated that internationalisation will be a core theme during her tenure, as will the establishment of the UFS as a first-choice employer and a magnet for talent. To this end, she announced the establishment of a VC Strategic Personnel Fund to grow and attract the best academic talent.

 

Innovation through connection

Prof Klopper concluded that the heartbeat of the UFS lies in innovation through connection.

For her, innovation is expressed in the university’s cutting-edge programme content, its focus on creating a culture of entrepreneurship, optimisation of the academic model, and finding new ways to diversify income streams. On the other hand, connection is reflected in heightened internationalisation, expansive collaborative networks, and a renewed focus on transdisciplinary research and real societal impact through engaged scholarship.

“My sincere wish is that each one of you will rediscover this heartbeat and that it will inspire you this year to take our great institution to even greater heights,” she said.

 

Click to view document Click here for the official opening speech.

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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