Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
Previous Archive
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

Two Kovsies in SA Netball team for World Student Games
2016-04-18

Description: Lauren-Lee Read More Tags: Lauren-Lee Read More

Lauren-Lee Christians became the 12th Protea from the University of the Free State in 2015. She will play for the South African Universities Netball team in America during July.
Photo: SASPA

Two students from the University of the Free State (UFS), Lauren-Lee Christians and Karla Mostert, were selected for the South African Universities Netball team.

The team, with eight Proteas in its ranks, will be in action at the World Student Games in Miami, USA, from 13 to 17 July 2016.

Among the criteria for selection is that participants should not be older than 27 years in 2016, and they should have been students last year.

The South Africans, who came in second during the inaugural tournament in Cape Town four years ago, will be difficult to beat this time. A total of 12 countries will compete for the title of student champions.

Mostert part of previous successful team

Mostert was one of five Kovsies playing for this team in 2012, when South Africa lost 49-53 to Britain in the final. This came after the score was even at the end of regular play.

Mostert was also one of the two best players for the Proteas at the World Cup last year. Christians just missed out, and had to be content with being a non-travelling substitute after she became the 12th Protea of the UFS earlier in 2015.

Four from UFS in Cucsa squad

Meanwhile, four other of their teammates - Rieze Straeuli, Tanya Mostert, Kgomotso Mamburu, and Alicia Puren - were included in a provisional squad of 15 players to compete for the South African student team at the Cucsa Games (Southern African Student Games). This squad will soon be reduced to the 12 players who will represent their country in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, from 1 to 6 August.

No Protea can be selected for this student team. A fifth Kovsie, the goal shooter, Dénielle van der Merwe, was also selected for the initial squad, but had to withdraw due to a serious leg injury.


We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful. To better understand how they are used, read more about the UFS cookie policy. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept