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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

UFS golden voices release first extended play
2016-08-29

Description: debut EP entitled Simplify Tags: debut EP entitled Simplify

CJ van Wyk, Naledi Mohapi, Samuel Akach and Jaco ‘Stix’
Steyn at the launch of their debut EP entitled Simplify.
Photo: iFlair Photography

“If you are determined, hardworking and have perseverance, it will be totally worth it. Just enjoy the ride.”
After almost two years together, Simple Stories are proud to present their debut EP, Simplify.

An out-of-the-box unique sound

The group, consisting of CJ van Wyk, Jaco Steyn, Naledi Mohapi and Samuel Akach, all students from the University of the Free State, has evolved immensely over the time they have been together. With their music genre - ‘Don’t put us in a box’ - they have managed to steal the hearts of many.
The group’s reason for issuing the EP is to start out small and give people a taste of their music. “We create our own unique, fresh sound that people can still relate to,” they said.

Talks about the present and future success

Right now, the band enjoys performing one of their original songs, ‘Cool Kids’, their second single that was released in July.
For all those aspiring to start their own band, “It is not going to be easy. It’s a huge decision to make, a tough career to take on, and a lot of sacrifices have to be made.”
When asked to define success, the band simply said, “Success is something that we are continuously striving for. It’s not a word that we take lightly and not a destination that you just reach.”

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