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25 February 2025 | Story Anthony Mthembu | Photo Kaleidoscope Studios
G20 - 2025
G20 delegates from member countries and other invited guests in attendance at the G20 Research and Innovation Working Group (RIWG) and G20 Initiative on Bioeconomy (GIB) meetings and other side events.

Against the backdrop of the upcoming G20 Summit to be hosted by South Africa in November 2025, the University of the Free State (UFS) – in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) – held the G20 Research and Innovation Working Group (RIWG) and G20 Initiative on Bioeconomy (GIB) meetings on 23 and 24 February 2025.

In her opening address to G20 delegates from member countries, national and international knowledge partners, members of the Free State provincial government, and representatives of the DSTI, Prof Hester Klopper, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UFS, indicated, “It is an honour for the UFS to be among the few South African universities to host this essential Research and Innovation Working Group.” In addition, she highlighted that the deliberations and discussions set to take place during this important workshop can set in motion chains of events ultimately contributing to improved lives for everyone. These sentiments were also echoed by Prof Blade Nzimande, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, who underscored the importance and historic nature of the upcoming G20 Summit.

In his virtual address, Minister Nzimande explained that South Africa’s chosen theme for the G20 Summit – Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability – was inspired by the general complexity of our time, “in particular the transnational nature of these complexities, such as conflict, the displacement of people, poverty”, among other things. As such, he expressed that in this case, cooperation among nations is becoming increasingly essential.

As they concluded their addresses, Prof Nzimande and Prof Klopper, wished the delegates well in their deliberations. ‘’May your discussions be successful, and your goals be achieved. And may your time with us lead to a renewed experience of the value of innovation through connection, ‘’expressed Prof Klopper.

 

Contributing events

As part of the programme at these proceedings, several side events took place. These included panel discussions with indigenous knowledge holders such as Telle Hoeses, Chief Language Practitioner for Khoi and San Languages, along with experts of indigenous medicine. The conversation focused on indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) and some of the key concerns and progress that these knowledge holders have made in the space. In addition, these knowledge holders, many of whom are business owners who sell products made from indigenous medicines, also had the opportunity to exhibit their products. According to Dan du Toit, Deputy Director-General: International Cooperation and Resources at the DSTI, these panel discussions with young people, bioeconomy researchers, and indigenous knowledge holders were an opportunity to gain access to a diversity of voices, which would not normally find expression in formal meetings. “It is also an opportunity for our international guests to get insight into who we are as a country and what some of our concerns might be,” said Du Toit.

One of the highly anticipated side events on the programme was the joint G20 RIWG and GIB event titled ‘UNESCO Women and Girls in Science’, which took place on 25 February 2025. The event took the form of a round-table discussion, in an attempt to answer the question: Based on your experiences in various roles within higher education in South Africa, Africa, and globally, what are some key insights regarding the role of universities in closing the gender gap in STEM, specifically concerning professional development and creating supportive research environments where everyone, especially women, can thrive?

Prof Anthea Rhoda; Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic at the UFS, was one of the contributors in this session. In response to the question, Prof Rhoda highlighted, “Universities should also be spaces characterised by intellectual freedom and freedom of expression, where archaic ideas about male superiority and patriarchy can be openly confronted and contested, without fear of victimisation. She expressed that an active way in which the UFS has committed itself to a culture of diversity and inclusion is through Vision130.

As she was wrapping up her address, Prof Rhoda also highlighted, “To address areas of underrepresentation of women in senior academic and leadership positions within the university, a Working Group on Gender Parity in Academic Leadership was established, with the critical mandate to drive attitudinal shifts, advocate for changes where necessary, and highlight barriers to women’s advancement.”

 

The programme comes to an end

The last day of the programme was reserved for comments, reflections, and discussions on deliverables. As such, there were positive responses to the way the deliberations took place. In fact, Hoese, speaking in her capacity as an indigenous knowledge holder, said, “This was a good platform for us to make progress towards language recognition and officialisation.”

News Archive

UFS congratulates Wayde van Niekerk and other students for their national and international accomplishments
2015-09-17



Kovsies showing the world that success is inevitable
Photo: Johan Roux

Students from the University of the Free State (UFS) have not only conquered South Africa (SA), they have also left footprints in the world. During 2014 and 2015, our students have performed well in various fields.

A special celebratory event was held at the Bloemfontein Campus on Tuesday 15 September 2015. Members of the Rectorate, Student Representative Council (SRC), Grey College Secondary School personnel and former principal, Mr Johan Volsteedt, as well as UFS staff members and students gathered at the Callie Human Centre to congratulate those students who have recently represented the university with excellence atnational and global levels. Also present were representatives from the Department of Sports Arts Culture and Recreation (SACR) in the Free State and the Free State Sport Confederation (FSSC).

Sports leadership has proven to be one of Kovsies’ areas of expertise. From Wayde van Niekerk making international headlines as the 2015 Men’s 400m World Sprint Champion, to Nicole Walraven who was named as the SA under-21 Hockey 2015 Player of the Year, speaks the language of winners.

Wayde believes that his achievements are also for his family, friends, mentors, and the university community to rejoice in.“What I achieved is our achievement,” he said “the person I am today is because of the people around me.” Also supporting him at this event was MsAns Botha, his coach together with his family and friends.

Andricia Hinckemann’s commitment to promote environmental sustainability in light of the global warming crisis earned her the Miss Earth SA 2015 second princess status.

The UFS Debating Society also joined the ranks as highfliers when announced as South African National Universities Debating Champions for 2015. The UFS team competed in nine preliminary rounds. Devon Watson and NkahisengRalepeli from the UFS had to fight their way through nine preliminary rounds to the finals. Competing in the category English as a First Language, Devon and Nkahiseng brought yet another championship title home.

Success is music to our ears here at Kovsies, Veritas and Marjolein showed us that music can also symbolize success. These residence serenade groups took first and second place, respectively, at the 2015 ATKV National University Sêr competition.

Other students who have the world in their hands and are striving to make it a better place include Rolene Strauss (Miss World 2015), Elzane van der Berg (Deaf Miss South Africa 2014), the Shimlas (2015 Varsity Cup champions),KovsieNetball (2014 Varsity Netball champions and winners of 2014 National Premier League), KovsieTennis (2014 USSA Champions) and Varsity Sevens Champions 2015.

Prof Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the university remarked upon the inevitable nature of success amongst our university’s students. “Whether they are in athletics, netball, or debating, Kovsie students do well in every aspect of their lives.”

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