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UFS urban scholar Prof Ivan Turok honoured with global award

10 July 2025 | Story Tshepo Tsotetsi | Photo Supplied

Prof Ivan Turok, who holds the National Research Foundation (NRF) Chair in City-Region Economies in the Department of Economics and Finance in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS), has been named a recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Service Award by the Regional Studies Association (RSA).

This international recognition celebrates Prof Turok’s significant contribution to the field of urban and regional research, both globally and on the African continent.

A longstanding member of the RSA, Prof Turok has served as Editor-in-Chief of Regional Studies and as Editor of Area Development and Policy, two of the Association’s six academic journals. He also served on the RSA Board between 2014 and 2018. The RSA is a UK-based learned society and the foremost global forum for city and regional research, development and policy. It manages six international journals, two book series, and hosts several international conferences annually. The award highlights not only his leadership in global academic spaces but also his efforts in representing scholarship from the global South.

“This recognition is a testament to the calibre of scholars within the EMS Faculty and thus significantly enhances the faculty’s research profile and global reputation,” said Prof Brownhilder Neneh, Vice-Dean for Research, Engagement and Internationalisation in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences.

Championing urban development in Africa

Prof Turok’s research has focused on the economic structure and performance of cities in South Africa and across the continent. He has analysed the obstacles to faster economic growth and development and the key interventions required to support accelerated investment and job creation. These include public infrastructure investment and improved land-use management to create more functional, efficient cities.

With over 150 academic journal articles and 15 books and monographs to his name, Prof Turok is one of the most highly cited urban and regional development scholars in the world.

“Receiving the Distinguished Service Award is a great honour, particularly in representing academics from the global South,” he said. “Africa faces unprecedented challenges in managing rapid urbanisation, but also unique opportunities for cities to transform its development trajectory. More research is vital to inform the tough policy choices facing governments.”

He believes cities are “remarkable vehicles” for accelerated growth and inclusive development. “The concentration of human, private and public capital generates positive value and fosters learning, creativity, and innovation,” he added.

Improved evidence and understanding of urban economic systems and dynamics, he argues, are essential for harnessing the youthful energy of African cities. “Universities have a vital role to play in generating the knowledge, capabilities, and strategic intelligence required by governments, civil society, business, and communities to make African cities and regions more prosperous, inclusive, and resilient.”

Prof Neneh said the award reconfirms Prof Turok’s global standing in regional and urban economics. “He fills a significant gap by applying spatial economics to urban and regional development in an integrated manner – this is especially of value in Africa, where it has been neglected.”

Prof Turok encourages young scholars to explore opportunities offered by the RSA, describing it as a welcoming and dynamic space to learn, connect, and grow. “It is a very friendly and supportive forum, with various special schemes and grants to help young scholars participate in conferences, publish in journals, and learn from each other.”

News Archive

UFS Centenary 2004 / 2005 October (centenary) fest Activities

2004-10-08

Friday, 08 October 2004
17:00 – 24:00
Callie Human Centre, UFS
Macufe Rock Concert
With: Rooibaardt, Karen Zoid, The Narrow, F****polisiekar, Stuurbaard Bakkebaard (from the Netherlands), DJ Bob, Ready D, Neva Me.
Cost : R50-00
Bookings : Pacofs (051-447 7772)

Sunday, 10 October 2004
16:00 – 18:00
Callie Human Centre, UFS
Macufe Three Tenors Concert
With: Phillip Kotze, Chris Coetzer and Du Preez Stolz, as well as Angela Kerrison. Free State Symphony Orchestra conducted by Chris Dowdeswell.
Cost :R60-00 (adults), R40-00 (children, scholars, students and pensioners)
Bookings : Pacofs (051-447 7772)

Tuesday, 12 October 2004
11:00 – 15:00
Centenary Complex, UFS
Inauguration of Centenary Complex
Open day with a variety of musical recitals in different rooms
Cost : Free
Enquiries : Elize Rall (051-401 3382)

15:00 – 17:00
Parking area next to the Centenary Complex, UFS
Kovsie Mosaic Day
Collage of the Century, Dance to the beat, Cultural Cartoon,
Who’s line is it anyway?
Cost : Free
Enquiries : Louis Botha (051-401 2819) or
AC Geldenhuys (084 585 3338)

Wednesday, 13 October 2004
19:00
Centenary Complex, UFS
Première of documentary film : The Life and Legacy of King Moshoeshoe
Note : By invitation only
Enquiries : Elize Rall (051-401 3382)

Thursday, 14 October 2004
18:45 – 21:00
Red Square (in front of Main Building), UFS
Centenary Honorary Doctorate Degree Graduation Ceremony
Conferred on: Me. Antjie Krog, Prof. Jakes Gerwel, Mr. Karel Schoeman, Dr. Frederick van Zyl Slabbert, Prof. Saleem Badat, Dr. Khotso Mokhele, Prof. Robert Bringle, Prof. Leo Quayle, Prof. Jack de Wet, Prof. Kerneels Nel (posthumously), Prof. Boelie Wessels and Prof. Jaap Steyn .
Cost : Free. Please RSVP if you would like to attend.
Enquiries : Elize Rall (051-401 3382)

Friday, 15 October 2004
18:30
Centenary Complex, UFS
Alumni Dinner and Centenary Award Ceremony
Approximately 140 centenary medals will be awarded in acknowledgement of exceptional contributions to the development of the University. The award ceremony is followed by the Alumni dinner in the Callie Human Centre.
Cost : R100-00/person
Enquiries : Elize Rall (051-401 3382)

15:00 (to 12:00, Saturday, 16 October 2004),
UFS campus
Reunion : Momentum Adventure and Expedition Association
Including : Setting up of the Kovsie Momentum base camp, champagne breakfast and abseiling.
Cost : R50-00/person for breakfast
Enquiries : Gerrit van der Merwe (072 4317 153) or
Niel Fraser (082 772 5642)
Website : www.uovs.ac.za/associations/momentum_hrcc.

19:00 (to 11:00 Sunday, 17 October 2004)
Reunion : Cantare Revue Group
Including : Formal dinner, budget show, bring and braai, church service.
Cost : R100-00/person for the dinner
Enquiries : Louis Botha (051-401 2819)

19:00 (to 24:00 Saturday, 16 October 2004
Reunion : House NJ van der Merwe
Including : Senior Student’s Association and concerts
Cost : R5-00/person
Enquiries : Tutu Ntlathi (051-401 4122 / 072 865 2227)

Saturday, 16 October 2004
09:00 – 10:00
Committee Room 120, Faculty of Theology
Founding of Theology Alumni Association
Enquiries: Henna Nel (051-401 2669)

10:00 – 12:00
Parking area, CR Swart Building, UFS
Alumni Campus Tour
Including : Visits to the new physical developments on campus
Cost : Free
Enquiries : Jeanette Jansen (051-401 3594)

10:00 – 12:00
Sonnedou gazellie (next to NJ van der Merwe Residence), UFS
Reunion : Ladies’ Tea
Visit our new gazellie and find out what Sonnedou is up to these days.
Cost : R25-00/person
Enquiries : Anne-Marie Delport (072 109 0507)

12:00 – 16:00
JBM Hertzog Residence (garden in front of Senior Student’s Association), UFS
Reunion : Braai
Cost : Approximately R20-00/person
Enquiries : Hattingh Bornman (084 240 5226)

12:00 Vergeet-my-nie Residence, UFS
Reunion : Braai
Bring and braai. We supply the facilities. Bring old photographs and stories. Enjoy Aunt Juls’ last visit.
Cost : Free
Enquiries : Mari Jordaan (051-444 2832/072 392 4444)

12:00 HF Verwoerd Residence Senior Student’s Association, UFS
Reunion : Spit roast
Cost : R60-00/person
Enquiries : Jan-Chris Landman (051-401 3613 / 082 664 6062)

18:30 Floreat Hall, Bloemfontein Civic Centre (Braam Fisher Building)
Irawa 60 Reunion
For all former editors, former and current main editorial staff and coworkers
Cost : R100-00/person
Enquiries : Sanri van Wyk (072 333 1011)
Elzette Boucher (072 180 6265)

19:00 – 24:00 Red Square (in front of Main Building), UFS
Informal Alumni Reunion
Spit roast and stories in a marquee
Cost : R60-00/person
Enquiries : Elize Rall (051-401 3382)

Sunday, 17 October 2004
10:00 – 11:00
Kovsie Church
Church Service

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