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Debate series on Broadening Curricula tackles decolonisation in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences

09 June 2025 | Story Tshepo Tsotetsi | Photo Tshepo Tsotetsi

Debaters from the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences’ 2025 Broadening Curricula Debate.

In an engaging and thought-provoking session, the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) at the University of the Free State hosted its Broadening Curricula Faculty Debate Series under the motion: The current Economic and Management Sciences curricula, pedagogical approaches, and research endeavours perpetuate colonial legacies. Held on the Bloemfontein Campus on 3 June 2025, the debate brought together academics and, for the first time, students – making space for dynamic, intergenerational dialogue on the transformation of teaching and learning in higher education.

Creating space for critical pedagogical reflection

Annari Muller, manager of Teaching and Learning Manager in the faculty, said the aim was to provide a platform for constructive, sometimes challenging, engagement. “We create a platform for staff to debate these things and ultimately inform our practice, policy, pedagogy, and what we teach and how we teach,” she said.

For the first time, students were formally included in the debating teams, following feedback from previous events. “It is very important to include student perspectives as well,” Muller noted. “We want to continue these discussions, take them forward into our research practices and learning and teaching committees, where we will dissect them and act on the next step.”

This inclusion added new layers to the debate. Elda Nhalunga responsible for master’s student administration, said the topic immediately resonated with her. “When I saw decolonisation and curriculum in one motion, I found it very interesting and decided that this was something I wanted to be part of. I also wanted to hear what other scholars were saying.” She added: “Through these small initiatives, we are working towards transformation. And it’s important that students be there so that their voices are heard.”

Towards a more inclusive and just Academic Project

Prof Frans Prinsloo, Vice-Dean for Learning and Teaching, Innovation and Digitalisation, believes that debates of this nature play a vital role in shaping inclusive academic spaces. “Debates, such as the one on decolonisation, enable us to engage with and reflect deeply on complex issues and to challenge existing assumptions. Through this process, the faculty can enhance its teaching practices and curriculum development.”

According to Prof Prinsloo, this kind of engagement is just the beginning. “The debate is but the start of the faculty’s plan to ensure that its Academic Project is decolonised. Research is currently in process to gather perceptions of staff and students on the topic. This research will drive action.”

Lukhanyo Lekeno, Economics master’s student, echoed this sentiment, calling the topic timely and essential. “We’re living in a world where there are certain standards and norms that, in most cases, exclude and marginalise people,” he said. “When we start having conversations about decoloniality, we are taking a step closer to actually dismantling certain legacies and ideologies that keep people constrained within a mindset.” Lekeno encouraged others to engage in such conversations, describing it as an ‘exchange of knowledge, systems, and perspectives’, which contributes to both personal growth and academic transformation.

Previous sessions in the series, such as the 2024 debate on socio-environmental sustainability, have prompted internal curriculum reviews, underscoring the faculty’s intention to link dialogue with institutional reflection.

News Archive

UFS Rose Ball promises to be an unforgettable experience

2005-09-08

On Saturday 15 of October 2005, the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at the University of the Free State (UFS) in collaboration with Medi-Clinic, are hosting a Rose Ball in aid of children and babies with serious diseases and special needs.

The Bloemfontein public should get ready for one of the most magnificent events ever held in the city.

The Rose Ball promises to offer an evening of glamour, elegance and beauty which will make it an unforgettable and unique event. The Department aims to make the Rose Ball an annual event to which the Bloemfontein public can look forward to with expectation.

“Excellent food and wine, a 35 man symphony orchestra and of course a magical setting awaits those who attend the Rose Ball. We will do everything possible to make guests feel special, so that they return to the Rose Ball year after year. In this way, we can ensure an annual income from this event for children and babies who are very ill and need specialised care,” said Prof. André Venter, Head of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health.

The Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at the UFS is responsible for the tertiary care, that is highly specialised care, of around 1 000 000 children in the Free State, Northern Cape, North-West, Eastern Cape and Lesotho. Approximately 13 000 out-patients are treated at the Universitas and Pelonomi Hospitals annually. Children who suffer from cancer, heart disease, neurological disease and endocrinological and gastro-enterological conditions are treated. The Department is also responsible for children who need intensive care and children with contagious diseases. In addition, there is a large neonatal unit where prematurely born babies are treated.

The level of health care needed to treat these children and babies, necessitate highly specialised equipment and knowledge. However, it is not always possible to replace or upgrade equipment, due to the lack of much-needed funds. That is why a fund was created within the Department to satisfy the need for funds. The Rose Ball promises to eventually give a vital boost to the fund that will go a long way toward providing in the special healthcare needs of these patients.

The Rose Ball is made possible thanks to the support of Medi-Clinic.

“Medi-Clinic is honoured to be involved in this great effort and in this way take hands with the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at the UFS. There are so many children with life-threatening diseases today and we cannot afford to be uninvolved in any effort to make life better and easier for these children. We at Medi-Clinic, as a private sector company, look forward to establishing a long-term commitment with the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health,” said Mr Sakkie van der Merwe, Hospital Manager of Bloemfontein Medi-Clinic.

Only a limited number of tables are still available for the Rose Ball. Tickets cost R500 per person or R5 000 per table of 10 people.

Those who are interested can contact Ms Ilse Olivier at 051-4012415 or Ms Adele van Aswegen at 051-4013535 for more information.

Media release
Issued by:  Lacea Loader
   Media Representative
   Tel: (051) 401-2584
   Cell: 083 645 2454
   E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
8 September 2005

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