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15 May 2025 | Story Precious Shamase | Photo Teboho Mositi
From right to left : Prof Aliza le Roux, Dr Regret Sunge, Prof Jared McDonald and Dr Calvin Mudzingiri.

The University of the Free State Qwaqwa Campus is celebrating a significant boost to its academic and research standing with the recent achievement of National Research Foundation (NRF) ratings by several esteemed academics. These ratings not only recognise the individual accomplishments and impact of these researchers but also underscore the campus' commitment to Vision 130 and the university's overarching strategy for academic and research excellence.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation, Prof Vasu Reddy, explained the ratings, saying, “Ratings embody high ideals and recognition of scientific merit and impact in a knowledge-intensive economy, aligned with the UFS’ aspirations.”

Prof Jared McDonald, Assistant Dean of the Faculty of The Humanities, Dr Calvin Mudzingiri, Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, and Prof Richard Ocaya from the Department of Physics have all been awarded C2 ratings, signifying that they are established researchers with considerable international recognition for the quality and impact of their research outputs. This level of recognition highlights their consistent contribution to their respective fields and positions them as key players within the global research landscape.

Building on this impressive achievement, Prof Aliza le Roux, Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, has attained a C1 rating, indicating that she is a leading international researcher recognised for the high quality and impact of her recent research outputs. This prestigious rating stresses Prof Le Roux's significant contributions and her standing as a prominent figure in her area of expertise.

Adding to the growing cadre of research talent on the Qwaqwa Campus, Dr Nthatisi Nyembe, Lecturer in the Department of Zoology and Entomology, and Dr Victor Gwande – Senior Lecturer in the Department of History – have both received Y1 ratings. Dr Regret Sunge, Lecturer in the Department of Economics and Finance within the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, has received the NRF Y2 rating for the period 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2030. This rating is awarded to promising young researchers who have demonstrated the potential to establish themselves as researchers with strong international recognition within five years after obtaining their doctorates. These Y1 ratings signal a bright future for research on the campus, highlighting the emergence of a new generation of impactful scholars.

NRF ratings are a crucial benchmark within the South African academic and research sector. They provide a peer-review assessment of the quality and impact of researchers' work, lending credibility and prestige to both the individual and their institution. For academics, a strong NRF rating can enhance their research collaborations, funding opportunities, and overall academic standing. For the institution, a growing number of rated researchers reflects a vibrant research environment and contributes to its reputation as a leading centre of knowledge production.

These achievements align directly with the UFS' Vision 130, which aims to elevate the university's academic and research profile, fostering a culture of innovation and impactful scholarship. The success of these Qwaqwa Campus academics demonstrates the tangible progress being made towards realising this vision and strengthening the university's strategic goals in academic and research excellence.

The UFS is committed to nurturing and supporting its academics in their research endeavours. Initiatives such as the Future Professoriate Programme and the Emerging Scholars Advancement Programme (ESAP) play a vital role in providing mentorship, resources, and opportunities for academics to develop their research careers and achieve their full potential. The recent NRF ratings are a testament to the effectiveness of these support structures and the dedication of the academics on the Qwaqwa Campus.

The University of the Free State proudly celebrates the accomplishments of Prof McDonald, Dr Mudzingiri, Prof Ocaya, Prof Le Roux, Dr Nyembe, Dr Gwande, and Regret Sunge. Their success is a source of inspiration for the entire university community and reaffirms the Qwaqwa Campus' growing prominence as a hub of impactful research.

In his congratulatory remarks, Prof Reddy said: “Our colleagues’ ratings confirm their dedicated and sterling work in advancing research and innovation. It is commendable to also see academic leaders in professional support being beacons to inspire others.”

He further commented: “We value your hard work and determination. Congratulations, you make us proud as a university. You inspire us all to follow you and we support you in reaching our research-intensive goals. We are confident that your ratings will inspire you, personally and professionally – as well as other colleagues – to grow further. Your efforts will help us as we move to new heights,” Prof Reddy concluded.

News Archive

Become part of the Kovsie family
2017-04-13

Description: 2017 Open Day Bloem Tags: 2017 Open Day Bloem

Photo: Johan Roux

Open Day is a great opportunity to experience the Kovsie vibe, visit the residences, campus facilities and faculties, and receive academic and career advice. You can collect as many faculty pamphlets and programme booklets as possible to browse through later.

You will be welcomed by the new Vice-Chancellor and Rector, Prof Francis Petersen, be entertained by Swing City, enjoy laser shows, and participate in fun games with Teambo.

Bloemfontein Campus

Date: 13 May 2017
Prospective students’ and parents’ session: 08:30-09:30
School groups’ session: 11:00-12:00
Venue: Callie Human Centre, Bloemfontein Campus

Academic and career advice: 08:30-15:00
Venue: Scholtz Hall, Bloemfontein Campus

Faculty sessions: 10:30
Venues for the faculty sessions:
•    Economic and Management Sciences: EMS Auditorium
•    Education: Education Auditorium
•    Health Sciences: Francois Retief Building
•    Humanities: Odeion
•    Natural and Agricultural Sciences: Agriculture Building
•    Law: Equitas Auditorium
•    Theology and Religion: Theology Building, Room 21

Residence and Student Life stalls: Red Square in front of the Main building.
Student association stalls: Thakaneng Bridge.
View our campus map and the full programme.

Qwaqwa Campus
The UFS Qwaqwa Campus will host their Open Day on Saturday 20 May 2017.

Applications to study in 2018 are now open

Want to become a Kovsie student? Make sure not to miss the Open Days and also see the 9 steps on how to become a UFS student.

For more information, contact the Unit for Prospective students on:
+27 51 401 3000 | info@ufs.ac.za

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