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06 October 2025 | Story Tshepo Tsotetsi | Photo Stephen Collett
IIA Launch
From left: Prof Mogomme Masoga, Dean of the Faculty of the Humanities; Prof Anthea Rhoda, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic; Prof Hester C. Klopper, Vice-Chancellor and Principal; Prof Millard Arnold, Member of the UFS Council; Prof Vasu Reddy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation; and Prof Alexander Johnson, Director of the International Institute of the Arts, at the launch of the International Institute of the Arts held at the Scaena Theatre on the Bloemfontein Campus.

The University of the Free State (UFS) officially launched its International Institute of the Arts (IIA) on 2 October 2025 at the Scaena Theatre on its Bloemfontein Campus, marking a pivotal moment in the institution’s pursuit of academic excellence, creativity, and global collaboration. 

The launch brought together university leadership, academics, artists, and art enthusiasts to celebrate a shared commitment to advancing human knowledge through creative enquiry and artistic innovation.

The launch of the institute, which falls under the portfolio of Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Internationalisation Prof Vasu Reddy, is aimed at positioning the university at the intersection of creativity, scholarship, and societal impact. The IIA will serve as a collaborative space for artists, researchers, and practitioners to explore new ways of thinking, teaching, and creating – bridging the gap between the humanities, science, and technology in an increasingly digital world.

“The arts are not mere embellishments to life; they are, in fact, its very pulse,” Prof Reddy said. “The IIA is a space where the arts and humanities rise, not in defence, but in celebration of their enduring relevance.”

 

A beacon for creativity in a changing world

In her address, UFS Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Hester C. Klopper described the IIA as “a lantern illuminating paths towards responsible societal futures shaped by imagination, empathy, and human creativity.” She emphasised that in an era of artificial intelligence and automation, “our challenge as humans lies largely in our ability to dream, imagine, create, empathise, and transform vision into reality through artistic expression.”

The sentiment of creativity as a transformative force was echoed throughout the event. UFS Council member and artist Prof Millard Arnold said “creativity is that intangible force that sparks inspiration, enriches the imagination, and expands our appreciation of who we are and what we can become.” He added that the institute “will be more than just an institution – it will be a vibrant hub where imagination meets opportunity, nurturing creative minds who challenge convention and inspire change.”

Adding to this vision, Prof Mogomme Masoga, Dean of the Faculty of the Humanities, said the IIA represents an initiative that “significantly expands the footprint of the humanities” and aligns with the university’s Vision 130 commitment to “growing and extending its influence and impact”. He described the institute as an opportunity to bring scholars and industry experts closer together, fostering collaboration and dialogue that highlight human creativity while advancing research and teaching excellence.

The programme also celebrated artistic and intellectual excellence through a diverse line-up. Dr Ashraf Jamal, an educator, writer, journalist, and author, delivered a thought-provoking presentation titled ‘The Majesty of the Everyday: The Power of Culture in South Africa Today’, which explored the role of culture in uniting people and redefining contemporary South African identity. This was followed by compelling performances, including So Over the Rainbow, a satirical work by Zabesutu Rondo Mpiti-Spies, and Ditshomo – We Have Been Here Before, a choreopoem by Napo Masheane with Volley Nchabeleng featuring the House of Shakers. Each performance embodied the spirit of creative freedom and collaboration that the institute seeks to nurture.

 

Connecting African heritage with global innovation

Positioned in the heart of South Africa, the IIA draws inspiration from the continent’s cultural richness while engaging with global networks of creative scholarship. Prof Klopper noted that the institute “builds bridges between indigenous wisdom and modern art, between oral traditions and digital storytelling”, reaffirming the university’s commitment to combining local authenticity with global vision.

Prof Reddy emphasised that, “The IIA is not merely an institute; it is a living, breathing space for imagination, innovation, and inquiry. It is a crucible for interdisciplinary exploration – a home for scholars, artists, and visionaries who seek to challenge assumptions and reimagine futures.”

In his message, Prof Alexander Johnson, Director of the IIA, described the institute as “a space where the arts in the Free State can converge, grow, and flourish.” He added that the IIA aims to amplify the university’s global footprint through artist residencies, international partnerships, and interdisciplinary research collaborations.

More than a new academic entity, the International Institute of the Arts stands as a bold declaration of purpose – to champion creativity as both a form of knowledge and a force for human connection. Through its launch, the UFS affirms that, in an age shaped by technology and change, imagination remains our most powerful tool for building a just, innovative, and inspired future.

 

News Archive

UFS student makes breakthrough in the application of nanorobots
2005-04-21

A student from the University of the Free State (UFS) has made a ground-breaking discovery in the field of microbiology by uncovering a series of new compounds that may in future be used to lubricate man-made nanorobots.

Mr Olihile Sebolai, a full-time student at the UFS’s Department of Microbial- Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, made this discovery while working on his M Sc-study on yeast.

With this discovery Mr Sebolai will also be awarded six prestigious prizes during this week’s autumn graduation ceremony at the UFS.  This university has recognised this exceptional achievement as a build-up to the celebration of national Science and Technology week next month.     

Mr Sebolai’s dissertation on the yeast genus Saccharomycopsis Schionning has been published in an accredited international journal of repute. 

“Words cannot describe how excited I am. I never expected to receive such recognition for my studies.  I am humbled by all of this,” said Mr Sebolai.

The Lipid Biotechnology Group at the UFS recently discovered that some yeasts produce their own water-propelled capsules in which they are transported.  These capsules have different shapes and resemble among others miniature flying saucers, hats with razor sharp brims etc.  “In order to function properly, parts of the capsules are oiled with prehistoric lubricants – lubricants that are produced by yeasts and that probably existed for many millions of years as yeasts developed,” said Mr Sebolai.  

According to Mr Sebolai these capsules are so small that approximately 300 can be fitted into the full-stop at the end of a sentence and are therefore invisible to the naked eye.

“With my studies I discovered many new compounds that resemble these prehistoric lubricants.  These lubricants may in future be used to lubricate man-made nanorobots and are similar in size compared to yeast capsules,” said Mr Sebolai.  The nanorobots are used to perform tasks in places that are invisible to the naked eye and could one day be used, among others, to clean up human arteries.

Mr Sebolai has been interested in the subject of Micro technology since he was at RT Mokgopa High School in Thaba ‘Nchu.  “I was specifically interested in the many possible applications the subject has – in the industry, as well as in medicine,” said Mr Sebolai. 

His next goal is to successfully complete his Ph D-degree.

The prizes that will be awarded to Mr Sebolai this week include:

Best Magister student at the UFS (Senate medal and prize);

Best Magister student in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science and Dean’s medal at the same faculty;

The Andries Brink – Sasol-prize for the best M Sc dissertation in Microbiology;

The JP van der Walt prize for best M Sc dissertation in yeast science;

The Chris Small prize for an outstanding Master’s dissertation; and

Honorary colours awarded by the UFS Student Representative Council

Media release

Issued by:                     Lacea Loader

                                    Media Representative

                                    Tel:  (051) 401-2584

                                    Cell:  083 645 2454

                                    E-mail:  loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za

20 April 2005

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