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UFS scholars elected to prestigious national academy, celebrating excellence across disciplines

31 October 2025 | Story Martinette Brits | Photo Supplied

Two University of the Free State (UFS) academics have been elected to the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), joining the ranks of the nation’s most distinguished scholars. Prof Serges Kamga, Dean of the Faculty of Law, and Prof Carlien Pohl-Albertyn, NRF-SARChI Research Chair in Pathogenic Yeasts and Professor of Microbiology, were recently recognised for their outstanding contributions to research, scholarship, and the advancement of knowledge.

In addition, Dr Mutshidzi Mulondo, an academic in the Division of Public Health within the Faculty of Health Sciences who recently made history as the first academic from the UFS to be inaugurated to the prestigious Global Young Academy – a network institution of the United Nations Scientific Advisory Board – was selected to the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS) as one of the top young scholars recognised for engaged scholarship and scientific contribution. SAYAS provides early-career researchers with a platform to influence science, policy and innovation across South Africa and the continent.

Prof Vasu Reddy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, who is also a member of the academy and a member of the ASSAf Council, says: “Membership in the Academy of Science of South Africa is a hallmark of scholarly distinction. It is to be entrusted with the stewardship of knowledge. More than this, it is an affirmation that one’s work resonates nationally and globally in advancing knowledge for societal good.”

Celebrating UFS excellence

Since its inauguration in 1996 by former President Nelson Mandela, ASSAf has championed the use of science for the benefit of society. Its mandate spans all fields of scientific enquiry, promoting scholarly excellence, evidence-based solutions to national challenges, and international collaboration. With these recent elections, 23 UFS staff members now hold membership of ASSAf, reflecting the university’s growing national and global research impact.

SAYAS, established under ASSAf, empowers young scientists to shape scientific dialogue, influence policy, and tackle pressing societal challenges. Its mission is to create a vibrant community of early-career researchers driving innovation, education, and sustainable development.

Prof Reddy also remarks: “ASSAf and SAYAS are platforms where excellence meets responsibility, purpose, and service. It is, in fact, a call to shape the scientific imagination of the nation, to mentor with purpose, and to lead with intellectual generosity. My heartfelt congratulations to our colleagues who have received recognition from the academy. You make the UFS proud.”

Prof Serges Kamga: Human rights and inclusive development

For Prof Serges Kamga, being elected to ASSAf is both an honour and a validation of his lifelong commitment to the advancement of human rights and social justice. “My election demonstrates that I am on the right track in terms of scientific knowledge and activity to remove barriers between people and obstacles to full development of their intellectual capacity,” he says.

His research focuses on the human right to development, socio-economic inclusion, and equality, particularly for vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities. “I rely on scientific evidence to stress the need to build an equalitarian world, a world without barriers to the full development of human potential,” he explains. Personal experience in witnessing poverty and underdevelopment across Africa inspired him to ask: “If development is a human right inherent to all, why are we poor in Africa? Who pulls the strings of poverty nationally and globally, and why?”

Prof Kamga intends to use his ASSAf membership to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and foster responsible societal futures. “My engagement with colleagues will seek ways to break down artificial barriers between disciplines, institutions, and sectors to foster groundbreaking discoveries at the intersection of fields. Modern lawyers should bridge the gap between theory and practice to ensure relevance to their environments.” He also hopes to guide the next generation of legal scholars to combine strong theoretical foundations with practical relevance: “They should connect across disciplines, generate new knowledge, and advance innovative, sustainable solutions to society’s contemporary and future challenges.”

Prof Carlien Pohl-Albertyn: Exploring the frontiers of fungal biology

Prof Carlien Pohl-Albertyn describes her election as “a meaningful recognition of my contributions to the national research landscape”. Her research investigates bioactive lipids in pathogenic fungi, focusing on molecules such as oxylipins and prostaglandins that influence fungal virulence and host-pathogen interactions. “By exploring these pathways, I hope to uncover novel targets for antifungal therapies, especially in the context of rising antifungal resistance,” she says. Her work has already shown how polyunsaturated and marine-derived fatty acids can inhibit biofilm formation, a key virulence factor, in Candida species.

Her research also has public health significance through the South African Fryer Oil Initiative (SAFOI), which monitors the quality of frying oils nationwide. “My research on fungal lipids and edible oils is connected by a central theme: understanding how lipids influence health, whether through microbial pathogenicity or human nutrition,” she explains.

Mentorship is equally central to her work. “I foster collaboration and encourage open exchange of ideas, with shared credit and authorship as a non-negotiable principle. Students are supported to publish in reputable journals and present at both local and international conferences, and I actively connect them with global collaborators to help them see themselves as equals on the international stage. Over the years, I have had the privilege of mentoring a diverse group of students and postdocs (many of them first-generation scholars) who have gone on to lead in academia, industry, and government. Our current group reflects a rich diversity of cultures, languages, and identities, and I am committed to continuing the tradition of care and excellence that was instilled in me by my own mentors.”

Prof Pohl-Albertyn is optimistic about future discoveries in her field. “Advances in lipidomics and systems biology are allowing us to study bioactive lipids with increasing precision. Understanding how fungi adapt their lipid pathways in response to environmental pressures, such as climate change or antimicrobial exposure, could reveal new strategies to combat fungal infections and predict emerging pathogens.” She also hopes to use her ASSAf platform to advocate for greater awareness and investment in fungal disease research and to promote equitable access to research funding for African scientists.

Dr Mutshidzi Mulondo: Public mental health in a digital age

Dr Mutshidzi Mulondo’s research focuses on mental health, particularly the implementation of digital strategies for public mental health. Mental health, a silent pandemic of our generation, continues to receive limited attention. “My current research looks at digital public mental health strategies, allowing for holistic care and support, particularly in lower- and middle-income countries.” This research is an effort to advance public health strategies that prioritise mental health and health equity.

Dr Mulondo sees the academy as a platform to influence national scientific dialogue and shape policy through emerging efforts such as science diplomacy. “This opportunity allows me to impact policies, specifically in public health, for the betterment of people’s lives. Young scientists need more opportunities to interact with established scientists for intergenerational collaboration. This platform provides young scientists with mentorship as future national and global leaders. Furthermore, the platform provides young scientists with access to other leading scholars for interdisciplinary collaboration to address some of the wicked challenges of our generation.”

Through SAYAS, Dr Mulondo hopes to contribute to programmes that support the growth of young scientists, increase public understanding of science, and foster sustainable development. “I look forward to participating in these efforts to better place our nation and continent.”

A growing legacy of scholarship

The election of Prof Kamga, Prof Pohl-Albertyn, and Dr Mulondo underscores the UFS’ commitment to nurturing excellence across disciplines – from law and the humanities to microbiology and public health. Through the work of ASSAf and SAYAS members, the UFS continues to shape the scientific and academic landscape of South Africa, supporting a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking research community. Prof Reddy also emphasises that “recognition by a national academy is a powerful endorsement of one’s scholarly journey. It signals that your voice matters in shaping the intellectual, innovation, and developmental landscape as we aspire to create responsible societal futures”.

Dr Mutshidzi Mulondo has been selected as a member of the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS).

News Archive

UFS awards degrees at autumn graduation ceremony

2009-04-28

The University of the Free State’s (UFS) autumn diploma and graduation ceremony took place this week in the Arena on the South Campus in Bloemfontein (formerly known as the Vista Campus). This arrangement has been made because of the large-scale renovations to the Callie Human Centre on the Main Campus.

Friday, 24 April 2009
Faculties of Health Sciences, Law and Theology Diploma ceremony

Law student’s achievement excels 80%
Four Law students obtained the LLB degree at this year’s autumn graduation ceremony of the University of the Free State (UFS) summa cum laude and were awarded the Moritz Bobbert Medal. They are from the left: Lezelle Olivier (80%), Albert Nell (91%) and Amanda du Toit (83%). LiFeng Chien were absent during the photo.

UFS awards degrees at autumn graduation ceremony
Today 331 students and five doctorates in the Faculties of Health Sciences, Law and Theology received their qualifications at this year’s autumn graduation ceremony of the University of the Free State (UFS). Michael Molahloe (left) and Mamokete Ntholeng both received their LL.B. degrees in the Faculty of Law.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs

This year’s autumn graduation ceremony of the University of the Free State (UFS) was held on the South Campus. From the group of students that received their qualification from the Faculty of Law, is from the left: Janine Jonson, Anneska van der Spoel, Andrea Coetzer, and Jo-Mari Visser.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs

Students in Nursing receive their degree
A group of students from the Faculty of Health Sciences received their B.Soc.Sc. degree at this year’s autumn graduation ceremony of the University of the Free State (UFS). At the occasion were, from the left: Ruth Beukes, Basetsana Panana, and Dipontsheng Tsolo.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs

UFS Faculty of Health Sciences awards degrees
Liezl Swanepoel (left) and Heide van der Merwe received their BSocSC degrees at the University of the Free State’s (UFS) autumn graduation ceremony.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs

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Thursday, 23 April 2009
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences & Chancellor’s Dinner

UFS awards unique doctorate
Dr Rodney Douglas, who had never obtained any formal undergraduate qualification, this week received a Ph.D. in Geography and Geology during the autumn graduation ceremony of the University of the Free State (UFS). The name of his thesis is “A new perspective on the geohydrological and surface processes controlling the depositional environment at the Florisbad archaeozoological site”. He had four papers published in journals that were related to his thesis. He obtained his South African Museums Association Diploma in Biology in 1988 and his M.Sc. in Environmental Biology at the University of Natal, Durban in 1992. He was accepted as a Master's degree student at that university based on research that he had conducted on, amongst others, the diets of reptiles. He has been working at the Department of Herpetology at the National Museum, Bloemfontein since 1984, where he holds the post of Principal Museum Scientist and Head of Department.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs

Chancellor’s Dinner: UFS honours doctoral students
Last night, the University of the Free State (UFS) honoured students who had received their Ph.D. degrees at the autumn graduation ceremony this past week, at the Chancellor’s Dinner. A total of 25 doctorates were awarded during the respective ceremonies. Attending the occasion were, from the left: Dr Annemarie Kühn, Ph.D. in Chemistry, Prof. Jeanet Conradie, Department of Chemistry at the UFS and Dr Kühn’s promoter, Prof. Teuns Verschoor, Acting Rector of the UFS, Prof. Corene de Wet, Department of Comparative Education and Education Management at the UFS, and Dr Mafu Rakometsi, Chief Executive Officer of Umalusi and former head of the Free State Department of Education who received a Ph.D. in History. Prof. De Wet is Dr Rakometsi's co-promoter and the late Prof. Leo Barnard, former Head of the Department of History at the UFS, who passed away at the beginning of April 2009, was his promoter.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs

Mrs Annemarie Kilian, Mr Willem Kilian (BSc. Hons) and Prof Stephanus Kilian
Photo: Mangaliso Radebe

Mr Jaco van der Merwe, Mr Renico Pretorius and Mr Rion Terblanche (all BSc. Quantity Survying)
Photo: Mangaliso Radebe

Ms Mamakoanyane Amelia Shata (BSc. Genetics and BSc. Hons. Plant Molecular Biology) and Mrs Maente Adelinah Shata.
Photo: Mangaliso Radebe

Mr Maurice Ambrose and Mr Owen Monk (both BSc. Quantity Survying).
Photo: Mangaliso Radebe

Ms Tobeka Mehlomekhulu (Lecturer: Department of Geography), Mr Neo Mokgosi (BSc. Hons. Genetics) and Ms Nwabisa Mehlomekhulu (BSc. Hons. Food Science).
Photo: Mangaliso Radebe

Mr John Mdane, Mr Fana Mdane (BSc. Information Technology) and Mrs Agnes Mdane
Photo: Mangaliso Radebe

Mr Kevin Vermaak (BSc. Hons. Geohydrology) and Ms Michelle Steenkamp (BSc. Hons. Geology).
Photo: Mangaliso Radebe

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21 April 2009
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences

Prof. Magda Fourie's daughter graduates
Nadia Fourie, daughter of Prof. Magda Fourie, former Vice-Rector: Academic Planning at the UFS and now Vice-Rector: Teaching at Stellenbosch University, received the B.Com. Law degree.
Photo: Lacea Loader

724 degrees were awarded during the ceremony of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Here are, from the left: Simon Serutla, B.Com. Accounting, Lourencia Hamuaka, B.Com. Honours in Financial Economics and Investment Management, Sunet Opperman, B. Accounting, and Yolandi Greyling, B. Accounting.
Photo: Lacea Loader

Students in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences graduated this week during the University of the Free State's (UFS) autumn graduation ceremony. Altogether 724 degrees were conferred. Here are, from the left: Marie-Louise Lombard, B.Com. Law, Adriaan van der Merwe, B.Com. Law and member of the Student Representative Council (Legal and Constitutional Affairs), Basanio Ncike, B.Com. Economics, and Richard Schooling, B.Com. Banking.
Photo: Lacea Loader

Center for Accounting honours top achievers
The Centre for Accounting at the University of the Free State (UFS) honoured the top ten students in the third-year B.Com. and B.Com. Hons. programmes respectively during this week's autumn graduation ceremony. Here are, from the left: Prof. Ronell Britz, Chairperson of the centre, Nils Kotze, first place in the B.Com. third-year group, and Madri Victor, first place in the B.Com. Hons. group; back: Prof. Hentie van Wyk, Programme Director: Accountant Training.
Photo: Stephen Collett

Accounting firms in Free State help with recognition of top achievers
Accounting firms in the Free State have contributed to a fund at the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Centre for Accounting to give recognition to top achievers in the third-year programme for the B.Com. and B.Com Hons. degrees respectively this week. It is evidence of the good relationship that exists between the Centre and the South African Institute for Chartered Accountants (SAICA), Free State. Here, from the left, are: Mr Pieter Clase, CoetzeeSmit Chartered Accountants, Mr Oswald Wentworth, KPMG, Mr Ettienne van Niekerk, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Herman Leach, Gobodo Inc. Chartered Accountants, and Mr Stefan Strydom, Havenga, Rossouw & Viljoen; front: Mr Ian Smit, Enslins Bloemfontein, Ms Thelma Crossman, Mazars, and Ms Daphline O'Brien, Ernst & Young.
Photo: Stephen Collett

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20 April 2009
Faculty of Education, Faculty of the Humanities.

CHESD awards 15 masters degrees
A group of 15 students received the Structured M.A. (Higher Education Studies) of the Centre for Higher Education Studies and Development (CHESD) at this year’s autumn graduation ceremony of the University of the Free State (UFS). This is the biggest group in the centre's history to be awarded master’s degrees, while four of the students received distinctions. Also of interest is that six of the 15 students already have doctoral degrees. At the occasion were, from the left: Dr Dipane Hlalele, Qwaqwa Campus, Ms Liesl Hoare, Central Univeristy of Technology, Welkom Campus (best achiever), and Dr Fanus van Tonder, Programme Director: Higher Education Studies and Research, CHESD. Ms Hoare received the Deans medal in the Faculty of the Humanities as the best master’s graduate student at the graduation ceremony. At the faculty’s prize function she also received the Kovsie-Alumni Trust award as the best M.A student in the faculty. She also received the CHESD Prize for the best achievement in the Structured M.A. (Higher Education Studies).
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs

UFS awards degrees at autumn graduation ceremony
Five hundred and eighty six degrees and nine doctorates were awarded this week during this year's autumn graduation ceremony on the South Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) to students in the Faculty of the Humanities. At the occasion were, from the left: Nicola Bekker, Madré van der Merwe and Esté Scholtz. All three the ladies received the qualification B.A. Language Practice.
Photo: Lacea Loader

This year’s autumn graduation ceremony of the University of the Free State (UFS) is held on the South Campus in Bloemfontein. Today a group of students from the Programme: Governance and Political Transformation in the Faculty of the Humanities received their qualification. From the left, front are: Dr Tania Coetzee, Head of the Programme: Governance and Political Transformation, and Mr Itumeleng Liba, Chief Operation Officer at CENTLEC; back: Mr Kennett Sinclair, Vice-Chairperson of COPE in the Northern Cape, Ms Nicole Joannou, Goldfields Business and Catering, and Mr Tembeni Lobe from Bloemfontein.
Photo: Lacea Loader

Some of the students who received their qualifications during this week's graduation ceremony of the Faculty of the Humanities were, from the left: Shu-Jung Chan, B.Mus. Hons., Brian Gxavu, B.Mus., and Mpolokeng Lepote, B.A. Media Studies.
Photo: Lacea Loader

UFS’s CHESD awards doctoral degree
Ms Mardi Delport (middle), Assistant Director: Media and Communications at the Central University of Technology received her Doctoral degree at this year’s autumn graduation ceremony of the University of the Free State (UFS). The title of her thesis is: “An internal communication model for the Central University of Technology, Free State as a multi-campus institution”. With her are her promoter Prof. Driekie Hay (left), Vice-Rector: Academic Planning, and her co-promoter, Prof. Annette Wilkinson (right) from the Centre for Higher Education Studies and Development (CHESD) at the UFS.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs

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