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ASSAf
Prof Carlien Pohl-Albertyn (left) and Prof Serges Kamga from the University of the Free State have been elected to the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), recognising their excellence in research and academic leadership.

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

News Archive

Official opening ceremony of the UFS Qwaqwa Campus
2006-02-15

Official opening ceremony of the UFS Qwaqwa Campus
11th February 2006 – Multipurpose Hall

Opening Speech:
Prof. Peter A. Mbati
Campus Principal

Successfully rising to the challenges of incorporations and mergers – developing a vibrant and academically stimulating satellite campus of the University of the Free State.

Thank you Mr. Program Director and good morning ladies and gentlemen.

I wish to once again welcome all of you to the official opening ceremony of the University of the Free State QQ campus.  Thank you for taking time to share with us an important date in our campus academic calendar.  I bring you greetings from our Rector and Vice Chancellor Prof. Frederick Fourie.

During such occasions we try and reflect on important matters that have affected us as an institution in the preceding year, commit ourselves to specific objectives for the current year, while planning for the proceeding year.

Today I shall be talking on Successfully rising to the challenges of incorporations and mergers – developing a vibrant and academically stimulating satellite campus of the University of the Free State’.

SRC inauguration
I would like to congratulate the SRC President and the entire SRC leadership for being elected into important positions of student leadership and authority. 

As a university we are proud of the quality of our student leadership on the Qwaqwa campus.  I am confident that you young leaders will rise to the challenges of your office and discharge your duties with diligence and without fear or favour.  That you will rise above your party affiliations and provide effective leadership to the entire student body on campus.
                              
Leadership is complex and requires you to be objective, just and fair in your approach to the many challenges that you will encounter.  You will be judged not by the populist decision that you take when confronted with difficult choices, but rather, on the wisdom that you exercise in reaching consensus in decision making processes.

The era when management and student leadership viewed each other with suspicion and as adversaries is long gone.  Management, academic and administrative staff, parents and students must have common agendas in as far the  quality growth and development of our university is concerned and to strive towards academic excellence.  I leave the challenge to you students, and more so to the inaugurated student leaders to define your agenda in achieving this noble objective.  I trust that you will make the right choices.

Brief history of incorporation
On the recommendations of the National Working Group of Higher Education, the Qwaqwa Campus of the then University of the North was incorporated into the University of the Free State on 1st January 2003.  We suddenly had to move from a campus that was originally semi-autonomous and with its own culture developed over almost 20 years, into a campus that had to operate as a fully integrated campus of the UFS, a 100 year old institution with its distinct culture.

Following incorporation, we not only had to continue with our core business of teaching, learning, research and community service, but we also had to engage in other important aspects such as exploring the most appropriate models of governance for the campus, encouraging dialogue and interactions at all levels between personnel at the different campuses with a view to developing trust between colleagues. And with the added dimensions such as participation in the transformation task team we in effect are at the fore front of developing a new institutional culture at the UFS and a truly South African University.

UFS Strategic objectives
The strategic and transformation priorities of the University of the Free State for 2006 – 2008 as approved by the Executive Management at its retreat in January 2006 are:

  • Quality and Excellence
  • Equity, diversity and redress
  • Financial sustainability
  • Regional co-operation and engagement

Central to this priority is the integration of the Qwaqwa campus as a valuable constituent part of the UFS, and the strategic reconfiguration of the campus in order that the UFS can play a meaningful role in regional engagement and development.

  • National leadership

The five strategic objectives cannot be viewed in isolation and run simultaneously and in concert with each other. 

The Question must therefore be what we on the QQ campus, staff and students, parents and our broader community are willing to do to achieve these strategic objectives. The reconfiguration and strategic planning of this campus, and therefore its success, must be a collaborative effort between colleagues at QQ and on the main campus.  We must all be ready to work together, to plan together, to shoulder responsibilities together and sometimes, to share the pain and disappointments together. 

The second question must therefore be: are we prepared to go that extra mile for our campus to ensure that we claim our rightful stake within the ranks of well respected academic institutions of higher learning in this country?  At this point in its history this campus requires committed men and women from across the cultural spectrum who appreciate the challenges ahead of us and who are ready to give of their best and to constructively engage at all levels to make this dream a reality.  Because this dream is possible and this dream will be realized!

Quality and Excellence (1st strategic objective)

As mentioned by the Rector in his speech at the official opening ceremony of the university on the main campus on Friday 3rd February, the university will in 2006 pay extra attention to Quality and Excellence.  This is informed by the Higher Education Quality Committee’s (HEQC) institutional audit which is scheduled to take place this year.  Our university as well as several other HEI’s will be subjected to this audit.  This will call for a lot of hard work on your part in preparation for a successful audit and in this regard therefore I request for your cooperation.

As a further step in confirming our commitment to quality and excellence, we have simultaneously introduced on the QQ campus and the main campus workshops on performance management systems to a cohort group.  This will be expanded in 2006 to a wider group of managers on the QQ campus to include among others all Program Heads and Subject Heads. PMS is an invaluable tool for fair, effective and efficient management of a very important resource on campus – the human resource.  Benefits of PMS include among others:

  • Instilling and enriching a culture of performance management (quality assurance) as an integral part of the day to day functioning of staff at the campus
  • Improving staff performance through mentoring, development and training

Tri campus project
One of the more important projects that we as a university undertook in 2005 was the Tri Campus Project which was coordinated by the Free State Higher Education Consortium (FSHEC) through Niel Butcher and Associates consultants.

The Tri-Campus project focused on the strategic planning for higher education campuses in the Free State that have been incorporated with UFS and CUT during the reshaping of the South African higher education landscape. The Bloemfontein Vista campus and the Qwaqwa campus of the University of the North were incorporated with the UFS, and the Welkom Vista campus with the CUT.

The planning process involved a range of research and consultation activities during the course of 2005. This included:

  • Conducting situational analyses of the Qwaqwa campus during which staff and students were widely consulted;
  • Consulting with the campus and with a range of stakeholders in the sub-region
  • Review of the Free State Provincial Growth and Development Strategy and Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) of the regions and other research of relevance to the sub-regions, province and country.

An operational framework for the reconfiguration of the campus with a range of possible Program Qualification Mixes has been produced.  In December 2005, the Rector, the Vice Rector Academic Planning Prof. Magda Fourie and I discussed this document with senior members of the DoE in Pretoria, and we will soon be meeting with the National Minister of Education Me Naledi Pandor for her guidance and to seek support in the further refinement of the document and subsequent implementation.

Recapitalization
This year a further R 6 M has been budgeted for recapitalization.  In about two weeks time the third of phase of renovations on campus will commence and attention will be given to the administration building, the humanities and the outstanding work in the lecture hall complex.  There- after the library, sciences and education buildings will follow.  As you will recall a substantial portion of the R 8.4 million in 2005 was used to upgrade the student residences and the lecture hall complex.

I am certain that the renovations and upgrading of our infrastructure and physical facilities including landscaping will create an enabling environment for you to enjoy your work and studies on this campus.

Renovations come with some measure of inconveniences and I therefore wish to request for your patience and support during this period.

Closing remarks
There is a heightened spirit of optimism on what the future holds for this campus.  This is evident when I talk to a large cross section of staff and students of this campus – and I therefore invite all of you to come and be partners with us on this journey of optimism and hope of what the future holds for the UFS – QQ campus.

Thank you and God bless!

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