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04 September 2025 | Story Lilitha Dingwayo | Photo Lunga Luthuli
Bibi Essop
Bibi Essop, newly elected Universal Access Officer of the Bloemfontein Campus CSRC, celebrates her election as a representative of CUADS and students living with disabilities at the UFS.

The University of the Free State (UFS) community proudly celebrates the appointment of Bibi Essop as the newly elected Campus Student Representative Council Universal Access Officer on the Bloemfontein Campus – a role of immense importance for inclusivity, representation, and student advocacy.

Living with brittle bone syndrome, Essop brings both personal insight and leadership to her portfolio, representing the Centre for Universal Access and Disability Support (CUADS). Her election is not only a personal milestone but also a testament to the university’s growing recognition of the importance of visible leadership by students with disabilities.

By stepping into this position, Essop embodies the empowerment of students who navigate both academic life and unique personal challenges. “This is the pinnacle of my achievements this year, as I have been working towards this for the past three to four years,” she says.

She emphasises that her first priority was to understand the needs of the community she represents. “I had to make sure I know the people I represent, which gave me the opportunity to learn about the other four cohorts on our campus: students with visual impairment, hearing impairment, and learning difficulties, since I am a part of the mobility impairment cohort,” she explains.

The role of Universal Access Officer is vital in ensuring that the needs of students with disabilities remain central to discussions about inclusivity, campus infrastructure, and academic support. Essop is determined to challenge misconceptions about the position. 

“Many people assume my portfolio is restricted to CUADS students only, whereas it is so diverse that it needs to be incorporated in every other portfolio. Accessibility at every event is essential for students living with disabilities,” she says. “Many students do not attend events because they presume that they will not be accommodated.” 

Looking beyond academics, Essop hopes to work closely with fellow CSRC members to ensure inclusivity across all aspects of student life. One initiative she is particularly excited about is Casual Day on 5 September 2025 - a celebration of different disabilities aimed at fostering awareness, education, and integration among all students. 

“The CSRC has reach and influence across all three campuses. By partnering with them, CUADS can amplify its work, ensure consistent messaging, and create opportunities for engagement that are student-driven. This collaboration allows us to step outside of formal support channels and become part of broader campus conversations, events, and initiatives,” says Mosa Moerane who is the liaison, advocacy and awareness officer for CUADS. 

Moerane explains that there are differences in challenges faced by students with disabilities on three campuses. “Bloemfontein, being the largest campus, often presents challenges around scale- serving a higher number of students with diverse needs. South Campus has its own dynamics, with many first-year students who may still be navigating disclosure and adjustment. Qwaqwa students face unique geographical and infrastructural challenges. CUADS responds by tailoring support through assistive technology, academic accommodations, or advocacy for improved accessibility while keeping the student’s lived experience at the centre,” said Moerane.

“The aim is always to make students in Qwaqwa and South Campuses feel as included as those in Bloemfontein. Also having offices at South Campus and Qwaqwa Campus with CUADS Coordinators assists in ensuring that our students are supported similarly to those on Bloemfontein Campus,” she added.

As UFS continues its journey towards greater inclusivity, Essop’s appointment serves as a reminder of the importance of representation across all student cohorts. It affirms that every voice, regardless of background or circumstance, deserves to be heard.

The university congratulates Bibi Essop on this well-deserved achievement. Her leadership represents a step towards ensuring that universal access is not just a policy, but a lived reality for all UFS students. 

News Archive

UFS Council unanimously reappoints Dr Khotso Mokhele as Chancellor
2015-04-02

 

Dr Khotso Mokhele, Chancellor of the University of the Free State

The Council of the University of the Free State (UFS) unanimously reappointed Dr Khotso Mokhele as Chancellor during its quarterly meeting held on 13 March 2015. He was first appointed in this portfolio by the Council on 4 June 2010.

“It is an honour for the Council to reappoint someone of this stature as Chancellor of the UFS. With his solid academic background and high profile in the business world, Dr Mokhele has been a great asset to the UFS. On behalf of the Council and the university community, I extend a word of appreciation for the work he has done during his first term as Chancellor of the UFS. He is an exceptional leader, and the university community is looking forward to have him as Chancellor for a second term,” said Judge Ian van der Merwe, Chairperson of the UFS Council.

Dr Mokhele was awarded a BSc Agriculture from Fort Hare University, and continued his studies at the University of California Davis (USA) on the Fulbright-Hays Scholarship Programme, completing his MSc (Food Science) and PhD (Microbiology). He was subsequently a postdoctoral fellow at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (USA) and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (USA). Dr Mokhele is the recipient of honorary doctorates from nine South African universities including the UFS, and from Rutgers University in the USA.

He was Chairman of the Rhodes Scholarship Selection Committee for Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland (2007-2011), and served on the South Africa at Large Rhodes Scholarship Selection Committee for more than 10 years. As President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Foundation for Research Development (1996-1999) and the NRF from 1999 to 2006, Dr Mokhele played a central role in providing visionary and strategic direction to the South African science system. He was the Founder President of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), Founder President and CEO of the National Research Foundation (NRF), Chairperson of the Economic Advisory Council to the Premier of the Free State (2001-2004), and a member of the Advisory Council on Innovation to the Minister of Science and Technology (2003-2007). His role in securing government and international support for the Southern African Large Telescope Project (SALT) is evidence of his dedication to science in South Africa. The success of this project laid the basis for South Africa being selected to host more than 70% of the Square Kilometre Array, an international mega telescope for radio astronomy.

In recognition of his contribution to the development of science, he was the recipient of the Technology Top 100 Lifetime Achievers Award in 2009 and the National Science and Technology Forum Award in 2005. His role in science is recognised internationally. He was an elected Vice-President: Scientific Planning and Review of the International Council for Science and Chairperson of its Committee for Scientific Planning and Review (2005-2008) as well as a member of the Committee on Developing and Transition Economy Countries of the International Social Science Council (2008-2010). He also represented South Africa on the executive board of UNESCO, and was awarded the Member Legion of Honour of the Republic of France for his work in strengthening scientific ties between South Africa and France.

Dr Mokhele currently serves as Special Advisor to the Minister of Science and Technology, the Honourable Naledi Pandor. His current corporate positions include: Non-Executive Chairman: Board of Directors, Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd (Implats); Lead Independent Non-Executive Director: African Oxygen Ltd (Afrox); Non-Executive Director of Zimbabwe Platinum Holdings Ltd (Zimplats); Hans Merensky Holdings Ltd; and Tiger Brands Ltd. He is the President of the Hans Merensky Foundation (South Africa) and a Trustee of SciDev.Net (a web-based scientific magazine based in London, UK) and Start International Inc (USA).

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