Mastery of language is not just about words on a page; it is about building bridges between cultures and creating a shared understanding of our human experience. At the University of the Free State (UFS), this intellectual craftsmanship is at the heart of our ‘North Star’ mission to shape responsible societal futures.
“At the UFS, translation is not a technical act, it is an ethical one. Our scholars show how language builds bridges towards responsible societal futures. This national recognition affirms the power of the arts as research: rigorous, imaginative, and deeply transformative,” remarked Prof Vasu Reddy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies.
A masterclass in translation
The prestigious SA Akademie Award for Translated Work is only bestowed every three years, making the competition exceptionally fierce. This year, the shortlist was a testament to Kovsie dominance: three of the four nominees were current or former UFS lecturers.
Voices shaping tomorrow
The university’s impact resonates far beyond the archives and into the hands of the next generation of changemakers. Alumna Lynthia Julius, who refined her craft through an honours in philosophy and an MA in creative writing at the UFS, was awarded the Eugène Marais Prize for her second poetry collection, Kinderlê.
Julius represents the sustainable future of South African literature – a voice that uses the power of poetry to navigate complex social realities.
Intellectual leadership
For Prof Reddy, this clean sweep is a validation of the university’s creative climate. “From Beckett in Afrikaans to poetry that speaks truth to power, Kovsie excellence demonstrates how creativity shapes society. Our researchers and alumni are not only winning awards – they are expanding cultural possibilities and intellectual leadership. The sweep of these awards reflects a university culture where scholarship, creativity, and social responsibility are inseparable.”