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24 July 2024
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The University of the Free State (UFS) is co-hosting the Global Social Innovation Indaba together with Social Innovation Exchange (SIX) on its Bloemfontein Campus from 30 September to 2 October 2024. This event brings together people from different sectors all over the world to discuss how to accelerate and support people-powered
change and create a better society for generations to come.
The UFS is excited to collaborate with SIX, as its vision and values overlap. During this three-day indaba, aspects such as – what it takes to build accountable, inclusive, and participatory institutions, specifically the future role of universities in South Africa – will be discussed. Themes to be explored include young people as drivers of change, post-industrial transitions and community resilience, the role of art, social change and bridging divides, and systemic approaches to dealing with unemployment.
Some of the speakers and participants in the programme include Carla Duprat from ICE (Brazil); Cheryl Jacob from ESquared Investments (South Africa); François Bonnici from the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship (Switzerland); Sir Geoff Mulgan from the University College London (UCL) in the United Kingdom; and Dr Narissa Ramdhani from the Ifa Lethu Foundation (South Africa).
The UFS will also use the opportunity to showcase its campus and offerings to attendees, focusing on its transformation story and some of the interdisciplinary forward-thinking programmes. Guests will also be treated to true South African hospitality, laying the foundation for strong relationships and collaboration.
SIX believes in the transformative power of people working together. Exchanges based on mutual value and reciprocity are the missing link in tackling the world’s problems. As a friendly, expert entry point to global social innovation, their work connects organisations, sectors, communities, and nations to build capabilities and create opportunities for collaboration.
Former student receives medal from Economic Society of South Africa (ESSA)
2009-10-12
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Dr Meshach Aziakpono, a former Ph.D. student of the University of the Free State (UFS), was recently awarded the Founder’s medal of the Economic Society of South Africa (ESSA) during a prize-giving function that coincided with the society’s biennial conference held in Port Elizabeth. The Founder’s medal is awarded to the best Ph.D. thesis in Economics completed at a South African university. Dr Aziakpono completed his Ph.D. in Economics in 2008 with a thesis entitled “The Depth of Financial Integration and its Effects on Financial Development and Economic Performance of the Southern African Customs Union Countries”. His supervisor was Prof. Philippe Burger (left), Chairperson of the Department of Economics at the UFS and his co-supervisor was Prof. Stan du Plessis (right) from Stellenbosch University. The photo was taken last year during the Chancellor's Dinner held on the UFS Main Campus in Bloemfontein.
Photo: Lacea Loader |