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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.
First woman appointed to represent the religious community on UFS Council
2015-12-08

Dr Nthabeleng Rammile |
The Council of the University of the Free State (UFS) approved the appointment of Dr Nthabeleng Rammile as representative of the religious community during its meeting on Friday 4 December 2015. She is the first woman to be appointed in this portfolio on Council.
“We are really privileged to have on Council a person of high integrity who not only has a sound knowledge of the academic world, but also brings real skills in marketing and brand management to university governance. In addition, Dr Rammile has a heart for students, including both their academic and spiritual needs,” says Prof Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS.
Dr Rammile, an alumnus of the UFS, was a lecturer in the university’s Department of Business Management from 2003. She ended her lecturing tenure when she decided to join the ministry full-time in December 2014. She was ordained in 2003 as a Pastor of the Global Reconciliation Church. While at the UFS, she completed her Master's in Services Marketing and a PhD in Brand Management.
She played a pivotal mentoring role and gave her students first-hand work experience by working closely with the private sector, as she wanted to ensure that her students leave the UFS with a real understanding of the working world.
At the Global Reconciliation Church, she is responsible for women’s ministry, community outreach projects, as well as multimedia services. She is passionate about inspiring and empowering women to become successful in all spheres of their lives, namely career, business, motherhood, academia and socially. Dr Rammile is an advocate for a healthy lifestyle, and she also conducts workshops that teach women in her ministry how to live healthy and well-balanced lifestyles.