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UFS Council approves extension of Prof Bonang Mohale’s term as Chancellor

04 October 2024 | Story Lacea Loader | Photo Stephen Collett

During a meeting on 27 September 2024, the Council of the University of the Free State (UFS) approved the extension of Prof Bonang Mohale’s term as the eighth Chancellor for another five years – from 4 June 2025 to 3 June 2030.

“The university is fortunate to be able to extend the term of someone of Prof Mohale’s calibre. The Council and I are delighted that Prof Mohale will continue to fulfil the role of titular head of the university,” said Mr David Noko, Chairperson of the UFS Council.

“This well-deserved extension of Prof Mohale’s term as Chancellor is a testament to his exceptional leadership, vision, and commitment to the university’s success and growth. The university community deeply appreciates his ambassadorial dedication, his commitment to social justice and humanity in everything he does, his value-based leadership principles that are aligned with those of the UFS, and the way he engages with our staff and students during his many visits to the campuses,” said Prof Anthea Rhoda, acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, in a congratulatory letter to Prof Mohale.

“It is a great honour for me to serve for another term at one of the finest universities in the country. I am absolutely touched, profoundly humbled, and deeply honoured indeed! I am fully committed to continuing to advance the interests of the UFS and to be one of its ambassadors, and I wish to thank the Council for the confidence bestowed onto me,” said Prof Mohale.

Prof Mohale was appointed as Chancellor of the UFS on 4 June 2020. He is the former President of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), Professor of Practice in the Johannesburg Business School (JBS) in the Faculty of Business and Economics, and Chairman of two listed entities, the Bidvest Group Limited and ArcelorMittal, as well as Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Africa and SBV Services. He is a member of the Community of Chairpersons (CoC) of the World Economic Forum and author of two best-selling books, Lift as You Rise and Behold the Turtle. In November 2001, he received the Presidential Award for his ‘Servanthood in South African Industry and the Economic Empowerment of Previously Disadvantaged Individuals’.

He is the recipient of the following:

- African Union’s ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ 2024 at the Africa Career Summit and Gala Awards in recognition of exceptional contribution and achievement.

- 2024 Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychology South Africa (SIOPSA) ‘Special Presidential Business Leadership Award’ for commitment to ethical leadership, social justice, and economic transformation.

- 2023 ME-Vision Academy Award – ‘Exclusive Recognition in Successful Leadership’ for consistently leading self and people successfully; successfully leading as a senior executive and chief executive officer; successfully leading society in various impactful roles and contributing to mentoring and inspiring future successful leaders.

Prof Mohale has been included in the Reputation Poll International’s (RPI) 2023 list of the ‘100 Most Reputable Africans’. The selection criteria are integrity, reputation, transparency, visibility, and impact.

News Archive

UFS Centenary ends with a weekend of festivities

2005-02-04

The University of the Free State ’s (UFS) Centenary celebrations will come to an end this weekend with a packed programme.

“We celebrated this momentous milestone of the UFS since 28 January 2004 and want to end the year on a high note,” said Mr Jan Ras, Centenary Coordinator.

The weekend will start on Friday 4 February 2005 when Prof Frederick Fourie, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, will open the UFS officially. This will be followed by an historic photo of all staff and students who are on campus that day. All staff will be wearing their academic gowns and the Centenary emblem will be depicted.

The annual Kovsie Engen Rag, with We thank you South Africa as theme, will take place on Saturday 5 February 2005 . The procession will start at 08:00 from the UFS Kovsie church and will move down Nelson Mandela Drive and right into Markgraaff Street exit until it reaches St Andrew’s Street. From here it will turn right into Kings Way where it will stop at the Art Market at 10:00 . Prof Frederick Fourie will then propose a toast on the procession. Afterwards the groups and orchestras will step out and the floats will move through the center of town around Hoffman Square and then back to the UFS campus.

According to Mr Ras a reunion for the Student Representative Council (SRC) will also take place this weekend. About 100 former SRC members are expected to attend the planned activities.

The weekend will be concluded on Sunday 6 February 2005 with a special service of devotion, hosted by all the interdenominational groups on the campus. The service starts at 18:00 for 18:30 in front of the Main Building of the UFS and will be a celebration of praise, thanks and worship, followed by a message from Dr Wollie Grobler. The evening will be concluded with a mass choir and a fireworks display.

“Members of the public are welcome to attend the service of devotion and are requested to bring a candle for the purpose of the mass choir. Although chairs will be arranged in front of the Main Building , people are requested to bring extra pillows and blankets to sit on,” said Mr Ras.

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