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04 October 2024 | Story Lacea Loader | Photo Stephen Collett
Prof Bonang Mohale
Prof Bonang Mohale, eighth Chancellor of the University of the Free State.

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 celebrations come to an end
2005-02-03

OFFICIAL OPENING

The official opening of the UFS will take place on Friday 04 February 2005 at 09:00 in the Reitz Hall (Centenary Complex). Please note that this is a test and lecture free day. The Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Frederick Fourie will be the keynote speaker. Refreshments will be served at the Centenary Complex after the opening ceremony.

The historic Centenary photograph will be taken at 11:00 on the eastern side of the Red Square (CR Swart parking area). All staff members and students are invited to be part of this massive photograph.

Important

• There will be no parking allowed on the CR Swart parking area until 12:00 on Friday 04 February 2005, as a result of the photo session.

• All academic staff members are requested to wear academic dress on the day, seeing as staff members will depict the Centenary emblem on the photograph. Academic gowns may be collected from the Gown Store on Wednesday 02 - Thursday 03 February 2005 between 08:00 and 16:00. Gowns must be returned to the Gown Store after the photograph has been taken.

SERVICE OF DEVOTION

A special service of devotion will take place on Sunday 06 February 2005 at 18:00 for 18:30 in front of the Main Building on the Red Square. This is a special gathering of students, hosted by all the interdenominational groups on the UFS campus. The evening will be a celebration of praise, thanks and worship, followed by a message from Dr Wollie Grobler. The evening will conclude with song and fireworks.

Staff members and students are welcome to bring their friends and families to this special event.

Important

• Even though there will be chairs in front of the Main Building, staff members and students are requested to bring extra pillows and blankets to sit on.

• No persons or vehicles will be allowed on the eastern side of the Red Square or on the CR Swart parking area, due to the security requirements of the fireworks show.

• All members of the choir are invited to be part of the mass choir. Lyrics will be provided.

• All persons who attend this event are requested to bring a candle for the purpose of the mass choir.

• Special transportation arrangements will be made for all service workers to enable them to attend the service. If there is someone in your faculty, department or division who would like to make use of this service, please send an e-mail to Elize Rall (ralle.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za) no later than Tuesday 01 February 2005.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

• A reunion for all former SRC members of the UFS will take place on the campus, from 04 February to 06 February 2005. An interesting programme is being planned. For more information, please contact Nicolaas du Plessis on 084 955 0875.

• The annual Rag Procession will take place on Saturday 05 February 2005. For more information, contact the Rag Office at X 2718.

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