From the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Hester Klopper

Welcome to the University of the Free State.
Welkom by die Universiteit van die Vrystaat.
O a amohelwa ho University of the Free State.
Siyakwamukela eNyuvesi yase-Free State.

Welcome to the university where all our actions are guided by quality, impact, and care while we inspire excellence and transform lives with a continuous outward focus.

Everything we do must matter. We do not just want to change with the times, we want to lead change. Our past achievements and accomplishments, infused with a commitment to transform, offer a dynamic and innovative space for our students and staff.

Vision 130 is our guiding light for the road ahead, leading to 2034 when our beloved university will celebrate 130 years of existence. It provides stability and clarity for planning and decision-making and allows us to extend our influence and impact locally, regionally, and globally. Ultimately, we want to establish ourselves as a top-tier university in South Africa, ranked among the best in the world. Since its launch in November 2022, we have made great strides towards realising some of our key Vision 130 goals. With academic excellence, quality, and impact, we want to generate and impart new knowledge to make the world a better place. This will only be possible through sustainable relationships, as well as a diverse, inclusive, and equitable university culture.

As one of the oldest and most esteemed institutions of higher education in South Africa, we have grown from six students in a single faculty in 1904, to around 40 000 students in seven faculties, spread out over three diverse campuses in South Africa’s Free State province.

As a research-led institution, our research efforts are driven by dedicated scholars, some of whom are international leaders in their fields, and are aimed at industry and social impact and real-world application. We apply our knowledge and skills to respond to societal needs around us – including playing an important developmental role in the schools in our feeder area.

Our students are at the heart of what we do. We have developed holistic student support initiatives – ranging from academic to psycho-social and peer support – enabling us to achieve some of the highest success rates in the country. These student support measures have earned us international recognition and have helped us to uphold a long tradition of quality teaching and learning, as we harness technology and advanced data analytics to stay at the forefront of pedagogical excellence.

Our quality graduates are in demand globally. Their employability is supported by continuous curriculum renewal that is informed by our established network of industry partners and close collaboration with the public and private sectors.

As a university, we are also a responsible global citizen, embracing our obligation towards our students, staff, stakeholders, society in general, and the global knowledge community, through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Built on a value bedrock of excellence, innovation and impact, accountability, care, social justice and sustainability, we will continue to contribute to development and social justice through the production of globally competitive graduates and knowledge, making an impact in our country, our continent, and our world.

We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful campuses!

Prof Hester C. Klopper

Vice-Chancellor and Principal
University of the Free State

Dear colleagues and students,

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Prof Deliwe Rene Phetlhu as Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences from 1 January 2026.

Prof Phetlhu joins the University of the Free State from the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, where she is currently the Head of the Department of Nursing. She holds a PhD in community nursing science and a master’s in health sciences (cum laude), both from the North-West University. She is an accomplished academic leader with 20 years of extensive experience in clinical practice, private health care, and academia, of which 15 years are in senior leadership and more than six years as head of department.

She is registered with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Registered Professional Nurse, Educator, Manager, and Community Health Specialist, and brings a wealth of expertise in strategic leadership, human capital management, financial oversight, leadership development, and research. Prof Phetlhu’s passion lies in fostering quality assurance, driving research initiatives, and empowering others through mentorship and professional growth.

As an accomplished educator, curriculum developer, and researcher, Prof Phetlhu has a proven track record in teaching and learning, successfully supervising master’s and PhD students. She thrives on building collaborative networks and has established strong partnerships across diverse sectors, both nationally and internationally.

Prof Phetlhu’s appointment will not only bring proven leadership and academic depth but also align with the University of the Free State’s commitment to innovation, research, teaching-learning, and global excellence in health sciences. Her leadership has yielded measurable results in curriculum innovation, postgraduate training, quality assurance, and the expansion of international partnerships.

Prof Phetlhu is a fellow of the Academy of Nursing in South Africa and has received leadership recognition awards from Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) from 2013 to 2017. Currently, she is Vice-Chairperson of the South African Nursing Council, a member of the Gauteng Department of Health Education and Training Policy Committee, and leader of the Quality Assurance Framework task group, as well as a member of the Research Portfolio Committee of FUNDISA. She has successfully secured multimillion-rand research grants and led large-scale operational programmes, including managing a R500 million TB initiative under the Global Fund.

Please join me in welcoming Prof Phetlhu to the University of the Free State. I am confident that under her leadership, our Faculty of Health Sciences will grow from strength to strength.

Sincerely,

Prof Hester C. Klopper

Vice-Chancellor and Principal
University of the Free State