Prof Hendrik Swart (left), Eric Maluta, current President of the SAIP (Right). By: Neo Ntsele Prof Hendrik Swart from the University of the Free State (UFS) has received the 2026 South African Institute of Physics (SAIP) De Beers Gold Medal, the institute's highest accolade, for his remarkable career of over forty years in promoting physics through research, leadership, mentorship, and capacity building in South Africa. The award was announced during the 70th Annual Confere

By: Neo Ntsele On Thursday, 25 June 2026, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and various emergency response stakeholders took part in a comprehensive simulation exercise at Bram Fischer International Airport. This exercise is part of ongoing efforts to ensure operational readiness and to identify and address any shortcomings in emergency response plans. Regular simulation exercises are crucial for preparing all relevant stakeholders to respond effectively and efficiently

By: Neo Ntsele The University of the Free State (UFS) has made notable progress in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Rankings 2026, achieving its highest global performance in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10: Reduced Inequalities. The University is positioned in the 101–200 band, placing it among the leading institutions worldwide. This ranking places UFS among a distinguished group of universities globally recognized for translating the promise of

Premier Letsoha-Mathae handing the ambulances By: Ntsele Neo Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae presented 14 ambulances to the Free State Department of Health at Bongani Hospital on 17 June 2026. She was joined by MEC for Health Monyatso Mahlatsi and MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport Jabu Mbalula. Letsoha-Mathae stated that the introduction of new ambulances is part of the government's initiative to enhance life-saving efforts in the province. Seven ambulances have b

By: Neo Ntsele On 15 June 2026, the Mangaung Metro District Youth Crime Prevention Committee effectively organized a Youth Crime Prevention Capacity Building and Induction Programme at Van Stadensrus Community Hall. This event gathered Youth Crime Prevention Desks from station, district, and provincial levels, along with facilitators and representatives from all 21 police stations within the Mangaung Metro District. The programme was managed by the Mangaung Metro District You

Marisna Nel By: Neo Ntsele The University of the Free State (UFS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Marisna Nel, Chief Financial Officer, to the Finance and Investment Committee (FIC) of Universities South Africa (USAf), the representative body for South Africa’s public universities. Nel was appointed by the Executive Committee of the USAf Board of Directors after a nomination and selection process. Her three-year term began immediately and will continue until 31 May

MEC Dr Mamiki Maboya By: Staff Reporter Dr Mamiki Maboya, the MEC for the Free State Education Department, condemns the disruptions in Henneman schools and calls for the safeguarding of educational time. She expressed deep concern over the interruption and closure of six schools in Henneman due to ongoing service delivery protests that are unrelated to education. For weeks, education has been halted at four primary and two high schools, depriving over 6,000 students of their

Prof Serges Kamga By: Neo Ntsele Prof Serges Kamga, Dean of the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Faculty of Law, has been appointed to the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development by the United Nations Human Rights Council. This appointment underscores his personal commitment to justice and the UFS’s expanding international presence. The Expert Mechanism acts as an advisory body that promotes the right to development globally. It strives to ensure tha

Nokulunga Ludidi By: Neo Ntsele Demonstrating incredible human resilience, two University of the Free State (UFS) graduates have overcome significant health challenges to achieve academic excellence, illustrating that determination, faith, and support can guide one through the darkest periods. On Friday, 17 April 2026, Nokulunga Ludidi and Dr Tobias Ndlovu proudly stood among their peers at the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences’ April graduation ceremony, their a

Prof Sam Tshehla By: Neo Ntsele The University of the Free State (UFS) has announced the appointment of Prof Sam Tshehla as Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Strategic Initiatives, International and Institutional Affairs, starting 1 April 2026. Prof. Tshehla is an academic leader, applied mathematician, and higher education strategist with over twenty years of experience in university leadership, research, and institutional development. He is currently a Professor of Mathematics and

Relebohile Moletsane, Sheila Sisulu, Ingrid Winterbach, Prof Anmari van der Westhuizen Joubert, and Zukiswa Wanner By: Neo Ntsele During the April 2026 graduation ceremonies at the Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses, the University of the Free State (UFS) will award honorary doctorates to four esteemed individuals. The university will also present a Council Medal to honor exceptional contributions to music and the arts. The UFS grants honorary degrees to individuals whose acc

Delegates from SEDFA and Mohokare Municipality By: Neo Ntsele The Xhariep District Municipality, in collaboration with SEDFA, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Small Business Development sector, successfully organised a significant workshop and awareness roadshow focused on the Spaza Shop Fund and the critical issue of foot-and-mouth disease. This informative event took place at the Zastron Town Hall on Wednesday, the 11th, drawing a substantial cro

Deputy Minister of Health Joe Phaahla and FS Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae By: Staff Reporter Premier Letsoha-Mathae’s advocacy for more women contractors has been validated. The successful completion of the Borwa Clinic, a state-of-the-art health facility in Tweespruit, by a woman-led construction company, strongly supports the Premier’s viewpoint. “Women contractors should be given the same opportunities as men, not just because they are women, but because they are compete

President Cyril Ramaphosa By: Staff Reporter President Cyril Ramaphosa has denounced the mistreatment of women by men who use culture and tradition as a cover. On Thursday, 4, the President addressed the Free State Provincial Men’s Indaba during the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children. Addressing over 9,000 attendees at Lemo Green Park, President Ramaphosa stated that violence against women and children has reached intolerable levels. The President

Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mamoloko Kubayi By: Neo Ntsele A Safe Haven for Victims and a Step Toward Effective Prosecution. In South Africa, over the last six financial years, more than 100,000 cases involving child victims have been recorded. Among these, more than 22,000 were sexual offences. Recently, a 32-year-old man from Botshabelo in Mangaung was successfully prosecuted and convicted for sexually as

Poster By: Staff reporter The Department of Education has warned the matriculants of class of 2025 to refrain from hosting pens-down parties, as they normally do not end well, sometimes even leading to the death of some learners. "Class of 2025, your determination has brought you to the final phase of the exam season. Celebrate in ways that elevate you and honour the commitment that has steered your path. If an event promises excitement but lacks proper oversight or reliable

Dr Franklin Sonn By: Neo Ntsele The esteemed Dr Franklin Sonn, an advocate for justice and education and the chancellor of the University of the Free State (UFS) from 2002 to 2009, passed away on Saturday, 15, at age 86. He was born in Vosburg, located in the Karoo, and grew up in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof. Hester C. Klopper expressed gratitude for his dedicated service and contributions to the institution. “We are profoundly thankful for Dr

Prof Carlien Pohl-Albertyn (left) and Prof Serges Kamga By: Neo Ntsele Two academics from the University of the Free State (UFS), Prof Serges Kamga and Prof Carlien Pohl-Albertyn, have been elected to the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), acknowledging their significant contributions to research and scholarship. Dr Mutshidzi Mulondo was also selected for the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS), recognised for his work in public mental health. Prof Kamga,

Prof Ylva Rodny-Gumede By: Neo Ntsele The University of the Free State (UFS) announced the appointment of Prof Ylva Rodny-Gumede as Executive Director: Advancement, effective 1 November 2025. Prof Rodny-Gumede will provide strategic leadership for the university’s Institutional Advancement, Communication and Marketing, and Student Recruitment portfolios. Prof Rodny-Gumede joins the UFS from the University of Johannesburg (UJ), where she served as Senior Director, Division o

Martiale Zebaze Kana, Head of the Science Unit at the UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa; Runè van der Merwe, UFS PhD student and 2025 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science awardee; and Serge Sacre, CEO of L’Oréal South Africa, at the 2025 awards ceremony. By: Neo Ntsele Runè van der Merwe , a final-year PhD student in the Department of Zoology and Entomology at the University of the Free State (UFS), has been selected as one of eight recipients of the prestigious