By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – The University of the Free State (UFS) is setting its sights on global excellence, with its Qwaqwa campus positioned at the heart of this ambitious vision.
With a renewed focus on innovation, community impact, and academic growth, the campus is set to play a pivotal role in advancing the university’s Vision 130 plan.
In an exclusive interview with The Guard at her welcoming ceremony on 10 March, newly appointed Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Hester Klopper, emphasized the critical role of the Qwaqwa campus in shaping the future of UFS. She stressed that the university’s success depends on innovation, interconnectedness, and strong engagement between the institution and the surrounding community.
“The fact that we are here today demonstrates our commitment to this community. How we move forward with Vision 130 is through engagement that cuts across research, community involvement, and teaching. Part of this process is to understand the specific needs of the community, the difference we can make, and how we can collaborate with different stakeholders, not only to advance the university but also to uplift the community. My intention is to meet the people and understand their needs,” Prof Klopper said.
Adding to Prof Klopper’s sentiments, Prof Prince Ngobeni, Principal of the Qwaqws campus, highlighted the deep connection between the university and the surrounding community.
“This campus is in the community, and it has the opportunity to create jobs and improve the lives of members of Maluti-a-Phofung,” he said.
As part of her strategic priorities, Prof. Klopper outlined five key focus areas for UFS’s development:
•Entrepreneurship and Innovation – Establishing UFS as an entrepreneurial and innovative ecosystem by fostering closer partnerships with the community.
•Sustainability – Diversifying income streams through the revision of academic programs and qualification offerings to ensure long-term financial stability.
•Internationalization – Unlocking global research collaborations to position UFS as a leading international institution.
•First-Choice Employer – Attracting and retaining well-trained, highly qualified academic and administrative staff.
•Multi-Campus Integration – Defining what it truly means to be a successful multi-campus university and ensuring cohesion across different UFS campuses.
Newly appointed Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Hester Klopper at UFS Qwaqwa campus.
“The future of universities must be rooted in the community. This campus plays a critical role in advancing the UFS agenda through innovation, creation, and collaboration. No one can progress unless everyone progresses together,” Prof. Klopper stated during her address to those gathered at her welcoming ceremony.
The Qwaqwa campus, known for its vibrant academic community and strong local impact, is expected to play a significant role in achieving these objectives. Prof. Klopper commended the leadership of Prof. Ngobeni and encouraged students and staff to work together in unlocking the full potential of the institution.
Her message resonated with UFS’s broader commitment to growth, transformation, and inclusivity, ensuring that the university remains a beacon of higher learning in South Africa and beyond.
With this renewed focus, the Qwaqwa campus is poised to be a driving force in the realization of Vision 130, fostering academic excellence, community development, and innovation in the years to come.
