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IOL News
4 days ago
- Science
- IOL News
How barn owls are reshaping the ecological narrative at the University of the Free State
New owl chicks born in their nest high above the library of the University of the Free State (UFS) Image: UFS High above the hushed study spaces of the Sasol Library at the University of the Free State (UFS), a remarkable conservation story unfolds, intertwining the realms of academia and urban wildlife. Nestled within the library's rafters, a pair of barn owls has not only found a home but has also become a symbol of ecological resilience and community engagement. Their journey, marked by challenges and triumphs, reflects a profound narrative of coexistence, prompting students and staff alike to reconsider the role of educational spaces in fostering biodiversity. As these owls raise their chicks amidst the backdrop of scholarly pursuits, they invite us to explore the delicate balance between nature and knowledge, reminding us that even in the heart of urban environments, life thrives in unexpected ways. Professor Vasu Reddy, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Internationalisation, who oversees libraries within the institution, said the owls embody a deeper meaning. 'If we consider Shakespeare's play, All's Well That Ends Well, then the presence of the owls in the Sasol Library confirms another meaning of that play,' he said. 'Love is not always considered noble but is something persistent, and our library exemplifies a living ecosystem where documents, people, and even animals can interact in nurturing ways.' The owls have resided in the library since 2016, but the turning point came in 2023 when a distressed owl was spotted outside the building, triggering a grassroots conservation initiative led by concerned staff and students. Tanya Scherman from the Centre for Teaching and Learning was the first to respond, discovering that the owl had likely suffered secondary poisoning from a contaminated rodent. 'That moment became the catalyst for a grassroots conservation initiative,' she explained, as she reached out to local wildlife experts and veterinary assistance. A pair of barn owls have been nesting in the library's roof space Image: UFS Professor Francois Deacon from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences stepped in with enthusiasm. 'As someone passionate about urban wildlife conservation, I saw a great opportunity—not just to support the owls, but to involve students in hands-on learning,' he noted. 'These projects offer rare chances to study animal behaviour in real time, outside the confines of a lab.' With postgraduate students Ruan Higgs and Kaitlyn Taylor, Deacon's team assessed the owls' behaviour and designed a nesting structure. The effort to build the nesting box turned personal for Scherman, who collaborated with her father on the project, symbolising a connection that extends beyond academia. The results of this collaboration have already shown promise. In 2023, the barn owls successfully raised two owlets, and now, another breeding attempt has resulted in six eggs, with three visible owlets emerging. According to Professor Deacon, the installation of a motion-triggered infrared field camera has provided invaluable insights into the owls' behaviour, aiding student research into their diet and nesting preferences. 'These owls are teaching tools,' he asserted, linking them directly to real-world ecological applications. The ecological role of these owls on campus is significant. Each pair can consume hundreds of rodents in a single breeding season, contributing to a reduction in the need for toxic pesticides. Scherman noted, 'We found remains of small birds and insects in their regurgitated pellets, showing how adaptable they are in an urban setting.' However, urban life is fraught with challenges for these birds, and both Scherman and Deacon advocate for awareness and caution among campus visitors to protect them from disturbances and potential dangers. Night cameras are keeping an eye on the owls, which also are used for research Image: UFS The emergence of this conservation project is also shifting cultural perceptions of owls. Often cloaked in myths and fears, it is essential to raise awareness about owls as symbols of wisdom and protectors of the ecosystem. Scherman explained, 'The presence of owls among us is a living testament to the rich biodiversity that thrives even in urban spaces.' As the initiative gathers momentum, its implications extend beyond the immediate conservation goals to encompass community and collaborative relationships within the UFS. Professor Reddy emphasises the broader narrative of coexistence and compassion emerging from the project. 'It's clear that what may be seen as disruptive has become a pedagogical tool,' he reflected. 'Our library is not just a repository of books but a space where stories merge with nature, nurturing our collective future.' Looking forward, the desire for further collaboration and expansion of cross-campus initiatives is growing. Professor Deacon envisions new projects that may conserve other species and promote biodiversity on campus, fostering a culture that recognises the importance of ecological balance alongside academic pursuits. As the owls continue to thrive above the Sasol Library, their presence serves as a powerful reminder of the harmonious coexistence possible between nature and knowledge. In the words of Professor Reddy, this odyssey 'shows how we connect to the world by sheltering not just precious books, but also crafting an important ecosystem of empathy.'
The South African
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
These fun Highveld festivals are warming up the region this winter
It may be winter, but these Highveld festivals radiate creativity and warmth. Spanning Gauteng and the Free State, events are taking place across the colder months. There's an emphasis on the arts across both provinces, though you'll also find lots of delicious food on the menu. There's even one that's all about champagne and chocolate… The event programmes are varied, featuring top local performers, as well as a couple of GRAMMY winners. Whether you're for thought-provoking talks or dancing the night away, you can pick and choose from these four festivals. One of a series in events at Constitution Hill, Basha Uhuru Creative Week runs next week. The four-day festival will host print exhibitions, poetry readings and film screenings. Then there's an amapiano showcase and a market for creative brands. A big focus is the industry workshops that span multiple art disciplines. Topics include poetry, hemp and cannabis, and the business of fashion. This is a Highveld festival that creatives in the area won't want to miss. 25-28 June Johannesburg, Gauteng The Vrystaat Kunste Fees, or Free State Arts Festival, is an Afrikaans language festival that aims to collaborate with English and Sotho cultures. The University of the Free State is a key partner, hosting the event on its Bloemfontein campus. This Highveld festival has a multidisciplinary programme that ranges from music to literature. In addition to performances and exhibitions, there's a series of hands-on workshops. These include therapeutic writing and resin pouring. 15 – 19 Jul 2025 Bloemfontein, Free State One more gathering for the Highveld, the Cullinan Champagne, Chocolate & Gin Festival brings a sparkly touch to this winter. The event brings together South Africa's best MCCs, craft gin and artisanal chocolates. In addition to the gourmet goods, the festival also hosts a market of arts and crafts stalls. It's a good excuse for taking a short drive outside Tshwane to Cullinan's old-world streets. 30 August 2025 Cullinan, Gauteng This premier music festival runs across two days outside Tshwane. Music lovers will appreciate that headliners include GRAMMY award-winning artists Doja Cat and Leon Thomas. There are multiple stages across the weekend with a kaleidoscopic variety of artists. With the festival taking place on a farm, this Highveld festival also offers a camping and glamping experience for visitors. 30-31 August Tshwane, Gauteng Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Daily Maverick
20-06-2025
- Science
- Daily Maverick
Leading Change: Prof Hester C. Klopper Charts Bold Course for the University of the Free State
History was made at the University of the Free State (UFS) as Prof Hester C. Klopper was officially inaugurated on 9 June 2025 as the institution's 15th Vice-Chancellor and Principal – and the first woman to hold this prestigious position in the institution's 121-year history. Presented in the Odeion Auditorium on the Bloemfontein Campus and attended by a wide variety of university stakeholders, high-profile guests, and staff, the installation ceremony was a momentous occasion, marked by celebratory moments. Prof Klopper's inauguration address, titled Walking Together with Purpose: Unlocking Excellence to Lead Change, unveiled an innovative vision that promises to reshape the UFS and South Africa's higher education landscape for the digital age. Bold new ventures include two major funding initiatives, as well as the launch of a Veterinary Science programme at the UFS, making it only the second institution in South Africa to offer this qualification. It all forms part of a vision to transform the UFS into a research-led powerhouse that harnesses artificial intelligence responsibly while preserving human connection and an African identity. Creating responsible societal futures is at the centre of this vision. AI Revolution in Higher Education During her inauguration address, Prof Klopper expounded on the educational crossroads facing universities worldwide. While artificial intelligence capabilities double in power every few months, she argued, educational systems remain frozen in 19th-century models. 'We are preparing students for a world that is transforming faster than we can imagine, using methods designed for a world that no longer exists,' she declared. Prof Klopper has a clear vision for UFS graduates. In a world where AI can process information faster than humans and generate content more efficiently than writers, she urged for a critical evaluation of what makes graduates valuable. 'Not their ability to memorise information – AI can do that infinitely better,' she explained. 'What will make them irreplaceable is their ability to think creatively, empathise deeply, ask the right questions, challenge assumptions, and work collaboratively with both humans and artificial intelligence.' Innovative Abilities within the UFS Prof Klopper's approach is not about importing solutions from elsewhere. Through extensive engagement with staff, students, and stakeholders since her appointment on 1 February 2025, she has reached the encouraging realisation that the required innovative abilities already exist within the UFS. 'How do we further unlock the potential that lies dormant in our own university?' she asked. The answer, she believes, lies in one powerful concept: connection. Transdisciplinary teaching and research and regional and global collaboration form an environment for cutting-edge innovation. She indicated that the UFS' purpose is embedded in five intersected and interconnected strategic pillars, four guardrails, and a concise action plan. Five Strategic Pillars for the Future Academic Excellence and AI-Enhanced Research Impact tops her agenda. Rather than viewing artificial intelligence as a threat, Prof Klopper envisions it as amplifying human creativity. The university will pursue transdisciplinary research tackling climate change, inequality, and technological disruption. Institutional Agility in the Age of Exponential Change addresses the bureaucratic bottlenecks plaguing modern universities. A comprehensive digital systems maturity model aims to create seamless experiences while ensuring that systems serve people, not bureaucracy. Transformational Culture for a New Generation goes beyond compliance to create an environment where emotional intelligence, creativity, and adaptability are valued alongside technical knowledge. The focus extends to curriculum innovation and deep societal connection. Systemic Sustainability and Strategic Responsible Investment tackles the financial realities facing higher education. Two new initiatives demonstrate this commitment: The VC-ISRC Imbewu Legacy Fund for student support (already boosted by R1,3 million from the Motsepe Foundation, matched by the UFS) and the Talent Magnet Fund to attract world-class academics. Collaborative Innovation and Global Integration breaks down artificial barriers between disciplines, institutions, and sectors. Rather than working in isolation, Prof Klopper envisions building future-fit partnerships. 'My vision is for the UFS to become an Innovation Hub – a true Entrepreneurial Knowledge Ecosystem, thriving on the creative synergy produced when our best academic minds work together across our three campuses, allowing us to be the very best we can be.' Four Guardrails for Success Four non-negotiable guardrails will assist the university in guiding this transformation: The Irreplaceable Heart of the UFS is its People, as human connection becomes more precious in the age of artificial intelligence. The Strategic People Development Strategy will assist in building leadership capacity for the digital age. Leading Through Partnership in the Age of Collaboration will require 'unified leadership with a unified purpose'. From Vision to Innovative Reality will keep the university focused on the execution and transformative impact of its actions. Responsible Societal Futures will be the institution's North Star, ensuring that knowledge serves justice, sustainability, and humanity. A Seven-Point Action Plan Moving beyond vision to execution, Prof Klopper announced concrete steps that are already in motion: Establishing a Transdisciplinary Innovation Hub on the South Campus in Bloemfontein to drive research, commercialisation, industry partnership, and student entrepreneurship. Transdisciplinary research within thematic research areas. Optimisation of professional and support services through the alignment and streamlining of functions. Systematically reviewing the academic programme portfolio. A strategic people development strategy driven by the soon-to-be-launched UFS Training Academy. Implementing a comprehensive transformation scorecard. Creating the UFS Knowledge Enterprise and UFS Commercial entities for income diversification. Walking Into History Prof Klopper's vision positions the UFS not just as a follower of global trends, but as a leader in defining what African universities can become in the digital age. The journey has begun. The destination: a university that does not just adapt to the future but actively shapes it. 'We walk together towards responsible societal futures, unified in purpose, committed to excellence, and determined to make the University of the Free State a beacon of hope for our city, our province, our nation, our continent, and our world.' DM Contact Us: Bloemfontein Campus: +27 51 401 9111 Qwaqwa Campus: +27 58 718 5000 South Campus: +27 51 401 9111 [email protected] UFS social media: Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn YouTube
IOL News
17-06-2025
- Science
- IOL News
Leading Change: Prof Hester C. Klopper Charts Bold Course for the University of the Free State
Attending the installation ceremony were, from the left: Mr David Noko, Chairperson, UFS Council; Mrs Tirelo Sibisi, Vice-Chairperson, UFS Council; Prof Hester C. Klopper, UFS Vice-Chancellor and Principal; Ms Mimmy Gondwe, Deputy Minister of Higher Education; and Prof Bonang Mohale, Chancellor of the UFS. Image: supplied History was made at the University of the Free State (UFS) as Prof Hester C. Klopper was officially inaugurated on 9 June 2025 as the institution's 15th Vice-Chancellor and Principal – and the first woman to hold this prestigious position in the institution's 121-year history. Presented in the Odeion Auditorium on the Bloemfontein Campus and attended by a wide variety of university stakeholders, high-profile guests, and staff, the installation ceremony was a momentous occasion, marked by celebratory moments. Prof Klopper's inauguration address, titled Walking Together with Purpose: Unlocking Excellence to Lead Change, unveiled an innovative vision that promises to reshape the UFS and South Africa's higher education landscape for the digital age. Bold new ventures include two major funding initiatives, as well as the launch of a Veterinary Science programme at the UFS, making it only the second institution in South Africa to offer this qualification. It all forms part of a vision to transform the UFS into a research-led powerhouse that harnesses artificial intelligence responsibly while preserving human connection and an African identity. Creating responsible societal futures is at the centre of this vision. Mr David Noko, Chairperson of the UFS Council, congratulates Prof Hester C. Klopper on her installation as Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UFS. Image: supplied Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading AI Revolution in Higher Education During her inauguration address, Prof Klopper expounded on the educational crossroads facing universities worldwide. While artificial intelligence capabilities double in power every few months, she argued, educational systems remain frozen in 19th-century models. "We are preparing students for a world that is transforming faster than we can imagine, using methods designed for a world that no longer exists," she declared. Prof Klopper has a clear vision for UFS graduates. In a world where AI can process information faster than humans and generate content more efficiently than writers, she urged for a critical evaluation of what makes graduates valuable. "Not their ability to memorise information – AI can do that infinitely better," she explained. "What will make them irreplaceable is their ability to think creatively, empathise deeply, ask the right questions, challenge assumptions, and work collaboratively with both humans and artificial intelligence." Innovative Abilities within the UFS Prof Klopper's approach is not about importing solutions from elsewhere. Through extensive engagement with staff, students, and stakeholders since her appointment on 1 February 2025, she has reached the encouraging realisation that the required innovative abilities already exist within the UFS. "How do we further unlock the potential that lies dormant in our own university?" she asked. The answer, she believes, lies in one powerful concept: connection. Transdisciplinary teaching and research and regional and global collaboration form a fertile breeding ground for cutting-edge innovation. She indicated that the UFS' purpose is embedded in five intersected and interconnected strategic pillars, four guardrails, and a concise action plan. Five Strategic Pillars for the Future Academic Excellence and AI-Enhanced Research Impact tops her agenda. Rather than viewing artificial intelligence as a threat, Prof Klopper envisions it as amplifying human creativity. The university will pursue transdisciplinary research tackling climate change, inequality, and technological disruption. Institutional Agility in the Age of Exponential Change addresses the bureaucratic bottlenecks plaguing modern universities. A comprehensive digital systems maturity model aims to create seamless experiences while ensuring that systems serve people, not bureaucracy. Transformational Culture for a New Generation goes beyond compliance to create an environment where emotional intelligence, creativity, and adaptability are valued alongside technical knowledge. The focus extends to curriculum innovation and deep societal connection. Systemic Sustainability and Strategic Responsible Investment tackles the financial realities facing higher education. Two new initiatives demonstrate this commitment: The VC-ISRC Imbewu Legacy Fund for student support (already boosted by R1,3 million from the Motsepe Foundation, matched by the UFS) and the Talent Magnet Fund to attract world-class academics. Collaborative Innovation and Global Integration breaks down artificial barriers between disciplines, institutions, and sectors. Rather than working in isolation, Prof Klopper envisions building future-fit partnerships. 'My vision is for the UFS to become an Innovation Hub – a true Entrepreneurial Knowledge Ecosystem, thriving on the creative synergy produced when our best academic minds work together across our three campuses, allowing us to be the very best we can be.' Four Guardrails for Success Four non-negotiable guardrails will assist the university in guiding this transformation: The Irreplaceable Heart of the UFS is its People, as human connection becomes more precious in the age of artificial intelligence. The Strategic People Development Strategy will assist in building leadership capacity for the digital age. Leading Through Partnership in the Age of Collaboration will require 'unified leadership with a unified purpose'. From Vision to Innovative Reality will keep the university focused on the execution and transformative impact of its actions. Responsible Societal Futures will be the institution's North Star, ensuring that knowledge serves justice, sustainability, and humanity. A Seven-Point Action Plan Moving beyond vision to execution, Prof Klopper announced concrete steps that are already in motion: Establishing a Transdisciplinary Innovation Hub on the South Campus in Bloemfontein to drive research, commercialisation, industry partnership, and student entrepreneurship. Transdisciplinary research within thematic research areas. Optimisation of professional and support services through the alignment and streamlining of functions. Systematically reviewing the academic programme portfolio. A strategic people development strategy driven by the soon-to-be-launched UFS Training Academy. Implementing a comprehensive transformation scorecard. Creating the UFS Knowledge Enterprise and UFS Commercial entities for income diversification. Prof Hester C. Klopper, 15th Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UFS and the first woman to lead the university in its 121-year history. Image: Supplied Walking Into History Prof Klopper's vision positions the UFS not just as a follower of global trends, but as a leader in defining what African universities can become in the digital age. The journey has begun. The destination: a university that does not just adapt to the future but actively shapes it. 'We walk together towards responsible societal futures, unified in purpose, committed to excellence, and determined to make the University of the Free State a beacon of hope for our city, our province, our nation, our continent, and our world.' Contact UFS: Bloemfontein Campus: +27 51 401 9111 Qwaqwa Campus: +27 58 718 5000 South Campus: +27 51 401 9111 info@ UFS social media Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: LinkedIn: YouTube: University of The Free State Image: Supplied
IOL News
16-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Youth Resistance: The Psychological Impact from Apartheid to Today
Awam Mavimbela is a registered social worker, former Walter Sisulu University Lecturer, PhD candidate with University of the Free State, and a published author Image: Supplied BOTH the youth of 1976 and today's generation in South Africa face similar challenges, including oppression and poverty, which have contributed to widespread instability and a sense of mental suffocation. This psychological doldrum stems from the harsh conditions they endure—such as dilapidated housing, inadequate education that leads to poverty, unemployment, poor mental health, and more. The death of Hector Pieterson occurred on a peaceful decolonial turn in 1976. One key argument of this historic epoch was that the Bantu Education curriculum by design aims not to liberate Black South Africans from the socio-economic margins imposed by colonialism. Instead, it institutionalised poverty and produced labourers rather than individuals equipped with political and economic awareness. Poverty brings with it profound psychological impacts—depression, frustration, suicidal ideation, and despair. Today's youth also suffer from mental suffocation, and their resistance—from the #FeesMustFall movement to the present day—has come at great cost, with the deaths of young people such as Sisonke Mbolekwa, Benjamin Phehla, Mthokozisi Ntumba, and Mlungisi Madonsela. Fees Must Fall was not only a call for free education, but also for a decolonised curriculum. This was predicated on the observation that, the colonial legacy of apartheid education curriculum still sidelines vulnerable groups, reducing them to labourers rather than ideological independent, critically engaged, politically and economically conscious individuals. Therefore, this continued colonial education system partly explains the low youth voter turnout. All those who have died—from Hector Pieterson to today's student activists—were casualties of state-led systems. The dominant narrative around the 1976 uprising often simplifies it to a rejection of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction. However, Tsietsi McDonald Mashinini and his collective were rejecting a broader system of economic exclusion. Their peaceful protest sought to collapse the economy by urging the oppressed to stay in their domiciles, highlighting how the oppressed were being used to sustain an economy they did not benefit from. Afrikaans, in that context, was merely the breaking point. The youth resistance was not about replacing Afrikaans with English—it was about dismantling a system designed to marginalise them. Similarly, Fees Must Fall was not only about tuition fees, but about the ongoing struggle that Mashinini and others had begun. Today, the education system continues to suffocate youth through debt, exclusion, unemployment, and a curriculum that perpetuates alienating narratives, further marginalising vulnerable groups. A concrete example is the overlooked history of the Xhosa nation's 100-year legacy—stories that could foster pride, patriotism, civic responsibility, and an understanding that issues like marginalisation are a legacy of apartheid and demand radical redress. The inability of many Black South Africans to afford university fees is rooted in the colonial institutionalisation of poverty. Decolonising the curriculum would highlight these historical truths and support the push for free, accessible education that tackles systemic oppression. Undoubtedly, Hector Pieterson, Sisonke Mbolekwa, Benjamin Phehla, Mthokozisi Ntumba, and Mlungisi Madonsela would not have died if oppressive conditions did not exist. Today, the nature of oppression has shifted—from overt brutality to systemic economic exclusion. The oppressor has changed form, moving from a white-led apartheid regime to a predominantly white-controlled economic system, with one agenda. Any society becomes unstable when a portion of its population is deeply marginalised. We see this reflected in 'global' unrest, such as the riots in Los Angeles. In South Africa, today's youth appear mentally suffocated, which may contribute to instability. While many may not be fully politically or socially conscientised, events such as the gender-based violence cases involving Cwecwe and Namhla demonstrate that the youth can be mobilised at any moment. Therefore, the South African government must reflect deeply—especially during June 16 commemorations—on the state of the nation's youth. Are they celebrating June 16 as a historic event, or living its continued struggle? This day and its surrounding month mark a decolonial turning point, a time when young people sought to collapse an economy from which they were excluded. With today's high youth unemployment, that struggle persists. The only difference is that the government is now led by a former liberation movement that has, perhaps unconsciously, continued many aspects of the apartheid agenda. *The opinions expressed in this article does not necessarily reflect the views of the newspaper. DAILY NEWS
