Internationally acclaimed artists join UFS’ International Institute of the Arts
University of the Free State April 16, 2026
The International Institute of the Arts (IIA) at the University of the Free State (UFS) is proud to announce that two internationally acclaimed artists will join the Institute as its distinguished Artists-in-Residence from the end of March 2026. Ghanaian artist and a leading voice in contemporary art, Ibrahim Mahama... Read more
How birdsong reveals the secrets of wetland health
ResearchUniversity of the Free State April 8, 2026
When most people are still tucked in bed, the wetlands are already alive with music. Just before sunrise, a symphony of birdsong fills the air, a natural orchestra that holds more meaning than most realise. For Toka Mosikidi, a PhD candidate in the Department of Zoology and Entomology on... Read more
UFS researchers secures prestigious United States patent
ResearchUniversity of the Free State April 6, 2026
In a landmark achievement for South African academia, the University of the Free State (UFS) has announced that a United States patent has been officially granted for a groundbreaking sensing technology developed by a collaborative research team, including experts from the Qwaqwa Campus. The patent, United States Patent No. 12,490,571,... Read more
Research on hormone-disrupting chemicals in sanitary pads
ResearchUniversity of the Free State March 3, 2026
The University of the Free State (UFS) recently published research on endocrine-disrupting chemicals in sanitary pads and pantyliners, which has attracted significant media coverage. The research, which was conducted by a multidisciplinary team at the UFS and published in the peer-reviewed journal Science of the Total Environment, comprised an... Read more
Prof Christian Budde elected SAMS President
AppointmentsUniversity of the Free State February 13, 2026
Mathematics plays a critical role in innovation, education, and scientific progress – and Prof Christian Budde of the University of the Free State (UFS) will now help lead that national conversation as the newly elected President of the South African Mathematical Society (SAMS). Prof Budde, from the Department of... Read more
Prof Deliwe Phetlhu appointed UFS dean of health sciences
AppointmentsUniversity of the Free State December 9, 2025
The University of the Free State (UFS) is 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 UFS from the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, where she is currently the Head of... Read more
UFS advances a new vision for township rental markets
University of the Free State November 28, 2025
The University of the Free State (UFS), in partnership with the Development Action Group (DAG) and Planact, has taken a leading role in shaping South Africa’s urban future by convening partners, practitioners, and policymakers to unlock the potential of township rental markets as engines of inclusive growth. With support... Read more
Is SA’s youth going down an alt-right pipeline?
University of the Free State November 26, 2025
Opinion article by Lubone Lisakhanya Mcanda, an honours candidate in Sociology, and Dr Nombulelo Shange, Lecturer in the Department of Sociology, University of the free State Following the Democratic Party’s victories in the US, with the wins of Democratic candidates in Virginia, California, and New York, ululation and celebration... Read more
Prof Ylva Rodny-Gumde appointed as UFS’ executive director of advancement
AppointmentsUniversity of the Free State November 6, 2025
The University of the Free State (UFS) has appointed Prof Ylva Rodny-Gumede as Executive Director: Advancement, effective 1 November 2025. In this role, 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... Read more
Noko reappointed again as Chairperson of UFS Council
AppointmentsUniversity of the Free State November 5, 2025
The Council of the University of the Free State (UFS) reappointed Mr David Noko for a second term as Chairperson during its meeting on 26 September 2025. His second term commenced on 1 October 2025, and it will come to an end on 13 September 2027. “It is an... Read more
