The University of the Free State (UFS) inaugurated its first woman vice-chancellor and principal at a glittering ceremony held the Bloemfontein campus on 9 June. Prof Hester Klopper was appointed to the influential position on 1 February becoming the university’s 15th vice-chancellor and principal to lead the institute in its 121-year long history.
In her inaugural address, titled “Walking Together with Purpose: Unlocking Excellence to Lead Change”, Klopper outlined her vision to transform the UFS into a research-led powerhouse that harnesses artificial intelligence (AI)while preserving human connection and African identity.
Klopper challenged the higher education sector to confront an uncomfortable reality about the pace of technological change versus educational transformation.
“AI capabilities are advancing exponentially, doubling in power every few months. However, our educational systems remain fundamentally unchanged from their industrial-era origins,” she stated.
“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.
“The UFS’ institutional vision rests on five strategic pillars: academic excellence and AI-enhanced research impact, institutional agility in the age of exponential change, a transformational culture for a new generation, systemic sustainability and strategic responsible investment, and collaborative innovation and global integration.”
Klopper emphasised that it was essential for the UFS to find its unique place and purpose in confronting the challenges faced by the higher education sector, and not merely emulate what other institutions were doing.
“The question before us is not whether we will adapt – it is whether we will step up and lead this transformation or be swept aside by it.”
Klopper shared her vision of the university as, “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”.
She emphasised that preparing students for the world of work will focus on, “their ability to think creatively, to empathise deeply, to ask the right questions, to challenge assumptions, and to work collaboratively with both humans and AI”.
In addition, Klopper announced major new funding initiatives towards alleviating students fund challenges.First woman to assume role
This includes the collaborative effort between the vice-chancellor (VC) and the Institutional Student Representative Council (ISRC), the VC-ISRC Imbewu Legacy Fund, ensures that no deserving student is denied access to quality education due to financial constraints.
Imbewu – meaning seed – symbolises growth, investment in the future, and nurturing potential.
Klopper has invited support for the fund and expressed her appreciation to the Motsepe Foundation for R1,3 million contributed.
“This was matched by the university, providing a springboard of R2,6 million,” she confirmed.
The VC Talent Magnet Fund is an ambitious recruitment initiative to attract world-class academic talent to the UFS, offering competitive packages and the opportunity to shape Africa’s educational future.
Klopper has acknowledged her predecessors’ work in shaping the UFS. Some who attended include Prof. Frederick Fourie and Prof. Jonathan Jansen.
Klopper brings with her a wealth of experience, global recognition, an outstanding record of visionary leadership, and academic distinction.
Her career spans more than three decades and includes eight postgraduate qualifications – including an honorary doctorate from the Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom (UK) – leadership roles on more than 30 national and international boards, and recognition such as being a Fellow of the Academy of Science of South Africa, a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, and the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland.
Before joining the UFS, Klopper was the deputy vice-chancellor at the Stellenbosch University for eight and a half years, overseeing strategy, global and corporate affairs.
