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
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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.ac.za
https://www.ufs.ac.za/
UFS social media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UFSweb/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFSweb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ufsweb/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/u-f-s/mycompany/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UFSWeb
University of The Free State
Image: Supplied
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IOL News
6 hours ago
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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
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Fellow panellists, science communicator and champion of language equity in science Sibusiso Biyela and Michelle Riedlinger, associate professor in the school of communications at the Queensland University of Technology, agreed, in a discussion peppered with metaphors, to highlight the divisions of labour in the partnership between technology and humans. Introducing the webinar, Jive Media director Robert Inglis said that 'artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI, is reshaping both the practice of research and the craft of science communication. This impact is felt by researchers, by science communicators and by others working at the intersection of science, society and media and especially those who are grappling with how AI tools influence credibility, ethics and public trust.' 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Weightlifting represents skills that build strength: framing stories, interpreting data, learning audiences. These are areas we risk weakening if we outsource too much to AI.' The second is the 'Uber metaphor'. 'You can make coffee yourself or order it through Uber. It's convenient, but hides labour behind the scenes: the barista, the driver, data centres. Generative AI feels equally magical but isn't free; there are hidden costs in energy use, data scraping and ethical concerns. Before outsourcing, we must consider these unseen consequences. Hallucinations and bias 'In global studies, people increasingly recognise AI's limits: hallucinations, biases in gender, race, geography and class. Some see AI as a calculator, improving over time, but that's misleading. Calculators give fixed answers; generative AI doesn't.' Reaching for yet another metaphor, she said 'it's more like a talking mirror from a fairy tale', generating fluent, tailoredand sometimes flattering responses, but blending truth and invention in a way that can flatten creativity and make unique ideas more generic. 'Authenticity, trust and disclosure are vital. We need consistent labels, audience controland clear public policies.' This, said Riedlinger, will build trust over time. 'Science communicators must reflect on each task: Is this forklifting or weightlifting? Am I calling an Uber for something I should craft myself? Science communication deserves thoughtful tools and thoughtful users. We need to ensure that our publics have authentic interactions. ' The watchwords, when dealing with AI, are: 'Disclose. Collaborate. Stay in the loop as a human. Design for trust.' 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In short, the panel agreed that in the partnership between AI and people, AI is good at the 'forklifting' work: sorting, calculating, transcribing, processing vast amounts of data quickly, but that humans still carry the mental load: setting priorities, interpreting meaning, understanding context, reading emotions, anticipating unintended consequencesand ultimately taking responsibility for decisions. Inglis further reflected: 'Our work in science communication is to play a part in solving the complex challenges we face and to ensure we do so in ways that build a better future for society and for the planet.' He cited a recent study by Apple, which reveals just how bad large reasoning models are when it comes to deep reasoning, having been found to face a 'complete accuracy collapse beyond certain complexities'. 'This underlines the need for human operators to use these tools as an aid to thinking, not as a replacement for thinking. That grappling with complex ideas is exactly what we're doing with this webinar series – these kinds of answers can't be scraped from the web, they need to be generated and discovered through exploration, conversation, dialogue and skilful engagement. 'The danger of outsourcing our thinking to machines is that we still have to live in the world they end up creating. That's too big a responsibility to just hand over because it's easier than engaging with tough issues. It's lazy and at this time in the history of our planet, we can't afford to be lazy.' DM
Daily Maverick
a day ago
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Crossed Wires: Artificial Intelligence reality check – not as smart as it thinks it is
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The implications of the paper are clear – the underlying technologies that have so supercharged the AI narrative and fueled so much hyperbole have a long way to go before anyone attains the holy grail of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and the imagined utopia of techno-optimists. For anyone with time and grit, here is the paper. One of the examples cited concerns the well-known 'Tower of Hanoi' problem, which involves stacking variously sized disks on a vertical rod. Any reasonably smart nine-year-old can find a solution, a very short computer program can describe the solution but, left to its own devices, GenAI cannot come up with a general solution to the problem. As more and more disks are added, the AI becomes a blithering idiot. It has no idea what it is doing. It is not able to 'generalise' from a few disks to many. This leads to the inescapable conclusion that, if a child or a very short algorithm can best the most advanced 'reasoning' models from ChatGPT and Claude, then we are far from AGI. No matter what Sam Altman says. It is not as if a whole slew of clever researchers are blind to this fact. There are some researchers busy trying to embed ethics and alignment into AI so that humans can survive its evolution without too much pain or possible extinction. There are some researchers who are taking what we have now and applying it to current real-world problems in science, education, healthcare or the sludge of institutional processes. And there are some who are saying: This version of AI, this 'deep learning' machine that has captured everyone's attention – it is simply not good enough. They are looking to invent something that breaks free of the constraints which Apple's paper so brutally highlights. There are some clever band-aids available to patch over the obvious weaknesses of current AI models, such as a widely used technique called RL (Reinforcement Learning), which boosts learning after the AI has been trained, but these partial fixes do not address the basic weakness of the core architecture – they address the symptoms and not the cause. It doesn't take an expert to know that humans learn in many different ways, all the way back to our warm launchpad in the womb. We have genetic programs gifted by our ancestors, we learn from our senses, we learn by example, we learn by trial and error, we learn by being taught by others, we learn by accident, we learn by intent, and then we also learn to reason, to generalize, to deduce, to infer. It is probably fair to say that we humans are learning machines – running all day, every day, from the moment of conception. Our learning may well be faulty, our memories inaccurate, our lessons sometimes haphazard, our failures manifold – but learn we do, always and forever. It is in this area that the current crop of AI techniques are exposed as having only a thin veneer of competence. Take ChatGPT, at least in its text version. It has learnt how to predict the next word from a historical store of human-created documents reduced to gigantic matrices of statistically related words. There is not much more to it than that, even though its usefulness has astounded everyone. But really, compare this with what our species does as we go about our daily business – learning, learning, learning, both to our benefit and sometimes to our detriment – all the time, unable to stop for even a microsecond. AI models are simply embarrassing next to that. Babies are smarter, primates are smarter. Dogs are smarter. The challenge of 'continuous autonomous learning' has yet to be met in current AI models. Before I go overboard about the absurdity of the AGI-is-nearly-here claim, I should throw some light on what has been achieved, especially via the GenAI technologies. These are sometimes confusingly called Large Language Models (they now go way beyond mere language). What they can do is truly unprecedented. I use them all day, every day. They are novel and brilliant assistants. They are much, much smarter or faster than I am at doing a whole slew of important things. But I am much, much smarter than they are when it comes to a huge number of other things. AGI, as now commonly defined, means the point at which AI equals (or betters) humans at all cognitive (as opposed to physical) tasks. I spend a large part of my day reading about the advances at the edge of this fabulous field, which is probably the most important technological development in human history. There is fabulous stuff coming down the line. A cure for cancer, perhaps. Infinite cheap energy. Healthy and long lives. But will it be better than humans at all cognitive tasks? Not today. Not this year. Not next year. Not until AI is spawned as we are and learns as we do. Like the witches riddle in Shakespeare's Macbeth, perhaps only when AI is of woman born. DM
