Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Free State, Professor Francis Petersen, says it is important to position the University as an African institution that contributes to African knowledge.
Petersen says he wants the University of the Free State to produce globally competitive graduates and knowledge.
He was speaking at the Africa Day celebrations on Wednesday held at the university under the theme “African higher education – celebrating African education”.
Petersen says, “We also have a decolonisation strategy, part of that is to look at the curriculum, try to infuse aspects of Africa and the African continent into the curriculum and then that engagement with other universities is very important.”
VIDEO: UFS Africa Week event:
On Wednesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa called for unity as the continent celebrated Africa Day.
Africa Day is the annual commemoration of the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU in 1963, now the African Union.
It is intended to celebrate and acknowledge the successes of the OAU in the fight against colonialism and apartheid, as well as the progress that Africa has made while reflecting on the common challenges that the continent faces in a global environment.
President Ramaphosa has called on communities and civil organisations supported by the South African Human Rights Commission to initiate dialogues that foster unity in the face of glaring tensions and sporadic violence against foreign nationals in the country.
University of South Africa’s Professor Everisto Benyera says Africa is still struggling in terms of leadership:
