“This is going to be a good year,” and with that clear and powerful message of optimism in his speech, Prof Sakhela Buhlungu, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Fort Hare (UFH), officially opened the University for the 2025 Academic Year.
The official Opening Ceremony, a longstanding tradition spanning decades, was held yesterday, 3rd February, five days ahead of the University’s 109th anniversary on 8th February.
Setting a hopeful and forward-thinking tone for the year ahead, Prof Buhlungu declared 2025 the year of “Service Excellence.”
“This year will be a year of leadership transitions, and with those transitions comes the opportunity to renew and deepen our commitment to service excellence,” he stated.
Reflecting on 2024
A year that celebrated the centenary of the life and legacy of Z.K. Matthews, the VC noted that it had been a year filled with achievement, success, and a collective sense of hope for teaching, learning, and research at the University.
Prof Buhlungu outlined several milestones in teaching and learning, research, partnerships, and innovation. Notably, UFH obtained Programme and Qualification Mix (PQM) clearance for several programs, including a Diploma in Early Childhood Care Education, a Bachelor of Entrepreneurship, a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Dairy Science and Technology, and a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Heritage Liberation Studies.
In 2024, the University also increased its academic offerings, including the launch of 25 new academic departments.
Significant headway was made in the process of establishing a Veterinary Science School, following progressive interactions with the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane.
Among the several achievements mentioned by the VC in terms of research was the establishment of the AngloGold Ashanti Research Chair in Dairy Science & Technology. “This chair will be a catalyst for the introduction of dairy science and qualification at UFH.”
The past year also saw the development of an infrastructure project plan, which completed four major projects. “Three of these, the Alice Water Treatment Works, the Wastewater Treatment Works, and the Health Sciences Simulation Laboratories, were completed. The Early Childhood Development Building is expected to be completed early this year.”
Prof Buhlungu also highlighted the institution’s ongoing commitment to improving the campus’s physical environment. “Major infrastructure projects, including upgrades to the Alice and East London campuses, will continue throughout the year.”
Looking Ahead
For 2025, the VC cited one major task for the teaching and learning division, which is the implementation of the new organogram. “The crucial element of this is the filling of academic posts as well as other academic support and administrative positions where changes were introduced.” The process, which commenced last year, aims to increase the academic staff complement to improve academic student-staff ratios.
A plan to expedite the establishment of the Veterinary Science Faculty will also be set in motion this year.
For research, two online systems will be rolled out. “One for ethical clearance of research projects and the other for processing publication page fee applications.” Looking beyond the campus, Prof Buhlungu noted that UFH’s global presence continues to grow, with increasing research partnerships
and contributions to international initiatives.
The year 2025 will also see the actioning and implementation of the approved Spatial Development Framework that guides the University to achieving long-term sustainability for its campuses. “The implementation plan includes the Library Extension and Research & Innovation Hub Development for the Alice Campus and the construction of the Student Centre for the East London Campus.”
In conclusion, the VC reminded the audience that “The renewal of this institution depends on developing a culture of service excellence,” encouraging staff and students alike to hold themselves and each other accountable for creating a supportive and positive environment.
Prof Buhlungu ended his speech with a call to action for the UFH community to rally together as the University celebrates its 109th anniversary. “On Saturday, 8th February, we turn 109 years old. I invite all of us to post something positive about the University. I firmly believe that many people in the country and globally have a lot of appetite for the UFH story; let us continue telling those stories.”