BLOEMFONTEIN – The University of the Free State (UFS) has congratulated its vice-chancellor and principal, Prof. Hester Klopper, on winning the coveted Academic Excellence Award at the 11th Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit. The summit was under the theme “The Voice, Vision and Victories of Her Africa.” It took place at the Sandton Convention Centre on Wednesday 18 March.
It celebrates influential leaders from across business, government, academia, the arts, sport, and civil society. They are recognised for their continued positive impact and shaping the trajectory of Africa and the global community.
“Prof. Klopper’s recognition at the Forbes Woman Africa Awards firmly positions the UFS at the forefront of a continental dialogue on the transformative role of higher education in advancing Africa’s future. The award honours leaders whose sustained excellence, visionary leadership, and meaningful impact resonate far beyond their institutions; an ethos embodied by Prof. Klopper and reflected in the UFS’ strategic ambitions,” said the university in a statement.
“For the university, the award affirms a growing international profile grounded in research, student success, and community impact. It also reinforces the university’s commitment to responsible societal futures – where knowledge, leadership, and collaboration converge to address the challenges facing Africa,” the university stated.
Appointment brings about change
Klopper’s recognition came barely a year after being appointed as the 15th vice-chancellor and principal of the UFS. She is the first woman to hold the position in the university’s 122-year history. Yet, in her view, the significance lies less in being the first and more in what follows.
READ: Prof Hester C. Klopper inaugurated as 15th Vice-Chancellor of UFS
In accepting the award, Klopper attributed her achievement and academic work to the collective effort behind them. “As an academic, you never walk this road alone. I accept this award in honour of my students, my colleagues, and my family who have walked with me,” she said.
Klopper’s remarks traced a journey that began far from executive leadership. In 1982, she enrolled as a nursing science student, an experience that shaped her understanding of what excellence means in practice.
“I realised very quickly that excellence is not in a title, but a standard of living. One patient at a time, one student at a time, one decision at a time,” she reflected.
