Prof. Francis Petersen, vice-chancellor and principal of the University of the Free State (UFS), officially commenced the influential role of chairperson of the board of directors of Universities South Africa (USAf) on 1 January. He was elected in November to serve two terms, having served as deputy chairperson for over two years.
Petersen’s election recognised the role and impact on Africa’s development for which he received the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (Ruforum) accolade. The award was for his outstanding leadership, foresight, and contribution to the promotion of excellence in higher education on the continent.
He has expressed appreciation in being elected to lead the body.
“I am honoured by my election as chairperson and will, together with the board, continue working towards the advancement of universities and the betterment of higher education in South Africa,” said Petersen.
His election came barely months after also appointed to the board of the South African Chamber of Commerce United Kingdom (SACC UK). Petersen was elected for his effort to promote the impact of the UFS and South Africa abroad in the UK.
David Noko, chairperson of the UFS council, has congratulated Petersen on his election.
“On behalf of the UFS council and the university community, I wish to congratulate Prof. Petersen on his election as chairperson of USAf’s board of directors. His election comes at a crucial time in higher education, and his leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the success and advancement of the USAf. We wish him all the best in this critical leadership role,” said Noko.
Petersen is a professional engineer with an extensive career in executive and senior academic positions.
Being registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), he has served as a member of an international panel on sustainability for AngloGold Ashanti, acted as adviser to the Anglo-American Platinum beneficiation fund, and is a fellow of both the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) and the South African Academy of Engineering (SAAE).
He has also served in senior positions in the corporate world, among others as a non-executive director on the board of Royal Bafokeng Platinum Limited (RBPlat).
Petersen previously served as the chairperson on the board of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and was a deputy vice-chancellor at the University of Cape Town (UCT).
He served as a former member of the National Advisory Council on Innovation (Naci), among many other influential positions.
