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The University of the Free State (UFS) mourns the passing of Dr Franklin Sonn on 15 November 2025; he was Chancellor of the UFS from 2002 to 2009. Dr Sonn’s leadership was characterised by dignity, wisdom, and principled conviction. During his tenure, he made significant contributions to the UFS, strengthening its commitment to transformation, excellence, and service to society.

A lifelong champion of justice and education, Dr Sonn will be remembered for his extraordinary versatility and impact as an educator, South Africa’s first democratic ambassador to the United States, and as a business leader.

Dr Sonn’s accomplishments speak to a life lived in service to others. He has received 12 honorary doctorates, was named AHI Community Leader of the Year (1999), and was awarded the National Order of the Baobab in Silver (2008) by President Thabo Mbeki for his exceptional contributions to South Africa. Internationally, he was honoured with the International Salute Award in Honour of Dr Martin Luther King Jr (1996) for ‘working to keep the dream alive’. His leadership was wide-ranging: he served as Rector of the Peninsula Technikon, President of the AHI, Chairperson of the United States-South African Leadership Exchange, and as a member of the SABC Board.

“We are deeply grateful for Dr Sonn’s loyal service to the University of the Free State and for the way in which he contributed to our institution with integrity and vision. His example remains a lasting inspiration: to engage fearlessly with change and to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of society,” says Prof Hester C. Klopper, Vice-Chancellor and Principal.

 “As the UFS community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Dr Sonn’s family and all who were touched by his life and work. May his memory be a blessing, and may his legacy continue to guide and uplift future generations,” says Prof Klopper.