Students on the Bloemfontein Campus were served a cooling summer treat on a hot Tuesday afternoon.
Photo: Valentino Ndaba

Strawberry, vanilla, and mint-chocolate were the ice cream flavours of the day. Together, with slices of watermelon, it created a refreshing combo that cooled down the summer sun for students.

On Tuesday 2 February 2016, the Red Square at the University of the Free State Bloemfontein Campus was buzzing with activity as students were served with a delicious surprise of watermelon and ice cream by Prof Jonathan Jansen, our Vice-Chancellor and Rector. As the word spread, first-years and senior students gathered for the treat.

Kamo Rabi, a third-year LLB student was excited at the notion of a free treat. “I’m always up for anything free really,” she said.  

Her friend, Charmaine Sihlamangu, another third-year LLB student, was surprised at the gesture. “It was much unexpected, we were just walking to class, and we were offered some watermelon.”

Annari Burger and Este Veldsman, both BEd students, commented on the compassion displayed by the Rector and Vice-Chancellor.

“I was in a bad mood, but then I saw the watermelon and thought that it was sweet of Prof,” said Burger.

In Veldsman’s opinion, “Prof Jansen never ever does something expected. I remember this one day he stood here [at the Main building] with a box of chocolates. That was amazing because it shows that he cares for his students.”

The South and Qwaqwa Campuses should also expect to have their taste buds tickled in 2016.