The Student Recruitment Services (SRS) at the University of the Free State (UFS) hosted the annual networking breakfast event on 29 February 2024, held at the Centenary Complex on the UFS Bloemfontein Campus. The event was attended by principals, educators, and outstanding Grade 11 and 12 learners from several high schools across Bloemfontein.

Nomonde Mbadi, Director of SRS at the UFS, described the event as a celebration and a beacon of the promising future the university envisions. The primary objective was to honour these high-achieving learners while offering them a glimpse into the university’s offerings, with the hope that they would choose to pursue their higher education at the UFS. In addition, the event facilitated meaningful interactions between school representatives and the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UFS, Prof Francis Petersen, fostering a deeper understanding of the institution.

In his address to the attendees, Prof Petersen highlighted why the UFS stands out as the ideal institution for these learners to embark on their academic journey and lay the foundation for their careers. He emphasised the academic excellence of the UFS, particularly highlighting the renowned agriculture faculties among the best in South Africa and the continent. Furthermore, he shed light on the impactful research initiatives undertaken by the UFS, extending their influence beyond the campus borders. However, he stressed the UFS’s commitment to student support and success as the cornerstone of his address. ‘’We aim to nurture not only competent professionals but also responsible citizens capable of driving our nation forward and contributing meaningfully on a global scale,’’ Prof Petersen articulated. He outlined access to resources such as Student Counselling and Development, illustrating the comprehensive support system awaiting the learners upon joining the UFS community.

The learners had the opportunity to hear from current UFS students, previous winners of the Matriculant of the Year competition, who shared their diverse experiences spanning various fields of study. The breakfast concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony to the attending schools, symbolising the ongoing partnership between the UFS and these educational institutions and acknowledging their past and potential future collaborations in student recruitment.