07 August 2026
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Story Lunga Luthuli
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Photo Lunga Luthuli
Prof Prince Ngobeni (right), and Chief Khomotsoana Gregory Lebenya during the engagement between the University of the Free State, the Bakoena Traditional Council, schools, and education stakeholders in Matatiele.
The University of the Free State’s (UFS)
Qwaqwa Campus is strengthening its commitment to expanding access to higher education in Matatiele through its partnership with the Bakoena Traditional Council, following a progress engagement held on 4 August 2026.
Hosted at the Maggie Tsiu-Resha Building, home of the Matatiele Local Municipality, the engagement brought together representatives from the UFS and the Bakoena Traditional Council, led by Chief Khomotsoana Gregory Lebenya. The meeting followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the University and the council in 2025, establishing a framework for collaboration and community engagement.
Partnership delivers encouraging results
A key outcome was an encouraging update on educational opportunities reaching learners in the Matatiele area. Since the signing of the MoU, 210 learners from seven schools have applied to study at the UFS for the 2027 academic year. Of these applicants, 117 currently meet the University’s minimum admission requirements.
These figures demonstrate the tangible impact of sustained engagement between the Qwaqwa Campus and communities across the region. They also highlight the importance of partnerships with traditional leadership in creating pathways to higher education, particularly in rural towns and surrounding communities where access to information, opportunities, and support can significantly influence learners’ post-school choices.
Through initiatives that connect schools, communities, and the University, prospective students are better equipped to understand admission requirements, explore study opportunities, and consider the UFS as a destination for their higher education journey.
Investing in education to transform communities
Teboho Thubela, Advisor to Chief Lebenya, said rural development remains a priority for the Bakoena Traditional Council.
Describing the partnership, Thubela said: “We felt a willing horse is the one that takes a ride. We needed to partner with an academic institution of choice to support development in the area, and the UFS was the perfect choice.”
Encouraging other traditional councils to pursue similar collaborations, he added: “If we want true and sustainable development in our communities, we need to invest in education. It is the foundation for creating opportunities and transforming the lives of our young people. Traditional councils and royal families have an important role to play in supporting and championing initiatives that open pathways to higher education.”
Shared commitment to expanding opportunity
The UFS delegation was led by
Prof Prince Ngobeni, Principal of the Qwaqwa Campus. The continued engagement reinforces the shared commitment of the University and the Bakoena Traditional Council to ensuring that learners in Matatiele and surrounding communities are not excluded from higher education opportunities because of their geographical location.
Prof Ngobeni said: “The University of the Free State wants learners in Matatiele and surrounding areas to know that where they come from should never limit where they can go or what they can achieve. As the University, we have a responsibility to help turn their aspirations into opportunities.”
As the partnership continues to grow, the Qwaqwa Campus and the Bakoena Traditional Council remain committed to building on the foundation established through the 2025 MoU and creating meaningful educational opportunities for learners across the region.