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26 January 2018 Photo Oteng Mpete
Solar charging stations ready for use
Students and staff will be able to enjoy the new social space equipped for studying or leisure activities.

Solar charging stations were recently launched on the Bloemfontein Campus. These units can be used by students to charge their phones, tablets, and iPads. Solar charging units will be installed on the University of the Free State’s BloemfonteinSouth, and Qwaqwa Campuses.

Social spaces make for happy faces

A new central social space where students can eat, socialise, study, and relax is one of several exciting developments that UFS students can look forward to on campus. The social space can be found in the open area between the Biology Building, Chemistry Building, and the West Block on the Bloemfontein Campus.*

“The space consists of concrete benches with roof coverings, paving, and electrical supply points fed by solar power for students to charge their cellphones or laptops,” says Maureen Khati, Assistant Director: Project Management, Facilities Planning.

Solar panels have already been installed on top of various buildings on all three campuses, for example, 1 280 solar panels on the roof of the Thakaneng Bridge on the Bloemfontein Campus. The computer laboratories and the projected Afromontane Research Centre on the Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses will be equipped with freestanding solar roof solutions.

The project was a collaborative effort between the UFS and FCE Consulting Engineers. Coenie van der Merwe, Prototype Design Engineer, played a vital role in designing the charging unit.

“A symbol of affordable
opportunities that will
both save the planet and
enhance financial sustainability.”
Prof Nicky Morgan
Former Vice-Rector: Operations


Project to enhance sustainability and address student needs


Prof Nicky Morgan, former Vice-Rector: Operations, says, “This should be a symbol of affordable opportunities that will both save the planet and enhance financial sustainability.” Nico van Rensburg, Senior Director of University Estates, says, “This renewable energy project is an innovative way of addressing student needs.”

However, students are advised not to charge other electrical appliances besides their phones and iPads at the charging stations, as this may cause the charging unit to trip.

The UFS was recently awarded for its contribution towards sustainability. This was in recognition of its amazing initiative to install and operate photovoltaic (PV) and greywater systems on all three of its campuses.

* Download the UFS Campus Navigator from the Google Play Store for your Android device or from the App Store for the Apple iPhone.

News Archive

Louzanne Coetzee breaks 16-year-old world record
2016-03-24

Description: Louzanne Coetzee kampioen Tags: Louzanne Coetzee kampioen

Louzanne Coetzee (left) running the 5 000 m at the Nedbank National Championships at the Free State Athletics stadium with her guide, Khotatso Mokone (right)
Photo: Celeste Klopper Photography

Whether it’s the 5 000 m or the 1 500 m, Louzanne Coetzee is breaking records in all her races. Fans of the University of the Free State (UFS) student were elated at her triumph with the 5 000 m T11 world record at the Nedbank National Championships for the Physically Disabled on Wednesday 23 March 2016.

The record, which has stood for 16 years, was shattered by Coetzee’s stellar 19:17.06 performance. Sigita Markeviciene’s long-standing mark of 20:05.81, set at the 2000 Paralympics in Sydney, was bettered by 48.75 seconds when Coetzee and her guide, Khotatso Mokone, sprinted hand in hand past the finish line. 

Coetzee’s coach is as elated as the world-class athlete’s fans over her officially becoming the first totally blind female to clock sub-20 minute in the 5 000 m. "I am proud and grateful. She earned it through and through. She worked hard for this,” said Rufus Botha.

The experience was a surreal one for Coetzee. “It was unreal but it is exciting to be the fastest in Africa and the world. I could not have done it without the support system that I have,” she said.

"I have seldom met a student with the character and humanity of Louzanne Coetzee; she represents the best of campus and country, and is a stunning example of what we canal  achieve despite the great challenges of the present," said Prof Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS.

New African record holder

Two days before breaking the 5 000 m world record, Coetzee set a new African record in the 1 500 m. She lowered the mark from 5:27:21 to 5:18:44, which placed her at the number nine spot in the world.

On Friday 18 March 2016 Coetzee had broken her own South African record when she ran 5 000 m in less than 20 minutes at the Free State Championships. However, the race is not an official (International Paralympic Committee) meeting, and hence remains unofficial.

What’s next?


The gold medallist is currently preparing for the Athletics Grand Prix to be held in Switzerland in May for which she is raising funds. If she is selected by SASCOC (South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee), her next stop is the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, which is just six months away.

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