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31 July 2018 Photo Leonie Bolleurs
Decor and building products showcased at BloemBuild Expo
Want to build your own home? On offer at this year’s BloemBuild Expo was something for everyone, from the prospective student who wants to study architecture, to property developers. Ilana Serfontein from Acorn Construction and Zack Wessels, one of the organisers of the event from the UFS Department of Architecture, contributed to the success of this annual event.

With the recent drought in many parts of South Africa, the theme for this year’s BloemBuild Expo was ‘How to survive the drought’, with much emphasis on energy-saving materials, grey-water systems and environmental-friendly products. Some presentations, supporting the theme, included talks on design for sustainability, nature-based solutions for drought conditions as well as the role of grey-water systems for food security.

The University of the Free State (UFS) was this year again the host of the Expo which provided a showcase for the latest décor trends and building products. The event that took place in the Callie Human Centre on the Bloemfontein Campus was presented by the South African Institute of Architects Free State Region in conjunction with University Estates and the Department of Architecture.

Students from the Department of Architecture exhibited their models and took first place in the Corobrik tower building challenge. Also from the Department of Architecture was a lecture by Kobus du Preez on the ‘Architectural Highlights of Bloemfontein’. Jan Ras from the same department delivered a lecture: ‘To architect or not to architect – how to choose your architect’. 

Ras said the relationship between homeowner and architect stretched over several months: from the first meeting until the key is put in the front door. He said he believed professional architects were there to make dreams come true. 

Visitors could enjoy, view and take part in the Expo which offered something for everyone including academics, members of the community, the industry and professionals. 

This year’s event also saw a big colouring-in competition in which members of the public took part in

News Archive

Milestone graduation for the UFS Qwaqwa campus
2004-10-09

From left: Prof Peter Mbati:Campus Head;Prof. Frederick Fourie :Rector and Vice Chancellor and Mrs BS Tshabalala Director of Education: Thabo Mofutsanyane District

On 9 October,2004, the Mandela Hall at the UFS-Qwaqwa Campus was filled to capacity as the community gathered to celebrate the graduation of 177 students. Among the degrees awarded were : one doctorate , eight masters,31 honours and 46 bachelors. In addition, there were also 91 diplomas awarded.

The conferring of the first doctorate in the Natural and Agricultural Sciences to Dr Motseki Hlatshwayo made a history for our campus, because it was done for first time. This is a cause for celebration and attests to the resilience of staff and students, and to the commitment and support of our immediate community for the continued offer of relevant post graduate training here on the Qwaqwa campus of the University of the Free State.

Amongst the dignitaries was the Director of Thabo Mofutsanyane District, Mrs BS Tshabalala. In his welcome speech, the Campus Head, Prof Peter Mbati said “ a special day like today is normally only possible due to the dedication and commitment of many different individuals. It is therefore only fitting that we salute you the parents and guardians for all your sacrifices to ensure that your children get the best education”

The 1st Deputy President of the SRC, Mr Tello Motloung also adressedthe granduands. “The year 2004 calls for celebration, as we are celebrating 10 years of democracy. Therefore, it is not a coincidence that we are also meeting

Media release:Ms Jabu Dakile

Senior Liaison Practitioner

UFS-Qwaqwa Campus

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