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22 May 2018 Photo iStock
UFSAfricaWeek - Sharing a meal to celebrate Africa Day
Since the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity on 25 May 1963, the day has been renowned as Africa Day, celebrated widely across the world and particularly in Africa to signify Africa’s identity and unity.

As a build-up for Africa Day celebrations, the Student Representative Council’s (SRC) executive committee of the International Students Council collectively came up with the ‘Meal in a jar’ initiative. The purpose of this initiative is to reach out to the community, interact and promote unity as a way of celebrating Africa day. It is also to bring to life the sense of integration and inclusion for international students. “From the time one sets foot at the University of the Free State (UFS), the only community most of us will know is the UFS community,” said Andrei Tendai, the SRC International Students Council representative.
 
The international students’ council in collaboration with Elanja Children’s Initiative identified Heide Primary School in Heidedal for this project. Through the ‘Meal in a jar’ initiative, international students will have the opportunity to engage with the broader community outside the institution’s walls in a fun and unique way. Together with volunteers from House Kestell and other partners, the SRC on 24 May 2018 will prepare and share a meal in a jar with 130 learners.

“This project emphasises the efforts by the SRC to denote a significant shift from an attitude of international students’ isolation and exclusion, to an inclusive and open policy that encourages integration and the promotion of the right to equality,” said Tendai.
 
Celebrating Africa day is also about working towards an Africa that relies on the potential of its people, and whose development is people-driven especially for women, youth and children. 

For more information on this project, contact Sonya Kapfumvuti on 062 258 2776.

News Archive

Always good to be honoured at home, says Justice Richard Goldstone
2012-02-06

 

Justice Richard Goldstone received an honorary doctorate from the university on 3 February 2012.
Photo: Duard Grobbelaar

 

Dumela article (pdf document)
Justice Richard Goldstone's - acceptance speech (pdf document)
Mail & Guardian article (pdf document)

The University of the Free State (UFS) is determined to make a success of its academic and human projects, and is not prepared to compromise on standards in the process.

This was the message of Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector, at our universities official opening on Friday 3 February 2012. These projects, said Prof. Jansen, are the foundation of the institution.

The official opening coincided with an honorary doctorate in Law conferred on Justice Richard Goldstone.

The UFS has enrolled the “smartest and most diverse class since 1904,” Prof. Jansen said.
Top learners with six A’s, and more learners from top schools inside and outside South Africa, have made the UFS their university of choice. “We are determined that the best students must study at Kovsies.”

Prof. Jansen also referred to learners in the school system who sit and wait while teachers fight amongst themselves at the education departments. “What are we going to do with those students?” The UFS provides an opportunity for these students to enter higher education with its University Preparation Programme on its South Campus in Bloemfontein. “The fastest growth at our university is on this campus. It is set aside for children who cannot be taken up in the mainstream.”

Some of the students who were part of this programme are doctors, lawyers and teachers today.

“We set a high standard in our academic project to make sure our students are the best available.”

In its Schools Project, the UFS has 23 schools under its wing and the net is broadening. Pass rates in these schools improved dramatically; in some from 13% to 100% in one year.

The human project sets standards for good behaviour. “I was astounded to see how young people get together to find other people as human beings,” Jansen said. “I have enormous hope for this country.

Some of the other projects he mentioned were the provision of more space for students to study, a refocus on the Qwaqwa Campus in the Eastern Free State, the placement of new academics, and agreements with universities abroad on the placement of young scholars.

After receiving his honorary doctorate, Justice Goldstone congratulated the university on the fact that transformation did not lead to standards being compromised.

“The university now takes its place as a leading university on our continent. The leaders of the university can hold their heads up high about their achievements.”

Judge Goldstone, the bearer of 26 honorary doctorates from various countries around the world, said: “It is always good to be honored at home”.

The official opening was attended by staff, students, guests and community leaders.
 
 

Media Release
3 February 2012
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Director: Strategic Communication
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: news@ufs.ac.za
 

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