Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
Categories
UFS News Media Release Research
Years
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Months
January February March April May June July August September October November December
Previous Archive
19 November 2018 | Story Valentino Ndaba | Photo Xolisa Mnukwa
Priscilla shoots for Graca Machel internship and scores big
“I’m an embodiment of the dreams of those whose lives have been marked by great struggles,and I want to propel and re-write the African child’s narrative.” - Priscilla Brandt

Priscilla Brandt, first-generation LLB graduate, saw the opportunity to upgrade her career through the Graca Machel Trust, and grabbed the bull by its horns. Brandt pitched her skills and expertise to one of the trust CEO’s who happened to be part of a GLS panel discussion which was held on the University of the Free State (UFS) Bloemfontein Campus. Shortly afterwards, the organisation contacted her with an offer for a Legal and Governance research internship.

 The Graca Machel Trust is an established Pan-African organisation that focuses on child health and nutrition, education, women’s economic and financial empowerment, leadership, and good governance. The trust functions under the leadership of Graca Machel, who is one of the world’s leading advocates for the rights of women and children and has stood as a social justice and political activist for years.

Brandt said her journey started in the township streets of Galeshewe, Kimberley, and was characterised by infinite difficulties and resolute challenges. However, her circumstances in no way deterred her from standing fervently in her trust and pursuit of a full and purpose-driven life.

According to Brandt, her university career involved working at several odd jobs concurrently in order to help take care of her family and to financially maintain herself throughout her varsity years. Despite her adverse circumstances, she managed to collect a vast array of domestic and international academic achievements.

She was the first female chairperson of the Black Lawyers Association Student Chapter at the UFS, served on the UFS F1 Leadership for Change programme, and represented the university in Japan. In addition to that, she formed part of a work and study-abroad programme in America for three months. She was a delegate to the International Youth Leadership Conference in the Czech Republic and was selected by the office of the Commonwealth Secretary General for the 33Sixty Conference in Singapore. Furthermore, she was nominated by the UK Humanitarian Affairs organisation to be part of the eighth University Scholars Leadership Symposium at the United Nations in Thailand.

Her knowledge and belief in her capabilities and work ethic drives Brandt to constantly challenge herself and strive for a life and character that embodies excellence.  

News Archive

Architecture gets unconditional validation
2012-10-15

 Three programmes of the Department of Architecture at the university received an extended unconditional validation from the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) and the Commonwealth Association of Architecture (CAA).

The programmes are evaluated every four years and the previous evaluation in 2008 was also unconditional. The programmes that were validated are BAS, BAS (Hons.) and M.Arch. (Prof).

Mr Jonathan Manning, chairperson of the board of eight people that visited the department, says the department’s standards have improved more since the previous visit. He expressed his apprectiation for the departement’s unique specialist approach to alternative building methods, tours, winter schools, the annual Sophia Gray lecture, the good team of lecturers and the impressive Architecture building.

Two members of the board who visited the department are from the CAA.

Mrs Martie Bitzer, Departmental Chairperson, says the validation proves that the programmes are not only recognised nationally but also internationally. “It confirms that the students are at the right place at the right time in terms of the vision of the UFS, namely to be an internationally recognised university.”

The validation of the CAA means that the qualifications are recognised in all the Commonwealth countries.

We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful. To better understand how they are used, read more about the UFS cookie policy. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept