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02 October 2018 | Story UFS | Photo Supplied
Better yourself at Adelaide Tambo Public Library
According to Dr Magteld Smith the American Space in the Adelaide Tambo Public Library provides an opportunity for visitors to connect and learn about the US.

The new and upgraded American Corner at the Adelaide Tambo Public Library in Bloemfontein is a must visit for all driven individuals who are looking to better themselves. 

"The opportunity the American Corner provides is something all teachers, students and pupils must know about," said Dr Magteld Smith a lecturer and researcher in otorhinolaryngology in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS). The library, on the corner of Charles and West Burger streets, was renovated recently. As part of the overall renovation project, the US Consulate General in Johannesburg refurbished the Corner and provided new computers and audio/visual equipment to enhance its educational and cultural programmes. It is equipped with the very best audio and online technology for audio- and e-books with free Wi-Fi, said Dr Smith.

The US Consulate General in Johannesburg and the Mangaung Metro Municipality renewed their partnership when the Executive Mayor of Mangaung Metro Cllr. Olly Mlamleli and US Consul General Michael McCarthy signed an agreement for the American Corner Mangaung at the library.

The American Space in the library provides an opportunity for visitors to connect and learn about the US through books, movies, and magazines. It provides a space for information and engagement on issues such as educational advice for those who want to study in the US, workshops on a range of topics from career skills to English language learning and the introduction of 21st-century digital skills, and academic resources for visitors.

Dr Smith said it was essential that teachers, pupils and scholars make use of these opportunities and facilities at the Adelaide Tambo Public Library.

"Very few people know of this," she said.

Dr Smith, who is deaf, was a fellow at the University of Minnesota, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, through the US Department of State.

News Archive

UFS Alumni honours five Kovsie Alumni
2009-08-26

 

 
Prof. André Venter and Prof. Johan Grobbelaar
Photo: Supplied

The sought-after Kovsie Alumni Awards, which are awarded to alumni of the University of the Free State annually, will be presented to five Kovsie alumni at a gala award dinner on Friday, 4 September 2009.

UFS Alumni nominated Mr Gert Grobler as the 2008/09 Kovsie Alumnus of the Year. Dr. Gert Marincowitz and Sekoati Tsubane (Kabelo in 7de Laan) will receive the Kovsie Alumni Cum Laude Award. Prof. Johan Grobbelaar, Senior Professor at the Department of Plant Sciences and Prof. André Venter, Chief Specialist at Paediatrics and Child Health, will both receive the Kovsie Alumni National Executive Award. These awards are presented annually to honour alumni for their excellent achievements and contributions towards the UFS.

The Kovsie Alumnus of the Year Award is presented to a Kovsie alumnus with outstanding achievements at national and international level. Mr Grobler receives this award for his role as ambassador for South Africa in Japan and the significant role that he played in initiating various structures and bilateral mechanisms to improve South Africa’s relations with various countries actively. His expertise, knowledge and passion for the diplomatic service and direct mediation and involvement in the establishment of various projects abroad are evidence of his dedication.

Dr. Marincowitz, who has also been honoured as RUDASA’s Rural Physician of the Year, receives the Kovsie Alumni Cum Laude Award for his contribution to the promotion of primary health care in rural areas in Limpopo and for his role in sensitisation towards HIV care in these communities. The Cum Laude Award is given to an alumnus for outstanding service or achievement at local, national or international level in his/her specific professional field.

With his portrayal of the character Kabelo Padi in the Afrikaans soap 7de Laan, Mr Tsubane has distinguished himself in a highly competitive market. His impressive presence in portraying this character makes him a factor to be reckoned with in the world of entertainment.

Prof. Grobbelaar is honoured for his contributions, which put the UFS in the forefront, especially in the field of research, leading research expeditions to Marion Island and research in the Amazon, as well as the establishment of the first commercial algae-biotechnological plant in Africa at Muzina. His phenomenal leadership role in salary negotiations, his transparent and inclusive management style and the incredible way in which he empowers people to fulfil their tasks at the UFS also makes him a worthy recipient of the award. Under his leadership, UVPERSU has grown into the majority and representative union on campus.

Prof. Venter is also honoured for his outstanding service delivery to the UFS over the years and the exceptional way in which he has developed the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health to be one of the prestigious departments in the country. In the field of paediatric neuro-development, he dramatically improved the lives of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. He has also played a major role in generating money to acquire equipment to improve intensive-care facilities in the paediatric unit in particular. He has been honoured by the International Biographical Centre in Cambridge as one of the Great Lives of the 21st Century and is a finalist for the Bloemfontein of the Year 2009 award.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Kovsie Alumni Gala Award Dinner that will be held in the Reitz Hall of the UFS Centenary Complex. Various talented Kovsies will appear as guest artists. The cost of R120 per person includes a three-course meal. If you are interested in attending the dinner, contact Annanda Calitz at 051 401 3382 or ficka.stg@ufs.ac.za.

Media release:
Lacea Loader
Deputy Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za  
26 August 2009

 

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