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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

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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