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National University of Lesotho and UFS strengthen ties

20 December 2019 | Story Valentino Ndaba | Photo Valentino Ndaba

Lesotho Read More — Staff members from the National University of Lesotho and the University of the Free State at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding.

Cornelius Hagenmeier, Director of the Office for International Affairs, quoted from the 2018–2020 Internationalisation Strategy, which states, “Out of the existing partnerships and collaborations, a limited number of strategic partnerships will be identified and specifically supported. Furthermore, the development of a strategic partnership with the National University of Lesotho will be explored.”

This agenda became official on 17 October 2019 when the National University of Lesotho and the University of the Free State signed a Memorandum of Understanding.

Building bridges to reach critical regional partners

This ongoing organic collaboration has been evident in different spheres of our university over the past few years. Joint activities are already taking place through the Directorate for Research Development that is driving the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, the Faculty of Education, Pharmacology, Political Studies, Africa Studies, and the Afromontane Research Unit on the UFS Qwaqwa Campus.

Delegates who represented the National University of Lesotho at the signing ceremony were the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof Sunny Aiyuk; Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof Motlamelle Kapa; Dean of the Faculty of the Humanities, Prof Beatrice Ekanjume-Ilongo; and Senior Lecturer in Development Studies and Chair of the Gender Committee, Dr Mamoeketsi Ntho.

Internationalisation, Africanisation, and decolonisation

The conclusion of a formal Memorandum of Understanding, which contributes towards academic growth, reflects the vision of comprehensive internationalisation at both institutions.

According to the UFS Internationalisation Strategy, “Internationalisation, Africanisation and decolonisation are considered as contemporary processes. In line with the South African policy priorities, the internationalisation process at the UFS will in the future include a stronger focus on the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Africa, BRICS, and the Global South. Nevertheless, the university will continue to strengthen and expand its relations and partnerships in the Global North.”

News Archive

Open Day 2011 attracts thousands of prospective Kovsies

2011-05-04

Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector, enjoying the Open Day with two of our students
Photo: Gerhard Louw

Low academic standards may be an accepted norm in society, but will by no means be tolerated at our university. This was the core message of the speech made by Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector, to learners, parents and teachers at our university’s annual Open Day, which took place on Monday, 2 May 2011.

Approximately 6 000 people gathered on our Main Campus in Bloemfontein, where they were introduced to senior staff members and deans and allowed to visit each of our seven faculties. Exhibitions from residences and student organisations also competed for the attention of prospective students.

Prof. Jansen assured attendees in the Callie Human Centre that they can look forward to quality education and an academic climate which aims at producing only the best academics and citizens for South Africa. He explained the steps that are being taken to improve the quality of education at the UFS, such as raised entrance criteria and compulsory class attendance in some of our modules.

He said the raised standards have already proven to increase pass rates, as well as attract high-quality students, as we managed to attract 146 students with six or more A-symbols in Grade 12 this year. This is also evidence in the university managing to deliver two Rhodes scholars, Sannah Mokone and Dirk Bester, in one year.

He also assured parents of their children’s safety, reminding them that not only is Bloemfontein one of the safest cities in South Africa, but students at the UFS are also taught to respect each other. “Students are treated as humans and everyone is treated the same. We are all Kovsies here.”

A record number of 1 000 applications for admission to the UFS in 2012 were received and bursaries to the value of R150 000 were given to prospective students during the day.

Media Release
4 May 2011
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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