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UFS arts triumph at Vrystaat Arts Festival

01 July 2019 | Story Rulanzen Martin | Photo Rulanzen Martin

Michelle Joubert and Jane Mpholo will be seen in The Island which is directed by Dr Jerry Mofokeng Wa Makhetha and Charl Henning, a Master's student.

The arts are one of the most important building blocks of any country or organisation, and it is also an important aspect at the University of the Free State (UFS). Therefore, the partnership between these two Free State institutions is important for the promotion of the arts in the province.

The Vrystaat Arts Festival is taking place on the Bloemfontein Campus of the UFS from 1 to 7 July 2019. Various UFS departments are involved in the programme, as well as in the technical and artistic planning of the festival.

UFS Drama and Theatre Arts make big contribution

“I was involved in the planning committee and as artistic selector from the beginning of the festival, and in recent years also as member of the festival board,” says Prof Nico Luwes, Head of the Department of Drama and Theatre Arts.

This department makes almost the biggest contribution to the festival, with various plays, such as The Island, which is directed by award-winning theatre maestro Jerry Mofokeng and Charl Henning, and two former students, Michelle Joubert and Jane Mamotse Mpholo in the cast, as well as technical assistance from staff and students. “Without the expertise of Thys Heydenrych as technical organiser and Brandon Hewitson as technical manager, the festival would not be possible,” says Prof Luwes.

“Our theatres are world-class, and the work of our students as technical and theatre personnel is described as outstanding by all theatre artists.”

Thought-Leader Series, Sol Plaatje lecture, and several book conversations

Since 2018, the UFS has also been involved in the annual UFS Thought-Leader Series, which was launched by Prof Francis Petersen, the UFS Rector and Vice-Chancellor. The panel discussions deal with contemporary issues; this year’s topic is Economic Growth and Entrepreneurship for a Growing South Africa. The UFS will also present the Sol Plaatje lecture, which will be delivered by Diana Ferrus. Prof Petersen will also be part of a panel discussion with Prof Adam Habib, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand, and Wandile Ngcaweni, about #FeesMustFall; the discussion will be facilitated by Ruda Landman.

The book by Prof Jan Coetzee of the Department of Sociology and Dr Asta Rau, from the Centre for Health Systems Research and Research, Narrating the Everyday, will also be discussed during the festival. So also, the book by Charl-Pierre Naude, research fellow in the Department of Afrikaans and Dutch, German and French, Die ongelooflike onskuld van Dirkie Verwey.

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Intervarsity 2013 a paragon of friendly rivalry

2013-08-06

Photo: RooistoelTv
10 August 2013

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The recent intervarsity between the University of the Free State (UFS) and the North-West University was a huge success. This 70th celebration of intervarsity between the two institutions, which took place for the first time in 1927, is the oldest event of its kind in South Africa.

According to Rudi Buys, Dean of Student Affairs at the UFS, it is also the most comprehensive and most innovative intervarsity in the country and since 2010 includes all incorporated campuses of universities such as the University of the North. The focus is no longer on sports only, but also on cultural programmes and forums for discussion between student leaders.

Of the 32 sport and culture activities intervarsities between the UFS and the NWU, the UFS won 16, the NWU 13 and three ended in a tie.

Sports and cultural activities like debate were held across the Bloemfontein Campus. Record numbers of supporters attended the different matches, debating competitions and festivities. The first SRC Presidents’ Reunion that took place during the intervarsity is regarded as a special milestone in the history of the UFS.

“We are particularly satisfied that students of diverse backgrounds and campuses took part in and attended intervarsity events and in this way showcased the rich variety of Kovsies with great pride,” Buys said.

“The successful course of the intervarsity confirms that it is important for the UFS to maintain its proud history of almost 100 years with the NWU, but to also update in order to reflect our young democracy and in pace with a young generation of South Africans who are now our students,” Buys concluded.

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