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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.

News Archive

Qwaqwa Campus graduates encouraged to face the world with confidence

2015-05-14

Speech: Nikiwe Bikitsha

The Qwaqwa Campus of the University of the Free State conferred over 800 degrees during this year's graduation ceremonies that were held on 8-9 May 2015. These included four PhDs in Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

The guest speaker, eNCA's Nikiwe Bikitsha, encouraged graduates to make it their business to learn about everything, no matter where they go.

''Having a qualification does not mean that now there will be tasks that are beneath you. No task should ever be too insignificant for you to do,'' said Bikitsha.

''You should make it your business to know every aspect of your work because that is where you get opportunities. Find somebody to help you along. Asking questions sharpens your skills and broadens your horizons. Asking questions also communicates to your employers and associates that here is someone who needs to be groomed and nurtured.'' she added.

In his congratulatory message, UFS Chancellor, Dr Khotso Mokhele, challenged the graduates to face the journey ahead with confidence.

''The journey ahead depends entirely on you, '' he said.

''You may think it depends on your parents, your country or the government. But the truth is that this is your journey. What is critical now is the kind of choices you are going to make. There will be stumbling blocks along the way, but you have to make it through,'' said Dr Mokhele.

''As the university'’, he continued, ''we hope you are going to make transformative choices that will impact positively on our people, our country and our continent''.

Dr Mokhele paid a special tribute to the four PhD graduates, three of whom matriculated at local Qwaqwa schools, with the fourth matriculating at Mafahlaneng, Tweeling.

World-renowned composer and playwright, Dr Mbongeni Ngema, provided musical entertainment.

Both ceremonies were attended by community, business and traditional leaders in the Maluti A Phofung area.

Also in attendance were over 500 grade 12 learners from Qwaqwa, Kestell, Harrismith and Bethlehem schools.

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