Delegates from the Dihlabeng Municipality and the University of the Free State met to discuss a process to outline the work after a MOU was signed in March of this year.

In March this year, the University of the Free State (UFS) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Dihlabeng Municipality in the Eastern Free State to capacitate the municipality in their mandate to provide quality services to the residents.

At this event, Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector, said: “Municipalities need expertise on research and sustainable development. They also need to train their councillors and staff and that's where we come in as the UFS.”

As result of this MOU, a team of about ten delegates from the Dihlabeng Municipality and Business met with a group from the university. The group from the university represented several faculties. At this workshop the delegates discussed school support and research, agricultural and rural development, skills development and financial management.

According to Dr Choice Makhetha, Vice-Rector: External Relations (acting), other areas will be discussed at a workshop that will follow later, after the local government elections.