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21 May 2019 | Story Thabo Kessah | Photo Ian van Straaten
Dr Thandi Gumede
Dr Thandi Gumede graduated with a PhD in Polymer Science. She is from Intabazwe, Harrismith.

The Qwaqwa Campus of the University of the Free State was a hive of activity on 17 and 18 May 2019, when over 800 degrees, diplomas, and certificates were conferred on deserving achievers. These included six PhDs and 14 master’s degrees across the four faculties.

Congratulating the graduates on both days, was Africa’s youngest PhD and Industrial Psychology lecturer, Dr Musawenkosi Saurombe, and Prof Francis Petersen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor.

Be like heat

Dr Saurombe started her address by relating her school journey that saw her starting Grade 1 at age 5, thus later matriculating at the age of 15, having skipped Grades 3 and 10. She went on to emphasise the importance of building an honourable character.

“As a graduate, you will soon realise that your degree is useless if you do not have character,” she said to an attentive audience that continued to marvel at her remarkable school history. She encouraged graduates to be like heat that cannot be seen but can only be felt. “Noise can often be seen and heard, but it cannot be felt. However, while heat cannot always be seen, it is always felt. Be like heat and may your presence always be felt,” she said.

Do not focus on yourself

Prof Francis Petersen also encouraged graduates to look beyond their degrees by developing a set of critical values.
 
“For us as the university, this ceremony is not just about your degrees. It is about the values that you must live by,” he said. “As a graduate of the UFS, do not just believe what you are told. Ask questions and engage critically. Secondly, do not just focus on yourself. Remember that you are part of a community and it is your responsibility to make our world a better place for others. You need to be socially responsive to the needs of your community. Thirdly, remember that integrity plays a very important role. This will determine how others value you,” he said.

The two ceremonies also saw three current SRC members graduating. They are Lebohang Miya (BEd FET – Accounting and Business Studies), Duduzile Mhlongo (BA – Geography and isiZulu), and Mhlongo Sinemfundo (BA – Geography and isiZulu).

News Archive

Department arranges special excursion for disabled students
2008-11-26

 

The unique circumstances of students with disabilities often make it difficult for them to attend educational excursions of the Department of Communication and Information Studies. A special excursion was thus arranged for them to the National Museum in Bloemfontein. Work was recently done to make the museum more accessible for persons with disabilities. A lift was installed and exhibitions are equipped with Braille. Many exhibitions are equipped with sound and visitors can also make use of audio players.

Mr Tebogo Mohlakane, educational officer from the National Museum, and a team of well-trained museum guides welcomed the 13 students that were accompanied by Ms Elbie Lombard and other members of the department with open arms. Each student received special attention to make it an unforgettable experience.

Estine Smith, a first-year student with visual impairments, summarised her experience of a stuffed predatory bird which she held in her arms, as awesome. Touching replicas of elephants, rhinos and giraffes was the highlight of Shaun Jooste, a third-year student with visual impairments’ experience. Until recently it was difficult for Tshidiso Molehe to visit the museum with his wheelchair. He is now satisfied with the accessibility of the museum and is looking forward to his next visit to the museum. 
 

Disabled students during their visit to the National Museum.
 
 
 

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