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31 May 2019 | Story Eugene Seegers | Photo Barend Nagel
KovsieApp Landing Page
The new KovsieApp’s landing page.

The new KovsieApp will be available from 31 May 2019. This mobile app will be compatible with both iPhone and Android devices and will enable users to access information from the UFS website on their mobile phones at no cost while connected to the on-campus Wi-Fi network.

The first roll-out of the KovsieApp will be primarily aimed at students, who will be able to access their personal information, such as study records, marks, class and exam timetables, mini fee statement, etc. However, for security reasons and privacy requirements, the student will have to register on the app before such information is made available. Later iterations will have additional functionality for staff, for whom space has already been allocated in the app.

Positive Response

During the beta testing phase, a number of students were included in the focus group. Their feedback highlights the value of the app for Kovsie students.

“The app is very smooth and easy to use. Compared to other apps, it has so much more useful information that a student needs, such as checking Gradebook or your financial statement wherever you are. One of the key aspects is that it is data-friendly, even when on mobile data,” said Omar-Raphael Tabengwa, SRC: International Student Council, in his response.

Katleho Lechoo, SRC for Sport on the Bloemfontein Campus, said: “This app is something the students have been looking for, and it brings the university to your pocket. It is convenient to use, especially for those who have to access their academics while travelling for sport. We can’t wait for it to hit the ground running very fast.”

Nomathemba Pakade, Deputy President of the South Campus SRC, had this to say: “For me, this app means convenience and it is going to save me a lot of time, because I can access almost everything on my phone. We couldn't have asked for anything better at this moment.”

Lastly, Mvuyo Madlala, SRC Secretary for the South Campus, said, “The KovsieApp is very efficient and includes all the essential information that a student might require.”

Data accuracy a must

Since students will log in with an OTP sent to the cellphone number linked to their profile, the accuracy of a student’s data will be critical to the correct functioning of the KovsieApp, especially when it comes to personalised information such as timetables and marks. Therefore, students are encouraged to update their contact details and other information, using the Student Self-service page on KovsieLife. Alternatively, you can visit Student Academic Services for assistance (remember to take along your ID or passport as identification). Any errors in a student’s data can cause the KovsieApp to function unpredictably, with the result that the person will be restricted to a public view with limited access to basic personal information.

The future is here!

Get ready to experience the next generation of information access: Download your KovsieApp today!

News Archive

Six Kovsies included in Mail & Guardian’s top 200
2017-07-28

 Description: Karla Mostert Tags: Mail & Guardian, 200 Young South Africans, Candice Thikeson, Karla Mostert, Lerato Machetela, Mandela Rhodes Scholar, Thapelo Mokoatsi

The Protea Karla Mostert, who is busy with her master’s degree
in Dietetics at the UFS, experienced a wonderful year
on the netball court. Photo: Johan Roux 

Being on the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans list for 2017, gives her a platform to share with South Africa what she does. This is according to Candice Thikeson. “I want to inspire people to follow their passion and pursue their dreams, and Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans allows me to do so.”

The art historian, who is included in the Arts & Entertainment category, is one of six current and former students of the University of the Free State (UFS) featured in the prestigious list. The others are Zola Valashiya (Civil Society), Lerato Machetela (Education), Thapelo Mokoatsi (Film and Media), Karla Mostert (Sport), and Nokuthula Sithole (Politics & Government).

Every year, the Mail & Guardian honours exceptional young citizens under the age of 35 who has made an impact in their respective fields. A special event for this year’s chosen ones was hosted at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg on 29 June 2017.

Making a statement for art historians
Thikeson, a Mandela Rhodes Scholar, Bright Young Mind, and recipient of the Abe Bailey Travel Bursary, says she feels honoured. “To me, this means that the impact I am making in the arts is being felt. There are very few art historians in South Africa, and because of this, people don’t often know what this profession entails.”

Inspiring people from all walks of life
She says the reaction from friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances have been overwhelming. “The most heart-warming thing for me has been having men tell me that I inspire them. As women, we are often told that we are inspirations for little girls, but women can and do inspire, challenge, and motivate men too.”
She was appointed as a junior lecturer in the Department of Art History at the UFS in January. This, and being a Mandela Rhodes Scholar, is some of her career highlights. She is also enrolled for a research master’s degree in Art History and Image Studies.

UFS students on the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans list:
• Zola Valashiya (Civil Society) – Co-founder and director, Debate Afrika
• Lerato Machetela (Education) – Psychologist
• Thapelo Mokoatsi (Film and Media) – Historian and academic
• Karla Mostert (Sport) – Netball player
• Nokuthula Sithole (Politics & Government) – Activist
• Candice Thikeson (Arts & Entertainment) – Art historian

View the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans here. 

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