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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

Doctors make history with unique heart operation
2012-04-04

 

Cardiologists at the university delivered the first Melody pulmonary valve in Africa.
Photo: Evert Kleynhans
30 March 2012

Academics of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Free State made history in Africa once again this week with the implant of a special pulmonary heart valve.

“Today we are extremely proud Free State citizens,” Prof. Stephen Brown and Dr. Danie Buys from the UFS Department of Paediatrics and Child Health said after they placed the Medtronic Melody pulmonary valve in two young patients at the Universitas hospital in Bloemfontein.

This is the first time in Africa that the Melody valve is placed.

To date there are currently only 3 000 of these valves place in the world.

“It feels incredible to be part of a team of experts from the faculty.”

The Medtronic Melody valve is delivered percutaneously through a catheter from the groin. This operation is for children and young adults who are born with a malformation of their pulmonary valve.

These children often require open-heart surgery at a very young age and later require additional open-heart surgeries to restore blood flow between the heart and the lungs.

Prof. Brown said that of all congenital diseases, heart disease is most common. A lot of children born with heart disease are diagnosed very late and many die without ever receiving specialised care.

In 2011, Prof. Brown and two other cardiologists from the UFS, Prof. Hennie Theron en Dr JP Theron also reached a medical milestone when they were the first cardiologists in South Africa to do a second generation Medtronic CoreValve implant on an elderly patient.
 

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