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03 May 2019 | Story Xolisa Mnukwa
David Cuads
The Johannesburg High Court Judiciary Chambers donated a new wheelchair to David Phakoa Mashape from the UFS.

The Johannesburg High Court Judiciary Chambers contacted the University of the Free State (UFS) Center for Universal Access and Disability Support (CUADS), expressing their desire to donate some wheelchairs to Kovsies in need. 

David Mashape, UFS Corporate and Marketing Communication student, heard the news and did not hesitate to show his keenness to possibly receive the wheelchair. He was soon after contacted by CUADS; Free State High Court Judge, Pitso Molitsoane, personally delivered the wheelchair to David at the UFS CUADS offices in April 2019.

David explained that he had been saving up for a new wheelchair for a while, as his own was quickly wearing out.  He further mentioned that he has aspirations to play wheelchair track sports, including wheelchair racing and wheelchair rugby, and that he can now focus his savings on purchasing himself a brand-new racing wheelchair, courtesy of the generous donation from the Johannesburg High Court Judiciary Chambers. 

As stipulated in their operative mandate, CUADS strives to facilitate, create opportunities for, and enhance students’ critical thought and ways of being that are consistent with human rights and the principles of social justice. This mandate is evident in the small every-day victories, such as David’s, facilitated by the department to ensure humanising daily lived experiences essential to cultivate student academic success, social engagement, and cohesive institutional culture.



News Archive

UFS Council appoints agency to assist with its residence integration policy
2008-06-06

The Council of the University of the Free State (UFS) has appointed the Cape Town based iGubu Leadership Agency to assist with its residence integration policy.

“The agency will assist management in understanding and identifying the current obstacles related to the implementation of the residence integration policy, draw up proposals to enhance and successfully implement this integration policy, and implement these proposals to ensure successful integration within the 21 residences on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein,” says Prof. Teuns Verschoor, Acting Rector of the UFS.

The agency was appointed after an intensive advertising, screening and interviewing process was conducted by the university’s management. A recommendation on the successful candidate was subsequently made to the Council and the iGubu Leadership Agency was informed of its appointment this past week,” says Prof. Verschoor.

“Some of the projects that we have been involved in include the development and management of student leadership at among others the universities of Stellenbosch and Cape Town as well as the Huguenot College, and leadership initiatives such as the Beeld Youth Summit and last year’s Brightest Young Minds conference,” says Mr Rudi Buys, Chief Executive Officer. He will be working with Mr Yeki Mosomothane, Strategy Manager of the agency and a diverse team of facilitators.

Their main focus will be on investigating the trust relationships between stakeholders, establishing healthy relationships between students and the development of the skills of student leaders to establish conversations on values and meaningful change in residences and the student community.

“In the first phase of the project we will be conducting research and talk to students and other role players regarding ways of building unity on campus. After that the kind of programmes that may be implemented to further integration in residences will be determined together with stakeholders and the most suitable ones will be implemented. We will emphasise ownership and participation of processes by students and other stakeholders to ensure sustainability,” says Mr Buys.

The contract is for two and a half years and the agency must regularly report to Council via management on its progress. “We see this appointment as an investment in the integration of our residences and look forward to the interventions iGubu Leadership Agency can bring to the table,” says Prof. Verschoor.

The agency specialises in mentoring individuals and teams and in facilitating the participation of communities in transformation and reconciliation initiatives in specifically an African context, and does so from a leadership development perspective. The agency has extensive experience in facilitating programmes for diversity and integration.

iGubu Leadership Agency’s appointment goes hand in hand with the appointment of other agencies who will support management and make recommendations on how to accelerate transformation and position the UFS as an engaged and responsive university.

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel:  051 401 2584
Cell:  083 645 2454
E-mail:  loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za
6 June 2008

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