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04 September 2019 | Story Xolisa Mnukwa | Photo Xolisa Mnukwa
Koffie Yinkah
“I believe the Hesselbein Global Academy annual fellowship programme was vital for me as a potential public servant of South Africa to serve the people of this country in government one day.” – Kofi Yinkah

University of the Free State (UFS) third-year BAdmin student, Kofi Annan Yinkah, formed part of the Hesselbein Global Academy annual fellowship programme, hosted by the University of Pittsburgh in the United States of America (USA). Originally from the East Rand in Johannesburg, Kofi represented the UFS as one of the top-50 students who were selected out of 450 global applicants.

The Hesselbein Global Academy annual fellowship programme aims to connect young leaders from all over the world with well-equipped professionals who are leaders in the fields of business, government, and education. This programme was established for the purpose of cultivating and producing cadres who will become experienced ethical leaders, armed and qualified enough to address and solicit solutions for critical issues experienced by diverse societies throughout the world.

“The fellowship covered topics that have helped to broaden my critical thought processes and concerns about societal issues in our country and all over the world. It has also emphasised the importance of implementing change through effective governing-policy development and establishment,” Kofi says.

He describes his experience at the fellowship as “out of the ordinary,” and believes that it has had a progressive influence on his life. He explains how it has unlocked his mind through enlightened engagement with student leaders from various countries in the world, including Nigeria, England, Canada, Chile, Trinidad and Tobago, Vietnam, China, United States of America, and Ireland.

One of the most important tools he believes his experience has equipped him with, is understanding the significance of employing a solution-driven approach to various situations. He is confident that this will give him the necessary skills and knowledge to work effectively in teams.

Kofi explains that he found out about the fellowship programme via social media. He encourages UFS students to use online platforms to source information about opportunities that can offer them meaningful experiences for learning and growing. 

News Archive

UFS lodges appeal against judgment handed down on 12 September 2016 regarding its new Language Policy
2016-09-16

The University of the Free State (UFS) takes cognisance of the decision of the High Court in Bloemfontein on Monday 12 September 2016 in respect of the AfriForum and Solidarity application to halt the implementation of the UFS’ new Language Policy, pending the finalisation of the appeal process.

The legal advice received by the university management is that the 21 July 2016 judgment, with respect, errs in a number of areas and thereby sets legal precedent which is problematic. Furthermore, the Full Bench stated on Monday in a second application that they had been persuaded that compelling reasons existed that another court might come to a different decision, thereby granting the UFS leave to appeal the 21 July 2016 judgment.

The UFS has, under the circumstances, lodged an appeal in the Supreme Court of Appeal against the order and reasons therefore handed down on 12 September 2016, which allows the implementation of its earlier judgment.

The UFS further intends to lodge an appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal against the judgment of 21 July 2016, if direct access is not granted by the Constitutional Court, in order to protect its interests as well as the interests of its community.

Related articles:
Implications of new Language Policy for first-year students in 2017: 17 October 2016
UFS to proceed with appealing to Supreme Court of Appeal regarding new Language Policy: 29 September 2016
UFS to lodge application to appeal judgment about new Language Policy: 22 July 2016
High Court ruling about new UFS Language Policy: 21 July 2016
UFS Council approves a new Language Policy: 11 March 2016

 
Released by:
Lacea Loader (Director: Communication and Brand Management)
Telephone: +27 51 401 2584 | +27 83 645 2454
Email: news@ufs.ac.za | loaderl@ufs.ac.za
Fax: +27 51 444 6393

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