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17 August 2020 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Pierce van Heerden
Burneline Kaars says the annual Women’s Breakfast event will honour all the remarkable women who are working from home while managing added family responsibilities.

Women of the UFS, and now also elsewhere in South Africa, can look forward to yet another Women’s Breakfast event to commemorate National Women’s Day. The event will be coordinated by the Division of Organisational Development and Employee Wellness. 

Burneline Kaars, Head of the division, says this year’s event will look a bit different from past events, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The virtual event will be interactive and engaging, with a balance of serious topics and light-hearted humour. 

The theme of the event is ‘From surviving to thriving’. Kaars says they will be honouring all the remarkable women for their ability to thrive despite ongoing difficulties. 

And with guest speaker duo, Shaleen Surtie-Richards and Hannes van Wyk – who will charm and dazzle attendees – this is definitely an event not to be missed.

“We will also relate experiences of strength and resilience that every woman can draw upon, as well as provide additional entertainment with musical productions performed by local Bloemfontein artists,” adds Kaars.

Not only UFS women, but women across South Africa are invited to join the Division of Organisational Development and Employee Wellness for this year’s UFS Women’s Breakfast on:

Date: 20 August 2020
Time: 09:00-11:00

The event is free of charge, but the audience will have the opportunity to pledge any amount towards the fight against gender-based violence.

Any interested parties can register via this link. The Organisational Development and Employee Wellness team is looking forward to seeing you online


Inspiration integral part of Kaars’ life …

Kaars, who is married with two children, says her family are her biggest fans. “They are my strength in pursuing my goals and dreams and they inspire me to be bold.” Meditation, ambition, and music also serves as inspiration for Kaars, a dynamic woman who leads the Division of Organisational Development and Employee Wellness with a smile in her eyes. “My quiet time in the early mornings brings me to a place of being totally present and of dependence. It is during this time that I can just slow down and get new perspective on things.”

Kaars adds that ambition also keeps her going, even during bad days. For her, it means being eager to accomplish something, striving to reach her goals, and being determined to achieve what she set out to do and to do it enthusiastically.

But she believes the perspectives of others such as her family, close friends, and team members are important. “Their different perspectives, amount of energy, and their support of my ideas inspire me immensely,” she says.

On a creative level, Kaars says: “Music speaks to me in unique ways, and the ability to express yourself is very inspiring. The creativity it takes to make music amazes me in a wonderful way. I’ve been listening and enjoying music for as long as I can remember.”

 

News Archive

Kovsie first-year wears green and gold for softball
2011-03-28

Jeneva Knell
Photo: Nangamso Koza

Jeneva Knell, a first-year residing in Madelief Residence on our Main Campus, has not only made her parents and community proud, but the university too – her second home, as she calls it. Jeneva has made history at the UFS by being the first student to receive national colours for softball. She joins a very long list of Kovsies who have made us very proud by earning green and gold.

This petite 18-year-old hailing from Kempton Park was tasked with a difficult choice last year as she filed her application forms to universities. She chose Kovsies, even though she was aware that it did not cater for softball players, something she is working hard at ensuring it change. “Sacrificing what I loved most was worth it. I wanted to be part of the changes at the UFS,” Knell says.
 
Her softball career started in Grade 6. Jeneva now proudly boasts the Benoni Rays Club’s colours, the club that produced the star she is today. “My coaches played a major role in turning me into a sports personality. A lot of hard work, sacrifices, dedication and team work are crucial for one to achieve those colours,” she responded.
 
“This is the greatest achievement I have ever attained. I feel very blessed. Without my mother’s love and support I would have never achieved this,” she said.
 
With the upcoming Junior Women’s World Championship in Cape Town, Jeneva is working hard at excelling and making the university proud.

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