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17 August 2020
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Story Nitha Ramnath
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Photo istock
Within the next five years, 60% of the world’s population will be living in urban areas. Urban living comes with large-scale economic advantages and society benefits from economies of scale. But, COVID-19 is challenging urban living. We have introduced the term ‘social distancing’ and some policy analysts have even argued for the de-densification of cities.
Join us for a discussion where our panellists will analyse this perceived conflict.
Date: Thursday, 27 August 2020
Time: 14:00 to 15:30 (South African Standard Time – GMT +2)
Please RSVP to Elelwani Mmbadi at
mmbadiE@ufs.ac.za no later than 25 August, upon which you will receive a Skype for Business meeting invite and link to access the webinar.
Speakers:
Prof Ivan Turok
Dr Geci Karuri-Sebina
Mr Thiresh Govender
Moderator:
Lochner Marais
First solar charging station launched at UFS
2017-11-13
Students can now charge their phones at the first solar charging station
on the Bloemfontein Campus.
Photo: Moeketsi Mogotsi
On Friday 10 November 2017, the first solar charging station (600watts) was launched on the Bloemfontein Campus. This unit will be used by students to charge their phones and Ipads. It is the first of nine units to be installed on all three campuses; five on the Bloemfontein Campus and two each on the South and Qwaqwa Campuses.
Team effort results in great outcome
The project was a collaborative effort between the UFS and FCE Consulting Engineers. Coenie van der Merwe, Prototype Design Engineer, played a vital role in designing the charging unit. Anton Calitz, Electrical Engineer in University Estates’ Department of Facilities Management, says, “We are hoping that by the first quarter of 2018, we would have rolled out the remaining eight charging units.”
Project to enhance sustainability and address student needs
Prof Nicky Morgan, former Vice-Rector: Operations, says, “This should be a symbol of affordable opportunities that will both save the planet and enhance financial sustainability.” Nico van Rensburg, Senior Director of University Estates, says, “This renewable energy project is an innovative way of addressing student needs.”
However, students are advised not to charge other electrical appliances at the charging stations besides their phones and Ipads, as this may cause the charging unit to trip.
The UFS was recently awarded for its contribution towards sustainability. This was in recognition of its amazing initiative to install and operate photovoltaic (PV) and greywater systems on all three of its campuses.