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12 February 2020 | Story Valentino Ndaba | Photo Supplied
Wellness
Join the UFS Health and Wellness Expo for two days of free services and activities for the entire family.

UFS Health  and Wellness Expo Programme

The University of the Free State (UFS) is on a mission to get Bloemfontein fit, in mind, body and soul. The UFS will host its first-ever Health and Wellness Expo on the Bloemfontein Campus from 20-21 February, targeting UFS staff and students as well as the broader Bloemfontein community.

The expo, organised by the Department of Human Resources’ Division for Organisational Development and Employee Wellness, will have four pillars that are underscored by the dimensions of wellness. “These four pillars will be exhibitions, medical screening tests, health talks and exercise sessions,” said Arina Engelbrecht, UFS Employee Wellness Specialist.

Staff, students and visitors will have the opportunity to explore a variety of stalls, learn new approaches of conquering health concerns and enhance their physical fitness and financial wellness, as well as nutrition. This year’s event features highlights such as Buti yoga, which combines jump training (plyometrics), tribal dancing and dynamic yoga asanas. This will be followed by fun, functional training with Ben Zwane, a fitness class suitable for all strength levels ranging from beginners to professional sports people. And if you are interested in a four or eight kilometre run or walk, both options will also be on offer. 

Nurturing the Wellness Tree of Bloemfontein

According to Engelbrecht, the goal is to build awareness around the need to live a healthier and a more active life among staff and the broader community. “The expo aims to assist the community in gaining knowledge about various options to lead a healthier life,” she said.

With the theme: Shaping the Wellness Tree of Bloemfontein and granted that the benefits of living a healthier life have been well-researched and documented, the Division hopes the expo will encourage people to lead improved lives that lead to higher levels of engagement and productivity. 

For more information contact Arina Engelbrecht at gesal@ufs.ac.za or on +27 83 644 9980.



News Archive

2016: The year that was on the Qwaqwa Campus
2016-12-19

Description: Dr Lehlohonolo Koao, Qwaqwa highlights 2017 Tags: Dr Lehlohonolo Koao  

Dr Lehlohonolo Koao believes his research
will improve ordinary lives.
Photo: Thabo Kessah

Description: Prof Lis Lange, Qwaqwa highlights 2017 Tags: Prof Lis Lange, Qwaqwa highlights 2017

Prof Lis Lange making a point about
the governance, leadership, and
management processes at the university.
Photo: Thabo Kessah

Description: I-DENT-I-TIES, Qwaqwa Campus highlights 2017 Tags: I-DENT-I-TIES, Qwaqwa Campus highlights 2017

One of the leading performers of
I-DENT-I-TIES, Baanetse Mokhotla.
Photo: Thabo Kessah

The year 2016 has seen the Qwaqwa Campus become a hive of activity from all fronts.

Lithium-ion batteries research

On the research front, Dr Lehlohonolo Koao started work on the research that is aimed at improving lives of ordinary people. His research project focuses on improving the efficiency of lithium-ion batteries that are now commonly used in portable electronics, such as cellphones and laptops.

“This study will enhance power retention in the batteries for improved daily life since cellphones, solar panels, and laptops, to mention only a few, are now a way of life.’’

Dr Koao is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physics, where he specialises in solid state materials. He is also a member of the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestige Scholars Programme.

Spotlight on the academic project

To create a conducive teaching and learning environment on the campus amid the academic difficulties experienced during the year, the Institute for Reconciliation and Social Justice (IRSJ) hosted a critical conversation that was facilitated by Vice-Rector: Academic, Prof Lis Lange.

Prof Lange interacted with students who asked her very difficult, but critical questions relating to internal UFS processes aimed at academic excellence. Issues that were discussed included developing a common understanding on governance, leadership, and management processes at the university.

Student talent unearthed

This was a year during which massive student talent was unearthed by an unusual stage play called I-DENT-I-TIES. This large-scale interdisciplinary performance project afforded Qwaqwa students an unforgettable experience. This was according to Baanetse Mokhotla, one of the leading performers.

“I have personally learnt a lot about performing arts and also grew as an individual.”

The creative minds behind the play included New York-based Dutch director, Erwin Maas; Vienna-based Dutch theatre designer, Nico de Rooij; Djana Covic, a Serbian performance-craft-artist based in Vienna; and South African film and stage legend Jerry Mofokeng. The production was part of this year’s Vrystaat Arts Festival in Bloemfontein.

 

 

 

 

 

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