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03 January 2020
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Story Xolisa Mnukwa
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Photo Supplied
The UFS Bloemfontein Campus, South Campus, and Qwaqwa Campus choirs are student-centred choirs functioning under the Student Affairs’ Arts, Culture and Dialogue office.
It has been a noteworthy year for the University of the Free State (UFS) Choir, establishing itself on the student/university choir scene. The choir, based on the Bloemfontein Campus, represented the UFS at the bi-annual KUESTA choir festival earlier this year, showcasing its musical talent. The choir shared a stage with other university choirs from around the country.
The UFS (Bloemfontein Campus) Choir is a 42-member ensemble of students; the other two choirs, based on the South and Qwaqwa campuses, consist of 40 and 62 members respectively. The choirs are administered and managed by the Division of Student Affairs’ Arts, Culture and Dialogue Office. In addition to Kovsie culture, the choirs strive to have a varied repertoire of inclusive music, with the UFS BFN Campus choir performing a diversity of songs in English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, and Sesotho.
The new South Campus choir was established in 2018 and is led by choir director, Bonisile Gcisa, who specialises in choral music. This leg of the choir will therefore perform many of his works, but will also include some of the Bloemfontein choir’s set lists, since most of the choir members will be auditioning in 2021 for the Bfn choir when they change campuses.
The Qwaqwa Campus choir will lean more towards a choral genre under the direction of Sipho Khumalo.
The UFS Bloemfontein Campus choir was officially re-established under the leadership of choir conductor Leona Geldenhuys in March 2018, and has performed at several events, including the Rector’s Concert, the annual KUESTA choir convention, and the Bloemfontein Choir invitational. The group has also held a number of public performances on the Thakaneng Bridge at the UFS Bloemfontein Campus.
“Part of the UFS Student Affairs’ objective is to create an inclusive and a socially just student lived experience, and that is the mandate the choirs will also adopt. We hope to create an experience that not only enhances our students’ singing abilities, but also contribute to a more inclusive university experience.” – Angelo Mockie – Director: UFS Student Affairs Arts, Culture and Dialogue office.
“Rest well, be safe, and return rejuvenated,” were his parting words to students for the festive season.
‘Oupa’ rocks the Varsity Cup
2013-04-15
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Shimlas captain, Teboho ‘Oupa’ Mohoje, was announced as 2013 Varsity Cup player of the tournament. Photo: Varsity Cup 10 April 2013 |
After a remarkable season, Shimlas’ captain Oupa Mohoje walked away as the 2013 Player That Rocks, which is the Varsity Cup equivalent of a player of the tournament award. Mohoje’s performances were widely lauded during the 2013 season during which he was also the Shimlas’ top try scorer.
The inspirational captain’s performances have even caught the eye of people higher up in the South African rugby scene. His consistent, powerful performances throughout the 2013 season have been rewarded by Oupa earning a Vodacom Cheetah’s contract.
There was even more good news for University of the Free State (UFS) rugby supporters. Steinhoff Vishuis won their third overall and second consecutive title, after winning the 2013 Varsity Cup Residence competition.
Vishuis beat the team of Steinhoff Villagers from NWU-Pukke by 20 points to 16 in the final that was played in Stellenbosch on Monday 8 April 2013.
Previous titles seemingly gave Vishuis the edge as they managed to overturn a 16 points to 10 deficit with only 20 minutes left to play.