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UFS Campus Choirs make a full comeback in 2020

03 January 2020 | Story Xolisa Mnukwa | Photo Supplied

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.

News Archive

Missing UFS student found in Phuthaditjhaba

2014-10-16

The University of the Free State’s (UFS) Qwaqwa Campus management and students are shocked and saddened by the untimely passing away of Sinethemba Shezi (22), who was reported missing this past weekend.

His lifeless body was found this morning in the river around the area in Phuthaditjhaba where he was accosted the evening of Friday 10 October 2014 while walking to the campus with a friend.

The cause of his death is still unknown and the incident is being investigated by the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Campus Principal, Prof Prakash Naidoo, expressed his deepest sympathy to the family and friends on behalf of the university community.

“This morning we received the sad news that our student, who had gone missing, was finally found. We wish to thank all students and staff, the entire community of Phuthaditjhaba and the SAPS for their efforts. This has not been an easy week for all of us,” said Prof Naidoo.

Mr Shezi was a third-year BEd student.

A memorial service is planned on the Qwaqwa Campus for next week and funeral arrangements are expected to be announced at this event.

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