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29 January 2020 | Story Xolisa Mnukwa
Kovie Act
For more information on the 2020 Kovsie ACT programme and the upcoming events, visit the UFS Kovsie ACT website page, email: jool@ufs.ac.za or call: +27 51 401 2718 or visit Kovsie ACT on Facebook and Twitter.
The University of the Free State (UFS) is preparing for an exciting 2020 KovsieAct programme, with Amapiano superstar Kabza de Small, deep house music pioneers Black Motion, and musical sensations Spoegwolf and Early B poised to entertain students, staff, and the public at a Kovsie ACT music festival on 1 February 2020. 

Something new to the programme this year is the Kovsie ACT eco-vehicle parade through the streets of Bloemfontein. This parade replaced the old RAG float building and procession.

This is done with the intention to foster a close relationship with the broader Bloemfontein community. The parade on 1 February 2020 is also a celebration by first-year students of their entry into the UFS campus community.

The parade will be followed by an eco-vehicle race taking place on the UFS Bloemfontein Campus. Five teams will compete in categories including an Endurance race, Slalom course, Obstacle course, and Formula1-inspired race. Karen Scheepers, 
UFS Assistant Director for Student Life, says Kovsie ACT is a great opportunity for students to learn about sustainable environmental development through exciting community-building activities. “It’s an opportunity for them to learn new skills and build valuable relationships.”

“Skills developed through the programme include students learning to listen and communicate better; they also acquire time-management and relationship-building skills. Kovsie ACT also propels them to persevere and practise responsibility and pride in the activities they participate in throughout the programme, which sees them personify the term ‘only a Kovsie knows the feeling’,” Scheepers explained. 

Dr WP Wahl, Director: Student Life in the Department of Student Affairs, says the UFS has already initiated the next phase of the eco-vehicle project.  

“The Department of Student Affairs, in partnership with merSETA and the Department of Engineering Sciences (Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences), is developing six skills programmes that will significantly enhance the developmental impact of this programme for participating students.  To this effect, a team of engineers and instructional designers are working with the UFS to ensure that the necessary competencies are embedded in these skills programmes, which will help graduates compete on a global scale.  Students will be able to apply to become part of this high-tech phase of the eco-vehicle project during April 2020.” 

Kovsie ACT programme

09:00 – Kovsie Act Parade departing from the UFS Furstenburg Gate. Short parade through Mangaung: Nelson Mandela Drive – Zastron Street – 2nd Avenue – Kellner Street and return via Nelson Mandela Drive to the UFS

11:00 - Parade arrives back at UFS Furstenburg Gate

11:30–14:00: Eco-vehicle race at Mokete Square (previously known as the Red Square) on the Bloemfontein Campus

 16:00–till late: Kovsie ACT Music Festival at Bloemfontein Campus Rag Farm 
For more information on the above-mentioned events, visit the UFS Kovsie ACT page, email: jool@ufs.ac.za or call: +27 51 401 2718 or visit Kovsie ACT on Facebook and Twitter.

News Archive

The Great Pool of Exhilaration
2015-02-11

Photo: Albert van Biljon 

 

Boys’ roars and ladies’ shouts could be heard from miles away. From this, one could tell that the 2015 first-year’s Swimming Gala was bound to be an exciting one.

While RC Sports members were stressing, the first-years blissfully continued in song and excitement.

One would think that, after a hectic first week of classes, first-years would not have much energy left, but the atmosphere proved that Residence Committees (RCs) had prepared the individuals with rather motivating pep talks before the event. Most male residences put their best foot forward, not holding back on themed attire and additional instruments, while female residences sang and danced to the music provided. Not only were the masses competing to claim that they had the greatest spirit on this night, but they were also waiting to hear the results of the Spirit Cup for the first-years’ Athletics, which was cut short due to heavy rain showers. This simply added to the already intense anticipation of first-years and RC Sports members, as they would receive the results only at the end of the event.

The competition was tough as many of the first-years who competed moved with ease in the water as though it was second nature to them. This year’s gala saw quite a few talented, national swimmers competing, which left those who swam for pride and points intimidated. The excitement of the crowd was heightened as the relay section of the programme approached. This meant that the winners were to be announced soon.

In the ladies’ section, the residences were placed:
• 1st – Marjolein
• 2nd – Wag-‘n-Bietjie
• 3rd – Sonnedou

In the men’s section, the residences were placed:
• 1st – Armentum
• 2nd – Vishuis
• 3rd – Karee

When the time arrived for the announcement of the Spirit Cup winners, many were hopefully clenching their hearts for their name to be roared out. In most people’s opinion, it came as no surprise when Armentum walked away with the Spirit Cup for both the first-years’ Athletics and the Swimming Gala. Furthermore, Armentum’s broader South College community – of which Emily Hobhouse, Marjolein, NJ vd Merwe and Villa Bravado are also part – walked away with the cash prize for the best mascot.

By end of the night, everyone, no matter if they were drenched or dry, experienced the exciting sporting atmosphere at Kovsies that they’ve now become a part of.

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