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10 July 2020 | Story Thabo Kessah | Photo Charl Devenish
The handover was done by Thomas September, ABSA Head Regional Coverage: Relationship Banking. With him are a student, Emily Ndlovu, Ntokozo Nkabinde (Institutional Advancement) and Tshenolo Thibeletsa (ICT).

“I am still in disbelief. Before I had this laptop, I was borrowing my cousin's laptop to do my academic tasks.”

These are the words of final-year Biochemistry and Food Science student, Xoliswa Khumalo, one of 200 students who recently became recipients of a generous donation of laptops from ABSA. In its endeavour to make a contribution towards saving the 2020 academic year, ABSA identified deserving students.

Xoliswa continued: “This laptop will help me type my assignments, since all of them need to be typed. I will also be able to view my slides and watch videos of my lectures. Now I do not have to wait for my cousin to watch movies. I am free to use mine for as long as I want.”

Another recipient is Itumeleng Katjedi, a second-year Economics student. “Thank you very much for the contribution to making my education journey much easier and simpler. I will be sure to strive to get the best grades,” she said.

“The University of the Free State (UFS) wishes to express its sincere appreciation to ABSA for investing in the future of those students who have little or no financial means to complete their studies remotely.  Much has changed and many lives are directly and indirectly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Francis Petersen, in a letter to ABSA’s Dr Reaan Immelman, Head: Education Delivery Citizenship.  

“These are challenging times, not only for our country, but also for higher education institutions, as we work towards ensuring that the academic year is completed without any of our students being left behind.  The UFS is deeply thankful for the 200 laptops, which will make an immeasurable contribution to alleviating inequalities between the different student cohorts.  For these students, this gesture will not only advance their academic success; it will position them for the future world of work. ABSA will always be remembered as the co-creator of their future,” he adds in the letter.

Students from across the length and breadth of South Africa continue to receive their laptops via courier services, and those near the campuses are able to collect them while observing the COVID-19 regulations.

News Archive

UFS makes internet affordable for students
2009-08-25

 

 
From the beginning of September internet access for students of the University of the Free State (UFS) will be lowered drastically to make this important medium for students’ study (and student life) affordable.

Prof. Janse Tolmie, Director: Computer Services, says different tariffs will apply in three different time slot, of which the lowest will be 20c per megabyte (MB). At present students pay R1 per MB right through the day. Students already get 30 MB free every month from the UFS, but postgraduate students will have 50 MB available from now on.

In peak time (05:00-17:59) students will pay 70c per MB, 50c in off-peak time (18:00-21:59) and just 20c per MB in discount time from 22:00 to 04:59. The new tariff structure will encourage students to use the internet in the evenings and reduce the pressure on the UFS network by doing so.

The provision of internet access is a high priority with the UFS. Each of the 18 residences is equipped with internet access points in every room. There are more than 3 000 network points in the residences and 1 300 in the general computer labs on campus.

Students have access to social networks like Face Book and Twitter from 17:00 daily.

Prof. Tolmie says the new structure will encourage students to use the internet in the evenings and reduce the pressure on the UFS network in such a way. 
Photo: Supplied

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