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ABSA invests in future of students

10 July 2020 | Story Thabo Kessah | Photo Charl Devenish

ABSA_read more — 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 appoints advertising agencies

2005-08-19

The University of the Free State (UFS) has awarded its marketing and communication account to a unique joint venture between two advertising agencies.

The agencies involved are the Durban-based TBWA and the Bloemfontein-based agency called C-squared (which stands for Consumer Connectedness).

According to the UFS Director of Marketing, Dr Ivan van Rooyen, the idea of a joint venture came about after a rigorous selection process during which both agencies were short-listed.

“The UFS recognised the synergies that could be developed by having an established agency working together with an emerging agency, which at the same time advances black economic empowerment in the Free State,” Dr van Rooyen said.

He said the UFS was keen to increase awareness locally and nationally about the UFS as a quality institution of higher learning in a very competitive market. The two agencies, he said, are well placed to assist the UFS in achieving this objective.

Mr Ben Moseme, chief executive of C-squared, said his agency looked forward to working on the UFS account with TBWA.

Mr Daryl Bennewith of TBWA in Durban says the agency is excited about the opportunity of developing the UFS brand and positioning it for the future.

“We are passionate about the role communication can play in changing perceptions and establishing the UFS as the benchmark for all higher education institutions embracing the challenges of transformation,” Mr Bennewith said.

Media release

Issued by:  Lacea Loader
   Media Representative
   Tel: (051) 401-2584
   Cell: 083 645 2454
   E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za

18 August 2005

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