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SRC member participates in HE international webinar

01 October 2020 | Story Thabo Kessah | Photo Supplied

Siphamandla Joseph Shabangu_web read more — Siphamandla Shabangu hopes to develop intercontinental networks during the Qatar University webinar.

“Assume you are in a leadership position, what can you do to improve the future of higher education?”

This is one of the questions Qwaqwa Campus SRC member, Siphamandla Shabangu, will be discussing during an international webinar to be hosted by Qatar University on Monday 5 October 2020. He will represent the University of the Free State, South Africa, and the African continent as a panellist to discuss the topic: Preparing for an Unpredictable Future: Global Insights from Higher Education Students.

“Words to describe how it feels to represent not only my campus or institution, but the whole South African nation can never express this new feeling I have,” said Siphamandla. “I have never been afforded such an auspicious opportunity. This is indeed a new feeling for me, and I will do my best to turn it into a habit. I am honoured to have been selected to represent South Africa in a global academic and leadership space. I am a proud UFS ambassador and hope to one day become the face of the University of the Free State,” he added.

Tough selection process

Siphamandla revealed that the process of selection started with the Career Development office on campus. “I was selected among many greater minds on the Qwaqwa Campus. Fortunately, I further prospered among students across all three campuses of the University of the Free State, and finally became one of the best among the greats. Now, I am proud to be part of six unique panellists from different countries to unpack the impact of COVID-19 on institutions of higher learning. In fact, it is a prestigious honour to be the only African panellist – black African for that matter – in this global panel discussion,” he said.

Looking forward to the webinar

“I would very much like to acquire student lived experiences from countries outside the continent during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am also interested to know what methods of learning are sustainably applied at higher learning institutions from the perspectives of developing and highly developed countries. Moreover, I am eager to find out as to what leadership-inspired methods work best in different continents within the educational space that is gradually consumed by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Furthermore, I am looking forward to developing international and intercontinental networks that will equip me to best explore opportunities across the globe. The academic space is dominated by intellects, visionaries, hustlers, lifelong learners, problem solvers, and even creative thinkers such as artists. However, it is within us to broaden the potential we have in life. It would be gratifying to know higher education systems from other prominent countries,” said Siphamandla.

The panel discussion will take place on Monday 5 October from 12:00 to13:00 (South African time). Other panellists are from the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, Turkey, and Qatar.

Siphamandla is currently serving as the SRC member responsible for Universal Access and Social Justice Council.

News Archive

UFS Centenary celebrations come to an end

2005-02-03

OFFICIAL OPENING

The official opening of the UFS will take place on Friday 04 February 2005 at 09:00 in the Reitz Hall (Centenary Complex). Please note that this is a test and lecture free day. The Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Frederick Fourie will be the keynote speaker. Refreshments will be served at the Centenary Complex after the opening ceremony.

The historic Centenary photograph will be taken at 11:00 on the eastern side of the Red Square (CR Swart parking area). All staff members and students are invited to be part of this massive photograph.

Important

• There will be no parking allowed on the CR Swart parking area until 12:00 on Friday 04 February 2005, as a result of the photo session.

• All academic staff members are requested to wear academic dress on the day, seeing as staff members will depict the Centenary emblem on the photograph. Academic gowns may be collected from the Gown Store on Wednesday 02 - Thursday 03 February 2005 between 08:00 and 16:00. Gowns must be returned to the Gown Store after the photograph has been taken.

SERVICE OF DEVOTION

A special service of devotion will take place on Sunday 06 February 2005 at 18:00 for 18:30 in front of the Main Building on the Red Square. This is a special gathering of students, hosted by all the interdenominational groups on the UFS campus. The evening will be a celebration of praise, thanks and worship, followed by a message from Dr Wollie Grobler. The evening will conclude with song and fireworks.

Staff members and students are welcome to bring their friends and families to this special event.

Important

• Even though there will be chairs in front of the Main Building, staff members and students are requested to bring extra pillows and blankets to sit on.

• No persons or vehicles will be allowed on the eastern side of the Red Square or on the CR Swart parking area, due to the security requirements of the fireworks show.

• All members of the choir are invited to be part of the mass choir. Lyrics will be provided.

• All persons who attend this event are requested to bring a candle for the purpose of the mass choir.

• Special transportation arrangements will be made for all service workers to enable them to attend the service. If there is someone in your faculty, department or division who would like to make use of this service, please send an e-mail to Elize Rall (ralle.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za) no later than Tuesday 01 February 2005.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

• A reunion for all former SRC members of the UFS will take place on the campus, from 04 February to 06 February 2005. An interesting programme is being planned. For more information, please contact Nicolaas du Plessis on 084 955 0875.

• The annual Rag Procession will take place on Saturday 05 February 2005. For more information, contact the Rag Office at X 2718.

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