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23 September 2020 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Supplied
Participants in the third Amazing Race travelled through the African continent, experiencing Africa’s roots and its rich, vibrant, and diverse cultures

During the third Amazing Race presented by Organisational Development and Employee Wellness, staff had the opportunity to virtually travel through Africa. 

The aim of the race with the theme, A Journey through Africa, was to celebrate South Africa and Africa’s roots and its rich, vibrant, and diverse cultures. 

Natasha Nel, organisational development specialist and organiser of the race, says they wanted to give the 13 participating teams the opportunity to explore, learn, create, and be challenged together as they travel to some of the most interesting and exotic locations around Africa, but also in South Africa. 

Here in our own country, teams had the opportunity to experience our culture as well as the diversity of beliefs and traditions.


Here in our own country, teams had the opportunity to experience our culture as well as the diversity of beliefs and traditions.

Interactive and exciting event

Nel says staff could join the race in the convenience of their personal working space via a Zoom meeting. “They only needed to download the game that was specifically tailored for the UFS.” 

“It was a fun, interactive, and exciting event. In this unique adventure, it was interesting to see how teams worked together, made decisions, and also thought outside the box during the challenges,” she says.

Nel explains that teams were requested to take photos, answer questions, and make decisions unique to Africa and their culture. Some decisions and answers were timed. They also had to decide where they wanted to travel, but each decision and option had its costs, reward, and challenge linked to it.

We are the champions

Chanel Lewis, Aneke Kruger, Runé van der Merwe, and Lischen du Randt walked away as winners of the third Amazing Race. 

By participating in this race, the university has sponsored 13 breakfasts for the Community Chest of South Africa (this organisation’s mission is to inspire and facilitate community giving for community enhancement).


News Archive

Armentum RC disbanded and expelled
2009-05-14

The Residence Committee (RC) of Armentum Residence at the University of the Free State (UFS) has been disbanded and expelled.

This decision was taken as a result of the RC’s involvement in the incident of alleged initiation that took place in the residence last week and as a result of which a first-year student, Alex Marais, was admitted to the Bloemfontein Medi-Clinic.

Due to the coming exams they are, however, allowed to stay in on the residence until the end of the first semester of 2009. If they are involved in any actions that contravene the rules of the UFS during this period, they will be expelled from the university.

“This decision was not taken lightly. An in-depth investigation was carried out and discussions were held with various parties in the residence. Because the RC was aware of the initiation practices that were taking place and even participated in it, disciplinary action was taken against them,” said Prof. Teuns Verschoor, Acting Rector of the UFS.

“The RC was aware of the fact that initiation practices are not allowed at the UFS and what the consequences can be if students do participate in such practices. It is a pity that we had to take a step like this,” he said.

The RC members are given the opportunity to retain their places in university accommodation and to be resettled in a residence that will be stipulated by the UFS. A work committee must immediately be appointed in Armentum to manage the residence until a new RC is elected in August 2009.

A remunerative fine will be imposed on the tuition fee accounts of senior students of Armentum, which will be used as a contribution to the medical costs of Alex Marais. All students currently residing in Armentum will be required to reapply for accommodation in the residence for the second semester and sign a declaration indicating that they are aware of the rules and will adhere to it.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za  
14 May 2009

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