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05 April 2021
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Story Dr Nitha Ramnath
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Photo Supplied
Jamba Isaac Ulengo.
François van Schalkwyk and Keenan Carelse, UFS alumni leading the university’s United Kingdom Alumni Chapter, have put their voices together to produce and direct the podcast series. Intended to reconnect alumni with the university
and their university experience, the podcasts will be featured on the first Monday of every month, ending in November 2021. Our featured alumni share and reflect on their experiences at the UFS, how it has shaped their lives, and relate
why their ongoing association with the UFS is still relevant and important. The podcasts are authentic conversations – they provide an opportunity for the university to understand and learn about the experiences of its alumni and to celebrate
the diversity and touchpoints that unite them.
Our podcast guest
Born in the North West town of Vryburg, Ulengo first played provincial rugby at the U16 Grant Khomo Week in 2005. While attending Jim Fouché High School in Bloemfontein, Ulengo was chosen to represent the Free State at various youth levels. As
an up-and-coming player, Ulengo made his break via the FNB Varsity Cup Competition where he starred for the Shimlas, scoring 11 tries in 18 appearances over the three seasons between 2010 and 2012. A short stint with the Free State Vodacom Cup side
saw him make his debut for the Blitzboks (Glasgow 2012), followed by a tournament at the London Sevens in 2014. Ulengo has been a prominent member of the South African Sevens since making his debut for the team in the Scotland leg of the 2011-2012
IRB Sevens World Series. He played in the two final tournaments of that season and then signed a two-year contract with the South African Rugby Union to represent the team in the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 series. While he only competed at four events
in his first full season, he was involved in seven of the tournaments in his second season.
Ulengo made his return to the sport by signing a contract to play Currie Cup rugby for the Pretoria-based Blue Bulls in 2014 and for their Super Rugby franchise, the Bulls, from the 2015 Super Rugby season.
Three … Two … One … Lift off! Naval Hill Planetarium is blasting the public off into space
2014-02-28
History was made on 1 November 2013 when the first digital planetarium in sub-Saharan Africa was inaugurated – right here in Bloemfontein. Due to the involvement of the University of the Free State, in partnership with a host of sponsors, the public can now visit the outer reaches of our universe from the top of Naval Hill.
A digital dome was fitted into the existing observatory structure, is a 12-metre seamless aluminium screen, complemented by a powerful surround-sound system and multiple data projectors. The result: an immersive journey through space which feels very close to reality.
The response from the community has been overwhelming, with a booming interest in the night sky and galaxies stretching into the unknown. Several exhilarating shows – each lasting about 60 minutes – are scheduled for the next couple of months.
One of these ‘flights of fancy’ includes the show Space Junk to be screened twice a month. Space Junk complements the blockbuster science fiction thriller, Gravity, that showed at the movies during the last few weeks of 2013.
Booking for this show is essential.
Rates:
Adults: R50
Learners: R30
Pensioners: R30
You are welcome to send any enquiries to Yolandie Loots at FickY@ufs.ac.za or contact her directly at 051 401 9751.
Rates and dates for group bookings are available on request.