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21 April 2021 | Story Rulanzen Martin and Carel van Wyk | Photo Rulanzen Martin
Tashinga Mandeya, a third-year student hailing from Zimbabwe is optimistic about being an agent of change for her community.
“Connect with what pushed you to study Social Work.” With these words, Ms Langi Malamba, Registrar: South African Council for Social Service Professions, implored the second-year Social Work students at the University of the Free State (UFS) to do some self-introspection. More than seventy 2020 and current second-year students have recently taken their oath. 

The two-part ceremony took place on Wednesday 14 April.  In her remarks, Ms Malamba referred to the theme of Social Work Month, namely Ubuntu: I am because we are. Social Work Month is annually observed in March. “As a Social Work student, you have to apply your studies to always be responsive,” she said. It is also critical to “learn from and observe your community, because as a social worker you have to connect with everything”, Malamba continued. She based her speech largely on the principles of ubuntu and ethics. “Social work also provides grounding,” Ms Malamba concluded. 

Adding to Malamba’s words of encouragement, Prof Heidi Hudson, Dean of the Faculty of the Humanities, said this is an important milestone worth celebrating. Prof Hudson’s pledge of support to the students provided them with ‘three A’s’ to reflect on – advocacy, accountability, and (being an) ambassador. “The UFS espouses the value of ethics of care, and I think the social work profession is the embodiment of that. I hope you will share the values of the university with the rest of society,” Prof Hudson said. 

New head of department welcomed 

During the ceremony, Dr Mpumelelo Ncube was introduced as the new Academic Head of the Department of Social Work. In his brief remarks, he spoke about the need for students to continue reflecting on the importance of the oath in their everyday lives, as it is binding on their conscience. “This the only time you will take the pledge and it should be dear to you,” Dr Ncube said.

He takes over from Prof Sandra Ferreira who is retiring.

From the students

Neo Pule


“I decided to study Social Work based on my experience and the experiences of others back at home, because it is in my heart to help people and I am very resourceful. It gives me joy to help others.” – Neo Pule, third-year student.

 

 

Tyla de Villiers

“A personal family matter inspired me to pursue a degree in Social Work. I have always wanted to make a change to how social workers handled my family matter. I love helping people. The pledge of the Oath means that I will always be professional and keep it close to my heart.” –Tyla de Villiers, third-year student. 

 

 

Tashinga Mandeya 

“My decision to study Social Work is because we do not have the facilities such as rehabilitation centres and mental-health institutions. I hope to return to Zimbabwe to find out how I can be of assistance in getting these institutions to be more accessible.” Tashinga Mandeya, third-year student. 

 


 

News Archive

Qwaqwa Campus honours academic excellence
2017-05-18

Description: QQ autumn Graduation 2017 Tags: QQ autumn Graduation 2017

Photo: Ian van Straaten

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Qwaqwa Campus kicked off the 2017 graduations season of the University of the Free State in style when over 550 degrees and certificates were conferred in three sessions on 12 and 13 May 2017. These included five PhDs from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

In his maiden speech delivered during the two ceremonies on Friday 12 May 2017, the newly-appointed Vice-Chancellor and Rector, Prof Francis Petersen, emphasised the interconnectedness of graduates with other stakeholders in their communities.

“Never forget the role played by other people who sacrificed a lot for you to be here today. Recognise the extra mile that someone was willing to go for you to graduate,” he said to an enthusiastic audience that included Grade 12 learners from neighbouring schools. 

Prof Petersen also reminded the graduates that not everybody had an opportunity to enter, enrol, and eventually graduate at a university. “You are part of the privileged few, and I am confident that the UFS has given you an equal opportunity to reach your full potential. You have had years of exposure to ideas and experiences on diversity. You now have the opportunity to show the world and to use what you have learnt beyond a classroom,” he added.

“Go out there and open doors for others as much as they were opened for you. I implore you to carry over your experiences of diversity and use them to build a better world. Go out there and build a better world, not only for yourself but for everyone in need. Expand your influence, reach out, and be accountable,” he said.

“South Africa needs your skills,
innovation, knowledge, expertise,
and creativity.”

Make your own unique contribution
The session held on Saturday 13 May 2017 saw the Principal of Motheo TVET College and Qwaqwa Campus alumnus, Dipiloane Phutsisi, having a heart to heart with the graduates from the Faculty of Education.

“Our contribution to the world as graduates will not be measured by the wealth we accumulate or the accolades we receive, but rather by the way in which we share our unique gifts with the world. And the only place to find those gifts is to look within yourself. As the class of 2017, make your own unique contribution,” she said.

“Your graduation takes place at a particularly challenging time in the history of our democracy. It happens at a time when our nation is engulfed by racial polarisation, anger, confusion about what democracy and freedom mean to us, and at a time when the pillars of morality are tested.”

“As you graduate, I wish to remind you that our country needs you more than ever before. South Africa needs your skills, innovation, knowledge, expertise, and creativity,” she said.

Three members of the current SRC were also among the graduates. They are the President, Njabulo Mwali (BSc Information Technology), Sports Affairs Officer, Ntokozo Thango (BA Sociology), and Student Development and Environmental Affairs Officer, Ntokozo Masiteng (BA Sociology).

 

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