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23 August 2021 | Story Evodia Mohonyane

Stand out in the global world of work by signing up for LinkedIn Learning now

Learning and growth at university (and in life) is a journey and a lifelong process. The University of the Free State is committed to your personal and professional development and is now proud to offer LinkedIn Learning to all Kovsie students, free of charge.

Why use LinkedIn Learning?

LinkedIn Learning lets you learn at your own pace. You can select courses relevant to your current or future interests in areas such as entrepreneurship, technology, and leadership. You can also pursue other passions — with courses on financial literacy, social media, even drawing and music theory, you will be able to grow and develop in the areas you care about, both within and outside your degree.

Sign up and start your journey to learning skills that will get you a step closer to enterprising your degree and standing out in a global world of work.

Getting started

You will receive an activation email from the UFS via LinkedIn Learning. Don’t delete it! You must activate your LinkedIn Learning account using this activation email. You will have the option to connect through your personal LinkedIn profile (recommended) or activate your account using your ufs4life email.
  • Once you’re in, browse around for your UFS recommended courses
  • Take a course, learn something new, and apply it in your day-to-day life

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If you run into issues with logging in, contact us. For technical issues once you are up and running, you have the option to click for help throughout the system, with access to LinkedIn Learning's FAQs, as well as the ability to connect via email, live chat, or phone.

News Archive

National Human Trafficking Resource Line a victim-centred approach to combating crime
2017-08-24

Description: Beatri Kruger Tags: Beatri Kruger 

Prof Beatri Kruger, Adjunct Professor at the
UFS Faculty of Law. Photo: Supplied

As a response to the rising number of human trafficking cases in South Africa and around the world, key role players in various fields have pulled together to come up with workable solutions on how to stop the crime and assist victims. Some of the work being done by NGOs and law enforcement agencies has been supported by insights from research conducted in communities and by academic institutions. According to Prof Beatri Kruger, Adjunct Professor of Law in the Faculty of Law at the University of the Free State and experienced researcher in human trafficking, support for victims has grown in leaps and bounds with the help of the latest technology. More and better quality information can be collected to strengthen efforts of combating the crime,” she said.

One such technological development is the national Human Trafficking Resource Line, which provides various services, including information on trafficking activities, assistance to agencies working with victims of trafficking in persons (TIP), creating a network from which data can be collected, analysed, and activities tracked, in order to ensure the best service to victims.

The resource line connects callers, often victims of TIP or anonymous tippers, to service providers in social services, law enforcement, places of safety, medical facilities, and government agencies, especially during emergencies. 

Resource line a helping hand to victims

The resource line was established in 2016 and has replaced the previous helpline. This line provides more services and resources than just a helpline. Through partnerships, it works to strengthen local and national structures that can assist victims over the phone. 

Call specialists are trained by Polaris, an American company using international standards and protocols. The call specialists are available 24/7 to take reports of human trafficking confidentially and anonymously. They put victims in touch with service providers for health screening, counselling, and repatriation if they are from another country, and also assist with case management.

Empowering service providers is the key to success

Support for service providers such as NGOs, safe houses, and government departments in the network is in the form of skills training programmes for staff, and a referral system in various provinces around the country. There are good referral partners in each province, as well as provincial coordinators ensuring accountability regarding cases, mobilising services for victims, and coordinating the referrals and response.  

To strengthen the network further, services provided in each province are being standardised to ensure that the right people are contacted when handling cases, and that key stakeholders in each province are used. The strength of the provincial provider network is key to offering victims of human trafficking the services they need.

Human trafficking is a crime that permeates multiple academic disciplines and professions. Therefore, information collected from victims through such a helpline and collated by agencies, will assist academic institutions such as the UFS in furthering their research, while strengthening the content of academic programmes in fields such as law, law enforcement, social sciences, health sciences, and international relations.

The number to call for reporting or providing tips on TIP-related crimes and activities, is 0800 222 777.

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