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21 August 2021 | Story Michelle Nöthling

What does the best university community look like? And what would a better South Africa look like?

In the last couple of weeks, our conversations have been dominated by topics of violence that have spilled into our communities. We have shared our fears with each other and talked about the complexities that gave rise to this rage within our society. We also witnessed communities pulling together in the midst of the destruction, reminding us of our common humanity. 

If you had the opportunity to help build the best university you could imagine, would you step into that space? If you could help create a prospering South African society, would you act?

This is what the Division of Student Affairs is calling you to do. Join us as we embark on a journey of reimagining and ultimately co-creating the community we want. It starts with a conversation. A conversation where your voice is important and welcomed, and where we regard your presence as essential to realise our shared dreams.

We call you as a member of the UFS community—students and staff alike—to join our circle of conversation. We will make use of deeply engaging methods and break-out rooms to create a safe and brave space that encourages mutual sharing and deep listening. 

Add your vision and voice to the conversation to collectively imagine and build the best version of our university.

UFS Community Conversation
Date: Wednesday, 1 September
Time: 16:00 – 18:00
Platform: Zoom (in order to best support universal access and methodology)

Registration is required:

For reasonable accommodation requirements (e.g., closed captioning, or sign language interpreters), contact Michelle Nöthling at nothlingm@ufs.ac.za.

We also have information session leading up to our main conversation. During these sessions, we welcome your questions and together start to explore the concept of community in a collaborative environment.  

Information sessions
Monday, 23 August 2021, 15:00 – 16:00
Tuesday, 24 August 2021, 15:00 – 16:00
Wednesday, 25 August 2021, 15:00 – 16:00
Thursday, 26 August 2021, 15:00 – 16:00
Monday, 30 August 2021, 15:00 – 16:00
Tuesday, 31 August 2021, 15:00 – 16:00

Click here to access any of the information sessions. No registration is required for these sessions.

News Archive

Fun and camaraderie key to Vishuis rugby success
2017-09-27

Description: TEDxUFS   Tags: TEDxUFS

The forwards of Vishuis laid a strong foundation in
the K1 rugby final against Kagiso. This helped them
to secure a win of 38-16.
Photo: Marelize van Niekerk

They have not only been dominating the residence rugby scene at the University of the Free State over the past few years, but also nationally. Although they might experience added pressure as favourites, a key ingredient to Vishuis’ success story is their enjoyment of the game and their camaraderie.

According to Henco Posthumus, the Vishuis captain, they realise that it still remains residence rugby. “The guys pitch up at practice because they want to play, not because somebody begged them to.”

Comfortable triumph in final

Vishuis claimed their fifth Varsity Cup Koshuis title earlier this year, and will defend their national title after being crowned Kovsie residence champions on 8 September 2017. They beat Kagiso comfortably 38-16 in the K1 final, after leading by 31-9 at half-time.

Posthumus says the fun element is often forgotten, but not at Vishuis. He says it is not just about the first team either. “Almost every house member, no matter if he studies medicine or if he hasn’t played rugby before, is playing a bit of rugby on a Friday evening. That is also why we, as a fairly small residence, can field five teams.”

More than just a game

Although their proud record serves as motivation, it is about more than just rugby. “The guys grow together in different ways. It is an honour to see how they grow during a season, also spiritually.”

They have been lucky not to suffer many serious injuries over a number of seasons, Posthumus says. “We are privileged to have 110 years of history behind our residence, and people from within and outside buy into who we are.”

“Our (new) coach, Zane Botha, is also a valuable acquisition. He has taken our rugby to the next level.”

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