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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

Kovsie Alumni appeals to the community to support Prof. Jansen
2009-10-28

Kovsie Alumni expresses its shock and astonishment about the sharp criticism that Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Free State (UFS), has been enduring since his inauguration as the 13th Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS.

Prof. Jansen’s balanced speech at his inauguration was received with a standing ovation by the guests present. These guests were not only representative of the UFS community, but also of the broader South African society.

The memories of the illustrious inauguration event faded within days. Political opportunists who only criticise the Reitz announcement and do not contextualise the inaugural speech, contribute towards mass polarisation, distrust and suspicion. This stands in sharp contrast to Prof. Jansen’s message of reconciliation, unity and hope.

Prof. Jansen’s announcement that the consultation process has been re-opened is welcomed. Kovsie Alumni trusts that all role players, including the critics, would make constructive contributions. In the final instance, everybody should act in a remedial manner towards 9 persons whose lives have been changed irrevocably, namely 5 black workers and 4 white students.

Kovsie Alumni appeals to the community to support Prof. Jansen in his endeavours to remove obstacles in the way of making the UFS a world-class university. Former students, parents and other stakeholders must collectively accept the responsibilities that he has already identified.

Media release
Issued by: Naudé de Klerk
Chairperson: Kovsie Alumni
011 678 1988 / 082 551 3151
naude@edk.co.za  

Mauritz Randlhoff
Vice-Chairperson : Kovsie Alumni

Pule Molalenyane
Vice-Chairperson: Kovsie Alumni
28 October 2009

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