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31 August 2021 | Story Ruan Bruwer | Photo Varsity Sports
The UFS celebrates its 55-39 win over Stellenbosch University in the final of the Varsity Netball tournament. This is their fourth crown in eight years.

After losing to Stellenbosch University in the opening round of Varsity Netball, the University of the Free State (UFS) kept the trust and smashed the same opponents eight days later to lift the trophy.

The UFS netball team claimed their fourth crown – two more than any other team in the eight years of the competition – when they won the final by 55-39 in Stellenbosch on Monday night (30 August 2021).

This is the biggest victory margin in a final. The UFS team has now won all four finals in which they participated.
According to coach Burta de Kock, she did not say much to the players after their first-round loss by eight goals. It was their only defeat in nine matches.

“I left them alone and I knew they would fix what had to be fixed. We kept the trust the whole time.”

“The players promised one another before the final that they would bring their best to the court. We are blessed to have such wonderful players taking the lead and guiding and mentoring the youngsters,” De Kock said.

Captain Sikholiwe Mdletshe also mentioned the first encounter as the turning point. “We got the team together and decided to fight as an army. We never looked back.”

Khanyisa Chawane, who was the Player of the Match in both the final and semi-final, said, “We told ourselves we are going to a final and we are going to win it, and that is the mindset we came here with and what took us through.”

Prof Francis Petersen, UFS Rector and Vice-Chancellor, congratulated the champions. “Under the leadership of coach Burta de Kock and captain Sikholiwe Mdletshe, the team worked exceptionally hard to reach the top, and their commitment and courage paid off.” 

“Thank you also to the rest of the coaching staff. The final was spectacular, and we are proud of what they have achieved. I salute our champions on behalf of the entire university community,” Prof Petersen said.

News Archive

UFS to accredit providers of Off-Campus Accommodation to students in Bloemfontein
2017-06-30

The University of the Free State (UFS) has embarked on a process to accredit off-campus accommodation service providers in Bloemfontein who provide accommodation to its students.

“The decision to accredit off-campus accommodation service providers comes from a concern from the university management about the safety of students and the conditions under which some of our students live in off-campus accommodation. Student accommodation is a significant aspect of the success of the UFS and consequently good quality accommodation is important for each individual student to be successful in his/her studies,” says Mr Quintin Koetaan, Senior Director: Housing and Residence Affairs at the UFS.

The accreditation process entails a list of primary requirements, drafted with the cognisance of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, in terms of off-campus accommodation to which private providers must adhere in order to be accredited by the university. The requirements are in line with the Policy on the Minimum Norms and Standards for Student Housing at Public Universities (Government Gazette 39238, dated 29 September 2015).

According to Koetaan, the norms and standards as set out in the policy establish the foundation and assessment criteria for such accreditation of service providers by the UFS. “It has become necessary for the UFS to have a policy on off-campus accommodation, in order to protect the rights and interests of our students and that of the university,” says Koetaan.

Some of the primary requirements for accreditation by the UFS include the number of students that may be accommodated in each room, the quality of kitchens and kitchenettes, the number of ablution facilities, the existence of common rooms and house rules, general maintenance and cleaning, compliance with  relevant national, regional, and municipal legislative requirements regulating health and safety, provision for adequate access to the facility/establishment in case of medical and/or psychological emergency assistance being required by students, and the provision for access to emergency electricity and water facilities. Off-campus private accommodation service providers must also be in possession of approved Municipal building plans of their student accommodation facilities, as well as evidence confirming their compliance with these plans.

“Landlords and agents are also advised to become more involved in their student homes and to ensure that their properties are in good condition and secure enough for students to live in,” says Koetaan.

Off-campus private accommodation service providers have until 31 July 2017 to apply for accreditation. More information and application documentation for accreditation can be obtained by sending an email to housing@ufs.ac.za

Released by:
Lacea Loader (Director: Communication and Brand Management)
Telephone: +27 51 401 2584 | +27 83 645 2454
Email: news@ufs.ac.za | loaderl@ufs.ac.za
Fax: +27 51 444 6393

 

 

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