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29 March 2021
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1. Its support of and confidence in the leadership of the Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, Prof Francis Petersen and his team, and duly recognises the efforts and results achieved at the University during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the current nationwide student protest on the payment of student debt.
2. In this context, the Council also distances itself and deplores the statements made by the leadership of the
Institutional Student Representative Council (ISRC), on national television on Monday 15 March 2021, as it pertained to the demand for the immediate resignation of the Rector and Vice-Chancellor, and the statements pertaining to the Chancellor, Prof Bonang Mohale, and Chairperson of the Council, Dr Willem Louw. The Council notes that Mr Katleho Lechoo, President of the ISRC subsequently retracted the utterances.
3. The Council strongly affirms its confidence in the relationship between the leadership of the UFS and the ISRC and expresses its appreciation for the University leadership’s commitment to continuously engage with students about matters of concern to them. The Council furthermore encourages positive and constructive engagement by the ISRC with the University leadership, as this contributes to shared-understanding of the challenges faced by the South African higher education sector and the governance of the UFS.
Three … Two … One … Lift off! Naval Hill Planetarium is blasting the public off into space
2014-02-28
History was made on 1 November 2013 when the first digital planetarium in sub-Saharan Africa was inaugurated – right here in Bloemfontein. Due to the involvement of the University of the Free State, in partnership with a host of sponsors, the public can now visit the outer reaches of our universe from the top of Naval Hill.
A digital dome was fitted into the existing observatory structure, is a 12-metre seamless aluminium screen, complemented by a powerful surround-sound system and multiple data projectors. The result: an immersive journey through space which feels very close to reality.
The response from the community has been overwhelming, with a booming interest in the night sky and galaxies stretching into the unknown. Several exhilarating shows – each lasting about 60 minutes – are scheduled for the next couple of months.
One of these ‘flights of fancy’ includes the show Space Junk to be screened twice a month. Space Junk complements the blockbuster science fiction thriller, Gravity, that showed at the movies during the last few weeks of 2013.
Booking for this show is essential.
Rates:
Adults: R50
Learners: R30
Pensioners: R30
You are welcome to send any enquiries to Yolandie Loots at FickY@ufs.ac.za or contact her directly at 051 401 9751.
Rates and dates for group bookings are available on request.