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03 March 2021 | Story Giselle Baillie | Photo Supplied
Residence members who led the project, included: Bohlokwa Rantja, the Residence Prime, and Transformation Committee members Nsuku Mutemela, Ofentse Motlakeng, Phindile Tjale, Madinku Mabala, Mmapopi Motshoso, Karabo Shuping, and Tagane Sekete.

The University of the Free State (UFS) Council approved and adopted Lehakwe House as the new name for the NJ van der Merwe residence on the Bloemfontein Campus. The approval on 26 November 2020 followed a lengthy process of deliberation, consultation, and public engagement that has taken place since November 2019 and is aligned with the UFS Policy on Naming and Renaming. The name-change process was initiated by the Prime and Transformation Committee of the residence, guided by the Unit for Institutional Change and Social Justice and supported by a multi-stakeholder committee representative of the residence, the Housing and Residence Affairs Office, the Department of Student Affairs, the Student Representative Council, and alumni.

Lehakwe – a precious gem

Following a lengthy evaluation process of the names submitted through a public voting and recommendation platform in July 2020, ‘Lehakwe’ – a Sesotho word referring to a ‘precious gem’ – emerged as the front runner. As many current and past members of the residence attest, this womxn’s residence has come to occupy a significant space within the hearts and minds of UFS students and the UFS community, given that its spirit has always been closely aligned with the constitutional values of dignity, equality, and freedom and with the human values of ubuntu. In this vein, the new name of ‘Lehakwe’ presents a consolidation of constitutional and university values into the day-to-day thinking, learning, living, and legacy spaces of students, as well as everyone who interacts and engages with the UFS. 

News Archive

Two Rhodes scholars are doing the UFS proud
2010-12-09

 
Sannah Mokone and DW Bester

Sannah Mokone and DW Bester were selected as Rhodes Scholars for 2011. It is the first time that the UFS has two students who have been awarded this sought-after scholarship in the same year.

Sannah is currently completing her B.Pub.Hons degree at the UFS and will read for an M.Sc. in Africa Studies at Oxford.  DW is completing his honours degree in Actuarial Science and will read for a D.Phil.

The UFS is honoured to have not only one but two students who will join the ranks of past Rhodes Scholars such as Justice Edwin Cameron, Dr David Woods, Adv. Bram Fisher, Dr Loyiso Nongxa, Mr Isaac Shongwe and Mr Kumi Naidoo, who was recently appointed as the Executive Director of Greenpeace International.

The Rhodes Scholarships, arguably one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world, were founded in 1903 in the will of Cecil John Rhodes and cover the full costs of study at Oxford University.

While academic excellence is a pre-condition for consideration for the Rhodes Scholarship, these scholarships are unique in that Rhodes Scholars are outstanding young students who excel academically, but very importantly, demonstrate leadership, are committed to making a difference in the world, and have the energy to fulfil their ambitions.

In the Southern African region four scholarships are available for South African residents in general; as well as one for KwaZulu-Natal; and one each for the alumni of Diocesan College, Paul Roos Gymnasium, St Andrew’s College and the South African College Schools (SACS). There is a further scholarship available for residents of Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and Swaziland.  

DW and Sannah were each awarded one of the South Africa-at-large scholarships.

Media Release
9 December 2010
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Director: Strategic Communication (actg)
Tel: 051  401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: news@ufs.ac.za 

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