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03 March 2021
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Story Giselle Baillie
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Photo Supplied
_web.jpg?sfvrsn=987e6620_1 "NJ van Merwe Read More (1)_web")
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.
UFS-Qwaqwa Campus: Securityguards graduate
2004-04-01
UFS-Qwaqwa staff members move from being securityguards to academic graduates
Mrs S D Lebone and Mr M J Vezi
Photo: Jabulile Dakile
Mrs Lebone and Mr Vezi started working for the University as security guards. The University environment, characterized by different role models served as an inspiration that made them to consider furthering their studies. Unlike Mrs Lebone, Mr Vezi started working for the University without Matric.
The potential of these two employees was identified and supported by their families, friends and colleagues. Their success story bears testimony to the commitment of the University to staff development.
Mrs Lebone and Mr Vezi received their B Com and B Admin degrees respectively on 08 May 2004 during an auspicious graduation ceremony held at the Qwaqwa Campus’ Rolihlahla Mandela Hall. Mrs Lebone is currently working for the Finance Section of the University and Mr Vezi as the Student Development Officer. “I am confident that one day we will have a cleaner who will rise to be a Head/ Dean of one of the Faculties” Mr Vezi said.
Contribution By Jabulile Dakile