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NJ van der Merwe residence renamed Lehakwe House

03 March 2021 | Story Giselle Baillie | Photo Supplied

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.

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Veritas and Marjolein take Sêr champion’s title

2015-08-11

Veritas
Photo: Johan Roux

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Following zealous performances during the rotations from 3-6 August 2015, Veritas and Marjolein made the cut to the finals, subsequently emerging as the Kovsie Kleinsêr (Sêr) 2015 champions.

This year’s Sêr had 10 male and 14 female residences competing for a limited number of places in the finals. With only five and six spots available, respectively, the competition was extremely tough.

The University of the Free State’s cultural calendar culminated in a taxing final battle on Saturday 8 August 2015, by courtesy of MacDonalds Bloemfontein. Veritas, Vishuis and Armentum from the male section as well as Marjolein, Sonnedou, and Roosmaryn contending as female counterparts sent a rhythmic ripple across the Bloemfontein Campus.

With these residences occupying the top three spots, adrenaline reached maximum levels as the groups competed for the crown and a place in the nationals. Spectators at the sold-out music event experienced world-class entertainment in all three venues: the Albert Wessels Auditorium, the Odeion, and the Kovsie Church.

On 29 August 2015, the champions are scheduled to test their strength against the universities of Pretoria, the North West, and Johannesburg at the nationals. The Stellenbosch University is to host this year’s Kleinsêr national competition, where the best will be crowned as South Africa’s Klêinser kings and queens.

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