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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

Joint statement by UFS management, SRC and residence leadership
2008-02-22

At a meeting between the top management and Student Representative Council (SRC) executive, residence managers and the student leadership of residences all those present committed themselves to increasing the diversity of the student residences at the UFS.

All those present at the meeting held on Friday afternoon (22 February 2008) condemned the violence that took place on the campus on Wednesday night and committed themselves to respect the rule of law.

All those present acknowledged that much needs to be done with regard to the implementation of the integration in student residences.

The memorandum from primes (the student heads of residences) that was submitted to management on Wednesday was discussed.

After a lengthy discussion, some of the issues raised in the memorandum were resolved and parties agreed that outstanding issues will receive urgent attention.
Management undertook to provide a comprehensive written response to the memorandum of the primes by Monday next week (25 February 2008).
 

At the end of the meeting management and the student leadership committed themselves to working together in the interest of the University, to work closely towards addressing problem issues and to improve communication between students and management and vice versa.
 

For more information contact Anton Fisher, Director: Strategic Communication, UFS. on 072-207-8334.

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za  
22 February 2008

 

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