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Kovsie ACT: Highlighting the significance of sustainable energy

24 May 2021 | Story Xolisa Mnukwa

Act_web read more — The 2021 Kovsie ACT Eco-vehicle race puts students’ sustainable energy and critical thinking skills to the test.

The University of the Free State (UFS) Division of Student Affairs’ (DSA) Director of Student Life, Dr WP Wahl, believes the knowledge and skills that students have gained through participating in the 2021 Eco-vehicle project will position them more optimally in the future world of work. “We are also tremendously grateful for the project funding received from merSETA; without their support, none of this would have been possible,” he remarked.

The Kovsie ACT Eco-vehicle race, in conjunction with the overall programme, was established to encourage students to learn more about the technology and logic behind sustainable energy sources and how this can influence the future global society.

This year’s events witnessed students competing according to their UFS residence teams, with Sonnedou, Legatum, Kestell (SonLeTell); Soetdoring, Beyers Naude, Arista (Soetbeyrista); and Roosmaryn, Kagiso, Karee (Kar-is-myn) ending in first, second, and third place respectively, obtaining the highest scores for the races they competed in.

Anton Calitz, Electrical Engineer in University Estates who was the announcer on the day, described the event as one that exceeded his wildest expectations. “From a sustainable energy point of view, the eco-vehicle race results really turned the tables, with lower energy usage per lap being successfully recorded – as anticipated,” he further added.

Andre van Wyk, Client Liaison Officer of merSETA (Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Seta) for the Free State and Northern Cape – as one of the sponsors of the innovative programme – extended warm congratulations to the UFS for hosting an outstanding event. He further applauded the university for its resourcefulness in virtually adding electronic media broadcasts to extend the event to the entire UFS community.

“The Kovsie ACT Eco-vehicle programme was eye-opening and exposed me to the broad field of electronics. It definitely came as a challenge – one I had not anticipated on that level, because at times I couldn’t even see what all the building was leading to, but I just had to put my mind and hands to work – it pushed me to think critically and creatively. I was honoured to have been part of this entire experience and I’m grateful to Anton and his team, as well as the Kovsie ACT office, for being a constant support structure throughout the process, as it was not easy.”

These were the humble words of Sinegugu Sibisi, a University of the Free State (UFS) student who was part of the 2021 Kovsie ACT Eco-vehicle race, where sustainable energy was at the order of the day.

For more information about the Kovsie ACT eco-vehicle skills programme, email ACT at ACT@ufs.ac.za

News Archive

Prof Frederick Fourie to step down: Statement by the Acting Rector, Prof Teuns Verschoor

2008-09-08

Following the announcement by Prof Frederick Fourie that he is stepping down as vice-chancellor of the University of the Free State (UFS), one cannot help but reflect on the momentous contribution he has made to the development of the UFS.

At the time of his appointment as vice-rector in 1999, the UFS was in a financial crisis. There had been three rounds of staff reductions, there were no funds for equipment or the maintenance of buildings and there was a general mood of despair amongst staff.

With his unique style and talents, and against all odds, as acting rector and as rector from 2003, Prof Fourie succeeded in bringing about a financial turnaround that once again brought hope to the staff of the UFS.

Research improved dramatically, inter alia due to the refurbishment of laboratories and the acquisition of world-class research equipment. General campus infrastructure was significantly upgraded and aesthetically improved, making the physical appearance and quality of the campus and example to other universities.

The university structure was critically analysed in all its dimensions and quality assurance projects were launched to improve the overall package of higher education offerings at the UFS.

Another initiative led to the compilation of a transformation plan that was adopted by the management and the UFS Council and that lays the basis for the years ahead.

Through these and countless other initiatives, Prof Fourie has contributed significantly to the establishment of the UFS as a nationally and internationally recognised higher education institution.

Prof Fourie has laid the foundations for the next period of academic growth and development, the value of which will only be appreciated in its full significance in historical perspective.

The UFS is saddened that the high intensity of change management processes has taken its toll on the rector, but is deeply thankful for the legacy that he leaves.

We wish Prof Fourie many productive years ahead and have faith that his remarkable intellect and capabilities will enable him to make many more contributions to the betterment of South African society.

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
8 September 2008

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