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24 May 2021 | Story Xolisa Mnukwa
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

SRC interim member takes giant leaps – in high heels
2014-02-24


Photo: Jerry Mokoroane

Passion. Commitment. Drive. Enthusiasm. All these characteristics are embedded in Masabata Mokgesi, SRC interim member: Postgraduate Council of our Bloemfontein Campus. This lady has taken giant strides in both leadership and academic roles, establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with.

Mokgesi  has completed her BA Honours degree with distinction. She is currently enrolled for a master’s in Media Translation, with the intent of attaining her PhD before tackling the work domain. Her excellent academic performance led to her being awarded the UFS Golden Key Scholarship Chapter Award last year.

Mokgesi is a master when it comes to time management, since she has to pay attention to several responsibilities simultaneously. As a leader, a research administration intern at the National Research Foundation and lecturer at the university, she has her hands full.

“I have always believed in myself and that there is still more one can achieve, hence, I never got comfortable in the lot I have achieved thus far,” says Mokgesi.

But wait, there is more! This remarkable young lady is also into fashion and modelling, having won Miss Mangaung Municipality and Miss ConLaur?s titles. “There is a perception that academics are in most cases dressed inappropriately, and I surely want to break that stigma. We can always look after our well-being,” she added with some laughter.

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