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22 October 2021 | Story Dr Nitha Ramnath | Photo Rhona Klopper
Donating masks to Rekopane Primary School, were from the left: Alfi Moolman (UFS Directorate: Community Engagement), Sonja Venter-Botes (Bloemshelter), Tina Moleko (Rankwe Primary School), and Michelle Engelbrecht (UFS Centre for Health Systems Research and Development).

The Centre for Health Systems Research and Development (CHSR&D) at the University of the Free State (UFS) recently donated 500 masks to Rekopane Primary School in Botshabelo. This initiative was part of its pledge to donate 100 cloth masks to a previously disadvantaged primary school for every 1 000 of the first 5 000 completed questionnaires that formed part of a study survey examining people’s understanding of information about COVID-19 vaccines. The results of the study will be shared with stakeholders who are responsible for providing information about COVID-19 vaccinations.

It is known that a large number of people globally and in South Africa prefer not to be vaccinated. “There are many reasons for this, and we would like to find out where people are getting information about the COVID-19 vaccination, and whether they are able to understand this information, so that they can make an informed choice about getting vaccinated. We did this by asking people about their own health and COVID-19, where they have heard about the vaccine, if they understood this information, and whether they have had/would have the vaccine or not, as well as the reasons for this,” said Prof Michelle Engelbrecht, Director of CHSR&D. 

While following guidelines such as wearing masks, sanitising hands, and social distancing are important to prevent the spread of COVID-19, a large percentage of the population will need to be vaccinated if we want to control the pandemic in the long term and prevent hospitalisation and severe illness. 

All persons in South Africa aged 18 and older were invited to complete an online survey regarding their perceptions of COVID-19 vaccines. The survey, which was available in the seven most spoken languages in the country, was advertised on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, and on the Moya app.  The survey was open from 1 to 31 September 2021, and the CHSR&D received 10 554 completed questionnaires.  No data was required to complete the survey.

The Department of Basic Education partners decided on the school that would benefit, and the study provided an opportunity to support Bloemshelter, a UFS flagship programme. Alfi Moolman of the Directorate: Community Engagement said that “NGOs are really struggling to make ends meet, and we are delighted that Bloemshelter could provide the masks as one of their income-generating projects.  So many lives are touched for the good. The university is indeed a caring organisation.”


News Archive

UFS sets deadline for applications
2005-11-14

The University of the Free State (UFS) calls on all prospective students wishing to study at the UFS in 2006 to submit their applications for admission by no later than 30 November 2005.

“This applies to first-time entering first-year students, senior students who have interrupted their studies for at least one year and undergraduate students from other educational institutions,” said Mr Vernon Collett, Registrar:  Academic Student Services at the UFS.

According to Mr Collett students whose applications for admission are received after 30 November 2005 and until 25 January 2006 will be accepted subject to the availability of place on the programme they applied for. 

“After 30 November 2005 academic advice within a one-stop service may not be available to students and no conditional exemptions will be considered.  No transfer students from other tertiary institutions will also be accepted after 30 November 2005,” said Mr Collett.

Prospective students who want to apply must pay a non-refundable fee of R110 into a designated account, which will be provided when the application form is sent to them.  The signed application form must be accompanied by a certified copy of the prospective student’s identity document or passport and a proof of payment of the application fee.  The application form of a minor must be signed by his/her parent or guardian and the field of study should be clearly indicated.

“A total of 25 251 students are registered at the UFS Main Campus this year.  We expect a considerable number of applications and foresee that our numbers for next year will be similar to what it is now,” said Mr Collett.

First-time entering first-year students on the Main Campus will be welcomed by the Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, Prof Frederick Fourie, on 14 January 2006 at 11:00 in the Callie Human Centre.

The registration of first-time entering first-year students will commence on 17 January 2006 and that of senior students on 23 January 2006 at the Callie Human Centre according to a programme.  Students who applied for admission after 30 November 2005 can register from 2 February 2006.  Lectures will commence on 6 February 2006 and the registration process will end on 11 February 2006.

Prospective students who want to apply for admission or who have any enquiries can call (051) 401-3000 or visit the UFS web site at www.uovs.ac.za.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel:   (051) 401-2584
Cell:  083 645 2454
E-mail:  loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
14 November 2005

 

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