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UFS Qwaqwa staff embrace vaccination message

03 September 2021 | Story Nonsindiso Qwabe

IMG_20210902_091126 copy — “This way please” UFS Clinic nurses point the way. From left to right: Sister Nangamso Lukhubeni, Sister Noluthando Luthuli, Sister Mathapelo Moloi, and Sister Modiehi Moloi.

Fully vaccinated!

These were the words uttered by many Qwaqwa staff members who received their second Pfizer jab at the vaccination site on the Qwaqwa Campus on Thursday (2 September 2021). More than 100 staff members turned up at the site, many for the second jab, while others were there to get their first. The staff members were full of praise for the convenience of having a site on campus, and said the brisk service made the entire process a breeze. The 24/7 Study Centre on campus was repurposed as a vaccination site at the end of August, bringing much-needed relief to staff and students, as well as the Qwaqwa community.

The vaccination experience

Chelly König, Professional Officer in the Department of Chemistry, urged people to trust the science behind the vaccine and the fact that it works. König also came with her relatives. “I’m fully vaccinated and feeling fantastic. I’d urge anyone who’s still hesitant to trust the sciences; these people know what they are doing. My aunt, who is 62, developed COVID-19 after getting her two jabs, and she didn’t experience any effects at all. It was just like the flu. Seeing her recovery convinced me that the vaccine works.”

Ntswaki Mokoena of Bidvest Prestige Cleaning Services also received her second jab. She said: “I am fully vaccinated and so happy. I’ve experienced no side effects whatsoever, and I encourage people to vaccinate; the vaccine is harmless. They should not listen to naysayers who haven’t even vaccinated.”

Calling on more people to vaccinate

Sister Mathapelo Moloi, Chief Officer at the campus clinic, said the vaccination drive was a source of pride for the campus. “Our priority is to re-open the campus, so I’m very happy that we are seeing staff and students being willing to get vaccinated.”

“It’s not the first time that there has been hesitancy around the vaccine. Providing information is our priority – to help them understand the side effects and everything pertaining to the vaccine.”

Acting Director of Student Affairs on Qwaqwa Campus, Zakhele Mdluli, said vaccinations would help the university community get back to normal. “I encourage students to get vaccinated so that they are able to come back to campus knowing that everyone is safe. This vaccination is no different from the vaccinations we used to get when we were younger.”

The centre operates Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 15:00. People can pre-register either online at https://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za or via WhatsApp on +27 0 60 012 3456 and should bring along their identity documents. The site is open to anyone 18 years and older. They can simply walk in – no bookings are required.”

News Archive

Meet the person behind the title – your new FaceOfFacebook

2015-04-29

Kovsies #FaceOfFacebook was born three years ago out of a need to engage with students, and become a virtual friend. Auditions are held every year to choose the new ‘face’ representing the UFS on Facebook. The successful candidate holds the title as #FaceOfFacebook for the next 12 months, attending events, and filming short video clips to post on our Facebook page.

The votes have been counted, and we have a winner. After much excitement and a close contest, Nompumelelo Maseko (whose name, fittingly, means ‘success’) emerged victorious from the top six contestants selected by our panel of judges. We sat down with the soft-spoken Mpumi – as her friends call her – to get a sense of the person who will be our ambassador for the next year.

What is your field of study, and how far along are you?

I am studying for a BSc degree in Genetics, and I’m currently in my second year. I have a particular interest in the forensic sciences, which fascinate me!

Are you originally from Bloemfontein?

No, I am originally from Pretoria.

How is it that you ended up here, studying at the UFS?

Before leaving school, I applied to various universities, but my desires and ambitions brought me here.

How do you find your residence?

Akasia ladies are big on sisterhood, very supportive. Res life is very enjoyable.

What do you hope to accomplish during your term as the #FaceOfFacebook?

I would like to help people become aware of what is taking place on campus. There are many opportunities to be more engaged with what is happening at the varsity. For instance, there are still many people who don’t really know what the #FaceOfFacebook is, and I would like to help inform them about it.

What is your motivation in your studies, in taking part in this contest, and in life?

I am intrigued by the function of life forms, the differences that exist at a cellular level.
For this competition, I fed off my love of people, even though I am shy. I also enjoy presenting.

I have my parents to thank as my motivation, as well as meeting and engaging with people. I find that I achieve a broader perspective when I don’t restrict myself to my own opinions, but strive to be open to differing views.

Nompumelelo will be appearing in one of her first Facebook videos shortly, so be sure to keep an eye on our Facebook page.

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