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UFS position statement on xenophobia

12 April 2022 | Story Lacea Loader

The management of the University of the Free State (UFS) is deeply concerned about the continued xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in our country, specifically the actions of, and statements made by groups and individuals.

The UFS condemns all forms of xenophobic and Afrophobic actions and thinking and expresses its solidarity with the members of the university community hailing from other regions of the African continent and the world. The UFS is committed to promoting diversity, social justice, inclusivity, and transformation and is united in its diversity. As a university community, it cherishes diversity as a catalyst for positive change, innovative research, and cutting-edge teaching and learning. Xenophobic actions, threats, or statements will not be tolerated at the UFS. The UFS is committed to nurturing and entrenching a human-rights culture and advocating human rights, both within the context of the university and beyond.

Xenophobia, Afrophobia, and discrimination jeopardise the process of internationalisation at any university. It limits the international and multicultural exposure of our students, which is important to achieve graduate attributes and to specifically develop students’ international and intercultural competence. The UFS is strategically strengthening its collaborations and partnerships in Africa and beyond. It recognises the positive power of diversifying the knowledge paradigms with which it interacts. International staff members, postdoctoral fellows, and students make a significant contribution to the academic project, scholarship traditions, and intellectual diversity of the university.

The management of the UFS will do everything in its power to ensure the well-being of all members of its international university community.

Xenophobia is the ‘fear and hatred of strangers or foreigners or of anything that is strange or foreign’ (Merriam-Webster Dictionary), whereas Afrophobia can be understood as the ‘fear and hatred of the cultures and people of Africa’.

News Archive

Mr Naka Drotské is Kovsie Alumnus of the Year

2006-03-03

Alumni of the University of the Free State (UFS) appointed Mr Naka Drotské as Kovsie Alumnus of the Year 2005.

The award is made to Mr Drotské for the professional way in which he led the Cheetah Rugby Team last year. This played a determining role in the team’s 2005 Currie Cup victory.

The Cum Laude Award, made from time to time to any alumnus for outstanding service or achievement at local, national or international level in his/her specific career domain, will be awarded to Mr Harold Verster (president of the Free State Rugby Union).

Mr Verster receives the award for the role he played in the inclusion of the Vodacom Cheetahs as Super 14 team, as well as for his leadership that contributed to the success of the Cheetah Rugby Team in 2005.

Prof Johan Henning, Dean: Faculty of Law at the UFS, receives the Kovsie Alumni National Management Award for Exceptional Service. This award is made from time to time to an individual who has rendered exceptional service to the UFS.

Prof Henning receives this award for his role in the expansion and development of the Faculty of Law as academic, centre head, department head and, especially, as dean.

The award ceremony will take place on Friday 10 March 2006 during a Gala Award Banquet in the Reitz Hall of the UFS Centenary Complex on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein.

All alumni of the UFS are welcome to attend the function. The guest artist is Matthys Roets and the entrance fee of R80 per person includes a three course meal.

Those who are interested can contact Ms Jeannette Boshoff-Jansen at (051) 401-3594 or alumni@mail.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
3 March 2006

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