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Taking the lead to positively impact the future of South African youth

30 May 2022 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Leonie Bolleurs

Gym instructor, homework centre owner, fashion designer, photographer. These are but some of the students who walked across the stage to receive their qualifications after completing an entrepreneurship programme on the South Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS).

The Department of Social Responsibility, Enterprise and Community Engagement on the South Campus recently hosted a ceremony for students in the short learning programme: Teacher Professional Development for Digital Mobile Learning, and Entrepreneurship for SMMEs.

According to Thakane Nteko from the Social Responsibility Projects (SRP), 40 of the 66 students enrolled for the qualification in lecture development completed it, together with the 10 students who registered for the entrepreneurship programme. The students are mainly university and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) lecturers and self-employed youth.

She says the department aims to enhance teaching and learning in the Free State, be it for school learners, schoolteachers, TVET college lecturers, or the youth. Key in this initiative is the UFS, in partnership with Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) and other organisations involved in community development, to make a positive difference in communities where there is a need.

Addressing social injustices
Positively impacting the youth of South Africa is of critical importance to the UFS. “Creating opportunities and growth through leading, learning, and teaching, is not only valid for the young intellectuals who have the chance to qualify themselves through tertiary studies. It is also applicable to the disadvantaged communities exposed to poor education. The UFS SRP serve as the vehicle to address this social injustice,” states Thandeka Mosholi, Head of the Department of Social Responsibility, Enterprise and Community Engagement.

She trusts that Social Responsibility Projects has established itself as a supporter of disadvantaged communities by responding to the call to positively impact the future of South African youth. “Our passion resonates with those who desire to open opportunities and bring purpose to gifted learners born in circumstances they did not choose, by being leaders in school change,” she says.

Destined for greatness
Delivering messages of encouragement at the event was KB Lebusho, CEO of the Free State Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Addressing the group of entrepreneurs, lecturers, and teachers, he told them that they are destined for greatness. “But until you believe in yourself, things will not change for you. It is important that you have clarity about your dreams and goals.”

Advocate Shirly Hyland, Director: Kovsie Phahamisa Academy, also left the students with a message of support. “By paying education forward, we can change the world. The power to touch the lives around you, lies in your hands. Enjoy taking the knowledge you have learned into your communities,” she said.

News Archive

King Moshoeshoe comes alive on national television

2004-11-02

Honourable Bethuel Pakalitha Mosisili, Prime Minister of Lesotho, and his wife; King Letsie III of Lesotho and Dr Ezekiel Moraka, Vice-Rector: Student Affairs at the UFS during the première of the film at the Royal Palace in Lesotho

The ground-breaking documentary film on the life and legacy of King Moshoeshoe, the founder of the Basotho nation, will come alive on Thursday 4 November 2004 when it is screened on SABC2 at 21:00

The film, called Moshoeshoe: The Renaissance King, forms part of a larger project by the University of the Free State (UFS) to honour the Moshoeshoe legacy of nation-building and reconciliation and to explore his role as a model of African leadership. It was produced by the well-known journalist Mr Max du Preez and commissioned by the UFS as part of its centenary celebrations.

The SABC2 screening was preceded by a première in Bloemfontein last month, and was attended by provincial political leaders.

This past weekend there was a première at the Royal Palace in Lesotho, which was attended by King Letsie III, the prime minister, the chief justice, judges, the president of the senate, cabinet ministers and directors-general.

“Through this documentary film the UFS commits itself to developing a shared appreciation of the history of this country and to the establishment of the Free State Province as a model of reconciliation and nation-building. King Moshoeshoe is also a strong common element, and binding factor, in the relationship between South Africa/the Free State, and its neighbour, Lesotho,” said Prof Frederick Fourie, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS.

“Not all people in South Africa know the history of Moshoeshoe. Many Basotho – but not all – are well versed in the history of Moshoeshoe, and his name is honoured in many a street, town and township. Many white people know little of him, or have a very constrained or even biased view of his role and legacy. In Africa and the world, he is much less known than, for instance, Shaka,” said Prof Fourie.

“King Moshoeshoe did a remarkable thing in forging a new nation out of a fragmented society. He also created a remarkable spirit of reconciliation and a remarkable spirit of leadership,” said Prof Fourie.

According to Prof Fourie we already benefit from his legacy: the people of the Free State share a tradition of moderation and reconciliation rather than one of aggression and domination. “For the UFS this is also part of real transformation – of creating a new unity amidst our diversity,” said Prof Fourie.

“We also find in the legacy of King Moshoeshoe the possibility of a “founding philosophy”, or “defining philosophy”, for the African renaissance. To develop this philosophy, we must gain a deeper understanding of what really happened there, of his role, of his leadership. Therefore the UFS will encourage and support further research into the history, politics and sociology of the Moshoeshoe period, including his leadership style,” said Prof Fourie.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
2 November 2004

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