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27 September 2022 | Story Mbali Moiketsi | Photo Supplied
Heritage day
Staff members of the Office for International Affairs celebrated Heritage Day dressing up in cultural or traditional attire from all over the world
Globally and in South Africa, internationalisation has become accepted as one of the critical processes that advance the core business of universities. The Office for International Affairs (OIA) aims to encourage stakeholders to integrate the international and intercultural dimensions into the formal and informal curriculum for all students within the domestic environment. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the OIA to ensure that the University of the Free State is exposed to an intercultural environment as part of everyday learning. This includes the celebration of Africa Month, Intercultural Diversity, and Heritage Day. The latter is commemorated annually on 24 September, acknowledging and celebrating the cultural wealth of our nation. At the UFS, students and staff celebrate the day by remembering the cultural heritage of the many cultures, including international cultures, that make up the population of South Africa.

OIA staff members celebrated the day by dressing up in cultural or traditional attire from all over the world, recognising the importance of each culture. The day was meant to reflect on the culture and meaning of who we are by educating ourselves on what it means to be global. We need to instil a sense of social cohesion among the UFS community by appreciating and overcoming racial and social barriers to unity. The day was filled with lots of activities, such as learning about different countries, taking part in indigenous games, and indulging in traditional music. The day ended with the realisation of the importance of heritage, and how we as the OIA continue to educate and instil intercultural dimensions at the UFS.

News Archive

Make the right choices and you will succeed, Prof Jansen advises learners
2014-05-30

“You can make a choice today that will end up with you being pregnant, having babies, being unemployed, sitting at home like some of our brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts. Or you can make a different decision – and that decision is about you working so hard that you earn entry into the University of the Free State, get your degree and become great, not only in South Africa, but in the world.”

This was the message from the UFS’s Vice-Chancellor and Rector, Prof Jonathan Jansen, who addressed prospective Kovsies during our Open Day on the Qwaqwa Campus on Saturday 24 May 2014. Prof Jansen advised all learners to always make the right decisions.

“The first right decision is to pass well. You must go for 60%, 70% and 80% passes. Set yourself a target and do not just strive to pass, but to pass well,” Prof Jansen told a packed Rolihlahla Mandela Multi-purpose Hall, with learners coming from as far as Ficksburg, Lindley and Koppies.

“The second thing that you need to do, is to believe in yourself. Do not believe people who tell you what you can or cannot do. Believe in what you can do,” said Prof Jansen.

“Thirdly, you have to get up and do things for yourself. You have to work hard, sleep less and study hard. Don't accept excuses. If you can do these three things, then the best place to study is the University of the Free State. Believe that the sky is the limit.”

“We learned a very valuable lesson here today,” said Tumelo Mofokeng from Nkarabeng Secondary School in Kestell.

The fun-filled programme included performances and messages of encouragement from current students who have been part of the unique Leadership for Change Programme. This programme equips first-year students with skills to reflect, dialogue and engage on issues of diversity and leadership.

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