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19 April 2023
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Story Kekeletso Takang
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Photo Provided
Among the thousands of new graduates obtaining qualifications during the University of the Free State’s (UFS) April graduation ceremony, were twins – Angel and Angelica Eksteen. The duo obtained their Bachelor of Education degrees in the Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching with distinctions during the Faculty of Education ceremony on 18 April 2023.
Angel says the journey to graduating was challenging, but worth it. “The most fulfilling thing about graduating was seeing the excitement and pride on our aunt and grandmother’s faces, making the challenges worth it.”
Angelica says their education journey has only just begun. Next in line for the twins is Bachelor of Education honours degrees. “And while we strive towards that, we will be the best teachers in the profession.”
UFS a much safer place
2011-09-20
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First-year students Chuma Nyiko (left) and Mabasa Teleni next to one of the red poles installed on our Bloemfontein Campus.
Photo: Amanda Tongha |
Students and staff at our Bloemfontein Campus can feel even safer, with several initiatives being put in place to ensure their safety.
The stop-and-search actions of the recent past, which are being carried out at all the main gates of our Bloemfontein Campus, seem to be successful, since car theft has decreased on the campus. Mr Willie Frankim, Head of Protection Services, says the stop-and-search actions are carried out sporadically, but have a definite effect on crime at the campus. Mr Frankim says only one vehicle has been stolen in the past two months as opposed to the many more that have been stolen in the past.
The message that safety is viewed in a serious light reaches as far as our university’s parking areas and walkways, which are being patrolled by security staff. Mr Frankim says a security officer is placed in all the large parking areas, while other personnel are distributed across the entire campus, especially at key areas, such as at the library and student centre.
Our university also recently installed more than 30 red poles across the entire campus. Each of these red poles is fitted with a panic button by means of which help can be summoned. Should a student or staff member feel unsafe, all they have to do is press the button and cameras, which are installed in the vicinity, will focus on the pole and Protection Services will send assistance. Twenty five of these poles are already working and ten more still have to be activated.
Students and staff can also phone Protection Services on 051 401 2911 if they feel uncomfortable about their safety. They can use this number, for example, to ask a security officer to accompany them to their car.