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20 April 2023 | Story NONSINDISO QWABE | Photo SONIA SMALL
A jubilant gradaute

Few moments in a student’s life are as memorable as graduation day. Graduates on the Qwaqwa Campus soaked in their moment and revelled in their accomplishments during the two-day ceremonies on 14 and 15 April 2023.

Graduations on the Qwaqwa Campus are known for their unique traditional flair, and during the two-day ceremonies, the excited graduates did not disappoint. 

One thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight qualifications were awarded during the two-day ceremonies. As they walked across the stage to receive their qualifications, graduates ululated, chanted, and whipped out various traditional and modern dancing styles to celebrate their degrees. 

Graduates reminded to leave a lasting legacy

Joining the excited graduates was Prof Adipala Ekwamu, a trailblazer in the field of agriculture who was awarded an honorary doctorate on 14 April 2023 during the Natural and Agricultural Sciences graduation ceremony on our Qwaqwa Campus, and Kopung Ralikontsane, the Director General of the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in the Free State, who was a guest speaker at the Faculty of Education ceremonies on Saturday 15 April 2023.

Addressing graduates during his acceptance speech, Prof Ekwamu challenged his ‘fellow graduands’ to be drivers of change in their respective industries.

“I was very impressed by the quality of the students and graduates that this university has trained. May I remind everyone that universities have always been the drivers of development and reform? Elsewhere, and in Africa too, they have contributed to the political discourse and catalysing the rate of economic development. I appeal and call upon all universities to remain the powerful drivers of innovation and environmental protection, poverty reduction, and inclusivity in all their undertakings.”

Likewise, Ralikontsane encouraged students to get involved in building the nation beyond its current limitations. Having trained as a teacher, Ralikontsane spoke about a teacher's lasting legacy as he shared his teacher reflections and gave a congratulatory speech to the graduates.

“You now have the responsibility to help our collective endeavours as a nation to improve our education, training, and innovation. I wish you to rise above the prevailing limitations of our time, insidious poverty and underdevelopment inflicted on our people, as underpinned by the principles of Batho Pele.”

The UFS wishes to congratulate our new graduates who received qualifications in ceremonies on the Qwaqwa Campus. We would like to say – Thank you for allowing us the honour to recognise your contribution to our society. 

News Archive

Kovsie Open Day a resounding success
2010-05-05

 
 Photo: Gerhard Louw


The Kovsie Open Day 2010 that took place on the Main Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) in Bloemfontein last week, was attended by more than 6 000 prospective students and their parents. This event was a resounding success. Thus report our prospective students, their parents, campus personnel, as well Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor at the UFS.

Parents and learners from across South Africa were firstly welcomed by Prof. Jansen, the Deans and Moses Masitha, the President of the Student Representative Council (SRC) in the Callie Human Centre. Thereafter they were afforded the opportunity to visit the various exhibitions in the faculties and residences. Parents and learners could also complete application forms for entrance to the UFS in the tent of the Division Corporate Relations on the Red Square. Liesl Cronje from Magaliesburg, who wants to come and study B.Sc.Agric. at Kovsies, was named as the winner of R3 000 by Corporate Relations after her application form had been selected in a lucky draw.

Residences and student organisations also had information points on the grass in front of the Main Building, where more information was given out to prospective students. Armentum, Vishuis and Karee won the first, second and third place respectively with their information points. The ladies’ residences Vergeet-my-nie, Emily Hobhouse and Soetdoring respectively boasted with the best information points.

The first official Kovsie slogan competition was also held and Madelief was appointed as the winner.

This day was held to provide prospective students and their parents with the opportunity to become better acquainted with the distinctive quality that the UFS offers its students. Staff and students also provided learners with the necessary information to enable them to make the right decisions regarding their career and studies next year.
 

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