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25 August 2023 | Story Naledi Mokhasinyane | Photo Thandiswa Sihlezana
Tlotlisang Mhlambiso
Tlotlisang Mhlambiso with his new book, A Journey Worth the Ride.

Tlotlisang Mhlambiso, a University of the Free State (UFS) BEd student in his final year, wears multiple hats as an author, poet, and Teaching Assistant. And the 23-year-old’s literary prowess continues to grow: He launched his second book, a collection of short stories titled A Journey Worth the Ride, at the UFS Academy for Multilingualism recently. 

Hailing from Lugcadweni village in the Eastern Cape's Mount Fletcher (Tlokoeng), Mhlambiso self-published his debut poetry book, Ukuphuma Kwelanga, in 2020. His debut book received a public launch on 14 June 2023 at the UFS’s Sasol Library, and his second book was launched on 11 August.

Unveiling "A Journey Worth the Ride": iCAN Project hosts the remarkable launch

The launch of A Journey Worth the Ride was hosted by the iCAN Project, led by Mhlambiso's former lecturer Dr Peet van Aardt. Mhlambiso’s book delve into resilience, sorrow, and love. He was recognised by the National Youth Development Agency as 2023's Education Trailblazer. He says he hopes to battle illiteracy through his poetry and stories, which shone at the National Arts Festival and are preserved in the Amazwi South African Museum of Literature. He has also co-authored an international journal spanning continents.

Inspired by an English teacher's introduction to the poem ‘Africa My Africa’ by David Diop, Mhlambiso started writing in primary school. “We are created differently; some are vocal, and some are not,” he says. “Being part of some that are not has made me opt for writing instead of constantly being vocal about issues and situations that some people go through.” University life sparked his passion for short stories, commencing with his submission of ‘Uthando Lukamama’ to the iCAN Project. 

Empowering through words: Mhlambiso's multifaceted literary mission

Mhlambiso explains he also uses writing to address unspoken societal issues, improve literacy levels, and preserve African languages. He captures contemporary stories, aligning with the iCAN Project's aim of decolonising curricula. He envisions fostering a more literate society through reading. “Dr Peet Van Aardt once said the project is a response from the centre for the ever-increasing need for decolonised curricula, steeped in the local cultural perspective of ubuntu, which is the iCAN Project, and A Journey Worth the Ride has exactly tapped into that, as it is a multilingual book,” he added.

He believes balancing academics and writing involves limited socialising and intensive reading. Creative writing masterclasses and workshops by the Academy for Multilingualism under the iCAN Project, and the UFS African Languages Press nourish his creativity. 

From dreams to community transformation: Mhlambiso's literary odyssey

Mhlambiso hails from an environment without libraries, and now he aims to transform his community through writing. His goal is to donate his works to schools, libraries, and book clubs, promoting literacy in native languages. His poetry and stories encourage collective change and emphasise youth action. 

His works relate strongly to the UFS’s Vision 130 and one of its component values, Innovation and Impact. His aims align with this vision through his engagements with local schools, libraries, and book clubs to confront their challenges. This includes addressing issues like the scarcity of books in native languages and contributing authored works to bridge this gap. 

As Mhlambiso's oft-repeated resounding call goes: "Let's embark on this journey; it is worth the ride!” 

News Archive

UFS council elects Nwaila and Hancke
2005-03-15

Dr Charles Nwaila, Superintendent-General of Education in the Free State, was elected Vice-chairperson of the UFS Council and Judge Faan Hancke was re-elected as Chairperson today.

According to the Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Frederick Fourie, the election of Dr Nwaila is an important achievement for the UFS as Dr Nwaila is a well known leader in education in the Free State.

Dr Nwaila pledged to work constructively with the UFS council and management to ensure that the UFS benefits all people of the province and the country.

The appointments are valid for a term of three years from 1 June 2005 to 31 May 2008.

The elections took place at the quarterly meeting of the UFS Council where a number of other key transformation steps were approved.

The Council approved a Strategic Plan for the UFS which reflects a renewed focus on transformation of the institution, calling it an important roadmap for the future of the UFS.

According to Prof Fourie, the Strategic Plan tried strike a balance between continuity and change, addressing the need to remain an excellent university in an ever-changing context and environment.

Prof Fourie said transformation had many aspects and dimensions and could not be reduced to an issue of numbers.

The Strategic Plan identifies five strategic priorities and corresponding challenges in the next phase of transformation.

The priorities are:

  • quality and excellence

  • equity, diversity and redress

  • financial sustainability

  • regional co-operation and engagement.

  • outward thrust

Prof Fourie said that besides the five strategic priorities the plan also reflected concrete actions and interventions to address them.

He said the renewed focus on transformation is embedded in the priorities and specific actions that are identified.

The Council congratulated the management for the roadmap and for the achievements that have already been achieved in terms of transformation.

In order to draft a comprehensive Transformation Plan that will give substance to certain aspects of the UFS Strategic plan – or roadmap – the Council approved the establishment of a Transformation Plan Team.

The team will consist of about 16 people, which includes the two coordinators, Prof Teuns Verschoor, Vice-Rector: Academic Operations, and Dr Ezekiel Moraka, Vice-Rector: Student Affairs.

According to Prof Verschoor, the team was chosen and approved by the Executive Management earlier for the individual contributions that they could make.

While the individuals do not represent particular constituencies on campus they are a very diverse group of persons in terms of race, gender and various sections of the campus and the satellite campuses.

Prof Fourie, said there was an urgency and importance attached to the work of the Transformation Plan Team.

He said that while the team must produce a plan within a tight deadline, the task must be carried out very well, which could mean different stages in the work of the team.

According to the Rector, the UFS must take the lead in best practice transformation, while not underestimating the complexity of the issues facing the UFS.

The full list of names will be finalized soon.

MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by: Mnr Anton Fisher
Director: Strategic Communication
Cel: 072 207 8334
Tel: (051) 401-2749
11 Maart 2005

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