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08 August 2023 | Story EDZANI NEPHALELA | Photo EDZANI NEPHALELA
Mbulelo Aven Jafta and Dr Engela van Staden
Mbulelo Aven Jafta, Xhariep Municipality Corporate Services Director, and Dr Engela van Staden, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic at the UFS, sign a memorandum of understanding to enrich various communities in the Xhariep Municipality areas through leadership training.

The University of the Free State (UFS) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the Xhariep Municipality that is aimed at positively impacting communities through strategic partnerships. The organisations plan for their collaboration to make a significant difference by training 35 of their employees via the UFS Business School – 15 will undertake the Foundation Skills Short Learning Programme, and 20 the Bachelor’s degree in Management Leadership.

This joint effort will equip these employees with essential skills and knowledge and empower them to carry out their responsibilities efficiently and effectively. Rooted in the UFS’s Vision 130, this initiative fosters positive change within the community by enhancing social justice and innovation.

Dr Engela van Staden, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic at the UFS, emphasised the university's dedication to human resource development and empowering individuals. “We were very excited when we got this engagement with you, and I hope it will be fruitful for you, because that’s the intention. We are also reaching out to other municipalities because we are doing it for our country, and the sooner we do it, the better the services you will deliver to people.” 

Xhariep Municipality expressed gratitude for the collaboration, recognising its significance in empowering its employees. Mbulelo Aven Jafta, Corporate Services Director at the municipality, thanked the university for accepting the partnership. “As a municipality, we are interested in capacitating our employees to perform their duties optimally. It is through these partnerships that we reach our intended targets. This is the first two projects, and many more will be coming as our partnership progresses, and we intend to use this opportunity to the best of our abilities.”

Jafta said that such partnerships encourage a more interconnected and interdependent world. “As organisations work towards common goals, they create a ripple effect that can lead to a brighter and more promising future and play a vital role in shaping a positive and sustainable future.”

News Archive

Two Kovsies in Baby Boks group for U20 Championship
2017-05-12

Description: ' 000 Baby Boks Tags: Baby Boks 2017

Scrumhalf Rewan Kruger, left, and prop Kwenzo Blose, both
rugby players from the University of the Free State, will
soon be playing in their first and second Junior World
Tournament respectively.
Photo: SA Rugby

Although he will soon be playing in his first Junior World Cup, Rewan Kruger believes his experience of international rugby will help him succeed. Last year, the scrumhalf was part of the South African schools team playing in the U19 series against Italy, Wales, England, and France.
Kruger and prop Kwenzo Blose, who will be playing in his second World Tournament, are two players from the University of the Free State that were recently included in the final Baby Boks group of 28. The World Rugby U20 Championship will take place in Tbilisi, Georgia from 31 May to 18 June.

A taste of international rugby

The 19-year-old Kruger says it is hard to describe how thrilled he is about his inclusion. “The whole group of players were gathered in a room and the next moment the coach [Chean Roux] played a video on his computer, announcing the team that will be playing abroad.”
The former Grey College, Bloemfontein, pupil has already had a taste of international rugby. “I believe the experience I gained in the international U19 series will help me a lot in the upcoming U20 World Rugby Championship. I already have an idea of the pace of an international game.”

Team can improve on previous year

Blose, KovsieSport’s Junior Sportsman for 2016, says the South African U20 team could do better than the fourth place they got in Manchester, England in 2016. “South Africa is a strong rugby nation and we have set high standards for ourselves. Therefore, we will do our best to win the tournament. We have a great group and I believe we have the potential to win the trophy.”
The former lock from Glenwood High School, Durban, says it has helped his team to play practice matches against senior teams such as the Griquas. “The preparation was tough and I think it will benefit the team.”

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