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01 August 2023 | Story Valentino Ndaba
womens Month 2023

As South Africa kicks off Women's Month, the University of the Free State (UFS) also launched its 2023 campaign, #UFSWomen Strive to BeBetter. The initiative reflects the institution's dedication to fostering women's empowerment and promoting gender equality within its academic and support staff domains. This move aligns with the United Nations’ Generation Equality campaign, connecting South Africa to the worldwide efforts aimed at achieving gender equality by 2030.

Historically, Women's Month in South Africa holds immense significance, commemorating the bravery of more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956. The marchers opposed the extension of Pass Laws to women, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's history. Today, Women's Month represents a time for reflection, assessment of progress, and confronting various forms of oppression.

Championing social justice

In line with its Vision 130 strategy, the UFS has placed social justice at the heart of its mission. With the objective of promoting human dignity through ethical and transparent institutional practices, the university interprets social justice within the context of South Africa's history. This includes striving for inclusivity, reducing inequality, and providing opportunities to overcome poverty and dispossession.

Prof Francis Petersen, UFS Vice-Chancellor and Principal, underscored the importance of Women's Month and the university's unwavering dedication to promoting gender equality. He expressed appreciation for the strength and resilience exhibited by women, while acknowledging the obstacles they continue to encounter. “The university takes pride in championing the principles of equality and strives to offer a conducive environment for women to flourish in every aspect of its academic community.”

Building a Better Future

The #UFSWomen Strive to BeBetter campaign aims to shed light on the various initiatives and support systems implemented by the university to uplift and empower women within the campus community. Through this proactive effort, the UFS seeks to create an environment where women can flourish and contribute meaningfully to the greater goal of building a more equitable society.

Throughout Women's Month, the UFS has planned an array of events to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women within the institution. The activities will include panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities aimed at fostering dialogue and encouraging the exchange of ideas.

Victim to Victor GBV Awareness and Dignity Kit Handover 
Date: 3 August 2023
Time: 12:00-14:00

Venue: Thakaneng Bridge, Bloemfontein Campus

Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Struggles and Experiences of Womxn in Higher Education
Date: 7 August 2023
Time: 10:00-12:30

Pour_try and Paint
Date: 10 August 2023
Time: 16:00-18:30
Venue: Soetdoring Café, Bloemfontein Campus
Seminar on Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Intersection of Traditional African Values and Modern Perspectives in Achieving Gender Equality 
Date: 24 August 2023
Time: 10:00-12:30
Annual Women’s Day Breakfast 
Date: 24 August 2023
Time: 08:30-10:30
Venue: Callie Human Centre, Bloemfontein Campus

News Archive

New computer centre
2007-05-15
Attending the sod turning ceremony of the University of the Free State's (UFS) new computer centre were, from the left: Mr Abraham Makhalanyane (Director of Sikeyi Construction), Prof. Frederick Fourie (Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS) and Mr Johann Ströhfeldt (Director of Ströhfeldt Construction Group). The centre, which will host about 815 computers, will be erected in a joint venture between the two construction companies.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs
 

UFS gets new computer centre

The first sod of a new computer centre which will host about 815 computers was turned on the Main Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) in Bloemfontein today.

The computer centre, which will be situated next to the UFS Sasol Library, will have various state-of-the-art computer laboratories. This is the first new building to be built on the Main Campus since the student centre, Thakaneng Bridge, and will be erected at a total project cost of R19 million.

“The computer centre is an important addition to our strategy to promote e-learning and is a sign of the new era of blended learning which students are now practicing,” said Prof. Frederick Fourie, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, during the sod-turning ceremony.

According to Prof. Fourie the building will address students’ need for available computers. “All our students do not have a computer to assist them with their studies. The centre will empower them to complete their studies successfully and will provide them with the opportunity to conduct research in an academic environment,” said Prof. Fourie.

“Various laboratories for among others group work, as well as laboratories where students can work in a quiet environment on individual assignments will be established. Rooms for classes where a computer is a prerequisite to students as well as rooms for examinations, tests and practical sessions will be provided,” said Prof. Fourie.

The computers will not only comprise of traditional programmes, but rooms with programmes for open learning will also be established. Subject specific software will be installed in certain rooms to enable students to obtain a good knowledge of the subject fields.

The computer centre, which will be open seven days a week, will also be at the disposal of UFS staff.

“I am looking forward to this development on the Main Campus. It will be a thrill to see more than 800 students studying in the computer laboratories,” said Prof. Fourie.

The building will be erected in a joint venture between Ströhfeldt Construction Group and Sikeyi Construction, a black empowerment company. Mr Abraham Makhalanyane, Director of Sikeyi Construction, thanked the UFS for the opportunity to be involved with a project of this magnitude. “A project like this is a great responsibility and I am looking forward to work with a team of experts,” he said. Mr Johann Ströhfeldt, Director of Ströhfeldt Construction Group, said: “We have been working with the UFS on construction projects for more than 25 years. I believe that this project will also contribute to the pride and glory of the UFS.”

The expected completion date of the computer centre is May 2008.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl@ufs.ac.za
14 May 2007
 

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