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28 February 2023 | Story Samkelo Fetile | Photo Supplied
Star of stars
UFS Student Recruitment Services Department staff with students who took part in the Star of Stars induction camp at the Letsatsi Game Lodge.

The 2022 cohort of the University of the Free State (UFS) Star of Stars programme were welcomed to the university with a special Star of Stars induction camp held at the Letsatsi Game Lodge in Smithfield in the Free State. The exclusive event was held to celebrate the top 10 students who made it into the 2022 cohort of the Star of Stars programme, which identifies and supports top-achieving learners from underprivileged backgrounds. 

Star of Stars is an initiative of the UFS Student Recruitment Services department to identify high-achieving Grade 12 learners from quintile 1 to 3 schools in all five districts of the Free State. 

Entries are evaluated in three categories, i.e. academic performance, leadership achievements, and community involvement. Ten finalists are selected after a rigorous judging and evaluation process. The competition opens opportunities for the finalists to excel academically through personal development, counselling, and mentorship.
The induction camp is a crucial part of this support system, and includes workshops on thriving in an academic environment, financial literacy, personal development seminars, and vision board sessions.

More than just a weekend of celebration

The students were treated to a fun-filled weekend away and rewarded with prizes such as branded clothing, stationery, and cash prizes. “These incentives were not just a way to celebrate their achievements but also to encourage them to continue striving for excellence. It was also an opportunity for the students to meet and connect with each other. They shared their stories, aspirations, and challenges. They also built networks and support structures that will help them succeed beyond the competition.” Said Teli Mothabeng, officer at the Student Recruitment Services department.

The Letsatsi Game Lodge was the perfect backdrop for this event, as the students had the opportunity to unwind and connect with nature, which was a much-needed break from the daily challenges they face in their communities. The environment also provided an ideal setting for introspection and goal-setting. The Star of Stars induction camp was a celebration of their achievements, and a vital part of their journey towards success. The Star of Stars competition aims to create a brighter future for underprivileged communities by identifying and supporting the next generation of leaders. The induction camp was a crucial step in this direction.

Applications for the Star of Stars competition for learners who are in Grade 12 in 2023 and are interested in studying at UFS in 2024 open on 1 April and close on 31 August 2023.

 

Star of Stars Logo

News Archive

UFS works closely with employees in the post-Reitz settlement process
2013-05-20

20 May 2013

In the light of an article in IOL News on 18 and 19 May 2013 and in Sunday Independent and Sunday Tribune on 19 May 2013 in which it is alleged that the University of the Free State (UFS) has failed to honour its commitment to the five Reitz employees we are pleased to report on the ongoing process and progress made with respect to their employment.

The university remained consistently true to the settlement agreement and High Court order of 2011 and cannot apologise for complying with the law. It was therefore impossible for us to talk to our colleagues directly until last week when we had a breakthrough meeting, which was cleared by the Human Rights Commission (HRC), and matters were resolved.

The UFS continues to work closely and now directly with the five employees to ensure that their rights as employees remain the highest priority in the post-settlement process.
 
All but one of the conditions of the Reitz settlement (own business) has already been met; however, we are in the process of providing training and support for the establishment of an independent business led by the employees.

After some delays, and frustration on all sides, we have found the right training provider for them and are satisfied that the process remains on track. The business office (furnished) has been allocated at the South Campus in Bloemfontein.

Already in late 2012 the Chair of the HRC expressed his satisfaction with the commitments made by the university to the process. By 30 June 2013 this outstanding commitment to establish an independent company with trained employees would also have been met in full.

Beyond the settlement agreement, the UFS has also committed to providing free education and training to the children of the employees so that their next generation of families emerge as strong, independent, well-trained and productive members of society. The child of one of the colleagues is in fact finishing Grade 12 this year and we are in discussion about possible studies at the UFS. This is our pledge and commitment as a university.

This final step in the post-Reitz settlement is being led by Dr Choice Makhetha, Vice-Rector of the University of the Free State.

 

Issued by: Lacea Loader
Director Strategic Communication
Tel: +27 (0) 51 401 2584 / +27 (0) 83 645 2454
E-mail: news@ufs.ac.za
Fax: +27 (0) 51 444 6393
Web: www.ufs.ac.za

 

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