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10 February 2023 | Story Lunga Luthuli | Photo Lunga Luthuli
Gateway Amigos
Volunteer Gateway Amigos, a University of the Free State initiative to assist first-entering students during Gateway First-year Orientation and the transition to life at the institution.

The University of the Free State (UFS) will be hosting welcoming ceremonies – which include the 2023 UFS Dream Walk event – for first-year students on the Bloemfontein and South Campuses on 18 February 2023, and on the Qwaqwa Campus on 25 February 2023.  

The Dream Walk – also known as Kovsie Dream – is an annual event, with the first being hosted in 2022.  With the event, the UFS welcomes first-year students to the university community, placing an emphasis on their individual dreams and aspirations. The event is also an opportunity for new students to familiarise themselves with the university, facilities, available opportunities, and to make new friends. 

The UFS recognises the importance of helping students set and pursue their dreams, especially in their first year. During the event, students will have an opportunity to interact with university staff, as well as current students who will share their experiences of pursuing their dreams and overcoming obstacles. 

Students participating in the Dream Walk will have the chance to explore their potential, identify their passions, and by completing their dream cards, they will be able to set goals for their individual futures.

Prof Francis Petersen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, will officially welcome students to the UFS on both days – on the Bloemfontein Campus on 18 February 2023, and on the Qwaqwa Campus on 25 February 2023.  The welcoming messages on the two campuses will be followed by a Dream Walk.  Students participating in the Dream Walk will move along the same route that students follow on the day of graduation. 

The Division of Student Affairs believes that building a strong support network is crucial for students to succeed in their academic and professional lives. By connecting with staff and seniors, first-year students will gain valuable insight into their chosen courses and receive advice on how to achieve their academic goals.

Dr WP Wahl, Director: Student Life within the Division of Student Affairs, said: “The UFS is committed to providing its students with the support and resources they need to pursue their dreams. The Rector’s Welcoming, coupled with the Dream Walk, is an exciting opportunity for first-year students to start their university journey on the right foot and to set themselves up for success.”

For more information on the Welcoming, the Dream Walk event, and the programme, please click here

News Archive

Professor suggests San place-name book
2011-09-28

 

At the inaugural lecture of Prof. Raper were, from left to right: Dr Choice Makhetha, Vice-Rector: External Relations (actg); Prof. Theo du Plessis, head of our Department of Language Management and Language Practice; Prof. Raper; and Prof. Lucius Botes, Dean of our Faculty of Humanities.
Photo: Stephen Collett

Prof. Peter Raper, Honorary Professor: Linguistics, in the Department of Language Management and Language Practice at our university, delivered his inaugural lecture on Tuesday, 27 September 2011. Prof. Raper focused on the topic of “Interpretations and translations of Bushman (San) place names” and he recommended the establishment of a chair for Khoikhoi and Bushman name studies at the UFS. Prof. Raper said that, until about 2 000 years ago, the Bushmen and their ancestors were the only inhabitants of southern Africa and that, presumably, all place names in the region were of Bushman origin. Prof. Raper also suggested the publication of a dictionary of Bushman place names which will contribute to restoring and preserving Bushman toponymic, linguistic and cultural heritage.

In his inaugural lecture, Prof. Raper distinguished between the terms Bushman and San. He said “the term Bushman was for a long time considered an insult and San was preferred. Recently, Bushman became preferable and San is considered an insult”.

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