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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

“We have to be ashamed as South Africans in these xenophobic attacks” – Dr Khotso Mokhele
2015-04-17

In a show of solidarity, the staff, students, and graduates at the University of the Free State hosted various events to remember those victims of recent Xenophobia attacks in the country.

During the Autumn Graduation this week on the Bloemfontein Campus, a moment of silence was observed at the different ceremonies.

At the ceremonies, UFS Chancellor, Dr Khotso Mokhele, said these graduations are not only about the graduates’ success but also about keeping in mind those who are being killed in our own country because their countries could not uphold them.

“All of us as South Africans should show a displeasure at the xenophobic attacks that have taken place in the country. These acts are inhumane, and we have to be ashamed as South Africans.”

South Africa has been rocked these recent weeks by various flares of attacks on foreign nationals living in South Africa. Five people or more have died in these attacks.

The Institute for Reconciliation and Social Justice at the UFS also started hosting conversations to create awareness and understanding among the Kovsie community about xenophobia and the subsequent hate crimes.

In spite of diverging opinions, different approaches, and the complexities at the heart of the issue, everyone at these discussions agreed that xenophobia needs to be addressed urgently, not only by government, but also by every South African citizen.

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