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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

Vusi Thembekwayo enthrals Kovsies
2016-08-18

Description: Vusi Thembekwayo  Tags: Vusi Thembekwayo

Vusi Thembekwayo delivered an impressive
lecture at UFS

Kovsies students and aspiring entrepreneurs who attended Vusi Thembekwayo’s Like a Boss: Show me the Money lecture will certainly agree that he is indeed the “Rockstar of public speaking”.

Through his sublime oratory skills, blended with flagrant humour, the seasoned serial entrepreneur captivated the capacity audience at the University of the Free State’s EBW Auditorium.

The lecture’s main purpose was for the 31-year-old - who has already achieved immense success in business - to offer valuable business advice and financial literacy. And he did just that.

Thembekwayo explained how innovation has always been driven by necessity. He also mentioned why he believes black people were struggling to build or grow sustainable businesses in the country.

“There is no black capital in SA. There are no schools to teach black people how to start businesses,” Thembekwayo said.

He said black people often opted out of their societal problems in spite of being conscious of them. This was a reference to the visible trend of black people who pursue success for their own personal enrichment.

For the country to solve these problems, amongst many others, Thembekwayo stressed that a labour absorptive economy, which also creates entrepreneurial opportunities, is essential.

Mechanical engineer and World Economic Forum (WEF) Innovator of the Year Award recipient, Nneile Nkholise and Dr Johan van Zyl, from the UFS Centre for Development Support were guest speakers at the event.

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