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05 July 2023 | Story André Damons and Samkelo Fetile
VC Concert

2023 Vice-Chancellor’s Concert

The Vice-Chancellor’s Concert is a highlight on the University of the Free State (UFS) social calendar and one of the most anticipated events of the year. If last year is anything to go by, we are set for another entertaining night of music.

This year, the concert once again provides an opportunity for the talented UFS community to be part of this amazing showcase of musical performances. The Vice-Chancellor’s Concert is for everyone who loves music, singing, performing, and showing off their amazing talents.

Last year’s concert was a huge success, with performances by the Free State Youth Wind Ensemble, Tidimalo Mholo, the Odeion String Quartet, Mafusi Leseo, the trio of Du Preez Stoltz, Levert Solomons, and Riaan Naudé, and the Bloemfontein Children’s Choir conducted by Werner Stander. Sibongile Mngoma delivered a mind-blowing performance of the soulful, calm, and magical ‘Inner Peace’, making the song her own and ‘wowing’ the audience in the process. Mngoma was accompanied by Joseph Kunnuji on trumpet and Anton Esterhuyse on piano. Martinette Spoelstra performed the classic ‘River Deep, Mountain High’, followed by a first-rate performance of ‘Everything’ by Naledi Mohapi.

UFS alumnus, Dr Wilhelm Lichtenberg – a talented full-time practising cardiothoracic surgeon, also known as ‘the singing surgeon’ – also mesmerised the audience, while current UFS staff member, Dr Patricks Otomo, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Zoology and Entomology, captured the audience with his rendition of ‘Feels like Home’. The UFS Choir, conducted by Sibongile Mngoma, captivated the audience with an effortlessly blended medley of genres by 49 majestic voices.

Prof Francis Petersen, UFS Vice-Chancellor and Principal, called the concert “indicative of incredible talent, immense preparation, and hard work. It was a beautifully crafted programme with talented musicians in an exquisite setting of the UFS”.

Staff, students, and alumni who want to showcase their musical talents and who are ready to entertain and mesmerise the audience by shining on the big stage, are invited to submit their entries as a singing group or solo item from the genres contemporary jazz, soul, or pop / popular music by 28 July 2023.

The concert takes place on Friday 1 September 2023.

News Archive

Students get practical training in banking
2009-05-13

 
At the official announcement of the ABSA Internship Programme were, from the left: Ms Venete Klein, Executive Director: ABSA Retail Banking, Prof. Helena van Zyl, Director of the School of Management at the UFS, and Ms Christa de Bruin, Programme Leader: Internships at ABSA; back: Tebogo Mekgwe and Chantelle de Coning. Both are Honours students in Financial Economics and Investment Management at the UFS.
Photo: Stephen Collett

The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS) has launched a unique programme that will give provide postgraduate B.Com. students with the opportunity to work at the ABSA Regional Office in Bloemfontein for three weeks and obtain practical experience on what banking entails.

“It is the first time in the history of our faculty that we are getting involved with a programme of this nature where theory and practice will meet,” said Prof. Helena van Zyl, Director of the School of Management at the UFS at the official announcement of the ABSA Internship Programme this week.

The ABSA Internship Programme was born out of the faculty’s long-standing relationship with ABSA. The programme, the brain child of Mr Deon Loots, former Regional Manager of ABSA in the Free State, offers the ten hand-picked students the opportunity to equip and empower themselves better for their future. They will be working at the ABSA Regional Office from 22 June to 10 July 2009 and will be exposed to as many focus areas of the bank as possible in order to give them a good overview of what banking entails.

“A degree, even an honours degree, is not enough. When graduates knock on an employer’s door he/she already assumes that the student will have a certain set of knowledge. We must once again look at ways to enhance our students’ practical and softer skills in order for them to compete in the labour market,” said Prof. Van Zyl.

“With this programme we want to equip and empower our students and develop their talents. In the end the student must be able to answer the question, “What makes me better than the 27 000 other students on our campus and on campuses elsewhere?” Prof. Van Zyl said.

Ms Venete Klein, Executive Director: ABSA Retail Banking and Visiting Professor at the University’s School of Management stated that it was always good to meet and engage with young talent, the leaders of tomorrow. “The students are entering the world of work at a crucial and difficult stage; a time when financial services worldwide are transformed. They have proven themselves academically. Now they have the opportunity to complement theory with work experience. With this programme they can develop into competent and compassionate professionals. I am proud that ABSA is part of this programme,” she said.

Media Release:
Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za 
13 May 2009
 

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