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31 July 2023
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Story Lerato Lesiu
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Photo Supplied
The Umoja Buddy Programme (UBP) in the Office for International Affairs at the University of the Free State (UFS) celebrated International Day of Friendship by visiting students and staff members all over campus and handing out treats with messages of friendship attached.
This day is celebrated every year on 30 July; the UBP’s ambassadors and buddies participated on Friday 28 July by hosting an event to encourage a sense of togetherness and solidarity among the university community. It emphasised the importance of friendship and how it contributes to the spread of kindness, love, and peace among people from many cultural backgrounds.
Bulelwa Moikwatlhai, who leads the Internationalisation at Home and Incoming Exchange Students portfolios in the Office for International Affairs, says the participants representing different countries in the Umoja Buddy Programme celebrated the day by visiting students and staff members all over campus and handing out treats with messages of friendship attached.
“The goal was to make someone’s day while learning about their understanding of friendship and to encourage people to reach out to their friends, express their appreciation, and engage in acts of kindness.”
“The participants had the opportunity to share their personal stories and experiences of friendship, discussing the challenges they faced and overcame, and the lessons they learned. The event allowed individuals to reflect on the value of friendship and its transformative power in promoting understanding and acceptance,” said Moikwatlhai.
Furthermore, she stated that the UBP has launched a social media campaign to encourage individuals worldwide to celebrate International Day of Friendship. Through inspiring stories, videos, and messages, the campaign aimed to spread the message of friendship and unity across borders.
Overall, the Umoja Buddy Programme’s celebration of International Friendship Day was a testament to the programme’s commitment to fostering lifelong friendships and promoting intercultural understanding. By providing a platform for individuals to connect, learn, and appreciate each other’s background, the UBP continues to create a world where diversity is celebrated, and where friendship knows no boundaries. The UBP recognises that friendship has the power to bridge cultural divides and create meaningful connections. The UBP firmly believes that these interactions can break stereotypes, enhance cultural awareness, and foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity.
- The Umoja Buddy Programme is a programme that pairs newly admitted international students with current students at the UFS for social, cultural, and academic integration. It seeks to ensure the smooth transition and integration of international students into student life at the UFS, helping them to integrate into the campus and local communities. The programme aims to connect international and local students through meaningful lifelong friendships and to foster their academic, social, and cultural integration at the UFS.
A learning path for working adults
2009-02-09
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From the left are: Ms Maquida du Preez (MDP Programme Manager), Ms Eliche Lorandi ( Marketing Executive), Mr Theo Potgieter (BEE and Transformation Manager), Ms Marie Griebenouw (Programme Manager) and Mr Danie Jacobs (Head: Centre fro Business Dynamics).
Photo: Mangaliso Radebe
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In the short space of five years, the Centre for Business Dynamics at the University of the Free State (UFS) has grown in stature to such an extent that it is currently offering leadership development programmes at 45 institutions all over the country.
Speaking at the fifth anniversary of the centre’s establishment, its director, Mr Danie Jacobs, said the centre was the first commercial unit in South Africa, attached to a business school, to establish a desk focusing on Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and Transformation in association with Empowerdex.
The main purpose of this joint venture with Empowerdex is to deliver comprehensive BEE training through the development and presentation of various programmes.
The centre has also introduced the High-Performing Directors’ Programme in association with ABSA. A total of about 40 students have enrolled for this programme so far,and their numbers fluctuate every year.
It is also the first unit in the country to link up with Thinking Fusion, one of the three consultancies contracted by the UFS, to introduce two unique leadership programmes, namely a programme in Creating Leadership and Personal Capacity in Women and the Leadership in the Connection Economy programme.
“Our aim is to prepare women for full participation as managers and leaders in transforming organizations to become truly integrated and representative of the full diversity spectrum of South Africa,” Mr Jacobs said.
“We have built amazing relationships with various clients, both in the private and public sector, over the last five years,” said Mr Jacobs. “I believe the success of the Centre for Business Dynamics lies within our methodology of action learning, as well as creating a learning path for working adults.”
“Because of our country’s history not all people are on an equal footing when it comes to prior learning, so we level the playing field by breaking the training up into easily absorbable components. The centre can address the training needs of any company because of the multiple resources that we are fortunate enough to have at our fingertips,” he said.
The centre also offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Tax Strategy and Management, aimed at bringing all parties involved in the field of taxation up to date with the latest developments and changes.
In addition, the centre has introduced The Choice and The Choice at Work programme in association with the Arbinger Institute in the United States of America. There are also two management programmes, namely the Management Preparation Programme and the Management Development Programme.
Apart from these programmes, the centre also offers products and services such as short courses, workshops and consultations.
Media Release
Issued by: Mangaliso Radebe
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2828
Cell: 078 460 3320
E-mail: radebemt.stg@ufs.ac.za
9 February 2009
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