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01 June 2023 | Story Nicole Bongo | Photo Supplied
Student centered community engagement programmes
University of the Free State students participating in one of the many projects coordinated by the Engaged Scholarship Office.

To help make a change and push for sustainable development, the University of the Free State Division of Student Affairs works with communities around Bloemfontein fostering a culture of creating sustainable solutions.

Gernus Terblanche, Kovsie Support Services and Assistant Researcher in the Division says, ‘it is important for the university to be actively involved in the community as it makes up such a large portion of the Bloemfontein and students also represent many different communities on and off- campus.’

Terblanche said: “As an educational institution it is vital for the UFS to support and guide students towards creating innovative solutions; both local and globally. Our experience is that students often come up with real solutions that can make a real impact in the lives of real people – and it would be crucial to support such initiatives.” 

The office has worked with BloemShelter, VermiVillage, GAP Equip, National Hospital and as part of the programmes of 2022 also with Lighuis, Talita Cumi, ROC Kids and the Universitas Neighborhood association. “We are also very fortunate to have, Shanen Emam, Miss Free State 2023 as one of our students that are involved with our programmes,” added Terblanche.

One of the students involved is Prince Sijane, Bloemfontein Campus Student Representative Council member responsible for Civic and Social Responsibility when asked why student participation is important, he said, “By actively participating in initiatives that address social issues or promote community well-being, students become more aware of the challenges faced by society.”

The Division of Student Affairs’ KovsieACT office is also in partnership with the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (Department of Sustainable Food Systems and Development) and the Faculty of Health Sciences (Department of Nutrition and Dietetics) to develop and maintain vegetable gardens.

Tereblanche said: “The produce of these gardens addresses hunger and malnutrition amongst students on campus. KovsieACT also facilitates an eco-vehicle project during which student teams learn how to build electric vehicles powered by solar charging stations. This project is aimed at developing skills appropriate to the 4th Industrial Revolution and sustainable resources development including clean and green energy.”  

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Student performers dazzle at Kovsie Extravaganza
2014-10-01

The Kovsie Extravaganza is an annual highlight on our university’s Arts and Culture calendar. The event offers outstanding Kovsie artists the opportunity to showcase their talent in music, dance and poetry – to name but a few – live on stage. The Sand d u Plessis theatre in Bloemfontein was packed to capacity for this highly-anticipated performance on 27 September 2014.

With the multi-award winning a cappella trio, The Soil, and Kovsie Idol Delia Moumakwe included in the line-up, tickets were already sold out nine hours before the show.

But the Kovsie acts by no means paled in comparison to these stars. In addition, the Free State Youth Orchestra – which includes some of the most talented students at our Odeion School of Music – provided an inspired performance.

This full production had the crowd dancing, cheering and clapping throughout the ecvent. The size and reaction of the audience was firm proof of the Kovsie Extravaganza’s growing popularity.

Speaking to Ntsika Ngxanga, a member of The Soil, he said that they were truly blessed to have made it this far in the music industry. Growing up in Soweto in difficult circumstances, the trio is now performing on stages across the globe. “We thank the UFS for their support towards the extravaganza. We definitely wish the student community all the best with their studies. Education is important,” Ngxanga said.

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