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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.”  

News Archive

UFS golden voices release first extended play
2016-08-29

Description: debut EP entitled Simplify Tags: debut EP entitled Simplify

CJ van Wyk, Naledi Mohapi, Samuel Akach and Jaco ‘Stix’
Steyn at the launch of their debut EP entitled Simplify.
Photo: iFlair Photography

“If you are determined, hardworking and have perseverance, it will be totally worth it. Just enjoy the ride.”
After almost two years together, Simple Stories are proud to present their debut EP, Simplify.

An out-of-the-box unique sound

The group, consisting of CJ van Wyk, Jaco Steyn, Naledi Mohapi and Samuel Akach, all students from the University of the Free State, has evolved immensely over the time they have been together. With their music genre - ‘Don’t put us in a box’ - they have managed to steal the hearts of many.
The group’s reason for issuing the EP is to start out small and give people a taste of their music. “We create our own unique, fresh sound that people can still relate to,” they said.

Talks about the present and future success

Right now, the band enjoys performing one of their original songs, ‘Cool Kids’, their second single that was released in July.
For all those aspiring to start their own band, “It is not going to be easy. It’s a huge decision to make, a tough career to take on, and a lot of sacrifices have to be made.”
When asked to define success, the band simply said, “Success is something that we are continuously striving for. It’s not a word that we take lightly and not a destination that you just reach.”

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