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27 June 2023 Photo Kaleidoscope Studios
Katleho Lechoo
Katleho Lechoo is a Football Administrator at Kovsie Sport.

The University of the Free State (UFS) is celebrating Youth Month by showcasing the positive influence of the institution on career development. As part of this initiative, we are sharing the stories of UFS alumni who are now working at the university.

Katleho Lechoo, Football Administrator at Kovsie Sport, shares his UFS journey:

 

Q: Year of graduation from the UFS:

A: 2019, 2020.

Q: Qualification obtained from the UFS:

A: Bachelor of Political Sciences and a Postgraduate Diploma in Theology.

Q: Date of joining the UFS as a staff member:

A: 2021.

Q: Initial job title and current job title:

A: Then: Student Reach Assistant, International Office. Now: Football Administrator, Kovsie Sport.

Q: How did the UFS prepare you for the professional world?

A: The UFS offers great support and networking systems, allowing you to gel in the world of employment and ups and downs without any fear.   It further allows you to tap into a space of intellectuals and experts in different fields, who are more than ready and willing to step in and guide you throughout the process.  This can only be enabled if you are willing to engage throughout the time spent.

Q: What are your thoughts on transitioning from a UFS alumnus to a staff member?

A: The transition, like any other workplace or environment, has its challenges and bearing.  Plus, you get an idea of what the university is like.  Unlike being a student – there is little pressure compared to the pressure you would get as a staff member.  So, the best thing to do is to prepare yourself.  Accept that environments change, and you are here to work to the best of your ability and deliver results as expected.

Q: Any additional comments about your experience?

A: I was recently elected as the youngest Institutional Forum member at the University of the Free State.  A position I look at and remind myself that, apart from my ordinary position at the university, I also have an opportunity to contribute and influence the space positively and otherwise to its benefit.  I wake up knowing that I have yet another day to do good unto others as I would expect from them.  And to sum up my experience thus far?  As Roy T Bennett simply puts it: “Be thankful for everything that happens in your life; it’s all an experience.”

News Archive

Kovsie first-years get ready for great things
2011-01-16

Prof. Jonathan Jansen (Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS) with two of the first-year students.
- Photo: Lize-Mare Smit

“One thing I can assure you: here academic work comes first.” This was how Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the University of the Free State (UFS), set first-years parents’ minds at ease during the welcoming events of the first-years on the Main Campus the past weekend. 

The welcoming events, which took place over two days, were attended by a total of 7 000 first-years and their parents from across the country. 
 
Prof. Jansen also told the students and their parents that they were at the best place, by sharing his excitement about all the new students who decided to come and study at Kovsies. “You have overcome major obstacles in order to be here today,” he said at the welcoming.
 
With more than 90% new students who comply with admission requirements, this group of students promises to become true leaders of South Africa.
 
Prof. Jansen shared a few plans for the year with the audience. “As in 2010, we shall once again send a group of first-year students to universities later this year, not only in America, but amongst others also to Europe and Asian countries, amongst others, to learn more about different cultures and diversity. We aim to double the number of students who will be selected to 150 this year.” We can also look forward to, amongst others, a brand-new entrance and gymnasium for the Main Campus and four new hostels, two of which will be built on the Qwaqwa Campus.
 
Prof. Jansen emphasised the seriousness with which academic work had to be regarded, by referring to the compulsory class attendance that was implemented last year. “Since the inception of this arrangement in 2010, there was a 30% increase in students’ pass rate,” he said.
 
This year, for the first time, honorary awards were also given to young people who had rendered an exceptional service to the community. Anél Kleingeld, a 10-year-old learner from Trompsburg, and Mpho Phahlo from the UFS’s Unit for Students with Disabilities proudly received these awards. Anél made a remarkable contribution to George’s community when she encouraged learners from her` school to collect and deliver 700 litres of water for this community. Mpho made a point of assisting and motivating persons with disabilities at Kovsies to work hard on a daily basis.
 
 

 

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