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#YouthMonth: Celebrating youth empowerment (Katleho Lechoo)

27 June 2023 Photo Kaleidoscope Studios

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

TEDxUFS conference - the highlight of the university’s innovative calendar

2015-08-11

Mmusi Maimane, leader of the Democratic Alliance with co-organisers of TEDxUFS Bonginkosi Leeuw and Lerothodi Molete after his inspirational talk at the event.
Photo: Curtis Nhlamulo Mashimbye

This year’s TEDxUFS speaker lineup persuaded the audience unanimously to question the nature of reality. The Albert Wessels Auditorium on the Bloemfontein Campus was packed with about 200 attendees on Saturday 1 August 2015.

Speakers shared a multiplicity of profound theories and inquisitions, challenging society in general to think out of the box. Melody Mentz, Gil Oved, Ricardo Peach, Pamela Nomvete, Pepe Marais, Mmusi Maimane, Brian Kally, Pieter Geldenhuys, Philippa Tumubweinee, Gareth Cliff, and Angelo Mockie took on to the stage to tackle multidisciplinary concepts as part of the broad ‘Ask Why’ theme.

Innovation mouthpieces share their worldview

Pieter Geldenhuys, the internationally-renowned futurist and Director of the Institute for Technology Strategy, and Innovation proposed that we change our mindsets by neglecting predictability. “We need to look at different models to understand the world around us,” he said. He challenged the linear and familiar ways humans make sense of the universe.

Speaking to the dire need for transformation, Philippa Tumubweinee suggested that university spaces merge with the communities they serve in terms of policies, social atmosphere, and physical structure. Tumubweinee is a senior Lecturer at the Department of Architecture at our university, and co-Founder and Director of Izuba In Africa architects.

“Only we can give permission to be intimidated; so don’t give in,” said Brian Kally, the CEO of Arrow Logistics (Pty) Ltd. Kally underscored the power of believing in our individual ideas.

Guidelines from TEDxUFS organisers

Bonginkosi Leeuw: “If you take your brainchild and implement it, and make it a reality, that’s when you can achieve great things, not before that.”

Lerothodi Molete: “You should ask questions; the moment you ask the question you will understand more.”

Real-time social media feedback

These are some of the comments audience members published on Twitter at the event:

IG: mispertanzy ?@MiesperTanzy Aug 1

A huge shout-out to @TEDxUFS for hosting such a great conference!The team has really made the event an unmissable one on the UFS calendar.

Celebrabitur? ?@HatsuMphatsoe Aug 1

Proximity that allows us to experience our broader society. Truly engaged by Philippa Tumbweinee's talk! @TEDxUFS

TEDxJohannesburg ?@TEDxJoburg Aug 1

A big shoutout to @TEDxUFS from for a fantastic event. Wish we were there.

RicardoPeach ?@ricardopeach Aug 1

Africa is rich with potential #TEDXUFS @MmusiMaimane Yes!

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