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23 June 2023 | Story Naledi Filita | Photo Supplied
Naledi Filita
Naledi Filita is an nGAP Lecturer in the Department of Languages in Education.

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.

Naledi Filita, nGAP Lecturer in the Department of Languages in Education, shares her UFS journey:

Q: Year of graduation from the UFS:

A: 2016, 2018, and 2021.

Q: Qualification obtained from the UFS:

A: Bachelor of Education, Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Curriculum Studies), and Master of Education (Curriculum Studies).

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

A: 2021.

Q: Initial job title and current job title: 

A: Lecturer.

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

A: I started my career as a teacher in 2015 and was later appointed to my current job. The UFS has equipped me with the knowledge and skills that enabled me to be competent in my field in various contexts. My journey as a UFS student equipped me with crucial skills, such as critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and organisational skills.

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

A: It has been a wonderful experience so far. I was once a student teacher at this university. Due to my experiences, being able to instil knowledge and skills in student teachers is something that I am passionate about. I am grateful for the developmental opportunities and support that I receive as a young researcher.

News Archive

Free software a matter of liberty, says computer programming expert
2013-09-03

Dr Richard Matthew Stallman
3 September 2013

“Free software is a matter of the users’ freedom to run, copy, distributes, study, change and improves the software.”   That is according to well-known freedom activist and programmer, Dr Richard Matthew Stallman, founder of the Free Software Foundation and leader of the GNU project.

The computer programming expert visited the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State, where he delivered a guest lecture on “A freeware generation.”

At this lecture, Dr Stallman, referred to by many as ‘the father of programming’ spoke about the threats that non-free software has and how the users are mandatory controlled by the software, instead of the user having complete freedom on the programme itself.

He told the audience in the Albert Wessels Auditorium that free software has advantages for the user, such as:

  • The freedom to run the program, for any purpose.
  • The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs.
  • The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbour.
  • The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits.

Thus, ‘free software’ is a matter of liberty, not price.

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