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#YouthMonth: UFS makes strides in youth career development

30 June 2023 | Story Valentino Ndaba | Photo Supplied

CareerHub: connecting UFS students to dream jobs

In response to the alarming rate of unemployment facing South Africa's young population, the government has launched various youth development and empowerment projects as part of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, aiming to encourage greater youth participation in the economy.

To combat the high rate of graduate unemployment, the University of the Free State (UFS) Career Services in the Division of Student Affairs plans to launch the CareerHub on 3 July 2023. CareerHub is an innovative job portal aimed at revolutionising the job search process and connecting employers with highly qualified UFS candidates. The platform boasts a wide range of opportunities, collaborates with reputable companies, offers advanced search filters, and enables employers to create detailed company profiles to attract top talent. Job seekers can personalise their search criteria and set preferences to streamline their job search.

UFS Youth Month campaign

Highlighting the positive impact of the UFS in youth career development, the institution's Department of Communication and Marketing launched a campaign in June 2023 aimed at showcasing the success stories of alumni who have studied at the university and are now employed by the institution.

One such success story is Katleho Lechoo, who joined the UFS as an undergraduate student and is now a football administrator in KovsieSport. Lechoo's journey exemplifies his commitment to excellence, having served as the President of the Institutional Student Representative Council during his time as a student. Reflecting on his experiences, Lechoo expressed gratitude for the opportunities to contribute positively and to make a difference in the UFS community.

“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 for 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’,” said Lechoo.

Annelize Kruger shared Lechoo’s sentiments. Kruger graduated in 2020 with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and now serves as a lecturer in the Department of Occupational Therapy. She credits the UFS for providing her with a solid foundation to excel in her profession and to contribute to the training of future occupational therapists.

Maximising impact through the SDG lens

The introduction of CareerHub aligns with the UFS' Vision 130 strategy, which aims to maximise societal impact and contribute to the development of the Free State and South Africa. The platform addresses a pressing local issue – youth unemployment – by leveraging the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework for assessing societal impact.

SDG Goal eight, focusing on Decent Work and Economic Growth, highlights the importance of providing young people with opportunities for decent jobs. This involves investing in quality education and training, matching skills with market demands, ensuring social protection and basic services, and promoting equal opportunities for productive employment, irrespective of gender, income level, or socio-economic background.

WATCH: UFS ends Youth Month on a high note with a performance from the 1992 film Sarafina!

News Archive

First Black Rag Queen wants to give voice to voiceless

2017-02-22

Description: Coronation ball 2017 Tags: Coronation ball 2017

The winners of the 2017 Amanzi Coronation
ball are, from the left: Devina Harry,
Second Princess; Kgomotso Sebusi,
First Princess; Prudence Mahlaba, Rag Queen;
Suhail Peerbhai, Mr Rag; Jordan Nadasen,
First Runner-up; and Mohlale Matlala,
Second Runner-up.
Photo: Gerhardus Bosch

“It is true what they say about your purpose driving you towards your goal. The ride to eventually becoming the first black RAG Queen was motivated by a pure desire in my heart to help other people.”

This is the moving words of Prudence Mahlaba, who was crowned Rag Queen at the Amanzi Coronation Ball on Friday 17 February 2017. Suhail Peerbhai, a second-year BCom Economics student, was crowned Mr Rag 2017.

Giving a voice to the voiceless
Mahlaba says she wants to make a positive impact, “not only on the less fortunate, but also on the voiceless.” The fourth-year LLB student strives to adhere to the vision of the acronym RAG (Receive and Give). RAG is mainly about a good cause in order to make a difference.
“It is beauty with a purpose, practising what you preach, and doing unto others what you want them to do unto you,” Mahlaba said.

It was a night of glitz and glamour as the finalists made a last bid for the sought-after titles at the prestigious event held at the Student Church on the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State.

Role provide foundation for change
“Becoming Mr Rag is an exceptional feeling; however, this role entails much more responsibility,” Peerbhai said. “At a time like this, it has given me a solid foundation to make a difference in communities that are less fortunate.”

His advice to future participants in the contest is, “to go for it, since it entails the most life-changing challenges students in our era can face. No classroom teachings can provide you with the same values and experiences.”

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