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Embracing diversity, strengthening human relationships and collective responsibility

22 March 2023 | Story Mariette Joubert | Photo Unsplash

South Africa celebrated Human Rights Day and World Social Work Day on 21 March 2023. Social work is a profession that advocates for the human rights of people as well as focuses on the responsibility that comes with these rights. Just as the Bill of Rights is the cornerstone of democracy and protects our rights, the social work code of ethics is the cornerstone that ensures quality social work services.

The University of the Free State (UFS) second-year social work students took an oath on 22 March which binds them to the social work code of ethics. Social workers have the Global Agenda for Social Work and Social Development which consists of four pillars. Focus is drawn to the last pillar, Strengthening Recognition of the Importance of Human Relationships. Human relationships are the core of social work and social development. These relationships take various forms, including social, personal, interpersonal, and therapeutic relationships, among various people and in various settings. In relationships where people flourish, trust is crucial. In contrast, mistrust skews relationships in a negative way.

Respecting diversity through joint social action

The Ubuntu pan-African philosophical framework is the greatest place to understand the significance of human relationships. To promote and strive for the strengthening of relationships, this year’s theme for Social Work Day is “Respecting Diversity Through Joint Social Action”. If we can stop criticising people that do not live, believe, or think according to our constructed standards of being, we will be able to do so much more as humanity. If we start embracing peoples’ diversities and take time to start building relationships with various people and bridge any existing gaps, we will realise that diversity is an integral aspect of changing the world in a positive manner. Corresponding to human rights and the theme of World Social Work Day, is the theme “Destigmatising intellectual disability through shifting attitudes” for Intellectual Disability Awareness Month [IDAM] which also takes place later in March. Another way through which we can start building relationships and embrace diversity is by participating in this year’s South African Federation for Mental Health challenge where CEOs of different institutions are challenged to spend one day in a wheelchair as part of an awareness-raising campaign to destigmatise intellectual disabilities.

News Archive

2015/2016 SRC candidates announced

2015-08-19

Ledimo Nthejane, Independent Electoral Commission Provincial Manager, announcing the contenders for SRC elections at the Bloemfontein Campus.
Photo: Johan Roux

Congratulations to the successful 2015/2016 Student Representative Council (SRC) nominees. We wish you all the best with your campaigning.

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has been appointed by the UFS to take responsibility for the operational aspects of the upcoming SRC elections on the Bloemfontein campus. Their involvement spans over the period from the nomination process up to the announcement of the election results on 3 September 2015.

Bloemfontein Campus:

Edward de Wet (President)
Lindokuhle Ntuli (President)
Mpho Khati (Vice-President)
Nigel Marchall Masalla (Vice-President)
Nicola King (First-generation students)
Brand Louw (First-generation students)
Dineo Khotso Mashile (Transformation)
Katleho Mmolayeng Letube (Transformation)
Jeanne-Mari McDonald (Legal and Constitutional Affairs)
Lesley-Anne Terblanche (Legal and Constitutional Affairs)
Luke Harrold Small (Legal and Constitutional Affairs)
Nomathamsanqa Nomvula Kraai (Legal and Constitutional Affairs)
Victor Sejane (Student Accessibility)
Sam-Maree Rooi (Student Accessibility)
Rememberance Rohula Kgabu (Student Accessibility)
Delia Moumakwe (Culture)
Mohau Moses Lesebo (Culture)
Kabelo Elijah Noosi (Sport)
Neo Gift Thebe (Sport)
Peo Morwesi Segano (Media and Marketing)
Gali Moticoe (Media and Marketing)
Mafelleng Itumeleng Matla (Student Development and Environment)
Karabo Pheko (Student Development and Environment)
Shaun Grobler (Treasurer)
Cornel Vermaak (Treasurer)
Katleho Masheane (Treasurer)
Thulani Babeli (Treasurer)
Nothando Hlophe (Secretary)
Tsietso Mafaso (Secretary)
Mihlali Matanzima (Secretary)

Qwaqwa Campus:

Tseko Masoeu (President)
Ntokozo Mbele (President)
Paseka Sikhosane (President)
Ntandoyenkosi Mndebele (President)
Zethu Mhlongo (Deputy President)
Limpho Mape (Deputy President)
Mpho Pooe (Deputy President)
Langelihle Mzobe (Deputy President)
Bannetse Mokhatla (Secretary General)
Londiwe Shezi (Secretary General)
Nondumiso Langa (Secretary General)
Palesa Selepe (Treasurer General)
Sabelo Vilakazi (Treasurer General)
Sinenhlanhla Mfeka (Treasurer General)
Solomuzi Khathi (Treasurer General)
Busisiwe Nkosi (Politics and Transformation)
Banele Mndwaweni (Politics and Transformation)
Nthabiseng Mokoena (Politics and Transformation)
Sibusiso Nyambose (Media and Publicity)
Nonkululeko Shabalala (Media and Publicity)
Khulani Mhlongo (Media and Publicity)
Bongiwe Buthelezi (Media and Publicity)
Nhlanhla Shabalala (Student Development and Environmental Affairs)
Thulane Dubazane (Student Development and Environmental Affairs)
Lindokuhle Ngubane (Student Development & Environmental Affairs)

Nominations for the Secretary and Treasurer portfolios are still open until 12:00 noon on Friday 21 August 2015.

Important dates to note:

18 August 2015 - Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campus campaigning commences

27 August 2015 - Qwaqwa campaigning ends

30 August 2015 - Bloemfontein campaigning ends

28 August 2015 - Qwaqwa Election Day

31 August 2015 - Bloemfontein Election Day

1 September 2015 - Qwaqwa SR handover and establishment sitting

4 September 2015 - Bloemfontein SRC handover and establishment sitting

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