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02 November 2023
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Story Kekeletso Makau
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Photo SUPPLIED
The UFS Heads of Mission Breakfast event attracted a distinguished delegation of foreign diplomatic missions.
The second Heads of Diplomatic Mission breakfast was hosted by the University of the Free State (UFS) in collaboration with the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA) in Pretoria, South Africa on 26 October 2023.
The event served as an opportunity to position the UFS as a preferred partner for international collaboration in higher education, research, and innovation – following the success of the inaugural event in 2022. More than ten diplomatic missions were represented by distinguished foreign mission representatives who shared in the deliberations on this year’s theme, namely partnerships and collaborations.
The keynote address was delivered by the UFS Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Francis Petersen, with contributing presentations from MISTRA researcher Laurence Caromba, UFS Professor of Pharmacology, Prof Motlalepula Matsabisa, and Senior Lecturer from the Centre for Gender and Africa Studies, Dr Grey Magaiza. A key goal of Prof Petersen’s presentation was to highlight the benefits of reciprocal collaboration and co-creation of knowledge with international partners, including industry partners. Contributing presentations posited the UFS as a partner of interest in research, innovation, and technology in the international arena and showcased the value of university and diplomatic partnerships in support of the UFS Internationalisation Strategy and Vision 130.
Caromba, a MISTRA researcher, reiterated the importance of collaboration between universities, research institutes, and the diplomatic community, further reaffirming the partnership value proposition entrenched in the UFS-MISTRA collaboration in co-hosting this year’s event. MISTRA, a renowned influential think tank, served as an excellent partner for the event.
The UFS currently boasts more than 100 vibrant international partnerships and is the incumbent coordinator of large EU-funded Erasmus+ projects among South African universities, with UFS researchers having co-authored more than 5 000 scientific publications with universities worldwide (2018-2022).
An engaging question-and-answer session concluded with insights and further action items for continued engagement post the event.
Intervarsity get-together in Potch
2005-07-26
The largest and most enjoyable Kovsie get-together of all times will be held in Potchefstroom on 12 August. Kovsies from everywhere will attend the Kovsie Intervarsity Reunion in Potchefstroom so that everybody can know, once and for all, that the UFS’s Shimlas are better than the PUKKE. The reunion will be held at the Clubhouse of the Potchefstroon Town Rugby Club at Olien Park at 18:30 on Friday 12 August (and for those with real stamina the whole weekend long).
The cost of R65 per person includes a delicious barbecued meal. A cash bar will also be available. Most of the other old Kovsies you would like to see again will be there, so do not miss out on this event!
There is also a camping site for caravans and tents are available on the site for those who wish to watch sports events and visit the whole weekend long. Please feel free to contact Anton Mostert at 082 467 1702 to reserve accommodation.
To book your place, contact Jeannette Boshoff-Jansen at 051-401-3594.
Make sure that you do not miss the Kovsie get-together of the year!!!