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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.
Prospective Kovsies advised to respect themselves
2015-05-22
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Thousands of prospective Kovsies had a brief but unforgettable experience of being a Kovsie when they descended on the Qwaqwa Campus for the Open Day on 16 May 2015.
They came from all over the Thabo Mofutsanyana District, and from as far as Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal.
“You are special,” was the message from Dr Choice Makhetha, Vice-Rector: External Relations.
“Each one of you is very special, and don’t allow anyone to tell you otherwise,” said Dr Makhetha.
“Each one has a brilliant mind and you can achieve anything you set your mind to. This can only happen if your thoughts and whatever you say to yourself are positive all time.”
The learners were also reminded to take themselves seriously, and to always respect themselves.
“It is important that you must have respect for yourself, for others, and for the environment. When you respect yourself, you respect time. You must make it your business to know and read extensively,” she said.
After the formal programme, learners were exposed to different study programmes and student services by visiting various faculties and departments.
The programme included messages of support from the Campus Management and the SRC. Entertainment was provided by a South African hip-hop group, Skwatta Kamp, a student ensemble called Unspoken, and a breathtaking laser show.