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24 November 2023 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo SUPPLIED
South Africa Sweden student platform
The launch of the ‘Hot Topic’ debate series was one of the UFS SASUF student structure’s first points of business.

The University of the Free State (UFS) Office for International Affairs recently launched its first-ever UFS South Africa Sweden University Forum (SASUF) student structure during a hybrid event on the Bloemfontein Campus. 

As one of the 40 SASUF collaborating universities, the UFS has been encouraged to establish internal student structures that advocate for students' involvement and participation in activities promoting the enhancement of the Strategic Development Goals (SDGs), specifically quality education. Simba Matema, Assistant Researcher in the Office for International Affairs, was elected as the network’s representative for the UFS as well as the National SASUF coordinator.

Established in 2018, SASUF aims to strengthen ties between Sweden and South Africa in research, education, and innovation. 

Hearing student voices

Chevon Slambee, responsible for Virtual Engagement and select strategic projects in the Office for International Affairs, believes that this established student network provides an opportunity for students to make their voices heard and to impact policy imperatives related to the student community.  

“This intervention gives students a chance to engage on important matters that affect them in the student community. The student perspective is important and can contribute to positive change at the university,” she stated.

One of the first initiatives of the UFS SASUF student structure was the launch of the ‘Hot Topic’ debate series. 

The inaugural debate focused on the question: ‘Does our UFS culture allow for the preservation of indigenous knowledge?’ and permitted students to express their perspectives on this matter. It aimed to explore the extent to which the current institutional culture, along with Vision 130, either allows or inhibits the preservation and integration of African indigenous knowledge. 

Each debating team consisted of one student, one staff member, and one member from the UFS Debate Society. They deliberated on the following questions: ‘In a research-led institution, is there room for indigenous knowledge integration and preservation in an evolutional institutional climate?’ and ‘Does the current UFS institutional culture allow for the preservation of indigenous African knowledge?’

Slambee commented: “The debate provided students with a chance to not only encourage critical thinking on this topic, but also to think more strategically, enhancing articulation around this matter without taking things personally when someone disagrees. We aim to not stir up controversy, but to foster meaningful discussion and thoughtful involvement. We want the debate space to be a space where diverse views are respected and appreciated.”

Vision 130 promotes the notion of epidemic diversity. “Through the ‘Hot Topic’ debate series, we want to create a culture of care, as well as a vibrant space for and acceptance of constructive and critical engagement,” she added. 

“I was proud of the students; hearing their thoughts and contributions about the preservation of indigenous knowledge was pleasantly surprising,” said Slambee. 

“This is not a stand-alone event of the Office for International Affairs, but a collaboration with faculties and students,” said Slambee, who – with the next topic – would like to include other faculties besides the Faculty of Law in the process. 

Topics students can look forward to include discussions on the lack of funding opportunities for students in South Africa, and the importance of building sustainable relationships with surrounding communities. According to Slambee, the next debate will be hosted in the first semester of 2024.

Students’ involvement in important processes

“Besides being a great success, this event also illustrated the importance of harnessing the student voice in processes such as policy implementation and strategic decision-making – functions that essentially impact their academic and social lives,” said Matema.

With research as one of its focuses, SASUF would also like to feature research contributions from students. Slambee remarked, “I’m excited to see some of the student thoughts and perspectives that could inform new research and contribute to the overall quality of education and the student experience at universities. 

News Archive

Exciting open day and Albert Einstein program at Boyden Observatory
2005-05-06

National Science Week, which will be held from 7-14 May 2005, is an annual country-wide celebration of science, led by the Department of Science and Technology.  The department selected a proposal by the Boyden Science Centre to coordinate a week of activities in the Bloemfontein area as one of the many projects in the country.

The project for Bloemfontein and surrounding areas will be delivered though a collaboration between the National Museum in Bloemfontein and the University of the Free State (UFS), including the Research Institute for Education Planning, the Department of Physics and other departments in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

The purpose of National Science Week is:

to create awareness of the important role that science play in people’s daily lives;
to encourage our youth to consider studying and improving their performance in mathematics and science; and
to attract more of our youth into science, engineering and technology (SET) careers.

 

World Year of Physics and Albert Einstein Program at Boyden Observatory

The International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) declared the year 2005 as the World Year of Physics (WYP). In recognition of this declaration, the great contribution of Physics to the development of technology, and its importance in our everyday lives will be featured strongly during the National Science Week 2005.

On Saturday 7 May 2005 there will be a public programme at Boyden Observatory from 15:30 as a contribution to the World Year of Physics. The programme will be presented in collaboration with the Bloemfontein branch of the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa and will include short presentations on astronomy, space exploration and the sun.

The main presentation will be at 19:00 the evening on the life and work of Albert Einstein. The programme will also include observing sessions through telescopes of objects like the sun, Jupiter and Saturn. There will also be an exhibit on Albert Einstein. Attendance is free but booking is required.  For bookings, phone 051-4012561.

Public lecture programme:

Next week the following exciting public lectures will be presented as part of the Science Week activities:

Monday 9 May 2005 

National Museum:

A discussion on Apocalypse Then: the greatest mass extinction of all time.  The lecture will be presented by Dr Jennifer Botha, Paleontologist at the National Museum.
Bookings: 051-4479609 (entrance is free).

UFS campus:

All lectures at Kine 2, Medical Faculty, UFS campus. Follow directions from the DF Malherbe Road entrance.
Bookings: 051-4012561 (entrance is free).

Tuesday 10 May 2005:

A discussion on the Tsunami disaster of 26 December 2004 at 19:30 (UFS campus, Kine 2 Medical Faculty).

Wednesday 11 May 2005:

A discussion on Is there life out there? at 19:30 (UFS campus, Kine 2 Medical Faculty).

Friday 13 May 2005:

A discussion on Hunting Black Holes at 19:30 (UFS campus, Kine 2 Medical Faculty).  The lecture will be presented by Dr Phil Charles, Director: South African Astronomical Observatory.

Science awareness day at the National museum

The science week will be concluded on Saturday 14 May 2005 with a special Science Awareness Day at the National Museum, Aliwal Street, Bloemfontein. 

The excellent exhibits at the museum will be supplemented with activities, career information and video shows. The duration of the programme will be from 10:00-16:00.  For enquiries, please call 051-4479609.

 

Issued by:  Lacea Loader
   Media Representative
   Tel:  (051) 401-2584
   Cell:  083 645 2454
   E-mail:  loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za

6 May 2005
 

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