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25 October 2023 | Story Dr Kwazi Magwenzi | Photo supplied
SANRAL Chair launch
The SANRAL Chair in Mathematics and Science , Prof Loyiso Jita with the Programme graduates, the PhD and Masters SANRAL Alumni at the event held on 28 September 2023 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The South African Chapter of the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) Chair alumni programme at the University of the Free State (UFS) was recently launched at the Silverstar Hotel and Casino in Johannesburg. The event aimed to showcase and celebrate the achievements made and lessons learnt in the programme, highlight the key elements and outputs to the Faculty of Education stakeholders and reimagine the future. The Faculty of Education has increased its footprint in Engaged Scholarship activities, aligning itself with the UFS Vision 130. Multiple stakeholders and community partners were invited to witness the outstanding achievements of this programme.

Since its inception in 2014, the SANRAL Chair has produced over 40 PhD graduates in three countries, namely South Africa, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe. One of the key goals of Vision 130 is for the UFS to be regionally engaged and to contribute to pressing societal needs. This involves knowledge generation that contributes to local and regional development and building sustainable partnerships. The PhD and Masters graduates have become a highly valued human resource in the South African education system and the region, and are now positioned as leaders in Institutions of higher learning in South Africa, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe.

The SANRAL Chair currently supervises a cohort of doctoral and master's students,  providing guidance in mathematical research and publications. The internship programme represents SANRAL's commitment to building skilled capacity in communities, along with driving social and economic transformation. SANRAL has also identified common challenges faced by Small, Medium, and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs) in its projects and has implemented training programmes to address these issues. 

South Africa has implemented a range of programmes designed to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG 1), which includes land reform, agriculture, free higher education and growth. Despite the significant progress made on South Africa’s developmental journey since the advent of democracy in 1994, the country remains one of the most unequal societies in the world. Achieving the SDGs is, therefore, in South Africa’s best interest as the country pursues the vision of a united, non-racial, non-sexist, and prosperous nation living in harmony with itself and the rest of the world. 

As South Africa looks ahead to 2030, it seeks to build on the substantial progress achieved thus far, and on the robust policy, legislative, and planning foundation. The focus will be on consolidating and expanding the many areas where public welfare and development are at the forefront. 

News Archive

A Rag procession to remember
2013-02-06

Photo: Albert van Biljon
05 February 2013


   YouTube Video

A Rag procession to remember and one of the best in years. This was the opinion of many spectators at the Kovsies’ annual Rag procession on Saturday 2 February 2013. Large numbers of people came to watch the procession moving through the streets of Bloemfontein as students showed off their floats.

A festive atmosphere prevailed along the route and some people came prepared with camping chairs and picnic baskets.

The proceedings began with a morning procession to the Twin City shopping centre in Heidedal and the Kenilworth shopping centre in Mangaung. About 10 000 food parcels were handed out in the two suburbs, while the UFS Cultural Office and KovsieFM entertained the residents.

Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector, as well as members of the senior leadership, went along on the journey to the two suburbs. Dozens of children and adults were at the Twin City shopping centre where hundreds of balloons were released. Kovsie staff, students and members of the SRC at the Bloemfontein Campus met with members of the community and helped to hand out food parcels.

The main procession left from the Bloemfontein Campus at 18:00 and proceeded to the Old Grey’s sports grounds for the Rag concert. Rag-goers were entertained by the music group Mi Casa, the singing duo and twin brothers Locnville, as well as Bobby van Jaarsveld. People were also treated to a fireworks display.

The float of the residences Karee, Soetdoring and Imperium was announced as the winning float.

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