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UFS Qwaqwa Campus celebrates a rich history spanning two decades

17 October 2023 | Story NONSINDISO QWABE | Photo STEPHEN COLLETT

Prof Petersen - Qwaqwa Luncheon — Prof Francis Petersen congratulates the UFS Qwaqwa Campus during its 20th anniversary celebration luncheon.

The UFS Qwaqwa Campus held an august and memorable celebration to mark its 20th year as a site of delivery under the banner of the University of the Free State.

With the theme – 20 years of one university, three campuses – the celebratory luncheon reflected on and celebrated the shared history and diversity of the campus, and looked back on its achievements and development over the years through the shared vision that brings our diverse campuses together.

The occasion was graced by conspicuous guests, such as Morena Moremoholo Mopeli and members of the Royal House, UFS Council members, media personalities, cultural leaders and community stakeholders, and higher education officials.

Celebrating significant innovation over two decades

In his congratulatory message, the Chairperson of the UFS Council, David Noko, remarked on the institution's growth and development over its 119 years.

He said the UFS spanning and spreading across three diverse campuses brings a sense of inspiration. “For the 20 years of these combined campuses, there has been a significant delivery of teaching, learning, research, and engaged scholarship, and the results speak volumes. More innovation can happen in this institution, and I look forward to celebrating what the next 20 years will deliver for all of us, South Africa, and the world.”

He said the 20 years have been characterised by substantial growth and development on all three campuses, which have formed the basis, foundation, and launching pad for better things.

“On behalf of the UFS Council, I would like to congratulate you, Prof Petersen, your executive management team, and the entire UFS community – not forgetting the communities surrounding this institution's campuses. Let us build on the good foundations of the past 20 years and accelerate the good outcomes going into the future.”

From humble beginnings to more than 6 000 students

In his speech, Prof Francis Petersen, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the Free State, highlighted the growth and expansion of the campus over its 20-year journey with the UFS.

“The history of the Qwaqwa Campus dates back to 1982 when it was established under the visionary leadership of Dr TK Mopeli at the Tseki Village, with a headcount of about 230 registered students. It is a pleasure to be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Qwaqwa Campus, but more so – the integration of this campus as an integral part of the UFS. What started as a small gathering has grown tremendously since its incorporation into the UFS in 2003.”

Prof Petersen thanked current and former staff members and students for their contribution to the growth of the campus and expressed his anticipation for the next 20 years of the Qwaqwa Campus’ journey.

The celebration was indeed a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate, and who better than the incredible musical talents of the UFS’ Emily Dangwa, Zama Zulu, and the Qwaqwa Campus’ own Dr Patricks Otomo, to serenade the audience with their musical excellence through songs of upliftment.

Qwaqwa Campus’ longest serving colleagues recognised for their contribution

At the same event, staff members who have been with the UFS Qwaqwa Campus for more than 20 years were recognised and celebrated for their stellar contribution to the campus and the institution.

Before handing out long-service award certificates, Prof Petersen thanked the colleagues for being an integral part of the Academic Project of the UFS.

“The contribution you are making has been fantastic. You are instrumental in the delivery of the university’s core business. Thank you for making the Qwaqwa Campus your home for so long; I hope you will continue to do so.”

Staff members who received awards are:

Dr Julia Mofokeng: Department of Chemistry – 20 years
Sibongile Xaba: Department of Housing and Residence Affairs – 20 years
Benedict Sebastian: Department of Computer Science and Informatics – 20 years
Zakhele Mdluli: Department of Housing and Residence Affairs – 20 years
Nicolene de Klerk: Centre for Teaching and Learning – 21 years
Julia Nkutha: Facilities Management – 22 years
Dilahlwane Mohono: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences – 23 years
Zukiswa Ketiwe: Library and Information Services – 24 years
Dr Johann van As: Department of Zoology and Entomology – 24 years
Lindiwe Mphatsoe: Department of Student and Academic Services – 25 years
Teboho Pitso: Department of Plant Sciences – 25 years
Thoko Madonsela: Faculty of Education – 25 years
Malehlohonolo Bereng: Facilities Management – 25 years
Dr Moipone Malimabe: Department of Chemistry – 25 years
Moipone Motaung: Department of Student and Academic Services – 26 years
Karen de Villiers: Department of Psychology – 28 years
Teboho Manchu: Campus Vice-Principal: Support Services – 28 years
Dr Albert Schoeman: Department of Political Science and Governance – 29 years
Patuwe Dlamini-Phelephe: Facilities Management – 29 years
Lehlohonolo Mohlakoana: Library and Information Services – 30 years
Moferefere Moeketsi: Facilities Management – 32 years
Sophie Tlatsi: Management (Top Management) – 33 years
Jack Vezi: Department of Human Resources – 33 years
Mampatene Vilakazi: Library and Information Services – 33 years
Mokitlane Manyarela: Department of Finance – 36 years

News Archive

HEDSA discusses better services for students with disabilities

2010-09-30

At the gala dinner were, from the left: Anlia Pretorius, Chairperson of HEDSA and Head of the Disability Unit at the University of the Witwatersrand; Dr Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education and Training; Ms Hetsie Veitch, Head of the Unit for Students with Disabilities at the UFS; and Prof. Niel Viljoen, Vice-Rector: Operations at the UFS.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs

The first ever General Meeting of the Higher Education Disability Services Association (HEDSA) was held on the Main Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) in Bloemfontein this week. HEDSA is a newly constituted body that represents the Disability Units from the various universities across the country.

The UFS is a member of HEDSA, which aims to work together to promote equal opportunities for students with disabilities in terms of access, participation and success in Higher Education.

The General Meeting forms part of the launching symposium with the theme: New Beginnings and New Directions. The symposium, attended by 15 higher education institutions in South Africa, served as a platform to explore innovative approaches to assist in improving services for students with disabilities.

Dr Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education and Training, was one of the speakers at the gala dinner of this prestigious event. He said that there is still a lot of work to do to overcome discrimination against students as well as staff members with disabilities at higher education institutions. Minister Nzimande quoted from the Soudien report, a government-commissioned report that brought to light discrimination – especially racism and sexism – still endemic at South African universities. “Victims, in this instance referring to students and staff with disabilities, are denied the opportunity – either through a lack of access to opportunities or due to outright discrimination – to realise their full potential. In the process, the country is robbed of valuable but untapped human resources. Higher education institutions cause incalculable damage to South African society by failing to deal boldly with these issues. Where institutions have indeed taken action, the benefits to individuals, to the different social groups in the country, as well as to the institutions themselves, have been major.”

He stated that he believed that HEDSA as well as the symposium could play a vital role that would assist in this process.

Ms Hetsie Veitch, Head of the Unit for Students with Disabilities at the UFS, was elected as treasurer of this body for the following two years. Johnny Mokoka will represent the UFS in HEDSA’s National Student Organisation for Students with Disabilities that was established during the symposium this week.

Media Release
Issued by: Leonie Bolleurs
Strategic Communication
Tel: 051 401 2707
Sel: 0836455853
Email: bolleursl@ufs.ac.za
30 September 2010

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