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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

UFS honours its top sport achievers

2010-10-21

KovsieSport at the University of the Free State (UFS) will honour its top sport achievers at a glamorous ceremony at the Centenary Complex on the UFS campus on Thursday, 21 October 2010.

The Kovsie Sport Stars 2010 awards are divided into two categories, one for the top men’s sportsman at the university and one for the top women’s counterpart.

The nominees for this year are:

Women’s category:

Lesley-Ann George – Vice-Captain of the South African Hockey team that took part in the recent Commonwealth Games in India.
Tanya Basson – The current African Judo champion in the under 52 kg division and Member of the South African Judo teams that took part in the Kata and Kurash World Championships as well as the Commonwealth Games.
Nelmaré Loubser – Represented South Africa at the Triathlon and Duathlon World Championships and a member of the South African Prestige Biathle team.

Male category:

Thuso Mpuang – Represented South Africa at the Africa Athletics Championship and the World Continental Games as part of the SA relay team.
Boy Soke – Represented South Africa at the Southern African Half-marathon Championships and a member of the South African Half-marathon team competing at the World Championships.
Bruno Schwalbach – Gold-medal winner for South Africa at the Southern African Karate Championships in the senior Kata division.
Windy Jonas – Represented South Africa at the Africa Athletics Championships.
Wiaan Viljoen – Represented South Africa in Badminton at the Thomas and Uber Cup, the All African Championships where he won a silver and a bronze medal, as well as the World Badminton Championships, reaching the 32nd round.
Boom Prinsloo – A member of the South African Sevens rugby team that competed in the Commonwealth Games.
Johan Cronjé – Currently ranked 38th in the world 1500 m rankings and represented South Africa at the Africa Athletics Championships.
Philip van der Walt – Member of the Vodacom Cheetahs rugby team as well as of the South African Sevens team that competed at the Commonwealth Games.

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Director: Strategic Communication (acting)
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl@ufs.ac.za
21 October 2010

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