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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

New violinist for Odeion String Quartet

2013-02-06

Samson Diamond
06 February 2013

The Odeion String Quartet has a new member, a young accomplished violinist with a string of awards to his name. Samson Diamond, who won the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Music in 2010, has joined the quartet. He is the first male member the quartet has had for about five years. The Soweto-born violinist replaced Denise Sutton, former leader and first violinist. He will lead the quartet, a flagship of the university and the only resident string quartet at a South African university. The other three members are Sharon de Kock (violin), Jeanne-Louise Moolman (viola) and Anmari van der Westhuizen (cello).

Twenty-eight year old Diamond, a graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, UK, says he is looking forward to working with students from the Odeion School of Music. “I am sure there are many talented students here.”

The musician, who obtained both his Bachelor of Music Honours degree and his Masters of Music Performance degree with distinction, will be based in Bloemfontein on a full time basis. As a member of the quartet, he will be giving concerts, coaching chamber music for the various chamber ensembles and will also give individual lessons to some of the violin students at the School.

Diamond, who started playing the violin at age ten, boast a long list of achievements. At age 12, he was leader of the Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble, one of the country's prominent youth projects. He was a founding member of the jazz classical band Quattro Fusion and former leader of the Diamond quartet. He has performed before many distinguished guests, including Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Edinburgh and former presidents Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki.

Diamond says being the first male member in years will not bring about a change in the quartet He says it is about the standard of playing and the calibre of music.

“Music is music whether you work with men or women.”

Diamond’s first performance as member of the quartet will be on 21 February 2013. Details about the performance will be communicated later.

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