Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
Previous Archive
18 April 2024 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Leonie Bolleurs
Nkosingiphile Zondi
Nkosingiphile Zondi graduated with a BAgric Mixed Farming degree. In March, he also released his first music album, Ngingohlakaniphile.

If you have ever browsed music on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Music and came across the 15-track album, Ngingohlakaniphile, you would never have guessed that the young man on the cover – dressed in light colours of grey and white – has another passion: farming.

Nkosingiphile Zondi, hailing from a small rural area called Tugela Ferry in KwaZulu-Natal, graduated with a Bachelor of Agriculture, majoring in Mixed Farming Management, at the April graduation ceremonies of the University of the Free State (UFS).

According to Zondi, his love for nature, animals, and their well-being motivated him to pursue a degree in mixed farming.

Two milestone events in one month

Zondi, who describes himself as open to new ideas, hardworking, and someone who values respect (something his parents taught him), says he is excited and grateful for achieving two milestones: obtaining his degree and releasing his first album, both within a month's time (his album was released on 22 March 2024). “I have never been so happy in my life,” he remarks.

Regarding balancing farming and music in the future, he says it won't be a problem because he managed to do both in the past few years. Dr Phumudzo Tharaga, Lecturer in Agrometeorology in the Department of Soil, Crop, and Climate Sciences, says that Zondi managed to graduate in record time while pursuing his music career. “This is a unique talent,” he comments.

He believes that his music will help people see life from a different perspective. “Life is not only about struggles. There's also happiness after struggling. I hope that my music can heal people, ease the pain at times, and bring them happiness,” he says.

People to relate to the messages in his songs

On the other hand, he hopes that his music can generate income, which he believes will be helpful if he wants to own a farm. He looks forward to his music bringing him a better life.

Zondi describes his music as maskanda (traditional), representing the Zulu culture. “Those interested in the culture can gain something through this music. When I compose or write a song, I ensure that people can relate to the message being delivered,” he says, adding that his songs reflect people’s lives, often his own, as well as everyday occurrences.

He features as the lead guitarist and also handles vocals and composition. Zondi is accompanied by other musicians on bass guitar, keyboard, and concertina. 

News Archive

Computer laboratory receives generous donation from the Dell Foundation
2008-05-12

The University of the Free State (UFS) recently received 200 computers to the value of R2 million from the Dell Foundation.

The computers will be used in the new computer laboratory, which is being built between the UFS Sasol Library and the Genmin Lectorium on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein.

The building will make ample provision for students who have to make use of a computer for study purposes.

Altogether 815 computers will be at students’ disposal in the new laboratory. On the ground level four rooms will be furnished with computers. Students will be able to have discussions in two of these rooms, while they can work in silence in the other two rooms.

Provision is also made for 18 group rooms, which will be furnished with a computer and big screen. These rooms can occupy seven persons and will be made available by means of a booking.

Lecture halls will be built on the second level, together with the group rooms. The largest of these will have 184 seats and can also be used as an examination hall.

Another hall with 170 seats and three with 40 seats will be available. Two lecture halls will be furnished with laptops on movable desks to enable students to work in groups.

Security cameras will be installed all over the building and strict security measures will be enforced.

The laboratory, with a total project cost of about R28 million, will be in use next year.

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za  
12 May 2008

We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful. To better understand how they are used, read more about the UFS cookie policy. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept